cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transnational Trills in the Africana World: Edited by Cheryl Sterling. Newcastle Upon Tyne: Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2019. 348 pages. ISBN: 978-1-5275-2321-0: Hardback. £64.99

The essays collected in Transnational Trills in the Africana World reinvigorate interest in old questions: Did African cultures survive in the New World or vanish with the harrowing experiences of ...
Advanced PWM Techniques for Multi-level Inverters with a Multi-level Active CM Noise Filter

Pulse width modulation (PWM) based power electronics inverters are being widely used for various applications, including motor drives. However, the common-mode voltage (CMV) resulting from switching operations in the PWM inverters causes significant performance degradation of the system and can cause potential damage to motors. Since the effects of the CMV can be more severe in wide bandgap (WBG) and high switching frequency-based converter systems, various methods have been proposed to mitigate the CM noise issues. This work presents a multi-level inverter system composed of a multi-level inverter with a proposed multi-level active power filter (APF). For attenuating the CMV in multi-level inverters using multi carrier-based PWM methods, a novel PWM method is presented for the proposed multi-level APF. The three-phase five-level Active-Neutral-Point-Clamped (ANPC) II-type inverter using the Apparent Switching Frequency Doubling (ASFD) PWM is used as an example of the multi-level inverters and carrier-based PWM methods to analyze and verify the proposed CMV attenuation method. The APF generates and injects the APF voltage equal to the CMV to attenuate the CM noise accurately. Various key challenges, including the dead-time compensation, are addressed through the proposed advanced PWM techniques to improve the CMV attenuation performance. Simulation and experimental results are provided to verify the comparison and effectiveness of the proposed CMV attenuation method.
Sequence Ontology annotation guide: Conference Papers

This Sequence Ontology (SO)[13] aims to unify the way in which we describe sequence annotations, by providing a controlled vocabulary of terms and the relationships between them. Using SO terms to label the parts of sequence annotations greatly facilitates downstream analyses of their contents, as it ensures that annotations produced by different groups conform to a single standard. This greatly facilitates analyses of annotation contents and characteristics, e.g. comparisons of UTRs, alternative splicing, etc. Because SO also specifies the relationships between features, e.g. partlof, kindlof, annotations described with SO terms are also better substrates for validation and visualization software.This document provides a step-by-step guide to producing a SO compliant file describing a sequence annotation. We illustrate this by using an annotated gene as an example. First we show where the terms needed to describe the gene's features are located in SO and their relationships to one another. We then show line by line how to format the file to construct a SO compliant annotation of this gene. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Understanding Recent Trends in Federal Regulation of Lawyers

Federal lawmakers increasingly have taken actions that contradict, interfere with, or preempt state regulation of lawyers. Most of the commentary regarding the recent federal actions has focused on whether individual regulations are substantively justified. It is, however, worth considering more broadly whether and how the phenomenon of increasing federal regulation is symptomatic of changing views of appropriate professional regulation. This article considers a series of theoretical analyses of the increasing federal regulation - themes and trends that the increasing regulation might represent or epitomize. Whenever the bar or other commentators criticize developments in professional regulation, it is important to place their criticisms in context. Only by placing the federal reforms in the context of the broader analytic themes can we begin to evaluate their actual and potential significance. The article concludes that no single explanation for the reforms is possible. They do not neatly fit a uniform pattern that reflects an overarching change in regulatory approaches or in society's attitudes towards the relative merits of state and federal regulation. They do, however, suggest a series of questions about traditional regulation that the federal actors have opened for discussion. The best view of recent events is that they have begun a process of negotiation with respect to particular substantive issues, potential new approaches, and the relative competence of different institutions to regulate different aspects of legal practice.
Extended optical line emission in radio galaxies

Optical and radio observations of nearby and distant powerful radio galaxies with extended optical emission-line regions are reviewed. Comparisons of optical emission-line images with radio continuum maps, supplemented with detailed optical spectroscopy, show that the interaction of radio jets and hot spots with ambient gas can have dramatic consequences for both the radio source and its surrounding medium. I will discuss evidence for the deflection and decollimation of (low power) jets, gas entrainment by jets and hot spots, Faraday depolarization/rotation near regions of dense ionized gas, enhanced star formation along radio source trajectories, and collimated ionizing radiation from radio galaxy nuclei.
Measurement of antenna impedance in the ionosphere. I - Observing frequency below the electron gyro frequency

The problem of the behavior of an antenna in a magneto-ionic medium is very briefly reviewed. Experimental measurements of both the resistive and reactive components of the impedance of a short dipole in the lower ionosphere are reported for the range of conditions corresponding to 0 < X < 3 and 1 < Y < 1 · 5. The antenna reactance is found to decrease with increasing X = (ωtp/ω)2 whereas the resistive part of the antenna impedance is found to be many orders of magnitude greater than its free space value for X ⩾ 1. Only qualitative agreement is so far found between experiment and theory. The significance and possible interpretation of the large real component of impedance are discussed.
Measuring Object-Orient Software Products

Abstract : This module provides an overview of the merging of a paradigm and a process, the object-oriented paradigm and the software measurement process. The concept of a measure and the process of measurement are discussed briefly, followed by a presentation of the issues raised by objectoriented software development.
Abstract MP23: Association of Trajectories of Adulthood Weight Gain with Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Participants 50-74 Years in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL)

The CVD health of US Hispanic/Latino individuals—the second largest ethnic group in the US—is a top public health priority. Although Hispanic/Latino individuals have higher rates of obesity than non-Hispanic Whites, the pattern of adulthood weight gain in this diverse group and its relationship with CVD risk factors are unknown. We examined trajectories of weight gain and the associations of these trajectory classes with dyslipidemia, diabetes, physical inactivity, poor diet quality and hypertension among HCHS/SOL participants baseline ages 50-74 years. HCHS/SOL is a population-based cohort study of self-identified Hispanic/Latino adults from four urban US communities. At baseline HCHS/SOL participants were asked to recall/report their body weight at 21, 45, 65 years old, last year and currently (kg or lb, 2008-2011). We used a finite mixture model (selected for ≤10 classes, ≥3% of sample per class and favored by change in the Bayesian Information Criterion) to assign individuals with two or more self-reported weights to their most likely trajectory class. We then described the distribution of class membership across categories of CVD risk factors (Wald Chi-square test). All analyses accounted for the complex sampling design of HCHS/SOL and were adjusted for baseline age, height, and gender. There were 6,779 individuals who reported weights at 2-5 time points (25,687 observations). In the final four-group quadratic trajectory mixture model the two most common classes comprised individuals who on average maintained a normal weight in adulthood (18.5-24.9kg/m2) but became overweight (≥25kg/m2) in their 50s (class 1: 38% of sample), or who gained enough weight in early adulthood to become overweight by their 30s and obese (≥30kg/m2) by their 50s (class 2: 43%). The other two classes were characterized by more severe weight gain across adulthood, but these classes were less common (class 3: 16%; class 4: 3%). Individuals grouped in class 3 on average had a normal weight in their 20s, gained weight steadily, and became obese by their 40s. Class 4 represented the most dynamic trajectory, wherein individuals began overweight in their 20s and gained >40kg by their late 50s when they began to lose weight. At baseline dyslipidemia, untreated diabetes (p<0.007), and physical inactivity (p=0.8) were most common in class 3. Class 4 was characterized at baseline by the poorest diet quality and highest prevalence of hypertension and treated diabetes (p<0.001). In summary our results indicate that although weight gain was ubiquitous, more than a third of participants aged 50-74 years belonged to a trajectory class that did not develop obesity during adulthood. Trajectories of extreme weight gain were associated with a higher burden of CVD risk factors. Future studies should investigate modifiable factors that influence trajectories and could serve as targets for public health interventions in CVD.
Optical Properties of Cataclysmic Variable Stars

An overview is given of the optical behavior of cataclysmic variables, including the various types, the canonical model of these close binary systems, the causes of eruptions, short-term variations, and orbital periods, and correlations of light curve parameters with physical properties.
Density matrix expansion for the isospin- and momentum-dependent MDI interaction

By assuming that the isospin- and momentum-dependent MDI interaction has a form similar to the Gogny-like effective two-body interaction with a Yukawa finite-range term and the momentum dependence originates only from the finite-range exchange interaction, we determine its parameters by comparing the predicted potential energy density functional in uniform nuclear matter with what has been usually given and used extensively in transport models for studying isospin effects in intermediate-energy heavy-ion collisions as well as in investigating the properties of hot asymmetric nuclear matter and neutron star matter. We then use the density matrix expansion to derive from the resulting finite-range exchange interaction an effective Skyrme-like zero-range interaction with density-dependent parameters. As an application, we study the transition density and pressure at the inner edge of neutron star crusts using the stability conditions derived from the linearized Vlasov equation for the neutron star matter.
Crystal structure of a human IκB kinase β asymmetric dimer.

Phosphorylation of inhibitor of nuclear transcription factor κB (IκB) by IκB kinase (IKK) triggers the degradation of IκB and migration of cytoplasmic κB to the nucleus where it promotes the transcription of its target genes. Activation of IKK is achieved by phosphorylation of its main subunit, IKKβ, at the activation loop sites. Here, we report the 2.8 A resolution crystal structure of human IKKβ (hIKKβ), which is partially phosphorylated and bound to the staurosporine analog K252a. The hIKKβ protomer adopts a trimodular structure that closely resembles that from Xenopus laevis (xIKKβ): an N-terminal kinase domain (KD), a central ubiquitin-like domain (ULD), and a C-terminal scaffold/dimerization domain (SDD). Although hIKKβ and xIKKβ utilize a similar dimerization mode, their overall geometries are distinct. In contrast to the structure resembling closed shears reported previously for xIKKβ, hIKKβ exists as an open asymmetric dimer in which the two KDs are further apart, with one in an active and the other in an inactive conformation. Dimer interactions are limited to the C-terminal six-helix bundle that acts as a hinge between the two subunits. The observed domain movements in the structures of IKKβ may represent trans-phosphorylation steps that accompany IKKβ activation.
20 - US Contribution to Digital Global Seismograph Networks

This chapter summarizes the contribution to digital global seismograph networks by the United States and provides information about station installation practices. The global effort is coordinated by the Federation of Digital Broad-Band Seismograph Networks (FDSN). Its membership comprises groups responsible for the installation and maintenance of broadband seismographs either within their geographic borders or globally. Electronic digital computers have resulted in many significant advantages by digitizing the analog records. Some of the advantages of digital seismograph systems include large dynamic range, fast process, easy to store, and high information yield. The digital networks developed and installed by the United States include High-Gain Long-Period (HGLP), Seismic Research Observatories (SR0), and Digital World Wide Standardized Seismograph Stations (DWWSSN). Seismic data acquisition systems exhibit several relevant features such as continuous recording of broadband data at 20 sps, accurate time tagging without human dependence, and real-time telemetry of data to data centers. These capabilities are achieved through the use of low-noise very broadband (VBB) primary seismometers in conjunction with high-frequency broadband or short-period seismometers and low-gain accelerometers.
"Aggravatin' Papa": Race, Omission, and Discursive Liminality in Ernest Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises

My essay constructs a postcolonial theoretical framework to investigate a scene in Ernest Hemingway's 1926 novel, The Sun Also Rises. The scene suggests that an African-American character--a musician performing the popular jazz song "Aggravatin' Papa"--may share a sexual history with the novel's white female protagonist. The text strategically silences the black character's voice at several moments in the dialogue. By exhuming the musician's lyrics and showcasing the silenced voice in this intertextual relationship, I argue that the marginalized minority voice is, in fact, central to Hemingway’s modernist experimentation. In the very process of its appropriation and silencing in the novel, the black presence bursts forth from its liminal discursive space and intervenes in the narrative’s construction of difference.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Proximal Venous Outflow Obstruction.

Background Proximal venous outflow obstruction (PVOO) in the abdomen and pelvis is increasingly recognized as an important contributor to venous disease of the lower extremity. There are currently no guidelines regarding a noninvasive screening tool for PVOO, although magnetic resonance venography (MRV) is commonly used in many practices. The objective of this study was to determine the value and utility of MRV in diagnosis and screening for PVOO. Methods This retrospective study consisted of 46 consecutive patients, all of whom presented with signs and/or symptoms of PVOO and were evaluated with MRV followed by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and venography. Of these 46 patients suspected to have PVOO based on clinical evaluation, 24 patients had PVOO confirmed with IVUS and venography and PVOO was not observed on IVUS and venography in the remaining 22 patients. The MRV of these 46 patients was retrospectively reviewed in a blinded fashion and then correlated with IVUS and venography by 1 vascular surgeon. A scoring system was developed to define the types of radiography findings that were observed: normal, suspicious, and abnormal. Results When compared with IVUS and multiplane venography, the interpretation of MRV had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 22.7%. The positive predictive value of MRV was 58.5%, and the negative predictive value was 100%. Conclusions The high sensitivity (100%) and low specificity (22.7%) of MRV suggest that it can be a screening tool at best, used only to rule out PVOO; it cannot be used to confirm PVOO, given its a 41.5% false positive rate. Thus, the development of a different, noninvasive diagnostic test that can more accurately assess patients with suspected PVOO during the initial evaluation of their lower-extremity venous disease should be explored.
Functional polymers and sequential copolymers by phase transfer catalysis, 20. Synthesis of copolymers and alternating block copolymers containing thermotropic liquid crystalline polyethers and aromatic poly(ether sulfone) segments†

Copolymers and alternating block copolymers were prepared both containing a liquid crystalline (LC) polyether segment, based on 4,4′-biphenyldiol (3) and 1,5-dibromopentane (2), and a thermoplastic segment, deriving from an aromatic poly(ether sulfone) (PSU) (1). The alternating block copolymer was prepared by the phase transfer catalyzed (PTC) polyetherification of mesogenic α,ω-bis(5-bromopentoxy)polyether (5) with α,ω-bis(hydroxyphenyl)PSU (1). Copolymers containing mesogenic segments were prepared utilizing α,ω-bis(hydroxyphenyl)-PSU as another diphenol in the PTC polyetherification of 5 with 2 and 3. The thermal behavior, as characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), revealed phase separation for all prepared copolymers as well as liquid crystalline behavior down to a content of mesogenic units deriving from 5 as low as 30 wt.-%. Optical polarization microscopy, however, revealed significant differences in textures of the copolymers with the textures observed for homopolymer 5. Textures of a 5/PSU blend clearly show phase separation.
Arachidonate and medium-chain fatty acids inhibit transcription of the acetyl-CoA carboxylase gene in hepatocytes in culture

Transcription of acetyl-CoA carboxylase in avian liver is low during starvation or after consumption of a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet and high during consumption of a high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet. The role of fatty acids or metabolites derived from fatty acids in the nutritional control of acetyl-CoA carboxylase transcription was investigated by determining the effects of long- and medium-chain fatty acids on acetyl-CoA carboxylase expression in primary cultures of chick embryo hepatocytes. Palmitate, oleate, and arachidonate caused a decrease in acetyl-CoA carboxylase activity in hepatocytes incubated with triiodothyronine (T3). The inhibition of acetyl-CoA carboxylase activity caused by arachidonate was accompanied by a similar decrease in transcription of the acetyl-CoA carboxylase gene. In contrast, neither palmitate nor oleate were effective in modulating acetyl-CoA carboxylase transcription. These results are consistent with arachidonate or a metabolite derived therefrom mediating the effects of diets containing high levels of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids on acetyl-CoA carboxylase transcription in liver. Hexanoate and octanoate also inhibited acetyl-CoA carboxylase activity in the presence of T3. The magnitude of the hexanoate- or octanoate-induced decrease in acetyl-CoA carboxylase activity was greater than that observed for long-chain fatty acids. Hexanoate and octanoate inhibited acetyl-CoA carboxylase activity at a transcriptional step, and did so within 2 h of addition of fatty acid. Addition of carnitine partially reversed the inhibitory effects of octanoate on acetyl-CoA carboxylase expression, suggesting that a metabolite of octanoate is involved in mediating this response. 2-Bromooctanoate was a more potent inhibitor of acetyl-CoA carboxylase expression than octanoate or hexanoate. We postulate that a metabolite of hexanoate and octanoate, possibly a six or eight carbon acyl-CoA, plays a role in the nutritional regulation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase transcription.
Homosexual Imagery in Print Advertisements: Attended, Remembered, But Disliked

This study examines whether print advertisements featuring homosexual imagery elicit greater attention and recall while eliciting more negative responses than advertisements featuring heterosexual images. Data indicate that these advertisements were indeed better remembered and required more time to cognitively process, likely because of the advertisement's imagery being inconsistent with existing gender schema. Other responses demonstrated that homosexual imagery negatively impacted opinions about the advertisement itself and the brand featured, and elicited more negative self-reported valence and arousal.
Progressive paresthesias after cessation of therapy with very high-dose cisplatin.

Control of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and nausea/vomiting has enabled the development of very high-dose cisplatin regimens (monthly total dose, 200 mg/m2). Neurotoxicity is now recognized to be the dose-limiting toxicity of these regimens. However, during a pilot study involving 5 mg/m2 vinblastine and 100 mg/m2 cisplatin given every 28 days on days 1 and 8 for the treatment of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer, we noted a high incidence of progressive peripheral neuropathy, which continued for several months after the discontinuation of cisplatin chemotherapy. Of the six patients treated, four received at least three cycles of therapy (median total cisplatin dose, 685 mg/m2; range, 500–725 mg/m2). All four patients developed a progressive peripheral neuropathy, with a worsening of toxicity by 1–3 grades over the 2–3 months after cisplatin discontinuation. One patient progressed from grade I (mild paresthesia) to grade IV (inability to ambulate) over a period of 3 months after the discontinuation of therapy. Stricter rules for early dose deescalation and discontinuation may be required for very high-dose cisplatin regimens. Delayed progressive neuropathy should be recognized as a possible late complication of this form of therapy.
Structure−Activity Relationships of the Didemnins1,2

Bioactivities of 42 didemnin congeners, either isolated from the marine tunicates Trididemnun solidum and Aplidium albicans or prepared synthetically and semisynthetically, have been compared. The growth inhibition of various murine and human tumor cells and plaque reduction of HSV-1 and VSV grown on cultured mammalian cells were used to assess cytotoxicity and antiviral activity. Biochemical assays for macromolecular synthesis (protein, DNA, and RNA) and enzyme inhibition (dihydrofolate reductase, thymidylate synthase, DNA polymerase, RNA polymerase, and topoisomerases I and II) were also performed to specify the mechanisms of action of each analogue. Immunosuppressive activity of the didemnins was determined using a mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) assay. These assays revealed that the native cyclic depsipeptide core is an essential structural requirement for most of the bioactivites of the didemnins, especially for cytotoxicities and antiviral activities. The linear side-chain portion of the peptide can...
Splitting a complex of convex polytopes in any dimension

We present a locality-based algorithm to solve the problem of splitting a complex of convex polytopes with a hyperpl,ane or a convex subset of it. The solution to this problem has several applications. One goal is to perform boolean set operations. The solution can ,also be used to decompose a polyhedron into convex polytopes [3] and to generate good meshes [4]. In higher dimensional spaces it can be used to efficiently compute isocontours of linear approximations of scalar fields (a basic technique of Scientific Visualization) [17, 19]. The approach taken here can also be included in a set of robust algorithms[11, 13, 15,20,27, 28] based on finite precision arithmetic. It is also defined in a dimension independent framework [5, 16,24, 25]. The main contributions of this approach atw (i) it c,an be applied to polyhedral complexes of any dimension d; (ii) the algorithm is robust (it always produces valid output) and consistent (the topological structure of the result always has a geometric counterpart); (iii) it can be used to split a polyhedral complex with ,any convex subset of a hyperplan~ (iv) degradation of the decomposition quality in the result is avoided since the computations are performed only locally, in the zones where the splitting really takes place (v) the worst c,ase time complexity for the intersection between two d-dimensional polyhedra with m vertices and 71 facets is O(ml+’ + j n m l–1/ld/21 log m + P q n), where ~# ,and q are (small) constants that depend on shape and relative position of the two polyhedra. The main idea for robustness (similar to [13]) is to compute the result using mostly symbolic manipulations and further reduce any numerical computations .asmuch .aspossible.
Comparison Between Isotropic and Anisotropic Electrical Properties of a DTI-Based Cardiac Model

Cardiac function is influenced by the three-dimensional organization of the myocardial fibers. Cardiac fibers are arranged in a circumferential, longitudinal, and a sheet-like fashion, forming counter-wound helices from the base to the apex of the heart. This fiber organization is responsible for the delicate balance between mechanical and electrical functioning of the heart. When electrical disruption of this coordinated function occurs, this is associated with cardiac arrhythmias which may lead to more serious conditions like ventricular fibrillation.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Rates of sorption and diffusion of hydrocarbons in zeolites

The kinetic patterns of sorption, desorption, and sorbate exchange have been studied for several C2-C5 hydrocarbons in synthetic zeolites of the mordenite, T and Y structures. The rate observations can best be represented by a model of sorption on interstitial sites in the solid, rather than by a model based on the analogy with macroporous sorbents. Two cases of interstitial diffusion have to be distinguished for this purpose. The number of vacant sites changes in time during the process of sorption, whereas it can remain constant if one sorbate is exchanged against another one. Rate measurements for both types of processes are reported and their interrelation is discussed.
A cyclic-voltammetric study of glucose oxidation on a gold electrode

Abstract An electrochemically formed gold oxide layer on the surface of a gold electrode was found to be a powerful and rather selective catalyst of glucose oxidation. Cyclic-voltammetric techniques were used to investigate the performance of the gold electrode in the presence of glucose at different concentrations up to 500 mg/100 cm3 (28 mM). A positive current peak due to the presence of glucose occurred during the cathodic sweep. The current values at these maxima showed a highly linear dependence on the concentration of glucose in several regions, depending on the medium composition. Chlorides, amino acids, and human albumin were observed to inhibit the reaction. On the other hand, urea and L-ascorbic acid contributed a stabilizing effect to the performance of the electrode. At 34 mg/100 cm3 (5.7 m M), urea did not affect the current, whereas ascorbic acid somewhat increased the output. The results of this study suggest that the layer of gold oxide on the gold electrode can be utilized for the detection of glucose, if a proper separation of the inhibitors is achieved.
On a bijection between Littlewood-Richardson fillings of conjugate shape

Abstract We present a new bijective proof of the equality between the number of Littlewood-Richardson fillings of a skew-shape λ μ of weight ν, and those of the conjugate skew-shape λ t μ t , of conjugate weight νt. The bijection is defined by means of a unique permutation α λ μ associated to the skew-shape λ μ . Our arguments use only well-established properties of Schensted insertion, and make no reference to jeu de taquin.
X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy Studies of Photochemical Changes in High-Performance Fibers

The double bonds and aromaticity that impart high thermal stability in fibers often increase the absorption of UV radiation, resulting in greater susceptibility to photodegradation. This study compares the resistance of three high-performance fibers (Nomex aramid, Kynol novoloid, and PBI) to accelerated light exposure. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to evaluate the photochemical changes on the surfaces of the fibers. On the basis of the C 1s core-level spectra and oxygen/carbon atomic ratios, the Nomex aramid fibers were photo-oxidized more rapidly than Kynol novoloid and PBI fibers. Similarly, Nomex aramid fibers exhibited more rapid strength losses than the other fibers. We propose that tautomerization inhibited photodegradation in the Kynol novoloid and PBI fibers. XPS core-level and valence-band spectra interpreted by ab initio calculations are shown to be valuable probes of photo-oxidation in fibers.
A Phase I Study of Paclitaxel/Doxorubicin/Thalidomide in Patients with Androgen-Independent Prostate Cancer

Abstract Purpose The antiangiogenic and immunomodulatory effects of thalidomide induce responses in patients with androgen-independent prostate cancer (AIPC). Paclitaxel and doxorubicin also have significant antitumor activity. A phase I dose-escalation study was conducted to evaluate the use of these agents in combination to enhance the chemotherapeutic effects of treatment for refractory cancer. Patients and Methods Twelve men with AIPC (mean age, 64.5 years) and a median prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level of 30 ng/mL were enrolled. Patients received starting doses of weekly paclitaxel (100 mg/m 2 ) as a 1-hour intravenous infusion, weekly doxorubicin (20 mg/m 2 ) as a 24-hour intravenous infusion, and daily oral thalidomide at escalating dose levels of 200 mg (dose level 0), 300 mg (dose level +1), and 400 mg (dose level +2). Paclitaxel and doxorubicin were administered for 3 consecutive weeks of a 5-week cycle. Exposure to thalidomide was daily. Patients were evaluated weekly for dose-limiting toxicities to determine the maximum tolerated dose. In addition, PSA levels were measured before each cycle of treatment. Response to treatment was defined as a ≥ 50% decrease in baseline PSA levels associated with stable radiographic disease, improvement of bone scan results with plain radiograph correlation, or improvement in soft tissue disease. Results Four patients were treated on dose level 0, 5 were treated on dose level +1, and 3 were treated on dose level +2. The thalidomide 400-mg dose level resulted in 3 of 3 patients experiencing grade 3 leukopenia. The maximum tolerated dose was 300 mg of thalidomide in combination with paclitaxel/doxorubicin. Nine of the 12 patients were evaluable for PSA response, with 88% exhibiting partial responses or stable disease. One patient (11%) had a significant response, with PSA levels decreasing > 90% from baseline values. Overall, PSA-level decreases ranged from 0.5 ng/mL to 39.5 ng/mL among the 9 evaluable patients. A maximum of 7 cycles of therapy were administered. Twelve patients were evaluable for toxicity: neutropenia (grade 3, 27%; grade 4, 54%), leukopenia (grade 3, 63%), constipation (grade 3, 27%), fatigue (grade 3, 27%), nausea (grade 3, 9%), and deep vein thrombosis (grade 3, 9%) were reported. Conclusion The combined dosing of paclitaxel (100 mg/m 2 weekly), doxorubicin (20 mg/m 2 weekly), and thalidomide (300 mg daily) is tolerated by men with AIPC and merits continued phase II study.
Predation by vervet monkeys in an outdoor enclosure: The effect of age, rank, and kinship on prey capture and consumption

Sixty-one instances of vertebrate predation have been directly observed or inferred from remains in a captive colony of vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops sabaeus)over a 6-year period. Vertebrate prey included 33 rodents,27 birds, and 1 frog. Prey capturing was performed predominantly by juvenile males and females, independent of rank. Avian prey were highly preferred: all 27 birds were eaten completely, while only 1 of 33 rodents was consumed completely and 5 others partially. Prey consumption was related to age-sex class, rank, and kinship. All age-sex classes were observed to consume avian prey, but juvenile males and females predominated. Seventy-six percent of all animals noted consuming avian prey were members of the alpha matriline in their group. When two or more animals were observed cofeeding on the same preferred prey item, they were generally members of the same kinship group.
Type reconstruction for variable-arity procedures

An ML-style type system with variable-arity procedures is defined that supports both optional arguments and arbitrarily-long argument sequences. A language with variable-arity procedures is encoded in a core-ML variant with infinitary tuples. We present an algebra of infinitary tuples and solve its unification problem. The resulting type discipline preserves principal typings and has a terminating type reconstruction algorithm. The expressive power of infinitary tuples is illustrated.
Comparing human and machine performance for natural language information extraction: results for English microelectronics from the MUC-5 evaluation

In evaluating the state of technology for extracting information from natural language text by machine, it is valuable to compare the performance of machine extraction systems with that achieved by humans performing the same task. The purpose of this paper is to present some results from a comparative study of human and machine performance for one of the information extraction tasks used in the MUC-5/Tipster evaluation that can help assess the maturity and applicability of the technology.
A history of radiation detection instrumentation

A review is presented of the history of radiation detection instrumentation. Specific radiation detection systems that are discussed include the human senses, photography, calorimetry, color dosimetry, ion chambers, electrometers, electroscopes, proportional counters, Geiger Mueller counters, scalers and rate meters, barium platinocyanide, scintillation counters, semiconductor detectors, radiophotoluminescent dosimeters, thermoluminescent dosimeters, optically stimulated luminescent dosimeters, direct ion storage, electrets, cloud chambers, bubble chambers, and bubble dosimeters. Given the broad scope of this review, the coverage is limited to a few key events in the development of a given detection system and some relevant operating principles. The occasional anecdote is included for interest.
Gamma sterilization of UHMWPE articular implants: an analysis of the oxidation problem

Gamma irradiation of Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) leads to long-lived free radicals which react with oxygen. Diffusion of oxygen, occurring over months or years, controlled by the permeability characteristics of the polymer, results in progressive oxidation, breaking of polymer chains, alteration of the crystalline portion of the polymer, and deterioration of the mechanical properties of the polymer. This paper reviews the observations in the literature on this issue and then presents a conceptual model concerning the interplay of radical diffusion, oxygen diffusion, non-uniform permeability, and free-radically driven chain reactions in order to explain these observations. The suggested model is based on literature that is available on the oxidation of linear polyethylenes during and after irradiation. The model directs the attention of researchers in the field of orthopaedic implants to the complexity of the process and the variety of issues and parameters to be considered while studying the long-term effects of radiation sterilization on UHMWPE.
Military downsizing and its potential implications for Hispanic, black, and white soldiers

Current military downsizing efforts may pose a significant stressor event for service members who face involuntary separation. This may be especially the case for those who face poor prospects for employment in the civilian labor market. Focusing on male, married junior- and mid-enlisted soldiers, this article examines potential implications of involuntary separation for Hispanic, black, and white soldiers by exploring variations in their level of institutional integration and satisfaction with the Army as a way of life for families. Only partial support is found for the research hypotheses. In all cases in which significant differences are found, Hispanics report a more favorable organizational attitude than either blacks or whites. A socio-cultural and historical perspective is offered in examining these findings, and implications from the analysis are discussed for targeting soldiers for preventive intervention.
Vitamin B6 Group. XV. Urinary Excretion of Pyridoxal, Pyridoxamine, Pyridoxine, and 4-Pyridoxic Acid in Human Subjects.

SummaryThe known metabolic products of vitamin B6—pyridoxal, pyridoxamine, pyridoxine and pyridoxic acid—were measured in normal human urine and in the urine of human subjects each fed one of the 3 forms of the vitamin.The chief product found, regardless of the form fed, was pyridoxic acid. Pyridoxal gave rise to significantly higher amounts of this product than did pyridoxine or pyridoxamine. No evidence could be obtained showing the conversion of pyridoxal or pyridoxamine to pyridoxine. When pyridoxal or pyridoxine was fed, the chief form in which the vitamin oc- curred in the urine was the form fed. However, when pyridoxamine was fed both pyridoxal and pyridoxamine were excreted in approximately equal amounts. Ingestion of pyridoxine also greatly increased the amount of pyridoxal and pyridoxamine excreted.The excretion of all products was very rapid. The largest amounts of each of the compounds were found in samples collected 2 and 5 hours after ingestion of the dose. The levels of pyridoxic acid retur...
Increased Battery Power Source Reliability for Remote Telephone Reserve and Uninterruptible Power Systems

Historically, flooded lead acid batteries have been the most frequently recommended and designated battery system selected for reserve, central office, telephone switching equipment and large, uninterruptible, computer power source. These power systems are usually comprised of one or more "battery" voltages for telephone switching and associated equipment throughout the telephone office. The battery system, in conjunction with AC to DC rectifiers, controls, distribution equipment and required converters and inverters, plays an essential part in providing dependable power to operating telephone equipment. However, a new generation of telephone equipment developed to meet the needs of localized switching, management and customer premise systems is requiring a new battery source with features and reliability which differ from centrally managed power systems. In retrospect, many improvements and technology breakthroughs, such as gelled electrolytes and low pressure sealed systems, have contributed to improved performance and reliability. However, further advancements are necessary to be consistent with the demanding reliability requirements of these newer remote terminals and systems.
Predictive validity of a screen for partner violence against women.

Abstract Background: While public health leaders recommend screening for partner violence, the predictive value of this practice is unknown. The purpose of this study was to test the ability of a brief three-question violence screen to predict violence against women in the ensuing months. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study of adult women participating in the Colorado Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), a population-based, random-digit-dialing telephone survey. During 8 monthly cohorts, 695 women participated in the BRFSS; 409 women participated in follow-up telephone interviews approximately 4 months later. Violent events during the follow-up period, measured using a modified 28-item Conflict Tactics Scale, were compared between women who initially screened positive and those who screened negative. Results: Among BRFSS respondents, 8.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]=6.3%–10.5%) had an initial positive screen. During the follow-up period, women who screened positive were 46.5 times (5.4–405) more likely to experience severe physical violence, 11.7 times (5.0– 27.3) more likely to experience physical violence, 3.6 (2.4–5.2) times more likely to experience verbal aggression, and 2.5 times (1.2–5.1) more likely to experience sexual coercion. In a multivariate model, separation from one’s spouse and a positive screen were significant independent predictors of physical violence. Conclusions: A brief violence screen identifies a subset of women at high risk for verbal, physical, and sexual partner abuse over the following 4 months. Women with a positive screen who are separated from their spouse are at highest risk.
Evaluation methodology for performance and system economics for robotic devices

Abstract This paper presents a mathematical model for the selection and evaluation of robots, which consists of critical factors such as maximum return on investment, objective factors such as payback value to give a more complete cost perspective, and subjective factors including hardware/software, vendor performance, and internal adaptation. This evaluation procedure can be used for the selection of robots for any robot implementation, such as CAD/CAM, CIM and military applications.
Political Orientation, Party Affiliation, and American Attitudes Towards China

Little is known about how the political orientations and party affiliations of ordinary Americans impact their perceptions of China. Based on our surveys, we find that partisanship does indeed impact American views of China. Self-reported “conservatives” perceive significantly greater threat in China’s rise, hold more negative views of the Chinese government, exhibit more prejudice towards the Chinese people, and advocate a much tougher U.S. China policy than self-reported “liberals” do. Republicans perceive significantly greater threat from China and advocate tougher China policies than Democrats do, but party affiliation has a lesser impact on prejudice scores. Regression analyses reveals that education, gender, and age each has an impact on American views of China, but that impact is negligible compared to partisanship.
Vortex pinning in polycrystalline Eu1.5Ce0.5Sr2Cu2NbO10 from rotational magnetic measurements

Abstract Rotational magnetization-vector measurements were carried out on a superconducting polycrystalline disk of EuCSCNO. The results at 4.2 K and low fields resemble recent results for YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7−δ (YBCO) and Ba 0.57 K 0.43 BiO 3 (BKBO) in revealing a broad distribution in the strength of the vortex pinning torques. This resemblance extends to higher fields, where it was found that the average pinning torque per vortex ( τ p ), which is directly related to the critical current density, decreases steadily with increasing field in a manner consistent with vortex bundling. Quantitatively, however, the values of τ p for EuCSCNO are smaller by an order of magnitude than those for YBCO but are only moderately smaller than those for BKBO. This comparison supports the notion that the vortex pinning may derive in part from deviations from oxygen stoichiometry, which are normally present in YBCO but are essentially absent in EuCSCNO and BKBO. Moreover, as in YBCO and BKBO, the τ p in EuCSCNO at fixed field is found to diminish rapidly as the temperature rises towards T c .
On the use of scans at a constant ratio of B/E for studying decompositions of peptide metal(II)-ion complexes formed by electrospray ionization

The use of sector mass spectrometers to study metastable ion decompositions of peptide metal-ion complexes formed by electrospray ionization is discussed. Products that are formed by charge-separation reactions are characterized by large kinetic energy release distributions. This causes scans at a constant B/E to give incorrect product ion abundances and possibly incorrect mass assignments. Two instrumental methods exist that can be used either to detect the ions or to estimate relative ion abundances: a floated collision cell or mass-analyzed ion kinetic energy spectrometry (MIKES) scans. The floated collision cell, by virtue of an altered B/E scan law, however, discriminates against important metastable ion reactions that occur outside the cell. MIKES scans provide a clearer estimate of product ions that arise by metastable ion charge-separation reactions. Problems with pseudotandem (first field-free region) experiments are also discussed.
Parametric response of crooked thin-walled columns

The nonlinear partial differential equations of a thin-walled open cross section column which is not straight in the initial unstressed state are developed. The column is loaded by a harmonic longitudinal load, and is simply supported. Variables are separated by assuming the spatial mode to be identical to the fundamental buckling mode. Geometric nonlinearities provide coupling in the case of columns with doubly symmetric cross sections which is not predicted by linear theory. The two bending modes are coupled by the twisting mode. The stability analysis can be performed by considering only the Mathieu terms of the three equations, and the unstable region can be minimized when the parameters are adjusted so that the Mathieu terms for the three equations are identical. However, for this case, it is shown that virtually the entire region is unstable. This paradox is attributed to the assumption of zero damping and confirmed by solutions with linear viscous damping included. Analog computer solutions demonstrate the importance of considering geometric nonlinearities.
Ac and dc potentials in superconducting phase-slip structures

Abstract Ac and dc potentials accompanying phase slip in weakly superconducting structures of well-defined geometry can be described by a Josephson-like oscillation accompanied by intrinsic dissipation, and are completely characterized by critical current and normal state resistance.
Morphological alterations in retinal neurons in the S334ter-line3 transgenic rat

The S334ter-line-3 rat is a transgenic model of retinal degeneration developed to express a rhodopsin mutation similar to that found in human retinitis pigmentosa (RP) patients. Previous studies have focused on physiological changes in retinal cells and higher centers of the visual system with this model of retinal degeneration. However, little is known about the morphological changes in retinal cells during the development of the S334ter-line-3 rat. In order to understand and aid vision-rescue strategies, our aim has been to describe the retinal degeneration pattern in this model. We focus on changes in the morphologies of horizontal, bipolar, and amacrine cells in developing S334ter-line-3 rat retinas. Degeneration of photoreceptors begins in the central retina and progresses toward the periphery. In retinas at post-natal day 15 (P15), horizontal and rod bipolar cells show normal morphology. However, at P21, horizontal and rod bipolar cells exhibit abnormal processes at the outer plexiform layer, whereas the outer nuclear layer is significantly thinner. A glial reaction occurs concomitantly. In contrast, modifications in cone-bipolar and amacrine cells are much slower and do not occur until P90 and P180, respectively. The density of horizontal and rod-bipolar cells significantly drops after P60. Overall, the S334ter-line-3 model exhibits the hallmarks of cellular remodeling caused by photoreceptor degeneration. Its moderately fast time course makes the S334ter-line-3 a good model for studying vision-rescue strategies.