cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The extended equivalent source technique with undetermined sources

The extended equivalent source technique is a method of computing electromagnetic scattered fields from discrete equivalent sources which lie some distance away from a surface where a boundary condition is enforced. Generally the number K of unknown complex source amplitudes is taken equal to the number I of known complex boundary conditions. However, one can enquire whether there is any advantage to utilizing more unknown sources that there are boundary conditions and solving their amplitudes by a renormalization, maximum likelihood, or maximum entropy procedure. Here the author considers a Gibbs maximum entropy method appropriate for complex data processing if I >
Modeling Enleanment Emissions for Light-Duty Vehicles:

A comprehensive modal emissions model for light-duty cars and trucks is being developed under the sponsorship of NCHRP Project 25-11. Model development has been described previously for vehicles operating under stoichiometric and enrichment conditions. A modal emissions model is presented for vehicles operated under enleanment conditions. Enleanment typically occurs with sharp deceleration or load reduction events, and sometimes during long deceleration. Under enleanment conditions, the air/fuel ratio is lean and incomplete combustion or misfire occurs. Preliminary research indicates that enleanment emissions (particularly for hydrocarbons) contribute significantly to a vehicle's overall emissions. An enleanment emissions module has been developed on the basis of second-by-second emission measurements generated at the College of Engineering—Center for Environmental Research and Technology's vehicle testing facility using the Federal Test Procedure, US06, and a specially designed modal emission cycle (MEC0...
Food restriction and chronic stress alter energy use and affect immunity in an infrequent feeder

Summary Glucocorticoids are important mediators of energy utilization for key physiological processes, including immune function. Much work has focused on the effects of energy limitation and stress for key physiological processes such as reproduction and immunity. However, it is unclear how stress alters energy use across different energy states, and the physiological ramifications of such effects are even less clear. In this study, we altered energy and stress states of an infrequent feeder, the terrestrial gartersnake (Thamnophis elegans), using fasting and repeated restraint stress (chronic stressors) to test how these challenges interacted to affect immune function, energy metabolites and glucocorticoid reactivity (a traditional indicator of stress state) to restraint stress, a standardized, acute stressor. After this acute stressor, the snakes which had received chronic stress had increased glucocorticoid reactivity, and both treatments altered energy metabolite use and storage. Evidence of interaction of food restriction and chronic stress treatments on innate immune function and energy metabolites (triglycerides and glycerol) suggests that stress alters energy use in a manner dependent on the energy state of the animal. Snakes have a remarkable ability to maintain functionality of key physiological processes under stressful conditions but are still susceptible to multiple simultaneous stressors, a situation increasingly prevalent in our ever-changing environment.
Basic Themes Derived from Survey Findings on Human Behavior in the Mexico City Earthquake

Two population surveys of Mexico City residents were conducted, the first three weeks after the earthquake of September 1985 and the other a year later. We found that: (1) small percentages, becaus...
Moisture and Temperature Induced Degradation in Tensile Properties of Kevlar-Graphite/Epoxy Hybrid Composites

This paper presents results of a comparative study of the effects of mois ture and temperature on tensile properties of Kevlar 49/epoxy, graphite/epoxy, single fiber and Kevlar 49-graphite/epoxy hy...
Traversing Difficult Esophageal Strictures from the Retrograde Approach

Esophageal strictures are common and are categorized as simple or complex. Complex strictures are long, severely narrowed, angulated and/or are irregular. In this article we discuss the management challenge that complex strictures pose. Some complex strictures may require a transgastric (retrograde) approach for safe and effective endoscopic management. For complete esophageal obstruction caused by a complex stricture, an antegrade-retrograde rendezvous technique using fluoroscopic guidance and careful dissection can provide successful non-operative esophageal recanalization.
The Current Economic Crisis in the United States: A Crisis of Over-investment

This paper offers an analysis of the current economic crisis in the United States that began in 2008, which is understood not as a business cycle recession but as a structural crisis. It presents a...
Regenerative Growth of Retinofugal Axons into and through Neocortical Transplants Following Transection of the Optic Tract in Adult Rats

Injury to the CNS of adult mammals usually results in functional deficits that are incompletely recovered. Complete functional recovery from brain or spinal cord injury is impeded by (1) the inability of the adult mammalian CNS to produce new neurons to replace those lost, and (2) the apparent inability of most intrinsic CNS neurons to regenerate their axons following damage. The successful elongative axonal regeneration and functional reinnervation that typically follows crush or transection of teleostean and amphibian optic nerves (Sperry 1945, Jacobsen and Gaze 1965, Murray 1976) does not normally occur following transection of the optic nerve or other long myelinated fiber tracts in the adult mammalian CNS. The regenerative failure of intrinsic CNS neurons has been well documented in the last 80 years (Ramon y Cajal 1928, Windle 1955, Clemente 1964, Guth and Windle 1970, Kiernan 1979), but the cause or causes of this failure remain almost as obscure as they were in Ramon y Cajal’s time.
The promise of appreciative inquiry as an interview tool for field research

It is a dilemma that every researcher undertaking interviews faces: what questions should I ask and how should I ask them? Setting out to interview the directors of 60 local NGOs in three African c...
A novel multichip module assembly approach using gold ball flip-chip bonding

A multichip module (MCM) approach that dramatically reduces the circuit area of a portable communications transceiver is described. The MCM incorporated a 1-in square (2.54-cm square) silicon substrate fabricated with thin-film resistors and a double-metal linear process technology. The die bonding was performed with a flip-chip process that uses unmodified, off-the-shelf ICs. The process is performed using standard wirebonding equipment and a thermocompression flip-chip bond. The resulting MCM reduced the required circuit board area by 40%. >
Difference Equations Models

Difference equation formulations have been widely used for insect populations where generations can essentially be regarded as occurring at discrete time intervals. Insects are carriers of a variety of diseases for which they act as vectors, and some of these diseases are vertically transmitted in these insect populations. Several models using discrete dynamical systems have, consequently, been proposed for such situations. In this chapter we shall describe results that have been obtained using such discrete models.
Decay of metastable topological defects.

We systematically analyze the decay of metastable topological defects that arise from the spontaneous breakdown of gauge or global symmetries. Quantum-mechanical tunneling rates are estimated for a variety of decay processes. The decay rate for a global string, vortex, domain wall, or kink is typically suppressed compared to the decay rate for its gauged counterpart. We also discuss the decay of global texture, and of semilocal and electroweak strings.
Sequence Detection Using All-Magnetic Circuits

A technique is described for detecting specific sequences of pulses occurring on a net of input lines. This technique lends itself to realization in all-magnetic networks by the use of multi-aperture magnetic devices (MAD's). The resulting circuits are remarkably simple and reliable. Processing rates in excess of 100,000 characters per second may be achieved. Examples are given of systems using arrays of such detectors. One example involves a system for detecting handwritten characters which makes use of a special pen having the property of generating specific sequences of pulses as symbols are written. The second example relates to the problem of monitoring text for the detection of specific words (letter sequences) and phrases (series of sequences).
2β-Substituted Analogues of 4‘-Iodococaine: Synthesis and Dopamine Transporter Binding Potencies

A series of 2beta-substituted analogues of 4'-iodococaine (3) was synthesized and evaluated in an in vitro dopamine transporter (DAT) binding assay. Selective hydrolysis at the 2beta-position of 3 gave the carboxylic acid 15 that served as the intermediate for the synthesis of compounds 4, 5, and 6-11. The 2beta-alkyl derivatives were obtained from ecgonine methyl ester (17) through a series of reactions leading to the aldehyde 20. Wittig reaction of 20 with methyltriphenylphosphorane followed by hydrogenation and benzoylation gave the products 12 and 13. The binding affinity of 4'-iodococaine (3) was 10-fold less than that of cocaine. The hydroxymethane, acetate, amide, benzyl ester, oxidazole, and ethane derivatives of 3 exhibited decreased binding while the vinyl, phenyl, and ethyl esters showed a moderate increase in binding affinity. Only the isopropyl derivative 8 exhibited a 2-fold increase in binding affinity compared with 4'-iodococaine (3). Hydroxylation of 8 at the 2'-position gave 14 which enhanced not only the binding potency at the DAT by another 2-fold but also the selectivity at the DAT over the norepinephrine and serotonin transporters. Compound 14 failed to stimulate locomotor activity in C57BL/6J mice over a wide dose range and blocked cocaine-induced locomotor stimulant action.
DYNAMIC AND LINGUISTIC MODES OF COMPLEX SYSTEMS

Complexity is defined in the context of biological systems which contain their own genetic descriptions. This definition is justified on the grounds that without self-description complex organizations tend to deteriorate in function and do not evolve when challenged by environmental interactions. This leads to the problem of what constitutes a description in terms of physical structures, and what are the simplest conditions for writing, reading and executing descriptions. To explain the relation of systems and descriptions of systems, we introduce the distinction between dynamic, or continuous, rate-dependent events and linguistic, or discrete, rate-independent events. The stability and evolutionary potential of self-describing, complex systems depend on the complementary relation between these two modes, and this relation is inextricably dependent on the epistemological problem of measurement,
Techniques to facilitate symbolic execution of real-world programs

Symbolic execution is a program-analysis technique that is used to address several problems that arise in developing high-quality software. Despite the fact that the symbolic-execution technique is well understood, and performing symbolic execution on simple programs is straightforward, it is still not possible to apply the technique to the general class of large, real-world software. A symbolic-execution system can be effectively applied to large, real-world software if it has at least two features: efficiency and automation. However, efficient and automatic symbolic execution of real-world programs is a lofty goal due to both theoretical and practical reasons. Theoretically, achieving this goal requires solving an intractable problem (i.e., solving constraints). Practically, achieving this goal requires overwhelming effort to implement a symbolic-execution system that can precisely and automatically symbolically execute real-world programs. This research makes three major contributions. 1. Three new techniques that address three important problems of symbolic execution. Compared to existing techniques, the new techniques (2) reduce the manual effort that may be required to symbolically execute those programs that either generate complex constraints or parts of which cannot be symbolically executed due to limitations of a symbolic-execution system. (b) improve the usefulness of symbolic execution (e.g., expose more bugs in a program) by enabling discovery of more feasible paths within a given time budget. 2. A novel approach that uses symbolic execution to generate test inputs for Apps that run on modern mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. 3. Implementations of the above techniques and empirical results obtained from applying those techniques to real-world programs that demonstrate their effectiveness.
Metabolic role of the exercise-induced increment in epinephrine in the dog.

The role of the exercise-induced increment in epinephrine was studied in five adrenalectomized (ADX) and in six normal dogs (C). Experiments consisted of an 80-min equilibration period, a 40-min basal period, and a 150-min exercise period. ADX were studied with epinephrine replaced to basal levels during rest and to increased levels during exercise to simulate its normal rise (HE) and on a separate day with epinephrine maintained at basal levels throughout the study (BE). Cortisol was replaced during rest and exercise in ADX so as to simulate the levels seen in C. Glucose was infused as needed in ADX to maintain the glycemia evident during exercise in C. Glucose production (Ra) and utilization (Rd) were assessed isotopically. In C, epinephrine had risen by 95 +/- 25 pg/ml by the end of exercise. In HE, the increment in epinephrine (117 +/- 29 pg/ml) was similar to that seen in C, whereas in BE epinephrine fell by 18 +/- 9 pg/ml. Basal norepinephrine levels were 139 +/- 9, 260 +/- 25, and 313 +/- 33 pg/ml in C, HE, and BE, respectively. In response to exercise, norepinephrine increased by nearly twofold in all protocols. Basal and exercise-induced changes in plasma glucagon and insulin were similar in C and ADX. Ra increased similarly in C (5.3 +/- 0.6 mg.kg-1.min-1) and HE (4.9 +/- 0.6 mg.kg-1.min-1). In BE, Ra rose normally for the initial 90 min but then declined resulting in a rise of only 2.9 +/- 0.5 mg.kg-1.min-1 after 150 min of exercise.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Counter-Terrorism and Human Rights: The Emergence of a Rule of Customary International Law from United Nations Resolutions

Although the United Nations currently has no agreed-upon definition of terrorism, the author argues that it is nonetheless possible to hold States engaged in counter-terrorism efforts liable for violations of international human rights law even when they are not signatories to relevant international treaties. The basis for such an obligation derives from various resolutions of the United Nations and decisions of national courts which represent a step toward the codification of a general obligation to protect human rights in the context of counter-terrorism as an emerging rule of customary international law.
Indigenous Ancestral Lands and Customary International Law

In the past twenty years, indigenous populations around the world have stepped up legal efforts to reclaim their ancestral lands. In many post-colonial countries, in which native lands were stolen or expropriated by Europeans and their descendants, judicial action at the highest levels has begun to afford populations property rights and even titles to lands to which they had held rightful claim. Some have even asserted that such property interests are so fundamental as to exist as part of international law, and have pointed to a number of international declarations and treaties that seem to say as much.This Article attempts to assess this claim. Taking account of recent domestic and international jurisprudence and treaty-making, it is the first study in half a decade to apply these and past developments to the core tenets of customary international law: state practice and opinio juris. By focusing on the major post-colonial countries with large indigenous populations, and by looking at how these countries are in fact drawing on each others’ jurisprudence in establishing laws recognizing certain indigenous property rights, the Article demonstrates the apparent emergence of a growing international consensus on the need to recognize such native rights to their ancestral lands. Importantly, many of the nations in the consensus are looking to each other – and to international law – in formulating their own protections for indigenous lands.This Article is not prescriptive. Rather, it seeks to settle a lingering question in the debate over indigenous rights in international law, concluding that such a norm is likely emerging, though it remains generalized and unspecific, or in other words another vague yet bind piece of customary international law. Given the attention that this issue has received in recent years – both in domestic courts and in the U.N. and other international organizations – it seems that it is only time before all nations with substantial indigenous populations accept that international law does in fact provide some protections for indigenous peoples ancestral lands. By demonstrating the current near-consensus, and by pointing out signposts that may further indicate such consensus, this Article should provide a point of reference for current and future discussions of indigenous land rights in international law
Experimental study of the competitive adsorption of HNO3 and H2O on surfaces by using Brewster angle cavity ring-down spectroscopy in the 295-345 nm region.

The competitive adsorption of HNO3 and H2O from the gas phase onto fused silica surfaces is investigated. Brewster angle cavity ring-down spectroscopy is used to measure absorption of a laser probe...
Analysis on Genetic Characteristics of Enterovirus Type 71 From Hand,Food and Mouth Disease in Dunhua city, from 2009 to 2011

Objective To analyze the genetic characteristics of enterovirus type 71(EV71) strains isolated from suspected patients of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease(HFMD) in Dunhua city of Jilin province. Methods The VP1 genes coding region of 3 EV71 strains from HFMD in Dunhua in 2009-2011 were amplified by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) and then sequenced. Gene characteristics were analyzed by Bioedit and Mega 4 software. Results All the 3 strains belonged to C4a subgenotype.The homology of nucleotide sequences in VP1 coding region of the 3 strains was 98.6%~98.8%; The homology of nucleotide sequences compared with those of Helong city, other region of Jilin province and Fuyang city were 98.8%~99.8%, 97.6%~99.3% and 98.3%~99.3% respectively. The homology of amino acid of them were 100%. Conclusions The 3 strains have the highest homology of nucleotide sequences compared with those of Helong strain, and also have the nearer homology of nucleotide sequences compared with Fuyang strain of 2008, The 3 strains have the higher homology of amino acid sequences compared with those of China representative strains of C4a.
FIBRIN GLUE VASAL ANASTOMOSIS COMPARED TO CONVENTIONAL SUTURED VASOVASOSTOMY IN THE RAT

AbstractVasectomy reversal has become a frequently performed surgical procedure with best results obtained with the use of the operating microscope and microsurgical technique. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the use of fibrin glue (“Tisseel”, Immuno U.S., Inc.) for vasovasostomy and to compare this technique to conventional sutured vasovasostomy. Utilizing 60 male Sprague Dawley rats, a conventional two layered sutured anastomosis of vasovasostomy (30 rats) was compared to a fibrin glue technique of vasal anastomosis (30 rats). The fibrin glue technique was performed with two transmural sutures, was unstented, and utilized the biological glue to seal the anastomosis. The contralateral vas of each animal underwent vasectomy and reapproximation of unligated ends so that the rate of spontaneous recanalization could be accessed. Rats were sacrificed at 24 hours, one week, four weeks, and three months postvasovasostomy. The vasal specimens were evaluated for gross patency, presence and size of sp...
Generalized Efron's biased coin design and its theoretical properties

In clinical trials with two treatment arms, Efron's biased coin design, Efron (1971), sequentially assigns a patient to the underrepresented arm with probability p > ½. Under this design the proportion of patients in any arm converges to ½, and the convergence rate is n-1, as opposed to n-½ under some other popular designs. The generalization of Efron's design to K ≥ 2 arms and an unequal target allocation ratio (q1, . . ., qK) can be found in some papers, most of which determine the allocation probabilities ps in a heuristic way. Nonetheless, it has been noted that by using inappropriate ps, the proportion of patients in the K arms never converges to the target ratio. We develop a general theory to answer the question of what allocation probabilities ensure that the realized proportions under a generalized design still converge to the target ratio (q1, . . ., qK) with rate n-1.
Hormonal regulation of bone formation.

Publisher Summary The hormonal regulation of bone formation has been studied relatively less as compared to bone resorption. Organ-culture systems have been useful in studying the direct effects of calcium-regulating hormones and other humoral factors that influence bone breakdown. The chapter presents an experiment in which intact radii and ulnae were used from 17- to 18-day rat fetuses. These bones, consisting of large cartilage ends with small but rapidly developing central bone shafts, showed periosteal new bone formation, calcification of the central hypertrophic cartilage zone, and resorption and remodeling of the interior of the shaft with replacement of cartilage by bone. Growth was impaired when the cartilage ends were removed during culture, probably because of damage to the periosteum. However, at the end of the culture, it was possible to dissect the cartilage ends from the bone shaft and to analyze them separately for mineral content, dry weight, collagen content, and incorporation of labeled proline into hydroxyproline as a measure of collagen synthesis. Using this culture model, the numerous in vitro and in vivo observations were confirmed that suggested that high concentrations of parathyroid hormone inhibited collagen synthesis.
Factors influencing microhabitat partitioning in arid-land darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae): temperature and water conservation

Four species of Eleodes darkling beetles, inhabiting different microhabitats in an arid, sagebrush–steppe ecosystem (south-west Wyoming, U.S.A.), were evaluated in the laboratory for interspecific differences in temperature preferences, high temperature tolerances, water loss and metabolic rates. Results of the laboratory tests were compared to the microclimate thermal regimes encountered by each species in its respective microhabitat in the field. Temperature preferences (Tp) of E. constrictus (Tp = 21·7°C) and E. pimelioides (Tp = 20·8°C) corresponded to the maximum diurnal summer temperatures (Tmax) recorded in their preferred microhabitat, shaded plant litter beneath large shrubs (Tmax = 21·1°C). Similarly, the Tps of E. extricatus (Tp = 27·2°C) and E. nigrinus (Tp = 27·1°C) corresponded to the maximum temperatures found in their preferred microhabitat, plant litter beneath low-growing shrubs and grasses (Tmax = 27·0°C). E. extricatus, the species most frequently encountered in sunny, sparsely vegetated areas, exhibited the greatest tolerance of high temperature; E. nigrinus, a strictly nocturnal species occupying this same microhabitat on the study site, displayed the least heat tolerance. The two shrub-dwelling species also exhibited low tolerances of high temperatures. Water loss rates and metabolic rates (both measured over a range of temperatures) differed significantly among some of the species, but did not fit predicted patterns of species vs. microhabitat distributions; however, by virtue of their cooler preferred microhabitats, shrub-dwelling species could potentially retain more water and metabolize less energy than the species inhabiting warmer microhabitats. We conclude that, on this study site, microhabitat selection by these darkling beetles may be substantially influenced by each species’ preference and tolerance of field temperature regimes, but that differences in microhabitat use appear to be independent of inherent physiological capabilities of energy metabolism or water conservation.
The numerical simulation of particle trajectories in quantum transport and the effects of scattering and self-consistency on the performance of quantum well devices

A novel approach for incorporating space- and time-dependent tunneling processes in a full-fledged ensemble particle Monte Carlo simulation of realistic multidimensional heterojunction devices is proposed. It is based on the representation of quantum transport across resonant tunneling devices in terms of particle trajectories which are evaluated using the time-evolution equation of the Wigner distribution function. The effects of scattering and self-consistency of the potential with respect to the charge distribution are included. The accuracy of the approach is demonstrated by comparing the simulation results with experimental data, particularly with respect to the intrinsic bistability and hysteresis in the current-voltage relationships. The resulting behavior and energetics of the Wigner trajectories support the localized particle transport description of a quantum tunneling process and thus may allow the quantum trajectory concept to be applied to the actual particle trajectories of Monte Carlo device simulations. >
Determination of the HTLV-1 pro-pol Frameshift Site Secondary Structure

Human t-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is a retrovirus that targets CD4+ T-cells in humans. Expression of human t-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I) enzymes requires two -1 programmed ribosomal frameshifts (PRFs). These events occur between the gag-pro and pro-pol open reading frames. Each frameshift site includes a heptanucleotide slippery sequence followed by a downstream structure, which act in cis to produce specific frameshift efficiencies. While the -1 PRF and slippery sequences of these frameshift sites have been established in HTLV-I, the secondary structures have not been determined. In the pro-pol frameshift site, an RNA pseudoknot is predicted to fold downstream of the UUUAAAC slippery sequence. However, no structural data exists for this RNA. Here, we report a preliminary structure of the HTLV-1 pro-pol frameshift site RNA. Nucleotide reactivity data acquired from selective 2’-hydroxyl acylation experiments analyzed by primer extension (SHAPE) is consistent with a pseudoknot secondary structure. These results suggest the existence of a pseudoknot structure in the HTLV-1 pro-pol frameshift site.
Dissenting Statement of Commissioner Gail Heriot to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights' Report on Environmental Justice: Examining the Environmental Protection Agency's Compliance and Enforcement of Title VI and Executive Order 12,898

On September 30, 2016, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights published a report entitled "Environmental Justice: Examining the Environmental Protection Agency's Compliance and Enforcement of Title VI and Executive Order 12,898." This Dissenting Statement, written by Commissioner Gail Heriot, was part of that report, but was critical of the main body of the report. It discusses the Commission's lack of expertise in the area and how the Commission staff's independent research tends to undermine the Commission's conclusions. It also discusses how the incendiary allegations of some Commission members and some witnesses of "environmental racism" are inappropriate, and how (contrary to the Commission's apparent assumption) Title VI has already been held not to be a disparate impact statute by the Supreme Court.
Role of Imaging in the Evaluation of Male Infertility

Infertility is defined herein as the inability to achieve pregnancy after frequently engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse for 1 year. Among infertile couples, the cause of infertility involves the male partner in approximately 50% of cases. Male infertility is usually caused by conditions affecting sperm production, sperm function, or both, or blockages that prevent the delivery of sperm. Chronic health problems, injuries, lifestyle choices, anatomic problems, hormonal imbalances, and genetic defects can have a role in male infertility. The diagnostic workup of male infertility should include a thorough medical and reproductive history, physical examination, and semen analysis, followed by imaging. The main role of imaging is identification of the causes of infertility, such as congenital anomalies and disorders that obstruct sperm transport and may be correctable. Scrotal ultrasonography is the most common initially performed noninvasive examination used to image the male reproductive system, including the testes and extratesticular structures such as the epididymis. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is another noninvasive imaging modality used in the pelvis to evaluate possible obstructive lesions involving the ductal system. MR imaging of the brain is extremely useful for evaluating relevant neurologic abnormalities, such as pituitary gland disorders, that are suspected on the basis of hormone analysis results. Invasive techniques are usually reserved for therapeutic interventions in patients with known abnormalities. In this article, the causes and imaging findings of obstructive and nonobstructive azoospermia are discussed. In addition to detecting treatable conditions that are related to male infertility, identifying the life-threatening entities associated with infertility and the genetic conditions that could be transmitted to offspring-especially in patients who undergo assisted reproduction-is critical. ©RSNA, 2017.
Self-reported Clinical Meaningfulness Early in the Treatment Course Predicts Objective Outcomes in Men Undergoing Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum Injections for Peyronie Disease

Objective To compare perceived meaningfulness early in the course of collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) with final outcomes to evaluate its use as a predictor of efficacy. Materials and Methods A registry of patients undergoing CCH from March 2014 to September 2016 was maintained. Patients were recommended to complete 4 injection cycles. After each cycle, patients completed a questionnaire that included, “If you stopped at this point, would you consider this a meaningful improvement for you?” Curve assessments were performed before and at therapy completion. Analyses were performed to compare objective curve changes and reported meaningfulness. Results Complete information was available on 52 patients, including 79% who reported meaningful results. Median improvement (interquartile range) was 25 degrees (15;35) in the meaningful (+) group compared with 5 degrees (0;15) in the meaningful (−) group (P = .0007). When stratified by perception early during therapy, patients who found the second series meaningful experienced a greater final curve improvement (P = .005). More than 50% of patients with curvature improvements of ≥10 degrees or ≥10% found the therapy meaningful. Among men with ≤5-degree improvement after 2 series, 83% (5/6) experienced further curve improvements (median 20 degrees). Interestingly, 50% of patients with improvement ≤10 degrees reported meaningfulness, including 40% without objective improvement. Conclusion Objective curve outcomes can be stratified by early subjective clinical meaningfulness with CCH, and the majority of patients with ≥10-degree or ≥10% curve improvement found CCH meaningful. Men failing to achieve objective curve benefits after 2 series experience further curve improvements in the majority of cases.
Fiber Optic Transmission Systems

Compares multimode versus single mode optical fiber, for both attenuation and dispersion characteristics Describes optical sources, including light emitting diodes (LED) and laser diodes Describes optical detectors, including PIN photodiodes and avalanche photodiodes Explains wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) as a way to expand the bandwidth or accommodate multiple signals in a single fiber. Presents methods for calculating the repeater spacing as a function of system parameters such as bandwidth, rise time, transmitter power, and receiver sensitivity. Discusses innovative approaches to fiber optic transmission, including coherent transmission, optical amplifiers, and soliton transmission Describes standards for fiber optic transmission developed in North America as the Synchronous Optical Network (SONET) and by the ITU-T as the Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH)
Fifty-Five Years of Change in a Northwest Georgia Old-Growth Forest

ABSTRACT Old-growth forests provide unique insight into historical compositions of forests in the eastern United States. Plots established within a mixed forest community within Marshall Forest in Rome, Georgia, in 1960 (and remeasured in 1989) were reassessed to determine changes in forest composition. The community has experienced approximately 10% increase in basal area since the previous measurement period. However, changes in species importance have occurred. Chestnut oak (Quercus montana), mockernut hickory (Carya tomentosa), white oak (Quercus alba), and flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) have all decreased in importance, while pignut hickory (Carya glabra), winged elm (Ulmus alata), yellow poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), and red maple (Acer rubrum) have all increased in importance. Additionally, there are no Pinus spp. saplings in the study area, indicating seedlings are not being recruited into the midstory. These changes indicate continued succession to a composition increasingly dominated by ...
The role of granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in radiation-induced tumor cell migration

Recently it has been observed in preclinical models that that radiation enhances the recruitment of circulating tumor cells to primary tumors, and results in tumor regrowth after treatment. This process may have implications for clinical radiotherapy, which improves control of a number of tumor types but which, despite continued dose escalation and aggressive fractionation, is unable to fully prevent local recurrences. By irradiating a single tumor within an animal bearing multiple lesions, we observed an increase in tumor cell migration to irradiated and unirradiated sites, suggesting a systemic component to this process. Previous work has identified the cytokine GM-CSF, produced by tumor cells following irradiation, as a key effector of this process. We evaluated the ability of systemic injections of a PEGylated form of GM-CSF to stimulate tumor cell migration. While increases in invasion and migration were observed for tumor cells in a transwell assay, we found that daily injections of PEG-GM-CSF to tumor-bearing animals did not increase migration of cells to tumors, despite the anticipated changes in circulating levels of granulocytes and monocytes produced by this treatment. Combination of PEG-GM-CSF treatment with radiation also did not increase tumor cell migration. These findings suggest that clinical use of GM-CSF to treat neutropenia in cancer patients will not have negative effects on the aggressiveness of residual cancer cells. However, further work is needed to characterize the mechanism by which GM-CSF facilitates systemic recruitment of trafficking tumor cells to tumors.
Aircraft Sensor Quality in SESAME 1979: Results of Tower Fly-Bys and Aircraft Intercomparison

Instrumented research aircraft data quality during Project SESAME ‘79 is examined in a series of tower fly-bys designed to compare temperature and static pressure measurements with reference values obtained from sensors located on the towers. Aircraft studied included an NCAR Queen Air and Sabreliner, and the South Dakota T-28. Measurements indicate that the quality of data was within acceptable limits. A discussion of data quality assessment philosophy is given, along with specific means of identifying real and potential sources of error.
PRELIMINARY BENCHMARK EVALUATION OF JAPAN'S HIGH TEMPERATURE ENGINEERING TEST REACTOR

A benchmark model of the initial fully-loaded start-up core critical of Japan’s High Temperature Engineering Test Reactor (HTTR) was developed to provide data in support of ongoing validation efforts of the Very High Temperature Reactor Program using publicly available resources. The HTTR is a 30 MWt test reactor utilizing graphite moderation, helium coolant, and prismatic TRISO fuel. The benchmark was modeled using MCNP5 with various neutron cross-section libraries. An uncertainty evaluation was performed by perturbing the benchmark model and comparing the resultant eigenvalues. The calculated eigenvalues are approximately 2-3% greater than expected with an uncertainty of ±0.70%. The primary sources of uncertainty are the impurities in the core and reflector graphite. The release of additional HTTR data could effectively reduce the benchmark model uncertainties and bias. Sensitivity of the results to the graphite impurity content might imply that further evaluation of the graphite content could significantly improve calculated results. Proper characterization of graphite for future Next Generation Nuclear Power reactor designs will improve computational modeling capabilities. Current benchmarking activities include evaluation of the annular HTTR cores and assessment of the remaining start-up core physics experiments, including reactivity effects, reactivity coefficient, and reaction-rate distribution measurements. Long term benchmarking goals might include analyses of the hot zero-power critical, rise-to-power tests, and other irradiation, safety, and technical evaluations performed with the HTTR.
When a seven is not a seven: Self-ratings of bilingual language proficiency differ between and within language populations

Self-ratings of language proficiency are ubiquitous in research on bilingualism, but little is known about their validity, especially when the same scale is used across different types of bilinguals. Self-ratings and picture naming data from 1044 Spanish–English and 519 Chinese–English bilinguals were analyzed in five between- and within-population comparisons. Chinese–English bilinguals scored more extremely than Spanish–English bilinguals, and in opposite directions at different endpoints of the self-ratings scale. Regrouping bilinguals by dominant language, instead of language membership, reduced discrepancies but significant group differences remained. Population differences appeared even in English, though this language is shared between populations. These results demonstrate significant problems with self-ratings, especially when comparing bilinguals of different language combinations; and subgroups of bilinguals who speak the same languages but vary in acquisition history and/or dominance. Objective proficiency measures (e.g., picture naming or proficiency interviews) are superior to self-ratings, to maximize classification accuracy and consistency across studies.
An Extension of a Galton-Watson Process to a Two-Sex Density Dependent Model.

A two-sex, density dependent, genetic model is formulated as an extension of a multitype Galton-Watson process to a. non-linear case. The formulation presented and partially analyzed in this paper is new in at least three ways to the field of branching processes. First, a new parameterization of the mating system is presented based on, among other things, the Farlie-Morgenstern class of bivariate distribution functions. Second, the viabilities of genotypes are formulated as a function of total population size, which allows for accommodating density dependence into the model to take into account the carrying capacity of an environment. Third, a set on nonlinear difference equations is embedded in the stochastic process by operating with conditional expectation of the random functions of the process at each point in time, given the past, to obtain functions which are viewed as estimates of the sample functions of the process. These equations resemble a model that would arise if one worked within deterministic paradigm. Computer intensive methods are used to partially analyze the model by computing a sample of Monte Carlo realizations of the process, summarizing them statistically, and comparing the results to the predictions based on the embedded deterministic model. The results of two computer experiments are presented, which suggest that numerical solutions of the deterministic model are not always good measures of central tendency for the sample functions of the process, particularly when the deterministic model exhibits chaotic behavior or when the carrying capacity of the environment forces the numbers of some genotypes to be small. The results of these experiments suggest that density dependent formulations in which population size is limited by the carrying capacity of the environment may lead to alternative working paradigms for the study of genetic drift, a subject introduced into evolutionary genetics by two founding fathers Fisher and Wright.
Measurements in a natural convection loop

Fluid temperature measurements are reported for a natural convection loop operating in the steady state regime. Averaged and fluctuating measurements were made for a toroidal thermosyphon oriented in the vertical plane that was heated over the lower half and cooled over the upper half. The measurements were made along the tube diameter at the entrance and exit of the heating sections for heat inputs from 1400 to 8410 w/m2. The amplitude of the temperature fluctuations exceeded 10 °C near the inner walls indicating the effects from recirculating flow regions at the entrances to the heating and cooling sections.
Biomass, Present and Future

Normally agriculture means the production of food and fiber. Today’s agriculture is not only the manufacturing of food and fiber, but also the production of fuel; the three F’s of food, fiber, and fuel make up agriculture. I would like to discuss the potential uses of biomass as fuel. We are all aware that our natural resources are not infinite. According to one estimate (Klass, 1974), the average depletion rate of global coal, oil, and natural gas is between 50 and 150 years. In the United States the fossil fuel reserve is about 500 years (Fisher, 1974). Other energy sources, such as nuclear, geothermal, and wind, will probably be the major fuels of the future, but their development will take time. Therefore, alternate approaches are essential for supplementing the overall energy need. Tapping solar energy for fuel from biomass is just such an alternate. It is particularly reasonable in regions where the supply is high and the fuel demand is low.
EVALUATION OF BOTTLED WATER QUALITY

Αντικeίμeνο μeλέτης της παρούσας eργασίας, αποτeλeί η διeρeύνηση και αξιολόγηση της ποιότητας eμφιαλωμένων νeρών που κυκλοφορούν στην Eλληνική αγορά μe βάση τα αναγραφόμeνα στην eττικέτα των φιαλών τους φυσικοχημικά χαρακτηριστικά και η σχέση τους μe την eπίδραση τους στην υγeία. Για τον σκοπό αυτό eξeτάσθηκαν τα φυσικοχημικά χαρακτηριστικά eνός ικανοποιητικού αριθμού δeιγμάτων από 26 eγχώρια και 7 eισαγόμeνα νeρά, και έγινe σύγκριση μe τα σταθeρότυπα του πόσιμου νeρού. Στην παρούσα eργασία δeν γίνeται διάκριση των eπιτραπέζιων και φυσικών μeταλλικών νeρών. Θeωρούνται όλα πόσιμα και χαρακτηρίζονται το καθένα από αυτά από ιδιαίτeρeς φυσικοχημικές ιδιότητeς, η σημασία των οποίων για τον ανθρώπινο οργανισμό δίνeται μέσα στο κeίμeνο. Για τους σκοπούς της παρούσας μeλέτης, μe τον όρο ποσιμότητα eννοeίται η δυνατότητα κάθe eμφιαλωμένου νeρού να eίναι αποδeκτό για ανθρώπινη κατανάλωση από άποψη φυσικοχημικών παραμέτρων και μόνο. Οι φυσικοχημικές παράμeτροι οι οποίeς μeλeτήθηκαν πeριλαμβάνουν: pH, αγωγιμότητα, συγκeντρώσeις χλωριούχων, θeιικών, πυριτικών, ασβeστίου, μαγνησίου, νατρίου, καλίου, φθορίου, στeρeού υπολeίμματος, ολικής σκληρότητας, αλκαλικότητας των οποίων τα αποτeλέσματα eκφράζονται σe mg/L. Παράλληλα δίνονται οι ιοντικές σχέσeις, οι οποίeς προσφέρουν χρήσιμα στοιχeία της υδροχημeίας των νeρών. Για την καλύτeρη σύγκριση των παραπάνω μeγeθών δίνονται : το eνδeικτικό eπίπeδο τιμών, η ανώτατη αποδeκτή συγκέντρωση και η συγκέντρωση χημικής ανάλυσης. Οι παραπάνω τιμές μeλeτήθηκαν και αξιολογήθηκαν μe βάση τις τιμές που αναφέρονται στο Φ.E.Κ. (αριθμ. Φύλλου: 53, 20 Φeβρουαρίου 1986), προκeιμένου να διαπιστωθeί κατά πόσο τα νeρά που κυκλοφορούν eλeύθeρα στο eμπόριο πληρούν τις προϋποθέσeις που ορίζeι η οδηγία 80/778 του συμβουλίου των Eυρωπαϊκών Κοινοτήτων της 15/07/80.)
Longitudinal Determinants of Housing Stability Among People Living With HIV/AIDS Experiencing Homelessness

Objectives. To examine patterns of and factors associated with housing stability over time among people living with HIV (PLWH) experiencing homelessness with co-occurring substance use and mental h...
Origin-Country Culture, Migration Sequencing, and Female Employment: Variations among Immigrant Women in the United States:

Recent studies suggest that the employment rates of foreign-born women are related to cultural norms regarding gender and work in their origin countries. However, origin-country culture may have le...
Gastric mucosal ulceration following vasoactive agents. A new experimental model.

The influence of the vasoactive catecholamines, epinephrine and norepinephrine, has been investigated in regard to the comparative ulcerogenicity on the gastric glandular mucosa of the rat. The unique extensive, hemorrhagic necrosis, and ulcerations which appear in the fundus—but not the antrum—following single injections of these drugs are readily quantified because of the continuous nature of the lesion. A standard assay has been developed with this new ulcer model, which results in extensive mucosal ulceration (43% of fundus with lesions) in 100% of treated animals after only 5 hr. The optimal procedure requires the single intraperitoneal epinephrine injection of 0.4 mg/kg to young adult Sprague-Dawley rats 4 hr after pylorus occlusion, and the sacrifice of animals 1 hr after injection. This experimental gastric lesion is dependent upon the presence of gastric acid, and is completely inhibited by bilateral vagotomy, and almost completely inhibited by the presence of a magnesium-aluminum hydroxide gel-type antacid.
Unfair treatment, coping strategies, and depression among Puerto Ricans in Boston.

OBJECTIVES Unfair treatment is a chronic social stressor with negative consequences for the mental health status of socially disadvantaged individuals. How individuals cope with stressful situations may reduce or amplify the mental burden associated with unfair treatment. The present study focuses on identifying coping strategies that mitigate the association between unfair treatment and the risk of clinical depression among Puerto Ricans, 1 of the largest Latinx subgroups in the U.S. METHOD Data were from the third wave of the Boston Puerto Rican Health Study. Using logistic regression, we tested the moderating roles of 12 types of coping strategies in the associations between recent experiences of perceived unfair treatment and depression among 963 Puerto Rican adults, aged 49 to 81, living in the Boston, MA metropolitan area. RESULTS Increased exposure to perceived unfair treatment was associated with higher odds of being at risk of clinical depression. Results suggest that coping strategies such as planning, acceptance, humor, and religion significantly mitigate the association between recent unfair treatment and depression. CONCLUSIONS Our findings offer guidance on developing a culturally sensitive therapy for Puerto Ricans that promotes specific types of coping strategies to reduce the mental burden of unfair treatment. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).