cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predictors of Post-Rape Medical Care in a National Sample of Women

Abstract Background: Rape has a negative impact on physical and mental health, health-related behaviors, and health service utilization. Timely medical care is important for preventive services. Methods: Cross-sectional data were obtained from a larger 2-year longitudinal study, the National Women’s Study (NWS). A total of 3006 adult women participated in the final data collection wave of the NWS. During a structured telephone interview, women who reported a most-recent or only rape incident during adulthood were asked about rape characteristics, reporting to authorities, medical care, and rape-related concerns. The main outcome measures were receipt and timing of medical care received after an adult rape, and factors influencing whether or not medical care was received. Results: Of the sample, 214 (7.1%) had experienced a most-recent or only rape as an adult (aged ≥18), and 56 (26.2%) received rape-related medical care following that incident. The final model multivariable logistic regression indicated that reporting the crime to police or other authorities (odds ratio [OR], 9.45; 95% confidence interval [CI]=3.34–26.70) and fear of sexually transmitted diseases (OR, 8.61; 95% CI=3.12–23.72) were significant predictors of receipt of post-rape medical care. Conclusions: One in five victims reported an adult rape to police or other authorities; these women were nine times more likely to receive medical care than those who did not. Public health efforts are needed to increase the proportion of rape victims who receive immediate post-rape medical care.
Examining the psychometric properties and predictive validity of a youth-specific version of the Nicotine Dependence Syndrome Scale (NDSS) among teens with varying levels of smoking ☆

Current conceptualizations of nicotine dependence suggest assessing its multidimensional structure, especially for understanding how dependence develops in teen smokers. It is unknown if a multidimensional structure holds for teens with varying levels of smoking. The psychometric properties and predictive validity of the youth-specific, multidimensional Nicotine Dependence Syndrome Scale (NDSS) was assessed among 526 teens (55.5% female; 74.3% Caucasian) who reported smoking in the past 30 days. NDSS and smoking measures were obtained at baseline and six months. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the NDSS-Total (NDSS-T, α = 0.94) and five factors for the sample: Drive (α = 0.92), Tolerance (α = 0.85), Priority (α = 0.83), Stereotypy (α = 0.73), and Continuity (α = 0.64). NDSS-T, Drive, Tolerance, and Priority were predictors of subsequent amount smoked (p < 0.01). Drive, Tolerance, and Continuity predicted subsequent cessation (p < 0.05). Though the youth-specific NDSS has good psychometric properties, tests of predictive validity for subsequent smoking and cessation behavior suggest only certain dimensions of dependence, particularly Drive and Tolerance, appear to be salient in this sample. Further studies should assess the multidimensional nature of nicotine dependence among teens with varying levels of smoking.
Nondeterministic wave force on fixed small vertical piles

Abstract The moment generating function and the probability function for non-deterministic wave forces on a small diameter fixed vertical pile are derived for linear, Gaussian waves. The dimensionless force covariance function is obtained by taking the expectation of the dimensionless force. An indefinite integral is obtained which may be conveniently solved using Laplace transforms. These results are compared with previously published covariance expressions.
Diffuse x-ray and inelastic neutron scattering study of the spin Peierl's transition in N-methyl-N-ethyl-morpholinium bistetracyanoquinodimethane [MEM (TCNQ) 2 ]

X-ray and neutron scattering techniques have been used to investigate the spin Peierl's transition in $N$-methyl-$N$-ethyl-morpholinium bistetracyanoquinodimethane [MEM ${(\mathrm{TCNQ})}_{2}$]. Both techniques reveal a doubling of the $c$-axis stacking of the TCNQ molecules below the transition. Diffuse x-ray scattering was observed well above the transition at the position of the low-temperature superlattice reflections. The geometry of the scattering showed that the critical scattering related to the structural changes at ${T}_{c}$ results from fluctuations of a mainly transverse nature. Neutron scattering measurements revealed no softening of longitudinal-acoustic phonons at the transition. It was impossible to determine the position of the transverse-acoustic phonons, because they have either very low energies or very large linewidths; therefore, we cannot define the fluctuations to be of a static or dynamic character.
The survey of the geomagnetic field in space

The scientific progress of man has often been identified with the improvement of his description and understanding of his environment, both on a macroscopic and microscopic scale. Thus some features of the Earth's crust, the oceans, and the atmosphere, have been described and discussed, but in the earth sciences there remains a considerable void in our perception and understanding of these regions. The present paper will be concerned with only one facet of this huge and fascinating complex, the Earth's geomagnetic field near the Earth and in the surrounding space. As in the case of the gravitational field measurements of this field were available until recently only near the Earth's surface.
Hydrogen Bonding and π-Stacking Interactions as Organizing Elements in Lariat Ethers Containing Nucleotide Bases

Two new bibracchial lariat ethers have been prepared as flexible model systems for nucleotide H-bonding and π-stacking interactions. In both compounds, nucleotide bases terminate side arms attached at the nitrogen atoms of a diaza-18-crown-6 macroring. Each side arm is terminated by one or more nucleotide bases. The unsymmetrical structure is ade-CH2CH2 CH2CH2CH2-thy-CH2CH2-ade (A−O−T−A). The symmetrical compound is ade-CH2CH2-thy-CH2CH2CH2 CH2CH2CH2-thy-CH2CH2-ade (A−T−O−T−A). NMR studies show that the thy−ade side arm organizes by π-stacking in both A−O−T−A and A−T−O−T−A. Both compounds exhibit hydrogen bonding between the stacked base pair and the opposite adenine. A−O−T−A exhibits a stronger interaction resulting from the enforced interplay of noncovalent forces, as evidenced by one- and two-dimensional NMR experiments. This compound also presented the opportunity to detect and examine single hydrogen-bonded interactions between two adenine bases. The effects of conformational rigidity, side...
Wavelength modulation spectra of SbSI and its electronic band structure

Abstract The reflectivities of SbSI and their logarithmic derivatives between 1.8 and 4.5 eV have been measured at different temperatures. The structures in the reflectivities are compared with those calculated independently by the empirical pseudopotential method (EPM), using the pseudopotential form factors scaled from previous band structure calculations of other crystals. The large optical anisotropy of SbSI is explained. A preliminary band structure for SbSI is presented.
Furan [3 + 2] Dipolar Cycloadditions Promoted by a π-Basic Tungsten Metal Fragment

Reactions are reported for the TpW(NO)(PMe3) complex of either 2-methylfuran or 2,5-dimethylfuran with various dipolarophiles (N-methylmaleimide, N-phenylmaleimide, acrylonitrile). The resulting 7-oxanorbornene complexes are thought to be formed from a two-step reaction sequence. The first step involves the metal shifting the coordination site from C4−C5 to C3−C4, an action that renders the furan similar to a carbonyl ylide. This is followed by a 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition. In the case of the maleimides, a high preference (>10:1) for exo stereochemistry is observed. For acrylonitrile, the preference for exo is only modest (2:1). Attempts to liberate the intact 7-oxanorbornene were unsuccessful. Two crystal structures are presented that support the stereochemical assignments of the complexed cycloadducts.
The addition of nitrosyl fluoride to steroid 9(11)-olefins (1)

Abstract Nitrosyl fluoride was added to a series of steroid 9(11)-olefins to give, in moderate yield, the corresponding 11-nitrimino-9α-fluoro derivatives. The nitrimines could be hydrolyzed to the 11-ketones, or reduced by appropriate reagents to the corresponding 11-nitramines, 11-imines, and 11-amines. These reactions constitute a convenient and direct way to introduce fluorine into the 9α position of steroids. The scope and limitations of this reaction are discussed.
Heteroplasmy of Mouse mtDNA Is Genetically Unstable and Results in Altered Behavior and Cognition

Maternal inheritance of mtDNA is the rule in most animals, but the reasons for this pattern remain unclear. To investigate the consequence of overriding uniparental inheritance, we generated mice containing an admixture (heteroplasmy) of NZB and 129S6 mtDNAs in the presence of a congenic C57BL/6J nuclear background. Analysis of the segregation of the two mtDNAs across subsequent maternal generations revealed that proportion of NZB mtDNA was preferentially reduced. Ultimately, this segregation process produced NZB-129 heteroplasmic mice and their NZB or 129 mtDNA homoplasmic counterparts. Phenotypic comparison of these three mtDNA lines demonstrated that the NZB-129 heteroplasmic mice, but neither homoplasmic counterpart, had reduced activity, food intake, respiratory exchange ratio; accentuated stress response; and cognitive impairment. Therefore, admixture of two normal but different mouse mtDNAs can be genetically unstable and can produce adverse physiological effects, factors that may explain the advantage of uniparental inheritance of mtDNA.
Live Attenuated Varicella-Zoster Vaccine

Varicella-zoster (VZ) virus causes two diseases, varicella and zoster. Because it was recognized that, after varicella, latent VZ virus persisted in the host and because varicella was thought to be a milde disease, there was little impetus in North America to develop a live VZ vaccine. More recently, it has become apparent that currently available methods of prevention and treatment of severe varicella are not always efficacious. With the development of a live attenuated VZ vaccine by Takahashi and the successful use of the vaccine in immunocompromised children in Japan, there has been an increased interest in North America in immunization against varicella. In this article the natural history of VZ infections and the immunologic reactions to VZ virus are described, and the development and use of VZ vaccine in Japan are reviewed. Plans for trials of VZ vaccine in immunocompromised North American children are outlined. The major questions concerning the large-scale use of VZ vaccine are presented.
PLANT GROWTH SUBSTANCES AND PARASITIC NEMATODES. I. ROOT KNOT NEMATODES AND TOMATO.

Abstract The distribution of growth-promoting substances in tomato galls and parasitizing nematodes was detected by the Avena first internode bioassay, and tentative identifications of the growth substances were made by use of paper chromatography. Egg masses and tomato galls of three root knot nematode species, Meloidogyne hapla , M. javanica , and M. incognita , and larvae of two species, M. hapla and M. javanica , were examined. Induction of galls seemed to be associated with growth-promoting substances. The association of auxin with so-called “out-growth” of this tissue was not limited to indoleacetic acid (IAA) but included indoleacetonitrile (IAN), to indoleacetic acid ethyl ester (IAE), and indolebutyric acid (IBA), depending on the species. The type of auxin occurring in larvae, egg masses, and host plant varied from one species of nematode to another within the same genus, e.g., M. hapla had IAA, IAN, IAE; M. javanica , IAA, IAN; and M. incognita , IBA. In general, it appeared that the number and type of auxin occurring in the galls of host plants was correlated with that of auxins found in the parasitizing nematode.
Investigation of the viscoelasticity of human osteosarcoma cells using a shear assay method

This paper presents a shear assay method for the determination of the viscoelastic properties of biological cells. The method was applied to the measurement of the viscoelastic properties of human osteosarcoma (HOS) cells. It involves a combination of shear assay experiments and digital image correlation techniques. Following in situ observations of cell deformation during shear assay experiments, a digital image correlation (DIC) technique was used to determine the local displacement and strain fields. The creep curves were also extracted from multiple digital images that were used to extract the time dependence of local strain under constant stress conditions. The measured creep curves were well described by a generalized viscoelastic Maxwell model. The extracted elastic and viscous parameters were in good agreement with results obtained from prior studies with other techniques. The results also suggested that the nucleus is stiffer than the surrounding cytoplasm of HOS cells.
Selective SecA association with signal sequences in ribosome-bound nascent chains: a potential role for SecA in ribosome targeting to the bacterial membrane.

The role of SecA in selecting bacterial proteins for export was examined using a heterologous system that lacks endogenous SecA and other bacterial proteins. This approach allowed us to assess the interaction of SecA with ribosome-bound photoreactive nascent chains in the absence of trigger factor, SecB, Ffh (the bacterial protein component of the signal recognition particle), and the SecYEG translocon in the bacterial plasma membrane. In the absence of membranes, SecA photocross-linked efficiently to nascent translocation substrate OmpA in ribosome-nascent chain (RNC) complexes in an interaction that was independent of both ATP and SecB. However, no photocross-linking to a nascent membrane protein that is normally targeted by a signal recognition particle was observed. Modification of the signal sequence revealed that its affinity for SecA and Ffh varied inversely. Gel filtration showed that SecA binds tightly to both translating and non-translating ribosomes. When purified SecA·RNC complexes containing nascent OmpA were exposed to inner membrane vesicles lacking functional SecA, the nascent chains were successfully targeted to SecYEG translocons. However, purified RNCs lacking SecA were unable to target to the same membranes. Taken together, these data strongly suggest that cytosolic SecA participates in the selection of proteins for export by co-translationally binding to the signal sequences of non-membrane proteins and directing those nascent chains to the translocon.
Uniformly sparse neural networks

Application of neural networks to problems with a large number of sensory inputs is severely limited when the processing elements (PEs) need to be fully connected. This paper presents a new network model in which a trade off between the number of connections to a node and the number of processing layers can be made. This trade off is an important issue in the VLSI implementation of neural networks. The performance and capability of a hierarchical pyramidal network architecture of limited fan-in PE layers is analyzed. Analysis of this architecture requires the development of a new learning rule, since each PE has access to limited information about the entire network input. A spatially local unsupervised training rule is developed in which each PE optimizes the fraction of its output variance contributed by input correlations, resulting in PEs behaving as adaptive local correlation detectors. It is also shown that the output of a PE optimally represents the mutual information among the inputs to that PE. Applications of the developed model in image compression and motion detection are presented.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Chain distribution functions and segment density functions of polymer chains confined by absorbing or reflecting barriers

Abstract Exact infinite series expressions and simple analytical approximations are derived for the chain distribution functions and the segment density functions of cilia, loops, bridges, and floating chains confined between a pair of infinite parallel walls which act as reflecting or absorbing barriers.
Neuropeptides strike back

A study identifies a previously unknown neuropeptide-based feedback signaling pathway in C. elegans that modulates the response of primary sensory neurons to chemical stimuli and odorant-evoked behaviors.
Chemical denervation of the myenteric plexus of the muscular stomach of turkeys

Abstract 1. The thin caudoventral muscle (TCM) of the muscular stomach of domestic turkeys was surgically exposed and painted with solutions of saline or 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0% benzalkonium chloride (BC), a cationic surfactant shown to irreversibly damage neurons but not muscle tissue in mammals. 2. Following fluoroscopic observations of gastric motility for 2 weeks, turkeys were euthanized, the entire muscular stomach was excised and weighed, and serial frozen sections of the TCM were taken for evaluation of the number and size of neurons in the myenteric plexus. 3. Treatment with 0.5 and 1.0% BC resulted in loss of motility in the TCM, significant hypertrophy (P
Heat and acid tolerance of Listeria monocytogenes after exposure to single and multiple sublethal stresses.

Abstract The majority of published studies on the adaptive heat or acid tolerance response of Listeria monocytogenes have been performed with a single strain exposed to a single adaptation treatment; however, in food ecosystems, microorganisms commonly exist as multi-species communities and encounter multiple stresses, which may result in “stress hardening”. Therefore, the present study evaluated the adaptive responses to heat (52, 57 and 63 °C) or lactic acid (pH 3.5) of a 10-strain composite of L. monocytogenes meat and human isolates at stationary phase, following exposure to combinations of osmotic (10% NaCl), acidic (pH 5.0 with HCl) and thermal (T; 46 °C) stresses, sequentially or simultaneously within 1.5 h, in tryptic soy broth with 0.6% yeast extract (TSBYE). All treatments induced adaptive responses on L. monocytogenes at 57 °C, while no such cross-protection was observed at 52 and 63 °C. Survivor curves at 57 °C appeared convex with profound shoulders determined by a Weibull model. The highest thermotolerance was observed after combined exposure to acid and heat shock (pH–T), followed by exposure to osmotic shock, and by the combination of osmotic with heat shock (NaCl–T). Regarding acid tolerance, prior exposure to low pH, pH–T, or a combination of NaCl, pH and T resulted in a marked increase of resistance to pH 3.5, showing concave inactivation curves with tails at higher levels of survivors (log10 CFU ml−1) than the control cultures. The sequence of exposure to sublethal stresses did not affect the thermotolerance of L. monocytogenes, whereas simultaneous exposure to most multiple stresses (e.g., NaCl–pH–T, NaCl–T and NaCl–pH) resulted in higher survivors of L. monocytogenes at pH 3.5 than exposure to the same stresses sequentially. The results indicate that combinations and sequences of sublethal hurdles may affect L. monocytogenes acid and heat tolerance, especially in acidic environments with mild heating or in low moisture environments.
Mutations in ribosomal proteins S4 and S12 influence the higher order structure of 16 S ribosomal RNA.

Abstract We have studied the effects of protein mutations on the higher order structure of 16 S rRNA in Escherichia coli ribosomes, using a set of structure-sensitive chemical probes. Ten mutant strains were studied, which contained alterations in ribosomal proteins S4 and S12, including double mutants containing both altered S4 and S12. Two ribosomal ambiguity ( ram ) S4 mutant strains, four streptomycin resistant (Sm R ) S12 mutant strains, one streptomycin pseudodependent (Sm P ) S12 mutant strain, one streptomycin dependent (Sm D ) S12 mutant strain and two streptomycin independent (Sm I ) double mutants (containing both Sm D and ram mutations) were probed and compared to an isogenic wildtype strain. In ribosomes from strains containing S4 ram mutations, nucleotides A8 and A26 become more reactive to dimethyl sulfate (DMS) at their N-1 positions. In ribosomes from strains bearing the Sm D allele, A908, A909, A1413 and G1487 are significantly less reactive to chemical probes. These same effects are observed when the S4 and S12 mutations are present simultaneously in the double mutants. An interesting correlation is found between the reactivity of A908 and the miscoding potential of Sm R , Sm D , Sm P and wild-type ribosomes; the reactivity of A908 increases as the translational error frequency of the ribosomes increases. In the case of ram ribosomes, the reactivity of A908 resembles that of wild-type, unless tRNA is bound, in which case it becomes hyper-reactive. Similarly, streptomycin has little effect on A908 in wild-type ribosomes unless tRNA is bound, in which case its reactivity increases to resemble that of ram ribosomes with bound tRNA. Finally, interaction of streptomycin with Sm P and Sm D ribosomes causes the reactivity of A908 to increase to near-wild-type levels. A simple model is proposed, in which the reactivity of A908 reflects the position of an equilibrium between two conformational states of the 30 S subunit, one of which is DMS-reactive, and the other DMS-unreactive. In this model, the balance between these two states would be influenced by proteins S4 and S12. Mutations in S12 generally cause a shift toward the unreactive conformer, and in the case of Sm D and Sm P ribosomes, this shift can be suppressed phenotypically by streptomycin, ram mutations in protein S4 cause a shift toward the reactive conformer, but only when tRNA is bound. This suggests that the opposing effects of these two classes of mutations influence the proof-reading process by somewhat different mechanisms.
Neuronal control of the synthesis of specific proteins in muscle fibers

Abstract The phenotypes of muscle fibers are largely reflections of their programs of protein synthesis. Although many of these synthetic programs are determined by the timely expression of genetic programs initiated within the muscle cell itself, ‘outside' information (delivered to muscle fibers by innervating motor neurons) is required for a muscle fiber to differentiate fully. Removal of this neuronal information from mature avian ‘fast-twitch' muscle fibers affects the different ‘sets' of muscle proteins very differently; ranging from a decrease to an increase in the rate of protein synthesis. In some cases removal of the exogenous neuronal information normally supplied to mature fast-twitch muscle fibers in vivo , appears to have a partial ‘dedifferentiation' effect on these muscle fibers.
Anesthetic management of labor in a patient with dextrocardia, congenitally corrected transposition, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, and congestive heart failure

Labor and delivery greatly stress the cardiovascular system. In this patient with underlying congenital heart disease and congestive heart failure, hemodynamic stability was maintained with a combination of lumbar epidural and caudal epidural anesthesia.
Increased resistance to extinction following partial reinforcement: A function of N-length or percentage of reinforcement?

Rats were trained in a runway, with a 15-min ITI, in a 2 by 2 factorial design with two values of percentage of reinforcement (44.8% and 57.1%) and two values of N-length (long and short). There was also an appended CRF group. The short N-length groups had 100 N-R transitions, and the long N-length groups had 60 N-R transitions. Each N-length received a minimum of 10 reinforced occurrences. The low percentage Ss were most resistant to extinction, the high percentage Ss next most, and the CRF Ss least resistant. There was no N-length effect and no interaction.
Implementation of the Wireless Calibration for Electronic Transformer

In order to adapt to the development of smart substation metering technology , and to improve the efficiency and quality of the on-site calibration of the electronic transformer. On the basis of the existing calibration system, combined with wireless transmission and of new synchronization technologies, focused on the IEC 61850 data and precision clock wireless transmission device to achieve difficult problems in-depth analysis, then the implementation of electronic transformer on-site wireless calibration system is proposed.
Multispectral fluorescence imaging techniques for nondestructive food safety inspection

The use of spectral sensing has gained acceptance as a rapid means for nondestructive inspection of postharvest food produce. Current technologies generally use color or a single wavelength camera technology. The applicability and sensitivity of these techniques can be expanded through the use of multiple wavelengths. Reflectance in the Vis/NIR is the prevalent spectral technique. Fluorescence, compared to reflectance, is regarded as a more sensitive technique due to its dynamic responses to subtle changes in biological entities. Our laboratory has been exploring fluorescence as a potential means for detection of quality and wholesomeness of food products. Applications of fluorescence sensing require an understanding of the spectral characteristics emanating from constituents and potential contaminants. A number of factors affecting fluorescence emission characteristics are discussed. Because of relatively low fluorescence quantum yield from biological samples, a system with a powerful pulse light source such as a laser coupled with a gated detection device is used to harvest fluorescence, in the presence of ambient light. Several fluorescence sensor platforms developed in our laboratory, including hyperspectral imaging, and laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) and steady-state fluorescence imaging systems with multispectral capabilities are presented. We demonstrate the potential uses of recently developed fluorescence imaging platforms in food safety inspection of apples contaminated with animal feces.
Partisanship Effects in Judgments of Fairness and Trust in Third Parties in the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict

This study tested the hypothesis that partisanship influences judgments of fairness and trustworthiness in the mediation of social conflict. Subjects evaluated third party proposals for resolving the conflict in Jerusalem. A2×2×4 factorial design examined (1) partisanship of the subject, either partisan (pro-Israeli) or nonpartisan (neutral); (2) content bias of third party proposals, where the substance of the proposal was either (a) pro-Israeli or (b) evenhanded; and (3) source bias, where the third party was labeled as being (a) pro-Israeli, (b) pro-Palestinian, (c) neutral, or (d) of unknown persuasion. Analyses of judgments of fairness and third party trustworthiness indicated differences between partisan and nonpartisan subjects in self-serving bias and underlying dynamics in judgments. Partisans used favorableness of the proposals to judge the trustworthiness of the third party, independent of evenhandedness of the proposal, whereas evenhandedness was the criterion for nonpartisans. Nonpartisans tr...
SU‐GG‐I‐53: The Impact of Scan Angles On the Visibility of Anatomy in On‐Board Digital Tomosynthesis (DTS) Images for Head and Neck Cancer Patients: A Single‐Observer Study

Purpose: To assess the impact of scan angles on the visibility of anatomy in on‐board digital tomosynthesis (DTS) images as a means to optimize this technique. Method and Materials: Head and neck cancer patients undergoing intensity‐modulated radiotherapy(IMRT) were enrolled onto this study. For each session, the patient was positioned using laser marks. On‐board imagingdata sets including CBCT scans as reference, and DTS with 20° and 40° scan angles in the coronal or sagittal directions, respectively, were obtained. Visibility of selected anatomic structures (1=much better, 2=slightly better, 3=comparable, 4=slightly worse, 5=much worse) were assessed by a single observer. Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test was performed to analyze the statistical significance. Results:Imagedata sets were collected from 30 treatment fractions for 12 patients. Overall, in coronal direction, there was no statistically significant difference in visibility between the DTS scan angles of 20° and 40° for base of tongue and cervical vertebral body (p = 0.083, 0.157, respectively), except for thyroid cartilage (p =0.025). In sagittal direction, only the hyoid was found to have a statistically significant difference in visibility (p = 0.025), while no significant difference was found for the rest of anatomic structures (p = 0.317, 0.157, 0.317 for base of tongue, cervical vertebral body, and epiglottis, respectively). However, when assessments for multiple fractions were averaged, no statistically significant difference was found for all anatomic structures in either coronal or sagittal directions. Conclusion: This single‐observer study shows that visibility of anatomy is roughly equal for the scan angle of 40° than 20° in both coronal and sagittal direction. Due to the limitations of single‐observer study, more definitive conclusion could not be drawn. Further analysis with a multiple‐observer study of more patients is needed to confirm this preliminary result.
CONTRACTOR PREQUALIFICATION USING FUZZY SETS

Abstract Contractor prequalification involves evaluation of factors that contain a high degree of uncertainty. Current methods of contractor prequalification fail to address uncertainty in the evaluation process. The use of fuzzy sets is examined to address this shortcoming. Fuzzy sets have been employed in order to provide a more consistent, rational method of evaluating the non-random uncertainties that are present in the contractor evaluation process. The linguistic factors (such as good, fair, or poor) used in fuzzy set analysis provide a more appropriate means to model decision circumstances that occur in industry than the current crisp (usually numerical) factors. Evaluation factors from a previous study are used. Each factor was assigned a grade. Correspondingly, each grade was represented by a fuzzy set. These fuzzy sets were then weighted and combined resulting in a fuzzy set. This composite fuzzy set represents the contractor's rating. When evaluating multiple contractors, each contractor's comp...
Prospective assessment of lymphatic dissemination in endometrial cancer: a paradigm shift in surgical staging.

Objective. To prospectively assess pelvic and para-aortic lymph node metastases in endometrial cancer with lymphatic dissemination, emphasizing the examination of para-aortic metastases relative to the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA). Methods. Over 36 months, 422 consecutive patients were managed by predefined surgical guidelines differentiating low-risk patients from patients at risk for dissemination requiring systematic lymphadenectomy. Low risk was defined as grade 1 or 2 endometrioid type with myometrial invasion (MI) ≤50% and primary tumor diameter (PTD) ≤2 cm. Pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes were submitted separately, with nodes identified from all 8 pelvic and 4 para-aortic node-bearing basins. Surgical quality assessments examined median node counts (primary surrogate for quality) and nodes harvested above and below the IMA and excised gonadal veins (secondary surrogates). Results. Lymphadenectomy was not required in 27% of patients (all low risk) and in 33% (n=112) of endometrioid cases. However, 22 patients (20%) of this latter cohort had lymphadenectomy and all lymph nodes were negative. Sixty-three (22%) of 281 patients undergoing lymphadenectomy had lymph node metastases: both pelvic and para-aortic in 51%, only pelvic in 33%, and isolated to the para-aortic area in 16%. Therefore, 67% of patients with lymphatic dissemination had para-aortic lymph node metastases. Furthermore, 77% of patients with para-aortic node involvement had metastases above the IMA, whereas nodes in the ipsilateral para-aortic area below the IMA and ipsilateral common iliac basin were declared negative in 60% and 71%, respectively. Gonadal veins were excised in 25 patients with para-aortic node metastases; 7 patients (28%) had documented metastatic involvement of gonadal veins or surrounding soft tissue. Conclusions. The high rate of lymphatic metastasis above the IMA indicates the need for systematic pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy (vs sampling) up to the renal vessels. The latter should include consideration of excision of the gonadal veins. Conversely, lymphadenectomy does not benefit patients with grade 1 and 2 endometrioid lesions with MI ≤50% and PTD ≤2 cm.
Electrically Conductive Carbon Nanofiber Composites with High-Density Polyethylene and Glass Fibers

Carbon nanofibers are being investigated for incorporation into composites to improve mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. The difficulties in making such composites are issues of disper...
Intravenous methylprednisolone or plasma exchange for adjunctive therapy of severe renal vasculitis

Intravenous methylprednisolone or plasma exchange for adjunctive therapy of severe renal vasculitis?
Treatment of a venous-lake angioma with intense pulsed light

various vascular lesions with minimal side-effects. A pulse width is chosen to deliver light energy within the thermal relaxation time (cooling time) of the target vessels. The large spot size (8 35 mm) allows deeper photon penetration. We report treatment of a venous-lake angioma with the PhotoDerm VL IPL. The treated lesion was 11 mm in diameter and 4 mm deep on the right upper lip of a 70-year-old woman (figure, top), and had been present for over 3 years. A cool thermocoupling gel, BVL (ESC Medical Systems), was applied to the area of the venous lake before treatment. We used wavelengths above 590 nm, a triple pulse mode delivering an average fluence of 67·5 J/cm in three consecutive pulses, separated by an average 50 ms delay, with an average 5·1 ms duration per pulse. Six such triple pulses were delivered to the lesion during one treatment session. No anaesthesia was required. The lesion lightened immediately after treatment, with no purpura. 33 days after treatment the area was normal in appearance and to palpation (figure, bottom).
Integrating Writing Strategy Instruction With Content-Area Instruction Part I---Orienting Students to Organizational Devices

Introduces guidelines for teaching content-area lessons using graphic organizers as a way to meet the needs of adolescents with mild learning handicaps
Nucleocapsid protein-mediated maturation of dimer initiation complex of full-length SL1 stemloop of HIV-1: sequence effects and mechanism of RNA refolding

Specific binding of HIV-1 viral protein NCp7 to a unique 35-base RNA stem-loop SL1 is critical for formation and packaging of the genomic RNA dimer found within HIV-1 virions. NCp7 binding stimulates refolding of SL1 from a metastable kissing dimer (KD) into thermodynamically stable linear dimer (LD). Using UV melting, gel electrophoresis and heteronuclear NMR, we investigated effects of various site-specific mutations within the full-length SL1 on temperature- or NCp7-induced refolding in vitro. Refolding involved intramolecular melting of SL1 stems but not dissociation of the intermolecular KD interface. Refolding required only two NCp7 molecules per KD but was limited by the amount of NCp7 present, implying that the protein does not catalytically promote refolding. Efficient refolding depended strictly on the presence and, to a lesser degree, on sequence of a highly conserved G-rich internal loop that normally limits thermal stability of the SL1 stem. Adding two base pairs to the lower stem created a hyperstable SL1 mutant that failed to refold, even when bound by NCp7 at high stoichiometries. NMR analysis of these kinetically trapped mutant RNA-protein complexes indicated that NCp7 initiates refolding by dissociating base pairs in the upper stem of SL1. This study illuminates structural transitions critical for HIV-1 assembly and replication.
Voltage saturation in electrical contacts via viscoplastic creep

Abstract Electrical contact resistance affects the performance of electrical switches and other current-carrying interfaces. This study investigates the behavior of electrical contact resistance for copper–copper and aluminum–aluminum sphere-on-flat contact as a function of current through the interface. It is observed that the contact resistance may either increase or decrease with increasing current, depending on the current level as well as the current history. At low current levels the voltage drop across the interface increases initially with increasing current until it saturates. The voltage level remains nearly constant even if the current is increased beyond the value corresponding to saturation. Hereafter any subsequent decrease in current yields a corresponding decrease in voltage, so that the associated current cycle shows substantial hysteresis. However, subsequent cycles of current are reversible so long as the voltage remains below the saturation point. Analyses of the results suggest that the mechanism of viscoplastic creep is responsible for the voltage saturation phenomenon.
The Colorado High-Resolution Echelle Stellar Spectrograph (CHESS) Design and Status

Abstract I present a new far-ultraviolet echelle spectrograph, which will provide resolving power greater than any currently existing far-ultraviolet instrument. We are using new gratings, detectors, and coatings that allow substantial advances in performance. I will present the current status of the design, and discuss known challenges and our plans to resolve them. While the design purpose of this instrument is for observations of nearby hot stars, the technologies we incorporate will allow for advances relevant to observation subjects from protoplanetary disks to the intergalactic medium. Incorporating such a spectrograph into a future, long-duration mission will make new high-quality observations possible and enhance our understanding of astrophysical plasmas.
Photoinduced electron transfer for pyrromethene dyes

The photophysics and electrochemistry of pyrromethene dyes (PM), an important class of laser dyes, have been investigated. Selected dyes were found to be moderately good electron donors. Diffusion-limited fluorescence quenching (ca. 6 × 109 M-1 s-1) is observed for the dyes having half-wave oxidation potentials <1.07 V (vs SCE) in the presence of an electron acceptor, such as methyl viologen or pyromellitic dianhydride. For pyrromethene 567, the dye radical cation and triplet state, along with the pyromellitic dianhydride radical anion and the methyl viologen radical cation, were identified using transient absorption spectroscopy. The dye radical cation, which displays a sharp absorption band at 410 nm, is found to be insensitive toward oxygen. Secondary electron transfer involving the reduction of oxygen and producing superoxide radical anion is suggested. Oxygen plays a critical role in PM dye photochemistry as it induces intersystem crossing to generate the dye triplet state and gives rise to products ...
Probabilistic risk analysis and safety regulation in the chemical industry

Abstract The recent evolution of risk regulations in general is discussed. The state-of-the-art probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) in the chemical industry and the current use of the results by the industry and the regulatory agencies are examined. The methodology of chemical risk assessment for routine as well as catastrophic release is discussed. More specifically are examined the questions of how to assess and report the uncertainties involved in the risk analysis, and where to include conservativeness. As an illustration, the problem of uncertainties in the dose—response relationships for carcinogens is considered. The adequacy and feasibility of safety goals such as those proposed in the nuclear industry as a basis for regulatory standards are discussed. The notion of coherence of standards is explored and a proposal is made to treat explicitly the analytical uncertainties both in the assessment of the risk and in the safety goals.
An analysis of hardware and software availability exemplified on the IBM 3725 communication controller

Because of the growing commercial, governmental, and scientific requirements for system availability, evaluating this factor has become increasingly important. This paper presents a unified approach to hardware and software availability of a system in the operational phase. The aim is to evaluate the availability in a given time interval, to show how to improve it, and to determine the probability that a specified level is met over the period. The inputs are the failure and repair rates of the system elements, and the functional relationship between them. Field tracking provides the failure and repair data, and Markov-chain techniques make it possible to construct, reduce, and solve the model. Availability is computed by the program package System Availability Estimator (SAVE). The model has been used and validated with actual field data for the IBM 3725 Communication Controller.
Hypnosis and the Conditioned Reflex

Resume On a fait cette expterience dans le but d'etudier le phenomene de l'amnesie post-hypnotique en essayant d'etablir un reflexe conditionnel de defense du doigt a une sonnette electrique (avec un choc electrique comme le stimulus non conditionnel) pendant que le sujet a ete dans la catalepsie hypnotique et en employant des tests pour trouver la reaction conditionnelle dans l'etat de reveil quinze minutes apres l'etablissement. Les resultats ont montre que les reactions conditionnelles sont etablies dans l'etat de catalepsie plus facilement que dans l'etat de reveil (ce qui est contraire aux implications de la theeorie de l'hypnose de Pavlov). De telles reactions ont ete evoquees dan l'etat suivant de reveil (ce qui est contraire aux implications de la theorie de l'hypnose de Pavlov). De telles reactions ont ete evoquees dans l'etat suivant de reveil malgre le fait que les sujets n'ont pu rien se rappeler des evenements de la catalepsie. En accord avec les resultats d'autres etudes, les reactions condi...
Experimental Versus Theoretical Characteristics of a High-Speed Hybrid (Combination Hydrostatic and Hydrodynamic) Bearing

The high-speed test facility designed and installed at Texas A&M to study water lubricated journal bearings has been successfully used to test statically an orifice compensated five-recess-hybrid (combination hydrostatic and hydrodynamic) bearing for two radial clearance configurations. Measurements of relative-bearing position, torque, recess pressure, flow rate, and temperature were made at speeds from 10,000 to 25,000 rpm and supply pressures of 6.89 MPa (1,000 psi), 5.52 MPa (800 psi), and 4.14 MPa (600 psi)
Rapid, low level determination of silver(I) in drinking water by colorimetric-solid-phase extraction

Abstract A rapid, highly sensitive two-step procedure for the trace analysis of silver(I) is described. The method is based on: (1) the solid-phase extraction (SPE) of silver(I) from a water sample onto a disk impregnated with a silver-selective colorimetric reagent, and (2) the determination of the amount of complexed analyte extracted by the disk by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). This method, called colorimetric–solid-phase extraction (C–SPE), was recently shown effective in determining low concentrations (0.1–5.0 mg/ml) of iodine and iodide in drinking water. This report extends C–SPE to the trace (∼4 μg/l) level monitoring of silver(I) which is a biocide used on the International Space Station (ISS). The determination relies on the manually driven passage of a water sample through a polystyrene–divinylbenzene disk that has been impregnated with the colorimetric reagent 5-(p-dimethylaminobenzylidene) rhodanine (DMABR) and with an additive such as a semi-volatile alcohol (1,2-decanediol) or nonionic surfactant (Brij 30). The amount of concentrated silver(I) is then determined in a few seconds by using a hand-held diffuse reflectance spectrometer, with a total sample workup and readout time of ∼60 s. Importantly, the additive induces the uptake of water by the disk, which creates a local environment conducive to silver(I) complexation at an extremely high concentration factor (∼800). There is no detectable reaction between silver(I) and impregnated DMABR in the absence of the additive. This strategy represents an intriguing new dimension for C–SPE in which additives, directly loaded in the disk material, provide a means to manipulate the reactivity of the impregnated reagent.
Self-awareness and the evolution of social intelligence.

The use of one's own experience as a model to make inferences about the experiences of others is theorized to be the means by which a variety of introspectively based social strategies developed for both competing and cooperating with one another (e.g. gratitude, grudging, sympathy, empathy, deception, pretending and sorrow). The proposition that this ability is a byproduct of self-awareness is developed in some detail and the predictions which follow from this model of social intelligence are considered in light of the evidence.
Effects of providing hospital-based doulas in health maintenance organization hospitals.

Objective: To evaluate whether providing doulas during hospital-based labor affects mode of delivery, epidural use, breast-feeding, and postpartum perceptions of the birth, self-esteem, and depression. Methods: This was a randomized study of nullipara enrollees in a group-model health maintenance organization who delivered in one of three health maintenance organization–managed hospitals; 149 had doulas, and 165 had usual care. Study data were obtained from the mothers’ medical charts, study intake forms, and phone interviews conducted 4–6 weeks postpartum. Results: Women who had doulas had significantly less epidural use (54.4% versus 66.1%, P < .05) than women in the usual-care group. They also were significantly (P < .05) more likely to rate the birth experience as good (82.5% versus 67.4%), to feel they coped very well with labor (46.8% versus 28.3%), and to feel labor had a very positive effect on their feelings as women (58.0% versus 43.7%) and perception of their bodies’ strength and performance (58.0% versus 41.0%). The two groups did not differ significantly in rates of cesarean, vaginal, forceps, or vacuum delivery, oxytocin administration; or breast-feeding, nor did they differ on the postpartum depression or self-esteem measures. Conclusion: For this population and setting, labor support from doulas had a desirable effect on epidural use and women’s perceptions of birth, but did not alter need for operative deliveries.
The Impact of Role Identities on Entrepreneurs’ Evaluation and Selection of Opportunities:

Extant research suggests that entrepreneurs’ identities influence the venture creation process. However, we know little about how the “hats” that entrepreneurs wear (i.e., their different role identities) influence how entrepreneurs think about—and select—opportunities. Employing verbal protocol and content analysis techniques, we show that, depending on the role identity assumed, entrepreneurs attend to different opportunity features and make different decisions with regard to opportunity consideration and selection. As a result, role identity has an important situated influence on entrepreneurs’ cognition, which may significantly affect the pattern of growth and pursuit of their new ventures.