cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Turbulent heat transfer to power-law fluids in helical passages

Abstract The fully developed turbulent Fanning friction factors and Nusselt numbers for purely viscous power-law non-Newtonian fluids in helical coils were measured experimentally. The flow passage is about 600 hydraulic diameters long. The test section wall was heated by passing direct electric current through it, yielding constant peripheral wall temperature and constant heat flux per unit length along the flow direction. For turbulent power-law fluid flows through helical coils, over the range of the coil-to-tube diameter ratio from 10 to 26, the generalized Reynolds number (Re * ) from 25,000 to 50,000, the Prandtl number from 6 to 14, and the power-law exponent ( n ) from 0.78 to 1, improved correlations for friction factor-prediction and a new correlation for Nusselt number are proposed. Other than space saving, helical coils do not offer any advantages over a straight tube for heat-exchanger applications involving turbulent flow of Newtonian or power-law non-Newtonian fluids.
A T cell epitope for experimental allergic neuritis.

Abstract A synthetic peptide representing residues 57–81 of the bovine P2 protein produced severe paralytic experimental allergic neuritis (EAN) in Lewis rats. Peptide 57–81 could also be used to stimulate a P2 protein-specific T cell line to transfer paralytic EAN to naive recipient rats. A smaller peptide representing residues 60–81 produced a milder form of clinical disease. Residues 60–81 are the shortest peptide sequence thus far described which can produce clinical EAN. The structural predictions for the sequence represented by these peptides support the contention that T cell antigenic sites tend to be amphipathic α-helical structures.
Mechanical ventilation was associated with acidemia in a case series of salicylate-poisoned patients.

Objectives Despite little empiric evidence, mechanical ventilation (MV) in the setting of salicylate poisoning is considered by many to be harmful. When salicylate-poisoned patients are ventilated at conventional settings, the respiratory alkalosis is abolished, more salicylate is able to pass into the central nervous system (CNS), and neurotoxicity worsens. The objective of this study was to identify a relationship between MV, acidosis, and outcome in salicylate-poisoned patients. Methods The authors electronically searched a poison control center (PCC) database (2001-2007) for patients with salicylate poisoning, defined as a serum concentration > 50 mg/dL, who had MV listed as a therapy. For the 7-year study period, a total of 3,144 salicylate-poisoning cases were identified. Eleven patients met the inclusion criteria of having both salicylate concentrations > 50 mg/dL and required MV; only 7 of them had post-MV data available. Results In all seven patients with post-MV blood gas data, the post-MV pH was 50 mm Hg. Two of the seven patients in the study group died following intubation (two patients died within 3 hours [serum salicylate concentrations, 85 and 79 mg/dL, respectively]). Another patient sustained severe neurologic injury (serum salicylate concentration, 84 mg/dL). The other four patients were ultimately discharged home. In the three patients with the worst clinical outcome, deterioration was reported within hours of intubation. Conclusions Inadequate MV of patients with salicylate poisoning is associated with respiratory acidosis, acidemia, and clinical deterioration in this series of cases. This supports warnings about the danger of improper MV in patients with salicylate poisoning. A prospective study should be performed.
The “Owl Horn” Radar Signature in Developing Southern Plains Supercells

Abstract During spring 2001 in the Southern Plains, a recurring, hitherto undocumented reflectivity signature that the authors have called the “Owl Horn” signature (because the radar reflectivity pattern resembles the profile of the Great Horned Owl) was observed on a mobile, X-band radar display. The reflectivity signature was always located at the rear side of a developing supercell, spanned the entire rear side of the storm, and was always seen on low-level plan position indicator (PPI) scans. It lasted on the order of only 5–10 min and was not an artifact of the radar. A study of the Owl Horn signature was undertaken using the Tracking Radar Echoes by Correlation technique (TREC) to estimate the wind field. TREC has previously been applied to clear-air and hurricane environments, and to the internal motions of severe storms, but not to their evolution. The characteristics of the signature are presented, and then, through the application of TREC to the radar reflectivity data (Doppler wind data were no...
The effect of water flow on movement, burrowing, and distributions of the gastropod Ilyanassa obsoleta in a tidal creek

Small-scale population densities of tidal creek eastern mudsnails, Ilyanassa obsoleta Say (studied in 1986 and in 1992 at West Meadow Creek, Stony Brook, New York) corresponded more to variation in water flow velocity than to surface sediment chlorophyll a. Higher densities were found at low flow sites. Short-term behavioral responses are likely to be responsible for density variation. Experiments using laboratory flumes and field observations both demonstrated that the snails responded to strong flow by burrowing into the substratum. Burrowing may prevent dislodgment from the sediment surface, but it also appears to be disadvantageous since burrowed mudsnails have smaller amounts of food in their guts. Snails released in sites of periodic high flow conditions moved greater distances and were soon found near the quiet-water periphery of the creek, whereas snails released at the quiet-water periphery moved far less. It is not clear whether movement from the high flow site was through crawling or through hydrodynamic transport. Laboratory flume experiments demonstrated an active crawling movement towards areas of lower current velocity. This evidence suggests that strong bottom flow in the creek center results in a combined response of burial to avoid dislodgment and a net movement towards quiet water, which reduces exposure to the high velocity conditions of the creek center.
Application and Impact of the Psychopathy Label to Juveniles

With the development of new instruments that formally measure psychopathy in juveniles, questions regarding the negative associations with the psychopathy label have emerged. Using a vignette design, we examined whether the psychopathy label and several characteristic traits elicited punitive sanctions with regard to transfer to adult court, amenability to treatment, punishment, and dangerousness. Five groups were examined; undergraduate college students, law students, judges, clinicians, and developmental experts. We hypothesized that the traits and the label would result in negative associations, with the strongest effect resulting from the presence of both the psychopathy label and its associated traits. Results demonstrated: (1) undergraduate college students believed individuals were more dangerous when psychopathic traits were present; (2) clinicians were less likely to believe the youth was amenable to treatment if the label was present; (3) developmental experts focused on both the label and its c...
Speech Impairment in Down Syndrome: A Review

Purpose This review summarizes research on disorders of speech production in Down syndrome (DS) for the purposes of informing clinical services and guiding future research. Method Review of the literature was based on searches using MEDLINE, Google Scholar, PsycINFO, and HighWire Press, as well as consideration of reference lists in retrieved documents (including online sources). Search terms emphasized functions related to voice, articulation, phonology, prosody, fluency, and intelligibility. Conclusions The following conclusions pertain to four major areas of review: voice, speech sounds, fluency and prosody, and intelligibility. The first major area is voice. Although a number of studies have reported on vocal abnormalities in DS, major questions remain about the nature and frequency of the phonatory disorder. Results of perceptual and acoustic studies have been mixed, making it difficult to draw firm conclusions or even to identify sensitive measures for future study. The second major area is speech s...
Monolithic glass block lasercom terminal: hardware proof of concept and test results

We summarize a compact lasercom terminal implementation based on a previously described system concept, and report on measurements made on a prototype optical system built on internal MITRE funds. This paper discusses the fabrication and test of an innovative hardware proof-of-concept for an advanced satellite lasercom terminal with a ten-fold size, weight, and production cost reduction over current practice. We have built and tested a proof-of-concept of the optics portion of a full duplex `monolithic glass block' (MGB) lasercom terminal. The complete MGB optical system is only 6' X 4' X 0.5' and weighs less than a pound. A complete terminal which includes a 3 - 4 inch telescope and gimbal could be implemented for as little as 15 - 30 pounds. The optical system test results are reported. Our approach uses emerging technologies and a highly integrated system design, based on representative system requirements for satellite crosslinks. Technology evaluation and system trades led to a novel optics design for a lasercom terminal, based on thin film coatings and half-inch glass cubes. The emerging photonic technologies employed include liquid crystals for solid state switching, automatic gain control, and microradian alignment; multi-layer dielectric films for optical bandpass filters, dichroic separation, and polarization control; semiconductor lasers with microlens optics; and an original design where all the optics are realized in planar thin films incorporated on small glass substrates, nominally one-half inch in size. These glass cubes are permanently bonded together to form a monolithic ensemble. Hence, we have coined this implementation the monolithic glass block (MGB) approach. Fused silica is used throughout for reasons of superb radiation resistance and thermal stability. The thin film filters, switches, and polarizers perform all the necessary functions in collimated light. This approach is feasible because the optical paths have been dramatically reduced to eliminate the need for relay optics, and the design has been refined such that the entire optical assembly is implemented with a single lens for each laser transmitter for beamforming, and a single lens for each receiver for imaging. The collimated optics design and MGB approach results in greatly relaxed fabrication, alignment, and assembly requirements, which are dominant schedule and cost drivers in the implementation of current lasercom terminal designs.
ENDOTOXIN (Etx) AND PRO-INFLAMMATORY CYTOKINE (PIC) LEVELS IN DIFFERENT STAGES OF NEONATAL NECROTIZING ENTEROCOLITIS (NEC). † 1793

The etiology of NEC is uncertain. This prospective study tests the hypotheses that: a) Endotoxemia promotes the development of NEC through PICs; b) Etx and PIC levels increase with severity of NEC. Neonates with NEC (22) were categorized into Bell's stages: I (7), II (4), & III (11). Nine with stage III NEC required surgery; 2 died. Plasma levels (pg/ml) of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were determined by ELISA at the onset of NEC (day 0), and on days 2 & 7. Plasma Etx levels (EU/ml) were determined by LAL assay on day 0 only. Results: (mean±SD by ANOVA with repeated measures). Etx, IL-1β, and IL-6, but not TNF-α levels increased with severity of NEC. IL-1β was not detectable in stage I. IL-6 remained elevated on all days in all stages, and was 2.5 fold higher in non-survivors vs. survivors (p=.06). Etx levels differed significantly between stages I& III, and II & III (p=.016); IL-1β and IL-6 levels differed significantly between stages I & III only. PIC levels did not differ significantly between stages II and III on all three days.Conclusion: Endotoxin levels increase with severity of NEC with concomitant increase in IL-1β and IL-6 levels suggesting their role in pathogenesis, prognosis, and outcome of NEC. Table
Monte Carlo simulation of scatter in non-uniform symmetrical attenuating media for point and distributed sources

Abstract We report results of scatter simulations for both point and distributed sources of 99m Tc in symmetrical non-uniform attenuating media. The simulations utilized Monte Carlo techniques and were tested against experimental phantoms. Both point and ring sources were used inside a 10.5 cm radius acrylic phantom. Attenuating media consisted of combinations of water, ground beef (to simulate muscle mass), air and bone meal (to simulate bone mass). We estimated/measured energy spectra, detector efficiencies and peak height ratios for all cases. In all cases, the simulated spectra agree with the experimentally measured spectra within 2 SD. Detector efficiencies and peak height ratios also are in agreement. The Monte Carlo code is able to properly model the non-uniform attenuating media used in this project. With verification of the simulations, it is possible to perform initial evaluation studies of scatter correction algorithms by evaluating the mechanisms of action of the correction algorithm on the simulated spectra where the magnitude and sources of scatter are known.
A partial classification of inverse limit spaces of tent maps with periodic critical points

We work within the one-parameter family of symmetric tent maps, where the slope is the parameter. Given two such tent maps fa, fb with periodic turning points of the same period, we use the finite kneading sequences of the maps to obtain a necessary condition for the inverse limit spaces (I,fa) and (I,fb) to be homeomorphic. As this condition depends only on the parity of the kneading sequence, it is easily checked. To obtain our result, we define topological substructures of a composant, called “wrapping points” and “gaps”, and identify properties of these substructures preserved under a homeomorphism.
G-NetMon: A GPU-accelerated Network Performance Monitoring System

At Fermilab, we have prototyped a GPU-accelerated network performance monitoring system, called G-NetMon, to support large-scale scientific collaborations. In this work, we explore new opportunities in network traffic monitoring and analysis with GPUs. Our system exploits the data parallelism that exists within network flow data to provide fast analysis of bulk data movement between Fermilab and collaboration sites. Experiments demonstrate that our G-NetMon can rapidly detect sub-optimal bulk data movements.
A Myeloid Hypoxia-inducible Factor 1α-Krüppel-like Factor 2 Pathway Regulates Gram-positive Endotoxin-mediated Sepsis

Although Gram-positive infections account for the majority of cases of sepsis, the molecular mechanisms underlying their effects remains poorly understood. We investigated how cell wall components of Gram-positive bacteria contribute to the development of sepsis. Experimental observations derived from cultured primary macrophages and the cell line indicate that Gram-positive bacterial endotoxins induce hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) mRNA and protein expression. Inoculation of live or heat-inactivated Gram-positive bacteria with macrophages induced HIF-1 transcriptional activity in macrophages. Concordant with these results, myeloid deficiency of HIF-1α attenuated Gram-positive bacterial endotoxin-induced cellular motility and proinflammatory gene expression in macrophages. Conversely, Gram-positive bacteria and their endotoxins reduced expression of the myeloid anti-inflammatory transcription factor Kruppel-like transcription factor 2 (KLF2). Sustained expression of KLF2 reduced and deficiency of KLF2 enhanced Gram-positive endotoxins induced HIF-1α mRNA and protein expression in macrophages. More importantly, KLF2 attenuated Gram-positive endotoxins induced cellular motility and proinflammatory gene expression in myeloid cells. Consistent with these results, mice deficient in myeloid HIF-1α were protected from Gram-positive endotoxin-induced sepsis mortality and clinical symptomatology. By contrast, myeloid KLF2-deficient mice were susceptible to Gram-positive sepsis induced mortality and clinical symptoms. Collectively, these observations identify HIF-1α and KLF2 as critical regulators of Gram-positive endotoxin-mediated sepsis.
Strategies for increasing the tracking region of an eye-in-hand system by singularity and joint limit avoidance

An eye-in-hand system visually tracking objects can fail when the manipulator encounters a kinematic singularity or a joint limit. A solution to this problem is presented in which objects are visua...
Stevens Passive Acoustic system for surface and underwater threat detection

The ability to safeguard domestic shipping and waterside facilities from threats associated with surface and underwater threats (vessels as well as divers) is critical to ensuring security for the maritime domain. Stevens Institute of Technology has been conducting numerous studies and associated field experiments of passive acoustic sensor applications for the detection, characterization, and tracking of surface and underwater threats, which lead to the development of the Stevens Passive Acoustic Detection System (SPADES). The extended diver detection tests were conducted in Newport, Rhode Island and in Den Helder, The Netherlands. Tests involving surface boats were conducted in various locations, including the New York Harbor, Miami, and San Diego. Acoustic tests in Lake Hopatcong, NJ were also conducted in controlled conditions using six distinct boats, including a Panga, a Go Fast boat, a jet ski, and a quiet electrical boat.
A maize CONSTANS-like gene, conz1, exhibits distinct diurnal expression patterns in varied photoperiods

Maize (Zea mays ssp. mays L.) was domesticated from teosinte (Z. mays L. ssp. parviglumis Iltis & Doebley), a plant requiring short day photoperiods to flower. While photoperiod sensitive landraces of maize exist, post-domestication breeding included efforts to grow maize in a broad range of latitudes. Thus, modern maize is often characterized as day-neutral because time to flower is relatively unaffected by photoperiod. We report the first identification of maize constans of Zea mays1 (conz1), a gene with extensive sequence homology to photoperiod genes CONSTANS (CO) in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh.) and Heading date1 (Hd1) in rice (Oryza sativa L.). conz1 maps to a syntenous chromosomal location relative to Hd1. Additionally, conz1 and two maize homologs of another photoperiod gene exhibit diurnal expression patterns notably similar to their Arabidopsis and rice homologs. The expression pattern of conz1 in long days is distinct from that observed in short days, suggesting that maize is able to discern variations in photoperiod and respond with differential expression of conz1. We offer models to reconcile the differential expression of conz1 with respect to the photoperiod insensitivity exhibited by temperate inbreds.
Acute focal ischemia-induced alterations in MAP2 immunostaining: description of temporal changes and utilization as a marker for volumetric assessment of acute brain injury.

The utility of microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) immunostaining as a marker of acute focal ischemic injury was investigated. Permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) elicited a rapid reduction in MAP2 immunostaining that was visible 1 h post-MCAO and that increased in intensity and area encompassed over time. The ischemic lesion borders were well defined by loss of MAP2 immunostaining, but alterations in staining within the lesion were more heterogeneous. Lesion volume increased significantly from 1 to 4 h post-MCAO (from 63.8 ± 10.8 to 111.3 ± 19.0 mm3, mean ± SD). Thus, MAP2 immunostaining is a sensitive, quantifiable indicator of acute brain injury following focal ischemia.
Photoelectrochemical Study of the Ilmenite Polymorph of CdSnO3 and Its Photoanodic Application in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Knowledge of the electronic band structure of complex (multicationic) metal oxides is essential for their application toward photonic energy conversion. Here we report our findings on the band gap (Eg) and the conduction band (CB) edge of the ilmenite polymorph of cadmium stannate (CdSnO3) and its application in dye-sensitized solar cells. Solvothermally prepared CdSnO3 particles were characterized with use of X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy was performed on the finely ground powder to obtain an indirect-allowed type band gap of 3.07 ± 0.03 eV. CdSnO3 films were spread onto conductive substrates and their photoelectrochemistry was studied. The flat band potential (Efb) was determined in aqueous and nonaqueous solutions via the onset-of-photocurrent method. The conduction band edge (Ecb) was approximated to Efb, and at pH 0 was found to be at 0.82 ± 0.05 V vs NHE for CdSnO3, which is approximately 0.9 eV lower than the Ecb of anatase TiO2 at the same pH. Dye-sens...
Nine new elaphoglossums (Elaphoglossaceae) from Mexico

Nine new species ofElaphoglossum are described from southern and western Mexico:E. alan-smithii, E. decursivum, E. dissitifrons, E. leonardii. E. lepidopodum, E. mcvaughii, E. parduei, E. rzedowskii, andE. seminudum.
From Molecules to Myofibers: Multiscale Imaging of the Myocardium

Pathology in the heart can be examined at several scales, ranging from the molecular to the macroscopic. Traditionally, fluorescence-based techniques such as flow cytometry have been used to study the myocardium at the molecular, cellular, and microscopic levels. Recent advances in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), however, have made it possible to image certain cellular and molecular events in the myocardium noninvasively in vivo. In addition, diffusion MRI has been used to image myocardial fiber architecture and microstructure in the intact heart. Diffusion MRI tractography, in particular, is providing novel insights into myocardial microsctructure in both health and disease. Recent developments have also been made in fluorescence imaging, making it possible to image fluorescent probes in the heart of small animals noninvasively in vivo. Moreover, techniques have been developed to perform in vivo fluorescence tomography of the mouse heart. These advances in MRI and fluorescence imaging allow events in the myocardium to be imaged at several scales linking molecular changes to alterations in microstructure and microstructural changes to gross function. A complete and integrated picture of pathophysiology in the myocardium is thus obtained. This multiscale approach has the potential to be of significant value not only in preclinical research but, ultimately, in the clinical arena as well.
Review of Felicity Jack’s Putting Queensland on the Map: The Life of Robert Logan Jack

Alan Atkinson from the University of New England and University of Sydney reviews Putting Queensland on the Map: The Life of Robert Logan Jack, Geologist and Explorer , by Felicity Jack (Sydney: UNSW Press, 2008, 256pp, AU$59.95hb) Publisher’s website: https://www.unswpress.com.au/isbn/9781921410260.htm
Quantification of progesterone binding in mammary tissue of pregnant ewes.

Abstract Progestin-binding sites in mammary tissue from 14 prepartum, multiparous ewes at 50, 80, 115, and 140 d of gestation were demonstrated by the binding of [ 3 H] R5020 (17,21-dimethyl-19-nor-4,9-pregnadiene-3,20-dione) to ovine mammary cytosol in the presence of sodium molybdate and excess cortisol. Homogenization extracted 89% of total mammary receptors (nuclear) into cytosol. Binding was specific for progestins and was of high affinity. The average dissociation constant for [ 3 H]R5020 specifically bound to receptors extracted into mammary cytosol was 1.9 (± .4) × 10 −9 M (n=14) and did not change significantly over the test period. However, binding capacities (fmol/mg cytosolic protein) differed according to stage of gestation with averages of 125±53, 149±26, 656±216, 57±22 at 50, 80, 115, and 140 d of pregnancy, respectively. Increased number of progestin-binding sites at 115 d of gestation (whether data are expressed per unit of tissue weight, DNA, or cytosolic protein) suggests that an increase per mammary epithelial cell may be necessary to produce the full lobuloalveolar proliferation observed at this stage of gestation.
Demographic Change and Economic Growth in Asia

Trade openness, high savings rates, human capital accumulation, and macroeconomic policy only accounted for part of the 1965‐1990 growth performance in East Asia. Subsequently, demographic change was shown to be a missing factor in explaining the East Asian growth premium. Since 1990, East Asia has undertaken major economic reforms in response to financial crises and other factors. We reexamine the role of the demographic transition in contributing to cross-country differences in economic growth through to 2005, with a particular focus on East Asia. We highlight the need for policy to offset potential negative effects of aging populations in the future.
Synergistic interaction of macrophages and lymphocytes in antigen-induced transformation of lymphocytes.

The role of macrophages and lymphocytes in antigen-induced transformation of lymphocytes has been investigated. Lymphocytes and macrophages were obtained from inbred strain 13 guinea pigs which were either unimmunized or immunized with complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) or tetanus toxoid in CFA. The transformation response to PPD or tetanus toxoid was assayed by tritiated thymidine incorporation. Addition of macrophages to immune lymphocytes significantly increased their response to purified protein derivative (PPD) or tetanus toxoid. This was observed if the macrophages were (a) "immune" or "nonimmune", (b) unirradiated or irradiated (3000 R), (c) 99% pure, and (d) peritoneal or alveolar in origin. Neither immune nor nonimmune macrophages were able to induce nonimmune lymphocytes to respond to PPD or tetanus toxoid. When macrophages were incubated with PPD or tetanus toxoid and then washed, they stimulated immune lymphocytes to transform. An incubation time of ½ hr was adequate, however, 2–4: hr was optimal. These studies indicate (a) that antigen-induced transformation of lymphocytes is greatly enhanced by macrophages; (b) that macrophage-antigen interaction can antecede lymphocyte-antigen interaction and results in macrophages which are able to stimulate lymphocyte transformation; and (c) that the immunological memory requisite to elicit specific transformation responses is a property of the lymphocyte and not the macrophage.
Adaptation of Measles Virus to Polarized Epithelial Cells: Alterations in Virus Entry and Release

Abstract We have previously shown that the Edmonston strain of measles virus enters and is released preferentially at the apical surfaces of polarized epithelial cells. Small amounts of virus were found to be released at the basal surface. In the present study, we passaged the virus in polarized cells and characterized the passaged virus for its pattern of entry and release in epithelial cells as well as the ability to downregulate the receptor CD46. In contrast to the original stock virus, the passaged virus was found to be released at close to the same levels from both the apical and the basal surfaces. Accumulation of viral nucleocapsids and virus budding were observed at both membrane surfaces when cells were infected with the passaged virus. The passaged virus was also found to enter efficiently at the basal surface, unlike the original stock virus. Syncytial formation was observed at earlier times postinfection in cells infected with the passaged virus compared to cells infected with the stock virus. On Caco-2 cells, CD46 is found on both surfaces but is preferentially expressed on the apical membrane. The original Edmonston stock and two other wild-type strains, Chicago and Davis, were found to downregulate CD46 levels on the apical but not on the basolateral membrane of Caco-2 cells, while the passaged Edmonston measles virus did not downregulate CD46 on either surface. These data indicate that passage of measles virus through polarized epithelial cells results in selection of virus which exhibits a bidirectional pattern of entry and release through both the apical and the basolateral surfaces and which no longer downregulates CD46 expression on the cell surface.
Triple ultrasound markers including fetal cardiac activity are related to miscarriage risk.

Objective To identify early ultrasound markers in pregnant patients that predict a favorable pregnancy outcome. Design Retrospective case-control study. Setting Infertility patients in fertility clinic. Patient(s) 1051 women with early pregnancies conceived after fertility treatment. Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) Ongoing pregnancy >20 weeks' gestation. Result(s) Ongoing pregnancy rate was 90.5% for those pregnancies having early fetal cardiac activity (odds ratio [OR] = 66.5). Gestational sac diameter ≥12 mm was associated with ongoing pregnancy rate of 91.9%. Small gestational sac diameter, 6 mm were 20%, 89.2%, and 20%, respectively (OR = 33.1, 2–6 vs 6 mm). Ongoing pregnancy rate was 94% when all three markers were present. Conclusion(s) On postconception days 33–36, gestational sac diameter ≥12 mm, yolk sac diameter 2–6 mm, and the presence of fetal cardiac activity were favorable markers.
Offsetting illegitimacy: The influence of securities analysts on incumbents facing new technologies

The article discusses how firms manage potentially divergent technological and institutional pressures arising from a misalignment between their actions and the expectations of their securities ana...
Late cretaceous and tertiary history and the dynamic crushing of cobbles, black butte area, southwestern Montana

Black Butte is an early Miocene basaltic volcanic neck that forms a prominent landmark as the highest peak of the Gravelly Range, southwestern Montana. The intrusion cuts mid-Cenozoic and older sedimentary rocks near the eastern margin of the Overthrust Belt. After erosional removal of the Late Cretaceous Frontier Formation, quartzite-rich detritus from ultimate sources probably far to the west was deposited in the area and now forms a diamicton that rests on striated bedrock. This unit, previously interpreted as a till and as a mudflow deposit, probably represents Upper Cretaceous or lower Tertiary, syntectonic alluvial-fan sediments. These were deposited after the Gravelly Arch had begun to rise and were deformed during overthrusting from the west or possibly during mass movement as the basal part of a landslide. Scattered cobbles of hard quartzite in the diamicton are crushed. If this crushing occurred within aggregates of coarse clasts that were momentarity in point contact with one another, it does notrequire either overthrusting or mass movement of extremely thick depositional overburden. But if a major thrust sheet did move over the diamicton, the leading edge of the Overthrust Belt must extend considerably further east of where it is currently recognized in this area. Volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks were deposited in the area throughout much or all of Oligocene time. These include tuffaceous mudstone as much as 265 m thick that contains vertebrate fossils of Chadronian through Whitneyan age. The KAr age of biotite in an airfall tuff within this section at nearby Lion Mountain is 31.4 Ma, and the KAr age of an alkaline basaltic flow at the top of the Lion Mountain section is 30.8 Ma. These tuffaceous rocks and basalt on Lion Mountain correlate with volcaniclastics in Wyoming and as far east as Nebraska and the Dakotas. Eruptions at Black Butte, dated previously at 22.9 Ma, begun with phreatomagmatic explosions that deposited tuff across an irregular topographic surface cut in the section of tuffaceous mudstone into which the Black Butte plug was emplaced. The alkali basalt magma differentiated to yield the relatively rare rock typetephritic phonolite during fractional crystallization and segregation in situ of potassic late liquids. Lava flows from Black Butte and the nearby Lion Mountain volcanic center may have covered much of this part of the Gravelly Range but have been mostly removed owing to erodability of the thick blanket of mudstone on which they rested. Removal of mudstone that contained the Black Butte intrusion involved massive slumping. Mass movement of the diamicton beneath the mudstone is occurring today as an earthflow down the west-dipping structural and topographic slope of the range.
CO oxidation over Ptγ-Al2O3 under high pressure

The oxidation of CO over a Ptγ-Al2O3 catalyst was studied by cyclic injection of CO and O2 pulses under CO and O2 pressures of 2 and 1 kPa, respectively, at temperatures of 330–650 K. A boundary reaction model yielded kinetic parameters in agreement with the results of published low-pressure studies. For CO2 formation from O2(g) + [CO]ad, CO desorption was the most important step and showed multipeak characteristics and a low activation energy (10 kJ/mol) for the boundary reaction was found. CO2 formation from O2(g) + [CO] as well as from CO(g) + [O]ad resulted from boundary reaction at oxygen island. A reaction mechanism was proposed to account for the kinetics observed and interpret the varying observations noted in low-pressure studies in terms of diffusion-disguised kinetics.
The stability of differentially rotating, weakly magnetized stellar radiative zones

We continue our study of a powerful weak-field MHD instability. Consequences of the instability for pressure-supported systems are discussed, with emphasis upon stellar radiative zones. It is suggested that the instability, rather than hydromagnetic waves, is responsible for establishing uniform rotation in weakly magnetized stellar radiative zones. When the Brunt-Vaisala frequency much exceeds the rotation frequency, only displacements in spherical shells are unstable. Thus the transport induced by the instability is tangential and leads to little radial mixing. If angular velocity is initially constant on cylinders, the effect of the instability is to transport angular momentum from the poles to the equator
Hearing results of intratympanic steroid treatment of endolymphatic hydrops.

Objectives/Hypothesis: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a single application of steroids to the open middle ear in improving short-term hearing in patients with Meniere's disease and cochlear hydrops. Study Design: Retrospective study in which each patient's pretreatment hearing served as the control compared with posttreatment hearing. Methods: Patients were treated with a single application of dexamethasone, 8 mg, in hyaluronan. Following tympanotomy and lysis of round window adhesions, steroids were placed in the round window niche with absorbable gelatin sponge and the remainder of the middle ear was then filled with the steroid solution. Systemic steroids were not administered. Audiograms were performed within 1 month before surgery and at least 1 month after surgery. Results: Between September 1996 and July 1997, 21 ears in 19 patients underwent intratympanic steroid treatment. The criterion for hearing change was a 10-dB or greater change in pure-tone average (PTA), or a 15% change in speech discrimination score (SDS). Of the 15 ears meeting inclusion criteria for this study, five (33%) demonstrated hearing improvement and three (20%) demonstrated hearing deterioration. Maximum improvement was a 38-dB improvement in PTA and a 32% improvement in SDS. Conclusion: A single application of intratympanic dexamethasone/hyaluronan solution directly to the round window did not produce dramatic short-term hearing improvement in patients with endolymphatic hydrops. Although the theoretical basis for intratympanic steroid treatment of endolymphatic hydrops is appealing, we urge close evaluation of the results of specific protocols of intratympanic steroid administration before widespread utilization of this treatment. The choice of steroid, route of administration, frequency of application, and need for simultaneous systemic administration require standardization to adequately assess the efficacy of this treatment.
Effects of verb familiarity on finiteness marking in children with specific language impairment.

Purpose Children with specific language impairment (SLI) have known deficits in the verb lexicon and finiteness marking. This study investigated a potential relationship between these 2 variables i...
Fast randomization of an electron gas by trapped electro-acoustic waves

This paper presents a simplified theoretical model for a phenomenon of fast randomization of an electron gas, investigated experimentally in this laboratory. It is assumed that a certain region in constricted electrical discharges, called ‘plasma sac’ can become the siege of trapped electro-acoustic waves generated by a beam-plasma interaction. The interaction between those waves and the electron gas is treated by a pseudo collisional method, leading to a generalization of Boltzmann's H theorem. The velocity distribution which is essentially Maxwellian with a significant deficiency in the fast electron tail, is deduced.
Exploration of a symptoms experience in people with obesity-related nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Abstract Background Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a highly prevalent condition strongly associated with obesity that can result in premature death. Little is known about the symptoms experience in this progressive disease, preventing health care providers from intervening in the early stages. Purpose This study explicated symptoms in persons with NAFLD at higher risk of disease progression defined as the presence of one or two copies of the PNPLA3 (rs738409)-G allele. Method Guided by the Symptoms Experience Model, 42 persons older than 21 years of age with diagnosed NAFLD were recruited from Western Michigan specialty offices in this cross-sectional descriptive study design. The Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale was used to measure the symptoms experience. Discussion Participants (97%) experienced 1 or more symptoms (average number of symptoms 12.02, standard deviation=8.817). There was no statistically significant relationship between symptoms and the PNPLA3 (rs738409) variants. Significant predictors of mean frequency, severity, and distress of symptoms (the Total Memorial Symptom Scale) ( F [15, 25] = 2.609, p = .016) were identified. Conclusion People with NAFLD experience an average of 12 symptoms.
"Hopelessly Entangled in Nordic Pre-suppositions": Catholic Participation in the American Eugenics Society in the 1920s

While American Catholics stand out as some of the few voices of cultural opposition to the eugenics movement in the United States, Catholics and eugenicists actively engaged in conversational exchanges during the late 1920s. In association with the Committee on Cooperation with Clergymen of the American Eugenics Society, John A. Ryan and John Montgomery Cooper engaged in a process that Sander Gilman and Nancy Leys Stepan call "recontextualization," whereby they challenged the social and scientific basis for eugenics policy initiatives while constantly urging American eugenicists to rid their movement of racial and class prejudice. In the process, they participated in a revealing debate on immigration restriction, charity, racial hierarchies, feminism, birth control, and sterilization that points to both the instances of convergence and divergence of Catholic and eugenic visions for the national community.
SU‐GG‐J‐16: Impacting Parameter Analysis for IMRT Quality

Introduction: Intensity‐modulated radiation therapy(IMRT) accurately deliversradiationdoses with high degree of conformity by modulating the intensity of the radiation beam in multiple small segments. Usually small fields have large variation in dose. For some TPS, there are no restrictions on plan parameters. Guideline for plan optimization is needed that allows the IMRT QA to pass satisfactorily. IMRT plan parameters are analyzed to correlate the success and failure of an IMRT QA plan. Materials and Methods: Based on IMRT QA results, 15 IMRT treatment plans, divided into 3 groups, are studies. Plans in group 1 passed IMRT QA with high gamma index passing rates and plan in group 2 passed with marginal passing rates. Plans in group 3 failed the IMRT QA. Statistical analysis has been performed on plan parameters, including beam number, segment number for each beam, MU in total or for each segment, the width variations of the leaf/jaw positions for each segment, the segment area sizes, and dosedelivery for different segments of each beam, to discover the relationships between IMRT quality and these parameters. Results: The statistical results showed there is no correlation between plan quality and MU or beam/segment numbers. However, there are noticeable correlations between the IMRT quality and the segment sizes and widths. For each plan group, the IMRT quality decreased with the decreasing field sizes and segment widths. The histograms of these factors showed that failed IMRT plans have peak distributions with small field sizes (< 30cm2) and narrow widths (<20mm). Conclusion: Initial results showed that the passing rates of IMRT treatment plans have strong correlation with the segment field sizes and the opening widths of the leaf/jaw positions. Large number of segments with small fields produces unacceptable IMRT QA and should be avoided during IMRT planning.
Long-term survival with allogeneic stem cell transplant and donor lymphocyte infusion following salvage therapy with anti-CD52 monoclonal antibody (Campath) in a patient with α/β hepatosplenic T-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Hepatosplenic T-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (HSTCL) is a rare, aggressive form of NHL, with a median survival of approximately 8 months. We were able to successfully induce complete remission in a patient with alpha/beta HSTCL who was refractory to multiple prior chemotherapy regimens, using the humanized anti-CD52 monoclonal antibody alemtuzumab (Campath). Once disease was controlled, the patient was able to undergo allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT), which resulted in complete remission. Furthermore, upon relapse, we were able to re-induce complete clinical and molecular remission with donor lymphocyte infusions. At Day 655 (post-SCT), the patient remains in complete remission. These data suggest a potential role for alemtuzumab and allogeneic SCT in the treatment of T-cell NHL.
Observational learning by fork-tailed flycatchers (Muscivora tyrannus)

Summary o 1. Fork-tailed flycatchers, Muscivora tyrannus, were tested to see if they would avoid on first presentation and on the two succeeding presentations a distasteful aposematic butterfly, Heliconius erato 2. If a bird did avoid altogether the three butterflies, it was placed with a conspecific ‘trainer’ bird which either, in the case of the experimental group, ate two imperfect mimics of Heliconius (Anartia amalthea) or, in the case of the controls, ignored the two presentations of the mimic in the presence of the observer bird. 3. The observer birds, control and experimental, were removed from the trainer bird's cage and isolated visually from the trainer at which time they were presented with the imperfect mimic, Anartia amalthea. The experimental birds were significantly more likely to attack the mimic butterfly than was the control group 4. It thus appears that fork-tailed flycatchers are capable of learning that aposematic prey they might otherwise avoid is edible, if they observe a companion bird eating that prey. 5. That they can act on their observation in the absence of the bird they had watched shows that, in order for observational learning to occur, it need not be directly dependent on some form of social facilitation.
Quasi-diagonality and the finite section method

Quasi-diagonal operators on a Hilbert space are a large and important class (containing all self-adjoint operators for instance). They are also perfectly suited for study via the finite section method (a particular Galerkin method). Indeed, the very definition of quasi-diagonality yields finite sections with good convergence properties. Moreover, simple operator theory techniques yield estimates on certain rates of convergence. In the case of quasi-diagonal band operators both the finite sections and rates of convergence are explicitly given.
Diabetes--a common, growing, serious, costly, and potentially preventable public health problem

An estimated 135 million people worldwide had diagnosed diabetes in 1995, and this number is expected to rise to at least 300 million by 2025. The number of people with diabetes will increase by 42% (from 51 to 72 million) in industrialized countries between 1995 and 2025 and by 170% (from 84 to 228 million) in industrializing countries. Several potentially modifiable risk factors are related to diabetes, including insulin resistance, obesity, physical inactivity and dietary factors. Diabetes may be preventable in high-risk groups, but results of ongoing clinical trials are pending. Several efficacious and economically acceptable treatment strategies are currently available (control of glycemia, blood pressure, lipids; early detection and treatment of retinopathy, nephropathy, foot-disease; use of aspirin and ACE inhibitors) to reduce the burden of diabetes complications. Diabetes is a major public health problem and is emerging as a pandemic. While prevention of diabetes may become possible in the future, there is considerable potential now to better utilize existing treatments to reduce diabetes complications. Many countries could benefit from research aimed at better understanding the reasons why existing treatments are under-used and how this can be changed.
A reliable digital photomicroscopic method of nailfold plexus visibility assessment in schizophrenia

High nailfold plexus visibility (NPV) is a trait identifying a putative endophenotype for schizophrenia. We describe a new method of NPV assessment using computer storage of digital photomicrographs. We performed a reliability study of this method using 40 subjects. The intraclass correlation between two blinded raters was 0.83. The kappa coefficient for a 3 level division of NPV was 0.72, while the kappa for reliability at the cutting score for designating high NPV was 0.94. This method provides immediate image quality feedback, ease of reliability assessment, the option of blinded ratings, and a method for continuous enhancement of rating consensus.
Structural transitions and interactions in the early stages of human glucagon amyloid fibrillation

A mechanistic understanding of the intermolecular interactions and structural changes during fibrillation is crucial for the design of safe and efficacious glucagon formulations. Amide hydrogen/deuterium exchange with mass spectrometric analysis was used to identify the interactions and amino acids involved in the initial stages of glucagon fibril formation at acidic pH. Kinetic measurements from intrinsic and thioflavin T fluorescence showed sigmoidal behavior. Secondary structural measurement of fibrillating glucagon using far-UV circular dichroism spectroscopy showed changes in structure from random coil → α-helix → β-sheet, with increase in α-helix content during the lag phase followed by increase in β-sheet content during the growth phase. Hydrogen/deuterium exchange with mass spectrometric analysis of fibrillating glucagon suggested that C-terminal residues 22-29 are involved in interactions during the lag phase, during which N-terminal residues 1-6 showed no changes. Molecular dynamics simulations of glucagon fragments showed C-terminal to C-terminal interactions with greater α-helix content for the 20-29 fragment, with hydrophobic and aromatic residues (Phe-22, Trp-25, Val-23, and Met-27) predominantly involved. Overall, the study shows that glucagon interactions during the early phase of fibrillation are mediated through C-terminal residues, which facilitate the formation of α-helix-rich oligomers, which further undergo structural rearrangement and elongation to form β-sheet-rich mature fibrils.