cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Normal Thymus Extending Between the Right Brachiocephalic Vein and the Innominate Artery

Three cases of a normal thymus gland extending between the night brachiocephalic vein and the innominate artery are presented. In all cases, the finding was made incidentally after initial observers, who were not familiar with the fact that a normal thymus can extend into this area, suspected that a pathologic process was present. This suspicion was amplified and supported by plain films that showed widening of the night superior mediastinum in all three patients. It is important to appreciate that a normal thymus gland can extend between the brachiocephalic vein and the innominate artery and produce widening that should not be misinterpneted as a pathologic process.
Poetry and the Media: The Decline of Popular Poetry

L'A. discute le role des medias pour la diffusion de la poesie en tant qu'element essentiel de la culture populaire. Il propose d'abord un inventaire detaille de la presence de la poesie et des poetes dans les medias nord-americains (magazines, journaux quotidiens, radiodiffusion) depuis la fin du 19 eme siecle jusqu'a la Deuxieme Guerre mondiale. Il montre notamment que les medias ont contribue a la diffusion de l'oeuvre litteraire de nombreux poetes renommes. En conclusion, il propose quelques commentaires sur l'abandon par les medias de la poesie depuis l'apparition de la television, et sur un possible renouveau poetique populaire a travers l'Internet.
A computational analysis of survivability of a pick‐up truck subjected to mine detonation loads

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze, computationally, the kinematic response (including large‐scale rotation and deformation, buckling, plastic yielding, failure initiation, fracture and fragmentation) of a pick‐up truck to the detonation of a landmine (shallow‐buried in one of six different soils, i.e. either sand, clay‐laden sand or sandy gravel, each in either dry or water‐saturated conditions, and detonated underneath the vehicle) using ANSYS/Autodyn, a general‐purpose transient non‐linear dynamics analysis software.Design/methodology/approach – The computational analysis, using ANSYS/Autodyn, a general‐purpose transient non‐linear dynamics analysis software, included the interactions of the gaseous detonation products and the sand ejecta with the vehicle and the transient non‐linear dynamics response of the vehicle.Findings – The results obtained clearly show the differences in the blast loads resulting from the landmine detonation in dry and saturated sand, as well as the associated ki...
Complex effects of parasitoids on pharmacophagy and diet choice of a polyphagous caterpillar

This study investigates complex effects of parasitoid infection on herbivore diet choice. Specifically, we examine how immunological resistance, parasitoid infection stage, and parasitoid taxonomic identity affect the pharmacophagous behavior of the polyphagous caterpillar, Grammia incorrupta (Arctiidae). Using a combination of lab and field experiments, we test the caterpillar’s pharmacophagous response to pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) over the course of parasitoid infection, as well as the effect of dietary PAs on the caterpillar’s immunological response. Previous work from other systems gave the prediction that dietary PAs would be detrimental to the immune response and thus less acceptable to feeding early in the infection, when encapsulation of the parasitoid is most crucial. We found that the feeding acceptability of PAs was indeed low for caterpillars with early-stage parasitoid infections; however, this was not explained by PA interference with immune function. When allowed to choose among three host plant species, individuals harboring early-stage parasitoids increased their consumption of a nutritious plant containing antioxidants. This result was driven by wasp-parasitized caterpillars, whereas fly-parasitized caterpillars increased their consumption of plants containing iridoid glycosides. Individuals in the later time phase of infection exhibited an increase in PA intake that was consistent with previously reported self-medication behavior during late-stage parasitoid infection. This study reveals the depth of complexity and the dynamic nature of herbivore host plant choice, and underscores the importance of considering multitrophic interactions when studying insect diet choice.
Special Issue on Data Curation

My involvement as editor of this special issue of Journal of Web Librarianship had its genesis in a simple inquiry sent a year and a half ago to the JWL editorial board. JWL editor Jody Condit Faga...
Effects of TNFα on immature and mature oligodendrocytes and their progenitors in vitro

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) appears to take part in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis and to contribute to the degeneration of oligodendrocytes as well as neurons. TNFalpha is produced by microglia and astrocytes, which also produce hormones and cytokines that influence its biological activity. Thus, in mixed cultures the effects of exogenous TNFalpha might be modified by products of astrocytes and microglia. The effects of TNFalpha in oligodendrocyte-enriched cultures are reported below. We prepared the cultures by shaking oligodendrocytes off primary mixed glial-cell cultures from brains of 2-day-old rats at 7 days in vitro and plating them (0 days post-shake, DPS). Platelet-derived growth factor and fibroblast growth factor were included in the media at 1-5 DPS in order to encourage proliferation. At 2 DPS media were added with no TNFalpha (controls) or 1000, 2000 or 5000 U/ml of TNFalpha, and at 5 DPS media were replaced with fresh serum-free media. Cultures were fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde at 5, 7, 9 and 12 DPS and immunostained. Oligodendrocyte progenitors were not reduced in numbers immediately after the incubation with TNFalpha (i. e. at 5 DPS). However, after an additional 4 days in culture fewer progenitors remained in the cultures that had been treated with TNFalpha than in the untreated cultures. In the absence of the growth factors there were fewer progenitors, but their numbers also were reduced by TNFalpha. Maturation to the myelin basic protein (MBP)-positive stage was inhibited by about 36% at 9 DPS by 1000-2000 U/ml of TNFalpha, while numbers of O4+/MBP- precursors were unaffected. It is interesting that the steady-state number of O4-positive precursors was unchanged by TNFalpha at 9 DPS, when there were reductions in the numbers of A2B5-positive progenitors and MBP-positive mature oligodendrocytes. That observation suggests that the rates of proliferation, death and maturation are controlled by multiple factors, with a particularly vulnerable time at the maturation to the MBP-positive stage. At 5000 U/ml TNFalpha the specific effect on maturation was overtaken cytotoxicity. These data and a summary of the literature suggest that inhibition of MBP expression is sensitive to lower TNFalpha concentrations and incubation times than is cell survival. Specific effects on numbers of MBP-positive cells, morphology and MBP expression occur at 1000-2000 U/ml for 48-72 h or at up to 10000 U/ml for</=24 h, and the deficits remain after removal of the TNFalpha.
Effects of the enantiomers of 3-PPP on DA1 and DA2 dopamine receptors in the dog

The (+)- and (-)-enantiomers of 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-N-n-propylpiperidine (3-PPP) were studied for their effects on DA1 and DA2 dopamine receptors in pentobarbital anesthetized dogs. 3-PPP enantiomers were administered into the renal artery after phenoxybenzamine pretreatment to determine possible DA1 activity; dopamine was also injected for comparison. DA2 activity was determined by injection of the enantiomers into the femoral vascular bed with intact nerve supply and without phenoxybenzamine; dipropyl dopamine (DPDA) or apomorphine were used as standard DA2 agonists. Antagonist activity of the enantiomers on DA1 or DA2 receptors was determined by simultaneous administration of the enantiomer with DA in the renal vascular bed and with DPDA or apomorphine in the femoral vascular bed. Neither enantiomer was active as a DA1 agonist, but both exhibited antagonist activity. Both enantiomers were found to be agonists of the DA2 receptor; in addition, both showed DA2 antagonist activity. In all actions the (-)-enantiomer was approximately 4 times more potent than the (+)-enantiomer.
Correlation of rat liver membrane binding of polysomes in vitro with function of the complexes formed.

Abstract One method of destroying polysome binding sites which is reversible is mild-trypsin digestion. Unlike the original untreated sites, the trypsin altered sites when complexed with polysomes are unable to direct transfer of puromycin-discharged polypeptide to the membrane vesicle as can sites on native membranes.
Perceived target displacement as a function of field movement and asymmetry

In two experiments induced movement of an object was produced to demonstrate that movement of the background influences the perceived localization of the object in space. The Roelofs (asymmetry) effect could be used to explain only part of the shift in localization in Experiment1. The asymmetry effect was excluded from Experiment2 by the procedure employed. It was concluded that the Roelofs effect is a sufficient, but not necessary, condition for the effects of induced movement to occur, and that relative displacement of the target and background plays an important part in the illusion. Furthermore, it was shown that the effects of induced movement can occur even when the border of the background remains stationary.
TU‐FF‐A1‐01: Characterization of EBT Versus MD55 Gafchromic® Films for Relative Dosimetry Measurements

Purpose: To evaluate the EBT® radio‐chromic film for relative dosimetry in comparison to MD55®. Method and Materials: For dose‐response study, EBT and MD55 films were irradiated to dose ranges 0–15 and 0–40 Gy respectively. Photon beam energies of 6 and 18 MV were used to study energy dependence. Films were scanned using a scanner from Micro‐densitometer Photoelectron Corporation. The scanner uses a CCDcamera. The two diffused‐light beds using light‐emitting diodes, operating at 636 and 665 nm, were used for EBT and MD55 films respectively. For flatfield subtraction at start of a scanning session, in case of EBT, an unirradiated film was scanned employing a black mask covering the light box's area outside the film. In case of MD55, un‐masked light box without a film was scanned for the flat field subtraction. For fading study, films were read over a period 2–20 days after irradiation. For light sensitivity, un‐irradiated films were exposed to florescent light to 6 hour maximum. Results: Unlike MD55, light sensitivity of EBT is found to decrease with pre‐irradiation level. With 2Gy pre‐irradiation, it is comparable to MD55. Fading of EBT is comparable to MD55. The small energy dependence observed beyond 8Gy for EBT is considered negligible. Percent uncertainty in relative‐dose determination from two OD values is obviously expected to increase with separation between the OD values, and to be higher at lower OD levels. It is comparable for both films, and is typically estimated to be 0.8% for determination of 50% of 2Gy. Conclusions:Dosimetry characteristics of EBT are comparable to MD55. Its higher sensitivity to radiation and availability in larger size makes it preferable as a relative dosimeter for RPC use. Work supported by PHS grant CA10953 and CA81647 awarded by NCI.
A Multilevel Examination of Peer Victimization and Bullying Preventions in Schools

The goal of this study is twofold: (i) to develop an explanatory model to examine the relationship between school environment/climate and peer victimization and (ii) to determine whether previous models of preventive strategies in a single school or district could be expanded to the nationally representative sample of adolescents across multiple schools. The analyses in the current study are based on data from the Health Behavior in School-Aged Children (HBSC) 2005-2006 US study, and the sample consists of 7,001 students from 195 different schools. The findings reveal that students attending schools in which bullying prevention programs are implemented are more likely to have experienced peer victimization, compared to those attending schools without bullying prevention. Study limitations and implications for future research are discussed.
Adaptive decomposition finite difference methods for solving singular problems—A review

Decomposition, or splitting, finite difference methods have been playing an important role in the numerical solution of nonsingular differential equation problems due to their remarkable efficiency, simplicity, and flexibility in computations as compared with their peers. Although the numerical strategy is still in its infancy for solving singular differential equation problems arising from many applications, explorations of the next generation decomposition schemes associated with various kinds of adaptations can be found in many recent publications. The novel approaches have been proven to be highly effective and reliable in operations. In this article, we will focus on some of the latest developments in the area. Key comments and discussion will be devoted to two particularly interesting issues in the research, that is, direct solutions of degenerate singular reaction-diffusion equations and nonlinear sine-Gordon wave equations. Numerical experiments with simulated demonstrations will be given.
Contextual probability evaluation in autistic, receptive developmental language disorder, and control children : event-related brain potential evidence

Compared 8- to 14-year-old children with either autism or receptive developmental language disorder (RDLD) to age- and IQ-matched normal controls in their ability to detect both frequent (p=.70) and infrequent (p=.30) randomly presented auditory stimuli under task and no-task conditions. Event-related brain potentials (ERPs), behavioral reaction times, and target detection accuracy rates were measured. Although the three groups of children performed in a similar manner on behavioral measures, only the children with autism demonstrated an abnormally small amplitude of the P3b, a component of the ERP. This result is interpreted in terms of (a) the consistency of this finding with other ERP studies involving older individuals with autism; and (b) its significance with respect to the difficulty children with autism have in modifying their expectancies to contextually relevant sequences of auditory information.
The disappointing gift: Dispositional and situational moderators of emotional expressions

Inferences about emotions in children are limited by studies that rely on only one research method. Convergence across methods provides a stronger basis for inference by identifying method variance. This multimethod study of 116 children (mean age=8.21 years) examined emotional displays during social exchange. Each child received a desirable gift and later an undesirable gift after performing tasks, with or without mother present. Children's reactions were observed and coded. Children displayed more positive affect with mother present than with mother absent. Independent ratings of children by adults revealed that children lower in the personality dimension of Agreeableness displayed more negative emotion than their peers following the receipt of an undesirable gift. A curvilinear interaction between Agreeableness and mother condition predicted negative affect displays. Emotional assessment is discussed in terms of links to social exchange and the development of expressive behavior.
Resection strategies in tumoral epilepsy: is a lesionectomy enough?

Summary Resection strategies in patients with tumor-related epilepsy vary from lesionectomy to larger epilepsy operations with no consensus on optimal approaches. The objective of this study is to use our prior experience in the management of these patients, to derive optimal strategies for the surgical management of epilepsy related to brain tumors. A prospectively compiled database of epilepsy and tumor patients was used to identify patients who underwent surgical resection of a neoplasm but then developed epilepsy, or who presented with epilepsy and were found to harbor a brain tumor. Seizure frequency, histopathology, type of surgical resection, and outcomes were compiled. Of 235 epilepsy surgery patients and 75 low/intermediate grade glioma surgery patients, 13 (5.5%) and 21 (28%) patients, respectively, had tumoral epilepsy. Twenty-two patients were male and 18 tumors were in the left hemisphere. Tumoral epilepsy occurred predominantly in temporal (50%) and perirolandic (26.5%) locations. The etiology was WHO grade I tumors in 29%, grade II in 35%, and grade III in 33%. In the epilepsy group, following lesionectomy in three and tailored resections in the majority, seizure outcomes were Engel class I in all except one case. In the tumor group, after the initial operation seven additional resections were performed due to seizure recurrence. Outcomes in this group were Engel class 1A in 18 patients and 1B, 1C and IIA in 1 patient each. Drawing upon these data, we propose a classification of the likely reasons of failure in seizure control in patients with tumoral epilepsy. This review reiterates the concept that a complete resection of the lesion is the best approach for dealing with tumors presenting with epilepsy. Overall excellent outcomes can be accomplished following aggressive initial tumor resection, re-resection in the context of recurrence, and epilepsy style operations in selected patients with a longer history of seizures.
Compton continuum suppression by digital pulse shape analysis

Abstract We present experimental results on a technique for flattening the Compton edges and suppressing the Compton continuum in gamma ray spectra with digital pulse shape analysis. The peak-to-Compton ratio can be improved by more than a factor 2.
Electrostatically actuated failure of microfabricated polysilicon fracture mechanics specimens

Polysilicon fracture mechanics specimens have been fabricated using standard microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) processing techniques, and thus have characteristic dimensions comparable with typical MEMS devices. These specimens are fully integrated with simultaneously fabricated electrostatic actuators which are capable of providing sufficient force to ensure catastrophic crack propagation from blunt notches produced using micromachining. Thus, the entire fracture experiment takes place on–chip, without any external loading source. Fracture has been initiated using both monotonic and cyclic resonance loading. A reduction in the nominal toughness under cyclic loading is attributed to subcritical growth of sharp cracks from the micromachined notches in the fracture mechanics specimens. Fatigue fracture has been observed in specimens subjected to as many as 10 9 cycles, and environmental corrosion is implicated in at least some aspects of the fatigue.
Facile synthesis of 1,2-trans-O-acetyl glycosyl chloride derivatives of cellobiose, lactose, and D-glucose

Abstract Solutions of O -acetyl-α-glycosyl bromide derivatives of d -glucose, cellobiose, and lactose in hexamethylphosphoramide were converted into corresponding β-chlorides at room temperature by the action of lithium chloride. At 3:1 m M ratios of chloride ion to glycose, 5–10% w/v solutions of glycosyl bromide formed α- and β-chlorides in ratios of (or greater than) 1:19 within 2–13 min and produced crystalline β-chlorides in 70–80% yields. Anomeric compositions were determined by n.m.r. spectroscopy in hexamethylphosphoramide. Older methods of preparing 1,2- trans - O -acetylgIycosyl chlorides, with aluminum chloride or titanium tetrachloride, gave the α- and β-cellobiosyl and -Iactosyl chlorides in ratios that varied from 2:3 to 1:4 and reached 85–95% levels of β-chloride only with β- d -glucose pentaacetate. When hydrolyzed under conditions that controlled solution acidity, the β-cellobiosyl and -Iactosyl chlorides each gave 2-hydroxy derivatives in yields that could be varied from 16 to 60%. Hepta- O -acetyl-2- O -methyl-α-cellobiose was prepared to demonstrate how these hydrolysis mixtures can be used to synthesize a 2- O -substituted derivative.
Differential reinforcement of the human pupillary response.

The human autonomic response of pupillary size was differentially reinforced to either dilate, remain its natural size, or constrict in 12 male subjects using a minimal verbal reinforcer. The E shaped the desired response over ten 25-second periods in each condition, and a tone was paired with each condition. After the 30 conditioning periods, each tone was presented for five seconds with no reinforcement being given. Two sets of data were analyzed statistically by the Page L test for ordered hypotheses, the smallest and largest diameters during the five-second periods. Both sets of data were found to be significant (p < .01). The results were interpreted as further evidence against traditional theories stating that autonomic responses can only be classically conditioned.
Factors Contributing to Initial Weight Loss Among Adolescents with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Abstract Study Objective To evaluate the impact of a multidisciplinary clinic on weight management among adolescents with PCOS. Design 140 adolescent females were evaluated in a multidisciplinary PCOS clinic from March 2005 to December 2008. The team included a pediatric endocrinologist, health psychologist, dietitian, and pediatric gynecologist. 110 were diagnosed with PCOS based on the Rotterdam Criteria. Height, weight, BMI, number of subspecialists seen, use of metformin, and compliance with return visits were obtained from medical records. Setting American Family Children's Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. Participants 110 adolescent females with polycystic ovary syndrome. Interventions Consultation with a dietitian and health psychologist. Main Outcome Measure Change in weight. Results The average age at first visit was 15.9 years. The average BMI was 34.7 kg/m2 (range 18.1-55.5). Seventy-six percent had an initial BMI above the 95th percentile. Interactions with providers at the initial visit included a pediatric endocrinologist (100%), health psychologist (60.9%), dietitian (75.5%) and gynecologist (70.9%). Seventy one percent returned for a follow-up visit, (average time of 4.5 months between visits) with 57% achieving weight loss (average 3.5 kg) and an additional 12.6% demonstrating no significant weight gain ( Conclusions In this multidisciplinary clinic for adolescents with PCOS, nearly 70% of patients succeeded in short-term weight stabilization, with 57% demonstrating weight loss. Interactions with the health psychologist and dietitian appeared to play a key role in successful weight control, supporting the importance of psychology and nutrition expertise in the management of this disorder.
Fetal echocardiography guidelines to predict survival of fetuses with ascites.

In a retrospective analysis of the standard protocols for fetal echocardiographic examination, 27 fetuses (mean gestational age 29 ± 5.4 weeks) with ascites were evaluated. Fetal cardiomegaly (increased heart area/chest area ratio), the presence or absence of atrioventricular valve regurgitation, inferior vena cava and ductus venosus Doppler flow velocity and umbilical vein pulsation were evaluated quantitatively in a group of survivors and non-survivors. A statistically significant difference between the two groups was found for the presence of atrioventricular valve regurgitation (p = 0.003), and for cardiomegaly (p = 0.009). There was no statistical difference for the presence of abnormal venous flow and umbilical pulsation (p > 0.05). Abnormal venous Doppler flow velocities in the inferior vena cava and ductus venosus were observed more frequently than umbilical vein pulsation. The mean heart area/chest area ratios in the group of survivors and in the group of non-survivors were 0.34 ± 0.09 and 0.48 ± 0.08, respectively (p < 0.001). The mean gestational ages at the time of diagnosis of ascites in the groups of survivors and non-survivors were 33 ± 3.3 weeks and 28 ± 5.1 weeks, respectively (p < 0.05); the mean gestational ages at the time of delivery were 35.6 ± 2.3 weeks and 33.3 ± 4.9 weeks, respectively (p = 0.33). In terms of different echocardiographic features as well as the gestational age of the unborn patient with ascites, there is apparently no single indicator of a poor prognosis. Our results suggest that the prognosis is usually poor in a fetus with ascites, when cardiomegaly is detected, as well as the presence of tricuspid and mitral valve regurgitation. This is regardless of the type of venous flow and regardless of the etiology of the ascites. Copyright © 1996 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Validation of a Second-Order Slip Model for Transition-Regime, Gaseous Flows

We discuss and validate a recently proposed second-order slip model for dilute gas flows. Our discussion focuses on the importance of quantitatively accounting for the effect of Knudsen layers close to the walls. This is important, not only for obtaining an accurate slip model but also for interpreting the results of the latter since in transition-regime flows the Knudsen layers penetrate large parts of the flow. Our extensive validation illustrates the above points by comparing direct Monte Carlo solutions to the slip model predictions for an unsteady flow. Excellent agreement is found between simulation and the slip model predictions up to Kn = 0.4, for both the velocity profile and stress at the wall. This demonstrates that the proposed second-order slip model reliably describes arbitrary flowfields (and related stress fields) in a predictive manner at least up to Kn = 0.4 for both steady and transient problems.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
The active pivot shift: The role of the popliteus muscle

This study was stimulated by the ability of one of us (L.P.) to actively perform a pivot shift test upon his anterior cruciate deficient knee. Subsequently this phenomenon has been observed in other patients. The purpose was to define and analyze the active motor involved in this abnormal active motion in the knee with Antero-lateral Rotatory Instability.
Does maternal oviposition site influence offspring dispersal to suitable habitat

Orientation and dispersal to suitable habitat affects fitness in many animals, but the factors that govern these behaviors are poorly understood. In many turtle species, hatchlings must orient and disperse to suitable aquatic habitat immediately after emergence from subterranean nests. Thus, the location of nest sites relative to aquatic habitats ideally should be associated with the direction of hatchling dispersal. At our study site, painted turtles (Chrysemys picta) nest to the west (on an island) and east (on the mainland) of a wetland, which determines the direction that hatchlings must travel to reach suitable aquatic habitat. To determine if hatchling orientation is intrinsically influenced by the location where their mothers nest, we employed a two-part cross-fostering experiment in the field, whereby half the eggs laid in mainland nests were swapped with half the eggs laid in island nests. Moreover, because C. picta hatchlings overwinter inside their nests, we performed a second cross-fostering experiment to fully decouple the effects of (1) the maternally chosen nest location, (2) the embryonic developmental location, and (3) the overwinter location. We released hatchlings into a circular arena in the field and found that turtles generally dispersed in a westerly direction, regardless of the maternally chosen nest location and independent of the locations of embryonic development and overwintering. Although this westerly direction was towards suitable aquatic habitat, we could not distinguish whether naive hatchling turtles (i) use environmental cues/stimuli to orient their movement, or (ii) have an intrinsic bias to orient west in the absence of stimuli. Nevertheless, these findings suggest that the orientation behavior of naive hatchling turtles during terrestrial dispersal is not dependent upon the location of maternally-chosen nest sites.
A new air-isolation process for monolithic integrated circuits

A new air-isolation process is described which overcomes many of the problems of existing isolation technologies. The process consists of standard integrated circuit processing except for the p-n junction isolation process which is omitted. After metal mask, the device wafer is glass bonded face down to a supporting silicon wafer. Subsequent backlapping, masking, and mesa etching steps yield an air-isolated integrated circuit. As one application of this technology, the fabrication of a radiation-hardened operational amplifier is described.
Image-guided thermochemical ablation: Theoretical and practical considerations

Purpose: To test thermochemical ablation for potential as a new method to coagulate tissue and create a prototype device for administration. Materials and Methods: Reactions of either HCl or acetic acid and either NH 4 OH or NaOH were run in triplicate in a gel phantom as a simple calorimeter. Data were recorded over a period of 5 minutes using concentrations from 1-12M in the case of HCl and NH 4 OH. Comparison reactions were run at 11M using each acid reacted with each base. Two early device prototypes were devised using readily available components. Results: Maximum temperature rise was nearly instantaneous and was observed to peak with the 12M solutions at 106oC. The maximum temperatures in the 11M comparisons were seen with the strong acid HCl paired with the strong base NaOH. The lowest temperatures were seen with the weak acid acetic acid paired with the weak base NH 4 OH. Conclusion: Thermochemical ablation reactions can release adequate amounts of heat energy to cause tissue ablation.
Reconstructing Sexuality in the Shadow of Neoliberal Globalization: Investigating the Approach of Charismatic Churches in Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract This study examines how Charismatic churches in southwestern Nigeria are attempting to construct new social identities through their doctrines on marriage and sexual practices specifically constructed to set them apart from other social groups. I argue that these perspectives on sexuality revolve around narratives of the body, sexual desire, and conjugal sexual pleasure within monogamous marriages. The strong rejection of polygyny and other sexual discourses are linked to the global exchange of ideas. I make the case that an important device for developing these identities is emotion training and a vision for both public and private behavior. This study is a textual analysis of written and audio material that lays bare their theories and practices. The data reveal a focus on shaping sexual desire and building conjugal love, trust, and respect, but the training also molds other emotions such as fear, guilt, and shame.
Women and the Politics of Water: An Introduction

Abstract In my introduction, I seek to provide a theoretical framework for reading the critical essays, narratives and poetry depicting women's struggles over water. I use theories about capital accumulation, the commodification of natural resources and women's bodies, biopolitical state power, the state of exception, the bare life and the new imperialism. I believe that these theories illustrate the multiple yet specific ways in which the gendered politics of water plays out in different contexts. I invite readers to understand this layered perspective in relation to another kind of layering – the intertexual generic expectations that get built into the act of reading the various kinds of texts included in this issue.
A Survey Of International Comparisons Of Productivity

Productivity is the ratio of output to one input such as labour services or to inputs taken in their totality. Since economics is in its very essence concerned with the organisation of inputs (scarce means) to produce outputs (satisfy human wants), comparisons of productivity go to the heart of the assessment of economic performance. By far the most common form of comparisons is over time in a given country.1 We are concerned here, however, with the less frequently made comparisons between countries.
Reification as dependence on extrinsic information

Marx criticized political economy for propounding an inverted, mystical view of economic reality. But he went beyond asserting the falsity and apologetic character of the doctrine to characterize it as reflecting a social practice of inversion or mystification — an inverted social world — in which individuals incorporate their own actions into a process whose dynamic lies beyond their control. Caught up in this process, individuals confront aspects of their own agency in the alien or “reified” form of a given, determining reality. Marx leaves unclear exactly how the process exerts and maintains its hold on agents, the nature of the reasons they might have for wanting to free themselves of it, and under what conditions they could do so. However, it is possible to abstract somewhat from Marx's specific concerns and to model a self-reproducing practice of reification that works through the informational environment of decision. Though of wider interest, this more general conception can shed light on the nature and critique of Marx's inverted world. It draws on conceptual resources from decision theory, game theory and general equilibrium theory.
Population Genetics of Astragalus bibullatus (Fabaceae) Using AFLPs

Astragalus bibullatus (Fabaceae) is an endangered plant species endemic to limestone cedar glades in Tennessee. Data from 134 amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) fragments indicate that populations of this species are genetically very similar, with genetic identity values ranging from 0.976 to 0.991. Approximately 10% of the species' total genetic variation is due to differences among populations (F ST = 0.102), and a principle coordinate analysis based on genetic distance among individuals revealed considerable overlap between populations. Averaging across populations, 38.4% of the AFLP markers were polymorphic, and the mean expected heterozygosity was 0.120. These estimates are higher than what has previously been reported for this species based on a survey of allozyme variation. Despite the overall similarity of populations of this species, a model-based clustering approach revealed the presence of 2 (possibly 3) genetically distinct subgroups. The results of this study highlight the utility of DNA-based markers for conservation genetic studies in genetically depauperate species and reveal that detectable levels of genetic substructuring may be present even in relatively undifferentiated species.
New perspectives on natural products in TB drug research

The challenge of discovering new, urgently needed anti-TB drugs from natural sources requires a truly interdisciplinary research. Cutting-edge mycobacteriology and innovative natural products chemistry tools have to be developed and employed in tandem, in order to meet these demands. The present review provides cross-linkage to the most recent literature on anti-TB active natural products and summarizes the recent developments in both fields and their potential to impact the early steps of the TB drug discovery process.
Configurational entropy is the driving force of ethanol action on membrane architecture.

Abstract A colligative thermodynamic framework is developed to describe the action of ethanol on membranes. The partitioning of ethanol into a membrane structure imparts a randomness, configurational entropy, that stabilizes that structure from an energetic standpoint. When partitioning between membrane structures differs, the equilibrium between them is altered to favor the structure with the largest partition coefficient for ethanol. The action of ethanol and temperature originate in entropy and are equated through entropy. Membrane equilibria that are predicted to be most sensitive to the action of ethanol (where dilute concentrations of ethanol cause a perturbation equal to a large change in temperature) are those that exhibit a small thermal entropy change and a large difference in solute partitioning between membrane structures. Our model predicts that ethanol does not act on a single membrane structure, but on both structures in an equilibrium. The thermodynamic framework is applied to the action of ethanol on cooperative equilibria in a dipalmitoyl lecithin model membrane. Ethanol-induced perturbations are monitored by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) using the spin label, Tempo. The equilibrium between the gel and ripple-structures ( L β ′ a P β ′, pretransition ) exhibits a small change in thermal entropy and, as predicted, is more sensitive to the action of ethanol than the equilibrium between the ripple and fluid bilayer-structures P β ′ a L α ′ main transition ) exhibits a large thermal entropy change. The framework suggests that ethanol acts through entropy, as does temperature, thereby upsetting the natural thermal balance that maintains membrane architecture.
Work as a response to low and decreasing real income during retirement.

The problem of preserving the purchasing power of retirement income has been a subject of public concern and policy debate. This study examines whether elderly men and women, in reasonably good health, consider work as an option when the real value of their nonwage income is decreasing. It finds that work is a very likely response to a low level of nonwage income at the beginning of retirement; and, for men, work is also a response to the decreasing real value of income during retirement. The indexing of social security benefits and their progressive structure have provided some protection against decreasing real income during retirement and have, therefore, reduced, though not eliminated, the pressure to work during retirement.
Azygos Arch Valves: Prevalence and Appearance at Contrast-enhanced CT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence and appearance of azygos arch valves at intravenous contrast material–enhanced computed tomography (CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Findings of 309 intravenous contrast-enhanced spiral CT examinations of the chest were retrospectively reviewed. The presence of contrast material reflux into the azygos arch and of a focal bulge in the azygos arch was recorded. An azygos valve was considered present if contrast material with a curvilinear posterior contour was seen in the azygos arch. The χ2 test was used to compare the frequency of contrast material reflux into the azygos vein for high and low rates of contrast material injection and for right and left arm injection. RESULTS: Reflux of contrast material into the azygos arch occurred at 154 (49.8%) of 309 examinations, and valves were seen on images of 105 (68.2%) examinations. A focal bulge was seen in the azygos arch on images of 86 (81.9%) of 105 examinations with an azygos valve. Contrast material refluxed more frequently ...
The Impact of Ethical Leadership Behavior on Employee Outcomes: The Roles of Psychological Empowerment and Authenticity:

The topics of authentic leadership and the ethical behavior of leaders have received significant interest in recent years due to the plethora of ethical scandals in corporations. In this paper, we ...
Formation of iron hydride in iron foil exposed to a hot, dense gas mixture of argon and hydrogen

Abstract Pure iron foils were exposed to hot, dense argon-hydrogen mixtures for 1 ms in a ballistic compressor. The appearance of small particles, of size about 50 × 10 nm, was observed. They were oriented almost in the same direction to one another in the entanglement of dislocations. A resonant 15 N-p nuclear reaction was used to estimate the hydrogen concentration. This result and an electron diffraction pattern from the particle show that the particles are iron hydride, formed by the trapping of hydrogen atoms at octahedral sites with an Fe to H ratio of approximately 8-1.
Calibration of six-port reflectometers using null double injection

A new method for calibrating six-port reflectometers is presented. The method is based on the principle of ?null double injection?, a technique that consists of simultaneously driving the input and test ports of the reflectometer with sources whose relative amplitudes and phases are adjusted to produce nulls at the detector outputs. This six-port-to-four-port reduction technique permits the network constants to be determined simply from ratios of measured power at the remaining (unnulled) ports. Application of the technique to a prototype non-contacting reflectometer is demonstrated. The measurements of reflection coefficient for a set of loads taken by the prototype non-contacting reflectometer using this calibration method show good agreement with the ones by HP 8720C vector network analyzer, with measurement discrepancy less than 2% for 6 dB and 10 dB attenuators and less than 4% for the offset short over the frequency range from 1 GHz to 1.5 GHz.
Polymorphisms in human heat shock factor-1 and analysis of potential biological consequences

The stress-activated transcription factor, heat shock factor-1 (HSF1), regulates many genes including cytoprotective heat shock proteins (HSPs). We hypothesized that polymorphisms in HSF1 may alter the level or function of HSF1 protein accounting for interindividual viability in disease susceptibility or prognosis. We searched for exomic variants in HSF1 by querying human genome databases and directly sequencing DNA from 80 anonymous genomic DNA samples. Overall, HSF1 sequence was highly conserved, with no common variations. We found 31 validated deviations from a reference sequence in the dbSNP database and an additional 5 novel variants by sequencing, with allele frequencies that were 0.06 or less. Of these 36, 2 were in 5′-untranslated region (5′UTR), 10 in 3′UTR, and 24 in the coding region. The potential effects of 5′UTR on secondary structure, protein structure/function, and 3′UTR targets of microRNAs were analyzed using RNAFold, PolyPhen-2, SIFT, and MicroSNiper. One of the 5′UTR variants was predicted to strengthen secondary structure. Eight of 3′UTR variants were predicted to modify microRNA target sequences. Eight of the coding region variants were predicted to modify HSF1 structure/function. Reducing HSF1 levels in A549 cells using short hairpin RNA (shRNA) increased sensitivity to heat-induced killing demonstrating the impact that genetic variants that reduce HSF1 levels might have. Using the pmirGLO expression system, we found that the wild-type HSF1 3′UTR suppressed translation of a firefly luciferase reporter plasmid by 65 %. Introducing two of four 3′UTR single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) increased HSF1 3′UTR translational suppression by 27–44 % compared with the wild-type HSF1 3′UTR sequence while a third SNP reduced suppression by 25 %. HSF1 variants may alter HSF1 protein levels or function with potential effects on cell functions, including sensitivity to stress.
The effects of dreissenid mussels on the survival and condition of burrowing mayflies (Hexagenia spp.) in western Lake Erie

Burrowing mayflies (Hexagenia limbata and H. rigida) are once again prominent members of the benthic community in western Lake Erie. However, this community is now dominated by dreissenid mussels. We conducted a laboratory experiment and field sampling to investigate whether survival and condition of Hexagenia were affected by the presence, density, and quality of dreissenid mussels. In a laboratory experiment, Hexagenia survival was higher in microcosms without dreissenid mussels. We also found Hexagenia density to be higher at field sites with low dreissenid density, suggesting that Hexagenia survival is higher in these areas as well. In microcosm treatments with low dreissenid density, Hexagenia survival was higher in treatments with live dreissenids than in treatments containing only dreissenid shells. These findings suggest that while dreissenid shells degrade the quality of soft sediments for Hexagenia, some of the negative effect is offset by the presence of live dreissenids. The positive effect of live dreissenids is likely due to additional food resources made available to Hexagenia by the filtering activity of dreissenids. Neither dreissenid density nor shell “type” (shells alone or live dreissenids in shells) had an effect on Hexagenia condition. Thus, the interactions between these dominant benthic invertebrates are complex. Recovery of Hexagenia populations in western Lake Erie is likely affected by both changing environmental conditions due to anthropogenic activities and the introduction of exotic species into the benthic community. The results are likely to be continued instability of the benthic food web and unpredictable consequences for human utilization of this ecosystem.
Factor substitution and adaptation in the “off-shore” assembly plants of Baja California

Off-shore assembly plant operations have become an increasingly important source of jobs and foreign exchange for some developing countries. This paper, using cross-section data of individual assembly plants in Baja California, examines factor substitution and adaptation taking place in this labor-intensive type of operation. For contrast the technologically advanced electronic industry and the more traditional apparel assembly industry are compared. A two level CES production function which treats skilled labor as a separate factor of production is used to estimate elasticities of substitution. The study found evidence of factor adaptation occurring. Estimates of elasticities of substitution, while refuting the hypothesis of zero elasticity, are generally inelastic. This suggests that policies affecting wages of unskilled labor relative to skilled labor and capital can increase employment, but would decrease unskilled labor's total share of income.
Analytical investigations of varying cross section microstructures on charge transfer in solid oxide fuel cell electrodes

An extended surface modeling concept (electrochemical fin) is applied to charge transport within the SOFC electrode microstructure using an analytical modeling approach analogous to thermal fin analysis. This model is distinct from similar approaches applied to SOFC electrode microstructure in its application of a governing equation that allows for variable cross-section geometry. The model presented is capable of replicating experimentally observed electrode behavior inclusive of sensitivity to microstructural geometry, which stands in contrast to existing models that apply governing equations analogous to a constant cross-section thermal fin equation. Insights learned from this study include: the establishment of a suite of dimensionless parameters and performance metrics that can be applied to assess electrode microstructure, the definition of microstructure-related transport regimes relevant to electrode design, and correlations that allow performance predictions for electrodes that provide cell structural support. Of particular note, the variable cross-section modeling approach motivates the definition of a sintering quality parameter that quantifies the degree of constriction within the conducting network of the electrode, a phenomenon that exerts influence over electrode polarization. One-dimensional models are presented for electrochemical fins of several cross-sectional geometries with the ultimate goal of developing a general tool that enables the prompt performance evaluation of electrode microstructures. Such a tool would facilitate SOFC microstructural design by focusing more detailed modeling efforts on the most promising microstructures.