cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Ethnic Consciousness and Neighborhood Characteristics on College Retention Amongst Latino Students

In the last thirty years the number of Latinos attending college has increased dramatically. According to the U. S. Department of Education (2001) approximately nine (8.6) percent (i.e., 1,200,100) of all students enrolled in our nation's colleges and universities during the 1997 fall semester were of Hispanic/Latino heritage. Although this number reflects a slight increase over previous years, persistence to graduation among Latino students however, remains a significant problem, as Latinos continue to still experience higher attrition rates than white Americans. Approximately twenty percent of Latinos are reported to complete their college studies within six years, compared to more than 40 percent of whites and Asian Americans (Porter 1990).
Identification of the 5' terminal sequence of the SAR-55 and MEX-14 strains of hepatitis E virus and confirmation that the genome is capped.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a nonenveloped virus with a genome of single-stranded, positive-sense RNA. The 5′ terminal sequence of two HEV strains (SAR-55 and MEX-14) was determined by a 5′ RNA ligase-mediated rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) method designed to select capped RNAs. The 5′ noncoding region of the SAR-55 and MEX-14 strains were amplified, confirming that the genomic RNA of HEV is capped. The 5′ noncoding region of the SAR-55 strain had 25 nucleotides, which is two less than reported for the Burmese strain, and that of the MEX-14 strain had 24 nucleotides, which is 21 more than reported previously [Huang et al., 1992]. J. Med. Virol. 65:293–295, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
TH-E-224C-05: Verification of a Monte Carlo Based Technique to Correct for Intrafraction Organ Motion

Purpose: The most common planning technique to account for intrafraction organ motion is the application of a treatment margin to the clinical target volume (CTV). A uniform dose distribution is then planned for the resulting internal target volume (ITV). We have developed an alternative Monte Carlo based approach where the pattern of organ motion is directly incorporated into both the dose calculation and the optimization of IMRT treatment plans. We have verified the accuracy of this approach through a series of measurements performed with a moving phantom. Method and Materials: For each patient, a 4DCT was used to determine the pattern of respiration‐induced anatomical displacement. The pattern of organ motion was incorporated into our Monte Carlo dose calculation by randomly sampling the isocenter location for each photon history. The resulting pencil beam dose distributions (incorporating motion) were used in the IMRT planning process. Treatment plans have been created for two phantom cases and three lung patients. Verifications were performed for two cases using a solid water phantom programmed for sinusoidal motion. Results: For the 3 lung patients in this study, the mean dose to the involved lung was reduced by 11.9% relative to the plans produced using traditional margin expansion. The verification measurements demonstrated a close agreement between the planned and delivered dose distributions. Incorporating organ motion into the IMRT planning process led to a 43.3% average reduction in the number of points that failed the gamma dose distribution comparison method. Conclusion: The use of Monte Carlo techniques to incorporate organ motion into IMRToptimization leads to significant improvements in normal tissue sparing and also results in improved agreement between planned and delivered dose distributions.
Emerging Ethical Issues in Palliative Care

PALLIATIVE CARE—the comprehensive, coordinated, and concentrated relief of both pain and suffering in terminally ill or incurably ill patients—has always been a moral responsibility of physicians, regardless of specialty.1-3 For several reasons this moral obligation has today become more important than ever: physicians still provide inadequate pain relief; public opinion is becoming more tolerantofassistedsuicidewhenpatientsare perceivedtobesufferingintolerably;while denying a constitutional right to assistance in suicide, the Supreme Court has voiced unequivocal support for adequate pain relief; and palliative medicine has becomeanareaofexpertiseinitsownright.4-6 These developments prompt a review of some of the central ethical issues peculiar to palliative care. These issues are pertinent for all physicians caring for patients regardless of the cause of their suffering and whether or not these physiciansarespecialists inpalliativecare.7,8
A conceptualization and research strategy for the study of ecological aspects of the quality of life

The centerpiece of this paper is a proposed model identifying the various factors that ought to be brought into a thorough study of ecological aspects of quality of life. The model suggests that in addition to studying the physical, economic and social situation of an individual it also is important to study his beliefs about how the world works, his personal lifestyle, and his values, goals, aspirations and needs if one is to make adequate inferences about what produces the level of quality of life that he experiences. The model also shows that it is important to look at similar variables for a community or a society in order to arrive at inferences about quality of life for that community or society. Personal and societal learning is a dynamic factor in the model. The paper concludes with a discussion of strategies for operationalizing these factors in empirical studies.
Culture and Language Learning in Computer-Enhanced or Assisted Language Learning

This article explores computer-mediated communication (CMC) and information communication technology (ICT) use in language learning. More specifically, the article addresses the impact or implications of CMC tools for computer enhanced language learning. The article attempts to present a review of key literature in adaptation of communication technologies to teaching or learning language in general and specifically second language acquisition. The article stresses the need to understand culture and contextual appropriateness of language, thus, it argues for communication technology to be used as a secondary resource rather than a primary tool for language learners. The discussion addresses the dimensions of cultural variability with respect to language learning. At the same time, features of synchronous and asynchronous CMC were analyzed in the context of language learning. Finally, the article addresses implications for language learning in computer mediated communication or computer assisted environments.
Cyclic Fatigue from Frictional Degradation at Bridging Grains in Alumina

Tension-tension cyclic loading tests have been conducted on a coarse-grained alumina ceramic that exhibits toughness-curve behavior by grain-interlock bridging. Fatigue effects are observed in the regions of both short cracks, using indentation flaws, and long cracks, using compact-tension specimens. A true mechanical fatigue effect is demonstrated by running the tests below the static fatigue limit. A custom-made device for in situ observation of crack propagation in the scanning electron microscope enables us to identify bridge degradation as a cause of the fatigue process
Effects of in vivo ultrasound hyperthermia on natural killer cell cytotoxicity in the hamster

The effects of in vivo ultrasound irradiation of the spleen on immunological functions were assessed with an in vitro natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxic assay. Anesthetized hamsters were exposed to 1 MHz ultrasound at intensity levels currently being used clinically for therapeutic diathermy and hyperthermia (1-5 W/cm2, for 500 sec with constant beam scanning). Hyperthermic levels in the spleen ranged from 38-43 degrees C. Significant depression of natural killer (NK) cell activity was seen 4 h after spleen irradiation as compared to sham irradiated and normal animals. A return towards normal levels was observed in experimental groups at 24 h after exposure. Sham and normal animals were not significantly different in NK activity, indicating no significant stress-related immunosuppressive effects due to handling. Differential leukocyte counts taken for each exposure condition showed significant lymphopenia at 4, 8, and 16 h after exposure, near normal levels at 24 h, and complete recovery by 48 h. The number of circulating mononuclear cells at 4 h showed a dose-related suppression as the exposure intensities were increased.
Incorporating genetic variation into a model of budburst phenology of coast Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii)

Models to predict budburst and other phenological events in plants are needed to forecast how climate change may impact ecosystems and for the development of mitigation strategies. Differences among genotypes are important to predicting phenological events in species that show strong clinal variation in adaptive traits. We present a model that incorporates the effects of temperature and differences among genotypes to predict the timing of budburst of coast Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii (Mirb.) Franco). The main components of the model are (i) functions to calculate the accumulation of chilling units (CU) and forcing units (FU) during dormancy and (ii) a function defining the combinations of CU and FU needed for budburst (the possibility line). The possibility line was fit to data from 59 populations subjected to eight different winter environments. Differences among populations were incorporated into the possibility line using population coefficients that vary the FU required for budbu...
Valuing high altitude spruce-fir forest improvements: importance of forest condition and recreation activity

Abstract High altitude spruce fir forests are typical around the world and are often subjected to multiple forms of recreational use. In this paper, we use household and recreation group data for a spruce fir forest high in the Appalachian Mountains of the U. S. to evaluate the benefits from forest protection (i. e., from improving the forest condition). Our benefits estimation procedures use the referendum-type, contingent valuation (CV) approach of Cameron (1988). We modify the usual practice of obtaining a single willingness-to-pay (WTP) value by using alternative questionnaire scenarios and conducting tests to examine i) household and recreation group value sensitivity to forest condition, and ii) recreation group differences in WTP for forest protection. A first sample of southeastern U. S. households was asked to value a forest protection program for a spruce-fir forest showing no impact from insect disturbance or atmospheric deposition. The second sample was asked to value a protection program for a forest already experiencing impact from insect infestation and air pollution. Logit analysis of the two samples revealed no statistically significant difference in household WTP between the two forest protection programs. Further analysis indicated that consumptive forest users (i. e., hunters and anglers) held forest protection values that were sensitive to a change forest condition, while nonconsumptive forest users (i. e., campers and hikers) held values that were insensitive to the same condition change. Recreation group comparisons revealed that consumptive forest users also held lower values for forest protection than nonconsumptive recreationists. These results demonstrate the importance of estimating public values for forest protection in terms of heterogeneous groups rather than as a homogeneous whole.
Measurement of intracellular amino acids in cultured fibroblasts.

Abstract Tissue culture is a valuable tool for the study of cellular amino acid metabolism. However, accurate measurement of intracellular amino acids is difficult. Cells must be washed to remove the culture medium which is rich in amino acids, a procedure which may result in the loss of intracellular amino acids. Collection of the cells for washing and amino acid measurement is further complicated by the adherence of cultured fibroblasts to the culture vessel surface. An uncomplicated, reliable method for the determination of the amino acid content of cultured human diploid fibroblasts is described. The intracellular levels of several amino acids determined by this method are markedly higher than previously reported levels.
The use of ionization potentials Part 1. Ionic radii of the elements

Abstract Regularities between radius, ionization potential and charge indicate strongly that in normal isoelectronic sequences, Pauling type radii (univalent set) are to be recommended over those based entirely on interionic distance measurements. Discrepancies may be caused either by error in the assumed value of the radius of O2−, variable polarization and consequent shrinkage of O2− and other anions, or occasionally, by lack of precision of interionic distance measurements. Hitherto unknown radii of Ag2+, At7+, Au2+, Br5+, Cl5+, Cu2+, Fr+, Ge2+, I5+, N3+, Np7+, P3+, Pa5+, Pd2+, Po6+, Pt2+, Re7+, S4+, Se4+, Sn2+, Tc7+, U6+ and V2+ are given, and all previously published radii are reviewed and revised with the aid of the regularities noted above and available interionic distance measurements. Considerable evidence supports a value of 1,40 A for the radius of O2− when not significantly polarized.
Tympanoplasty in children. The Boston Children's Hospital experience.

• Considerable controversy surrounds the subject of tympanoplasty in children. Conflicting opinions about the indications, patient selection, timing, and technique of surgery are supported by various published series of cases. The records of 64 consecutive tympanoplasty procedures performed at the Boston (Mass) Children's Hospital over a recent 6-year period were reviewed. The study was limited to cases of repair of uncomplicated perforation of pars tensa that did not require ossiculoplasty or mastoidectomy. Surgery was successful in 73% of cases. A number of factors that are postulated to affect the outcome of surgery have been analyzed to assess their utility in selecting successful surgical candidates. Only patient age at the time of surgery was found to have statistical significance. We conclude that tympanoplasty for repair of perforation is warranted for children 8 years of age and older. (Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1990;116:35-40)
PET image reconstruction incorporating anatomical information using segmented regression

We describe a Bayesian PET reconstruction method that incorporates anatomical information extracted from a partial volume segmentation of a co-registered magnetic resonance (MR) image. For the purposes of this paper we concentrate on imaging the brain which we assume can be partitioned into four tissue classes: gray matter, white matter, cerebral spinal fluid, and partial volume. The PET image is then modeled as a piece-wise smooth function through a Gibbs prior. Within homogeneous tissue regions the image intensity is assumed to be governed by a thin plate energy function. Rather than use the anatomical information to guide the formation of a binary process representing region boundaries, we use the segmented anatomical image as a template to customize the Gibbs energy in such a way that we apply thin-plate smoothing within homogeneous tissue regions while enforcing zeroth corder continuity as we transition from homogeneous to partial volume regions. Discontinuities in intensity are allowed only at transitions between two different homogeneous regions. We refer to this model as segmented thin-plate regression with controlled continuities. We present the results of a detailed computer simulated phantom study in which partial volume effects are explicitly modeled. Results indicate that we obtain superior region of interest quantitation using this approach in comparison to a 2D partial volume correction method that has previously been proposed for quantitation using filtered backprojection images.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
An Integrative Factor Analysis of Leadership Measures and Theories

Summary Since the instruments for measuring most of the current leadership models have never been reconciled, it is important that the relationships between them be clearly understood before assumptions of similarity are made. A sample of 103 male working students were given a battery of tests measuring leadership orientations. The tests included role preference and role pressure measures from Sweney's Response to Power Model, the California F Scale, Fiedler's Least Preferred Co-Worker Scale and Assumed Similarity Between Opposites Scale, Costley and Downey's six scales to measure McGregor's “Theory X” and “Theory Y” constructs, modified scales for the Blake and Mouton Managerial Grid, and relevant scales from the 16 PF. The results were intercorrelated and yielded 11 varimax factors based upon a Guttman criterion, as follows: Authoritarian Role Preference, Authoritarian Role Pressure, Equalitarian Role Preference, Equalitarian Role Pressure, Balanced Manager, People Oriented Manager, Assumed Similarity B...
Precipitate flotation of chromium

A three-stage procexsss of reduction of acid chromate (HCrO4−), with NaHSO3 followed by precipitation of Cr(III) with NaOH followed by flotation with an anionic surfactant, provides 97% removal of chromium from aqueous suspensions containing 48.3 mg./liter Cr (0.929 mM). The required dosage of surfactant (sodium laurylsulfate) is 0.093 mole SLS/mole Cr, compared to a dosage of 1.1 mole cationic surfactant/mole Cr, used to ion float soluble acid chromate. The precipitate flotation process is pH dependent: below pH 6.3, soluble chromium species become appreciable and the flotation results agree with calculated soluble chromium concentrations; above pH 9.7, the charge of the precipitate is reversed, as indicated by surface potential measurements. The optimum pH range for flotation is 7.0 to 8.8. The effect of initial surfactant concentration on the flotation efficiency is established. Small quantities of calcium enhance the flotation of Cr, while higher concentrations, 0.5 mM and greater, decrease flotation efficiency. For suspensions with a doubled chromium concentration (96.6 mg./liter), the optimum pH range for flotation is lowered and narrowed to 6.3 to 6.5, indicating modifications in particle surface characteristics validated by measurements of surface potential and surfactant adsorption. Eighty-seven percent flotation is achieved at a 0.093 mole/mole ratio.
A MODIFIED ITERATIVE METHOD FOR NONLINEAR CHEMICAL CONCENTRATION IN CYLINDRICAL AND SPHERICAL PELLETS

In a previous paper a transform (spectral)-iterative method, with a new mode of iteration, was introduced for solving a variety of nonlinear problems including nonlinear (quadratic) or variable coefficient chemical reactions in planar catalyst pellets with reference to its possible application to other geometries. In this paper we further develop the method, with more general modifications of the iteration, and where we also use the Green's function for a nonlinear integral equation representation of the problem in the physical space. Such a representation offers a more direct way of involving general nonlinearities besides the quadratic one of the last paper. In addition, the modified iteration for both this (physical space) and the transform (spectral) representations can now be supported by a simple test or condition, that can explain its better convergence. The method is illustrated here for cylindrical and spherical pellets, with various relevant nonlinearities and, for reference most of these result...
Aphra Behn's the Disappointment as Ring Composition

(2009). Aphra Behn's the Disappointment as Ring Composition. The Explicator: Vol. 67, No. 3, pp. 191-195.
SU-GG-T-105: Optimal Mix of Electron and Photon Energies Using Linear Programming

Purpose: To find an optimal mix of electron (and photon) energies for treatment of superficial lesions. Introduction: The PDD curves of available electron energies frequently do not match the prescription depths and desired depth doses for superficial lesions. A mixture of electron (and photon) energies however can be used to create a composite PDD curve that closely matches the clinically required one. Method and Materials: The desired PDD is determined either manually, defining it at several depths, or semi‐automatically, defining only the dose at 1 mm and the proximal and distal 90% depths. In this case, the 50% and the maximum depths will be estimated. An Excel table contains PDDs for all electron energies with 0, 0.5,..,2 cm bolus. The small field size dependence of the PDDs is neglected. The table also includes PDDs of photon beams with multiple field sizes. The user can select multiple available energies from the table. For optimization criteria specifying PDD values to fit, upper/lower limits and exact values are all allowed. Inclusion of electron fields with boluses and photon fields is also possible. The score function is the maximum deviation between the desired PDD values and the resulting PDD at the depths to be fitted, while requesting lower, upper or equality constraints (if defined). The optimization was performed with the linear programming code of MATLAB. Results: Tests for the correctness of the optimization and a number of optimization tests were providing good match to the desired PDD and satisfying the given constraints. Multiple examples will be presented. Conclusion: The method is simple, easy to use, and an optimal PDD can be achieved. Since the program is written in MATLAB, it is transferable.
A deliberate approach to screening for initial crystallization conditions of biological macromolecules

A method to rationally predict crystallization conditions for a previously uncrystallized macromolecule has not yet been developed. One way around this problem is to determine initial crystallization conditions by casting a wide net, surveying a large number of chemical and physical conditions to locate crystallization leads. A facility that executes the rapid survey of crystallization lead conditions is described in detail. Results and guidelines for the initial screening of crystallization conditions, applicable to both manual and robotic setups, are discussed.
Imaging Stem Cells Implanted in Infarcted Myocardium

Stem cell-based cellular cardiomyoplasty represents a promising therapy for myocardial infarction. Noninvasive imaging techniques would allow the evaluation of survival, migration, and differentiation status of implanted stem cells in the same subject over time. This review describes methods for cell visualization using several corresponding noninvasive imaging modalities, including magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, single-photon emission computed tomography, and bioluminescent imaging. Reporter-based cell visualization is compared with direct cell labeling for short- and long-term cell tracking.
Analysis of Failure Waves in Glasses

Recent plate impact experiments have been interpreted as indicating the existence of {open_quotes}failure waves{close_quotes} during the compression of glass by impact at sufficiently high velocities. In experiments on soda-lime glass, Brar et al. reported the propagation of a wave across which the shearing strength dropped sharply from 2 GPa to 1 GPa, and the spall strength dropped from 3 GPa to zero. Such a drop in spall strength has also been reported by Raiser et al. in an aluminosilicate glass. Kanel et al. interpreted a small jump in the rear surface particle velocity in experiments on K19 glass as the reflection of a recompression wave from a wavefront propagating at approximately the speed reported for {open_quotes}failure waves{close_quotes}. In this paper, such {open_quotes}failure waves{close_quotes} are interpreted within the context of nonlinear wave theory. In this theory the {open_quotes}failure wave{close_quotes} corresponds to a propagating phase boundary-called a transformation shock. The theory is analogous to the theory of liquifaction shocks in fluids. 18 refs., 5 figs.
Nuclear dissipation and the order to chaos transition

Abstract The transition from ordered to chaotic nucleonic motions in the nuclear mean-field potential is reflected in the disappearance of shell effects in nuclear masses and deformations, and in the transition from an elastic, through an elastoplastic, to a dissipative behavior of the nucleus.
Comments on: Successful adaptive control of paper machines

Abstract A recent paper by T. Cegrell and T. Hedqvist [1] describes a successful application of adaptive control in a paper machine. The author in this article, makes a few comments about the paper.
Organizational preparedness for change: Staff acceptance of an on-line computer-assisted assessment system

An on-line assessment system is briefly described. Previous positive evaluation studies are summarized. Results of studies of staff acceptance and staff preparedness for change are reported. Findings are interpreted in terms of the need for planning for change. Implications related to the acceptance of other on-line computer systems in psychology are discussed.
Replacement of recipient stromal/mesenchymal cells after bone marrow transplantation using bone fragments and cultured osteoblast-like cells

Abstract We present our experience on treatment of three children with potentially fatal diseases using a unique protocol for non-myeloablative bone marrow transplantation. The protocol was designed to promote engraftment of bone marrow stromal/mesenchymal cells (SC/MSCs) based on the knowledge from preclinical models over the last three decades. Accordingly, our protocol is the first to test the use of bone fragments as an ideal vehicle to transplant such cells residing in the bone core. Because of the paucity of knowledge for optimum transplantation of SC/MSCs in humans, we used a multifaceted approach and implanted bone fragments both intraperitoneally and directly into bone on day 0 of BMT. We also infused cultured donor osteoblast-like cells intravenously post-BMT. We were able to achieve high levels of stroma cell engraftment as defined by molecular analyses of bone biopsy specimens.
The evolutionary dynamics of receptor binding avidity in influenza A: a mathematical model for a new antigenic drift hypothesis

The most salient feature of influenza evolution in humans is its antigenic drift. This process is characterized by structural changes in the virus's B-cell epitopes and ultimately results in the ability of the virus to evade immune recognition and thereby reinfect previously infected hosts. Until recently, amino acid substitutions in epitope regions of the viral haemagglutinin were thought to be positively selected for their ability to reduce antibody binding and therefore were thought to be responsible for driving antigenic drift. However, a recent hypothesis put forward by Hensley and co-workers posits that cellular receptor binding avidity is the dominant phenotype under selection, with antigenic drift being a side effect of these binding avidity changes. Here, we present a mathematical formulation of this new antigenic drift model and use it to show how rates of antigenic drift depend on epidemiological parameters. We further use the model to evaluate how two different vaccination strategies can impact antigenic drift rates and ultimately disease incidence levels. Finally, we discuss the assumptions present in the model formulation, predictions of the model, and future work that needs to be done to determine the consistency of this hypothesis with known patterns of influenza's genetic and antigenic evolution.
Optical Artifacts in Whole Blood Densitometry: A Review of Undesirable Optical Signals, Nonspecific Effects, Encountered during Measurements of Oxygen Saturation and Dye Dilution Curves by Light Transmission

Optical Artifacts in Whole Blood Densitometry: A Review of Undesirable Optical Signals, Nonspecific Effects, Encountered during Measurements of Oxygen Saturation and Dye Dilution Curves by Light Transmission
Hole scattering and optical transitions in wide-band-gap nitrides: Wurtzite and zinc-blende structures

The energy spectrum and transitions of valence-band carriers in wurtzite materials are studied theoretically using cubic crystals for comparison. We correct the commonly used cubic approximation and propose notations for Luttinger-like parameters in wurtzite structures that simplify the cubic approximation to ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{1\mathrm{z}}$=${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{\perp}}}$, ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{2\mathrm{z}}$=${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{2\mathrm{\ensuremath{\perp}}}$, and ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{3\mathrm{z}}$=${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{3\mathrm{\ensuremath{\perp}}}$. We establish the relation between two recently proposed 3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}3 matrix blocks diagonalizing the full 6\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}6 Hamiltonian and provide geometric interpretation in three-dimensional Bloch space. The formalism is used then to derive transition matrix elements for three types of processes: (i) macrofield hole scattering, described by the Bloch overlap factor; (ii) optical transitions between conduction and valence bands; and (iii) intervalence band optical transitions. Finally, we discuss the set of material parameters for group-III nitrides and present the numerical results.
Synthesis, crystal structure, and thermoelectric properties of the YbAl3-ScAl3 solid solution

Abstract The Yb 1− x Sc x Al 3 alloy solid solution has been successfully synthesized for 0 ≤ x ≤ 1 by a combination of arc melting, pulverization, and consolidation by pulsed electric current sintering. The thermoelectric properties of the alloys have been investigated over the temperature range 80–300 K. Our results on pure YbAl 3 confirm previous studies demonstrating the combination of low electrical resistivity (∼100 μΩ cm) and large Seebeck coefficient (∼85 μV K −1 ) at 300 K. With increasing values of x the alloys become even more metallic, but the Seebeck coefficient decreases more gradually than the resistivity, resulting in enhanced thermoelectric power factor for 0 ≤ x ≤ 1. An increase in electronic thermal conductivity is partially offset by a strong suppression in lattice thermal conductivity that arises due to alloy scattering. As a result, the thermoelectric figure of merit of alloys with x = 0.25 is increased by 30% relative to YbAl 3 at 250 K.
Modulation of leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions by infectious agents

The ability of leukocytes, the principal mobile players in host defence, to reach the sites where infectious processes occur is pivotal for interrupting these processes and restoring initial steady-state conditions of the tissues. Numerous factors are responsible for regulating leukocyte trafficking, including the expression of adhesion molecules on both endothelial cells and leukocytes, as well as the unique blend of local cytokines and chemokines induced directly or indirectly within the pathogen-loaded sites. Recently, pathogens have been shown to directly intervene and modify these factors, thus influencing the subsequent immune response. This review will discuss mechanisms whereby pathogens can influence the recruitment of leukocytes to sites of infection.
Perceived stress among nonmetropolitan Utah residents

This article examines relationships between perceived stress and variables such as life events, differential economic satisfaction, health problems, and sociodemographic characteristics among respondents in three nonmetropolitan areas in Utah. The three most predictive factors related to perceived stress are economic satisfaction, life events experienced, and religion. The analysis shows an inverse partial relationship between perceived stress scores and economic satisfaction, and a positive partial relationship between the number of life events and perceived stress. Non-Mormons report higher levels of stress than Mormons. A positive but weak relationship is observed between stress and household size. Weak inverse relationships are observed between stress and a measure of household unemployment, income, and respondent's sex.
Rape on Campus: Community Education and Services for Victims

Abstract Rape is an issue which must be addressed by college health workers. It is prevalent on college campuses in overt and subtle forms, and requires interventions on several levels. This paper describes community and professional education and training, victim counseling and advocacy, police liaison, and medical services, all of which are provided within a context of ongoing collaboration among agencies involved.
Differentiated (Simplex) Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Differentiated (simplex) vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) is an uncommon variant of VIN characterized by highly differentiated morphology, making it a potential diagnostic pitfall. It may arise in the background of lichen sclerosus, and unlike most VIN, is not causally associated with human papilloma virus infection. It occurs in an older demographic and is thought to be the precursor of aggressive, invasive vulvar squamous cell carcinoma. For this reason, the timely and accurate diagnosis of this unusual lesion is crucial. The clinical and histologic features of a case of a 70-year-old woman with newly diagnosed differentiated (simplex) VIN arising in a background of long-standing lichen sclerosus is reported, and the historic aspects, current terminology, and diagnostic criteria of differentiated (simplex) VIN are reviewed.
A surplus of physicians in Israel: Any lessons for the United States and other industrialized countries?

In Israel, there is a consensus that there is a surplus of physicians. An examination of the Israeli situation may suggest some responses that will be taken by policy makers and physicians in the United States and other industrialized countries as the supply of physicians continues to increase. Specifically, we examine the impact of rising physician supply on the geographic distribution of physicians in Israel, the length of the training period for residency programs, the interaction between physicians and other professionals, and the level of physician incomes compared to other Israeli workers.
Pre-pregnancy body mass index, weight change during pregnancy, and risk of intellectual disability in children

Objective This study investigated pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and weight change in pregnancy as potential risk factors for intellectual disability (ID) in children. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting South Carolina, USA. Population A total of 78 675 mother–child pairs, insured by the South Carolina Medicaid programme, born in the period 2004–2007. Methods We analysed South Carolina Medicaid data, linked to data from both the South Carolina Department of Education (DOE) and the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN). Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and weight change during pregnancy were obtained from birth certificates. ID cases were identified from the three sources listed above. We used generalised estimating equation logistic regression models to model the odds of ID in children. Main outcome measures Identified as having ID in special education, DDSN, or Medicaid billing records. Results The risk of ID was greater in children of women with pre-pregnancy obesity, and the risk was greatest in children born to women with morbid obesity (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.30–1.77 for ID of any severity; OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.23–2.45 for severe ID). Gestational weight change (gain or loss) was not significantly associated with odds of ID. Conclusions Pre-pregnancy obesity may be a modifiable risk factor for ID in children, although further study is needed to evaluate whether the association meets criteria for causation.
5S rRNA and tRNA: Evidence for a Common Evolutionary Origin

THERE is now substantial evidence that the evolutionary development of certain proteins has proceeded by a mechanism of ancestral gene duplication and subsequent amino-acid sequence divergence through nucleotide substitutions, additions and deletions in the duplicated cistrons1. This has also been proposed to account for the existence of fairly extensive homologies between several of the tRNAs2–5 and between the 5S rRNAs from E. coli, human KB carcinoma cells and Pseudomonas fluorescens2, as well as a possible homologous sequence relationship between the two halves of E. coli 5S rRNA6. We therefore considered more carefully the evolution of the tRNA and 5S rRNA molecules and, in particular, the possible origin of these unique gene products. Here we have referred to these non-informational, untranslated nucleic acids (that is, tRNA and 5S rRNA) as niRNAs.
Intimal hyperplasia is reduced by ornithine decarboxylase inhibition.

Abstract Polyamines are intracellular cations that are thought to play a role in the regulation of cell growth and differentiation. This study was undertaken to determine if inhibition of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), the rate-limiting enzyme of polyamine synthesis, suppresses formation of intimal hyperplasia (IH) after arterial injury. Twenty New Zealand white rabbits underwent balloon catheter deendothelialization of a common carotid artery. Treated animals ( n = 10) were given α-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), an inhibitor of ODC, ad lib in drinking water as a 2% solution. DFMO was begun 3 days prior to surgery and continued until vessel harvest. Vessels were perfusion-fixed at harvest, 2 ( n = 10) and 4 ( n = 10) weeks postoperatively. All arteries remained patent. There were no histologic differences in the IH between treated and untreated animals. The intima and media surface areas on serial arterial cross sections were determined using computer-assisted planimetry. There was a significant difference in the IH surface area of injured arteries between untreated and DFMO-treated animals at both 2 (17.6 ± 2.0 vs 3.0 ± 1.6 μm 2 ; P ⩽ 0.001) and 4 weeks (27.4 ± 5.6 vs 7.1 ± 1.8 μm 2 ; P ⩽ 0.008). No differences were seen in medial thickness. We conclude that ODC inhibition reduces early development of IH after arterial deendothelialization. These data support the hypothesis that polyamines may be cellular messengers involved in the regulation of IH formation.
Micromachined near-field probe arrays

ABSTRACT In this paper, we describe the fabrication of cantilevered arrays of tapered near-field probes with pyramidal, sub-micrometer tips that are micromachined from glass substrates. High density data storage and page-oriented retrieval are the potential applications of the described microdevice. Heating and pulling or chemical etching of optic fibers are the common approaches to sub-wavelength aperture fabrication necessary to probe the near-field. A rrays have been previously formed by chemical etching of or film deposition on an opaque substrate and were later coupled to optical fibers for use as near-field probesthough; alignment of optical fibers with the apertures for guiding the light to the detector in the far-field is not t rivial. Probe arrays described in this work were initially fabricated by dicing a 175-µmthick borosilicate glass substrate using a 250-µm thick resinoid blade and were subsequently tapered and sharpened in a two-step chemical etch process performed at room temperature. The tips were then metallized using a 100nm thick coating of aluminum. Arrays of upto eight 1cm to 2.5 cm long probes with center-to- center spacing of 450 µm and tip sizes of approximately 200 nm were fabricated. Roughness on the vertical sidewall was characterized and thedependence of optical loss coefficients of the light guiding bulk on etch duration was investigated.Keywords : Near- field optics, optical MEMS, data storage, tapered glass fiber arrays, fluorescent imaging
Mouse genetic models for temporomandibular joint development and disorders

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a synovial joint essential for hinge and sliding movements of the mammalian jaw. Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) are dysregulations of the muscles or the TMJ in structure, function, and physiology, and result in pain, limited mandibular mobility, and TMJ noise and clicking. Although approximately 40–70% adults in the USA have at least one sign of TMD, the etiology of TMD remains largely unknown. Here, we highlight recent advances in our understanding of TMD in mouse models.
Frequency Effects on the Stability of a Journal Bearing for Periodic Loading

The stability of a journal bearing is numerically predicted when a unidirectional periodic external load is applied. The analysis is performed using a cavitation algorithm, which mimics the Jakobsson-Floberg and Olsson (JFO) theory by accounting for the mass balance through the complete bearing. Hence, the history of the film is taken into consideration. The loading pattern is taken to be sinusoidal and the frequency of the load cycle is varied. The results are compared with the predictions using Reynolds boundary conditions for both film rupture and reformation. With such comparisons, the need for accurately predicting the cavitation regions for complex loading patterns is clearly demonstrated. For a particular frequency of loading, the effects of mass, amplitude of load variation and frequency of journal speed are also investigated. The journal trajectories, transient variations in fluid film forces, net surface velocity and minimum film thickness, and pressure profiles are also presented.
Orthogonal tensor invariants and the analysis of diffusion tensor magnetic resonance images

This paper outlines the mathematical development and application of two analytically orthogonal tensor invariants sets. Diffusion tensors can be mathematically decomposed into shape and orientation information, determined by the eigenvalues and eigenvectors, respectively. The developments herein orthogonally decompose the tensor shape using a set of three orthogonal invariants that characterize the magnitude of isotropy, the magnitude of anisotropy, and the mode of anisotropy. The mode of anisotropy is useful for resolving whether a region of anisotropy is linear anisotropic, orthotropic, or planar anisotropic. Both tensor trace and fractional anisotropy are members of an orthogonal invariant set, but they do not belong to the same set. It is proven that tensor trace and fractional anisotropy are not mutually orthogonal measures of the diffusive process. The results are applied to the analysis and visualization of diffusion tensor magnetic resonance images of the brain in a healthy volunteer. The theoretical developments provide a method for generating scalar maps of the diffusion tensor data, including novel fractional anisotropy maps that are color encoded for the mode of anisotropy and directionally encoded colormaps of only linearly anisotropic structures, rather than of high fractional anisotropy structures.
An elementary processor for a neural computer

An analysis of a currently available analog neuron model is presented and an elementary processor is developed as a neuron-like element in a digital system. The elementary processors are composed of digital cells which are the most primitive elements in a digital system. A network of digital cells can be used to implement any digital logic functions and the elementary processor is the systematic organization of the digital cells. One of the interesting properties found in the elementary processors is the capability of developing control structures such as the IF/THEN structure. The other interesting property is the generality of the elementary processors in which any arbitrary logical function can be realized. >
Archaeological geophysics investigation of the Wright Brothers 1910 hangar site

An archaeological geophysics investigation was conducted at the site of the Wright Brothers’ 1910 hangar near Dayton, Ohio. The hangar was destroyed as part of base renovation during the buildup to World War 11, and its exact location is unknown. The purpose of the investigation is to confirm the exact location of the hangar and to locate any buried artifacts from the Wright Brothers occupation of the site. Ground penetrating radar (GPR), electromagnetic, and magnetic surveys were conducted over a 68 x 100 m area, approximately centered on the suspected location of the hangar. Localized anomalies as well as areal anomalies are identified in the geophysical data. Rectangular anomalous areas are identified that are generally consistent with the suspected location of the hangar. A 1924 aerial photograph showing the hangar was digitally scanned and georeferenced to the site survey area. Two of the rectangular geophysical anomalous areas are consistent with the hangar location from the aerial photograph location. A third rectangular area, defined from GPR survey data, is immediately adjacent to the aerial photograph location. It is postulated that base engineers may have bulldozed the hangar debris onto an area adjacent to its original location and either burned it there or buried it in a trench. A prioritized exploratory program is proposed for investigating the sources of the geophysical anomalies. Q 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Association between birthplace, prevalence, and age of asthma onset in adults: a United States population-based study.

Abstract Background Previous studies have found associations between region of birth and asthma prevalence. Objective To study the association among birthplace, US prevalence, age of onset, and disease course of adult asthma. Methods Data from 447,801 adults from the 1997 to 2011 National Health Interview Survey were reviewed. History of asthma was compared with birthplace using Rao-Scott χ 2 tests, survey logistic, propensity score, and Cox regression. Trends of asthma prevalence were analyzed using logistic regression. Multivariate models controlled for sociodemographics, health care access, smoking history, and body mass index. Results Adults born outside the United States had lower odds of ever asthma (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.49–0.55) or current asthma (OR 0.50, 95% CI, 0.46–0.54). The inverse association between foreign birthplace and asthma prevalence was significant in all regions of birth ( P P P Conclusion Foreign-born American adults from all regions of birth have a lower prevalence of asthma, which increases after prolonged US residency. Foreign-born Americans may have a higher risk of adult-onset asthma.
Superconducting strings as sources of high-energy cosmic rays

The possibility is explored that highly charged superconducting strings and vortons ionize neutral atoms and act as high-energy charged-particle accelerators. For strings characterized by a GUT mass scale, it is roughly estimated (neglecting radiative losses) that charged particles such as protons and heavier nuclei may reach an energy scale ≥ 1021 eV.
Electronic Resources: A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing?

This article examines the impact of electronic technology on libraries and scholarship. It focuses on some of the challenges of using electronic resources in research libraries, which include the cost of acquiring electronic formats and the effect that such expenditures have on other library services and collection development practices. The article also explores how electronic resources have changed the way students and scholars conduct research. The goal of this essay is not to criticize or condemn electronic formats but, rather, to illustrate that electronic technology is simply one tool, among others, for the dissemination of information. As such, electronic resources should complement rather than replace other formats.
Gentian Violet Toxicity

Currently, the use of 1 % and 2 % aqueous solutions of gentian violet (GV) is an acceptable treatment of thrush in infants. GV is generally considered efficacious; in fact, one study found GV superior to nystatin in treating thrush in infants. 1 Oral nystatin is usually prescribed as the first-line drug for this infection, while GV is commonly reserved for nystatin failures. Although GV is widely regarded as an essentially harmless medication, we present a case of GV toxicity and review the literature on this subject.