cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Computer Vision System For Understanding The Movement Of A Wave Field

Mathematical modeling of seismic phenomena is an important tool for producing synthetic wavefield snapshots as well as synthetic seismic traces. The generation of those models is mainly carried out as an aid for studying the propagation of a signal when it is transmitted through or reflected from a a given horizon. In fact, information regarding the geometry of the horizon and the nature of the materials, the contact of which gives rise to the horizon, are fundamental in geological exploration. The snapshots mentioned above form a sequence of images showing a two-dimensional representation of the wave field evolving into refracted and reflected waves during a given period of time. By analyzing the behavior of the reflected and refracted waves a human observer can extract parameters like velocity of the waves, geometry of the horizon, reflection and refraction parameters, and nature of the materials. This is an intelligent process which infers properties of objects by relating aspects of an apparently totally different nature (like a sequence of picture where arcs of circles are delineated). It is interesting to observe that it is possible for the human eye to classify the waves residing in each configuration, tracking them from an image to the successive one, giving finally, a synthetic description of the environment. Frequently a problem rises when reflected, refracted, and wrap-around waves form complex configurations. In these cases the distinction of the components of the wavefield becomes difficult. An automatic system, which is able to emulate the behaviour of a human observer analyzing a simple sequence of synthetic snapshots, is presented.
The Impact of Redundancy on DSRC Safety Application Reliability under Different Data Rates

This research addresses reliability issues of safety applications in Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) that use Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC) in Wireless Access in Vehicular Environments (WAVE) systems. Reliability of such applications is affected not only by the usual environmental effects of wireless communication, but also potentially by malicious act. The case of constant and random jamming and their impact on safety applications are investigated under consideration of the data rates used. It is shown that the most important message, the Basic Safety Message (BSM), which is transmitted on a dedicated safety channel can be jammed, resulting in safety application failure. To mitigate against jamming a communication scheme based on redundant channel is used that utilizes channels with higher power ratings for communicating data with BSM-equivalent content, while not deviating from existing standards. The impact of channel and message redundancy for different data rates is investigated. Considering the two jammer types, it is shown that the introduction of redundancy overcomes the impact of jamming attacks. Furthermore it is demonstrated that application reliability increases inverse to the data rates of the channels. Analysis shows that DSRC safety applications that use redundant communication can overcome jamming attacks if data rates of 3Mbps and 6Mbps are used, while 12Mbps communication is not advisable.
Transport between blood and peripheral lymph in intestine.

Abstract Attempts are made to measure directly the forces responsible for fluid and protein transfer between blood, tissue, and lymph. Normal steady-state values for Starling forces in cat mesentery are blood capillary hydrostatic pressure Pb = 32 cm H2O, blood oncotic pressure πb = 26 cm H2O, peripheral lymph hydrostatic pressure P1 = 0 cm H2O, and peripheral lymph oncotic pressure π1 = 8.3 cm H2O. Perturbations in the blood variables (blood dilution, πb elevation, hemorrhagic hypotension, and Pb elevation) elicit rapidly developing compensatory changes in the tissue variables so that the Starling balance is maintained. Importantly, fluid regulation is also maintained by rapid adjustments in lymph flow. Substantial protein is transferred from blood into peripheral lymph, further emphasizing the importance of the lymphatic system in maintaining the balance. Direct protein analyses suggest lymph is concentrated during its passage from the periphery to the pre- and post-nodal collecting lymphatics.
HOLMIUM: YAG LITHOTRIPSY OF URIC ACID CALCULI

AbstractPurpose: Holmium:YAG lithotripsy of uric acid calculi produces cyanide. We review our experience with holmium:YAG lithotripsy of uric acid calculi to determine if there is any clinical evidence of cyanide toxicity.Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of all of our cases of holmium:YAG lithotripsy of uric acid calculi was done. Anesthetic and postoperative data were reviewed.Results: A total of 18 patients with uric acid calculi were treated with holmium:YAG lithotripsy by ureteroscopy (5), retrograde nephroscopy (2), percutaneous nephrolithotomy (5) or cystolithotripsy (6). No patient had increased end-tidal carbon dioxide, changes in electrocardiogram or significant decrease in postoperative serum bicarbonate. An 84-year-old woman had decreased diastolic pressure of 30 mm. Hg while under general anesthesia. No cyanide related neurological, cardiac or respiratory complications were noted.Conclusions: There were no obvious cyanide related complications from holmium:YAG lithotripsy of uri...
Saturation of the ionospheric polar cap potential during the October–November 2003 superstorms

[1] The question of whether the cross polar cap potential drop in the Earth's ionosphere saturates under conditions of extreme electric field in the solar wind has been tested observationally during the past several years. The challenge to proving the existence of this phenomenon is that periods of such extreme electric fields in the solar wind are relatively rare. The three superstorms of October and November 2003 provided ideal cases for testing this idea. We first review the earlier evidence of the saturation seen by the DMSP-F13 spacecraft during the 31 March 2001 superstorm and other storm events during the 1998–2002 time period. Then we present observations from the DMSP-F13 spacecraft during the October and November 2003 superstorms that show definite evidence of this saturation. In addition, some of the electric fields during these superstorms were almost twice as large as the largest fields previously studied, thus increasing the range of our sample set and further increasing our confidence in the existence of the saturation phenomenon. The data are compared with the saturated potentials predicted by the Hill-Siscoe model to test its validity. The DMSP measurements indicate that the saturation limit of the cross polar cap is about 260 kV.
Temporal Patterns of Variable Relationships in Person-Oriented Research: Prediction and Auto-Association Models of Configural Frequency Analysis

Longitudinal Configural Frequency Analysis (CFA) seeks to identify, at the manifest variable level, those temporal patterns that are observed more frequently (CFA types) or less frequently (CFA antitypes) than expected with reference to a base model. This article discusses, compares, and extends two base models of interest in longitudinal data analysis. The first of these, Prediction CFA (P-CFA), is a base model that can be used in the configural analysis of both cross-sectional and longitudinal data. This model takes the associations among predictors and among criteria into account. The second base model, Auto-Association CFA (A-CFA), was specifically designed for longitudinal data. This model takes the auto-associations among repeatedly observed variables into account. Both models are extended to accommodate covariates, for example, stratification variables. Application examples are given using data from a longitudinal study of domestic violence. It is illustrated that CFA is able to yield results that ...
Expression, purification, and characterization of proteins from high-quality combinatorial libraries of the mammalian calmodulin central linker

Combinatorial libraries offer an attractive approach towards exploring protein sequence, structure and function. Although several strategies introduce sequence diversity, the likelihood of identifying proteins with novel functions is increased when the library of genes encodes for folded and soluble structures. Here we present the first application of the binary patterning approach of combinatorial protein library design to the unique central linker region of the highly-conserved protein, calmodulin (CaM). We show that this high-quality approach translates very well to the CaM protein scaffold: All library members over-express and are functionally diverse, having a range of conformations in the presence and absence of calcium as determined by circular dichroism spectroscopy. Collectively, these data support that the binary patterning approach, when applied to the highly-conserved protein fold, can yield large collections of folded, soluble and highly-expressible proteins.
Effects of stimulation and blockade of dopamine receptor subtypes on the discriminative stimulus properties of cocaine

The involvement of dopamine (DA) receptor subtypes in the behavioral effects of CNS stimulants was studied in rats trained to discriminate occaine from saline. In substitution tests, the stimulus effects of 10mg/kg of this substance generalized tod-amphetamine (0.25–1.0 mg/kg) and the selective D2 against LY-171555 (0.05–0.25 mg/kg); but not to the D1 agonist SKF-38393 (5.0–15.0 mg/kg); in combination tests, the D1 antagonist Sch-23390 (0.0625–0.5 mg/kg) significantly blocked, and the D2 antagonist spiperone (0.25–0.5 mg/kg) partially blocked the cocaine cue. These data suggest that the involvement of DA systems in the behavioral effects of cocaine is more complex than either D1 or D2 receptor activation; for example, the stimulus properties of this substance might involve both D1 and D2 receptor activation.
Synthesis and properties of bilirubin analogs with conformation-perturbing C(10) tert-butyl and adamantyl groups

Abstract Bilirubin analogs with tert -butyl ( 1 ) and adamantyl ( 2 ) substituents at the central carbon have been synthesized by reaction of an α-H dipyrrinone with pivaldehyde or 1-formyladamantane. The pigments are shown by NMR to adopt an intramolecularly hydrogen-bonded ridge-tile conformation. However, unlike their parent unsubstituted rubin ( 5 ), the ridge-tile is distorted from C 2 symmetry by nonbonded steric interactions between the bulky C(10) substituents and the proximal propionic acid chain.
The Science of Communicating the Art of Esthetic Dentistry. Part I: Patient‐Dentist‐Patient Communication

Many contemporary restorative procedures are primarily esthetically driven, and patients have high expectations. It is imperative for the restorative dentist to understand patients' desires and expectations prior to initiating irreversible therapy. It is equally important for patients to understand the anatomic and technical limitations inherent with restorative therapy. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE This article describes several relatively straightforward techniques that can assist in dentist-patient-dentist communication and allow the patient to visualize a reasonable facsimile of the definitive result prior to initiation of irreversible therapy. By using these techniques where indicated, the frustrating cycle of rejection and failure may be avoided.
SAUTER THEORY OF THE PHOTOELECTRIC EFFECT

Results of Sauter are expressed in the form of a transition matrix which determines the photoelectric effect cross section for arbitrary x-ray polarization and arbitrary initial and final orientations of the electron spin. The structure of the matrix elements accounts for curious properties of the cross section in terms of interference between orbital and spin currents. Expansion of the wave functions into powers of $\frac{Z}{137}$ simplifies the calculation of the transition matrix, reduces it to a special case of the bremsstrahlung theory in Born approximation, and explains discrepancies between results of earlier calculations. Analytical and graphical data are given on the photoemission of polarized electrons by circularly polarized x-rays.
Tolerance-Inducing Passenger Leukocytes in Perinatal Skin Grafts of the Mouse

Neonatal skin grafts have the capacity to outlive adult skin grafts, especially in situations involving H-2 antigen compatibility of donor and host. Neonatal grafts can induce a state of tolerance in their hosts; in many cases, recipients exposed to neonatal allografts fail to reject adult grafts from the same donor strain. In the H-2 antigen compatible C3H ↔ CBA combination, survival of neonatal skin grafts is correlated with the emigration of passenger leukocytes from the graft vasculature. Removal of a neonatal C3H skin graft has no effect on the unresponsive state of the host with respect to subsequent grafts of adult tissue. Donor leukocytes arc present in various tissues of the tolerant CBA host, and treatments (such as irradiation) that eliminate the normal leukocytic population of a neonatal C3H skin graft also eliminate the likelihood of skin graft survival and block the establishment of tolerance. In the C57BL/6 (B6) male-to-female system, survival of neonatal skin grafts is not correlated with emigration of passenger cells. Removal of a neonatal male B6 graft breaks the tolerance of the female host. The tolerant female is not a leukocyte chimera, and irradiation of the neonatal graft or replacement of the passenger cells with adult male cells does not eliminate the likelihood of graft survival nor does it block the establishment of tolerance. Moreover, passenger cells play no part in tolerance to Sk antigen incompatible grafts; Sk (skin-specific) antigens do not occur in lymphocytes. The anomalous survival of neonatal skin rafts, evidently promoted by different mechanisms in different donor-host combinations, remains to be clarified. And it remains also to be determined whether the idiosyncratic performance of certain neonatal passenger cells has any physiological relevance.
Radiographic measurements of cardiac size as predictors of outcome in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy

Abstract Background: Cardiac dilatation is a predictor of poor outcome in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. Whereas cardiac chamber dimensions or volumes can be assessed by various noninvasive and invasive techniques, simple chest radiography also may provide a valuable assessment of cardiac size. Methods and Results: To determine the relative power of radiographic heart measurements for predicting outcome in dilated cardiomyopathy, we retrospectively studied 88 adult patients with chest radiographs obtained within 35 days of echocardiography. Standard radiographic variables were measured for each patient, and the cardiothoracic (CT) ratio, frontal cardiac area, and volume were calculated. During a mean 4.1-year follow-up, 62 of the 88 (71%) patients died. CT ratio was the best predictor of mortality among the radiographic cardiac measurements. By multivariate analysis, a model including echocardiographic ejection fraction, New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, and history of heart failure was highly predictive of survival. When added to this model, CT ratio also was independently associated with mortality, but not radiographic cardiac area or volume. When radiographic variables were each added to CT ratio, they did not add incremental predictive value to the model that included CT ratio alone. Echocardiographic measurement of left ventricular (LV) size, especially when indexed for body size, was independently predictive of outcome, but it did not supersede the predictive power of CT ratio. Conclusion: The simply derived radiographic CT ratio is a useful predictor of outcome in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and compares favorably with other clinical and selected echocardiographic variables.
Market imperfections and the choices of maturity and call provisions in corporate debt

Abstract This study is an analysis of three market imperfections associated with corporate debt (transaction costs, agency costs, and information asymmetry) and how they may combine to affect a bond issuer's choices of debt maturity and call provisions. Several hypotheses emerging from this analysis are then tested empirically. Empirical results generally support hypotheses regarding optimal maturity and optimal call provisions. However, while market imperfections appear to influence debt maturities, they do so in a more complex manner than has been modeled so far in the literature.
On the existence of weak solutions of differential equations in nonreflexive banach spaces

THE STUDY of the Cauchy problem for differential equations in a Banach space relative to the strong topology has attracted much attention in recent years [l&4]. This study has taken two different directions. One direction is to impose compactness type conditions that guarantee only existence and the corresponding results are extensions of the classical Peano’s Theorem. The other approach is to utilize dissipative type conditions that assure existence and uniqueness of solutions, and the corresponding results are extensions of the classical Picard’s Theorem. However a similar study ofthe Cauchy problem in a Banach space relative to the weak topology has lagged behind. Recently Szep [4] proved Peano’s Theorem in the weak topology for differential equations in a reflexive Banach space. His main tools are the Eberlein-Smulian Theorem and the fact that a subset of a reflexive Banach space is weakly compact if and only if it is weakly closed and norm bounded. In this paper we wish to prove this theorem in arbitrary Banach spaces. Our first approach is to impose weak compactness type conditions in terms of the measure of weak noncompactness developed by De Blasi. We also impose weak dissipative type conditions and prove an existence and uniqueness theorem. Using these existence results and the partial orderings induced by cones, existence of extremal solutions and comparison results relative to the weak topology are also proved.
The effect of octahedrally-coordinated calcium on the ferroelectric transition of BaTiO3

Abstract The effect of the B-site calcium ion on the ferroelectric transition of BaTiO3 ceramics was investigated by X-ray diffraction, TEM, SEM, and by measurements of dielectric properties and equilibrium electric conductivity. It was found that the c/a ratio at room temperature decreases continuously to near unity with increasing amount of Ca ion on the B site up to 5%, and that the broadened and diffused Curie peak moves to room temperature for the composition with 5% of Ca ion on the B site and 6% on the A site. A thermodynamic model has been developed to explain this effect.
Surgical treatment of intractable neonatal‐onset seizures: The role of positron emission tomography

We have performed positron emission tomography (PET) with 2-deoxy-2[18F]fluoro-D-glucose (FDG) in eight infants and children (aged 18 days to 5 years) with medically refractory epilepsy of neonatal onset. It was hypothesized that in at least some of these infants a surgical approach (focal resection, cerebral hemispherectomy) might be of benefit in achieving seizure control, and that PET might assist in surgical selection. In three of the eight subjects, interictal PET revealed unilateral diffuse hypometabolism; following cerebral hemispherectomy in these three patients, all seizures ceased and there were no adverse effects. In one child, ictal PET showed hypermetabolism in the left frontal cortex, left striatum, and right cerebellum; a partial left cerebral hemispherectomy guided by intraoperative electrocorticography was performed, following which all seizures ceased. One infant had relative hypermetabolism in the right temporal and occipital lobes, right thalamus, and left frontal lobe on ictal PET, and EEG telemetry revealed a right occipitotemporal epileptic focus; this infant died from anesthetic complications following right occipitotemporal cortical resection. Of the three unoperated patients, one is a potential candidate for right frontal lobectomy, but the other two were not considered to be surgical candidates due to bilateral epileptogenicity. Neuropathologic correlation in our series revealed that PET is a sensitive test capable of detecting cytoarchitectural disturbances whereas CT and MRI failed in this regard. In addition, PET provides a very unique and important assessment of the functional integrity of brain regions outside the area of potential resection.
Evaluation of hydroxyapatite and beta-tricalcium phosphate mixed with bone marrow aspirate as a bone graft substitute for posterolateral spinal fusion.

Background: Autologous cancellous bone is the most effective biological graft material. However, harvest of autologous bone is associated with significant morbidity. Since porous hydroxyapatite and beta-tricalcium phosphate are biodegradable materials and can be replaced by bone tissue, but it lacks osteogenic property. We conducted a study to assess their use as a scaffold and combine them with bone marrow aspirate for bone regeneration using its osteogenic property for posterolateral spinal fusion on one side and autologous bone graft on the other side and compare them radiologically in terms of graft incorporation and fusion. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients with unstable dorsal and lumbar spinal injuries who needed posterior stabilization and fusion were evaluated in this prospective study from October 2005 to March 2008. The posterior stabilization was done using pedicle screw and rod assembly, and fusion was done using hydroxyapatite and beta-tricalcium phosphate mixed with bone marrow aspirate as a bone graft substitute over one side of spine and autologous bone graft obtained from iliac crest over other side of spine. The patients were followed up to a minimum of 12 months. Serial radiographs were done at an interval of 3, 6, and 12 months and CT scan was done at one year follow-up. Graft incorporation and fusion were assessed at each follow-up. The study was subjected to statistical analysis using chi-square and kappa test to assess graft incorporation and fusion. Results: At the end of the study, radiological graft incorporation and fusion was evident in all the patients on the bone graft substitute side and in 29 patients on the autologous bone graft side of the spine ( P > 0.05). One patient showed lucency and breakage of distal pedicle screw in autologous bone graft side. The interobserver agreement (kappa) had an average of 0.72 for graft incorporation, 0.75 for fusion on radiographs, and 0.88 for the CT scan findings. Conclusion: Hydroxyapatite and beta-tricalcium phosphate mixed with bone marrow aspirate seems to be a promising alternative to conventional autologous iliac bone graft for posterolateral spinal fusion.
Sigma delta's capacity to measure

Methods used today to interface to capacitive sensors, particularly in the high to medium end applications, are based for the most part on capacitance to voltage conversion, followed by analogue signal processing, or by conversion to the digital domain using a regular ADC. In this paper we will discuss a method that utilises a modification to a conventional sigma-delta ADC, to perform direct measurement of an external capacitance. We discuss the design process of this sigma delta monolithic capacitance to digital converter, (CDC) from an initial basic concept, to a fully realised commercial CDC product. We will show that actual silicon performs high performance direct, capacitance to digital conversion with a typical resolution of 2aF/√Hz, to an accuracy of +/- 4 fF in an 8.192 pF range. New design and test challenges are discussed and working solutions presented. Measured results presented in this paper will show that the capacity for sigma-delta to measure accurately is truly realisable and opens the road ahead to a new breed of converter technology that is the sigma-delta CDC.
New agents in gastrointestinal malignancies: Part 1: Irinotecan in clinical practice.

In 1996 two chemotherapy agents were introduced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with indications for the gastrointestinal malignancies for advanced colon and pancreatic cancers. The agents approved were irinotecan hydrochloride (CAMPTOSAR Injection, Pharmacia & Upjohn Company, Kalamazoo, MI; also investigated under the name CPT-11) for the second-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer, recurrent or relapsed, after 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-based therapy, and gemcitabine hydrochloride (GEMZAR for injection, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN; also referred to as dFdC) for first-line treatment of locally advanced and metastatic cancer of the pancreas. Irinotecan and gemcitabine, with demonstrated activity in colorectal and pancreatic cancer, respectively, are generally well tolerated and can be administered safely on an outpatient basis. Clinically relevant activity is documented for both single agents. Therapy-related side effects are manageable with appropriate monitoring and intervention, and reversible with dose modification or discontinuation. This article is one of a two-part series on new chemotherapeutic agents for gastrointestinal malignancies. The first in the series, this article addresses the agent irinotecan hydrochloride (CAMPTOSAR Injection). The second article, appearing in a subsequent issue, will review gemcitabine hydrochloride (Gemzar for Injection). Both articles review the current clinical use, safety profile, and key patient management guidelines for these new and novel cytotoxics. As clinical and investigational use of irinotecan and gemcitabine increases, the oncology nurse and other members of the health care team will need to anticipate potential treatment associated toxicities and be knowledgeable in their early identification and management. As patient advocates, oncology nurses play a key role in treatment outcome and related quality of life through expert patient education, symptom recognition, and intervention individualized to patient tolerance. This first article of the series addresses irinotecan, which in 1996 was approved for the second-line therapy of metastatic colorectal cancer, recurrent or elapsed, after 5-fluorouracil (5-FU).
The Role of Transient Convection in the Melting and Solidification in Arc Weldpools

A mathematical formulation has been developed to describe the transient growth and collapse of axisymmetric weldpools in spot welding operations. In the statement of the problem allowance is made for both conductive and convective heat transfer. In describing convection, the driving forces included buoyancy, electromagnetic forces, and surface tension forces. In most cases it was found that convection played a major role in affecting the weldpool shape, and that this convection was often dominated by surface tension forces. The model also allowed us to represent the transient collapse of weldpools upon the cessation of the heat and current supply. It was found that the melt velocity was reduced as the weldpool shrank. Most of the solidification took place from a circulating weldpool. By calculating both the growth rate and the relevant temperature gradients, it was possible to estimate the dendrite arm spacing which was found to be of the order of tens of microns.
High-Temperature Oxidation of Boron Nitride: II, Boron Nitride Layers in Composites

The oxidation of BN composite interphases was examined with a series of model materials. Oxidation was examined in both low-water-vapor (∼20 ppm H2O/O2) environments at 900°C and high-water-vapor (1% and 10% H2O/O2) environments at 700° and 800°C. The low-water-vapor case was explored with layered BN/SiC materials. This case was dominated by borosilicate glass formation, and the 20 ppm water vapor gradually removed the boron from the glass, leaving a larger amount of SiO2 than would be expected from simple SiC oxidation. Layered SiC/BN/SiC materials were also used to study low-water-vapor oxidation effects within the composite. The high-water-vapor case was explored with SiC/BN/SiC minicomposites, and it was dominated by volatilization of BN as HBO2(g), H3BO3(g), and H3B3O6(g). A model for recession of the BN fiber coating was developed based on the gas-phase diffusion of these species out of the annular region around the SiC fiber and concurrent sealing of this annular region by oxidation.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY OF PETAL COLOR VARIANTS IN WILD POPULATIONS OF RAPHANUS SATIVUS: I. POLLINATOR RESPONSE TO COLOR MORPHS

Pollinator response to petal color polymorphism in wild radish (Raphanus sativus) was investigated. Behavior of insect visitors was observed within experimental flower arrays, each containing two of the petal color forms seen intermixed in California populations: white, yellow, pink, and bronze. Honeybees, which accounted for almost 90% of all visits, typically preferred yellow or white flowers and discriminated against bronze. Their preference for white increased significantly as the Raphanus flowering season progressed. Syrphid flies were also frequent visitors and increased in abundance near the end of the season. Syrphids typically preferred pink to other colors. Individual honeybees tended to specialize on either yellow or pink flowers on a short-term basis. This foraging pattern provides the potential for positive assortative mating among plants with yellow or pink flowers. Intraspecific pollinator discrimination may influence genotypic frequencies as well as the relative maternal and paternal reproductive success of color morphs.
Computational Model to Predict Fatigue Damage Behavior of Asphalt Mixtures Under Cyclic Loading

Fatigue cracking and failure of inelastic heterogeneous asphalt concrete mixtures were modeled computationally with the finite element method. The model incorporates elastic behavior of the aggregate particles, visco-elastic behavior of the asphalt matrix, and time-dependent fracture both within the asphalt matrix and along boundaries between matrix and aggregate particles. Rate-dependent progressive cracking up to failure was implemented by incorporation of a cohesive zone fracture model. The resulting model was used to simulate comprehensive fatigue damage-associated mechanical behavior including microcracking, macrocracking, and eventual sample failure of several asphalt mixtures composed of different mixture constituents, which results in different damage evolution characteristics. Simulation results were compared with real fatigue testing data in both load-controlled and displacement-controlled modes and demonstrated good correlations to laboratory data with model calibrations. The approach proposed ...
A Macintosh program for evaluating WISC-R subtest scores

Abstract A data analysis routine was developed for the Apple Macintosh microcomputer that allows school psychologists to quickly calculate WISC-R factor scores, Verbal and Performance subtest means, and evaluate the significance of differences between an individual subtest score and the mean of the subtest scores that constitute (a) the Verbal IQ (b) the Performance IQ, (c) the Verbal Comprehension factor, (d) the Perceptual Organization factor, and (e) the Full Scale IQ.
Probit analysis of Upper Pleistocene hominids

Abstract Probit analysis allows the testing of the normality of a sample population where curve fitting and differential weighting occur simultaneously. Probit analysis may be utilized with small samples, and is ideal for use in the study of fossil populations. It is assumed that population which are normally distributed are likely to be in genetic equilibrium, so that graphic and computational probit analysis may be used to discern the effects of evolutionary forces on human populations. Probit analysis of cranial length in a sequence of Athenian population is presented in order to verify its sensitivity to these evolutionary forces. Probit analysis and other tests of homogeneity are applied to similar variables of Upper Pleistocene European Neandertal and modern man. Despite significant differences between variable means of Neandertal and modern man, probit analyses of their combined populations showed no less deviation from normality than either group separately. This suggests that the evolutionary changes in the cranium from the Neandertal stage to the modern stage of man were effected without significantly disrupting the genetic equilibrium of these populations, i.e. that rapid changes in these populations are unlikely to have occurred.
Suburethral sling treatment of occult stress incontinence and intrinsic sphincter deficiency in women with severe vaginal prolapse of the anterior vs posterior/apical compartment.

Objective The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of a Mersilene mesh suburethral sling for occult stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD) in women with severe vaginal prolapse of the anterior compartment to the posterior/apical compartment. Study design This was a retrospective study that compared women with stage or grade III/IV prolapse of the anterior compartment (group 1) with the posterior/apical compartment (group 2); both groups demonstrated occult SUI (leakage only with prolapse reduced) and ISD on urodynamics, and underwent concurrent pelvic reconstructive surgery. The sling was defined as efficacious if SUI was prevented in 85% of women and if obstructive symptoms (de novo or worsening urge incontinence, or urinary retention greater than 2 weeks) occurred in less than 10% of women. Results There were 39 women in group 1 and 25 women in group 2. There were no differences between women in group 1 or group 2 in preoperative demographics (except parity) or urodynamic findings. SUI cure rates were lower for group 1 than group 2, but this difference was not significant (87% vs 100%, P =.15). Rates of de novo or worsening urge incontinence (8% vs 4%, P =1.00) and urinary retention (none occurred) were similar between groups. Conclusion In women with severe vaginal prolapse, slings effectively treat occult SUI and ISD, whether associated with anterior or posterior/apical prolapse.
Intramolecular conversions. V. Rational rate constants for reversible unimolecular reactions

The available RRKM programs which cover the full pressure range (high low-pressure limits) were written for nonreversible reactions. For reversible reactions the correct shapes of the fall-off curves can be estimated by applying a correction factor to the RRKM bimolecular rate constant, which depends on a ratio of state densities at the potential maximum. It is proposed that the analysis of such systems in terms of relaxation kinetics provides a more rational treatment, free of the ambiguities associated with specifying a “transition state.”
Effects of trans-10,cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid and cognates on apolipoprotein B secretion in HepG2 cells

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has been shown to decrease apolipoprotein B (apoB) secretion in HepG2 cells. The purpose of this study was to determine the activity of individual CLA isomers—and to test cognates that are structurally related to CLA—with regard to apoB secretion. Trans-10,cis-12 CLA decreased apoB secretion whereas cis-9,trans-11, cis-9,cis-11, trans-9,trans-11, and the chloride, alcohol, or amide forms of CLA had no effect on apoB secretion. Trans-9,cis-12 octadecadienoic acid had no effect whereas cis-9,cis-12 octadecadienoic acid (linoleic acid) enhanced apoB secretion. Among 18-carbon monounsaturated fatty acids tested, only trans-10 octadecenoic acid decreased apoB secretion. Trans-11, trans-12, trans-13, cis-9, cis-11, and cis-13 octadecenoic acids increased apoB secretion whereas trans-9 and cis-12 octadecenoic acids were without effect. None of the 20-carbon compounds tested or cis-12 octadecen-10-ynoic acid had an effect on apoB secretion. Conjugated nonadecadienoic acid decreased apoB secretion whereas cis-10,cis-13 nonadecadienoic acid did not. The reduction of apoB secretion by CLA mixture is caused by the unique structural features of trans-10,cis-12 CLA. A trans double bond at the 10th position appears to be a key structure involved in the inhibition of apoB secretion.
Influence of the Tool Shoulder Contact Conditions on the Material Flow During Friction Stir Welding

Friction stir welding (FSWing) is a solid-state joining process of special interest in joining alloys that are traditionally difficult to fusion weld. In order to optimize the process, various numeric modeling approaches have been pursued. Of importance to furthering modeling efforts is a better understanding of the contact conditions between the workpiece and the weld tool. Both theoretical and experimental studies indicate the contact conditions between the workpiece and weld tool are unknown, possibly varying during the FSW process. To provide insight into the contact conditions, this study characterizes the material flow in the FSW nugget by embedding a lead (Pb) wire that melted at the FSWing temperature of aluminum alloy 2195. The Pb trace provided evidence of changes in material flow characteristics which were attributed to changes in the contact conditions between the weld tool and workpiece, as driven by temperature, as the tool travels the length of a weld seam.
Applicability of the steady state approximation to the interpretation of atmospheric observations of NO3 and N2O5

[1] This paper examines the conditions under which a steady state analysis is valid for modeling NO3 and N2O5 chemistry in the atmosphere. The conclusions come from a simple box model analysis that considers a limited number of reactions between NO2, O3, NO3, N2O5 and the presumed sinks for the latter two. The applicability of the steady state depends on the strength of the sinks for NO3 and N2O5, the concentration of NO2, and the ambient temperature. Under clean conditions, weak sinks for NO3 prevent the system from passing through the induction period during the time between sunset and sunrise, thus keeping the system out of steady state. Under polluted (i.e., large NO2 concentrations) or cold conditions, the presence of an equilibrium between NO3 and N2O5 markedly slows the approach to steady state even though the two species are close to equilibrium. The time required to approach equilibrium between NO2, NO3, and N2O5 is not a good measure of the time required to achieve a steady state among these compounds. The paper considers the conditions for which steady state may be valid and outlines a method for identification of individual sinks for NO3 and N2O5 from observed concentration measurements for the steady state case.
VORTEX SINKS WITH AXIAL FLOW : SOLUTION AND APPLICATIONS

In this paper we develop a new class of analytical solutions of the Navier–Stokes equations and suggest ways to predict and control complex swirling flows. We consider vortex sinks on curved axisymmetric surfaces with an axial flow and obtain a five-parameter solution family that describes a large variety of flow patterns and models fluid motion in a cylindrical can, whirlpools, tornadoes, and cosmic swirling jets. The singularity of these solutions on the flow axis is removed by matching them with swirling jets. The resulting composite solutions describe flows, consisting of up to seven separation regions (recirculatory “bubbles” and vortex rings), and model flows in the Ranque–Hilsch tube, in the meniscus of electrosprays, in vortex breakdown, and in an industrial vortex burner. The analytical solutions allow a clear understanding of how different control parameters affect the flow and guide selection of optimal parameter values for desired flow features. The approach permits extension to swirling flows...
Metal–Organic chemical vapour deposition (mocvd) growth utilising cu(acac)2 (acac pentane‐3, 5‐dionato) as a source for copper‐containing materials: Influence of carrier gas on surface morphology

The unsubstituted bis-β-diketonato complex of copper, Cu(acac)2 (acac pentane-3, 5-dionato), has been used to deposit both elemental copper and copper oxide thin films by metal–organic chemical vapour deposition (MOCVD). For all Cu(II) bis-β-diketonates, growth of oxygen-free layers requires the breakage of four copper–oxygen bonds present in the precursor. The influence of carrier gas composition on deposit morphology has been examined for six parameter sets: both hydrous and anhydrous streams, each for reducing (H2), inert (Ar) and oxidising (O2) environments.
A multiscale experiment on the tribological behavior of aligned carbon nanotube/ceramic composites

The tribological behavior of well-aligned carbon nanotube (CNT)/alumina nanocomposites was studied at multiple length scales. Pin-on-disk, microscratch and atomic force microscopy were used to test three nanomaterials: alumina matrix, thin-walled and thick-walled CNT/alumina composites. This work demonstrates that the frictional coefficient of the composites tested at all the length scales depends on the buckling behavior of the nanotubes and applied loading. Analysis is presented to assess the role of CNT buckling in determining the friction.
Comparative pathogenesis of Alkhumra hemorrhagic fever and Kyasanur forest disease viruses in a mouse model

Kyasanur Forest disease virus (KFDV) and Alkhumra hemorrhagic fever virus (AHFV) are genetically closely-related, tick-borne flaviviruses that cause severe, often fatal disease in humans. Flaviviruses in the tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) complex typically cause neurological disease in humans whereas patients infected with KFDV and AHFV predominately present with hemorrhagic fever. A small animal model for KFDV and AHFV to study the pathogenesis and evaluate countermeasures has been lacking mostly due to the need of a high biocontainment laboratory to work with the viruses. To evaluate the utility of an existing mouse model for tick-borne flavivirus pathogenesis, we performed serial sacrifice studies in BALB/c mice infected with either KFDV strain P9605 or AHFV strain Zaki-1. Strikingly, infection with KFDV was completely lethal in mice, while AHFV caused no clinical signs of disease and no animals succumbed to infection. KFDV and high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were detected in the brain at later time points, but no virus was found in visceral organs; conversely, AHFV Zaki-1 and elevated levels of cytokines were found in the visceral organs at earlier time points, but were not detected in the brain. While infection with either virus caused a generalized leukopenia, only AHFV Zaki-1 induced hematologic abnormalities in infected animals. Our data suggest that KFDV P9605 may have lost its ability to cause hemorrhagic disease as the result of multiple passages in suckling mouse brains. However, likely by virtue of fewer mouse passages, AHFV Zaki-1 has retained the ability to replicate in visceral organs, cause hematologic abnormalities, and induce pro-inflammatory cytokines without causing overt disease. Given these striking differences, the use of inbred mice and the virus passage history need to be carefully considered in the interpretation of animal studies using these viruses.
Long-term follow-up results of the combination of topotecan and cytarabine and other intensive chemotherapy regimens in myelodysplastic syndrome.

BACKGROUND Progressive or higher-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is often treated with intensive chemotherapy regimens used for acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). Patients with MDS are often older and may have contraindications to anthracycline-based regimens. Topotecan-cytarabine regimens have shown encouraging results in higher-risk MDS. The aim of this study was to analyze the long-term results with topotecan-cytarabine versus other intensive chemotherapy regimens in higher-risk MDS. METHODS Five hundred ten patients with higher-risk MDS treated with intensive chemotherapy were reviewed. Their median age was 63 years; 82% had intermediate 2 or high-risk MDS; 32% had secondary MDS; 40% had chromosome 5 or 7 abnormalities. Therapy was: topotecan-cytarabine in 77; idarubicin-cytarabine regimens in 270; topotecan-cytarabine and cyclophosphamide in 67; fludarabine-cytarabine in 96. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to evaluate the independent associations of different variables, and most important, the treatment regimen, with complete response, induction mortality, and survival. RESULTS The overall complete response (CR) rate was 55%, induction mortality 17%, and 5-year survival rate 8%. The 5-year survival rate was 11% for patients younger than 65 years old and 17% for patients with a normal karyotype. Among 82 patients younger than 65 years with a normal karyotype, the CR rate was 67%, 5-year survival rate 27%, and 5-year CR duration rate 33%. Topotecan-cytarabine regimens were equivalent to idarubicin-cytarabine regimens in relation to CR rates and survival rates, but were associated with a lower induction mortality. Multivariate analysis confirmed that treatment regimens were not associated with independent significant differences in CR rates or survival. However, topotecan-cytarabine regimens were still selected to be associated with lower induction mortality rates. CONCLUSIONS This analysis suggests that topotecan-cytarabine regimens are equally effective to other AML regimens in higher-risk MDS and may be less toxic. Topotecan-cytarabine may be considered a reasonable alternative to idarubicin-cytarabine in higher-risk MDS, particularly in older patients with contraindications to anthracyclines. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Exploring female genital cutting among west African immigrants.

Although many African women immigrate to the United States from countries with high prevalence rates for female genital cutting (FGC), there has been limited research exploring the incidence and impact of FGC among this growing immigrant population. This pilot study sought to examine the experiences of FGC among West African immigrant women in the US. Of the 23 participants, 7 reported a history of FGC, with Muslim participants reporting significantly higher rates of FGC than Christians (Fisher’s Exact = .045). Most of the women who had experienced FGC were from Sierra Leone (Fisher’s Exact = .027). Limitations of the study are discussed along with suggestions for future research aimed at understanding the impact of FGC, reducing the prevalence and demand for FGC among African immigrant women and improving the health and quality of life of women who have undergone the procedure.
Diagnosis of colonic varices by air-contrast barium enema examination: report of a case.

A case of colonic varices presenting as serpiginous and tubular submucosal lesions in the sigmoid on air-contrast enema examination is reported. The associated angiographic and colonoscopic findings are illustrated, and the pertinent literature is reviewed.
Ionic strength-dependent conformational transitions of chromatin. Circular dichroism and thermal denaturation studies.

High-molecular-weight chicken erythrocyte chromatin was prepared by mild digestion of nuclei with micrococcal nuclease. Samples of chromatin containing both core (H3, H4, H2A, H2B) and lysine-rich (H1, H5) histone proteins (whole chromatin) or only core histone proteins (core chromatin) were examined by CD and thermal denaturation as a function of ionic strength between 0.75 and 7.0 × 10−3M Na+. CD studies at 21°C revealed a conformational transition over this range of ionic strengths in core chromatin, which indicated a partial unfolding of a segment of the core particle DNA at the lowest ionic strength studied. This transition is prevented by the presence of the lysine-rich histones in whole chromatin. Thermal-denaturation profiles of both whole and core chromatins, recorded by hyperchromicity at 260 nm, reproducibly and systematically varied with the ionic strength of the medium. Both materials displayed three resolvable thermal transitions, which represented the total DNA hyperchromicity on denaturation. The fractions of the total DNA which melted in each of these transitions were extremely sensitive to ionic strength. These effects are considered to result from intra- and/or internucleosomal electrostatic repulsions in chromatin studied at very low ionic strengths. Comparison of the whole and core chromatin melting profiles indicated substantial stabilization of the core-particle DNA by binding sites between the H1/H5 histones and the 140-base-pair core particle.