cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Meeting the mammography screening needs of underserved women: the performance of the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program in 2002–2003 (United States)

Objective To examine the extent to which the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (Program) has helped to meet the mammography screening needs of underserved women.
Predictors of life satisfaction: a spinal cord injury cohort study.

Abstract Putzke JD, Richards JS, Hicken BL, DeVivo MJ. Predictors of life satisfaction: a spinal cord injury cohort study. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2002;83:555-61. Objective: To determine unique demographic, medical, perceived health, and handicap predictors of life satisfaction 2 years after spinal cord injury (SCI), as well as the predictors of change in life satisfaction from year 1 to year 2. Design: Prospective predictive study performed by using longitudinal data from 18 Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems. Setting: University physical medicine and rehabilitation department. Participants: Adults with traumatic onset SCI (N = 940) evaluated at 1 and 2 years' postinjury. Interventions: Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures: Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) 2 years post-SCI. Predictor variables: demographic characteristics, impairment and disability classifications, and 1 year post-SCI measures of life satisfaction (SWLS), medical complications, self-perceived health (Medical Outcomes Study 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey), and extent of handicap (Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique). Results: The factors uniquely associated with an increased risk of lower self-reported life satisfaction at year 2 post-SCI included being male and unemployed, with poor perceived health, decreased mobility, and decreased social integration. After controlling for year 1 estimates of life satisfaction (ie, examining change in life satisfaction), only mobility and perceived health were uniquely related to life satisfaction 2 years post-SCI. Conclusion: Mobility and perceived health appear to be the consistent predictors of life satisfaction at year 2 post-SCI, as well as change in satisfaction from year 1 to year 2. Because both factors are amenable to change, they are reasonable targets of intervention programs. Identifying specific mechanisms of perceived health and mobility associated with life satisfaction should be an important area of continued research.
Adventures of a Thanatologist.

Following my arrival in Taiwan yesterday afternoon (June 9, 2005), I'm writing this column from my faculty guest room at the National Taipei College of Nursing, “home sweet home” for the next 2 mon...
Mouse models of human autoimmune diseases: essential tools that require the proper controls

What can we learn about human autoimmune disorders that have a genetic component -- such as systemic lupus erythematosus -- from mouse models?
Embattled and embittered or empowered and evolving: Nurse practitioner attitudes toward managed care

Purpose: To explore the attitudes of nurse practitioners (NPs) toward managed care and to identify the sources of negative attitudes and the factors that may ameliorate them. Data sources: NPs, members of the Massachusetts Coalition of NPs, participated in in-depth interviews about the impact of managed care on their practice. Conclusions: The sources of NP negativity about managed care for many study participants lay in their not appreciating the importance of the business aspects of practice and the provider’s role in controlling healthcare costs, reluctance to work with what they perceived as a rigid “system,” and lack of support for them to navigate it. They felt pressured by productivity issues, time constraints, practice restrictions, and documentation demands associated with reimbursement. Those who sustained a more positive attitude were realistic about healthcare economics, were willing and able to negotiate the system, were creative and flexible, and felt empowered by knowledge of the business of practice. Some NPs, however, chose to work in practices where they did not feel as pressured as their counterparts in large, busy primary care practices. Implications for NP practice and education: Understanding experiences that have influenced NP attitudes regarding managed care may assist NP faculty to better prepare NP students for their future roles. NPs must be able to challenge, yet be part of, an evolving system that promotes cost-effective health care for everyone, which was what managed care originally was intended to do.
Better dates for Arctic dinosaurs

The Prince Creek Formation near Ocean Point on the Arctic coastal plain of northern Alaska contains hadrosaur (duck-billed dinosaur) bones, as well as an abundant fauna of mollusks, ostracodes, brachiopods, foraminifers, and palynomorphs. Evaluation of the marine mollusks and ostracodes suggested a Paleocene age for these strata to Marincovich et al. [1985]. A fission-track age on zircon of 50.9 +/− 7.7 Ma from an interbedded tephra [Carter et al., 1977] suggested that they could be as young as early Eocene. If the mollusk, ostracod, and fission-track ages are correct, the hadrosaurs would be of early Cenozoic age—one of the few recorded occurrences of dinosaurs younger than Cretaceous. The foraminifers, pollen, and spores, however, strongly suggest a Late Cretaceous age for their beds [Brouwers et al., 1987].
A modeling investigation of chain length dependent termination during multivinyl free radical chain photopolymerizations : Accounting for the gel

A mathematical model of multivinyl monomer free radical photopolymerizations that takes into account chain length dependent termination (CLDT) and gel formation (an infinite network) was utilized to obtain a more accurate picture of network formation and multivinyl monomer photopolymerization kinetics. The model predicts an increased probability that a radical chain is attached to the gel with increasing chain length and double bond conversion. Accounting for CLDT delays radical incorporation into the gel and induces gel formation at earlier double bond conversions. Increasing the initiation rate also delays gel formation. When the model is expanded to account for the probability that a highly mobile sol radical reacts to become a nearly immobile gel radical, the importance of CLDT prior to reaction diffusion-controlled termination is increased. This result is attributed to bimolecular termination occurring between a short (<10-mer) sol radical and a long gel radical (short−long radical termination). The ...
Changes of forearm EMG and cerebral evoked potentials following sudden muscle stretch in patients with Huntington's disease.

Various investigators have reported that the late-reflex electromyographic (EMG) activity following muscle stretch is decreased in Huntington's disease. To explore the basis of this decreased activity, we recorded the late EMG responses together with associated cerebral responses following muscle stretch in patients with Huntington's disease. Five patients and seven controls voluntarily participated in two sets of experiments in which they grasped a handle attached to a torque motor and maintained the wrist isometrically against a constant flexor force of 2.3 newtons (N). The force was changed unpredictably (first set of experiments) or predictably (second set) to 10.4 N, causing a stretch of wrist extensors or flexors. Rectified surface EMG from the extensor and flexor carpi radialis muscles was integrated for the M2 and M3 components of the late responses. Cerebral responses were recorded from F3, F4, C3, C4, and Cz and averaged separately depending upon condition. The late muscle responses to unpredictable muscle stretch were decreased or absent in patients with Huntington's disease. The cerebral responses recorded at Cz differed markedly between patients and controls, beginning approximately 15 ms prior to the onset of the late M2 muscle response. Although the initial positivity was similar in amplitude, all other cerebral components were markedly reduced in the patient group. Both controls and patients showed a markedly attenuated cerebral response when the muscle stretch was predictable. The electrocerebral response to muscle stretch is thus altered prior to the onset of M2 in patients with Huntington's disease, suggesting that the long-latency reflex involves transcerebral pathways that are affected in this disease.
Integrated pore blockage-cake filtration model for crossflow filtration

Abstract Crossflow filtration is to be a key process in the treatment and disposal of approximately 60,000 metric tons of high-level radioactive waste stored at the Hanford Site in Richland, Washington. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is assessing filter performance with waste simulant materials that mimic the chemical and physical properties of Hanford tank waste. Prior simulant studies indicated that waste filtration performance may be limited by pore and cake fouling. To limit the shutdown of waste treatment operations, the pre-treatment facility plans to recover filter flux losses from cake formation and filter fouling by frequently backpulsing the filter elements. The objective of the current paper is to develop a simple model of flux decline resulting from cake and pore fouling and potential flux recovery through backpulsing of the filters for Hanford waste filtration operations. To this end, a model capable of characterizing the decline in waste simulant filter flux as a function of both irreversible pore blockage and reversible cake formation is proposed. This model is used to characterize the filtration behavior of Hanford waste simulants in both continuous and backpulsed operations. The model is then used to infer the optimal backpulse frequency under specific operating conditions.
Separating Signal From Background Using Ensembles of Rules

Machine learning has emerged as a important tool for separating signal events from associated background in high energy particle physics experiments. This paper describes a new machine learning method based on ensembles of rules. Each rule consists of a conjuction of a small number of simple statements (''cuts'') concerning the values of individual input variables. These rule ensembles produce predictive accuracy comparable to the best methods. However their principal advantage lies in interpretation. Because of its simple form, each rule is easy to understand, as is its influence on the predictive model. Similarly, the degree of relevance of each of the respective input variables can be assessed. Graphical representations are presented that can be used to ascertain the dependence of the model jointly on the variables used for prediction.
Realization of single specimen analytical method of J1c determination by using compact tension loading

Abstract The present paper describes a convenient procedure of J 1c determination for low strength steel by using a single compact tension (CT) specimen. It is an analytical method based on the computer analysis of a single load-displacement curve. Good agreement with the standard multi-specimen method was obtained and the cause of small difference could be well rationalized.
Bimodal fibre coupler for spectral filtering and dispersion compensation

Abstract A directional coupler made of step-index single-mode and dual-mode fibres and operating based on coupling of power between LP01 and LP11 modes is proposed for applications as narrowband spectral filter and as mode converter. With appropriate choice of parameters, couplers are designed such that the LP01 mode of the single-mode fibre is phase matched with the LP11 mode of the dual-mode fibre at a desired wavelength, allowing significant exchange of power between these two modes. Transmission properties of the coupler are investigated using the coupled-mode theory of parallel dielectric waveguides. Design data and spectral characteristics for two cases corresponding to peak transfer of power at 1 · 33 μm and 1 · 55 μm wavelengths are presented. Applications of the proposed coupler in wavelength division multiplexing and dispersion compensation are addressed.
Photometric Distances to Small Dark Clouds: CB 24

A new method for determining distances to dark clouds and small Bok globules based on broadband optical photometry has been developed. The method exploits the fact that M dwarf stars do not redden into the colors of other main-sequence stars. Consequently, from analysis of color-color diagrams of V-I versus B-V, spectral types and extinctions of faint M dwarf stars located in front of and behind the molecular clouds can be established. For sufficiently deep observations (B ≈ 20–24 mag), distances to clouds closer than about 1 kpc can be bracketed to a higher degree of precision (10–40 pc) than previously possible. Photometric data for the Bok globule CB 24 are used in this paper to demonstrate this method, yielding a maximum distance of 360 pc.
Calcium oxalate monohydrate crystals stimulate gene expression in renal epithelial cells

Calcium oxalate monohydrate crystals stimulate gene expression in renal epithelial cells. Primary or secondary hyperoxaluria is associated with calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis, interstitial fibrosis and progressive renal insufficiency. Monolayer cultures of nontransformed monkey kidney epithelial cells (BSC-1 line) and calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) crystals were used as a model system to study cell responses to crystal interactions that might occur in the nephrons of patients during periods of hyperoxaluria. To determine if COM crystals signal a change in gene expression, Northern blots were prepared from total renal cellular RNA after the cells were exposed to crystals. The immediate early genes c-myc, EGR-1, and Nur-77 were induced at one hour. At two to six hours stimulated expression of the genes encoding plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-A chain was detected, but constitutive expression of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) was not altered. Expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) was induced at one hour and persisted up to 24 hours. The stimulation of gene expression by COM crystals was relatively crystal- and renal cell-type specific. Thus the interaction of kidney epithelial cells with COM crystals alters expression of genes that encode three classes of proteins: transcriptional activators, a regulator of extracellular matrix (ECM), and growth factors. Activation of PAI-1 gene expression without a change in u-PA favors accumulation of ECM proteins, as does increased expression of PDGF and CTGF which can also stimulate fibroblast proliferation in a paracrine manner. These results suggest that COM crystal-mediated stimulation of specific genes in renal tubular cells may contribute to the development of interstitial fibrosis in hyperoxaluric states.
Fundamental thermal‐hydraulic pulp digester model with grade transition

This paper presents a detailed fundamental model of a continuous pulp digester developed for simulation and control. Most modeling efforts in the past have either emphasized reaction kinetics and energy transfer assuming a prescribed flow behavior, or modeled digester hydraulics with simplified reaction kinetics. In this work, we augment the well-known extended Purdue model (Wisnewski et al., 1997) by incorporating axial momentum transport, an immediate consequence of which is ability to simulate chip level and its impact on the Kappa number profile. An essential contribution is the ability to model chip compaction. Interaction between digester hydraulics and kinetics is illustrated via simulation examples. Examples include scenarios that show incipient plugging of the digester vessel. The current work also explores and illustrates the use of higher order finite-difference methods to reduce numerical dissipation and dispersion. Ability to describe chip velocities enables rigorous tracking of transition front within the digester during feedstock grade transitions. Operational difficulties encountered during hardwood to softwood transition are explained using the model.
ON THE PROXIMITY OF WEIGHTED AND EXPONENTIAL DISTRIBUTIONS

In this paper stochastic relations and closure results for weighted and transformed distributions including the proportional hazards model are presented. Exponential approximations to the class of increasing failure rate (IFR) and decreasing failure rate (DFR) weighted distributions including transformed distributions with monotone weight functions are obtained. These include approximations via the proportional hazards and length-biased exponential distributions. Also, bounds and moment-type inequalities for weighted life distributions including proportional hazards models and some applications are presented.
What we have to explain in foreign language learning

While child language development theory must explain invariant “success,” foreign language learning theory must explain variation and lack of success. The fundamental difference hypothesis (FDH) outlines such a theory. Epstein et al. ignore the explanatory burden, mischaracterize the FDH, and underestimate the resources of human cognition. The field of second language acquisition is not divided into camps by views on “access” to UG.
Coping mediates the relationship between disease severity and illness intrusiveness among chronically ill patients

Reducing perceptions of illness intrusiveness may improve quality of life and mental health among patients with cardiopulmonary disease. To better understand relationships between coping style, locus of control, perceived illness intrusiveness, and disease severity, we analyzed data from 227 older Veterans with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or congestive heart failure. Regressions revealed illness intrusiveness to be associated with younger age and greater disease severity, less internal locus of control, and avoidant/emotion-focused coping. Avoidant/emotion-focused coping but not active coping mediated the relationship between illness severity and illness intrusiveness. Findings suggest that supportive psychological interventions may reduce illness intrusiveness by targeting an avoidant/emotion-focused coping style and associated behaviors.
Optimal design of press-fitted filament wound composite flywheel rotors

Abstract This paper explores the design of press-fitted, cylindrical, filament wound composite flywheel rotor rims using two-dimensional plane stress anisotropic elasticity solutions and an optimization method based on simulated annealing. A method of accounting for residual stresses in press-fitted composite rims is proposed and demonstrated. The starting point for the designs is an open core rotator motor/generator with a pre-determined, fixed pair of concentric rotor rings, upon which several carbon/epoxy rings with different structural properties are press-fitted. For certain assumed sequences of carbon fiber types versus radius, optimal designs are determined with the objective of maximizing specific energy of the rotor subject to constraints defined by expected operating speeds and temperatures as well as material strengths. The optimal solutions suggest that specific energies of 40–50 W · h/kg and tip speeds of 800–900 m/s are feasible with 5–8 press-fitted carbon/epoxy rings.
Comparative Susceptibility of Chickens, Turkeys and Coturnix Quail to. Aspergillosis

Abstract Coturnix quail exposed to Aspergillus fumigatus spores at hatching suffered significantly greater mortality from the ensuing disease than did chickens or turkeys exposed at the same time. Chickens were the least affected of the three. Survivors sacrificed at 28 to 39 days following exposure and that had lesions experienced significant growth depression.
A game-theoretic analysis of decode-and-forward user cooperation

A game-theoretic analysis of decode and forward cooperative communications is presented for additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) and Rayleigh fading channels. Cooperative communications is modeled as a repeated game in which the two participating terminals are selfish and seek to maximize their own payoff, a general utility function that monotonically increases with signal-to-noise ratio. Results show a Nash Equilibrium in which users mutually cooperate can be obtained for AWGN channels when strict power control is enforced and users care about future payoff. However, such power control may not be necessary to achieve cooperative Nash Equilibrium when the game is played in Rayleigh fading channels. We study the Rayleigh fading channel as a two state Markov model in this paper. In this case, a mutually cooperative Nash Equilibrium 1) always exists when the utility function is convex and users care somewhat about future payoff; and 2) may not always exist when the utility function is concave, especially in adverse channel conditions. Examinations of several widely-used concave functions, however, demonstrate that mutual cooperation is more likely when users increase their value on future payoff. Additionally, it is shown that improving the effective uplink channel conditions of users, e.g., by using multiple transmit antennas, further encourages cooperation.
Seismic Behavior of Micropiles: Used as Foundation Support Elements: Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis

Presented is a three-dimensional finite element analysis of the seismic behavior of micropiles used in engineering applications, such as construction in earthquake areas, and seismic retrofitting of structure foundation and retaining systems. It is composed of two parts. The first is concerned with analysis of the seismic behavior of a single micropile supporting a superstructure; results obtained with three-dimensional finite element modeling are compared to those obtained from a simplified model based on the Winkler approach. The second part includes a study of the seismic behavior of groups of micropiles. Numerical simulations are conducted to study the variation of the group effect with the variation of micropile spacing, number of micropiles, and the position of the micropile in the group. Analysis of results of numerical simulations shows that the presence of the superstructure induces significant inertial effect, which causes a high increase in the bending moment in the upper part of micropiles; th...
Self-Interest and Civilians' Attitudes Toward the Vietnam War

The possible consequences of self-interest on American public opinion were examined in the context of the United States military involvement in Vietnam Civilians' personal connections to the war, in terms of their friends' and relatives' military service, did make them pay more attention to the war, but such connections seemed to have only weak effects on the salience of the war as a political issue. Similarly, there was no evidence that the self-interested had distinctively self-serving policy attitudes toward the war. Rather, the more important determinants of attitudes toward the war were attitudes toward various political symbols associated with the war. Finally, self-interest made very little difference in enhancing the consistency of partisan attitudes involved in the 1968 presidential decision. Language: en
Infection rate with replacement of bone fragment in compound depressed skull fractures

Abstract BACKGROUND Traditional management of compound depressed skull fractures entails elevation and removal of all bone fragments with delayed cranioplasty. Bone fragment removal is intended to reduce the potential for infection. However, bone fragment removal often necessitates a second operation to repair the resultant calvarial defect. This study examines the postoperative infection rate when bone fragments are replaced primarily. METHODS A retrospective study was carried out of all patients admitted with the diagnosis of compound depressed skull fracture to a university hospital from 1991 to 1996. RESULTS Of 52 patients with the diagnosis of compound depressed skull fracture treated at our university hospital over the past 5 years, 32 underwent elevation and repair within 72 hours. All patients except one received antibiotics during surgery and for at least 1.5 days after surgery. Follow-up averaged just over 22 months. In all 32 consecutive patients treated with debridement and elevation of compound depressed skull fractures with primary replacement of bone fragments within 72 hours of injury, there were no infectious sequelae. CONCLUSIONS Immediate replacement of bone fragments in compound depressed skull fractures does not increase the risk of infectious complications.
Comparison of low-technology and high-technology monitoring of clomiphene citrate ovulation induction

Abstract Objective: To determine whether newer monitoring techniques, including urinary detection of the LH surge and vaginal ultrasound, offer an advantage over basal body temperature (BBT) charts alone in achieving pregnancy using clomiphene citrate (CC). Design: Randomized clinical trial. Setting: Infertility patients in an academic research environment. Patient(s): Forty-five women undergoing ovulation induction with CC. Intervention(s): The women were assigned randomly to receive either low- or high-technology ovulation monitoring for a total of 3 ovulatory cycles. Both groups were followed with BBT charts. The high-technology group also was monitored with urinary LH kits and vaginal ultrasound. Main Outcome Measure(s): Cycle fecundity rates for each technique were compared statistically with use of life-table analysis. Result(s): Forty-five patients were studied during a total of 134 cycles. The overall cycle fecundity rate was 8%, 10% (8 of 81 cycles) for the low-technology monitoring group and 6% (3 of 53 cycles) for the high-technology monitoring group. These rates were not statistically significant when evaluated by Fisher's exact test ( P = .53) or when using life-table analysis and a log-rank test ( P = .48). Conclusion(s): These data suggest that, for initial attempts at ovulation induction with CC in unselected patients, high-technology monitoring of ovulation offers no increase in fecundity over low-technology monitoring.
Effects of maximal exercise and venous occlusion on fibrinolytic activity in physically active and inactive men

The purposes of this study were to 1) characterize changes in fibrinolytic activity in response to maximal exercise and 5-min venous occlusion and 2) compare responses in men of various habitual physical activity levels. Tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) activity and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) activity were measured in 15 inactive, 15 regularly active, and 15 highly active men. Data were analyzed using a three-way analysis of variance with repeated measures. Pretest TPA activity was similar among groups. TPA activity increased postexercise with higher values seen in the active groups (P < 0.001). The highly active group also significantly increased TPA activity postvenous occlusion (P < 0.01). Pretest PAI-1 activity was different among groups, with the inactive group showing the highest activity and the highly active group the lowest (P < 0.05). PAI-1 activity decreased with exercise (P < 0.01) but did not change with venous occlusion. In conclusion, active men exhibited greater changes in fibrinolytic activity with maximal exercise and venous occlusion than inactive men. This enhanced fibrinolytic activity may be an important mechanism mediating the cardioprotective effect provided by regular physical activity.
Envisioneering: preparing engineers for the professional challenges of industry in the 21st century

Penn State's Leonhard Center for Innovation and Enhancement of Engineering Education was established in 1991 as a national leader in revolutionizing engineering education. A major program of the Leonhard Center, Envisioneering, takes a novel approach to educating engineering students in skill areas that will be critical for professional success in industry of the next century. The Leonhard Center is identifying industrial needs and developing educational programs that teach students applicable skills. The intent is to graduate engineers who are able to quickly assume leadership positions in technical environments and exploit opportunities that exist in today's highly competitive global markets. Envisioneers are trained to be innovators-individuals able to generate and implement creative ideas in ways that add value to their sponsor organizations. While students learn skills related to innovation and professional engineering practice through training sessions, they also apply the skills immediately by working in teams on education-related projects for the Leonhard Center. Industry leaders have enthusiastically endorsed the combination of training programs and project experience because of the value it adds to students from an industrial perspective. This paper reports on some of the activities that Envisioneers have undertaken to date, the effects that these activities have had on students, and describe some of the critical factors that have made the program highly successful in a short period of time.
Progress in High Performance Medical Imaging

Medical imaging has made great technological breakthroughs in multimodal acquisition, visualization, and analysis with many complementary image modalities to non-invasively capture human anatomy, physiology and pathology. New functional imaging techniques help elucidate the dynamics of human health and disease at much higher throughput, enabled by growth in affordable computing power, memory capacity, processor speed, and communication bandwidth. Recently, exceedingly powerful computer hardware and optimized image processing software may, for the first time, allow high volume image data processing and manipulation (like multimodal registration) to become clinically feasible on a routine basis in real-time. In reviewing recent medical imaging advances, we discuss some major open issues and directions.
Primary correction of total anomalous pulmonary venous return with a modified sutureless technique

OBJECTIVES: The objective was to evaluate primary sutureless repair of total anomalous pulmonary venous return (TAPVR) in neonates using a modified technique that minimizes hypothermia and circulatory arrest times. METHODS: From 2009 to 2011, seven consecutive patients underwent primary sutureless repair for the treatment of TAPVR, by which the prepared posterior pericardium was sutured to an opening in the left atrium. Three patients had the obstructed infracardiac type, and four patients had the unobstructed supracardiac type of TAPVR. Moderate hypothermia was used in all patients with a median temperature of 28°C (26–32). Circulatory arrest was not used except for the opening of the collector, which lasted between 3 and 5 min. The connecting vein was ligated in all seven patients (five during repair and two early postoperatively). The follow-up was 100% complete, with a median duration of 652 (range 370–1023) days. RESULTS: There was no operative mortality and no late death. No patient required reoperation. Postoperative echocardiography showed unobstructed pulmonary venous flow in all patients. Recurrent pulmonary venous stenosis was not seen during the follow-up in any patient. CONCLUSIONS: The sutureless technique is an effective technique with potential advantages even for the primary correction of TAPVR. With the described technique, the need for circulatory arrest is substantially reduced. Not handling the pulmonary venous collector by avoiding a direct anastomosis may contribute to better compliance, better growth and the absence of subsequent stenosis.
Computers and Mathematical Activity

The basic distinction between monogenic and polygenic systems corresponds to the contrast of calculations with proofs, functions with relations, and machines with production systems. In calculations, we generally have a fixed procedure such that the answer is completely determined by the question. In looking for a proof of a given statement in a given formal system, we have in general an unbounded number of choices at each stage since, for example, there are infinitely many p’s such that p⊃q together with p would yield q. If there is a fixed number n such that at each node, there are only n or less choices, then clearly we can get a monogenic system in the search for proofs. A monogenic proof procedure, such as the Herbrand expansion procedure for the predicate calculus, need not give a decision procedure. On the other hand, a monotone system, such that by some criterion the conclusion is always longer or more complex than the premisses, is always decidable when there are finitely many rules only. Thus, given a statement p, the total number of statements which can enter in a proof of p is finite since every rule has a fixed number of premisses.
A stapled BIM peptide overcomes apoptotic resistance in hematologic cancers

Cancer cells subvert the natural balance between cellular life and death, achieving immortality through pathologic enforcement of survival pathways and blockade of cell death mechanisms. Pro-apoptotic BCL-2 family proteins are frequently disarmed in relapsed and refractory cancer through genetic deletion or interaction-based neutralization by overexpressed antiapoptotic proteins, resulting in resistance to chemotherapy and radiation treatments. New pharmacologic strategies are urgently needed to overcome these formidable apoptotic blockades. We harnessed the natural killing activity of BCL-2–interacting mediator of cell death (BIM), which contains one of the most potent BH3 death domains of the BCL-2 protein family, to restore BH3-dependent cell death in resistant hematologic cancers. A hydrocarbon-stapled peptide modeled after the BIM BH3 helix broadly targeted BCL-2 family proteins with high affinity, blocked inhibitory antiapoptotic interactions, directly triggered proapoptotic activity, and induced dose-responsive and BH3 sequence–specific cell death of hematologic cancer cells. The therapeutic potential of stapled BIM BH3 was highlighted by the selective activation of cell death in the aberrant lymphoid infiltrates of mice reconstituted with BIM-deficient bone marrow and in a human AML xenograft model. Thus, we found that broad and multimodal targeting of the BCL-2 family pathway can overcome pathologic barriers to cell death.
An Acid-Sensing Channel Sows Fear and Panic

The amygdala is a brain region that coordinates fear responses to a variety of threats. Ziemann et al. (2009) now show that acid-sensing channels in the amygdala mediate fear responses that accompany inhalation of carbon dioxide, suggesting that aberrant chemosensation may underlie anxiety disorders associated with a fear of suffocation.
Diophantine definitions for some polynomial rings

The author gives Diophantine definitions for polynomial rings of characteristic p > 0 over the polynomial rings with constants in finite fields, and for rational integers over polynomial rings of characteristic 0. The author also investigates Diophantine relationships between other pairs of polynomial rings of characteristic p > 0.
Schottky-Barrier Focal Plane Array Technology

In 1973, Shepherd and Yang proposed silicide Schottky-barrier detector (SBD) arrays for infrared thermal imaging (11. Infrared image sensors with 25 x 50 and 256 x 1 SBDs with thick PtSi film (~ 1000 A) were demonstrated in 1978 [2, 3]. The major breakthrough in the improvement of the responsivity of PtSi SBDs by about two orders of magnitude came with the introduction of SBDs with optical cavity having a thin (20 to 50 A) PtSi film [4-7].
Numerical Investigation of UCAV 1303 Configuration with and without Simple Deployable Vortex Flaps

A C omputational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis of the blended wing body UCAV 1303 configuration with and without simple deployable vortex flaps was conducted to understand the flowfield environment around the vehicle . The purpose of the study wa s to evaluate the capability of the USM3D code to capture the flow physics and stability and control characteristics of the UCAV 1303 . CFD analysi s of UCAV 1303 without th e vortex flaps was performed for two different types of leading edge (LE) radius distribution and the results were compared with experimental data . A s trong pitch -up tendency at a low angle of attack (AOA) indicating limited longitudinal control power wa s observed for both leading edges; T he sharp LE indicated onset of flow separa tion at a slightly lower angle of attack. The second part of the study present s CFD results of the flow characteri stics when simple vortex flaps we re attached on the upper surface of the UCAV with bas eline LE radius distributio n. Results indicate that there wa s a gradual p itch -up at low AOA and a slight L/D gain at AO A ranging from 11 to 16 degrees.
Dietary erucic acid therapy for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy

We investigated the biochemical and clinical efficacy of dietary erucic acid (C22:1) therapy for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). In a double-blind crossover study of patients who were on chronic oleic acid (C18:1) therapy, addition of erucic acid to the diet led to a further reduction in plasma hexacosanoic acid (C26:0) concentration. We treated 12 newly diagnosed ALD patients with a diet enriched with erucic acid and oleic acid for 2 to 19 months. Mean plasma C26:0 concentration decreased to normal by 4 weeks, and the C26:0 composition of plasma sphingomyelin and phosphatidylcholine became normal by 4 months on therapy. Fatty acid analysis of postmortem tissues from 1 boy treated for 10 months suggested that dietary erucic acid entered the heart, liver, adrenal gland, and brain. Eight patients remained on treatment long enough (mean, 12 +/- 3 months) to evaluate their clinical response; 6 of these patients with moderate to advanced disease deteriorated neurologically or showed progression of white matter disease on brain magnetic resonance imaging whereas 2 mildly affected patients remained clinically stable after 10 and 19 months. No adverse effects of the diet occurred. We conclude that dietary erucic acid therapy is effective in lowering plasma C26:0 to normal in ALD patients, and may prevent further demyelination in some mildly affected boys.
Research ethics committees.

Trials and Tribulations by Saul Miller1 takes the National Research Ethics Service to task for the closure of the Northumberland Research Ethics Committee (REC), but there are compelling reasons behind this decision. The Northumberland closure is part …
X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy of the Rare Earth Orthophosphates

X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) of the Rare Earth (RE) 3d levels yields sharp peaks near the edges as a result of strong, quasi-atomic 3d{sup 10}4f{sup n} {yields} 3d-{sup 9}4f{sup n+1} transitions and these transitions exhibit a wealth of spectroscopic features. The XAS measurements of single crystal REPO{sub 4} (RE = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Er) at the 3d edge were performed in the total yield mode at beam line 8-2 at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory (SSRL). The XAS spectra of the RE ions in the orthophosphate matrix generally resemble the XAS of the corresponding RE metal. This is not unexpected and emphasizes the major contribution of the trivalent state to the electronic transitions at the RE 3d edges. These spectra unequivocally identify the transitions originating from well-characterized RE cores and correlate well with previous theoretical investigations.
Phenology and infestation patterns of plum curculio (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) on four highbush blueberry cultivars.

The plum curculio, Conotrachelus nenuphar (Herbst), is a well known pest in apple and peach orchards, but it also is capable of having an economic impact in highbush blueberries. Host phenology and plum curculio oviposition patterns were determined on four highbush blueberry cultivars differing in fruit maturation period. Numbers of oviposition scars were higher on early- (‘Weymouth’) and mid-season (‘Duke’ and ‘Bluecrop’) blueberries than on late-season ‘Elliott’ in 2001, 2002, and 2003. In 2002, eggs were first present on the three earliest cultivars 21 d before those on ‘Elliott’, whereas eggs were found on ‘Elliott’ >40 d after the last sample with eggs for the other three cultivars. The pattern of host phenology and infestation levels suggested that plum curculio oviposition synchronizes well with the availability of suitable fruit for oviposition on early and mid-season cultivars compared with a late-season cultivar of highbush blueberries. The implications of a transition to use of reduced-risk insecticides are discussed in relation to plum curculio management.
Au nanocluster and PEDOT: PSS blend in the electrical performance of hybrid silicon solar cell

Poly( 3,4-ethyllenedioxythiophene):poly (styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS), a P-type organic polymer is frequently employed in the fabrication of heterojuction p-n solar cell devices due to its proper HOMO-LUMO band gap as well as its tunable conductivity. Addition of small volume percentage of organic additives such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) has a positive effect on the conductivity of this polymer. In this report we describe the incorporation of gold (Au) nanocluster in the PEDOT: PSS and the effect of this blend on the power-conversion efficiency (PCE) on planer silicon (Si) hybrid heterojunction solar cell devices. Specifically, the reference sample without the aforementioned nanocluster were measured to exhibit a 6.10 % PCE value that increase to 7.55% upon the addition of the Au nanocluster. The observed increase in the PCE is attributed to the enhanced electrical conductivity of the PEDOT: PSS film due to the incorporation of the nanocluster, which is directly reflected in their improved fill factor. It is further theorized that presence of Au nanocluster in the insulating PSS layer in the PEDOT: PSS blend have a positive influence in the charge collection effectiveness of the devices produced. Considering that the Au nanoparticles involved in this research exercise had an average size of only 4nm, it is consider that plasmonic effect did not play a relevant role in the observed PCE improvement.
Student perceptions of group examinations as a method of exam review in pharmacotherapeutics.

Abstract Objective Evaluate student perceptions of learning outcomes, group dynamics, and team-based skill development during group-retake exams in pharmacy education. Design Group-retake examinations utilizing distributed practice were implemented in a pharmacotherapeutics course to serve as a post-individual exam review. A survey was designed to assess student perceptions of these group-retake exams. Assessment Students perceived group-retake examinations to be beneficial in respect to retention and application of content. Peer teaching was reported to be effective and occur frequently. Minimal hostility and stress were reported. Consensus answers were reached often and this improved throughout the semester. Overall, 92% of students agreed that group-retake examinations should be continued. Conclusion Group-retake examinations were perceived by students to be an effective method for exam review within pharmacy education.
Taking Aim at the 'Tempting Targets': Considering Standing, Sincerity and Antidiscrimination in Higher Education

This Article will establish that an unrecognized norm, the "norm of sincerity," is an implicit factor in the standing analysis in a certain class of equal protection cases. That class of cases includes equal protection claims where 1) courts have applied the "able and ready to compete" test to determine a plaintiff's injury in fact, and where 2) the plaintiff has complained about discriminatory access to limited government resources. In those cases, a plaintiff cannot demonstrate injury in fact sufficient to meet Article III standing unless she shows that she sincerely intends to use the benefits at stake in the litigation. Further, in these cases, the sincerity judgment is observable when a clear competitive process governs the competition for the resources. No commentator has recognized this developing trend. This Article will also establish that sincerity should play an increasingly more visible role in what is sure to be a coming focus of this class of equal protection cases, which is the context of equal protection challenges to racial or ethnic minority preference programs outside of admissions in higher education. This context, referred to herein as the "tempting targets context," includes, for example, programs such as minority-only or minority-preferred summer orientation and academic preparation programs, scholarships, fellowships, internships, and mentoring programs. The validity of any one of these programs has yet to be resolved by litigation on the merits in court, but those tests are surely coming. No commentator has yet considered the potential standing implications presented by these challenges. Finally, the Article concludes by identifying a proposed model for applying the able and ready standard and its inherent norm of sincerity to this specific and anticipated class of equal protection cases.
Maidens Fair, Matrons Plump, Fat Cats, and Sugar Daddies Fund-Raising for Richmond’s Early Charitable Agencies

This article discusses the emergence and development of women’s fund-raising for charitable centenarian agencies in a southern city. These activities set the stage for the diversification of strategies that still have gender and racial overtones in the contemporary fund-raising activities of the city. The findings reveal that women did whatever they could legally do to raise funds and in-kind contributions. Women were active, visible agents, “pounding the pavement” to solicit or beg for funds. Gendered and racial roots of philanthropic activities in these centenary organizations still influence both the intentions and actions of these organizations today and have implications for women in fund-raising positions.
Zirconium tungstate/epoxy nanocomposites: effect of nanoparticle morphology and negative thermal expansivity.

The ability to tailor the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of a polymer is essential for mitigating thermal residual stress and reducing microcracks caused by CTE mismatch of different components in electronic applications. This work studies the effect of morphology and thermal expansivity of zirconium tungstate nanoparticles on the rheological, thermo-mechanical, dynamic-mechanical, and dielectric properties of ZrW2O8/epoxy nanocomposites. Three types of ZrW2O8 nanoparticles were synthesized under different hydrothermal conditions and their distinct properties were characterized, including morphology, particle size, aspect ratio, surface area, and CTE. Nanoparticles with a smaller particle size and larger surface area led to a more significant reduction in gel-time and glass transition temperature of the epoxy nanocomposites, while a higher initial viscosity and significant shear thinning behavior was found in prepolymer suspensions containing ZrW2O8 with larger particle sizes and aspect ratios. Th...
Photochemistry and Photophysics of α-Hydroxy Ketones

Time-resolved laser flash spectroscopy with transient detection by time-resolved UV−vis, IR, and EPR has been employed to investigate the photochemistry and photophysics of a series of derivatives of 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-phenyl propanone, a model photoinitiator for free radical polymerization. H, Cl, and F substituents at the para position promote the n,π* nature of the lowest triplet state and favor fast and efficient α-cleavage from T1 upon irradiation. In contrast, dimethylamino and thioether substitution in the para position of the benzoyl moiety change the configuration of the lowest triplet states into a π,π* and are characterized by a lack of α-cleavage from T1. Alkoxy substitution in the para position represents an intermediate for which α-cleavage occurs efficiently, but at a relatively slow rate. Alkylation of the 2-hydroxy group promotes fast α-cleavage upon irradiation (picosecond time scale), in contrast to the analogous ester derivative for which slow cleavage was observed (microsecond time ...