cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Wavefront sensing and control architecture for the Spherical Primary Optical Telescope (SPOT)

Testbed results are presented demonstrating high-speed image-based wavefront sensing and control for a spherical primary optical telescope (SPOT). The testbed incorporates a phase retrieval camera coupled to a 3-Mirror Vertex testbed (3MV) at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. Actuator calibration based on the Hough transform is discussed as well as several supercomputing architectures for image-based wavefront sensing. Timing results are also presented based on various algorithm implementations using a cluster of 64 TigerSharc TS101 DSP's (digital-signal processors).
Search for heavy-neutrino production in e+e- annihilation at 29 GeV.

We report a search for long-lived heavy neutrinos produced by the neutral weak current in e+e- annihilation at 29 GeV at the SLAC storage ring PEP. Data from the Mark II detector are examined for evidence of events with one or more separated vertices in the radial range of 2 mm to 10 cm. No events were found that were consistent with the search hypothesis, ruling out heavy neutrinos with mean decay lengths of 1 to 20 cm in the mass range 1 to 13 GeV/c2. © 1987 The American Physical Society.
Mouth-to-mask ventilation: A superior method of rescue breathing

Tidal volumes achieved using endotracheal intubation with a self-inflating bag were compared to those achieved with the esophageal obturator airway®, a bag-valve mask system, and mouth-to-mask ventilation in an experimental model employing 18 unskilled and 4 partially skilled rescuers. When compared to mean tidal volumes achieved with endotracheal intubation (1,193 ml with unskilled, 942 ml with semi-skilled rescuers), ventilation with the bag-valve-mask system was significantly less (509 and 495 ml tidal volumes) and was, in fact, well below the value of 800 ml recommended for rescue breathing. Mouth-to-mask ventilation produced tidal volumes (1,093 ml and 1,200 ml) not significantly different from those seen with endotracheal intubation. If clinical findings confirm these experimental results, mouth-to-mask ventilation should replace the bag-valve-mask system in the initial management of respiratory arrest.
Experimental strategy to identify genes susceptible to oxidative stress in nigral dopaminergic neurons.

Neuropathological evidence from both human and experimental models of Parkinson's disease (PD) firmly supports a significant role for oxidative stress (OS) in the death of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in substantia nigra. Largely unknown are the genes underlying selective susceptibility of nigral DA neuron to OS and how they effect nigral DA cell death. The major barriers to high-throughput identification of candidate genes are the paucity of nigral DA neurons as well as the dilution effect of non-DA cells both in primary cultures and brain tissues. To overcome these barriers, we have developed a DA cell line model, SN4741, appropriate for cDNA microarray analysis (1–3). Candidate genes were selected from both the microarray analysis and the molecular implication of their pathological mechanisms (i.e., decreased mitochondrial complex I activity and proteasomal dysfunction) of PD. Subsequent secondary validation tests were devised to characterize genes including clone #45 that may underlie selective vulnerability of nigral DA neuron to OS.
Self-reference is an illustrative essential

This paper includes an abstract, a discussion of the usefulness of self-reference in early computer science courses, and some examples to illustrate this usefulness. Most readers will not be troubled by this example of self-referential writing. Why then is self-reference, usually in the form of recursive subprograms, thought to be so onerous as to be placed in its own left-until-the-end-and-often-uncovered chapter in most introductory texts? Self-reference is one of the cornerstones of computer science from the unsolvability of the halting problem, to writing a Pascal compiler in Pascal, to reveling in the beauty of Quicksort. We argue that the notion of self-reference should permeate first courses in computer science. If this is to be the case such courses should take a view far broader than “Wow, I can average 10 numbers with the skills I learned in my first programming course!”
Newton-conjugate-gradient methods for solitary wave computations

In this paper, the Newton-conjugate-gradient methods are developed for solitary wave computations. These methods are based on Newton iterations, coupled with conjugate-gradient iterations to solve the resulting linear Newton-correction equation. When the linearization operator is self-adjoint, the preconditioned conjugate-gradient method is proposed to solve this linear equation. If the linearization operator is non-self-adjoint, the preconditioned biconjugate-gradient method is proposed to solve the linear equation. The resulting methods are applied to compute both the ground states and excited states in a large number of physical systems such as the two-dimensional NLS equations with and without periodic potentials, the fifth-order KdV equation, and the fifth-order KP equation. Numerical results show that these proposed methods are faster than the other leading numerical methods, often by orders of magnitude. In addition, these methods are very robust and always converge in all the examples being tested. Furthermore, they are very easy to implement. It is also shown that the nonlinear conjugate gradient methods are not robust and inferior to the proposed methods.
On the distribution of lipids in the cochlea of the guinea pig

Nach einem kurzen Hinweis auf die Bedeutung der Lipide im Rahmen der Zellfunktion wird die bisherige Literatur zur Lipidverteilung in der Schnecke referiert. Die eigenen Untersuchungen dienten dem Nachweis von Schneckenlipiden mit histochemischer Methodik (Sudan III, Sudanschwarz B, Nilblausulfat, Osmiumtetroxydschwarzung). Die Befunde werden im einzelnen beschrieben. Durch die Lipidreaktionen werden vor allem die Mitochondrien, Mikrosomen und andere Zellorganellen in den Schneckengeweben markiert.
The Criteria for Beneficial Disorder in Thermoelectric Solid Solutions

Forming solid solutions has long been considered an effective approach for good thermoelectrics because the lattice thermal conductivities are lower than those of the constituent compounds due to phonon scattering from disordered atoms. However, this effect could also be compensated by a reduction in carrier mobility due to electron scattering from the same disorder. Using a detailed study of n-type (PbTe)_(1–x) (PbSe)_x solid solution (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) as a function of composition, temperature, and doping level, quantitative modeling of transport properties reveals the important parameters characterizing these effects. Based on this analysis, a general criterion for the improvement of zT due to atomic disorder in solid solutions is derived and can be applied to several thermoelectric solid solutions, allowing a convenient prediction of whether better thermoelectric performance could be achieved in a given solid solution. Alloying is shown to be most effective at low temperatures and in materials that are unfavorable for thermoelectrics in their unalloyed forms: high lattice thermal conductivity (stiff materials with low Gruneisen parameters) and high deformation potential.
Long-term care insurance: Buy it or not!

Subscribing to a long-term care (LTC) insurance plan for future health care and services is one of the most difficult decisions aging Americans need to make today. Although it may be difficult to predict who will need an LTC plan and for how long, various factors play an important role in determining whether to purchase LTC insurance. This article provides general information about LTC plans including private insurance, their coverage, and implications for gerontologic nurses.
A novel backscatter focus diagnostic for the TRIDENT 200 TW laser.

Here we present the first direct focal spot images and analysis of an ultrahigh intensity short-pulse laser focus (>5×1019 W/cm2) on target. Such a focal spot characterization is typically done previous to the shot with a low-power alignment beam using equivalent plane imaging techniques. The resulting intensity of the shot is then inferred from these results. We report on the development of a backscatter focus diagnostic, which enables imaging of the on-target full-power focal spot.
Toward a unified theory for repeat expansions

Two studies now explain why triplet DNA repeats tend to expand in the human genome, causing such severe hereditary neurological disorders as myotonic dystrophy and Huntington disease.
Intramolecular hydroboration of unsaturated phosphine boranes.

Homoallylic phosphine boranes undergo intramolecular hydroboration upon activation by triflic acid. The reaction occurs via an intermediate B-trifluorosulfonyloxyborane complex such as 15, followed by SN1-like or SN2-like displacement of the triflate leaving group, apparently leading to the formation of a four-center transition state. In the case of trisubstituted double bonds, as in the substrates 29 and 32, ionic hydrogenation of the alkene competes with internal hydroboration.
G212(P) The experiences of nurses caring for children on paediatric intensive care (pic) who transition from curative to end of life care: a literature review

Background The experiences of nurses caring for children in Paediatric Intensive Care (PIC) who transition from curative care to palliation and end of life care have the potential to be extremely varied and pose opportunities to be both a privilege and a challenge. A review of the literature was conducted to discover what may already be known about the experiences of nurses caring for children during this time of transition. Method Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science and ASSIA were searched. The databases were chosen to incorporate a variety of publications with differing disciplinary focus. MeSH and key search terms used included: Terminal care/Palliative care/end of life care Intensive care Paediatric/paediatric Broad terms were used to capture as many articles as possible and were then checked visually for relevance. Results 488 articles were identified, only 8 are included in the review. Reasons for exclusion included duplication focus on communication, education, interventions/change in practice, ethics or law. Settings of the studies were adult intensive care and acute care, and paediatric oncology and acute care. From the 8 articles, the following themes arose: Making a diagnosis of dying and recognising the point of transition – knowing when the time is ‘right’ for a patient to transition to palliative or end of life care. Timing of transition and reaching a consensus Families – reaching a consensus, holding on to false hope Professional issues – emotional burden and crossing boundaries. These all contribute to nurses experiencing frustration and increased levels of stress. There are clear commonalities in these studies; however none specifically explore the experience of PIC nurses in the UK when caring for children transitioning to palliative or end of life care. Conclusion There is a clear gap in the research in this area. There is a qualitative study in a regional PICU being undertaken which will begin to address this.
Poly(p‐phenylene ethynylene) Incorporating Sterically Enshrouding m‐Terphenyl Oxacyclophane Canopies

A sterically encumbered m-terphenyl oxacyclophane substituted with two aryl iodide substituents has been prepared as a versatile monomer for the preparation of π-conjugated polymers. The monomer has been used to prepare a poly(p-phenylene ethynylene) derivative (P1) incorporating oxacyclophane units as canopies that shield one side of the π-system from inter-chain interactions. The photophysical properties of P1 in dilute solution compare well to those of a poly(p-phenylene ethynylene) derivative (P2) that lacks the canopy. The presence of the steric canopy leads to a diminished inter-chain interaction in the solid state and enhances the kinetic response of P1 to vapors of nitro-organics such as TNT, presumably by increasing the permeability of P1 to these analytes over that of P2.
Automatic assessment and adaptation to real world pointing performance

There is a growing population of individuals who are motivated to use a computer but find it physically difficult to do so, particularly when using a pointing device such as a mouse. Common pointing problems include inability to select small targets, difficulty moving a pointing device in a straight line, or difficulty controlling the pointer's buttons. There are many software adaptations that can improve pointing performance, however the key to these solutions is identifying when to deploy them. In my thesis, I am working to build software that can automatically assess pointing problems and their severity during real world computer use, and deploy appropriate assistive adaptations. In order to evaluate real world interaction with GUIs, I am developing both data capture and analysis tools that are application independent. This software-based approach to improving computer access is powerful because it will be able to adapt to an individual's changing needs and work across applications.
Hormonal regulation of major histocompatibility complex class I genes in rat thyroid FRTL-5 cells: thyroid-stimulating hormone induces a cAMP-mediated decrease in class I expression.

Abstract Thyrocytes normally express major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I, but not class II, cell surface antigens. A rat thyrocyte cell line, FRTL-5, also expresses MHC class I antigens, in addition to a variety of thyroid-specific genes. Treatment of FRTL-5 thyrocytes with physiological concentrations of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) has been shown to induce increased expressed of thyroglobulin and thyroid peroxidase but to simultaneously decrease expression of the TSH receptor. The reduction in TSH receptor expression by TSH is cAMP mediated. In the present study, it is demonstrated that, in thyrocytes treated with TSH, MHC class I expression decreases concomitant with the decrease in TSH receptor expression. This decreased expression is evidenced by reduced cell surface levels of MHC class I antigens, by reduced steady-state RNA levels, and by reduced transcription of the class I genes. TSH-mediated reduction of MHC class I gene transcription in FRTL-5 cells was mapped to a region within 135 base pairs of the promoter.
Sartre on Stalin: A discussion of Critique de la Raison Dialectique, II

It was as an independent Marxist of considerable stature and theore tical acumen and with over a decade of political writing and practice that Sartre turned, in 1957, to the project of writing a critique of dialectical reason. Sartre's undertaking is self-consciously set in "the post-Stalinist period", as part of the reconstruction after "Stalinist idealism had sclerosed both epistemological methods and practices".1 No wonder, then, in the central pages of the second, unfinished volume of the Critique, that Sartre brought his genius to bear on the phe nomenon of Stalin's ascendancy. His analyses comprise one of the most searching and coherent explorations of the great question: why Stalin? Beginning on page 109 of the 390-page book, Sartre enters a linked series of reflections ? always undertaken as examples of other, formal analyses ? of the fate of the Bolshevik Revolution, which will last until page 282. Those who have read the only published section of Volume Two, in New Left Review, will recall its main elements. The Soviet Union was in "mortal danger: alone, surrounded by strong and hostile powers . . . ." It was a historical monstrosity: "an underdeveloped country moving without any transition from a feudal system to socialist forms of production and property" (II, 119, NLR, 152). This contradiction was most sharply posed in the conflict between Stalin and Trotsky, "so cialism in a single country" and "permanent revolution". While both leaders were absorbed with the question of the Revolution's vulnerable position, Stalin's main concern was to protect what had already been achieved, while Trotsky was willing to risk its achievements, and to spread it throughout the world. The situation, Sartre is suggesting, split what had to be kept unified: the successful Bolshevik Revolution and the Western proletariat. Trotsky, the intellectual and former ?migr?, became spokesman and embodiment of the revolution's internationalism and universality but in so doing threatened the very Revolution. Stalin had always, in Russia,
Modeling System Dynamics of Affect and Contextual Performance Using State Space Models

Current research often captures a static representation of phenomena at work. However, individuals and the environments in which they act are dynamic systems, where the processes should be modeled in order to better understand the system dynamics of how variables interact with one another. The current paper uses a state space modeling approach that models the dynamics and processes of such systems. Specifically, data were collected in an organization over several weeks in regards to affect, organizational citizenship behavior, and counterproductive work behavior in order to model the interplay of these variables in situ. Furthermore, we ran a simulation in an attempt to understand this application in a hierarchical model. Results from both the data and simulation indicate a wide variability in parameters for individuals. Implications and future avenues of research are discussed.
Vibration Technique for Locating Delamination in a Composite Beam

An experimental nondestructive vibration-based technique for locating a delamination in a composite beam is presented. The method operates on the fundamental displacement eigenvector, which is converted to a curvature mode shape. The application of a unique, gapped smoothing damage detection method to the curvature yields a damage index that locates the delamination, irrespective of its position along the beam or depth within the beam. The procedure can operate solely on data obtained from the damaged structure. Models or data from the undamaged structure are specifically not required or used during the analysis. The procedure reported here is highly satisfactory for experimental data, where small variations in the measurement cause false features in other published curvature-based damage detection methods. The damage location method is demonstrated with a finite element model of a composite beam, where a delamination is modeled by relaxing connectivity between elements at the desired location of the delamination. The results of an experimental investigation of a composite beam with a manufactured delamination are also presented. When the gapped smoothing method was used on the experimental modal data, the delamination was successfully located.
High-Resolution X-ray Study of the Smectic A-Smectic B Phase Transition and the Smectic B Phase in Butyloxybenzylidene Octylaniline

Abstract We have carried out a high resolution X-ray study of the smectic phases of Butyloxybenzylidene Octylaniline. We find that the phase previously identified as Smectic-B in this material is crystalline with in-plane order extending over at least 1.4 μm. The in-plane Bragg peaks are accompanied by anomalously strong diffuse scattering that can be described by a form 1/(q 2⊥ + γ2 q 2 z). Unless the elastic constant C44 is more than an order of magnitude smaller than previously reported values of ∼ 108 ergs/cm3 the diffuse scattering can not be due to acoustic phonons. The crystalline-B to Smectic-A melting transition is strongly first order with no observable pre-transition effects on either side of the transition.
Effects of open-volume regions on relaxation time scales and fracture behavior of a Zr-Ti-Ni-Cu-Be bulk metallic glass

Abstract The plane strain fracture toughness of a Zr–Ti–Ni–Cu–Be bulk metallic glass was found to be significantly degraded after annealing at 300 °C. The fracture morphology was changed from characteristic vein patterns to cleavage-like features with little evidence of plasticity. Positron annihilation spectroscopy results revealed that atomic scale open-volume regions were reduced by annealing. A dynamic mechanical analysis showed that the atomic arrangement process for viscous flow was retarded as a result of annealing. The observed annealing embrittlement is ascribed to the loss of stress relief by viscous flow at the crack tip that results from the anneal-out of open-volume regions
Climate and Chlorophyll a: Long-Term Trends in the Central North Pacific Ocean

Since 1968 a significant increase in total chlorophyll a in the water column during the summer in the central North Pacific Ocean has been observed. A concomitant increase in winter winds and a decrease in sea surface temperature suggest that long-period fluctuations in atmospheric characteristics have changed the carrying capacity of the central Pacific epipelagic ecosystem.
Catalytic activity of noble metal alloys. Methane-deuterium exchange and propane cracking on platinum-palladium and palladium-rhodium alloys

Abstract The exchange reaction between methane and deuterium and the cracking of propane in the temperature range 100 ° to 200 ° have been used to study variations in catalytic activity in the PtPd and PdRh alloy series. Stepwise exchange was exhibited by both Pt and Pd, CH 3 D being the most abundant initial product and the other deuteromethanes appearing in order. Rh showed predominantly multiple exchange at the higher temperatures with the initial appearance of CD 4 . Stepwise exchange was the most important mechanism with all alloy samples although the contribution of multiple exchange increased with increasing temperature. The order of activity of the pure metals followed the sequence Pt Rh Pd at 150 ° for both exchange and cracking reactions and the binary alloys showed intermediate activities. A rough correlation between atomic radius and exchange mechanism was observed and the mechanism of the exchange reaction is discussed.
Changing Fish Faunas in Two Reaches of the Rio Grande in the Albuquerque Basin

Abstract We intensively sampled fishes from two reaches of the Rio Grande within the Albuquerque Basin (Albuquerque and Belen valleys) during 1998–2001, compared our findings with those from 1984, and compiled a list of all fishes known from the two reaches. Structure of assemblages (richness, diversity, abundance distributions–taxon dominance versus rank abundance) was similar between reaches in 1998–2001, but the faunas had low taxonomic similarity. The nonnative white sucker (Catostomus commersonii), western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis), and native red shiner (Cyprinella lutrensis) dominated the Albuquerque Valley. Faunal change in the Albuquerque Valley between 1984 and 1998–2001 indicated all native fishes besides the red shiner declined, particularly the Rio Grande silvery minnow (Hybognathus amarus) and longnose dace (Rhinichthys cataractae). In contrast, the red shiner alone dominated the Belen Valley, nonnative fishes were less dominant, and aside from the Rio Grande silvery minnow and longnos...
Kyoto Protocol: Past, present, and future

Shogren is the Stroock Distinguished Professor of Natural Resource Conservation and Management at the University of Wyoming. In 1997, he served as the senior economist for environmental policy at the President's Council of Economic Advisers during the runup to Kyoto. In the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), most countries agreed to voluntarily reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by the turn of the 20th century (UNFCCC, 1999a). By the mid-1990s, policy makers and scientists realized that the majority of the voluntary pledges were not being met. The international community responded by increasing the pressure to formulate country-specific binding commitments to reduce emissions. The end result was the Kyoto Protocol (UNFCCC, 1999b). The protocol set targets and timetables for emission reductions; an Annex I Parties (industrialized and transition economies) is to reduce net GHG emissions by about 5% below 1990 levels by 2008–2012. Article 25 of the protocol says the agreement will enter into force 90 days after it has been ratified (or approved, accepted, or acceded to) by at least 55 parties to the convention, including Annex I Parties, accounting for 55% of the group's 1990 carbon dioxide emissions. As of May 2004, the Kyoto Protocol had not entered into force. The delay is caused in part by the lack of commitment by the United States, Australia, and Russia, and with the expected increase in GHG emissions growth driven by increasing economic growth in developing nations like China and India, the emission reductions needed to comply with Kyoto will be substantial. The Kyoto Protocol might go into force, and people still want to know for what benefit, at what cost, and who wins and who loses? Herein, we briefly review the past, present, and future of the Kyoto Protocol from an economist's benefit-cost perspective. To an …
Martensitic transformation of Ca.

A la temperature ambiante, Ca subit une transformation structurale induite par la pression de 20 GaPa, passant de la structure cubique a faces centrees a cubique centre. On examine un modele de distorsion pour cette transformation. Le mecanisme de Bain est un cas particulier de la distorsion triclinique plus generale, et des lors qu'un chemin dans cet espace de parametres plus grands fournit une trajectoire de l'energie differente. L'etude, dans l'approximation de la densite locale de l'energie totale est effectuee en utilisant la methode de l'onde plane amelioree lineaire
Implications of limitation of renal function for the nutrition of low birthweight infants.

Aperia, A, Broberger, O. and Zetterstrom, R. (Departments of Paediatrics, S:t Gorans's Hospital and Huddinge Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden). Implications of limitation of renal function for the nutrition of low birthweight infants. Acta Paediatr Scand, Suppl. 296:48, 1982. — Renal function is immature in low-birth-weight infants. The glomerular filtration rate is low during the entire first month of life. It is 20–50% of that observed in older children and adults. This limits the excretory capacity of the kidney and might set an upper limit for the protein intake. The capacity to reabsorb bicarbonate is not fully developed. This predisposes the low-birth-weight infant to metabolic acidosis. The capacities to excrete sodium when in positive sodium balance and to retain sodium when in negative sodium balance are limited. If the daily sodium balance is not well monitored, conditions of negative sodium balance with hyponatremia as well as of positive sodium balance with hypernatremia might occur.
Developmental pathways to antisocial behavior: The delayed-onset pathway in girls

Recent research has suggested that there are two distinct trajectories for the development of antisocial behavior in boys: a childhood-onset pathway and an adolescent-onset pathway. After reviewing the limited available research on antisocial girls, we propose that this influential method of conceptualizing the development of severe antisocial behavior may not apply to girls without some important modifications. Antisocial girls appear to show many of the correlates that have been associated with the childhood-onset pathway in boys, and they tend to show impaired adult adjustment, which is also similar to boys in the childhood-onset pathway. However, antisocial girls typically show an adolescent-onset to their antisocial behavior. We have proposed that these girls show a third developmental pathway which we have labeled the "delayed-onset" pathway. This model rests on the assumption that many of the putative pathogenic mechanisms that contribute to the development of antisocial behavior in girls, such as cognitive and neuropsychological deficits, a dysfunctional family environment, and/or the presence of a callous and unemotional interpersonal style, may be present in childhood, but they do not lead to severe and overt antisocial behavior until adolescence. Therefore, we propose that the delayed-onset pathway for girls is analogous to the childhood-onset pathway in boys and that there is no analogous pathway in girls to the adolescent-onset pathway in boys. Although this model clearly needs to be tested in future research, it highlights the need to test the applicability of current theoretical models for explaining the development of antisocial behavior in girls.
On Analyzing Earnings Inequality in Segmented Labor Markets

In this article, I describe a methodology for analyzing the earnings distribution in segmented labor markets. I model earnings inequality as a function of labor market structure, then model change ...
Following Saint Teresa: Early Modern Women and Religious Authority

❦Prologue 1 A few years ago, while on vacation in Mexico with my family, we paid a social call on the Sisters of the Discalced Carmelite convent in Puebla. While every nun in the convent (about thirteen or fourteen) came to sit with us (on their side of the reja, of course), the Abbess directed the conversation. When I said I had come to share news of their Sisters in Spain, 2 and to bring news back, the Mother Superior told the story of the convent’s first great miracle. During the early seventeenth century, when the convent was founded, the new nuns did not know exactly the colors, materials, or shape of the Discalced Carmelite habit. Fortuitously, the Mother Superior twice had a vision of Saint Teresa of Avila, who told her not to worry and promised help. Eventually, despite natural disasters, a convent in Spain (possibly Caravaca) managed to send to Puebla, with an accompanying letter, one of their habits for the Mexican nuns to copy. At this point, while continuing to tell the story, the Mother Superior had a small wooden box brought to her, which she opened and showed to us. It contained
Pregnancy rates following hysteroscopic polypectomy, myomectomy, and a normal cavity in infertile patients

Abstract Objective: To assess the reproductive benefits of hysteroscopic myomectomy and polypectomy for infertility when compared to infertile couples with a normal cavity at hysteroscopy. Material and Methods: All patients with a diagnosis of infertility who underwent hysteroscopic evaluation by a single surgeon between 1975 and 1996 were sent a questionnaire as routine follow-up regarding their reproductive history. All 100 subjects who were located responded to the questionnaire, and 78 subjects met the inclusion criteria; age Results: Of the 78 subjects, 36 had undergone a myomectomy, 23 a polypectomy, and 19 had a normal cavity. Among the three groups there was no significant difference in their ages, types of infertility, length of infertility, or follow-up after the procedure. Using the Cox proportional hazard model, and adjusting for age, polypectomy patients had a significantly higher pregnancy rate (RR 3.89, P Conclusions: Both hysteroscopic polypectomy and hysteroscopic myomectomy appear to enhance fertility when compared to infertile patients with a normal cavity. Despite concern that hysteroscopic resection of a large myoma may ablate a large surface area of the endometrial cavity, patients with larger myomas were more likely to conceive following resection.
Auger recombination in quantum-well InGaAsP heterostructure lasers

Interband nonradiative Auger recombination in quantum-well InGaAsP/InP heterostructure lasers has been calculated. It is found that the Auger rate is much reduced in the quasi two-dimensional quantum-well lasers. This suggests that the temperature sensitivity of quantum-well InGaAsP lasers is much less than ordinary structures with much higher values of T 0 at around room temperatures.
Structure and dynamics of N-methyl-N-propylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ionic liquid from molecular dynamics simulations.

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed on N-methyl-N-propylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (mppy+TFSI-) from 303 to 393 K to improve understanding of the structure and ion transport of this ionic liquid. The density, ion self-diffusion coefficients, conductivity, and viscosity of mppy+TFSI- predicted from MD simulations are in good agreement with experimental measurements. The time-dependent shear modulus of the ionic liquids was calculated and compared with that for nonionic liquids. On average each mppy+ cation was found to be coordinated by four TFSI- anions. The angular distributions of NTFSI−−Nmppy+−NTFSI− and Nmppy+−NTFSI-−Nmppy+ exhibit a maximum at 80−90° and a second maximum at 180°. Correlation of ion motion was found to lower ionic conductivity by approximately one-third from the expected value based upon ion self-diffusion coefficients. Rotational motion of the cation and anion are anisotropic with the degree of anisotropy increasing with decreasing temperature. El...
Adult and Pediatric Testicular Teratoma

Although pure testicular teratomas in prepubertal boys have not been reported to metastasize, testicular teratomas in adults are associated with clinical metastases in 60% of cases. Teratoma has a diverse biological potential, with propensity for local growth, distant metastases, and transformation to somatic malignant cell types. Teratoma is frequently found associated with other nonseminomatous histologies and is present in the retroperitoneum in 40% of postchemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissections. Because of the chemoresitant nature of teratomas, complete surgical resection is the treatment of choice. Since the biology of teratoma is unpredictable and it is frequently found in the retroperitoneum following chemotherapy for nonseminomatous germ-cell tumors, complete control of the retroperitoneum is advocated for all patients regardless of residual mass size.
Linear viscoelastic master curves of neat and laponite-filled poly(ethylene oxide)–water solutions

Aqueous solutions composed of dispersed nanoparticles and entangled polymers are shown to exhibit common viscoelasticity over a range of particle and polymer concentrations. Time–temperature superposition and time–concentration superposition are applied to generate rheological master curves for neat and laponite-filled aqueous solutions of poly(ethylene oxide). The shift factors were correlated in terms of temperature and concentration and are found to differ from previous reports for ideal polymer solutions, which can be rationalized with a molecular interpretation of the structure of the laponite–polymer solutions. Laponite addition to the concentrated polymer solution is observed to increase the relaxation time but decrease the elastic modulus, which is a consequence of polymer adsorption and bridging. The addition of small amounts of laponite to stable PEO–water solutions also leads to ageing on the time scale of days.
Value of noninvasive assessment of patients with atypical chest pain and suspected coronary spasm using ergonovine infusion and thallium-201 scintigraphy

Twenty-six patients with known benign coronary anatomic characteristics and atypical chest pain syndromes were evaluated for the possibility of coronary spasm. Incremental intravenous ergonovine maleate infusions were administered, and thallium-201 scintigraphy was performed at the peak dosage and during recovery in the coronary care unit. With ergonovine therapy, 4 patients (16%) had chest pain associated with electrocardiographic (ECG) or scintigraphic changes. Nine patients (35%) had chest pain without associated ECG or scintigraphic changes, and 13 patients did not have chest pain in response to ergonovine administration, although 2 (8%) had ergonovine-induced scintigraphic defects. All 4 patients with ergonovine-induced chest pain and associated ECG or scintigraphic abnormalities had resolution or reduction of chest pain after medical treatment. However, 7 of the 9 patients with ergonovine-induced chest pain in the absence of ECG or scintigraphic abnormalities continued to have symptoms despite medical treatment a mean of 18 months later. In this limited study of a select group, bedside ergonovine provocation appeared safe. Many patients had chest pain, but few showed ECG or scintigraphic evidence of ischemia. Perfusion scintigraphy appears to have potential complementary value for the identification of an ischemic cardiac cause of atypical chest pain and provides a rationale for appropriate therapy.
The carrying capacity of cattle utilizing agricultural wastes in a small Chinese village

Abstract The population of draft animals in a small Chinese village in Shandong province almost doubled very shortly after their decollectivization in early 1987. An energetic study of the cattle population over a 3-year period (1987–1990) permitted the calculation of the carrying capacity for the cattle based on the agricultural wastes produced yearly in a specific area of the North China plain. Extrapolation of these data to the entire draft animal population strongly suggests that although the draft animal population has increased significantly, the local feed resources (consisting mainly of byproducts of crops grown for human use) can sustain the larger number of draft animals.
In Defense of Symbolic Convergence Theory: A Look at The Theory and Its Criticisms After Two Decades

This paper argues that not only is theory-building often unfashionable, but the spurious assumption that the presence of scholarly disputes signifies the need to abandon theory-building efforts adds to the difficulties of those willing to develop and expand general theories of human communication. We argue that the time is at hand to provide a new response to the published criticism of the symbolic convergence theory (SCT) and its attendant method of fantasy theme analysis (FTA). Since 1977, critics have made a number of charges about the usefulness of the symbolic convergence theory. We have collapsed the more frequently mentioned and argued points into four indictments of SCT: (1) SCT's proponents have not clarified the basic presuppositions that undergird the theory; (2) SCT is Freudian-based and therefore applies only to small group communication; (3) SCT's insights are researcher-dependent not dependent on the theory; (4) SCT is a relabeling of old concepts with ttivial jargon that lacks precision and clarity. This paper explains and refutes each indictment. The paper concludes with a discussion of constructive criticism and the harms resulting from indiscriminate and unjustified criticism on theory building in general.
Predictors of suboptimal surgical cytoreduction in women treated with initial cytoreductive surgery for advanced stage epithelial ovarian cancer.

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine if a suboptimal cytoreduction can be predicted preoperatively in women with advanced ovarian cancer. Study design All women with stage III/IV epithelial ovarian cancer treated with initial surgery at our hospital between January 1, 1995 and January 1, 2003 were eligible; 56 patients met inclusion criteria and underwent retrospective chart review. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. Results Twenty-nine women (52%) had optimal cytoreduction (OC), and 27 (48%) had suboptimal cytoreduction (SC). Women in the SC group had higher median CA-125 values at surgery (954 SC vs 597 OC, P = .07). Three sites of disease on preoperative CT were reported more frequently in the SC patients; omentum (P = .007), parietal peritoneum (P = .096), and ascites (P = .093). Conclusion A suboptimal cytoreduction confers no survival advantage to women with advanced ovarian cancer. Thus, these patients may be the best candidates for initial chemotherapy, and identifying them preoperatively becomes important.
Synthetic and Structural Studies Bismuth/Copper Alkoxides

The reaction of Bi[OC(CH3)3]3 with [Cu(μ-O2CCH3)2]2 has been investigated as a possible route to mixed-metal materials containing bismuth and copper. The product distribution obtained from this reaction depends not only upon the stoichiometry, but also upon the method of product isolation. Products containing bismuth and copper are obtainable as well as an unusual, soluble hexametallic copper(II) alkoxide acetate complex, Cu6[OC(CH3)3]6(O2CCH3)6. The mixed-metal products were examined by differential scanning calorimetry, and thermolyzed and hydrolyzed samples of these products were compared by scanning electron microscopy.
Improving survival for patients with prostate cancer diagnosed in the prostate-specific antigen ERA.

Abstract Objectives. Although prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening has not been demonstrated to reduce prostate cancer mortality in the clinical trial or population setting, the use of PSA for screening increased during the early 1990s. A clinical trial is currently underway to test the efficacy of PSA screening; however, the results will not be available for at least 10 years. To address concerns about the effectiveness of PSA screening in the near term, population-based assessments of PSA screening are needed. To reduce mortality, PSA screening must first produce improved survival. In New Mexico, increased screening was associated with a stage migration from distant to earlier stages and an increase in 5-year relative survival, suggesting that PSA screening may be effective. Methods. To further investigate early indicators of the effectiveness of PSA screening in New Mexico, we examined temporal trends in survival for the period 1983–1992, using proportional-hazard models to estimate the risk of death by year of diagnosis, adjusted for age, stage, grade, ethnicity, and initial treatment. Results. We found the risk of death following the diagnosis of local or regional-stage prostate cancer decreased in the 1987–1988 (relative risk [RR] = 0.9 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.8, 1.1]), 1989–1990 (RR = 0.9 [0.8, 1.0]), and 1991–1992 (RR = 0.7 [0.6, 0.9]) periods compared with the 1983–1984 period. Men treated with radical prostatectomy were at increased risk between 1985 and 1990, compared with those treated in the 1983–1984 period. However, for men diagnosed and treated in the 1991–1992 period, risks were lower than in the 1983–1984 period (RR = 0.8 [0.4, 1.5]). Conclusions. The earlier stage at diagnosis and the improved survival during the period of increased PSA screening are consistent with changes expected from an effective screening test and treatment modality.
An Exploratory Study of Perceived Discrimination and Homesickness: A Comparison of International Students and American Students

The authors examined group differences in perceived discrimination and homesickness in a sample of 439 college students (198 international and 241 U.S. students) from 2 campuses of the same university. Within the international student group, the authors also examined relationships between homesickness, discrimination, age, English proficiency, and years of residence in the United States. Results indicated that international students experienced higher levels of discrimination and homesickness than did U.S. students. Age, English proficiency, and perceived discrimination predicted homesickness among the international students. Younger students, students with lower levels of English proficiency, and students with higher levels of perceived discrimination reported having higher levels of homesickness. Also, years of residence and race or ethnicity predicted international students' level of perceived discrimination. Being a European international student predicted lower levels of perceived discrimination than...
Beam wander effects on the scintillation index of a focused beam

First-order weak-fluctuation Rytov theory predicts that the longitudinal (on-axis) scintillation component of an untracked focused beam projected along a horizontal path will become significantly smaller as the size of the transmitter aperture increases. At the same time, the radial component near the diffractive edge of the beam is predicted to increase without bound. The results of recent computer simulations are at odds with this behavior, and we believe that this discrepancy is due to the fact that Rytov theory does not correctly account for the effects of beam wander. We present a theoretical structure that accurately describes far-field irradiance fluctuations caused by uncorrected tilt jitter. This new theory is validated by demonstrating excellent agreement between the predicted scintillation index and computer code results for both tracked and untracked beams. For many applications of practical interest, such as free-space optical communications, a good understanding of the time-average Strehl ratio is also essential; simulation results for this parameter are presented and shown to be in good agreement with theory.
Cholesterol absorption, turnover, and excretion rates in hypercholesterolemic rhesus monkeys

Abstract Twelve male rhesus monkeys were randomly divided into two subgroups of six and all monkeys were fed a diet which contained 25 gm of lard per 100 gm and cholesterol at 1 mg/kcal. The diet of six monkeys also contained the tuberculostatic drug isonicotinic acid hydrazide at 0.06 gm per 100 gm of diet. The monkeys ate about 550 mg of cholesterol daily. Isoniazid had no statistically significant effects on serum lipid concentrations. Average serum total cholesterol concentrations exceeded 600 mg 100 ml ; 95% being transported by low-density lipoproteins. Fasting serum triglycerides did not exceed 25 mg 100 ml . Cholesterol absorption, turnover, and excretion rates were measured in three monkeys from each of the two dietary groups. Cholesterol-l, 2-3H was incorporated into the diets for 195 days, and during the isotopic steady state 83 to 92% of the serum cholesterol was derived from dietary cholesterol. During the isotopic steady state, cholesterol-4-14C was injected intravenously and data on its rate of disappearance from serum, plotted on a semilogarithmic scale, fit a two-pool model. Cholesterol absorption ranged from 127 to 192 mg daily. Daily exeretion of neutral and acidic steroids was measured in feces collected for four days when the disappearance of cholesterol-4-14C from serum was linear. Total daily endogenous steroid excretion was 28 to 56% less than values for daily cholesterol turnover as calculated with the two-pool model system. This discrepancy was attributed mainly to accumulation of cholesterol in body pools and possible destruction of the neutral steroid nucleus by intestinal bacteria.
Characteristics of motor performance, learning, warm-up decrement, and reminiscence during a balancing task.

Rice Universify Summary.-Warm-up decrement and reminiscence effects have been primarily attributed to mechods of distribution of practice. The present study investigated the effects of di€€erent amounts of practice on a balancing task and observed the Merences in individual learning Subjects were randomly assigned to a 5- or 10-trial practice group and performed a retention session on a stabilometer 1 wk. after the First set of trials. Subjects were given the same amount of rest between trials and sessions. Following the retention session subjects were assigned by retention performance into a warm-up decrement or reminiscence group for further comparison. The group with more practice had higher over-all performance. The warm-up decrement group showed more rime-on-balance during the first practice session than the reminiscence group. The second session performance curves were nearly identical for the 5- and the 10trial groups whether warm-up decrement or reminiscence occurred. These results suggested the importance of considering individual dkferences in retention of learning.
Autologous transobturator midurethral sling placement: a novel outpatient procedure for female stress urinary incontinence.

Introduction We present a novel outpatient transobturator autologous rectus fascia midurethral sling procedure.