cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anthropometry and breast cancer. Body size--a moving target

Body size is one of the few breast cancer risk factors that can be modified throughout life and therefore should be considered in research on breast cancer prevention. The contrasting effects of body size on premenopausal breast cancer compared with postmenopausal breast cancer and the lack of a strong association between body mass and postmenopausal breast cancer in some cohort studies has led to a view that obesity has little influence on breast cancer risk. These conclusions are based on analyses that consider relative weight at one point in time as an adequate measure of lifelong weight patterns and their metabolic consequences. Recent research suggests that, compared to body mass indices, adult weight gain and increased central body fat may be more specific markers of the metabolic consequences of obesity and therefore may predict health outcomes more consistently. Adult weight gain and increases in central body fat, which commonly occur during menopause, have been associated consistently with an increased risk of postmenopausal breast cancer. The timing of weight gain also appears to influence breast cancer risk; increased relative weight and weight gain after menopause have been associated with the largest increases in relative risks. Overall levels of adiposity, increased central fat deposition, and weight gain are associated with alterations in ovarian hormone and glucose metabolism and in growth factors that may promote breast cancer cell growth. Data on lifelong weight changes and the location of fat depots may more precisely identify women with high risk patterns of sex steroid and glucose metabolism. Similarly, research is needed to determine if weight gain during periods of hormonal change, such as menarche, pregnancy, and menopause, have different biologic effects, perhaps because of differences in the location of fat deposition during these periods. Research also is needed on whether there are critical times relative to breast cancer promotion when excessive weight gain should be avoided. Data are lacking on the influence of weight loss or avoidance of weight gain on breast cancer risk or prognosis.
Out-of-equilibrium behavior of coarsening ferromagnets

Abstract The out-of-equilibrium properties of ferromagnets quenched below the critical point are discussed in the dynamical scaling limit. The autoresponse and the autocorrelation are studied for both perfect and disordered ferromagnets. The scaling functions of the autoresponse are found to be in agreement with the predictions coming from the theory of local scale-invariance. Large finite time corrections to the scaling behavior of the autocorrelation are revealed for the disordered magnets.
Properties of isometry-lnducing maps of the unit disc

In this note we examine properties of analytic self-maps ϕ of the unit disc which induce isometries on non-Hilbertian Bergman or Hardy spaces. All isometries of these spaces are given by weighted composition operators Tf=w.foϕ, and it is our purpose to isolate properties of the inducing map ϕ. In both settings, maps inducing isometries are either essentially m-to-1 or infinitely many-to-one. We examine the relationship between ϕ and the multiplier w in the Bergman space setting.
Visible light switching of a BF2-coordinated azo compound.

Here we report the synthesis and characterization of a BF2–azo complex that can be induced to isomerize without the need of deleterious UV light. The complexation of the azo group with BF2, coupled with the extended conjugation of the N═N π-electrons, increases the energy of the n−π* transitions and introduces new π-nonbonding (πnb) to π* transitions that dominate the visible region. The well separated πnb–π* transitions of the trans and cis isomers enable the efficient switching of the system by using only visible light. The complexation also leads to a slow cis → trans thermal relaxation rate (t1/2 = 12.5 h). Theoretical calculations indicate that the absorption bands in the visible range can be tuned using different Lewis acids, opening the way to a conceptually new strategy for the manipulation of azo compounds using only visible light.
Design of a Novel Fibronectin-Mimetic Peptide−Amphiphile for Functionalized Biomaterials

The interaction of the alpha5beta1 integrin with its ligand, fibronectin, supports numerous adhesive functions and has an important role in health and disease. In recent years, there has been a considerable effort in designing fibronectin-mimetic peptides to target the integrin. However, to date, the therapeutic use of these peptides has been limited, as they cannot accurately mimic fibronectin's binding affinity for alpha5beta1. A peptide-amphiphile (PR_b) was synthesized with a peptide headgroup composed of four building blocks: a spacer; RGDSP, the primary recognition site for alpha5beta1; PHSRN, the synergy binding site; and a linker. The linker was designed to mimic two important criteria: the distance and the hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity between PHSRN and RGD in fibronectin. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were seeded on different substrates and evaluated in terms of adhesion, spreading, specificity, cytoskeleton organization, focal adhesions, and secretion of extracellular fibronectin. This peptide was shown to perform comparably to fibronectin, indicating that a biomimetic approach can result in the design of novel peptides with therapeutic potential for biomaterial functionalization.
Less Than 95% Adherence to Nonnucleoside Reverse-Transcriptase Inhibitor Therapy Can Lead to Viral Suppression

For antiretroviral therapy, the 95% adherence "threshold" is based on nucloside-exposed patients who are receiving partially suppressive, unboosted protease inhibitor regimens. Using unannounced pill counts and electronic medication monitoring, viral suppression is common with a 54%-100% mean adherence level to nonnucleoside reverse-transcriptase-inhibitor regimens. Although perfect adherence is an important goal, viral suppression is possible with moderate adherence to potent regimens.
Keratinocyte-specific transglutaminase of cultured human epidermal cells: Relation to cross-linked envelope formation and terminal differentiation

The predominant form of the cross-linking enzyme, transglutaminase, in cultured normal human epidermal keratinocytes, is found in cell particulate material and can be solubilized by nonionic detergent. It elutes as a single peak upon either anion-exchange or gel-filtration chromatography. Monoclonal antibodies raised to the particulate enzyme cross-react with one of two transglutaminases in the cell cytosol. The second cytosolic transglutaminase, which has distinct kinetic and physical properties from the first, does not cross-react and is not essential for formation of the keratinocyte cross-linked envelope in vitro. The anti-transglutaminase antibodies stain the more differentiated layers of epidermis in a pattern similar to that given by anti-involucrin antiserum. These observations support the hypothesis that the transglutaminase so identified is involved in cross-linked envelope formation in vivo.
Evaluation of an index to detect inaccurate respondents to a task analysis inventory.

An infrequency index assesses the tendency of respondents on job analysis questionnaires to rate job-irrelevant tasks as important. The purpose of the study was to evaluate whether this index could detect respondents who made rating errors on job-relevant tasks. The respondents were incumbents of three jobs: mental health workers (N=254), clerical workers (N=102), and police corporals (N=118). Differences in interrater reliability between low and high scorers on the infrequency index were found for the mental health workers on one of two response scales. For all three samples, individuals who scored higher on the infrequency index rated job-relevant tasks significantly higher. It was concluded that the index can detect respondents making constant error due to response sets and distortions. However, the usefulness of the index to detect individuals making random errors may be limited. On the basis of these results and on conceptual grounds, it was argued that job analysts should incorporate the infrequency index as part of their task analysis questionnaires.
Developmental steps in the comparison and integration of information by grade-school children

Abstract The developmental sequence in 5- to 11-year-old children's attempts to combine two discrete stimuli was investigated by microanalysis of answers in an equivalence task. Eleven response types were identified and shown to form both a developmental and a hierarchical sequence of comparison and integration operations. An age-related progression in response abstractness was also found and a significant interrelation with response type was demonstrated. The evidence supported a construct of verbally mediated executive control over the interactions of short- and long-term memory.
Price Explosiveness, Speculation, and Grain Futures Prices

A recently developed testing procedure is used to detect and date-stamp explosive episodes ("bubbles" in corn, soybean, and wheat futures markets during 2004-2013. We find that the markets experienced price explosiveness only approximately two percent of the time and, when bubbles do occur, they are generally short-lived and small in magnitude. The correspondence between observed price spikes and bubbles is rather low, with a large portion of the price explosiveness occurring during downward price movements. Commodity index trader positions do not significantly affect the probability of a positive bubble occurring in grain futures markets, which directly contradicts the argument (the "Masters Hypothesis" that waves of index investment distorted underlying supply-and-demand relationships and led to a series of massive bubbles in agricultural futures markets. In addition, commodity index trader positions tend to reduce negative bubble occurrence, while general speculative activity as measured by Working's T reduces the probability of a positive bubble. There is some evidence that the positions of noncommercial traders have a direct effect on positive bubble occurrence, but the effect declines when accounting for the composition of other traders in the market. Overall, speculation has little effect or negative effects on price explosiveness. Finally, positive bubbles are more likely to occur in the presence of low inventories, strong exports, a weak U.S. dollar, and booming economic growth, whereas negative bubbles are more likely to occur with large inventories, weak exports, and stagnant economic growth.
Electroantennographic bioassay as a screening tool for host plant volatiles.

Plant volatiles play an important role in plant-insect interactions. Herbivorous insects use plant volatiles, known as kairomones, to locate their host plant.1,2 When a host plant is an important agronomic commodity feeding damage by insect pests can inflict serious economic losses to growers. Accordingly, kairomones can be used as attractants to lure or confuse these insects and, thus, offer an environmentally friendly alternative to pesticides for insect control.3 Unfortunately, plants can emit a vast number volatiles with varying compositions and ratios of emissions dependent upon the phenology of the commodity or the time of day. This makes identification of biologically active components or blends of volatile components an arduous process. To help identify the bioactive components of host plant volatile emissions we employ the laboratory-based screening bioassay electroantennography (EAG). EAG is an effective tool to evaluate and record electrophysiologically the olfactory responses of an insect via their antennal receptors. The EAG screening process can help reduce the number of volatiles tested to identify promising bioactive components. However, EAG bioassays only provide information about activation of receptors. It does not provide information about the type of insect behavior the compound elicits; which could be as an attractant, repellent or other type of behavioral response. Volatiles eliciting a significant response by EAG, relative to an appropriate positive control, are typically taken on to further testing of behavioral responses of the insect pest. The experimental design presented will detail the methodology employed to screen almond-based host plant volatiles4,5 by measurement of the electrophysiological antennal responses of an adult insect pest navel orangeworm (Amyelois transitella) to single components and simple blends of components via EAG bioassay. The method utilizes two excised antennae placed across a "fork" electrode holder. The protocol demonstrated here presents a rapid, high-throughput standardized method for screening volatiles. Each volatile is at a set, constant amount as to standardize the stimulus level and thus allow antennal responses to be indicative of the relative chemoreceptivity. The negative control helps eliminate the electrophysiological response to both residual solvent and mechanical force of the puff. The positive control (in this instance acetophenone) is a single compound that has elicited a consistent response from male and female navel orangeworm (NOW) moth. An additional semiochemical standard that provides consistent response and is used for bioassay studies with the male NOW moth is (Z,Z)-11,13-hexdecadienal, an aldehyde component from the female-produced sex pheromone.6-8
The practical know-how of selling: Differences in knowledge content between more-effective and less-effective performers

Results of both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies of salespeople indicate that more effective and less effective salespeople differ systematically in their knowledge of sales strategies, and to a lesser extent in their knowledge of customer characteristics. For the sales situation examined, more effective salespeople use specific, problem solving-oriented strategies to sell to customers and underlying, functional characteristics to describe customers; less effective salespeople use global, relationship-oriented strategies to sell to customers and surface structure, less functional characteristics to describe customers.
Fabrication And Characterization Of Tunable, Low Stress Al2O3 Nanopores For The Electronic Detection Of Biomolecules

Understanding the biophysics governing single molecule transport through solid state nanopores is of fundamental importance in working towards the goal of genome sequencing using nanopore based sensors. Here, we present a simple process for the fabrication and characterization of novel, low stress, low noise aluminum oxide nanopores for biomolecule detection. Aluminum oxide has numerous attractive properties including high mechanical hardness, low surface charge, chemical inertness to strong acids and excellent dielectric properties from DC to GHz frequencies.Device fabrication involved the use of Atomic Layer Deposition and Deep Reactive Ion Etching tools to form low stress, mechanically robust aluminum oxide membranes. High temperature process steps were avoided to allow for possible process integration with metal nano-electrodes and optical probes. The nanometer sized pores themselves were formed through Field Emission Gun Transmission Electron Microscope (FEG-TEM) based sputtering. We demonstrate the precise size tunability of these structures in the nanometer regime and examine the physics governing pore contraction in aluminum oxide. Diffraction patterns reveal polycrystallinity localized to the pore region post sputtering suggesting localized heating and possible thermal annealing under the electron beam. Film composition and thickness were characterized. In addition, we examine the surface charge properties of these structures as a function of buffer pH and molarity. The single molecule sensing ability of this novel structure was tested using dsDNA. Electrical characterization revealed a significant reduction in membrane capacitance and reduced high frequency dielectric noise relative to existing silicon nitride and silicon dioxide topologies. These improvements can greatly enhance device performance by improving sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio. In summary, our work provides a novel yet simple approach to fabricate tunable, low stress chemically functionalizable nanopores for the detection of biomolecules.
A model of polymorphism with several seasons and several habitats, and its application to the mosquito Aedes aegypti

Abstract Polymorphism has been shown to be possible but unlikely with a different selection intensity in each of several niches, or with varying selection intensity during successive generations. We show that polymorphism is likely with the combination of several niches and several seasons. The model contains two seasons, three habitats, many generations per season, habitat selection, positive assortative mating, movement between habitats, and different fitnesses of each genotype in each habitat. It is a stepping stone model with differential migration of genotypes. It is applied to the polymorphism of the indoor and the outdoor genotypes of the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti . Matrix methods and simple models of population genetics comprised the computer model. Polymorphism is likely with most reasonable values of the parameters. Fitnesses and rate of movement are the most important parameters influencing the character and likelihood of polymorphism; habitat selection and positive assortative mating have much less effect. The model indicates that polymorphism of A. aegypti in east Africa results from: (1) the presence of a dry season when breeding occurs only in the human habitat; (2) greater fitness of the indoor ecotype in the human habitat and of the outdoor ecotype in the natural habitat; and (3) less than random movement between human and natural habitats.
Analysis of modified lateral PNP transistors

Abstract An analysis for modified lateral PNP transistors with an applied or built-in electric field in the base region is performed for several different cases. Improvement in operation is obtained for the modified devices and this is shown by comparing the results with unmodified equivalent structures.
Laparoscopic repair of large paraesophageal hernia is associated with a low incidence of recurrence and reoperation

Background: Laparoscopic repair of paraesophageal hernia (LRPEH) is a feasible and effective technique. There have been some recent concerns regarding possible high recurrence rates following laparoscopic repair. Methods: We reviewed our experience with LRPEH from 5/1996 to 8/2002. Large paraesophageal hernia (PEH) was defined by the presence of more than one-third of the stomach in the thoracic cavity. Principles of repair included reduction of the hernia, excision of the sac, approximation of the crura, and fundoplication. Pre- and postoperative symptoms were evaluated utilizing visual analogue scores (VAS) on a scale ranging from 0 to 10. Patients were followed with VAS and barium esophagram studies. Statistical analysis was performed using two-tailed Student’s t-test. Results: A total of 166 patients with a mean age of 68 years underwent LRPEH. PEH were type II (n = 43), type III (n = 104), and type IV (n = 19). Mean operative time was 160 min. Fundoplications were Nissen (127), Toupet (23), Dor (1), and Nissen-Collis (1). Fourteen patients underwent a gastropexy. One patient required early reoperation to repair an esophageal leak. Mean hospital stay was 3.9 days. At 24 months postoperatively there was statistically significant improvement in the mean symptom scores: heartburn from 6.8 to 0.5, regurgitation from 5.9 to 0.3, dysphagia from 4.0 to 0.5, chest pain from 3.7 to 0.3. Radiographic surveillance was obtained in 120 patients (72%) at a mean of 15 months postoperatively. Six patients (5%) had radiographic evidence of a recurrent paraesophageal hernia (two required surgery), 24 patients (20%) had a sliding hernia (two required surgery), and four patients (3.3%) had wrap failure (all four required surgery). Reoperation was required in 10 patients (6%); two for symptomatic recurrent PEH (1.2%), four for recurrent reflux symptoms (2.4%), and four for dysphagia (2.4%). Patients with abnormal postoperative barium esophagram studies who did not require reoperation have remained asymptomatic at a mean follow up of 14 months. Conclusion: LPEHR is a safe and effective treatment for PEH. Postoperative radiographic abnormalities, such as a small sliding hernia, are often seen. The clinical importance of these findings is questionable, since only a small percentage of patients require reoperation. True PEH recurrences are uncommon and frequently asymptomatic.
Nicotine impairs acquisition of radial maze performance in rats

Abstract The effects of nicotine (NIC) and scopolamine (SCOP) on radial maze acquisition were examined using an 8-arm radial maze. In Experiment 1, food-deprived Sprague-Dawley rats were trained to eat food pellets located at the ends of each arm of the radial maze without repeating arm choices. Both NIC (0.45 mg/kg, SC) and SCOP (0.25 mg/kg, IP) impaired acquisition when they were administered before, but not after the daily training sessions. Experiment 2 examined the effect of nicotine on working and reference memory in rats trained to a criterion of 3 correct choices out of the first 4 choices with only 4 of the 8 arms baited. NIC (0.1–0.45 mg/kg) had no effect on working memory (reentry into baited arms) or reference memory (entry into unbaited arms) errors. It is concluded that NIC impairs processes involved in the acquisition but not maintenance of radial maze performance. Neither NIC nor SCOP affects post-training consolidation processes.
Biological control mechanisms underlying entrainment to mechanical resonance

The neuronal circuit controlling the rhythmic movements in animal locomotion is called the central pattern generator (CPG). The biological control mechanism appears to exploit mechanical resonance to achieve efficient locomotion. The objective of this paper is to reveal the fundamental mechanism underlying entrainment of CPGs to resonance through sensory feedback. To uncover the essential principle, we choose to consider the simplest setting where a pendulum is driven by the reciprocal inhibition oscillator. Existence and properties of stable oscillations are examined by the harmonic balance method, which enables approximate but insightful analysis. The method predicts, and simulations confirm, that the resonance entrainment can be maintained robustly against parameter perturbations through two distinct mechanisms: negative rate feedback and positive integral feedback.
The influence of wind direction on short-term wind power prediction: A case study in north China

This paper investigates the impact of wind direction on the prediction of wind power. A novel short-term wind power forecasting model is developed based on the data of wind speed, wind direction, wind farm output and numerical weather prediction. Statistical methods are adopted for the data analysis. To show the effectiveness, the approach is applied on a wind farm in north China. The average RMSE is reduced by 41.3% through the application of the proposed approach.
Quantifying sentiment and influence in blogspaces

The weblog, or blog, has become a popular form of social media, through which authors can write posts, which can in turn generate feedback in the form of user comments. When considered in totality, a collection of blogs can thus be viewed as a sort of informal collection of mass sentiment and opinion. An obvious topic of interest might be to mine this collection to obtain some gauge of public sentiment over the wide variety of topics contained therein. However, the sheer size of the so-called blogosphere, combined with the fact that the subjects of posts can vary over a practically limitless number of topics poses some serious challenges when any meaningful analysis is attempted. Namely, the fact that largely anyone with access to the Internet can author their own blog, raises the serious issue of credibility---should some blogs be considered to be more influential than others, and consequently, when gauging sentiment with respect to a topic, should some blogs be weighted more heavily than others? In addition, as new posts and comments can be made on almost a constant basis, any blog analysis algorithm must be able to handle such updates efficiently. In this paper, we give a formalization of the blog model. We give formal methods of quantifying sentiment and influence with respect to a hierarchy of topics, with the specific aim of facilitating the computation of a per-topic, influence-weighted sentiment measure. Finally, as efficiency is a specific endgoal, we give upper bounds on the time required to update these values with new posts, showing that our analysis and algorithms are scalable.
Fluorescence of dissociating fragments from supersonic jet-electron collisions

Abstract Supersonically cooled jets of nitrogen, methane, ethane, cyclopropane, and azomethane are crossed with collimated streams of electrons. The CH (B 2 Σ − → X 2 Π) spectra resulting from the electron-induced dissociation of CH 4 , C 2 H 6 , and CH 2 ) 3 can be fit with rotation temperatures between 4000 and 6000 K for an electron energy of 100 eV. Flourescence spectra of N 2 + (B 2 Σ w + → X 2 Π) from the dissociative ionization of azomethane yield a rotational temperature of =8×10 3 K; from ionization of molecular nitrogen the rotational temperature of B 2 Σ w + N 2 + is 45 K. Mechanisms for these various processes are discussed.
3D brain surface matching based on geodesics and local geometry

The non-rigid registration of surfaces is a complex and difficult task for which there are many important applications, such as comparing shape between deformable objects and comparing associated function. This paper presents a new approach for brain surface matching by determining the correspondence of 3D point sets between pairs of surfaces. The algorithm is based on shape using a combination of geodesic distance and surface curvature. There are two major procedures involved. An initial sparse set of corresponding points is first generated by matching local geometrical features. Geodesic distance interpolation is then employed hierarchically in order to capture the complex surface. By this scheme, surface correspondence and triangulation are computed simultaneously. Experiments applied to human cerebral cortical surfaces are shown to evaluate the approach. It is shown that the proposed method performs well for both surface matching and surface shape recovery.
Construction of Multidimensional Clustered Patterns

Ecological processes often depend upon the patterning, as well as the absolute density, of resources. In this paper, we develop methods for describing pattern from the perspective of the organism encountering and exploiting the resources, and for reconstructing pattern from the description. The essence of our description is the structure function, which is the probability that a point r units away from the current point contains resources, conditional on the resource state of the current point. We first show how the structure function is determined from pattern and then describe an algorithm (the method of the Force to be Full) for constructing pattern in any number of dimensions from a given structure function. We illustrate our ideas with empirical data for krill surveys and with simulated but complex three—dimensional patterns. See full-text article at JSTOR
Time-resolved photoelectron studies of the relaxation of the S1(1E′') excited state of sym-triazine☆

Abstract We present photoelectron spectra of the lowest singlet state ( 1 E′') of sym-triazine obtained with 2 ns and 5 ps excitation sources. Comparisons of picosecond and nanosecond spectra are made at three wavelengths, corresponding to the 6 0 1 , 6 0 2 and the 6 0 1 12 0 1 vibrational levels. The spectra show that rapid ( 1 levels to the T 1 manifold is very inhomogeneous with intersystem crossing rates ranging from 10 7 s −1 to > 10 11 s −1 . Furthermore, for excitation at the 6 0 1 12 0 1 level we find evidence for relaxation to another excited state at rates ⩾ 10 11 s −1 .
Joint Optimal Subcarrier and Power Allocation for Wireless Cooperative Networks Over OFDM Fading Channels

In this paper, we consider the adaptive subcarrier assignment and fair power control strategy that minimize a cost function of average relay powers for multiuser wireless orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) networks, where a set of relays assists communication between sources and destinations with an amplify-and-forward strategy. Using a class of β-fair cost functions to balance the tradeoff between energy efficiency and fairness, joint optimal subcarrier and power-allocation schemes at the relays are derived in a quasi-closed form. In addition, we develop novel stochastic algorithms capable of dynamically learning the intended wireless channels on the fly to approach the optimal policy. Numerical results are provided to evaluate the proposed schemes for multiuser OFDM relay networks over block-fading channels.
Extrahepatic biliary atresia.

Extrahepatic biliary atresia is a disease of unknown cause, leading to profound cholestasis and progres­sive biliary cirrhosis. This paper discusses the diagnosis and management of this condition. It is stressed that bile flow can be established in 80-90% of infants referred to surgery within 60 days after birth. Liver transplantation is essential for infants who are referred late (120 days of age or later); those whose initial portoenterostomy was not successful, and those who develop end-stage liver disease in spite of bile drain­age.
Basic Concepts in Embryology

Basic Concepts in Embryology, by Lauren J. Sweeney, 443 pp, New York: McGraw-Hill, 1998. $25.95.
Anticipations and Investment Behavior in U. S. Manufacturing, 1947–1960

Abstract The paper is concerned with testing an application of a theory of investment behavior based on the neo-classical theory of optimal capital accumulation. The demand for capital is determined to maximize net worth under the neo-classical conditions of production. With the assumption of a lag in the completion of investment projects, gross investment is a distributed lag function of period-to-period changes in desired capital stock. The investment process is divided into a series of separate stages, the first stage being a change in the demand for capital services, intermediate stages being for letting contracts, and so on, and the final stage the actual investment expenditure. To extend the theory to include anticipated investment expenditures, these are treated as a special kind of intermediate stage. The purposes of the paper are to test hypotheses about the internal structure of the investment process when viewed in this way, and to investigate whether forecasting actual investment expenditures ...
Novel applications in catheter ablation

Catheter based treatment of arrhythmia has gained significant attention during the last two decades. Due to the explosive development in ablation treatment of atrial fibrillation, huge interest in new tools was born to help in the atrial fibrillation ablation procedures. The aim of this review is to describe the role of these novel techniques and tools aimed at improving the implementation of catheter based ablations of atrial arrhythmias by focusing on the use of intra-cardiac echocardiogram and robotic navigation.
Quantitative analysis of UH3 in U metal and UO2 matrices by neutron vibrational spectroscopy

The ignition of UH3 has resulted in uranium fires. Neutron spectroscopy is proposed to quantify UH3 in fuel at risk. Spectra of UH3 in UO2 and U metal were obtained using two instruments at Argonne National Laboratory and two instruments at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Analytical standards were prepared with powders of UH3, UO2 and U metal. Linear relationships were found between the mass of UH3 and the integrated intensity of the inelastic scattering associated with hydrogen motions. We discuss the relative merits of the different spectrometers for this type of measurement.
Paracrine overexpression of IGFBP-4 in osteoblasts of transgenic mice decreases bone turnover and causes global growth retardation.

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 4 (IGFBP-4) is abundantly expressed in bone and is generally believed to function as an inhibitor of IGF action. To investigate the function of locally produced IGFBP-4 in bone in vivo, we targeted expression of IGFBP-4 to osteoblasts using a human osteocalcin promoter to direct transgene expression. IGFBP-4 protein levels in calvaria of transgenic (OC-BP4) mice as measured by Western ligand blot were increased 25-fold over the endogenous level. Interestingly, levels of IGFBP-5 were decreased in the OC-BP4 mice, possibly because of a compensatory alteration in IGF-1 action. Morphometric measurements showed a decrease in femoral length and total bone volume in transgenic animals compared with the controls. Quantitative histomorphometry at the distal femur disclosed a striking reduction in bone turnover in the OC-BP4 mice. Osteoblast number/bone length and bone formation rate/bone surface in OC-BP4 mice were approximately one-half that seen in control mice. At birth, OC-BP4 mice were of normal size and weight but exhibited striking postnatal growth retardation. Organ allometry (mg/g body weight) analysis revealed that, whereas most organs exhibited a proportional reduction in weight, calvarial and femoral wet weights were disproportionally small (∼70% and 80% of control, respectively). In conclusion, paracrine overexpression of IGFBP-4 in the bone microenvironment markedly reduced cancellous bone formation and turnover and severely impaired overall postnatal skeletal and somatic growth. We attribute these effects to the sequestration of IGF-1 by IGFBP-4 and consequent impairment of IGF-1 action in skeletal tissue.
Duadic codes and difference sets

This note illustrates the strong relationship between duadic codes and difference sets. Sufficient conditions are given for the code of a difference set to be embedded into a duadic code. This result generalizes some wellknown results on projective planes and is related to Wilbrink's Theorem.
Central American and Mexican immigrant characteristics and economic incorporation in California.

Data compiled from the 1980 U.S. Census and other sources are used in this article to demonstrate the distinctiveness of Central American immigration....Comparisons between Central American and Mexican immigrants in California reveal substantial differences between the two groups in their age structure sex ratio and human capital characteristics. The emphasis of the study is on the differences concerning incorporation of these migrant groups into the Californian economy. (EXCERPT)
Thermodynamics of Water Interaction with Human Stratum Corneum I: Measurement by Isothermal Calorimetry

A thermodynamic study of water interaction with human stratum corneum (SC) is presented. The procedure consisted of conjoint water vapor sorption and heat flow measurements. Heat of sorption of water in excised human SC at various relative humidities was measured in an isothermal calorimeter at 32 degrees C using back and thigh skin from three different donors. These measurements, combined with the gravimetric sorption isotherm, were used to calculate the integral and differential enthalpies and entropies associated with binding of water to SC. Differential enthalpy values suggest hydrogen-bonding interactions similar to those for water in wool keratin. The changes in differential enthalpy and entropy with increasing water content followed a pattern similar to that seen in wool and other hydrophilic polymers. The results are partially interpreted in terms of a BET isotherm with monolayer volume v(m) = 0.022 g H(2)O/g dry SC and binding parameter C = 6.5 x 10(8).
Kelvin-Wave-Induced Anomalous Advection and the Onset of Surface Warming in El Niño Events

A simple advective model for tropical ocean surface warming can produce anomalous sea surface temperature (SST) fields similar to those of the first several months of the 1982 El Nino. The physics invoked assumes that the existing SST field is advected by anomalous currents to produce the anomalous warming, and that the anomalous currents are those induced subsequent to the passage of downwelling Kelvin wave fronts. Numerical experiments with a fully nonlinear and thermally active ocean model support the physical relevance of the more idealized study. The anomalous horizontal advection model also accounts for the initial SST evolution during the more common type of El Nino event.
A Natural Language Processing and Semantic-Based System for Contract Analysis

The Contract Search Tool is a semantic search platform that enables effective analysis of complex, long-term contractual service agreement for machines such as gas turbines. The approach we developed can effectively identify paragraphs of text for specific legal concepts. Then the key content can be decomposed and organized by the semantics model that captures key elements of the concepts and links to specific paragraphs. This is achieved by performing semantic text analysis to capture implicitly-stated provisions and the definitions of provisions, and relevant information is returned in an organized manner. The tool can be applied to increase productivity of legal review, share legal knowledge with service managers, and reduce legal risk in contract review process.
Design concept for a common rf accelerator driven free electron laser master oscillator/power amplifier

Abstract We present a conceptual design of a near infrared free electron laser master oscillator/power amplifier (FEL-MOPA) driven by a common radiofrequency accelerator. We present techniques for radiofrequency switching that permit exploration of the FEL-MOPA operation on single electron macropulses, in both the small signal and large signal regimes. Feasibility of this concept is shown by using, as an example, the parameters of the Stanford Mark-III oscillator [1] and the Rockwell tapered undulator [2], the latter in the amplifier configuration. Important physics issues of the FEL-MOPA addressed by this suggested experiment are (1) (synchronization and optimization of electron and laser pulses, and (2) gain-guided temporal and spatial evolution of the laser mode in the amplifier.
Comparison of contact lens and intraocular lens correction of monocular aphakia during infancy: a randomized clinical trial of HOTV optotype acuity at age 4.5 years and clinical findings at age 5 years.

Importance The efficacy and safety of primary intraocular lens (IOL) implantation during early infancy is unknown. Objective To compare the visual outcomes of patients optically corrected with contact lenses vs IOLs following unilateral cataract surgery during early infancy. Design, Setting, and Participants The Infant Aphakia Treatment Study is a randomized clinical trial with 5 years of follow-up that involved 114 infants with unilateral congenital cataracts at 12 sites. A traveling examiner assessed visual acuity at age 4.5 years. Interventions Cataract surgery with or without primary IOL implantation. Contact lenses were used to correct aphakia in patients who did not receive IOLs. Treatment was determined through random assignment. Main Outcomes and Measures HOTV optotype visual acuity at 4.5 years of age. Results The median logMAR visual acuity was not significantly different between the treated eyes in the 2 treatment groups (both, 0.90 [20/159]; P = .54). About 50% of treated eyes in both groups had visual acuity less than or equal to 20/200. Significantly more patients in the IOL group had at least 1 adverse event after cataract surgery (contact lens, 56%; IOL, 81%; P = .02). The most common adverse events in the IOL group were lens reproliferation into the visual axis, pupillary membranes, and corectopia. Glaucoma/glaucoma suspect occurred in 35% of treated eyes in the contact lens group vs 28% of eyes in the IOL group ( P = .55). Since the initial cataract surgery, significantly more patients in the IOL group have had at least 1 additional intraocular surgery (contact lens, 21%; IOL, 72%; P Conclusions and Relevance There was no significant difference between the median visual acuity of operated eyes in children who underwent primary IOL implantation and those left aphakic. However, there were significantly more adverse events and additional intraoperative procedures in the IOL group. When operating on an infant younger than 7 months of age with a unilateral cataract, we recommend leaving the eye aphakic and focusing the eye with a contact lens. Primary IOL implantation should be reserved for those infants where, in the opinion of the surgeon, the cost and handling of a contact lens would be so burdensome as to result in significant periods of uncorrected aphakia. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier:NCT00212134
Phase-Doppler interferometry with probe-to-droplet size ratios less than unity. I. Trajectory Errors

Phase-Doppler interferometry in which a probe volume that is much smaller than the droplets being measured has been shown to work well when coupled with a phase-ratio and intensity-validation scheme that is capable of eliminating trajectory-dependent scattering errors. With ray-tracing and geometric-optics models, the type and magnitude of trajectory errors were demonstrated quantitatively through stochastic trajectory calculations. Measurements with monodispersed water droplet streams and glass beads were performed to validate the model calculations and to characterize the probe volume. Scattered-light intensity has also been shown to provide a robust means of determining the probe cross-sectional area, which is critical for making accurate mass flux measurements.
The impact of maternal ketonuria on fetal test results in the setting of postterm pregnancy.

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether ketonuria, a commonly assessed urinary marker of maternal starvation and dehydration, is associated with abnormal fetal test results in the setting of postterm pregnancy. Study Design: During a 4-year period (January 1993–December 1996), a total of 3655 visits for antepartum maternal-fetal testing of postterm pregnancies (≥41 weeks' gestation) occurred at our institution. Maternal assessment included vital signs and urinalysis. The presence and degree of maternal ketonuria was correlated against abnormal results of fetal heart rate tests, nonstress tests, amniotic fluid index measurements, and biophysical profile scores performed on the same day. Results: There were 3601 encounters suitable for inclusion in the study. Clinically detectable ketonuria occurred in 10.9% of the patients studied. Patients with clinically detectable ketonuria were at increased risk relative to patients without ketonuria for abnormal outcomes during postterm testing, including the presence of oligohydramnios (24% vs 9.3%; P P P =.0039 ). Conclusion: Maternal ketonuria among patients with postterm pregnancy was associated with a >2-fold increase in the occurrence of oligohydramnios, a 3-fold increase in nonreactive nonstress tests, and a significant increase in fetal heart rate decelerations. Further studies are required to evaluate the potential benefits of treating ketonuria before fetal testing. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2001;184:713-8.)
Measurement of Detailed Heat Transfer Coefficient and Film Cooling Effectiveness Distributions Using PSP and TSP

This paper presents the development of a novel experimental technique utilizing both temperature and pressure sensitive paints (TSP and PSP). Through the combination of these paints, both detailed heat transfer coefficient and film cooling effectiveness distributions can be obtained from two short experiments. Using a mass transfer analogy, PSP has proven to be a powerful technique for measurement of film cooling effectiveness. This benefit is exploited to obtain detailed film cooling effectiveness distributions from a steady state flow experiment. This measured film cooling effectiveness is combined with transient temperature distributions obtained from a transient TSP experiment to produce detailed heat transfer coefficient distributions. Optical filters are used to differentiate the light emission from the florescent molecules comprising the PSP and TSP. Although two separate tests are needed to obtain the heat transfer coefficient distributions, the two tests can be performed in succession to minimize setup time and variability. The detailed film effectiveness and heat transfer enhancement ratios have been obtained for a generic, inclined angle (θ = 35°) hole geometry on a flat plate. Distinctive flow features over a wide range of blowing ratios have been captured with the proposed technique. In addition, the measured results have compared favorably to previous studies (both qualitatively and quantitatively), thus substantiating the use of the combined PSP / TSP technique for experimental investigations of three temperature mixing problems.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Polarization constraints on gamma-ray event circles in compton scatter instruments

Abstract A number of researchers are developing novel Compton scatter instruments, designed to track γ-ray interactions within their detector volume with high spatial and spectral resolution. Many of these instruments are designed as Compton imagers, where the initial photon direction can be determined through the Compton scatter formula to within an event circle on the sky for astronomy, or an event cone for near-field imaging. If the γ-ray scatters more than once before photoabsorption in the instrument, it is possible to use the polarization-dependent Klein–Nishina differential cross-section to constrain the probability density of the initial photon direction along the event circle. Here we derive this probability density, which will improve the imaging capabilities and sensitivities of Compton imagers.
On-shell O(N) supergravity in superspace

Abstract We show that general considerations of the properties of free on-shell O(N) superfield strengths lead directly to linearized on-shell O(N) supergravity. We consequently obtain a formulation of the fully non-linear on-shell theories in which all fields are contained in the covariant derivatives.
Gender Differences in High-Risk Sex Behaviors among Heterosexual Drug Injectors and Crack Smokers

This study was designed to assess gender differences in high-risk sex behaviors related to the transmission of HIV among injection drug users (IDUs) and crack smokers. Using a standard national survey instrument, 593 verified drug users were questioned about their sexual activities and drug use in the 30-day period prior to the interview. High-risk sex behaviors included nonuse of condoms, exchanging sex for drugs or money, sex with an IDU, and sex with more than one partner. Results showed that IDUs who engaged in needle risk practices were more likely to report nonuse of condoms than IDUs who practiced safer needle use. African-American ethnicity was a more powerful determinant of exchanging sex than smoking crack cocaine. Sex with more than one partner in the previous 30 day was reported by 11% of married males and 15% of married females. Independently, marital status was found to be a marker for high-risk sex behaviors, in particular, sex with an IDU and nonuse of condoms, behaviors reported more ofte...
Transient calculations of two-dimensional eddy current problems

The situation describes a transverse magnetic field incident on a good conductor. The resulting model is an interface problem with the continuities of tangential electric and magnetic fields being the interface conditions. An approximation of Sommerfeld's radiation condition is used for the absorption of the high-frequency scattered wave. Finite-difference methods are used for discretization. Instabilities arising from implementing the radiation condition and implementation of the interface conditions make the problem difficult to treat numerically. In addition, low-frequency situations require special treatment of radiation conditions. Procedures to overcome the difficulties are presented, and the numerical results are validated by comparison with analytical solutions. >