cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and Time of Diagnosis of Endometriosis across Racial and Ethnic Groups in the US

Abstract Background Endometriosis is associated with substantial adverse health and psychosocial consequences. However, the prevalence of endometriosis across different racial and ethnic groups in the US has not been established and to what extent the difference in prevalence might be associated with systemic barriers to receiving the diagnosis is unknown. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of endometriosis across different racial and ethnic groups and examine the association between race/ethnicity and the time of diagnosis Methods Using cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2006, we estimated race/ethnicity-specific prevalence of self-reported diagnosis of endometriosis among 5,557 women aged 20-54 years. Multivariable generalized linear regression model examined the association between race/ethnicity and the age of endometriosis diagnosis, accounting for socioeconomic indicators, health insurance, lifestyle and reproductive characteristics. Results Endometriosis was prevalent in 9.0% overall, 11.1% among non-Hispanic white, 5.8% among non-Hispanic black, 2.7% among Hispanic, and 6.4% among the other racial and ethnic groups combined. The mean age of endometriosis diagnosis was 29.0 years (range 13-52). Compared with non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black women were diagnosed on average at 2.6 years older (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.5-4.6), Hispanic women 3.8 years older (95% CI 1.5-6.2), and women in the other group 1.0 years younger (95% CI, -4.6 to 2.5). Conclusions Prevalence of endometriosis varied across different racial and ethnic groups Among women with a diagnosis of endometriosis, black and Hispanic women were diagnosed at older ages than non-Hispanic white women. Future research is needed to determine whether such age disparity in endometriosis diagnosis persists.
Dynamically Coupled Rigid Body+Vortex Rings in \(\mathbb {R}^3\)

The dynamically coupled planar models of the previous chapter are now extended to \(\mathbb {R}^3\), with point vortices replaced by vortex rings. The streamfunction is replaced by the vector potential ( 2.8). As in the planar models, the problem of a stationary body is first considered before moving on to the dynamically coupled problem.
DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE ASPECTS OF ANTILOCK BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS

This paper analyzes the general requirements of antilock brake systems in decreasing vehicle stopping distance and maintaining directional control during braking. The dual phenomenon of tire slip and vehicle dynamic weight transfer, which necessitate the use of antilock systems for high-efficiency braking performance, is discussed. Also, a review of the present level of antilock technology development as well as specific system configurations is presented for aircraft, automobiles, heavy-duty trucks, and motorcycles.
Genetic Models of Alzheimer’s Disease

This chapter presents and discusses different strategies to dissect genetically the molecular mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease. First, a short preamble sketches the common phenotypical features of Alzheimer’s disease. Second, a basic introduction defines the characteristics of a good animal model along with the different molecular strategies commonly used to develop transgenic animals. Third, an exclusive census of genetically modified mouse models describes some of the remarkable characteristics observed in these animals and tries to weigh the pros and cons of each of them. Finally, a brief note highlights gene-environment interactions relevant to the field of genetic mouse models and Alzheimer’s disease. All sections are illustrated with examples focusing on behavioral phenotypes with a specific interest on learning and memory.
The Wretched of the Earth

In the following essay, part of a symposium on criminal punishment and social deprivation, Richard Delgado revisits a subject he addressed 25 years ago in a classic article on the "rotten social background" defense. He ponders why this defense has found only a slight foothold in the law of criminal defenses and asks what this failure means about our basic social commitments.
A Comparison of Putative Sensory Receptors Associated with Nematocysts in an Anthozoan and a Scyphozoan

Although the cnidocil apparatus has long been considered to be the receptor for nematocyst discharge in hydrozoans, the corresponding structure in scyphozoans and anthozoans has been little studied (see Mariscal, 1974c for recent review). Westfall (1966a, b) has called this a “cnidocil” in a scyphozoan and Pantin (1942) has used the term “ciliary cones” to describe small structures associated both with cnidocytes and sensory cells in sea anemones. Using scanning electron microscopy, Mariscal (1974a, b) has shown a correlation between nematocyst-bearing regions and ciliary cones on the tentacles of certain sea anemones and corals. More recently, Mariscal, Bigger and McLean (1976) have reported that spirocysts are not associated with ciliary structures on the tentacles of various zoantharians, but rather occur in close association with two different types of microvilli.
Vascular Complications of Musculoskeletal Disorders Produced by Trauma

Since fractures of the bones of the extremities, dislocations, and sprains may be associated with injury of neighboring vascular channels, it is always necessary to consider the possibility of the coexistence of the two types of disorders when planning the therapeutic approach to the orthopedic problem. Some workers believe that because of the relatively greater seriousness of the circulatory condition, its control takes precedence over the repair of the musculoskeletal difficulty [24]. Others, however, are of the opinion that a fracture, for example, should be handled first through stabilization by an appropriate form of internal fixation [4]. There are certain disadvantages to the latter approach since the insertion of internal fixating devices adds to the period of ischemia of the limb which may thus be critically prolonged. Moreover, the procedure contributes to further soft-tissue disruption and venous stasis, both of which may adversely affect the viability of the extremity.
The ecological implications of harvesting non‐timber forest products

Summary 1 The harvest of wild non-timber forest products (NTFP) represents an important source of income to millions of people world-wide. Despite growing concern over the conservation of these species, as well as their potential to foster forest conservation, information on the ecological implications of harvest is available only in disparate case studies. 2 Seventy studies that quantify the ecological effects of harvesting NTFP from plant species were reviewed, with the aims of assessing the current state of knowledge and drawing lessons that can provide guidelines for management as well as better directing future ecological research in this area. 3 The case studies illustrated that NTFP harvest can affect ecological processes at many levels, from individual and population to community and ecosystem. However, the majority of research was focused at a population level and on a limited subset of plant parts that are harvested. 4 Tolerance to harvest varies according to life history and the part of plant that is harvested. Moreover, the effects of harvest for any one species are mediated by variation in environmental conditions over space and time, and by human management practices. 5 In order to withstand heavy harvest, specific management practices in addition to gathering are necessary for many NTFP species. Management practices can be carried out at different spatial scales and some are highly effective in fostering population persistence. 6 Synthesis and applications. Substantial advances have been made towards identifying the ecological impacts of NTFP harvest. However, there is a need for longer-term studies that focus on multiple ecological levels (ranging from genes to ecosystems), that assess the mechanisms underlying impacts and that validate current models. Researchers and forest managers need to work with local harvesters in designing and evaluating management practices that can mitigate the negative effects of harvest.
Cognitive Illusions as Hindrances to Learning Complex Environmental Issues

Teaching and learning complex issues is often confounded by the presence of simplistic mental models that are held by students. These simplistic models can be described as “cognitive illusions” which hinder the development of correct understanding of such issues in science. Many current environmental issues, such as ozone depletion, are quite complex, and our understanding of the causal forces driving them is continually undergoing revision. Ozone depletion was chosen as such an issue to try to answer two questions. First, can a short-term intervention significantly improve pre-service elementary teachers' understanding of this topic? Second, can complex issues be dealt with successfully through such a short-term intervention? Survey results showed that understanding of this issue can be significantly improved through a short-term intervention using a mix of constructivist approaches. But, the actual scores are still below what is acceptable. Second, the study suggests that short-term interventions can produce some degree of knowledge gains, especially at the factual level, but cognitive illusions continue to be very resistant to change.
Disability Art, Aesthetics, and Access: Creating Exhibitions in a Liberal Arts Setting

In this essay we discuss the strategies and concepts behind two separate disability arts exhibitions we co-curated at Davidson College in 2009: RE/FORMATIONS: DISABILITY, WOMEN, AND SCULPTURE and STARING . First, as curators who have mounted two disability arts exhibitions in the context of a small liberal arts college, we offer insights from our practical experience related to conceptualizing and producing a show focused around disability and art: its shape, funding, and display. It is our hope these will be useful to curators, but also to those who have little or no curatorial experience. Our comments will emphasize the context of the liberal arts college, but many of the central issues we confronted would be relevant to mounting such exhibitions in other settings. Second, in discussing the dialogues about disability that emerged within and from our two exhibitions ( RE/FORMATIONS: Disability, Women, and Sculpture and STARING ), we want to provide some answers from our own experience to the question: what compelling issues and ideas emerge at the intersection of access, disability aesthetics, and art when creating such exhibitions? Keywords: art, disability art, curator, curating disability, liberal arts college, exhibitions, disability aesthetics, RE/FORMATIONS, STARING , staring, Harriet Sanderson, Laura Splan, Nancy Fried, Judith Scott, Rebecca Horn, Doug Auld, Chris Rush, access, exhibition access, sculpture, breast cancer, intellectual disability, polio, burn survivors
Placobdella lamothei n. sp. (Hirudinea: Glossiphoniidae), a new leech parasite of freshwater turtles from Estado de México, Mexico

Placobdella lamothei n. sp. is described based on 10 specimens collected in Tonatico, Estado de Mexico, Mexico. The new species resembles other species of th...
Development of neurotransmitter uptake in regions of the chick brain

The uptake of postulated neurotransmitters of their precursors into regions of the developing chick brain and retina has been examined. The transport of low concentrations (around 10(-8) M) of GABA, glutamic acid, choline, dopamine and serotonin into homogenates was sodium and energy dependent and inhibited by a variety of pharmacological agents that are thought to act presynaptically. After morphological fractionation, the high affinity transport mechanism was concentrated in the nerve ending fraction. Compounds were poorly accumulated by the cerebral regions of the 6 day incubated chick embryo. After this time, the uptake capacity of each brain region studied exhibited a characteristic development profile. Mechanisms for GABA transport appeared early in development, while catecholamine and choline systems matured later. Homogenates of the cerebral hemispheres and optic lobes took up all compounds studied, while the retina and cerebellum of the young chick were able to take up only GABA to a significant extent.
Accounting for variation in exogenous shocks in economic impact modeling

To increase confidence in results from a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model, modelers often conduct sensitivity analysis to better understand the impact of uncertainty or variations in underlying assumptions and parameter values on results. However, CGE modelers have paid little attention to variations in input (i.e., policy changes or exogenous shocks). Recently, a few input–output studies consider sources of input variations, but focus on addressing a single source of variation and, therefore, ignore the interactions (and cumulative effects) among them. In this study, we propose methods for calculating the range (confidence intervals) of impacts from input variations within a CGE framework, explicitly accounting for multiple sources of input variations. To illustrate our approach, we use, as an example, recreational fisheries in Alaska, and estimate confidence intervals of economic impacts from regulatory changes. In doing so, we consider two important sources of input variation driving the impacts: (i) sample variation in recreational fishing-related expenditures, which is estimated using bootstrapping approach and (ii) stochastic variation from the parameters in the recreation demand model, which is estimated using a simulation-based approach. Results show that confidence bounds on total economic impacts calculated while only accounting for the first type of variation (sample variation) are much narrower than the confidence bounds on the impacts when we account for both sample and stochastic variation in model inputs.
Experimental tests of a model reference neural network controller on nonlinear servosystems

A control design technique known as the Model Reference Neural Network (MRNN) method has recently been developed. In this method, neural network controllers are trained so that the controlled system response mimics that of a desired reference model. Since the controller can be trained using experimental test data consisting of command and response state data, it is equally applicable to linear and nonlinear systems. The MRNN procedure was experimentally evaluated by applying it to several systems which demonstrated nonlinear behavior typically found in servosystems, including significant stick-slip friction, backlash, and positionally dependent gravitational torques. The performance of the MRNN was then compared to both PID and linear model reference controllers. Experimental results indicate that the accuracy of the MRNN controller typically equals or exceeds the linear model reference controllers.
A multi-attribute diffusion model for forecasting the adoption of investment alternatives for consumers

This article develops a diffusion model that incorporates potential adopters' perceptions of the relevant innovation attributes in explaining the rate of adoption of an innovation. Data from 14 investment alternatives currently available to consumers are used to develop a multi-attribute diffusion model for forecasting the acceptance of a potential investment alternative. Limitations and further extensions of the proposed model are also discussed.
On the convergence of continued radicals with applications to polynomial equations

Abstract The class of continued radicals is investigated for the case where a n ⩾ 0 ,r n ⩾ 2 . Results concerning the convergence of continued radicals are obtained and an error estimate is given for the approximating sequence , n = 1,2,…, in the case when r n is an integer ⩾2. Some examples illustrating the applicability of continued radicals to polynomial equations, and their relation to continued fractions, are given.
Airplane Measurements of Planetary Boundary Layer Structure

Abstract Measurements of air velocity and temperature from an airplane in the planetary boundary layer with strong surface heating are used to calculate vertical heat, momentum and energy fluxes, as well as spectral densities and probability distributions of velocity and temperature. Airplane traverses parallel to the wind are compared to crosswind traverses and a definite elongation of the heat transporting eddies, or thermals, parallel to the wind is observed. The terms in the turbulent kinetic energy balance equation (with the exception of the pressure fluctuation term) and the temperature variance balance equation are estimated. The turbulent kinetic energy dissipation is almost constant with height between the lowest flight level of 100 m above the surface, and the highest flight level of 1000 m, which is just below the top of the boundary layer, while the generation term due to the buoyancy force decreases and the divergence of the vertical transport of kinetic energy increases with height to mainta...
Clinical characterization of human metapneumovirus infection among patients with cancer.

Summary Background Human metapneumovirus is a recently discovered RNA virus that typically causes respiratory disease in children. It has been linked to severe lower airway disease in hematopoietic stem cell and solid-organ transplant recipients. hMPV infection in a large population of patients with underlying cancer and varying degrees of immunosuppression has not been reported. We sought to characterize hMPV infection in patients with cancer. Methods Review of all cases of hMPV infection from two seasons (2005–6 and 2006–7) detected by DFA and/or real-time PCR at MSKCC, a tertiary cancer center in New York City. Results Among MSKCC patients with cancer, 51 (2.7%) of 1899 patients were positive for hMPV, including 3.2% with hematologic neoplasm and 1.7% with solid tumors. More children (4.5%) were positive than adults (2.2%). PCR detected twice as many cases as DFA. Cough and fever were common complaints. The longest shedding period was 80 days. 40 patients received radiographic evaluation; of these, 22 showed abnormalities including patchy (11), ground glass (5), and interstitial infiltrates (4). Conclusions hMPV causes a nonspecific respiratory illness and was found in more than 2% of all tested persons with cancer. PCR detected substantially more cases than DFA. Unlike previous reports, we observed no fatalities due to hMPV, including 22 HSCT recipients with the infection.
Evaluation and Classification of Leaflet Shape and Size in Wild Soybean

Two gene pairs are known to affect leaflet shape in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], but only two categories of leaflet shape are routinely used to characterize soybean germplasm. Very little information has been published about leaflet shape and size for wild soybean (Glycine soja Sieb. & Zucc.) accessions in the USDA Soybean Germplasm Collection but these characteristics have been shown to be among the most diverse morphological traits in the Chinese G. soja collection. The objectives of this research are to evaluate and establish a visual classification system for the variation of leaflet shape and size in the USDA Soybean Germplasm Collection. In 1998 and 1999, 661 wild soybean accessions from the USDA Soybean Germplasm Collection in maturity groups 000 through IX were grown at either Urbana, IL, or Stoneville, MS. Images of fully expanded terminal leaflets were recorded with a digital camera after all accessions were in the reproductive phase. Representative leaflets were selected at approximately two-thirds of the distance from the ground to the top of the plant. Images were analyzed by the computer software Image-Pro Plus (Version 3.0). Six measured or calculated parameters were recorded. The FASTCLUS procedure of SAS was used to define appropriate categories of leaflet shape and size. Length/width ratio and length were chosen to define leaflet shape and leaflet size, respectively. Length/width ratio values ranged from 1.3 to 6.2 and length from 3 to 14 cm. Five categories of leaflet shape are proposed: oval, ovate, lanceolate, linear, and ultra linear; and three classes for leaflet size: small, intermediate, and large. Leaflet shape and leaflet size are associated with geographical origin. Accessions from South Korea were generally smaller than those from China, Japan, and Russia. Accessions from China had more leaflet variation than those from South Korea or Japan but those from Russia were the most variable. Nearly all of the accessions with lanceolate and linear leaflets originated from Russia.
Fecal coliforms as indicators in tropical waters: A review

Nowhere is the importance of accurate determination of recent human fecal contamination greater than in the tropics. The diversity of waterborne diseases and their severity is greatest in tropical environments. Since most of the countries in tropical climates are underdeveloped, with large populations that are undernourished, ill-housed, with poor medical services, waterborne diseases may have a much greater effect on public health in the tropics than in temperate areas. Universally, tropical areas accept water maximum contaminant levels developed by temperate nations, despite the obvious differences in tropical climates. High densities of total and fecal coliform bacteria have been detected in pristine streams and in groundwater samples collected from many tropical parts of the world, even in epiphytic vegetation 10 m above ground in the rain forest of Puerto Rico. Nucleic acid (DNA) analyses of Escherichia coli from pristine tropical environs has indicated that they are identical to clinical isolates of E. coli. Many tropical source waters have been shown to have enteric pathogens in the complete absence of coliforms. Diffusion chamber studies with E. coli at several tropical sites reveal that this bacterium can survive indefinitely in most freshwaters in Puerto Rico. An evaluation of methods for the enumeration of fecal coliforms showed that currently used media have poor reliability as a result of large numbers of false positive and false negative results when applied to tropical water samples. Total and fecal coliform bacteria are not reliable indicators of recent biological contamination of waters in tropical areas. Fecal streptococci and coliphages in tropical waters violate the same underlying assumptions of indicator assays as the coliforms. Anaerobic bacteria like Bifidobacterium spp. and Clostridium perfringens show some promise in terms of survival, but not in ease of enumeration and media specificity. The best course at present lies in using current techniques for direct enumeration of pathogens by fluorescent staining and nucleic acid analysis, and developing tropical maximum contaminant levels for certain resistant pathogens in tropical waters.
Influence of cap-and-pin disc insulator profile on contamination flashover voltage

EHV and UHV projects can satisfy long-distance and high-capacity transmission demand of a.c. line. Projects in higher voltage level need insulators with higher mechanical load, whose structure height, diameter and other parameters are different from the parameters before. The influence of profile on contamination flashover characteristic is important for insulation selection and worthy to research. In this paper, 50% probable pollution flashover voltages of eighteen various profile cap-and-pin disc insulators at SDD=0.05mg/cm 2 and SDD=0.1mg/cm 2 are obtained separately by up-and-down method, in three fog chambers at China Electric Power Research Institute (CEPRI). The influence of cap-and-pin disc insulator profile on contamination flashover voltage are proposed. According to test results, outer sheds profile has better performance than under-ribs one. Moreover, specified creepage distance cannot be the only factor to be considered in outdoor insulation. Besides, outdoor insulation selection and dimensioning approaches are also discussed in this paper.
Mechanisms of stimulation of the immune response by aluminum adjuvants

Aluminum adjuvants are widely used in human and veterinary vaccines. They are appropriate adjuvants for vaccines that confer protection by inducing antibodies via the induction of a type 2 immune response, but they do not induce cytotoxic T cell and cell-mediated immunity. The mechanisms by which aluminum adjuvants selectively enhance the immune response are poorly understood. Following exposure to interstitial fluid in vitro and in vivo, most antigens are rapidly desorbed from aluminum adjuvants, suggesting that sustained release of antigen from a depot does not significantly contribute to the adjuvant effect of aluminum compounds. However, the adsorption of antigens onto aluminum salts may result in a high local concentration of antigen at the injection site and enhance the uptake by antigen-presenting cells. Aluminum compounds can further enhance the immune response by direct or indirect stimulation of dendritic cells, activation of complement and by inducing the release of chemokines. The relative importance of these mechanisms remains to be determined.
WE‐G‐BRA‐05: Post‐Radiation Normalized FDG‐PET versus Radiation Dose Correlates with Radiation Pneumonitis Symptoms and the Nitric Oxide Ratio

Purpose: To quantify the relationship between the post‐treatment [18F]‐2‐fluoro‐2‐deoxyglucose (18F‐FDG) positron emission tomography(PET) uptake and radiationdose received and correlate this relationship with prospectively scored pulmonary radiation toxicity. Methods: 34 patients treated for esophageal cancer with thoracic radiotherapy were evaluated prospectively at the MD Anderson Cancer Center. The treatment planningcomputed tomography(CT) imaging was registered with the restaging PET/CT. Using histogram analysis, the voxel average FDG‐PET uptake vs. radiationdose was obtained for each case and linear regression was performed. The slope of the linear regression was termed the pulmonary metabolic response rate (PMRR). Common Toxicity Criteria version 4 was used to score pneumonitis. Exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) was measured on the first and last days of radiation treatment. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to determine the threshold PMRR, mean lungdose, volume of lung receiving 5, 10, 20 and 30 Gy and eNO ratio (End/beginning) that can best predict symptomatic patients. Results: 29 patients were evaluable. The median of the mean standard uptake value from lung that received 0–5 Gy was 0.51 (range, 0.34–1.24), 5–10 Gy was 0.71 (range, 0.39–1.32), 10–20 Gy was 0.78 (0.40–1.56), and > 20 Gy was 1.10 (range, 0.43–3.01). 25 patients had grade 0 or 1 pulmonary symptom score and 4 patients had grade 2 or higher (symptomatic) score. Both PMRR and the eNO ratio gave a significant area under the curve of 0.86 (p = 0.02) and 1 (p<0.001) respectively. Using a PMRR threshold of 0.0184 yielded a true positive rate of 0.75 and false positive rate of 0.125. Conclusions: In this prospective study, the PMRR predicted for development of radiation pneumonitis. This unique quantitative assessment of radiation pnuemonitis can be used for quality control to deliver higher doses of radiation safely.
Continuous Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device Outcomes in Commercial Use Compared With the Prior Clinical Trial

Background A multicenter clinical trial conducted from 2005 to 2008 of a continuous flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) resulted in Food and Drug Administration approval for bridge to transplantation. The purpose of this analysis was to determine changes in posttrial outcomes in widespread commercial use since the clinical trial. Methods We compared outcomes of 486 patients who received a continuous flow LVAD as a bridge to transplantation at 36 centers during the clinical trial (March 2005 to April 2008) with outcomes of 1,496 posttrial patients who received a continuous flow LVAD at 83 centers (April 2008 to September 2010 as reported to the Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support). Results Baseline data were comparable between groups. Cumulative follow-up was 511 and 1,082 patient-years for trial and posttrial patients, respectively, and average support duration was 12.6 ± 14.0 and 8.7 ± 7.1 months. Kaplan-Meier survival improved at 1 year from 76% (trial) to 85% (posttrial). The percentage of patients undergoing transplantation in the first year decreased from 48% in the trial period to 39% in the posttrial period. Quality of life metrics improved by 3 months in both groups. Conclusions The survival rate of a large group of continuous flow LVAD patients in a real-world setting after Food and Drug Administration market approval for bridge to transplantation has improved since the clinical trial. These data show that excellent outcomes have been maintained with dissemination of new LVAD technology from a clinical trial phase to more broad based use in the period after market approval.
Electrochemical protease biosensor based on enhanced AC voltammetry using carbon nanofiber nanoelectrode arrays

We report an electrochemical method for measuring the activity of proteases using nanoelectrode arrays (NEAs) fabricated with vertically aligned carbon nanofibers (VACNFs). The VACNFs of ~150 nm in diameter and 3 to 5 μm in length were grown on conductive substrates and encapsulated in SiO2 matrix. After polishing and plasma etching, controlled VACNF tips are exposed to form an embedded VACNF NEA. Two types of tetrapeptides specific to cancer-mediated proteases legumain and cathepsin B are covalently attached to the exposed VACNF tip, with a ferrocene (Fc) moiety linked at the distal end. The redox signal of Fc can be measured with AC voltammetry (ACV) at ~1 kHz frequency on VACNF NEAs, showing distinct properties from macroscopic glassy carbon electrodes due to VACNF's unique interior structure. The enhanced ACV properties enable the kinetic measurements of proteolytic cleavage of the surface-attached tetrapeptides by proteases, further validated with a fluorescence assay. The data can be analyzed with a heterogeneous Michaelis-Menten model, giving "specificity constant" kcat /Km as (4.3 ± 0.8) × 104 M-1s-1 for cathepsin B and (1.13 ± 0.38) × 104 M-1s-1 for legumain. This method could be developed as portable multiplex electronic techniques for rapid cancer diagnosis and treatment monitoring.
The thermodynamics of magnetic aftereffect

Abstract Thermal magnetic aftereffect is due to the interaction between magnons (spin waves) and the change of equilibrium magnetization states. This non-equilibrium process is controlled by (i) the height of the energy barriers between magnetization states and (ii) by the chemical potential that determines how many magnons (thermal quanta) are available. Non-Arrhenius behavior is observed in a non-monotonic variation of decay rate with temperature observed in nanoparticulate media at low temperature. We attribute this behavior to quantum statistics and the nonuniform density of states in energy space. At low temperatures, Bose–Einstein condensation of the magnons is observed in nanoparticulate systems. In these materials, the decay rate increases to a maximum at low temperatures above the condensation temperature. A standard method of evaluating permanent magnet materials is to accelerate the decay rate, by applying a reverse holding field of the order of coercivity. We show that the problem with this technique is the ratio of the decay rate in zero field to the decay rate at the coercivity is a function of the material properties. This model shows excellent agreement with measurements of the variation of the thermal magnetic aftereffect at low temperatures in both nanograin iron powders and MP tapes.
Interoperable PKI Data Distribution in Computational Grids

One of the most successful working examples of virtual organizations, computational grids need authentication mechanisms that inter-operate across domain boundaries. Public Key Infrastructures(PKIs) provide sufficient flexibility to allow resource managers to securely grant access to their systems in such distributed environments. However, as PKIs grow and services are added to enhance both security and usability, users and applications must struggle to discover available resources-particularly when the Certification Authority (CA) is alien to the relying party. This article presents how to overcome these limitations of the current grid authentication model by integrating the PKI Resource Query Protocol (PRQP) into the Grid Security Infrastructure (GSI).
Appendicitis in children less than 5 years old: influence of age on presentation and outcome.

Abstract Purpose Appendicitis is the most common emergency surgical condition of the abdomen in children. This study sought to delineate the presentation and the outcome of appendicitis in children younger than 5 years old. Methods A retrospective review was conducted of all children younger than 5 years of age who underwent appendectomy for acute appendicitis over a 12-year period. Results One thousand eight hundred thirty-six patients younger than 19 years of age underwent appendectomy. Two hundred eighty-one children with an age range of 6 months to 4.9 years were included in this study. Perforation rates were higher in the younger patients (86% Conclusions In children less than 5 years old with appendicitis, age has a direct correlation to the stage of disease. The youngest children present with more advanced appendicitis but are less likely to develop postoperative abscesses.
Rapid-tuning frequency-doubled ring dye laser for high resolution absorption spectroscopy in shock-heated gases

This letter describes a ring dye laser system and its initial application to fully resolved absorption line shape measurements of the OH molecule during the brief test time available following shock waves generated in a shock tube. The operating wavelength has been extended into the UV through intercavity second harmonic generation.(AIP)
On Physical Optics for Calculating Scattering from Coated Bodies

The familiar physical optics (PO) approximation is no longer valid when the perfectly conducting scatterer is coated with dielectric material. This paper reviews several possible PO formulations. By comparing the PO formulation with the moment method solution based on the impedance boundary condition for the case of the coated cone-sphere, a PO formulation using both electric and magnetic currents consistently gives the best numerical results. Comparisons of the exact moment method with the PO formulations using the impedance boundary condition and the PO formulation using the Fresnel reflection coefficient for the case of scattering from the cone-ellipsoid demonstrate that the Fresnel reflection coefficient gives the best numerical results in general.
Dense core–shell structured SnO2/C composites as high performance anodes for lithium ion batteries

Dense core–shell structured SnO2/C composite anodes are found to exhibit superior electrochemical performances compared to the hollow SnO2 or traditional core–shell SnO2/C anodes in lithium ion cells.
Histology and Function of the Internal Anal Sphincter after Injection of Botulinum Toxin

Background: Children with Hirschsprung's disease may have persistent obstructive symptoms due to internal anal sphincter hypertonicity, even after definitive surgery. Anal myectomy is not universally effective and may result in permanent sphincter injury. Botulinum toxin injection has been used to selectively weaken a variety of muscles and could theoretically represent a less invasive option for children with this difficult problem. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin in an immature porcine model. Materials and Methods: Six-week-old piglets underwent four-quadrant intrasphincteric injection of botulinum toxin or saline. Under ketamine sedation, internal sphincter resting pressure was measured using a water-perfused system before injection and 4 weeks later. Animals were sacrificed 4 weeks after injection. Histological evidence of neuromuscular changes or inflammation in the internal sphincter was documented. All analysis was done blindly. Results: Internal anal sphincter pressure increased in control animals, likely due to growth over the 4-week period. Conversely, botulinum toxin injection was associated with a significant decrease in internal sphincter pressure. There were no significant differences between the botulinum toxin and control groups with respect to histologic evaluation of neuronal size and number, nerve bundle size and number, inflammation, or muscle atrophy. Conclusions: These data suggest that botulinum toxin is effective in decreasing internal anal sphincter pressure without histologically evident adverse effects. A clinical trial using botulinum toxin for persistent obstructive symptoms following surgery for Hirschsprung's disease is therefore justified.
Açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) Polyphenolics in Their Glycoside and Aglycone Forms Induce Apoptosis of HL-60 Leukemia Cells

The effects of acai polyphenolics on the antiproliferation and induction of apoptosis in HL-60 human leukemia cells were investigated. Interactions between anthocyanins and non-anthocyanin-polyphenolics in both their glycosidic and their aglycone forms were also investigated to determine additive or nonadditive responses. Polyphenolic fractions at 0.17−10.7 μM were found to reduce cell proliferation from 56 to 86% likely due to caspase-3 activation (apoptosis). Anthocyanin and polyphenolic fractions were nonadditive in their contribution to the cell antiproliferation activity. At equimolar concentrations, the glycosidic forms of phenolic acids and flavonoids induced a higher magnitude of change in cell parameters (proliferation and apoptosis) than their respective aglycone forms, while the opposite trend was observed for anthocyanin aglycones. This study demonstrated that acai offers a rich source of bioactive polyphenolics and confirmed the importance of investigating whole food systems when evaluating t...
Endoscopic treatment of problems encountered after cholecystectomy

With the advent of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a number of patients with various postprocedure problems have been referred for endoscopic management. Thirty-five patients were evaluated. The group included 26 women and 9 men, ages 24 to 90 years (mean, 50 years). Twenty-five patients with retained common bile duct stones were successfully treated with endoscopic sphincterotomy and balloon or basket removal. Three patients with bile duct strictures had balloon dilation and endoprosthesis placement and were free of signs of obstruction on 9-month follow-up. Bile leaks were treated successfully with endoscopic sphincterotomy and endoprosthesis placement. Two patients with bile duct leaks and biloma formation required percutaneous or surgical drainage in addition to endoscopic treatment. Three patients had more than one complication. Two patients had strictures with retained stones above the stricture; dilation of the stricture was performed and the stones were removed. One patient with the complication of biliary leak and a long, irregular stricture was treated temporarily by sphincterotomy and stent placement while awaiting surgery. Therapeutic biliary endoscopy is a valuable, minimally invasive alternative to surgery in patients with problems arising after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Uncoupling of S phase and mitosis induced by anticancer agents in cells lacking p21

Precise coordination of the S and M phases of the eukaryotic cell cycle is critical not only for normal cell division, but also for effective growth arrest under conditions of stress. When damaged, a cell must communicate signals to both the mitotic and DNA synthesis machineries so that a mitotic block is not followed by an extra S phase, or vice versa. The biochemical mechanisms regulating this coordination, termed checkpoints, have been identified in lower eukaryotes, but are largely unknown in mammalian cells. Here we show that p21 WAF1/CIP1, the prototype inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), is required for this coordination in human cells. In the absence of p21, DNA-damaged cells arrest in a G2-like state, but then undergo additional S phases without intervening normal mitoses. They thereby acquire grossly deformed, polyploid nuclei and subsequently die through apoptosis. Perhaps not by coincidence, the DNA-damaging agents that can cause S/M uncoupling are used in the clinic to kill cancer cells preferentially.
Effects of coarse wheat bran fiber and exercise on glucose and insulin levels in moderately overweight men

Abstract Nineteen moderately overweight males, aged 24–35, consumed high (0.5 g wheat bran/kg body weight) and low-fiber breads in a crossover design during 2 successive 6 week periods. Twelve of the subjects participated in a 4 mile walk-jog-run program 3 times weekly. No significant alteration in glucose tolerance and insulin levels, body weights, or % body fats as determined at 0, 6, and 12 weeks was due to the dietary treatment. Although glucose area under the curve was not altered by the exercise program, a significant (ϱ
Godly, International, and Independent: German Protestant Missionary Loyalties before World War I

In 1910 Gustav Warneck received nominations and support for both the Nobel Peace Prize and the Nobel Prize for Literature. His boosters, mostly from Germany but also from elsewhere in Europe, later speculated that Warneck's failure to secure an award was because his dual nomination prevented enough support for either prize. Instead, they went to the Bureau international permanent de la Paix (Permanent International Peace Bureau) and to German poet and author Paul Johann Ludwig Heyse. The laudatory merits of the Permanent International Peace Bureau and Heyse aside, what had made Warneck worthy in the minds of so many for a Nobel Prize?
Functional asymmetry of the human brain in the recognition of faces.

Abstract Lateralized cerebral function in the recognition of facial stimuli was tested directly by examining patients before and after they were administered a single, unilateral electroconvulsive treatment. Functional demands imposed by the task (i.e. verbal or non-verbal) were the chief factors influencing the relative importance of the right or the left cerebral hemisphere to task performance.
Schedule generation in a dynamic job shop

SUMMARY An extension of Giffler and Thompson's algorithm (1960)is developed to create all active schedules in a dynamic job shop. A partitioning scheme is also developed that works extremely well in reducing the number of active schedules created. This reduced enumeration method is much more efficient than the full generation scheme and, based upon the results of test problems, it appears to be nearly as effective.
Community-based weight management in long-term heart transplant recipients: a pilot study.

Background—Heart transplant recipients often suffer from obesity, dyslipidemia, and hypertension thought to be related to triple-drug immunosuppression and poor adherence to diet and exercise. A lifestyle intervention that allows recipients to attend a community-based weight management program may improve health outcomes.Objective—To determine (1) the effects of attending a community-based weight management program on weight, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and the lipid profile; and (2) the feasibility of a community-based program for weight management.Methods—Twenty-one patients (81% male; age 57 years, 99.7 months since transplantation) participated in a randomized clinical trial and received either weight management counseling (control) or a 6-month scholarship to a structured commercial program (treatment). Using simple analysis of covariance models, group differences were assessed and reported as marginal means.Results—At baseline, there were no demographic differences between groups. There w...
The effects of phencyclidine on the uptake of 3H-catecholamines by rat striatal and hypothalamic synaptosomes.

Abstract In tests of the effects of the psychotomimetic agent, phencyclidine, 1-(1-phenylcyclohexl) peperidine (PCP), on the uptake of 3 H-catecholamines by synaptosome-rich homogenates of rat striatum and hypothalamus, PCP was shown to be a potent, competitive inhibitor of both 3 H-dopamine uptake in the striatal region and 3 H-norepinephrine uptake in the hypothalamus. The implication of these findings are discussed in terms of a drug-induced imbalance of the catecholaminergic-cholinergic systems in those regions of the brain where activity has been correlated with emotional expression.
Splitting spaces with finite group actions

LET X BE a space (i.e. simplicial set) with base point, which is nilpotent (i.e. connected and its Postnikov tower can be refined to a tower of principal fibrations) and on which a finite group T acts, keeping the base point fied. If R is a subring of the rationals, then the simplicial group GX; (the R-completion of the loop group GX) has (because X is nilpotent) thk homotopy type of the loops on the R-localization of X and its homotopy groups ?T,,GX~ = R @ n,,+,X (n > 0) are R[ T]-modules. Let C denote the center of T and assume, for the moment, that b-’ E R, where b is the order of T. Then the main purpose of this note is to split GX;, in a natural manner into a direct product of spaces with T-action, and even finer into a direct product of spaces with C-action. These splittings of GX; will realize the algebraic splittings of its homotopy groups as R[ T]-modules, provided by ordinary representation theory. Recall that, if b-* E R, where b is the order of T, then, according to ordinary representation theory, there is an essentially unique finest natural splitting of R[ T]-modules into a direct product of R[T]-modules with the following properties: (i) there are as many factors as T has conjugacy classes of cyclic subgroups, (ii) one of the factors (say the first) consists exactly of the elements fixed under T, and (iii) each of the other factors admits in turn an essentially unique finest natural splitting into a direct product of a finite number of isomorphic R[C]-modules, where C is the center of T. We show that this finest natural splitting of the homotopy groups of GXi into R[ T]-modules can be realized by a natural splitting of all of GX; into a direct product of spaces with T-action. In this splitting the analogues, (ii)’ and (iii)’ below, of (ii) and (iii) above, hold: (ii)’ The first factor is (GXi)T, the simplicial subgroup that is fixed under T, and ?*(GXi)’ = (T*GX~)~. By applying the classifying space functor @ one thus gets a space WGX; (with T-action), which has the homotopy type of the R-localization of X, and for which P*( WGX;)’ = (7r* wGXi)T. Thus GX; and WGXi have the property that “the homotopy of theirfixed point sets is the fixed point set of their homotopy”. (iii)’ Each of the other factors admits a further natural splitting into a direct product of a finite number of isomorphic spaces with C-action realizing the further splitting of (iii) of the other factors of the homotopy groups into R[C]-modules. If b-’ 6Z R, then most of this still goes through. One needs no restriction on R in order to realize any natural splitting of R[T]-modules into a direct product of R[ T] or R[C]-modules by means of a natural splitting of GX; into a direct product of spaces with C-action. However, one ,has to assume that d-’ E R, where d denotes the order of TIC, in order to realize any natural splitting of R[ T]-modules into a direct product of R[ T]-modules by means of a natural splitting of GX,^ into a direct product of spaces with T-action and not merely C-action.
High-field MRI of primary gallbladder carcinoma

The magnetic resonance (MR) imaging features are described in a case of gallbladder carcinoma presenting as a fungating mass associated with gallstones as well as biliary obstruction due to pancreaticoduodenal lymph node metastasis. The MR findings complemented diagnostic observations made on preoperative sonography and computed tomography of the abdomen.