cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Designing Micromanipulation Systems for Decoupled Dynamics and Control

A new, seven parameter class of micromanipulators is found with decoupled dynamics. The resonant frequencies and damping ratios are found to be simple functions of the parameters, making it possible to design manipulators to meet resonant frequency or damping ratio specifications. Methods for designing the dynamics so that they are amenable to control are derived, which leads to significant increase in the closed-loop performance and robustness. To illustrate the new theory, a manipulator currently used on the International Space Station (ISS) is redesigned to greatly enhance its fault tolerance and closed-loop performance. Even though both manipulators control the same payload over the same bandwidth with exactly the same struts, the $H_\infty$ controller for the new manipulator is five times less sensitive to worst case disturbances than the $H_\infty$ controller for the existing manipulator. Moreover, the decoupling facilitates the design of Nyquist stable controllers with nonlinear dynamic compensators which give the new decoupled manipulator 100 times higher performance at low frequencies. This greatly increased performance and robustness requires implementation of only the six compensators along the diagonal of the six degree-of-freedom system, versus implementation of all 36 compensators for the ISS manipulator. This performance improvement is achieved with no increase in system cost, mass, or power budget; it is exclusively the result of the new theory presented in this paper.
Microstructure-Based Model for Current Flow in Bi-2212 Round Wire Conductors

The high-temperature superconductor Bi2Sr2 CaCu2Oy (Bi-2212) is a viable candidate for low-temperature, high-field (>; 20 T) superconducting magnet applications due to its high irreversibility field and ability to be formed into a high-current, round multifilamentary wire. However, after over 20 years of research, a clear understanding of current flow within these round wires remains elusive. We present here a model for current flow in these round wire conductors based on a microstructural feature that is continuous along the wire axis. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy along with micro X-ray computed tomography were used to define key microstructural features and establish relationships between the structure and superconducting properties. A model was developed based on the layer of well-formed Bi-2212 that is found next to the silver sheath. This model correctly predicts observed trends with increasing Jc with smaller filament diameters and provides a basis for developing new experiments to understand and improve this important high-temperature superconducting conductor.
An Experimental Search for a Stable Dineutron

An attempt is made to detect dineutrons ($\ensuremath{\delta}$) emitted from hypothetical ($p, \ensuremath{\delta}$) reactions by observing the activity of the end product of ($\ensuremath{\delta}, p$) reactions. The activity expected, assuming the dineutron to be stable, is calculated from the statistical theory of nuclear reactions and found to be greater than the maximum observed activity by a factor of ${10}^{5}$. The acceptance of this result as conclusive would indicate that ${V}_{0}{a}^{2}$ for the neutron-neutron interaction cannot be more than 10 percent larger than for the neutron-proton interaction.
The Psychological Context of Residential Mobility and Weil-Being

This article examines earlier research on residential mobility and health, and offers a theoretical framework that addresses certain issues neglected in that research. In general, previous analyses have characterized relocation as an acute and short-term life event that imposes considerable strains on the individual at the time of moving. This perspective minimizes the dynamic quality of mobility and ignores the longer-term health consequences of relocation which unfold gradually as the individual adjusts to the diverse life changes associated with moving. Alternatively, the proposed analysis assumes that the health effects of relocation depend not only on the immediate circumstances surrounding a move, but also on the broader context of the individual's residential history, current life situation, and aspirations for the future. Hypotheses concerning several psychological mediators of mobility and health are derived. These hypotheses are assessed in light of the findings from a longitudinal survey of residential experience and health.
Proof of Concept to Clinical Confirmation: Evolving Clinical Trial Designs for Targeted Agents

No single therapy benefits the majority of patients in the practice of oncology as responses differ even among patients with similar tumor types. The variety of response to therapy witnessed while treating our patients supports the concept of personalized medicine using patients' genomic and biologic information and their clinical characteristics to make informed decisions about their treatment. Personalized medicine relies on identification and confirmation of biologic targets and development of agents to target them. These targeted agents tend to focus on subsets of patients and provide improved clinical outcomes. The continued success of personalized medicine will depend on the expedited development of new agents from proof of concept to confirmation of clinical efficacy.
Ischemic Colitis, the Great Imitator: A Mass Completely Resolved

Ischemic colitis (IC) is the most common type of intestinal ischemia, with a vast clinical spectrum of injury ranging from mild and transient ischemia to acute fulminant colitis. The pattern of injury is usually segmental, but it is mainly dictated by individual anatomy, duration of ischemia, and degree of re-perfusion injury. Analysis of clinical presentation, early endoscopic evaluation, and biopsy are all essential for prevention of misdiagnosis. We present a unique case of IC with mass-like features on regular imaging, emphasizing the importance of endoscopy and biopsy for accurate diagnosis.
The quest for the dynamical signature of accretion disks in active galactic nuclei

Abstract The most direct, dynamical evidence for the presence of accretion disks in the central engines of active galaxies comes from observations of very broad, double-peaked emission lines. These “exotic” line profiles are found preferentially in radio-loud AGNs; they occur in about 10% of such objects. Their hosts share a number of common spectral properties which can be understood consistently in the context of a physical model for line-emitting disks. Very recent UV spectroscopy of double-peaked emitters with the HST provides very strong additional evidence for an accretion disk origin of the double-peaked Balmer lines. Variability of the line profiles is an independent and complementary approach for assessing the applicability of disk models to double-peaked emission lines. Moreover, once an accretion disk origin is established, the variability of the line profiles will provide a wealth of information on the structure and dynamics of the disk (much like in cataclysmic variables). The dynamical time in the line-emitting part of the disk is expected to be about six months, which is much longer than the light crossing time. Thus the slow variations of the line profiles over time scales of a few years can be used to test models for the dynamical behaviour of the disk. These models include spiral waves in the disk, elliptical disks, supermassive binary black holes, and interactions of the disk with stars or gas clouds in its vicinity. Tests can be carried out using spectra of double-peaked emission lines with high signal-to-noise ratio taken every few months and spanning a baseline of several years.
TH-D-BRA-01: Epidemiologic Evidence of Late Effects from Diagnostic Imaging and Radiation Therapy

Owing to advances in diagnosticimagingchemotherapy and radiation therapy (RT) the survival rate for many types of cancer has greatly improved in recent years. Considering this increased survival rate many of these patients will face late complications in the years following treatment. In particular long‐term survivors are at a substantially increased risk for radiation related late effects such as second cancers and cardiovascular disease. Research in late effects includes population based epidemiological studies that quantify the relationship between excess risk and radiationdose. An additional aspect of late effects research aims to reduce dose to radiosensitive organs and tissues associated with excess risk for late effects while maintaining equivalent or improved local control. The quantification of radiation‐induced late effects and the use of modern delivery techniques to reduce such effects is an important and growing area of research in medical physics as evidenced by a recent surge in publications. The objective of this symposium is to provide an overview of related late effects following diagnosticimaging and radiation therapy. Within the context of the symposium objectives the first presentation in the session will provide context for the symposium by providing an overview of National Cancer Institute and European Cancer Registries epidemiological studies for radiation related second cancers cardiovascular disease and other late effects. Specifically the presentation will focus on epidemiological data and dose response relationships for second cancers and will discuss the need for additional studies to better establish dose response relationships for cardiovascular disease for various cardiac toxicity endpoints. Learning Objectives: 1. Understand sources of epidemiological data for radiation related late effects. 2. Understand limitations of epidemiological data for radiation related late effects. 3. Understand dose response relationships for specific late effects.
Depletion of total antioxidant capacity in type 2 diabetes.

The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between antioxidant depletion, glycemic control, and development of chronic complications in a controlled population of type 2 diabetic patients. Fifty age-matched type 2 diabetic patients receiving sulfonylureas but not insulin treatment were screened and assigned to two groups based on the presence or absence or proteinuria. A third group of normal subjects without diabetes were also enrolled in the study. All subjects in the three groups were Egyptians who were matched for body weight, and the two diabetic groups were also age-matched. Plasma glucose and fructosamine levels were higher in the two groups of diabetic patients versus the control group, but lipid peroxide levels were higher only in the patients with proteinuria. Compared with the control group, the total antioxidant capacity was depleted in the two diabetic groups, but the depletion was more severe in patients with proteinuria. Thus, the mean Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) of the control group was 2.7 ± 0.45, versus 1.7 ± 0.5 (P < .001) in the patients without proteinuria. Furthermore, the TEAC measured in patients with proteinuria, who also had more diabetic complications, was lower (1.4 ± 0.5 P < .001) than the TEAC in patients without urinary protein. In conclusion, a depletion of the total antioxidant capacity is associated with a higher incidence of diabetic complications.
Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction with meconium ileus at onset

Cystic fibrosis is most often the underlying cause of meconium ileus. We describe the diagnosis and treatment of a patient with chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction, and not with cystic fibrosis, whose initial manifestation was meconium ileus.
Complexity of Visual Icons Studied via Signal Detection Theory

Two investigations on how humans perceive information from visually rendered complex objects, such as military icons (glyphs) were conducted. A signal detection theory framework was employed to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of human subject performance. The 6 adults tested showed that as complexity increased, their accuracy in performance decreased. Study 1 showed that complex dimensions (features) could not be assigned arbitrarily. Study 2 developed a rank ordering for features of an iconic object.
SEXUAL SELECTION AND FEMALE CHOICE IN MOLE CRICKETS (SCAPTERISCUS: GRYLLOTALPIDAE): MODELLING THE EFFECTS OF INTENSITY AND MALE SPACING

ABSTRACT Attraction of flying mole crickets to individual males calling in an outdoor arena was influenced significantly by the relative intensity of the males calling in the arena. Louder males attracted more individuals than males whose calling songs were less intense. Making simple assumptions about the acoustic output from calling males and about the flight pattern and response of flying females, the differential attraction can be explained by a mathematical model. Computer simulation of the model was used to examine the importance of a male's intensity relative to others and the effect of distance between males on the attraction of females. The model and its relation to active female choice and passive attraction are discussed. The model makes predictions about differences in spacing behaviour of males that maximize attraction relative to other males.
Variable Processing and Cross-presentation of HIV by Dendritic Cells and Macrophages Shapes CTL Immunodominance and Immune Escape

Dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages (Mos) internalize and process exogenous HIV-derived antigens for cross-presentation by MHC-I to cytotoxic CD8+ T cells (CTL). However, how degradation patterns of HIV antigens in the cross-presentation pathways affect immunodominance and immune escape is poorly defined. Here, we studied the processing and cross-presentation of dominant and subdominant HIV-1 Gag-derived epitopes and HLA-restricted mutants by monocyte-derived DCs and Mos. The cross-presentation of HIV proteins by both DCs and Mos led to higher CTL responses specific for immunodominant epitopes. The low CTL responses to subdominant epitopes were increased by pretreatment of target cells with peptidase inhibitors, suggestive of higher intracellular degradation of the corresponding peptides. Using DC and Mo cell extracts as a source of cytosolic, endosomal or lysosomal proteases to degrade long HIV peptides, we identified by mass spectrometry cell-specific and compartment-specific degradation patterns, which favored the production of peptides containing immunodominant epitopes in all compartments. The intracellular stability of optimal HIV-1 epitopes prior to loading onto MHC was highly variable and sequence-dependent in all compartments, and followed CTL hierarchy with immunodominant epitopes presenting higher stability rates. Common HLA-associated mutations in a dominant epitope appearing during acute HIV infection modified the degradation patterns of long HIV peptides, reduced intracellular stability and epitope production in cross-presentation-competent cell compartments, showing that impaired epitope production in the cross-presentation pathway contributes to immune escape. These findings highlight the contribution of degradation patterns in the cross-presentation pathway to HIV immunodominance and provide the first demonstration of immune escape affecting epitope cross-presentation.
Toward the mathematics of a general theory of behavior, II

This is the first of a series of articles. In them we shall report our progress to date on a mathematical development that has arisen in our search for the precise foundationing of the general theory of behavior which we have been elaborating at the intuitive level in our recent writings [I,..., 7]. The present line of mathematical investigation grows quite naturally out of our previous considerations. This will become clear in Section 2 below as we describe in some detail how our thinking has gone. We shall in fact see there how this thinking leads to the suggestion that the exact theoretical structure we are after is even simpler than we had earlier conceived. Our deliberations are closely related to discussions in the existing mathematical literature. Birkhoff and yon Neumann [8] present the ordinary lattice of closed linear manifolds in Hilbert space as a first prominent candidate for "the propositional calculus," or "the logic," of quantum mechanics. (By the "ordinary lattice of closed linear manifolds" we mean the collection of all closed linear manifolds ordered by set inclusion, with join=closed linear span and meet-set intersection.) This lattice misses being modular and the authors investigate several other lattices which do preserve the property of modularity; these include the continuous geometries subsequently developed by yon Neumann (see [12] ; also [13]). Jordan [II] considers that none of these may be suitable and he proposes the study of noncommutative lattices. Now, for any sector of behavior , w h a t goes by the descript ion " the propositional calculus" in the t radi t ional mode of u n d e r s t a n d i n g is, in fact , in the con tex t of the ideas we have expounded, jus t the a lgebraic s t r u c t u r e of the pert i-
Direct coupling of the pion in large-p T jet interactions

We emphasize a new class of high-transverse-momentum collisions in which the entire energy of an incident meson is delivered into production of a pair of large-p/sub T/ jets at large angle, with no final-state particles emerging along the beam axis. Simple two-body kinematics govern the reaction, with the longitudinal and transverse momentum of the second jet being specified uniquely in terms of those of the trigger jet. The quantum-chromodynamic subprocess which mediates the collision involves the direct coupling of the incident meson, and it is normalized absolutely in terms of the pion form factor F/sub ..pi../(Q/sup 2/).
'Assessing Sediment Toxicity from Navigational Pools of the Upper Mississippi River Using a 28-Day Hyalella azteca Test

To assess the extent of sediment contamination in the Upper Mississippi River (UMR) system after the flood of 1993, sediment samples were collected from 24 of the 26 navigational pools in the river and from one site in the Saint Croix River in the summer of 1994. Whole-sediment tests were conducted with the amphipod Hyalella azteca for 28 days measuring the effects on survival, growth, and sexual maturation. Amphipod survival was significantly reduced in only one sediment (13B) relative to the control and reference sediments. Body length of amphipods was significantly reduced relative to the control and reference sediments in only one sample (26C). Sexual maturation was not significantly reduced in any treatment when compared to the control and reference sediments. No significant correlations were observed between survival, growth, and maturation to either the physical or chemical characteristics of the sediment samples from the river. When highly reliable effect range medians (ERMs) were used to evaluate sediment chemistry, 47 of 49 (96%) of the samples were correctly classified as nontoxic. These results indicate that sediment samples from the Upper Mississippi River are relatively uncontaminated compared to other areas of known contamination in the United States.
Increased radiation resistance of thin 4J-IMM solar cells by recycling transparency photon losses

In this work we have evaluated thickness dependent efficiency of 4J-IMM solar cells as a function of radiation doses and dislocations. It's been shown that bottom 0.7ev InGaAs sub-cell's radiation resistance and/or dislocation tolerance can be improved by use of back gold reflection. Photon confinement results in fabrication of thinner sub-cells thus increasing the radiation hardness of the sub-cells. It's been shown that for moderate to high doses of radiation, very high EOL efficiencies can be afforded with substantially higher dislocation densities than those commonly perceived as acceptable for IMM devices i.e. even in the presence of dislocation densities in both sub-cells as large as 107 cm-2, for typical 1015 cm-2 1MeV electron fluence, a remaining power factor >85% (ηEOL~32%). These finding could in turn be used to simplify manufacturing (thinner graded buffers) or/and increase yield for IMM space cells and also explain the irregular radiation behavior seen in 4J-IMMs.
Childhood blood pressure predicts adult microalbuminuria in African Americans, but not in whites: the Bogalusa Heart Study.

Abstract Background Microalbuminuria is considered as a strong predictor of cardiovascular diseases. However, limited information is available for childhood blood pressure (BP) levels and microalbuminuria in adulthood. Methods This study examined 2122 individuals enrolled in the Bogalusa Heart Study as children, aged 5 to 17 years, and as adults, aged 20 to 37 years, with an average follow-up period of 16 years. Microalbuminuria is defined as urinary albumin (in milligrams per liter) to creatinine (mmoles per liter) ratio at or above the 90th percentile specific for age, ethnicity, and sex or urinary albumin levels ≥30 mg/L. Results As children, African American boys had higher BP than white boys. As adults, African Americans had higher BP and urinary albumin/creatinine ratio than whites. After adjusting for age, sex, and body mass index (BMI), African Americans with microalbuminuria in adulthood by either measure had higher systolic (P = .03) and diastolic (P = .02) BP as adults, and higher diastolic (P Conclusions Elevated BP beginning in childhood is associated with microalbuminuria in adulthood in African Americans, but not in whites, suggesting that African Americans may be more susceptible than whites to BP-related renal damage.
Treatment of droplike clusters by means of the classical phase integral in nucleation theory

The “translation” inconsistency in the theory of nucleation is discussed in historical perspective. A theory is then developed, beginning with the classical phase integral, which not only allows all approximations to be well defined, but also leads to the most “natural” droplike model for the cluster. The theory makes it possible to apply, in a consistent manner, the thermodynamics of curved surfaces or, alternatively, moleculardynamic numerical computation schemes to the evaluation of the partition function of the cluster. If the cluster is treated as a macroscopic drop (having the free energy of a macroscopic drop), the result for the distribution of clusters differs in only a minor way from that prescribed by the conventional theory of nucleation. It is concluded that for liquid nuclei the conventional theory is consistent, but that a replacement factor may be necessary for solid nuclei. In general, however, the major problems confronting the theory involve the precise evaluation of the work of cluster formation.
A Shortcut Method for Computing Final Demand Multipliers for Small Regions: Comment

The Phibbs-Holsman shortcut formula can produce sizeable errors especially for large regions. This paper derives an alternative shortcut final demand multiplier formula with the same data requirements as the Phibbs-Holsman formula that is accurate for both small and large regions.
Evolutionary lag versus bill-size constraints: a comparative study of the acceptance of cowbird eggs by old hosts

Evolutionary lag and resistance to puncture-ejection are two hypotheses explaining why hosts long exposed to brood parasitism by molothrine cowbirds accept their eggs. The former hypothesis assumes no physical constraints while the latter requires them. We show (1) that most acceptors of Brown-headed Cowbird eggs have small bills, (2) that the single species known to puncture cowbird eggs for ejection also has a small bill, and (3) that all grasp ejectors of Brown-headed Cowbird eggs have large bills. We propose that most acceptors cannot remove cowbird eggs by grasp ejection because their bills are too small. Small hosts probably cannot puncture cowbird eggs for ejection because their unusually thick shells make the costs of puncturing them higher than the benefits of ejection. This hypothesis is capable of explaining the success of cowbirds with scores of host species in the puzzling absence of egg mimicry.
Alignment effects in odd-mass Cs isotopes: Spectroscopy of 125Cs.

Several rotational bands have been populated in the Z=55 nucleus $^{125}\mathrm{Cs}$ using the fusion evaporation reaction $^{110}\mathrm{Pd}$${(}^{19}$F,4n), at a beam energy of 74 MeV. The resultant \ensuremath{\gamma} rays were detected using standard \ensuremath{\gamma}-ray spectroscopic techniques with an array of six Compton-suppressed Ge detectors and a fourteen-element bismuth-germanate ball. The low-lying yrast structure is found to be dominated by the unique parity \ensuremath{\pi}${\mathit{h}}_{11/2}$ orbital, manifest as a decoupled band with a large signature splitting. A crossing occurs in this band at \ensuremath{\Elzxh}${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\omega}}}_{\mathit{c}}$=0.42 MeV, which is interpreted as [\ensuremath{\nu}${\mathit{h}}_{11/2}$${]}^{2}$ pair alignment. In addition, a strongly coupled negative-parity structure with large B(M1)/B(E2) ratios is observed feeding both signatures of the \ensuremath{\pi}${\mathit{h}}_{11/2}$ band. Bands built on the normal-parity \ensuremath{\pi}${\mathit{g}}_{7/2}$ and \ensuremath{\pi}${\mathit{g}}_{9/2}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ orbitals have also been confirmed and extended. These structures are compared to cranked-shell-model calculations and the systematics of the region.
Modal algebra and Petri nets

We use the by now well established setting of modal semirings to derive a modal algebra for Petri nets. It is based on a relation-algebraic calculus for separation logic that enables calculations of properties in a pointfree fashion and at an abstract level. Basically, we start from an earlier logical approach to Petri nets that in particular uses modal box and diamond operators for stating properties about the state space of such a net. We provide relational translations of the logical formulas which further allow the characterisation of general behaviour of transitions in an algebraic fashion. From the relational structure an algebra for frequently used properties of Petri nets is derived. In particular, we give connections to typical used assertion classes of separation logic. Moreover, we demonstrate applicability of the algebraic approach by calculations concerning a standard example of a mutex net.
Evaluation of ion exchange pretreatment options to decrease fouling of a reverse osmosis membrane

This research compared pretreatments by anion exchange, cation exchange, and combined ion exchange to a natural groundwater before reverse osmosis (RO) in order to determine which ion exchange process showed the greatest reduction in RO membrane fouling, quantitatively determined by flux decline. It was shown that all ion exchange pretreatments yielded similar rates of flux decline; however, anion exchange pretreated samples yielded overall lower flux meaning it was a less effective pretreatment to reduce fouling. Therefore, the removal of divalent cations, in particular calcium, from a high hardness water by cation exchange showed a greater reduction in fouling of RO compared with the removal of natural organic matter by anion exchange.
The Second Gold Rush: Oakland and the East Bay in World War II

More than any event in the twentieth century, World War II marked the coming of age of America's West Coast cities. Almost overnight, new war industries prompted the mass urban migration and development that would trigger lasting social, cultural, and political changes. For the San Francisco Bay Area, argues Marilynn Johnson, the changes brought by World War II were as dramatic as those brought by the gold rush a century earlier. Focusing on Oakland, Richmond, and other East Bay shipyard boomtowns, Johnson chronicles the defense buildup, labor migration from the South and Midwest, housing issues, and social and racial conflicts that pitted newcomers against longtime Bay Area residents. She follows this story into the postwar era, when struggles over employment, housing, and civil rights shaped the urban political landscape for the 1950s and beyond. She also traces the cultural legacy of war migration and shows how Southern religion and music became an integral part of Bay Area culture. Johnson's sources are wide-ranging and include shipyard records, labor histories, police reports, and interviews. Her findings place the war's human drama at center stage and effectively recreate the texture of daily life in workplace, home, and community. Enriched by the photographs of Dorothea Lange and others, The Second Gold Rush makes an important contribution to twentieth-century urban studies as well as to California history.
Regional Development Within National Industrial Policies: An Analysis of the British Coal Industry

Three variations in regional policy distinguish the conduct of the nationalized British coal industry—social industry, state industry, and state commerce. Each variation takes a distinct approach to natural and human resource development in chronically depressed regions such as the peripheral coal fields in Britain or the Appalachian coal fields in the United States. Central to the variation are recognition of the factor of decline that E. F. Schumacher analyzed in the 1950s and the mitigation of social welfare consequences of shifts in production and investment. Schumacher's analysis raised policy issues of social welfare, resource development, and energy. These emerged again in the British coalminers'strike of 1984–85. Broad issues like these are likely to surface in regions where employment is concentrated in a declining industry facing new and severe competition.
Amplification of subnanosecond nitrogen laser pulses in UV dyes.

The performance of a short pulse netrogen laser system have been improved by replacing the subatmospheric TE nitrogen laser amplifier with a XV xenon chloride excimer pumped dye amplifier. (AIP)
Magnetic auditory evoked fields: Dipole orientation☆

Abstract Magnetic auditory evoked fields (MAEFs) were recorded from the left hemisphere of 7 normal human subjects in response to 512 binaural click stimuli. The instrument was a figure-eight SQUID gradiometer that measured the transverse gradient of the field perpendicular to the scalp. Its response to a current dipole source inside the head was a cosine function of the angular orientation of the gradiometer about an axis perpendicular to the scalp. Measurements were made at various orientations from which were derived the orientation of the equivalent dipole source. Our findings suggest that when considering total magnetic energy, current dipoles in the vicinity of the transverse gyri of Heschl, whose primary orientation are approximately perpendicular to the sylvian fissure, appear to be the major contributors to the magnetic fields produced by click stimuli.
Sex education and contraceptive use at coital debut in the United States: results from Cycle 6 of the National Survey of Family Growth

Abstract Background The study was conducted to characterize the relationship between formal sex education and the use and type of contraceptive method used at coital debut among female adolescents. Methods This study employed a cross-sectional, nationally representative database (2002 National Survey of Family Growth). Contraceptive use and type used were compared among sex education groups [abstinence only (AO), birth control methods only (MO) and comprehensive (AM)]. Analyses also evaluated the association between demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral variables and sex education. Multiple logistic regression with adjustment for sampling design was used to measure associations of interest. Results Of 1150 adolescent females aged 15–19 years, 91% reported formal sex education (AO 20.4%, MO 4.9%, AM 65.1%). The overall use of contraception at coitarche did not differ between groups. Compared to the AO and AM groups, the proportion who used a reliable method in the MO group (37%) was significantly higher (p=.03) (vs. 15.8% and 14.8%, respectively). Conclusions Data from the 2002 NSFG do not support an association between type of formal sex education and contraceptive use at coitarche but do support an association between abstinence-only messaging and decreased reliable contraceptive method use at coitarche.
A formal analysis of ratings of physical attractiveness: Successive contrast and simultaneous assimilation.

Photographs of faces were presented in a series, either singly or in pairs, for ratings of physical attractiveness. In Experiment 1, faces were presented singly, and both the range and relative frequencies of physical attractiveness (on baseline scaling) were manipulated experimentally. The same face elicited higher ratings when less attractive faces predominated in the experimental series, successive contrast. Increasing the number of available categories resulted in higher ratings but did not reduce the amount of successive contrast. Both range and skewing effects were in accordance with a range-frequency model that permits the subjective range to vary with number of categories. In Experiment 2, faces were presented in pairs. The same face now elicited lower ratings when presented simultaneously with a less attractive face, simultaneous assimilation. Successive contrast was again observed between pairs and was greater for 5- than for 101-point rating scales. A model that uses the judgments resulting from a range-frequency compromise as the stimulus values for integration within pairs provides the best account of how both contrast and assimilation occur within the same experimental session. Alternative interpretations of the observed contrast and assimilation were discussed.
Production of neutral bosons by an electron beam.

We investigate the possible existence of neutral bosons which are coupled to leptons. The cross section for the process /ital e/+/ital p//r arrow//ital e/+/ital X/+anything, where /ital X/ is a neutral boson of spin-parity 0/sup /plus minus// of 1/sup /plus minus// emitted by the electron, is calculated and its energy-angle distribution discussed. Assuming /ital X/ to decay predominantly into a lepton pair we investigate the characteristics of the background. It is pointed out that the signal-to-background ratio can be greatly enhanced if one selects high /ital x/=/ital E//sub /ital X///E/sub 1/ and also uses the outgoing electron as a tag at a slightly nonforward angle with the /ital X/ particle arranged in such a way that the momentum transfer to the target particle is near its minimum. This happens when the outgoing electron momentum /bold P//sub 2/ is parallel to /bold P//sub 1//minus//bold k/, where /bold P//sub 1/ and /bold k/ are the momenta of the incident electron and the /ital X/ particle, respectively.
Parameters affecting electron injection dynamics from ruthenium dyes to titanium dioxide nanocrystalline thin film

Electron injection rates from Ru(dcbpy)2(X)2 [X = 2NCS, 2CN, and dcbpy; dcbpy = 2,2‘-bipyridine-4,4‘-carboxylate] (called Ru535 or Ru N3, Ru505, and Ru470) to TiO2 nanocrystalline thin films are examined as a function of adsorbate redox potential, pH of the solution, excitation wavelength, and solvent. For all three dyes, the injection kinetics are biphasic, consisting of a distinct ultrafast component (<100 fs) and slower components. Under different experimental conditions, the partitioning between these two components and the rate of the slow components change, but the rate of the fast component shows no noticeable variations within the ∼200 fs time resolution of the measurement. When Ru535, Ru505, and Ru470 were compared at the same pH, increasing amplitude and decreasing rate of slow component were observed, correlating with less negative excited-state redox potentials in these dyes. An analogous trend was seen for RuN3/TiO2 by increasing the pH of the solution from pH = 2 to 8 and changing from pH = ...
Effect of Su1+ gene dosage on the production of suppressed alkaline phosphatase in Escherichia coli K12

In this report the low-efficiency suppression of amber mutations by the Su1 gene of Escherichia coli K12 is shown to be due to a limiting amount of the gene product. Diploid strains carrying a second copy of the Su1 gene have double the level of suppression measured in vivo.
Deformation and failure of brazed joints—macroscopic considerations

Experimental data are presented on the influence of component yield strength and joint geometry on the mechanical behavior of transverse brazed joints. The systems studied were various iron alloys brazed with dilute silver alloys. From these data a model is developed for the deformation and ductile failure of brazed joints. In thick and thin joints, macroscopic plastic instability and hydrostatic tension respectively are the major causes of void growth and ductile fracture. Strain hardening in the braze metal is found to be an important factor in delaying fracture in both cases. Increases in the braze metal yield strength are accompanied by increases in the tensile strength of a brazed joint if the yield strength of the base metal exceeds the fracture strength of the joint. The loss of stress triaxiality which accompanies base metal yielding severely limits joint strength.
Understanding Cellular Energy Harvesting through Piezoelectric Polymers with Cellular Interfaces

There is emerging interest in designing systems that are capable of harvesting energy from living tissue. These systems have potential applications in powering medical implants such as microdevices, actuators, and electronically active tissue engineering grafts. Specific attention has focused on the manipulation of system and substrate geometries to control biomimetic tasks using external electric fields1. To make these devices more feasible for in vivo usage without the need for external energy sources or stimuli, the concept of a cardiomyocyte pump has beendemonstrated using only chemical energy input to cells as a driver2. The current work describes advances in materials design and cellular integration to produce a piezoelectric system that is powered by mechanical cell contractions. Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) is a piezoelectric material that will be driven by cardiomyocytes. Nanofibrous PVDF mats are fabricated with an electrospinning process. The chemical and electrical properties of piezoelectric PVDF films are characterized by FT-IR and voltage measurements under controlled deflection, respectively. Mimicking the highly oriented nature of human tissue and muscles may improve control/cell response; achievable with films of anisotropically aligned nanofibers. In addition to affecting the mechanical properties of such films, this macroscopic alignment has been shown to improve cell adhesion, proliferation and alignment. Anisotropic PVDF films are fabricated by modified electrospinning methods. Murine cardiomyocytes were differentiated on these films and the generated electrophysiological response of the cells was measured using a highly sensitive ammeter. This work demonstrates that aligned piezoelectric substrates are suitable for cell-based energy harvesting. These materials are conformal, can be potentially integrated with organ scale systems, and may be scaled to power microelectronic medical implants.1 Feinberg, A. et al., Science 317, 1366-1370 (2007).2 Tanaka, Y. et al., Lab on a chip 7, 207-212 (2007).
The Washington State combined fund drive: a case study

The Washington combined fund drive is a large employee workplace giving programme in the state of Washington, USA. This programme provides individuals with a large choice of charities and payment options. Promotion for the programme is conducted entirely through a volunteer organisation. It has grown steadily, but contributions are now levelling off, so the director of the programme is trying to identify the most effective way to improve it. Copyright © 2002 Henry Stewart Publications
Two- and three-dimensional geometries of batoids in relation to locomotor mode

Batoid fishes possess unique body and pectoral fin morphologies that directly affect swimming performance. Two main swimming modes are distinguished within the order Batoidea: oscillatory (mobuliform) and undulatory (rajiform) locomotion. Morphological differences between rays using these two modes were examined by comparing the two- and three-dimensional geometries of the pectoral fins. Two-dimensional planforms and sectional geometry of the pectoral fins of various batoid species were measured photometrically and using computed tomography (CT) scans, respectively. The two-dimensional data showed that mobuliform rays have high aspect ratio pectoral fins (> 2.60) with a wing-like planform and an anteriorly placed center of mass. Rays that swim in the rajiform mode had a circular or diamond-shaped planform with a low aspect ratio (< 2.60) and center of mass at the position of maximum fin span. From CT scans, undulatory rays exhibited an increased thickness ratio (TR = maximum sectional thickness/fin chord), indicating a body form for reduced drag, whereas oscillatory rays had fin sections with an increased shoulder position (SP = distance from rostrum to maximum thickness/fin chord). Undulatory rays showed greater cambering of their body and pectoral fins compared to the more symmetrical foil shape of oscillatory rays. The distinct morphology of oscillatory and undulatory rays is associated with the locomotory modes and the concomitant restraints of lifestyle and habitat.
Liberal use of computed tomography scanning does not improve diagnostic accuracy in appendicitis

Abstract Background Based on a study at our hospital in 1994, we established a practice guideline for appendicitis patients. The practice guideline was followed well except for an increased number of preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans. Methods Data collected from the previous study of 100 patients were compared with data from consecutive patients, 118 total, seen over a similar time period in the year 2000. Results The percentage of CT scans ordered for the diagnosis of patients who underwent appendectomy markedly increased from 11% in 1994 to 48.3% in 2000. (P Conclusions The use of preoperative abdominal CT scanning has not improved the accuracy of the diagnosis of appendicitis at our institution. It has resulted in a significant increase in Emergency Department preoperative length of stay and the finding of a normal appendix at surgery. As nonsurgeons ordered the majority of preoperative CT scans, earlier input by surgeons might increase the rate of accurate clinical diagnosis and decrease the number of CT scans ordered.
Cardiac outcomes in coronary patients with submaximum dobutamine stress echocardiography

This study evaluated the prediction of cardiac events (cardiac death, myocardial infarction, unstable angina, or late myocardial revascularization) in patients with submaximum responses to dobutamine stress, defined by attainment of <85% age-predicted heart rate. Of 1,772 patients undergoing dobutamine echocardiography over a 2-year period, 425 had a submaximum heart rate response. After exclusion of patients treated with beta-adrenoceptor blocking agents, 255 patients formed the study group. In these patients, the test was terminated after administration of the maximum dose of 40 microg/kg/min of dobutamine with atropine (end of protocol, n = 186), severe angina, ischemic ST-segment changes, or intolerable side effects (n = 69). Dobutamine-induced changes (ischemia, viability, or both) were detected in 46 patients, involving ischemia in 133 segments, viability in 23, and ischemia and viability in 16 segments. Patients were followed for an interval of 28 +/- 17 months; 5 (1.2%) were lost to follow-up. Of the medically treated patients, cardiac events occurred in 73 of 228 (31%), including cardiac death in 25 (11%), nonfatal myocardial infarction in 11 (4.8%), severe unstable angina in 35 (15%), and late revascularization in 2 (0.9%). Cardiac events occurred in 11 of 30 (36%) with inducible abnormalities, and 62 of 198 without inducible abnormalities (31%, p = NS). Thus, cardiac event rates are high in patients with inadequate chronotropic responses to dobutamine stress, irrespective of whether stress-induced changes are detected. A negative dobutamine echocardiogram at submaximum heart rate should be considered nondiagnostic.
Effects of high intravenous doses of dynorphin A(1-13) on tail flick latency and central nervous system histology in rats.

Dynorphin A(1–13) blocks opiate withdrawal in rats without producing dependence, and enhances analgesia in morphine-tolerant animals. Its potential use in humans is therefore of interest. Dynorphin A(1–13) has little toxicity when administered at modest doses IV but has been reported to cause hindlimb paralysis and necrosis of the spinal cord in rats, at the catheter tip, when administered intrathecally. To further evaluate its potential neurotoxicity, we administered dynorphin A(1–13) to rats at very high doses IV. Rats (n = 6–10 per group) received dynorphin A(1–13) as bolus IV doses of 5 mg/kg, or as continuous IV infusions of 40 mg/kg/day for 1 day, with saline controls. The appearance and behavior of all animals was normal. Tail flick latencies remained unchanged (p > 0.5). There were no histologie abnormalities of the spinal cord or brain when examined by light microscopy. Two additional groups received bolus injections of dynorphin A(1–13) 50 or 100 mg/kg IV. Animals receiving 50 mg/kg showed cutaneous flushing, labored respirations, and decreased spontaneous movement, which resolved within 10 min. Histology at 1 week was normal. All six animals receiving 100 mg/kg convulsed and died within minutes. Three animals that received dynorphin A(1–13) 40 mg/kg/day for 7 days had normal behavior and histology. We conclude that the previously observed neurotoxicity of intrathecally administered dynorphin A(1–13) is a local effect that does not occur when dynorphin A(1–13) is administered IV, even at very high doses.
Non-Imaging Concentrators As Absorbers Of Unwanted Radiation

A discussion of curved conical horns used for the purpose of absorbing unwanted optical radiation is given. Several examples are presented, along with performance data from a horn made of pyrex glass and painted with gloss black paint.© (1984) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Temporal, spatial and thermal features of 3-D Rayleigh-Bénard convection by a least-squares finite element method

Numerical solutions of 3-D time-dependent Rayleigh-Benard convection are presented in this work. The temporal, spatial and thermal features of convective patterns are studied for four different geometric aspect ratios, 2:1:2, 4:1:4, 5:1:5 and 3.5:1:2.1 at supercritical Rayleigh numbers Ra = 8 × 103, 2.4 × 104 and Prandtl numbers Pr = 0.71, 2.5. Several physical phenomena, such as multicellular flow pattern, oscillatory transient solution, ‘T-shaped’ rolls at the ends of a rectangular box, and roll alignment, are observed in our simulations. The numerical technique is based on an implicit, fully coupled, and time-accurate method, which consists of the Crank-Nicolson scheme for time integration, Newton's method for the convective terms with extensive linearization steps, and a least-squares finite element method. A matrix-free algorithm of the Jacobi conjugate gradient method is implemented to solve the symmetric, positive definite linear system of equations.
The Study on Motor-Function Evaluation of Upper-Limb Rehabilitation Robot Based on AHP

To solve the problem of real-time, quantification monitor on the restoration of motor function in hemiplegia after stroke, this paper proposed motor-function evaluation content for 5-DOF upper-limb rehabilitation robot based on traditional motor-function evaluation method, and then it constituted judgment matrix and calculated weights by Analytical Hierarchy Process, finally, established a synthetical evaluation model of motor function for upper-limb rehabilitation robot. This paper is the organic combination of operational research, rehabilitation medicine and robotics. Compare with traditional motor-function evaluation method, the new evaluation method is so simply and flexible that it greatly increases the reliability, validity and feasibility of evaluation, which has changed traditional evaluation methods into mathematical process. It is the new orientation in motor-function evaluation.