cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Onset of Instability in Exact Vortex Rings with Swirl

We study the time-dependent behavior of disturbances to inviscid vortex rings with swirl, using two different approaches. One is a linearized stability analysis for short wavelengths, and the other is direct flow simulation by a computational vortex method. We begin with vortex rings which are exact solutions of the Euler equations of inviscid, incompressible fluid flow, axisymmetric, and traveling along the axis; swirl refers to the component of velocity around the axis. Exact vortex rings with swirl can be computed reliably using a variational method. Quantitative predictions can then be made for the maximum growth rates of localized instabilities of small amplitude, using asymptotic analysis as in geometric optics. The predicted growth rates are compared with numerical solutions of the full, time-dependent Euler equations, starting with a small disturbance in an exact ring. These solutions are computed by a Lagrangian method, in which the three-dimensional flow is represented by a collection of vortex elements, moving according to their induced velocity. The computed growth rates are typically found to be about half of the predicted maximum, and the dependence on location and ring parameters qualitatively matches the predictions. The comparison of these two very different methods for estimating the growth of instabilities serves to check the realm of validity of each approach.
Boundary element color interpolation for instrumentation, imaging and internet graphics industries

Abstract Web enabled color smoothing schemes, employed in applications such as VRML , cooperative design tools and online three-dimensional game rendering engines, rely on constant color triangulation. This artifact is unsuitable for high quality medical and microelectronic images. For convex polygonal image-subsets, Wachspress' rational polynomial shape functions provide the best continuous coloring. It is available only via symbolic computer algebra. A numerical finite difference or boundary element code, which can stimulate potentials in anisotropic media, furnishes an efficient alternative. This chromatic anisotropy emerges from projective geometry and perspective transformations between changing images for which the analogous kinematics can best be modeled by boundary elements. Color mixing depends on the RGB , HSB and CMYK representations, moreover there is no unique notion of a ‘linear color distribution’ along the boundary. In monitoring medical images or controlling remote experiments, the algorithm to determine the dynamic anisotropic factor can be codified and then compiled for any web browser, which can launch a boundary element code (e.g. BEASY), to display time series data in color.
Tolerance of Botrytis cinerea to iprodione and vinclozolin

SUMMARY Isolates of Botrytis cinerea Pers. ex Pers. from slow-developing lesions on strawberries from plants treated with iprodione or vinclozolin fungicides were found to grow on potato dextrose agar (PDA) containing 10 000 p.p.m. iprodione or 1000 p.p.m. vinclozolin. At smaller concentrations, the presence of these fungicides sometimes stimulated growth of these tolerant isolates. When isolates of B. cinerea sensitive to iprodione and vinclozolin were placed on PDA containing between 1 and 5 p.p.m. of one of these fungicides, a few of the cultures showed mycelial growth after extended incubation for seven days. These cultures were also able to grow when subcultured on fresh PDA containing 5 p.p.m. of iprodione or vinclozolin.
Compression Ratio Effect on Methane HCCI Combustion

The authors have used the HCT (hydrodynamics, chemistry, and transport) chemical kinetics code to simulate HCCI (homogeneous charge compression ignition) combustion of methane-air mixtures. HCT is applied to explore the ignition timing, burn duration, NO{sub X}production, gross indicated efficiency and gross IMEP of a supercharged engine (3 atm. intake pressure) with 14:1, 16:1 and 18:1 compression ratios at 1200 rpm. HCT has been modified to incorporate the effect of heat transfer and to calculate the temperature that results from mixing the recycled exhaust with the fresh mixture. This study uses a single reaction zone that varies as a function of crank angle. The ignition process is controlled by adjusting the intake equivalence ratio and the residual gas trapping (RGT). RGT is internal exhaust gas recirculation, which recycles both thermal energy and combustion product species. Adjustment of equivalence ratio and RGT is accomplished by varying the timing of the exhaust valve closure in either two-stroke or four-stroke engines. Inlet manifold temperature is held constant at 300 K. Results show that, for each compression ratio, there is a range of operational conditions that show promise of achieving the control necessary to vary power output while keeping indicated efficiency above 50 percent andmore » NO{sub X}levels below 100 ppm. HCT results are also compared with a set of recent experimental data for natural gas.« less
The Sociocultural and Food Security Impacts of Genetic Pollution via Transgenic Crops of Traditional Varieties in Latin American Centers of Peasant Agriculture

The introduction of transgenic crops into centers of diversity or areas dominated by traditional agriculture threatens genetic diversity as well as indigenous knowledge and culture. It is further argued that the impacts go beyond genetic changes in heterogeneous native crop varieties to embrace effects on evolutionary processes such as gene flow between native crops and wild relatives, and erosion of local knowledge systems such as folk taxonomies and selection of varieties that thrive in marginal environments in which resourcepoor farmers live.
Improved treatment of loop diagrams in SU(3) baryon chiral perturbation theory

Abstract Baryon chiral perturbation theory as conventionally applied has a well-known problem with the SU(3) chiral expansion in that loop diagrams generate very large SU(3) breaking corrections and greatly upset the subsequent phenomenology. We argue that the problem comes from the portions of loop integrals corresponding to propagation at such short distances that the effective theory is not valid. One can reformulate the theory equally rigorously by regulating the loop integrals using a momentum-space cutoff which removes the spurious short-distance physics. We show that this reformulation improves the phenomenology for reasonable values of the cutoff.
PAPILLARY CYSTADENOMA OF EPIDIDYMIS: COMPONENT OF VON HIPPEL-LINDAU SYNDROME

A case of epididymal cystadenoma, thought to be a component of the von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, is presented. The syndrome is reviewed, and the importance of long-term urologic follow-up for possible presentation of renal cell carcinoma is discussed.
Direct and indirect effects of predatory wasps (Polistes sp.: Vespidae) on gregarious caterpillars (Hemileuca lucina: Saturniidae)

We examined how predation by vespid wasps,Polistes dominulus andP. fuscatus, affected the behavior, growth rate and survivorship of aggregated caterpillars ofHemileuca lucina (Saturniidae). Although these larvae can exhibit a variety of defense and escape behaviors, in general larvae reacted to wasp attacks by clinging to the hostplant. Neighboring larvae in the aggregation responded by leaving the feeding site and moving to the interior or base of the plant. To determine wheter wasp attack affected the behavior and growth of the caterpillars that escaped, a field experiment was conducted with treatments of: 1) larvae exposed to wasps, 2) larvae protected from wasps, and 3) larvae protected from wasps but with the attack of wasps simulated (=harassment). Over just one instar, protected larvae gained significantly more weight than the harassed larvae, which in turn weighed significantly more than the larvae that escaped the wasps. The behavior of attacked and harassed larvae differed from that of the protected larvae; the disturbed larvae often fed in smaller groups and in shaded portions of the plant where only mature leaves were available. A laboratory experiment showed that at 35° C (daytime temperature) larvae had significantly higher relative growth rates and significantly shorter instar duration than larvae reared at 25° C. Our results suggest that wasps, in addition to killing caterpillars, indirectly affect larval fitness by slowing larval growth, at least in part by forcing larvae into cooler microhabitats where leaves are of lower quality.
Brief paper: Sharpe-ratio pricing and hedging of contingent claims in incomplete markets by convex programming

We analyze the problem of pricing and hedging contingent claims in a financial market described by a multi-period, discrete-time, finite-state scenario tree using an arbitrage-adjusted Sharpe-ratio criterion. We show that the writer's and buyer's pricing problems are formulated as conic convex optimization problems which allow to pass to dual problems over martingale measures and yield tighter pricing intervals compared to the interval induced by the usual no-arbitrage price bounds. An extension allowing proportional transaction costs is also given. Numerical experiments using S&P 500 options are given to demonstrate the practical applicability of the pricing scheme.
Cell Motility Assays on Tissue Culture Dishes via Non-Invasive Confinement and Release of Cells

In vitro cell migration assays are useful for screening bioactive agents that regulate angiogenesis, tumor metastasis, would healing, and immune responses by effecting changes in the rate of cell migration. Here we have developed a noninvasive in vitro migration assay that operates through release of confluent groups of cells initially confined within patterns of cell-resistant polyelectrolyte. Cell-resistant patterns of polyelectrolyte, separating groups of confluent cells, are rendered cell adhesive by adsorption of a second, cell adhesive polyelectrolyte of opposite charge; thereby, resulting in migration of cells into the separating regions. By dynamically controlling cell-surface interactions through self-assembly of cell-adhesive and cell resistant polyelectrolytes, this method eliminates the need to mechanically wound cells, as is done in current cell migration assays. The utility of this technique in identifying molecules and mechanisms that regulate cell migration is demonstrated by its application as an assay for the effects of platelet derived growth factors, cytoskeleton disrupting agents, and Merlin overexpression, on the migration of NIH 3T3 fibroblasts.
PHOSPHORYLASE ACTIVITY IN RAT LIVER AND SKELETAL MUSCLE AFTER CATECHOLAMINES.

Abstract The time course of liver phosphorylase activation after catecholamine administration and the relative abilities of several adrenergic blocking agents to block catecholamine-induced phosphorylase activation in liver and skeletal muscle was studied in intact anesthetized rats. Subcutaneously injected epinephrine and norepinephrine increased the liver phosphorylase activity, the peak effect occurring 10 min after injection. The liver phosphorylase levels were somewhat reduced 30 min after injection. Isoproterenol administration did not increase the level of rat liver phosphorylase. Blood glucose changes after catecholamine treatment did not mirror the changes in liver phosphorylase activity. Complete blockade of the liver phosphorylase response to epinephrine was observed with the α-adrenergic blocking agent ergotamine. Phenoxybenzamine and two β-adrenergic blocking agents, dichloroisoproterenol and nethalide, gave partial blockade. These data indicate the difficulty in the classification of the liver metabolic receptor. The activation by epinephrine of skeletal muscle phosphorylase appears to be affected only by β-adrenergic blocking agents.
Alternative therapies for major aphthous ulcers in AIDS patients.

Alternative treatments for recurrent aphthous ulcers in HIV-infected patients are explored in "Alternative Therapies for Major Aphthous Ulcers and AIDS Patients," by Drs. Michael Glick and Brian C. Muzyka. Two alternate therapies for resistant major recurrent aphthous ulcers in patients with significant immune deficiency are presented.
Crystal growth of antimony sulphur iodide

Abstract Single crystals of SbSI have been grown from SbI3 flux by directional cooling through a temperature gradient. The morphology of the crystals is found to be dependent on the growth parameters: (1) composition of the mixture of Sb2S3 and SbI3 flux; (ii) temperature gradient, and (iii) rate of lowering (or cooling). Single crystals highly oriented parallel to the ferroelectric c-axis can be produced by this method in the form of fine parallel needles, thin parallel plates and larger size plates. Characterization information and a brief description of some applications for the single and polycrystal forms produced are given.
Surface Scatter Phenomena: A Linear, Shift-Invariant Process

Empirical experimental scattering data from conventional optical surfaces is shown to exhibit shift-invariant behavior with respect to incident angle when plotted in direction cosine space. This implies the existence of a surface transfer function that completely characterizes the scattering properties of the surface, and permits the application of linear systems theory and Fourier techniques in modeling the scattering effects of optical surfaces. A theoretical basis for this behavior is illustrated by showing that scalar diffraction phenomena (conical diffraction from gratings) is shift-invariant with respect to incident angle only in direction cosine space, and surface roughness can be considered to be composed of a superposition of sinusoidal phase gratings. The fact that many optical surfaces of interest deviate from this shift-invariant behavior does not invalidate the usefulness of the linear systems formalism. The ideal behavior of a shift-invariant scattering process can still be used for making engineering calculations and retained as the reference from which scattering from real surfaces is compared. This is completely analogous to the universally accepted transfer function characterization of imaging systems in spite of the fact that few real imaging systems are isoplanatic (no field-dependent aberrations).
Local Television: Producing Soft News.

A reliance on prepackaged features and public relations sources, coupled with a desire for upbeat, visually interesting stories, results in a similarity of soft news across programs and stations, despite differing programming strategies.
Three-dimensional asymptotic stress field at the front of an unsymmetric bimaterial wedge associated with matrix cracking or fiber break

Abstract A combined approach for prediction of the singular stress fields at the interfacial fronts of fiber breaks and matrix cracks is presented. A recently developed eigenfunction expansion method is employed for obtaining three-dimensional asymptotic displacement and stress fields in the vicinity of a point located at the front of a bimaterial wedge of general (unsymmetric) geometrical configuration (with respect to bimaterial interface), and subjected to extension/bending (mode I) and in-plane shear/twisting (mode II) far field loading and free–free wedge-side boundary condition. Each material is isotropic and elastic, but with different material properties. The material 2 (fiber in the case of matrix cracking or matrix in the case of fiber break) is always taken to be a half-space, while the wedge aperture angle of the material 1 is varied to represent varying matrix cracking or fiber break incidence angles at the interfaces. Numerical results pertaining to the variation of the lowest eigenvalues (or stress singularities) for various wedge aperture angles of the material 1, subjected to the afore-mentioned wedge-side boundary condition, are also presented. Variation of the same with the shear moduli ratio of the component material phases is also an important part of the present investigation. The conclusion drawn from the present asymptotic analysis of the matrix cracking problem is in agreement with that of an earlier investigation based on the energy based criterion. Similar conclusion drawn from the present asymptotic analysis of fiber break problem is in agreement with that of an energy based criterion derived here in analogy to the corresponding matrix crack problem by another investigator.
Essential operating principles for tumor spheroid growth

Our objective was to discover in silico axioms that are plausible representations of the operating principles realized during characteristic growth of EMT6/Ro mouse mammary tumor spheroids in culture. To reach that objective we engineered and iteratively falsified an agent-based analogue of EMT6 spheroid growth. EMT6 spheroids display consistent and predictable growth characteristics, implying that individual cell behaviors are tightly controlled and regulated. An approach to understanding how individual cell behaviors contribute to system behaviors is to discover a set of principles that enable abstract agents to exhibit closely analogous behaviors using only information available in an agent's immediate environment. We listed key attributes of EMT6 spheroid growth, which became our behavioral targets. Included were the development of a necrotic core surrounded by quiescent and proliferating cells, and growth data at two distinct levels of nutrient. We then created an analogue made up of quasi-autonomous software agents and an abstract environment in which they could operate. The system was designed so that upon execution it could mimic EMT6 cells forming spheroids in culture. Each agent used an identical set of axiomatic operating principles. In sequence, we used the list of targeted attributes to falsify and revise these axioms, until the analogue exhibited behaviors and attributes that were within prespecified ranges of those targeted, thereby achieving a level of validation. The finalized analogue required nine axioms. We posit that the validated analogue's operating principles are reasonable representations of those utilized by EMT6/Ro cells during tumor spheroid development.
Reduced extracellular matrix in mammalian sclera with induced myopia

The purpose of this study was to learn whether visual form deprivation, which produces myopia in the deprived eye, alters the scleral extracellular matrix in tree shrew, a mammal closely related to primates. Axial myopia was induced in 10 tree shrews by monocular deprivation imposed with a translucent diffuser. The other eye in each animal was an untreated control. After 21 days of deprivation the refractive state and axial component dimensions were measured and the eyes were assayed for levels of DNA, hydroxyproline, and sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGS) in samples of the sclera and the cornea. In comparison to the open control eye, the deprived eyes became myopic and elongated. In the sclera, DNA levels were not significantly changed from the control eye. Sulfated GAG levels were significantly lower in the deprived eyes, as compared to the control eyes, at the posterior pole ( −15.6%), at the nasal equatorial region (−18.1%), and in the rest of the sclera (−11.6%). The hydroxyproline level was significantly lower only at the posterior pole (−11.8%). Levels of sulfated GAGS were significantly reduced relative to DNA and relative to hydroxyproline in the total sclera. No significant changes were found in the cornea. The lower level of sulfated GAGs throughout the sclera of the deprived eyes, as compared with the control eyes, suggests that the deprived sclera contained less proteoglycan, or that the proteoglycans were less glycosylated or less sulfated. In contrast, the regional reduction of hydroxyproline suggests that collagen accumulation was specifically reduced only at the posterior pole of deprived eyes. These results suggest that form deprivation slows or reverses the normal process of extracellular matrix accumulation in the sclera of this mammal. This may allow the sclera to be more distensible, permitting the vitreous chamber elongation and resultant myopia.
How do technology-enhanced inquiry science units impact classroom learning?

We investigated how student understanding of complex science topics was impacted when 27 teachers switched from typical to inquiry instruction in a delayed cohort comparison design study. For the same set of science topics, the teachers used typical methods of instruction in the first year and online, visualization rich inquiry units in the second year. Both cohorts of students were tested on knowledge integration at the end of both school years. We obtained students' knowledge integration estimates by applying an Item Response Theory analysis based on a Rasch Partial Credit Model. We used a mixed effects analysis of variance to investigate effects related to inquiry instruction, teaching context, and science course. We found significant main effects of inquiry instruction and teaching context as well as significant interaction effects between inquiry instruction and science course and between inquiry instruction and teaching context on student knowledge integration. We triangulate these findings with teacher surveys, interview transcripts and project records to explore potential factors associated with successful implementation of inquiry instruction. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 47: 71–90, 2010
Modeling and solving continuous-time instantaneous dynamic user equilibria: A differential complementarity systems approach

Abstract This paper is the second of a two-part research wherein we undertake a mathematically rigorous investigation of the continuous-time dynamic user equilibrium (DUE) problem using the recently introduced mathematical paradigm of differential complementarity systems (DCSs). Based on the thorough study of continuous-time single-destination point-queue models in the previous part, we first extend this special case to multiple destinations respecting the First-In–First-Out property of travel flows. A DCS with constant time delay is then introduced to formulate the continuous-time model of instantaneous dynamic traffic equilibria (IDUE) with a fixed demand profile. We develop a time decomposition scheme based on link free flow travel times to convert the delay DCS to a series of DCSs without time delays that are solved by a numerical time-stepping method. We provide rigorous numerical treatment of the time-decomposed IDUE model, including solvability of the discrete-time complementarity problems and convergence of the numerical trajectories to a continuous-time solution. We present numerical results to validate the IDUE on a small network and also on the Sioux Falls network.
Partitioning of Ni between olivine and silicate melt: The ‘Henry's Law problem’ reexamined

Abstract The partitioning of Ni between olivine and silicate melt has been investigated experimentally at atmospheric pressure in air. Beta track autoradiography using 63Ni and direct microprobe analysis of polished run products were employed. At constant temperature and bulk composition, the olivine liquid partition coefficient for Ni in the system Di70Fo25Qtz5 remains independent of concentration from approximately 10 ppm to 40,000 ppm Ni in olivine. Similar experiments by Mysen (1979) in the system Jd80Fo20 utilizing beta track autoradiography alone indicated that Henry's Law was followed only in the concentration interval of approx. 10–1000 ppm Ni in olivine. Above 1000 ppm, olivine/liquid partition coefficients decreased monotonically to about half of the value observed below 1000 ppm. We have performed experiments in the system Jd80Fo20, but are unable to replicate Mysen's results. While in agreement with Mysen below 1000 ppm Ni in olivine, we do not observe the decrease in partition coefficient value at higher concentrations. We conclude from our reversed experiments that, at constant temperature and bulk composition, the olivine liquid partition coefficient for Ni in the system Jd80Fo20 remains independent of concentration from approx. 10–60,000 ppm Ni in olivine. Attempts to resolve these differing conclusions by changing experimental techniques have been unsuccessful.
Effect of sensor configuration on magnetic Barkhausen observations

A number of characteristics of the magnetic Barkhausen signal, including power density, autocorrelation, jumpsum density, and noise emission rates, are obtained with different sensor types on low-carbon sheet steels and compared. The steel samples used in this study produced single, narrow Barkhausen peaks and the shapes of the rms voltage and jumpsum curves were found to be nearly independent of the sensor type.
Search for a scientific basis for continuous suture closure: A 30-yr odyssey☆

Continuous percutaneous and dermal suture closures have an important role in the approximation of long, linear lacerations in the emergency department. This report documents the scientific basis for these continuous closure techniques. In addition, a detailed description of these surgical closure techniques is presented.
Refractory-metal stabilized amorphous stainless steel: Part 2 Effect of heavy ion irradiation on the crystallization behaviour

Concurrent heavy ion irradiation during annealing lowered the normal crystallization temperature and altered the type of crystallization reaction in an amorphous 304 stainless steel containing 14 at% tungsten. The crystallization temperature was lower by approximately 150 K during irradation and only a fine grained χ phase was formed during irradiation compared to the dual structure of b c c + χ phase formed in the absence of irradiation. The decrease in the crystallization temperature was attributed to radiation enhanced diffusion and the preferential formation of the χ phase was attributed to localized rearrangement of the amorphous structure due to displacement spikes.
Race, Fear, and Firearms: The Roles of Demographics and Guilt Assuagement in the Creation of a Political Partition

The current political debate over guns and gun control is a relatively recent phenomenon going back only 40 to 50 years. To many observers today, the partisan lines drawn on this issue seem perfectly logical and inevitable: just another front on the ideological battlefield between liberals and conservatives. However, few observers seem to critically examine the origins of this particular battlefront and the way these lines were drawn. How and why did those on the political-left become crusaders for “sensible” gun control laws while those on the political right became defenders of the Second Amendment? Our research suggests a combination of factors, including demographic shifts and the historical linking of racial and ethnic minority groups with violent criminal behavior ultimately led to this political division.
Fundamentals of the analytic network process — multiple networks with benefits, costs, opportunities and risks

The general theory of the ANP enables one to deal with the benefits, opportunities, costs, and risks (the BOCR merits) of a decision, by introducing the notion of negative priorities for C and R along with the rating (not comparison) of the top priority alternative synthesized for each of the four merits in terms of strategic criteria to enable one to combine the four B, O, C, and R values of each alternative into a single outcome. Strategic criteria are very basic criteria individuals and groups use to assess whether they should make any of the many decisions they face in their daily operations. They do not depend on any particular decision for their priorities but are assessed in terms of the goals and values of the individual or organization. Synthesis is made with two formulas, one multiplicative and one additive subtractive that can give rise to negative overall priorities. This paper summarizes and illustrates basic complex decisions involving several control criteria under each of the BOCR merits.
Rating scales in research: The case of negative symptoms

Two measures of negative schizophrenic symptoms, the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms and the withdrawal-retardation subscale of the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, are found to be redundant when used together. Studies incorporating redundant measures have numerous disadvantages. Using multiple scales increases the cost and effort for the investigator, places a greater burden on research subjects, and compromises the interpretability of findings by increasing the probability of both Type I and Type II errors. A strategy for evaluating the use of multiple rating scales is suggested, and the theoretical basis of this strategy is discussed.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for radiation-induced cystitis and proctitis.

Purpose To provide a retrospective analysis of the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for treating hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) and proctitis secondary to pelvic- and prostate-only radiotherapy. Methods and Materials Nineteen patients were treated with HBOT for radiation-induced HC and proctitis. The median age at treatment was 66 years (range, 15–84 years). The range of external-beam radiation delivered was 50.0–75.6 Gy. Bleeding must have been refractory to other therapies. Patients received 100% oxygen at 2.0 atmospheres absolute pressure for 90–120 min per treatment in a monoplace chamber. Symptoms were retrospectively scored according to the Late Effects of Normal Tissues—Subjective, Objective, Management, Analytic (LENT-SOMA) scale to evaluate short-term efficacy. Recurrence of hematuria/hematochezia was used to assess long-term efficacy. Results Four of the 19 patients were lost to follow-up. Fifteen patients were evaluated and received a mean of 29.8 dives: 11 developed HC and 4 proctitis. All patients experienced a reduction in their LENT-SOMA score. After completion of HBOT, the mean LENT-SOMA score was reduced from 0.78 to 0.20 in patients with HC and from 0.66 to 0.26 in patients with proctitis. Median follow-up was 39 months (range, 7–70 months). No cases of hematuria were refractory to HBOT. Complete resolution of hematuria was seen in 81% ( n = 9) and partial response in 18% ( n = 2). Recurrence of hematuria occurred in 36% ( n = 4) after a median of 10 months. Complete resolution of hematochezia was seen in 50% ( n = 2), partial response in 25% ( n = 1), and refractory bleeding in 25% ( n = 1). Conclusions Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is appropriate for radiation-induced HC once less time-consuming therapies have failed to resolve the bleeding. In these conditions, HBOT is efficacious in the short and long term, with minimal side effects.
Variable-angle internal-reflection Raman spectroscopy for depth-resolved vibrational characterization of polymer thin films

We have developed a general technique that is capable of providing molecular signatures as a function of depth in a multilayer thin film. Variable-angle internal-reflection Raman spectroscopy has been used to locate buried interfaces with nanometer-scale precision and to determine refractive indices to within $\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.0001$. We have demonstrated this method in several applications, including the detection of toluene diffusion across a polystyrene/poly(methyl methacrylate) interface.
Preventive techniques as an adjunct to operative dentistry

Abstract It is apparent that, although the goal of preventing dental decay is far from realization, means of reducing decay are available. Water fluoridation, topical application of fluorides, carbohydrate reduction, urea and stannous fluoride-containing dentifrices, tooth brushing directly after meals, correction of local factors which enhance food retention, and prophylactic odontotomy all possess some value in decreasing the incidence of new caries. Thanks to continued research, our armamentarium is growing.
Evaluating Programs That Save Lives: Discussion

accuracy of estimates of the benefits of public programs that reduce human health risks. This research also produces behavioral information that is more likely to be relevant to policy makers than benefit estimates alone. For example, the Evans and Viscusi paper discusses how the impact of health risk on utility varies with the severity of the health symptoms involved. They find the effect of minor injuries on utility is similar to a drop in income, whereas more serious health problems reduce the utility of income in the unhealthy state. Psychologists have often pointed out that the severity or dread associated with a health risk is important to people's risk acceptance (Slovic). Evans and Viscusi offer an economic interpretation of how changes in the severity of a health risk could be expected to affect risk acceptance. The Evans and Viscusi paper also illustrates the importance to risk valuation of the baseline level of risk. Because the marginal utility of income declines with more severe risks, higher levels of initial risk will produce higher marginal valuations of risk reduction. This gives an economic explanation for the results reported in the Horowitz and Carson paper that people's preferences for risk reduction are affected by the total number of deaths attributed to a particular hazard. It also provides a partial economic rationale for the commonly made argument that government should focus resources on reducing the largest risks, such as smoking and drunk driving, assuming, of course, that the costs of risk reduction are similar across different sources of hazard. Evans and Viscusi also point out that the direction of risk change matters. The state-dependent utility model predicts that people require
A Role for Separase in the Regulation of RAB-11-Positive Vesicles at the Cleavage Furrow and Midbody

Cell division requires coordinated regulation of chromosome segregation and cytokinesis. Although much is known about the function of the protease separase in promoting sister chromosome separation, the role of separase during cytokinesis is unclear. We show that separase localizes to the ingressing furrow and midbody during cytokinesis in the C. elegans embryo. Loss of separase function during the early mitotic divisions causes cytokinesis failure that is not due to eggshell defects or chromosome nondisjunction. Moreover, depletion of separase causes the accumulation of RAB-11-positive vesicles at the cleavage furrow and midbody that is not a consequence of chromosome nondisjunction, but is mimicked by depletion of vesicle fusion machinery. Collectively, these data indicate that separase is required for cytokinesis by regulating the incorporation of RAB-11-positive vesicles into the plasma membrane at the cleavage furrow and midbody.
Combination chemotherapy (CYVADIC) in metastatic soft tissue sarcomas

Abstract Forty-one patients with metastatic sarcoma were treated with Adriamycin, 50 mg/m2 i.v. on day 1, Cyclophosphamide, 500 mg/m2 i.v. on day 1, Vincristine, 1 mg/m2 i.v. on days 1 and 5, and Dacarbazine (DTIC), 250 mg/m2 i.v. on days 1–5 (CYVADIC). Three patients had a complete regression, while 8 patients had a partial regression of greater than 50%. The combined response rate was 27%. Eight additional patients showed stabilization of disease for an average of 5 months while 22 patients progressed on CYVADIC. Ultimately, 7 patients with initial tumor regression had progression of their disease. Four patients with partial regression had excision of the regressed nodules of tumor and continued on chemotherapy for a year. They remain alive at a median follow-up of 24.5 months, suggesting that removal of partially regressed nodules may improve results.
Use of harmonized equations to estimate above-ground woody biomass for two hybrid poplar clones in the Pacific Northwest

Abstract Equations were developed to estimate components of above-ground woody biomass, as a function of diameter, height, spacing and age for two hybrid poplar clones in western Washington. Independent and harmonized fitting techniques are compared. With the small sample sizes that are unavoidable in such experiments, harmonized equations provided more useful and consistent estimates of biomass increment than did independent equations by age and spacing. They were also better suited to interpolation and extrapolation of long-term trends of biomass increment than those based on the independent fits.
Phase separation for a dense fluid mixture of nuclei

It is shown by Monte Carlo calculations that fluid mixtures of classical point ions in an uniform electron-gas background separate into two phases primarily from potential-energy considerations. For protons and ..cap alpha.. particles the critical temperature over an enormous pressure range is found to be near 1 eV, and only at extremely high pressures (approx.10/sup 8/ Mbar) does the mixture become stable. Phase separation at lower pressures, as in the interior of Jupiter (approx.40 Mbar, 1 eV), is shown to be unlikely on the basis of more realistic models which modify, however crudely, the uniform electron approximation.
Lidoflazine does not improve neurologic outcome when administered after complete cerebral ischemia in primates.

In order to investigate the effects of the calcium entry blocker lidoflazine on neurologic outcome in primates following an episode of global brain ischemia. 12 pigtail monkeys (Macaca nemestrina) were subjected to 17 min of complete cerebral ischemia, followed by 48 h of intensive care treatment and daily neurologic evaluations for 96 h. The monkeys were randomly assigned to receive, in a blind fashion, either lidoflazine 1.0 mg/kg (n = 6) or inactive lidoflazine solvent (n = 6) at 5 min, 8 h, and 16 h postischemia. One monkey in the lidoflazine group did not meet preestablished protocol criteria and was excluded from data analysis. The remaining monkeys were well matched for age, sex, and other physiologic variables. Neurologic outcome was not significantly different between the lidoflazine- and placebo-treated groups (p > 0.5). No monkey in either group achieved a normal neurologic exam by 96 h postischemia. Three lidoflazine-treated monkeys and two placebo-treated monkeys died prior to the 96-h neurol...
[18F]DPA-714, [18F]PBR111 and [18F]FEDAA1106—Selective radioligands for imaging TSPO 18 kDa with PET: Automated radiosynthesis on a TRACERLAb FX-FN synthesizer and quality controls

Imaging of TSPO 18 kDa with PET is more and more considered as a relevant biomarker of inflammation in numerous diseases. Development of new radiotracers for TSPO 18 kDa has seen acceleration in the last years and the challenge today is to make available large amounts of such a radiotracer in compliance with GMP standards for application in humans. We present in this technical note automated productions of [(18)F]DPA-714, [(18)F]PBR111 and [(18)F]FEDAA1106, three promising radiotracers for TSPO 18 kDa imaging, using a TRACERlab FX-FN synthesizer. This note also includes the quality control data of the validation batches for the manufacturing qualification of clinical production of [(18)F]DPA-714.
Analysis of storage policies for miniload AS/RS

Abstract Miniload automated storage and retrieval systems can be configured with multiple pickup and delivery positions to provide both storage and material handling functions for assembly of small items. The performance of zoned storage and closest to next location storage for such a system is investigated using a simulation model. Closest to next location storage is found to be sensitive to the level of work in process in the system. At high WIP levels, this rule does not match the performance of a simple zone rule.
Microwave Backscatter and Extinction by Soft Ice Spheres and Complex Snow Aggregates

Abstract Coupled-dipole approximation (CDA) calculations of microwave extinction and radar backscatter are presented for nonhomogeneous (soft) ice spheres and for quasi-realistic aggregates of elementary ice crystal forms, including both simple needles and real dendrites. Frequencies considered include selections from the Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR; 13.4 and 35.6 GHz) and the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Microwave Imager (GMI; 18.7, 36.5, and 89.0 GHz), both slated for orbit on the GPM mission. The computational method is first validated against Mie theory using dipole structures representing solid ice spheres as well as stochastically generated “soft” ice spheres of variable ice–air ratio. Neither the traditional Bruggeman nor Maxwell Garnett dielectric mixing formula is found to correctly predict the full range of CDA results for soft spheres. However, an excellent fit is found using the generalized mixing rule of Sihvola with ν = 0.85. The suitability of the soft-sphere approxima...
The Role of the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in the Comprehensive Management of Pediatric Oncology Patients in the Inpatient Setting

The role of the pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP) in the comprehensive management of pediatric oncology patients in the inpatient setting was examined at a large tertiary teaching hospital. This article shows role responsibilities including new diagnosis teaching, procedures, routine chemotherapy, patients' comprehensive medical management, coordination of nursing care across settings, phone triage, and professional development. A PNP's typical day is highlighted to illustrate the innovative merging of traditional ambulatory care roles with that of the PNP as a comprehensive manager of pediatric oncology patients in the inpatient setting. This role provides a more seamless care experience and provides critical links in the delivery of health care to pediatric oncology patients.
Auxiliary turnover in 13 dental offices.

The high turnover of auxiliaries is a widely accepted problem, although few data support this assertion. This study provides some information on the frequency, reasons for, and effects of auxiliary turnover.
Mindfulness and Marital Satisfaction

This study investigated the relationships among mindfulness, marital satisfaction, and perceived spousal similarity. All 95 subjects responded to a questionnaire measuring each of these variables, and an additional series of demographic variables. A significant positive relationship was found between mindfulness and marital satisfaction, with no statistically significant relationship found between perceived spousal similarity and marital satisfaction. There was a stronger correlation between mindfulness and marital satisfaction than the correlation between marital satisfaction and any of the other variables, including similarity. These results carry meaningful implications for the role of mindfulness techniques within the context of building and maintaining happy marital relationships and general well-being.
Deformation of Hyperstoichiometric UO2 Single Crystals

Hyperstoichiometric UO2 single crystals having O/M ratios from 2.06 to 2.10 were deformed in compression. The active slip plane for deformation, as evaluated from slip traces, has an orientation between (112) and (111). The critical resolved shear stresses for hyperstoichiometric specimens are approximately the same as those for stoichiometric specimens; the dislocation structures, as revealed by transmission electron microscopy, however, are very different and suggest more rapid motion and/or climb of dislocations in the hyperstoichiometric samples. The response to strain rate changes during deformation also reflects the difference in deformation behavior of hyperstoichiometric and stoichiometric crystals.
GaAs Schottky barrier diodes for THz applications

The authors review the basic operation of Schottky mixer elements, and consider the factors that limit the high-frequency performance of these devices. The design process used to achieve the best heterodyne receiver performance is discussed. Recent results with ultra-small Schottky anodes are presented, and conclusions are drawn about the future of Schottky diodes at terahertz frequencies. >
The significance of local resident pulmonary alveolar macrophage proliferation to population renewal

The local proliferative capacity of resident pulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAM) was determined in normal CD-1 (ICR) mice and mice made severely monocytopenic with strontium-89 (89Sr). Intravenous injection of 2 muCi/gm BW 89Sr rendered mice monocytopenic for a 1-month period. During this time, in addition to there being no change in the size of the PAM population, flash 3HTdR labeling studies showed that at any one instant about 8.8 X 10(3) of PAM in 88Sr-treated controls and 9.2 X 10(3) PAM in 89Sr-treated mice were in S phase of the cell cycle. Metaphase arrest experiments using vincristine showed that in 88Sr-treated mice PAM entered M phase at a rate (rM) of 0.51%/hr with a duration of M (Tm) of 0.37 hr, whereas rM = 0.23%/hr with Tm = 0.14 hr for PAM in 89Sr-treated mice. These data suggest PAM population half-times of 131 hr in the presence of monocytes and 301 hr in the absence of monocytes. The data show that PAM proliferate locally; moreover, for intervals longer than the estimated half-time, PAM population size was unchanged. By following the accumulation of pulse 3HTdR-labeled mitotic figures it was found that in both 88Sr- and 89Sr-treated mice G2 = 3 hr and Ts = 11 hr. From these data a model of PAM population growth was used to show that PAM renewal may be accounted for by local proliferation alone. Taken together the data show that resident PAM populations may be sustained by local division of cells and that the influx of peripheral blood monocytes was not needed to sustain PAM.
Enhanced Arrestin Facilitates Recovery and Protects Rods Lacking Rhodopsin Phosphorylation

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest family of signaling proteins expressed in every cell in the body and are targeted by the majority of clinically used drugs [1]. GPCR signaling, including rhodopsin-driven phototransduction, is terminated by receptor phosphorylation followed by arrestin binding [2]. Genetic defects in receptor phosphorylation and excessive signaling by overactive GPCR mutants result in a wide variety of diseases, from retinal degeneration to cancer [3-6]. Here, we tested whether arrestin1 mutants with enhanced ability to bind active unphosphorylated rhodopsin [7-10] can suppress uncontrolled signaling, bypassing receptor phosphorylation by rhodopsin kinase (RK) and replacing this two-step mechanism with a single-step deactivation in rod photoreceptors. We show that in this precisely timed signaling system with single-photon sensitivity [11], an enhanced arrestin1 mutant partially compensates for defects in rhodopsin phosphorylation, promoting photoreceptor survival, improving functional performance, and facilitating photoresponse recovery. These proof-of-principle experiments demonstrate the feasibility of functional compensation in vivo for the first time, which is a promising approach for correcting genetic defects associated with gain-of-function mutations. Successful modification of protein-protein interactions by appropriate mutations paves the way to targeted redesign of signaling pathways to achieve desired functional outcomes.
Counting calories in Drosophila diet restriction

The extension of life span by diet restriction in Drosophila has been argued to occur without limiting calories. Here we directly measure the calories assimilated by flies when maintained on full- and restricted-diets. We find that caloric intake is reduced on all diets that extend life span. Flies on low-yeast diet are long-lived and consume about half the calories of flies on high-yeast diets, regardless of the energetic content of the diet itself. Since caloric intake correlates with yeast concentration and thus with the intake of every metabolite in this dietary component, it is premature to conclude for Drosophila that calories do not explain extension of life span.
Evaluation of a class of integrals occurring in mode matching solutions for electrical and electromagnetic modelling

Summary. Many integrals that go to make up the matrix for mode matching solutions of electrical or electromagnetic problems may be evaluated in closed form. Examples where this is possible include the electrical problems of finding the potential about a point electrode that is in a layered ground that includes either a spherical or cylindrical conductor. The results given here greatly reduce the amount of computation that is required for the calculations proposed by Lee. The integrals that arise analogous to the electromagnetic scattering of a cylinder in a half space may also be evaluated. For the case of a spherical scatter it is only possible to evaluate the integrals for the case where the source is a large coaxial loop.