cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analytical and geometrical representation of localization in granular materials

Attempts to understand the phenomenon of shear banding through mathematical analysis required exclusive use of the fundamental principles of mechanics. The feasibility of capturing localized deformation using analytical and numerical methods has been demonstrated by a number of investigators. However, most of the formulations have been developed to deal with classical continuum mechanics approaches. In order to describe correctly localization phenomena, a continuum model with microstructure or Cosserat continuum have been formulated and implemented. The main purpose of this paper is to describe and simulate the localization geometrically and analytically for both classical and Cosserat media. Similarities and differences of the two approaches will be summarized. The importance of description of kinematics and statics of soil media with microstructure has been investigated. The nonsymmetric Cosserat formulation has been implemented for analytical and geometrical localization analysis.
In-flight stability analyses applied to the Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System scanning thermistor bolometer instruments on the Terra satellite

Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) is an investigation into the role of clouds and radiation in the Earth's climate system. Two CERES scanning thermistor bolometer instruments are aboard the Earth Observing System (EOS) Terra satellite that was launched 18 December 1999. Each CERES instrument has three sensors that measure in distinct broadband radiometric regions: the shortwave channel (0.3 - 5.0 μm), total channel (0.3 - greater than 100 μm), and window channel (8 - 12 μm). Two analyses have been implemented to aid in monitoring the stability of the measurements of the instruments. One analysis is a three-channel inter-comparison of the radiometric measurements for each instrument. This procedure derives an estimate of the shortwave portion of the total channel sensor radiance measurement. The second analysis is a direct comparison of temporally synchronized nadir measurements for each sensor of the two instruments. Use of these analyses indicates that the shortwave region of the measurements is drifting over mission lifetime for both instruments. A discussion of correcting the shortwave drift using ground software is included.
Optimization of solvent strength and selectivity for reversed-phase liquid chromatography using an interactive mixture-design statistical technique

Abstract A general scheme combines the Snyder solvent selectivity-triangle concept with a mixture-design statistical technique to optimize the strength and selectivity of mobile phase solvents for reversed-phase liquid chromatography (LC) separations. In particular, a new method of data analysis called overlapping resolution mapping (ORM) shows advantages over previous chromatographic optimization schemes. The approach can be used to achieve a minimum resolution of all components of a mixture or, alternatively, a single pair or several different pairs of compounds within the mixture. In reversed-phase separations of nine naphthalene compounds substituted with different functional groups, tests with mixtures of methanol—, acetonitrile- and tetrahydrofuran—water that have significant selectivity diff erences revealed that no single organic modifier in water could separate all components. However, when data from seven separation experiments were analyzed with the interactive computer routine, an optimum solvent mixture predicted that subsequently gave complete isocratic separation of all components. While anticipated selectivity changes were found with aqueous mixtures of single organic solvents, aqueous binary or ternary mixtures of these organic solvents exhibited amonalous behavior toward certain solutes. In addition, individual solvent strengths were sometimes different from those predicted by previous studies. Tests on literature LC data set using simulated solvent mixtures with fifteen compounds, some exhibiting peak crossovers with diferent solvent mobile phases, clearly demonstrated the advantages of the mixture-design ORM method over other chromatographic optimization techniques.
Relative role of motion and PSF compensation in whole-body oncologic PET-MR imaging.

Purpose: Respiratory motion and partial-volume effects are the two main sources of image degradation in whole-body PET imaging. Simultaneous PET-MR allows measurement of respiratory motion using MRI while collecting PET events. Improved PET images may be obtained by modeling respiratory motion and point spread function (PSF) within the PET iterative reconstruction process. In this study, the authors assessed the relative impact of PSF modeling and MR-based respiratory motion correction in phantoms and patient studies using a whole-body PET-MR scanner. Methods: An asymmetric exponential PSF model accounting for radially varying and axial detector blurring effects was obtained from point source acquisitions performed in the PET-MR scanner. A dedicated MRI acquisition protocol using single-slice steady state free-precession MR acquisitions interleaved with pencil-beam navigator echoes was developed to track respiratory motion during PET-MR studies. An iterative ordinary Poisson fully 3D OSEM PET reconstruction algorithm modeling all the physical effects of the acquisition (attenuation, scatters, random events, detectors efficiencies, PSF), as well as MR-based nonrigid respiratory deformations of tissues (in both emission and attenuation maps) was developed. Phantom and{sup 18}F-FDG PET-MR patient studies were performed to evaluate the proposed quantitative PET-MR methods. Results: The phantom experiment results showed that PSF modeling significantly improved contrastmore » recovery while limiting noise propagation in the reconstruction process. In patients with soft-tissue static lesions, PSF modeling improved lesion contrast by 19.7%–109%, enhancing the detectability and assessment of small tumor foci. In a patient study with small moving hepatic lesions, the proposed reconstruction technique improved lesion contrast by 54.4%–98.1% and reduced apparent lesion size by 21.8%–34.2%. Improvements were particularly important for the smallest lesion undergoing large motion at the lung-liver interface. Heterogeneous tumor structures delineation was substantially improved. Enhancements offered by PSF modeling were more important when correcting for motion at the same time. Conclusions: The results suggest that the proposed quantitative PET-MR methods can significantly enhance the performance of tumor diagnosis and staging as compared to conventional methods. This approach may enable utilization of the full potential of the scanner in oncologic studies of both the lower abdomen, with moving lesions, as well as other parts of the body unaffected by motion.« less
Uterine and kidney aspartate aminotransferase activity in ethinylestradiol- and norgestrel-treated rats.

Abstract Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity was measured in the kidneys and uteri of mature female rats to determine what effect, if any, treatment with ethinylestradiol(EE), norgestrel (NOR) or a combination of both hormones might have on the relationship of pyridoxal-PO4 to AST activity. Treatment with EE had no effect on the degree of saturation of kidney AST with pyridoxal-PO4, AST activity/mg kidney or total kidney AST activity compared to controls. Kidney weight was, however, significantly elevated (P
Election 2000, the Presidential Debates, and Nader Would Participation have made a Difference?

The impact of the vote for Ralph Nader in the 2000 U.S. presidential election will be debated for years. Nader garnered enough votes to affect the outcome of the election even though he was not able to participate in any of the televised presidential debates. With this article, the author hopes to bring the issue of participation in the presidential debates into any election reform discussion. Who really is permitted to speak in a candidate debate? The Commission on Presidential Debates has enacted a “realistic chance criteria” standard to assist in the decision making process. This article examines the creation of the Commission on Presidential Debates and the fairness of the Commission's criteria. Furthermore, this manuscript discusses whether these criteria may be a violation of the free expression rights of all third parties and their candidates. The effect of debate participation will be discussed and analyzed with respect to the 2000 election.
Deviation in emotion and the labeling of mental illness

This paper proposes that violations of norms regarding emotion are the primary cues leading to the label of mental Illness. The attribution of mental Illness is made when others' efforts to role‐take with an actor fall. Emotional deviations are seen as a cause of such role‐taking failures. Cognitive deviations such as hallucinations and delusions can also undermine role‐taking efforts. It is however, the emotional deviations which provide the most Important cues for the attribution of mental disorder. Inappropriate emotionality leads others to perceive an actor as unpredictable and potentially dangerous. Unpredictability and dangerousness are characteristics prominent in popular conceptions of mental Illness. The results of an exploratory study evaluating the major propositions forwarded in the paper are presented. These results lend modest support to the contention that violations of norms regarding emotions tend to elicit the label of mental Illness.
Acute Stroke Therapy at the Millennium: Consummating the Marriage Between the Laboratory and Bedside: The Feinberg Lecture

Those of us in the stroke field have a big job ahead of us. When I started attending this meeting 20 years ago, most of the papers related to acute stroke therapy were laboratory related. Now, of course, we are in the era of clinical trials. But in designing clinical trials, we cannot forget the lessons that need to be learned from laboratory research. And it’s the job of the stroke neurologist to marry these 2 together, and that’s the main focus of what I’d like to talk about in the next few minutes. I’d like to make 4 key points. First, that stroke therapy is difficult. It’s a complex disease, and nobody said it would be easy. There are not going to be any magic bullets for stroke patients. Second, the most critical but ignored lesson from the laboratory is the importance of time. Third, it’s critical to change the role of neurologists in taking care of stroke patients, particularly because of the importance of time. Finally, I’d like to make a few comments about the direction of future stroke research. The bad news for acute stroke therapy is that as far as translating what we’ve done in the laboratory to clinical reality, stroke has been and always will be difficult to treat. We should expect small advances and many failures, and for every 1 positive clinical trial, we will probably have many negative ones; that’s just the nature of stroke disease. But substantial attenuation of damage is possible. I will try to show how the hopes of the laboratory have often been dashed by the reality of translation to human stroke by using an autobiographical approach. The basic principle that acute stroke is a treatable disease was demonstrated to me when I was a fellow at Massachusetts General …
Bayesian multiresolution algorithm for PET reconstruction

We introduce a spatially non-homogeneous adaptive image model and multiresolution reconstruction algorithm for Bayesian tomographic reconstruction. In contrast to existing approaches, the proposed image model is formulated in a multiresolution wavelet domain and relies on training data to incorporate the expected characteristics of typical reconstructions. The actual tomographic reconstruction is performed in the space domain to simplify enforcement of the positivity constraint. We apply the proposed algorithm to simulated data and to data acquired using the IndyPET dedicated research scanner. Our experimental results indicate that our algorithm can improve reconstruction quality over fixed resolution Bayesian methods.
The principle of least action as a Lagrange variational problem: Stationarity and extremality conditions

Abstract This paper discusses the stationarity and extremality of the (Maupertuis-Euler)-Lagrange action functional from the viewpoint of a problem of Lagrange of the calculus of variations. The first and second (variable endpoint) variations of the associated Lagrange multiplier-containing functional are calculated; the semidefiniteness condition and related concept of kinetic focus are also derived. This treatment complements that of our earlier reference (J. G. Papastavridis, On a Lagrangean action-based kinetic instability theorem of Kelvin and Tait, accepted for publication in Int. J. Engng Sci. ).
Respiratory protection program at a nuclear research facility.

Abstract This paper describes the Lawrence Radiation Laboratory's respiratory protection program which is maintained to provide employees with proper, well-fitted equipment, to service equipment that has been used, to train employees in the proper selection and use of this equipment, and to evaluate and develop new products.
Characteristics of an actively mode-locked 2-psec Ti:sapphire laser operating in the 1-μm wavelength regime

We examine the performance of an actively mode-locked Ti:sapphire laser operating in the 1-μm wavelength regime. Pulse durations of 1.7 psec are produced with an average output power of 400 mW. With the use of external dispersion compensation this pulse width has been further reduced to 850 fsec.
Surface-ocean color and deep-ocean carbon flux: how close a connection?

Abstract Seven years of simultaneous, quasi-continuous data collected by the Nimbus-7 Coastal Zone Color Scanner and by a deep-ocean sediment trap in the Sargasso Sea allow the derivation of empirical relationships between remotely sensed ocean color and the sinking of particulate carbon into the deep sea. In agreement with earlier observations, the results indicate a 1.5-month lag between surface-ocean events observed by the satellite and arrival of a record of those events, carried by sinking particles, at a depth of 3200 m. In addition, the results suggest that the sea-surface area most influential on particle-flux characteristics recorded by the sediment trap in the Sargasso Sea lies to the northeast of the trap's mooring site. The results point towards possible ways of quantifying the role of marine biota in the regulation of atmospheric carbon dioxide through use of satellite observations.
Raman Scattering as a Temperature Frobe for Laser Heating of Si

The frequency of the phonon line in the Raman scattering spectrum recorded during CW laser-beam heating of Si was used as a characteristic of the lattice temperature inside the laser spot. It is shown that Raman scattering is a good temperature probe up to the laser power approaching optical damage of Si.
Facial nerve function after partial superficial parotidectomy: An 11-year review (1987-1997):

Permanent facial nerve dysfunction is a potential complication of every parotid surgery. Partial superficial parotidectomy, a conservative resectioning that requires neither dissection of the full facial nerve nor excision of the superficial lobe, produces lower rates of facial nerve dysfunction and soft tissue deformity than the traditional method. This report describes a single surgeon's experience with partial superficial parotidectomy from 1987 to 1997. Fifty-nine patients with mobile, benign, and low-grade malignant tumors, limited to the superficial lobe, underwent partial superficial parotidectomy with selective nerve dissection. Adequate margins were obtained, based on the premise that the tumor-to-nerve margin is often the true one. No patients had permanent nerve paralysis or paresis, and only 10 incurred transient facial nerve paresis. Age, histology, and sex were not significant factors in postoperative facial nerve function. No patients had recurrences.
The human homologue of Drosophila TRF-proximal protein is associated with an RNA polymerase II-SRB complex

Mammalian RNA polymerase II holoenzymes are large complexes that have been reported to contain, in addition to RNA polymerase II, homologues of several yeast SRBs, various general transcription factors, and other polypeptides. On the basis of its copurification with an SRB-containing RNA polymerase II complex by conventional chromatography procedures, we have identified a human homologue of Drosophila TRF-proximal protein, designated hTRFP, and isolated its cognate cDNA. Antibody specific for SRB7 can immunoprecipitate hTRFP and RNA polymerase II and, reciprocally, antibody specific for hTRFP can immunoprecipitate RNA polymerase II and SRB7. These data indicate that hTRFP is an integral component of an RNA polymerase II-SRB complex. Whereas the precise function of hTRFP remains to be determined, the hTRFP-containing RNA polymerase II-SRB complex supports basal level transcription and, relative to RNA polymerase II alone, enhances transcriptional activation by Gal4-VP16 in the presence of cofactor PC4. Thus, hTRFP may regulate transcription of class II genes through association with the RNA polymerase II-SRB complex.
Further Studies on Unidentified Growth Factor Sources for Broad Breasted Bronze Turkey Poults

Abstract UNIDENTIFIED growth factors for the turkey poult have been reported to be present in fish meal, fish solubles, distillers dried solubles, liver preparations, dried brewer’s yeast, dried skimmed milk, dried whey, whey products, and grass and alfalfa juices (German et al., 1948; Atkinson and Couch, 1951a, b, 1953; Couch et al., 1954; Patrick, 1951a, b; Scott, 1951a, b, 1952; Menge et al., 1952; McGinnis et al., 1952; Atkinson et al., 1953; Halbrook et al., 1953; Combs et al., 1954; Hixson and Rosner, 1954). The carry-over of riboflavin from the hen through the egg to the chick has been reported by Clandinin (1946), and the transmission of vitamin B12 in a similar manner by Halick et al. (1953). The carryover of unidentified growth factors to chicks has been reported by Johnson (1955); Menge et al. (1952); Csonka et al. (1954); Patterson and McGinnis (1954); Patterson and Blaylock (1953); and Waibel et …
Submarine basalts: some K, Rb, Sr, Ba, rare-earth, H2O, and CO2 data bearing on their alteration, modification by plagioclase, and possible source materials

Abstract Typical sea-water alteration of submarine basalts apparently effects little change in their Sr and rare-earth concentrations, in general, and enrichments or depletions of Ba of up to about 50%. The trace element data indicate that plagioclase has had an important effect in modifying composition. A simple model indicates eclogite or garnet peridotite as the most likely source rocks of alkali and submarine basalts.
A canonical form for symmetric functions of three vectors

Abstract Two representations for functions of three vectors ( X 1 , X 2 , X 3 ), ( Y 1 , Y 2 , Y 3 ) and ( Z 1 , Z 2 , Z 3 ) are obtained. The first is invariant under cyclic permutation of the subscripts of X i , Y i , Z i ; the second is invariant under all permutations of the subscripts on X i , Y i , Z i ( i = 1, 2, 3). Then the result is used to determine the energy function W, which are functions of a symmetric tensor of rank two and a vector, for the classes of the Trigonal-pyramidal and the Ditrigonal-pyramidal of the hexagonal crystal.
Limb Salvage for Streptococcal Gangrene of the Extremity

Abstract Background: Extremity soft tissue infections from group A, β-hemolytic streptococcus frequently culminate in amputation. This study compares our protocol for limb salvage with expected results. Methods: Patients with extremity streptococcal gangrene treated from 1989 to 1995 were reviewed. The management protocol mandated immediate, radical excision of involved skin and subcutaneous tissue, with preservation of fascia. Patients were managed in the burn unit, and wounds were covered with split-thickness skin grafts. Amputation rate and mortality were measured. Results: Fourteen cases of extremity streptococcal gangrene were identified. Delay to surgical referral was 5 days. Eleven (79%) patients were septic. Ten (71%) were managed with a single debridement before grafting. Limb salvage was 93% (13 of 14). One patient (7%) died on day 150 from acute myelogenous leukemia. Conclusions: Delay in referral of extremity streptococcal gangrene is common, contributing to a high incidence of sepsis. Our management protocol of a single, radical debridement with preservation of fascia maximizes limb salvage and survival.
Impacts of Reynolds number on nitrification biofilm kinetics

Abstract Nutrient mass flux is often a limiting factor determining the efficiency of a fixed film bio-reactor. The relationship between total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) removal rate and the Reynolds number (Re) in a steady-state nitrification fixed biofilm system was investigated in this study through measurement of the ammonia removal rate in a long plastic tubular reactor and analysis of mass transport across a fixed biofilm. The results indicate that hydraulic condition is an important factor limiting TAN removal rate. For a fixed substrate concentration, TAN removal rate at Re=66 710 was about five times of that at Re=1668. These results suggest that the performance of nitrification biofilters could be significantly improved by increasing the Reynolds number of the flow over the biofilm surface. An empirical relationship was developed to obtain an estimate of the Sherwood number (Sh=0.13 Re0.63 Sc1/3, Sc is Schmidt number) for the Reynolds number ranging from 1668 to 66 710. The thickness of the boundary layer (or water film) can be determined, and simulation can be performed to better understand the hydrodynamics of fixed biofilm nitrification based on the Sherwood number equation.
Genetic Control of Hotspots

With the exception of identical twins, individuals have different genetic makeup, which results from two key processes. During meiosis, maternal and paternal homologous chromosomes assort randomly to form daughter cells (gametes), thus generating different combinations of maternal and paternal chromosomes. Additional variation is generated by recombinations or crossovers, in which parts of homologous chromosomes are exchanged, resulting in a new combination of parental alleles. On pages 835, 836, and 876 of this issue, Parvanov et al. ( 1 ), Baudat et al. ( 2 ), and Myers et al. ( 3 ) report the identification of a mammalian gene—PR domain containing 9 ( PRDM9 )—that controls the extent to which crossovers occur in preferred chromosomal locations, known as “hotspots” (see the figure).
Large format, high resolution image sensors

The performance requirements for scientific-quality CCDs are discussed, focusing on the design of two devices, and the progress toward achieving the desired performance is discussed. These devices are intended for rear-illuminated applications and have 512 x 512 and 2048 x 2048 pixel formats. The thinned 10 to 20 micron thick Si membrane is fully supported by a unique glass ceramic substrate. Quantum efficiencies of greater than 70 percent at 700 nm and greater than 40 percent at wavelengths less than 400 nm have been measured on a test device. Dark currents as low as 6 pA/sq cm also have been measured recently.
Focusing Event Characteristics and Issue Accompaniment: The Case of Domestic Terrorism

This paper explores the impact of domestic terrorism on the public agenda. Specifically, it examines the extent to which the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing required assistance, or "accompaniment," to c...
New Mexico's 2-Year Colleges: A Diverse Enterprise.

This article describes the diversity of 2‐year colleges that dot the map of New Mexico – a conglomeration of institutions that vary immeasurably in size and scope, governance structure, financial support, populations served, and historical development. The following addresses the past, present, and future of the state's community, junior, and technical colleges, including insights into those schools organized under state statutes as well as federally funded campuses for Native Americans. This work is organized to provide information about 20 individual campuses and their respective institutional profiles, including programs and students served. In addition, I provide insights into the hybrid “system for coordination” among 2‐year colleges, particularly the key role for the New Mexico Commission on Higher Education, the New Mexico State Department of Education, and related professional associations and agencies. Overall statewide perspectives are an integral part of the document. The article concludes with...
Gene expression in Drosophila: post-translational modification of aldehyde oxidase and xanthine dehydrogenase.

Maroon-like homozygotes are completely deficient for xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) and aldehyde oxidase (AO), however ma-l is not a structural locus for either enzyme. Quantitative immunoelectrophoresis of ma-l and wild type extracts suggests that the ma-l function must be post-translational. To determine whether the ma-l function involves some direct physical changes in XDH and/or AO the enyzmes were characterized with respect to temperature sensitivity and behavior in gel sieving electrophoresis. Since the XDH and AO from complementary ma-l heterozygotes is more thermolabile and different in shape from wild type XDH and AO, we conclude that ma-l is involved in a post-translational modification of these enzymes.
Tactic-dependent plasticity in ejaculate traits in the swordtail Xiphophorus nigrensis.

In species with alternative reproductive tactics, males that sneak copulations often have larger, higher quality ejaculates relative to males that defend females or nest sites. Ejaculate traits can, however, exhibit substantial phenotypic plasticity depending on a male9s mating role in sperm competition, which may depend on the tactic of his competitor. We tested whether exposure to males of different tactics affected sperm number and quality in the swordtail Xipophorus nigrensis , a species with small males that sneak copulations and large males that court females. Sperm swimming speed was higher when the perceived competitor was small than when the competitor was large. Plasticity, however, was only exhibited by small males. Sperm number and viability were invariant between social environments. Our results suggest sperm quality is role-dependent and that plastic responses to the social environment can differ between male reproductive tactics.
Allocating the Roles for Contracts and Judges in the Closely Held Firm

Participants in a closely-held firm are in a different position than investors in a public entity because of the illiquidity of the investment and the more intimate and multi-faceted relationship among the owners of the enterprise. Yet the law’s approach to business firms is usually dominated by the publicly held firm. In thinking about the different needs of the closely held business, a common response has been to look to contracting among the parties, particularly as to internal governance. This has been a dominant theme in the development of the Limited Liability Company (LLC) in the last two decades. It was also the central focus in close corporation law in the 1950s and 1960s when reformers successfully sought statutory changes to permit greater contracting within close corporations. This article focuses on the period in between, when legislatures and judges recognized the limits of contracting within the closely held firm and permitted a judge to cabin the usual permanence of the corporate form, either via a statute providing for involuntary dissolution for the majority’s oppression or a common law claim based on breach of fiduciary duty. Both developments were based on legislative and judicial recognition of what is described here as the predicament of minority investors in an intimate, illiquid enterprise governed by centralized control, majority-rule and entity permanence after there has been a falling out among the parties. The LLCs of the 21st century turn out to have the same illiquidityfrom the lack of a market and the same permanence from usual entity norms, such that minority investors face a similar predicament with similar limits to contracting that inspired the development of statutes and common law limitations on permanence in the closely held corportion.
Beyond Reviving Ophelia: Groups for Girls 12–14 and Women Who Care About Them

ABSTRACT This article discusses an innovative multigenerational psychoeducational group designed for pre adolescent and adolescent girls and the adult women who care about them. The program is based on a strengths and empowerment approach. The purposes of the group are to foster an alliance between girls and adult women, to increase awareness of the pressures girls experience in contemporary culture and to teach strategies that support girls in developing and maintaining authentic selves. Qualitative data gathered from approximately eighty girls and women who have participated indicate that the program is effective in facilitating communication among girls and women, increasing a sense of mutual support, and helping girls and women to become more critical consumers of mass media.
Caenorhabditis elegans spermatozoa assemble membrane proteins onto the surface at the tips of pseudopodial projections

The crawling movement of nematode sperm, like that of many other crawling metazoan cells, is accompanied by movement of membrane components from the leading edge of the cell rearward. We used colloidal gold conjugates of monoclonal antibodies (CGP-ABY) to membrane proteins on Caenorhabditis elegans sperm to examine this surface movement by electron microscopy. Antibody binding sites on fixed sperm are distributed uniformly over the cell surface. However, blocking these sites on live sperm with unlabelled antibody or removing them with protease and then pulse-labelling the cell with CGP-ABY revealed that new antigen is assembled onto the surface at the tips of the stubby projections that stud the pseudopod surface. These proteins then move rearward rapidly so that the pseudopod surface pool of antigen is replaced within 2 min. The same pattern of surface movement was observed when live cells were labelled with CGP-ABY and then washed with buffer before fixation. Bound CGP-ABY was cleared first from the tips of the projections and subsequently from the entire pseudopod surface. These gold particles accumulated at the base of the pseudopod without moving onto the cell body or being internalized. We did, however, detect a pool of antigen in the pseudopod cytoplasm that may be available for assembly onto the pseudopod surface. We propose that the localized assembly of new membrane and its subsequent rearward movement may play an important role in sperm locomotion.
Aromatase Inhibitors for Breast Cancer in Postmenopausal Women

Third-generation aromatase inhibitors are potent inhibitors of the aromatase enzyme, which catalyzes the last step in estrogen biosynthesis. These agents are active against breast cancer in hormone-naive postmenopausal women and in women who have experienced failure of tamoxifen or failure of tamoxifen plus other hormonal therapy. There are two types of aromatase inhibitors, irreversible steroidal activators (e.g., exemestane) and reversible nonsteroidal imidazole-based inhibitors (e.g., anastrozole, letrozole). Recent data suggest that some women who experience failure of one type of aromatase inhibitor can subsequently derive benefit from the other type. The reason for this lack of cross-resistance is unknown. This finding of non-cross-resistance between steroidal aromatase activators and nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitors offers the opportunity to increase the number of lines of hormone therapy before making the inevitable switch to more toxic chemotherapy, thus potentially improving quality of life for postmenopausal women with advanced disease. Data from postmenopausal women with advanced disease suggest that steroidal and nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitors have similar tolerability profiles; however, emerging data suggest that there may be differences in their effects on end organs, which may become evident with longer term use, such as in the adjuvant or prevention settings. Steroidal agents appear to have beneficial effects on lipid and bone metabolism, whereas nonsteroidal agents may have neutral or unfavorable effects. These differences may be attributed to the androgenic effects of steroidal agents; clinical trials are currently under way to confirm these suspicions.
Optimized MFCC feature extraction on GPU

In this paper, we update our previous research for Mel-Frequency Cepstral Coefficient (MFCC) feature extraction [1] and describe the optimizations required for improving throughput on the Graphics Processing Units (GPU). We not only demonstrate that the feature extraction process is suitable for GPUs and a substantial reduction in computation time can be obtained by performing feature extraction on these platforms, but also discus about the optimized algorithm. Using one GTX580 GPU our approach is shown to be approximately 97x faster than a sequential CPU implementation, enabling feature extraction to be performed at under 0.01% real-time. This is significantly faster than prior reported results implemented on GPUs, DSPs and FPGAs. Furthermore we demonstrate that multiple MFCC features can be generated for a set of predefined Vocal Tract Length Normalization (VTLN) alpha parameters with little degradation in throughput, along with the optimization for filter bank and reductions.
Band 3 modulation and hypotonic-stimulated taurine efflux in skate erythrocytes

Previous studies have shown that exposure of skate erythrocytes to hypotonic medium or isosmotic medium with permeant solutes such as ethylene glycol or ammonium chloride increases cell volume. Initial swelling is followed by a regulatory volume decrease accomplished by efflux of cell solutes, including the beta-amino acid taurine. Taurine efflux, as well as the cell volume recovery, is inhibited by stilbene disulfonates and other anion exchange inhibitors, suggesting involvement of the erythrocyte anion exchanger band 3. In the present study we show that binding of the stilbene dihydro 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (H2DIDS) to intact cells doubles after exposure to one-half hypotonic medium. Binding also increases after exposure of erythrocytes to medium of one-third hypotonic medium and ethylene glycol medium, but DIDS binding is not significantly elevated in ammonium chloride medium. To investigate possible mechanisms for modulation of band 3, cells were labeled with 32PO4 and levels of protein phosphorylation determined. Phosphorylation of three proteins of molecular masses of 99, 65, and 32 kDa increases with hypotonic stress. Because the anion exchanger migrates with molecular mass near 100 kDa, the anion exchanger was immunoprecipitated. Hypotonic stress induces a rapid and persistent increase in the 32PO4 phosphorylation of the exchanger. This modification may be responsible for the increased DIDS binding and could be related to stimulated taurine efflux.
Role of Molecular Regulation in Vascular Calcification

Calcium deposits account for most of the dry weight of atherosclerotic lesions. Previously considered uncommon, vascular calcification is now known to be present in 80% of significant lesions and in at least 90% of patients with coronary artery disease. Previously considered a passive process, it is increasingly recognized as an active, regulated process. Previously considered benign, it is now becoming recognized as a major risk factor for cardiovascular events, and a major contributor to systolic hypertension, heart failure, plaque rupture and stenosis. To confirm the similarity of vascular calcification with embryonic osteogenesis, we demonstrated the expression of bone morphogenetic protein in calcified human lesions, and we developed an in vitro model of vascular calcification that provides a useful experimental system for elucidating the molecular regulation of this process, which we have shown to include alkaline phosphatase induction and expression of bone matrix proteins and differentiation factors. Understanding the regulatory mechanisms of vascular calcification will allow future therapeutic approaches to prevent and possibly reverse this disease and its clinical consequences.
Successful Treatment of Aspergillus Peritonitis Complicating Peritoneal Dialysis

Fungal peritonitis is an uncommon complication of peritoneal dialysis. There have been four reported cases of dialysis-related Aspergillus peritonitis. Only one patient survived and none have continued peritoneal dialysis. This report describes the first case of dialysis-related Aspergillus peritonitis that was able to continue peritoneal dialysis and reviews the previous cases. Dialysis catheter removal and intravenous amphotericin appear to be the most beneficial therapy.
Intensity possibilities for the Loma Linda medical accelerator

Based on questions and concerns over the possible intensity limitations of the Loma Linda medical synchrotron, a detailed study was conducted in order to determine the possible intensity limitations in the synchrotron, as presently configured and what could be done in future machines in order to achieve better intensity performance. The losses in the operating machines were investigated as well as the possible space charge and coherent collective effects limits. It is concluded that, with minor modifications to the low-energy beam transport line and ring, twice the beam could be injected into the synchrotron. It is believed, based upon the space charge and coherent collective effects studies, that this should result in an accelerated/extracted intensity of 7*10/sup 10/ protons. If it were decided to replace the present injection line with an RFQ (radio frequency quadrupole) that was better matched to the synchrotron, the synchrotron should be capable of achieving 1*10/sup 11/ protons per cycle on a 2-s cycle or 3*10/sup 12/ protons/min. >
Sensitivities and Mechanisms of the Zonal Mean Atmospheric Circulation Response to Tropical Warming

Although El Ni~ and global warming are both characterized bywarming in the tropical uppertroposphere, the latitudinal changes of the Hadley cell edge and midlatitude eddy-driven jet are opposite in sign. Using an idealized dry atmospheric model, the zonal mean circulation changes are investigated with respect to different patterns of tropical warming. Generally speaking, an equatorward shift in circulation takes place in the presence of enhanced tropical temperature gradient or narrow tropical warming, similar to the changes associated with El Ni~ events. In contrast, the zonal mean atmospheric circulations expand or shift poleward in response to upper-tropospheric warming or broad tropical warming, resembling the changes under future global warming. The mechanisms underlying these opposite changes in circulation are investigated by comparing the dry dynamical responses to a narrow tropical warming and a broad warming as analogs for El Ni~ and global warming.When runningthe idealized modelina zonally symmetricconfigurationinwhich the eddy feedbackis disabled, both the narrow and broad warmings give rise to an equatorward shift of the subtropical jet. The eddy adjustmentisfurtherexaminedusinglargeensemblesoftransientresponsetoasuddenswitch-onoftheforcing. For both narrow and broad tropical warmings, the jets move equatorward initially. In the subsequent adjustment, the initial equatorward shift is further enhanced and sustained by the low-level baroclinicity under the narrow tropical warming, whereas the initial equatorward shift transitions to a poleward shift associated with altered irreversible mixing of potential vorticity in the upper troposphere in the case of broad warming.
Three-dimensional modelling of filamentary discharge using the SG Scheme coupling at time splitting method

In this paper, we have developed a tri-dimensional numerical modelling of filamentary discharge, which enabled us to study the streamer discharge's propagation at high pressure, in a uniform electrical field. The transport equations and Poisson's equation formed self-consistent model. We use Scharfetter and Gummel schemes SG and SG0 coupling at time splitting method to resolve the transport equations system. The Poisson's equation is resolved by the tri- diagonal method coupled with the over-relaxation method to calculate the electrical field. Streszczenie. W artykule opisano budowe modelu 3-D wyladowania wlokienkowego, ktory posluzyl do badan propagacji wyladowania wstegowego przy wysokim ciśnieniu w jednorodnym polu elektrycznym. Model oparty jest na rownaniach Poisson'a i transportu. W celu rozwiązania rownan transportu, zastosowano metode sprzezenia SG i SG0 Scharfetter'a i Gummela, natomiast do formuly Poisson'a zastosowano metode tridiagonalną, w polączeniu z metodą SOR (ang. Successive Over-Relaxation method). (Trojwymiarowe modelowanie wyladowania wlokienkowego, z wykorzystaniem metody SG sprzezenia przy podziale czasu).
Differential diagnosis of psychiatric comorbidity in substance abusers.

Abstract The differential diagnosis of psychiatric comorbidity in substance abusers is important in order to provide effective pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatments for the comorbid psychiatric disorders. differential diagnosis of an underlying psychiatric disorder depends on the type of drug abuse and the phase of abuse, ranging from acute intoxication to withdrawal. This review derives guidelines for different diagnosis based on multiple examples of interactions between major psychiatric disorders and various abused drugs.
SigH, Antioxidants, and the Pathogenesis of Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Yet despite steady advances, we remain uncertain of the host‐pathogen interactions that determine whether granulomatous foci of lung infection heal or instead progress into active pulmonary tuberculosis. A decade ago, 3 teams of researchers reported that SigH is a major regulator of the response ofMycobacterium tuberculosis to oxidative stress [ 1 ‐ 3 ]. One team reported that their DsigH mutant induced less immunopathology in the lungs of mice than the parent M. tuberculosis strain [ 3 ]. The reduced lung pathology was not due to a difference in bacterial burden, which was comparable in both groups of mice. Instead, it seemed that the absence of sigH allowed the host to respond to lung infection in a manner that was inherently less destructive to lung tissue. In this issue of the Journal, Mehra et al use a nonhuman primate (macaque) model to explore further the role of SigH in the pathogenesis of pulmonary tuberculosis [ 4 ]. Although small animal models commonly used to study tuberculosis have proven invaluable in understanding how granulomas develop, neither mice nor guinea pigs control lung infection in a manner similar to the 90% of M. tuberculosis–infected humans who never develop active pulmonary tuberculosis. Nonhuman primates are more like human hosts in this respect and, thus, the macaque model has the potential to identify host responses that protect against pulmonary tuberculosis. Macaques were infected with the DsigH mutant or the parent M. tuberculosis strain. Compared with recipients of the parent strain, recipients of the DsigH mutant exhibited less fever, had lower levels of the inflammatory marker C-reactiveprotein,andgained,ratherthan lost, weight. They also developed less lung disease, as assessed by chest radiography and histopathology; had a lower bacillary burden in the lungs; and survived, rather
Changing Conceptions of "Message Effects" A 24-Year Overview

Jackson and Jacobs (1983) argued for three changes in the conduct of message effects research: inclusion of multiple message replications as instances Ofa treatment, recognition ofmessage replications as a source of random variation in the estimation of treatment effects, and attention to issues of message sampling. This review updates their argument and examines 24years of research published in Human Communication Researchfor evidenceof attention to these recommendations. The review shows the following: the prevalence of studies failing to replicate has declined, replications are still rarely recognized as random factors, and researchers who use replications appear to do so for purposes of generalizability and control over confounding but without carefuily analyzing the burden of proof associated with those purposes. An explicitfvamework for discussion of treatment effects in communication is proposed as an advance over the original reasoning of Jackson and Jacobs.
Characteristics of sub-100-nm p/sup +//n junctions fabricated by plasma immersion ion implantation

Plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) is an efficient method for fabricating high-quality p/sup +//n diodes with junction depths below 100 nm. SiF/sub 4/ is implanted to create an amorphous Si layer to retard B channeling and diffusion, and then BF/sub 3/ is implanted. Ultrashallow p/sup +//n junctions are formed by annealing at 1060 degrees C for 10 s. With the shallow implants, no extended defects are observed in device or peripheral areas due to rapid outdiffusion of fluorine. Diode electrical characteristics yield forward ideality factor of 1.05-1.06 and leakage current density below 2 nA/cm/sup 2/ in the diode bulk. Minority-carrier lifetime below the junction is greater than 250 mu s. >
Spectral Dierence Solution of Two-dimensional Unsteady Compressible Micropolar Equations on Moving and Deformable Grids

The Micropolar uid theory augments the laws of classical continuum mechanics by incorporating the rotational e ects of uid molecules on the continuum. The theory of Micropolar uids has shown promise for predicting uid behavior at microscale. This paper presents the development of a 2D high-order solver with unstructured spectral difference method for unsteady compressible Micropolar equations on moving and deformable grids. This work is an extension of previous work published by Liang et al and Chen et al. The dynamic grid technique is based on a blended-function technique which is similar to Persson et al, Ou et al and Yu et al.
Stochastic cooling in confined geometries

The implementation of stochastic cooling in a confined geometry is discussed, where the boundary shape is found to be an independent control parameter for arriving at a variety of final spatial and momentum distributions. Results for integrable and nonintegrable geometries are contrasted in terms of both efficiency of cooling and mechanisms for saturation.
The Notebook Computing Experience among University Students

There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that university students are self-reporting experiencing musculoskeletal discomfort with computer use similar to levels reported by adult workers. This study investigated how university students use notebook computers. Forty-eight participants were randomly assigned to one of four conditions. Each condition included participants completing baseline and poststudy a health and comfort survey and ergonomics quiz. Computer usage software was installed on participants' notebook computer and all received participatory ergonomics training and external notebook accessories, e.g. keyboard and mouse. Participants in experimental conditions received an external notebook riser, an ergonomic computer workstation chair or an external desktop display. Each participant was loaned a personal digital assistant (PDA), which contained a 45-question survey. The PDA randomly “beeped” 7 times in a 24-hour day for the participants to complete a survey. The use of the repeated measur...