cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Club Drug Use, Sexual Behavior, and HIV Seroconversion : A Qualitative Study of Motivations

This qualitative study funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse examines phenomenological meanings surrounding motivations for club drug use in a sample of HIV seroconverted and seronegative gay and bisexual men. Grounded in the cognitive escape model (CEM), this study sought to clarify the synergistic relationship between club drug use, risky sexual behavior, and seroconversion. Sixteen seropositive participants were drawn from a large-scale (n = 450), longitudinal, mixed-method investigation of club drug use among gay and bisexual men in New York City from 2001-2004 and matched with 16 seronegative participants for race/ethnicity, most-frequently used substance, and educational level. Total sample size consisted of 32 participants. Sample size consisted of 13 (41%) Black/African-American, 12 (37.5%) White/Caucasian, 5 (15.5%) Hispanic/Latino, and 2 (6%) mixed/other race/ethnicity participants. Findings suggest behavioral outcomes of club drug use and HIV seroconversion result from complex interactions between physical, emotional, and social motivations.
DNA sequence of the peromyscus leucopus MHC class II gene Aa (MhcPeleAa).

The genus Peromyscus has been extensively studied by populations biologists and ecologists for over eighty years, with P. leucopus (the white-footed mouse) being one of the most intensively investigated species. Polymorphic major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes have proven useful in population genetic studies and might be helpful in understanding the population dynamics of Peromyscus species which are ubiquitously distributed over North and Central America. Polymorphism of P. leucopus MHC (MhcPele) class II genes was evident by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analyses using human and mouse probes and Pele class II loci exhibited degrees of polymorphism similar to H2 class II genes (A-like>E-like). 8 refs., 2 figs.
Exercise-induced coronary spasm with S-T segment depression and normal coronary arteriography

The unique association of both exercise-induced coronary arterial spasm and S-T segment depression with normal findings on selective coronary arteriography is described. The patient had a prior history of typical effort angina that had recently progressed to angina at rest. Despite the change in anginal pattern, the electrocardiogram disclosed S-T segment depression that was consistent with subendocardial ischemia, during both exercise testing and spontaneous chest pain. Exercise thallium-201 scintigraphy demonstrated the presence of large perfusion defects of the anterior and septal walls of the left ventricle. Coronary arteriographic findings, in the absence of symptoms, were entirely normal. Severe localized, reversible coronary spasm of the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery was subsequently demonstrated during spontaneous angina, isometric arm exercise and after the administration of ergonovine maleate. After treatment with isosorbide dinitrate and nifedipine, the patient had no further chest pain or electrocardiographic changes, and a repeated thallium-201 stress test revealed normal findings and greatly improved exercise tolerance.
High velocity wear: Experiments and modeling

Mechanical wear at high sliding speeds is an important consideration in designing more efficient and effective electromagnetic launcher components. Understanding the influence of sliding velocity, contact pressure, and material properties on wear rates is important in developing predictive models for design. A novel inertia loaded wedge experiment is employed at Georgia Tech to study wear at sliding speeds and contact pressures in excess of 1,000 m/s and 100 MPa for a 6061-T6 aluminum slider on a C110-H2 copper guider. Test results showed a transition from mild to severe wear took place at approximately 30.5 cm or 1,000 m/s, which corresponds to a mechanical heating rate of 100 × 109 N/m·s. Aluminum deposition on the guiders was quantified using a white light interferometer and plotted as a function of position and velocity. A normalized wear rate model in the severe wear region was developed.
Lectin affinity electrophoresis

Lectin affinity electrophoresis is a powerful technique to investigate the interaction between a lectin and its ligand. Affinity electrophoresis results from the reduced mobility of a charged species owing to its interaction with an immobile species. In this protocol, a two-dimensional lectin affinity electrophoresis experiment is described that affords separation of oligosaccharides. The first-dimension is composed of a weak, polyacrylamide, capillary tube gel containing a lectin. The example described involves a mixture of fluorescently labeled disaccharides. The mobility of only the lectin-binding disaccharide is reduced affording a separation in the first-dimension. The tube gel is then extruded and placed onto the second-dimension gradient polyacrylamide gel and subjected to electrophoresis. Mobility in the second-dimension is dependent on molecular size and visualization is by fluorescence under transillumination. This method is also applicable, with appropriate modifications, for the separation and analysis of glycopeptides and glycoproteins.
The relationship between aesthetic preference and visual complexity in absract art

Ten graduate art students (GAS) and 10 graduate educational psychology students (GES), matched for age and sex, rated 62 reproductions of famous paintings in terms of three categories of visual complexity to form a scale of 15 cards extracted from the ratings. Two further groups of 15 matched Ss sorted the 15 cards of the visual-complexity scale into a forced distribution of three categories of preference. Results showed a significant relationship between rated visual complexity and aesthetic preference. Both groups preferred high complexity. No significant sex differences were found for either group. No relationship was found between aesthetic preference and the E scale of the Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPI) or the Sensation Seeking Scale (SSS).
New electrical test method for LCD cell‐manufacturing process

— A new electrical test method resulting in repeatable and unambiguous test results, which solves the drawback of the current lighting test used for the LCD cell-manufacturing process, is proposed. This paper shows the basic scheme and the wide test coverage of this test method to detect defects in the cell process and gives an example of the actual measurement result.
Platelet serotonin markers and depressive symptomatology

Dysfunction of brain serotonergic symptoms may be a factor in the mood and behavioral disturbances associated with depression. Platelet serotonin measures represent indirect but easily obtainable indices of brain serotonin function. To examine the specificity of relationships between cognitive and vegetative symptom groupings and platelet serotonin measures, we assessed 35 depressed outpatients using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression and collected platelets after a minimum 3-week drug-free period. Platelets were also collected from 14 controls. The results showed that depressed patients had lower platelet serotonin (5-HT) uptake site density values than controls and that 5-HT uptake site density values were inversely correlated with the severity of cognitive symptoms of depression. Platelet 5-HT2 receptor density values were higher in depressed patients than controls, and there was a trend toward a direct correlation between the cognitive symptoms of depression and 5-HT2 receptor density values. Neither platelet measure showed any relationship with the severity of the vegetative symptoms of depression.
Feasibility of Increasing Specific Impulse of Supersonic Nozzles by Lithium Condensation

A way of increasing the specific impulse of electrothermal thrusters without incurring excessive material temperatures is by the addition of heat to the supersonic stream. Leon and Mickelsen conclude that of the several possible methods of supersonic heat addition the most attractive appears to be the partial condensation of a propellant vapor in the supersonic stream, and that lithium is the best propellant due to its high heat of vaporization and lowmolecular weight. The analysis of Leon and Mickelsen predicts that substantial condensation of lithium vapor will take place in nozzles of large area ratio and small divergence angle, and that specific impulses of greater than 500 sec will be achieved at plenum temperatures below 2000°K. The present experimental work studies the possibility of heat addition due to partial condensation of lithium vapor propellant in the supersonic portion of a nozzle. Performance gains of the magnitude predicted by the theory of Ref. 1 were not observed.
Cytoskeletal Functions During Drosophila Oogenesis

Organismal morphogenesis is driven by a complex series of developmentally coordinated changes in cell shape, size, and number. These changes in cell morphology are in turn dependent on alterations in basic cytoarchitecture. Elucidating the mechanisms of development thus requires an understanding of the cytoskeletal elements that organize the cytoplasm of differentiating cells. Drosophila oogenesis has emerged as a versatile system for the study of cytoskeletal function during development. A series of highly coordinated changes in cytoskeletal organization are required to produce a mature Drosophila oocyte, and these cytoskeletal transformations are amenable to a variety of experimental approaches. Genetic, molecular, and cytological studies have shed light on the specific functions of the cytoskeleton during oogenesis. The results of these studies are reviewed here, and their mechanistic implications are considered.
Comparison of encoding methods for computer-generated diffractive optical elements

Five modern encoding methods for diffractive optical elements are compared in terms of diffraction efficiency for an f/1 focusing element. It is shown that all five produce similar results for a given value of the minimum feature size delta and number of phase levels N when the grating period is larger than N delta. In contrast, when the grating period is smaller than N delta, the analytic quantization method cannot be employed. When this condition is met, it is shown that the radially symmetric iterative discrete on-axis method can result in diffraction efficiencies as much as 30% higher than those obtained with direct sampling. It is also shown that performance advantages of iterative algorithms improve as the target region in the focal plane increases.
Cytochemical affinity of pyramidal cell dendrites for divalent cobalt during initiation and calcium-induced blockade of epileptiform discharge.

Abstract The epileptic focus induced by pial surface iontophoresis of 100 μg divalent cobalt is confined to 130 mm 3 of supragranular ioscortex and contains aggregates of pyramidal neurons which are selectively impregnated by the heavy metal. At the time of initiation of epileptiform discharge, neuropathologic change is evident only at the ultrastructural level of resolution, manifested by severe swelling of pyramidal cell dendrites in the zone of cobalt deposition. When calcium and cobalt are simultaneously iontophoresed, epileptiform discharge and Golgi-like staining of pyramidal neurons does not occur, despite flooding of the cortical site with free or loosely bound cobalt complexes that can be completely removed by glutaraldehyde perfusion. In contrast, when perfusion-fixation is carried out at the initiation of cobalt-induced epileptiform discharge, the heavy metal can readily be identified within pyramidal cell dendrites as insoluble complexes which are tightly bound to cytoplasmic organelles. Based on these observations we suggest that cobalt-induced epileptiform discharge may result from a disturbance in calcium homeostasis which is triggered by high-affinity binding of the heavy metal within the cytoplasmic compartment of pyramidal cell dendrites.
Inner-shell photodetachment from Fe-

Inner-shell photodetachment from Fe${}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ was studied in the 48- to 72-eV photon energy range using a merged ion-photon-beam technique. The absolute photodetachment cross sections of Fe${}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, leading to Fe${}^{+}$ and Fe${}^{2+}$ ion production, were measured. The $3p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}(3d+\ensuremath{\varepsilon}d)$ photoexcitation in Fe${}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ negative ions gives rise to shape resonances. In the near-threshold region, shape-resonance profiles with $l=2$ accurately fit the single-photodetachment cross section. Simultaneous double photodetachment was also observed, resulting in an increased Fe${}^{2+}$ production which obeys a Wannier law. Despite the large number of possible terms resulting from the Fe${}^{\ensuremath{-}} 3d$ open shell, a rough calculation using the $R$-matrix method qualitatively agrees well with the experimental data.
Translational options for the pir gene of plasmid R6K: multiple forms of the replication initiator protein π

The autogenously controlled pir gene of plasmid R6K was believed to encode a single polypeptide that plays multiple roles in the plasmid's biology. We have isolated an opal (op) mutant at the 18th codon of the pir coding frame which does not totally abolish translation of pir mRNA. In extracts of cells containing this mutation two translational products (35 kDa and 30.2 kDa) have been detected. We propose that the 35-kDa polypeptide produced by the pir18 op mutation contains Trp substituted for Arg18 as the result of an opal readthrough. Translation, which results in the 30.2-kDa polypeptide, originates downstream from the UGA stop signal created by the mutation. Moreover, we realize now that the 30.2-kDa polypeptide is also produced in cells containing a wild-type (wt) pir gene. The shorter variant of the pi protein lacks replication initiation and inhibition functions, as well as autorepressor activity in vivo. We also show that an in-frame fusion of seven N-terminal codons of the trpE gene with a pir gene lacking the first two codons produces two polypeptides which replace the 35-kDa pi protein and are of similar molecular weight. Thus, at least three options exist in the translation of the wt pir mRNA. Start codons are most likely at codon positions 1, 6 or 7, and 36 or 38. Each of these five AUG codons is preceded by a consensus ribosome-binding site (RBS).
Brain sphingoglycolipids in Krabbe's globoid cell leucodystrophy.

— Seven sphingoglycolipids were isolated from the white matter of a patient with globoid cell leucodystrophy (Krabbe's disease). After purification by saponification and column and preparative thin-layer chromatography, these compounds were analysed for the carbohydrate composition and sequence and for fatty acid composition by paper and gas-liquid chromatography. The compounds were identified as gluco- and galactocerebrosides, lactosyl-ceramide, digalactosy I-glucosyl-ceramide, two types of tetrahexosyl-ceramides (asialo-ganglioside and globoside), and sulphatide. Glucocerebrosideconstituted 13 percent of total cerebroside in white matter, but sulphatide contained only galactose. Galactocere-broside and sulphatide exhibited compositions of fatty acids similar to those in normal white matter, with only minor abnormalities. Other sphingoglycolipids showed fatty acid patterns with relatively high proportions of longer-chain fatty acids, rather than the predominant C18:0 acid usually found in ceramide hexosides of the brain. Hematoside, also found in the white matter in a significant amount, similarly contained a large proportion of longer-chain fatty acids, whereas other gangliosides contained predominantly C18:0 acid. The abnormal ceramide hexoside pattern was restricted mostly to white matter except for glucocerebroside, which constituted 32 per cent of grey matter cerebroside. We postulate that the visceral type of sphingoglycolipids may be constituents of globoid cells, abundantly present in white matter and considered to be cells of mesenchymal origin.
RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF SPECIFIC DYNAMIC ACTION IN WEIGHT-REDUCTION DIETS

Abstract The effect of varying the protein and calorie content of weight-reducing diets upon specific dynamic action (S.D.A.) was studied in 4 obese women in a metabolic facility. The subjects consumed the identical liquid diet for 10 days prior to each measurement to avoid liver-enzyme and gut-flora response to changes in diet. The dose was half the total daily dietary intake, and was consumed within 15 minutes. S.D.A. was measured as the increase in oxygen consumption over basal for a 5-hour period after the test meal, at bed rest. No significant differences in oxygen consumption were apparent between isocaloric dosages containing either 40 g. protein or no protein, nor between isoprotein dosages of varying calorie content. There was considerable variation in basal metabolic rate and S.D.A. measurements, both individual and between subjects. The non-specific response was similar in magnitude to measurements previously made with normal-weight individuals fed similar dosages in the same metabolic facility. In terms of the clinical treatment of obesity, there is no advantage in selecting a high-protein diet with the expectation of obtaining an increase in the caloric costs of digestion and assimilation and hence a lower net-calorie value for the diet. Nor is there reason to believe that the S.D.A. of obese persons differs from that of normal-weight individuals.
Does Physician Assisted Suicide Violate the Integrity of Medicine

This paper evaluates the arguments against physician assisted suicide which contend that it violates the integrity of medicine and the physician-patient relation; i.e. that it contradicts the goal of seeking health and healing, violates an absolute prohibition against killing, and undermines the patient's trust in the physician. These arguments against physician assisted suicide (1) misuse notions of teleology and teleological explanation; (2) rely on inappropriate notions of "ideal medicine", for which death is a defeat; (3) turn on a highly selective reading for the Hippocratic tradition; and (4) are unacceptably paternalistic.
Identification of Pool Boiling Heat Transfer Mechanisms From a Wire Immersed in Saturated FC-72 Using a Single-Photo/LDA Method

A unique method to determine the vapor volumetric flow rate above a heated wire utilizing a single photograph and laser-Doppler anemometry is developed and discussed. The volumetric flow rate is combined with additional analyses to determine the overall contributions to the total heat flux from four nucleate boiling heat transfer mechanisms (latent heat, natural convection, Marangoni flow, and microconvection). This method is applied to a 75-μm wire immersed in a saturated, highly wetting liquid (FC-72). Latent heat is identified as the dominant mechanism in the fully developed nucleate boiling regime.
Family history of completed suicide and characteristics of major depressive disorder: A STAR⁎D (sequenced treatment alternatives to relieve depression) study

Abstract Background Clinicians routinely ask patients with non-psychotic major depressive disorder (MDD) about their family history of suicide. It is unknown, however, whether patients with a family member who committed suicide differ from those without such a history. Methods Patients were recruited for the STAR ⁎ D multicenter trial. At baseline, patients were asked to report first-degree relatives who had died from suicide. Differences in demographic and clinical features for patients with and without a family history of suicide were assessed. Results Patients with a family history of suicide ( n = 142/4001; 3.5%) were more likely to have a family history of MDD, bipolar disorder, or any mood disorder, and familial substance abuse disorder, but not suicidal thoughts as compared to those without such a history. The group with familial suicide had a more pessimistic view of the future and an earlier age of onset of MDD. No other meaningful differences were found in depressive symptoms, severity, recurrence, depressive subtype, or daily function. Conclusions A history of completed suicide in a family member was associated with minimal clinical differences in the cross-sectional presentation of outpatients with MDD. Limitations of the study include lack of information about family members who had attempted suicide and the age of the probands when their family member died. STAR⁎D assessments were limited to those needed to ascertain diagnosis and treatment response and did not include a broader range of psychological measures.
The thermal properties of human cortical bone: an in vitro study.

In vitro thermal properties of human cortical bone have been measured using a specially developed technique. The technique enables accurate measurement of the coefficient of thermal expansion and contraction and the average values have been measured to be 27.5 ± 3.9 × 10−6 mm/°C for expansion and 27.2 ± 5.2 × 10−6 mm/°C for contraction.
Measuring and modeling the appearance of finished wood

Wood coated with transparent finish has a beautiful and distinctive appearance that is familiar to everyone. Woods with unusual grain patterns. such as tiger, burl, and birdseye figures, have a strikingly unusual directional reflectance that is prized for decorative applications. With new, high resolution measurements of spatially varying BRDFs. we show that this distinctive appearance is due to light scattering that does not conform to the usual notion of anisotropic surface reflection. The behavior can be explained by scattering from the matrix of wood fibers below the surface, resulting in a subsurface highlight that occurs on a cone with an out-of-plane axis. We propose a new shading model component to handle reflection from subsurface fibers, which is combined with the standard diffuse and specular components to make a complete shading model. Rendered results from fits of our model to the measurement data demonstrate that this new model captures the distinctive appearance of wood.
Toward a theory of precursors

To better understand the possible breakdown of locality in quantum gravitational systems, we pursue the identity of precursors in the context of the anti-de Sitter/conformal field theory correspondence. Holography implies a breakdown of standard bulk locality which we expect to occur only at extremely high energy. We consider precursors that encode bulk information causally disconnected from the boundary and whose measurement involves nonlocal bulk processes. We construct a toy model of holography which encapsulates the expected properties of precursors and compare it with previous such discussions. If these precursors can be identified in the gauge theory, they are almost certainly Wilson loops, perhaps with decorations, but the relevant information is encoded in the high-energy sector of the theory and should not be observable by low energy measurements. This would be in accord with the locality bound, which serves as a criterion for situations where breakdown of bulk locality is expected.
Glycosyltransferase-mediated Sweet Modification in Oral Streptococci

Bacterial glycosyltransferases play important roles in bacterial fitness and virulence. Oral streptococci have evolved diverse strategies to survive and thrive in the carbohydrate-rich oral cavity. In this review, we discuss 2 important biological processes mediated by 2 distinct groups of glycosyltransferases in oral streptococci that are important for bacterial colonization and virulence. The first process is the glycosylation of highly conserved serine-rich repeat adhesins by a series of glycosyltransferases. Using Streptococcus parasanguinis as a model, we highlight new features of several glycosyltransferases that sequentially modify the serine-rich glycoprotein Fap1. Distinct features of a novel glycosyltransferase fold from a domain of unknown function 1792 are contrasted with common properties of canonical glycosyltransferases. The second biological process we cover is involved in building sticky glucan matrix to establish cariogenic biofilms by an important opportunistic pathogen Streptococcus mutans through the action of a family of 3 glucosyltransferases. We focus on discussing the structural feature of this family as a glycoside hydrolase family of enzymes. While the 2 processes are distinct, they all produce carbohydrate-coated biomolecules, which enable bacteria to stick better in the complex oral microbiome. Understanding the making of the sweet modification presents a unique opportunity to develop novel antiadhesion and antibiofilm strategies to fight infections by oral streptococci and beyond.
Treatment of severe autoimmune disease by stem-cell transplantation

Transplantation of haematopoietic stem cells--cells capable of self renewing and reconstituting all types of blood cell--can treat numerous lethal diseases, including leukaemias and lymphomas. It may now be applicable for the treatment of severe autoimmune diseases, such as therapy-resistant rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Studies in animal models show that the transfer of haematopoietic stem cells can reverse autoimmunity, and several mechanistic pathways may explain this phenomenon. The outcome of ongoing clinical trials, as well as of studies in patients and animal models, will help to determine the role that stem-cell transplantation can play in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
Stewardship Revisited: Secular and Sacred Views of Governance and Management

This article explores a concept central to much of the literature about trustees and managers of nonprofit organizations-stewardship. The concept's sacred origins show it to mean Jar more than just...
Abstract A78: Modifiers of serum vitamin D and prostate cancer risk in African Americans

Background/Objective: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among males in the United States. Compared to European American males, African American (AA) males are at increased risk for PCa and tend to have a more aggressive form of the disease. Recent laboratory studies have suggested deficiencies in vitamin D to be related with PCa risk. Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] are considered the best indicators of an individual9s overall vitamin D status. However, vitamin D metabolism and physiology are modified by genetic and environmental factors such as ultraviolet radiation (UVR), skin color, diet, body mass index (BMI) and genes involved in vitamin D synthesis. The goal of this project is to study modifiers of serum 25(OH)D levels in order to improve our understanding of the role vitamin D plays on prostate cancer susceptibility in African Americans. Methods: This case-control study consisted of AA men (N=250) accrued from a university hospital in Washington, DC. Serum levels of 25(OH)D and prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels were assessed. BMI was calculated as weight/height2 (kg/m2). Study participants completed UVR exposure and food frequency questionnaires. Skin color was measured using a reflectance meter. Logistic regression models were used to test for associations between 25(OH)D levels and PCa risk, adjusting for ancestry, age, skin pigmentation, dietary vitamin D, supplemental vitamin D, sun exposure, and other lifestyle factors. In addition, we used linear regression models to explore determinants of serum 25(OH)D levels, including dietary vitamin D intake, ancestry, skin pigmentation and UVR exposure. Results: There were no significant baseline differences between cases and controls for serum 25(OH)D levels, dietary vitamin D and daily servings of dairy products. Baseline differences were found for age (p Conclusion: Supplemental vitamin D and UVR exposure were modifiers of serum 25(OH)D levels. However, we did not observe any significant difference in serum 25(OH)D levels between AA PCa cases and controls. This is likely due to factors such as diet, skin color, BMI and UVR exposure which strongly could influence vitamin D levels and function. Understanding the role of vitamin D in PCa risk may help to explain the higher incidence of PCa among AA males. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2010;3(12 Suppl):A78.
Evaluation of the computerized procedures Manual II (COPMA II)

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a computerized procedure system, the Computerized Procedure Manual II (COPMA-II), on the performance and mental workload of licensed reactor operators. To evaluate COPMA-II, eight teams of two operators were trained to operate a scaled pressurized water reactor facility (SPWRF) with traditional paper procedures and with COPMA-II. Following training, each team operated the SPWRF under normal operating conditions with both paper procedures and COPMA-II. The teams then performed one of two accident scenarios with paper procedures, but performed the remaining accident scenario with COPMA-II. Performance measures and subjective estimates of mental workload were recorded for each performance trial. The most important finding of the study was that the operators committed only half as many errors during the accident scenarios with COPMA-II as they committed with paper procedures. However, time to initiate a procedure was fastest for paper procedures for accident scenario trials. For performance under normal operating conditions, there was no difference in time to initiate or to complete a procedure, or in the number of errors committed with paper procedures and with COPMA-II. There were no consistent differences in the mental workload ratings operators recorded for trials with paper procedures and COPMA-II.
The strategic advantage of knowledge and learning

While knowledge has been described as the most strategic resource, and learning as the most strategic capability, our models of strategy and industrial economics are still defined within the traditional context of physical product. Building on traditional notions of strategy, this paper provides a knowledge-based framework for defining strategy and competitive advantage.
What are the barriers and how do we manage them? A review of progress over the last 10 years.

There are several well-known challenges in the management of overactive bladder (OAB). This brief review discusses four of these: shortcomings of current OAB classification, incomplete understanding of pathophysiology, undertreatment, and managing patient expectations.
SIMPLE MASTOIDECTOMY WITH AIR CHAMBER CREATION IN PROGRESSIVE ADHESIVE OTITIS.

The writer treated 87 ears in the progressive stage of adhesive otitis with simple mastoidectomy and air chamber creation. The idea was, first, to cure the latent mastoiditis present at this stage of the disease and, second, to create a large air space connected with the tympanum. During the operation, performed via the postauricular approach, the granulations, with their secretion-producing glandlike areas, and all soft bone and fluid were removed. The final result was an operative cavity with smooth, hard walls. The aditus ad antrum was enlarged slightly to create a communication between the operative cavity and the tympanum. The large, air-filled cavity connected with the middle ear facilitates the functioning of the eustachian tube. Pure-tone audiograms taken preoperatively and an average of 8.3 months after the operation reveal that both the air and the bone conduction curves had in most cases improved. The values are calculated as averages for 500, 1000 and 2000 cps. No improvement in hearing was ac...
Different types of human interaction in online discussion: An examination of using online discussion forum

The primary purpose of this study is to explore the nature of the use of asynchronous computer-mediated communication in an online academic learning environment. Additionally the study will provide an analysis of students' participations in discussion forums as well as a construct of the types of patterns of students' interactions in two online classes. A total of 47 students (in two different online classes) evaluated their perception of the discussion forum. Three out of 16 weeks' discussion forum were archived, and a total of 214 postings were examined to find out distinct types of interactions. Four types of interactions were extracted, based upon which, students were asked to rate which type of responses they were most likely to post and which types of interactions they were most likely to respond to. Correlations were examined between types of posts and types of interactions. It was found that there was significant correlation between types of interactions and types of interactions that were likely to be responded to.
Plasticity‐Induced Fatigue Damage in Ceria‐Stabilized Tetragonal Zirconia Polycrystals

Current studies on the fatigue lifetime of ceramics are mostly focused on the relation between the stress amplitude (or maximum stress) and cycles to failure. For a more compliant and plastic ceramic which has a pronounced nonlinear stress-strain relation, the role of plastic strain in the fatigue damage is investigated for the first time in this study using a 12 mol% Ce-TZP. By testing at different temperatures, the authors were able to vary the amount of transformation plasticity with the same microstructure. The Coffin-Manson relationship, which suggests that fatigue lifetime in the low cycle fatigue regime is best correlated with the plastic strain range, was confirmed for the tough ceramic. Fatigue damage is found to be a bulk process which continuously degrades flaw tolerance by microcracking. Evidence for the latter mechanism was also provided by uniaxial cyclic tension-compression stress-strain response and by TEM examination. Despite such damage, the possibility of plasticity-induced surface-crack nucleation in fatiguing ceramics, unlike in metals, appears unimportant.
Sexually dimorphic distribution of substance P in specific anterior pituitary cell populations

Substance P (SP) immunoreactivity is detectable in the rat pituitary by RIA; however, immunolocalization has been difficult. We used a sensitive immunogold silver-enhancement staining technique to cytochemically locate SP in the gland. SP-immunoreactive (SP-ir) cells were seen in anterior pituitary (AP), and occasional SP-ir fibers and terminals were seen in both AP and posterior pituitary. Colocalization studies showed the vast majority of SP-ir cells in the male AP to be also immunoreactive for growth hormone (GH). These GH/SP-ir cells represent approximately 23% of the somatotroph population in the male. SP-ir cells did not colocalize with lactotrophs, gonadotrophs, or corticotrophs; however, rare thyroid-stimulating hormone/SP-ir cells were found in the male AP. Comparisons of pituitaries from males and females revealed that females have 70% fewer SP-ir cells and that only approximately 6% of the somatotrophs in the female express SP. This sexual dimorphism is diminished in 6-day ovariectomized rats because this treatment increases the GH/SP-ir cell population 3-fold. This result suggests that the previously reported estrogen-induced decrease in SP gene and peptide expression in the pituitary occurs, at least in part, in a subpopulation of somatotrophs. To test this hypothesis, distribution of SP-ir cells was examined in pituitaries from estrogen- and oil-treated ovariectomized rats. Estrogen reduced the percentage of somatotrophs with SP immunoreactivity by 70% compared with ovariectomized oil-treated controls, indicating that estrogen most likely regulates SP levels in the pituitary by acting on a subpopulation of somatotrophs to suppress SP expression. Estrogen does not appear to alter SP immunoreactivity that is detected in the additional population of SP cells that colocalize with thyroid-stimulating hormone. These SP-expressing thyrotrophs were seen 6-fold more frequently in the female than in the male pituitary, regardless of steroid status. These studies reveal that males have more total SP-ir cells in the AP than do females and that there is a sexually dimorphic pattern of SP distribution in the gland. Males have a higher percentage of SP-ir GH cells, whereas females have more SP-ir thyrotrophs than do males. Identification of independently regulated SP-ir somatotroph and thyrotroph populations provides a basis for investigating the roles of SP in autocrine or paracrine regulation of pituitary hormone secretion.
Formation and characterization of bacterial mutagens from reaction of the alternative disinfectant monochloramine with model aqueous solutions of fulvic acid.

Monochloramine has been suggested as an alternative disinfectant to chlorine to reduce levels of trihalomethanes in treated drinking water, but little is known of the toxicological properties and potential health implications of by-products specific to the chloramination process. Model aqueous fulvic acid solutions (200–400 mg C/liter), serving as surrogates for humic surface waters, were chloraminated over a range of molar Cl:C ratios from 1:40 to 1:2. The resulting by-products were extracted into diethyl ether at pH 2 and investigated with the Ames plate incorporation assay. Extractable mutagenicity increased with increasing chlorine and carbon dose up to about 30,000 revertants/liter at Cl:C ratios of 1:2. Mutagenicity was higher in Salmonella typhimurium strain TA100 than in strain TA98, and was decreased in the presence of S9, indicating that the mutagens formed were direct-acting and induced predominantly base-pair substitutions. Bovine serum albumin decreased slightly, and glutathione reduced greatly, the mutagenic activity detected in extracts. HPLC fractionation of the by-products indicated that most of the mutagenic activity was found in the earliest-eluting (most polar) fraction. The mutagenic by-products appeared to be qualitatively similar to 3-chloro-4-dichlorome-thyl-5-hydroxy-2-(5H)-furanone (MX) in their chromatographic behavior and responses to glutathione and bovine serum albumin, but were less readily detoxified by S9 than was MX. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Magneto-oscillations in a two-dimensional electron gas: A simplified analytic formulation

We derive a simplified thermodynamical formulation for a two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) in a uniform magnetic field, with a large Landau level width and at low temperatures. Our analytic results clearly bring out dependences of magneto-oscillations on the Landau level broadening.
ELECTION AND THE TRINITY: TWENTY-FIVE THESES ON THE THEOLOGY OF KARL BARTH

A new and “revisionist” reading would argue that the later Karl Barth saw the existence of the eternal Trinity not as the ground and presupposition, but as the consequence of God's pre-temporal decision of election. A more “traditionalist” reading, on the other hand, as defended by this essay, denies that proposition. The texts adduced by the revisionists, it is argued, fail to make their case. More plausible, alternative readings are offered, counter-evidence is marshaled, and the deleterious theological consequences of the revisionist alternative are spelled out. Barth could not have adopted it without contradicting his most basic convictions.
Reexamining English Only in the ESL Classroom

Despite widespread opposition to the English Only movement, support for bilingual education, and advocacy for language rights, many U.S. ESL educators continue to uphold the notion that English is the only acceptable medium of communication within the confines of the ESL classroom. Although the exclusive use of English in teaching ESL has come to be seen as a natural and commonsense practice which can be justified on pedagogical grounds, this article argues that it is rooted in a particular ideological perspective, rests on unexamined assumptions, and serves to reinforce inequities in the broader social order. Evidence from research and practice is presented which suggests that the rationale used to justify English only in the classroom is neither conclusive nor pedagogically sound. Further, the article details a growing body of evidence indicating that L1 and/or bilingual options are not only effective but necessary for adult ESL students with limited L1 literacy or schooling and that use of students' linguistic resources can be beneficial at all levels of ESL. Accounts from a number of projects, including two with which the author has been involved, document a range of uses for the native language in both initial literacy and ESL instruction for adults. Finally, because the issue of language choice is so intimately linked with issues of power, the article calls for reconceptualizing the notion of expertise to legitimate the knowledge and experience of nontraditional experts from the communities of the learners.
Mathematical modeling of melting of polymers in a single‐screw extruder a critical review

Deterministic mathematical models of the Maddock melting mechanism based on analytical and finite-difference solution methods are surveyed and classified according to the key assumptions involved. It has been concluded that the rigid solid bed concept coupled with a consistent non-Newtonian analysis of the melt flow pattern, including cross-channel circulation, leads to superior results. It is suggested that the development of the melting theory for the Maddock mechanism as an engineering analytical tool is virtually complete.
Robust dynamic programming method for ultrasound elastography

Ultrasound elastography is an imaging technology which can detect differences in tissue stiffness based on tissue deformation. For successful clinical use in cancer diagnosis and monitoring the method should be robust to sources of decorrelation between ultrasound images. A regularized Dynamic Programming (DP) approach was used for displacement estimation in compressed tissue. In the Analytic Minimization (AM) extension of DP, integer displacements are calculated just for one RF-line, and later propagated laterally throughout the entire image. This makes the seed RF-line very important; faulty seed lines could propagate erroneous displacement values throughout the image resulting in the appearance of false "lesions". In this paper we analyze the robustness of this method in free-hand palpation of laboratory tissue phantoms. We are proposing an update to the algorithm which includes a random search for the most robust seed RF-line. Axial integer displacements are obtained on each random seed line individually with DP optimization. For each random axial RF-line, multiple random values for decorrelation compensation are used in the displacement estimation. The displacement values are then compared and several metrics of stability and consistency are considered. A ranking is established and the line deemed most robust will become the seed line for displacement propagation, while also selecting the most stable value for decorrelation compensation. The random search can be achieved at no additional computational cost in a parallel implementation. The results indicate significant improvement in the robustness of the DP approach, while maintaining real-time computation of strain images.
The Presumptions of Resulting Trust and Advancement in Singapore: Unfairness to The Woman?

The article examines the resurgence of the modified twin presumptions of resulting trust and advancement in family cases in Singapore, comparing the Singapore position with the current UK law as elucidated in Stack v Dowden. It analyses the impact that the heavily fact-based inquiry enjoined by the Singapore Court of Appeal has on the woman in the relationship. The operation of the presumption of resulting trust gives rise to a real possibility of undermining joint tenancies in favour of a tenancy-in-common in equity, proportionate to the respective contributions of the couple. This tends to generate prejudice towards women as statistics reveal that their average income is still far less than that of men if they work at all. Additionally, the burden is on the woman to prove the presumption of advancement and its strength-a daunting and complex task. The article also discusses a qualitative study undertaken by the author, which involved interviewing a sample of conveyancers regarding, inter alia, how they advise the woman about the implications of joint tenancies and manner of holding. Current conveyancing practice is then analysed though the lens of legal and sociological theory. The article concludes with suggestions for reform on two grounds: refining the conveyancing process to ensure that women are better equipped to make decisions that safeguard their rights and modifying the law to ameliorate the unfairness caused to women by the current Singapore version of the twin presumptions.
Cooling power optimization for hybrid solid-state and liquid cooling in integrated circuit chips with hotspots

We report theoretical investigation and optimization of a hot-spot cooling method. This hybrid scheme contains a liquid cooling microchannel and superlattice hotspot cooler(s). This analysis of the hybrid method aims to solve the potential thermal management challenges for hotspots especially in 3D stacked multichip packaging. The goal is to reduce the overall cooling power and optimize the energy efficiency. Starting with a generic modeling of the superlattice cooler system, the cooling temperature as a function of the superlattice thickness and the driving current is found. The analytic results are then compared with full 3D numerical simulation. The role of spreading thermal resistance in the chip substrate was found to be important. The later part of this report is the integration of the microchannel with the hotspot cooler. The pumping power is modeled based on the microchannel design and fluid properties. The total cooling power, the sum of the electrical power to pump the liquid and the electrical power to drive the superlattice cooler, is found as a function of overall heat dissipation of the chip including hotspot(s). As the goal is to keep the hottest point on the chip below certain threshold (e.g. 85°C), the result shows a dramatic reduction of the required total cooling power, when hybrid cooling scheme - superlattice hotspot cooler in conjunction with microchannel cooler - is used. Above particular analysis is based on the specific microchannel, but this proposed scheme allows us a systematic study to reduce the pump power further.