cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The sonographic features of intra‐abdominal pregnancy

The sonographic features of three cases of extrauterine, intra-abdominal pregnancy are presented in conjunction with a brief review of the clinical and radiographic features of the condition. Based on our experience and a review of the literature, we found that the major criteria for the sonographic diagnosis of extrauterine, intra-abdominal pregnancy include: 1) demonstration of a fetus in a gestational sac outside the uterus, or the depiction of an abdominal or pelvic mass identifiable as the uterus separate from the fetus; 2) failure to see a uterine wall between the fetus and urinary bladder; 3) recognition of a close approximation of the fetus to the material abdominal wall; and 4) localization of the placenta outside the confines of the uterine cavity.
Utilizing Semantic Composition in Distributional Semantic Models for Word Sense Discrimination and Word Sense Disambiguation

Semantic composition in distributional semantic models (DSMs) offers a powerful tool to represent word meaning in context. In this paper, we investigate methods to utilize compositional DSMs to improve word sense discrimination and word sense disambiguation. In this work, we rely on a previously proposed multiplicative model of composition. We explore methods to extend this model to exploit richer contexts. For word sense discrimination, we build context vectors, which are clustered, from the word representations based on the extended compositional model. For word sense disambiguation, we augment lexical features with their word representations based on the same extended compositional model. For both tasks, we achieve substantial improvement.
Predictive aging results in radiation environments

Abstract We have previously derived a time-temperature-dose rate superposition methodology, which, when applicable, can be used to predict polymer degradation versus dose rate, temperature and exposure time. This methodology results in predictive capabilities at the low dose rates and long time periods appropriate, for instance, to ambient nuclear power plant environments. The methodology was successfully applied to several polymeric cable materials and then verified for two of the materials by comparisons of the model predictions with 12 year, low-dose-rate aging data on these materials from a nuclear environment. In this paper, we provide a more detailed discussion of the methodology and apply it to data obtained on a number of additional nuclear power plant cable insulation (a hypalon, a silicone rubber and two ethylene-tetrafluoroethylenes) and jacket (a hypalon) materials. We then show that the predicted, low-dose-rate results for our materials are in excellent agreement with long-term (7–9 year) low-dose-rate results recently obtained for the same material types actually aged under bnuclear power plant conditions. Based on a combination of the modelling and long-term results, we find indications of reasonably similar degradation responses among several different commercial formulations for each of the following “generic” materials: hypalon, ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene, silicone rubber and PVC. If such “generic” behavior can be further substantiated through modelling and long-term results on additional formulations, predictions of cable life for other commercial materials of the same generic types would be greatly facilitated.
Improved matched asymptotic solutions for deceleration control during atmospheric entry

Abstract An improved technique for matching the asymptotic solutions of non-linear differential equations is presented and successfully applied to the problem of evaluating the maximum deceleration during atmospheric entry of space vehicles. The classical method of matched asymptotic expansions is generally restricted to the first-order solutions, and the resulting accuracy usually depends on the physical problems. In this method the end-point boundaries are artificially extended or constructed to strengthen the physical assumptions on the outer and inner expansions for the matching while in the evaluation of the constants of integration in the composite solutions, the prescribed end points are effectively enforced. Furthermore, based on the uniformly valid first-order solutions, the linearized equations for the small discrepancies are generated and integrated separately near the boundaries to obtain the perturbed outer and inner expansion solutions for a second-order matching. The solutions obtained by this improved technique are very accurate when applied to the equations for reentry trajectories. The explicit solutions for skip trajectories and ballistic trajectories are then used for analyzing the effects of the initial speed and the initial entry angle on the maximum deceleration and maximum heating rate during entry.
Mouse Development: Winged-helix in axial patterning

Analysis of HNF-3beta mutant mice demonstrates that the HNF-3beta transcription factor is an important regulator of the gastrulating mouse embryo.
Point Contact between Membranes Precursory to Fusion

Membranes do not fuse easily under normal circumstances. Spontaneous fusion between membranes is prevented by energy barriers. The role of fusion proteins is to lower these barriers at the appropriate time and place. One much discussed barrier is that for the initial contact between bilayers, precursory to hemifusion. It has been speculated some specific actions by proteins (e.g. creating nipples or micro-protrusions) is required for this initial contact to occur, in addition to the force bringing two membranes into close proximity. Since the main energy barrier for a contact between two lipid bilayers is the hydration force, we applied osmotic pressure to a stack of multiple-bilayers and observed the consequence on the bilayer configuration by X-ray diffraction. We found a new lipid phase between the lamellar phase and the stalk (rhombohedral) phase discovered in 2002. The new phase was tetragonal symmetry. The resulted electron-density distribution (Figure) showed two adjacent lipid bilayers curved toward each other to form point contact. Lipid bilayers abruptly transformed to this point contact from a parallel configuration when the P-P distance was 1.20nm, right before the phase transition. No specific force is necessary to create curvature for a point contact.View Large Image | View Hi-Res Image | Download PowerPoint Slide
Enkephalins modulate excitatory synaptic transmission in the superficial dorsal horn by acting at μ-opioid receptor sites

The effect of opioids on synaptic potentials of dorsal horn (DH) neurons has been investigated in a rat spinal cord DH slice-dorsal root ganglion (DRG) in vitro preparation. Conventional intracellular recording from DH and DRG neurons using 3 M potassium acetate-filled electrodes was employed. Dorsal roots were electrically isolated from the spinal cord slice and stimulated with pulses of different intensity and duration to evoke afferent action potentials monitored intracellularly from DRG neurons. Low-intensity single-shock stimulation of the dorsal roots (8–20 V pulses of 0.02–0.05 ms duration) activated large primary afferents and elicited excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSP) in all of the neurons tested. High-intensity stimulation of the dorsal roots (over 35 V pulses of 0.5 ms duration), sufficient to excite small myelinated and unmyelinated primary afferents resulted in a large and prolonged depolarization of DH neurons associated with firing of action potentials. Bath application (d-Ala2, N-Me-Phe4,Gly5-ol)-enkephalin (DAGO), (d-Ala2, d-Leu5)-enkephalinamide (DADLEA), or (d-Ala2, d-Met5)-enkephalinamide (DADMEA) produced dose-dependent, reversible hyperpolarization in about 75% of the neurons tested. The hyperpolarization was associated with a fall in neuronal input resistance. In addition, opioids depressed the synaptic transmission in all of the neurons examined. This depressant effect of opioids was independent from their effects on resting membrane potential. Delta specific receptor opioid agonists (d-Pen2.5)-enkephalin (DPDPE) and (d-Pen2, l-Pen5)-enkephalin (DPLPE), were completely ineffective in producing an effect on neuronal membrane or synaptic transmission. All opioid effects were antagonized by naloxone.
Toward a Theory of Encoded Data Structures and Data Translation

Several models of data base systems have distinguished levels of abstraction ranging from the high-level entity set model down to the low-level physical device level. This paper presents a model for describing data encodings, an intermediate level which focuses on the relationship among data items as demonstrated by contiguity or by pointer connections. Multiple data encodings for a file are shown and transformation functions that describe the translation between data encodings are discussed.
An integrated knowledge-based system for product design feasibility and manufacturability analysis

This article will present the results on the development of a methodology for a group technology knowledge-based system which will support the associativity analysis required for integrated product design and process planning. The developed methodology will respond to any changes made to the design features and in turn will predict the process(es) feasible for the production of the product and the necessary code(s) for the retrieval of the associated data with the predicted process(es).
Acylation of Pullulan by Ring-Opening of Lactones

In this paper, we report on the production of modified pullulan derivatives that have been produced in solution by ring-opening e-caprolactone and [l]-lactide using a tin octanoate [Sn(Oct)2] catalyst system in DMSO. These derivatives designated as hexanoates (1 and 2) and dilactates (4−7) have been characterized and have varying degrees of substitution (DS). 1 and 2 were characterized by interesting thermal properties as well as crystalline morphology. From DSC analysis, 2, unlike the parent polysaccharide, appears to melt at 114 °C. The crystalline morphology of this polymer was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction and d spacings were calculated. This pullulan derivative possessed new crystallographic reflections not seen in either pullulan or poly (e-caprolactone). The pullulan-6 dilactate samples (4−7), produced had DS values ranging from 0.1 to 0.75. Depending upon the DS, these samples were soluble in a wide range of organic solvents including acetone and methanol. Although these materials did ...
Density dependence of the magnetic susceptibilities of metals

The exact contribution to order ${e}^{4}$ of the ring diagrams to the paramagnetic diamagnetic susceptibilities of an electron gas is obtained. Together with the exchange contributions, the susceptibilities are given explicitly as functions of the density parameter ${r}_{s}$.
Asian New York: the geography and politics of diversity

Description et interpretation d'evenements associes a la restructuration de Flushing (New-York). Depuis la liberalisation des lois americaines de l'immigration en 1965, les environs de New-York ont ete transformes par un flux rapide d'immigrants. Dans le cas de Flushing, la majorite des arrivants etaient des Asiatiques (Chinois, Coreens, Indiens). L'introduction du capital et des entreprises asiatiques a revitalise ce qui etait considere comme une economie fragile et un marche stagnant. Mais les couts ont depasse les benefices. L'A. examine le discours public accompagnant l'« asianisation » de Flushing centre sur les conflits qui ont emerge entre la capitale et la communaute, les immigrants et les residents de long-terme, les Asiatiques et les non Asiatiques
The limb infrared monitor of the stratosphere (LIMS) experiment: Temperature and nitrogen dioxide results

The Limb Infrared Monitor of the Stratosphere (LIMS) is a satellite-borne radiometer which scans across the earth's limb, measuring infrared radiation emitted by specific atmospheric gases in a number of broad channels. Instrumentation includes a folded telescope, which focuses the radiation from the limb onto an array of six mercury-cadmium-telluride detectors. A scan mirror within the telescope sweeps the fields of view across the horizon, with each up or down scan lasting 12 seconds. The measurements are inverted to yield distributions of temperature and nitrogen dioxide. The temperature is determined from two channels covering the intervals 595-739 per cm and 645-673 per cm of the 15 micron bands of CO2, with maximum signal to noise ratio of 500-1000. Nitrogen dioxide is determined from measurements in a channel from 1580-1613 per cm, with an S/N of approximately 100. Results show that the LIMS temperature and nitrogen dioxide data are characterized by high precision.
Branding Public Service The "New PBS" and the Privatization of Public Television

In recent years, U.S. public television, an ostensibly noncommercial system founded on public service principles, has become increasingly integrated into the commercial broadcasting industry. This article examines the new, market-oriented business practices within American public television that emphasize the building of brand identity. Since the mid-1990s, the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) has sought to extend its brand beyond broadcast television and cash in on consumer loyalty to PBS. This branding strategy targets an audience of consumers, and it sells both "content" and an image to these consumers. This is part of a broader strategy aimed at leveraging the PBS brand to create new revenue streams by licensing the PBS logo, selling new forms of advertising, and developing several PBS brandname product lines. After mapping the contours of this new strategy, the article explores the consequences of the brand-building approach for the future of public service broadcasting.
Relationship of the structure of mescaline and seven analogs to toxicity and behavior in five species of laboratory animals.

The effect of mescaline and of 7 mescaline analogs (3,4-dimethoxy- β -phenylethylamine; 3,4-methylenedioxy- β -phenylethylamine; 3,4-methylenedioxy- α -methyl- β -phenylethylamine; 3,4-methylenedioxy- α -ethyl- β -phenylethylamine; 3,4-dimethoxy- α -methyl- β -phenylethylamine; 3,4,5-trimethoxy- α -methyl- β -phenylethylamine; and 3,4-methylenedioxy- N,α -dimethyl- β -phenylethylamine) has been studied in the mouse, rat and guinea pig following ip administration and in the mongrel dog and rhesus monkey following iv administration. The LD50 value for each agent has been determined in each species. For 7 of the 8 drugs tested the LD50 value is significantly lower in the rat than in the mouse or guinea pig. A comparison of the observable signs of drug action in the dog and monkey shows the dog to be the preferred species for evaluating the effects of these agents. The relevant literature regarding the actions of the drugs has been reviewed. Modifications in the mescaline structure which are represented by the 7 analogs and which alter pharmacologic activity include: decreased potency following removal of the 5-methoxy group or N-demethylation, and increased potency following alpha substitution on the side chain or introduction of the 3,4-methylenedioxy group.
The digital divide in Latin America: a case study

Purpose – Sets out to discuss the concept of the digital divide and its impact in Latin American libraries.Design/methodology/approach – Provides an overview of the situation in the region.Findings – The digital divide is a global problem that is amplified in the information age, a time in which groups and individuals in society are being denied access to technology. Provides an example by showing how the library of the Universidad de San Andres has dealt with this situation.Originality/value – The importance of cooperation among various institutions is highlighted as a way to overcome the barriers to information access.
Modification of tetrodotoxin with succinic anhydride

Abstract With an aim toward the synthesis of physiologically active derivatives of the powerful neurotoxin tetrodotoxin and the use of such derivatives in biochemical studies of the molecular makeup of the tetrodotoxin binding site in nerve, the modification of tetrodotoxin with succinic anhydride has been examined. A new toxin derivative, 11-succinylanhydrotetrodotoxin, is described which contains a remote carboxylic acid grouping suitable for subsequent modification or attachment to an affinity column. High voltage electrophoresis and radiochemical techniques served to establish the purity of the derivative and its relative toxicity, namely, 0.4% that of tetrodotoxin (frog nerve assay). Structure assignment was made on the basis of the FT 100 MHz nmr spectrum.
The behavioural treatment of nocturnal enuresis in a severely brain-damaged client

Barrey is a 42-year-old man with severe brain-damage. His nocturnal enuresis was pin-pointed as a major behavioural and management problem. Various treatments had failed to help him, so it was decided to implement a modified version of a behavioural programme which Azrin and Thienes (1978) used effectively with enuretic children. This programme involved: bladder training, regular awakenings throughout the night, self-correction with positive practice following an accident, and reinforcement. After only four weeks of training the enuresis had been successfully treated. Six-month follow-up data revealed this improvement had been maintained.
Losing a self-expanding relationship: Implications for the self-concept.

Previous research suggests that new relationships expand the self-concept. The present research applies concepts from the self-expansion model to examine the conditions under which relationship dissolution may influence the self-concept. We hypothesized that the more expansion provided by a relationship predissolution, the greater the contraction of the working self-concept postdissolution, and that this pattern would remain when controlling for predissolution closeness. These hypotheses were tested using recall of relationship qualities for recently dissolved relationships (Studies 1 and 2), as well as with a priming experiment (Study 3). The findings over the 3 studies supported both hypotheses. Those with higher levels of self-expansion in predissolution relationships showed more detrimental impact on their working self-concept postdissolution, even after controlling for predissolution closeness.
Nonstandard neutrino interactions and transition magnetic moments

We constrain generic nonstandard neutrino interactions with existing experimental data on neutrino transition magnetic moments and derive strong bounds on tensorial couplings of neutrinos to charged fermions. We also discuss how some of these tensorial couplings can be constrained by other experiments, e.g., on neutrino-electron and neutrino-nucleus scattering.
An Analysis of the Role of Potassium in the Growth Effects of Cytokinin, Light and Abscisic Acid on Cotyledon Expansion

High external concentrations of potassium were found to promote light-induced growth of cucumber cotyledons similarly to the effects previously observed for the growth induced by cytokinins. At 40 mM KCl, the response to white light was 3.6 times greater than in the absence of KCl. The promotive effect of calcium on the growth induced by cytokinin was not observed for light. In 40 mM KCl and 10 mM CaCl2, the responses to light and cytokinin were similar and additive. Both near-red and far-red light induced growth at low intensities. The response to white light at low intensities was sharply increased with higher intensity up to 24 μE m-2 s-1 and only slightly increased above that level. Abscisic acid was found to inhibit strongly the responses to light and cytokinin. The inhibition was greater in the presence of KCl than in its absence and thus abscisic acid appeared to inhibit primarily by its interference with potassium uptake. Kinetic analysis found the light response promoted by potassium to be inhibited competitively by abscisic acid, with the light response having a Km of 34 mM KCl and a Vmax of 115 mg/cotyledon × 4 days. The inhibition of the cytokinin response by abscisic acid was noncompetitive in relation to potassium, having a Km of 1 mM KCl and a Vmax of 50 mg/cotyledon × 4 days. It is suggested that cytokinin, light and abscisic acid have primary properties affecting membrane permeability and that their interaction with potassium is an explanation of many similarities between light and cytokinin responses and their inhibition by abscisic acid.
Evolution of solidification microstructures at high interface growth rates

Abstract There are a wide variety of fascinating microstructures that evolve during rapid growth solidification processing. The microstructural evolution principles of tip stability and transport which control the scale of such microstructures, especially near the limit of absolute stability, are discussed. Theoretical models for predicting the smallest microstructures scale in a binary alloy are discussed for both constrained and unconstrained growth. The effect of the temperature gradient and solute trapping on microstructure evolution at high growth velocities is examined.
Difficult Children and Difficult Parents: Constructions by Child Care Providers

As more mothers of young children work, concerns about child care have gained prominence. Analyses of this topic typically address availability, safety, and costs of care, or the impact of care on children's “outcomes.” When providers' input is included, it is generally used as an assessment tool to reinforce the researcher's conceptual framework. This study addresses the issue of nonparental child care by allowing the providers to tell their story of caregiving. We have conducted a series of hour-long interviews with 12 in-home child care providers. Their narratives show patterned perceptions of both the children and children's parents. Our analysis focuses on providers' constructions of difficult children and parents. Greater understanding of this aspect of care work may help to improve the quality of the work experience for providers, which may in turn contribute to a more positive care environment experienced by children.
Transforming Cultural Practices: Illustrations from Children's Game Play.

Analyses of children's participation in cultural practices typically focus on the ways in which dimensions of activities shape the nature of children's participation and learning. In contrast, our concern in this article is to understand how children, in their participation, transform cultural practices. We use Saxe's (1991) emergent goals framework to illustrate how the mathematical problems that emerge in children's play of Monopoly are interwoven with children's developing competencies and social interactions.
Training effects on soleus of cats spinal cord transected (T12–13) as adults

Adult spinal cord transected (T12–13) cats were trained for 30 min/day, 5 days/week to either step on a treadmill (Stp-T) or stand (Std-T) for ∼5 months. Training ameliorated soleus atrophy and enhanced maximum force capability compared to nontrained (N-T) spinal cats, with Stp-T being significantly different from N-T. Isometric twitch speed and maximum rate of shortening were unaffected by training; the soleus of all spinal groups was significantly faster than control. There was an elevation in myosin adenosine triphosphatase activity and a shift toward faster myosin heavy chain and fiber type compositions in N-T and Std-T, but not Stp-T cats. Thus, rhythmical activity involving muscle length and force changes (stepping) was more effective than a similar amount of a more static activity (standing). This specificity related to the type of training should be considered when developing rehabilitative strategies following spinal cord injury. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Muscle Nerve,21: 63–71, 1998.
On Maurice Allais’ and Ole Hagen’s Expected Utility Hypotheses and the Allais Paradox: Contemporary Discussions of Decisions Under Uncertainty with Allais’ Rejoinder ‘Rational’ Decision Making Versus ‘Rational’ Decision Modelling?

It is hard to think of a more notorious, long-standing, and often outright confused controversy in modern decision theory than the continuing debate on the meaning of ‘rationality’ in choice under uncertainty. Centered around the ‘expected utility’ theory of risk taking first proposed over two centuries ago by mathematician Daniel Bernoulli, this debate has seen the dramatic reversal of Samuelson’s and others‘ opinion of the theory from ’logically arbitrary‘ to ’logically compelling‘, repeated charges and countercharges of ’nonscientific theories‘, ’anti-scientific attitudes‘, and circular definitions of ’rationality‘, the appearance of a major article in the debate with an editorial warning to the reader that it was being published ’on the author’s responsibility‘, and the reaction of Savage who, upon being shown that the preferences he expressed in a survey violated his own ’rationality’ postulate, concluded upon reflection that it was his preferences, and not the postulate, which were in error!
Adaptive Properties of Monoaminergic Neurons

Neural systems often serve to transmit information rapidly from one region to another. As such, they are highly responsive to alterations in input, quickly translating these signals into isomorphic changes in distal targets. This is the way in which primary sensory afferent and skeletal motor efferent pathways operate. The prototypical synapse for such systems is the mammalian neuromuscular junction. Here, acetylcholine produces a rapid but transient alteration of membrane conductance, thereby generating a postsynaptic potential of millisecond duration. Transmission at these synapses can operate over a wide range of frequencies and for extended periods of time.
Nitrous oxide supersaturation at the liquid/air interface of animal waste

Concentrated animal feeding operations around the globe generate large amounts of nitrous oxide (N(2)O) in the surrounding atmosphere. Liquid animal waste systems have received little attention with respect to N(2)O emissions. We hypothesized that the solution chemistry of animal waste aqueous suspensions would promote conditions that lead to N(2)O supersaturation at the liquid/air interface. The concentration of dissolved N(2)O in poultry litter (PL) aqueous suspensions at 25 degrees C was 0.36 microg N(2)O mL(-1), at least an order of magnitude greater than that measured in water in equilibrium with ambient air, suggesting N(2)O supersaturation. There was a nonlinear increase in the N(2)O Henry constants of PL from 2810 atm/mole fraction at 35 degrees C to 17 300 atm/mole fraction at 41 degrees C. The extremely high N(2)O Henry constants were partially ascribed to N(2)O complexation with aromatic moieties. Complexed N(2)O structures were unstable at temperatures > 35 degrees C, supplying the headspace with additional free N(2)O concentrations.
Improving SLP efficiency and extendability by using global attributes and preference filters

The paper presents two new mechanisms, global attributes and preference filters, that improve the efficiency and extendability of the service location protocol (SLP). Global attributes describe common service properties, which can be used to perform queries across different service types, and can be standardized for service management. Preference filters facilitate processing of search results, such as finding the best match, in SLP servers. They can reduce the amount of data transferred to the client, and better support thin clients with limited resources and capabilities.
Are Sex Offenders Moving into Social Disorganization? Analyzing the Residential Mobility of California Parolees

This study focuses on the relationship between returning offender residential mobility and neighborhood structural factors characteristic of socially disorganized neighborhoods. It uses a unique data set that combines information on parolees released in the state of California during the 2005-2006 time period with their geocoded addresses to view the types of neighborhoods they are moving to. The authors find that sex offenders are entering neighborhoods with more concentrated disadvantage and residential instability upon reentry from prison and upon subsequent moves. This effect for sex offender status is particularly strong for whites and Latinos, leading them into more socially disorganized neighborhoods. The authors also find that sex offenders are more likely to enter neighborhoods with more minorities as measured by Latinos and African Americans and less likely to enter neighborhoods with more whites.
A Portable Current-Comparator-Based System for On-Site Calibrations of Low-Power-Factor Wattmeters

In this paper, a portable system for on-site calibration of low-power-factor wattmeters in high-voltage transformer/ reactor loss-measuring systems under sinusoidal conditions using a current-comparator technique is described. Measurements can be made at any power factor between zero (lead/lag) and 0.1, at a voltage of 120 V, currents of 0.1 A, 1 A, and 5 A, and a frequency of 50 Hz or 60 Hz with an uncertainty of 20 muW/VA (k = 2)
Seasonal cycle of sea surface temperature and mixed layer heat budget in the tropical Pacific Ocean

Climatological data derived from the Comprehensive Ocean-Atmosphere Data Set (COADS) combined with the climatological temperature fields from XBT observations in the tropical Pacific Ocean are used to assess the importance of various oceanic and atmospheric processes in the seasonal variation of the mixed layer temperature. The analyses indicate that in most areas of the extra-equatorial oceans, where the mixed layer is deep and oceanic mixing is weak, the seasonal change in SSTs can be attributed to the net local heating received by the mixed layer. However, in other parts of the equatorial oceans, oceanic processes are found to play an important role in determining the seasonal fluctuations of the SST. In particular, in the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean where the mixed layer is shallow, the thermal-inertia of the upper ocean is reduced significantly by the intense vertical mixing so that the response of the SST is nearly in phase with the surface heating. Using the Kraus-Turner type of entrainment parameterization, the analyses further demonstrate that the vertical heat flux induced by the mean entrainment velocity contributes significantly to the mixed layer heat budget.
Psychosocial encounters correlates with higher patient-reported functional quality of life in gynecological cancer patients receiving radiotherapy

Our objective was to assess longitudinal health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients treated with radiotherapy for gynecologic malignancy and assess the relationship of psychosocial encounters on HRQoL. Women with gynecologic malignancy were prospectively enrolled and HRQoL assessed before, during, and after radiotherapy treatment using validated measures. Treatment and demographic information were reviewed. Mixed-effects models were used to assess changes in quality of life (QoL) over time and association of psychologist and social worker encounters with overall QoL as well as subdomains of QoL. Fifty-two women were enrolled and 41 completed at least one assessment. Fatigue (p = 0.008), nausea (p = 0.001), feeling ill (p = 0.007), and being bothered by side effects (p < 0.001) worsened on treatment with subsequent improvement. By follow-up, patients reported increased functional well-being (FWB) with significant decrease in worry (p = 0.003), increase in enjoyment of things usually done for fun (p = 0.003) and increase in contentment (p = 0.047). Twenty-three patients had at least one interaction with a social worker or psychologist during treatment. Each additional interaction was associated with a 2.12 increase in FWB score from before to after treatment (p = 0.002), and 1.74 increase from on to after treatment (p = 0.011). Additional interactions were not significantly associated with changes in overall FACT score (p = 0.056) or SWB (p = 0.305). Patient-reported HRQoL significantly worsened during radiotherapy treatment with subsequent improvement, affirming transiency of treatment-induced toxicities. Our preliminary study suggests that clinically-recommended psychological and social work interventions have potential value with respect to improving patient QoL during radiotherapy. Larger studies are needed to validate our findings.
Antimullerian hormone levels are inversely associated with body mass index (BMI) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to determine whether antimullerian hormone (AMH) levels were associated with BMI in patients with diagnosed infertility, and more specifically, in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
TYPE SPECIMENS OF BIRDS IN THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY. PART 6. PASSERIFORMES: PRUNELLIDAE, TURDIDAE, ORTHONYCHIDAE, TIMALIIDAE, PARADOXORNITHIDAE, PICATHARTIDAE, AND POLIOPTILIDAE

Abstract This sixth part of “Type Specimens of Birds in the American Museum of Natural History” corresponds to taxa covered in Volume 10 of Peters' Check-list of Birds of the World. The original description of each taxon has been consulted unless otherwise noted, coordinates given for type localities when possible, currently accepted names for the taxa included, and comments on taxonomic history provided. Three hundred sixty-four published names are treated. Types of six of these are not in AMNH, and one was discussed in an earlier list.
A phylogenetic hypothesis for species of the genus Taenia (Eucestoda : Taeniidae).

Cladistic analysis of a numerical data matrix describing 27 characters for species of Taenia resulted in 4 most parsimonious phylogenetic trees (174 steps; consistency index = 0.28; homoplasy index = 0.72; retention index = 0.48). Monophyly for Taenia is diagnosed by the metacestode that is either a cysticercus or a form derived from a bladder-like larva; no other unequivocal synapomorphies are evident. Tree structure provides no support for recognition of a diversity of tribes or genera within the Taeniinae: Fimbriotaeniini and Taeniini have no phylogenetic basis. Hydatigera, Fimbriotaenia, Fossor, Monordotaenia, Multiceps, Taeniarhynchus, Tetratirotaenia must be subsumed within Taenia as synonyms. Taenia saginata and Taenia asiatica are sister species and distantly related to Taenia solium. Cospeciation with respect to carnivorous definitive hosts and Taenia appears to be limited. Although felids are putative ancestral hosts, contemporary associations appear to have resulted from extensive host-switchin...
Impact of Aftertreatment Technologies on the In-Use Gaseous and Particulate Matter Emissions from a Tugboat

In-use gaseous and particulate matter (PM) emissions were characterized aboard a tugboat fueled with a California Air Resources Board (CARB)-based ultralow-sulfur diesel (ULSD) before and after selective catalytic reduction (SCR)–diesel particulate filter (DPF) control technologies. Emissions of measured individual gaseous pollutants include nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), and ammonia (NH3) slip, while PM emission measurements include PM2.5 mass, elemental carbon (EC), and organic carbon (OC). Measurements were conducted according to the ISO 8178 measurement and sampling protocol, while emissions were weighted according to the ISO 8178-4-E3 steady-state test cycle for main engine marine applications. Overall weighted emission factors showed that the SCR reduced NOx by ∼92%, while the DPF reduced PM2.5 emissions by ∼96%. The lowest reductions in NOx and highest NH3 slip were observed at the 27% load point, where the exhaust temperature was below the light-off temperature ...
First Development of a 5.9GHz DSRC On-Vehicle Coverage Capability

On February 3, 2014, NHTSA initiated rulemaking to propose a new Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard that would require vehicle-to-vehicle communication capability for light vehicles. The system would enable delivery of early warnings to drivers to avoid accidents, using radio signals at 5.9GHz that connect to other vehicles in proximity. Currently, there is no proven testing method for ensuring on-vehicle coverage for transmit and receive functions. Coverage at 5.9GHz may be limited due to blockage loss from curved roof surfaces, small antennas, the inclusion of cellular and other antennas with the DSRC antenna, antenna mounting location, and the presence of roof luggage. This paper discusses the development of a first-time DSRC on-vehicle measurement capability for TX radiated power & RX packet error rate around the vehicle.
So, You’re Thinking About Starting a Ukulele Program?:

Ukulele has become popular both for music classrooms and for the everyday musician. Within this article, I outline major considerations for teachers who would like to integrate the ukulele into the...
On the independence assumption in the span of perception

Using the customary methodology, the probability of detecting a dot was examined as a function of the number of dots contained in a circular array and the spatial dispersion of the dots. The independence hypothesis in the span of perception was shown to be limited and of tenuous validity since both hit rate (HR) and false alarm rate (FAR) were joint functions of the two independent variables.
Multifunctional Volume Optics Generated by Direct Femtosecond Laser Writing

We present a three-dimensional scattering approach to the design of aperiodic volume optical elements and explore new functionalities utilizing the available degrees of freedom. We demonstrate volume diffractive elements that multiplex spatial and spectral information.
Balkan ghosts, western specters, and the politics of location: The case of Slavoj Žižek

Slavoj Žižek's more recent work rarely references the Balkans as a space of resistant practices and possibilities. While highly critical of Western constructions of the Balkans, Žižek paradoxically evacuates the region of its peopled history. This article explores that evacuation as constitutive of, rather than tangential to, his thinking. Over against his best intentions, Žižek ends up reproducing the Western gaze and effectively “balkanizes” the Balkans.
Study on the viral etiology of acute respiratory tract infections by real-time PCR

Objective To identify the viral pathogens and to understand the epidemiological characteristics of acute respiratory tract infections(ARTIs) in Huizhou so as to provide the data for clinical diagnosis and treatment.Methods A total of 485 nasopharyngeal swab samples were collected from August 2011 to August 2012 in Huizhou.Real-time PCR was used for the identification of viral pathogens including influenza A(FluA),influenza B(FluB),adenovirus(ADV),human rhinovirus(hRV),respiratory syncytial virus(RSV),parainfluenza virus type l,type 2,type 3(HPIV1,HPIV2,HPIV3),human metapneumovirus(MPV) and human coronavirus(HCoV)type OC43,229E,HKU1 and NL63.Results Out of 485 samples,228 were positive with the overall positive rate of 47.01%.20 samples were found to be co-infected ones,accounting for 8.77% of the positive samples.The top three common viruses were FluB,hRV and FluA.In general,most viruses were detected from November to Feburary and the predominant virus was different from each month.Among patients of age groups,the positive rates were statistically significant(χ2=19.414,P0.05)with different dominant virus infections as hRV in 0-5 age group and influenza virus in all other groups.There was no difference of viral DNA detection between male and female patients(χ2=0.522,P0.05).Conclusions FluB,hRV and FluA are the major pathogens of ARTIs in Huizhou.Some viral infections are either age-related or season-related and some patients are co-infected with other respiratory viruses. Therefore,particular attention should be paid to monitor the respiratory Virus.
Application of Definition Lutein in Health Foods

To provide reference for production of healthfoods, the definition of lutein,its physiological function,security estimation,extraction technique, safe intake and its confirmation and application at home and abroad were reviewed.
A comparative study of escitalopram and fluoxetine in the treatment of depression

Objective To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of escitalpram and fluoxetine in the treatment of depression.Method Eighty patients with depression were treated randomly with escitalopram or fluoxetine for a course of treatment of six weeks,and measured with Hamilton Depressive Scale(HAMD) for efficacy,and Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale(TESS) for side effect before treatment and 1,2,4,6 weeks after treatment Results There was no significant difference in efficacy between the two groups.HAMD scores decreased dramatically at the end of 1st week in escitalopram group and 2nd week in fluoxetine group.The rates of efficacy and marked improvement in escitalopram group were 82.5%and 75.0%,and that in fluoxetine group were 80.0%and 72.5%.The side effects of both were fewer.Conclusion Both escitalopram and fluoxetine are effective antidepressants with fewer side effect.However,escitalopram takes effect more quickly.
Improperly Burdened: The Uncertain and Sometimes Unfair Application of Tax Penalties

For the past seventeen years, the Internal Revenue Service (Service) and the U.S. Tax Court (Tax Court) have unfairly penalized unrepresented taxpayers by ignoring Congressional safeguards in reaction to widely reported Service abuses. Those safeguards were enacted when Congress passed the Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act in 1998 (IRS Reform Act). While the IRS Reform Act stopped many of the more egregious abuses, it has thus far failed to provide the meaningful penalty protections Congress sought.Prior to passage of the IRS Reform Act, the Service routinely imposed tax penalties without indicating to taxpayers either the statutory basis for the penalty or how the penalty was calculated. In addition, many lower-tiered Service examiners assessed penalties against taxpayers without any supervisory approval, which led to the widespread belief that either the Service was penalizing taxpayers indiscriminately, or using the penalty to strengthen its negotiating position with taxpayers. In the time leading up to enactment, the Senate noted protections were needed because “taxpayers are entitled to an explanation of the penalties imposed upon them . . . [and] penalties should only be imposed where appropriate and not as a bargaining chip.”The IRS Reform Act was intended to balance the playing field between the Service and taxpayers. To meet those goals, the IRS Reform Act added three new provision in two new sections of the Internal Revenue Code (Code) requiring the Service to: (1) include detailed information about the basis for penalties, as well as the penalty calculations, (2) have supervisors approve, in writing, all discretionary penalties, and (3) bear the burden of production with respect to tax penalties in court proceedings.While the Service has generally met the first provision, it has routinely avoided the second and ignored the third. Although the second requirement requires supervisory approval of non-discretionary penalties, the Service fails to provide taxpayers with any proof that such approval was obtained, and, in at least two recent cases discussed herein, has argued that taxpayers have no redress if such approval was not obtained. In addition, the Service has chosen to narrow the definition of discretionary penalties in order to avoid the law.
Evo-Devo: Regulatory and Protein-Coding Evolution in Plant Diversification

The field of plant evolutionary development (evo-devo) integrates molecular genetics, phylogenetics, comparative morphology, and modern evolutionary theory to understand developmental and genetic changes underlying variation in plant form and function. Over the past half century it has become clear that changes in the regulation of gene expression, either transcriptional or posttranscriptional, can have major effects on plant development by determining when and where a particular cell type or organ emerges. Regulatory changes can occur through heritable sequence mutations or epimutations caused by altered patterns of DNA methylation, and there are examples of such mutations in both the coding regions of genes and associated transcription factor-binding regulatory elements that have had an historical impact on plant phenotype. Although both regulatory and protein-coding changes are important to the evolution of plant traits, evolvability of genic regions appears to be strongly affected by genetic pleiotropy. This article discusses some of the mechanisms, including modularity, gene duplication, and gene network architecture, that mitigate pleiotropy, therefore acting as internal forces to promote or constrain the evolution of plant development.
The High Technology Front

Technologically, Japan is rapidly leapfrogging the United States by virtually every measurement. The CHI Research Inc. annually analyzes global technology trends by examining a range of indicators including patents, scientific paper citations, and innovations.2 According to CHI Research, Japan has either surpassed or is running neck and neck with the United States in virtually every technology area, while Japanese corporations have clearly leapfrogged their American rivals in many key sectors: Japan’s automobile giants surged past America’s producers in the late 1970s, Fuji overcame Kodak in 1984, and Hitachi surpassed IBM in 1985, to name a few. Although America’s 104541 patents in 1990 were larger than Japan’s 76 984, Japan’s corporations led in the ability to turn inventions into mass consumer products.
Typical and Atypical Manifestations of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) usually presents with heartburn or regurgitation. These symptoms occur most commonly within two hours after eating or while in the recumbent position. In addition to this typical presentation, many so-called “atypical” forms of GERD also occur. This includes angina-like chest pain, asthma, chronic cough and chronic hoarseness of voice. Although some regard symptoms of GERD as mere an annoyance, in many this may have an important effect on the quality of life (1). Furthermore, up to 20% of patients have more serious complications such as ulcerative esophagitis, peptic stricture, or epithelial metaplasia (Barrett’s esophagus) with its premalignant potential (2). In most individuals, particularly those who present to a gastroenterologist, GERD is often a chronic relapsing condition. Therefore, long-term treatment is the essence of managing this condition.
On the Interaction of Memory and Procrastination: Implications for Reminders, Deadlines, and Empirical Estimation

The interaction between present bias and limited memory can explain why individuals do not act at deadlines and why providing reminders can have large effects. Individuals in my model must choose when and whether to complete a task, but may forget or procrastinate. A calibration exercise shows that assuming perfect memory leads to biased estimates of present bias because the rate of task completion at the deadline is much lower with imperfect memory. Naive procrastination explains why individuals do not set up reminders despite large gains to doing so. The model offers guidance for empirical studies of reminders, making a distinction between anticipated and unanticipated reminders: anticipated reminders can induce additional procrastination, lowering both welfare and the probability the task is completed. I then use this framework to show how to optimally set deadlines and time the delivery of reminders to present-biased individuals.
A New Approach for the Production of Maraging Steel P/M Parts

The manufacture of maraging steel P/M parts is of interest for a number of reasons. Primarily, there are numerous potential applications for this high strength-high toughness type of material involving parts that could be most economically made by P/M techniques. With the 300,000 to 400,000 psi tensile strength range of certain wrought maraging steels, it is quite conceivable that a P/M material could be made with a strength in excess of 200,000 psi and with substantial ductility, using conventional press and sinter techniques.