cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence of bone lesion location on femoral bone strength assessed by MRI-based finite-element modeling.

Abstract Currently, clinical determination of pathologic fracture risk in the hip is conducted using measures of defect size and shape in the stance loading condition. However, these measures often do not consider how changing lesion locations or how various loading conditions impact bone strength. The goal of this study was to determine the impact of defect location on bone strength parameters in both the sideways fall and stance-loading conditions. We recruited 20 female subjects aged 48–77 years for this study and performed MRI of the proximal femur. Using these images, we simulated 10-mm pathologic defects in greater trochanter, superior, middle, and inferior femoral head, superior, middle, and inferior femoral neck, and lateral, middle, and medial proximal diaphysis to determine the effect of defect location on change in bone strength by performing finite element analysis. We compared the effect of each osteolytic lesion on bone stiffness, strength, resilience, and toughness. For the sideways fall loading, defects in the inferior femoral head (12.21%) and in the greater trochanter (6.43%) resulted in the greatest overall reduction in bone strength. For the stance loading, defects in the mid femoral head (−7.91%) and superior femoral head (−7.82%) resulted in the greatest overall reduction in bone strength. Changes in stiffness, yield force, ultimate force, resilience, and toughness were not found to be significantly correlated between the sideways fall and stance-loading for the majority of defect locations, suggesting that calculations based on the stance-loading condition are not predictive of the change in bone strength experienced in the sideways fall condition. While stiffness was significantly related to yield force (R2 > 0.82), overall force (R2 > 0.59), and resilience (R2 > 0.55), in both, the stance-loading and sideways fall conditions for most defect locations, stiffness was not significantly related to toughness. Therefore, structure-dependent measure such as stiffness may not fully explain the post-yield measures, which depend on material failure properties. The data showed that MRI-based models have the sensitivity to determine the effect of pathologic lesions on bone strength.
Preservice Elementary Teachers and the Fundamentals of Probability.

This study examined how preservice elementary teachers think about situations involving probability. Twenty-four preservice elementary teachers who had not yet studied probability as part of their preservice elementary mathematics coursework were interviewed using a task-based interview. The participants’ responses showed a wide variety of misconceptions about the meaning of probability. In particular, when they were asked to think about the probability of an irregularly shaped object, many participants had misconceptions about the classical and frequentist interpretations of probability. These findings suggest that instruction for preservice elementary teachers should address the meaning of probability, including the subjective, classical, and frequentist interpretations of probability. First published November 2011 at Statistics Education Research Journal: Archives
Generative Policy Framework for AI Training Data Curation

Policy-based mechanisms are used to implement desired autonomic behavior of a managed system in a distributed environment. For modern dynamically changing systems, policy-based mechanisms tend to be too rigid, and quickly lose their efficacy when conditions of the autonomous system change during its operation. In this paper, we propose a generative policy framework that can generate policies for an autonomous system when conditions change. For changed conditions, the policy generation manager dynamically generates new set of policies optimized for the new situation. As a use case, we demonstrate how our generative policy framework generates policies for selecting optimal data for an AI model training. The policies are dynamically generated based on the availability and trustworthiness of data in a coalition environment.
Water Electrolysis Propulsion as a Case Study in Resource-Based Spacecraft Architecture (February 2020)

In situ resource utilization (ISRU), the use of materials available on-site to replenish supplies or manufacture components during a mission, is vital to sustaining human presence in space. ISRU has been identified by NASA as one of the key technologies in the Human Exploration Destination Systems Technology Area. In recent years, the abundance of water in the solar system has been made increasingly clear. Extraterrestrial water, liquid water especially, is of great scientific interest, as targets where water is available are often desirable for future exploration. ISRU with water is therefore a particularly high priority. This paper considers the implications of in situ water on the design of space systems, with the use of water for multiple purposes on the CisLunar Explorers EM-1 secondary payload as a case study. Water onboard the CisLunar Explorers is used in every subsystem: as propellant, for slosh-damping, as a heat sink, and as a radiation shield. The CisLunar Explorers spacecraft do not collect water in situ but, instead, serve as a pathfinder for demonstrating the utility and versatility of water for future ISRU.
Public Mental Health Ethics: An Overview

Abstract In this chapter we outline ethical issues raised by the application of public health approaches to the field of mental health. We first set out some of the basics of public health ethics that are particularly relevant to mental health, with special attention to the ongoing debate over the traditional presumption of non-infringement, increased recognition of the social determinants of health, and the concept of prevention. Then we turn to the moral particularities of mental health, focussing on questions concerning coercion and treatment pressure, personal identity and sociocultural factors (including stigma), and unresolved conceptual and methodological issues in psychiatry that complicate its extension into the domain of public health.
Electronic contribution to the normal state ultrasonic attenuation in indium

Abstract This paper reports the anisotropy and frequency dependence of the normal electronic attenuation of Iongitudinal sound waves in very pure single crystals of indium.
Small aromatic hydrocarbons control the onset of soot nucleation

Abstract The gas-to-particle transition is a critical and hitherto poorly understood aspect in carbonaceous soot particle formation. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are key precursors of the solid phase, but their role has not been assessed quantitatively probably because, even if analytical techniques to quantify them are well developed, the challenge to adapt them to flame environments are longstanding. Here, we present simultaneous measurements of forty-eight gaseous species through gas capillary-sampling followed by chemical analysis and of particle properties by optical techniques. Taken together, they enabled us to follow quantitatively the transition from parent fuel molecule to PAHs and, eventually, soot. Importantly, the approach resolved spatially the structure of flames even in the presence of steep gradients and, in turn, allowed us to follow the molecular growth process in unprecedented detail. Noteworthy is the adaptation to a flame environment of a novel technique based on trapping semi-volatile compounds in a filter, followed by off-line extraction and preconcentration for quantitative chemical analyses of species at mole fractions as low as parts per billion. The technique allowed for the quantitation of PAHs containing up to 6 aromatic rings. The principal finding is that only one- and two-ring aromatic compounds can account for soot nucleation, and thus provide the rate-limiting step in the reactions leading to soot. This finding impacts the fundamental understanding of soot formation and eases the modeling of soot nucleation by narrowing the precursors that must be predicted accurately.
Amniotic fluid-derived multipotent stromal cells drive diabetic wound healing through modulation of macrophages.

Cutaneous wounds in patients with diabetes exhibit impaired healing due to physiological impediments and conventional care options are severely limited. Multipotent stromal cells (MSCs) have been touted as a powerful new therapy for diabetic tissue repair owing to their trophic activity and low immunogenicity. However, variations in sources and access are limiting factors for broader adaptation and study of MSC-based therapies. Amniotic fluid presents a relatively unexplored source of MSCs and one with wide availability. Here, we investigate the potential of amniotic fluid-derived multipotent stromal cells (AFMSCs) to restore molecular integrity to diabetic wounds, amend pathology and promote wound healing. We obtained third trimester amniotic fluid from term cesarean delivery and isolated and expanded MSCs in vitro. We then generated 10 mm wounds in Leprdb/db diabetic mouse skin, and splinted them open to allow for humanized wound modeling. Immediately after wounding, we applied AFMSCs topically to the sites of injuries on diabetic mice, while media application only, defined as vehicle, served as controls. Post-treatment, we compared healing time and molecular and cellular events of AFMSC-treated, vehicle-treated, untreated diabetic, and non-diabetic wounds. A priori statistical analyses measures determined significance of the data. Average time to wound closure was approximately 19 days in AFMSC-treated diabetic wounds. This was significantly lower than the vehicle-treated diabetic wounds, which required on average 27.5 days to heal (p < 0.01), and most similar to time of closure in wild type untreated wounds (an average of around 18 days). In addition, AFMSC treatment induced changes in the profiles of macrophage polarizing cytokines, resulting in a change in macrophage composition in the diabetic wound bed. We found no evidence of AFMSC engraftment or biotherapy induced immune response. Treatment of diabetic wounds using amniotic fluid-derived MSCs encourages cutaneous tissue repair through affecting inflammatory cell behavior in the wound site. Since vehicle-treated diabetic wounds did not demonstrate accelerated healing, we determined that AFMSCs were therapeutic through their paracrine activities. Future studies should be aimed towards validating our observations through further examination of the paracrine potential of AFMSCs. In addition, investigations concerning safety and efficacy of this therapy in clinical trials should be pursued.
Applying Force Perturbations Using a Wearable Robotic Neck Brace

Force perturbation is used in this paper to study cervical neuromuscular responses which can be used in the future to assess impairments in patients with neurological diseases. Current literature on this topic is limited to applying forces on the head in the anterior-posterior direction, perhaps due to technological limitations. In this paper, we propose to use a robotic neck brace to address these shortcomings due to its lightweight portable design and the ability to control forces. A controller is implemented to apply direction-specific perturbations on the head. To demonstrate the effectiveness of this capability, a human study was carried out with able-bodied subjects. We used this robotic brace to apply forces on the head of the subjects and observed their movement and muscle responses both when their eyes were open and closed. Our results suggest that the robotic brace is capable of perturbing the head and tracking the kinematic response. It revealed that ablebodied subjects reacted to the perturbations differently when their eyes were closed. They showed longer head trajectories and more muscle activation when the eyes were closed. We also show that the direction-specific perturbation feature enables us to analyze kinematic and muscle variables with respect to the direction of perturbation. This helps better understand the neuromuscular response in the head-neck.
P259 Sex in the City: Understanding Perceived Risks and Sexual Behavior among Adolescents and Young Adults during the SARS Co-V-2 Pandemic

Background SARS Co-V-2 (COVID-19) mitigation strategies have resulted in limited clinical operations for sexual health services and adolescents and young adults (AYA) have received mixed messages about the risk for serious COVID-19 infection. This work describes the sexual behavior and relationship between COVID-19 risk perceptions and sexual behaviors among urban AYA during the pandemic. Methods Cross-sectional data were used from AYA enrolled across four sexual health studies in Baltimore, Maryland (USA). Participants had an active STI, HIV, or were at risk for STI/HIV. The March 16, 2020 ‘stay-at-home’ orders were used to define the pandemic period in the human subjects’ approved telephone survey. Demographics, COVID-19 risk perception, testing behavior, positivity in their social circle, and relationship/sexual behaviors data were evaluated using regression analyses. Results 194 participants with a mean (sd) age of 22.7 (2.8) years were surveyed. Most were female (81%) with public health insurance (68%), 61% were in a relationship, 36% were cohabiting, 79% had sex during the stay-at-home order, 68% used some form of contraception, 39% used a condom at last sex, and 23% had STI screening during the pandemic. 51% had COVID-19 testing, and 31% and 8% experienced a COVID-19-related diagnosis or death, respectively, in their social circle. Using a 10-point Likert scale (10=most concerned), the mean concern score for contracting COVID-19 was 5.0 (3.7) and during intercourse was 3.0 (4.1). Those with COVID-19 positivity within their social circle were marginally more likely to have COVID-19 testing (adjusted OR 1.69, 95% CI 0.89 – 3.19, p = 0.107). Concern for COVID infection or COVID-19 in social circle was not associated with sexual intercourse or condom use. Conclusion Urban AYAs remain at risk for STIs and COVID-19 given community rates, low condom use, and low COVID risk perceptions. Youth-focused mitigation strategies to reduce STI/HIV and COVID-19 are warranted.
Associations between physical activity, sedentary behaviour and left ventricular structure and function from the Echocardiographic Study of Latinos (ECHO-SOL).

OBJECTIVE The cross-sectional association between accelerometer-measured physical activity (PA), sedentary behaviour (SB) and cardiac structure and function is less well described. This study's primary aim was to compare echocardiographic measures of cardiac structure and function with accelerometer measured PA and SB. METHODS Participants included 1206 self-identified Hispanic/Latino men and women, age 45-74 years, from the Echocardiographic Study of Latinos. Standard echocardiographic measures included M-mode, two-dimensional, spectral, tissue Doppler and myocardial strain. Participants wore an Actical accelerometer at the hip for 1 week. RESULTS The mean±SE age for the cohort was 56±0.4 years, 57% were women. Average moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) was 21±1.1 min/day, light PA was 217±4.2 min/day and SB was 737±8.1 min/day. Both higher levels of light PA and MVPA (min/day) were associated with lower left ventricular (LV) mass index (LVMI)/end-diastolic volume and a lower E/e' ratio. Higher levels of MVPA (min/day) were associated with better right ventricular systolic function. Higher levels of SB were associated with increased LVMI. In a multivariable linear regression model adjusted for demographics and cardiovascular disease modifiable factors, every 10 additional min/day of light PA was associated with a 0.03 mL/m2 increase in left atrial volume index (LAVI) (p<0.01) and a 0.004 cm increase in tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (p<0.01); every 10 additional min/day of MVPA was associated with a 0.18 mL/m2 increase in LAVI (p<0.01) and a 0.24% improvement in global circumferential strain (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight the potential positive association between the MVPA and light PA on cardiac structure and function.
The role of perceived level of threat, reactance proneness, political orientation, and coronavirus salience on health behavior intentions.

This pre-registered study was designed to test whether reminders of death and coronavirus would have similar or different effects on health behavior intentions concerning COVID-19 (e.g., mask weari...
In vitro characterization of urea derivatives to inhibit alpha-synuclein early-stage aggregation

Abstract Amyloidosis, a group of diseases caused by the fibrillation of prone-to-aggregate proteins, remains one of the most difficult ailments to treat human medicine. This study focuses on the amyloid protein, alpha-synuclein (α-syn), the major pathogenetic contributor to well-known diseases such as Parkinson's Disease (PD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA). We examine the effectiveness of our novel family of molecules, diaryl derivatives of urea, on the inhibition of early- and late-stage α-syn aggregation. Screening with Thioflavin-T (ThT) fluorescence assay has identified one compound 12 as a promising inhibitor for fibril formation (late-stage aggregation). Utilizing the Photo-induced Cross-linking of Unmodified Proteins (PICUP) assays, compound 12 impeded α-syn oligomerization (early-stage aggregation). In contrast to resveratrol, a polyphenol used as positive control, compound 12 delayed the lag time and did not generate globular structures of 5 nm per transmission electron microscopy (TEM). EC50 of compound 12 is 27.6 ± 1.3 µM. Compound 12 reduced cell inclusions and cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner using the inclusion-forming neuroblastoma cell-based assays. This family of compound has the potential to become an invaluable tool to abrogate, at the early-stage, α-syn aggregation.
Development and validation of an electronic health records-based opioid use disorder algorithm by expert clinical adjudication

Abstract Background In the US, over 200 lives are lost from opioid overdoses each day. Accurate and prompt diagnosis of opioid use disorders (OUD) may contribute substantially to prevention of overdose deaths. However, OUD research is limited, the specificity and sensitivity of OUD ICD codes are unknown, and the ICD codes are known to underestimate OUD prevalence. We developed and validated algorithms to identify OUD from EHR data and examine validity of ICD-based definitions for OUD. Methods Through multiple iterations, we developed EHR-based algorithms to identify OUD. These algorithms and ICD-based OUD definition were validated against a total of 169 independent gold standard EHR chart reviews conducted by an expert adjudication panel of eight pain and addiction medicine clinical experts across four large healthcare systems. The experts relied on clinical judgement and current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 criteria for making OUD diagnoses. Results Of the 169 EHR charts, 81 (48%) were reviewed by more than one expert and exhibited 85% agreement between the reviewing experts. The OUD ICD codes alone had 10% sensitivity and 99% specificity, underscoring the strong potential for OUD underestimation in studies depending on ICD codes alone. In comparison, after four iterations, the algorithms identified OUD with a 23% sensitivity and 98% specificity. Conclusions and Relevance This is the first study to evaluate the validity of OUD ICD codes and develop validated EHR-based algorithms to address OUD underestimation. This work has the potential to inform future research on early intervention and prevention of OUD.
Effects of housing environment on oral absorption of acetaminophen in healthy Beagles.

Objective To evaluate the effects of housing environment on oral absorption of acetaminophen in dogs. Animals 6 healthy Beagles. Procedures Acetaminophen (325 mg, PO; mean dose, 31.1 mg/kg) was administered in a crossover study design with dogs housed in their normal environment or in a cage in an unfamiliar environment. There was a 7-day washout period between phases. Blood samples were collected for 24 hours following acetaminophen administration, and plasma acetaminophen concentrations were determined with high-pressure liquid chromatography. Results A 2-compartment model with lag time was the best fit for both phases of the study. None of the primary or secondary pharmacokinetic parameters were significantly different between the 2 housing environments. Clinical relevance Findings suggested that in dogs, housing environment (normal environment vs a cage in an unfamiliar environment) did not significantly affect oral absorption and, by extension, gastric emptying of acetaminophen.
Work Structures and Their Correlates

In order to appreciate the “hows and whys” of work structures as specific independent and dependent variables, it is necessary to specify in detail the attributes of work structures and thus the dimensions along which they differ. These attributes we conceive to be their correlates and we conceive these correlates, in turn, as being wrought or shaped by nation-state policies and by the operation of the four market systems discussed in the previous chapter. We are concerned with the correlates of work structures that make a difference, and the features of work structures most worthy of discussion are those that appear in the literature to have enduring value to those who seek to explain a very large number of phenomena.
Primary Gastric Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma Presenting as Gastric Outlet Obstruction: a Call for High Clinical Suspicion.

The gastrointestinal tract is the most common extra-nodal site involved by lymphoma accounting for 5–20 % of all extranodal lymphomas [1]. Primary gastrointestinal lymphoma, however, is rare. The stomach is the most commonly involved site (60–75 %) in the gastrointestinal tract followed by small bowel, ileocecal region and rectum [2]. Primary gastric lymphoma is very rare, accounting only for 3 % of cases of gastric malignancy. Gastric outlet obstruction from primary gastric lymphoma could be from intrinsic obstruction or extrinsic compression. We present a case of primary gastric lymphoma initially presenting as gastric outlet obstruction.
Polyvinyl Acetate and Portland Cement Mortars

Research on properties of polyvinyl acetate and on its use in concrete floor surfacing materials; applications made several years ago and their present conditions; advantages are excellent bonding, high tensile strength, self curing in presence of air and light, and easy mixing; disadvantages are: cannot be subjected to continuous exposure to water and it shows cracks when applied in thicknesses over 1/2 in.
Studies on receptor-mediated activation of adenylyl cyclases. V. Transient kinetics of the activation of beef renal medullary adenylyl cyclase by neurohypophyseal hormones: estimation of apparent rate constants of the receptor-hormone interaction.

Abstract Activation of the beef renal medullary adenylyl cyclase system by submaximally stimulating concentrations of neurohypophyseal hormones (NHH) is a time-dependent process that requires several minutes to reach completion. This time dependency expresses itself in the appearance of lag periods in progress curves describing the time courses of hormone-induced cyclic adenosine 3':5'-monophosphate accumulation. Analysis of the extent (duration) and form (function describing the curvature) of these lags as a function of varying concentrations of the NHH [Arg8]vasopressin, indicated that the experimental data fit a model of adenylyl cyclase activation in which (a) the rate-limiting step of the hormone-dependent activation is the formation of the hormone-receptor complex, (b) the hormone reacts with receptor on a one to one basis, and (c) the function coupling receptor occupation to adenylyl cyclase activation is linear. Simulation of progress curves obtained with the NHH oxytocin using the same model agreed well with experimental data obtained at submaximally stimulating concentrations of hormone but predicted a maximally stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity that was 20 to 25% lower than found experimentally, suggesting the existence of a small degree of negative cooperativity between receptor sites. Apparent rate constants of association (k1) and dissociation (k2) of [Arg8]vasopressin and oxytocin to and from the NHH receptor were estimated using the above assumptions and led to the following values for [Arg8]vasopressin: k1 = 3.22 x 106 m-1 s-1, k2 = 703 x 10-3 s-1; for oxytocin: k1 = 8.69 x 104 m-1 s-1, k2 = 11.5 x 10-3 s-1. Thus, the main kinetic difference between the receptor-[Arg8]vasopressin interaction (apparent Ka = 1 to 2 x 10-9 m) and the receptor-oxytocin interaction (apparent Ka = 0.8 to 1.2 x 10-7 m) appears to lie in the rate at which these hormones associate to their receptor. GTP was found at 10-5 m to accelerate the rate at which the beef renal medullary adenylyl cyclase is stimulated by submaximally stimulating concentrations of [Arg8]vasopressin or oxytocin, presumably by accelerating the rates at which these hormones interact with the NHH receptor. The potential usefulness of the approach used here to study kinetic parameters of hormone-receptor interactions as a tool for validating a hormone binding assay as a receptor assay is discussed.
Perfusion method for assaying microbial activities in sediments: applicability to studies of n(2) fixation by c(2)h(2) reduction.

A perfusion method for assaying nitrogenase activity (acetylene reduction) in marine sediments was developed. The method was used to assay sediment cores from Spartina alterniflora (salt marsh), Zostera marina (sea grass), and Thalassia testudinum (sea grass) communities, and the results were compared with those of conventional sealed-flask assays. Rates of ethylene production increased progressively with time in the perfusion assays, reaching plateau values of 2 to 3 nmol · g of dry sediment−1 · h−1 by 10 to 20 h. Depletion of interstitial NH4+ was implicated in this stimulation of nitrogenase activity. Initial acetylene reduction rates determined by the perfusion assay of cores from the Spartina community ranged from 0.15 to 0.60 nmol of C2H4 · g of dry sediment−1 · h−1. These rates were similar to those for sediments assayed in sealed flasks without seawater when determined over linear periods of C2H4 production. Initial values obtained by using the perfusion method were 0.66 nmol of C2H4 · g of dry sediment−1 · h−1 for sediments from Zostera communities and 0.70 nmol of C2H4 · g of dry sediment−1 · h−1 for sediments from Thalassia communities. In all cases, rates determined by simultaneous slurry assays were lower than those determined by the perfusion method.
Maternal Depressive Symptomatology, Social Support, and Language Development of Bilingual Preschoolers From Low-Income Households.

Purpose This study examined the impact of maternal depressive symptomatology and social support on the English and Spanish language growth of young bilingual children from low-income backgrounds. I...
Newly licensed registered nurses' perceptions of job difficulties, demands and control: individual and organizational predictors.

unruh l.y.&nooney j. (2011) Journal of Nursing Management19, 572–584 Newly licensed registered nurses’ perceptions of job difficulties, demands and control: individual and organizational predictors Aims To determine predictors of newly licensed registered nurses’ perceptions of job difficulties, job demands and job control. Background In previous studies, new registered nurses describe their work environment as stressful, yet little is known about factors that influence these experiences. Methods We surveyed a random sample of newly licensed registered nurses in Florida. Dependent variables included indicators of job difficulty, job demand and job control. Independent variables included individual and organizational characteristics hypothesized to be related to the dependent variables. Logistic and ordinary least squares regressions were used to analyse survey data. Results Inadequate orientation, working the day shift, working a greater number of hours and caring for a higher number of patients were significantly related to a greater likelihood of perceptions of job difficulty and job demand. Less adequate orientation and a greater number of float shifts were related to a lower likelihood of perceptions of job control. Conclusions and implications Adequacy of orientation, patient load, work hours, shift work and floating are priority items that need improvement in the work environment of newly licensed registered nurses. Implications for Nursing Management The present study identified factors involved with newly licensed registered nurses’ perceptions of job difficulties, job demands and job control which will help managers redesign work settings to retain new nurses.
Primary Carcinoid of the Duodenum: Report of a Case and Review of Literature

Summary A case of primary carcinoid of the duodenum is reported in a 74 year old white man who had a subtotal gastric resection for partial pyloric obstruction associated with a peptic ulcer of the duodenum. The literature on primary carcinoid of the duodenum is reviewed and analyzed. The clinical and pathologic features of four authentic cases from the literature and the one here reported are described.
All-optical spatial switching of solitary waves in KTP

Summary form only given. The recent demonstration of large nonlinear optical phase shifts in quadratic nonlinear materials, and the observation of spatial solitary waves have made possible several new applications such as phase-controlled transistors and solitary wave dragging. The solitary waves form above a threshold power and are a result of strongly coupled fundamental and second-harmonic waves, which propagate without either diffraction or walk-off. We demonstrate all-optical spatial steering based on solitary-wave formation utilizing a type II frequency-degenerate process, which leads to phase-insensitive switching at powers above the self-guiding threshold in bulk KTiOPO/sub 4/ crystal.
A Study of Topic Sentence Use in Scientific Writing

This study examines three dimensions of paragraph topic sentence use in a corpus of scientific writing made up of research articles in biochemistry, geology, psychology, and sociology: 1. frequency of topic sentence use; 2. variation of topic sentence frequency in five rhetorical divisions; 3. variation of topic sentence types in these rhetorical divisions. Although the scientific writers used topic sentences in 55 percent of their paragraphs, differences existed among rhetorical divisions as to topic sentence frequency: writers used topic sentences quite often in results, results/discussion, and discussion, but quite seldom in methodology. Furthermore, topic sentence types differed across the divisions. In methodology, the topic announcement predominated; in discussion and introduction, the propositional occurred most often; in results and results/discussion, there was a balance of the two types. All these variations are thought to be related to differences in function (reporting facts versus interpretin...
Quantitative resonance Raman spectroscopy

Abstract Determination of organic species at low concentration levels, particularly the simultaneous determination of a number of related compounds, challenges the ingenuity of the analyst. Measurements for nonvolatile and thermally labile compounds in the complex materials derived from the environment and living systems are especially difficult, and existing techniques aremostly ill-suited to this task. Resonance Raman spectroscopy provides an appropriate basis for such analyses.
Songs of Transformation: Vernacular Josmanī Literature and the Yoga of Cosmic Awareness

Josmani, the Sant tradition found in northeastern Nepal and among the Nepali-speaking community in Assam, India has a documented history going back over two hundred years.1 Although other Sant traditions of the Indian subcontinent have received voluminous attention, the Josmani tradition has not been explored within the framework of contemporary scholarship. This article examines the private and public domains of Josmanls, their Yoga practice, and their social life within the context of their worldview. The approach adopted here is comparative and historical with a focus on other contemporaneous Hindu traditions. Besides Josmanls, several other Sant traditions flourished during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries in Nepal.2 This study is therefore not exhaustive; it explores the role of the syncretic traditions prevalent in the northeastern region of the subcontinent. There can be no disagreement about the identification of the Josmani as a Sant tradition emerging from the same pan-Indian spirit that infused the Alvârs and Nayanars, Kablr and Nanak, and the later Sants of northern India.3 Josmanis identify themselves as Sants (see Sharma 1963: 239, 272, 283, 318-19, 346) and distinguish themselves from other vernacular traditions like the Nath Jogis.4 The common constituents of this tradition are the same as those of the medieval Sants of India. Like other Sants, Josmanis are syncretistic, although the nature of syncretism differs in
The relationship between alcohol consumption during pregnancy and infant birthweight: An epidemiologic study

Heavy alcohol consumption during pregnancy has been consistently associated with inhibited intra-uterine growth; however, the effect of social drinking is not yet clear. The relationship between moderate drinking and low birth weight (less than 2,500 g) among a nationally representative sample of white married mothers who gave birth to singletons infants in the National Natality Survey (1980) is analysed here. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy was significantly associated with birth weight (p less than 0.02). Moreover, there was a gradient of risk in low birth weight associated with increasing amount of alcohol ingestion during pregnancy. There was a significant association between the mean birth weight of the singletons across different categories of alcohol intake (p less than 0.0001). The difference between the mean birth weight of the singletons among moderate drinkers compared with nondrinkers was also statistically significant (p less than 0.005). These relationships remained after simultaneously adjusting effects of the confounding variables gestational age, parity, smoking, weight gain, maternal age and education in multiple regression analyses. These findings confirm earlier reports of a relationship between alcohol use during pregnancy and decreased birth weight. Additionally, it is shown here that for moderate alcohol use during pregnancy, there is an adverse effect on the birth weight.
The two-dimensional structure of dynamic boundary layers and shear bands in thermoviscoplastic solids

A general boundary layer theory for thermoviscoplastic solids which accounts for inertia, rate sensitivity, hardening, thermal coupling, heat convection and conduction, and thermal softening is developed. In many applications of interest, the boundary layer equations can be considerably simplified by recourse to similarity methods, which facilitates the determination of steady-state and transient fully non-linear two-dimensional solutions. A simple analysis of the asymptotic behavior of the steady-state solutions leads to a classification of stable and unstable regimes. Under adiabatic conditions, the resulting material stability criterion coincides with that previously derived by Molinari and Clifton [(1987) Analytical characterization of shear localization in thermoviscoplastic solids. J. Appl, Mech. 54, 806–812] by a quasi-static, one-dimensional analysis. The transition from initially stable to unstable behavior can also be conveniently described by similarity methods. This provides a powerful semi-analytical tool for the interpretation of impact tests exhibiting dynamic shear bands, and for the characterization of the two-dimensional structure of such bands. It follows from the theory that, if the velocity of the impactor is held steady, the leading tip of the shear band propagates at a constant speed. This shear band tip speed follows readily from the theory as a function of the impact velocity and material parameters. The two-dimensional velocity, stress, temperature and plastic work fields attendant to the propagating shear band are also determined.
A continuously distributed dislocation model of Zener–Stroh–Koehler cracks in anisotropic materials

Abstract Based on the continuously distributed dislocation theory (CDDT), the problem of stress equilibrium of a Zener–Stroh–Koehler (ZSK)-type crack in an anisotropic body under mix-mode loading conditions is solved. The solution is obtained for the condition that plastic yielding occurs rectilinearly in front of the crack-tip. The plastic zones size, the crack opening displacements and the energy release rates under mix-mode loading conditions are derived, in closed forms. The orientation dependence in the above quantities is discussed.
A novel synthesis of β-diketo diesters and their analytical potential as chelating agents

Abstract A novel procedure has been developed tor the synthesis of dimethyl-5,7-dioxoundecanedioate dimethyl-6,8-dioxotridecanedioateand6,8-dioxotridecanedioic acid from readily available starting materials. The various intermediate and final products of the synthesis were characterized by chemical analyses and by n.m.r, i.r. and mass spectrometry. The chelating ability of the new β-diketones was compared with that of acetylacctone (2,4-pentanedione) on fifteen common metal ions. The β-diketo diesters readily formed precipitates with Be(II) Cu(II) and Pd(II) and red complexes with Fe(III). The green Ni(II) and pink Co(II) complexes were observed only after extracting the aqueous solution with dichloromethane. The β-diketo diacid reacted readily only with Be(II), Cu(II), Pd(II) and UO(II) to form precipitates. Under the same conditions 2,4-pentanedione formed precipitates with all of the ions surveyed. The copper(II) chelates of the two β-diketo diesters were characterized completely. They were stable, soluble in dichloromethane, toluene and xylene, but did not sublime at elevated temperatures and reduced pressures. The copper(II) chelate of 6,8-dioxotridecanedioic acid was characterized and three possible structures are proposed for the complex which exhibits a ligand : metal ratio of 2:3.
WE-F-105-05: A Web Interface to Cloud-Based Treatment Head Simulations

Purpose: Monte Carlo simulations of linear accelerator treatment heads have traditionally involved building the simulated treatment head from specifications provided by the manufacturer. Here, we make pre‐compiled applications available through a web interface, with processors running in the cloud. Methods: Simulations are run on computers on Amazon Web Services, a cloud provider. A machine image (AMI) was created from which multiple instances can be used on a pay‐as‐you‐go basis. The instances present a web interface, where input parameters (such as the target and flattening filter, code version, and parameters of the incident electron beam) are entered. The web form is converted to an input file for the simulation code by a php script. Simulations of the Varian TrueBeam accelerator using Geant4 simulation code are currently available. Phase space files can be written either above the jaws, or below the MLC, and then imported into a separate simulation. Alternatively the dose deposited in a phantom can be calculated. Modifications to the treatment head, for example custom targets, are also possible. The AMI is available to researchers through their own Amazon account. We share the AMI without additional cost; the user is responsible for the Amazon charges (typically USD 0.01/hr/core). Results: The code was verified by matching commissioning data. The web interface was used by collaborators who both matched commissioning data and investigate treatment head modifications. The treatment head was simulated, and modified in the simulation, without disclosure of proprietary information. Input of phase spaces files into EGSnrc was verified. Conclusion: Geant4‐based simulations of the Varian TrueBeam can be run in the cloud, without need for treatment head specifications or a computer cluster. The methods readily generalize to other codes or geometries. As noted in the affiliations, the authors are employees of Varian Medical Systems.
Studies of Blood Coagulation and Fibrinolysis in Patients with Idiopathic Hyperlipemia and Primary Hypercholesteremia before and after a Fatty Meal

In view of the current interest in the possible relationship between elevated serum lipid levels, increased coagulability of the blood (or decreased blood fibrinolysis) and ischemic heart disease, the clotting and fibrinolytic activity of the blood were studied before and after a fatty meal in 9 patients with idiopathic hyperlipemia, 10 patients with primary hypercholesteremia, and 10 normal subjects. Six patients had evidence of coronary heart disease. The methods of study included procedures designed to assess the over-all coagulability of the blood as well as the measurement of specific clotting factors. Blood fibrinolytic activity was measured by both direct and indirect methods. Serum lipid studies were performed simultaneously.
An Empirical Study to Discover Patterns for Checking the Matching Pair Property

The matching pair (MP) property requires that an operation P is followed by an operation V on every execution path. Memory leaks, asymmetric synchronization, and several other defects result from violations of the MP property. We propose two patterns indicative of good software design with respect to the MP property. We present an empirical study about the existence of these patterns in Linux kernel.
Evidence for the Involvement of Several Intracellular Domains in the Coupling of Oxytocin Receptor to Gαq/11

In order to probe the nature of oxytocin receptor (OTR)/Gαq/11 protein coupling, we examined the effect of co-expression of OTR intracellular domains on oxytocin-stimulated phosphoinositide turnover in COSM6 cells overexpressing OTR and Gαq. Co-expression of Gαq enhanced the oxytocin response maximally at a pOTR/pGαq plasmid transfection ratio of 1:0.16. In cells co-expressing OTR and Gαq/11, oxytocin stimulated phosphoinositide turnover with an EC50 of 48 nM. Co-transfection with plasmids expressing OTR intracellular domains inhibited oxytocin-stimulated phosphoinositide turnover by 23 ± 6% (1i), 37 ± 4% (2i), 55 ± 6% (3i), and 40 ± 6% (4i), respectively (P < 0.01). Expression of the 3i loop of the α1B-adrenergic receptor, which also couples to Gαq/11, inhibited phosphoinositide turnover by 35 ± 2% (P < 0.01), while expression of the 3i loop of the dopamine 1A receptor, which couples to Gαs, had no effect. While these data indicate a functional role for the OTR 3i loop, they also suggest that interactions with more than one intracellular domain probably mediate the coupling of OTR to the Gαq/11 class of GTP-binding proteins.
Pulsating aurora induced by upper atmospheric barium releases.

The paper reports the apparent generation of pulsating aurora by explosive releases of barium vapor near 250 km altitude. This effect occurred only when the explosions were in the path of precipitating electrons associated with the visible aurora. Each explosive charge was a standard 1.5 kg thermite mixture of Ba and CuO with an excess of Ba metal which was vaporized and dispersed by the thermite explosion. Traces of Sr, Na, and Li were added to some of the charges, and monitoring was achieved by ground-based spectrophotometric observations. On March 28, 1976, an increase in emission at 5577 A and at 4278 A was observed in association with the first two bursts, these emissions pulsating with roughly a 10 sec period for approximately 60 to 100 sec after the burst.
The Ecology of Fear: Optimal Foraging, Game Theory, and Trophic Interactions

Mammalian predator-prey systems are behaviorally sophisticated games of stealth and fear. But, traditional mass-action models of predator prey dynamics treat individuals as behaviorally unresponsive “molecules” in Brownian motion. Foraging theory should provide the conceptual framework to envision the interaction. But, current models of predator feeding behavior generally envision a clever predator consuming large numbers of sessile and behaviorally inert prey (e.g., kangaroo rats, Dipodomys , collecting seeds from food patches). Here, we extend foraging theory to consider a predator-prey game of stealth and fear and then embed this game into the modeling of predator-prey population dynamics. The melding of the prey and predator's optimal behaviors with their population and community-level consequences constitutes the ecology of fear. The ecology of fear identifies the endpoints of a continuum of N-driven (population size) versus μ-driven (fear) systems. In N-driven systems, the major direct dynamical feedback involves predators killing prey, whereas μ-driven systems involve the indirect effects from changes in fear levels and prey catchability. In μ-driven systems, prey respond to predators by becoming more vigilant or by moving away from suspected predators. In this way, a predator (e.g., mountain lion, Puma concolor ) depletes a food patch (e.g., local herd of mule deer, Odocoileus hemionus ) by frightening prey rather than by actually killing prey. Behavior buffers the system: a reduction in predator numbers should rapidly engender less vigilant and more catchable prey. The ecology of fear explains why big fierce carnivores should be and can be rare. In carnivore systems, ignore the behavioral game at one's peril.
Psychosexual aspects of Hymen.

The myth of Hymen may reveal the source of the dangers of the vagina as seen clinically. Hymen is characterized as a hidden instigator and may represent father who has been incorporated by mother. Both become, in effect, castrators.
A study of the phosphorylated intermediate of sarcoplasmic reticulum atpase

Abstract Incorporation of ATP terminal phosphate into sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) occurs very rapidly on ice. Ca 2+ is a requirement and half-maximal activation is obtained in the presence of 1 × 10 −7 , m Ca 2+ . The activating Ca 2+ concentrations are identical for phosphate incorporation and ATPase, while excess Ca 2+ only inhibits ATPase. The rate of enzymatic degradation of the 32 P-membrane complex, in the presence of Mg 2+ , is comparable to that of ATP hydrolysis. Mg ++ accelerates the P- membrane complex turnover. The pH stability of the phosphorylated species is different in membranes denatured at acid pH (trichloroacetic acid), as opposed to membranes denatured at neutral pH (Salyrgan, acetone) and then exposed to various pH values. ATPase activity and steady-state levels of 32 P-membrane complex are reduced when SR is incubated in the presence of hydroxylamine. However, SR incubated with hydroxylamine in optimal conditions for formation of P-membrane complex, regains full activity after washings. This lack of permanent inactivation suggests that hydroxylamine does not form a stable hydroxamate at the active site. Degradation of trichloroacetic acid-treated 32 P-membrane complex is accelerated by hydroxylamine. On the other hand, 0 -( 14 C) methylhydroxylamine is bound by trichloroacetic acid-treated SR, independent of its previous incubation in the presence or in the absence of ATP. This indicates that the hydroxylamine effect may not be related to a specific reaction with an acylphosphate. Solubilization of 32 P-membrane complex with Triton X 100 at acid pH, and gel chromatography, yield phosphorylated particles with 60–80% of the original specific activity. On the other hand, particles solubilized with deoxycholate at neutral pH retain only traces of 32 P. A mechanism is proposed for SR ATPase, in which Ca 2+ binding to the membrane (a) occurs as a consequence of site modification induced by ATP binding, and (b) activates phosphoryl transfer and formation of a phosphorylated intermediate.