cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Magnetostrictive-driven fretting machines for interconnection research

Abstract Fretting interconnection failure of electrical contacts and connectors is becoming a serious problem in consumer electronics and automated electronic monitoring devices. New computer-controlled fretting test machines are being developed to study these failures and to develop solutions. Some of these new fretting machines use commercially available Terfenol-D magnetostrictive drivers to produce the fretting motion. These magnetostrictive drivers are particularly useful where large fretting forces are required, such as in the case of mated connector assemblies and battery connections. These magnetostrictive driven machines have been successfully used to test commercial electronic devices and military electronic equipment.
Group Psychotherapy and the Tenets of Our Faith

Pre-doctoral intern applicants recently flooded our center and expressed an interest in our site based on their enthusiasm for further training in group psychotherapy. Even so, they exhibited surpr...
Buckminster Fuller's cybernetic pastoral: the United States Pavilion at Expo 67

At Expo 67, the world's fair held in Montreal in the summer of 1967, the cold-war rivalry between the United States and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics was materialised in the pavilions tha...
Paratesticular Inflammatory Pseudotumor

A large paratesticular inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT) is presented with the ultrasound, gross, and microscopic findings. A review of paratesticular IPT in the literature is provided with a discussion regarding the etiology and natural history of the lesion.
Chemically selective NMR imaging of a 3-component (solid–solid–liquid) sedimenting system

A novel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique which resolves the separate components of the evolving vertical concentration profiles of 3-component non-colloidal suspensions is described. This method exploits the sensitivity of MRI to chemical differences between the three phases to directly image the fluid phase and one of the solid phases, with the third phase obtained by subtraction. 19F spin-echo imaging of a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) oil was interlaced with 1H SPRITE imaging of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) particles. The third phase was comprised of borosilicate glass spheres, which were not visible while imaging the PTFE or LDPE phases. The method is demonstrated by performing measurements on 2-phase materials containing only the floating (LDPE) particles, with the results contrasted to the experimental behaviour of the individual phases in the full 3-phase system. All experiments were performed using nearly monodisperse particles, with initial suspension volume fractions, phi(i), of 0.1.
A Multimineral Natural Product from Red Marine Algae Reduces Colon Polyp Formation in C57BL/6 Mice

The goal of this study was to determine if a multimineral natural product derived from red marine algae could reduce colon polyp formation in mice on a high-fat diet. C57BL/6 mice were maintained for up to 18 mo either on a high-fat “Western-style” diet or on a low-fat diet (AIN 76A), with or without the multimineral-supplement. To summarize, colon polyps were detected in 22 of 70 mice (31%) on the high-fat diet but in only 2 of 70 mice (3%) receiving the mineral-supplemented high-fat diet (P < 0.0001). Colon polyps were detected in 16 of 70 mice (23%) in the low-fat group; not significantly different from high-fat group but significantly higher than the high-fat-supplemented group (P = 0.0006). This was in spite of the fact that the calcium level in the low-fat diet was comparable to the level of calcium in the high-fat diet containing the multimineral-product. Supplementation of the low-fat diet reduced the incidence to 8 of 70 mice (11% incidence). Taken together, these findings demonstrate that a mult...
Power-law falloff in two-dimensional Coulomb gases at inverse temperature β>8π

We consider two-dimensional Coulomb gases (standard or hard-core) with activityz, and prove that for any β>8π the two-point external charges correlation function exhibits the power-law falloff characteristic of the Kosterlitz-Thouless phase at sufficiently low activity.
Testing And Analysis Of Optical Components And Systems At White Sands Missile Range

The Optical Evaluation Facility (OEF) at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) has developed and incorporated various test and analysis methods and procedures. The testing may be as simple as examining a point image or as complex as combining weighted interferogram information of three wavelengths to obtain the "white-light" response of the system being tested. The spectral range for testing components and systems varies from 0.45 to 11.0 microns. The varied hardware and facilities capabilities of the OEF will be discussed. The different testing methods used will be examined in detail. New techniques for testing visible and IR systems will be presented.
Seasonal changes in gonadal hormone levels of adult male canaries and their relation to song.

Samples of song and blood levels of three gonadal hormones, T, DHT, and E2, were taken at monthly intervals from six adult male canaries over a period of 1 year, as these birds went from 12 to 24 months of age. Song variability and addition of new syllable types were maximal during the summer and early fall, with a peak in September. A secondary peak in new syllable acquisition occurred in March. Blood T levels were particularly low during July–August and during February. Thus, a lowering of blood T levels preceded by about 1 month the two marked peaks in new syllable acquisition. Blood levels of the two other hormones were related less obviously to song learning peaks. It is hypothesized that a concurrence of hormonal, neural, and behavioral changes facilitates song learning in adulthood.
Fast Numerical Computations of Oscillatory Integrals Related to Acoustic Scattering, I

Abstract We prove that certain oscillatory boundary integral operators occurring in acoustic scattering computations become sparse when represented in the appropriate local cosine transform orthonormal basis.
Physical response of the coastal ocean to Hurricane Isabel near landfall

Abstract. Hurricane Isabel made landfall near Drum Inlet, North Carolina on 18 September 2003. In nearby Onslow Bay an array of 5 moorings captured the response of the coastal ocean to the passage of the storm by measuring currents, surface waves, bottom pressure, temperature and salinity. Temperatures across the continental shelf decreased by 1–3°C, consistent with a surface heat flux estimate of 750 W/m2. Salinity decreased at most mooring locations. A calculation at one of the moorings estimates rainfall of 11 cm and a net addition of fresh water at the surface of 8 cm. The low-pass current field shows a shelf-wide movement of water, first to the southwest, with an abrupt reversal to the northeast along the shelf after landfall. Close analysis of this reversal shows it to be a disturbance propagating offshore at a speed somewhat less than the local shallow water wave speed. The high-pass current field at one of the moorings shows a significant increase in kinetic energy at periods between 10 min and 2 h during the approach of the storm. This high-pass flow is isotropic and has a short (
α-Galactosidase A expressed in the salivary glands partially corrects organ biochemical deficits in the fabry mouse through endocrine trafficking.

Abstract Fabry disease is caused by an X-linked deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme α-galactosidase A (GLA) and has been treated successfully with enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). Gene therapy has been proposed as an alternative to ERT due to the presumed advantages of continuous, endogenous production of the therapeutic enzyme. GLA production in the liver and its therapeutic efficacy in the Fabry mouse have been demonstrated previously with various viral vector systems. In consideration of the potential advantages of using the salivary glands as endogenous GLA biosynthesis sites, we explored the feasibility of this approach in the Fabry mouse. GLA −/0 or −/− mice received an adenoviral vector (2 × 1010 or 1 × 109 viral particles) expressing GLA to the right submandibular gland via oral cannulation of the submandibular duct. Four days later, animals were sacrificed; saliva, plasma, kidney, liver, and brain were collected and assayed using ELISA, Western blot, and a GLA enzymatic activity assay using both ...
A model for the evolution of a twist dislocation network

Abstract The transition from edge dislocation loops to a hexagonal grid of screw dislocations is followed for torsion of a single f.c.c. crystal with a (111) cross section and (112) faces, so that 〈 110〉 slip directions are parallel to the surface and in the plane of the cross section. Application of the results to stress-strain behavior, as well as computer modeling of the reactions, appears tractable.
Rapid Extraction Method of Quantitating the Lachrymatory Factor of Onion Using Gas Chromatography

A rapid extraction method has been developed for the quantitation of (Z,E)-propanethial S-oxide, the lachrymatory factor (LF), and other flavor chemicals in onion (Allium cepa) using gas chromatogr...
Neutrons produced by 740-MeV protons on uranium

Abstract The spectrum of neutrons produced by 740-MeV protons striking a thick uranium target has been calculated, and measurements of the low-energy part of the spectrum have been made at two angles to verify calculational procedures. About 25 neutrons are produced per proton. The most probable neutron energy is 0.5 MeV.
MSC response to pH levels found in degenerating intervertebral discs.

Painful degenerative disc disease is a major health problem and for successful tissue regeneration, MSCs must endure and thrive in a harsh disc microenvironment that includes matrix acidity as a critical factor. MSCs were isolated from bone marrow of Sprague-Dawley rats from two different age groups (<1 month, n=6 and 4–5 months, n=6) and cultured under four different pH conditions representative of the healthy, mildly or severely degenerated intervertebral disc (pH 7.4, pH 7.1, pH 6.8, pH 6.5) for 5 days. Acidity caused an inhibition of aggrecan, collagen-1 and TIMP-3 expression, as well as a decrease in proliferation and viability and was associated with a change in cell morphology. Ageing had generally minor effects but young MSCs maintained greater mRNA expression levels. As acidic pH levels are typical of increasingly degenerated discs, our findings demonstrate the importance of early interventions and predifferentiation when planning to use MSCs for reparative treatments.
Connecting the continuum: a university-based induction program to improve teacher quality

The Summer Curriculum Writing Institute (SCWI) supports graduates of a university-based teacher education program during the induction years and beyond with the aim of impacting teacher quality. The purpose of this article is to describe the development, goals, research, and lessons learned during SCWI from 2005–12. The week focuses around the central task of curriculum development, building on foundations learned during preservice education, and includes opportunities for ongoing learning and reconnecting with cohort members. Studies of the program highlight five key aspects of the week – curriculum writing, time, maintaining and expanding professional networks, teacher efficacy, and teacher retention. Participants have shown increases in curriculum quality as well as classroom teaching retention rates. As numbers of participants continue to grow, SCWI appears a sustainable model for universities to continue supporting graduates during the induction years and beyond.
Automation of laser-flash thermal diffusivity measurements

Abstract An automated experimental set-up which provides thermal diffusivity values of materials by the laser-flash method is described. This system features measurements in a real time environment with complete automation of the entire experiment using a desk-top calculator.
Nutritive value of crab meal for young ruminating calves

Abstract Three trials, utilizing 26 male Holstein calves, were to evaluate the nutritive value of dried crab meal in ruminant feeds. In trials 1 and 2 crab meal (29% crude protein and 10% crude fiber) was substituted in amounts up to 20% for a basal ration (16% crude protein and 19% crude fiber) formulated to satisfy the National Research Council requirements for young rapidly growing animals. No declines were significant for body weight gain, feed intake, or feed efficiency in trials 1 and 2. Nitrogen digestion and retention were not altered by crab meal substitution in trial 1, but nitrogen retention was reduced by 20% crab meal substitution in trial 2. This reduction was associated with increased urine outputs. Crab meal rations contained excessive calcium, sodium, chlorine, and bromine which may have caused mineral imbalance increasing urine output. Digestibilities of dry matter, fiber, and calcium were not significantly different for basal and crab meal rations. Digestibility of chitin from the crab meal was measured as 66% but was highly variable from 26 to 87%. In trial 3 a crab meal addition was made to a protein-deficient ration (crude protein = 7.2%) resulting in a crude protein of 10.3%. Average daily gain and feed intake were higher for the supplemented ration.
Analysis of 1.4 GHz Radiometric measurements from Skylab

Abstract Results from the 1.4 GHz, S-194, microwave radiometer located on the SKYLAB satellite are presented. The objective of the investigation is to establish the degree to which quantitative measurements of sea surface temperature, salinity and related marine wind fields can be made using the S-194 radiometer. The analysis of the S-194 data demonstrates that it is possible to make measurements of the brightness temperature of open ocean areas with an RMS absolute accuracy of ±1.3 K over a wide range of environmental conditions. The S-194 is relatively insensitive to sea surface temperature changes and, even though measurements are available over a range in sea surface temperature of 30°C, no significant change in the measured antenna temperature was detected. However, S-194 is relatively sensitive to changes in surface salinity; and the analysis of data taken over the open ocean shows that salinity can be determined to an accuracy of ±2 parts per thousand. Further, it is shown that is it possible to accurately model complex regions such as lakes and bays, where a significant portion of the antenna beam is filled by land, and obtain excellent agreement between calculated and measured antenna temperatures. Open ocean measurements, obtained over the wide range in winds speeds of from 0 to 48 knots, show the antenna temperature to be weakly, but unambiguously, correlated with wind speed. The wind speed dependence determined, of 0.16 K/knot, indicates that surface wind speed can be measured to an accuracy of ±8 knots using the S-194.
Complete convergence of weighted sums of martingale differences

LetF o⊂F 1⊂ ... be an increasing family of σ-algebras. For eachn≥1,X n isF n-measurable, andE(X n|Fn−1) is zero almost surely, andE(|En|p|Fn−1) is bounded by a finite constant almost surely for somep≥2. Leta n1,...,a nn be constants. Conditions are given to establish the complete convergence of (a n1 X 1+...+a nnXn)/n 1/p , thereby obtaining an extension of Chow's (1966) result for the case of independent and identically distributed random variables. Whenp>2, the conditions are an improvement on existing results for the case of independence and identical distribution.
J.B. Wolffe Memorial Lecture. Health consequences of physical activity: understanding and challenges regarding dose-response.

The Guidelines for Exercise Training initially developed by the American College of Sports Medicine in 1978 and updated in 1990 have served as the foundation for most recommendations regarding physical activity program design for the general public. These guidelines have proven to be very useful by providing a specific regimen for enhancing aerobic capacity and body composition. As data supporting a causal link between increased activity or fitness and health status have evolved, questions have been raised about potential limitations of these guidelines for promoting physical activity to increase the health status of sedentary adults. The major issues have involved the necessity to achieve the values for each of the program parameters, especially the intensity, duration, and frequency of exercise, in order to improve health status. To address these issues, a paradigm shift from exercise training to promote physical fitness to physical activity to promote health has been introduced. This new paradigm is based on the results from numerous studies indicating that a generally active life style is associated with better health and performance and greater longevity and a certain set of assumptions, yet to be fully tested. The following article provides some background leading to the development of the ACSM guidelines and presents some of those issues we understand and some we do not regarding the characteristics of daily physical activity or exercise training that are likely to improve the physical health status of sedentary persons.
Problematizing the didactic triangle

This paper suggests that the typical framing of the didactic triangle in the English-speaking literature is narrower than it should be, and that it should be broadened to view classroom activities from a more social/cultural perspective. A framework for examining mathematically productive classrooms is given and exemplified, with the exemplification providing a point of departure for the kinds of analytic work that might be done.
A study of visual fatigue using workload data from alignment errors in stereoscopic display

Visual demands from the use of stereoscopic displays results in occupational visual fatigue in the human visual system. This study focused on identifying the effects of alignment error and workload on visual fatigue. Twenty-four participants performed tasks presented in vertical shift, rotational error, and magnification difference alignment errors using 8 ft. × 6 ft. NEC LT silver screen, NEC LT 245 DLP projector and NEC LT 245 Polaroid glasses. There was statistical significant difference between subjective measures of visual fatigue before air traffic control task (BATC) and after air traffic control task (ATC 3), (p < 0.05). Statistical significance was observed for simulatorsickness questionnaire (SSQ) and NASA task load index (NASA-TLX) as workload responses between the alignments errors: SSQ (p < 0.05) and NASA-LTX (p < 0.05). Vertical shift alignment error resulted in the least perceptual ratings of visual fatigue and operator workload.
Active systems with Nambu dynamics: with applications to rod wielding for haptic length perception and self-propagating systems on two-spheres

We generalize Nambu dynamics to describe self-excited, active systems that evolve on attractors and account for the up-take of energy and activation processes, on the one hand, and damping and inhibitory processes, on the other. An application to rod wielding for haptic length perception and a model for self-propagating systems on two-spheres are discussed.
The Developmental Trajectories of Attention Focusing, Attentional and Behavioral Persistence, and Externalizing Problems during School Age Years

The developmental trajectories of attention focusing (by parents’ and teachers’ reports) and attentional and behavioral persistence (observed during a laboratory task)—2 indexes of effortful control—and externalizing problems from ages 5 to 10 years were examined for 356 children combined from a pair of 3-wave (2 years apart) longitudinal studies. The authors identified clusters of children with distinct trajectories for these variables and examined the links between the effortful control trajectories and the externalizing problem trajectories. Although attention focusing remained relatively stable, attentional and behavioral persistence continued to show mean-level changes (especially among the children with lower levels of persistence). Children with high and stable trajectories of effortful control tended to exhibit low and stable trajectories of externalizing problems, whereas those with lower and/or less stable trajectories of effortful control showed more elevated and/or fluctuating trajectories of externalizing problems.
Observed Levels of Elementary and Middle School Children′s Physical Activity during Physical Education Classes

Background. The benefits of childhood physical activity include fitness, weight control, and exercise habits that may carry over into adulthood. School physical education is the primary program responsible for training the nation′s youth to be physically active and national objectives call for students to be engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity at least 50% of class time. The purpose of this study was to determine through systematic observation in a regional sample of elementary and middle schools the amount of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity students obtain during physical education classes. Methods. Twenty elementary schools and 7 middle schools were randomly sampled from the 355 elementary schools and 117 middle schools in the 20 school districts in Harris County, Texas. In addition, 9 elementary and 6 middle schools that were identified as having excellent physical education programs were sampled purposively to provide a comparison. Seven systematic observations of student′s physical activity were conducted during physical education in each school. Results. The average moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in the randomly selected elementary schools was 8.6%, significantly less (P < 0.05) than for the randomly selected middle schools (16.1%) or for the comparison elementary schools (20.6%) and middle schools (24.0%). Conclusions. The average amount of physical activity observed in this regional sample of schools was less than the estimated national average of 27% and far less than the national recommendation calling for a minimum of 50%.
An Innate Role for IL-17

Insight into the functional role of a particular component of the immune system, such as a cell type, cytokine, or constituent of a signaling pathway, can be gleaned from diverse human genetic mutations that have naturally occurred in critical immune system processes. For example, immune dysregulation polyendocrinopathy enteropathy X-linked syndrome is an autoimmune disease that was determined to be secondary to dysregulation of a subset of regulatory immune cells (CD4 subset of T cells) caused by mutations in the FOXP3 gene. This discovery identified the transcription factor FOXP3 in controlling normal immune responses and raised the issue of defects in regulatory T cells in more common human autoimmune disorders ( 1 ). On page 65 of this issue, Puel et al. ( 2 ) report tracing an abnormal immune response to infection with the common fungus Candida albicans to mutations in components of a signaling pathway involving the cytokine interleukin-17 (IL-17).
Pre-Yield Shear in Glasses

A glassy material is treated as a mosaic of soft and hard clusters. Plastic shear under high shear stress takes place in soft clusters as a series of elementary local slip and stick processes; stress-strain relations are discussed in terms of these elementary acts and their activation energies. Two special situations are considered: a glass where the initial distribution of soft clusters is created by damaging irradiation or other factors, and disappears in the process of shear, and a glass where interaction of soft and hard clusters maintains a time-independent distribution of activation energies.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Steady state and regenerating levels of acetylcholinesterase in the superior cervical ganglion of the rat following selective inactivation of propionylcholinesterase.

— The effects of selective inactivation of propionylcholinesterase (PrChE) by tetramonoisopropylpyrophosphortetramide (iso-OMPA) on the steady state and regenerating levels of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were investigated on the superior cervical ganglion (SCG) of the rat. Over the dosage range of 1.5-40.0 μmol iso-OMPA/kg intraperitoneally, which produced nearly total inactivation of ganglionic PrChE and 0-35% inactivation of AChE, there was no subsequent increase in AChE activity above the control level. Single or repeated injections of iso-OMPA at total doses of 5.0-40.0 μmol/kg intraperitoneally caused no reduction in the rate of regeneration of ganglionic AChE during the 24 h following its inactivation by sarin, 2.0 μmol/kg intravenously. Both sets of findings differ from those obtained previously in a similar study of ganglionic AChE and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) in the cat. Possible reasons for this distinct species difference are discussed.
Galileo Probe: In Situ Observations of Jupiter's Atmosphere

The Galileo probe performed the first in situ measurements of the atmosphere of Jupiter on 7 December 1995. The probe returned data until it reached a depth corresponding to an atmospheric pressure of approximately 24 bars. This report presents a brief overview of the origins and purpose of the mission. Science objectives, entry parameters and mission events, and results are described. The remaining reports address in more detail the individual experiments summarized here.
Useful Identities for Half-Space Problems in Linear Transport Theory*

Abstract A typical translationally invariant linear transport problem for a half-space is solved by the eigenfunction method. Using some derived identities for the solution of the associated homogeneous Hilbert problem it is shown that the usual cumbersome integrals occurring in half-space problems can be reduced to a simple form. The usefulness of the identities is illustrated by solving the problem of a plasma confined to a half-space by a diffuse reflecting wall.
Dispositionl assessment techniques in experiential personal construct psychotherapy

Abstract Dispositional assessment involves utilizing assessment information to arrive at treatment options (dispositions) as opposed to traditional diagnoses. While Kelly's (1955) repertory grid can be used for such purposes, the grid also suffers from many inherent limitations (e.g., mathematical limitations inherent in inferring construct relatedness, higher degrees of structure than may be optimal in certain situations, and excessive time requirements in certain clinical situations). After elaborating on these limitations, this article presents four alternative assessment devices (the self-characterization sketch, pyramid procedures, laddering procedures, and interview methodologies). Each of these procedures is illustrated through an assessment of a severely disturbed client. The advantages and disadvantages of each procedure are discussed.
ODT Closure with Extinction and Reignition in Piloted Methane-Air Jet Diffusion Flames

A novel tabulation procedure for reactive scalar statistics based on the one-dimensional turbulence (ODT) is implemented to study extinction and reignition in piloted methane-air jet diffusion flames. The formulation is based on constructing the scalar statistics from stand-alone temporal jet simulations using ODT. The statistics are correlated in terms of two parameters based on a single transported variable: the mean mixture fraction, which measures the extent of mixing between the fuel and oxidizer streams, and the centerline mixture fraction, which measures the extent of entrainment into the fuel jet or the jet evolution downstream. The evolution of momentum and passive scalars is computed using a Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) formulation, which uses the 2D table for look-up of the mean density. Other reactive scalars' profiles are obtained from the 2D table and the computed momentum and scalar fields from RANS. Comparison of the computed and the experimental statistics for momentum and scala...
Epithelial Invagination: Adhesive Properties of Cells Can Govern Position and Directionality of Epithelial Folding

Definitive embryonic forms emerge during animal development as epithelial cell layers repeatedly fold and interact. Inductive influences of adjacent cells specify sites of folding in epithelia. The cellular properties that are altered by induction result in characteristic changes in cell form which accompany folding. The ubiquitous presence of microfilaments and microtubules in cells undergoing invagination has led to the belief that cytoskeletal elements are the causal agents for epithelial folding. Most of the research emphasizing the importance of cytoskeletal elements is based on the use of anticytoskeletal drugs and the premise that these drugs specifically disrupt the architecture of the cytoskeleton. Numerous experiments, however, have shown that these drugs do not exert their effects solely on the cytoskeleton. They also affect cell surface properties. The possibility that localized increases in cell surface adhesivity can orchestrate cellular form changes and subsequent folding movements has been repeatedly considered for theoretical reasons, but rarely tested in the laboratory. The recent finding that invagination or evagination of an epithelial monolayer can be induced following transposition of grafts between proximal and distal extremes of the moth pupal wing has provided new support for this idea. Adhesive properties of wing cells are graded along the proximo-distal axis of the wing, and the direction of induced epithelial folding is related to relative adhesiveness of graft and host cells. Graft invagination only occurs following a transfer of tissue from proximal extreme to distal extreme, whereas graft evagination only accompanies the reciprocal exchange of tissues. Emphasis on the role of cytoskeletal elements in governing the folding of epithelia should be tempered by an appreciation of the importance of cell adhesivity. The observed accumulation of cell surface molecules at sites destined to invaginate may contribute to increased adhesivity of the invaginating population of cells, and oriented microtubules and microfilaments may simply stabilize the cellular configurations assumed as cell surface properties drive changes in cellular form.
The Health Belief Model as a predictor of repeat pregnancies among Jamaican teenage mothers.

This historical cohort study investigated whether dimensions of the expanded Health Belief Model (HBM) the theoretical framework most applicable to the Women’s Center Jamaica Foundation (WCJF) Program for Adolescent Mothers can be applied to predict the occurrence of repeat pregnancies among teen mothers. A random sample (n = 260) of primiparous Jamaican adolescent mothers 16 years and under who gave birth in 1994 in the parishes of Kingston & St. Andrew St. Catherine and Manchester was selected from vital records and interviewed in 1998 for this study. Multivariate analyses indicated that in addition to WCJF program participation perceived severity perceived susceptibility and perceived benefits were significant (p < .05) independent predictors of repeat pregnancy. We recommend the HBM as a useful tool to identify participants who are more likely to experience one or more repeat pregnancies. (authors)
Oxidation of organic films relevant to atmospheric aerosols

Abstract Recent field measurements have shown that a significant fraction of the mass of atmospheric aerosols is organic. Organic compounds will preferentially partition to the surface of the aerosols and are extremely susceptible to oxidation by OH, O3, halogens, and NO3. In this work, organic films were investigated as proxies for surface alkane and alkene organic compounds. We have studied the chemical mechanisms for processing of an alkane and an alkene by OH. The competition between O3 and OH for the carbon–carbon double bond in an alkene is also investigated. Atmospheric consequences of the oxidation of hydrocarbon films will be discussed, including the affects on atmospheric chemistry, climate and atmospheric transport.
On the Zero Mode Problem of the Light-Cone Quantization

Abstract The light-cone quantization for theories involving arbitrarily interacting scalars is studied systematically. The zero mode, which plays a special role in the light-cone quantization, is treated explicitly. Our arguments utilize a lattice regularization and the constrained path-integral method. We show, to all orders in coupling constants or the loop expansion, that the ghost fields, introduced to enforce the constraints, decouple from all the virtual processes in the infinite-volume limit. The only possibility for the light-cone quantization to deviate from the equal-time quantization is when the interaction is such that the bosonic ghost fields develop expectation values and consequently alter the location of the minimum point of the effective potential.
Homologous Collagen Substances for Vocal Fold Augmentation

Objectives/Hypothesis Dysphonia resulting from failure of glottic closure during voicing is a difficult clinical problem. Recently developed homologous collagen compounds may be beneficial in treating this problem. The objectives of this thesis are to: 1) evaluate the potential site(s) of collagen graft placement in the human vocal fold, quantify the amount of graft material that can be injected into these sites, and determine how these sites are accessed by the currently available surgical tools for injection; 2) determine the effects of the superficial vocal fold implant on laryngeal vibratory patterns and characterize how the implant affects the forces required to bring vocal folds into an adducted position for vibration; and 3) evaluate the host response to two different forms of cadaveric collagen. Study Design Prospective laboratory. Methods Three separate experiments were undertaken: 1) Eight cadaver larynges were injected with collagen compounds through a 27-gauge needle. The amount of substance required to medialize the vocal fold and potential positions for graft placement were evaluated. 2) Six cadaver larynges were mounted on a stabilizing stand while airflow, vocal fold length, adduction forces, and abduction forces on the vocal folds were manipulated. Vibratory patterns before and after the injection of the vocal folds with solubilized collagen were assessed. 3) A nude mouse model was used to study the host response to two different exogenous collagen compounds. Results Solubilized collagen compounds could be injected reliably into the superficial layer of the lamina propria (SLLP), medial portion of the thyroarytenoid muscle, or lateral portion of the thyroarytenoid muscle. When injected superficially, significantly less material was required to displace the medial edge of the vocal fold to midline (P = .0001). When graft material was placed into the medial portion of the thyroarytenoid (TA) muscle, the forces required to bring the vocal fold into a position suitable for vibration were significantly reduced (P = .0106) and the vibratory patterns of the vocal folds were not impaired. Both AlloDerm® and Dermalogen® solubilized preparations of human dermal tissue were well tolerated in the nude-mouse model. Minimal inflammatory reaction occurred. Small amounts of graft material were identified histologically at the end of the 6-month study period. The graft material appeared organized and had been infiltrated with fibroblasts of host origin. Conclusions Homologous collagen compounds can be reliably injected into the cadaveric human larynx. When the substances are injected into the medial portion of the TA muscle, immediately deep to the vocal ligament, they decrease the force of contraction needed to bring the vocal folds into a position adequate for phonation and have minimal affect on the vibratory patterns. These forms of homologous collagen are well tolerated. A small amount persists over a 6-month interval. These materials warrant further clinical trials in human subjects.
Tuberculous Granuloma Formation Is Enhanced by a Mycobacterium Virulence Determinant

Granulomas are organized host immune structures composed of tightly interposed macrophages and other cells that form in response to a variety of persistent stimuli, both infectious and noninfectious. The tuberculous granuloma is essential for host containment of mycobacterial infection, although it does not always eradicate it. Therefore, it is considered a host-beneficial, if incompletely efficacious, immune response. The Mycobacterium RD1 locus encodes a specialized secretion system that promotes mycobacterial virulence by an unknown mechanism. Using transparent zebrafish embryos to monitor the infection process in real time, we found that RD1-deficient bacteria fail to elicit efficient granuloma formation despite their ability to grow inside of infected macrophages. We showed that macrophages infected with virulent mycobacteria produce an RD1-dependent signal that directs macrophages to aggregate into granulomas. This Mycobacterium-induced macrophage aggregation in turn is tightly linked to intercellular bacterial dissemination and increased bacterial numbers. Thus, mycobacteria co-opt host granulomas for their virulence.
Petroleum hydrocarbon toxicity studies. IV. Animal and human response to vapors of rubber solvent.

Abstract The suggested hygienic standard for inhalation of Rubber Solvent for man is 1.7 mg/liter (430 ppm) based upon inhalation studies with rats and dogs and the sensory response of human subjects. The LC50 for rats by 4 hr inhalation is 61 mg/liter (15,000 ppm). A concentration of 11 mg/liter (2800 ppm) caused no visible signs of discomfort in rats in 4 hr while for dogs the corresponding concentration was 5.9 mg/liter (1500 ppm). Cats exhibited signs judged to be indicative of central nervous system depression after a 4-hr inhalation of 49 mg/liter (12,000 ppm) but survived. At the highest concentration obtainable, 180 mg/liter (45,000 ppm), the Lt50 for rats was 4.3 min. Convulsions were produced in about 2 min. Rats and dogs inhaled measured concentrations of 7.9, 3.7, 1.9, and 0.0 mg/liter (2000, 930, 480, and 0.0 ppm) for 6 hr/day, 5 days/wk for 13 wk. The rats tolerated the highest level without any meaningful disturbances in the various criteria of effect that were followed. The only disturbing finding in the dogs was the dosage related granulation nodules found in the lungs. There is no evidence that the nodules were caused by the inhalation of Rubber Solvent but we cannot deny the condition may have been some-what exacerbated by the solvent vapor. This statement is based upon the 4-hr LC50 of 61 mg/liter (15,000 ppm) for rats and the lack of any similar lung pathology in rats that inhaled the same vapor: air mixtures in company with the dogs, for 13 wk. The odor of the solvent is detectable at 0.04 mg/liter (10 ppm) and 15-min periods of inhalation by human subjects resulted in good acceptance of the recommended hygienic standard.
Abstract 3251: Linking prostaglandin E2 signaling, lipid rafts, and DNA protein kinase

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second-leading cause of death from cancer in the USA. Chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract is a significant risk factor for developing CRC. Generally, CRC involves the upregulation of inflammation-induced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) that is blocked by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Among the downstream prostaglandin synthases that produce bioactive prostaglandins (PGs), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthase products are proinflammatory. After export from cells, PGE2 can bind to G-protein coupled PG cell surface receptors EP2/4 and activate adenylate cyclase and elevate cAMP. In turn, cAMP activates downstream effectors such as protein kinase A (PKA) and/or exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (EPAC). We studied effects of PGE2 on PKA activation in CRC cells and their relationship to lipid raft function. After isolating lipid rafts from PGE2 stimulated cells we performed shotgun proteomics. Among the lipid raft proteins identified were DNA-protein kinase (DNA-PK), and heterodimer complex proteins Ku70 and Ku80, which we verified by immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence. Of these lipid raft proteins, Ku80 contained a PKA consensus phosphorylation sites and phosphorylation increased after stimulation of CRC cells by PGE2. Typically found in the nucleus, Ku70, Ku80 and DNA-PK complexes bind to DNA double-strand breaks and initiate non-homologous end joining DNA repair. These data are the first to demonstrate the Ku70, Ku80 and DNA-PK complexes in a new non-nuclear action, which involves lipid rafts and the DNA repair complex. Furthermore, PGE2 stimulated LS174T CRC cells exhibit an increase in non-nuclear pDNA-PK (S2056). Additionally, treatment of a number of colon cancer cell lines with the selective DNA-PK inhibitor Nu7026 significantly decreased cell viability in the absence of any overt DNA damaging stimuli, suggesting that non-nuclear, and in particular, lipid raft localized DNA-PK complex may play an important role in cell growth. Finally, treatment with both PGE2 and Nu7026 causes a profound change in cell morphology involving numerous spindle-like processes. These data suggest there are important downstream effects of proinflammatory PGE2 on CRC cells that influence lipid raft associated Ku70, Ku80 and DNA-PK complexes as well as cell proliferation. Support: T. Boone Pickens Distinguished Chair for Early Prevention of Cancer to E.T.H., R37 DK47297, NCI P01 CA77839, CPRIT-RP100960, Ellen F. Knisely Distinguished Chair in Colon Cancer Research, The National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance to R.N.D. and 5U54CA151668-02 to D.G.M. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3251. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3251
Ventricular Enlargement After Closed Head Injury

To study the relationship between enlargement of the cerebral ventricles and neuropsychological deficit after closed head injury (CHI), we measured the area of the lateral ventricles on computed tomographic scans obtained at least 30 days after severe CHI in 32 young adults and a control group of similar age. Enlargement of the lateral ventricles was demonstrated in 72% of the head-injured subjects, as defined by the ventricle-brain percent ratio (VBR). Ventricular dilation was related to the duration of coma after high-speed motor vehicle accidents and to intellectual and memory defects. The VBR may be a useful index of the severity of brain damage in certain categories of head-injured patients.
Ion Selective Electrodes for Phosphate Using Enzyme Systems

Abstract Two different enzyme electrodes for the specific assay of phosphate ion are described. One system utilizes the enzymes phosphorylase-a, phosphoglucomutase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, the second glyceraldehyde-phosphate dehydrogenase, phosphoglycerate kinase and hexokinase. In both cases the assay is effected by amperometric monitoring of the NADH or NADPH formed in the reaction at an applied potential of +0. 65 V.
Contributions of Parity Violating Baryon Matrix Elements to Nonleptonic Charmed Baryon Decays

Baryon-baryon matrix elements of the parity-violating charm-changing weak Hamiltonian are calculated using the MIT bag model. The changes in thes- andp-wave amplitudes of Cabibbo-favored nonleptonic decays of charmed baryons due to these parity-violating baryon transition elements are in general not substantially significant. However, they can overwhelm or be comparable to the contributions arising from the parity-conserving matrix elements for some reactions such as thes-wave amplitude ofΛ c + →Ξ0K+ and Δ++K− and thep-wave amplitude ofΛ c + →∑0π+.
Meromorphic Solutions of Generalized Algebraic Differential Equations.

In this paper we investigate the rate of growth of meromorphic functions f which are solutions of certain algebraic differential equation whose coefficients a(z) are arbitrary meromorphic functions. By method based on Nevanlinna's theory of meromorphic functions, it has been shown that if the zeros and poles of f satisfy the condition N(r, f′/f)=S(r, f′/f) then the ratio T(r, f′/f)/(T(r, a(z)), as r → ∞ outside a set of r values of finite measure, is bounded for at least one of the coefficients a(z).
Ablation of atrial fibrillation: comparison of catheter-based techniques and the Cox-Maze III operation.

Background Catheter-based ablation is often recommended for treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF), but there are no data that directly compare late results to those of the Cox-Maze procedure. Although catheter ablation avoids operation, lack of reliable transmurality may reduce effectiveness. We compared clinical outcomes of the cut-and-sew Cox-Maze procedure with catheter ablation. Methods Between January 1993 and October 2007, 97 patients aged 25 to 80 years underwent an isolated cut-and-sew Cox-Maze procedure. Patients were matched 1:2 according to age, sex, and AF type, with 194 patients undergoing catheter-based ablation for lone AF. Results At last follow-up, 82% of patients who underwent the Cox-Maze procedure were free of AF and had stopped taking antiarrhythmic medications compared with 55% of patients who underwent ablation ( p 0.001). When analyzed as a time-related event, freedom from recurrent AF was 87% 5 years after the Cox-Maze procedure compared with 28% after catheter ablation ( p 0.001). Late warfarin anticoagulation was required in 12% of patients who underwent the Cox-Maze procedure compared with 55% of patients who underwent ablation ( p 0.001), and use of antiarrhythmic medications during follow-up was significantly higher in patients who underwent ablation (68% versus 15%, p 0.001). Forty-one patients (24%) required repeated ablation procedure and 9 required a second repeated ablation. Conclusions Compared with catheter-based ablation, the Cox-Maze procedure results in greater freedom from AF and less medical treatment with antiarrhythmic drugs and warfarin anticoagulation during follow-up.
Production of Astaxanthin from Corn Fiber as a Value-Added Co-product of Fuel Ethanol Fermentation

Five strains of the yeast Phaffia rhodozyma, NRRL Y-17268, NRRL Y-17270, ATCC 96594 (CBS 6938), ATCC 24202 (UCD 67-210), and ATCC 74219 (UBV-AX2) were tested for astaxanthin production using the major sugars derived from corn fiber. The sugars tested included glucose, xylose, and arabinose. All five strains were able to utilize the three sugars for astaxanthin production. Among them, ATCC 74219 was the best astaxanthin producer. Kinetics of sugar utilization of this strain was studied, both with the individual sugars and with their mixtures. Arabinose was found to give the highest astaxanthin yield. It also was observed that glucose at high concentrations suppressed utilization of the other two sugars. Corn fiber hydrolysate obtained by dilute sulfuric acid pretreatment and subsequent enzyme hydrolysis was tested for astaxanthin production by strain ATCC 74219. Dilution of the hydrolysate was necessary to allow growth and astaxanthin production. All the sugars in the hydrolysate diluted with two volumes of water were completely consumed. Astaxanthin yield of 0.82 mg/g total sugars consumed was observed.
Text processing: robust character recognition using calibrated text and diversified feature set

An effective algorithm for a high-performance character recognition system for printed text is presented. The system investigates characters with different aspects of the characteristics to optimize recognition performance. The research is implemented by two major phases: pattern learning and character matching. Therefore, it is not only possible to recognize characters, but also to update the database if any new pattern is detected. An initial implementation of all parts of the proposed system is reported, showing an overall recognition rate of 99.9%. >