cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Working with Map Projections: A Guide to Their Selection: by Fritz C. Kessler and Sarah E. Battersby CRC Press, Boca Raton, 2019, 317 pp., £68.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781138304987

The selection and knowledge of map projections remain a major consideration in the design of a map and now is a more prevalent problem with the plethora of methods, such as web and internet-based m...
Children'S Knowledge of Events: A Causal Analysis of Story Structure1

Publisher Summary This chapter examines models of story comprehension in relation to the specific constraints assumed to influence the process of constructing a coherent representation of stories. The chapter investigates the type of causal knowledge acquired about stories and whether this knowledge corresponds to hypotheses derived from current models of story understanding. It focuses on the development of story understanding by examining whether the very young, school-aged child has the ability to understand different types of stories. The chapter also integrates theoretical and development issues by discussing issues related to the acquisition of story schemata and the conditions under which learning from text occurs.
An Economic Analysis of Flexible Permit Trading in the Kyoto Protocol

This paper evaluates the relative gains from augmenting or restricting several of the flexibility mechanisms of the Kyoto Protocol. A nonlinear programming model of international emissions trading is used to assess the net benefits of extending trading across time periods and across countries (Joint Implementation), and including the developing world (Clean Development Mechanism). The effect of limiting permit purchases (supplementarity) is also evaluated. The analysis is intended to help guide further climate negotiations by identifying flexibility mechanisms that contribute the most to enhancing the gains from greenhouse gas mitigation and identifying restrictions that detract the most from these gains.
P6P: a peer-to-peer approach to internet infrastructure

P6P is a new, incrementally deployable networking infrastructure that resolves the growing tensions between the Internet routing infrastructure and the end sites of the Internet. P6P decouples the two through a P2P overlay network formed by the edge routers. P6P brings the benefits of IPv6 directly to end hosts, solving the major headache of IPv6 deployment as well as those of ISP switching, multihoming, and dynamic addressing. P6P advocates Internet innovations at the overlay formed by the edge routers, rather than at the core Internet. P2P protocols can be incorporated into P6P to provide advanced features such as multicast. This opens the door for P2P research to play a central role in shaping the future of the Internet. The paper describes the P6P design and architecture, addresses the security and performance concerns, and shows simulation results that support its feasibility.
The Paradoxical Functions of B Cells and Antibodies in Transplantation

Scarcely anyone would dispute that donor-specific B cells and the Abs that they produce can cause rejection of transplants. Less clear and more controversial, however, is the possibility that donor-specific B cells and the Abs that they produce are one or more means by which transplants can be protected from injury. In this article, we review and discuss this possibility and consider how less well-known functions of B cells and Abs might impact on the design of therapeutics and the management of transplant recipients.
Transforming growth factor beta isoform 2-specific high affinity binding to native alpha 2-macroglobulin. Chimeras identify a sequence that determines affinity for native but not activated alpha 2-macroglobulin.

Transforming growth factor beta 2 (TGF-beta 2) is less potent than TGF-beta 1 in some endothelial cell proliferation assays due to the greater tendency of TGF-beta 2 to bind alpha 2-macroglobulin (alpha 2M). Substitution of TGF-beta 1 residues 40-47 into the TGF-beta 2 sequence yields a chimeric molecule that, like TGF-beta 1, expresses activity that is not substantially affected by serum alpha 2M (Burmester, J. K., Qian, S. W., Roberts, A. B., Huang, A., Amatayakul-Chantler, S., Suardet, L., Odartchenko, N., Madri, J. A., and Sporn, M. B. (1993) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 90, 8628-8632). In this investigation, we studied the binding of TGF-beta chimeras, which contain TGF-beta 1 residues 40-47, to both major conformations of human alpha 2M under apparent equilibrium conditions. Native alpha 2M, the primary form of this protein in serum, bound TGF-beta 2/beta 1 (40-82) and TGF-beta 2/beta 1 (40-47) with low affinity. The apparent KD values for the two chimeras and native alpha 2M were 310 and 330 nM, respectively. These values were much higher than the KD determined for TGF-beta 2 and native alpha 2M (11 nM) and equivalent to the KD determined for TGF-beta 1 and native alpha 2M. By contrast, both TGF-beta chimeras bound alpha 2M-methylamine, an altered conformation of alpha 2M, with high affinity (16 and 19 nM), which is characteristic of TGF-beta 2 and not TGF-beta 1. Fetal bovine heart endothelial cell DNA synthesis was inhibited to a similar degree by TGF-beta 1, TGF-beta 2, TGF-beta 2/beta 1 (40-82), and TGF-beta 2/beta 1 (40-47) in the presence of dilute (0.2%) fetal bovine serum. When 0.07 microM alpha 2M-methylamine was added, the activities of TGF-beta 2, TGF-beta 2/beta 1 (40-82), and TGF-beta 2/beta 1 (40-47) were significantly counteracted while the activity of TGF-beta 1 was unchanged, as would be predicted by the equilibrium binding analyses. These studies indicate that the TGF-beta structural elements, which mediate binding to native alpha 2M and conformationally transformed alpha 2M, are not equivalent. Residues 40-47 are critical in determining affinity for native alpha 2M but are less important in determining affinity for alpha 2M-methylamine.
Fos expression in response to dopamine d3-preferring phenylpiperazine drugs given with and without cocaine

WC 44 and WC 10 are phenylpiperazines with low (23 fold) to moderate (42 fold) selectivity for dopamine D3 receptors (D3Rs) over D2Rs, respectively. WC 44 is a full D3R agonist in the forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase (AC) assay, whereas WC 10 has little efficacy. In contrast to their opposite effects in the AC assay, these drugs often produce similar behavioral effects, suggesting that the AC assay does not predict the efficacy of these drugs in vivo. Here, we examined whether Fos protein expression induced by these drugs would be more consistent with their behavioral effects in vivo. Rats received either vehicle, WC 10 (5.6 mg/kg, i.p.), WC 44 (10.0 mg/kg, i.p), cocaine (10.0 mg/kg, i.p.), or cocaine with WC 10 (5.6 mg/kg, i.p.) or with WC 44 (10.0 mg/kg, i.p). Locomotion was monitored for 90 min and the brains were harvested for immunohistochemistry. Both WC 10 and WC 44 decreased spontaneous and cocaine-induced locomotion. Both compounds also increased Fos expression relative to saline in the dorsal striatum and nucleus accumbens core and shell, and relative to cocaine alone in the nucleus accumbens shell. The findings suggest that even though these compounds have different efficacy in the AC bioassy, they produce similar brain activation and attenuation of cocaine hyperlocomotion. Together with our previous research demonstrating that these compounds down-shift the cocaine self-administration dose-effect function, the findings support the idea that D3R-selective compounds may be useful for cocaine dependence medications development.
Collection and analysis of specific ELINT Signal Parameters

This report was a followup to, Collection and Analysis of Specific ELINT Signal Parameters, DTIC A166507, 23 June 1985. The programs and hardware assembled for the above mentioned report were used to analyze two types of radar, the PPS-6 and the HOOD radars. The typical ELINT parameters of frequency, pulse width, and pulse repetition rate were collected and analyzed.
A VHDL-based system-design methodology

As methodologies and tools for chip-level design mature, design effort becomes focused on increasingly higher levels of abstraction. We present a methodology and tool for system-level specification, design and refinement, based on VHDL, that results in an executable specification for each system component. The specification for each component can then be synthesized into hardware or compiled to software. We highlight advantages of the proposed methodology compared to current practice. >
Deceptive Foreign Credential Evaluation Services

Foreign credential evaluation services play an increasingly important role in facilitating the movement of university students and graduates across national borders. But this unregulated sector of higher education is replete with unscrupulous agencies that provide deceptive evaluations for the customers of degree mills.
Urban Parish nurses: A qualitative analysis of the organization of work in community-based practices

In the changing political economy of the health care environment, it is critical to understand the role of community providers serving vulnerable groups as central to their core service missions. Religion becomes salient in the work of health care providers in church communities. This study deconstructs and critically examines the factors that shape the work of nurses in urban congregations. The design utilized in-depth semi-structured interviews and a survey that included educational background, years in practice, congregation demographics and outreach activities. Nurses discussed how their faith-based work aligns along broader common dimensions of their practice. The organization of work is a useful sociological framework in which to explore this community-based nursing specialty.
Otolaryngologist‐assisted fluoroscopic‐guided nasogastric tube placement in the postoperative laryngectomy patient

Enteral tube feeding is the preferred method of nutrition for patients unable to take nutrition by mouth, but who maintain adequate gastrointestinal function, especially in the hospital setting.1,2 Following total laryngectomy, enteral feeding through a nasogastric tube (NGT) is maintained for a period of days to weeks to allow for adequate nutritional support to allow post-operative healing. The anastomosis and proper healing of the neopharynx is critical for post-operative swallow function, speech, and prevention of wound complications, such as fistulae formation. A NGT may be used post-operatively and is typically removed after the patient passes a barium swallow leak test. In the perioperative setting, the NGT allows for non-invasive and non-permanent enteral access that is readily reversible and well tolerated.3–5 Traditionally, an NGT is placed in the operating room (OR) at the time of laryngectomy. Despite best efforts at securing the NGT, reinsertion may be necessary due to clogging, misplacement, or accidental removal. Several techniques are available for replacement, including blind insertion, placement with the assistance of a fiberoptic nasolaryngoscope or pediatric gastroscope, or direct visualization in the OR. Any technique used in the acute post-operative setting should minimize trauma to the neopharyngeal suture line in an effort to prevent dehiscence and leak. We have found fluoroscopic guidance for NGT replacement in the laryngectomy patient to be safe, effective, and reliable. The otolaryngology and radiology literature have ample studies comparing techniques of NGT placement.6–11 However, few studies specifically address the specific challenge of gaining enteral access in the post-operative laryngectomy patient. Furthermore, there is a lack of discussion of fluoroscopic guidance of NGT placement that specifically addresses the passage of the NGT over the neopharynx. At the most basic level, fluoroscopic guided NGT replacement provides an additional minimally invasive technique for gaining enteral access when bedside endoscopy or direct visualization in the OR is not feasible. The technique may also be appropriate in any patient with complicated anatomy following head and neck reconstructive surgery. In this paper, we describe relevant anatomy seen in lateral neck films of the post-laryngectomy patient, case examples, and the specific set-up for and technique of otolaryngologist-assisted fluoroscopic guided NGT placement. Our technique employs a team approach, including an otolaryngologist, radiologist, radiology technologist, and the patient. An otolaryngologist familiar with patient-specific procedure and anatomy is ideally equipped to perform the NTG placement.
Self‐consistent polymer integral equation theory: Comparisons with Monte Carlo simulations and alternative closure approximations

Recently, Schweizer, Honnell, and Curro reported a self‐consistent formulation of the polymer reference interaction site model (PRISM) theory for polymer melts. The purpose of this paper is to compare the predictions of this theory to Monte Carlo simulations of hard chains thereby allowing an independent test of the various approximations in the PRISM theory. We find that the self‐consistent PRISM theory with the Percus–Yevick (PY) closure is very accurate for both the intramolecular and intermolecular correlations in hard 20‐mers for a wide range of densities. The accuracy of the theory for longer chains is somewhat diminished. We also compare the PRISM theory predictions using the PY, hypernetted chain (HNC), and Martynov–Sarkisov (MS) atomiclike closures. All the closures give equally good predictions at high densities, but the HNC and MS closures exhibit unphysical features, and ultimately fail to converge, at lower densities and/or large chain lengths.
Aqueous two-phase partition and detergent precipitation of a drug-responsive NADH oxidase from the HeLa cell surface

Abstract The partitioning behaviour of a drug (capsaicin)-responsive NADH oxidase (tNOX) activity released from HeLa ceIls by low pH treatment followed by heat and proteinase K was determined. When partitioned in a standard 6.4% PEG 3350/6.4% dextran T-500 two-phase system, the bulk of the tNOX activity was in the dextran-rich lower phase. The activity was inhibited by and bound to the triazine dye, Cibacron blue. Affinity partition, where the Cibacron blue was coupled to amino PEG 5000 and added to the first two-phase separation step, resulted in the partitioning of activity to the upper PEG phase. A second partition with PEG-salts resulted in the release of the tNOX from the Cibacron blue–amino PEG enriched phase into the salt-enriched lower phase. The phase-purified protein exhibited anomalous behavior and tended to multimerize in sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) prior to SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). Multimerization appeared to be enhanced by PEG. The multimerization was enhanced with the reduced protein in the presence of detergent prior to SDS–PAGE. In addition, the activity was precipitated by PEG 8000 at concentrations between 6 and 30% by weight. In the presence of or after exposure to PEG 3350 or PEG 8000, the protein could not be detected by Western blot analysis after SDS–PAGE suggesting that the protein failed to enter the gel even though other HeLa cell surface proteins were unaffected. The anomalous multimerization behavior has thus far precluded the use of phase partition as a practical purification step for the oxidase.
RAGE gene deletion inhibits the development and progression of ductal neoplasia and prolongs survival in a murine model of pancreatic cancer.

Background The receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) is implicated in pancreatic tumorigenesis. Activating Kras mutations and p16 inactivation are genetic abnormalities most commonly detected as pancreatic ductal epithelium progresses from intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) to adenocarcinoma (PDAC).
The morphology of valves in cerebral arteries of the rat

Valves associated with major arterial branches at the base of the brain in rats were studied after fixation by perfusion with buffered aldehydes. These endothelial covered structures are entirely intimal. All cellular and non-cellular elements of their core are laminated, including the PAS positive ground substance. Smooth muscle and nerve endings are not demonstrable. Reticular fibers form a substantial sheath around the base of each valve. Their location and morphology suggest that they may serve a regulatory function in maintaining proper intracerebral blood flow.
Binding of pumilio to maternal hunchback mRNA is required for posterior patterning in drosophila embryos

Abstract Posterior patterning in Drosophila embryos is governed by nanos (nos), which acts by repressing the translation of maternal transcripts of the hunchback ( hb ) gene. Sites in hb mRNA that mediate this repression, named nanos response elements (NREs), have been identified. However, we know of no evidence of a direct interaction between nos, or any other protein, and the NRE. Here, we show that two proteins present in embryonic extracts, neither one nos, bind specifically to the NRE in vitro. Furthermore, we show that binding in vitro correlates with NRE function in vivo. One of the NRE-binding factors is encoded by pumilio ( m ), a gene that, like nos, is essential for abdominal segmentation. These and other observations suggest that pum acts by recognizing the NRE and then recruiting nos. Presumably, the resulting complex inhibits some component of the translation machinery.
Evaluation of temperature jump due to thermal shocks

Abstract Many researchers have studied the evaluation of temperature jump due to thermal shocks by using detailed analytical or numerical methods. Proposed method in this paper is represented to calculate temperature in a fast and simple manner. The method is based on an energy balance equation and may be used for an engineering estimation or a starting point in numerical calculations.
Atmospheric correction algorithm featuring adjacency effect for hyperspectral imagery

Radiometrically calibrated hyperspectral imagery contains information relating to the material properties of a surface target and the atmospheric layers between the surface target and the sensor. All atmospheric layers contain well-mixed molecular gases, aerosol particles, and water vapor, and information about these constituents may be extracted from hyperspectral imagery by using specially designed algorithms. This research describes a total sensor radiance-to-ground reflectance inversion program. An equivalent surface-pressure depth can be extracted using the NLLSSF technique on the 760nm oxygen band. Two different methods (APDA, and NLLSSF) can be used to derive total columnar water vapor using the radiative transfer model MODTRAN 4.0. Atmospheric visibility can be derived via the NLLSSF technique from the 400-700nm bands or using an approach that uses the upwelled radiance fit from the Regression Intersection Method from 550nm-700nm. A new numerical approximation technique is also introduced to calculate the effect of the target surround on the sensor-received radiance. The recovered spectral reflectances for each technique are compared to reflectance panels with well-characterized ground truth.
Observing the moist troposphere with radio occultation signals from COSMIC

[1] New approaches for observing the moist troposphere using radio occultation (RO) signals transformed to impact parameter representation by radio-holographic (RH) methods are presented. Large changes in the RH bending angle are used as indicators of significant vertical refractivity gradients that often occur on top of the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL), convective cloud layers such as the trade-wind inversion, and other moist layers in the free troposphere. RH amplitude fluctuations are used as an indicator of turbulence in the moist troposphere. The approaches are demonstrated using RO data from the Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere and Climate (COSMIC) mission from September 2006. The global distributions of the ABL depths and tops of moist convective layers derived from COSMIC RO data correspond generally to the observed locations and structures of the Intertropical Convergence Zone and adjacent sub-tropical regions. The approaches are suitable for investigations of the temporal and spatial ABL variability.
Dielectric Relaxation Spectroscopy and Dark-Field Imaging Based Quantification of Amyloid-Beta Fibrillization Via Transparent Nanogap Electrodes

Since the precise role of amyloid-β aggregates in causing the neurodegenerative diseases is still unknown, understanding of amyloid-β fibrillization is a focus of interest for the development of innovative therapeutic and diagnostic applications. The fibrillization of amyloid-β has similar growth characteristics of polymeric nanoparticles and current monitoring methods show only qualitative or static information. Here we describe a non-invasive real-time monitoring of nanoscale amyloid-β fibrillization by simultaneous Dielectric Relaxation Spectroscopy and label-free dark-field imaging. First, the hydrodynamic radius is characterized by DRS, which can reflect the averaged radius of fibrilized amyloid-β, and we observe an increase from 19 to 21 nm during 48 hours. Second, scattering intensity from DF imaging allowed us to visualize and quantify the fibrillization with respect to the incubation time of amyloid-β. The total intensities were consistently increased and this change showed a good agreement with the change of hydrodynamic radii. Consequently, real-time observation and quantification of changes in both hydrodynamic radii and optical properties were performed simultaneously. Such a dual-mode technique may prove valuable for elucidating the mechanism of amyloid fibrillization and ultimately for designing possible diagnostic methods.View Large Image | View Hi-Res Image | Download PowerPoint Slide
Applying a second-kind boundary integral equation for surface tractions in Stokes flow

A second-kind integral equation for the tractions on a rigid body moving in a Stokesian fluid is established using the Lorentz reciprocal theorem and an integral equation for a double-layer density. A second-order collocation method based on the trapezoidal rule is applied to the integral equation after appropriate singularity reduction. For translating prolate spheroids with various aspect ratios, the scheme is used to explore the effects of the choice of completion flow on the error in the numerical solution, as well as the condition number of the discretized integral operator. The approach is applied to obtain the velocity and viscous dissipation of rotating helices of circular cross-section. These results are compared with both local and non-local slender-body theories. Motivated by the design of artificial micro-swimmers, similar computations are performed on previously unstudied helices of non-circular cross-section to determine the dependence of the velocity and propulsive efficiency on the cross-section aspect ratio and orientation. Overall, we find that this formulation provides a stable numerical approach with which to solve the flow problem while simultaneously obtaining the surface tractions and that the appropriate choice of completion flow provides both increased accuracy and efficiency. Additionally, this approach naturally avails itself to known fast summation techniques and higher-order quadrature schemes.
Trends in obesity and abdominal obesity among hypertensive and nonhypertensive adults in the United States.

BACKGROUND As the prevalence of obesity has increased in the United States, it is likely that the prevalence of obesity among people with hypertension has increased as well. Because little is known about this issue, our objective was to compare secular trends in the prevalence of obesity and abdominal obesity among hypertensive and nonhypertensive adults in the United States. METHODS We used data from adults aged 18-74 years who participated in National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANESs) during 1976-1980,1988-1994, and 1999-2004. RESULTS Among adults with hypertension, the age-adjusted mean body mass index increased from 27.5 kg/m 2 during 1976-1980 to 31.2 kg/ m 2 during 1999-2004 (P < 0.001), and the age-adjusted prevalence of obesity increased from 25.7-50.8% (P < 0.001). Among adults without hypertension, mean body mass index increased from 24.2-27.1 kg/m 2 (P < 0.001), and the prevalence of obesity increased from 8.4-25.1% (P <0.001 ).The prevalence of obesity among women with hypertension exceeded that among men with hypertension during all three surveys (P < 0.05 for all three surveys). During 1999-2004, 56.4% (s.e. 3.4) of women with hypertension were obese compared with 46.9% (s.e. 2.1) of men. During this same time period, the prevalence of obesity was highest among Mexican-American women with hypertension (63.8%; s.e. 4.2) and lowest among African-American men with hypertension (43.8%; s.e. 2.5). CONCLUSIONS Over half of people with hypertension are currently obese. The large increase in obesity among people with hypertension presents clinicians with a serious challenge in the management of hypertension.
Influence of helium generation rate and temperature history on mechanical properties of model Fe-Cr-Ni alloys irradiated in FFTF at relatively low displacement rates

In agreement with earlier studies conducted at higher displacement rates, evolution of mechanical properties of model Fe-Cr-Ni alloys irradiated at lower displacement rates in the {sup 59}Ni isotopic doping experiment does not appear to be strongly affected by large differences in helium generation rate. This insensitivity to helium/dpa ratio is exhibited during both isothermal and non-isothermal irradiation. The overall behavior of the model alloys used in this study is dominated by the tendency to converge to a saturation strength level that is independent of thermomechanical starting state and helium/dpa ratio, but which is dependent on irradiation temperature and alloy composition.
Tumor Growth Dependent on Kaposi's Sarcoma-Derived Fibroblast Growth Factor Inhibited by Pentosan Polysulfate

A neoangiogenic response is critical for the unrestricted growth of solid tumors beyond a few millimeters in diameter. Release of adequate growth-stimulating activity from tumor cells is obviously required for the stimulation of blood vessel growth, and blockade of such stimulatory activity should repress tumor growth at the microscopic level. To test this hypothesis and to study appropriate inhibitors, we used a human adrenal cancer cell line (SW-13/K-fgf) engineered to secrete Kaposi's sarcoma-derived fibroblast growth factor (K-FGF), which we previously showed to induce growth of highly vascularized subcutaneous tumors in animals by autocrine and paracrine stimuli. In the present study, we tested different polysulfates for their selective inhibition of proliferation induced by K-FGF versus proliferation independent of K-FGF. Suramin and dextran sulfate showed slight selective inhibition of K-FGF-induced proliferation, ie, inhibition three- and five-fold greater, respectively, than the inhibition of proliferation independent of K-FGF. In contrast, heparin was inactive. The heparin analogue pentosan polysulfate (PPS), however, showed selective inhibition that was more than 2000-fold greater. The inhibitory effects of PPS on growth of SW-13/K-fgf cells, as well as endothelial cells, were fully reversible by an excess of added FGF. Daily intraperitoneal injections of PPS were tolerated well by athymic nude mice and prevented growth of subcutaneous SW-13/K-fgf tumor xenografts. PPS will be a useful tool to elucidate the effects of FGFs in vitro and in vivo and appears to be a prototype for the development of tumoricidal therapy based on targeting of growth factors.
Reversal by Tolazoline Hydrochloride of Xylazine Hydrochloride-Ketamine Hydrochloride Immobilizations in Free-Ranging Desert Mule Deer

We captured 10 free-ranging desert mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus crooki) (five males and five females) by net-gun from a helicopter and immobilized them with xylazine hydrochloride (HCl) (100 mg) and ketamine HCl (300 to 400 mg) injected intramuscularly. Arousal and ambulation times were 13.9 ± 4.2 and 14.3 ± 4.2 min in eight deer injected intravenously with tolazoline HCl (3.0 mg/kg). We observed a curvilinear relationship (R = 0.50, P < 0.01) between rectal temperature and time after induction of anesthesia. Mean peak temperature (41.4 C) occurred at 23.7 ± 3.2 min postinduction and was greater (P < 0.01) than the mean temperature measured initially (40.8 C). Heart and respiratory rates (108 beats/min and 75 breaths/min) were elevated prior to immobilization. Mean heart rate increased (P < 0.05) from 90 ± 9 beats/min in anesthetized deer to 120 ± 13 beats/min after tolazoline HCl injection. A 20% capture-related mortality rate suggests this combination of physical and chemical capture has serious limit...
A discontinuous Galerkin method for viscous compressible multifluids

Abstract We present a generalized discontinuous Galerkin method for a multicomponent compressible barotropic Navier–Stokes system of equations. The system presented has a functional viscosity ν which depends on the pressure p = p ( ρ , μ i ) of the flow, with the density ρ and the local concentration μ i . High order Runge–Kutta time-discretization techniques are employed, and different methods of dealing with arbitrary coupled boundary conditions are discussed. Analysis of the energy consistency of the scheme is performed in addition to inspection of the relative error of the solution compared to exact analytic test cases. Finally several examples, comparisons, generalizations and physical applications are presented.
Are M&A deal makers getting a wake‐up call?

It is obvious we are in a tough period for mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Today's unforgiving economy leaves little margin for error. What are the implications for management and investors? How should we change our strategies? How should we structure future deals? © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Thermo-mechanical behavior of energy piles in high plasticity clays

Energy piles make use of constant and moderate ground temperature for efficient thermal control of buildings. However, this use introduces new engineering challenges because the changes of temperature in the foundation pile and ground induce additional deformations and forces in the foundation element and coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical phenomena in the soil. Several published full-scale tests investigated this aspect of energy piles and showed thermally induced deformation and forces in the foundation element. In parallel, significant progress has been made in the understanding of thermal properties of soils and on the effect of cyclic thermal load on ground and foundation behavior. However, the effect of temperature on the creep rate of energy piles has received practically no attention in the past. This paper reports the experimental results of an in situ tension thermo-mechanical test on an energy pile performed in a very stiff high plasticity clay. During the in situ test, the pile was subjected to thermal loading by circulating hot water in fitted pipes, simulating a thermal load in a cooling-dominated climate, at different levels of mechanical loading. The axial strain and temperature in the pile, and the load–displacement of the pile were monitored during the tension test at different locations along the center of the pile and at the pile head, respectively. The data showed that as the temperature increases, the observed creep rate of the energy pile in this high plasticity clay also increases, which will lead to additional time-dependent displacement of the foundation over the life time of the structure. It was also found that the use of geothermal piles causes practically insignificant thermally induced deformation and loads in the pile itself.
Statins and Liver Toxicity: A Meta‐Analysis

Study Objective. To assess the risk of liver function test (LFT) abnormalities with the use of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) for the treatment of hyperlipidemia. Design. Meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled trials of statins used for the treatment of hyperlipidemia or for primary or secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Setting. University research center. Patients. A total of 49,275 patients from 13 trials. Intervention. A literature search of published clinical trials was performed in MEDLINE (January 1966–March 2003) and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Registry (first quarter 2003). Studies also were identified from the references of the trials and of published systematic reviews. Measurements and Main Results. For a trial to be included in the meta-analysis, its duration of follow-up had to be at least 48 weeks and the trial had to include at least 400 patients, with at least 200 treated with a statin. Trials conducted in transplant recipients were excluded. The proportion of patients having LFT abnormalities was low in both groups (statins 1.14% vs placebo 1.05%, odds ratio [OR] 1.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.99–1.62, p=0.07). Only fluvastatin was associated with a significant increase in the odds of having LFT abnormalities (fluvastatin 1.13% vs placebo 0.29%, OR 3.54, 95% CI 1.1–11.6, p=0.04) compared with placebo, although this finding was based on only two trials. Conclusions. Our results support previous observations that pravastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin at low-to-moderate doses are not associated with a significant risk of LFT abnormalities. Additional data are required to determine whether other statins have a similar safety profile.
The role of feature curvature in contact guidance.

Abstract This study examines the role of feature curvature in cellular topography sensing. To separate the effects of feature size and curvature we have developed a method to fabricate grooved substrates whose radius of curvature (r) varies from under 10 nm to 400 nm, while all other dimensions are kept constant. With increasing r up to 200 nm mouse embryonic fibroblasts increased their spread area, but reduced their polarization (aspect ratio). Interestingly, on features with r ≈ 200 and 400 nm, which had very little effect on spreading area and polarization, we find that internal structures such as stress fibers are nevertheless still strongly aligned with the topography. These findings are of importance to studies of both tissue engineering and curvature sensing proteins.
Paraffin Inhibitor Applications in Deepwater Offshore Developments

Paraffin inhibitors can have a significant impact on crude oil production for some developments. Paraffin inhibitors are used for reducing wax deposition in flowlines and/or for improving the flow properties of waxy crude oils. The effectiveness of the paraffin treatment is dependent on the crude oil chemical composition, inhibitor chemistry, inhibitor dose rate, and the production conditions.
Potential prevention of Alzheimer disease and dementia

The prevention of dementia is of critical importance. The increasing population of high-risk older individuals will result in an increasing prevalence of dementia. Primary prevention of dementia and Alzheimer disease can take either a public health or high-risk preventive medicine approach. At the present time, there is little evidence to support a specific primary public health approach such as a specific nutrient. The possible association of vascular disease with dementia may offer the best preventive high-risk approach. The identification of individuals with clinical and subclinical vascular disease is possible. There is a very high prevalence of subclinical cerebral infarction in older individuals. Specific treatments can prevent clinical disease such as stroke and coronary heart disease. Whether therapies will prevent some dementia can be determined.
Aortoiliac Occlusive Disease: A Simple Noninvasive Method to Determine Significance

Abstract This study was undertaken to develop a simple, noninvasive method for determining the hemodynamic significance of aortoiliac occlusive disease. In 14 dogs, 10-MHz Doppler recordings from the aorta and femoral arteries were made under normal (control) conditions and after construction of subcritical and critical iliac artery stenoses as documented by the papaverine test. The femoral waveforms obtained were analyzed for configuration (tri-, bi-, or monophasic) and pulsatility index. A ratio of time from ECG QRS peak to peak femoral flow divided by the time to peak aortic flow (TRFA) was calculated as was a ratio of the maximum rate of rise of the femoral Doppler signal to the aortic Doppler signal (MRRFA). These parameters were compared using Fisher's exact test and analysis of variance. TRFA and MRRFA accurately categorized the degree of iliac occlusive disease into statistically distinct groups. A TRFA less than 1.10 or a MRRFA greater than 0.70 identified a normal artery. MRRFA distinguished normal aortoiliac arteries from those with a subcritical stenosis with a sensitivity of 0.93, a specificity of 1.00, and an accuracy of 0.96. TRFA distinguished normal aortoiliac arteries from those with a subcritical stenosis with a sensitivity of 0.86, a specificity of 0.86, and an accuracy of 0.86. Both TRFA and MRRFA separated normal aortoiliac arteries from those with a critical stenosis with a sensitivity of 1.00, a specificity of 1.00, and an accuracy of 1.00. The femoral Doppler waveform configuration and pulsatility index could not accurately categorize these differences ( P = 0.100).
The development of project primer: A community‐based literacy program

Abstract Disillusionment with the current educational system has led to new attempts to solve the growing problem of low literacy. This paper outlines the development and implementation of Project PRIMER (PRoducing Infant/Mother Ethnic Readers), one attempt to combat low literacy. Descriptions of the recruitment strategies, roles and training of participating college students, and barriers to implementation are included. The procedures employed to develop the intervention programs are included. One hundred forty‐seven families participated. The results indicated that parents engaged in the targeted behaviors and that children in the high intervention program showed improvements in their cognitive development.
Anomalous aging in two‐phase systems: Creep and stress relaxation differences in rubber‐toughened epoxies

From time-aging time superposition principles, similar to time-temperature superposition, one would expect similar shifting or superposition behaviors for both creep and stress relaxation responses. In particular, for isotropic homogeneous systems, in the linear viscoelastic regime, consideration of superposition in rheology by Markowitz or the discussion by Ferry from the Kramers-Kronig relation would seem to demand that creep and stress relaxation shift in the same way. Here we report on results from creep and stress relaxation measurements in two-phase, rubber-toughened epoxies that exhibit Boltzman additivity of creep or relaxation behaviors and follow the time-aging time superposition behavior in creep, but not in stress relaxation. While the lack of superposition in stress relaxation is, perhaps, not surprising, the finding that the creep responses at different aging times superimpose while the stress relaxation responses do not, presents an anomalous behavior that has not been previously reported. In addition, our findings show that the stress relaxation responses show short time softening upon aging. Possible reasons for the anomalous behaviors are briefly considered.
Ancient Sulfur Cycling and Oxygenation of the Early Biosphere

The amount of sulfate in the early ocean was tied directly to oxygen levels in the atmosphere and the deep ocean. These concentrations and other environmentally diagnostic biogeochemical pathways of the sulfur cycle can be expressed through isotope fractionation between sulfate and pyrite. The balance between rising oxygen and sulfate concentrations and varying hydrothermal iron inputs led to a pattern of iron, oxygen, and sulfide domination that varied in time and space in the early deep ocean and was more complex than previously recognized. Through all this change, no element played a bigger role than sulfur as a recorder of early oxygenation of the biosphere and the coevolution of life.
Prognosis in patients with spontaneous chest pain, a nondiagnostic electrocardiogram, normal cardiac enzymes, and no evidence of severe resting ischemia by quantitative technetium 99m sestamibi tomographic imaging*

Background. There are limited data addressing the outcome of patients with normal or near normal myocardial perfusion during chest pain at rest. The purpose of this study was to determine the prognosis of patients with spontaneous chest pain, a normal or nondiagnostic electrocardiogram, no enzymatic evidence of myocardial infarction, and no evidence of severe resting ischemia by quantitative technetium 99m (99mTc) sestamibi imaging. Methods. In the study, 111 patients who fulfilled the above criteria were injected with 99mTc sestamibi during resting chest pain and were followed for a median 2.7 years. Of the patients in the study group, 58% had coronary artery disease that was documented by clinical history or coronary angiography. Tomographic 99mTc perfusion images were interpreted with a quantitative threshold technique initially developed to detect severely hypoperfused myocardium. The images were also interpreted qualitatively to detect patients with milder degrees of hypoperfused myocardium. Results. During follow-up 3 patients had cardiac deaths, 5 had nonfatal myocardial infarctions, and 21 underwent revascularization procedures (13 within 3 months and 8 more than 3 months after the sestamibi study). At 3 years, survival free of cardiac death was 97%, survival free of cardiac death or myocardial infarction was 91%, and survival of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, or late revascularization was 82%. Quantitative analysis of the scans revealed that 100% of patients without fixed defects had 3-year survival free of cardiac death versus 76% of patients who had fixed defects (p Conclusions. Patients with spontaneous chest pain and nonischemic quantitative 99mTc sestamibi images were at reasonably low risk for hard cardiac events although some patients (18%) required revascularization.
Dispersion of ion-acoustic waves

Dispersion of ion-acoustic waves in quiescent rare gas discharge plasmas, discussing model simulating ion waves generated by finite sine wave bursts
Tailoring Peripartum Nursing Care for Women of Advanced Maternal Age

Births to women of advanced maternal age have increased dramatically over the last decade in both the United States. The majority of women who deliver their first baby after age 35 are healthy and experience positive birth outcomes. According to current research, primigravidas over 35 tend to be educated consumers. Their physical and psychosocial needs differ from those of the mother in her 20s, due to advanced age and factors related to difficulty conceiving and life circumstances. This paper presents (a) an overview of the possible risks to outcomes of childbearing for women over the age of 35; (b) a discussion of how women of advanced maternal age may differ from younger women related to developmental stage, stress or anxiety or both, decision making, and support systems; and (c) an exploration of tailoring nursing care strategies during the peripartum period specifically for this age cohort.
Assurance and US extended deterrence in NATO

Historically the NATO allies have focused considerable attention on US ‘extended deterrence’— that is, the extension by Washington of an umbrella of protection, sometimes called a ‘nuclear guarantee’. A persisting requirement has been to provide the allies with assurance about the reliability and credibility of this protection. This article examines the definition of ‘assurance’ used by the US Department of Defense for most of the past decade and argues that it has drawn attention to long-standing policy challenges associated with US extended deterrence in NATO. The article considers the assurance roles of US nuclear forces in Europe, as well as elements of assurance in Washington's relations with its allies regarding extended nuclear deterrence. Whether the allies will retain the current requirements of extended deterrence and assurance in their new Strategic Concept or devise a new approach will be an issue of capital importance in the policy review launched at the Strasbourg/Kehl Summit. Contrasting approaches to these questions are visible in the United States and Germany, among other allies. The main issues to be resolved include reconciling extended deterrence with arms control priorities; managing the divisions in public and expert opinion; and avoiding certain potential consequences of a rupture with established arrangements.
Risk Aversion Measures: Comparing Attitudes and Asset Allocation

Abstract Households' reported willingness to take financial risk is compared to the riskiness of their portfolios, measured as risky assets to wealth. Overall, their portfolio allocations are reliable indicators of attitudes toward risk, demonstrating an understanding of their relative level of risk taking. Multivariate regression analysis using multiply imputed data from the 1989 Survey of Consumer Finances indicates that households generally exhibit decreasing relative risk aversion. Further, investment in risky assets is significantly related to socioeconomic factors, attitude toward risk taking, desire to leave an estate and expectations about the adequacy of Social Security and pension income.
Advances in solid state laser technology for space and medical applications

Recent developments in laser technology and their potential for medical applications are discussed. Gas discharge lasers, dye lasers, excimer lasers, Nd:YAG lasers, HF and DF lasers, and other commonly used lasers are briefly addressed. Emerging laser technology is examined, including diode-pumped lasers and other solid state lasers.
Social Justice and Women of Color in Geography: Philosophical musings, trying again

This paper is a collection of thoughts regarding women of color in geography. It advances a social justice argument for why women of color should be in geography. I suggest that the cultural turn in geography has not yielded what many hoped for and what is missing in the miasma of postmodernist debates is a consideration of right and wrong; more importantly who benefits and who loses? Justicia y Mujeres del Color en la Geografia: las reflexiones filosoficas, intentando otra vez Este articulo es una coleccion de pensamientos con respecto a las mujeres de color en geografia. Esta articulo avanza un argumento de justicia social para que las mujeres de color debe estar en geografia. Sugiero que la inclinacion cultural en geografia no ha producido lo que muchos geografos hubieran esperado y lo que falta en la niebla de debates post-modernistas es una consideracion de bueno y malo; mas importante, de quien beneficia y quien pierda?
Fault Tolerant Task Execution through Global Trajectory Planning

Whether a task can be completed after a failure of one of the degrees-of-freedom of a redundant manipulator depends on the joint angle at which the failure takes place. It is possible to achieve fault tolerance by globally planning a trajectory that avoids unfavourable joint positions before a failure occurs. In this article, we present a trajectory planning algorithm that guarantees fault tolerance while simultaneously satisfying joint limit and obstacle avoidance requirements.
Single-pion production by the weak neutral current

We investigate gauge-theory-model predictions for various aspects of single-pion production by the weak neutral current. The models investigated are representatives of SU(2) \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} U(1), SU(2) \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} SU(2) \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} U(1), and SU(3) \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} U(1) type gauge theories. Adler's model for single-pion production, including all $l=0$ and $l=1$ multipoles, is used. Corrections for scattering off nuclear targets are evaluated in a model by Adler, Nussinov, and Paschos. Comparison is made with the available data.