cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Immunobiology of endometriosis

Abstract Objective: To provide a review of the humoral and cellular immunology of endometriosis and to discuss the rationale for future approaches to diagnosis and treatment. Design: Literature survey. Result(s): Defective immunosurveillance in women who are destined to develop endometriosis may allow for the survival of ectopic endometrial tissue. The evidence includes endometrial cell resistance to apoptosis, perhaps through the secretion of proteins that interfere with implant recognition and/or FasL expression by stromal cells, inducing apoptosis of Fas-bearing immune cells. Although the immune response may be defective, aspects of it clearly are enhanced in endometriosis, as is seen by the generalized polyclonal B-cell autoimmune activation and secretion of immune proteins. Several cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors (including vascular growth factors) are increased in women with endometriosis. Conclusion(s): A complex network of locally produced cytokines modulate the growth and inflammatory behavior of ectopic endometrial implants. Proinflammatory proteins from endometriotic lesions and associated immune cells contribute to the enhanced inflammatory reaction associated with endometriosis that subserves the survival of these lesions instead of leading to their demise.
Internal Conical Refraction

A quantitative analysis of internal conical refraction in biaxial crystals, for which an extensive knowledge of ray geometry is not required, is presented. Except for the wave incident along an optic axis, the various waves in the incident wave bundle are shown to couple to modes of definite wave velocity and polarization in the crystal, and the dependence of these quantities on wave direction is found, using a first-order expansion in the angle between an optic axis and the wave vector. The Poynting vector for each mode is determined. From the dependence of the Poynting vector on the wave direction, the shape of the cone is determined. Our mathematical expansion permits this to be done in a simple manner. In particular, this analysis shows that rays with the same polarization do not lie along radii of the cone, a result not previously given. Pecularities associated with the wave incident along the optic axis, and reasons for not observing them, are discussed. Use of such an explicit analysis aids in clarifying the nature of internal conical refraction and its consequences.
Microstructural evolution of pure magnesium under high strain rate loading

Abstract The mechanical behavior of extruded pure magnesium was studied experimentally under high strain rate ( 10 3 s - 1 ) compression loading in the extrusion direction. Electron back scattered diffraction was used to examine the changes in the texture and transmission electron microscopy was used to investigate the dislocation structures in the material. Extensive grain reorientation due to extension twinning is observed. Dislocation activity is observed inside the parent region ( 〈 a 〉 slip) as well as the twinned region ( 〈 c + a 〉 slip). The high degree of strain hardening observed is postulated to be due to the texture hardening associated with extension twinning coupled with significant increase in the dislocation density with strain. In compression along the extrusion direction, extension twinning and dislocation activity are both needed to accommodate plastic deformation.
Signalling scaffolds and local organization of cellular behaviour

Cellular responses to environmental cues involve the mobilization of GTPases, protein kinases and phosphoprotein phosphatases. The spatial organization of these signalling enzymes by scaffold proteins helps to guide the flow of molecular information. Allosteric modulation of scaffolded enzymes can alter their catalytic activity or sensitivity to second messengers in a manner that augments, insulates or terminates local cellular events. This Review examines the features of scaffold proteins and highlights examples of locally organized groups of signalling enzymes that drive essential physiological processes, including hormone action, heart rate, cell division, organelle movement and synaptic transmission.
Semiclassical stability of the extreme Reissner-Nordström black hole.

The stress-energy tensor of a free quantized scalar field is calculated in the extreme Reissner-Nordstr\"om black hole spacetime in the zero-temperature vacuum state. The stress-energy appears to be regular on the event horizon, contrary to the suggestion provided by two-dimensional calculations. An analytic calculation on the event horizon for a thermal state shows that if the temperature is nonzero then the stress-energy diverges strongly there.
Theoretical Synergy: Evolving Understanding of Organizational Diversity Dynamics

The author discusses the power of cumulative theory generation in which two or more grounded theories are joined utilizing the constant comparative method of analysis. He introduces an example of such theoretical synergy between his theory of weathering change and Gregory's and Thomas' work on diversity dynamics. Initial grounded theory analysis by Gregory and Raffanti indicates that combining relevant aspects of weathering and diversity management has the potential to generate powerful explanatory and operational theories.
Reply to ``Comment on `Significance of the highest occupied Kohn-Sham eigenvalue' ''

I give an additional argument that the proof of Perdew et al., stating that the highest occupied Kohn-Sham eigenvalue equals the ionization energy, is flawed. I also argue that the new proof given by Perdew and Levy in the preceding paper is wrong. The significance of the result for the two-electron ``Hooke's atom'' is then discussed.
An Empirical Examination of the Effects of Family Commitment in Education on Student Achievement in Seventh Grade Science.

A national data base from the Longitudinal Study of American Youth (LSAY) was employed to examine the effects of family commitment in education on student achievement in seventh grade science. The backward elimination procedure in the Statistical Analysis System (SAS) was adopted in this study to select significant variables of family commitment at α = .05. The results show that around 22% of the variance in student science achievement can be explained by the selected significant LSAY variables. An analysis of the impact of family commitment seems to indicate that parental education and encouragement are important factors in the improvement of student achievement. However, educators, including school personnel and parents, should exercise caution regarding how they help students with their homework and how they reward students for good grades.
Nonregular designs from Hadamard matrices and their estimation capacity

Deng and Tang (1999) proposed the generalized minimum aberration (GMA) criterion to assess fractional factorial designs, and a design with GMA is often regarded as the best. However, there exist situations where some other designs may suit practical needs better. In this article, we propose an algorithm to sequentially examine designs obtained from Hadamard matrices under estimation capacity (EC) and provide designs with maximum or high EC for various combinations of run-size and number-of-factors. The usefulness of maximum or high EC designs is discussed.
Cardio-Renal Syndrome Type 3: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, and Treatment

A complex pathophysiology, cardio-renal syndrome (CRS), has been redefined in recent years. One subtype is acute renocardiac CRS, or CRS type 3. This syndrome is intended to comprise situations in which acute kidney injury (AKI) results in acute cardiac injury or dysfunction. The pathophysiology of CRS type 3 is not well understood. Existing evidence suggests a bidirectional link between these two organ systems. The mechanisms whereby AKI leads to cardiac dysfunction have been proposed to include two categories: direct effects of AKI on the heart, and effects of AKI on remote organ function with indirect effects on the heart. AKI has been shown to cause inflammation in experimental renal ischemic models, which then induced cytokine expression, leukocyte infiltration into the heart, cell death by apoptosis, and impaired cardiac function. Combined with this finding is the well-known significant physiological derangements, such as fluid and electrolyte imbalance and uremia, that underpin remote organ failure and finally affect cardiac function, which in turn causes further kidney injury. This vicious cycle is fundamental to cardio-renal syndromes. The high morbidity and mortality is likely a result of this adverse synergy. A standard definition and diagnostic criteria are important first steps to approach this syndrome. Results obtained from studies using a standard definition of AKI can lead us to the next step of early recognition, prevention, therapeutic intervention, and improved quality of care. Novel biomarkers and therapeutic interventions for primary and secondary disorders are being developed and tested. The hope is that improved outcomes will follow.
The synthesis and some reactions of 2,3-substituted 1-phenylbenzo[f]quinoline

A series of 2,3-substituted 1-phenylbenzo[f]quinolines was synthesized by the Friedlander condensation of 1-benzoyl-2-naphthylamine with β-keto esters. Some chemical transformations of these compounds and the preparation of 13H-benzo[f]indeno[2,1-c]quinoline-13-one and its 9-methyl derivative are described.
Rapid shifts in the chemical composition of aspen forests: an introduced herbivore as an agent of natural selection

The global ecological impacts of introduced and exotic species can be dramatic, leading to losses in biodiversity and ecosystem “meltdown”, however, the evolutionary impacts of introduced species are much less understood. Further, very few studies have examined whether mammalian herbivores can act as agents of natural selection for plant traits. We examined the hypothesis that variation in aspen phytochemistry resulted in selective herbivory by Cervus elaphus (elk), an introduced mammalian herbivore. With the experimental removal of a large elk exclosure, elk selectively eliminated 60% of an aspen population previously protected from herbivory resulting in a dramatic shift in the phytochemical composition of the aspen forest. Selection gradients (β) varied from 0.52 to 0.66, well above average relative to other studies of selection. These results indicate that introduced herbivores can have rapid evolutionary consequences even on long lived native species. Because there are fundamental links between phytochemistry, biodiversity and ecosystem processes, the effects of an introduced herbivore are likely to have cascading impacts on the services ecosystems provide.
RESULTS ON ESTIMATION AND TESTING FOR A UNIT ROOT IN THE NONSTATIONARY AUTOREGRESSIVE MOVING‐AVERAGE MODEL

. We review the limiting distribution theory for Gaussian estimation of the univariate autoregressive moving-average (ARMA) model in the presence of a unit root in the autoregressive (AR) operator, and present the asymptotic distribution of the associated likelihood ratio (LR) test statistic for testing for a unit root in the ARMA model. The finite sample properties of the LR statistic as well as other unit root test procedures for the ARMA model are examined through a limited simulation study. We conclude that, for practical empirical work that relies on standard computations, the LR test procedure generally performs better than other standard procedures in the presence of a substantial moving-average component in the ARMA model.
Molecular-dynamics investigation of orientational freezing in solid C60.

Constant-pressure molecular-dynamics calculations have been carried out to investigate the reorientational behavior of ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ molecules in the solid phase. Under ambient conditions, an intermolecular potential based on pairwise-additive atom-atom interactions yields a stable fcc crystal in which the ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ molecules are found to undergo rotational diffusion. On cooling to 200 K the molecules freeze into an orientational ordered structure with tetragonal symmetry. Although the presence of a phase transition just below room temperature agrees well with calorimetric, x-ray, and NMR data, the predicted low-temperature structure does not. Possible reasons for this are discussed. The orientational relaxation time and phonon density of states are calculated at several temperatures. The former is in fair agreement with NMR data.
Spectroradiometric Characteristics of Natural Light Under Water

This paper presents spectroradiometric data on the natural radiant flux occurring underwater at three locations in the Gulf of California, in Pacific coastal water near San Diego, and in the plankton-rich water of San Vicente Reservoir (San Diego County). Spectral radiance and irradiance have been measured, and it is shown that under certain circumstances spectral data for these two radiometric quantities are directly proportional. The data have been used to calculate spectral values of the attenuation coefficient and of the reflection function. The various spectra correlate qualitatively with apparent chlorophyll concentration and water color.
X-Ray View of Dressed Atoms

We report, to our knowledge, the first dressed absorption spectrum at an X-ray probe wavelength. An ultrafast optical pulse induces transparency for X-rays, demonstrating a promising route to femtosecond X-ray pulse shaping and measurement.
Modulation of postdecapitation convulsions in rats by α-adrenergic and 5-hydroxytryptamine1A agents

Abstract Postdecapitation convulsions were analyzed in rats after the administration of a variety of adrenergic and serotonergic agents. Drugs were selected on the basis of their relative affinities for 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A , α 2 -adrenergic and/or α 1 -adrenergic receptors. The 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A -selective agonists, 8-hydroxy- N , N -dipropyl-2-aminotetralin and buspirone, significantly increased the duration of the convulsions. The α 2 -adrenergic antagonists, yohimbine and corynanthine, had no affect on either the latency or duration of the convulsions. By contrast, each of the three α 1 -adrenergic agents increased the latency and decreased their duration. However, the order of potency was WB 4101 > ipsapirone > prazosin and this rank order did not correlate with drug potencies for the α 1 -adrenergic receptor as determined by radioligand binding studies. The high potency of both ipsapirone and WB 4101 in inhibiting the postdecapitation convulsions may relate to the combined effects of the drugs at both α 1 -adrenergic and 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A receptors.
Do We Need to Teach Spelling? The Relationship Between Spelling and Voluntary Reading Among Community College ESL Students

U It has been suggested that reading contributes to spelling competence (Ehri, 1986; Krashen, 1985; Smith, 1982b; see also Goodman, Smith, Meredith, & Goodman, 1987). Experimental studies indicate that readers can improve their spelling by exposure to words in texts (Gilbert, 1934, 1935). In addition, consistent correlations have been found between performance on tests of reading comprehension and tests of spelling ability (Hammill & McNutt, 1980). Although this relationship can be interpreted as showing the relevance of spelling ability to reading, it is also consistent with the hypothesis that reading experience causes improvement in both reading and spelling ability. The three studies described here were an attempt to determine whether a relationship exists between spelling competence and voluntary reading for ESL students at the community college level. If such a relationship could be demonstrated, it would provide additional support for the hypothesis that reading contributes to spelling ability.
Determinants of academic survival: survey of AACAP poster authors.

Abstract Objective To assess personal and institutional factors that may influence the development and retention of child psychiatry researchers and to estimate academic survival rates of full-time child psychiatry researchers. Method One hundred forty-seven (79%) of 187 physician-first authors of research posters presented at the annual meetings (1984 to 1990) of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists were surveyed for demographic data, current academic status, level of research involvement, career path from 1984 to 1991, and factors facilitating or hindering research career success. Results Survival analysis of strictly defined full-time researchers ( N = 46) revealed a 67% 7-year survival rate. Significantly higher survival rates were obtained for investigators with more than 2 years of research training or with affiliation with major child psychiatric research institutions when beginning a full-time research position. Both these factors were significant and independent predictors of academic survival. Conclusions Research training and affiliation with a major child psychiatric research institution are associated with longer academic survival for full-time researchers.
Chemotherapy of low-grade gliomas

Histologic subtypes of low-grade gliomas include pilocytic astrocytomas (World Health Organization [WHO] grade I), diffuse infiltrating astrocytomas, oligodendro-gliomas, and mixed oligo-astrocytomas (WHO grade II). Although extended survival is typical with these tumors, most patients eventually succumb to recurrent or progessive disease despite receiving either adjuvant radiation therapy or radiation at the time of recurrence. Not surprisingly, chemotherapy for low-grade gliomas has primarily been evaluated in the salvage setting of postradiotherapy progression in both adults and children. Unfortunately, the published body of literature describing chemotherapy for these tumors is small and subject to a number of confounding methodologic limitations. Nonetheless, some guidelines for the use of chemotherapy in these patients can be inferred from the published experience. The data reviewed clearly identifies a potential benefit for PCV chemotherapy (procarbazine, CCNU, and vincristine) in at least a subset of patients with low-grade oligodendroglial tumors. Nitrosoureas and platinum agents appear to have modest efficacy in recurrent oligodendroglial tumors and in some patients with newly diagnosed or progressive low-grade astrocytomas; however, surgery and radiation remain the primary treatment modalities for this group of malignancies. Until new data becomes available, chemotherapy still should be used only as a salvage option in previously irradiated patients with recurrent or progressive low-grade gliomas.
DIOPHANTINE CONDITIONS IMPLY CRITICAL POINTS ON THE BOUNDARIES OF SIEGEL DISKS OF POLYNOMIALS

Let f be a polynomial map of the Riemann sphere of degree at least two. We prove that if f has a Siegel disk G on which the rotation number satisfies a diophantine condition, then either the boundary B of G contains a critical point or B is a Lakes of Wada indecomposable continuum with one of the lakes containing a critical point. Consequently, if the boundary B of G has only 2 complementary domains, then B contains a critical point. We also show, without any assumption on the rotation number, that each proper nondegenerate subcontinuum of the boundary B of G is tree-like, and any other bounded complementary domain of B is a preperiodic component of the grand orbit of G. Finally, we establish some conditions under which B contains no periodic point.
A twin study of dental dimension. I. Discordance, asymmetry, and mirror imagery.

Bilateral tooth measurements in twins were partitioned into three orthogonal contrasts, each associated with one degree of freedom, to estimate three parameters: discordance, asymmetry, and mirror imagery. The probability levels of the within-pair variance ratios were used to test for significance of these estimates. The results provided strong evidences for the existence of significant genetic determinants of almost all of the individual tooth dimensions, but little or no evidence for a genetic basis of asymmetry. The analysis gave no indication that monozygotic twinning was associated with an increased degree of either fluctuating asymmetry or mirror imagery, when compared to dizygotic twins. The data on monozygotic twins further suggested that for most variables examined, the increment of environmental discordance resulting from the twinning phenomena was greater than the developmental noise that caused asymmetry within individual cotwins.
The Effects of Graded Doses of Endothelin-1 on Coronary Perfusion Pressure and Vital Organ Blood Flow during Cardiac Arrest

Background: Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoconstrictor and has been shown to improve coronary perfusion pressure (CPP) during arrest. The effects of ET-1 on organ blood flow during arrest have not been extensively studied. Objective: To investigate the effects of ET-1 on myocardial and cerebral blood flow during cardiac arrest. Methods: Sixty immature swine were anesthetized and instrumented. The animals were randomized to receive one of three doses of ET-1 (50, 150, or 300 μg) or placebo with/without standard-dose epinephrine (SDE) during cardiac arrest. After a 10-minute period of no-flow ventricular fibrillation (VF), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was performed for 3 minutes, followed by drug administration. Placebo or SDE was given every 3 minutes. Myocardial and cerebral blood flow was measured using a fluorescent microsphere technique. Results: Prearrest and CPR variables were not different between groups. Beginning 4 minutes after giving 300 μg ET-1 with or without SDE, CPP was significantly increased compared with SDE alone. Total myocardial blood flow following ET-1 administration was no different than myocardial blood flow following SDE alone. Cerebral blood flow increased 3.5 minutes after administration of 300 μg ET-1 with SDE and reached significance 9.5 minutes after drug administration when compared with SDE alone [92.5 (48.8-117.9) vs 15.6 (7.7-23) mL/min/100 g]. Conclusions: Three hundred μg ET-1 with SDE increases CPP and improves cerebral blood flow but does not improve myocardial blood flow during cardiac arrest. The peripheral effects of ET-1 significantly improve CPP and cerebral blood flow, but myocardial blood flow is not increased due to coronary vasoconstriction.
Microseismicity and creeping faults: Hints from modeling the Hayward fault, California (USA)

Abstract Creeping segments of strike-slip faults are often characterized by high rates of microseismicity on or near the fault. This microseismicity releases only a small fraction of the slip occurring on the fault and the majority of the accumulating elastic strain is released either through aseismic creep or in rare large events. Distinguishing between creeping or non-creeping patches on faults and determining the resulting accumulated slip deficit is important in assessing the seismic hazard associated with a fault. Unfortunately, surface creep data alone are insufficient to constrain the creep at depth on the fault. Here we analyze the possibility of using microseismicity as a further constraint. An analysis of the accumulation of Coulomb stress associated with the fault creep indicates that the transition from creeping regions to locked patches has the potential to affect the local seismicity pattern. Precise relative relocations of the microseismicity of the Hayward fault [1] [F. Waldhauser, W.L. Ellsworth, Fault structure and mechanics of the Hayward Fault, California, from double-difference earthquake locations, J. Geophys. Res. 107(3), doi:10.1029/2000JB000084 , 2002.] indicate that a fraction of the events repeat, indicating recurrent ruptures of the same small patch. A comparison of the creeping pattern resulting from a Finite Element deformation Model with this precisely relocated microseismicity indicates that the non-repeating earthquakes mainly occur in the transitional zones from creeping to locked patches, while recurrent (repeating) earthquakes cluster in high creep-rate regions. Building from this observation, we have developed an analysis approach to better define patterns of creep, and thus the slip deficit, on the Hayward fault. Additionally this creep rate and its spatial pattern on the fault vary as a function of time after the system is loaded by earthquakes on the locked patches.
Reactivity and Stability of 2-Platinaoxetanes

The influence of ancillary ligands, Lewis acids, carbon substituents, and oxidants on the stability and reactivity of 2-platinaoxetanes was investigated through the reactions of 2-platinaoxetanes P...
Snap-gauge band: new concept in measuring penile rigidity.

For several years, nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) has been the main tool in the evaluation of erectile dysfunction and in differentiating organic from psychogenic impotence. NPT, however, is not equivalent to erection since it only measures circumferential change rather than penile rigidity. Therefore, it has been recommended that NPT recordings be supplemented by direct observation and palpation of the subject’s erection. This requires that an observer be present throughout the night, and maximum erection still can be missed. A noninterfering method to measure directly the crucial variable, penile rigidity, is therefore highly desirable. Encouraged by Barry’s method to encircle the penis with stamps, we have measured penile rigidity as the capability during sleep to break a band furnished with snap-release fasteners with different release-force constants applied around the penile shaft. The band consists of a nonstretchable fabric, and Velcro tape at one end permits it to be adjustably fitted around the penile shaft. At the other end, it is locked by three pre-set snap-release fasteners with releaseforce constants of 8, 12, and 16 oz (226, 340, 453 Gm), respectively, corresponding to an intracavernosal pressure of 90 to 160 mm Hg (122-213 dynicm). In this way, the subject could break none, one, two, or all three fasteners by an erection. Of 15 healthy males, all were able to break all three fasteners. In 51 consecutive patients with erectile dysfunction, 115 NPT recordings at the penile base and tip were obtained, and these were compared mith the measurement of penile rigidity FIGURE 1. Graph ga shozc;ing correlation heB tueen penile rigidity E I5 and length of plateau. i ,,J , 2 2 5II
TPD–TGA and Calorimetric Study of the Partial Oxidation of Methanol on TiO2-Supported Vanadium Oxide

Abstract The partial oxidation of methanol to formaldehyde on titania-supported vanadium oxide was studied using temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). Calorimetry was also used to measure the heats of reoxidation of partially reduced vanadia/titania catalysts. The TPD results showed that the activation energy for the oxidation of adsorbed methoxides to formaldehyde depends on the extent of reduction of the supported vanadia layer. On supported V 2 O 5 and V 2 O 3 formaldehyde was produced at 535 and 630 K, respectively. The TPD results also demonstrated that the thermal stability of the supported vanadia was coverage dependent and suggested that polyvanadate species are more thermally stable than isolated vanadyls. The heat of reoxidation of partially reduced supported vanadia layers was measured calorimetrically and found to be 240±10 kJ/mol of O 2 .
Measurement of Broad Absorption Features Using a Tunable External Cavity Quantum Cascade Laser

We demonstrate the use of a tunable external cavity quantum cascade laser system for measurement of broad absorption features in the mid-infrared spectral region. The thermoelectrically cooled external cavity laser was tuned over a 65 cm -1 range centered at 8.7 microns using stepper motor control. Pulsing the laser at a high duty cycle provided 2-4.5 mW average output power over the tuning range, and enabled phase-sensitive detection of amplitude-modulated signals. We used the laser system to measure the absorption spectra of Freon-125 using a Herriott cell. In addition, the absorption spectrum of water in the laboratory air was measured. The measurements showed excellent agreement with reference spectra, in both wavelength and amplitude. The measured scan resolution of 0.14 cm -1 is suitable for measurement of the absorption features of complex molecules as well as simple molecules with atmospherically broadened lines. We discuss the limits to the scan resolution due to effects of spectral chirp and mode-hops during pulsed operation.
Atomic Orientation by Optical Pumping

A variation of the usual method of atomic orientation of alkali metal vapors by optical pumping is proposed. This variation consists of employing a single circularly polarized ${D}_{1}$ line as pumping radiation, instead of a mixture of the two $D$ lines. Under these conditions, one magnetic substate of the ground state is transparent to the pumping radiation. It is shown that for a sufficiently intense light source and relatively weak relaxation, the entire population of the vapor will tend to be pumped into this single state, resulting in nearly one-hundred percent atomic orientation. The pumping process is analyzed in detail for sodium vapor illuminated with $3{P}_{\frac{1}{2}}\ensuremath{-}3{S}_{\frac{1}{2}}$ radiation, and the time dependence of the populations of the eight magnetic sublevels of the ground state is computed. It is shown that in the steady state, the light absorption by the vapor is linear rather than exponential with distance. A simple method of measuring relaxation times based on this observation is suggested. The conditions under which the imprisonment of resonance radiation limits the size of the oriented sample are discussed, and it is suggested that the proposed technique will allow the alignment of larger samples than is possible by the usual method of optical pumping.
The hidden cost of value-seeking: People do not accurately forecast the economic benefits of experiential purchases

In spite of the experiential advantage, people consume material items in the pursuit of happiness. We conducted three studies to determine if people commit forecasting errors when deciding between purchasing life experiences and material items. Study 1a showed that people expect life experiences to result in more well-being, whereas material items are forecasted to be a better use of money. However, Study 1b demonstrated that people enjoy greater well-being from life experiences and consider them to be a better use of money. Study 2, a four-week longitudinal study, corroborated this economic misforecast. Study 3 demonstrated that seeking to make good use of one’s money, compared to prioritizing happiness, is more important during material consumption, and when people attempt to maximize economic value, instead of their happiness, they are more likely to consume material items. We suggest that prioritizing value may encourage people to prefer material items instead of life experiences.
Multimodality treatment of adenocarcinoma of the vagina stage IV: Potential for cure

A 26-year-old nulligravida presented with a Stage IV adenocarcinoma of the vagina with a frozen pelvis and positive lymph nodes in the right external iliac and inguinal regions. Following transposition of the ovaries laterally, a successful treatment program of cyclic radiotherapy and 5-fluorouracil was undertaken. Patient is now alive 3 years posttherapy with a functional vagina, return of menses, and without evidence of tumor. She experienced a small-bowel stricture 5 months posttherapy which required small-bowel resection. This case suggests that an integrated multimodality program is feasible and that 5-fluorouracil may be synergistic with radiation.
Promoting Oral Health Among the Inner City Homeless: A Community-Academic Partnership

Oral health care resources for the homeless are scarce, underfunded, and generally inadequate to meet the oral health needs of this population. The purpose of this program was to improve oral health among the urban homeless in a faith-based inner city mission through education, screening, and improved access to oral health care. The program provided for expanded delivery of oral health care services to the homeless while preparing students in the health professions for community-based practice with at-risk and vulnerable populations. By proactively addressing oral health needs through prevention and earlier diagnosis and treatment, morbidity, quality of life, and cost can be positively affected. Innovative, cross-disciplinary, community delivery models that involve key stakeholders at all levels are needed to address the oral health needs of the homeless and underserved adequately.
In vitro hepatic gluconeogenesis during experimental ketosis produced in steers by 1,3-butanediol and phlorizin.

Abstract Adaptations of in vitro incorporation of gluconeogenic substrates into glucose and adaptations of metabolite concentrations of liver to subcutaneous phlorizin and dietary 1,3-butanediol were examined for liver samples from dairy steers. Later, the same adaptations were examined after 6 days of feed restriction. Feeding 1,3-butanediol significantly decreased conversion of carbon-14 of lactate and propionate to glucose and to carbon dioxide. There were no changes of concentrations of hepatic glycogen or triglyceride, and increases were only minor for β -hydroxybutyrate concentration. Both phlorizin, with or without 1,3-butanediol, and feed restriction significantly increased rates of carbon incorporation into glucose from aspartate, lactate, and propionate but did not change rates of oxidation to carbon dioxide. Phlorizin had no effect on hepatic glycogen or triglyceride concentrations, but feed restriction decreased liver glycogen and increased triglyceride concentrations. Changes associated with either phlorizin treatment or feed restriction are consistent with a decreased ratio of insolin to glucagon of blood plasma. When combined, plorizin and 1,3-butanediol seem to have some utility for developing a ketosis model.
Efficient accurate liquid crystal digital light deflector

The Digital Light Deflector (DLD) can be used to deflect a laser beam without using moving parts. The DLD consists of cascaded pairs of deflecting and switching elements. In each stage, a birefringent element deflects the incident beam by two possible angles. The accompanying electro-optic switch selects the incident linear polarization state, thus deciding the output deflection for that stage. By cascading together N stages with successively increasing deflection angles, 2-to-the-power-N output angles are possible. Many earlier DLD devices utilized inorganic electro-optic materials and required high power. The only prior low-power DLD, using nematic liquid crystal deflectors, suffered from significant scattering losses and was not optimized for wide-angle steering. We present an improved liquid crystal DLD (LC-DLD). This LC-DLD makes use of smectic A liquid crystalline deflecting prisms, resulting in a substantial reduction of scattering losses. This device can also be designed to reduce steering error at wide angles. Steering error reduction is accomplished by optimizing the geometry and orientation of each deflector. Fabrication methods, guidelines for choice of viable smectic materials, and design optimization techniques are discussed.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The hematopoietic stem cell niche—home for friend and foe?†

The hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) niche is involved in the maintainance and regulation of quiescence, self-renewal and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells and the fate of their progeny in mammals dealing with the daily stresses to the hematopoietic system. From the discovery that perturbations of the HSC niche can lead to hematopoietic disorders, we have now arrived at the prospect that the HSC niche may play a role in hematological malignancies and that this HSC niche may be a target for therapy. This review attempts to capture the discoveries of the last few years regarding the normal and malignant hematopoietic stem cell niche and possible ways to target this niche.
Performance Study of a Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Using a COMSOL Based 2D Model and Actual Cell Testing Geometry and Operating Conditions

This paper reports a new electrochemical performance study performed on a planar SOFC cell. This study consists of a 2D model developed using a commercial software, namely Comsol Multiphysics. The model includes fluid dynamics, electrochemistry, electrical conduction, and diffusion physics. This model was built using the actual button cell testing geometry and using experimental data for validation purposes. The objective of this study is to understand the effects of the testing setup used on the cell performance, and to recommend an improved design or geometry where the cell performance is independent of any flow maldistribution in both the air and fuel side of the SOFC cell. The air and fuel flow rates are studied to determine the effects on the cell performance. The effects of electrode porosities are studied together with the fuel and air flow rates. The distance from the SOFC cell to the discharge fuel feed tube and air chamber geometry are studied as well. The modeling results indicate that the SOFC electrochemical performance becomes independent of any flow maldistribution at relatively high flow rates for both fuel and air. Reduced electrode porosities play a role in the cell performance, and larger flow rates are required in order to achieve a cell performance independent of flow rates. The cell performance is also affected by the distance from the SOFC cell to the fuel discharge tube and the air chamber geometry. The behavior seen in the cell performance can be explained by a non-uniform mole fraction of reactants near the electrode surface.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
The central star of the planetary nebula Abell 78

The ultraviolet spectrum of the nucleus of Abell 78, one of the two planetaries known to contain zones of nearly pure helium, is studied. The line spectrum and wind velocities are examined, the determination of interstellar extinction for assessing circumstellar dust is improved, and the temperature, luminosity, and core mass are derived. The results for A78 are compared with results for A30, and it is concluded that the dust distributions around the two central stars are quite different. The temperature of the A78 core is not as high as previously believed, and almost certainly lies between 67,000 K and 130,000 K. The most likely temperature range is 77,000-84,000 K. The core mass lies between 0.56 and 0.70 solar mass, with the most likely values between 0.56 and 0.58 solar mass.
Registration of multimodal volume head images via attached markers

We investigate the accuracy of registering arbitrarily oriented, multimodal, volume images of the human head, both to other images and to physical space, by aligning a configuration of three or more fiducial points that are the centers of attached markers. To compute the centers we use an extension of an adaptive thresholding algorithm due to Kittler. Because the markers are indistinguishable it is necessary to establish their correspondence between images. We have evaluated geometric matching algorithms for this purpose. The inherent errors in fiducial localization arising with digital images limits the accuracy with which anatomical targets can be registered. To accommodate this error we apply a least-squares registration algorithm to the fiducials. To evaluate the resulting target registration accuracy we have conducted experiments on images of internally implanted markers in a cadaver and images of externally attached markers in volunteers. We have also produced computer simulations of volume images of a hemispherical model of the head, randomly picking corresponding fiducial points and targets in the images, introducing uniformly distributed error into the fiducial locations, registering the images, and measuring target registration accuracy at the 95% confidence level. Our results indicate that submillimetric accuracy is feasible for high resolution images with four markers.
Whistle-Blowing: Myth and Reality:

In this article, we attempt to separate myth from reality by reviewing research results pertinent to two questions: are whistle-blowers really crackpots and do most of them suffer retaliation following their actions? Because scholars interested in these questions have come from several different fields, and because integration is lacking among their perspectives, myth is often perpetuated. We try to ameliorate this situation by exploring the phenomenon from a broad interdisciplinary perspective and by reviewing the findings of recent empirical work in the area. Providing a realistic view of the problem is critical at this juncture, as organizations struggle to find mechanisms to deal with whistle-blowers and as legislators attempt to find policies to encourage whistle-blowing, in order to control illegal organizational behavior.
A model transition metal-carbene system MnCH2

The first transition metal-methylene species, Ta(C5H5)2 CH3CH2, has recently been prepared and characterized by Schrock and co-workers. As a model for systems of this type, ab initio electronic structure theory has been applied to the MnCH2 molecule. After experimentation with several types of basis sets, the following double-zeta contracted gaussian basis was adopted: Mn(12s 8p 4d/8s 6p 2d), C(9s 5p/4s 2p), H(4s/2s). However, in some cases it was found necessary to add a set of more diffuse d functions to the above. Single-configuration self-consistent-field (SCF) potential curves are reported for electronic states dissociating to Mn+(4s 3d5 7S), Mn(4s2 3d5 6S), Mn(4s 3d6 6D) and Mn(4s 4p 3d5 8P) plus 3B1 CH2 and 1A1 CH2. The electronic ground state of MnCH2 is of 8B1 symmetry and for this state only a full geometry optimization was performed, yielding r e(Mn-C) = 2·16 A, θ e(HCH) = 109°, and r e(C-H) = 1·09 A. In the SCF approximation 8B1 MnCH2 is bound by 33 kcal/mole relative to infinitely separated 6...
Evaluating the MEDLINE Core Clinical Journals filter: data-driven evidence assessing clinical utility.

© 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Rationale, aims and objectives MEDLINE offers the Core Clinical Journals filter to limit to clinically useful journals. To determine its effectiveness for searching and patient-centric decision making, this study compared literature used for Morning Report in Internal Medicine with journals in the filter. Method An EndNote library with references answering 327 patient-related questions during Morning Report from 2007 to 2012 was exported to a file listing variables including designated Core Clinical Journal, Impact Factor, date used and medical subject. Bradford's law of scattering was applied ranking the journals and reflecting their clinical utility. Recall (sensitivity) and precision of the Core Morning Report journals and non-Core set was calculated. This study applied bibliometrics to compare the 628 articles used against these criteria to determine journals impacting decision making. Results Analysis shows 30% of clinically used articles are from the Core Clinical Journals filter and 16% of the journals represented are Core titles. When Bradford-ranked, 55% of the top 20 journals are Core. Articles <5 years old furnish 63% of sources used. Among the 63 Morning Report subjects, 55 have <50% precision and 41 have <50% recall including 37 subjects with 0% precision and 0% recall. Conclusions Low usage of publications within the Core Clinical Journals filter indicates less relevance for hospital-based care. The divergence from high-impact medicine titles suggests clinically valuable journals differ from academically important titles. With few subjects demonstrating high recall or precision, the MEDLINE Core Clinical Journals filter may require a review and update to better align with current clinical needs.
Nitric oxide regulates luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone secretion

We have analyzed the role of nitric oxide (NO), an unorthodox and novel neuromodulator, on luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) secretion. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP), an NO donor, was used to challenge LHRH neurons using both hypothalamic explants and an immortalized neuronal cell line (GT1 cells) in vitro. In both paradigms, SNP was able to stimulate LHRH release in a dose-dependent manner. This action of SNP was accompanied by an elevation in both extra- and intra-cellular cGMP levels. In addition, exposure of LHRH cells (GT1-7 cells) to increasing concentrations of a soluble analog of cGMP (8-Br-cGMP) enhanced LHRH release in a dose-dependent manner, indicating that LHRH neurons have the intrinsic ability to respond to the intracellular messenger elicited by NO, i.e., cGMP. Furthermore, sodium nitroprusside-induced LHRH secretion from GT1-7 cells was blocked, in a dose-dependent manner, by Rp-8-Br-cGMPS, a cGMP analog which blocks cGMP-dependent protein kinase. These data clearly demonstrate th...
Strategic IS Sourcing and Dynamic Capabilities: Bridging the Gap

Information Systems (IS) sourcing consists of the delegation of all or any part of the technical resources, the human resources, and the management capabilities associated with providing IT services to the external vendor. This can range from insourcing to domestic outsourcing, offshore outsourcing, nearshore outsourcing and any such variants. The sourcing organizations (clients) increasingly look at the capabilities of the vendor as a benchmark for the quality of the service rendered by the vendor. The capability maturity model is one such preferred scale for assessing the capabilities of the vendor. However, such a capability model does not exist for a client which ventures or is about to venture in a sourcing relationship. The purpose of this paper is to isolate the key IS capabilities that a client could develop to succeed in a sourcing relationship. This represents the first step in developing a client sourcing capability model.
Optimal placement of stereo sensors

Autonomous wireless devices such as sensor nodes and stereo cameras, due to their low cost of operation coupled with the potential for remote deployment, have found a plethora of applications ranging from monitoring air, soil and water to seismic detection and military surveillance. Typically, such a network spans a region of interest with the individual nodes cooperating to detect events and disseminate information. Given a deployment of sensors and targets over a region, a sensor pairing is desired for each target that optimizes the coverage under certain constraints. This problem can be modeled as an integer programming problem and solved using branch-and-cut. For larger problems, it is necessary to limit the number of variables, and a GRASP routine was developed for this purpose. Valid cutting planes are developed and computational results presented.
Boiling of Water at Subatmospheric Conditions With Enhanced Structures: Effect of Liquid Fill Volume

Liquid cooling with phase change has been demonstrated to be a very efficient technique for thermal management of electronics because it has the potential to achieve high heat transfer coefficients compared to single phase liquid cooling. Previous studies on liquid immersion cooling with fluorocarbons have shown the effectiveness of boiling enhancement structures in lowering boiling incipience, raising the critical heat flux, and reducing evaporator size. Two-phase thermosyphons are an alternative to liquid immersion cooling, where phase change liquid cooling can be implemented within a closed-loop device. The present study involves a two-phase thermosyphon with boiling enhancement structure in the evaporator, which is subjected to subatmospheric pressures for lowering the saturation temperature of the working fluid. The objective of the present research is to provide a detailed understanding of the effect of liquid-fill level on boiling of water with enhancement structures at subatmospheric pressures. The study will take into account the influence of system pressure and enhancement structure geometry on the boiling heat transfer. Experiments were performed at three different pressures, 9.7 kPa, 15 kPa, and 21 kPa, using a stacked enhancement structure with three different geometries (one, four, and six layers), corresponding to three different liquid-fill levels (fill ratios of 0.5, 0.7, and 0.9). The results are compared with a base line study on subatmospheric pressure boiling from a plain surface at similar liquid-fill levels.