cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Slabs in the lower mantle and their modulation of plume formation

Numerical mantle convection models indicate that subducting slabs can reach the core-mantle boundary (CMB) for a wide range of assumed material properties and plate tectonic histories. An increase in lower mantle viscosity, a phase transition at 660 km depth, depth-dependent thermal expansivity, and depth-dependent thermal diffusivity do not preclude model slabs from reaching the CMB. We find that ancient slabs could be associated with lateral temperature anomalies ~500°C cooler than ambient mantle. Plausible increases of thermal conductivity with depth will not cause slabs to diffuse away. Regional spherical models with actual plate evolutionary models show that slabs are unlikely to be continuous from the upper mantle to the CMB, even for radially simple mantle structures. The observation from tomography showing only a few continuous slab-like features from the surface to the CMB may be a result of complex plate kinematics, not mantle layering. There are important consequences of deeply penetrating slabs. Our models show that plumes preferentially develop on the edge of slabs. In areas on the CMB free of slabs, plume formation and eruption are expected to be frequent while the basal thermal boundary layer would be thin. However, in areas beneath slabs, the basal thermal boundary layer would be thicker and plume formation infrequent. Beneath slabs, a substantial amount of hot mantle can be trapped over long periods of time, leading to “mega-plume” formation. We predict that patches of low seismic velocity may be found beneath large-scale high seismic velocity structures at the core-mantle boundary. We find that the location, buoyancy, and geochemistry of mega-plumes will differ from those plumes forming at the edge of slabs. Various geophysical and geochemical implications of this finding are discussed.
3 Tesla MRI detects deterioration in proximal femur microarchitecture and strength in long-term glucocorticoid users compared with controls.

Background Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIO) is the most common secondary form of osteoporosis, and glucocorticoid users are at increased risk for fracture compared with nonusers. There is no established relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture risk in GIO. We used 3 Tesla (T) MRI to investigate how proximal femur microarchitecture is altered in subjects with GIO. Methods This study had institutional review board approval. We recruited 6 subjects with long-term (> 1 year) glucocorticoid use (median age = 52.5 (39.2–58.7) years) and 6 controls (median age = 65.5 [62–75.5] years). For the nondominant hip, all subjects underwent dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to assess BMD and 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI, 3D FLASH) to assess metrics of bone microarchitecture and strength. Results Compared with controls, glucocorticoid users demonstrated lower femoral neck trabecular number (−50.3%, 1.12 [0.84–1.54] mm−1 versus 2.27 [1.88–2.73] mm−1, P = 0.02), plate-to-rod ratio (−20.1%, 1.48 [1.39–1.71] versus 1.86 [1.76–2.20], P = 0.03), and elastic modulus (−64.8% to −74.8%, 1.54 [1.22–3.19] GPa to 2.31 [1.87–4.44] GPa versus 6.15 [5.00–7.09] GPa to 6.59 [5.58–7.31] GPa, P < 0.05), and higher femoral neck trabecular separation (+192%, 0.705 [0.462–1.00] mm versus 0.241 [0.194–0.327] mm, P = 0.02). There were no differences in femoral neck trabecular thickness (−2.7%, 0.193 [0.184–0.217] mm versus 0.199 [0.179–0.210] mm, P = 0.94) or femoral neck BMD T-scores (+20.7%, −2.1 [−2.8 to −1.4] versus −2.6 [−3.3 to −2.5], P = 0.24) between groups. Conclusion The 3T MRI can potentially detect detrimental changes in proximal femur microarchitecture and strength in long-term glucocorticoid users.J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015.
Strategy modeling, age, and information-processing efficiency

Abstract Second- and sixth-grade children were exposed to observational learning procedures prior to presentation of a series of discrimination problems that contained probes for hypotheses between consecutive feedback trials. One group at each age level observed a complex, perfect information-processing strategy called focusing that is rarely shown spontaneously by elementary school children. Another group saw no explicit strategy, but the component skills necessary to generate any strategy were demonstrated. In a third condition, children observed a strategy called dimension checking, which is the modal strategy shown spontaneously by children of this age range. Results indicated that sixth graders performed equally well under each tape exposure condition while second graders showed their best performance after observation of the dimension-checking tape and poorest after exposure to the focusing tape. Performance was intermediate when basic skills were demonstrated. Results were discussed in relation to developmental learning theory and Piagetian theory.
Physical Comorbidity in Elderly Veterans Affairs Patients With Schizophrenia and Depression

The authors studied physical comorbidity and the number of medications prescribed in all psychiatric outpatients over age 60 seen at Loma Linda VA Medical Center over a 1-year period. Psychiatric diagnoses were based on DSM-III-R. The authors used a chart review and computerized profiles of data on 90 patients (86% male) with a mean age of 67. Patients with schizophrenia had the fewest physical illnesses; patients with depression had the most; and patients with bipolar and anxiety disorders were intermediate. The number of nonpsychotropic medications followed the same trend. Frequency of cancer and mean duration of hypertension and cardiac illness were greater inpatients with depression than in those with schizophrenia.
Chemical Vapor Deposition for Solvent-Free Polymerization at Surfaces

Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) methods are a powerful technology for engineering surfaces. When CVD is combined with the richness of organic chemistry, the resulting polymeric coatings, deposited without solvents, represent an enabling technology in many different fields of application. This article focuses on initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD), a new technique that utilizes benign reaction conditions to yield conformal and functional polymer thin films. The latest achievements in coating surfaces and 3D substrates with functional materials, and the use of the technique for biotechnology and selective permeation applications are reviewed, and future directions for iCVD technology are discussed.
Chronic Concern Over an Acute-Phase Reactant: A Teachable Moment

A 59-year-old man with a history of shoulder and knee pain presented to our clinic reporting 6 years of left osteoarthritic hip pain. His pain had been progressive, and at the time of presentation, he required the use of a cane for support. The results of radiologic studies showed a loss of joint space with thinning of the upper aspect of the left hip joint with bone-on-bone appearance and subchondral cyst formation. The femoral head articular contour showed flattening and severe atrophy on x-ray. He had no history of prior joint replacement or cardiovascular disease. He was referred to the orthopedic surgery clinic, where he was deemed an appropriate can
Improvement of oxygenation induced by aerosolized prostacyclin in a preterm infant with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn

Objective: Case report on the effect of inhaled prostacyclin in a preterm infant (28 weeks gestational age) with respiratory distress syndrome complicated by marked hypoxemia due to persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn. Treatment with surfactant, hyperventilation, and elevation of systemic blood pressure had failed to improve oxygenation. Measures: A solution containing 10 ng PGI2/ml was aerosolized by the SPAG-2 aerosol-generator and then introduced into the afferent loop of the ventilatory circuit. Results: Oxygenation improved dramatically and worsened when aerosolization was withdrawn. Intravenous prostacyclin had no additional effect on oxygenation. We observed no side effects on blood pressure and no bleeding complications. Inhalation was stopped after 40 hours and the baby was successfully weaned from the ventilator after 108 hours. Conclusion: Inhaled PGI2 had a beneficial effect on the oxygenation of a preterm neonate with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn.
Addressing systemic challenges in couple and family therapy research: Introduction to the Special Section

We are pleased to introduce the two articles featured in this special section of Psychotherapy Research, placing them in the context of the current status of couple and family therapy (CFT) researc...
A Qualitative Protocol for Studying Technological Change in the Labor Process

Une approche qualitative pour l'etude de l'impact des changements technologiques sur les lieux de travail. Cet article Illustre et defend la logique d'une approche qualitative pour l'etude de l'impact des changements technologiques sur les lieux de travail. La premiere partie traite de l'utilisation de la methode de l'etude des cas pour mettre au jour les ordres normatifs qui faconnent les reactions aux innovations technologiques. Dans la deuxieme partie, les auteurs utilisent des analyses sur archives pour tester leurs hypotheses et les generaliser a la sphere industrielle dans une perspective longitudinale. Des analyses comparatives sont presentees dans la troisieme partie pour eclairer ces formulations theoriques. Cette approche est illustree par l'etude de Zetkas (1992a. 1992b) sur l'innovation dans le secteur de la carrosserie et par celle de Walsh (1989. 1991) sur celui de la boucherie de detail.
ACUTE HEMODYNAMIC EFFECTS OF SODIUM NITROPRUSSIDE IN LOW GRADIENT SEVERE AORTIC STENOSIS WITH PRESERVED EJECTION FRACTION

Abnormalities of the peripheral circulation are a major contributor to the syndrome of low flow, low gradient (LG) severe aortic stenosis (AS) with preserved ejection fraction (EF). We wished to study the hemodynamic effects of vasodilator challenge which directly affects the peripheral circulation
Dynamical spectrum for time dependent linear systems in Banach spaces

This paper is primarily concerned with the Dynamical Spectrum for time dependent linear differential equations in Banach spaces. We give a characterization of the Dynamical Spectrum which is an extension of the Sacker-Sell Theorem. Also we define the Lyapunov exponents, who measure the decay rate of the solutions of a linear differential equations; we investigate the relation between the Dynamical Spectrum, the Spectral Subbundles associated with the corresponding spectral intervals and the Lyapunov exponents. These problems are treated in the unified setting of a Linear Skew-Product Semiflow. Finally we present some examples of Linear Skew-Product Semiflow arising from time dependent functional differential equations and parabolic partial differential equations.
History of liver surgery.

Although battle surgeons had debrided small bits of liver protruding through wounds since ancient times, formal entry into the peritoneal cavity to staunch hemorrhage due to trauma or to remove tumors or drain cysts had to await the advent of general anesthesia and antisepsis. After a burst of pioneering activity from 1880 to 1910, little progress was made until after World War II. In the last 40 years, remarkable advances have been made in the techniques of liver resection, our understanding of liver diseases requiring operation, and our ability to support patients through major resections. Liver transplantation epitomizes the challenges that can now be accepted, and its success augurs well for an increase in liver operations in the future.
Perioperative Treatment with Infliximab in Patients with Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis is Not Associated with an Increased Rate of Postoperative Complications

Purpose The impact of infliximab (IFX) on postoperative complications in surgical patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) is unclear. We examined a large patient cohort to clarify whether a relationship exists between IFX and postoperative complications.
metacom: an R package for the analysis of metacommunity structure

Metacommunity theory is an extension of metapopulation theory with the goal of understanding how ecological communities vary through space and time. One off-shoot of metacommunity theory deals with understanding how community structure varies along biotic or environmental gradients. The Elements of Metacommunity Structure framework is a three-tiered analysis of metacommunity structure that enables the user to identify metacommunity properties that arise in site-by-species incidence matrices. These properties can then be related to underlying variables that influence species distributions. The EMS framework is now implemented in metacom, an open source R package that allows for the analysis and plotting of metacommunities.
Influence of unrestrained access to erotica on adolescents’ and young adults’ dispositions toward sexuality

Because consensually accepted programs of sexual education are lacking, erotica have come to serve as the primary agent of sexual socialization. The new media technology gives prepubertal children and postpubertal adolescents ready access to erotica in all their manifestations. However, next to nothing is known about the consequences of the steadily increasing amount of such exposure. A brief overview of what is known and what remains unknown about the effects of pornography on young adults is presented. Thereafter, the focus is on the development of sexual callousness across the pubertal threshold, and on how this callousness might be influenced by extensive exposure to erotica. The erotica under consideration are not so much those explicitly depicting coital behaviors as those that are less explicit and present a fuller social context of sexual engagements. A program of research is outlined that would help provide an understanding of erotica's effects on adolescents' sexual callousness, an understanding that is sorely needed for the construction of effective educational efforts aiming at the removal of callousness and coercion from sexual relations.
A model investigation of summertime diurnal ozone behavior in rural mountainous locations

The STEM-II pollutant transport, transformation, and deposition model has been used to simulate diurnal patterns of surface ozone concentration at idealized high-elevation mountaintop locations and low-elevation plains and valley sites. Two-dimensional hydrostatic mesoscale simulations, initialized with atmospheric conditions representative of sunrise over the southern Appalachians on 19 June, were used to generate meteorological data to drive STEM-II simulations. Sensitivity of surface ozone concentrations has been investigated against input initial and background vertical profiles, synoptic wind speed, photochemistry, and surface removal. The model reproduced typical surface ozone concentration diurnal patterns observed at several high- and low-elevation sites in the United States and central Europe. Results indicate that the nighttime high ozone concentrations at high-elevation mountainous locations are primarily due to the occurrence of local topographically induced wind systems which transport ozone-rich air from aloft down mountain slopes. The simulations indicate that in some situations higher ozone concentrations may also be observed at mountaintop locations due to transport of residual ozone-rich air masses above the nocturnal boundary layer to high-elevation locations.
Estimating the impact of electric vehicle smart charging on distribution transformer aging

Summary form only given. This paper describes a method for estimating the impact of plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) charging on overhead distribution transformers, based on detailed travel demand data and under several different schemes for mitigating overloads by shifting PEV charging times (smart charging). The paper also presents a new smart charging algorithm that manages PEV charging based on estimated transformer temperatures. We simulated the varied behavior of drivers from the 2009 National Household Transportation Survey, and transformer temperatures based an IEEE standard dynamic thermal model. Results are shown for Monte Carlo simulation of a 25 kVA overhead distribution transformer, with ambient temperature data from hot and cold climate locations, for uncontrolled and several smart-charging scenarios. These results illustrate the substantial impact of ambient temperatures on distribution transformer aging, and indicate that temperature-based smart charging can dramatically reduce both the mean and variance in transformer aging without substantially reducing the frequency with which PEVs obtain a full charge. Finally, the results indicate that simple smart charging schemes, such as delaying charging until after midnight can actually increase, rather than decrease, transformer aging.
Accounting for the sedative and analgesic effects of medication changes during patient participation in clinical research studies: Measurement development and application to a sample of institutionalized geriatric patients

Abstract Background To date, no system has been published that allows investigators to adjust for the overall sedative and/or analgesic effects of medications, or changes in medications, in clinical trial participants for whom medication use cannot be controlled. This is common in clinical trials of behavioral and complementary/alternative therapies, and in research involving elderly or chronically ill patients for whom ongoing medical care continues during the trial. This paper describes the development, and illustrates the use, of a method we developed to address this issue, in which we generate single continuous variables to represent the daily sedative and analgesic loads of multiple medications. Methods Medications for 90 study participants in a clinical trial of a nonpharmacological intervention were abstracted from medication administration records across multiple treatment periods. An expert panel of three academic clinical pharmacists and a geriatrician met to develop a system by which each study medication could be assigned a sedative and analgesic effect rating. Results The two measures, when applied to data on 90 institutionalized persons with Alzheimer's disease, resulted in variables with moderately skewed distributions that are consistent with the clinical profile of analgesia and sedation use in long-term care populations. The average study participant received 1.89 analgesic medications per day and had a daily analgesic load of 2.96; the corresponding figures for sedation were 2.07 daily medications and an average daily load of 11.41. Conclusions A system of classifying the sedative and analgesic effects of non-study medications was created that divides drugs into categories based on the strength of their effects and assigns a rating to express overall sedative and analgesic effects. These variables may be useful in comparing patients and populations, and to control for drug effects in future studies.
Purification of monoclonal antibodies derived from transgenic goat milk by ultrafiltration

With the goal of recovering heterologous immunoglobulin (IgG), which comprises 10-15% of the total proteins, from transgenic goat milk at 80% yield and 80% purity, we have developed and tested a two-step membrane isolation and purification process. In the first step, reported earlier by Baruah and Belfort, microfiltration was used to fractionate the milk proteins and recover > 90% of the original IgG at a purity of about 15-20% in the permeate stream. Here, we focus on ultrafiltration (UF) to increase the purity of the target protein to 80%, while maintaining a relatively high IgG yield (80%). Tangential flow UF experiments in diafiltration mode were conducted with 100 kDa cellulosic membranes to evaluate the optimal pH, ionic strength, and uniform transmembrane pressure (TMP). The TMP was kept uniform by permeate circulation in co-flow mode. The traditional approach of conducting the UF process close to the pI of the predominant whey proteins (15-40 kDa, pI 5.2), to transmit these proteins while retaining heterologous IgG (155 kDa), could not be applied here because of precipitation of residual casein at pH values lower than 8.5. Instead, the packing characteristics of the cake layer on the membrane wall, as elucidated in the Aggregate Transport Model presented by Baruah et al. was utilized to achieve a selectivity of > 15, which was sufficient to meet the stated goals of purity and yield for this difficult separation. This combined process is expected to reduce the load on subsequent purification and polishing steps for eventual therapeutic use.
Deterioration modeling for condition assessment of flexible pavements considering extreme weather events

Accurate pavement management systems are essential for states’ Department Of Transportation and roadway agencies to plan for cost-effective maintenance and repair (M and R) strategies. Pavement deterioration model is an imperative component of any pavement management system since the future budget and M and R plans would be developed based on the predicted pavement performance measures. It is crucial for the pavement deterioration models to consider the factors that significantly aggravate the pavement condition. While many studies have highlighted the impact of different environmental, load, and pavement’s structure on the life cycle of the pavement, effect of extreme weather events such as Floods and Snow Storms have often been overlooked. In this study, a pavement deterioration model is proposed which would consider the effect of traffic loads, climate conditions, and extreme weather events. Climate, load and performance data has been compiled for over twenty years and for eight states using the Long Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) databases. A stepwise regression approach is undertaken to quantify the effect of the extreme weather events, along with other influential factors on pavement performance in terms of International Roughness Index (IRI). Final results rendered more than 90% correlation with the quantified impact values of extreme weather events.
Gender and Generation Effects on Person Perception.

It has been assumed that the characteristics of respondents, such as their sex, background and socialization experiences, would affect the way in which respondents perceive other persons. Sex differences have been found in college students, but generational differences have not been explored. The present study employed one hundred fifty men and women, of non-college background and of a wide range of ages, and permitted free responses in respondents' descriptions. The effect of gender and generation on the categories participants used to describe a known man and woman was examined. A multivariate analysis of variance indicated significance on both variables. However, subsequent one-way analyses of variance revealed that only a few categories were used differentially by men and women, or by the older, middle and younger generations.
Drawing Insight From Nature: A Bat Wing for Morphing Aircraft

Being the only flying mammal, bats have evolved unique flight devices affording them high maneuverability and efficiency despite their low flight speeds. By selecting bats of three different ecological niches — a highly efficient fishing bat, a nimble insectivorous forager, and a large soaring bat of the ‘flying fox’ family — passive wing shapes can be demonstrated as capable of attaining very different aerodynamic performance characteristics. The aerodynamics of man-made equivalents to these wing shapes, using thin airfoils rather than skeleton and membrane construction, are studied both computationally through a lifting-line approach and experimentally with quasistatic wind tunnel data of ‘morphed’ and ‘unmorphed’ wing shapes. Results confirm that shape inspired by the larger soaring bat has higher lift-to-drag ratios, while that of the foraging bat maintains lift at higher angles of attack than the other wings. The advantages are more pronounced by morphing, increasing both lift coefficient and lift-to-drag ratios by up to 50% for certain wings. This is validated both numerically and in the Cornell University 4′ ×4′ wind tunnel. Analysis of these shapes provides the first phase of wing design for use on a morphing aircraft vehicle. In order to take greater advantage of vehicle morphing, wing shapes with camber and twist distributions unique from those found in nature will evolve to suit a man-made structure. In this way, a wing shape intended for cruise may extend its practicality into highly maneuverable operations through the use of wing morphing. Starting from the bat planform shapes, a series of optimizations determines the best camber and twist distributions for effective morphing. Given a fixed degree of shape change at any point along an airfoil based on mechanism constraints, improved morphing performance can be found compared to initial assumptions of the natural shape change. Heuristic optimization employing simulated annealing determines the required morphing shapes for increased performance, broadening the abilities of each wing shape by increasing parameters such as lift, rolling moment, and endurance.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Cycloadditions of 1,4-Bis-Trimethyl-siloxy-1,3-cyclohexadiene

Abstract The cycloaddition reactions of 1,4-bis-trimethylsiloxy-1,3-cyclohexadiene with maleic anhydride, dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate, diethylfumarate and methyl acrylate have been studied. The moderate to good yields obtained in these reactions indicate that this diene will be useful in the synthesis of 1,4-bis-oxygenated bicyclo[2.2.2]-octanes.
Short time-scale radiative transfer in light-emitting porous silicon

In this work, a five level system is proposed to model the short time-scale radiative transfer in light-emitting porous silicon. Equations are derived for the various energy levels. The model is applied to picosecond differential transmission measurements made on porous silicon. A picture of short time-scale carrier dynamics is drawn considering the unique properties of confinement, high surface-to-volume ratio and disorder on several length scales.
Tax Planning for Professorial Sabbaticals

A sabbatical leave and visiting position at another university offers professors many professional and financial advantages. Among the financial advantages are favorable taxation of the expenses incurred and income earned at the visited university. This paper discusses the tax implications of a visiting position, including eligibility for travel deductions, rules for deducting travel and transportation expenses, implications of taking a position outside of the United States, problems caused by the Alternative Minimum Tax, and other related issues. Also covered are the recordkeeping requirements and the use of federal per diem allowances.
Research Challenges in Distributed Cyber-Physical Systems

Moore's law, automation considerations, and the pervasive need for timely information lead to a next generation of distributed systems that are open, highly interconnected, and deeply embedded in the physical world. Such systems, called cyber-physical, were recently named the first research priority in networking and information technology in the US by the nation's presidential council of advisors on science and technology. They offer new research challenges that stem from openness, scale, and tight coupling between computation, communication, and distributed interaction with both physical and social contexts. Growing challenges span a large spectrum ranging from new models of computation for systems that live in physical and social spaces, to the enforcement of reliable, predictable, and timely end-to-end behavior in the face of high interactive complexity, increased uncertainly and imperfect implementation. This talk discusses the top challenges in cyber-physical systems and conjectures on research directions of increasing interest in this realm.
Moderating the Effects of Stress on Depressive Symptoms

The authors examined whether social support (measured as having a partner or spouse, satisfaction with partner or spouse relationships at Time 1 and at Time 2, and frequency of visits with close friends and relatives) and self-esteem buffered the impact of two types of stressful life events on depressive symptomatology in a prospective investigation of 728 full-time working men and women 58 to 64 years of age at recruitment in a metropolitan North Carolina area. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that the impact of stressful events involving social networks was buffered by satisfying relationships at Time 1 and self-esteem. Satisfying relations at Time 1 also lessened the impact of work stressors on depressive symptoms.
Gas-liquid chromatography of fatty derivatives. II. Analysis of fatty alcohol mixtures by gas-liquid chromatography

Gas-liquid chromatography has been shown to be applicable to the analysis of fatty alcohols. Through the use of polyester columns these alcohols have been separated according to chain length and degree of unsaturation. A study has been made of the relationship between peak areas of the chromatograms and the actual weight percentages of the four C18 alcohols found in the fatty alcohols derived from linseed oil. Fatty alcohols, prepared from soybean, linseed, and sperm oil have been prepared and analyzed by the proposed procedure.
A mass in the omental bursa secondary to biliary leakage: identification and management

The local rather than diffuse biliary accumulation secondary to biliary leakage is a rare condition. Recently, we found a mass in the omental bursa secondary to biliary leakage in a 3-year-old girl. This girl was hospitalized for a choledochal cyst, which was shown by routine ultrasound examination, with no evidence of jaundice or abdominal pain. Laboratory values of hepatic function included the following: AKP, 57 U/l; SGOT, 8 U/l; total bilirubin, 13.5lmol/l. Cyst excision and cholecystectomy combined with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy were performed, and the peritoneal drainage was placed under the hepaticoduodenal ligament, as was routine. On the first day after the operation, 80 ml of bile-stained liquid was drained off. But there was no further drainage, even though some efforts were made to adjust the position of the drainage tube. Three days later, the patient began vomiting repeatedly after drinking, and a huge mass located between the stomach and the pancreas was demonstrated by computed tomography (CT) (Fig. 1). Laparotomy verified a mass in the omental bursa consisting of 500 ml of bilious liquid. No site of biliary or anastomotic leakage could be identified. Four drainage tubes were placed in the omental bursa and the peritoneal and pelvic cavities. The amount of drainage was 100 ml on the first postoperative day. This amount decreased day by day, and the drainage tubes were discontinued on the 10th postoperative day. The patient is doing well 3 months postoperatively. Spontaneous biliary perforation and anastomotic leakage are the most common causes of biliary leakage in children [1]. The amount of bile that accumulates in the peritoneal cavity in a short time secondary to biliary leakage may lead to peritonitis. However, insidious rather than acute presentation of biliary leakage is more common in children, and is usually characterized by progressive jaundice, painless abdominal distension, ascites, and clay-colored stools [1]. Because of the chronic course, the inflammatory reaction might take place at the leakage site, and the inflammatory oozing might cover the leakage. Therefore, it can be difficult to determine the orifice of leakage in children. Some authors recommend performing a cholangiogram to locate the site of injury and obstruction. Others prefer hepatobiliary scintigraphy, either by 99m Tc-diethyl-iodine-HIDA or 99m Tc-diisopropyl-HIDA, to detect biliary leakage [2]. Recently, three-dimensional cholangio-spiral CT demonstrating the bile leak has been reported [3]. But the role of these diagnostic means to help deal with biliary leakage in children might be overestimated. Even if the biliary leakage can be detected, it is not always practical to
Structural studies of mono(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)lanthanide complexes

The mono(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) lanthanide complexes [(C5Me5)Yb(μ-I)(μ-η 5 : η 5-C5Me5)Yb(C5Me5)]n (1), {[(C5Me5)Sm]3(μ-Cl)4(μ 3-Cl)(μ 3-OH)(THF)}2 (2), {[(C5Me5)Sm]2 (μ-OH)(μ-Cl)4(μ 3-Cl)Mg(THF)2}2 (3), [(C5Me5)2Sm](μ-Cl)6(μ 3-Cl)2(μ 4-Cl)[(C5Me5)Sm]4 (4), {[(C5Me5)Nd]3(μ 3-Cl)4(μ 4-Cl)2(μ 3-O2CPh)2K2(η 6-C7H8)}2 (5), [(C5Me5)Nd(C8H8)]2(μ-dioxane) (6), [(C5Me5)Yb(MeOtBu)]2(μ-η 8 : η 8-C8H8) (7), [(C5Me5)Dy(μ-I)2]3 (8), and [(C5Me5) Tm(MeCN)6]I2 (9), have been identified by X-ray crystallography. 1 is unusual in that it has a μ-η 5 : η 5-C5Me5 ring that generates a local bent metallocene environment around ytterbium. Complexes 2–5 demonstrate the versatility of bridging chlorides in generating a variety of structures for mono(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) lanthanide halides. Complex 6 shows how dioxane can generate a crystallographically-analyzable complex by bridging two mixed-ligand metallocene units that do not readily crystallize with THF. The structure of 7 shows how methyl tert-butyl ether (MTB...
Acute health-related quality of life in children undergoing stem cell transplant: I. Descriptive outcomes.

There has been little empirical documentation of the acute effects of bone marrow or stem cell transplant (BMT) on children. In the present study, the responses of 153 children undergoing BMT were assessed in a prospective, longitudinal design. Children were assessed at the time of admission for transplant, then underwent weekly assessments to week +6, followed by monthly assessment to month +6. Data were obtained both by parent report and patient report (for patients age 5 and up) using the BASES scales. The major findings are: (1) children undergoing BMT enter the hospital with an already heightened level of distress (defined by high levels of somatic symptoms and mood disturbance, and low levels of activity) that increases dramatically following conditioning, reaching a peak approximately 1 week following transplant; (2) this increased distress is transient, declining rapidly back to admission levels by week +4 to week +5, followed by a further decline to presumed basal levels by months 4–6; and (3) the trajectories of distress depicted by both parent and child report are remarkably similar, each providing confirmatory support for the validity of the findings. These findings confirm a number of widely held clinical impressions that had not previously been documented empirically, and point to the need for new interventions or more intensive approaches to supportive care aimed at reducing levels of distress during the acute phase of transplant. Bone Marrow Transplantation (2002) 29, 425–434. doi:10.1038/sj.bmt.1703377
A numerical approach to the problem of sediment volume

Abstract The observed sediment volume of 3.5 c.c./gram for moist spheres in hydrocarbon solvents is shown to correspond exactly to a model in which each sphere coheres rigidly to the first sphere it contacts, but is inconsistent with strong forces operative over an appreciable range of distance. The mean number of neighbors for each sphere in this type of packing is 2.0. Sediment structure is more sensitive to the breadth of the size distribution than is sediment volume.
Financial aspects of industrial information centers: A survey

This article reports on a survey of the financial aspects of special libraries and information centers in American industrial companies. The objectives of this survey were to assess resources allocated to information centers, pricing behavior and cost behavior for such centers, and to obtain an indication of the accounting practices of such centers. Data on 41 characteristics were obtained from 87 centers in the Fortune 500 companies. The results of the data analysis are discussed and compared to other pertinent investigations of this type.
What is public opinion

Abstract Three recent books on public opinion attempt to map changes in the public's policy preferences over the last few decades. Such changes have clearly occurred, but a single, overriding “public mood” remains elusive. Rather, different components of the public mood seem to move in different directions. Furthermore, it is unclear how much of the apparent change in public mood is real and how much is an artifact resulting from changes in public policies. Yet elite perceptions, or misperceptions, of public opinion are important determinants of those very policies, raising questions about the coherence of opinion‐led government.
Selective photoimmobilization of actin filaments for developing an intelligent nanodevice

In the present study we present a method of selective immobilization of actin filaments based on the bioaffinity reaction of streptavidin/biotion on an aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES)-functionalized glass surfaces. Atomic force microscopy was employed to verify APTES film with higher roughness compared with bare glass. Patterning was achieved since photobiotin was covalently attached to the surface with masks of varying size and geometry under ultraviolent light. The patterning was characterized by the fluorescence of dye-tagged streptavidin. After blocked, dye-tagged biotinylated actin patterning was obtained, implying the feasibility of a biomolecular transportation system based upon the selective immobilization of these motor proteins.
Europe's identity problem

Transnational Identities: Becoming European in the EU Richard K. Herrmann, Thomas Risse, and Marilynn B. Brewer (Eds) Rowman and Littlefield, Lanham, MD, 2004, viii + 305 pp., £22.95, ISBN 0-7425-3...
Investigation of upper-surface-blowing nacelle integration at cruise speeds utilizing powered engine simulators

Various overwing nacelle designs were investigated on a representative four engine short haul aircraft configuration during a combined analytical and experimental program. Design conditions were M sub o = 0.7 and C sub L = 0.4. All nacelles had D shaped nozzle exits and included a streamline contoured design, a low boattail angle reference configuration, and a high boattail angle powered lift design. Testing was done with the design four engine airplane configuration as well as with only inboard nacelles installed. Turbopowered engine simulators were used to provide realistic representation of nacelle flows. Performance trends are compared for the various nacelle designs. In addition, comparisons are presented between analytical and experimental pressure distributions and between flow through and powered simulator results.
Evaluation of Pt, Ni, and Ni–Mo electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution on crystalline Si electrodes

The dark electrocatalytic and light photocathodic hydrogen evolution properties of Ni, Ni–Mo alloys, and Pt on Si electrodes have been measured, to assess the viability of earth-abundant electrocatalysts for integrated, semiconductor coupled fuel formation. In the dark, the activities of these catalysts deposited on degenerately doped p+-Si electrodes increased in the order Ni < Ni–Mo ≤ Pt. Ni–Mo deposited on degenerately doped Si microwires exhibited activity that was very similar to that of Pt deposited by metal evaporation on planar Si electrodes. Under 100 mW cm−2 of Air Mass 1.5 solar simulation, the energy conversion efficiencies of p-type Si/catalyst photoelectrodes ranged from 0.2–1%, and increased in the order Ni ≈ Ni–Mo < Pt, due to somewhat lower photovoltages and photocurrents for p-Si/Ni–Mo relative to p-Si/Ni and p-Si/Pt photoelectrodes. Deposition of the catalysts onto microwire arrays resulted in higher apparent catalytic activities and similar photoelectrode efficiencies than were observed on planar p-Si photocathodes, despite lower light absorption by p-Si in the microwire structures.
Synthetic Peptides Induce a Cytotoxic Response against Human Papillomavirus Type-18

Abstract Objectives. Over 90% of cervical carcinomas express human papillomavirus (HPV) E6 and E7 proteins. These unique antigens are ideal targets for the development of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTL) for antitumor immunotherapy. In this study we identify peptides from HPV-18 E6 and E7 proteins that bind to HLA class I molecules. We further show that these peptides are able to induce peptide-specific CTL from an HLA-A2-positive (+) peripheral blood donor in vitro. Methods. A computer-assisted algorithm was devised to identify peptides from HPV-18 E6 and E7 proteins that bind to HLA-A2 molecules. Peptides that were predicted to bind were synthesized and their binding activity was determined. HLA-A2 + irradiated stimulator cells pulsed with HPV-18 peptides were incubated with HLA-A2 + peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Cytotoxicity assays were performed to assess specific cell lysis. Results. Of 295 possible sequences, the computer-assisted algorithm predicted 10 peptides that would have a high probability of binding to HLA-A2. The 4 strongest binding peptides were analyzed for their ability to induce cytotoxic cells against HPV-18 peptide-pulsed targets. Two of the peptides induced significant lysis. Conclusions. There are limited data on peptide-based immunotherapy for HPV-18 + tumors. The combination of our computer-assisted algorithm and binding assay permits rapid selection of potential CTL epitopes. We identified two peptides that were able to induce peptide-specific lysis. These two epitopes are candidates for a peptide-based vaccine against HPV-18 + tumors. The model described has broad applications and can be used in the development of immunotherapy for other types of cancers.
Photochemically stable fluorescent heteroditopic ligands for zinc ion.

Photochemically stable fluorescent heteroditopic ligands (9 and 10) for zinc ion were prepared and studied. Two independent metal coordination-driven photophysical processes, chelation-enhanced fluorescence (CHEF) and internal (or intramolecular) charge transfer (ICT), were designed into our heteroditopic ligand framework. This strategy successfully relates three coordination states of a ligand, non-, mono-, and dicoordinated, to three fluorescence states, fluorescence OFF, ON at one wavelength, and ON at another wavelength. This ligand platform has provided chemical foundation for applications such as the quantification of zinc concentration over broad ranges (Zhang, L.; Clark, R. J.; Zhu, L. Chem.−Eur. J. 2008, 14, 2894−2903) and molecular logic functions (Zhang, L.; Whitfield, W. A.; Zhu, L. Chem. Commun. 2008, 1880−1882). The binding stoichiometries of dipicolylamino and 2,2′-bipyridyl, the two binding sites featured in heteroditopic ligands 7−10, were studied in acetonitrile using both Job’s method o...
The relationship between diabetes mellitus and exfoliation syndrome in a United States Veterans Affairs population: a case-control study.

PurposeEarlier studies suggest that an inverse relationship exists between diabetes mellitus and exfoliation syndrome (ES). We evaluated the relationship between diabetes mellitus and ES while controlling for important covariates. In addition, we investigated whether glucose control, as measured by
Antagonism by antidepressants of serotonin S1 and S2 receptors of normal human brain in vitro

Abstract Using radioligand binding techniques and human frontal cortex, we determined the equilibrium dissociation constants (KDs) of 25 antidepressants at the serotonin S1 (probably the S1A subtype) and serotonin S2 receptors using [3H]WB4101 and [3H]ketanserin, respectively. At the serotonin S1 receptor, the most and least potent antidepressants were trazodone (KD = 60 nM) and bupropion (KD = 170 μM), respectively. At the serotonin S2 receptor, the most and least potent antidepressants were amoxapine (KD = 0.6 nM) and bupropion (KD = 90 μM), respectively. Analysis of the data revealed a relationship between structure and serotonin S1 affinity for some tricyclic antidepressants. Buspirone, a new anxiolytic agent, possessed high affinity for the serotonin S1 receptor (KD = 3.8 nM).
Characterization of thermomechanical damage on tungsten surfaces during long-duration plasma transients

Abstract A new experimental facility constructed at UCLA for the simulation of high heat flux effects on plasma-facing materials is described. The High Energy Flux Test Facility (HEFTY) is equipped with a Praxair model SG-100 plasma gun, which is nominally rated at 80 kW of continuous operation, of which approximately 30 kW reaches the target due to thermal losses. The gun is used to impart high intermittent heat flux to metal samples mounted within a cylindrical chamber. The system is capable of delivering an instantaneous heat flux in the range of 30–300 MW/m2, depending on sample proximity to the gun. The duration of the plasma heat flux is in the range of 1–1000 s, making it ideal for studies of mild plasma transients of relatively long duration. Tungsten and tungsten-copper alloy metal samples are tested in these transient heat flux conditions, and the surface is characterized for damage evaluation using optical, SEM, XRD, and micro-fabrication techniques. Results from a Finite Element (FE) thermo-elastoplasticity model indicate that during the heat-up phase of a plasma transient pulse, the majority of the sample surface is under compressive stresses leading to plastic deformation of the surface. Upon sample cooling, the recovered elastic strain of cooler parts of the sample exceeds that from parts that deformed plastically, resulting in a tensile surface self-stress (residual surface stress). The intensity of the residual tensile surface stress is experimentally correlated with the onset of complex surface fracture morphology on the tungsten surface, and extending below the surface region. Micro-compression mechanical tests of W micro-pillars show that the material has significant plasticity, failing by a “barreling” mode before plasma exposure, and by normal dislocation slip and localized shear after plasma exposure. Ongoing modeling of the complex thermo-fracture process, coupled with elasto-plasticity is based on a phase field approach for distributed fracture, and a discrete cracking approach, with cracks represented by Volterra dislocations.
The People United Shall Never Be Divided: Reflections on Community, Collaboration, and Change

Mounted on the walls, windows, and bookcases of Ms. Cati de los Rios's Pomona High School classroom are a multitude of faces, mainly heroes, martyrs, and leaders of Latina/o and African descent. He...