cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Properties of cutaneous afferents in diabetic neuropathy.

The technique of percutaneous microneurography was used to study the response properties of 68 cutaneous afferents in 8 diabetic patients and, for comparison, of 104 afferents in 12 normal control subjects. The diabetic patients were neurologically asymptomatic or had a mild sensory neuropathy. Three afferent categories were studied in the diabetic subjects (rapidly adapting type RA and slowly adapting SAI and SAII) in response to mechanical skin stimulation and abnormal responsiveness was encountered in all categories Distinct abnormalities were seen in about 30% of the RA and in 20% of the SAI type nerve fibres. The abnormalities consisted of the generation of only single action potentials to above threshold stimuli (RA), and of high fatiguability to repetitive stimulation (SAI). A more subtle abnormality was additionally encountered in the slowly adapting SAI and SAII groups. This consisted of low discharge rates to sustained skin indentation, with values statistically significantly different from normal. Absolute mechanical response thresholds and receptive field configurations were similar between diabetic and normal units. The conduction velocities of individual nerve fibres were measured in response to intradermal electrical stimulation They were similar to normal, regardless of whether the afferents displayed normal or abnormal responsiveness to physiological stimulation of the receptive fields. The data indicate that different cutaneous afferent categories are affected by the disease, and are limited in their ability to transmit trains of action potentials As a consequence, physiological stimuli may be abnormally encoded in diabetic units Two hypotheses, one morphological and one biophysical, are proposed for explaining the present findings The results altogether provide a physiological basis for understanding nerve fibre dysfunction and sensory disturbances in human diabetic neuroputhy
Preferences for Spousal Support Among Individuals With Cancer1

Although it is known that individuals have preferences for different forms or amounts of social support from others when dealing with life events, such preferences have not been subject to extensive empirical examination. We examined preferences for spousal emotional and instrumental support, as well as preferences for spousal control-encouraging responses, among 151 individuals with cancer. Dispositional and situation-specific factors were placed into a hypothetical model predicting support preferences. Results confirmed predictions: Preferences for emotional and instrumental aspects of support were related to dispositional (affiliative need), person (gender), and contextual (disease impairment) variables. As predicted, higher affiliative need predicted higher preference for emotional support. However, functional impairment did not predict preferences for more instrumental support, and this variable only predicted preferences for more emotional support among female patients. Individuals’ preferences for control encouragement from their spouses were associated with attributions of personal responsibility for solving general life problems and indirectly associated with internal locus of control. These results provide an initial conceptual model for understanding cancer patients’ preferences for support.
No association between hemoglobin A1c and in-hospital mortality in patients with diabetes and acute myocardial infarction.

Background Patients with diabetes have increased in-hospital mortality following acute myocardial infarction (AMI), with studies suggesting higher risk with both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. We assessed whether a J-shaped relation exists between hemoglobin A1c (A1C) in patients with diabetes and AMI. Methods We assessed the associations between A1C and in-hospital mortality using data from a nationwide sample of AMI patients who had both prior diabetes and measurement of A1C (N = 15,337). Results When evaluated continuously, we observed no evidence of a J-shaped relation between A1C and in-hospital mortality in multivariable analysis (test for linearity P = .89). Patients with lowest ( Conclusion In this large contemporary cohort of patients with diabetes presenting with AMI, we did not observe a J-shaped association between A1C and mortality.
Universal Formation of Compositionally Graded Bulk Heterojunction for Efficiency Enhancement in Organic Photovoltaics

A universal method is reported to form graded bulk heterojunction (BHJ) organic photovoltaic devices (OPVs) by a simple solvent-fluxing process. Donors are enriched at the anode and acceptors are enriched at cathode side, matching the gradient electron and hole current across the film. Efficiency enhancements by 15-50% are achieved for all BHJ systems tested compared with the optimized regular BHJ OPVs.
Optical precursors in the singular and weak dispersion limits: reply to comment

The comment by Macke and Segard [J. Opt. Soc. Am. B 28, 450–452 (2011)] of our recently published paper [J. Opt. Soc. Am. B 27, 1664–1670 (2010)] is shown here to be primarily due to a misunderstanding of the raison d’etre of our paper.
Explaining the Origins of the Advertising Agency

This study reopens the investigation into the origins of the advertising agency in the 1840s. It reviews the historical logics of explanation implicit in previous studies and argues that agency-based, functionalist, and evolutionary approaches fall short of offering compelling explanations. By approaching the origins of the advertising agency from the perspective of sociological institutionalism, new sites of historical exploration are identified. Volney B. Palmer began the first agency in Philadelphia in 1842, but little is known about the events that precipitated the agency. By examining the practices, procedures, rules, norms, symbol systems, and cognitive scripts that came from other institutional settings, the study concludes that Palmer's work in the canal business played a direct role in launching his ad business.
Propensity-matched cohort validates findings of the VALOR trial.

Introduction The Evaluation of the Medtronic Vascular Talent Thoracic Stent Graft System for the Treatment of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms (VALOR) trial findings noted superior 30-day and 1-year outcomes of the Talent thoracic endograft (Medtronic Vascular, Santa Rosa, Calif) compared with surgical repair of descending thoracic aneurysms (DTAs). Data from 195 prospective thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR) patients treated with the Talent device and 189 retrospective controls undergoing open surgical repair (OSR) from three centers of excellence were included in the trial after completion of TEVAR enrollment and compared. Such comparisons are biased by baseline differences among TEVAR vs OSR, however, propensity score (PS) analysis can reduce bias and validate such comparisons. Methods Logistic regression was used to generate a PS (range, 0-1) to identify baseline characteristics more likely in TEVAR. The PS estimated the probability that any patient would undergo TEVAR (eg, a PS of 0.99 represents a 99% chance a patient belongs to TEVAR). PSs were then generated for all patients, and TEVAR and OSR patients were divided into tertiles based on the PS to reduce up to 80% of inherent bias. Outcomes from the middle tertile (T2), patients equally likely (midrange PS) to be in TEVAR or OSR and therefore best matched, were compared using regression analysis and were also compared with the outcomes in the overall trial group. Results Correlates of membership in TEVAR were smaller aneurysm (P Conclusions PS analysis is an important tool for elimination of bias inherent when retrospective controls are used. Its application to VALOR validates the long-term benefit in aneurysm-related mortality conferred by TEVAR in patients undergoing endovascular DTA repair.
Applications of lagrangian dispersion modeling to the analysis of changes in the specific absorption of elemental carbon

We use a Lagrangian dispersion model driven by a mesoscale model with four-dimensional data assimilation to simulate the dispersion of elemental carbon (EC) over a region encompassing Mexico City and its surroundings. The region was the study domain for the 2006 MAX-MEX experiment, which was a component of the MILAGRO campaign. The results are used to identify periods when biomass burning was likely to have had a significant impact on the concentrations of elemental carbon at two sites, T1 and T2, downwind of the city, and when emissions from the Mexico City Metropolitan Area (MCMA) were likely to have been more important. They are also used to estimate the median ages of EC affecting the specific absorption of light, α ABS , at 870 nm as well as to identify periods when the urban plume from the MCMA was likely to have been advected over T1 and T2. Median EC ages at T1 and T2 are substantially larger during the day than at night. Values of α ABS at T1, the nearer of the two sites to Mexico City, were smaller at night and increased rapidly after mid-morning, peaking in the mid-afternoon. The behavior is attributed to the coating of aerosols with substances such as sulfate or organic carbon during daylight hours, but such coating appears to be limited or absent at night. Evidence for this is provided by scanning electron microscopy images of aerosols collected at the sampling sites. During daylight hours the values of α ABS did not increase with aerosol age for median ages in the range of 1–4 h. There is some evidence for absorption increasing as aerosols were advected from T1 to T2 but the statistical significance of that result is not strong.
Regenerating musculoskeletal tissues: possibilities for rheumatoid diseases

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory systemic autoimmune disease that destroys cartilage and peri-articular bone. Recent therapeutic advances for this disease have yielded promising results, the most notable of which have been pharmacologic agents that block tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Despite these advances, the search for new therapies continues, amongst which stem cells are being developed for potential applications in cartilage- and bone-tissue engineering. Given the large clinical demand for such stem-cell applications, muscle-derived stem cells are being heavily investigated due to their ease of isolation and ability to differentiate into multiple lineages, including osteogenic and chondrogenic lineages. Furthermore, when genetically modified ex vivo to express growth factors, these cells can repair bone and cartilage in animal models. Accordingly, regenerative therapies and tissue engineering that are based on muscle-derived stem cells are emerging with promising experimental results t...
Beam combining of quantum cascade laser arrays

Wavelength beam combining was used to co-propagate beams from 28 elements in an array of distributed-feedback quantum cascade lasers (DFB-QCLs). The beam-quality product of the array, defined as the product of near-field spot size and far-field divergence for the entire array, was improved by a factor of 21 by using wavelength beam combining. To demonstrate the applicability of wavelength beam combined DFB-QCL arrays for remote sensing, we obtained the absorption spectrum of isopropanol at a distance of 6 m from the laser array.
On the fretting crack nucleation with provision for size effect

Abstract A thermodynamically based continuum damage mechanics (CDM) approach is employed as a propitious method for analyzing fretting crack nucleation. Intense fretting stress gradients in the contact region are examined and believed to be highly influential in the crack nucleation process. A methodology is proposed that allows for identification of an averaging zone as a function of the contact and loading parameters. The results predicted by this approach are verified by comparing the CDM crack nucleation predictions with the published experimental results on crack nucleation lives. Good agreement is observed between the predictions and the experiments.
Numerical Study of Pulsatile Flow Through Models of Vascular Stenoses with PhysiologicalWaveform of the Heart

Recently an in-vitro experimental investigation on axisymmetric models of stenotic arteries was conducted by Peterson and Plesniak to determine the influence of three fundamental disturbances on stenotic flows: a geometric perturbation resulting in asymmetry of stenosis; a skewed mean inlet velocity profile; and flow downstream of a bend (skewed mean inlet velocity profile plus secondary flow due to bend). The goal of this paper is to numerically simulate the flow fields in the experiments of Peterson and Plesniak and compare the computed results with the experimental data. A commercially available CFD flow solver FLUENT is employed in the numerical simulations. The stenosis is modeled as an axisymmetric 75% area reduction occlusion. The actual physiological waveform of the heart is employed at the inlet in both the simulations and the experiments. Computations are in good agreement with the experimental data for flow in an axisymmetric stenosis with 75% area reduction occlusion. Computations for flow in an asymmetric stenosis (due to small geometric perturbation to axisymmetric configuration) are also in reasonable agreement with the experimental data.
Isolation of two isoforms of phosphodiesterase 5 from rat penis.

Inhibition of cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) has been shown to improve penile erection in patients with erectile dysfunction. We have reported previously the cloning of three PDE5 isoforms from human penile tissues. Here we report the cloning of two PDE5 isoforms from rat penile tissues. The similarity between rat and human PDE5A1-specific sequences were 68 and 88% at the nucleotide and amino-acid levels, respectively. Like the bovine and canine PDE5A1 sequences, the rat PDE5A1 sequence lacks the polyglutamine tract that appears to be unique to the human PDE5A1 sequence. The similarity between rat and human PDE5A2-specific sequences were 64 and 100% at the nucleotide and amino-acid levels, respectively. The equivalent of human PDE5A3-specific sequence was identified in the rat PDE5A gene; however, repeated efforts to clone the putative rat PDE5A3 isoform were not successful. Expression of PDE5A1 and A2 mRNA in various tissues was examined by Northern blotting and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Results from the two experimental procedures were largely in good agreement and indicated that PDE5A1 and A2 mRNA were expressed in a tissue-specific manner with PDE5A2 being the dominant isoform. International Journal of Impotence Research (2003) 15, 129-136. doi:10.1038/sj.ijir.3900983
Antibody responses following vaccination versus infection in a porcine circovirus-type 2 (PCV2) disease model show distinct differences in virus neutralization and epitope recognition

Porcine circovirus associated disease (PCVAD) encompasses a group of syndromes linked to infection with porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2). Based on the hypothesis that the immune responses to vaccination versus infection are quantitatively and qualitatively different, the objective of this study was to evaluate immunity, virus replication and disease protection in pigs vaccinated with PCV2 capsid protein (CP) and during infection. The disease model included dual infection with PCV2 and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), a virus known to enhance disease progression and severity. The principal effect of PRRSV infection was to increase peak PCV2 viremia by almost 40-fold; however, PCV2 failed to show a reciprocal effect on PRRSV. In vaccinated pigs, there was no evidence of disease or PCV2 replication following dual virus challenge. Immunity following vaccination favored PCV2 neutralizing activity; whereas, PCV2 infection and disease produced high levels of non-neutralizing antibody, primarily directed against a polypeptide in the C-terminal region of CP. These results support the notion that the magnitude of the total antibody response cannot be used as a measure of protective immunity. Furthermore, protection versus disease lies in the immunodominance of specific epitopes. Epitope specificity should be taken into consideration when designing PCV2 vaccines.
Determination of the detective quantum efficiency of a prototype, megavoltage indirect detection, active matrix flat-panel imager

After years of aggressive development, active matrix flat-panel imagers (AMFPIs) have recently become commercially available for radiotherapyimaging. In this paper we report on a comprehensive evaluation of the signal and noise performance of a large-area prototype AMFPI specifically developed for this application. The imager is based on an array of 512×512 pixels incorporating amorphous siliconphotodiodes and thin-film transistors offering a 26×26 cm2 active area at a pixel pitch of 508 μm. This indirect detection array was coupled to various x-ray converters consisting of a commercial phosphor screen (Lanex Fast B, Lanex Regular, or Lanex Fine) and a 1 mm thick copper plate. Performance of the imager in terms of measured sensitivity, modulation transfer function(MTF),noise power spectra (NPS), and detective quantum efficiency (DQE) is reported at beam energies of 6 and 15 MV and at doses of 1 and 2 monitor units (MU). In addition, calculations of system performance (NPS, DQE) based on cascaded-system formalism were reported and compared to empirical results. In these calculations, the Swank factor and spatial energy distributions of secondary electrons within the converter were modeled by means of EGS4 Monte Carlo simulations. Measured MTFs of the system show a weak dependence on screen type (i.e., thickness), which is partially due to the spreading of secondary radiation. Measured DQE was found to be independent of dose for the Fast B screen, implying that the imager is input-quantum-limited at 1 MU, even at an extended source-to-detector distance of 200 cm. The maximum DQE obtained is around 1%—a limit imposed by the low detection efficiency of the converter. For thinner phosphor screens, the DQE is lower due to their lower detection efficiencies. Finally, for the Fast B screen, good agreement between calculated and measured DQE was observed.
Digital Image Processing Overview For Helmet Mounted Displays

Digital image processing provides a means to manipulate an image and presents a user with a variety of display formats that are not available in the analog image processing environment. When performed in real time and presented on a Helmet Mounted Display, system capability and flexibility are greatly enhanced. The information content of a display can be increased by the addition of real time insets and static windows from secondary sensor sources, near real time 3-D imaging from a single sensor can be achieved, graphical information can be added, and enhancement techniques can be employed. Such increased functionality is generating a considerable amount of interest in the military and commercial markets. This paper discusses some of these image processing techniques and their applications.
Combined-modality treatment for stage IIIa (N2) non-small cell lung cancer: a National Cancer Institute Intergroup study.

Induction chemotherapy plus radiotherapy followed by surgery, evaluated in a number of phase II studies, is an effective treatment for patients with stage III A non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The ongoing phase III National Cancer Institute Intergroup study is evaluating concurrent chemotherapy (cisplatin + etoposide)/radiotherapy followed by either surgery or additional radiotherapy followed by 2 additional cycles of chemotherapy in patients with stage III A disease. This study will help define the role of surgery and radiotherapy as part of the multimodality therapy of locoregional advanced NSCLC.
Approach to mesoscopic magnetic measurements

Measurements of the electrical resistance of mesoscopic systems can provide useful information concerning properties other than those directly related to transport. We illustrate this point using results for the magnetic-field dependence of the resistance of thin Ni wires and films. We show how such measurements can yield detailed information concerning the behavior of the magnetization in these systems. In many cases such transport studies can provide the same information as, and are much simpler than, direct measurement of the magnetization. We believe that this approach may be of great general utility in the study of mesoscopic systems. In addition, our specific results for mesoscopic Ni structures have revealed what appears to be, to our knowledge, a hitherto unrecognized contribution to the magnetoresistance in ferromagnets.
Construct and predictive validity of microanalytic measures of students' self-regulation of science learning

Abstract We sought to determine the construct and predictive validity of a microanalytic approach to capture the subprocesses within the three phases of self-regulated learning (SRL). Subprocesses included students' use of strategic planning, metacognition, task strategies, and self-evaluative standards. Fifty-one high school juniors were assessed as they read, studied, and were tested on a science passage. The results of the microanalytic measures were compared with the previously validated RSSRL Scale. Hierarchical regression revealed that microanalytic measures shared significant variance with the RSSRL. In addition to this construct validity, the former measures displayed greater predictive validity of science learning. Regression revealed a linear increase in SRL among students from different achievement levels. Case studies of a student at each level demonstrated how the microanalysis can provide finely detailed information about SRL. The results suggest that phase-linked microanalytic measures of SRL have potential diagnostic value for guiding instructional interventions in science.
Super high-performance MEMS fiber optic variable optical attenuator (VOA) for aerospace and commercial applications

Fiber-optic variable optical attenuators (VOAs) are required for light power control in numerous applications such as test and instrumentation, optical fiber telecommunications, industrial fiber-optic sensing, biomedical imaging and sensing, and photonic signal processing for antennas and radar systems. The requirements for the VOA, such as dynamic range and resolution, vary depending on the application. A VOA can demonstrate high end performance when it possesses critical attributes like super resolution precision and high dynamic range. Reported in this paper is the demonstration of a hybrid analog-digital fiber-optic VOA design that employs microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology. The VOA demonstrates simultaneously a super high controlled dynamic range of 81 dB as well as super 0.1 dB resolution attenuation controls. Proof-of-concept experiments exhibit an optical loss of 2.5 dB and C-band operations.
Molecular screening and association studies of retinoid-related orphan receptor γ (RORC): a positional and functional candidate for type 2 diabetes

Abstract The retinoid-related orphan receptor γ (RORC) is a member of the nuclear hormone superfamily which maps to the 1q21-q23 region. Linkage of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) to this region is well replicated. Several factors argue that RORC is a strong candidate for T2DM susceptibility within this region. RORC may form heterodimers with peroxisome-proliferator activated receptor γ, it is expressed at high levels in skeletal muscle, and expression is induced in adipocytes during differentiation. To test the hypothesis that sequence variation in RORC is a risk factor for T2DM, we screened approximately 21 kb of DNA for sequence variation, including 11 exons of the RORC gene, a region 1-kb upstream (5 ′ flanking region), intronic regions flanking the exons, and the entire 3 ′ untranslated region (UTR). Screening was performed using single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis in Caucasian individuals of northern European ancestry and in African American individuals. We detected 11 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), ranging from the promoter region to intron 10. We also confirmed 2 SNPs from public databases that were in regions not included in our screening. Only 1 SNP was nonsynonymous, resulting in Ala to Gly at residue 464 (exon 10). All other SNPs were noncoding. One SNP (intron 3) was unique to Caucasians, and three SNPs (Ala464Gly, intron 2, intron 6) were specific to African American subjects. We typed 7 SNPs spanning the gene from the promoter to 3 ′ UTR in unrelated cases with T2DM and controls of Northern European ancestry. We also tested linkage of a microsatellite within the RORC gene. Modest evidence for linkage (LOD=1.47) was seen on two-point analysis, but no linkage to the RORC region was found on multipoint analysis. However, transmission of the microsatellite alleles from parents to affected offspring showed a trend to deviate from the expected 50% ( p =0.078). No association of any other SNP with T2DM was found, but the Ala454Gly variant was 3-fold more common among African American patients with diabetes than in controls. SNPs 1, 2 and 4 were in strong linkage disequilibrium ( D >0.85) and may constitute a haplotype block. Our data suggest that RORC cannot explain the linkage of T2DM in this region. The role of the unusual Ala454Gly variant will require a much larger study size to evaluate.
Sphingomyelinase-induced phase transformations: causing morphology switches and multiple-time-domain ceramide generation in model raft membranes.

Sphingomyelinase (SMase) has been shown to be involved in a variety of cell regulation processes by reorganizing the cell membrane morphology. Here we report that SMase can induce a reaction-induced and a solvent-mediated phase transformation, causing switches of three stationary membrane morphologies and multiple-time-domain ceramide generation in model raft membranes. The reaction-induced phase transformation, triggered by the addition of SMase, transforms a pre-existing morphology to a long-lasting intermediate morphology with coexisting ceramide-enriched (Cer-enriched) and sphingomyelin-enriched (SM-enriched) domains. Solvent-mediated phase transformation ultimately transforms all of the SM-enriched domains of the intermediate morphology into Cer-enriched domains. Labeled SMase experiments suggest that the intermediate morphology results from physical trapping of SM in the SM-enriched domains, which are found to be relatively inaccessible to SMase. The characterization results from confocal fluorescen...
The science of ART.

The methods of gamete manipulation used in assisted reproductive technology (ART) are rapidly proliferating and in some instances outpacing the underlying science. In this review, we discuss two major advances in the ART laboratory-intracytoplasmic sperm injection and extended embryo culture before embryo transfer. We outline the rationale for these approaches, discuss results of experiments obtained from animal model systems and human preimplantation embryos that provide the scientific basis for these procedures, and point out potential concerns that have arisen from these studies.
Effects of pH on the speciation of several triorganotin compounds in Anacostia River sediments using Mössbauer spectroscopy

The effects of pH on the speciation of some tributyltin and triphenyltin compounds in spiked sediments from the Anacostia River were studied. The compounds included tributyltin chloride, oxide, and acetate as well as triphenyltin chloride, hydroxide, and acetate. Mossbauer spectroscopy was used to measure the speciation of the triorganotin compounds in the spiked sediments. In general, for the three pHs (5, 7, and 9) studied, the Mossbauer parameters, quadrupole splitting, and isomer shift, varied depending upon the sediment site and the pH. The ρ-values (ratio of quadrupole splitting to isomer shift), which indicate the co-ordination of the tin atom, were greater than 2.1 in all cases, indicating that the co-ordination around the tin atoms in all the spiked sediments is greater than four. The variation in the Mossbauer parameters with pH at different sites in the Anacostia River reflects the variation in the components of the sediments.
Automobiles and global warming : alternative fuels and other options for carbon dioxide emissions reduction

Abstract Automobiles are a source of considerable pollution at the global level, including a significant fraction of the total greenhouse gas emissions. Alternative fuels have received some attention as potential options to curtail the carbon dioxide emissions from motor vehicles. This article discusses the feasibility and desirability (from a technical as well as a broader environmental perspective) of the large-scale production and use of alternative fuels as a strategy to mitigate automotive carbon dioxide emissions. Other options such as improving vehicle efficiency and switching to more efficient modes of passenger transportation are also discussed. These latter options offer an effective and immediate way to tackle the greenhouse and other pollutant emission from automobiles, especially as the limitations of currently available alternative fuels and the technological and other constraints for potential future alternatives are revealed.
High Power Mid-Infrared Interband Cascade Lasers

We have demonstrated 4-fum InAs/InGaSb/AlSb interband cascade lasers with optical output power close to 0.5 W per facet with 1-fus pulses at 1 kHz repetition rate. At 10% duty cycle, an average output power ∼20 mW was realized. External and internal quantum efficiencies exceeding 200% have been achieved at 80 K.
Dynamic models for viscous fluid transmission lines.

Dynamic models for viscous fluid transmission lines using distributed parameter for accuracy and rational approximate form to avoid computational difficulty
An implicitly coupled hydro-geomechanical model for hydraulic fracture simulation with the discontinuous deformation analysis

In this article we present and verify an algorithm for modeling hydraulic fracturing in complex fracture geometries. The method is built upon an existing model which uses the discontinuous deformation analysis for simulation of rock mechanics and upon a finite volume fracture network model for simulation of compressible fluid flow in fractures. Improvements are made to the fluid, contact and coupling components of the existing algorithm to increase its accuracy and stability. The model is successfully benchmarked against the analytical solution for the opening profile of an internally pressurized Griffith fracture, and against the semi-analytical solution for the pressure and opening profile of a bi-wing hydraulic fracture propagating under conditions of no leakoff and no toughness. Additionally, the model is verified through comparison with the results of a hydraulic fracturing experiment that examined propagation of a high-viscosity fracturing fluid in an impermeable medium.
In vitro production of estradiol by bovine granulosa cells: evaluation of culture condition, stage of follicular development, and location of cells within follicles.

In vitro estradiol (E2) production by bovine granulosa cells was evaluated under several culture conditions, which included the presence or absence of fetal bovine serum (FBS; 2.5 and 10%), serum substitutes (1% Nutridoma [Boehringer-Mannheim, Indianapolis, IN], 2% UltroSer G [IBF Biotechnics, Villenue-la Garenne, France]), selenium (Se; 10 ng/ml), lipoprotein (0.25% Excyte/ml), O2 concentration (5 and 20%), and two attachment factors (Pronectin F and PepTite-2000). Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's medium:Ham's F-12 medium (1:1 mixture) containing 1 microM androstenedione, 1 microgram/ml insulin, and 0.1% BSA was the basal medium evaluated. The optimum conditions determined were the basal medium in 5% O2. These conditions were then used to ascertain whether or not E2 production by granulosa cells varied with respect to location of cells within a follicle. Follicular fluid was aspirated and centrifuged to obtain granulosa cells expected to be primarily luminal and cumulus cells. Follicles were then bisected, and remaining mural granulosa cells were removed by scraping the follicle wall with a fine plastic loop. Aspirated granulosa cells secreted more (p or = 8 mm). During Days 2 to 4 of culture when compared to Days 0 to 2, E2 production increased for aspirated (but not scraped) granulosa cells from small follicles (0.66 +/- 0.23 ng/microgram DNA)). In contrast, E2 production decreased (p < 0.05) over time in culture for aspirated (2.10 +/- 0.50 ng/microgram DNA) and scraped (0.16 +/- 0.07 ng/microgram DNA) granulosa cells from large follicles. Thus, granulosa cells proximal to the basement membrane may be less differentiated with regard to E2 production than cells distal to the basement membrane. In addition, aspirated granulosa cells from small follicles appear to continue to differentiate toward E2-producing cells during culture, a characteristic difficult to obtain with bovine granulosa cells.
Effects of secondary structures in RNA on interlocking probabilities

In 1967 Wang and Schwartz reported on the formation of interlocked rings between linear or circular DNA molecules by the enzyme topoisomerase. We propose viewing the secondary structured loop in RNA (or single stranded DNA) as analogous to a circular DNA molecule. Formation of a catenane between such an RNA loop with a DNA molecule may constitute a probe of the secondary and general three dimensioanl structure of the RNA molecule. The experimental results may be compared with the theoretical calculation. We suggest here a method for estimating linkage probabilities and calculate them for several cases for which secondary structures of the RNA have been proposed.
Tracking children from poverty at risk for specific language impairment : A 3-year longitudinal study

A 3-year longitudinal study of the language performance of children from poverty was designed to address the problem of separating children with a specific language impairment (SLI) from low-scorin...
The use of thermal analysis to study thermal processing effects on polypropylene

The thermal stability of a polypropylene copolymer has been examined at several stages during the processing of the material into its final product in order to obtain information on the influence of processing steps such as grinding and thermal heating on the expected lifetime of the material. Mass loss kinetics in an inert atmosphere were able to detect differences in thermal stability, but oxidative differential scanning calorimetry studies proved to be a more sensitive techiique. A comparative study of a specially prepared series of samples revealed the importance of additives on measured thermal stability and indicated that both mechanical and thermal processing can cause reduction in measured thermal stability.
Analysis of error in eigenvalues and eigenvectors determined from EPR data

Abstract An approximation method for estimating variance and covariance of EPR-determined eigenvalues and eigenvectors is described using the hyperfine coupling tensor A as an example. The method is tested by comparison with simulation methods. Finally, the error distribution in the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of A are calculated for an example set of EPR single-crystal data.
Modeling Movement and Fidelity of American Black Ducks

Abstract Spatial relationships among stocks of breeding waterfowl can be an important component of harvest management. Prediction and optimal harvest management under adaptive harvest management (AHM) requires information on the spatial relationships among breeding populations (fidelity and inter-year exchange), as well as rates of movements from breeding to harvest regions. We used band-recovery data to develop a model to estimate probabilities of movement for American black ducks (Anas rubripes) among 3 Canadian breeding strata and 6 harvest regions (3 in Canada, and 3 in the United States) over the period 1965–1998. Model selection criteria suggested that models containing area-, year-, and age-specific recovery rates with area- and sex-specific movement rates were the best for modeling movement. Movement by males to southern harvest areas was variable depending on the originating area. Males from the western breeding area predominantly moved to the Mississippi Flyway or southern Atlantic Flyway (Ψij =...
When is model complexity too much? Illustrating the benefits of simple models with Hughes' salvo equations

The simulations that many defense analysts rely upon in their studies continue to grow in size and complexity. This paper contrasts the guidance that the authors have received—from some of the giants of military operations research—with the current practice. In particular, the analytic utility of Hughes' simple salvo equations is compared with that of the complex Joint Warfighting System (JWARS), with respect to JWARS' key performance parameters. The comparison suggests that a family of analytic tools supports the best analyses. It follows that smaller, more agile, and transparent models, such as Hughes' salvo equations, are underutilized in defense analyses. We believe that these models should receive more attention, use, and funding. To illustrate this point, this paper uses two very simple models (by modern standards) to rapidly generate insights on the value of information relative to force strength. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2003
Fc IgM receptors on human lymphoblastoid B cell lines

Five human lymphoblastoid cell lines have been investigated for their ability to secrete immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM) and for the presence of different cell surface markers, with special emphasis on the Fc IgM receptor, using a rosette technique with IgM-coated bovine red blood cells (EA-IgM). Four cell lines (Hu, 8432, SB, PA3) were characterized as having as cell origin due to the presence of surface immunoglobulins, complement receptors, mouse red blood cell rosette formation, low avidity Fc IgG receptors and absence of sheep red blood cell rosette formation. Two of these B cell lines (Hu and PA3) secreted IgM, two cell lines (8432 and SB) secreted IgG, while the human T cell line Molt 4 did not secrete Ig. All four B cell lines exhibited Fc IgM receptors (17–35%) while the T cell line Molt 4 had no detectable Fc IgM receptor. The receptor was specific for IgM. Neither aggregated IgG, soluble IgG immune complexes nor EDTA could abrogate the rosette formation, IgM immune complexes, pure human IgM, as well as normal human serum had an inhibitory effect on EA-IgM rosette formation. The receptor was trypsin-sensitive and required protein synthesis for expression. There was no correlation between the expression of Fc IgM receptors and secretion of any given Ig class, indicating that B cells may express Fc IgM receptors independently of their commitment to produce IgM or IgG.
Growth and p-type doping of cuprous oxide thin-films for photovoltaic applications

Cuprous oxide is considered a promising earth-abundant semiconductor material for low-cost photovoltaic applications. In this contribution, we report growth of high-quality Cu 2 O crystalline thin-films and p-type doping induced by nitrogen. We present an effective p-type doping method for Cu 2 O thin-films by introducing nitrogen gas as a dopant during a reactive sputtering process. Electrical and optical properties of the resulting films are controlled by varying deposition parameters such as nitrogen partial pressure. We successfully reduce the electrical resistivity of the Cu 2 O thin-films down to 5.1 Ω·cm and increase hole density to 1.8×1018 cm−3. Nitrogen-doped Cu 2 O films show higher absorption of low-energy photons while all films exhibit an optical bandgap between 1.9 and 2.0 eV.
Light exposure among adolescents with delayed sleep phase disorder: a prospective cohort study.

The objective of this study was to compare light exposure and sleep parameters between adolescents with delayed sleep phase disorder (DSPD; n = 16, 15.3 ± 1.8 yrs) and unaffected controls (n = 22, 13.7 ± 2.4 yrs) using a prospective cohort design. Participants wore wrist actigraphs with photosensors for 14 days. Mean hourly lux levels from 20:00 to 05:00 h and 05:00 to 14:00 h were examined, in addition to the 9-h intervals prior to sleep onset and after sleep offset. Sleep parameters were compared separately, and were also included as covariates within models that analyzed associations with specified light intervals. Additional covariates included group and school night status. Adolescent delayed sleep phase subjects received more evening (p < .02, 22:00–02:00 h) and less morning (p < .05, 08:00–09:00 h and 10:00–12:00 h) light than controls, but had less pre-sleep exposure with adjustments for the time of sleep onset (p < .03, 5–7 h prior to onset hour). No differences were identified with respect to th...
Handle removal on a compact Riemann surface of genus 2

A degeneration of a compact, two-sheeted, Riemann surface in genus 2 is studied. Two branch points coalesce when the period matrix for the surface is degenerated. A Siegel modular transformation is applied to give the degenerating period matrix in the form of a corner matrix.
Hamiltonian formalism for the spin- 5 2 gauge field

The formalism developed by Dirac for obtaining the Hamiltonian form of a theory with constraints is applied to the spin-(5/2) gauge field.
Effect of human recombinant vascular endothelial growth factor165on progression of atherosclerotic plaque

OBJECTIVES This study was designed to evaluate the impact of recombinant human vascular endothelial growth factor165(rhVEGF) on atherosclerotic plaque progression. BACKGROUND Therapeutic angiogenesis represents a promising treatment for ischemic diseases. However, angiogenesis may impact atherosclerosis. METHODS Albumin or rhVEGF was administered by a single intramuscular injection (2 μg/kg body weight) to New Zealand White rabbits fed with a 0.25% cholesterol diet beginning three weeks before therapy. Subsets of rabbits from each group underwent perfusion-fixation and harvesting of the thoracic aorta for morphometric and immunohistochemical analyses at 7 or 21 days. RESULTS The mean plaque area was 15.75 ± 2.28% and 22.00 ± 3.24% with VEGF and 0.67 ± 0.22% and 1.17 ± 0.34% with albumin at 7 and 21 days, respectively. The plaque circumference was 13.00 ± 2.58% and 23.75 ± 2.86% with VEGF and 2.50 ± 0.65% and 6.25 ± 1.88% with albumin at 7 and 21 days, respectively. The maximal plaque thickness was 0.11 ± 0.002 and 0.15 ± 0.007 mm with VEGF and 0.04 ± 0.009 and 0.07 ± 0.003 mm with albumin at 7 and 21 days, respectively. The endothelial density (reported as percent total plaque area) was 31.75 ± 4.42% and 63.00 ± 8.45% with VEGF and 7.75 ± 1.65% and 12.75 ± 1.93% with albumin at 7 and 21 days, respectively. The macrophage density was 4.5 ± 0.86 and 19.25 ± 1.54 with VEGF and 4.26 ± 0.75 and 6.00 ± 1.08 with albumin at 7 and 21 days, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Recombinant human VEGF increases the rate and degree of atherosclerotic plaque formation in the thoracic aorta in a cholesterol-fed rabbit model.
A new Vaccinium (Ericaceae: Vaccinieae) from Guerrero, Mexico

Vaccinium wilburii, a striking epiphyte with pink flowers and woody tuberous roots, is described, illustrated, and compared with similar species.
Open-Air Schools and the Tuberculous Child in Early 20th-Century America

In the dead of winter, 1908, the first open-air school in the United States commenced class in Providence, RI. Housed on the second floor of an old school building in a crowded section of the city, this new school—actually an ungraded class in which the enrollment never exceeded 25 pupils—had several novel features. Perhaps most striking was that the brick wall on the southern side of the room had been removed and replaced with a wall of windows, hinged at the top and capable of being raised against the ceiling by means of cords and pulleys. Except in driving snow or rain, these windows were kept wide open. To protect them against the cold, the children (age range, 6 to 13 years) who were chosen for this class because they were sickly, anemic, undernourished, or showing early signs of tuberculosis and because, owing to their ill health, they had failed
Avatars and Emotional Engagement in Asynchronous Online Communication

Abstract The notion that an avatar can elicit a sense of emotional involvement or connection on the part of a user in asynchronous online communication was explored through a pair of content analyses of a popular online question-and-answer bulletin board. In the first study, questions accompanied by an avatar not only received more answers than questions without an avatar, but the answers were more likely to be characterized by expressions of empathy. In the second study, a preference for answering questions accompanied by an avatar was found to be associated with interpersonal, altruistic motives for answering questions. Results are discussed in terms of presence and alternative explanations, as well as practical implications.
Accumulation of Microbial Biomass within Particulate Organic Matter of Aging Golf Greens

Microbial biomass (MB) is a key variable controlling soil organic matter dynamics in soil. Currently, there is little information on the amount and significance of MB in highly managed golf greens. Our objective was to determine the amount and distribution of MB within soil structural components of golf greens and its relationship to the location of organic substrates. During 1996, 47 greens were sampled from 12 golf courses within Nebraska (USA). Microbial biomass, determined as extractable lipid phosphate on field-moist soils, increased linearly with age of green (Y = 19.39 + 3.54x; r 2 = 0.87, P = 0.001). In 1997 and 1999, selected greens were resampled and separated into mineral fraction (MF) and particulate organic matter (POM) fraction using a sodium metatungstate (NMT; r = 2.3 g cm -3 ). Then, POM was separated into light (L-POM) and heavy (H-POM) fractions using NMT (r = 2.0 g cm -3 ). Amount of MB of whole soil and POM was linearly related to green age (r 2 = 0.76 and 0.68, respectively). Amount of MB in MF was not related to green age. The portion of total soil MB associated with POM increased significantly from 25.6% for an 8-yr-old green to 77.8% for a 28-yr-old green. Carbon in fulvic acid and humic acid increased with green age from 0.5 to 1.7 and 0.6 to 2.6 g kg -1 soil, respectively. As humus is a relatively stable form of soil organic matter, we hypothesized that humus accumulation within POM renders both POM and associated MB more resistant to degradation; thus, they accumulate.
Development of a Novel Multibeam Yb:KGd(WO4)2 Oscillator for Multifocal Nonlinear Microscopy

We present a novel Yb:KGd(WO4)2oscillator design that generates six beams of temporally delayed, 253 fs, 11 nJ pulses. We demonstrate twelve simultaneously acquired two-photon, second-harmonic and/or third-harmonic images generated from six laterally separated foci.
Successful ICD lead implantation via an angulated and tortuous collateral vein after subclavian vein occlusion

In a 29-year-old man with a malfunctioning implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) lead, a collateral vein connected to the superior vena cava had well developed with the left subclavian vein occlusion. A new ICD lead was successfully implanted through this angulated and tortuous collateral vein using a long sheath. This may be another strategy for implanting additional leads in central venous occlusions.
Wildlife strikes to civil helicopters in the US, 1990–2011

This paper examines wildlife strikes with civil helicopters within the US. Month and time of day, location, and other factors influenced the frequency of wildlife strikes with civil helicopters. Wildlife strikes occurred most frequently when the aircraft were traveling en route or engaged in terrain flight. Birds accounted for over 97% of the wildlife strikes where the animal was identified.