cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A 3-D FEM-BEM Model for Electromagnetic Wave Interactions with Material

This paper continues the authors effort in numerical modeling of electromagnetic forward scattering for high frequency nondestructive testing (NDT) applications. Started in [1], a two-dimensional problem in the time domain was solved by finite difference method in conjunction with a local absorbing boundary condition located some distance away from the scatterer. In the present work, more complicated, three-dimensional models in the frequency domain are considered. A typical electromagnetic NDT situation involves interaction of a given incident wave field with a material sample. Numerical modeling of such an NDT situation usually involves a large solution domain or inverting a very large matrix, as a direct consequence of the following two features. One is the unboundedness of the problem, because it is assumed that the incident wave field is emitted from and the measurement is performed in an infinite background medium. In finite difference or finite element modeling, an artificial boundary condition (more or less, frequency dependent) is located far away from the scatterer in order to simulate the nonreflecting nature of the scattered wave field. Another feature is the vector nature of the electromagnetic wave. Thus, the field variable at each nodc in the solution domain has three components. To get rid of the interface condition, finite element modeling usually reformulates the problem by introducing scalar and vector potentials, which means more unknowns per node and even larger matrices. The purpose here is to review and propose a class of edge-based methods with minimal solution domains, fewer independent unknowns and higher accuracy. These methods use a new class of elements having unknowns on the edges (tangential component of field along the edge) instead of the nodes. By using vector basis functions, each edge has only one degree of freedom (first order model)[2].
The difference between 2 multidimensional fuzzy bags: a new perspective on comparing successful and unsuccessful users web behavior

In all studies of user's behavior on searching the web, researchers found that their search strategy or traversal process showed a pattern of moving back and forth between searching and browsing. These activities of searching and browsing are inclusive activities to complete a goal-oriented task to find the answer for the query. The moving back and forth, including backtracking to a former web page, constitute the measurable or physical states or actions that a user takes while searching the web. Is there a mathematical model that can help model actions of users to distinguish between 2 users while their repeated actions are accounted for since it is a part of their behavior or inherent essence to arrive at the goal of answering the questions regardless whether they are successful or unsuccessful? The idea of a set does not help account for repeated actions. It is known that in a set repeated objects are ignored. In some situations we want a structure in which a collections of objects in the same sense as a set but a redundancy counts. The structure of a bag as a framework can help study the behavior of users and uncover some intrinsic properties about users. This study continues in applying bags to user's mining of the web[10]. It considers queries that depend on more than one variable since multi variable queries have never been studied in the literature and the power of fuzzy bags in dealing which them. The queries are of the sort: "Find the number of web pages of users whose number of searches is less than average and hyperlink navigation is less than the average."
Two-Spirit People: Native American Gender Identity, Sexuality, and Spirituality

Two-Spirit People: Native American Gender Identity, Sexuality, and Spirituality. Sue-Ellen Jacobs. Wesley Thomas. and Sabine Lang, eds. Champaign: University of Illinois Press, 1997.332 pp.
The ritual of reorganization in a public bureaucracy

Cultural aspects of complex organizations have recently captured the attention of scholars, yet empirical studies in this area remain rare. This paper explores the paradox that reorganizations are common in modern bureaucracies even though they have been found to have few instrumental effects. The present study of a state regulatory agency found that while reorganization had little instrumental consequence, it did provide the context for a power struggle between the administrative and occupational spheres of authority. In fact, reorganization proved to be a highly ritualized arena for significantly altering the agency's informal structure by replacing an entrenched dominant subculture. By examining the symbolic and ritualistic nature of this process, this paper looks beyond the ineffectual manifest functions of reorganization to uncover its power latent functions.
Maternal employment, anxiety, and sex differences in college students' self-descriptions

This study sought to determine if a relationship exists between maternal employment during childhood, anxiety, and gender in college students. A questionnaire incorporating the Adjective Generation Technique (AGT) was administered to undergraduate psychology students from intact, two-parent families. Subjects were grouped into four categories: males whose mothers worked during their childhood (n=33), males whose mothers remained home (n=49), females whose mothers worked (n=54), and females whose mothers remained home (n=49). Data were analyzed using a 2×2 analysis of variance. Results indicated no differences in anxiety for subjects of either sex in relationship to the employment status of the mothers. A pronounced sex difference was found, with females scoring significantly higher in anxiety than males.
Non-covalent stabilization and functionalization of boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) by organic polymers: formation of complex BNNSs-containing structures

The straightforward non-covalent functionalization and solubilization of hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) has been achieved by reacting either polythiophene or polyvinylpyrrolidone polymers with exfoliated BNNSs. The BNNSs apparently form strong π–π stacking interactions with the polymers to yield stable derivatized nanosheets with modified properties. A number of polythiophene polymers functionalized with carboxylic acid groups that are connected to the thiophene subunit by varying numbers of CH2-hydrocarbon linker units have also been tethered to the exfoliated BNNSs. These BNNS–polythiophene–(CH2)n–COOH structures have been further coordinated to pre-formed TiO2 nanoparticles to form more complex BNNS–polythiophene–(CH2)n–COO–TiO2 hybrid nanomaterials through covalent binding between the TiO2 nanoparticle surface and the carboxylic acid functional group of the BNNS–polythiophene unit. These novel structures have been characterized by SEM, TEM, FTIR, UV–Vis, and other spectroscopic data.
Magnetic field effects in strongly localized quasi-1D MOSFETs

Abstract We have measured the conductance as a function of gate voltage magnetic field, field orientation, and temperature of a quasi-1D silicon MOSFET in the strongly localized regime. At low temperatures and gate voltages, small changes in gate voltage produce large conductance fluctuations. The pattern of the fluctuations is changed dramatically as the magnetic field is increased, with some peaks vanishing and others growing out of the background. Much of the field dependence of the peak positions for different orientations and temperatures are due to Zeeman energy shifts.
Avalanches in three and four dimensions.

We have extended the simulations on various models of avalanches to three and four dimensions. We have found that multifractal scaling fits to the measured distribution functions are frequently superior to those given by finite-size scaling. Nevertheless, finite-size scaling does work quite well for the small- and intermediate-size events, and seems to fail predominantly for the events of largest size. The critical exponents determined from the finite-size scaling fits are consistent with a renormalization-group calculation in four dimensions, but indicate the possible importance of logarithmic corrections.
Familial Mutations and Zinc Stoichiometry Determine the Rate-Limiting Step of Nitrocefin Hydrolysis by Metallo-β-lactamase from Bacteroides fragilis†

The diverse members of the metallo-beta-lactamase family are a growing clinical threat evolving under considerable selective pressure. The enzyme from Bacillus cereus differs from the Bacteroides fragilis enzyme in sequence, zinc stoichiometry, and mechanism. To chart the evolution of the more reactive B. fragilis enzyme, we have made changes in an active site cysteine residue as well as in zinc content to mimic that which occurs in the B. cereus enzyme. Specifically, by introducing a C104R mutation into the B. fragilis enzyme, binding of two zinc ions is maintained, but the k(cat) value for nitrocefin hydrolysis is decreased from 226 to 14 s(-)(1). Removal of 1 equiv of zinc from this mutant further decreases k(cat) to 4.4 s(-)(1). In both cases, the observed k(cat) closely approximates that found in the di- and monozinc forms of the B. cereus enzyme (12 and 6 s(-)(1), respectively). Pre-steady-state stopped-flow studies using nitrocefin as a substrate indicate that these enzyme forms share a similar mechanism featuring an anionic intermediate but that the rate-limiting step changes from protonation of that species to the C-N bond cleavage leading to the intermediate. Overall, features that contribute 3.7 kcal/mol toward the acceleration of the C-N bond cleavage step have been uncovered although some of the total acceleration is masked in the steady-state by a change in rate-limiting step. These experiments illustrate one step in the evolution of a catalytic mechanism and, in a larger perspective, one step in the evolution of antibiotic resistance mechanisms.
Solitary Tracheobronchial Papilloma: Cytomorphology and ancillary studies with histologic correlation

Solitary tracheobronchial papilloma (STBP) is a rare benign tumor that primarily involves the tracheobronchial tree. Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection is associated with dysplasia and a high risk of carcinoma in these lesions. The cytomorphology of STBP is not well established in the literature. Our aim is to characterize the cytomorphologic features of STBP, with histologic correlation in a series of 6 patients - 4 males and 2 females - with a mean age of 67 years (range, 53-88 years). There were 5 biopsy-proven squamous papillomas and 1 glandular papilloma. On surgical biopsy, squamous papillomas exhibited cytological atypia (4 graded mild and 1 graded moderate with focal severe dysplasia), surface erosion, and inflammation. Cytology specimens available for review included a combination of 4 fine-needle aspirations (FNAs), 2 bronchoalveolar lavages and 2 (of 3) bronchial brushings. Cytologic findings associated with squamous papillomas included atypical squamous cells and rare squamous cell resembling koilocyte in 1 bronchial brushing. Sheets of squamous cells were identified in another specimen. Several cases had a prominent background of acute inflammation, and candida was present in 1 specimen. HPV in-situ hybridization was positive in 1 case and negative in 2 cases. A p16 immunocytochemical stain performed on 1 cell block was negative. In conclusion, although STBP is a rare neoplasm, these cases may be encountered in respiratory cytology samples. FNA of papillomas yields fewer lesional cells compared to exfoliative samples. These lesions may be mistaken in cytology specimens for squamous cell carcinoma, squamous-lined cavitary lesions, an infectious (fungal) process, reactive squamous metaplasia, or oral contamination.
Community structure in mussel beds at Logatchev hydrothermal vents and a comparison of macrofaunal species richness on slow‐ and fast‐spreading mid‐ocean ridges

Species lists for vent fields on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR) from 14°N to 38°N suggest that there is a northern (>27°N), shallow ( 3000 m) endemic vent fauna, but little is known about how community structure varies along the ridge axis. In this study, quantitative samples of macrofaunal invertebrates associated with mussels (Bathymodiolus puteoserpentis) were collected at Logatchev (14°45′N), the southern-most explored vent field on the MAR. Community structure (including species composition, species richness, diversity, and relative species abundances) in mussel beds at Logatchev was compared with that of Snake Pit (23°22′N) and Lucky Strike (37°17′N) mussel beds. The most striking feature of the Logatchev mussel-bed macrofaunal invertebrate community was the tremendous abundance (up to 2390 individuals per liter of mussel-volume sampled) and biomass of the ophiuroid, Ophioctenella acies. Logatchev and Snake Pit mussel beds share >50% of their associated macrofaunal species; these two sites share only 20–25% of their macrofaunal species with Lucky Strike. Species–effort curves and univariate measures of diversity (H′, J′) do not support the claim that diversity of vent organisms on the MAR is highest at Logatchev, at least when one assesses this within a habitat type. Multivariate analysis readily differentiates the species-abundance characteristics of Logatchev, Snake Pit, and Lucky Strike mussel-bed macrofaunas. The relationship between sea-floor spreading rate and diversity was explored through comparison of species richness in mussel-bed habitats on slow-spreading (MAR), fast-spreading [northern East Pacific Rise (EPR)], and ultra-fast-spreading (southern EPR) mid-ocean ridges. Species richness was greater in samples from the faster-spreading ridge axes, where vents are more closely spaced but shorter lived, than on slow-spreading centers, where vents are further apart but longer lived.
Mate Switching and a Seasonal Increase in Polygyny in the Bananaquit

The mating system of the bananaquit was studied during four breeding seasons on Grenada, W.I. Colorbanded individuals in three sites wer studied to determine the seasonal change in mating sytem, change in nest predation rates, response of females to nest predation, time lost in mate abandonment, and fledging success of both monogamous and polygynous males and females. Early in the breeding season, bananaquits are monogamous and breeding is synchronized with the rains. As breeding proceeds the nest predation rate increases. Females respond to nest predation by abandoning their mate and nest site and renesting elsewhere. The time available for mate or site selection by an abandoning female is constrained by the increasing rate of nest predation. If a female settles with a neighboring male the time loss in renesting is the same as if she remained with her original mate. However, if she moves further than 100 m the renesting time is greater. Females abandoning their mates following nest predation sometimes settle with males that are already mated; thus the incidence of polygyny increases during a period of asynchronous breeding at the end of the breeding season. Breeding with an already mated male might be possible only if his primary female has eggs or nestlings. During the five month breeding season a diversity of sexual bonds are formed, although many are unstable because of female abandonment of mate and nest site following nest predation. Monogamy was characteristic of synchronous breeding with the first rains of the wet season while polygyny was associated with asynchronous breeding later in the season. These findings are consistent with the predictions of EMLEN & ORING (1977) that the potential for males to accumulate females increases with the degree of asynchrony of sexual receptivity among females.
Maintenance dredging alternatives for estuarine harbors

Worldwide maintenance dredging is a growing concern because of increasing dredging costs and strict environmental constraints, with spoils disposal areas diminishing. The Center for Coastal Studies at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, under past sponsorship of the Naval Facilities Engineering Command and current sponsorship of the Office of Naval Research, has been developing sedimentation control systems as an alternative to maintenance dredging. The key to designing and developing these systems is to understand the physical processes that lead to sedimentation. This paper examines some of these processes responsible for sedimentation in estuarine waterways and briefly discusses the development, use and performance of innovative sediment control systems.
SAIC: From science to solutions

Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) helps enable and protect our US armed forces by transforming concepts into capabilities and science into innovative solutions for today and tomorrow. SAIC is honored to be working along side our armed forces.
Thomy-Headed Worm Infection in North American Prehistoric Man

Examination of ova and parasites from coprolites of probable human origin revealed eggs of the phylum Acanthocephala. Specimens were gathered from Danger Cave in Utah, an area heavily populatd with definitive rodent hosts for the Acanthocephala species Moniliformis clarki. It is postulated that prehistoric man developed Acanthocephala infection by ingesting the arthropod intermediate host, or that he was a victim of false parasitism by ingesting the whole rodent.
Bilinear tangent yaw guidance

This paper presents a parametric yaw steering law which has been used to provide closed-loop yaw guidance for the launch of the HEAO (High Energy Astronomy Observatory) satellite mission using the Atlas/Centaur launch vehicle. This bilinear tangent steering law provides near optimal yaw steering for maneuvers requiring insertion into orbits with a specified inclination and node. Bilinear tangent steering is shown to be optimal in both the pitch and yaw planes when a uniform gravitational field is assumed. The conditions under which the general bilinear tangent laws degenerate into linear tangent and constant attitude laws are presented. The flight computer implementation of these laws in a rotating coordinate system using real-time integration of the equations of motion is detailed. Explicit solution of the parametric guidance equations requires the inflight solution of (2x2) two-point boundary value problems in the pitch and yaw planes. Excellent results are obtained even for very large (greater than 50 deg) out-of-plane steering angles.
Roles of polymer size and ε-amino groups in polylysine-platelet interaction

Abstract Certain aspects of poly-L-lysine (PLL) induced aggregation of human platelets have been investigated. The molecular size of PLL polymer determines their platelet aggregating activity. PLL of molecular weight (MW) 6,000 induces marked platelet aggregation at 10 −4 M, while PLL of MW 15,000 is equally active at 10 −5 M and PLL of MW 68,000 induces an equivalent degree of aggregation at 10 −6 M. Succinylation of e-amino groups of PLL results in complete loss of aggregation-inducing activity irrespective of the molecular size of the polymer. Two inhibitors of PLL-induced platelet aggregation, heparin and chondroitin sulfate, were found to react with PLL to form a PLL-inhibitor complex. Formation of this complex prevents the interaction of PLL with platelets. Succinylated PLL inhibits PLL-induced platelet aggregation in the same manner as heparin and chondroitin sulfate.
Comparison of Noludar (Methylprylon) and Pentobarbital on Respiratory Minute Volume in Rabbits.

SummaryNoludar and pentobarbital alone and in combination with morphine were compared as to their respiratory minute volume depressant effects in rabbits. No statistically significant difference could be found between Noludar alone and in combination with 0.603 mg/kg of morphine. Pentobarbital, on the other hand, was significantly more depressant in combination with morphine at low pentobarbital doses but not at anesthetic levels.
Early Postnatal Myelin Content Estimate of White Matter via T1w/T2w Ratio.

To develop and evaluate a novel processing framework for the relative quantification of myelin content in cerebral white matter (WM) regions from brain MRI data via a computed ratio of T1 to T2 weighted intensity values. We employed high resolution (1mm3 isotropic) T1 and T2 weighted MRI from 46 (28 male, 18 female) neonate subjects (typically developing controls) scanned on a Siemens Tim Trio 3T at UC Irvine. We developed a novel, yet relatively straightforward image processing framework for WM myelin content estimation based on earlier work by Glasser, et al. We first co-register the structural MRI data to correct for motion. Then, background areas are masked out via a joint T1w and T2 foreground mask computed. Raw T1w/T2w-ratios images are computed next. For purpose of calibration across subjects, we first coarsely segment the fat-rich facial regions via an atlas co-registration. Linear intensity rescaling based on median T1w/T2w-ratio values in those facial regions yields calibrated T1w/T2wratio images. Mean values in lobar regions are evaluated using standard statistical analysis to investigate their interaction with age at scan. Several lobes have strongly positive significant interactions of age at scan with the computed T1w/T2w-ratio. Most regions do not show sex effects. A few regions show no measurable effects of change in myelin content change within the first few weeks of postnatal development, such as cingulate and CC areas, which we attribute to sample size and measurement variability. We developed and evaluated a novel way to estimate white matter myelin content for use in studies of brain white matter development.
Surgical therapy for the patient with internal carotid artery occlusion and contralateral stenosis.

Abstract With demonstration of the failure of extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) bypass to reduce the incidence of stroke in patients with internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion, controversy continues regarding the best method of stroke prevention in these high-risk persons. One approach, endarterectomy of stenotic lesions of the contralateral carotid bifurcation, has been used for 145 patients with ICA occlusion during the past 25 years. Presenting symptoms included focal transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) in 62 patients, stroke (CVA) in 57, and nonfocal TIAs in 16. Ten patients were asymptomatic. Nine patients (6.2%) sustained perioperative strokes, only three of which were ipsilateral to the endarterectomy. There were three perioperative deaths (2.1%). During the follow-up period (mean 4 years) there were 13 new strokes (9.2%), four of which were fatal. These late results compare favorably with patients from the cooperative study of EC-IC bypass with occlusion of one ICA, whether they received surgical treatment or were managed nonoperatively. With the exception of select situations where an occluded ICA may be reopened, we conclude that the best current therapy for these patients is close observation of the nonoccluded ICA and endarterectomy once a stenotic lesion is encountered. (J VASC SURG 1987;5:856-61.)
Numerical Simulation of Plasma-Based Actuator Vortex Control of a Turbulent Cylinder Wake

Numerical simulations of flow control of a turbulent cylinder wake using plasma actuators have been performed. These simulations employ a simple moving wall boundary condition approach to modeling the plasma actuators, with very encouraging results. The ability of the moving wall boundary condition to induce velocity profiles similar to those downstream of a plasma actuator is demonstrated, and a practical approach for determining the appropriate wall velocity is presented. Flow control simulations are performed for a circular cylinder in cross flow at Re = 8, 000. Comparison in terms of wake coherence and frequency behavior are made with published experiments. Additionally, insight into the cause of frequency harmonics in the wake is gained, and the effect on lift and drag is discussed.
The grain-density of emulsion tracks

Measurements of the true grain-density were made by several methods on the tracks of electrons, pions, K-mesons, protons, Σ-hyperons, and α-partioles. The curve of grain-densityvs. velocity in K-5 emulsion was obtained. The results found by different objective methods and by different observers are in agreement. Owing to the finite density of silver-halide crystals in the emulsion, the grain-density saturates. The nature of the saturation effect was studied. A decomposition of the grain-density into primary and secondary components was made. Even at the minimum of grain-density, some 25 percent of the grains are of secondary origin. Since only the primary grains are affected by the relativistic rise of the grain-density, the interpretation of the plateu/minimum grain-density ratio is affected. Special observations of the grain-density in the relativistic region were made, taking precautions to avoid temperature, fading, and development-difference effects. A rise 10 the plateau of 18% in the primary grain-density was found. This implies a mean excitation potential for AgBr of 442 eY. Finally, indices that measure emulsion quality are suggested.
Genetic influences on aging in mammals and invertebrates

A central theme underlies this review: “Genetics offers an important tool for identifying key molecular events that are involved in specifying biological functions.” This approach has been used repeatedly to understand such diverse biological phenomena as oncogenesis, development, and the cell cycle, but has only recently been applied to the analysis of organismic aging and senescence. The power of the genetic approach lies in the ability to integrate phenomena that are displayed at multiple observational levels (i.e., from the molecular to the whole organism), and the power to reveal causal factors that are not dependent upon the prejudice of the investigator. I discuss several areas where genetics has been fruitfully applied to the study of the aging processes: human genes identified by “segmental progeroid” mutations; neurological diseases of the elderly; the limited proliferative life span of human somatic cells in tissue culture; studies on the life span of the mouse; and genetic analysis of life span in shorter-lived metazoans (Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans), and the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. (Aging Clin. Exp. Res. 5: 299–307, 1993)
Magnetic coupling of structural microdomains in bcc Fe on Cu(001).

With increasing thickness, thin epitaxial Fe films on Cu(001) undergo a crystallographic transformation beyond \ensuremath{\simeq}12 monolayers. Four types of elongated bcc domains are formed, producing the low-energy electron diffraction pattern previously called (3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1). The angular-dependent magneto-optical Kerr effect and magnon-light-scattering results indicate that the domains are tightly coupled magnetically, at least between twin pairs. Moreover the scattering length of surface magnons is found to depend strongly on their propagation direction.
Comments on “Impact of California’s Air Pollution Laws on Black Carbon and their Implications for Direct Radiative Forcing” by R. Bahadur et al.

Abstract Using data from the Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments (IMPROVE) program, Bahadur et al. (2011) report that average fine particulate light absorbing carbon (LAC) concentrations in California decreased by about 50% from 0.46 μg m -3 in 1989 to 0.24 μg m -3 in 2008. They attribute most of the LAC decline in California to reductions in the state’s diesel emissions. These findings are encouraging, but in this comment we call attention to a significant methodological issue that can arise in any long-term trends analysis using IMPROVE data. In the Bahadur et al. analysis, LAC data from eighteen remote monitoring sites were aggregated with data from three urban sites that only operated for 1–8 years. The large absolute decrease of 0.22 μg m -3 they reported in the statewide California average was largely driven by one urban site, South Lake Tahoe (Tahoe), which was dropped from the network in mid-1997. LAC concentrations at Tahoe were an order of magnitude higher than those at nearby Bliss State Park indicative of large local source contributions. The exclusion of the three locally influenced urban sites substantially reduces the magnitude of the decreasing LAC trends shown in Bahadur et al., though this does not necessarily invalidate the paper’s conclusion that LAC is broadly decreasing and diesel emission controls are likely to be responsible for part of this decrease. Control of emissions from wood-burning stoves may also have contributed to decreases in LAC and other particulate compounds; like diesel emission controls, this too is an important regulatory success.
A Kinetics Study on Hydrothermal Liquefaction of High-diversity Grassland Perennials

Abstract Modeling of the liquefaction reaction kinetics for the low-input high-diversity mixtures of native grassland perennials was studied. The highest liquid yield of 82% was achieved within a short residence time of 1 minute at 374°C and 22.1 MPa. Seven possible reaction schemes and kinetic models were developed and compared. The unknown kinetic parameters of each model were estimated by nonlinear least square method. Model 3, assuming that biomass first decomposes to condensable hydrocarbons or tars (liquid products), gaseous products, and solid chars via three competitive reactions and then tars are subjected to a second cracking reaction producing gases, is found to be the best one closely matching the experimental yield data obtained from liquefaction of prairie grasses. The effects of temperature on reaction rate constants for all the reactions except the biomass conversion to char were best described by Arrhenius-type equations. The model developed here in addition to helping better understand t...
HPLC of monolayer-protected gold nanoclusters.

Polydisperse samples of Au nanoparticles protected with monolayers of hexanethiolate ligands (C6 MPCs) and with mixed monolayers of hexanethiolate and mercaptoundecanoic acid (C6/MUA MPCs) have been chromatographically separated using C8 120-A columns and acetone/toluene mobile phase. The spectral details of eluted peaks and of quantized double-layer charging features in the differential pulse voltammetry of collected fractions were used to show that the elution orders of C6 MPC mixtures and of C6/MUA MPC mixtures were different. For C6 MPCs, the smallest MPCs were eluted first, whereas the smallest C6/MUA MPCs were eluted last. The reversal of order of elution was rationalized in terms of intermolecular interactions with the stationary phase, dominant for the C6 MPC, being suppressed by the heightened polarity of the monolayer surface of the C6/MUA MPCs, making a size exclusion mechanism dominant. The range of apparent core diameters of the separated nanoparticles was 1.3−2 nm.
The medical context of parental coping with childhood cancer.

This research assessed the extent to which contextual factors, especially the medical context, are related to the use of specific coping strategies by 74 parents of surviving children with cancer. Parents reported that they coped reasonably well by using information-seeking, problem-solving, help-seeking, maintaining emotional balance, relying on religion, being optimistic, deny- ing, and accepting. More highly educated parents tended to use problem solv- ing, optimism, and information seeking significantly more and denial significant- ly less than less well-educated parents. However, gender and income were unrelated to coping. The use of specific coping strategies was not related to severity of the child's medical condition, stress level or parents" own evalua- tions of their coping effectiveness. However, the quality of relations with the medical staff was strongly related to coping strategies. Use of passive coping strategies was positively related to good relations with the medical staff. Most studies of stressful life events indicate that illness or loss of a loved one represents a major stressor (Dohrenwend & Dohrenwend, 1974; Dohren- wend, Krasnoff, Askenasy, & Dohrenwend, 1978; Holmes & Rahe, 1967). Although diagnosis and treatment of a child with a serious and chronic ill- ness seldom appears in such studies, it also represents a significant life disrup- tion which threatens personal equilibrium and family well-being. The initial impact of the diagnosis is illustrated in the following reports from parents.
Rationale and design of a randomized controlled trial comparing stress myocardial perfusion imaging with coronary CT angiography as the initial imaging study for intermediate-risk patients admitted with chest pain

Background Noninvasive cardiac imaging plays an important role in the diagnosis and management of coronary artery disease (CAD). Prior studies have focused on the diagnostic performance of noninvasive modalities using angiographically significant stenoses as the reference standard. Recent trends in evidence-based medicine and increasing imaging utilization call for validation of diagnostic algorithms with well-designed, controlled trials with clinical outcome endpoints. Objective To compare the performance of stress radionuclide myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) and coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) in terms of outcomes. Methods We designed a single-center, randomized controlled trial that compares MPI and CTA as the initial modality for the evaluation of patients hospitalized for chest pain without known CAD or acute myocardial infarction. Patients with intermediate-risk characteristics and a clinical need for noninvasive imaging are included. The primary outcome measured is the incidence of conventional angiography not leading to subsequent coronary revascularization within 1 year. The study is powered to detect a reduction from 11% to 3% in catheterization not leading to an intervention with a sample size of 400. Secondary outcomes include procedural complications and posttest renal dysfunction (safety outcomes), major adverse cardiovascular events, length of hospital stay, subsequent hospitalizations and imaging, changes in medical management, and tolerability of the noninvasive test. Conclusions The results of this trial will further our understanding of the relative appropriateness of CTA and MPI in evaluating intermediate-risk patients hospitalized with chest pain. It will also have implications for the design and probability of success of multicentered trials that are currently being planned.
Fatigue fracture process in a model composite

This paper reports certain aspects of fatigue crack propagation in composite specimens consisting of epoxy matrix and one row of long aligned glass fibers. The specimens were prepared in such a way that fiber spacing was approximately the same in each specimen and the fibers were sufficiently stronger than the matrix. Fatigue crack propagation showed three distinguishable phases: two transient ones separated by a steady phase. The first transient phase is associated with the interaction between the crack and the fibers ahead of the crack. A simple analysis indicated that the third phase was due to an effect of the fiber distance to the specimen edge. Changes in the matrix material during fracture were qualitatively revealed using light polarizers during testing. Whereas at the first transient phase and during steady growth most activities were confined within the bridging zone, in the third phase, damage was also spread in the matrix material in the form of discrete elements. In the steady phase of propagation, the average crack speed, energy dissipation rate, debonding of the fibers in the bridging zone and the corresponding crack opening displacement rates reached steady values, i.e. independent of the crack length. The crack opening displacement at a fiber location and the corresponding debonding were linearly related in the steady phase. The crack speed showed relatively large fluctuations between and around the fibers. Namely, larger crack speeds were recorded when the crack tip was between two consecutive fibers and lower speeds when near a fiber. Within the resolution of the observations, no fiber fracture was observed in the bridging zone. Simulations for the total stress intensity factor were carried out using fracture mechanics principles. When the fibers in the bridging zone were under uniform load, the total stress intensity factor Kt, was found to be approximately constant at the steady state and proportional toσ∞ √λ (where σ∞ is the remote stress and λ is the fiber spacing).
Distal arthrogryposis type 1: Clinical analysis of a large kindred

We describe the clinical findings of 15 individuals in a large kindred affected with distal arthrogryposis type 1A (DA1A). The most consistent findings among individuals were overlapping fingers at birth, abnormal digital flexion creases, and foot deformities, including talipes equinovarus and vertical talus. There was marked intrafamilial variation in the expression of DA1A. Linkage mapping of the locus for DA1A suggests that the use of strict diagnostic criteria excludes unaffected individuals rigorously, but can produce incomplete ascertainment of affected individuals. In the context of an affected family, the range of phenotypes consistent with a diagnosis of DA1A needs to be expanded.
EARTHQUAKES AND OIL SPILLS: LESSONS FROM THE SANTA CLARA RIVER SPILL

ABSTRACT On January 17, 1994, the Northridge earthquake struck southern California and caused multiple ruptures in a pipeline; the ruptures resulted in a 4607-barrel oil spill into the Santa Clara River. The veterinary mobile response vehicle equipped by the California Department of Fish and Game's Office of Oil Spill Prevention and Response (CDFG-OSPR) was called into use for immediate field stabilization. The International Bird Rescue Research Center of Berkeley, California, was hired to retrieve and provide rehabilitation care for the birds. Thirty-seven birds, mainly Virginia and Sora rails, were retrieved, and 24 birds were released; thus the survival rate was 65%. This spill effort was unique because, for the first time, blood samples were taken at the retrieval site; these samples revealed an early and very crucial “snapshot” of the affected birds. There was a noticeable difference in blood values compared with blood samples taken in wildlife care centers during previous oil spill responses. White ...
Serum 25(OH)D levels, dietary intake of vitamin D, and colorectal adenoma recurrence.

There is strong epidemiological and laboratory evidence that vitamin D may be protective against colorectal neoplasia. Therefore, we sought to assess the relationship between serum 25(OH)D levels, dietary intake of vitamin D, and colorectal adenoma recurrence in our Ursodeoxycholic Acid trial. A total of 568 participants were randomly selected for analysis of serum 25(OH)D levels. The range of total 25(OH)D was 5.5 to 66.1 ng/ml, with a median of 25.6 ng/ml. After categorizing 25(OH)D levels into tertiles based on the population distribution, the adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) for adenoma recurrence in the second and third tertiles were 0.88 (0.56–1.39) and 0.78 (0.49–1.24), respectively. The association between serum 25(OH)D and adenoma recurrence appeared to be stronger among women than men. As compared to those below the median value, women with serum 25(OH)D levels above the median had an OR (95% CI) of 0.59 (0.30–1.16); the corresponding OR (95% CI) for men was 0.95 (0.60–1.49). Analyses by dietary vitamin D intake revealed no statistically significant associations. In summary, the results of this study show a moderate, nonsignificant inverse association between serum 25(OH)D levels and reduced risk for colorectal adenoma recurrence, particularly among women.
Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Older Women With Breast Cancer: Who and What?

A 73-year-old woman has been diagnosed with a mammographically detected grade 3, 2.2-cm invasive ductal carcinoma that is sentinel lymph node negative, estrogen receptor positive (80%), progesterone receptor negative, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative (0 by immunohistochemistry). A gene expression assay (Oncotype DX, Genomic Health, Redwood City, CA) showed a recurrence score of 28. Except for well-controlled hypertension and some aches and pains in her hands and knees, she has no other major illnesses. Her medications include an antihypertensive, vitamin D, and calcium. She discontinued cigarette smoking 20 years ago and has an occasional glass of wine. She describes her health as good, is fully functional, drives, has had no falls, and provides the majority of care for her sick husband. Her blood pressure is 146/88, her body mass index is 29.7, and her physical examination is normal. She is aware of the benefits and risks of adjuvant endocrine therapy and has been referred to discuss the role of chemotherapy.
Distribution and origin of neuropeptide Y-immunoreactive fibers in the penis of the rat.

The present study investigated the distribution of neuropeptide Y-immunoreactive fibers to the penis of the rat. In the corpora cavernosa penis, a dense plexus of fibers was asociated with arteries, intrinsic cavernosal muscle, and veins including the deep dorsal vein. In the corpus spongiosum, immunoreactive fibers were present around vascular smooth muscle and at the periphery of the acini of the paraurethral glands. Immunohistochemistry of penile neurons identified by retrograde tracer injection into the penis indicates that about 5% of the penile neurons in the pelvic plexus contained the neuropeptide while larger percentages of penile neurons in the sympathetic chains were immunoreactive for neuropeptide Y. Chemical and surgical sympathectomy greatly reduced the neuropeptide Y- and catecholamine-containing fibers in the erectile tissue but had no clear effect on the neuropeptide Y fibers around the paraurethral glands; a tissue that is not innervated by adrenergic fibers. It is concluded that (1) the widespread distribution of neuropeptide Y indicates that it may function in the control of penile blood flow, (2) with the possible exception of the paraurethral glands, the sympathetic chain is the most likely source of neuropeptide Y fibers in both erectile bodies of the penis, and (3) this peptide may play a role in the secretory functions of the paraurethral glands.
Differential susceptibility to actively induced experimental allergic encephalomyelitis and experimental allergic orchitis among BALB/c substrains.

Abstract Experimental allergic orchitis (EAO) and experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) are animal models of organ-specific autoimmune disease. In this study, BALB/cByJ and BALB/ cAnNCr mice were susceptible to both autoimmune diseases whereas BALB/cJ subline mice were resistant. Disease resistance in BALB/cJ mice did not appear to be a reflection of either (i) a nonspecific generalized impairment of cellular immunity or (ii) an alteration in the phenotypic expression of Bordetella pertussis -induced histamine sensitization, a phenotype which has been shown to be associated with susceptibility to both diseases. Susceptibility to both EAE and EAO was inherited as a dominant trait in F 1 hybrid animals. Segregation analysis in a (BALB/cByJ × BALB/cJ) × BALB/cJ backcross population suggested that disease resistance may be associated with a single genotypic difference in a common regulatory gene affecting susceptibility to both diseases. Linkage analysis of the backcross population failed to demonstrate an association of disease resistance with the mutant raf-I b allele carried by BALB/cJ mice. The results of these studies support previous observations that multiple genotypic differences may in fact exist in mice of the BALB/cJ subline and that such differences play a significant role in the genetic control of susceptibility to EAE and EAO.
Tourette's disorder and the use of clonidine.

This paper discusses the use of clonidine in a severe case of Tourette's disorder refractory to treatment with haloperidol. Clonidine was effective in ameliorating symptoms and reducing the frequency of severe tics. This suggests that clonidine may have value in refractory cases of Tourette's disorder. Amelioration of symptoms also occurred with intensive psychiatric treatment focusing on improving coping skills and reducing anxiety associated with conflict. This would support the need for thorough psychiatric evaluation and treatment which gives attention to both biological and psychiatric issues.
Outcomes of Two Different Techniques Using the Lateral Approach for Lumbar Interbody Arthrodesis.

Study Design Retrospective cohort study. Objective To determine the short-term outcomes of two different lateral approaches to the lumbar spine. Methods This was a retrospective review performed with four fellowship-trained spine surgeons from a single institution. Two different approach techniques were identified. (1) Traditional transpsoas (TP) approach: dissection was performed through the psoas performed using neuromonitored sequential dilation. (2) Direct visualization (DV) approach: retractors are placed superficial to the psoas followed by directly visualized dissection through psoas. Outcome measures included radiographic fusion and adverse event (AE) rate. Results In all, 120 patients were identified, 79 women and 41 men. Average age was 64.2 years (22 to 86). When looking at all medical and surgical AEs, 31 patients (25.8%) had one or more AEs; 22 patients (18.3%) had a total of 24 neurologically related AEs; 15 patients (12.5%) had anterior/lateral thigh dysesthesias; 6 patients (5.0%) had radiculopathic pain; and 3 patients (2.5%) had postoperative weakness. Specifically, for neurologic AEs, the DV group had a rate of 28.0% and the TP group had a rate of 14.2% ( p p Conclusion Overall, 18.3% of patients sustained a postoperative neurologic AE following lateral interbody fusions. The TP approach had a statistically lower rate of neurologic-specific AE for single-level fusions.
DNA strand breakage repair in ataxia telangiectasia fibroblast-like cells

Abstract Human diploid fibroblast-like cells derived from four patients with the genetic disease ataxia telangiectasia and from two non-mutant donors were examined for the repair of X-ray induced strand breaks in DNA. The ataxia telangiectasia cultures showed no significant differences from the non-mutant cultures in the kinetics and extent of strand repair. This suggests that the increased spontaneous and X-ray induced chromatid abberations observed in ataxia telangiectasia cells are not caused by a defect in the repair of single strand breaks as might be suspected from a general model of aberration production.
Follow-up of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator patients

Summary Increasing numbers of patients are receiving ICD systems. To assure appropriate long-term function of these pulse generators and leads, periodic assessment of battery function, pacing, sensing and arrhythmia termination is essential. This article proposes standard recommendations that should be applied to most ICD patients. Adjustments will need to made based on specific patient characteristics and device capabilities.
NUMERICAL STUDY OF THE EFFECT OF SURFACE TENSION ON VAPOR BUBBLE GROWTH DURING FLOW BOILING IN MICROCHANNELS

Microchannel heat sinks typically consist of parallel channels connected through a common header. During flow boiling random temporal and spatial formation of vapor bubbles may lead to reversed flow in certain channels which causing an early CHF condition. Inside the microchannels the liquid surface tension forces is expected to play an important role and impact the vapor bubble growth and corresponding wall heat transfer. In the present study growth of a vapor bubble inside a microchannel during flow boiling is numerically studied by varying the surface tension but keeping the value of contact angle constant. The complete NavierStokes equations along with continuity and energy equations are solved using the SIMPLER method. The liquid-vapor interface is captured using the level set technique. The fluid properties used are of water but the surface tension value is varied systematically. The effect of surface tension on bubble growth rate and wall heat transfer is quantified. The results indicate that for the range of parameters investigated surface tension has little influence on bubble growth and wall heat