cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Food Habits of American Kestrels in the Southern High Plains of Texas

The American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) is in general decline across its North American distribution. In contrast to widespread patterns of decline, kestrel populations appear stable in the southern Great Plains region. Historically, this region had a very low occurrence of kestrels, and their current abundance is highly likely due to vegetation and structures associated with settlement by people of European descent. To determine prey use by breeding kestrels, we placed motion-activated video cameras at preexisting kestrel nest boxes located in the Southern High Plains in 2017. We recorded over 4200 prey deliveries during 1748 hr of observation at five nests over the 4-wk brood-rearing period. On basis of frequency, these deliveries were dominated by reptiles (74.8%), with invertebrates (18.2%), mammals (4.4%), birds (2.9%), and unidentified (1.2%) prey used to lesser extents. Prey delivery rates were high relative to other studies; across the brood-rearing period we recorded an average of 2.3 deliveries/hr, equating to an average of 0.49 deliveries and 3.85 g of prey/nestling/hr. Because invertebrates dominate the diet reported in most kestrel food habit studies, the volume of reptiles captured as prey was unexpected. Even more unanticipated was the number of large prey captured, including juvenile eastern cottontails (Sylvilagus floridanus) and ground squirrels (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus, Xerospermophilus spilosoma). We suspect the proportion of vertebrate prey captured during the nesting season may explain the local high rates of nesting success and number of young fledged.
Image-guided bronchoscopy

Image-guided bronchoscopy is a method for the guidance of a bronchoscope to peripheral lesions. The technology is based on either virtual image synchronization or electromagnetic navigation. To confirm location, additional methods are still in use in conjunction to image guidance; these include fluoroscopy and/or radial ultrasound. Using image guidance, data suggest greater yield and fewer complications when compared to standard transbronchial biopsy methods using only fluoroscopy. Importantly, with the advent of new endoscopic therapeutic nonsurgical modalities, accurate navigation to reach peripheral lesion becomes critical. Image guidance and target identification plays an important role in thoracoscopic resection of peripheral nodules, placement of markers for radiosurgery, and placement of catheters for brachytherapy. Taken together, image-guided bronchoscopy plays an important diagnostic and therapeutic potential role.
The Quantum–Classical Density Operator for Electronically Excited Molecular Systems

Abstract Starting with the Liouville–von Neumann equation for the statistical density operator, a partial Wigner transform is introduced to derive equations coupling quantum degrees of freedom with quasiclassical ones, as frequently encountered in molecular systems undergoing electronic transitions. Further consideration of the limit of short wavelengths in phase space leads to the introduction of effective potentials, and a treatment suitable for calculations of the dynamics of a system with many degrees of freedom. The theory is implemented by numerically introducing an expansion in a basis set of quantal states, and a relax-and-drive time propagation procedure for the density matrix. A model with two coupled states is solved exactly and is compared with the quantal–classical approximation for populations of quantum states, quantal coherence, expectation values of variables and their dispersion in phase space, and the time evolution of a distribution of trajectories in the phase space of quasiclassical variables. Extensions needed to account for dissipation due to interactions with a medium are briefly considered.
Electric and hybrid vehicles charge efficiency tests of ESB EV-106 lead-acid batteries

Charge efficiencies were determined by measurements made under widely differing conditions of temperature, charge procedure, and battery age. The measurements were used to optimize charge procedures and to evaluate the concept of a modified, coulometric state of charge indicator. Charge efficiency determinations were made by measuring gassing rates and oxygen fractions. A novel, positive displacement gas flow meter which proved to be both simple and highly accurate is described and illustrated.
Probiotics in Human Medicine: Overview

The introduction of the core human microbiome concept initiates new ways of thinking about potential clinical applications of probiotics. While important characteristics of probiotics include their abilities to suppress the proliferation and virulence of pathogenic organisms, it is becoming quite clear that these organisms also have direct effects on human physiology and immunity. Studies are beginning to shed light on tangible effects of probiotics in allergic and autoimmune diseases, oral biology, diseases of the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts, and neurology and psychiatry. Advances in probiotics research are resulting in implementation of probiotics as treatment and prevention strategies for a multitude of human diseases.
DFT studies for cleavage of C$z.sbnd;C and C$z.sbnd;O bonds in surface species derived from ethanol on Pt(111)

Abstract Results from self-consistent periodic DFT calculations were used to study the relative stabilities and reactivities of surface species on Pt(111) derived by subsequent removal of hydrogen atoms from ethanol. Within each C 2 OH x isomeric set, the lowest energy surface species (with respect to gaseous ethanol and clean Pt(111) slabs) are ethanol, 1-hydroxyethyl (CH 3 CHOH), 1-hydroxyethylidene (CH 3 COH), acetyl (CH 3 CO), ketene (CH 2 CO), ketenyl (CHCO), and CCO species. The energies of these species are −27, −28, −55, −84, −82, −88, and −53 kJ/mol, respectively, where the corresponding H atoms removed from ethanol are adsorbed on separate Pt(111) slabs. Transition states for CC and CO bond cleavage reactions were calculated for the most stable intermediates and for intermediates leading to exothermic bond cleavage reactions. A linear correlation between the energies of transition state and the energies of corresponding surface species was used to estimate transition-state energies of remaining reaction intermediates. The 1-hydroxyethylidene (CH 3 COH) species has the lowest energy transition state (42 kJ/mol) for CO bond cleavage, and the adsorbed ethylidyne (CCH 3 ) and hydroxyl product species lead to a favorable energy change for this CO bond cleavage reaction (−38 kJ/mol). The ketenyl (CHCO) species has the lowest energy transition state (4 kJ/mol) for CC bond cleavage, and the adsorbed CO and methylidyne (CH) product species lead to a very exothermic energy change for this reaction (−144 kJ/mol). Results from DFT calculations, combined with transition state theory, predict that the rate constant for CC bond cleavage in ethanol is faster than for CO bond cleavage on Pt(111) at temperatures higher than about 550 K. In addition, the calculated value of the rate constant for CC bond cleavage in ethanol is predicted to be much higher than for CC bond cleavage in ethane on Pt(111). Similarly, the rate of CO bond cleavage in ethanol is predicted to be much higher than for CO bond cleavage in carbon monoxide on Pt(111).
Dihydropyridine-sensitive calcium channels from skeletal muscle. I. Roles of subunits in channel activity.

Dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca2+ channels from skeletal muscle are hetero-oligomeric proteins. Little is known about the functional roles of the various subunits, except that the alpha 1 subunit is the essential channel unit. We have reconstituted both partially purified holomeric channels and the separated subunits into liposomes and measured their properties using an assay based on the Ca2+ indicator dye fluo-3. The holomeric channels exhibited Ca2+ influx that was sensitive to membrane potential achieved by the addition of valinomycin in the presence of a K+ gradient. Dissipation of the K+ gradient resulted in the loss of the valinomycin-sensitive Ca2+ flux. In addition, the reconstituted channels were: 1) activated by the dihydropyridine Ca2+ channel activator Bay K 8644 in a dose-dependent manner with a Kd of 20 nM; 2) inhibited by various types of Ca2+ channel inhibitors including the dihydropyridine (+)-PN 200-110, the phenylalkylamine verapamil, and the benzothiazepine d-cis-diltiazem; and 3) modulated in a stereoselective manner by the enantiomers of the dihydropyridine S-202-791. The purified channels used in this work possessed an alpha 1 subunit of 165 kDa and did not appear to contain a larger alpha 1 subunit of approximately 210 kDa, suggesting that channel activity with properties similar to those observed in intact cells can be supported with an alpha 1 subunit of 165 kDa. Reconstituted channels that were 85% depleted in the alpha 2/delta subunits showed a significant decrease in the initial rate of Ca2+ influx induced by valinomycin, but retained responsiveness to Bay K 8644 and (+)-PN 200-110. When the separated alpha 2 and delta subunits were added back to the alpha 1 subunit-containing preparation, the channels exhibited their normal rate of Ca2+ influx. These results demonstrated that the dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca2+ channels from skeletal muscle require the presence of the alpha 2.gamma complex in stoichiometric amounts to exhibit full activity.
Opposing effects of engagement of integrins and stimulation of cytokine receptors on cell cycle progression of normal human hematopoietic progenitors

We evaluated the effect of β1-integrin receptor engagement on the expression and activity of cell cycle regulatory proteins in CD34+ cells under conditions that mimic the steady-state marrow microenvironment and in the presence of supraphysiological concentrations of interleukin-3 (IL3) and stem cell factor (SCF). Adhesion of CD34+ progenitors to fibronectin (FN) was similar whether IL3 or SCF was present or absent. Engagement of β1-integrins blocked S-phase entry of CD34+ cells in the absence of IL3 or SCF, whereas addition of 10 ng/mL IL3 or SCF prevented such a block in S-phase entry. In the absence of IL3 or SCF, cyclin-E levels were significantly lower and p27KIP1 levels significantly higher in FN-adherent than in FN-nonadherent cells, or than in poly-L-lysine (PLL)–adherent or (PLL)–nonadherent cells. Cyclin-dependent-kinase (cdk)-2 activity was decreased and levels of cyclin-E–cdk2 complexes were lower in FN-adherent than in PLL-adherent cells. In contrast, cyclin-E and p27KIP1 protein levels and cdk2 activity in cells adherent to FN in the presence of IL3 or SCF were similar to those in PLL-adherent and FN-nonadherent or PLL-nonadherent cells. In conclusion, under physiological cytokine conditions, integrin engagement prevents S-phase entrance of CD34+ cells, which is associated with elevated levels of the contact-dependent cyclin kinase inhibitor p27KIP1. Supraphysiological concentrations of IL3 or SCF prevent p27KIP1 elevation and override the integrin-mediated inhibition of entry into S phase.
The Role of Core Disciplinary Ideas and Practices in the Complexity of Large-Scale Assessment Items

The Framework for K-12 Science Education (NRC, 2011) outlines core disciplinary ideas, scientific practices and cross-cutting ideas as dimensions on which to base science education. This study outlines the use of core ecological ideas and two scientific practices as a way to examine the cognitive complexity of released large-scale assessment items in Ecology. We present results from analysis of 212 released items from state, national and international sources and compare the types of core ecological ideas and scientific practices required to successfully complete these assessment tasks. We administered a subset of items to students to examine how well our rubric was aligned with students’ interactions with the items. Our findings indicate that different sources of items have different proportions of item formats and have items designed to elicit different types of core ideas and practices from students. The analysis of students’ responses to items indicates that using a framework of core ecological ideas and scientific practices provide a good indication of item difficulty. However, this paper highlights several instances where the coding of items does not match students’ responses to items and we analyze possible reasons for the discrepancies – including both item design flaws and opportunity to learn.
Atropine Suppresses Gastrin Release by Food in Intact and Vagotomized Dogs

Abstract We have demonstrated that at doses lower than those used by others in dogs, atropine consistently inhibited food-stimulated gastrin release irrespective of vagal innervation of the stomach. Gastrin release induced by food placed directly into the stomach was studied in four gastric fistula dogs with intact vagi and in three other similar dogs with fundic vagotomy. The studies were repeated in the dogs after conversion to truncal vagotomy. Fasting serum gastrin was lower in the intact dogs (33 ± 1.7 pg/ml) than after fundic vagotomy (61 ± 13 pg/ml) or truncal vagotomy (97 ± 20 pg/ml). The same relationship held for absolute postprandial values. However, the integrated gastrin response to food over 2 h was similar in the three groups of dogs (intact 14 ± 4.6, fundic vagotomy 10.3 ± 4.3, truncal vagotomy 17.4 ± 2.4 ng min/ml). Regardless of the state of gastric vagal innervation atropine 20 μg/kg · h reduced gastrin release due to food by 66–76% (p 50 of 5.1 μg/kg or 7.2 × 10 -9 mol/kg. Findings of this study indicate a previously undescribed muscarinic cholinergic pathway leading to gastrin release by food.
Lateral release and proximal realignment for patellar subluxation and dislocation. A long-term follow-up

Fifty-two patients (sixty knees) who had a diagnosis of either patellar subluxation or dislocation had an operation consisting of a lateral release and proximal realignment of the patella. The duration of follow-up ranged from two to nine years. At the latest follow-up, forty-two (80.8 per cent) of the patients had a good or an excellent clinical result; only one patient had redislocation of the patella. The results were not affected by the grade of chondromalacia that was present at the time of operation; however, the differences in the results as correlated with the age and sex of the patient were statistically significant, the older patients having poorer results and the male patients, better results. Roentgenographic analysis of the postoperative position of the patella, as seen on the view described by Merchant et al., revealed that centralizing the patella in the intercondylar sulcus yielded the most favorable results.
Structure of iridium adatom cluster nuclei on Ir(100).

A transition from chain- to island-type structure is observed in Ir adatom cluster nuclei on Ir(100). For five or fewer adatoms the stable configuration is a nucleus in the form of a linear chain, whereas for six or more adatoms a two-dimensional island configuration is stable. This unusual transformation indicates the presence of relatively long-range interactions between the Ir adatoms.
The carcinogenesis, mutagenesis and teratogenesis of insecticides. Review of studies in animals and man.

To determine if any given chemical is carcinogenic for man is a formidable problem. Only a mere handful have thus far been uncovered, and the total number of cancers causally related to known carcinogens represents only a minute fraction of all cancers affecting man (to detect a mutagenic or teratogenic effect in man is even more difficult). One can suggest that 80 or 90 per cent of cancers are of 'environ° mental' origin but the fact is that the etiology of most cancers is unknown at the present time. Cancer was a major cause of morbidity and death long before food additives and chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides were an intimate part of our daily life. The fact is that most carcinogens have been detected in the industrial environment, regardless of the availability of the data on animal experiments indicating carcinogenic activity. The information gained in uncovering industrial cancers could perhaps be used more profitably in determining risk of exposure to putative carcinogens. We know that in industrial cancers: (l) the population at risk is small; (2) the exposure is high and concentrated; (3) the incidence of cancer is high; and (4) the latent period is often short, at least in some of the affected individuals (Sternberg, 1976). However, in circumstances where there is a high and concentrated exposure, such as in a manufacturing plant, and where groups of workers have been followed for a reasonable number of years and no increased cancer incidence has developed, it is unlikely that a carcinogenic effect will ever be demonstrated in man. If there is exposure to the same agent in the general population but at a much lower dose and the incidence is such that only one person in, say, 100,000 develops a cancer from the chemical, the causal relationship becomes virtually impossible to detect. How do we assess the danger to man under the circumstances described? One approach (which has many advocates) is to ban everything which has been shown to have a tumorigenic effect in animals. While this may seem to be the safest approach, it is not necessarily the soundest. The decision should be based on benefit versus risk. A food dye generally represents a frivolous additive and can usually be eliminated without affecting our health. On the other hand, the potential danger of nitrites must be evaluated in terms of cancer risk versus the risk of botulism. And, perhaps more importantly, the risk of an insecticide such as DDT as a possible carcinogen vis-a-vis its ability to diminish or eliminate malaria, a disease no less malignant than cancer. Finally, what is considered a valid animal test for carcinogenesis is another thorny problem. Aflatoxin causes liver cancer in mice, rats, dogs, birds and other animal species. It does so with relative ease and with an extraordinarily high incidence in some tests. Such experiments leave little doubt as to the carcinogenicity of aflatoxin
SU‐GG‐J‐145: PET Image Simulation of Isotopes Produced in Patient during Proton Therapy

Introduction — During proton therapy,positron emitting radio‐isotopes are produced along the track where incident protonbeam interacts with human tissue. The isotope activity profile is related to the proton dose distribution and can be imaged using a PET scanner. Many factors affect the obtained PETimages, such as various patient geometry, time interval between proton therapy and PET scan, the PET scan duration, and PET scanner design. In order to quantitatively relate the obtained PETimage to the dose delivered in patient, an understanding of these factors in the PETimage is necessary. This work is to develop a simulation pathway to facilitate such study. Method — The simulation starts with protonbeam irradiating the patient geometry, obtains isotopes distribution, records in list‐mode gammas from positron annihilations arriving at PETring geometry, and finally reconstructs the PETimages. The patient DICOM CT are input to GEANT4 code to construct the geometry. Experimental isotope cross‐section data are built into the simulation. The positron emitter 3D map is used as the source in the PET scanner simulation. The PET scanner geometry, crystal detector type and its cross‐section are the input parameters. The received signals in PET crystals are output in list‐mode. Image reconstruction is performed with iterative TOF image reconstruction together with data corrections for scatter and attenuation. Results — The 3‐D proton dose and isotope distributions are obtained. The reconstructedisotope distribution from PET simulation correlates with the original isotope map generated from protonbeam irradiation. Some of the factors affecting the obtained PETimages will be addressed. In the future, the simulation can be used to quantitatively correlate to the proton dose. It can also facilitate the design of a PET system that can yield an accurate and efficient reconstruction of the isotope activities and verify the proton dose.
Density of States of One-Dimensional Hindered Internal Rotors and Separability of Rotational Degrees of Freedom

Analytical formulas for the density-of-states and sum-of-states functions of internal one-dimensional hindered rotors are developed and analyzed. Quantum effects are taken into account via the inverse Laplace transform of the classical rotational partition function corrected for quantum effects by the method of Pitzer and Gwinn. Density-of-states and partition functions of i-C3H7, n-C4H10, n-C5H12, and sec-C4H9 are calculated under a separability assumption with internal hindered rotors treated either classically or classically with corrections for quantum effects. Results are compared with those obtained in a full treatment with explicit accounting for interaction between internal and external (overall) rotations. It is demonstrated that separability of the rotational degrees of freedom can be assumed in most cases with reasonable accuracy, the main source of disagreement between the two approaches being not the separability assumption but the approximation of a complex torsional potential with a simpler...
Test Statistics for Three‐Factor Interaction in 2 × 2 × 2 Contingency Tables

A Monte Carlo simulation was conducted in order to determine the size and power of two proposed tests (the covariance and correlation tests) for three-factor interaction in 2 × 2 × 2 contingency tables. Results were compared to the log-odds ratio test statistic. Simulation showed the correlation test to be more conservative than the covariance test, but less so than the log-odds ratio test. However, the correlation test was the most powerful among the three tests.
Workplace spirituality and stress: evidence from Mexico and US

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to study the relationship between three dimensions of workplace spirituality (inner life, meaningful work and sense of community) and work stress in Mexico and the USA. Design/methodology/approach – Structural equation modeling was used as the statistical tool. The technique for conducting the analysis was partial least squared. The total sample size consisted of 304 individuals from both countries. Findings – Results show that for both countries, inner life and sense of community were found to be insignificant. However, meaningful work was found to be negatively and significantly correlated with work stress for both countries. Results suggest that in both countries, when employees conduct meaningful activities, they perceive less stress. Research limitations/implications – For the US sample, an important percentage of individuals were part-time workers. This could have an effect on the perception of workplace spirituality and work stress because the employees do n...
Analysis of Stripping to Quasibound Levels in Sc-41

Angular distributions have been measured for 15 levels observed in the $^{40}\mathrm{Ca}(^{3}\mathrm{He},d)^{41}\mathrm{Sc}$ reaction at 40-MeV bombarding energy. Distorted-wave Born-approximation calculations for the proton unstable excited states quasibound by the Coulomb and centrifugal barrier were performed using a form factor corresponding to an unbound (resonance) level in a Woods-Saxon well. The resulting spectroscopic factors are found to be insensitive to the scattering phase shifts, and in agreement with those obtained by elastic scattering. Most of the available $1{f}_{\frac{7}{2}}$, $2{p}_{\frac{3}{2}}$, and $2{p}_{\frac{1}{2}}$ strength and a large portion of the $1{f}_{\frac{5}{2}}$ strength is observed below 6-MeV excitation. Little $1{g}_{\frac{9}{2}}$ or $2{d}_{\frac{5}{2}}$ strength is observed.
Atomistic Modeling of Short Pulse Laser Ablation of Metals: Connections between Melting, Spallation, and Phase Explosion†

The mechanisms of short pulse laser interactions with a metal target are investigated in simulations performed with a model combining the molecular dynamics method with a continuum description of laser excitation, electron−phonon equilibration, and electron heat conduction. Three regimes of material response to laser irradiation are identified in simulations performed with a 1 ps laser pulse, which corresponds to the condition of stress confinement: melting and resolidification of a surface region of the target, photomechanical spallation of a single or multiple layers or droplets, and an explosive disintegration of an overheated surface layer (phase explosion). The processes of laser melting, spallation, and phase explosion are taking place on the same time scale and are closely intertwined with each other. The transition to the spallation regime results in a reduction of the melting zone and a sharp drop in the duration of the melting and resolidification cycle. The transition from spallation to phase e...
Comparison of sensor systems designed using multizone, zonal, and CFD data for protection of indoor environments

Sensors that detect chemical and biological warfare agents can offer early warning of dangerous contaminants. However, current sensor system design is mostly by intuition and experience rather than by systematic design. To develop a sensor system design methodology, the proper selection of an indoor airflow model is needed. Various indoor airflow models exist in the literature, from complex computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to simpler approaches such as multizone and zonal models. Airflow models provide the contaminant concentration data, to which an optimization method can be applied to design sensor systems. The authors utilized a subzonal modeling approach when using a multizone model and were the first to utilize a zonal model for systematic sensor system design. The objective of the study was to examine whether or not data from a simpler airflow model could be used to design sensor systems capable of performing just as well as those designed using data from more complex CFD models. Three test environments, a small office, a large hall, and an office suite were examined. Results showed that when a unique sensor system design was not needed, sensor systems designed using data from simpler airflow models could perform just as well as those designed using CFD data. Further, only for the small office did the common engineering sensor system design practice of placing a sensor at the exhaust result in sensor system performance that was equivalent to one designed using CFD data.
Balanced view of risks of oral contraceptives

Available studies on the association between the use of combined oral contraceptives (OCs) and the risk of three serious side effects (myocardial infarction ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke and venous thromboembolism) were reviewed at a World Health Organization (WHO) scientific group meeting held in November 1997. The groups findings have been published in the November 28 1997 issue of "WHO Weekly Epidemiological Record." Of concern to the author of this letter to the editor was the exclusion with no clear criteria of many lead investigators from closed sessions. Also notable was the tendency of the panel to downplay controversies about the differences between second- and third-generation OCs in the risk of venous thromboembolism. Moreover the conclusions on myocardial infarction minimize the likely protective effect of third-generation compared with second-generation OCs. Finally the summary report does not mention possible bias sources or clarify the lack of clinical and public health significance of odds ratios of 2.0 or less for adverse effects that are extremely rare. In the authors opinion WHO should have given greater emphasis to the continually improving safety of OCs.
The effect of cognitive task difficulty on humor ratings of captioned cartoons

Subjects who engaged in a taxing cognitive task perceived complex captioned cartoons to be less humorous than those who engaged in an easy task. Task complexity had little effect, however, on perceived humor of simple or political captioned cartoons. The results lend support to Suls’ two-stage model for the appreciation of jokes.
Chemical Assays for Fiber, Lignin, and Lignin Components: Interrelationships and Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopic Analysis Results

Abstract The objective of this study was to examine the variations in near infrared reflectance spectroscopic analysis when it is used for the analysis of fiber or lignin as determined by various chemical procedures. Second, the relationships between the various assay procedures were examined. Six fiber analyses (neutral detergent with and without sodium sulfite; acid detergent; ammonium oxalate; hot water-organic solvent extracted; and cellulase extracted), seven lignin analyses (permanganate; 72% sulfuric acid; sodium chlorite oxidation of acid detergent and two ammonium oxalate fibers; and acetyl bromide extraction on acid detergent and hot water-organic solvent-extracted fibers) and nitrobenzene oxidation (lignin composition determination) were studied. Assays were performed on 67 samples of five forages (alfalfa, tall fescue, orchardgrass, and the vegetative parts of corn and wheat plants) collected over the 1982 growing season. Near infrared reflectance spectroscopic analysis of ground feedstuffs (1-mm screen) showed that all chemical measures of fiber were equally and accurately assayed. Also, acetyl bromide lignin determined on ADF was assayed more accurately than the other lignin assays, and lignins determined on ammonium oxalate fiber were clearly not satisfactory. Regression analysis showed only the fiber analyses to be highly correlated with one another.
Side-coupled in-line fiber-semiconductor laser

A novel semiconductor-fiber laser is proposed that would greatly reduce the alignment and packaging complexity of fiber-coupled semiconductor laser systems. As opposed to conventional butt-coupled edge-emitter/fiber packages, these new devices use the evanescent light to efficiently couple light between the fiber and the semiconductor waveguide. Here, an Anti-Resonant Reflecting Optical Waveguide (ARROW) is fabricated on an MBE-grown GaAs wafer and is designed to resonate with the mode of the fiber at the operating wavelength. The coupling mechanism provides an inherent wavelength filter that would allow single-mode operation of the laser, without any Bragg grating. Part of the laser cavity and one of the laser mirrors are located in the fiber while the active region and the other mirror are realized in the semiconductor. Simulations of various performance parameters of these devices and the fabrication processes will be described. Initial experimental data will also be presented.
Variability of safe dose estimates when using complicated models of the carcinogenic process. A case study: methylene chloride.

Abstract Advances in understanding carcinogenesis have led to the development of mathematical models that have biologically interpretable parameters. These models utilize more of the available scientific data than the empirical models routinely employed for quantifying carcinogenic risk. They also require consideration of sources of uncertainty in risk estimates that were previously ignored, such as animal-to-animal variability of physiological and pharmacological constants. A numerical technique is proposed for studying the consequences of incorporating the intrapopulation variability of biologically interpretable parameters into the risk assessment process. To demonstrate the technique, the variability of safe dose estimates for exposure to methylene chloride is considered. The results suggest that intrapopulation variability of the model parameters can increase the variability of safe dose estimates an appreclable amount.
Titius-Bode Series Galaxy Group Red Shift Differences Calculated from Roots of the Bessel Equation

It has been shown in detail by Wells (Wells, 1986) that the Bode numbers and measured velocity ratios of the planets are accurately predicted by the eigenvalues of the Euler-Lagrange equations resulting from the variation of the free energy of the generic plasma that formed the Sun and planets. This theory is reviewed and extended to show that the equations make accurate predictions for all the major planets out to and including Pluto. The semimajor axes and velocity ratios of Pluto and Neptune are predicted exactly. The Bode numbers are shown in Table I to correspond to the roots of the first-order Bessel functions. The extrema of the roots of the zeroth-order Bessel function predict the ratios of the measured planetary velocities almost without error for the outer planets. Both sets of roots correspond to the same eigenvalue solution of the forcefree equation. The eigenvalues are set by the initial energy input to the plasma nebula. Both the Titius-Bode series and Kepler’s harmonic law are predicted by the “relaxed state solution” of the free-energy equation for the generic plasma that formed the Sun and planets. Newton’s law of gravitation is not used in the calculations. The solution makes exact predictions for the outer planets where the Titius-Bode series fails completely.
Endoscopic Management of Gastrointestinal Leaks

Endoscopic closure of gastrointestinal perforations, fistulas, and anastomotic dehiscence is technically feasible. Endoluminal closure of the instrumental perforations of the gastrointestinal tract can be accomplished immediately after the recognition of perforation, while avoiding the delay of arranging surgery and the trauma associated with thoracotomy or laparotomy. In addition, endoscopic closure should be considered in patients with anastomotic dehiscence and chronic fistulas as this may avoid the risk associated with reoperation. The outcome of closure depends on the technical expertise in the proper selection and use of various endoluminal closure options. Training of the endoscopists in the use of this novel technology will enhance the quality of care of our patients.
Constrictive Pericarditis: Diagnosis and Operative Management

Seventeen patients with constrictive pericarditis have been subjected to cardiac decortication at the Henry Ford Hospital. The preoperative clinical picture may resemble that of cirrhosis or congestive failure due to arteriosclerosis, the myocardopathies or valvular heart disease. All 17 patients were studied preoperatively by cardiac catheterization and characteristic findings were present in each. An analysis of the right atrial and right ventricular pressure tracings showed characteristic “M” and “W” waves in the former and a specific relationship of the ventricular end-diastolic and systolic pressures. Three patients were studied by postoperative catheterization and demonstrated return of the altered hemodynamics to normal. There was one early postoperative death in the 17 operative procedures. With the exception of one patient who had coexisting pulmonary fibrosis, the surviving patients have been restored to normal activity.
Vibrations of neo-Hookean elastic wedge

This paper considers small amplitude vibrations superimposed upon large planar deformations of an infinite wedge composed of a neo-Hookean elastic material. It is shown herein that even though the static deformation of the entire wedge and the vibrations of the wedge faces are planar, out-of-plane vibrational modes must necessarily be excited in the wedge interior even to first order in an asymptotic expansion of the motion with small parameter being the amplitude of the vibration applied to the wedge faces. In addition, it is demonstrated that this result is fundamentally due to the non-linearity of the problem by demonstrating that the corresponding problem for an incompressible, isotropic, homogeneous linear elastic wedge does not exhibit the same behavior.
Arthrography in penetrating injuries

Arthrography in cases of trauma to joints may provide valuable information about joint disruption as well as the location of foreign bodies. Allergy to contrast agents and bleeding diathesis are the only contrain-dications. Four cases are presented that demonstrate the usefulness of this technique.
Everything in its proper season: Sir Thomas Browne's Religio medici.

Adapted from “William Osler’s Beloved Mentor: Sir Thomas Browne and Religio Medici” in LaCombe (Ed.) Osler’s Bedside Library: Great Writers Who Inspired a Great Physician, Philadelphia, American College of Physicians, 2009. Discussion Questions • Sir Thomas Browne “talked the talk” by presenting a comprehensive moral vision of medicine, and in his practice he evidently “walked the walk.” Describe your moral vision of medicine. • Browne believed that a physician’s moral duty is to place the patient’s interests above his or her own self-interest. Discuss that principle in the context of today’s medical profession. • Browne was an important medical role model for William Osler. Who are your role models? Why?
India and Pakistan: The Origins of Their Different Politico-Military Trajectories

India and Pakistan emerged as independent states from the detritus of the British Indian Empire at midnight on August 14–15, 1947. 1 In spite of their common experiences under the British Raj, the ...
An Optimization Methodology for Applying Emission Reduction Strategies to State Owned Non-road Equipment Fleet

Abstract This study develops an optimization methodology to help a US state department of transportation apply emission reduction strategies to its non-road equipment fleet within a budget limit. In the optimization problem, the decision variables are integer arguments representing whether a strategy applied to a fleet minimizes total costs taking into account different air qualities at county levels. The methodology is demonstrated in the case study of Texas Department of Transportation. Compared with the existing methodology, the one proposed can address a problem with a more flexible budget.
An Improved Technique for Measurement of Cold H I in Molecular Cloud Cores

The presence of atomic gas mixed with molecular species in a "molecular" cloud may significantly affect its chemistry, the excitation of some species, and can serve as probe of the cloud's evolution. Cold neutral atomic hydrogen (H I) in molecular clouds is revealed by its self absorption of background galactic H I 21 cm emission. The properties of this gas can be investigated quantitatively through observation of H I narrow self-absorption (HINSA). In this paper we present a new technique for measuring atomic gas physical parameters from HINSA observations that utilizes molecular tracers to guide the HINSA extraction. This technique offers a significant improvement in the precision with which H I column densities can be determined over previous methods, and it opens several new avenues of study of relevance to the field of star formation.
Schedules of Practical Work for the Analysis of Case Studies of Learning and Development

(2001). Schedules of Practical Work for the Analysis of Case Studies of Learning and Development. Journal of the Learning Sciences: Vol. 10, No. 1-2, pp. 203-222.
Surficial patterns of debris flow deposition on alluvial fans in Death Valley, CA using airborne laser swath mapping data

Debris flows are a common event in mountainous environments. They often possess the greatest potential for destruction of property and loss of lives in these regions. Delimiting the spatial extent of potential damage from debris flows relies on detailed studies of the location of depositional zones. Current research indicates debris flow fans have two distinct depositional zones. However, the two zones were derived from studies containing detailed analyses of only a few fans. High resolution airborne laser swath mapping (ALSM) data is used to calculate profile curvature and surface gradient on 19 debris flow fans on the eastern side of Death Valley. The relationship between these parameters is assessed to 1) identify if debris flow fans are accurately represented by two depositional zones, and 2) to assess how these terrain parameters relate to one another at the individual fan scale. The results show at least three zones of deposition exist within the sampled fans. These zones do not hold consistent when individual fan morphometry is analyzed in conjunction with localized fan surface gradients. Fans with consistently shallower gradients exhibit numerous depositional zones with more subtle changes in profile curvature. Steeper gradient fans exhibit significantly fewer zones with more pronounced local changes in profile curvature. The surface complexity of debris flow fans is evident from these analyses and must be accounted for in any type of hazard studies related to these features.
Ectopic gastric mucosa in the cervical esophagus

This study describes the clinical presentation and management of ectopic gastric mucosa (EGM) in the cervical esophagus. This is a case report of a 53-year-old male who presented with left-sided odynophagia of 3 months' duration. Office examination, including flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy, was unremarkable. Direct larynogoscopy and rigid esophagoscopy revealed a 2 x 1-cm fleshy, red, and raised lesion in the cervical esophagus. The remainder of the esophagus was normal. Histologic examination of a biopsy specimen from the lesion showed a normal gastric epithelium consistent with the diagnosis of ectopic gastric mucosa. He was treated with 3 months of proton pump inhibitors, which resulted in complete symptom resolution. Patient was then switched to H2-blockers and has been symptom-free for one year. The medical literature regarding EGM in the cervical esophagus is reviewed with respect to its incidence, pathogenesis, clinical course, and management. In conclusion, EGM can occur in the cervical esophagus, and odynophagia is the typical presenting symptom. Adenocarcinoma developing within random, nonsyndromic EGM of the cervical esophagus is exceedingly rare. The primary mode of treatment is medical therapy.
The effect of temperature on the infrared absorption frequencies of polyethylene and ethylene–propylene copolymer films

The frequency shifts of the six prominent infrared absorption bands were measured for films of polyethylene and ethylene–propylene copolymer as a function of temperature. Three bands (at 720, 731, and 1473 cm−1) shifted to higher frequency, and three bands (at 1463, 2849, and 2918 cm−1) shifted unexpectedly to lower frequency as the sample temperature was decreased. The greatest shift occurred with the CH2 rocking band, which increased from 730.2 to 734.2 cm−1 as the temperature was decreased from 313 to 22°K. The shift usually ceased in the temperature range from 40 to 110°K, probably because some kind of molecular motion ceased. Four mechanisms are discussed in an attempt to account for the different frequency shifts: bulk contraction with decreasing temperature, an increase in dispersion forces between chains, variation in the length and coupling of the vibrating chain molecule, and a change in the planar zigzag conformation of the chain molecule. Thermal contraction is sufficient to explain most of the observed frequency shifts. The CH2 stretching modes (2849 and 2918 cm−1) may be shifted to lower frequency by an increase in the dispersion forces between chains, caused by contraction. The displacement of the 1463 cm−1 band-shift curve is an indication of the sample density. The displacements of the 1473 and 731 cm−1 band-shift curves are indications of the proportion of propylene in the ethylene copolymer.
Application of a Peak‐valley Detector for Secant Stiffness Measurements

A technique for monitoring the change in secant stiffness of composite specimens during cyclic-fatigue loading computes the secant modulus every five seconds. A resettable peak-valley detector, which captures and holds the maximum and minimum values of an input analog signal, is used in conjunction with a multichannel data acquisition unit. This detector is also used in conjunction with an analog switch to halt the cycling of the specimen after a certain degradation of stiffness develops for the application of NDE techniques. Results for a T300/5208 graphite-epoxy specimen are presented in the form of a stiffness vs number of cycles curve.
Photoemission evidence for Bloch states in a narrow band insulator: CsI

Abstract New photoemissions studies of CsI show strong evidence for Bloch states in the narrow valence band. The data indicate optical excitation from the three branches of the valence band dispersion curve. Simple ionic states predict transitions from a doublet which are inconsistent with a measured triplet.
Scientific Foundations: A Case for Technology- Mediated Social- Participation Theory

Technology-mediated social-participation systems, such as Wikipedia and TopCoder, allow a vast user base to collaborate to solve difficult problems. TMSP could be applied to many current social issues, but doing so requires new theory and infrastructure for social design.
Family Environment as a Moderator of the Association between Conduct Disorder and Suicidality

This study examined whether perceived family support and conflict moderate the relationship between conduct disorder (CD) and suicide attempts (SAs) in a sample of 185 psychiatrically hospitalized adolescents, ages 13 to 18, and their parents. Data were collected using the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Aged Children (K–SADS–PL), the Survey of Children’s Social Support Scale–Short Version, and the Conflict Behavior Questionnaire. Binary logistic regression and simple slope analyses were conducted to test study hypotheses. Results suggest that perceptions of family support, but not conflict, moderate the association between CD and SAs. Specifically, adolescents diagnosed with CD were found to be at heightened risk for an SA if they reported lower family support. These results suggest that clinicians who treat adolescents with CD should assess for perceptions of family support. Incorporating family work into treatment could help to prevent SAs.
Alternative Therapies for Seizures: Promises and Dangers

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is increasingly being used for a multitude of medical problems, one of them being seizures. This article discusses the prevalence of CAM use for seizures and epilepsy. Evidence-based data regarding CAM for epilepsy are presented as well as potential safety concerns regarding ephedra and cannabis use.
Does a Metal to Metal “Ligand” Effect Influence the Catalytic Activity of Bimetallic Cluster Complexes? Synthesis and Catalytic Activity of Pt3Ru6(CO)19(SMe2)(μ3-PhC2Ph)(μ3-H)(μ-H)

The layer-segregated platinum−ruthenium cluster complex Pt3Ru6(CO)19(SMe2)(μ3-PhC2Ph)(μ3-H)(μ-H) (2) has been obtained in 51% yield from the reaction of Pt3Ru6(CO)20(μ3-PhC2Ph)(μ3-H)(μ-H) (1) with SMe2. Compound 2 is structurally analogous to 1 but contains a Me2S ligand coordinated to one of the ruthenium atoms of the Ru3 triangle that contains a bridging PhC2Ph ligand. EXSYS 2D 1H NMR measurements have shown that the Me2S ligand is labile and readily exchanges with free Me2S in solution. Fresh solutions of compound 2 rapidly hydrogenate PhC2Ph to (Z)-stilbene at a turnover frequency TOF of 102 h-1, but the activity is quickly reduced to the level of 1 because 2 is converted to 1 under the conditions of the catalysis. It is proposed that the high catalytic activity of 2 compared to 1 is related to lability of the Me2S ligand, thus implying that this site on the PhC2Ph-bridged Ru3 triangle is catalytically active. It is proposed that all catalytic transformations occur at the ruthenium triangle(s). It is ...