cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Real-space mesh techniques in density-functional theory

This review discusses progress in efficient solvers which have as their foundation a representation in real space, either through finite-difference or finite-element formulations. The relationship of real-space approaches to linear-scaling electrostatics and electronic structure methods is first discussed. Then the basic aspects of real-space representations are presented. Multigrid techniques for solving the discretized problems are covered; these numerical schemes allow for highly efficient solution of the grid-based equations. Applications to problems in electrostatics are discussed, in particular, numerical solutions of Poisson and Poisson-Boltzmann equations. Next, methods for solving self-consistent eigenvalue problems in real space are presented; these techniques have been extensively applied to solutions of the Hartree-Fock and Kohn-Sham equations of electronic structure, and to eigenvalue problems arising in semiconductor and polymer physics. Finally, real-space methods have found recent application in computations of optical response and excited states in time-dependent density-functional theory, and these computational developments are summarized. Multiscale solvers are competitive with the most efficient available plane-wave techniques in terms of the number of self-consistency steps required to reach the ground state, and they require less work in each self-consistency update on a uniform grid. Besides excellent efficiencies, the decided advantages of the real-space multiscale approach are (1) the near-locality of each function update, (2) the ability to handle global eigenfunction constraints and potential updates on coarse levels, and (3) the ability to incorporate adaptive local mesh refinements without loss of optimal multigrid efficiencies.
Measurement and Characterization of Bubble Nucleation in Beer

: A new method has been developed for characterizing the rate of bubble formation in beer. The method consists of forming bubbles in beer in a standardized glass using a controlled source of nucleation, then photographing the glass. The extent of bubbling is compared with that displayed in a set of reference standards to give a measure of the rate of nucleation. Comparisons were made among commercial beers to determine which physicochemical factors influence nucleation, and to what extent. Surface tension, density, and carbon dioxide content all influence the appearance of bubbles in the glass.
VARIATIONS IN A UNIVERSAL DARK MATTER PROFILE FOR DWARF SPHEROIDALS

Using a newly developed modeling technique, we present orbit-based dynamical models of the Carina, Draco, Fornax, Sculptor, and Sextans dwarf spheroidal (dSph) galaxies. These models calculate the dark matter profiles non-parametrically without requiring any assumptions to be made about their profile shapes. By lifting this restriction, we discover a host of dark matter profiles in the dSphs that are different from the typical profiles suggested by both theorists and observers. However, when we scale these profiles appropriately and plot them on a common axis, they appear to follow an approximate r –1 power law with considerable scatter.
Smooth muscle physiology and effect of bladder and urethra muscle length/tension on response to stimulation Part I. Review

Abstract With particular reference to the lower urinary tract, a review of basic anatomy and physiology of smooth muscle is presented. The relationship as altered by electrical and pharmacologic stimulation is discussed.
Scale dependence of mineral dissolution rates within single pores and fractures

Abstract The possibility that gradients in concentration may develop within single pores and fractures, potentially giving rise to scale-dependent mineral dissolution rates, was investigated with experimentally validated reactive transport modeling. Three important subsurface mineral phases that dissolve at widely different rates, calcite, plagioclase, and iron hydroxide, were considered. Two models for analyzing mineral dissolution kinetics within a single pore were developed: (1) a Poiseuille Flow model that applies laboratory-measured dissolution kinetics at the pore or fracture wall and couples this to a rigorous treatment of both advective and diffusive transport within the pore, and (2) a Well-Mixed Reactor model that assumes complete mixing within the pore, while maintaining the same reactive surface area, average flow rate, geometry, and multicomponent chemistry as the Poiseuille Flow model. For the case of a single fracture, a 1D Plug Flow Reactor model was also considered to quantify the effects of longitudinal versus transverse mixing. Excellent agreement was obtained between results from the Poiseuille Flow model and microfluidic laboratory experiments in which pH 4 and 5 solutions were flowed through a single 500 μm diameter by 4000 μm long cylindrical pore in calcite. The numerical modeling and time scale analysis indicated that rate discrepancies arise primarily where concentration gradients develop under two necessary conditions: (1) comparable rates of reaction and advective transport, and (2) incomplete mixing via molecular diffusion. For plagioclase and iron hydroxide, the scaling effects are negligible at the single pore and fracture scale because of their slow rates. In the case of calcite, where dissolution rates are rapid, scaling effects can develop at high flow rates from 0.1 to 1000 cm/s and for fracture lengths less than 1 cm. Under more normal flow conditions where flow is usually slower than 0.001 cm/s, however, mixing via molecular diffusion is effective in homogenizing the concentration field, thus eliminating any discrepancies between the Poiseuille Flow and the Well-Mixed Reactor model. The analysis suggests that concentration gradients are unlikely to develop within single pores and fractures under typical geological/hydrologic conditions, implying that the discrepancy between laboratory and field rates must be attributed to other factors.
The inhibitory effect of Alcide, an antimicrobial drug, on protein synthesis in Escherichia coli.

Alcide®, a broad-spectrum antimicrobial drug, has been shown to kill a wide range of common pathogenic bacteria as well as fungi, in vitro. This agent consists of Part A and Part B which contain sodium chlorite and lactic acid as the active ingredients, respectively. The mixing of these two parts immediately prior to use results in the formation of chlorine dioxide (ClO2), a potent germicidal compound. Exposure of exponentially growing E. coli cells to Alcide® resulted in a rapid inhibition of growth as well as loss of viability. Alcide® inhibited DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis; however, RNA and protein synthesis were affected at much lower concentrations. The accumulation of the amino acid analog aminoisobutyric acid into growing cultures of E. coli was only partially impaired by Alcide®. Cell-free protein synthesis using an RNA directed system was inhibited by Alcide® and this effect was lessened in the presence of mercaptoethanol. Higher concentrations of Alcide® (1 mM) oxidized 25% of the methionine to methionine sulfoxide. Aminoacylation of E. coli bulk tRNA was decreased in vitro and the amino-acylation of tRNAfMet was particularly sensitive to Alcide®.
A study of regressive place assimilation in spontaneous speech and its implications for spoken word recognition

Regressive place assimilation is a form of pronunciation variation in which a word-final alveolar sound takes the place of articulation of a following labial or velar sound, as when green boat is pronounced greem boat. How listeners recover the intended word (e.g., green, given greem) has been a major focus of spoken word recognition theories. However, the extent to which this variation occurs in casual, unscripted speech has previously not been reported. Two studies of pronunciation variation were conducted using a spontaneous speech corpus. First, phonetic labeling data were used to identify contexts in which assimilation could occur, namely, when a word-final alveolar stop (/t/, /d/, or /n/) was followed by a velar or labial consonant. Assimilation was indicated relatively infrequently, while deletion, glottalization, or canonical pronunciations were more often indicated. Moreover, lexical frequency was shown to affect pronunciation; high frequency lexical items showed more types of variation. Second, acoustic analyses showed that neither place of articulation cues (indicated by second formant variation) nor relative amplitude was sufficient to distinguish assimilated from deleted and canonical variants; only when closure duration was additionally taken into account were these three variant types distinguishable. Implications for theories of word recognition are discussed.
Overtone Mobility Spectrometry: Part 3. On the Origin of Peaks

The origin of non-integer overtone peaks in overtone mobility spectrometry (OMS) spectra is investigated by ion trajectory simulations. Simulations indicate that these OMS features arise from higher-order overtone series. An empirically-derived formula is presented as a means of describing the positions of peaks. The new equation makes it possible to determine collision cross sections from any OMS peak. Additionally, it is extended as a means of predicting the resolving power for any peak in an OMS distribution.
Diamond Amplified Photocathodes

High-average-current linear electron accelerators require photoinjectors capable of delivering tens to hundreds of mA average current, with peak currents of hundreds of amps. Standard photocathodes face significant challenges in meeting these requirements, and often have short operational lifetimes in an accelerator environment. We report on recent progress toward development of secondary emission amplifiers for photocathodes, which are intended to increase the achievable average current while protecting the cathode from the accelerator. The amplifier is a thin diamond wafer which converts energetic (few keV) primary electrons into hundreds of electron-hole pairs via secondary electron emission. The electrons drift through the diamond under an external bias and are emitted into vacuum via a hydrogen-terminated surface with negative electron affinity (NEA). Secondary emission gain of over 200 has been achieved. Two methods of patterning diamond, laser ablation and reactive-ion etching (RIE), are being developed to produce the required geometry. A variety of diagnostic techniques, including FTIR, SEM and AFM, have been used to characterize the diamonds.
The Anatomy of Organizational Design

Current conceptualizations of organizational design context and process are examined, with the focus on a design/implement/evaluate approach. A case study of the developmental history of an educational service center, the Joint Access Cooperative System, is used to illustrate the ways in which current concepts are deficient and incomplete. Modifications which acknowledge the complexities involved over time in the design and redesign of an organization are explored. A more central role is advocated for the dimensions of personality, politics, pragmatism, and chance in the dynamics of organizational design.
Total Synthesis of Isoroquefortine E and Phenylahistin

Abstract Isoroquefortine E and phenylahistin were synthesized using the Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons reaction as the key step to build the dehydroamino acid moiety. The syntheses provided the materials for the biological studies of the roquefortine–phenylahistin molecules.
Intergenerational Cities: A Framework for Policies and Programs

Following a brief review of rights-based approaches to creating child- and elder-friendly cities, this paper draws from practical examples of intergenerational initiatives and programs from around the world to identify benefits and challenges of synergistic efforts to create livable cities for all ages. It suggests points of convergence, describes requirements for success, and proposes priorities for policy. Finally, it outlines a strategic framework to guide future intergenerational work by local governments, not-for-profit-organizations, and other stakeholders.
Parker Lecturers Gather at Joint Assembly

Present and past Parker Lecturers, who are Bowie Lecturers of AGU's Space Physics and Aeronomy (SPA) section, gathered at the Joint Assembly in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the publication of Eugene Parker's famous paper predicting the existence of the supersonic solar wind (see Figure 1).
Femoral and tibial fractures in a newborn calf after transplacental infection with bovine viral diarrhoea virus

A one-week-old Brown Swiss calf had fractures of the metaphyseal regions of the left femur and right tibia, and a generalised, severe derangement of osteogenesis. Alternating zones of sclerosis and radiolucency in the metaphysis of all the long bones was visible radiographically. A histopathological examination revealed a segmental disruption of trabecular modelling, with subsequent fracture. Immunohistochemistry using a monoclonal antibody for bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) virus revealed abundant viral antigen in the pituitary gland, hypothalamus and thyroid gland. Intestinal tissue was positive on fluorescent antibody testing for the virus. The lesions indicate that transplacental infection with BVD virus can result in severe skeletal abnormalities and fractures.
Cavity Enhanced Spontaneous Parametric Down-Conversion for the Prolongation of Correlation Time between Conjugate Photons

By resonating both fields of the spontaneous parametric down-conversion with an optical cavity, the bandwidth of the fields is reduced to a level that can be resolved by photodetectors. This enables us to directly measure the distribution of the time intervals between the two down-converted photons. The correlation time is found inversely proportional to the down-conversion bandwidth. In the meantime, the signal levels of the fields are greatly enhanced by the resonance. Such a two-photon source will find wide application in quantum information processing.
The recombinogenic inactivity of 1-nitropyrene for yeast is due to a deficiency in a functional nitroreductase

Nitroarenes are widely distributed not only in the external atmosphere chiefly as the result of emissions from diesel-powered cars and power stations (i.e., fly ash) but also in the home and office environments because of their presence in the side streams of cigarette smoke. There is currently great interest in elucidating the basis of the biological properties of the nitroarenes, as they are powerful microbial mutagens, they induce gene mutations, genotoxic effects and neoplastic transformations in mammalian cells and they cause cancer in rodents (Rosenkranz and Mermelstein, 1983). The mutagenicity of nitroarenes in bacterial cells has been related to their ability of being reduced to arylhydroxylamines (Rosenkranz and Mermelstein, 1983) and possibly of being esterified to hydroxamic acid esters (E1-Bayoumy and Hecht, 1982; Fu et al., 1982; McCoy et al., 1982, 1983a, c). In mammalian cells, in addition to nitroreduction, ring oxidation may be the preferred mode of bioactivation (Rosenkranz et al., 1983). This oxidation may or may not be followed by nitroreduction. The diverse genetic effects induced by nitroarenes in mammalian cells have been attributed to differences in their metabolic capabilities, primarily a reflection of the fact that upon continued passage some cells may exhibit greatly decreased levels of the relevant monooxygenases. In spite of the near uniformity of positive mutagenic and genotoxic responses of the nitroarenes in mammalian cells, the results with yeast have been ambiguous. Using two different experimental protocols, McCoy and associates (1983b) were unable to demonstrate the genotoxicity of nitropyrenes for Saccharomyces cerevisiae D4. On the other hand, Wilcox and Parry (1981) and Wilcox et al. (1982) reported the recombinogenicity of 1,6and 1,8-dinitropyrene for Saccharomyces cerevisiae JD1. These investigators found that maximal activity was observed when the oxygen tension was decreased. This has led to the suggestion (Rosenkranz and Mermelstein, 1983) that reduced aerobiosis could result in the activation of oxygen-sensitive nitroreductases. Indeed, both in mammalian and bacterial cells this has been shown to occur (Biaglow, 1981; McCaUa, 1981; Peterson et al., 1979). The present investigation was undertaken to study further the assumption that the inactivity of nitropyrenes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae D4 under aerobic conditions was due to a deficiency in a functional nitroarene reductase. Two experimental approaches were taken: (1) nitropyrene reductase activity was determined under aerobic and anaerobic conditions and (2) advantage was taken of the availability of 1-nitrosopyrene (Howard et al., 1983a). It has been shown that like 1-nitropyrene (Howard et al., 1983b), 1-nitrosopyrene also forms adducts at the C-8 position of guanine, i.e., N-(deoxyguanosin-
Lamb pulse observed in nature

Seismograms observed at Longmire, Washington, for four eruptions of Mt. St. Helens (May 18, June 13, August 7, and August 8, 1980), can be interpreted as Lamb pulses excited by a nearly vertical single force that represents the counter force of the eruption. These data provide reliable estimates of the impulse of the force K (time integral of the force) from which the total momentum and the kinetic energy, E, of the ejecta associated with the eruption can be estimated. The values of K are estimated to be 1.4 × 10^(19), 1.4 × 10^(16), 3.7 × 10^(15), and 2.8 × 10^(15) dyne·s for the four eruptions (chronological order), respectively. The corresponding values of E are estimated to range from 0.70 to 2.6 × 10^(23), 0.70 to 2.6 × 10^(20), 1.9 to 6.9 × 10^(19), and 1.4 to 5.3 × 10^(19) ergs using values of ejecta velocity ranging from 100 to 375 m/s. The ratio of K to the amplitude of the air wave excited by the eruption is 20 to 40 times larger for the main event on May 18 than for the other events suggesting a significant difference in the eruptive mechanism. Our results demonstrate that a digital seismograph in the vicinity of volcanoes provides a simple means for quantification of the explosive power of a volcanic eruption.
A study of the fracture efficiency parameter of blister tests for films and coatings

Analytical solutions for circular membranes with different boundary conditions are obtained based on the assumptions of large displacements, small rotations, and small strains. The solutions take into account prestresses of arbitrary magnitude. The maximum stresses and strain energy release rates for the standard and island blister tests are obtained. The fracture efficiency parameter, defined as the ratio between the strain energy release rate and the square of the maximum stress, is then introduced to study the geometric effect on the relationship between the failure along the interface and in the coating. The fracture efficiency parameter is also used to find the optimal specimen dimensions for a given blister test geometry. It is found that the prestresses have a significant effect on the parameter. Although the island blister test is capable of producing very high strain energy release rates at relatively low pressures by decreasing the size of the island, the fracture efficiency parameter does not i...
Register allocation in the SPUR Lisp compiler

Register allocation is an important component of most compilers, particularly those for RISC machines. The SPUR Lisp compiler uses a sophisticated, graph-coloring algorithm developed by Fredrick Chow [Chow84]. This paper describes the algorithm and the techniques used to implement it efficiently and evaluates its performance on several large programs. The allocator successfully assigned most temporaries and local variables to registers in a wide variety of functions. Its execution cost is moderate.
Prophage mapping by transformation

Abstract A procedure is described for the preparation and isolation of defectively lysogenic strains of Hemophilus influenzae carrying prophage HP1. A quantitative technique for the assay of wild-type lysogenic transformants has been developed. A number of defective prophage mutants have been mapped by transformation in reciprocal two-point crosses. Most mutants show equal recombination indices. A coherent prophage map has been constructed.
DNA-Induced Switch from Independent to Sequential dTTP Hydrolysis in the Bacteriophage T7 DNA Helicase

We show that the mechanisms of DNA-dependent and -independent dTTP hydrolysis by the gene 4 protein of bacteriophage T7 differ in the pathways by which these reactions are catalyzed. In the presence of dTTP, gene 4 protein monomers assemble as a ring that binds single-stranded DNA and couples the hydrolysis of dTTP to unidirectional translocation and the unwinding of duplex DNA. When mixing wild-type monomers with monomers lacking the catalytic base for the dTTPase reaction, we observe that each wild-type subunit hydrolyzes dTTP independently in the absence of single-stranded DNA. Conversely, when either these catalytically inactive monomers or altered monomers incapable of binding single-stranded DNA are mixed with wild-type monomers, a small fraction of altered to wild-type monomers causes a sharp decline in DNA-dependent dTTP hydrolysis. We propose that sequential hydrolysis of dTTP is coupled to the transfer of single-stranded DNA from subunit to adjacent subunit.
On the spectral problem for Poiseuille flow in a circular pipe

Abstract In this paper, we derive an asymptotic approximation to the eigenvalue relation for Poiseuille flow in a circular pipe with a relative error of order (αR)−1/2 using only first-order outer (WKB) approximations which are valid in the “complete” sense. This approximation involves only elementary transcendental functions and it appears to be capable of providing an accurate global description of both the temporal and spatial spectra.
Characterization of Phospholamban Mutants Implicated in Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Contractility of heart muscle relies heavily on calcium ion messaging. Heart muscle relaxation takes place when this secondary messenger is transported against the concentration gradient from sarcoplasmic reticulum to myoplasm, performed by Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA). The function of this calcium pump is inhibited by membrane protein phospholamban (PLN), a process that is reversed upon phosphorylation of PLN's cytoplasmic domain at S16 or T17. In the recent years several dysfunctional PLN analogs have been identified in patients with impaired heart contractility. Interestingly, the mutations were particularly prominent at R9 hotspot, where substitutions of an arginine residue to Cys, Leu or His have been identified.We seek to deduce the molecular mechanism behind the interaction of these proteins, to gain the atomic insights into the regulation of contractility. For investigating the protein-protein and protein-membrane interactions, we employ an array of biophysical techniques, with an emphasis on NMR data. Conventional solution NMR techniques are used to probe the structure as well as fast/slow dynamics. Magic angle spinning solid-state NMR is applied for proteins with long correlation times to obtain the insights into the structure in the native lipid bilayer environment and the residues involved in protein-protein interaction. Oriented solid-state NMR gives information on the topology of the proteins with respect to the frame of the biomembrane.The ultimate goal is the development of ways to manipulate calcium signaling in vivo. By investigating the interactions between the mutant proteins involved in pathologies, such as dilated cardiomyopathy, we intend to build a picture of the pathways at the molecular level. This will permit developing methods for regulating the proteins with abnormal functioning, allowing to control their function under pathological conditions.
Photoacoustic tomography of small-animal and human peripheral joints

As an emerging imaging technology that combines the merits of both light and ultrasound, photoacoustic tomography (PAT) holds promise for screening and diagnosis of inflammatory joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. In this study, the feasibility of PAT in imaging small-animal joints and human peripheral joints in a noninvasive manner was explored. Ex vivo rat tail and fresh cadaveric human finger joints were imaged. Based on the intrinsic optical contrast, intra- and extra-articular tissue structures in the joints were visualized successfully. Using light in the near-infrared region, the imaging depth of PAT is sufficient for cross-sectional imaging of a human peripheral joint as a whole organ. PAT, as a novel imaging modality with unique advantages, may contribute significantly to the early diagnosis of inflammatory joint disorders and accurate monitoring of disease progression and response to therapy.
SURVEYING PATTERNS IN THE COST OF RESISTANCE IN PLANTS

Despite the general belief that traits conferring resistance in plants to pests also confer costs, disagreement persists about the frequency of costs and the conditions under which they are most likely to be evident. In this article, we analyze 88 published comparisons to explore when trade-offs between resistance and fitness traits can be detected. Among the patterns revealed are that costs were most often associated with resistance to herbicides, followed by resistance to pathogens, and least often associated with resistance to herbivores; costs were more often found in crops versus wild species; greater control of the genetic background increased the probability of detecting costs of resistance; there was large variation in the cost associated with the same resistance trait in different genetic backgrounds; and many examples of costs of resistance appeared to be due to linkage rather than pleiotropic effects. We discuss these and other results and emphasize that dependencies among the data invalidate s...
Peri-operative pain management in children with cerebral palsy: comparative efficacy of epidural vs systemic analgesia protocols

Summary Introduction Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) is the only surgical intervention with class I evidence supporting permanent reduction in spasticity for children with cerebral palsy (Paediatr Anaesth, 12, 2002, 296; Neurosurg Focus, 21, 2006, e2). Postoperatively, adequate analgesia can be difficult to achieve (J Neurosurg, 105, 2006, 8; Childs Nerv Syst, 17, 2001, 556; Pediatr Neurosurg, 43, 2007, 107; Anesth Analg, 79, 1994, 340; Reg Anesth Pain Med, 24, 1999, 438; Pediatr Anesth, 19, 2009, 1213). This study examines a novel regimen utilizing the combination of epidurally infused ropivacaine – hydromorphone and scheduled ketorolac. This regimen was compared to a protocol utilizing systemic fentanyl and diazepam. Methods Following IRB approval, 31 patients receiving epidural analgesia were compared with 41 patients who received systemic analgesia. All surgeries were performed by one surgeon with standardized anesthetic and nursing care. Studied outcomes included: pain scores; episodes of severe pain; nausea, itching; oxygen desaturation; and ICU admission. Data were analyzed using Mann–Whitney U-test, CHI square, and Fisher exact test where indicated with P < 0.05 considered significant. Results Studied groups had similar demographics, biometrics and disease burdens. Patients in the epidural group had statistically and clinically significant reductions in peak recorded pain scores for each 4-h period in the first 24 postoperative hours. Severe pain (score >5) was markedly reduced in the epidural group with 9% of epidural patients vs. 68% of systemic patients experiencing at least one episode. Fewer epidural patients experienced oxygen desaturation during the first two postoperative days (6.5% vs. 41%, 6.5% vs. 39%). Conclusion Epidural analgesia resulted in substantial improvements in pain control and safety. The data supports the superiority of a multimodal analgesia approach centered on epidural analgesia. A similar protocol should be considered following simple laminectomies or procedures associated with lower-extremity muscle spasm.
Tamoxifen as initial endocrine therapy for metastatic breast cancer : Long term follow-up of two Piedmont Oncology Association (POA) trials

Purpose: To examine the outcomes of endocrine naive patients treated with tamoxifen as initial endocrine therapy for metastatic breast cancer. Data were obtained from the long-term follow-up of two previously published randomized trials. Patients and methods: All patients received tamoxifen 20 mg po in a single daily dose. Eligibility required patients to be age ≥ 18, performance status 0—3, and estrogen or progesterone receptor positive or unknown. Patients were ineligible if they had any prior endocrine therapy in either the adjuvant or metastatic setting. Results: 156 patients have been followed for a median of 8.3 years. Median age was 61 years, 83% were ≥ 50 years, 84% performance status of 0–1, 43% were both ER and PR positive, 33% had prior chemotherapy, 62% had a disease-free interval of > 2 years, and 59% had only one metastatic site. The complete (14%) and partial (6%) response rate for 147 evaluable patients was 20% (95% CI for CR + PR of 14–27%). Multivariate analysis revealed that improved response was related to soft tissue involvement and positive PR status. The majority of patients with soft tissue, nodal or lung metastases had responses noted within three months. Median time to disease progression was 6.7 months. Multivariate analysis revealed that older patients, those with one metastatic site and those with positive PR status had the longest time to progression. Median survival was 27.2 months. Better performance status, fewer metastatic sites and being PR positive were associated with significantly improved survival. Conclusion: The patient population in this series is not likely to be studied in future trials because of the wide use of tamoxifen in the adjuvant setting. In a small percentage of patients with metastatic breast cancer, tamoxifen therapy is associated with prolonged remission and survival. Pretreatment characteristics can help identify such patients.
Critical review of arthritis self-management strategy use.

Introduction Notions of self care and self management of common, but serious, health conditions were once viewed with skepticism by clinicians. However, over time, enlightened health care professionals have come to embrace the idea of informed, participative collaboration with patients as a key strategy for enhancing the effectiveness of clinical diagnostic and therapeutic interventions (1). Although these ideas are being absorbed into mainstream contemporary medicine and health care, our understanding of the range of self-initiated actions consumers use and the factors related to use of these actions is inadequate. Sobel (2) suggests that self care is the “hidden” health care system and that self care, rather than primary, secondary, or tertiary care, comprises the majority of health care. Others suggest that self-management activities are determinants of well being, potentially intervening between health status and health outcomes (3–5). If these assertions are true, we must have a clear understanding of the factors related to and outcomes associated with strategy use so people with chronic conditions can be guided in effective self-management practices. The terms self management and self care, often used interchangeably among lay and professional persons, are broadly defined as the activities people engage in to promote health and/or manage chronic conditions (6–9). These activities are usually self initiated and often undertaken with little to no supervision from health care professionals. For this article we use both phrases (self care and self management) to refer to the wide range of activities people use to promote personal health and to detect, prevent, and treat common health problems. The use of self-initiated actions to manage arthritis conditions is well recognized in the scientific literature and among health care providers. Applying the above definition of self management to arthritis, a variety of strategies could be used to manage the symptoms and consequences of the disease, such as taking medication, exercising, wearing splints or braces, taking herbs or supplements, or seeking care from alternative care providers. Two review articles by Ernst (10,11) show that use of complementary and alternative strategies is common but variable among people with rheumatic disease, with most people using at least 1 type of complementary therapy (e.g., special diets, jewelry, vitamins, herbs, prayer, relaxation, or massage). Little is known, however, about the broad range of strategies that could be used to manage arthritis, the degree to which people with arthritis use various strategies, and factors related to use of specific strategies. The purpose of this article is to address these gaps in the scientific literature.
Integrated optics design concepts applied to high frequency ultrasound detection

A novel application of polymer waveguide microring resonator for high-frequency ultrasound detection is presented. The device consists of a microring optical resonator that is coupled to a straight optical waveguide which serves as both input and output ports. Acoustic waves irradiating the ring waveguide induce strain that causes a change in the effective refractive index of optical waves propagating along the ring. The sharp wavelength dependence of the high Q-factor resonator enhances the optical response to the acoustic strain. High sensitivity has been demonstrated experimentally in the detection of broadband ultrasound pulses from a 10MHz transducer. WDM methods are proposed to extend the technique into an array of microrings for ultrasound imaging applications.
The effect of particle size distribution on the deposition of charged particles in tubes

Abstract A model for the deposition of charged particles in an electrically grounded cylindrical tube in the absence of an applied electric field is investigated. The underlying particle size distribution of the influent aerosol is discretized into a finite number of fractions. Each fraction has a representative particle size that determines the charge and diffusivity of particles in that fraction. A transport equation is obtained for each fraction by considering the radial electrostatic, radial diffusional, and axial advective fluxes. The electrostatic flux depends on the strength of the electric field that arises from the space charge due to the particles treated as a continuum. At short distances into the tube, radial transport toward the wall is dominated by the electrostatic flux of larger particles. At intermediate distances, the contributions of both the diffusional and electrostatic fluxes are important. Farther down the tube, radial transport is dominated by the diffusional flux of smaller particles, with the remaining larger particles persisting in the gas stream. Assuming a single mean particle size, in lieu of a realistic treatment of the actual distribution, can result in inaccurate predictions of particle capture.
The effect of tubal ligation on ovarian function in the rat.

Summary and Conclusions1. Young healthy female rats with normal estrous cycles when treated by simple bilateral ligation of the oviducts proximal to the uterus show prolonged periods of estrus. 2. When the distended capsule produced by this procedure is removed the animals resume normal estrous cycles. 3. The fluid obtained from the capsule contains estrogenic hormone as demonstrated by estrous smears in spayed females rats. 4 The noteworthy histological changes in the ovaries after 30 days of tubal ligation are marked follicle stimulation and the absence of new corpora lutea. After 90 days following ligation the ovaries become cystic, probably due to an inadequacy of the blood supply.
IgM binding precedes complement activation during skeletal muscle ischemia-reperfusion

Abstract Introduction: Skeletal muscle reperfusion injury is mediated by IgM natural antibodies and by complement activation, as shown by the attenuation of reperfusion injury seen in mice with no natural IgM (J Immunology 2002; 168:3433) and in mice deficient in complement C3 and C4 (J Exp Med 1996; 183:2343). We postulate that tissue, when ischemic, expresses neo-antigens to which pre-formed natural IgM antibodies bind, in turn producing harmful complement activation and reperfusion injury. Methods: C57Bl/6 mice were subjected to 2 hours of tourniquet-induced hind limb ischemia followed by variable periods of reperfusion. Two hours of ischemia and 3 hours of reperfusion produced severe muscle necrosis and edema. Deposition of IgM and C3 in tissue was assessed using immunohistochemistry on both frozen and formalin-fixed tissue samples. Results: IgM binding to the endothelium and muscle bundles of the hind limb began during the ischemic period and continued throughout reperfusion up to 6 h. C3 deposition was not present during ischemia, and in contrast, began to appear at 1h of reperfusion and increased progressively thereafter. Conclusion: These data demonstrate that IgM binding to ischemic tissues precedes the damaging complement activation by a significant period of time. This has important therapeutic implications when considering anti-inflammatory therapy for reperfusion injury.
Toward a Life-Span Perspective on the Study of Message Production

The study of message production has been largely context bound and temporally constrained. Although we have significant insight into how and why young adults produce messages, we know less about how young children become proficient message producers. We are also comparatively ignorant about how the aging process affects message production and how individual communicators alter their message production across contexts and across the life span. In this article I explore the implications of the adoption of a life-span perspective on message production, discuss the assumptions of the life-span developmental perspective, and outline possible applications of this perspective to the study of message production. In particular, I argue that adoption of a life-span perspective calls for further explication of extant theories on message production and provides opportunities for theory testing.
Psychosocial Variables Related to Fruit and Vegetable Consumption in Food Stamp Recipients

Abstract A checklist measuring psychosocial variables as antecedents to behavior change may be useful in evaluating the impact of nutrition education programs. We developed and tested a checklist among 132 English-speaking, Food Stamp eligible women with young children (23% NonHispanic White, 47% African American, 21% Hispanic, 3% Asian or Pacific Islander, and 7% other). The instrument included the following theoretical constructs related to fruit and vegetable consumption: normative beliefs, social support, stage of change, self-efficacy, perceived benefits and barriers, outcome expectancies, and perceived susceptibility. In an earlier study, we found that self-reported intakes of fruit and vegetables were significantly correlated with vitamin intakes, determined by 24-hour dietary recalls. In this study, we used ANOVA to examine the relationships of these variables to self-reported daily servings of fruit or vegetables and Tukey's Test for pairwise differences. Results show that fruit consumption was strongly related to stages of change (p
Integration of external data sources with cyber security data warehouse

In this paper we discuss problems related to integration of external knowledge and data components with a cyber security data warehouse to improve situational understanding of enterprise networks. More specifically, network assessment and trend analysis can be enhanced by knowledge about most current vulnerabilities and external network events. The cyber security data warehouse can be modeled as a hierarchical graph of aggregations that captures data at multiple scales. Nodes of the graph, which are summarization tables, can be linked to external sources of information. We discuss problems related to timely information about vulnerabilities and how to integrate vulnerability ontology with cyber security network data.
Characterization of the chicken transitin gene reveals a strong relationship to the nestin intermediate filament class.

Our laboratory previously reported that transitin is a radial glial intermediate filament protein sharing the basic structural features common to all intermediate filament (IF) proteins. It contains an α-helical core domain flanked by a short nonhelical head and a long COOH-terminal tail. The core sequence of transitin shows the greatest similarity to Xenopus tanabin and to rat and human nestin. We also reported that transitin has multiple splice variants derived from the deletion or inclusion of a leucine-zipper heptad repeat domain in the COOH-terminal tail. In the present study, we provide new evidence to support the classification of nestin and transitin in the same group of IF proteins based on the number and position of its introns. In addition, we suggest that the different isoforms of transitin are produced by a splicing mechanism that recognizes consensus 5′ and 3′ splice sites contained within the coding sequence of the leucine-zipper heptad repeat domain.
The validity of peer review in a general medicine journal.

All the opinions in this article are those of the authors and should not be construed to reflect, in any way, those of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Background Our study purpose was to assess the predictive validity of reviewer quality ratings and editorial decisions in a general medicine journal. Methods Submissions to the Journal of General Internal Medicine (JGIM) between July 2004 and June 2005 were included. We abstracted JGIM peer review quality ratings, verified the publication status of all articles and calculated an impact factor for published articles (Rw) by dividing the 3-year citation rate by the average for this group of papers; an Rw>1 indicates a greater than average impact. Results Of 507 submissions, 128 (25%) were published in JGIM, 331 rejected (128 with review) and 48 were either not resubmitted after revision was requested or were withdrawn by the author. Of 331 rejections, 243 were published elsewhere. Articles published in JGIM had a higher citation rate than those published elsewhere (Rw: 1.6 vs. 1.1, p = 0.002). Reviewer quality ratings of article quality had good internal consistency and reviewer recommendations markedly influenced publication decisions. There was no quality rating cutpoint that accurately distinguished high from low impact articles. There was a stepwise increase in Rw for articles rejected without review, rejected after review or accepted by JGIM (Rw 0.60 vs. 0.87 vs. 1.56, p<0.0005). However, there was low agreement between reviewers for quality ratings and publication recommendations. The editorial publication decision accurately discriminated high and low impact articles in 68% of submissions. We found evidence of better accuracy with a greater number of reviewers. Conclusions The peer review process largely succeeds in selecting high impact articles and dispatching lower impact ones, but the process is far from perfect. While the inter-rater reliability between individual reviewers is low, the accuracy of sorting is improved with a greater number of reviewers.
Satellite analyses of Antarctic katabatic wind behavior

Abstract Prominent warm signatures of strong, negatively buoyant, katabatic airstreams are present at thermal infrared wavelengths as a result of intense vertical mixing and drift-snow transport within stable boundary layers. These tracers are used to illustrate several aspects of the behavior of katabatic winds in the Ross Sea sector of the Antarctic. The satellite features are compared with surface-based observations whenever possible. Converging surface-wind signatures upslope from Terra Nova Bay are shown to closely follow the observed time-averaged streamlines of drainage airflow. The satellite-observed core of the katabatic airstream descends to sea level via a direct route, but complex three-dimensional trajectories are manifested in marginal regions. Katabatic winds propagating horizontally for hundreds of kilometers over the southwestern Ross Sea do not exhibit the expected influence of the Coriolis force. Katabatic signatures are shown to be climatological features over the Ross Ice Shelf which ...
THERMAL BEHAVIOR OF PORCINE COLLAGEN AS RELATED TO POST-MORTEM TIME

SUMMARY: DTA (differential thermal analysis) thermograms of epimysial connective tissue from normal and low quality porcine muscle were compared at 0 and 24 hr post-mortem. In addition, the melting characteristics of intramuscular collagen were determined at 0 hr post-mortem. In all tissues studied, collagen from low quality muscle consistently gave slightly lower peak melting points than that from normal muscle. Epimysial collagen had a significantly (P < .05) lower peak melting point at 24 hr than at 0 hr post-mortem (64.24 vs. 65.77°C). Using epimysial collagen, a significantly (P <.01) greater proportion of the total melting range occurred at lower temperatures at 24 hr post-mortem as compared to 0 hr (4 1.1 vs. 30.9%). The thermal behavior of intramuscular collagen at 0 hr post-mortem was similar to that of epimysial collagen at 0 hr, but peak melting temperatures were slightly higher for intramuscular connective tissue.
Integrated material logistics and continuous flow manufacturing

Integrated material logistics is the integration of both materials and information flow into an effective and efficient total system. Continuous flow manufacturing (CFM) is a philosophy that concentrates on the elimination of waste, total quality control and total work-force involvement as a means of achieving and sustaining manufacturing competitiveness. This paper reports on the approach to the design and implementation of integrated material logistics with continuous flow manufacturing at IBM Havant Plant, The adoption of a competitive logistics strategy led to a fundamental re-appraisal of the role of logistics in discrete manufacturing. The later development and implementation of a blueprint required a focused cross-disciplinary team supported by more robust controls. Opportunities for work re-organization and devolution of responsibility were taken. With major investment in education and training, new processes and new measurements of process efficiency, a radical change in the culture of the facili...
A Kinetic isotope effect in purinic 8‐CH exchange of guanine nucleotides: Measurement by Raman spectroscopy

Rates of deuterium exchange of the 8-CH groups of 5′-rGMP and cGMP in D2O solutions (KH) are compared with rates of protium exchange of the 8-CD groups of the same compounds in H2O solutions (KD). The ratio of the two rate constants (kH/kD) defines an isotope effect which is a combination of primary kinetic and solvent isotope effects, the former predominating. The net isotope effect was measured by Raman spectrophotometry over the temperature range 30–80°C. The Arrhenius activation energies (Ea) and pre-exponential frequency factors (A) were also determined. The average values of kH/kD are 1.82 ± 0.15 for 5′-rGMP and 1.43 ± 0.06 for cGMP. The relatively small kinetic isotope effects are indicative typically of an unsymmetrical transition state. The ratio E/E is unity in both compounds, indicating an early or reactant-like transition state. The present data are consistent with, and extend the range of, the Bell–Goodall curve relating log (kH/kD) to ΔpK of the two acid–base systems involved in the proton transfer during the rate-determining step.
An Empirical Analysis of the Integration-Responsiveness Framework: U.S. Construction Equipment Industry Firms in Global Competition

In this study, businesses competing as part of the global U.S. construction equipment industry were categorized into three subgroups according to the integration-responsiveness framework (I-R) in an attempt to further understand industry pressures confronting businesses that compete internationally. The results show that three generic strategies suggested by the I-R framework do appear in a single industry context: globally integrated, locally responsive and multifocal. Beyond providing additional insight into the nature of competition in a “single global industry,” several broad extensions to the integration-responsiveness framework are suggested.