cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surgical treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa: a 10-year experience.

Background Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a disease of the apocrine sweat glands resulting in chronic wounds with abscesses, sinuses, and fibrosis. Because many patients referred for treatment have both recurrent and progressive disability, we attempted to determine which factors have the greatest impact on outcome so we could develop an operative treatment algorithm. Methods We identified 57 patients with HS who underwent operative treatment for chronic recurrent HS from January 1994 through December 2003. Charts were reviewed for demographic, treatment, and outcome data. Results The mean age at presentation was 34 years and the average duration of symptoms was 6.7 years. Two thirds of the patients had undergone 1 or more incision and drainage procedures and 90% had received long-term antibiotic therapy. Axillary involvement was present in 88% of women and was bilateral in half of all patients. Inguinoperineal involvement was present in 87% of men and was bilateral in 92% of all patients. An algorithm for operative treatment was developed based on the extent of involvement, chronicity, and comorbid conditions. Ninety-two operative procedures were performed, 50% involved the axilla, 36% involved the perineum, and 14% involved the inguinal region. Excision and primary closure was used for localized disease; wide excision with or without skin grafting was used for diffuse disease. Conclusions HS is a chronic relapsing disease that frequently causes disabling pain, diminished range of motion, and social isolation. Definitive treatment involves operative excision of the involved apocrine tissue and should be individualized based on the stage and location of the disease.
Latent Interest-Group Discovery and Management by Peer-to-Peer Online Social Networks

We address management of latent, emerging interest groups (IGs), spanning both unsupervised, distributed IG discovery and any cast-query forwarding, in dynamic peer-to-peer(P2P) on-line social networks. The P2P network has at least one layer of super-peers (Diaspora pods) that support a group of ordinary peers/clients. There are a number of challenges here, including: i) semantic processing at scale to disambiguate word meanings in queries, ii) unsupervised estimation of the number of active IGs, iii) detection of IG churn and emergent IGs, iv)design of optimal query forwarding to maximize query resolution and minimize the required number of hops, while achieving practical local cache searching and network communications. In this preliminary study, we assume a common, fixed keyword lexicon for query formation and latent IG characterization. We propose unsupervised, dynamic, on-line clustering that mines the super-peers' query caches in a distributed fashion. Customized Bayesian Information Criterion based model-order selection is employed, independently by each super-peer, to estimate the set of active IGs and to help achieve efficient query forwarding. The proposed method is numerically evaluated against both exhaustive cache search and a random walk strategy.
Responses of a California annual grassland to litter manipulation

Abstract Question: What are the physical and chemical effects of plant litter on annual grassland community composition, above-ground net primary production (ANPP), and density? Location: California annual grassland. Methods: We manipulated litter and light levels independently and in concert. Litter removal and litter addition treatments tested both the physical and chemical impacts of litter's presence. We additionally simulated the effect of litter physical shading by using shade cloth, and added powdered litter to test for the chemical impacts of decomposing litter. Results: Increased whole litter and shading decreased grass germination and establishment, but not that of forbs or legumes. Species shifts occurred within all groups across treatments, including a transition from small-seeded to large-seeded grass and legume species with increased shading. ANPP was highest in control plots (473 ± 59 g/m2), and species richness was highest in litter removal plots. While the physical effects of litter via s...
Manganese Oxide Octahedral Molecular Sieves (OMS‐2) Multiple Framework Substitutions: A New Route to OMS‐2 Particle Size and Morphology Control

Self-assembled multidoped cryptomelane hollow microspheres with ultrafine particles in the size range of 4–6 nm, and with a very high surface area of 380 m2 g−1 have been synthesized. The particle size, morphology, and the surface area of these materials are readily controlled via multiple framework substitutions. The X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results indicate that the as-synthesized multidoped OMS-2 materials are pristine and crystalline, with no segregated metal oxide impurities. These results are corroborated by infrared (IR) and Raman spectroscopy data, which show no segregated amorphous and/or crystalline metal impurities. The field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) studies confirm the homogeneous morphology consisting of microspheres that are hollow and constructed by the self-assembly of pseudo-flakes, whereas energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analyses imply that all four metal cations are incorporated into the OMS-2 structure. On the other hand, thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) demonstrate that the as-synthesized multidoped OMS-2 hollow microspheres are more thermally unstable than their single-doped and undoped counterparts. However, the in-situ XRD studies show that the cryptomelane phase of the multidoped OMS-2 hollow microspheres is stable up to about 450°C in air. The catalytic activity of these microspheres towards the oxidation of diphenylmethanol is excellent compared to that of undoped OMS-2 materials.
Early Patterns of Self-Regulation as Risk and Promotive Factors in Development: A Longitudinal Study from Childhood to Adulthood in a High-Risk Sample.

The present study examines two childhood markers of self-regulation, ego control and ego resiliency, as promotive factors for the development of global adjustment and as risk factors for the development of internalizing and externalizing behavior problems in a high-risk sample. Teachers and observers rated ego control and ego resiliency when participants (n = 136) were in preschool and elementary school. Ratings showed evidence for convergent and discriminant validity and stability over time. Ego resiliency, but not ego control, emerged as a powerful predictor of adaptive functioning at ages 19 and 26, as well as internalizing and externalizing problems at 16, 23, 26, and 32 years. We interpret these findings as evidence that flexibility and adaptability—measured with ego resiliency—may reduce risk and promote successful adaptation in low socioeconomic status (SES) environments.
Nonunear Absorption in Phthalocyanines and Naphthalocyanines

The wavelength dependence of the nonlinear absorption for lead tetrakis(cumylphenoxy)phthalocyanine (PbPc(CP)4) and lead octa(α-pentoxy)napthalocyanine (PbNc(α-PO)8) are reported. The ground state absorption and the reverse saturable absorption are substantially red shifted in PbNc(α-PO)8 as expected. Such control over the reverse saturable absorption is crucial to design optical limiting materials for specific wavelength ranges.
Minimum Qof small Antennas

A detailed analysis is presented which shows that the method introduced by Collin and Rothschild in 1964 for finding the time averaged stored energy in the electromagnetic field surrounding a small antenna is valid and leads to correct evaluation of the minimum Q of a small antenna. An alternative method for finding the minimum Q of small antennas is also presented. This method is based on the natural complex resonant frequency of a TE or TM mode tuned to resonance by a reactive surface impedance on the minimum circumscribing sphere that encloses the antenna. This alternative method of finding the minimum Q of a small antenna is shown to give results in close agreement with the earlier results. The paper also provides a critique of recent work by D. M. Grimes and C. A. Grimes in which they claim that smaller antenna Q's can be obtained than that found by earlier investigators. It is shown that the results obtained by Grimes and Grimes are based on incorrect hypothesis and are wrong.
Delayed outflows from black hole accretion tori following neutron star binary coalescence

Expulsion of neutron-rich matter following the merger of neutron star (NS) binaries is crucial to the radioactively-powered electromagnetic counterparts of these events and to their relevance as sources of r-process nucleosynthesis. Here we explore the long-term (viscous) evolution of remnant black hole accretion disks formed in such mergers by means of two-dimensional, time-dependent hydrodynamical simulations. The evolution of the electron fraction due to charged-current weak interactions is included, and neutrino self-irradiation is modeled as a lightbulb that accounts for the disk geometry and moderate optical depth effects. Over several viscous times (~1s), a fraction ~10% of the initial disk mass is ejected as a moderately neutron-rich wind (Y_e ~ 0.2) powered by viscous heating and nuclear recombination, with neutrino self-irradiation playing a sub-dominant role. Although the properties of the outflow vary in time and direction, their mean values in the heavy-element production region are relatively robust to variations in the initial conditions of the disk and the magnitude of its viscosity. The outflow is sufficiently neutron-rich that most of the ejecta forms heavy r-process elements with mass number A >130, thus representing a new astrophysical source of r-process nucleosynthesis, distinct from that produced in the dynamical ejecta. Due to its moderately high entropy, disk outflows contain a small residual fraction ~1% of helium, which could produce a unique spectroscopic signature.
Microcomputers in behavioral assessment: Recent advances and remaining issues

Abstract The development and dissemination of microcomputer technology has the potential to make a significant impact on the nature and practice of behavioral assessment. Actual and potential applications of microcomputer technology in behavioral assessment are reviewed, including interview assessment, traditional methods in behavioral assessment, self-monitoring, psychophysiological methods, and direct observation programs. Effective development and use of microcomputers in behavioral assessment depend on conceptual and empirical advances in standardization, integration of assessment data, and resolution of important concerns.
Processing Times for Segmented Jobs with I/O Compute Overlap

Compute-output processing times are determined for n-segment jobs that are preloaded into main storage and processed with overlap. A queueing model with tandem servers is utilized for the performance analysis. In particular, the solution presented involves determination of the transient response for a batched arrival of n segments to be processed through two stages of tandem service with unlimited output buffering. The performance results provide insight into conditions arising in systems consisting of a single CPU and I/O channel with overlap capabilities. Two cases, single-segment overlap and unlimited overlap, are considered. Segmental compute and output (or input) service times are taken to be exponentially distributed; however, the approach is not limited to the exponential case if service is independent. The ratio of mean output time to mean compute time is varied to explore the full range between compute-bound and output-bound extremes. Final results are presented as relative gain over sequential processing.
Seats That May Not Matter: Testing for Racial Polarization in U.S. City Councils

: Critics of the Voting Rights Act claim that electoral structures used by city councils lead to racially polarized legislatures in which African American members are consistently outvoted by white majorities. Using council votes from six cities, this study shows that the critics' claim is exaggerated. In only one city were African American council members generally less likely to be on the winning side of votes because of their race. Polarization is more of a concern for particular issues: members with large black constituencies were less likely to be on the winning side of votes on housing or police affairs in four cities.
909 ZINIC LEVELS IU ONE CASE OF FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME

Concentration of zinc (Zn) in hair, urine and serum were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in one 14-month old girl with typical features of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) (peculiar facies, congenital malformations, pre and post natal growth deficiency). She was born to an alcoholic woman who continued drinking heavily throughout her pregnancy. Zinc level was low in hair (66 μg/g) and urine (266.8 μg/g of creatinine) but normal in serum(95 μg%), reflecting probable chronic depletion of Zn. (Normal values are: hair 193 ± 18 μg/g, serum 75-160 μg%, urine 400-600 μg/g.) It has been shown that the offspring of Zn-deficient rats have marked growth retardation and high incidence of congenital malformation, some of which are similar to those seen in FAS. Alcoholic patients have been found to lose increased amounts of zinc in urine. Therefore, it is tempting to speculate that congenital Zn deficiency plays an important role in the pathogenesis of this syndrome.
Introduction of pulse oximetry in the air medical setting.

The importance of adequate oxygenation in critically ill patients is widely recognized. Pulse oximetry (PO) is a non-invasive, rapid technique of arterial hemoglobin oxygen saturation (SaO 2 ) measurement. This report is a review of our experience using the PO during air medical transport. A chart review was conducted on patients who used air medical transport between October 1988 and March 1989. Types of patients included trauma and ICU patients who were transported from either accident scenes or outlying hospitals. SaO 2 and vital sign (VS) measurements were obtained pre and postflight, and inflight interventions were documented. Four groups of patients were identified: Group I: PO used, inflight intervention employed; Group II: PO used, no inflight intervention employed; Group III: no PO used, inflight intervention employed; Group IV: no PO used, no inflight intervention employed. A dependent, paired t-test was used to compare pre and postflight SaO 2 and VS measurements. The mean difference between pre and postflight measurements of SaO 2 systolic blood pressure, and pulse rate were calculated within each group. Then, an ANOVA with post-hoc Newman-Keuls Test compared the means between the four groups. Of the 137 patients reviewed, 82 used PO and 55 patients did not due to technical or anatomic problems. Of the 82 patients who used PO, 19 received an inflight intervention. Interventions included manual ventilation, increasing FIO 2 , oral intubation, combination of intubation/chest tube, and chest tube thoracostomy. A difference (p 2 and systolic blood pressure (SBP) only in the group that used the PO and carried out an intervention (Group I). The mean difference between the pre and postflight measurements of SaO 2 and SBP was significantly higher in Group I, where PO was used and inflight intervention employed, compared to Group II, where the PO was used but there was no intervention employed. In our patient population, PO corresponds to an increased number of interventions. There is a greater change in SaO 2 in patients who received an intervention than in patients who did not, suggesting that the use of PO may contribute to earlier diagnosis of desaturation leading to implementation of therapeutic measures. This report suggests continued assessment of the impact of PO in the air medical setting.
"Proud Mormon Polygamist": Assimilation, Popular Memory, and the Mormon Churches in Big Love

Abstract: This article explores the tensions between the official Mormon Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the polygamist Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as popular memory of these subcultures are created through a variety of media representations, including fictional programming like Big Love, media branding campaigns from both secular and religious groups, and reality programming such as Sister Wives and Polygamy USA. Using Hebdige’s concepts of hegemony, subculture, and assimilation, as well as Spivak’s subaltern, this paper analyzes the ongoing discourse of assimilation and rejection of the Mormon Church in American society though the representations of these groups in popular media.
Validation of a fuel management code MCODE-FM against fission product poisoning and flux wire measurements of the MIT reactor

Abstract The Massachusetts Institute of Technology Research Reactor (MITR), with thermal power of 6 MW, is one of the five high-performance research reactors operated in the U.S. An in-house program MCODE-FM (MCNP-ORIGEN Coupled Depletion Program – Fuel Management) as the reference code supporting routine operation is currently developed by the MITR staff. Adopting Monte Carlo methods enables exact modeling of the MITR core geometry with use of continuous-energy nuclear data. A criticality search algorithm to track control blade movement is implemented in MCODE-FM. The code also features automation of input file generation, data manipulation, and post-processing of output data for fuel cycle analysis. Some verification and validation runs have been carried out by comparisons with the multiplication factor and the reactivity worth induced by control blades. In this study, further validation runs are performed, with two sets of measured data: 1) reactivity effects of fission product poisoning and fuel depletion and 2) reaction rate based thermal and fast neutron flux. Fission product poisoning effects calculated by MCODE-FM are in good agreement with the measured data obtained during the reactor start-up process (within 10%). The trend of peak xenon reactivity after the reactor shutdown is predicted accurately as well. As compared to the neutron activation experiment, MCODE-FM is found to slightly over-estimate the thermal flux with less than 10% discrepancy and the fast neutron flux with less than 20% discrepancy.
Localization, distribution, and induction of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes and aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity within lung

The metabolism of xenobiotics within lung often leads to toxicity, although certain pulmonary cells are more readily damaged than others. This differential susceptibility can result from cell-specific differences in xenobiotic activation and detoxication. The localization and distribution of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes (cytochromes P-450, NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase, epoxide hydrolase, glutathione S-transferases, UDP-glucuronosyltransferases, and a sulfotransferase) and of aryl hydrocarbon (benzo[a]pyrene) hydroxylase activity determined immunohistochemically and histochemically, respectively, within lung are discussed. Findings reveal that xenobiotics can be metabolized in situ, albeit to different extents, by bronchial epithelial cells, Clara and ciliated bronchiolar epithelial cells, and type II pneumocytes and other alveolar wall cells and that enzymes and activities are not necessarily induced uniformly among these cells.
Isolation and Phylogenetic Analysis of Xylella fastidiosa from Its Invasive Alternative Host, Porcelain Berry

A strain of Xylella fastidiosa was isolated from an invasive alternative host species, porcelain berry. Its genetic relationship with strains isolated from a native alternative host, wild grape; a nonnative alternative host, mulberry; and other economically important hosts including cultivated grape, peach, plum, oak, maple and oleander was determined by using sequence analysis of the 16S-23S rRNA intergenic spacer region. Our phylogenetic analysis revealed that the porcelain berry strain is most closely related to the wild grape strain. These two strains are more closely related to the oak, peach, and plum strains than to the mulberry and oleander strains. They are separated from the maple and cultivated grape strains. Our data suggest that suppression of porcelain berry, wild grape, and mulberry in the vicinity of susceptible economically important hosts such as oak, peach, and plum may provide an important control measure for diseases caused by X. fastidiosa.
Unsupervised Learning of Morphology Using a Novel Directed Search Algorithm: Taking the First Step

This paper describes a system for the unsupervised learning of morphological suffixes and stems from word lists. The system is composed of a generative probability model and a novel search algorithm. By examining morphologically rich subsets of an input lexicon, the search identifies highly productive paradigms. Quantitative results are shown by measuring the accuracy of the morphological relations identified. Experiments in English and Polish, as well as comparisons with other recent unsupervised morphology learning algorithms demonstrate the effectiveness of this technique.
The Last Great Necessity: Cemeteries in American History

Traces the history of American cemeteries from colonial times to the present day. This study looks at how small family or church graveyards were transformed into large, commercially operated lawn-park cemeteries.
Alpha-particle and gamma-ray spectral studies of 149Gd and 149Eu

Abstract The alpha-particle and photon spectra of 9.5 d 149Gd and the photon spectrum of its daughter 106 d 149Eu were studied with a Si(Au) surface barrier detector, and with Ge(Li) and NaI(Tl) gamma-ray spectrometers. The 149Gd alpha particles were found to have an energy of 3.01±0.01 MeV while the α E.C. branching ratio was found to be (4.0±1.2) × 10−6. The 149Gd gamma-ray transition energies, in keV, and relative intensities (placed in parentheses) were found to be: 150 (240), 216, (0.8), 253 (1.3), 261 (4.2), 273 (12.5), 299 (118), 347 (100), 461 (2.5), 497 (6.3), 517 (10.5), 535 (12.4), 646 (4.5), 666 (3.6), 750 (30), 790 (27), 812 (0.4), 934+939 (11.5), 949 (3.2). For 149Eu the photon energies, again in keV, and relative intensities were measured to be: 255 (12), 277 (100), 328 (118), 350 (9), 506 (14) and 529 (13). The K-shell internal conversion coefficients were calculated by intercomparison of the photon intensity data with conversion electron intensity data of other workers.
Suppression of human detrusor smooth muscle excitability and contractility via pharmacological activation of large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels.

Overactive bladder syndrome is frequently associated with increased detrusor smooth muscle (DSM) contractility. We tested the hypothesis that pharmacological activation of the large-conductance voltage- and Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) channel with NS-1619, a selective BK channel opener, reduces the excitability and contractility of human DSM. We used the amphotericin-perforated whole cell patch-clamp technique on freshly isolated human DSM cells, live-cell Ca2+ imaging, and isometric DSM tension recordings of human DSM strips obtained from open bladder surgeries. NS-1619 (30 μM) significantly increased the amplitude of the voltage step-induced whole cell BK currents, and this effect was abolished by pretreatment with 200 nM iberiotoxin (IBTX), a selective BK channel inhibitor. In current-clamp mode, NS-1619 (30 μM) significantly hyperpolarized the resting membrane potential, and the hyperpolarization was reversed by IBTX (200 nM). NS-1619 (30 μM) significantly decreased the intracellular Ca2+ level in isolated human DSM cells. BK channel activation with NS-1619 (30 μM) significantly inhibited the amplitude, muscle force, frequency, duration, and tone of the spontaneous phasic and pharmacologically induced DSM contractions from human DSM isolated strips. IBTX (200 nM) suppressed the inhibitory effects of NS-1619 on spontaneous contractions. The amplitude of electrical field stimulation (0.5–50 Hz)-induced contractions was significantly reduced by NS-1619 (30 μM). Our data suggest that pharmacological activation of BK channels could represent a novel treatment option to control bladder dysfunction in humans.
Effect of intrachain and interchain interactions on the structures of crystalline regions in linear polymers

In order to explain (1) the chain folding observed in single crystals of linear polyethylene and some other polymeric substances and in isolated molecules obtained from dilute solutions, (2) the twisted ribbon structure in polyethylene spherulites, (3) long x-ray diffraction spacings in various polymers, and (4) the rotation of polarized light by single crystals of n-paraffins, it is proposed that (1) intrachain forces produce slight departures from a planar zigzag structure of the carbon chain (or from a helical structure of simple multiplicity), (2) intrachain and interchain forces make these departures approximately uniform within each chain, and (3) when the total departure from the simpler structure reaches a limiting value, a sudden alteration in structure occurs.
Statistical study of two-dimensional colloidal crystals based on microscopic images and optical diffraction

Abstract Through the direct measurement on the microscopic image of a two-dimensional (2-D) colloidal polycrystalline array, the statistical distribution profiles of the crystalline grain size and the defect density were determined. At the same time, an optical diffraction analysis method was developed to extract the mean values of these two parameters from the measured diffraction pattern. Results from the two methods were compared. We found that both parameters obey the Poisson distribution. For grain size, the discrete unit of the distribution is the average distance between the neighboring defects. It implies that the growth of crystalline grains displays a process of increasing grain size with this quantum value. A possible reason for this distribution is discussed based on the atomic force microscopy (AFM) images.
Alterations in superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and peroxides in the plasmodial slime mold Physarum polycephalum during differentiation.

Changes in the level of antioxidant defenses and the concentration of free radical by-products were examined in differentiating (M3cVII and LU897 x LU863), non-differentiating (LU887 x LU897), and heterokaryon microplasmodia of the slime mold Physarum polycephalum during spherulation in salts-only medium. As differentiation proceeded, superoxide dismutase activity increased by as much as 46 fold; glutathione concentration and the rate of oxygen consumption decreased; cyanide-resistant respiration, hydrogen peroxide, and organic peroxide concentrations increased. The non-differentiating culture failed to exhibit any of these changes. A heterokaryon obtained by the fusion of differentiating and non-differentiating strains was observed to differentiate at a very retarded rate and to exhibit the changes observed in the spherulating strains at a correspondingly slower rate. These observations suggest that a free radical mechanism may be involved in the differentiation of Physarum microplasmodia into spherules.
A triangulation algorithm for arbitrary planar domains

Abstract For finite element problems which involve irregular regions it is useful to have an automatic scheme capable of forming consistent, high-quality triangulations economically and efficiently. Existing computer algorithms tend either to be lacking in flexibility or inordinately time consuming. This algorithm was developed for the FEHPOL system and has significant advantages over previous methods. A flow chart and computer listing are included.
One-way delivery of high-quality laser beams through multimode fibers

Multimode fibers destroy the shape, phase, and polarization of laser beams passing through them. We show how to correct for those problems on line using devices which combine a photorefractive double phase conjugate mirror (DPCM) and a local reference beam holographic wave coupling (LRHWC).© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A modified frequency-weighted Itakura spectral distortion measure

A modified frequency-weighted Itakura spectral distortion measure (FWIDM) for speech recognition in noise is described. It is shown that if noise is added to the test speech signal before preemphasis (such as would be the case with environment noise picked up at the microphone), the FWIDM method is not effective in reducing the distance between the noisy test spectrum and the clean reference spectrum. The modified FWIDM overcomes this problem. The modification is to use the bandwidth broadened spectrum of the nonpreemphasized test speech signal as the weighting function. It is shown that this weighting function reduces the distance between the clean reference spectrum and the noisy test spectrum of the preemphasized speech signals. This weighting function is also effective if the test and reference spectra are obtained from the nonpreemphasized speech signal. >
Mechanism for middle to upper crustal contamination: Evidence from continental-margin magmas

Lavas and feeder dikes of two Quaternary volcanic complexes in southwest British Columbia provide evidence of an upper crustal syntectic origin for many dacite magmas. Contamination initially involves solid-liquid and liquid-liquid interdiffusion between the magma and <1-cm-wide, partially melted (≤60% ) margins of wall-rock xenoliths. Subsequent abrasion of mechanically unstable margins contributes both silicic melt and xenocrysts to the magma. Hybridization continues by elemental exchange between the magma and crustal liquid, where mechanical mixing produces a "meshlike" distribution of <1 mm rhyolite strands in the lava matrix. The magma may assimilate large quantities of crustal material through disaggregation of xenoliths within high-level subvolcanic dikes.
The apparent activation energy and dynamic fragility of ancient ambers

Abstract According to the literature, different types of materials have different glass transition temperature ( T g ) dependences of apparent activation energy ( E g ) and dynamic fragility ( m ). In previous work we found that for different ambers, there were different glass transition temperatures. These same samples provide an opportunity to study the T g dependence of E g and m for amber, which has not been reported previously in the literature. In this work, nine pieces of amber from different locations and having different ages were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry. Six cooling rates were used to provide the different thermal histories, and the corresponding limiting fictive temperatures were determined using Moynihan's area matching method. From the cooling rate dependence of the limiting fictive temperature both the apparent activation energy and dynamic fragility were calculated. We find that as glass transition temperature increases, both the apparent activation energy and dynamic fragility increase. The T g dependence of m for amber shows a similar trend with temperature as do the metallic glass formers and compares favorably with the m – T g dependence of other aromatic polymers.
Rectangular distribution whose end points are not exactly known: curvilinear trapezoidal distribution

Metrologists often represent the state of knowledge concerning a quantity about which scant specific information is available by a rectangular probability distribution. The end points are frequently specified by subjective judgment; therefore, they are inexactly known. If the states of knowledge about the end points may be represented by other (narrower) rectangular distributions, then the resulting probability distribution looks like a trapezoid whose sloping sides are curved. We refer to such a probability distribution as curvilinear trapezoid. Depending on the limits of rectangular distributions for the end points, the curvilinear trapezoidal distribution may be asymmetric. In a previous paper we had shown that if the mid-point of a rectangular distribution is known and the state of knowledge about the half-width may be represented by a rectangular distribution then the resulting distribution is symmetric curvilinear trapezoid. In this paper, we describe the probability density function of a curvilinear trapezoidal distribution which arises from inexactly known end points. Then we give compact analytic expressions for all moments including the expected value and the variance. Next we discuss how random numbers from such a distribution may be generated. We compare the curvilinear trapezoid which arises from inexactly known end points with the corresponding trapezoid whose sloping sides are straight. We also compare the curvilinear trapezoid which arises from inexactly known end points with the curvilinear trapezoid which arises when the mid-point is known and the state of knowledge about the half-width may be represented by a rectangular distribution. The results presented in this paper are useful in evaluating uncertainty according to the Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM) as well as Supplement 1 to the GUM (GUM-S1).
Steps toward a sound measure of engineering student attitudes: Pittsburgh Engineering Attitudes Scale - Revised

Engineering education is currently undergoing a transition toward increased constructivist practices and a new philosophy of education that recognizes the active role of the learner in constructing knowledge. To meet the demands of the changing landscape, our research team has been reworking the Pittsburgh Engineering Attitudes Scale so that valid and reliable inferences can be made about engineering student attitudes. The current study follows up on our analysis of the scale at FIE 2008, and presents evidence of structural validity, internal reliability, and external validity of student responses to a revised version of the scale. The results of the current study suggest the Pittsburgh Engineering Attitudes Scale - Revised overcomes previous problems with the original scale reported in the literature and that we are making positive steps toward a sound measure of student attitudes.
Corrosion Failure Modes in a TAB200 Test Vehicle

Temperature-humidity bias (THB) tests were carried out for tape automated bonded (TAB) samples, consisting of Au/Cu/Cr metal bump structures and AI/Si interconnecting metallization tracks, passivated with P-doped glass. Three predominant failure modes were identified: 1) type A failure: corrosion of positive and negative metallization tracks; 2) type B failure: corrosion at the bond pad-bump interfaces; and 3) type C failure: debonding of the Cu/Sn inner leads from the bumps. While type C failure was mainly due to improper bonding parameters and thus not directly related to the corrosion process, the other two types were caused by specific ionic impurities. Adhesion between the various metalpassivation interfaces and the quality of the passivation both had a major influence on the corrosion characteristics.
A Conserved Streptococcal Membrane Protein, LsrS, Exhibits a Receptor-Like Function for Lantibiotics

Streptococcus mutans strain GS-5 produces a two-peptide lantibiotic, Smb, which displays inhibitory activity against a broad spectrum of bacteria, including other streptococci. For inhibition, lantibiotics must recognize specific receptor molecules present on the sensitive bacterial cells. However, so far no such receptor proteins have been identified for any lantibiotics. In this study, using a powerful transposon mutagenesis approach, we have identified in Streptococcus pyogenes a gene that exhibits a receptor-like function for Smb. The protein encoded by that gene, which we named LsrS, is a membrane protein belonging to the CAAX protease family. We also found that nisin, a monopeptide lantibiotic, requires LsrS for its optimum inhibitory activity. However, we found that LsrS is not required for inhibition by haloduracin and galolacticin, both of which are two-peptide lantibiotics closely related to Smb. LsrS appears to be a well-conserved protein that is present in many streptococci, including S. mutans. Inactivation of SMU.662, an LsrS homolog, in S. mutans strains UA159 and V403 rendered the cells refractory to Smb-mediated killing. Furthermore, overexpression of LsrS in S. mutans created cells more susceptible to Smb. Although LsrS and its homolog contain the CAAX protease domain, we demonstrate that inactivation of the putative active sites on the LsrS protein has no effect on its receptor-like function. This is the first report describing a highly conserved membrane protein that displays a receptor-like function for lantibiotics.
Model Simulations in Support of Field Scale Design and Operation of Bioremediation Based on Cometabolic Degradation

This paper addresses questions fundamental to the design and operation of aquifer bioremediation based on cometabolic degradation. A model of a full-scale, in situ system for bioremediation of chlorinated ethenes relying on cometabolic degradation was developed and applied to a hypothetical aquifer being considered for a large-scale field demonstration of in situ bioremediation with recirculation. The model was used to identify feasible substrate (electron donor and electron acceptor) delivery schedules. Trichloroethylene (TCE) was the target contaminant. Methane and phenol were considered as electron donors. The delivery of the electron donors and the electron acceptor, oxygen, was varied to evaluate the rate and extent of bioremediation under different substrate delivery schedules. Maximum removal of TCE was predicted when substrates are delivered at ratios near the stoichiometric requirement of electron donor and acceptor for net microbial growth. Additionally, the decrease in TCE removal that results from using substrate delivery schedules other than those achieving the maximum removal of TCE was quantified. This decrease was greater for the methane-oxygen system because the two gaseous substrates compete for transfer into the recirculated ground water. If one substrate is introduced in excess of the amount required for net microbial growth, it accumulates, thus limiting themore » ability to introduce the second substrate. This imbalance both limits the introduction of the second substrate and accelerates the accumulation of the substrate added in excess. The phenol-oxygen system is less sensitive to deviation away from the best observed substrate delivery schedule because phenol is a relatively soluble liquid and its introduction does not compete with the mass transfer of oxygen.« less
Modulation of Acute Lung Injury by Integrins

Acute lung injury is a common disorder with a high mortality rate, but previous efforts to develop drugs to treat this disorder have been unsuccessful. In an effort to develop more effective treatments, we have been studying the molecular pathways that regulate the dysfunction of alveolar epithelial cells and endothelial cells that serve as a final common pathway leading to alveolar flooding. Using integrin subunit knockout mice and antibodies we developed by immunizing these mice, we have found important and distinct roles for the αvβ6 integrin on epithelial cells and the αvβ5 integrin on endothelial cells in mediating increases in alveolar permeability in multiple models of acute lung injury. We have also found therapeutic effects of αvβ5 inhibition in two models of septic shock even when the antibody was administered to animals that were obviously ill. These results identify αvβ6 and αvβ5 as promising therapeutic targets for the treatment of acute lung injury and septic shock.
Tissue Angiotensin and Pathobiology of Vascular Disease A Unifying Hypothesis

Abstract —There is increasing evidence that direct pathobiological events in the vessel wall play an important role in vascular disease. An important mechanism involves the perturbation of the homeostatic balance between NO and reactive oxygen species. Increased reactive oxygen species can inactivate NO and produce peroxynitrite. Angiotensin II is a potent mediator of oxidative stress and stimulates the release of cytokines and the expression of leukocyte adhesion molecules that mediate vessel wall inflammation. Inflammatory cells release enzymes (including ACE) that generate angiotensin II. Thus, a local positive-feedback mechanism could be established in the vessel wall for oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction. Angiotensin II also acts as a direct growth factor for vascular smooth muscle cells and can stimulate the local production of metalloproteinases and plasminogen activator inhibitor. Taken together, angiotensin II can promote vasoconstriction, inflammation, thrombosis, and vascular remodeling. In this article, we propose a model that unifies the interrelationship among cardiovascular risk factors, angiotensin II, and the pathobiological mechanisms contributing to cardiovascular disease. This model may also explain the beneficial effects of ACE inhibitors on cardiovascular events beyond blood pressure reduction.
Contact-induced damage in ceramic coatings on compliant substrates : Fracture mechanics and design

Simple explicit relations are presented for the onset of competing fracture modes in ceramic coatings on compliant substrates from Hertzian-like contacts. Special attention is given to a deleterious mode of radial cracking that initiates at the lower coating surface beneath the contact, in addition to traditional cone cracking and quasiplasticity in the near-contact area. The critical load relations are expressed in terms of well-documented material parameters (elastic modulus, toughness, hardness, and strength) and geometrical parameters (coating thickness and sphere radius). Data from selected glass, Al2O3 and ZrO2 coating materials on polycarbonate substrates are used to demonstrate the validity of the relations. The formulation provides a basis for designing ceramic coatings with optimum damage resistance.
Composition and Time Relations of Plutonic and Associated Volcanic Rocks, Boulder Batholith Region, Montana

Comparison of areally weighted bulk compositions for the Boulder batholith and prebatholith volcanic rocks (Elkhorn Mountains Volcanics) shows a close match in terms of K 2 O-Na 2 O-CaO-SiO 2 variations. Detailed examination of available chemical data suggests, however, that the constituent units of the volcanic rocks differ among themselves, as well as from many of the batholith units. Most sampled volcanic rocks are chemically and isotopically similar to the volumetrically minor mafic members of the putonic main series of Tilling (1973). The sodic-series plutonic rocks, which form about 15 percent of the exposed batholith, apparently have no compositionally similar counterparts in the Elkhorn Mountains Volcanics in terms of bulk composition. The Butte Quartz Monzonite, which makes up about three-quarters of the batholith in terms of individual samples and bulk composition, is chemically distinct from most volcanic rocks. This relation suggests that only small amounts of magma of Butte Quartz Monzonite composition erupted onto the surface. The voluminous silicic ash flows of the middle member of the volcanic rocks were probably derived from the same magma that mostly crystallized subsurface to form the Butte Quartz Monzonite. Field, chemical, K-Ar age, and paleomagnetic evidence, however, strongly suggest that a time gap separated the extrusion of the middle-member volcanic rocks from the intrusion of the Butte Quartz Monzonite and related younger silicic variants. Compositional and time relations between the plutonic and genetically associated volcanic rocks are generally compatible with the concept that the volcanic rocks are eruptive equivalents of a shallow evolving batholith but seem incompatible with some specific aspects of the “extrusive complex” or “floored sheet” hypothesis as applied to the Boulder batholith by Hamilton and Myers (1967, 1974).
THE VARIABLE GENOMIC ARCHITECTURE OF ISOLATION BETWEEN HYBRIDIZING SPECIES OF HOUSE MICE

Studies of the genetics of hybrid zones can provide insight into the genomic architecture of species boundaries. By examining patterns of introgression of multiple loci across a hybrid zone, it may be possible to identify regions of the genome that have experienced selection. Here, we present a comparison of introgression in two replicate transects through the house mouse hybrid zone through central Europe, using data from 41 single nucleotide markers. Using both genomic and geographic clines, we found many differences in patterns of introgression between the two transects, as well as some similarities. We found that many loci may have experienced the effects of selection at linked sites, including selection against hybrid genotypes, as well as positive selection in the form of genotypes introgressed into a foreign genetic background. We also found many positive associations of conspecific alleles among unlinked markers, which could be caused by epistatic interactions. Different patterns of introgression in the two transects highlight the challenge of using hybrid zones to identify genes underlying isolation and raise the possibility that the genetic basis of isolation between these species may be dependent on the local population genetic make-up or the local ecological setting.
Language and Woman's Place

Our use of language embodies attitudes as well as referential meanings. ‘Woman's language’ has as foundation the attitude that women are marginal to the serious concerns of life, which are pre-empted by men. The marginality and powerlessness of women is reflected in both the ways women are expected to speak, and the ways in which women are spoken of. In appropriate women's speech, strong expression of feeling is avoided, expression of uncertainty is favored, and means of expression in regard to subject-matter deemed ‘trivial’ to the ‘real’ world are elaborated. Speech about women implies an object, whose sexual nature requires euphemism, and whose social roles are derivative and dependent in relation to men. The personal identity of women thus is linguistically submerged; the language works against treatment of women, as serious persons with individual views.These aspects of English are explored with regard to lexicon (color terms, particles, evaluative adjectives), and syntax (tag-questions, and related aspects of intonation in answers to requests, and of requests and orders), as concerns speech by women. Speech about women is analyzed with regard to lady : woman, master : mistress, widow : widower, and Mr : Mrs., Miss, with notice of differential use of role terms not explicitly marked for sex (e.g. professional) as well.Some suggestions and conclusions are offered for those working in the women's liberation movement and other kinds of social reform; second language teaching; and theoretical linguistics. Relevant generalizations in linguistics require study of social mores as well as of purely linguistic data.