cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Many Lives and Afterlives of Khaim Sygal: Borderland Identities and Violence in Wartime Ukraine

At first glance, the dark mid-century wartime odyssey of Khaim Sygal, a simple Jewish schoolteacher from L’viv, appears as a horrible, but fascinating, historical oddity. Sygal served as a Soviet p...
Time-series tests of a non-expected-utility model of asset pricing

Abstract This paper provides two alternative estimation and testing procedures of a representative agent model of asset pricing which relies on a particular parametrization of non-expected-utility preferences. The first is based on maximum-likelihood estimates, supplemented with an explicit model of time varying first and second moments (where the time-variation of second moments is modelled with an ARCH process); the second is based on GMM. Tests are performed on monthly observations of industry stock returns and consumption. Our results extend a test of the dynamic capital asset pricing model performed by Hansen and Singleton (1982, 1983) and a recent test of the model studied here by Epstein and Zin (1991).
Regional anesthesia for ambulatory pediatric penoscrotal procedures.

Summary Background/Purpose Pediatric urology procedures are amongst the most commonly performed in children. The need for proactive treatment of pain is essential for optimal patient care. Current guidelines recommend the routine use of regional anesthesia in children as appropriate unless contraindicated. Given the commonality of urologic procedures in children, it is essential to understand the indications for and the utility of regional anesthesia. Methods The current literature was searched using PubMed as the primary platform. Search words included ‘dorsal penile nerve block,’ ‘pudendal nerve block,’ ‘ring block,’ ‘spinal anesthesia,’ and ‘caudal,’ along with ‘pediatric’, ‘circumcision,’ ‘hypospadias,’ ‘urology’, and ‘urological surgery’ as part of the keywords of the search. Results The articles resulting from the literature search were reviewed for content, clarity and study design by two co-authors, and agreement determined the incorporation into the review. Additionally, a detailed description of study design, regional anesthetic technique, local anesthetic(s) used, and outcomes of each study referenced was incorporated into the supplemental table. Conclusion Given the variance in block technique and local anesthetic choice amongst the current reported studies in the literature, it is difficult to truly compare and infer superiority of the regional anesthetic choices for ambulatory penoscrotal procedures. When choosing a regional anesthetic technique, careful consideration must be placed on block coverage, severity of expected pain and surgical duration of the procedure, type and dose of local anesthetic, as well as the patient’s past medical history and anatomy. Moreover, the regional block chosen should result from a thorough preoperative discussion between the surgeon and the anesthesiologist.
Tips and tricks on how to use Twitter

Four expert users at Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, talk Twitter to Daniel Rzewnicki and give some invaluable advice for those wanting to use this platform in a healthcare environment Twitter is a common communication tool for individuals, organisations, scientific journals, and learned bodies such as the Royal Colleges,1 and it has been recognised as a useful tool for medical education, networking and connecting with other students or faculty, and a tool for creative writing and reflection.23 BMJ Student spoke to doctors with a following on Twitter (box 1) who share their advice on how to use this social media application effectively. Box 1 ### Meet the doctors from Emory University School of Medicine, Georgia, Atlanta #### Kimberly Manning (@gradydoctor) Kimberly Manning is a professor and associate vice chair of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Oprah Magazine described her blog as “one of the top four medical blogs you should read.” Manning is active on Twitter and has more than 80 000 followers. #### Jennifer Spicer (@JenniferSpicer4) Jennifer Spicer is an assistant professor of medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases and director of the Distinction in Medical Education for the internal medicine residency programme. She is passionate about curriculum development and instructional methods in medical education. #### Meredith Greer (@EmmGeezee) Meredith Greer is a newly appointed assistant professor in pulmonary and critical care and sleep medicine with a clinical interest in neuromuscular pulmonology. She is passionate about medical education and she is a constant source of positivity on Twitter. #### Caroline Coleman (@cg_coleman) Caroline Coleman finished medical school at Emory University in May 2020 and stayed on for an internal medicine residency. She is a graphic artist whose illustrations have appeared in board review books, infographics, and visual abstracts.RETURN TO TEXT If you are new to Twitter or social media, helpful summaries are available to get you started on the basics, such as finding your way around the app or understanding …
1st Order Modeling of a SAW Delay Line using MathCAD(Registered)

To aid in the development of SAW sensors for Integrated Vehicle Health Monitoring applications, a first order model of a SAW Delay line has been created using MathCadA. The model implements the Impulse Response method to calculate the frequency response, impedance, and insertion loss. This paper presents the model and the results from the model for a SAW delay line design. Integrated Vehicle Health Monitoring (IVHM) of aerospace vehicles requires rugged sensors having reduced volume, mass, and power that can be used to measure a variety of phenomena. Wireless systems are preferred when retro-fitting sensors onto existing vehicles [1]. Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) devices are capable of sensing: temperature, pressure, strain, chemical species, mass loading, acceleration, and shear stress. SAW technology is low cost, rugged, lightweight, and extremely low power. Passive wireless sensors have been developed using SAW technology. For these reasons new SAW sensors are being investigated for aerospace applications.
Effects of age and cardiovascular risk factors on FDG-uptake in atherosclerotic plaques in aorta and peripheral arteries

1851 Objectives To determine the correlation between age, cardiovascular risk factors, and FDG uptake in the aorta and atherosclerotic plaques in the peripheral arteries. Methods A total of 76 patients(46 M, 30 F) with an average age of 66.6 y (range 22 - 91 y) were included in this study. These patient had undergone whole-body FDG-PET to assess the state of underlying melanoma. Patients were assigned into groups based on presence or absence of cardiovascular risk factors. FDG uptake in atherosclerotic plaques, quantified as weighted average SUVmean (aSUVmean) [Σ (SUVmean x surface area) / total vessel volume], was determined in the peripheral arteries (iliac, femoral, popliteal) and the aorta by placing ROIs around the arterial wall every 20 mm. A multiple regression model was fitted to assess the effect of age and cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and smoking) on FDG uptake in different parts of the arterial system. Results A statistically significant relationship was found between age and aSUVmean in the peripheral vessels (β = 0.005, SE = 0.0008; p Conclusions These data demonstrate that age and cardiovascular risk factors significantly increase the degree of FDG uptake in the atherosclerotic plaques in the aorta and peripheral arteries which is more pronounced in the aorta. The approaches described will have a major impact in assessing presence of atherosclerosis in the arterial system throughout the body. In addition, the methodologies developed will allow response assessment following therapeutic interventions and individualized treatment
Molecular excitation effects on the absolute sulfur K x-ray intensity in electron bombardment and photoionization of SF6 and H2S.

We discuss the enhancement of the absolute sulfur K x-ray intensity observed in the electron bombardment of ${\mathrm{SF}}_{6}$ over that from ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$S or ${\mathrm{SO}}_{2}$ in terms of the contribution to the total K-shell vacancy production cross section from the excitation of the well-known molecular-state resonance in ${\mathrm{SF}}_{6}$ below the ionization threshold. The equality of the K x-ray intensity observed from the photoionization of the sulfur gases by an $^{55}\mathrm{Fe}$ radioactive source is also understood since the resonance is not excited in this case.
Some scalp and dapth electrographic observations on the action of intracarotid sodium amytal injection on epileptic discharges in man

Abstract Five patients were studied with ten intracarotid injections of sodium amytal during scalp and/or dapth electrographic recordings. Observations on secondary bilateral synchrony are in accord with previous studies indicating that an injection in hte carotid homolateral to the triggering focus suppresses or dapresses discharges on both sidas whereas injection on the contralateral carotid does not modify them or reduces slightly the amplituda only on the hemisphere ipsilateral to the injection. Observations on temporal lobe epilepsy indicate that the results are very complex. Injection of amytal into the carotid of one sida could produce either suppression of an ipsilateral focus or activation of the ipsilateral or of the contralateral focus. These effects of difficult interpretation appear, however, to be due to the action of the drug itself rather than to sleep or dowsiness.
Specialists' and Primary Care Physicians' Participation in Medicaid Managed Care

OBJECTIVE: To compare specialist and primary care physician participation in California’s Medicaid fee-for-service and managed care programs.
Veggies and visceralities: A political ecology of food and feeling

Abstract The ‘alternative food’ movement (encompassing both organic and local foods) has been critiqued for its racial and economic homogeneity, as well as its focus on individual choice and ‘correct’ knowledge. Nevertheless, the movement continues to gain in popularity within certain segments of the North American population (especially among white, middle class residents). In recent years, alternative food has also made its way into public schools – most notably through the guise of healthy eating. School Garden and Cooking Programs (SGCPs) are one way in which a more diverse demographic can become exposed to the claims, practices and tastes of alternative food. Program advocates claim that such exposure equalizes the student body, by giving all students access to healthy food. This paper examines this claim through a political ecology of the body (PEB) framework. Particularly, we use theories of the material, emotional body to explore how motivation to eat ‘healthy’ and ‘alternative’ food is a matter of affective relation, emerging differentially from a rhizome of structural and haphazard forces. By relating alternative food and healthy eating to research on emotion and affect, we expand upon the traditions of political ecology in ways that help to stretch the field into issues of bodies and health.
Les torsades des pointes

A 17-year-old woman had two admissions within five months for recurrent episodes of ventricular tachycardia in conjunction with a prolonged QT interval. On both occasions these were refractory to intravenous lidocaine and bretylium. During her first admission her dysrhythmia was controlled by repeated doses of intravenous propranolol; however, she required temporary overdrive transvenous pacing on her second admission. On both occasions when the low normal serum potassium was replaced and therapeutic levels of diphenylhydantoin and phenobarbital were obtained, the episodes of ventricular tachycardia subsided. This case illustrates the complexities inherent in making the diagnosis and in treating this syndrome, and should assist the emergency physician in treating this difficult and potentially fatal dysrhythmia.
Off-pump versus on-pump reoperative CABG via a left thoracotomy for circumflex coronary artery revascularization.

Objective: Reoperative CABG via a left thoracotomy (RCLT) has become a useful approach for revascularization of the circumflex coronary territory for patients who are at high risk for conventional approach. This study compares the results of RCLT using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with those of a beating heart technique (OPCAB). Methods: Thirty-two patients who underwent RCLT over the past 10 years were included. Fourteen patients undergoing on-pump RCLT (CPB) were compared to 18 patients undergoing off-pump RCLT (OPCAB). Baseline characteristics of the study groups were similar. Follow-up was 100% complete. A single graft was performed in all patients except one who had two grafts. Results: There were no deaths or perioperative myocardial infarctions in either group. The incidence of atrial fibrillation (CPB: 29% vs. OPCAB: 11%) and the percentage of patients requiring ventilator support longer than 24 hours (21% vs. 6%) was not significantly different between the groups. However, allogeneic blood product utilization (0.9 ± 1.2 vs. 0.3 ± 0.7 units, p = 0.04), ICU stay (65 ± 79 vs. 28 ± 16 hours, p = 0.04) and total hospital length of stay (8 ± 4 vs. 5 ± 1 days, p = 0.001) were significantly lower in the OPCAB group. Average follow-up for the entire cohort was 33 ± 9.8 months (range 2–102 months). Three-year survival was 74 ± 9% with 9 deaths (28%) during the follow-up, but only 3 (9%) were cardiac related. Reinterventions were indicated in 6 patients (19%) (PTCA; 5, CABG: 1). Follow-up was longer for the CPB group (51 ± 33 vs. 19.5 ± 14 months, p = 0.001). Three-year survival (CPB 69 ± 13%, OPCAB: 82 ± 12%, p = 0.47) and reintervention rates (CPB: 3 [21%], OPCAB: 3 [17%], p = 0.33) were similar between the groups. Conclusions: RCLT is an effective and safe approach for circumflex artery revascularization with excellent short- and mid-term results using either technique. The OPCAB technique is associated with reduced blood product utilization and shorter ICU and hospital length of stay and, therefore, is more cost-effective. (J Card Surg 2004;19:113-118)
The Strength of Selection on Ultraconserved Elements in the Human Genome

Ultraconserved elements are stretches of consecutive nucleotides that are perfectly conserved in multiple mammalian genomes. Although these sequences are identical in the reference human, mouse, and rat genomes, we identified numerous polymorphisms within these regions in the human population. To determine whether polymorphisms in ultraconserved elements affect fitness, we genotyped unrelated human DNA samples at loci within these sequences. For all single-nucleotide polymorphisms tested in ultraconserved regions, individuals homozygous for derived alleles (alleles that differ from the rodent reference genomes) were present, viable, and healthy. The distribution of allele frequencies in these samples argues against strong, ongoing selection as the force maintaining the conservation of these sequences. We then used two methods to determine the minimum level of selection required to generate these sequences. Despite the lack of fixed differences in these sequences between humans and rodents, the average level of selection on ultraconserved elements is less than that on essential genes. The strength of selection associated with ultraconserved elements suggests that mutations in these regions may have subtle phenotypic consequences that are not easily detected in the laboratory.
Suboptimal control of nonlinear systems: I. Unconstrained

The previous development in suboptimal control of nonlinear unconstrained systems is extended to constrained systems by the use of penalty functions in an augmented sense. This converts the constrained control problem into an unconstrained one with all of the advantages previously discussed. Numerical examples are presented.
In-Cylinder Velocity Measurements and Analysis in a Briggs and Stratton Engine

Unsteady velocity measurements made near the spark-plug location of an IC engine using a single-component fiber-optic LDV probe are reported. Measurements were made within a motored Briggs and Stratton single-cylinder air-cooled engine at ∼780 RPM. Data obtained was analyzed using Ensemble averaging, High-pass filtering, Wavelet Decomposition (WD), Proper-Orthogonal Decomposition (POD), and Wavelet-decomposition together with Principal Component Analysis (WD/PCA) techniques to determine the unsteady mean velocity and unsteady turbulence variations in such an engine. The results of the analysis are compared to each other. WD/PCA technique recommended for future engine unsteady flow studies was used to determine the cycle-to-cycle variations. Results indicate to large cycle-to-cycle variations in such an engine.© 2010 ASME
The spectrum of carcinoma arising in Barrett's esophagus: A clinicopathologic study of 26 patients

ABSTRACT The clinical and pathologic features of carcinoma arising in Barrett's esophagus were studied in resection specimens from 26 patients. White males predominated (73%). A history of symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux was frequently absent, being elicited in only eight of 14 patients (57%) with a carefully obtained history at the time of presentation with carcinoma. Survival was relatively short with a median survival of 23 ± 5 months, and only three patients had a disease-free survival longer than 2 years. A pathologic spectrum of carcinoma was found: differentiation ranged from well to poorly differentiated in the 20 patients with a single adenocarcinoma; two separate carcinomas were found in four patients; and a spectrum of differentiation in a single tumor was found in the other two cases, one an adeno-carcinoid tumor and the other an adenosquamous carcinoma. The tumors were generally far advanced, with extension through the esophageal wall in 23 of 26 cases (88%) and metastases to lymph nodes in 17 of 24 cases (71%). Epithelial dysplasia, including carcinoma in situ in some cases, was found in Barrett's mucosa adjacent to the tumor in all 26 patients. Our findings suggest that a surveillance program for dysplasia in patients known to have Barrett's esophagus is warranted in an attempt to improve the outcome. However, the impact of surveillance on the incidence of Barrett's carcinoma may be lessened by its frequent occurrence in patients with asymptomatic gastroesophageal reflux.
Effects of captopril on contractility after myocardial infarction: Experimental observations

Abstract After large myocardial infarction, compromised left ventricular (LV) function and changes in the peripheral circulation result in the syndrome of chronic congestive heart failure. Although treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors improve cardiovascular function, it is difficult to determine whether this benefit is due to changes in organ versus muscle function. The rat model of heart failure, created by ligating the left coronary artery, results in pathophysiology that is similar to that seen in patients, i.e., increased LV end-diastolic pressure and volume, hypertrophy of the noninfarcted myocardium, prolongation of the time constant of LV relaxation, decreased venous compliance, and increased total blood volume. In noninfarcted papillary muscles, isolated from rats with heart failure, maximal developed tension and peak rate of tension rise ( +dT dt ) are decreased, time to peak tension is prolonged, and myocardial stiffness is increased. Morphologic changes include an increase in papillary muscle myocyte cross-sectional area and an increase in myocardial hydroxyproline content. Captopril (2 g/liter drinking water) alters LV loading by decreasing arterial pressure, increasing venous compliance, and decreasing blood volume. This results in a decrease in LV end-diastolic pressure and volume. In the noninfarcted myocardium, time to peak tension is shortened, whereas developed tension, +dT dt , and muscle stiffness remain abnormal. Captopril decreases myocyte cross-sectional area, but collagen content remains elevated. Thus, in the rat infarct model of heart failure, treatment with captopril alters LV remodeling and hypertrophy but produces only modest improvement in muscle function. In this model, after treatment for 3 weeks, it appears that the major benefit from angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition is due to improvements in organ function resulting from changes in loading conditions, whereas muscle function remains compromised.
The effect of surface radiation on flame spread in a quiescent, microgravity environment

In most theories of laminar flame spread over solid combustibles, radiation is neglected. However, when gas motion is completely absent, which may occur in the quiescent, microgravity environment of a spacecraft, the importance of radiation compared to convection is enhanced. Here, a theoretical model is developed of flame spread over a thin solid fuel into an opposing flow of oxidizer, the opposing flow being present in the quiescent environment in flame-fixed coordinates, including the effects of radiative heat transfer from the fuel surface. Numerical solutions to the conservation equations in the gas and the solid phase that describe the spreading flame are presented for a variety of ambient conditions and surface emittances. When surface radiation is significant, the solid surface acts as a heat sink, causing the flame to cool, shrink in size, and spread more slowly. Better agreement with experiment for net heat transfer to the surface is obtained when surface radiation is included. For low ambient oxygen levels, radiative effects lead to flame extinction. A radiation/conduction parameter is identified that adequately describes the importance of surface radiation.
Theoretical and experimental studies of transport of micelle‐solubilized solutes

A physical model describing the simultaneous diffusion of free solute and micelle-solubilized solute across the aqueous boundary layer, coupled with partitioning and diffusion of free solute through a lipoidal membrane, is derived. In vitro experiments utilizing progesterone and polysorbate 80 showed excellent agreement between theoretical predictions based on independently determined parameters and experimental results. The physical model predicts that micelles can assist the transport of solubilized solute across the aqueous diffusion layer, resulting in a higher solute concentration at the membrane surface than would be predicted if micelle diffusion is neglected. At high surfactant concentrations, the aqueous diffusion layer resistance can be eliminated and the activity of the solute at the membrane can approach the bulk solute activity. This mechanism could explain observed enhanced absorption rates in vivo when both micelle solubilization occurs and the aqueous diffusion layer is an important transport barrier. The importance of determining and defining the thermodynamic activity of the diffusing solute is emphasized.
Two-stage energy-optimal formation reconfiguration strategy

In this paper, the concept of two-stage energy-optimal reconfiguration strategy for formation flying of autonomous agents is presented. It is desired to move the agents to a special designated formation in the idle time (the time between the completion of the current formation mission and the issuance of the next reconfiguration command), in order to minimize the expected value of the reconfiguration energy consumption. The position of each agent in the special designated formation is obtained as a function of the agent's current position and the weighted center of gravity of the set of possible positions for that agent. It is shown that this strategy can reduce energy consumption considerably compared to conventional strategies. In the case of constrained acceleration, it is shown that the results remain the same as the unconstrained case if the reconfiguration time is sufficiently longer than its minimum possible value. The effectiveness of the proposed strategy is illustrated by simulation.
Defense of food supply by eusocial colonies

Overdispersion of colonies exists in many eusocial insects. Overdispersion can be generated by direct attack on colonies or founders, by defense of space, by defense of food resources being harvested, or by exploitative competition. When direct competitive interactions lead to colony overdispersion, territoriality is said to occur. Whereas solitary territory holders typically defend space, most eusocial colonies defend resource patches rather than space per se. Also unlike solitary territory holders, colonies with forager communication can simultaneously defend several spatially separated food patches. A model explores optimal numbers of scouts (discoverers of patches) and recruits (followers) needed to maximize net rate of energy intake by the colony. Territorial costs are added to the model by requiring a higher investment of foragers per unit resource collected. According to the model, optimal colony size and percentage scouts are more sensitive to changes in patch size than in patch density. If patch defense is required for resource control, a decline occurs in optimal percentage of scouts; the decline is greatest for small colonies. Colonies that must defend patches in order to harvest from them suffer a loss in net energy intake; the loss is greatest for small colonies. It is predicted that among eusocial insects, those with territorial defense of resources should preferentially visit large patches and have comparatively large colony sizes and relatively few scouts. Ways of testing these predictions are discussed.
Nucleus accumbens dopamine depletions make rats more sensitive to high ratio requirements but do not impair primary food reinforcement

It has been suggested that nucleus accumbens dopamine is involved in the process of enabling organisms to overcome work-related response costs. One way of controlling work requirements in operant schedules is to use fixed ratio schedules with different ratio requirements. In the present study, the effects of nucleus accumbens dopamine depletions were assessed using four schedules: fixed ratio 1, 4, 16, and 64. Rats with nucleus accumbens dopamine depletions showed behavioral deficits that were highly dependent upon the ratio value; there were no effects of dopamine depletions on fixed ratio 1 lever pressing, but as ratio value got larger, the impairment became much greater. In a separate experiment, pre-feeding to reduce food motivation was shown to produce a different pattern, such that performance on all ratio schedules was substantially impaired. Thus, aspects of food reinforcement that are involved in fixed ratio 1 performance are highly sensitive to food motivation, but are largely unaffected by nucleus accumbens dopamine depletions. Nevertheless, nucleus accumbens dopamine depletions affected the elasticity of demand for food, and enhanced "ratio strain", i.e. they exacerbated the response-suppressing effects of increasing ratio value.
Orbital-selective magnetism in the spin-ladder iron selenides Ba 1 − x K x Fe 2 Se 3

Here we show that the 2.80(8)${\ensuremath{\mu}}_{\mathrm{B}}$ Fe${}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ block antiferromagnetic order of BaFe${}_{2}$Se${}_{3}$ transforms into stripe antiferromagnetic order in KFe${}_{2}$Se${}_{3}$ with a decrease in moment to 2.1(1)${\ensuremath{\mu}}_{\mathrm{B}}$ Fe${}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. This reduction is larger than expected from the change in electron count from Ba${}^{2+}$ to K${}^{+}$, and occurs with the loss of the displacements of Fe atoms from ideal positions in the ladders, as found by neutron pair distribution function analysis. Intermediate compositions remain insulating, and magnetic susceptibility measurements show a suppression of magnetic order and probable formation of a spin glass. Together, these results imply an orbital-dependent selection of magnetic versus bonded behavior, driven by relative bandwidths and fillings.
A parallel inference engine simulation

Abstract A Parallel Inference Engine, the fifth-generation project processor is modeled in Simscript and simulated. The Parallel Inference Engine (PIE), sometimes also called a Parallel Inference Machine (PIM) is a coarse-grain parallel processor, consisting of 1024 processor elements. The processors are based on a unification principle. The architecture is logic-programming-based. A single unification processor model, and a 512 unification processor model are simulated using the Simscript language. Performance, utilization, and bottlenecks of the model are measured and compared with existing results. Performance for a 256-processor configuration is about 100 times the performance of a single processor, this is being confirmed by the attained results.
Is there a real-balance effect in equilibrium?

Abstract This paper discusses the question of whether the real balance effect in the consumption function should be written as a function of the deviation of the level of real balances (or more generally wealth) from their steady-state value, or rather as a function of the level of real balances. The choice appears to matter for the neutrality of money. It is shown using an intertemporal optimization model that the appropriate choice is to include the level of wealth in the consumption function. Of course, any function can be written as a linear approximation around the steady state, but if that is done, the coefficients of the linearized form change when the steady state changes.
Plasma Decontamination Of Depleted Uranium Oxide From Stainless Steel Surfacesa

: A series of single effect, RF plasma, glow discharge experiments were conducted using NF3 gas to decontaminate depleted uranium dioxide from stainless-steel substrates. In the experiments, the plasma absorbed power was varied from 25 to 210 W, the pressure from ∼10 to 40 Pa, and the NF3 flow rate from 3 to 18.5 SCCM. Results demonstrated that UO2 can be completely removed from stainless-steel substrates after several minutes processing at under 100 W with initial etch rates ranging from 0.2 to 7.4 μm/min. A primary etch mechanism is proposed in which F atoms created in the plasma diffuse to the surface UO2 and react to form successive intermediates of uranium fluorides and/or oxyfluorides with reactions continuing to form the volatile UF6 which desorbs into the gas phase to be pumped away. Ions created in the plasma are too low in concentration to be the primary etch mechanism, yet they can deliver enough energy to enhance the reaction process. UO2 etching is a self-limiting process due to the formation of non-volatile uranium oxyfluorides and fluorides which form over the UO2, slowing or completely blocking the reaction to UF6.
Ultra-low loss photonic integrated circuit with membrane-type photonic crystal waveguides

We report the design and testing of an SOI-based photonic integrated circuit containing two-dimensional membrane-type photonic crystal waveguides. The circuit comprises spot-size converters to efficiently couple light from a fiber into single-mode strip waveguides and butt-couplers to couple from strip waveguides to photonic crystal waveguides. Each optical interface was optimized to minimize back-reflections and reduce the Fabry-Perot noise. The transmission characteristics of each component are measured and record low propagation losses in photonic crystal waveguides of 24dB/cm are reported. The combination of an efficient two-stage coupling scheme and utilization of ultra-long (up to 2mm) photonic crystal waveguides reduces the uncertainty in determining the loss figure to 3dB/cm.
The effect of soybean trypsin inhibitor on concanavalin a and phytohemmagglutinin stimulation of hamster, guinea pig, rat, and mouse lymphoid cells.

Abstract Lymphoid cells from MHA hamsters, Hartley guinea pigs, DA and Fischer rats, and BDF1 mice can be stimulated to incorporate tritiated thymidine by the mitogens concanavalin A and phytohemmagglutinin P. Addition of soybean trypsin inhibitor to cultures of hamster thymocytes or spleen cells had no effect on stimulation. Similar concentrations inhibited stimulation of a subpopulation of hamster lymph node cells. The inhibitable population was concentrated in the peripheral lymph nodes. Concentrations of soybean trypsin inhibitor up to 1 mg/ml did not inhibit mitogen stimulation of guinea pig lymph node cells and partially inhibited the response of spleen cells. The inhibition of splenocyte stimulation was consistently 30–40% which may indicate a specific subpopulation of cells is inhibited. Mitogen stimulation of rat splenocytes was completely inhibited by addition of soybean trypsin inhibitor. On the other hand stimulation of lymph node cells was relatively resistant to inhibition by the protease inhibitor. Mitogen stimulation of BDF1 splenocytes and lymph node cell cultures was inhibited 60–80% by the addition of soybean trypsin inhibitor.
Acute and chronic effects of leptin on glucose utilization in lean mice.

Abstract Experiments described here show that in vivo glucose uptake is impaired in mice given 30 μg leptin by intraperitoneal injection 2 hours before an oral glucose tolerance test (GTT). When mice were infused for 7 days with 10 μg/day leptin, the 4-fold increase in circulating leptin caused a transient hypophagia, a sustained weight loss and significantly inhibited insulin release in response to an oral GTT. Adipocytes from these mice were not insulin responsive whereas insulin-stimulated muscle and liver glycogen synthesis were increased. In contrast, leptin added to 2 hour in vitro incubations had an insulin-like effect on muscle glucose utilization and augmented insulin stimulation of adipocyte lipid synthesis. Thus, normal mice treated chronically with leptin develop tissue specific changes in insulin sensitivity and compensate for inhibition of glucose-stimulated insulin release. The contrasting response to acute leptin exposure suggests these changes are not a direct effect of the protein.
Manual Specialisation and Tool Use in Captive Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes): The Effect of Unimanual and Bimanual Strategies on Hand Preference

Hand preference for tool use was assessed in a sample of captive chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). Whether the subjects solved the tool task using either a unimanual or coordinated bimanual strategy was manipulated in the chimpanzees. No population-level hand preference was found for tool use when unimanual strategies were used by the chimpanzees. However, a population-level right-hand bias was found when coordinated bimanual actions were required of the chimpanzees. A significant correlation was found in hand use for the two hand preference testing conditions. Neither sex nor rearing was found to significantly affect the direction or strength in hand preference. These results may explain discrepancies in hand preference reported in captive and wild chimpanzees with regard to tool use and other manual activities.
Air- and water-stable 1,2-vinyl-insertion polymerizations of bicyclic olefins: a simple precursor route to polyacetylene

Polyacetylene was obtained by the retro Diels-Alder reaction of poly(diethyl 7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hepta-2,5-diene-2,3-dicarboxylate) and poly(diethyl bicyclo[2.2.1]hepta-2,5-diene-2,3-dicarboxylate) which were synthesized by the polymerization of the corresponding monomers catalyzed by Pd(OAc) 2
Recalls and the Remediation of Hazardous or Defective Consumer Products: The Experiences of the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

There have been many analyses of the nation's safety, health, and environmental programs, but relatively few studies of consumer protection programs. The present study attempts to add to the literature in this area by examining, through early 1982, the recall programs for hazardous or defective consumer products of two federal agencies: the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The analysis focuses on an evaluation of existing recall methods and their success in repairing hazardous products or in removing them from the marketplace. A review of several indicators of “success” suggests that a large gap exists between the set of all such hazardous products and the subset identified as hazardous and effectively acted upon by the two agencies. Some suggestions for closing this gap are noted and discussed.
Ionospheric and thermospheric responses during August 1972 storms — A review

Various reports of ionospheric responses during the August 1972 storm events are reviewed with respect to the phenomena in three major world sectors, N-S America, Afro-Europe, and Austro-Asia, in order to have a global picture. Emphasized highlights are (1) extensive investigation of the sudden increase of the total electron content estimated from Faraday-rotation measurements of satellite signals; (2) a dramatic upward surge above 300 km altitude, soon after a flare, measured by the Millstone Hill incoherent scatter radar; (3) electron density profiles, electric fields and conductivities, and neutral winds, at the time of the geomagnetic storm sudden commencement and during the succeeding storms, measured by the Chatanika incoherent scatter radar; and, (4) approximately 2.5-h oscillatory F2 density variations in Eastern Asia during the F2 storm main phase. To show temporal variations of the latitudinal distributions of storm-time F2 electron densities, in three longitudinal sectors separated about 60° longitude each, newly investigated results of the F2 hourly data at 35 stations in the Asia-Australia-Pacific sector are then exhibited. Finally, current theories or at least theoretical ideas of ionospheric storm mechanisms are briefly introduced, and a few remarks on the August events in the light of those theories are presented.
Effects of intraarterial, intravenous, and intraluminal neurotensin on canine ileal sodium and water absorption and blood flow.

Abstract Neurotensin is a regulatory peptide which is found primarily in the ileum and is secreted into the blood and lumen. The Physiologic effects of neurotensin are uncertain but in certain pathologic states neurotensin increases to levels which can have effects on many organs. The effects of intravenous, intraarterial and intraluminal neurotensin (0.075–7.5 μg/min) on fed canine ileal sodium and water fluxes, potassium secretion, and blood flows were studied. Intravenous and intraarterial infusion of neurotensin increased net sodium, potassium, and water secretion, due to increased secretory fluxes, and increased hematocrits. Intraarterial neurotensin was not more effective than intravenous neurotensin except for stimulating potassium secretion. Neurotensin increased potassium secretion at 0.075 μg/min IA, increased sodium and water secretion at 0.75 μg/min IA and IV, and increased hematocrit at 7.5 μg/min IA and IV. Total and absorptive site blood flows and arterial and venous pressures were not changed. Intraluminal neurotensin had no effects at any infusion rate. Neurotensin can increase potassium secretion at physiologic levels by a local effect and can increase sodium and water secretion at high physiological-pathological levels through a hormonal mechanism. The secretion is not dependent on cardiovascular changes.
Urine concentrating ability of arousing and normothermic ground squirrels (Spermophilus columbianus).

Abstract 1. 1. Determinations of TCH2O indicate that the urine concentrating ability of ground squirrels (Spermophilus columbianus) arousing from torpor is similar to that of normothermic squirrels. 2. 2. When squirrels were infused with an osmotic diuretic (1·5% NaCl) the arousing animals demonstrated a maximum TCH2O whereas no maximum was reached at similar urine flows induced in normothermic squirrels. 3. 3. Urea clearances in infused arousing squirrels were generally much less than those in normothermic squirrels at high urine flows suggesting that restoration of the renal medullary osmotic gradient of arousing animals may be slowed by infusion.
Skeletal muscle vasodilatation during sympathoexcitation is not neurally mediated in humans

Evidence for the existence of sympathetic vasodilator nerves in human skeletal muscle is controversial. Manoeuvres such as contralateral ischaemic handgripping to fatigue that cause vasoconstriction in the resting forearm evoke vasodilatation after local alpha-adrenergic receptor blockade, raising the possibility that both constrictor and dilator fibres are present. The purpose of this study was to determine whether this dilatation is neurally mediated. Ten subjects (3 women, 7 men) performed ischaemic handgripping to fatigue before and after acute local anaesthetic block of the sympathetic nerves (stellate ganglion) innervating the contralateral (resting) upper extremity. Forearm blood flow was measured with venous occlusion plethysmography in the resting forearm. In control studies there was forearm vasoconstriction during contralateral handgripping to fatigue. During contralateral handgripping after stellate block, blood flow in the resting forearm increased from 6.1 +/- 0.7 to 18.7 +/- 2.2 ml dl-1 min-1 (P < 0.05). Mean arterial pressure measured concurrently increased from approximately 90 to 130 mmHg and estimated vascular conductance rose from 6.5 +/- 0.7 to 14.0 +/- 1.5 units, indicating that most of the rise in forearm blood flow was due to vasodilatation. Brachial artery administration of beta-blockers (propranolol) and the nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor N G-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) after stellate block virtually eliminated all of the vasodilatation to contralateral handgrip. Since vasodilatation was seen after stellate block, our data suggest that sympathetic dilator nerves are not responsible for limb vasodilatation seen during sympathoexcitation evoked by contralateral ischaemic handgripping to fatigue. The results obtained with propranolol and L-NMMA suggest that beta-adrenergic mechanisms and local NO release contribute to the dilatation.
Effects of magnetic excitations on the I–V characteristic of magnetic superconductors

Abstract The coupling between magnetic and superconducting degrees of freedom in magnetic superconductors leads to subgap resonances in the I–V characteristic. We study two mechanisms of coupling: the spin-assisted cotunneling (in layered magnetic superconductors) and the interaction mediated by the ac magnetic field of a moving vortex lattice. The latter mechanism we study in both layered and moderately anisotropic superconductors. At resonance conditions the dynamics of vortices in magnetic superconductors changes drastically, resulting in strong peaks in the dc I–V characteristic at voltages at which the washboard frequency of vortex lattice matches the spin wave frequency ω s ( g ) , where g are the reciprocal vortex lattice vectors. We show that for a high enough washboard frequency, peaks in the I–V characteristic in borocarbides and cuprate layered magnetic superconductors are strong enough to be observed on the quasiparticle background. To cite this article: M. Hruska, L.N. Boulaevskii, C. R. Physique 7 (2006).
INCREASED PERICARDIAL FAT ACCUMULATION IS ASSOCIATED WITH INCREASED INTRAMYOCARDIAL LIPID CONTENT AND DURATION OF HIGHLY ACTIVE ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY EXPOSURE IN PATIENTS INFECTED WITH HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS

Our aim was to examine whether the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in patients with HIV is associated with changes in pericardial fat and myocardial lipid content measured from cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). We prospectively compared 27 HIV seropositive (+) male
Decreased oxidation of labeled glucose by dissociated brain cells in the presence of fetal bovine serum

The effect of serum on the rate of substrate oxidation by dissociated brain cells in vitro was examined. At a serum protein concentration of approximately 0.55 milligram per milliliter, oxidation of [6-14C]glucose to 14CO2 was decreased more than 50 percent. Oxidation of [3-14C]-3-hydroxybutyrate and [U-14C]glutamine was decreased much less. Serum from cows, rats, horses, and humans produced similar effects, as did serum from young and old animals and from both sexes. The effect on [6-14C]glucose oxidation was proportional to serum protein concentration, and significant inhibitory activity was obtained with dialyzed serum. Heating (80 degrees C for 10 minutes) significantly reduced the inhibitory activity. These results suggest the presence of a factor in serum that can preferentially decrease glucose oxidation. Such a factor would have profound implications for metabolic regulation in vivo and for studies of cells in vitro in which serum is included in the growth medium.
Women's challenges with postpartum weight loss.

This study was designed to examine women’s experiences of weight loss during the postpartum period. Understanding women’s positive and negative experiences can assist health care providers to successfully intervene in helping women lose weight following pregnancy and avoid long-term weight gain and obesity development. Design: Phenomenology, according to Husserl’s perspective. Setting: Private location of the women’s choosing. Participants: Twenty-six women, who ranged in age from 25 to 35 years, and had given birth within the last 5 years, were interviewed regarding their experiences with postpartum weight loss. The majority of the sample was Caucasian. Interviews were transcribed and themes were identified from each of the interviews. Comparisons were made between interviews to identify common experiences between women. Data were analyzed according to the Giorgi method. The women in the study had a wide range of experiences. Themes that emerged from the interviews related to women’s challenges with return to prepregnancy weight. These included: time and motivation issues, the need for support, and weight and other struggles. This study provides a look inside the lives of women faced with the reality of losing weight after childbirth. Losing weight after delivery is multi-faceted and influenced by many factors. Interventions to assist women with weight loss should target the challenges described in this paper. When effective strategies are developed, education can be done during pregnancy to prepare for the postpartum period. Ultimately, future research efforts can help us to eliminate pregnancy as a risk factor for obesity in women.
The fitness functions associated with diapause induction in arthropods I. The effects of age structure

Abstract This paper analyzes the effects of age structure on the shape of the fitness functions associated with diapause induction in arthropods and presents the following results: (1) The shape of the fitness function depends on three variables: age structure (specifically the time course of individuals passing through the end of the sensitive period), the position of the optimal time to switch to diapause, and the end of the season. (2) An optimal switching time that occurs soon after a sharp increase in the number of individuals passing through the end of the sensitive period causes the most distinct optimum. (3) Early emergence from diapause (assuming a suitable environment) increases fitness, but neither the mean nor the variance of the distribution of emergence times affects the position of the optimal switching time. (4) Net fecundity, acting through the age distribution, can greatly influence the shape of the fitness function. (5) Populations with fecundity schedules of short duration relative to the length of the juvenile phase are likely to have fitness functions with plateaus and no distinct optimum, depending on the relationship between temporal changes in age structure and the predicted position of the optimum. The width of such plateaus diminishes as the variance of the emergence distribution increases.