cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Non-dilute helium-related defect interactions in the near-surface region of plasma-exposed tungsten

We report a systematic energetic analysis of helium-related defect interactions that mediate helium (He) segregation on surfaces of plasma-exposed tungsten at different levels of He ion implantation. We focus on high He fluences that increase the He content in the plasma-exposed material well beyond the dilute limit of He concentration and employ atomic configurations generated by large-scale molecular dynamics simulations of He-implanted tungsten. We perform systematic molecular statics computations of cluster–defect interaction energetics in the highly defect-rich near-surface region of plasma-exposed tungsten for small mobile helium clusters as a function of the clusters' distances from the surface. In this region, mobile clusters are also subjected to the stress fields generated by defects such as helium bubbles and other clusters, which govern cluster–defect interactions in addition to the cluster–surface interaction. Based on systematic investigation of individual cluster–defect interactions, we develop a mathematical framework to describe the interaction energy landscapes consisting of elastic interaction potential perturbations to finite-width square-well potentials, where the potential well accounts for cluster trapping by the defect at close range and subsequent coalescence and the perturbation potential is parameterized according to elastic inclusion theory. Superposition of all the relevant interaction potentials provides a comprehensive description of the interaction energy landscape that would be experienced by a small mobile cluster along its migration path toward the plasma-exposed surface at high He fluences. Such descriptions are particularly important for developing atomistically informed, hierarchical multi-scale models of helium cluster dynamics in plasma-facing materials.
Mitigation of Current Distortion for GaN-Based CRM Totem-Pole PFC Rectifier With ZVS Control

The GaN-based critical conduction mode (CRM) totem-pole power factor correction (PFC) converter with full-line-cycle zero voltage switching (ZVS) is a promising candidate for high-efficiency front-end rectifiers. However, the input current can be degraded by line-cycle current distortion and ac line zero-crossing current spikes, and maintaining reliable ZVS control is difficult in noise-susceptible high-frequency environments. In this paper, a detailed analysis of the current distortion issues in a GaN-based CRM totem-pole PFC with digital ZVS control is provided, and effective approaches are proposed to mitigate different kinds of current distortion and ensure stable ZVS control under high-frequency operation. The proposed solutions have the advantages of straightforward implementation and do not increase the control complexity. The current distortion issues are demonstrated in two GaN-based CRM totem-pole PFC prototypes, a 1.5 kW PFC for data centers and a 100 W PFC in a 6.78 MHz wireless charging power supply for consumer electronics. The proposed methods are experimentally verified with effective mitigation of the current distortion and improvement of the converter power efficiency.
Successful In Vitro Fertilization in a Cisgender Female Carrier Using Oocytes Retrieved From a Transgender Man Maintained on Testosterone

Abstract Background Health care providers routinely discontinue testosterone in transgender men undergoing oocyte retrieval. To date, there is little literature to support such discontinuation. The sudden drop in testosterone levels can be distressing for transgender men. The objective of this report was to describe a case study of successful reciprocal in vitro fertilization (IVF) using oocytes retrieved from a transgender man who remained on testosterone during the entire course of gonadotropin controlled ovarian stimulation and retrieval. Case Report A 33-year-old gravida 0 transgender man and his partner, a 42-year-old gravida 0 cisgender woman, presented to an outpatient clinic in 2017 seeking reciprocal IVF. Both patients were healthy with no significant past medical history. The transgender patient reported a 10-year history of testosterone hormone therapy. Both patients reported no other medication use. The transgender man underwent a 14-day course of ovarian stimulation before oocytes were retrieved. An oocyte was then fertilized and implanted into the uterus of the patient’s cisgender female partner. The reciprocal IVF resulted in an uncomplicated, full-term pregnancy with vaginal delivery. The child is now 2 years old and developmentally normal. Discussion To our knowledge, this is the first report of a live birth from an oocyte retrieved from a transgender man who continued to use testosterone throughout assisted reproduction. Conclusion Fertility preservation options for transmasculine people may include stimulated egg retrieval if the ovaries are left in place even when the patients remain on testosterone therapy.
The timing game

In two publications presented as a contest, Hopfield and Brody propose a mechanism for detecting groups of neurons receiving similar levels of sensory input.
The Los Alamos Fuel CelI Test Program

A description is given of the program at the Los Alamos National Laboratory for testing a state-of-the-art acid fuel cell system for automotive applications. The system comprises a fuel cell stack, fuel processing system, and the equipment necessary for stack cooling and system integration. The specific tests relevant to operation of the fuel cell power plant in a vehicular environment and the measurement system are described. The results of computer simulation studies are presented showing the predicted performance of the test power plant in an electric vehicle.
SCINTIGRAPHIC GASTROINTESTINAL BLEEDING LOCALIZATION WITH 99mTc‐LABELED RED BLOOD CELLS

Ten scintigraphic gastrointestinal bleeding localization examinations were done in nine dogs. All dogs had clinical evidence of gastrointestinal bleeding prior to or on the day of the examination. Scintigraphy was done by in vivo labeling of red blood cells with 99mTechnetium and imaging serially with a gamma camera over a 21-hour period. Of the nine dogs, four case history reports are presented. Three of these dogs had positive scintigraphic examinations. One dog had a negative scan but was later shown to have been ingesting material that mimicked the appearance of melena.
The environmental effect and waste management of computer manufacturing

The main goal of this paper is to discuss the waste management issues that arise in the manufacturing of computers. First, we will consider the main resources required to build the components of these computers. Then, we will present the processes that have been established to produce them. We will follow this with a discussion on the manufacturing environment that is currently required to produce the computers, and the hazards of such environments. We will also discuss some of the methods used in the waste management of the computers and their components. Finally, we will propose some solutions for the management of the waste, as well as recycling methods that are being employed in these environments.
Antidepressant potential of organic cation transporter blockade: the role of norepinephrine (1144.5)

Depression is a major health problem for which most patients are not effectively treated. This underscores a need to identify new targets for the development of antidepressants with improved efficacy. Our previous studies have shown that blockade of organic cation transporters (OCTs) and the plasma membrane monoamine transporter (PMAT) with decynium-22 (D-22) can produce antidepressant-like effects, which are correlated with the ability of D-22 to inhibit serotonin (5-HT) clearance in brain, when the 5-HT transporter (SERT) is pharmacologically or genetically compromised. In vitro studies show that OCT3 takes up norepinephrine (NE) more efficiently than 5-HT, which raises the possibility that D-22 might enhance the antidepressant-like actions of drugs that block NE uptake via the NE transporter (NET). Using in vivo chronoamperometry, an electrochemical technique which allows second by second recording of extracellular biogenic amine concentrations, we show D-22 increases time to clear NE from the extracel...
Plenty of room outside the firm [Peering]

There are many ways to think about the future of computing, but to do so successfully requires looking at previous experience and predictions. The author's focus here is on computing rather than computers, though the increasing power of the latter facilitates the former. For example, the author have nothing to say about the future of multicore or parallel computing, except that beyond the Internet, the predictions for this technology have been rather optimistic for the past 30 years. This paper is all about how the author argue for the topics of future not often addressed. Some of these topics are: the authors envisioned computing application; the fall of the computing politburo; emergent collectives; everyone is a service; coordinating services; and the plenty of room for research.
Swelling Behavior of Multiresponsive Poly(methacrylic acid)‐block‐‐poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) Brushes Synthesized Using Surface‐Initiated Photoiniferter‐Mediated Photopolymerization

Surface-initiated photoiniferter-mediated photopolymerization (SI-PMP) in presence of tetraethylthiuram disulfide is used to directly synthesize surface-grafted poly(methacrylic acid)-block-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PMAA-b-PNIPAM) layers. The response of these PMAA-b-PNIPAM bi-level brushes to changes in pH, temperature and ionic strength is investigated by using in-situ multi-angle ellipsometry to measure changes in solvated layer thickness. As expected for a block copolymer architecture, PMAA blocks swell as pH is increased, with the maximum change in the thickness occurring near pH = 5, and PNIPAM blocks exhibit lower critical solution temperature (LCST) behavior, marked by a broad transition between swollen and collapsed states. The response of the bi-level brushes to changes in added salt at constant pH is complex, as the swelling behaviors of both the weak polyelectrolyte, PMAA, and thermoresponsive PNIPAM are affected by changes in ionic strength. This work demonstrates not only the robustness of SI-PMP for making novel, bi-level stimuli-responsive brushes, but also the complex links between synthesis, structure, and response of these materials.
Lopping of Oaks in Central Himalaya, India

Abstract This study examines the practice of lopping of Quercus leucotrichophora A. Camus and Quercus floribunda Lindley ex Rehder in Garhwal Himalaya. The study objectives were to investigate the lopping process, the factors that influence it, and the changes it has undergone between 1993 and 2006, specifically, age and gender roles, method of fodder collection, type of branches and trees lopped, and weight of oak foliage bundles. Data were collected for 49 fodder collection trips in Beli village, Tehri Garhwal District, Garhwal Division. Four closely interlinked factors influenced forest use—gender roles, availability of oak foliage in the forest, number and type of livestock per household, and type of agricultural crops planted. The results indicate that lopping practice is not static. It has undergone fundamental changes between 1993 and 2006. Beli villagers continued to collect fodder basis, varied the fodder species collected, and rotated the location of trees lopped throughout the year in 2006, as ...
Characteristics of renal UDP-glucuronyltransferase.

Abstract Rat renal microsomes catalyzed the glucuronidation of 1-naphthol, 4-methylumbelliferone and p-nitrophenol, whereas morphine and testosterone conjugation were not detected. In contrast, all five substrates were conjugated by hepatic microsomes; the activity was typically 5–10 times greater than with renal microsomes. Renal microsomal UDP-glucuronyltransferase toward 1-naphthol was fully activated (six-fold) by 0.03% deoxycholate while the hepatic enzyme was fully activated (eight-fold) by 0.05% deoxycholate. Full activation of hepatic UDP-glucuronyltransferase occurred when microsomes had been preincubated at 0 C with deoxycholate for 20 min. This effect of preincubation was not observed with renal microsomes. The presence of 0.25M sucrose in the buffers during renal microsomal preparation resulted in a two-fold greater rate of 1-naphthol conjugation in both unactivated and activated microsomes than renal microsomes prepared in phosphate buffers alone. Preparation of hepatic microsomes with or without 0.25M sucrose had no effect on UDP-glucuronyltransferase activity. Unactivated (-deoxycholate) renal enzyme was activated when incubations were done at a low pH (5.7), whereas fully activated (0.03% deoxycholate) renal microsomal UDP-glucuronyltransferase displayed a pH optimum at 6.5. Renal microsomal UDP-glucuronyltransferase activity toward 1-naphthol, p-nitrophenol and 4-methylumbelliferone was induced by pretreatment of rats with β-naphthoflavone and trans-stilbene oxide but not by phenobarbital or 3-methylcholanthrene. These data demonstrate that renal UDP-glucuronyltransferases are different from the hepatic enzymes with regard to biochemical properties, substrate specificity and in response to chemical inducers of xenobiotic metabolism.
Heart Failure Management in African Americans: Meeting the Challenge

Heart failure affects 3% of African Americans. The etiology of disease and prognosis for these patients differs substantially from those for non-African Americans. A history of hypertension is associated with development of heart failure more often in African Americans than in non-African Americans and it also appears that target organ involvement is more severe in African Americans with hypertension than in other patient subgroups. Reviewing the results from large-scale clinical end point studies suggests that optimal treatment for heart failure in African Americans may differ from that of their non-African American counterparts. More importantly, concomitant use of β blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors may be as effective in African Americans as in non-African Americans. Utilizing angiotensin–converting enzyme inhibitors alone may not represent ideal therapy. Of the drugs studied, especially among the β blockers, carvedilol may be the most effective to use for this population.
Discovery of an X-ray source coincident with the soft γ-ray repeater 0525 - 66

ALTHOUGH γ-ray bursters (GRBs) have been known for more than 20 years, no source has ever been identified in its quiescent state, which might provide clues to its nature. On the other hand, two of the three known soft γ-ray repeaters (SGRs), which emit intermittent bursts of soft γ-rays, seem to be associated with supernova remnants and the recent identification of X-rays from one of these, SGR1806 – 20, supports the suggestion that a pulsar inside the remnant is the source of the γ-rays. Here we report X-ray observations of SGR0525 – 66, which has been associated previously with the supernova remnant N49 (ref. 1). We identify point-like emission from a source coincident with SGR0525 – 66, which suggests that it too is a pulsar. The pulsar seems to be only about 5,000 years old and has a high transverse velocity of about 1,200 km s^(−1), and we predict that the plerion (the region of radio synchrotron emission surrounding the pulsar) will be between 0.1 and 0.3 arcsec across. A high birth velocity has been estimated for the pulsar associated with SGR1806 – 20 also, and this characteristic may be related to the reason why only a very few pulsars become SGRs.
Biosynthesis of δ-aminolevulinic acid in Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides

Abstract The biosynthesis of δ-aminolevulinic acid was investigated in three strains of Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides . A wild-type strain (NCIB 8253) possessed both δ-aminolevulinic acid synthetase and γ,δ-dioxovaleric acid transaminase in the cytoplasmic and membrane cell fractions. δ-Aminolevulinic acid synthetase activities were not detected in extracts of mutant strains H5 and H5D. However, γ,δ-dioxovaleric acid transaminase was found in the cytoplasmic and membrane fractions of these latter two strains. Strain H5 required exogenously added δ-aminolevulinic acid for growth and bacteriochlorophyll synthesis. Strain H5D did not require this compound for growth and bacteriochlorophyll synthesis. γ,δ-Dioxovaleric acid added in the growth medium did not support the growth of H5, although it was actively transported into the cells. Addition of γ,δ-dioxovaleric acid to the growth medium did not enhance the growth of either the wild-type or H5D strains. These results indicate that ALA synthetase is not required for growth and bacteriochlorophyll synthesis in H5D and that γ,δ-dioxovaleric acid is probably not an intermediate in the formation of δ-aminolevulinic acid in the strains of Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides studied. In strain H5D another pathway may function in the formation of δ-aminolevulinic acid other than that catalyzed by δ-aminolevulinic acid synthetase or γ,δ-dioxovaleric acid transaminase.
Primary Erythrocytosis, Increased Erythropoietin Excretion and an Intrarenal Perfusion Abnormality

Primary Erythrocytosis, Increased Erythropoietin Excretion and an Intrarenal Perfusion Abnormality
Mathematical model for durability of cladding

A building materials durability model (BMDM), developed in earlier work, is a framework that encompasses environmental stimuli, material damage relationships, performance criteria, and repair decision making to produce predictions of long-term performance of building materials. The framework of the model is able to accommodate a wide variety of building materials used in different applications. The current study applied the model to two cladding materials for buildings; aluminum and paint. Environmental stimuli included temperature, moisture, and impact of corrosive chemicals. The material damage models use environment as an input, and predict degradation of the cladding material. The rates of degradation in the mathematical models are tuned to fit existing data available in the literature. Quality of the cladding is calculated during the simulation, and repairs are triggered when quality falls below a predetermined threshold. Initial quality of the material and the repairs contribute to the overall cost. The results show that this general modeling tool gives the engineer a vehicle for assessing different materials, different environments, and the consequences of different repair strategies in making durability design decisions.
A systematic study on parameter correlations in large-scale duplicate document detection

Although much work has been done on duplicate document detection (DDD) and its applications, we observe the absence of a systematic study on the performance and scalability of large-scale DDD algorithms. It is still unclear how various parameters in DDD correlate mutually, such as similarity threshold, precision/recall requirement, sampling ratio, and document size. This paper explores the correlations among several most important parameters in DDD and the impact of sampling ratio is of most interest since it heavily affects the accuracy and scalability of DDD algorithms. An empirical analysis is conducted on a million HTML documents from the TREC .GOV collection. Experimental results show that even when using the same sampling ratio, the precision of DDD varies greatly on documents with different sizes. Based on this observation, we propose an adaptive sampling strategy for DDD, which minimizes the sampling ratio with the constraint of a given precision requirement. We believe that the insights from our analysis are helpful for guiding the future large-scale DDD work.
Two alternative methods of removing price supports: Implications to the U.S. corn and livestock industries☆

Abstract A U.S.-Nebraska linked quarterly econometric model is used to examine impacts on the corn, beef, and hog industries from immediate and gradual removal of price supports. The results indicate that the agricultural sector is more adversely affected from removal of price supports gradually than expeditiously. Also, the gradual adjustment approach produces greater cyclical movements in prices and quantities. Corn exports are not greatly affected under either market adjustment process.
Magnetic Actuation of Meso-Scale Mechanisms

This paper discusses the applications and development of magnetic actuators for meso-scale mechanisms. Due to their small sizes, meso-scale parts cannot be actuated using techniques typical of macro-scale mechanisms, such as servos or ball screws. Similarly, the techniques used in micro-actuation, such as the use of electrostatic force in MEMS devices, cannot be easily scaled up to the meso-scale. As a result, the use of magnetic forces for actuating meso-scale mechanisms may be capable of filling this void of actuation methods.A case study of a fixturing mechanism meant for meso-scale end-milling was analyzed. This mechanism uses two fixed-fixed beams in order to actively tune the harmonic modes of the machining operation in order to improve the stability of the cutting. It also uses magnetic forces to actuate the fixturing platform in order to provide close-loop feedback of cutting force.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
PERPETUITY RATE OF RETURN ANALYSIS

ABSTRACT This paper introduces a new method of capital project analysis called the perpetuity rate of return (PRR). As implied by its name, the PRR is found by transforming a project's cash flow stream into a perpetuity and then relating this value to the required investment outlay. The PRR method is essentially a compromise between the NPV and IRR techniques. Like the NPV, the PRR correctly values a project's cashflows by using the market-determined cost of capital as the discount rate; like the IRR, the PRR is a rate of return that is appropriately compared to the cost of capital to determine a project's acceptability. The new yield-based method fares well in comparison with the IRR on a conceptual level and appears to have practical potential.
Merits of different anatomical landmarks for correct numbering of the lumbar vertebrae in lumbosacral transitional anomalies

Anatomical landmarks and their relation to the lumbar vertebrae are well described in subjects with normal spine anatomy, but not for subjects with lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LSTV), in whom correct numbering of the vertebrae is challenging and can lead to wrong-level treatment. The aim of this study was to quantify the value of different anatomical landmarks for correct identification of the lumbar vertebra level in subjects with LSTV. After IRB approval, 71 subjects (57 ± 17 years) with and 62 without LSTV (57 ± 17 years), all with imaging studies that allowed correct numbering of the lumbar vertebrae by counting down from C2 (n = 118) or T1 (n = 15) were included. Commonly used anatomical landmarks (ribs, aortic bifurcation (AB), right renal artery (RRA) and iliac crest height) were documented to determine the ability to correctly number the lumbar vertebrae. Further, a tangent to the top of the iliac crests was drawn on coronal MRI images by two blinded, independent readers and named the ‘iliac crest tangent sign’. The sensitivity, specificity and the interreader agreement were calculated. While the level of the AB and the RRA were found to be unreliable in correct numbering of the lumbar vertebrae in LSTV subjects, the iliac crest tangent sign had a sensitivity and specificity of 81 % and 64–88 %, respectively, with an interreader agreement of k = 0.75. While anatomical landmarks are not always reliable, the ‘iliac crest tangent sign’ can be used without advanced knowledge in MRI to most accurately number the vertebrae in subjects with LSTV, if only a lumbar spine MRI is available.
TRIPLET EXCITON BAND STRUCTURE OF CRYSTALLINE PHENAZINE

The structure of the lowest triplet state of crystalline phenazine was studied by optical and magnetic resonance techniques. The exciton band was characterized by a large translationally equivalent splitting (17 ± 1 cm^(−1)) which was determined from the resonance pair spectrum. The spin splittings were obtained using the optical detection of magnetic resonance of phosphorescent phenazine crystals at 1.5 K.
Trapping of xenon in ice - Implications for the origin of the earth's noble gases

Although the earth's atmosphere contains Ne, Ar, and Kr in about C1,2-chondrite proportions, Xe is depleted about 20-fold. To test the suggestion that the 'missing' Xe is trapped in Antarctic ice, distribution coefficients for Xe in artifically formed frost at -20 to -60 C were measured, using Xe-127 tracer. The values are 0.098 + or - 0.004 cc STP/g atm for trapping and less than 5 cc STP/g atm for trapping plus adsorption. If these results are representative of natural ice, then the Antarctic ice cap contains less than 1 percent of the atmospheric Xe inventory, or not greater than about 0.001 the amount needed for a C1,2-chondrite pattern. Two possibilities remain for the 'missing' Xe, both on the premise that the earth's noble gases, along with other volatiles, came from chondritic material: (1) xenon is preferentially retained in the mantle and lower crust, due to the strong affinity of Xe for clean silicate surfaces and amorphous carbon; and (2) the source material of the earth's volatiles had high, relatively unfractionated, Ar/Xe and Kr/Xe ratios, like the non-carbonaceous noble gas carriers in C3O and E-chondrites.
Concerning Foreign Language Teachers

Author's Summary— A plea in favor of superior modern foreign language teaching, by men and women of wide culture who know the psychology of their audience and have thoroughly mastered both the English tongue and the foreign language they propose to impart.
Limnology of the Klutlan moraines, Yukon Territory, Canada

Lakes of the Klutlan moraines originate by down-melting of stagnant ice under a mantle of rock debris and vegetation ranging from scattered herbs and shrubs on the younger moraines to multiple-generation closed spruce forest on the oldest moraines, which are 600–1200 yr old. Lakes on the youngest moraines are temporary, turbid with glacial silt, and marked by unstable ice-cored slopes. On older moraines most lakes have clear water and stable slopes. On the oldest moraines many lakes have brown water caused by dissolved humic materials derived from the thick forest floor, but even here some slopes are unstable because of continued melting of buried ice. Morainic lakes contain bicarbonate waters of moderate alkalinity and conductivity and low levels of nutrients. The highly diverse phytoplankton is dominated by chrysophytes and cryptomonads, with few diatoms. Extremely low values for phytoplankton biomass place most of the lakes in an “ultraoligotrophic” category. Zooplankton is dominated by copepods, which were found even in ice ponds only a few years old, and by the cladoceran Daphnia pulex. Surface-sediment samples contained a total of 16 species of chydorid Cladocera. Of these, Alonella excisa and Alona barbulata are apparently the pioneer species in the youngest lakes. Chydorus sphaericus only appears in lakes of the oldest moraines. A successional pattern is not conspicuous, however, partly because some of the lakes on the older moraines originated by recent collapse over buried ice. Lakes on the upland outside the dead-ice moraines yielded 39 species in the zooplankton. The distinctive assemblage on upland lakes may relate more to different water chemistry than to age.
Encapsulated follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma with bone metastases

Although true follicular thyroid carcinoma is known to metastasize via the bloodstream and give rise to bone and lung metastases, such a pattern of spread is rare in papillary thyroid carcinoma. The follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (FVPTC) is believed to behave in a clinical manner similar to usual or classical papillary cancer and to follow a similar indolent course. There have been a few reports of "aggressive" FVPTC wherein follicular patterned tumors with nuclear features of papillary carcinoma have metastasized hematogenously; these neoplasms have been diffusely invasive or multicentric in the thyroid. We report five cases of FVPTC, which were encapsulated and simulated grossly and microscopically follicular adenomas. In two of these, the primary was discovered after clinical presentation of bone metastases. In three others, bony metastases (without other nonosseous metastases) arose 7 to 17 years after thyroid lobectomy for lesions initially diagnosed as follicular adenoma In retrospect, these three encapsulated lesions had vascular invasion. We wish to bring attention to these innocuous-appearing lesions, which, although sharing nuclear features of papillary cancer, behave clinically in an unexpectedly malignant fashion.
Signal Sequence Cleavage of Peptidyl-tRNA Prior to Release from the Ribosome and Translocon

Many secretory polypeptides undergo cleavage of their signal sequence. In this study, we observed and quantitated the presence of a tRNA-bound, ribosome-associated polypeptide subpopulation present in vitro. This subpopulation was accessible to signal peptidase on ribosome-associated polypeptides longer than 114 amino acids. This demonstrates that it is possible for a peptidyl-tRNA species, in the midst of translation, to be processed by the endoplasmic reticulum signal peptidase implying that the peptidase is closely associated with the mammalian translocon.
A novel aid to elevation of the sinus membrane for the sinus lift procedure.

Abstract A maxillary sinus augmentation graft floor can increase vertical bone height for implant placement in patients with a pneumatized sinus. A simple technique can make this routine procedure even more predictable. After the sinus membrane has been adequately reflected, a cottonoid soaked with 1 carpule of 2% Lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine and left in place for 5 to 15 minutes in each maxillary sinus can help create vasoconstriction and hemostasis. By arresting the oozing type of bleeding from the sinus membrane and the floor of the maxillary sinus, the cottonoid technique enhances direct visualization of the sinus and sinus membrane, further reflects the sinus membrane bluntly and gently with minimal risk of a membrane perforation, and serves as a volume indicator to assess the graft volume required.
Pleiotropic behavior of 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptor agonists.

There is now considerable evidence that a single receptor subtype can couple to multiple effector pathways within a cell. Recently, Kenakin proposed a new concept, termed "agonist-directed trafficking of receptor stimulus", that suggests that agonists may be able to selectively activate a subset of multiple signaling pathways coupled to a single receptor subtype. 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors couple to phospholipase C-(PLC) mediated inositol phosphate (IP) accumulation and PLA2-mediated arachidonic acid (AA) release. Relative efficacies of agonists (referenced to 5-HT) differed depending upon whether IP accumulation or AA release was measured. For the 5-HT2C receptor system, some agonists (e.g. TFMPP) preferentially activated the PLC-IP pathway, whereas others (e.g. LSD) favored PLA2-AA. As expected, EC50's of agonists did not differ between pathways. For the 5-HT2A receptor system, all agonists tested had greater relative efficacy for PLA2-AA than for PLC-IP. In contrast, relative efficacies were not different for 5-HT2A agonists when sequential effects in a pathway were measured (IP accumulation vs. calcium mobilization). These data strongly support the agonist-directed trafficking hypothesis.
Student Interpretations of Teacher Verbal Praise in Selected Seventh- and Eighth-Grade Choral Classes.

This study investigated the effect familiarity with a teacher had on student interpretations of teacher verbal praise in seventh and eighth grade choral ensembles. A stimulus tape was constructed of 16, 30-second videotaped clips containing verbal praise of four teachers. Teachers identified their intent in the use of praise in each example. Students (n = 80) from the four choirs responded to the tape by labeling the praise in each clip as deserved or as one of three types of instructional praise (i.e., praise to encourage, to send a message to other students, or to seek student cooperation). Comparisons were made between choirs in labeling the praise. Comparisons were made also between each teacher's stated purpose in praising and the interpretations of choirs familiar and unfamiliar with the teacher. Choirs who were unfamiliar with the teacher differed from the teachers' own students in interpreting the praise: Students who knew a teacher labeled the praise as deserved in five clips, but unfamiliar choirs thought the praise served an instructional purpose. In four clips, choirs differed in their interpretations of the type of instructional praise. Students familiar with a teacher recognized their teacher's intent in praising in 12 of 16 clips. In some situations, familiarity with a teacher and context made a difference in detecting the teacher's purpose for praising. In five clips where teachers identified the praise as deserved, students unfamiliar with the teacher and context thought the praise was intended to encourage students. Students across choirs were particularly sensitive to a teacher's use of praise to send a message to other students. Students are keen observers of teacher praise. Findings suggest students discriminate between praise directed at the performance and praise used for instructional purposes, suggesting that observation instruments that rely on a single label for praise might miss important information. Findings support the importance of determining how teachers intend praise to serve and how students interpret the behavior.
The Impact of Antiabortion Criminal Activities and State Abortion Policies on Abortion Providers in the United States

This study empirically examined whether acts of antiabortion criminal activities and restrictive state abortion laws had an impact on the number of abortion providers. Using a unique data set, the Feminist Majority Foundation’s 2000 survey of antiabortion criminal acts directed at clinics, providers, healthcare workers and patients, the empirical results showed that acts of violence and harassment reduced the number of abortion providers offering abortion services. An increase in the likelihood of violence or harassment by 10 % reduced the number of abortion providers per 100,000 women of reproductive age by 5.6 and 3.7 %, respectively and the number of abortion providers per 100,000 pregnancies by 7.8 and 5.9 %, respectively. In addition, antiabortion criminal acts were more likely in states with greater economic participation by women, higher levels of sexual violence against women, and western states.
Convergence on two-level maintenance

The US Department of Defense is seeking an integrated maintenance methodology that provides increased operational availability of weapons systems with a reduced logistics pipeline. In this context the author discusses a systems engineering methodology for newly designed systems and a transition plan for existing systems that will accommodate two levels of maintenance. The first level will encompass an onboard monitoring and diagnostics system that will monitor the health status of the weapons system and initiate diagnostic procedures as abnormalities arise. The second level will consist of low-cost mission-specific suitcase testers. >
Abrupt biological discontinuity in a small Michigan (USA) stream due to historical riparian canopy loss

We assessed physicochemical and biological continuity in an 800-m reach of a small ( 10 years previously) agriculture, and returned in the last 100 m of the study area. Reflecting this difference, the forested area had less sunlight penetration to the water level and greater volume of woody debris in the stream. There was no difference in specific conductance or pH among sites. Water temperature was lower in the upstream forested sites and higher in the non-forested site and those downstream of it. Dissolved oxygen exhibited a reciprocal trend with temperature. The non-forested site exhibited an abrupt change in biological continuity as indicated by a decrease in benthic macroinvertebrate and adult caddisfly shredder abundance, an increase in filtering collector and scraper abundance, a decrease in trout ab...
Spatial and spatial-frequency analysis in visual optics.

Citation information: Westheimer G. Spatial and spatial-frequency analysis in visual optics. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2012, 32, 271–281. doi: 10.1111/j.1475-1313.2012.00913.x Abstract Background: In the specification of visual targets and their transmission through the eye’s optics to form retinal images, the spatial distribution of energy and its Fourier transform, the spatial-frequency spectrum, are equivalent, so long as linearity constraints are obeyed. The power spectrum, in which phase has been discarded, is an insufficient descriptor; it does not enable the original object to be reconstituted. Procedure: Not so well known, and explored here, are joint representations in the space and spatial-frequency dimensions. Their properties are outlined for some sample targets and for transforms of the Gabor, Difference-of-Gaussians and Wigner types. A related approach is one in which other kernel functions, such as the Gaussian or its derivative, are substituted for the cosines in the Fourier transform; here also graphs can be generated which jointly display properties both of the target and of its point-by-point representation in a size-tuned domain. Applications: This kind of study has application in matching the performance characteristics of optical devices to the eye’s, in optical superresolution, and in the analysis of the demands placed on neural processing in, for example, visual hyperacuity.
The Post-Reform Bid-Ask Spread Disparity between Nasdaq and the NYSE

We report further evidence of the difference in execution costs between Nasdaq and the NYSE before and after the 1997 market reforms. We find that informed trading costs are consistently higher on Nasdaq both before and after the reforms. In the pre-reform period the Nasdaq-NYSE disparity in bid-ask spreads cannot be completely attributed to the difference in informed trading costs. However, in the post-reform period the spread difference between these two markets becomes insignificant with the effect of informed trading costs controlled. Our findings are consistent with the contention that the reforms have largely reduced noninformation trading costs and dealers' rents.
X-Ray Diffraction by Cybotactic Nematics

Abstract Several magnetically aligned liquid-crystal monodomains yielded x-ray diffraction photographs containing four intense maxima about the direct beam characteristic of cybotactic nematics. In the case of p-alkoxy benzoic acids, such maxima appear, both, when a smectic-C phase forms at lower temperatures and when the nematic transforms to the crystalline phase directly. The intensity distribution in reciprocal space for azoxybenzene and BOCP was found to lie along two interpenetrating rings whose common diameter is normal to the aligning magnetic field and for p-n-alkoxybenzoic acids along outwardly curving arcs. Four similarly intense maxima recorded in x-ray diffraction photographs of a thermotropic liquid-crystalline polymer were found to be part of two parallel rings lying in planes normal to the polymer axis.
Bayesian decision analysis of dam safety

Inspections and safety assessments are germane elements of proper dam maintenance programs. To aid geotechnical engineers and/or dam owners in developing such programs, a Bayesian methodology is presented. It offers four main features: (1) the engineer can formally combine his judgment based on expertise with factual information obtained from geotechnical tests, (2) uncertainty about the state of the dam can be quantified explicitly, (3) the owner can specify the desired risk preference, and (4) an optimal geotechnical test plan and remedial action can be determined so as to take account of uncertainty, risk preference, and economic losses. The methodology is illustrated by a case study of an earth dam.
Ammonia absorption at haber process conditions

The kinetics of ammonia absorption into magnesium chloride is measured as ammonia pressure change in the temperature range 170-430°C. The actual pressure minus that at equilibrium drops quickly, with a half life of less than a minute. It varies with the square-root of time, suggesting diffusion limited absorption. The diffusion coefficient of ammonia in solid magnesium chloride inferred from these data is on the order 10−11-10−13 cm2/s, considerably faster than many solid-phase diffusivities. While optical microscopy and BET surface area experiments indicate recrystallization and agglomeration of the absorbent at ammonia synthesis temperatures, the absorption rate remains high. The dependence of absorption rate on temperature, particle size and the presence of a silica support is also investigated. The results suggest both improved ammonia separation and ways to develop high-conversion, small-scale, multifunctional ammonia synthesis reactors. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012
Congenital Absence of the Left Atrial Appendage Visualized by 3D Echocardiography in Two Adult Patients

Congenital absence of left atrial appendage (LAA) is an extremely rare condition and its physiological consequences are unknown. We present two cases of incidental finding of a congenitally absent LAA in a 79-year-old male who presented for routine transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) to rule out intracardiac thrombus prior to placement of biventricular implantable cardioverter-defibrillator and a 54-year old female who presented for TEE prior to radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation. Characterization of patients with such an absence is important because congenitally absent LAA may be confused with flush thrombotic occlusion of the appendage. There are very few published reports of congenital absence of LAA. To our knowledge, our report is the first to demonstrate the congenital absence of LAA by 3D transesophageal echocardiography.
Combination sedoanalgesia with remifentanil and propofol versus remifentanil and midazolam for elective cardioversion after coronary artery bypass grafting.

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) occurs in up to 50% of cardiac surgery patients and represents the most common postoperative arrhythmic complication. Elective cardioversion, a short but painful procedure, remains an option for patients who do not convert to sinus rhythm with medical therapy. Combinations of remifentanil (a potent analgesic with a short elimination time) with propofol (a hypnotic agent) or midazolam (a sedative agent) produce a synergistic interaction. This study was undertaken to compare these combinations in terms of effectiveness and pain relief when given as sedoanalgesia for elective cardioversion. In this prospective, randomized trial, 60 adult patients with postoperative AF after coronary artery bypass grafting were given a single dose of propofol 1 mg/kg combined with remifentanil 0.1 μg/kg (group 1), or midazolam 0.05 mg/kg combined with remifentanil 0.1 μg/kg (group 2). Cardiorespiratory parameters were monitored and recorded. Demographic data were similar (P>.05) and sufficient sedoanalgesia and successful cardioversion were achieved in both groups. Hemodynamic parameters revealed no significant differences between groups (P>.05); however, induction time, time to eye opening, recuperation time, and time to full recovery of psychomotor function were faster in group 1 than in group 2 (P<.05). The remifentanil/propofol combination provided sufficient analgesia, satisfactory hemodynamic stability, and mild respiratory depression, along with faster recovery and discharge times from the intensive care unit.
REM sleep deprivation increases the levels of tyrosine hydroxylase and norepinephrine transporter mRNA in the locus coeruleus

The present study was conducted to determine the effects of REM sleep deprivation on the levels of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and norepinephrine transporter (NET) mRNA in the locus coeruleus (LC) of rats. The animals were deprived of REM sleep for 1, 3 or 5 days, then killed and changes in the mRNA levels were determined using in situ hybridization. The levels of both TH and NET mRNA increased in animals deprived of REM sleep for 3 days or longer whereas no change in these messages were observed in the LC of control animals. REM sleep deprivation has been used as a mode of treatment for major depression. Others have shown that treatment with tricyclic antidepressants also results in increased levels of TH and NET mRNA in LC. Our results suggest that the antidepressant effect of REM sleep deprivation and tricyclic antidepressants may share similar molecular changes in the norepinephrine system.
Criterion for Preventing Self-Loosening of Preloaded Countersunk Head Threaded Fasteners

This study develops an analytical formula for determining the minimum initial preload required to prevent the self-loosening of preloaded countersunk fasteners that are subjected to cyclic transverse loading. The formula is based on mathematical modeling of the self-loosening behavior of the fastener. The accurate prediction of the minimum bolt preload required for preventing loosening would reliably enable the use of that minimum threshold preload as a primary locking feature in critical bolted joint applications. An experimental setup and test procedure is established to compare the model prediction with the experimental data. The focus of this paper is to investigate the effect of thread pitch, excitation amplitude, as well as the bearing friction coefficient on the threshold value of the bolt preload that would prevent loosening.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
The sex steroid binding protein (SBP or SHBG) of human plasma: identification of Tyr-57 and Met-107 in the steroid binding site.

Abstract Tyrosine-57 (Y57) and methionine-107 (M107) have been identified in the binding site of the sex steroid binding protein (SBP) (or sex hormone binding globulin) of human plasma by replacing the two amino acids with a number of residues of varying structure. Replacement of Y57 with phenylalanine resulted in a fourfold increase in the K d of 5α-dihydrotestosterone but left the K d of 17β-estradiol unchanged. Except in two cases, no further loss in binding took place when replacing Y57 with other residues, suggesting that the phenolic group of Y57 may form a hydrogen bond with the ligand. Replacement of M107 with isoleucine increased the 5α-dihydrotestosterone K d fourfold to a value equal to that of rabbit SBP, which contains isoleucine at the corresponding position; however, the K d of 17β-estradiol remained unchanged. Replacement of M107 with threonine resulted in a tenfold decrease in 5α-dihydrotestosterone binding affinity, whereas replacement with leucine left the K d unchanged. These data indicate that substitutions on the β-carbon of the amino acid side-chain at position 107 causes significant loss of binding affinity but, as in the case of Y57, the activity was not totally eliminated. We conclude that Y57 and M107 form part of a structural motif within the steroid binding site and specifically contribute binding energy to ring A of 5α-dihydrotestosterone but not to ring A of 17β-estradiol. We also propose that the integrated contribution of several side chains may be required to optimize the ligand affinity of the steroid binding site. This proposal may fit a ‘lock and key’ model where little movement of the side chains occurs during binding as might be expected for a rigid structure like the steroid nucleus.
ARES plots for generalized linear models

Abstract One of the most important problems in regression modeling is the comparison between nested models. Many methods, both graphical and numerical, are available for this particular problem. One method that makes use of a dynamic graphical display for linear models was proposed by Cook and Weisberg [Technometrics 31 (1989) 277–311] and is called an ARES plot, an acronym for ‘Adding REgressors Smoothly’. In this paper, a methodology is presented to extend the idea from linear models to generalized linear models.