cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Severity of Violence Against Women by Intimate Partners and Associated Use of Alcohol and/or Illicit Drugs by the Perpetrator

One hundred eighty abused women presenting for protective orders or to file assault charges were interviewed. The Severity of Violence Against Women Scale measured threats of abuse and actual physical violence. A questionnaire measured stalking. Additionally, the women were asked if the perpetrator was drunk daily and/or used illicit drugs. Perpetrators were divided into four groups: no alcohol or drug use (33%); alcohol only (19%); drugs only (18%); and alcohol and drugs (30%). Using multivariate analysis and controlling for demographic variables, physical abuse was significantly (p = .005) higher for women with perpetrators who used drugs only (x = 60.4) compared with perpetrators who used alcohol only (x = 47.7). Stalking was significantly (p = .001) higher for perpetrators who used alcohol and drugs (x = 8.2) compared with perpetrators who did not use alcohol or drugs (x = 5.6). To enable abused women to promote their safety, an understanding of the association between substance use and specific types...
Horner's syndrome in subadventitial carotid artery dissection and the role of magnetic resonance angiography

Purpose/Methods A 47-year-old man with a postganglionic Horner's syndrome and severe right facial pain was found to have a normal carotid angiogram. We obtained a magnetic resonance angiogram of the neck because of our continued clinical suspicion of dissection. Result/Conclusion An area of hyperintensity was identified along the lumen of the right internal carotid artery, suggesting a subadventitial dissection. Magnetic resonance angiography is a noninvasive, sensitive technique for identifying some carotid dissections.
Prostaglandin E2 levels and human periodontal disease.

Abstract PGE2 levels in human gingiva from healthy patients and patients with periodontal disease was measured by radioimmunoassay. There was a tenfold elevation of PGE2 levels in diseased as compared with healthy tissue. PGE2 levels of 10−6M or greater were found in purulent exudates from periodontal infections. The results suggest that local PGE2 production may contribute to the inflammatory changes and bone resorption seen in periodontal disease.
Is tubal sterilization associated with an increased risk of subsequent hysterectomy but a decreased risk of ovarian cancer? A review of recent literature

Recent epidemiologic studies have suggested that tubal sterilization (TS) may lead to an increased incidence of subsequent hysterectomy but a decreased risk of ovarian cancer. This review evaluates the nature and magnitude of these two relationships, which should be of great concern and interest to women, clinicians and the administrators of family planning programs. The positive relationship between TS and subsequent hysterectomy is more likely to be of a motivational rather than biological nature, and a considerable number of unnecessary hysterectomies after TS could be avoided by changing the attitudes of physicians and women. The inverse relationship between TS and ovarian cancer appears causal, although the exact biological mechanisms remain to be clarified. Theoretically, this non-contraceptive beneficial effect of TS could be used as a primary preventive measure to curb the incidence of the highly fatal ovarian cancer. However, a number of medical, ethical, and economic questions attending use of a generally irreversible contraceptive procedure as a preventive measure must first be answered. The issue of whether TS is associated with any long-term sequelae, and, if so, whether the association is of a cause-and-effect nature or a by-product of time passage and aging of the woman, should be addressed by well-designed studies.
A SPACE-TIME COUPLED P-VERSION LEAST SQUARES FINITE ELEMENT FORMULATION FOR UNSTEADY TWO-DIMENSIONAL NAVIER-STOKES EQUATIONS

This paper presents a p-version least squares finite element formulation for two-dimensional unsteady fluid flow described by Navier–Stokes equations where the effects of space and time are coupled. The dimensionless form of the Navier–Stokes equations are first cast into a set of first-order differential equations by introducing auxiliary variables. This permits the use of C0 element approximation. The element properties are derived by utilizing the p-version approximation functions in both space and time and then minimizing the error functional given by the space–time integral of the sum of squares of the errors resulting from the set of first-order differential equations. This results in a true space–time coupled least squares minimization procedure. The application of least squares minimization to the set of coupled first-order partial differential equations results in finding a solution vector {δ} which makes gradient of error functional with respect to {δ} a null vector. This is accomplished by using Newton's method with a line search. A time marching procedure is developed in which the solution for the current time step provides the initial conditions for the next time step. Equilibrium iterations are carried out for each time step until the error functional and each component of the gradient of the error functional with respect to nodal degrees of freedom are below a certain prespecified tolerance. The space–time coupled p-version approximation functions provide the ability to control truncation error which, in turn, permits very large time steps. What literally requires hundreds of time steps in uncoupled conventional time marching procedures can be accomplished in a single time step using the present space–time coupled approach. The generality, success and superiority of the present formulation procedure is demonstrated by presenting specific numerical examples for transient couette flow and transient lid driven cavity. The results are compared with the analytical solutions and those reported in the literature. The formulation presented here is ideally suited for space–time adaptive procedures. The element error functional values provide a mechanism for adaptive h, p or hp refinements.
Sickle cell disease and stroke

Twenty-four percent of sickle cell disease (SCD) patients have a stroke by the age of 45 years. Blood transfusions decrease stroke risk in patients deemed high risk by transcranial Doppler. However, transcranial Doppler has poor specificity, and transfusions are limited by alloimmunization and iron overload. Transfusion withdrawal may be associated with an increased rebound stroke risk. Extended blood typing decreases alloimmunization in SCD but is not universally adopted. Transfusions for thalassemia begun in early childhood are associated with lower rates of alloimmunization than are seen in SCD, suggesting immune tolerance. Optimal oxygen transport efficiency occurs at a relatively low hematocrit for SCD patients because of hyperviscosity. Consequently, exchange rather than simple transfusions are more effective in improving oxygen transport efficiency, but the former are technically more demanding and require more blood units. Although viscosity is of importance in the noncerebral manifestations of SCD, inflammation may play a larger role than viscosity in the development of large-vessel stroke. The future of SCD stroke management lies in the avoidance of transfusion. Hydroxyurea and anti-inflammatory measures may reduce the need for transfusion. Recent genome-wide association studies may provide methods for modulating fetal hemoglobin production enough to attenuate stroke risk and other complications of SCD.
Measurement of hole volume in amorphous polymers using Positron spectroscopy

Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) measurements, in the temperature range 110−480 K, are given for three linear, amorphous polymers. Based on these measurements, a method is proposed for evaluating the hole volume in amorphous thermoplastics. Our studies show that hole volume is composed of static and dynamic components. We demonstrate that the dynamic component, which is a result of the thermal vibrations of the molecular chains, is strongly correlated to thermodynamic volume/density fluctuations. The static hole volume is interpreted as “frozen-in” fluctuations, which are manifested as nanometer-sized flaws in the packing of molecular chains. The results from PALS measurements reported in our work are in very good agreement with results from small-angle X-ray scattering measurements.
Intermolecular correlation in a new approximation scheme

It is demonstrated for a spin-free, nonrelativistic, complete molecular Hamiltonian that there is an optimal solution to the separation of electronic and nuclear motions. The adiabatic approximation is obtained as a special limiting case. A fruitful interpretation of intermolecular correlation results from the assumption that such correlation involves the degeneracy of a molecular-energy state of one molecule with that of another chemical species, e.g., cubane and cyclooctatetraene. As a consequence, rigorous relations are establiehed for the influence of nodal patterns of the electronic functions on intermolecular correlation. Also derived are stringent symmetry rules which both electronic and nuclear functions involved in the correlation must obey. Throughout the treatment is a many-electron one. 10 references.
Comparative estimations of U.S. home lawn area.

Although turfgrass benefit assessment studies require information on the extent of residential turf, no nationwide surveys or other means of systematic data collection have yet been conducted to estimate total U.S. home lawn area. In an attempt to measure this statistic, two methods of estimating home lawn acreage by state have been employed. The first utilizes FHA average lot size data that have been inflated to conform to a national average lawn size derived from recent state turfgrass surveys. The second method is similar but employs FHA median lot size data reduced by an assumed percentage allotted to lawns. An upper limit to the nation's total lawn area based on total housing units and national media lot size is approximately 26 million acres. Through the study's two techniques, this figure has been adjusted downward, with the first method producing an approximate total of 18 million acres and the second 14 million acres of U.S. home lawn turf.
On the set of discrete subgroups of bounded covolume in a semisimple group

In this noteG is a locally compact group which is the product of finitely many groups Gs(ks)(s∈S), where ks is a local field of characteristic zero and Gs an absolutely almost simpleks-group, ofks-rank ≥1. We assume that the sum of the rs is ≥2 and fix a Haar measure onG. Then, given a constantc > 0, it is shown that, up to conjugacy,G contains only finitely many irreducible discrete subgroupsL of covolume ≥c (4.2). This generalizes a theorem of H C Wang for real groups. His argument extends to the present case, once it is shown thatL is finitely presented (2.4) and locally rigid (3.2).
High-pressure stability and structural properties of CdS and CdSe

The structural phase transformations of CdS and CdSe under high pressure are studied by using the local approximation to the density functional theory, and the one-electron equations are solved by means of the full-potential linear muffin-tin-orbital method FP-LMTO. CdS and CdSe are found to have nearly similar structural systematics under high pressure. In CdS, the Pmmn phase is predicted after the rocksalt structure, and in CdSe the Cmcm structure is thermodynamically stable after the rocksalt structure. We also find a thermodynamic stability range for the CsCl phase of CdSe. The structural properties of the zincblende, wurtzite, rocksalt, Pmmn, and Cmcm phases are presented. (© 2003 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Exponential functions of discrete fractional calculus

In this paper, exponential functions of discrete fractional calculus with the nabla operator are studied. We begin with proving some properties of exponential functions along with some relations to the discrete Mittag-Leffler functions. We then study sequential linear difference equations of fractional order with constant coefficients. A corresponding characteristic equation is defined and considered in two cases where characteristic real roots are same or distinct. We define a generalized Casoratian for a set of discrete functions. As a consequence, for solutions of sequential linear difference equations, their nonzero Casoratian ensures their linear independence.
Somatic Pairing, Reduction and Recombination: An Evolutionary Hypothesis of Meiosis

WITH the development of the concept that meaningful pairing of homologous chromosomes and crossing over occur only during meiotic prophase has come a series of reports of somatic pairing of homologous chromosomes in the Diptera1,2 and in Yucca3. Additional examples are random or predictable cases of metaphase and anaphase chromosome pairing and interphase-paired prochromosomes in flowering plants3,4 and in spermatogonia of various animals5,6. In some cases prochromosome reduction by pairing of presumed homologues occurs in tissues seen to have somatic pairing during mitosis7,9. The intimate association of homologous prochromosomes during interphase implies synapsis of euchromatic regions. Giant, interphase chromosomes of many Diptera are also synapsed during interphase. The occurrence of somatic recombination in fungi10 and in the flowering plant Arabidopsis11 (which evidently has somatic pairing throughout12) also indicates intimate interphase synapsis.
Beyond five years: Long-term follow-up in pediatric liver transplantation

Pediatric liver transplant patients are now routinely surviving 10 years or more. Beyond the first year after transplant, surgical biliary or vascular complications are rare, and the incidence of acute rejection episodes falls precipitously. Attention is turning to minimizing the toxicity of immunosuppressive regimens and their potential negative impact on growth, bone health, cognitive development, renal function, and quality of life. Innovative combinations of immunosuppressive medications are being used as initial management after transplantation to minimize acute rejection and allow rapid weaning of corticosteroids and reduction in maintenance levels of calcineurin inhibitors. The substitution of potentially less toxic immunosuppressive agents, such as mycophenolate mofetil and rapamycin, is being studied in patients who develop renal dysfunction. A major current emphasis is on defining the natural history of long-term graft injury and elucidating histopathologic changes that mimic autoimmune chronic active hepatitis but are likely a form of chronic rejection due to production by the recipient of antibodies to foreign graft antigens. As patients survive longer, we are seeing various forms of immune dysregulation engendered by the presence of the graft and chronic immunosuppression of the host. By defining the resulting patterns of graft injury and understanding their immunopathogenesis, we can devise rational adjustments in immunosuppression that will preserve graft function and maximize graft life.
Characterization of the expression of HTm4 (MS4A3), a cell cycle regulator, in human peripheral blood cells and normal and malignant tissues.

HTm4 (MS4A3) is a member of a family of four-transmembrane proteins designated MS4A. MS4A proteins fulfil diverse functions, acting as cell surface signalling molecules and intracellular adapter proteins. Early reports demonstrated that HTm4 is largely restricted to the haematopoietic lineage, and is involved in cell cycle control, via a regulatory interaction with the kinase-associated phosphatase, cyclin A and cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2). Here we describe the expression pattern of HTm4 in peripheral blood cells using gene expression microarray technology, and in normal foetal and adult human tissues, as well as adult human cancers, using tissue microarray technology. Using oligonucleotide microarrays to evaluate HTm4 mRNA, all peripheral blood cell types demonstrated very low levels of HTm4 expression; however, HTm4 expression was greatest in basophils compared to eosinophils, which showed lower levels of HTm4 expression. Very weak HTm4 expression is found in monocytes, granulocytes and B cells, but not in T cells, by lineage specific haematopoietic cell flow cytometry analysis. Interestingly, phytohaemagglutinin stimulation increases HTm4 protein expression in peripheral blood CD4-T-lymphocytes over nearly undetectable baseline levels. Western blotting and immunohistochemical studies show strong HTm4 expression in the developing haematopoietic cells of human foetal liver. Immunohistochemical studies on normal tissue microarrays confirmed HTm4 expression in a subset of leucocytes in nodal, splenic tissues and thymic tissue, and weak staining in small numbers of cell types in non-haematopoietic tissues. Human foetal brain specimens from 19 to 31 gestational weeks showed that the strongest-staining cells are ventricular zone cells and the earliest-born, earliest-differentiating ‘pioneer’ neurons in the cortical plate, Cajal-Retzius and, to a lesser extent, subplate-like neurons. Malignant tissue microarray analysis showed HTm4 expression in a wide variety of adenocarcinomas, including breast, prostate and ovarian. These findings warrant the further study of the role of HTm4 in the cell cycle of both haematopoietic and tumour cells.
Hypofractionated radiation therapy for early stage breast cancer: outcomes, toxicities, and cost analysis.

A French prospective randomized trial comparing whole breast radiotherapy with 45 Gy in 25 fractions versus 23 Gy in four fractions demonstrated equivalent 5-year local control and survival. On the basis of this data, we offer the hypofractionated regimen to women who refuse to undergo standard radiotherapy. We report our outcomes and a cost analysis. Between 2000 and 2012, 84 patients participated in this IRB-approved study and underwent whole breast radiation to 23 Gy in four fractions. Local control and survival were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Acute toxicities and overall long-term cosmetic results were assessed. Costs were estimated from 2012 Medicare reimbursement data and compared to costs from standard courses of 25 and 16 fractions. All 84 patients are included in this report. Median age was 83 (range 42-98). Most patients had stage I (80%), hormone receptor positive (90%) breast cancer. Fifty-eight patients (69%) were treated prone and 26 (31%) supine. At a median follow-up of 3 years, one local recurrence has occurred, of ductal carcinoma in situ histology. Among the 13 patients deceased, two died of metastatic breast cancer. Five-year actuarial local control is 99%, breast cancer-specific survival is 98%, and overall survival is 79%. Toxicities were limited to grade 1 dermatitis in 32 patients (38%) and grade 2 fatigue in three (4%). Sixty-three patients (75%) reported good or excellent cosmetic outcome at their last follow-up. Collected Medicare reimbursement was $4,798 for the hypofractionated course. Compared to the projected reimbursement of standard regimens, $10,372 for 25 fractions and $8,382 for 16 fractions, it resulted in a difference of $5,574 and $3,584, respectively. At a follow-up of 3 years, this hypofractionated regimen appears to be a promising approach, primarily for elderly women who are unable to undergo longer treatment courses but have indications for whole breast radiotherapy.
Sperm aging in the male after sexual rest: contribution to chromosome anomalies

The chromosome complement was studied in first-cleavage metaphases of mouse zygotes resulting from sperm aged in the male physiologically, after sexual rest. Females were inseminated by control males mating at 3-day intervals while experimentals mated to males that had had a sexual rest of 14 or more days. A total of 1954 eggs were collected 33–35 h post-HCG from 101 superovulated females mated to 42 controls and 43 experimental males. The fertilization rate was similar in both groups, being 84% and 85%, respectively. G-banded or Q-banded chromosomes were analyzed in 301 (68.3%) controls and 392 (49%) experimental first-cleavage metaphases. The overall rate of chromosome anomalies in controls was 4.45% as compared to 10.94% in experimentals, a highly significant difference. In the experimental group compared to controls, the frequency of trisomy, triploidy, structural rearrangements, and tetraploidy increased from 3.9% to 6.9%, 0% to 1.6%, 0.8% to 2.8%, and 0% to 1.3%, respectively. The genomic source of origin of the abnormalities was determined on the basis of differential condensation of the genomes. In the experimentals, grossly unbalanced sperm (diploids, disomics, double disomics, and those with large fragments) fertilized significantly more oocytes compared to controls. Our results implicate an advantage either in numbers or fertilizing capability for chromosomally abnormal sperm in a physiologically aged population.
On the strain-displacement equations of a geometrically nonlinear curved beam

The paper is concerned with the strain-displacement equations of a curved beam undergoing arbitrarily large deflections/rotations. Two alternative procedures are used for this derivation: a mathematically consistent and an engineering-type approach. It is demonstrated that upon making certain simplifying assumptions regarding higher-order terms both approaches lead to identical results.
Cyan electroluminescence from n-ZnO/ i-CdZnO/ p-Si heterojunction diodes

n-ZnO/i-CdZnO thin film was grown on p-type Si substrate by plasma-assisted molecular-beam epitaxy (MBE). Rectifying I-V curves show typical diode characteristics. Cyan electroluminescence emissions at around 473 nm were observed when the diodes were forward-biased at room temperature. The emission intensity increases with the increase of the injection current. Room temperature photoluminescence verifies the electroluminescence emissions come from CdZnO layer.
Of Books and the Scholarly Infrastructure

This article suggests that among the impediments to the institutionalization of nonprofit and voluntary action research is the inability of publishers of scholarly books to effectively market them. The chief obstacle to this effort is the failure of general readership periodicals and scholarly journals to comprehensively review the growing literatures on these subjects. In the hope of taking on this task, Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly solicits the assistance of its readers.
Exposure to azide markedly decreases the abundance of mRNAs encoding cholesterol synthetic enzymes and inhibits cholesterol synthesis

This study was performed to identify genes that are regulated in the adaptive response to prolonged inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation. Gene microarray analysis in control Clone 9 cells and Clone 9 cells exposed to 5 mM azide for 24 h was carried out as a condition of “Chemical hypoxia.” Among several hundred mRNAs whose abundances were either increased or decreased, we noted that the abundance of mRNAs encoding enzymes that catalyze the sequential steps of cholesterol synthesis was decreased; this finding was verified by real-time PCR. Exposure to azide for 24 h markedly inhibited the biosynthesis of cholesterol by ∼90% and decreased the cellular content of cholesterol by 30%, similar results were observed in HepG2 cells. The abundance of sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP)-2 mRNA decreased to 0.37 and 0.25 that of controls after 2 and 24 h exposure, respectively. After 24 h of exposure to azide the precursor and nuclear forms of SREBP-2 protein decreased by ∼80% and ∼50%, respectively. Stimulation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) by AICAR in Clone 9 cells increased the abundance of mRNAs encoding cholesterol biosynthetic enzymes and that of SREBP-1c, and had no effect on SREBP-2 mRNA abundance. We conclude that the decrease in the abundance of multiple mRNAs encoding cholesterol biosynthetic enzymes may be mediated by decreased expression of SREBP-2 mRNA and protein and does not involve stimulation of AMPK. The decrease in SREBP-2 mRNA and protein abundance in the face of decreased cell cholesterol content raises the possibility of a novel regulatory pathway. J. Cell. Biochem. 100: 1034–1044, 2007. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Sensory Integration and Ego Development in a Schizophrenic Adolescent Male

This single case study of a schizophrenic adolescent presents a detailed analysis of gains in ego functions and clinical observations. A time out record was retrospectively compiled. The purpose of the time out record was to evaluate the generalized effects of sensory integrative treatment procedures on the client's ability to deal with anger and frustration in his living environment. Statistical analysis did not yield a significant difference between pre- and posttreatment data. The results of this study demonstrate the usefulness of statistical analysis verses visual comparison of pre- and post-treatment data in the validation of treatment effectiveness. Visual inspection might support a conclusion of a significant difference, when statistic analysis will not. Although marked decreases were noted in the client's time out record as he mastered hypersensitivity to movement, dcvelopment of protective extension, and gravitational security, no direct statistical link could be made to the sensory integration ...
Embedding atom-jellium model for metal surface

To describe metal surfaces efficiently and accurately, an embedding atom-jellium model is proposed. Within density functional theory, we consider a multiscale scheme that combines jellium and atomistic approaches. We use the former to model layers deep inside a metal surface to reduce the computational cost and the later to maintain the accuracy required for chemical bonding. Work functions of Al(111) and Cu(111) surfaces are studied using this model with comparisons to all-atom and pure jellium models. The much closer results of the embedding atom-jellium model to the all-atom results than to the pure jellium results show a good prospect for our approach in large-scale density functional calculations.
Tissue Damage-Induced Intestinal Stem Cell Division in Drosophila

Stem cell division is essential for tissue integrity during growth, aging, and pathogenic assaults. Adult gastrointestinal tract encounters numerous stimulations, and impaired tissue regeneration may lead to inflammatory diseases and cancer. Intestinal stem cells in adult Drosophila have recently been identified and shown to replenish the various cell types within the midgut. However, it is not known whether these intestinal stem cells can respond to environmental challenges. By feeding dextran sulfate sodium and bleomycin to flies and by expressing apoptotic proteins, we show that Drosophila intestinal stem cells can increase the rate of division in response to tissue damage. Moreover, if tissue damage results in epithelial cell loss, the newly formed enteroblasts can differentiate into mature epithelial cells. By using this newly established system of intestinal stem cell proliferation and tissue regeneration, we find that the insulin receptor signaling pathway is required for intestinal stem cell division.
Production and characterization of natural fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites using wheat straw modified with the fungus Pleurotus ostreatus†

Wheat straw is an abundantly available and potentially valuable biomass that is currently under-exploited. In this study, the feasibility of using wheat straw as a filler in high-density polyethylene (HDPE)-based composites was explored. Straw was treated with the white-rot fungus Pleurotus ostreatus with the aim of improving adhesion between straw and plastic, and thereby the mechanical properties of the composite. Results indicate that the use of sterilized straw is necessary to inhibit the growth of indigenous organisms that preclude, likely through competition, removal of lignin, and hence, improved bonding between straw and plastic. Light and transmission electron microscopy revealed cell wall modification in sterilized, inoculated straw. Reduced thermal stability of treated straw did not negatively affect the production of injection-molded straw–plastic composites (SPC). Comparable interfacial adhesion, based on activation energies obtained in dynamic mechanical analysis, was observed in untreated and treated straw- and pine-based thermoplastic composites. The results of this study indicate that wheat straw represents a promising alternative to wood fillers in the production of thermoplastic composites. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102:5191–5201, 2006
Spin-glass model with short- and long-range interactions

We describe a magnetic model with short-range couplings and an infinite-ranged Ising coupling whose strength is Gaussian distributed about zero. We show within the replica method that the model has a spin-glass transition temperature ${T}_{g}$ which always lies above the magnetic transition temperature ${T}_{c0}$ of the short-range Hamiltonian taken alone, as long as the dimension $dl4\ensuremath{-}2\ensuremath{\eta}$ where the exponent $\ensuremath{\eta}$ describes the spin-spin correlation function for the short-range system. Two methods for computing the properties of the model are described, namely, systematic corrections to a uniform-field approximation and an expansion in the Edwards-Anderson order parameter $q$. Both give qualitatively similar results. We discuss evidence that the magnetization is always zero for all temperatures in this model. The model is qualitatively consistent with experiments on $\mathrm{K}{\mathrm{Mn}}_{x}{\mathrm{Zn}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{F}}_{3}$ and ${\mathrm{Eu}}_{x}{\mathrm{Sr}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}\mathrm{S}$ if peaks which have been attributed to Bragg scattering are actually very narrow diffuse-scattering peaks, as recent experiments on ${\mathrm{Eu}}_{x}{\mathrm{Sr}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}\mathrm{S}$ seem to suggest.
Digital Evaluation of the Complex Index of Refraction from Reflectance Data

A description is given of a computer program for analyzing reflectance data from an absorbing medium in terms of the complex refractive index. The procedure is an adaptation of Tousey’s graphical method of locating the intersection of two or more curves of constant reflectance in the nk plane. It is also an extension of that method, in that it can be applied to thin films as well as to bulk specimens. In the case of films, information additional to the reflectance data must be used to choose from among multiple intersections of the isoreflectance curves. A method for plotting the isoreflectors is suggested.
Buyer's guide [intro to the Special Issue]

In the search for understanding of the theoretical capabilities of computers and other decision-making logical machines, two abstract models have been found useful: finite-state machines and Turing machines. Roughly speaking, a finite-state machine emulates a collection of elemental bistable devices interconnected so that they exhibit a memory. A Turing machine consists of a finite-state circuit operating in conjunction with an infinite tape which it scans and upon which symbols are read, erased, and rewritten. Since the finite-state model is a component of even the Turing machine, a significant amount of effort has gone into the study of its organization, internal communication problems, and the complexity requisite to accomplishing various general transformations on the sequences of digits which constitute its input data. In the role of a sequence transducer between its input and output data streams the finite-state circuit (also called sequential circuit, or finite-state automaton, etc.) acts somewhat analogously to an electrical filter operating on voltage or current waveforms. That is the primary reason that the papers of this issue are found here rather than in, say, a mathematics journal. In this issue the paper by Seshu, Miller, and Metze investigates a matrix formulation of this statement and of some of its consequences. Unger examines in some detail the effects of stray delays in the elemental switching devices making up asynchronous sequential circuits. Simon shows some special properties of some sequential transducers which have simple forms of memory. In Cadden's paper the question of equivalence of circuits whose data are presented in various forms, but which have the same ultimate design objective, is treated. A formal analysis of a quite general class of one-dimensional iterative circuits is set forth by Hennie. Since one subclass of these circuits is analogous to the conventional finite-state machine this paper may eventually lead to a better understanding both of finite-state circuits and also of uniform arrays of logical elements in more than one dimension. A comprehensive review of the present state of the art in linear sequential networks is the end-product of the paper by Elspas. The subject matter of the papers. by Friedland and Hartmanis is the extension of previous work on linear binary circuits to other number bases.
Surgery: On-pump or off-pump CABG surgery—under the spotlight

The ROOBY investigators found off-pump CABG surgery to be significantly inferior to on-pump surgery with regard to 1 year mortality, revascularization, or new myocardial infarction. This unexpected finding could be related to the fact that most of the participating surgeons were experienced in on-pump CABG surgery, but relatively inexperienced in the off-pump procedure.
The impact of acute urinary morbidity on late urinary function after permanent prostate brachytherapy

Abstract Purpose Acute prostate brachytherapy-related morbidity is dominated by urinary symptomatology. In this study, we evaluated the effect of severe early brachytherapy-related urinary morbidity on late urinary function. Methods and materials From January 1998 to September 2003, 1029 patients were implanted for clinical stage T1b–T3a (2002 American Joint Committee on Cancer [AJCC] criteria) prostate cancer. Five hundred sixteen (50.1%) received supplemental external beam radiation therapy and 440 (42.8%) received androgen deprivation therapy. Severe acute urinary morbidity (SAUM) was defined as a dysuria frequency score of at least 4 (of 5), a dysuria severity score of at least 8 (of 10), an internation prostate symptom score (IPSS) elevated to at least 30 or 15 above preimplant value for 4 weeks, and/or requirement of a urinary catheter for at least 5 days. Dysuria severity and frequency resolution were defined as a return to within one point of baseline. IPSS resolution was defined as a return to within two points of baseline. Results Of the 1029 patients, 175 met at least one of the criteria for inclusion. Dysuria frequency resolved in 5.0 vs. 1.3 weeks and dysuria severity in 5.7 vs. 1.4 weeks, for patients with and without SAUM. The mean time for IPSS resolution was 13.8 vs. 6.6 weeks, for patients with and without SAUM. The incidence of transurethral resection (2.3% [4/173] vs. 1.5% [13/841]) and bulbomembranous urethral strictures (2.2% [4/175] vs. 1.8% [15/854]) were comparable among patients with and without SAUM. Conclusions Patients experiencing brachytherapy-related SAUM have long-term urinary function and complications comparable to patients who did not develop SAUM.
Generalized self-veto probability for atmospheric neutrinos

Neutrino telescopes such as IceCube search for an excess of high energy neutrinos above the steeply falling atmospheric background as one approach to finding extraterrestrial neutrinos. For samples of events selected to start in the detector, the atmospheric background can be reduced to the extent that a neutrino interaction inside the fiducial volume is accompanied by a detectable muon from the same cosmic-ray cascade in which the neutrino was produced. Here we provide an approximate calculation of the veto probability as a function of neutrino energy and zenith angle.
The high temperature creep behavior of doped tungsten wire

The creep behavior of 0.018 cm diam doped tungsten wire has been studied over a range of stress from 30 to 90 MPa and temperature from 2400 to 2800 K. Grain aspect ratio (gar) had a strong influence on creep and rupture of the recrystallized wires, and separated the creep behavior into two regimes with a transitional gar of about 11 between the two. The low gar regime showed lower strength and characteristics typical of grain boundary sliding. In the high gar regime, properties were independent of gar, and evi-dence is presented to show that creep is governed by dislocation-bubble dispersion strengthening.
Description of the role of nonphysician practitioners in radiation oncology

Abstract Purpose: With changes in reimbursement and a decrease in the number of residents, there is a need to explore new ways of achieving high-quality patient care in radiation oncology. One mechanism is the implementation of nonphysician practitioner roles. The purpose of this paper is to describe the roles and responsibilities of clinical nurse specialists (CNSs), nurse practitioners (NPs), and physician assistants (PAs) currently working in the field of radiation oncology in the United States. Methods and Materials: A nationwide mailing was sent to elicit responses to an 8-page self-report questionnaire. Results: The final sample of 86 included 45 (52%) CNSs, 31 (36%) NPs, and 10 (12%) PAs. Two-thirds worked in private practice settings. Most of the nonphysician practitioners frequently obtained histories (57–90%) and ordered laboratory studies (52–68%). However, NPs and PAs were more likely than CNSs to frequently perform "medical" services such as perform physical exams (42–80% vs. 19–36%), order radiologic studies (50% vs. 17%), and prescribe medication (60–84% vs. 26%). CNSs were more likely to provide "supportive" services such as develop educational materials, participate in quality improvement initiatives, and develop policies and procedures. Conclusions: Nonphysician practitioners are not substituting for physicians, but rather are working in collaboration with them, performing designated tasks.
ON A SYSTEM OF NONLINEAR HYPERBOLIC CONSERVATION LAWS WITH SOURCES

We study the existence of travelling reaction fronts connecting equilibrium states in the nonlinear reactive-convective system where r represents a given chemical reaction rate of a reversible reaction A⇌B, and f(u)=(2−u)(u−1) represents a nonlinear heat source. The original model equations for irreversible reactions and without sources were motivated by an analog of reactive flow and detonation processes posed by Fickett and Majda. It is shown that endothermic compressions exist for wave speeds c≥2 and in this case, a singular perturbation method is developed to find a two-term analytic approximation for the waveforms. For wavespeeds 0<c<c*<1, for some c*=c*(q), nonmonotonic travelling waves exist. These subsonic travelling waves have either an oscillating tail or a minimum occurring at a finite value, and they essentially represent exothermic rarefaction waves. In this latter case a singular line in the flow comes into play, and a method of analysis is developed based on desingularization of the phase plane equations.
The internal auditor and the critical thinking process

Defines critical thinking as the art of examining an issue from numerous perspectives, questioning the validity of both the premisses and the conclusions. Critical thinking skills are essential to the internal auditor’s function. A recent update of the common body of knowledge (CBOK) reflects this expectation by the internal auditing profession. Respondents ranked reasoning skills, which essentially are critical thinking skills, as the most important subject area. Discusses several definitions and frameworks of critical thinking, including a critical thinking framework that is both comprehensive and useful in describing what the internal auditor does. This framework includes affective, cognitive, and behavioural components which basically describe the attitudes, thought processes and actions that are essential to the critical thinker and to the internal auditor. The internal auditing classroom is an appropriate setting for the internal auditor to begin honing the critical thinking skills demanded by the profession. Arguments are presented for the importance of teaching in a way that encourages critical thinking in the classroom, with the goal being transferability to the workplace. Describes two assignments that have proved useful in developing critical thinking skills.
An experimental study of cyclic deformation of extruded AZ61A magnesium alloy

Abstract Thin-walled tubular specimens were employed to study the cyclic deformation of extruded AZ61A magnesium alloy. Experiments were conducted under fully reversed strain-controlled tension–compression, torsion, and combined axial–torsion in ambient air. Mechanical twinning was found to significantly influence the inelastic deformation of the material. Cyclic hardening was observed at all the strain amplitudes under investigation. For tension–compression at strain amplitudes higher than 0.5%, the stress–strain hysteresis loop was asymmetric with a positive mean stress. This was associated with mechanical twinning in the compression phase and detwinning in the subsequent tension phase. Under cyclic torsion, the stress–strain hysteresis loops were symmetric although mechanical twinning was observed at high shear strain amplitudes. When the material was subjected to combined axial–torsion loading, the alternative occurrence of twinning and detwinning processes under axial stress resulted in asymmetric shear stress–shear strain hysteresis loops. Nonproportional hardening was not observed due to limited number of slip systems and the formation of mechanical twins. Microstructures after the stabilization of cyclic deformation were observed and the dominant mechanisms governing cyclic deformation were discussed. Existing cyclic plasticity models were discussed in light of their capabilities for modeling the observed cyclic deformation of the magnesium alloy.
Oak-insect herbivore interactions along a temperature and precipitation gradient

Abstract The interactions between herbivorous insects and their host plants are expected to be influenced by changing climates. Modern oaks provide an excellent system to examine this assumption because their interactions with herbivores occur over broad climatic and spatial scales, they vary in their defensive and nutritional investment in leaves by being deciduous or evergreen, and their insect herbivores range from generalists to highly specialized feeders. In this study, we surveyed leaf-litter samples of four oak species along an elevation gradient, from coastal northern California, USA, to the upper montane woodlands of the Sierra Nevada, to examine the relationship between climatic factors (mean annual temperature and precipitation) and oak herbivory levels at multiple scales; across all oak species pooled, between evergreen and deciduous species and within species. Overall, temperature and precipitation did not appear to have a significant effect on most measures of total herbivore damage (percent leaves damaged per tree, percent leaf area removed and average number of feeding damage marks per leaf) and the strongest predictor of herbivore damage overall was the identity of the host species. However, increases in precipitation were correlated with an increase in the actual leaf area removed, and specialized insects, such as those that make leaf mines and galls, were the most sensitive to differences in precipitation levels. This suggests that the effects of changing climate on some plant–insect interactions is less likely to result in broad scale increases in damage with increasing temperatures or changing precipitation levels, but is rather more likely to be dependent on the type of herbivore (specialist vs. generalist) and the scale (species vs. community) over which the effect is examined.
Cytosolic and mitochondrial [Ca2+] in whole hearts using indo-1 acetoxymethyl ester: effects of high extracellular Ca2+

Assessment of free cytosolic [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]c) using the acetoxymethyl ester (AM) form of indo-1 may be compromised by loading of indo-1 into noncytosolic compartments, primarily mitochondria. To determine the fraction of noncytosolic fluorescence in whole hearts loaded with indo-1 AM, Mn2+ was used to quench cytosolic fluorescence. Residual (i.e., noncytosolic) fluorescence was subtracted from the total fluorescence before calculating [Ca2+]c. Noncytosolic fluorescence was used to estimate mitochondrial [Ca2+]. In hearts paced at 5 Hz (N = 17), noncytosolic fluorescence was 0.61 +/- 0.06 and 0.56 +/- 0.07 of total fluorescence at lambda 385 and lambda 456, respectively. After taking into account noncytosolic fluorescence, systolic and diastolic [Ca2+]c was 673 +/- 72 and 132 +/- 9 nM, respectively, noncytosolic [Ca2+] was 183 +/- 36 nM and increased to 272 +/- 12 when extracellular Ca2+ was increased from 2 to 6 mM. This increase in noncytosolic [Ca2+] was inhibited by ruthenium red, a blocker of Ca2+ uptake by mitochondria. We conclude that cytosolic and mitochondrial [Ca2+] can be determined in whole hearts loaded with indo-1 AM by using Mn2+ to quench cytosolic fluorescence.
In vivo 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy of human brain at 7 T: an initial experience.

In vivo 31 P magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) can be used to noninvasively assess bioenergetics of the human brain. Information provided by 31 P MRS, concerning such factors as phosphocreatine (PCr) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentrations and their ratio, intracellular pH, and rate constant of creatine kinase (CK) reaction, has been found to be useful for studying neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s (1–3), and investigating functional energetics (4 – 6). However, 31 P MRS on clinical 1.5 T systems often suffers from low signal-tonoise ratio (SNR), low spatial and temporal resolution, and limited spectral dispersion if proton decoupling is not applied, hampering its widespread application. These problems were shown to be alleviated for spectroscopy studies in general by the use of higher magnetic fields (7–9). It has been demonstrated that 31 P spectra can be acquired with higher spatial resolution and SNR from human brain at 4.1 T as compared to 1.5 T, thus enabling better quantification (8). An acquisition volume of 12 ml for in vivo 31 P MRS on human brain has been reported, which allowed differences between gray and white matter PCr and ATP to be assessed (10). In this study, we examined for the first time the performance of 31 P MRS in human brain at an ultra-high-field strength of 7 T. In the experiments a surface coil was used to acquire global and spatially localized 31 P spectra from the human primary visual cortex. The general qualities of the spectra obtained were assessed. The effects of relaxation times of the cerebral metabolites, intracellular pH, rate constant of the CK reaction, and nuclear Overhauser enhancement (NOE) on improving detection sensitivity were evaluated in normal subjects. The results of this study suggest that ultra-high-field MR systems are advantageous for in vivo 31 P MRS of human brain.