cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Palagonite, hyaloclastites and alteration of volcanic glass in the ocean

Palagonite is an hydrated and often altered glass usually associated with sub-aqueous basaltic volcanites. It is commonly considered as an alteration product of normal basaltic glass (sideromelane) with which it is associated in hyaloclastites. Existing information on the diffusion rates of water in natural glasses suggests, however, that the hydration which causes the formation of palagonite takes place at relatively high temperature, that is mainly during effusion and cooling of the lava under water. It is also suggested that generally palagonite is not formed in nature to any great extent from the alteration of sideromelane. Palagonite appears to devitrify much faster than normal unhydrated glass of the same composition. This fact may explain some previously unclear data on the occurrence of volcanic glasses on the floor of the oceans; namely, the existence of totally devitrified glasses in some recent sediments and the finding of unaltered glass in older deposits.
Reproductive health effects and teratogenicity of antiepileptic drugs

Women with epilepsy are less likely to bear children than women in the general population, and although this reduced fertility can be attributed in part to effects of the disease itself, the effects of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), including changes in reproductive endocrine function, are also a factor. Conversely, some AEDs interact with oral contraceptives and can increase the risk for contraceptive failure and unplanned pregnancy. Women with epilepsy also have elevated rates of congenital anomalies and major malformations in their offspring, for which exposure of the developing fetus to AEDs taken by the mother appears to be responsible. In utero exposure to some AEDs may also be associated with increased risk for impaired cognitive function in the growing child. Clearly, possible long-term effects on reproductive health and pregnancy outcomes require careful attention when AED therapy is being considered for a patient with childbearing potential. Moreover, because AEDs are increasingly being used in therapy for other conditions such as migraine, bipolar disorder, and pain, it is not only the treatment of women with epilepsy that will be affected by these concerns.
Techniques for the conversion to carbon dioxide of oxygen from dissolved sulfate in thermal waters

Abstract The fractionation of oxygen isotopes between dissolved sulfate ions and water provides a useful geothermometer for geothermal waters. The oxygen isotope composition of dissolved sulfate may also be used to indicate the source of the sulfate and processes of formation. The methods described here for separation, purification and reduction of sulfate to prepare carbon dioxide for mass spectrometric analysis are modifications of methods by Rafter (1967), Mizutani (1971), Sakai and Krouse (1971), and Mizutani and Rafter (1969).
Potential acuity meter using a minute aerial pinhole aperture.

Abstract A new instrument allows accurate measurement of retinal visual acuity behind mild to moderate cataracts. Mounted on a slit lamp, the Potential Acuity Meter projects a Snellen visual acuity chart into the eye via a narrow beam of light converging to a minute aerial aperture only 0.15 mm in diameter. The examiner aims the narrow beam through “windows” in the cataract, avoiding blockage or scattering of the light that would otherwise occur. In 47 cataractous eyes having best preoperative visual acuity of 20/200 and better, the postoperative visual acuity was predicted to within three lines in 100% of cases, and to within two lines in 91%. With a successful result from cataract surgery defined as postoperative vision of 20/40 or better, the prediction of success with the Potential Acuity Meter was correct in 95% of cases.
Dynamic Policies for Optimal LEO Satellite Launches

Low-earth orbit satellite (LEO) systems continue to provide mobile communication services. The issue of cost containment in system maintenance is a critical factor for continued operation. Satellite finite life-times follow a stochastic process, and since satellite replenishment cost is the most significant on-going cost of operation, finding optimal launch policies is of paramount importance. This paper formulates the satellite launch problem as a Markovian decision model that can be solved using dynamic programming. The policy space of the system is enormous and traditional action space dominance rules do not apply. In order to solve the dynamic program for realistic problem sizes, a novel procedure for limiting the state space considered in the dynamic program is developed. The viability of the proposed solution procedure is demonstrated in example problems using realistic system data. The policies derived by the proposed solution procedure are superior to those currently considered by LEO system operators, and result in substantial annual cost savings.
Analyze gauss: optimal bounds for privacy-preserving principal component analysis

We consider the problem of privately releasing a low dimensional approximation to a set of data records, represented as a matrix A in which each row corresponds to an individual and each column to an attribute. Our goal is to compute a subspace that captures the covariance of A as much as possible, classically known as principal component analysis (PCA). We assume that each row of A has e2 norm bounded by one, and the privacy guarantee is defined with respect to addition or removal of any single row. We show that the well-known, but misnamed, randomized response algorithm, with properly tuned parameters, provides nearly optimal additive quality gap compared to the best possible singular subspace of A. We further show that when ATA has a large eigenvalue gap -- a reason often cited for PCA -- the quality improves significantly. Optimality (up to logarithmic factors) is proved using techniques inspired by the recent work of Bun, Ullman, and Vadhan on applying Tardos's fingerprinting codes to the construction of hard instances for private mechanisms for 1-way marginal queries. Along the way we define a list culling game which may be of independent interest. By combining the randomized response mechanism with the well-known following the perturbed leader algorithm of Kalai and Vempala we obtain a private online algorithm with nearly optimal regret. The regret of our algorithm even outperforms all the previously known online non-private algorithms of this type. We achieve this better bound by, satisfyingly, borrowing insights and tools from differential privacy!
HIGH MAGNETIC FIELD SPECTROSCOPY IN ASTROPHYSICS

The discovery of very large magnetic fields in white dwarf stars and neutron stars has stimulated interest in the spectroscopy of free atoms in high magnetic fields. We review the discovery of continuum polarization in certain white dwarf stars. We discuss the interpretation of the spectra of the magnetic white dwarfs and the confirmation of the presence of large fields. We describe recent investigations on a class of magnetic white dwarf binary stars (AM Herculis stars). Finally we mention the detection of a discrete spectrum line in the Crab pulsar.
Use of theoretical partition coefficients determined from solubility parameters to predict permeability coefficients for 5-fluorouracil

Values for experimental permeability coefficients of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in 7 single- and 4 two component vehicles were determined from flux measurements through hairless mouse skin in diffusion cells and from solubility data. Theoretical partition coefficients of 5-FU between vehicle and skin were determined from solubility parameters of drug, vehicle, and skin, and from this theoretical permeability coefficients were estimated. Comparison of theoretical with experimental values for the permeability coefficients showed a good correlation for vehicles with solubility parameters between 12-18 (cal/cm3)1/2. For vehicles or mixtures of vehicles with solubility parameters in the range of 8-12 (cal/cm3)1/2, increases in flux and permeability coefficients were seen compared with theoretical predictions, possibly due to the similarity in solubility parameters of the vehicles to that of skin (10 cal/cm3)1/2. There was an inverse relationship between 5-FU solubility in the vehicles and flux or permeability coefficient that corresponded approximately to the point where the solubility parameters of drug and vehicle were the same.
Sexual Fluidity: Understanding Women's Love and Desire

There is a widespread assumption that women who identify as lesbians are attracted exclusively to women, have sexual relationships with women only, live in lesbian towns (such as Northampton or Ber...
Study of the Level Structure of N=82 Nuclei via Proton-Transfer Reactions

Measurements of the angular distributions of the ($^{3}\mathrm{He},d$) and ($d,^{3}\mathrm{He}$) reactions on the stable, even-mass $N=82$ isotones are presented and discussed. In each of the residual nuclei formed in these reactions, $^{135}\mathrm{I}$, $^{137}\mathrm{Cs}$, $^{139}\mathrm{La}$, $^{141}\mathrm{Pr}$, $^{143}\mathrm{Pm}$, and $^{145}\mathrm{Eu}$, the lowest two levels are populated with significant strength, one by ${l}_{p}=4$ transfer and one by ${l}_{p}=2$ transfer. Analysis indicates that these states result from coupling a $1{g}_{\frac{7}{2}}$ or $2{d}_{\frac{5}{2}}$ proton (or proton hole) to the respective ${J}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}={0}^{+}$ target ground states. The relative energies of these states change as a function of mass, the ${\frac{5}{2}}^{+}$ state lying 590 keV above the ${\frac{7}{2}}^{+}$ state in $^{135}\mathrm{I}$, and 330 keV below the ${\frac{7}{2}}^{+}$ state in $^{145}\mathrm{Eu}$. Spectroscopic factors extracted from the data with distorted-wave Born-approximation analysis indicate that the active particles in the target ground states predominantly occupy the $1{g}_{\frac{7}{2}}$ and $2{d}_{\frac{5}{2}}$ orbits, with the ratio of $1{g}_{\frac{7}{2}}$ protons to $2{d}_{\frac{5}{2}}$ protons varying from 3.5/0.5 for $^{136}\mathrm{Xe}$ to 6.3/3.6 for $^{144}\mathrm{Sm}$. The pickup reactions reveal small admixtures of $1{h}_{\frac{11}{2}}$, $3{s}_{\frac{1}{2}}$, and $2{d}_{\frac{3}{2}}$ protons into the heavier target ground states. These orbits, together with the $1{g}_{\frac{7}{2}}$ and $2{d}_{\frac{5}{2}}$, constitute the major shell which fills between $Z=50$ and 82. The stripping experiments locate the centroid energies of these higher three orbits relative to the ${\frac{5}{2}}^{+}$ and ${\frac{7}{2}}^{+}$ states. It is found that the centroids of the $1{h}_{\frac{11}{2}}$, $3{s}_{\frac{1}{2}}$, and $2{d}_{\frac{3}{2}}$ single-particle states relative to the ground states decrease monotonically from excitations of 1.9, 2.1, and 2.1 MeV, respectively, in $^{137}\mathrm{Cs}$ to excitations of 0.72, 0.81, and 1.1 MeV in $^{145}\mathrm{Eu}$.
Thermal insulating capabilities of outdoor clothing materials.

A single heat transfer measurement technique was used to determine the thermal insulating capabilities of four materials used in outdoor clothing—goose down, wool, polyester, and polyolefin. It was found that all provide very similar degrees of insulation.
Ureteroneocystostomy for renal transplantation.

Several operative techniques for reimplantation of the transplant ureter into the bladder have been used successfully. The anterior, extravesical approach described by Lich and associates has been widely used, as have the Politano-Leadbetter intravesical technique and the Paquin modification. Modifications of these methods have been described. Each of these methods has advantages but also drawbacks; the Lich-Gregoir technique saves time but is not particularly effective for preventing reflux; the PolitanoLeadbetter approach effectively prevents reflux but requires more difficult exposure and longer operative time. The Lich-Gregoir and Politano-Leadbetter approaches are used either with or without a temporary ureteral stent. A modified method that incorporates advantages of both the Lich and the Politano methods has been used by the author with the goals of preventing stricture/stenosis, creating an effective antireflex tunnel, avoiding the need for a ureteral stent, and using an extravesical approach.
The Case of Chou: The Inextricability of Career to Personal and Social Issues in a Multicultural Context

Krumboltz (1991) has criticized the dichotomy between career counseling and personal counseling which has been espoused in some counselor education and counseling psychology programs as well as in certain counseling practice. Professional career counselors may too quickly refer their clients—having uncovered personal issues which are interfering with their career success and/or satisfaction—to other mental health professionals who specialize in "personal" counseling, such as marriage and family counselors, clinical social workers, licensed professional counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists, and clinical mental health counselors. Sometimes these referrals are justified by the qualitative or quantitative features of the specific problem of that specific individual. Sometimes not. Goldman (1991), Hackett (1991), and Krumboltz (1991) agreed that career counseling professionals are generally being overly cautious, are underestimating their counseling skills, and are, therefore, making unnecessary professional referrals. These authors decry these
79 AN ANALYSIS CF EARLY MATERNAL ATTACHMENT BEHAVIOR

This study is an analysis of the relationship of a number of variables to early maternal attachment behavior. Maternal responsive behavior was used as the measure of attachment. Observations were made in the delivery room, during a postpartum feeding and during a feeding four weeks following delivery. Forty primiparous mothers and newborns served as research subjects. The results show a shift over time in the factors which are most highly related to attachment behavior. In the delivery room the fathers' responsive behavior is the most significant factor (p ≥ .003). During the postpartum feeding the mothers' behavior in the delivery room is the most significant factor (p ≥ .001) . At four weeks postpartum the mothers' age is most highly related to her responsive behavior (p ≥ .001) and measures of social stability (p ≥ .001) have increased significance. Observations of behavior which have a high degree of correlation in the hospital setting, do not have the same degree of significance in a home setting at four weeks. At this time other factors, age and social stability, have an increased degree of significance. How these factors may reflect a mother's social support system and relate to her attachment behavior is discussed.
Right Ventricle and Tricuspid Valve Function at Midterm After the Fontan Operation for Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome: Impact of Shunt Type

This study aimed to evaluate clinical outcomes including hemodynamics, right ventricle (RV) function, and tricuspid valve (TV) function in patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) at midterm after completion of staged palliation based on the source of pulmonary blood flow provided at stage 1. The records of all patients with HLHS who completed Fontan palliation between 2001 and 2007 were retrospectively reviewed. The outcome variables were RV dysfunction, TV, and neo-atrioventricular (neo-AV) regurgitation (from latest echocardiogram), cardiac index (CI), pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), pulmonary artery pressure (PAp), and right ventricular end-diastolic pressure (RVEDp) (from latest catheterization). Clinical status was obtained from medical records and by contact with the referring cardiologist if necessary. Of 118 patients undergoing a Fontan for HLHS, 116 had a fenestrated lateral tunnel and 2 had an extracardiac conduit. At the time of stage 1 palliation, 36 patients had a right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery (RV-PA) conduit, and 82 patients had a modified Blalock–Taussig shunt (mBTS). All the patients except one who died of sepsis on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) survived the Fontan operation and were discharged home. At a mean follow-up post-Fontan period of 28.4 months (range, 0.16–95.3 months), three patients had died (2 on the transplantation list and 1 from pulmonary vein stenosis), and one patient had the Fontan circulation taken down. No patient had a heart transplantation. A follow-up echocardiogram was performed for 115 patients (after a mean of 15.6 months for RV-PA and 32.1 months for BTS), and 66 patients underwent a post-Fontan catheterization (after a mean of 15.8 months for RV-PA and 29.3 months for BTS). The hemodynamic results for RV-PA conduit versus BTS were a CI of 3.4 ± 0.8 versus 3.4 ± 1.2, a PVR of 1.8 ± 0.7 versus 1.7 ± 0.8, a PAp of 14.3 ± 3.1 versus 14.2 ± 4.5, and an RVEDp of 7.1 ± 3.3 versus 8.9 ± 5.3. No statistically significant differences were found between shunt types regarding survival or degree of RV dysfunction or in terms of neo-AV regurgitation, CI, PVR, PAp, RVEDp, or rhythm problems. Patients in the BTS group required more tricuspid valvuloplasties and had more tricuspid regurgitation at follow-up evaluation. The patients in the RV-PA group had more PA interventions. In conclusion, the contemporary results after Fontan palliation for HLHS were excellent. At the midterm follow-up evaluation, outcomes and hemodynamic data were similar between shunt types. However, the patients in the BTS group exhibited more tricuspid regurgitation, and the patients in the RV-PA group had increased pulmonary artery interventions.
A study of the electro reduction of metaphosphate in molten LiCl-KCl eutectic

Abstract The reduction of trimetaphosphate in LiCl-KCl eutectic has been studied over the temperature range 450–700° using voltammetry, chronopotentiometry, and coulometry. The reduction process was observed to be very complex even at the highest temperatures because of prior chemical reactions. A reduction scheme is proposed that is consistent with experimental observations.
The effect of elevated extracellular glucose on migration, adhesion and proliferation of SV40 transformed human corneal epithelial cells

PURPOSE. To examine the effect of elevated extracellular glucose, thus simulating diabetes, on migration, adhesion and proliferation of SV40 transformed human corneal epithelial (HCE) cells. METHODS. HCE cells were maintained in serum supplemented media containing 5 mM, 17.5 mM or 38 mM D-glucose. Cell migration was determined using Blind well chambers fitted with fibronectin/collagen I coated filters. In adhesion experiments, cells were allowed to adhere to extracellular matrix protein-coated wells for 90 min at 37°C. Non-adherent cells were removed by washing, then the fluorochrome calcein-AM was added to quantitate the number of attached cells. Proliferation was determined by plating the cells at low density, then quantitating viable cells with calcein-AM 5 to 7 days later. RESULTS. Raising extracellular glucose from 5 mM to 17.5 mM significantly increased cell migration by 42%. When glucose was further raised to 38 mM, migration was not significantly different from that in 5 mM glucose. Adhesion to fi...
Preparation of properdin by affinity chromatography.

Abstract A new technique is described for the preparation of properdin by immune affinity chromatography. Anti-human properdin antibody was attached via its carboxyl groups to amine-substituted Sepharose 4B with the use of a water soluble carbodiimide. The attachment of the antibody via its carboxyl groups to the solid support resulted in an attenuation of its binding of properdin, which allowed the latter to be eluted from the column under very mild conditions. This method requires considerably less time than other chromatographic procedures, and results in an almost 100% yield. Seventy % of the properdin was electrophoretically pure after one passage over a DEAE-cellulose column; the remaining 30% contained traces of impurities which were not removed by one passage over a DEAE-cellulose column.
Patterns and Associated Risk of Perioperative Use of Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Undergoing Total Knee Replacement

Objective. The patterns and risks of perioperative use of anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) medication in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are not well studied. We examined the patterns of perioperative anti-TNF use and risk of postoperative adverse events (AE) in patients undergoing total knee replacement (TKR). Method. Retrospective cohort study with followup. RA cases within a TKR registry were identified by ICD-9 code (714.0) or self-report. Mailed questionnaires queried anti-TNF use and duration of RA. AE were determined by chart review and patient self-report, and included surgical site infection, pulmonary embolus, deep venous thrombosis, pneumonia, and any infection or re-operation within 6 months. Results. There were 268 TKR cases with RA. The stop time for anti-TNF preoperatively correlated with dosing schedule; restart time was after wound healing. There were 7 surgical site infections (3%), one (0.4%) of which was a deep joint infection in bilateral TKA requiring explant. The anti-TNF group had 3.26% (3/92) local site infection versus 2.10% (3/143) in the group without anti-TNF and this difference was not statistically significant (Fisher exact test, p = 0.68). The one deep joint infection was in the anti-TNF group. Six-month AE rate was 7.61% in the anti-TNF group versus 6.99% in the group without anti-TNF (Fisher exact test, p = 1.0). Conclusion. There was a low risk of infection and perioperative adverse events in patients with RA receiving anti-TNF therapy who were undergoing TKR. This raises the question whether it is necessary to stop anti-TNF for a long period prior to surgery. Given the possible risks associated with stopping anti-TNF, including worsening of disease, further study is needed to determine optimal perioperative use of anti-TNF among patients with RA undergoing TKR.
Chondrules in the Murray CM2 meteorite and compositional differences between CM-CO and ordinary chondrite chondrules

Thirteen of the least aqueously altered chondrules in Murray (CM2) were analyzed for bulk compositions, by means of a broad beam electron microprobe, to explore the compositional differences between the CM-CO, and the ordinary chondrite OC chondrules. The CO chondrules are richer in refractory lithophiles and poorer in Cr, Mn, and volatile lithophiles than the OC chondrules; much lower refractory lithophile abundances in CM chondrules resulted from aqueous alteration. Evidence is found for two important lithophile precursor components of CM-CO chondrite chondrules: (1) pyroxene- and refractory-rich, FeO-poor, and (2) olivine-rich, refractoryand FeO-poor. It is suggested that the pyroxene- and refractory-rich, FeO-poor lithophile precursor component has formed by an incomplete evaporation of presolar silicates that brought these materials into the enstatite stability field.
Impact of Toll Removal on Air Particulate Concentration in Jacksonville, Florida

The concentration of total suspended particulate (TSP) matter was determined at commercial, residential, rural and industrial sites in metropolitan Jacksonville during the summers of 1989 and 1990. These data were compared to samples taken at the Mathews Bridge Toll Plaza in 1989 and at a similar location one year later, after removal of the toll facility. All samples were analyzed by reflectance analysis and the approximate elemental carbon content used to estimate the contribution of vehicular traffic at the roadway. The results indicate a significant improvement in air quality at the location of the previous toll facility, but did not show that a widespread improvement resulted from the removal of tolls in Jacksonville, Florida.
Tephrochronologic Constraints on the Late Pleistocene History of the Southern Margin of the Cordilleran Ice Sheet, Western Washington

Abstract An ash layer that appears geochemically correlative with Mt. St. Helens tephra set S occurs in a sequence of Pleistocene lake sediments in the Ohop Valley of the southern Puget Lowland, below Vashon till deposited during the maximum late Pleistocene advance (Fraser Glaciation) of the Puget Lobe of the Cordilleran Ice Sheet. The Puget Lobe reached its maximum southern extent ca. 14,000–14,500 yr B.P., and at least part of set S is evidently somewhat older. Previous radiocarbon and thermoluminescence dates for set S have ranged from 13,000 to 16,000 yr B.P. Geochemically correlative deposits of set S tephra occur in slackwater sediments coeval with the Missoula Floods in eastern Washington, produced by jokulhlaups through the Purcell Trench Lobe of the Cordilleran Ice Sheet. These relationships suggest that advances of glacier lobes on the southern margin of the Cordilleran Ice Sheet were nonsynchronous, as the Pucell Trench lobe east of the Cascade Range advanced to its maximum southern extent prior to the time of the eruption of set S, before the Puget Lobe west of the Cascades reached its maximum southern extent.
The Germline Gene Encoding DNA Polymerase a in the Hypotrichous Ciliate Oxytricha Nova Is Extremely Scrambled

We report the structure of the micronuclear (germline) gene encoding the large catalytic subunit of DNA polymerase alpha (DNA pol alpha) in the ciliate Oxytricha nova. It contains 44 internal eliminated segments (IESs) that divide the gene into 45 macronuclear-destined segments (MDSs) that are in a non-randomly scrambled order with an inversion near the gene center. Odd numbered MDSs 29-43, containing 230 bp out of a total of 4938 bp of macronuclear sequence, are missing from the 14 kb cloned gene. The missing MDSs have not been located but are at least several kilobases from the main body of the gene. The remarkably scrambled DNA pol alpha gene must be extensively cut, re-ordered and spliced and an inversion must occur to produce an unscrambled, functional version of the gene during development of a new macronucleus. Unscrambling is hypothesized to occur by a homologous recombination mechanism guided by repeat sequences at MDS ends.
Science at the Hard X-ray Diffraction Limit (XDL2011), Part 2

Diffraction limited, high-repetition rate, hard X-ray sources such as an Energy Recovery Linac (ERL) or an Ultimate Storage Ring (USR) have the potential to open new avenues of scientific inquiry and uncover discoveries not possible with existing facilities. These sources have properties never realized before: intense, highly-coherent, diffraction-limited X-ray beams pulsing at MHz to GHz repetition rates with pulse widths from 50 femtoseconds to tens of picoseconds. Hoping to understand new science horizons, CHESS, SSRL, DESY, and the Photon Factory at KEK joined forces to organize six topical workshops on “Science at the Hard X-ray Diffraction Limit” – hence the name XDL2011. With support from the U.S. National Science Foundation and U.S. Department of Energy, Cornell hosted this event aiming to maximize discussion of new ideas and coax invited speakers and participants to brainstorm new experiments that they would like to do, but are impractical with existing sources. To help encourage and educate futu...
Mastitis unmasks Brugada syndrome

The Brugada syndrome is an important cause of sudden cardiac death primarily among males without structural heart disease. Although not widely known, it may be unmasked by an acute febrile illness. An association between mastitis and Brugada syndrome has not been previously reported. We describe an 18-year-old postpartum female who developed mastitis, fever, and syncope. Electrocardiography revealed type 1 Brugada pattern, which disappeared once her fever resolved. Although the role of pregnancy in this syndrome is unknown, clinicians should be aware that fever may precipitate Brugada syndrome among peripartum women.
A monitoring, feedback, and triggering system for reproducible breath‐hold MR imaging

A technique is described that provides improved reproducibility of breath-holding for MR image acquisition by monitoring the superior-inferior (S/I) position of the diaphragm. The method incorporates detection of the level of inspiration using an MR signal, rapid display to the patient of diaphragm position to enable breath-hold adjustment, and triggering of image data acquisition once appropriate position is attained. The response time of the system is short, approximately 10 ms. Studies in six volunteers using this method demonstrate a considerable decrease in the S/I range of diaphragm position over 10 consecutive periods of suspended respiration. The mean range is 1.3 mm with the system, while it is 8.3 mm without using it. It is expected that this method will be of assistance in many abdominal and cardiothoracic studies that use breath-hold techniques.
Comparison of methods for the measurement of fibre/matrix adhesion in composites

Abstract This paper reviews the most common state-of-the-art techniques—micro-bond, single-fibre fragmentation and microdebond/micro-indentation—for measuring fibre/matrix adhesion in composite materials. Following a discussion of the background for each technique and theoretical analysis, the experimental apparatus and procedure are described. Results of finite element and photoelastic analyses are presented to identify the state of stress that is induced in each specimen model of the three techniques. An objective comparison between the three single-fibre techniques to measure interfacial shear strength, and between three composite laminate techniques ([±45]s tensile, losipescu and short-beam shear), is made using AS-4 and AU-4 carbon fibres in an Epon 828 epoxy resin system as the experimental material. Finally, the advantages and limitations of each technique are discussed.
Updated estimate for inclusive large-mass muon pair production in ultrarelativistic nucleus-nucleus collisions for colliding beams

For colliding beams of several species of ions we compare thermal to perturbative quantum-chromodynamic contributions for inclusive large-mass muon pair production by using a hydrodynamical model in conjunction with the MIT bag model to estimate the temperatures of the quark-gluon plasma produced by each species. The production of high-energy dimuons withM≊(2÷4) GeV will be favored energetically by the quark-gluon plasma.
Endotoxin and interferon-γ inhibit translation in skeletal muscle cells by stimulating nitric oxide synthase activity

The purpose of the present study was to test the hypothesis that endogenous nitric oxide (NO) negatively affects translation in skeletal muscle cells after exposure to a combination of endotoxin (LPS) and interferon (IFN)γ. Individually LPS and IFNγ did not alter protein synthesis but in combination they inhibited protein synthesis by 80% in C2C12 myotubes. The combination of LPS and IFNγ dramatically down regulated the auto-phosphorylation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and its substrates S6K1 and 4EBP-1. The phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 was decreased whereas phosphorylation of elongation factor-2 (eEF-2) and raptor was enhanced consistent with defects in both translation initiation and elongation. Reduced S6 phosphorylation occurred 8–18 h after LPS/IFNγ and coincided with a prolonged upregulation of NOS2 mRNA and protein. NOS2 protein expression and the LPS/IFNγ –induced fall in phosphorylated S6 were prevented by the proteasome inhibitor MG132. The general NOS inhibitor L-NAME and the specific NOS2 inhibitor 1400W also prevented the LPS/IFNγ-induced decrease in protein synthesis and restored translational signaling. LPS/IFNγ down regulated the phosphorylation of multiple Akt substrates including the proline rich Akt substrate-40 (PRAS40) while enhancing the phosphorylation of raptor on an AMPK regulated site. The negative effects of LPS/IFNγ were blunted by the AMPK inhibitor compound C. The data suggest that in combination LPS and IFNγ induce a prolonged expression of NOS2 and excessive production of NO that reciprocally alters Akt and AMPK activity and consequently down regulates translation via reduced mTOR signaling.
Epidemiology and dysphagia

With few exceptions, epidemiology of dysphagia is unexplored, particularly with regard to risk and protective factors, and underutilized. The range of incidence of dysphagia in selected primary diagnoses often associated with dysphagia is summarized.
Pattern formation and individual-based models: The importance of understanding individual-based movement

Abstract This paper demonstrates that while pattern formation can stabilize individual-based models of predator–prey systems, the same individual-based models also allow for stabilization by alternate mechanisms, particularly localized consumption or diffusion limitation. The movement rules of the simulation are the critical feature which determines which of these mechanisms stabilizes any particular predator–prey individual-based model. In particular, systems from well-connected subpopulations, in each of which a predator can attack any prey, generally exhibit stabilization by pattern formation. In contrast, when restricted movement within a (sub-)population limits the ability of predators to consume prey, localized consumption or diffusion limitation can stabilize the system. Thus while the conclusions from differential equations on the role of pattern formation for stability may apply to discrete and noisy systems, it will take a detailed understanding of movement and scales of interaction to examine the role of pattern formation in real systems. Additionally, it will be important to link an understanding of both foraging and inter-patch movement, since by analogy to the models, both would be critical for understanding how real systems are stabilized by being discrete and spatial.
Progression of Coronary Artery Calcification in Black and White Women: Do the Stresses and Rewards of Multiple Roles Matter?

Background Black women experience higher rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) than white women, though evidence for racial differences in subclinical CVD is mixed. Few studies have examined multiple roles (number, perceived stress, and/or reward) in relation to subclinical CVD, or whether those effects differ by race.
Vibration suppression of a string through cyclic application and removal of constraints

Abstract A new method for the control of string vibration is presented. The method relies on application and removal of a constraint at one point on the string close to one of its boundaries. Application of the constraint temporarily results in two vibrating strings, one of which is significantly shorter in length than the other. The vibration of the shorter length string decays rapidly due to high damping and results in reduction in the overall energy of the system. Removal of the constraint does not change the energy of the system but allows the constraint to be applied repeatedly for vibration suppression. A mathematical model of the cycle of constraint application and removal is presented and multiple cycles of constraint application and removal are simulated. Experiments were performed with a coiled extension spring which behaves like a lightly damped string. Simulation and experimental results match well with each other and demonstrate the efficacy of the simple control strategy.
Using an Updating Urn-Scheme for Prioritizing Quality Requirements in the Early Stage of Collaboration Design

The effective prioritization of quality requirements (QR) in collaborative product development is studied. The requirements for a quality product are often obtained by questioning and interviewing targeted customers. However, the targeted customers often are not able to clearly articulate and be specific on what constitute a quality product. Even for those clearly specified requirements, they may not be able to determine the relative importance. Moreover, concerns of the developer’s organization and the society, such as the company goals and priorities as well as environmental regulations, may not get necessary attention by customers. Hence, efforts to prioritize QR’s across all stakeholders in developing a quality product are necessary. Prior research has focused on developing a process of prioritizing QR’s. Although our proposed urn-scheme method in prioritizing QR’s may be considered yet another voting mechanism, it differs in two major directions. Firstly, the proposed method explicitly incorporates social dynamic factors such as interpersonal trust and trustworthiness into the voting process. These latent factors are quantified and measured allowing us to visualize their effects on individual stakeholder’s prioritization list. Secondly, with the most trusted stakeholders’ prioritization lists amplified and the least trusted stakeholders’ opinions down weighed, the final combined prioritization list, weighing over all individual lists, is the result of the direct voting and social dynamics, all quantified, and thus, relative importance of quality requirements can be derived. The most important requirements are typically viewed by most stakeholders as important and particularly so by the most trusted stakeholders. A discussion on possible voting results is given. Extension of the proposed method to cover issues such as power influence and conflicts as well as degree of consensus is also provided.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Development of extremely coherent single mode fiber bundle arrays for high contrast imaging of extrasolar planets with TPF-C

We report our progress in development of extremely coherent single mode fiber bundle arrays for high contrast imaging of extrasolar planets with TPF-C. These bundles with 32x32 fiber arrays are designed to reject scattered light while improving the image contrast by three orders of magnitude in the TPF-C visible nulling coronagraph, studied as one of the five TPF-C instrument concepts. We have developed 10x10 fiber prototype fiber bundle arrays using a combination of precision V-grooves on double side polished silicon wafers, single mode fibers and custom made lenslet arrays. The initial lab results are presented.
Scandal Enforcement at the SEC: The Arc of the Option Backdating Investigations

We study the SEC’s allocation of enforcement resources in the wake of a salient public scandal. We focus on the SEC’s investigations of option backdating in the wake of numerous media articles on the practice of backdating. We find that the SEC shifted its mix of investigations significantly toward backdating investigations and away from investigations involving other accounting issues. We test the hypothesis that SEC pursued more marginal investigations into backdating at the expense of pursuing more egregious accounting issues. Our event study of stock market reactions to the initial disclosure of backdating investigations shows that those reactions declined over our sample period. We also find that later backdating investigations are less likely to target individuals and less likely to be accompanied by a parallel criminal investigation. Looking at the consequences of the SEC’s backdating investigations, later investigations were more likely to be terminated or produce no monetary penalties. We find that the magnitude of the option backdating accounting errors diminished over time relative to other accounting errors that attracted SEC investigations.
Diagnosis and Follow-Up of Patients With Achalasia

TO THE EDITOR: The article on achalasia by Blam et al. in the August issue of the Journal (1) raises some valid and useful points about the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with achalasia. We believe, however, that the authors make two misguided observations.
Dependence of the dynamic properties of elastohydrodynamic liquids on temperature and pressure (volume)

AbstractShear viscosity is an essential property of elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) liquids. Relaxation times that govern shear dependence of viscosity, time-dependent shear response, and time-dependent bulk behaviour all scale with temperature and pressure in the same way as does the low-shear viscosity. An accurate description of the temperature, pressure, and shear dependence of viscosity has, however, been missing from EHL analysis since the very beginning of the field resulting in many invalid conclusions. In this article, a generalized version of the Stickel plot is introduced and many empirical models are placed in their relevant region of the temperature and pressure domains by showing where they belong on the Stickel plot. The models that are capable of predicting both temperature and pressure responses are discussed in terms of scaling parameters and an example of a mineral oil from the 1953 ASME viscosity report is used to demonstrate the utility of the scaling parameter models. The Sticke...
Can Mannitol Reduce Amphotericin B Nephrotoxicity? Double-Blind Study and Description of a New Vascular Lesion in Kidneys

Eleven patients with systemic mycotic infections were treated with amphotericin B, 1 mg/kg, on alternate days. Five patients also received mannitol (M), 1 g/kg, in the amphotericin infusion, while six served as controls (C). Renal function studies prior to therapy were repeated at a total cumulative amphotericin B dosage of 25 mg/kg; renal biopsies were obtained from 10 patients. Inulin and creatinine clearances decreased in both the C and M groups, significantly so in the latter. Urinary concentrating ability of five patients (2C, 3M) decreased as did the capacity of three (1C, 2M) to acidify urine after an acid load. Neither the peak and valley levels of amphotericin B in serum nor the urinary excretion thereof differed between the C and M groups. Striking vacuolization of smooth muscle cells, previously unrecognized, was observed in the media of arterioles and arteries in all renal biopsies. Tubular calcification was present in both groups. In summary, M therapy (1 g/kg) did not protect against the nephrotoxicity of amphotericin B. A unique lesion of the renal vasculature secondary to amphotericin B is described.
Leveling the Playing Field: A Study of Captioned Interactive Video for Second Language Learning

Research on computer-assisted and video-based educational techniques has almost invariably found that these media have positive effects on learner motivation. This article presents a study of integrated computer technology which incorporates pace-controlled syntactic chunking in a captioned video presentation. The results indicate that a well-designed interactive video application can motivate, save time, and help address learner weaknesses, especially for students most in need of assistance. In addition to increasing both student motivation and learning efficiency over time, the program supplied the least able students with the means to better understand and respond to foreign language discourse. The results achieved in this study were quite positive. Weaker students in the experimental group performed beyond their apparent ability levels. Additionally, both the teachers and the students reacted favorably to working with the technology. Finally, the experimental group was able to complete tasks more quic...
Merging Two Robust Women's Services in Alignment With a Comprehensive Nursing Strategic Business Plan

Poster Presentation Purpose for the Program In September 2012, Yale‐New Haven Hospital (YNHH), a 1,000‐bed tertiary care center, acquired the Hospital of St. Raphael's, a 500‐bed community hospital, creating the fourth largest hospital in the United States. Affiliated with the Yale School of Medicine and the Yale School of Nursing, YNHH is a provider of choice for the greater New Haven area. Women's Services, which is comprised of inpatient and outpatient high‐ and low‐risk obstetrics as well as gynecologic services, is provided at both campuses. The merger of two hospitals within a changing obstetric population trending toward outpatient antepartum care required a restructuring of services. Proposed Change The Women's Services Leadership Team launched initiatives to merge the two campuses by using a strategic plan developed by hospital senior nursing leadership for all service lines. This plan provided a framework to operationalize process improvements and included four strategic dimensions with specific strategies: (1) Hardwiring the Common Purpose. Women's services policies across the two campuses were revised by a multidisciplinary team to standardize practice; (2) Optimize Structured Operational Processes. An electronic medical record, barcoding, and fetal central surveillance systems were implemented at both campuses; (3) Expand Effectiveness as a High‐Reliability Organization. A strategic decision was made to combine more than 100 inpatient staff from the labor and birth unit and antepartum unit to increase competence and allow for more efficient use of nursing services. A knowledge assessment was completed by nurses to individualize their education plans using the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric Neonatal Nurses' (AWHONN) Perinatal Orientation and Education Program. Nursing competencies and new hire orientation were also standardized. (4) Maximize Cost and Value Position. Improving the use of services was a consideration in the decision to consolidate antepartum and labor and birth units under one manager. The antepartum manager position was relocated to the growing outpatient area. To reduce duplication, services (such as maternal–fetal medicine [MFM], neonatal intensive care, and ambulatory services) were consolidated. To receive optimal reimbursement and improve the patient experience, a multidisciplinary team was formed to explore patient feedback and develop corrective initiatives. Implementation, Outcomes, and Evaluation Patient survey scores, results of nursing knowledge assessments, and budgetary trends were used to evaluate outcomes. Implications for Nursing Practice Flexible models that allow for staff to practice across settings facilitate increased flexibility and expand nursing knowledge. This is an example of how nursing leaders are at the forefront of evolving trends in inpatient and ambulatory obstetric care and have a direct effect on care provision.
Correlation of real-time-monitored process module parameters and wafer results

The business climate of the integrated circuit industry in the 1990's is very different from that of the 1970's. Today's industry demands that manufacturers produce newer more complex designs with shrinking design time windows and higher return on investment for fabrication facilities. This tighter business climate inposes stricter controls on the day to day operation of the fabrication process. Now, not only must new equipment make significant improvements in process capability but every effort must be made to insure that older (already depreciated) equipment is used to its fullest. To this end extensive work has been undertaken to establish "sensor based manufacturing" (SBM) schemes with the goal of improving wafer to wafer as well as within a wafer repeatability and extending equipment useful lifetime. This improvement in repeatability translates into reduced need for expensive, time consuming, in-line metrology. The end result is improved cycle time and reduced overall facility costs. Early work on this topic centered around the generation of a parametrical view of the plasma process module. By viewing the module as the convolution of a plasma based chemical factory and the hardware necessary to establish and sustain it, a scheme for improved control becomes clear. Present control schemes are based only on hardware or machine parameters, yet the wafer results are defined by the plasma parameters. Therefore, shifting the focus of module control from the traditional machine parameters to the less conventional plasma parameters would place the focus of control closer to the wafer and improve process performance. This paper deals with the application of SBM concepts to establish the real time monitoring of fundamental machine and plasma parameters known to have direct correlation to wafer results such as etch rate and uniformity. Proper usage of SBM generated information includes improved end point capabilities, real time SPC and "go-no-go" decision analysis.