cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cyclic and sustained loading behaviors of oxide/oxide Nextel™720/alumina composite with double edge sharp notch

Abstract This study investigated an oxide/oxide CMC consisting of Nextel™720 (meta-stable mullite) fibers in alumina matrix, N720/A, with 0°/90° fiber orientation having double edge sharp notch under sustained and cyclic loading conditions at 1200 °C in laboratory air environment. Monotonic tensile tests at 1200 °C were also conducted. Fracture surfaces were examined to analyze failure and damage mechanisms. Comparisons with counterparts from unnotched geometry showed N720/A is mildly sensitive to the sharp notch under monotonic tensile, creep and fatigue loading conditions. The ultimate tensile strength of the composite was reduced by about 15% in the presence of the sharp notch. The rupture strength of the sharp notched geometry was reduced by about 15% of unnotched geometry for a given rupture time. The fatigue strength was reduced by about 20% of unnotched geometry for a given number of cycles to failure. Deformation under cyclic loading condition had contributions both from fatigue and creep. Damage mechanisms were identical under cyclic and sustained loading conditions.
Discussion of “another look at GAAP versus the Street: an empirical assessment of measurement error bias”

Cohen, Hann, and Ogneva [(2007) Review of Accounting Studies, Forthcoming] provide evidence on how measurement error affects inferences this literature. In particular, they provide a theoretical framework for understanding (1) the source of differences in market reactions to GAAP and Street earnings and (2) why we observe a divergence over time between ERCs based on these two earnings metrics. Moreover, they present empirical evidence on practical solutions researchers can use to mitigate the effects of measurement error. I discuss the implications of their results and provide new empirical evidence to highlight how their results apply to future research. In particular, I use a large sample of manager-adjusted “pro forma” earnings numbers voluntarily disclosed in quarterly earnings press releases to provide additional evidence about the implications of their research. Descriptive statistics based on these data illustrate the degree of measurement error in different earnings metrics. The results suggest that additional research is needed to determine the extent to which a random walk earnings expectation and reverse regression can mitigate the effects of measurement error.
The PennBMBI: Design of a General Purpose Wireless Brain-Machine-Brain Interface System

In this paper, a general purpose wireless Brain- Machine -Brain Interface (BMBI) system is presented. The system integrates four battery-powered wireless devices for the implementation of a closed-loop sensorimotor neural interface, including a neural signal analyzer, a neural stimulator, a body-area sensor node and a graphic user interface implemented on the PC end. The neural signal analyzer features a four channel analog front-end with configurable bandpass filter, gain stage, digitization resolution, and sampling rate. The target frequency band is configurable from EEG to single unit activity. A noise floor of 4.69 $\mu{\rm Vrms}$ is achieved over a bandwidth from 0.05 Hz to 6 kHz . Digital filtering, neural feature extraction, spike detection, sensing-stimulating modulation, and compressed sensing measurement are realized in a central processing unit integrated in the analyzer. A flash memory card is also integrated in the analyzer. A 2-channel neural stimulator with a compliance voltage up to $\pm$ 12 V is included. The stimulator is capable of delivering unipolar or bipolar, charge-balanced current pulses with programmable pulse shape, amplitude, width, pulse train frequency and latency. A multi-functional sensor node, including an accelerometer, a temperature sensor, a flexiforce sensor and a general sensor extension port has been designed. A computer interface is designed to monitor, control and configure all aforementioned devices via a wireless link, according to a custom designed communication protocol. Wireless closed-loop operation between the sensory devices, neural stimulator, and neural signal analyzer can be configured. The proposed system was designed to link two sites in the brain, bridging the brain and external hardware, as well as creating new sensory and motor pathways for clinical practice. Bench test and in vivo experiments are performed to verify the functions and performances of the system.
Developing KFL Students’ Pragmatic Awareness of Korean Speech Acts: The Use of Discourse Completion Tasks

Teaching pragmatic competence in Korean-as-a-foreign language (KFL) settings is still an underdeveloped area, when compared to teaching other language areas, such as speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The first step to enhance pragmatic language teaching in foreign language (FL) education is to raise the FL instructors’ and students’ pragmatic awareness (Kasper & Rose, 2001). This paper investigates a case of raising pragmalinguistic and sociopragmatic awareness of Korean speech acts to intermediate KFL students in an American university, using a discourse completion task (DCT). This study discusses how the DCT approach, as a pragmatic-consciousness-raising (PCR) technique, can assist FL instructors in developing pragmalinguistic and sociopragmatic awareness of the target speech acts. The study shows that DCT provided a very practical tool for our students to recognise the pragmatic features. Conducting a survey with L1 and L2 speakers made the learning process more engaging, relevant, and interes...
Optical gain and loss studies in Ce 3+ :YLiF 4

Transient and stable color centers created by optical pumping at 308 nm have been studied in Ce3+:YLiF4. Since the color centers are absorptive at the cerium emission wavelengths, they degrade the Ce3+:YLiF4 laser performance. The color centers are produced following a multiphoton ionization of the Ce3+ ions. Rate equations that incorporate both creation and photobleaching processes are developed to model the observed kinetics and intensity dependence of the color-center density. Measurements of the single-pass gain at 325 nm as a function of the repetition rate of the pump laser are interpreted in terms of the relaxation time of the transient centers.
Chemically induced change in nuclear decay rate as a tool for calibrating Fe 57 isomer shifts

The calibration constant of ${\mathrm{Fe}}^{57}$ has been determined to be $\frac{\ensuremath{\delta}R}{R}=\ensuremath{-}({2.3}_{\ensuremath{-}0.8}^{+2.6})\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$, from the isomeric chemical shift of the 14.4-keV $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays, resulting from decay of ${\mathrm{Co}}^{57}$ diffused into zinc and vanadium host lattices. The difference in electron density at the nucleus was obtained directly from the measured difference in decay constant of the isomeric level. The fractional difference in the decay constant of the M\"ossbauer level of ${\mathrm{Fe}}^{57}$ between zinc and vanadium was measured to be (4.2 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 2.2) \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$.
Autogenous dermal grafts for repair of temporamandibular joint disc perforations

In five Macaca fascicularis monkeys bilateral 5-mm perforations of the intra-articular disc were followed by unilateral repair with autogenous dermal grafts. The monkeys were killed at three, six, 12, 24, and 36 weeks after surgery. The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) were removed en bloc, decalcified, and sectioned in the sagittal plane for histologic examination. All of the control untreated disc perforations, with the exception of one, failed to heal. With all of the grafted disc perforations, viable dermis and fibrous connective tissue proliferation were seen in the area of the repaired perforation. Therefore, autogenous dermal grafting appears to be an acceptable technique for repair of the damaged disc in degenerative joint disease of the TMJ.
African american women and behavior therapy: Integrating theory, culture, and clinical practice

The utility of behavior therapy for the treatment of African American women is discussed, with particular attention to integrating cultural knowledge with assessment, conceptualization, and intervention strategies. Specific aspects of behavior theory that are compatible with assessing culturally-related variables are presented. These include a focus within behavior assessment on environmental, social, and cultural factors that influence learning. Cultural issues relevant to an accurate assessment of African American women's behavior are presented to illustrate ways in which a lack of cultural knowledge can lead to misinterpretation of behavior. Finally, guidelines for behavior therapists to consider when working with African American women are presented. It is suggested that integrating cultural factors with behavior therapy will result in greater flexibility for treating African American women as well as a range of diverse clients.
Conditioned suppression of a VI baseline using a two-bar multiple VI shock-avoidance schedule

Albino rats were trained to respond on a multiple variable-interval (VI) shock-avoidance schedule, where VI responses were reinforced on one bar, and shock-avoidance responses were reinforced on another in alternating components. Tone-shock pairs were superimposed upon the VI components, and conditioned suppression was obtained. These results are in opposition to those obtained when stimulus-shock pairs are superimposed upon baselines in Ss with shock-avoidance histories where a single manipulandum has been used for both schedules.
The effects of estradiol on 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type IV and androgen receptor expression in the developing zebra finch song system

Recent work in zebra finches suggests that genes and hormones may act together to masculinize the brain. This study tested the effects of exogenous estradiol (E2) on 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type IV (HSD17B4) and the co-localization of HSD17B4 and androgen receptor (AR) mRNA. We asked three primary questions: First, how does post-hatching E2 treatment affect HSD17B4 mRNA expression in males and females? Second, is this gene expressed in the same cells as AR. Third, if so does E2 modulate co-expression? Female finches implanted with 50 μg of E2 on the third day post-hatching showed a significant increase in the density of cells expressing HSD17B4 and AR in HVC at day 25. Co-localization of AR cells that also expressed HSD17B4 was high across groups (>81%). We found significant sex differences in co-localization in both the HVC and Area X of control animals, with males showing a higher percentage of cells expressing AR mRNA that also expressed HSD17B4 in comparison to females. However, although E2 treatments significantly increased the number of cells expressing HSD17B4 mRNA and AR mRNA in the HVC of females, the percentage of HSD17B4 cells co-expressing AR was reduced in HVC and Area X in E2-treated animals. These results lend support to the hypothesis that genes and hormones may act in concert to modulate the sexually differentiation of the zebra finch song system. Further, the data suggest that a single hormonal mechanism cannot mimic the complex development of male singing behavior and associated song nuclei.
Archeoethnobotany of cordova cave, New Mexico

1. Thirty-one plant species from a prehistoric occupied cave in southwestern New Mexico are identified. Some possible uses of many of the plants are suggested. 2. Cucurbita foetidissima, the fruits of which were gathered and which has some of the traits of a potential domesticate, shows no effects of human selection over a period of 1400 years. 3. Several classes of vegetal materials measured quantitatively vary in frequency with changes in human culture but the relationship of these variations to culture change is not apparent. 4. An early but questioned report of the use ofMentzelia seed for food is supported by the presence of a quantity of the stored seed in the cave. 5. The significance of fibrous compactions, or masticates, present in this cave which is outside of the range of mescal baking pits is discussed.
Left ventricular abnormality with late mitral insufficiency and abnormal electrocardiogram

Abstract An abnormal contraction that alters the contour of the left ventricle only during systole but not in diastole and results in mild mitral insufficiency has been demonstrated in 6 girls with apical systolic click, late systolic murmur and T wave inversion. They have remained asymptomatic during a period of follow-up studies ranging from 3 to 17 years. Their young age and the absence of myocarditis, pericarditis and coronary arterial abnormality suggest that they have a congenital anomaly in a localized area of the left ventricular myocardium which results in late systolic dysfunction of the mitral apparatus. We believe that the findings in this group constitute a distinctive syndrome among the heterogeneous causes of mitral insufficiency late in systole.
Forensic Case Studies on Low-Volume Roads in Texas

Three forensic investigations were conducted to determine the causes of premature pavement failure. Specific causes for both longitudinal and transverse cracking, fatigue cracking, and sulfate-induced soil heave problems were identified and verified through a series of nondestructive field and laboratory evaluation tests. Conclusions were made, and recommendations are proposed to the districts to help them select a strategic rehabilitation plan to prevent the same problems from recurring. In Case I, the transverse cracking was believed to be due to either the shrinkage cracks of the very stiff treated caliche base or the shrinkage cracks in the lime-treated subgrade. The longitudinal edge cracks were attributed to edge shrinkage cracking due to wetting and drying cycles and heavy agricultural vehicles traveling along the pavement edge. The major cause for severe fatigue cracking in Case II was identified to be the very open structure of a lightweight seal coat beneath the hot-mix asphalt surface combined ...
Bill Wallace (A Conversation in a Bar)

The dialogue is concerned to do two things. In the first place it seeks to display the extreme difficulty of discussing conceptual issues with students whose academic backgrounds are the social sciences. Its point is not to criticize any element of those disciplines per se, but to illustrate the sort of misunderstandings which many beginning students appear to acquire from them. The second point is to offer a reminder that perhaps the part of philosophizing which requires the most care is the stating of just the question which one wishes to raise ‐ the getting into position, as it were, to think to any end.
The Medieval Arabic Geographers and the Beginnings of Modern Orientalism

European Orientalism of the 19th and 20th centuries has been the subject of a heated and vigorous debate ever since the publication of Edward Said's monograph. By contrast, the study of the early stages of academic and cultural Orientalism has been neglected. For the beginnings of Oriental studies in Europe one still largely relies on institutional histories and archival research, or even V. V. Barthold's 80-year-old study. The birth of academic Orientalism in the 17th century was occasioned by three major factors: a renewed interest in Islam, major advances in travel and exploration, and the emergence of modern approaches to science and education. Among important background developments were the decline of the perceived Arab threat followed by the rise of a very real Ottoman Turkish one, the geographical shift in hostilities from the European West to the East, and the realignment of European alliances and attitudes in the wake of the Protestant Reformation.
A new technique for the characterization of graphs with a maximum number of spanning trees

Let Γ(n,e) denote the class of all simple graphs on n nodes and e edges. The number of spanning trees of a graph G is denoted by t(G). A graph G0 ∈ Γ(n,e) is said to be t-optimal if t(G0) ≥ t(G) for all G ∈ Γ(n,e). The problem of characterizing t-optimal graphs for arbitrary n and e is still open, although characterizations of t-optimal graphs for specific pairs (n,e) are known. We introduce a new technique for the characterization of t-optimal graphs, based on an upper bound for the number of spanning trees of a graph G in terms of the degree sequence and the number of induced paths of length two of the complement of G. The technique yields the following new results: (1) Complete, almost-regular multipartite graphs are t-optimal. (2) A complete characterization of t-optimal graphs in Γ(n,e) for n(n - 1)/2 - 3n/2 ≤ e ≤ n(n - 1)/2- n is obtained for n ≥ n0, where n0 can be explicitly determined.
Spatio-temporal variability of seasonal rainfall in western equatorial Africa

This study reveals homogeneous sub-regions over the poorly studied area of western equatorial Africa (10S–7N and 7E–30E). Monthly totals of 141 stations covering the period 1955–1984 are used. The stations are grouped based on the similarity of their interannual rainfall variability. In addition to annual totals, four different seasons are examined separately for regionalization, an approach that has lacked in previous studies. The four 3-month seasons are defined as follows: January–February–March (JFM), April–May–June (AMJ), July–August–September (JAS), and October–November–December (OND). Two different algorithms are applied and compared: the rotated principal component analysis (RPCA) in conjunction with Ward's method, and the RPCA in conjunction with k-means method. The principal components that explain about 65% of total variance are retained and then varimax rotated. The corresponding scores are utilized as input for cluster analysis. Using Ward's method, five sub-regions are recognized for AMJ, JAS and OND and 4 sub-regions for JFM and annual data. The regions are geographically well distributed over the area and consist of roughly the same number of stations. The F-test is used to evaluate the homogeneity of each sub-region. The results show that all sub-regions are strongly homogeneous. Assuming the same number of clusters, the k-means method provides comparable spatial patterns with those of Ward's method. However, there are some differences, which are more evident in JAS and OND. Like Ward's method, the values of F-ratio for the k-means algorithm also confirm the homogeneity of all seasons/sub-regions. The interannual variability of rainfall for each season/sub-region is also provided and compared.
Ear Power: Batteries Now Included

A necessity for many small, surgically implanted electronic devices is battery power. The lifespan of any battery is finite, imposing limits on its use in the body. Mercier and colleagues capitalized on the natural electrochemical gradient of the inner ear to power an electronic device without a battery. In the inner ear of mammals, there is an electrochemical gradient called the endocochlear potential (EP). The EP is well known to be a critical component that drives the conversion of sound to auditory nerve pulses. Mercier et al. used the EP to power a specially designed “endoelectronic” microchip from electrodes positioned in the perilymph and endolymph in the inner ear of a guinea pig.The power generated was sufficient to measure the EP in real time and transmit these measurements via a 2.4-GHz radio every 40 to 360 s. Overall, the microchip extracted a minimum of ~1 nW for this short 5-hour experiment. The impact of this device upon auditory function was also examined. Threshold decibel responses were nearly the same across all frequencies compared to measurements taken before the insertion of the electrodes. Before such technology can be used to power ear-implanted devices (or nearby implants in the brain, nerves, or arteries), the device would need to become independently operated. The current device required a “kick start” of external power because the power provided by EP is so low. Also, no current medical device could be sufficiently powered by the low amount of power generated in this study. Nonetheless, the clinical benefits of using battery-free implanted devices, which would eliminate the size and maintenance associated with a battery, are abundant. P. P. Mercier, A. C. Lysaght, S. Bandyopadhyay, A. P. Chandrakasan, K. M. Stankovic. Energy extraction from the biologic battery in the inner ear. Nat. Biotechnol. , published online 8 November 2012 (10.1038/nbt.2394). [[Abstract]][1] [1]: http://www.nature.com/nbt/journal/vaop/ncurrent/abs/nbt.2394.html
Job satisfaction among hospice interdisciplinary team members.

The purpose of this study was to investigate job satisfaction among hospice interdisciplinary team (IDT) members. Interdisciplinary team members (N = 76) from several hospices in Ohio participated in the study. Pearson product-moment correlations (p < .05) revealed that there were significant relationships between job satisfaction and autonomy, role ambiguity, role conflict, supervisory support, task significance, routinization, positive affectivity, negative affectivity, and team functioning. Multiple regression analysis (p < .05) revealed that supervisory support, positive affectivity, role ambiguity, autonomy, and routinization were significant predictors of job satisfaction.
Constraining planetary migration mechanisms in systems of giant planets

It was once widely believed that planets formed peacefully in situ in their proto-planetary disks and subsequently remain in place. Instead, growing evidence suggests that many giant planets undergo dynamical rearrangement that results in planets migrating inward in the disk, far from their birthplaces. However, it remains debated whether this migration is caused by smooth planet-disk interactions or violent multi-body interactions. Both classes of model can produce Jupiter-mass planets orbiting within 0.1 AU of their host stars, also known as hot Jupiters. In the latter class of model, another planet or star in the system perturbs the Jupiter onto a highly eccentric orbit, which tidal dissipation subsequently shrinks and circularizes during close passages to the star. We assess the prevalence of smooth vs. violent migration through two studies. First, motivated by the predictions of Socrates et al . (2012), we search for super-eccentric hot Jupiter progenitors by using the “photoeccentric effect” to measure the eccentricities of Kepler giant planet candidates from their transit light curves. We find a significant lack of super- eccentric proto-hot Jupiters compared to the number expected, allowing us to place an upper limit on the fraction of hot Jupiters created by stellar binaries. Second, if both planet-disk and multi-body interactions commonly cause giant planet migration, physical properties of the proto-planetary environment may determine which is triggered. We identify three trends in which giant planets orbiting metal rich stars show signatures of planet-planet interactions: (1) gas giants orbiting within 1 AU of metal-rich stars have a range of eccentricities, whereas those orbiting metal- poor stars are restricted to lower eccentricities; (2) metal-rich stars host most eccentric proto-hot Jupiters undergoing tidal circularization; and (3) the pile-up of short-period giant planets, missing in the Kepler sample, is a feature of metal-rich stars and is largely recovered for giants orbiting metal-rich Kepler host stars. These two studies suggest that both disk migration and planet-planet interactions may be widespread, with the latter occurring primarily in metal-rich planetary systems where multiple giant planets can form. Funded by NSF-GRFP DGE-1144152.
Reconstruction and EMG-informed control, simulation and analysis of human movement for athletics: Performance improvement and injury prevention

In this paper we present methods to track and characterize human dynamic skills using motion capture and electromographic sensing. These methods are based on task-space control to obtain the joint kinematics and extract the key physiological parameters and on computed muscle control to solve the muscle force distribution problem. We also present a dynamic control and analysis framework that integrates these metrics for the purpose of reconstructing and analyzing sports motions in real-time.
On the relation of max-flow to min-cut for generalized networks

Abstract A generalized network is characterized by arc multipliers that are positive and not all equal to one. The flow transmitted across an arc is modified by a gain/loss factor before it reaches the end node. Several maximum flow algorithms have been constructed for generalized networks without fully exploiting the underlying network structure. This paper is aimed at closing the gap. Ford and Fulkerson's (1962) max-flow min-cut theorem is extended to cover generalized networks. Existence of a minimal cut, the optimal flow routing in the subnetworks separated by the cut and the effect of the theorem on future research are discussed.
Is routine antibiotic prophylaxis cost effective for total joint replacement patients

The routine use of amoxicillin antibiotic prophylaxis prior to dental procedures for patients with total joint prostheses in place remains controversial. This analysis shows that the practice may not be cost-effective for patients in whom the risk of infection with dental work is low. However, specific data quantifying the risk and the impact prophylactic antibiotics can have is needed. Patients and physicians will need to continue to consider their use on an individual basis and should consider the risk of infection as well as the risk of adverse drug reaction when making treatment decisions.
Measurement of the phase of a frequency-swept ultrashort optical pulse

We show theoretically and confirm experimentally that, by propagating a frequency-swept ultrashort pulse through an ensemble of two-level systems, it is possible to measure the time-dependent relative phase of the pulse with respect to that of the impact-excited oscillating resonant polarization. The phase is obtained from the intensity modulation of the pulse as measured by a cross-correlation technique.
The Effects of Increased Workloads on Online Instruction

The workload increase for California State University instructors has been significant, as has been the reduction in resources and support. Online instructors are facing the same set of circumstances as their campus-based peers, yet the impact of said circumstances has not been fully realized. Still most instructors want to do be effective in their teaching practices and will do what it takes to facilitate student learning. This paper examines the impact of budget cuts on online instructors, including increases in online class sizes and loss of student –instructor interaction. The research is clear regarding the importance of interaction in relation to academic success; however, it is mixed with regard to optimal online class size. The author suggests strategies to maintain teaching effectiveness during the current crisis by increasing interaction through the use of small group discussions, the use of facilitators, etc.
Surface Analysis by Bacterial Adherence to Virus-Infected Cells

A rapid and inexpensive assay has been developed for the examination of new antigens on the surface of whole eucaryotic cells. This assay is based on the specific tagging of antigen-antibody complexes at the cell surface with Staphylococcus aureus. Cells that had been infected with vesicular stomatitis virus were exposed to specific antiserum, were then exposed to the bacteria, and finally were examined in the light microscope. Almost 100% of infected cells reacted positively. Two temperature-sensitive mutants of vesicular stomatitis virus were employed to determine which virus-specific antigen interacted with antibody and resulted in adherence of bacteria to the cells. Examination of cells infected with either ts G41 or ts 045 at the nonpermissive temperature showed that the assay by bacterial adherence measured the presence of only the viral glycoprotein at the cell surface. Internal viral antigens or readsorbed extracellular virions did not result in bacterial adherence. This assay has potential widespread significance for diagnostic medicine as well as for rapid and sensitive analyses of cell surfaces.
Misfolded proteins impose a dosage-dependent fitness cost and trigger a cytosolic unfolded protein response in yeast

Evolving lineages face a constant intracellular threat: most new coding sequence mutations destabilize the folding of the encoded protein. Misfolded proteins form insoluble aggregates and are hypothesized to be intrinsically cytotoxic. Here, we experimentally isolate a fitness cost caused by toxicity of misfolded proteins. We exclude other costs of protein misfolding, such as loss of functional protein or attenuation of growth-limiting protein synthesis resources, by comparing growth rates of budding yeast expressing folded or misfolded variants of a gratuitous protein, YFP, at equal levels. We quantify a fitness cost that increases with misfolded protein abundance, up to as much as a 3.2% growth rate reduction when misfolded YFP represents less than 0.1% of total cellular protein. Comparable experiments on variants of the yeast gene orotidine-5′-phosphate decarboxylase (URA3) produce similar results. Quantitative proteomic measurements reveal that, within the cell, misfolded YFP induces coordinated synthesis of interacting cytosolic chaperone proteins in the absence of a wider stress response, providing evidence for an evolved modular response to misfolded proteins in the cytosol. These results underscore the distinct and evolutionarily relevant molecular threat of protein misfolding, independent of protein function. Assuming that most misfolded proteins impose similar costs, yeast cells express almost all proteins at steady-state levels sufficient to expose their encoding genes to selection against misfolding, lending credibility to the recent suggestion that such selection imposes a global constraint on molecular evolution.
Pelvic inlet variation in 400 negro women

Abstract 1. 1. Study of the superior strait in 400 negro female pelves by Thoms' grid method revealed more anthropoid and less android types of pelves than occur in the white patients as studied by Caldwell and others. 2. 2. A device is illustrated (Fig. 2) for simplifying Thoms' grid method so that the superior strait may be viewed and measured from an 8 by 10 inch film and a technician may complete the procedure in ten minutes. 3. 3. The inlet to the majority of negro female pelves is essentially round in agreement with Thoms' findings in white women. 4. 4. The operative incidence of the negro women may be less than in the whites partially because of less occurrence of android type of pelves.
Light propagation in periodically modulated complex waveguides

Light propagation in optical waveguides with periodically modulated index of refraction and alternating gain and loss are investigated for linear and nonlinear systems. Based on a multiscale perturbation analysis, it is shown that for many non-parity-time- $(\mathcal{PT}\text{\ensuremath{-}})$ symmetric waveguides, their linear spectrum is partially complex; thus light exponentially grows or decays upon propagation, and this growth or decay is not altered by nonlinearity. However, several classes of non-$\mathcal{PT}$-symmetric waveguides are also identified to possess all-real linear spectrum. For $\mathcal{PT}$-symmetric waveguides, phase transition is predicted analytically. In the nonlinear regime longitudinally periodic and transversely quasilocalized modes are found for $\mathcal{PT}$-symmetric waveguides both above and below phase transition. These nonlinear modes are stable under evolution and can develop from initially weak initial conditions.
Photoperiodic control of antler cycles in deer. VI. Circannual rhythms on altered day lengths

Groups of sika deer were exposed to light and dark periods of equal lengths but different from 12 hr. Light cycles were 4.94L/4.94D, 6L/6D, 8L/8D, and 21L/21D. In all experiments, deer underwent circannual cycles of antler replacement, testis size, molting, and coat color. The results indicate that the previously reported abolition of circannual cycles on 12L/12D was due to the 12-hr duration of the light or dark periods, not their equivalence. They also eliminate the possibility that the circannual cycle might be the sum of 365 circadian cycles. Circannual antler cycles appear to be expressed under artificial light cycles to which the deer cannot entrain.
Expression of androgen receptor associated protein 55 (ARA55) in the developing human fetal prostate

ABSTRACT Purpose: Development and differentiation of the human fetal prostate are androgen dependent and follow a specific pattern of solid bud-ductal morphogenesis, which involves stromal-epithelial interactions. Androgen receptor associated protein 55 (ARA55) an androgen receptor coactivator localized in stromal cells, binds to androgen receptor (AR) and regulates androgen receptor translocation and transcriptional activity. We investigated whether ARA55 has a role in human prostate development. Materials and Methods: ARA55 expression was examined in 25 human prostates from fetuses at gestational ages 10 to 40 weeks and compared to the expression of 34βE12 (a basal cell marker), smooth muscle actin, desmin (a smooth muscle marker), vimentin (a mesenchymal marker) and Ki-67 (a proliferation marker) by immunohistochemistry. Results: Prostatic epithelium appeared as solid epithelial buds from the urogenital sinus. It underwent arborization and ductal differentiation from the center to the periphery. ARA55 was expressed in stromal cells with a zonal pattern, primarily in the peripheral zone surrounding the noncanalized acini. Most cells in solid buds were positive for 34βE12, while only basal layer cells in the centrally located epithelial ducts stained with 34βE12. Solid buds also had a higher proliferation index than ducts. In addition, ARA55 expressing stromal cells but not ARA55 negative stromal cells showed smooth muscle differentiation. Conclusions: The intimate relationship between ARA55 expressing stromal cells and mitotically active, noncanalized acini suggests that ARA55 has a role in the stromal-epithelial interaction involved in fetal prostate development.
Sleep Apnea in Early and Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease* Kaiser Permanente Southern California Cohort

Background Sleep apnea (SA) has been reported to be highly prevalent in the dialysis population. The reported rates of SA in dialysis are severalfold greater than the 2 to 4% estimated in the general population. This study sought to determine whether an association exists between SA and early stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) where SA may represent an important comorbidity and potential risk factor in kidney disease. Methods Cross-sectional study of adults from an integrated health plan with documented serum creatinine levels in the period January 1, 2002, through December 31, 2004. SA diagnosis determined by International Classification of Diseases , ninth revision, coding for SA and Current Procedural Terminology coding for positive airway pressure devices. Kidney function was determined by the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Logistic was regression used to estimate the relative risk for SA. Results The overall prevalence of SA was 2.5% in the study population that included subjects with normal renal function and those with CKD. The odds ratios (ORs) for SA by eGFRs of 75 to 89, 60 to 74, 45 to 59, 30 to 44, and 15 to 29 mL/min per 1.73 m 2 , respectively, compared to normal kidney function, after adjustment for age, sex, and number of visits, were as follows: 1.22 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18 to 1.25); 1.32 (95% CI, 1.27 to 1.37); 1.42 (95% CI, 1.35 to 1.50); 1.37 (95% CI, 1.25 to 1.50); and 1.32 (95% CI, 1.13 to 1.55). The increased ORs for eGFRs > 45 mL/min per 1.73 m 2 were sustained even after controlling for diabetes, heart failure, and hypertension. Conclusion This study demonstrated an increased risk of SA in patients with early CKD. Further evidence of a causal relationship should be sought in the hope that the detection and management of SA may improve the course of CKD.
Indonesian primary teachers' mathematical knowledge for teaching geometry: implications for educational policy and teacher preparation programs

This study examines Indonesian primary teachers' mathematical knowledge for teaching geometry and what factors contribute to this knowledge. A translated and adapted version of the Learning Mathematics for Teaching measures and the Indonesian Educational Survey were used to gather information on teachers' knowledge for teaching geometry and their background information. Based on statistical analyses (ANOVA and multiple regression model) teachers' mathematical knowledge for teaching differs by their educational attainment and grade range taught. Implications include capping the minimum education requirement to a four-year college degree and requiring teachers to teach several grade levels over a period of time.
Hypertension: SGLT2 inhibitors: not just another glucose-lowering agent.

The effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on lowering blood pressure are well characterized, but data now demonstrate their enhanced blood pressure-lowering capacity when combined with dual antihypertensive therapy. Specifically, blood pressure was markedly reduced when dapagliflozin was administered to patients receiving a renin–angiotensin system blocker plus a calcium antagonist or β-blocker.
An Independent Evaluation of the Validity of a DNA-Based Prognostic Test for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Background: ScoliScore is a DNA-based prognostic test, designed and used to help to predict the risk of curve progression in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. The role of this test in clinical practice remains unclear as the published results of the ScoliScore have not been validated independently. The purpose of this study was to determine if the ScoliScore effectively predicted the risk of curve progression in patients with mild and moderate adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in two urban academic medical centers. Methods: One hundred and twenty-six patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis who met inclusion criteria at two centers were administered the ScoliScore test. Two groups were created: a progression group (those who had a Cobb angle of >40° or those who had undergone surgical fusion) and a non-progression group (those who had skeletal maturity without curve progression to 40°). ScoliScore values and risk levels were compared between the two groups. The negative predictive value was calculated for low-risk scores and the positive predictive value was calculated for high-risk scores. Results: There was no significant difference (p = 0.706) in the mean ScoliScore (and standard deviation) between patients with curve progression (107 ± 55 points) and those without curve progression (102 ± 62 points). There was also no significant difference (p = 0.399) in curve progression between patients with high-risk scores (26.7%) and those with low-risk scores (12.9%). The positive predictive value of the test was 0.27 (95% confidence interval, 0.09 to 0.55), and the negative predictive value was 0.87 (95% confidence interval, 0.69 to 0.96). ScoliScores and rates of progression were not affected by brace-wear. Conclusions: ScoliScores did not differ between patients with and without curve progression, and the negative and positive predictive values were lower in our study than in the previously published validation study by the developers of the test. This may be due to differences in our test population, genetic variability, or failure of patients in the non-progression group to follow up. Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Professor Mooney, Judge Deady, and the Celestial Kingdom

Anyone who heard Professor Mooney present his article on Matthew Deady knows of Mooney's unusual success in combining erudition with clarity, and close textual analysis with the development of broad contextual themes. It was probably less obvious at first hearing that this study of federal judge Deady, and his responses to anti-Chinese activity in the early years of Oregon's tatehood, is pathbreaking in several respects. The chance to read Mooney's study in its entirety and to reflect upon it confirms and enhances my initial impression of Mooney's success in crafting a significant contribution to legal history.
Evolution of the Cassini Attitude and Articulation Control Subsystem Simulation During A 7-year Cruise Mission Phase

The Cassini-Huygens Mission consists of a large interplanetary spacecraft that has traveled about 3.5 billion kilometers (2.175 billion miles) during its 7-year journey to Saturn. It is an international cooperative effort involving NASA, the European Space Agency, the Italian space agency, Agenzia Spaziale Italiana as well as several separate European academic and industrial contributors. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) manages the U.S. portion of the mission for NASA. The primary mission is to survey the complex Saturnian system and release the ESA-Huygens probe at Titan. The success of the Cassini Program has been largely due its many simulation test beds and its rigorous test program. The Integrated Test Laboratory (ITL) at the JPL is an integral part of the Cassini Program and provides hardware in the loop simulation of the Attitude and Articulation Control Subsystem and Command Data Subsystem. During pre-launch, the ITL’s primary role was to verify flight hardware components, validate system level architecture, ground software and the support equipment simulation. Once Cassini launched the ITL simulation was delivered to the Mission Operations Team for use in sequence testing, anomaly investigation, training and validation of mission milestones. The delivered capabilities, fidelity and analysis tools of the ITL simulation were believed to be complete to support tests through end of mission. However due to in-flight experience, minor in-flight anomalies, aging simulation hardware, simulation growth limitations and AACS Flight Software updates, the ITL simulation slowly evolved during the 7-year Cruise of the Cassini Mission. This paper will focus on the changes made to upgrade the fidelity and prolong the usage of AACS ITL simulation not foreseen during early planning of the ITL.
Education and training in family medicine: looking ahead.

The paper by Goh and Ong(1) offers us an opportunity to consider the healthcare landscape of Singapore from a fresh perspective, unbounded by existing constraints of established organisation, and to integrate some of the new perspectives into a rapidly changing context.
Two New Black Flies from the Western United States (Diptera, Simuliidae)

Simulium (Simulium) petersoni is described from Wyoming, Utah, and northern California, and S. (Eusimulium) wyomingensis from three localities in Wyoming.
Surgical management of life-threatening coronary artery disease: experience in 18 consecutive patients with left main trunk or equivalent coronary artery obstruction associated with an obstructed or a nondominant right coronary artery.

Eighteen patients with obstruction of the left main trunk or equivalent coronary artery associated with an obstructed or a nondominant right coronary artery were studied. All patients had coronary artery bypass surgery because of their symptoms and coronary anatomy. Five patients had coronary artery bypass without the use of preoperative elective intra-aortic balloon counterpulastion, and 3 of these patients had cardiac arrest prior to insertion of the grafts. The other 13 patients received elective intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation prior to induction of anesthesia and cannulation. None in this second group of patients developed any hypotensive episodes or cardiac arrest, and all have done well following the bypass operation. This experience suggests that the use of elective preoperative intra-aortic balloon assist in patients who have a very critical coronary artery obstruction is indicated in view of the high incidence of cardiac arrest observed in patients who did not receive the preoperative elective intra-aortic balloon support.
Case Study: Discovery of Inhibitors of the MDM2–p53 Protein-Protein Interaction

The p53 protein, a tumor suppressor, is inactivated in many human cancers through mutations or by its interaction with an oncoprotein, MDM2. Blocking the MDM2-p53 protein-protein interaction has the effect of activating wild-type p53 and has been pursued as a novel anticancer strategy. Small-molecule inhibitors of the MDM2-p53 interaction have been discovered through various approaches, and a number of them have progressed into clinical trials for cancer treatment. Here, we describe the methods and techniques used in the discovery of small-molecule inhibitors of the MDM2-p53 interaction.
The influence of urethral position on urinary continence

Bladder and urethral pressure responses to increasing intraabdominal pressure were studied in anesthetized cats. The results indicate that urethral responses are entirely passive and dependent on the intraabdominal position of the urethra. Urethral resistence to urine flow was not influenced by curare administration or complete sacral rhizotomy but was markedly decreased by phentolamine administration or the application of pressure directly to the bladder.
A review of creative writing workshop pedagogy in educational research: methodological challenges and affordances

ABSTRACTThis methodololgically focused review of the literature on creative writing workshop pedagogy explores the challenges and affordances of formal educational research, both qualitative and quantitative, in an area which continues to be dominated by lay research. Each of three qualitative studies, as well as one quantitative report, is examined for insights into best practices of data collection, analysis, and presentation. The purpose of this review of the literature is to offer implications for future research that may serve to bridge the gap between informal qualitative research and policy-makers, as lay research has historically had a limited impact on administration and policy regarding writing pedagogy. Possible avenues of research, as well as transferability of studies across myriad writing populations, both at-risk and mainstream, are considered.