cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High resolutions maps of the galactic center at 2.2 and 10 μ

Photometric maps of the central 1' of the Galactic center are presented at 2.2 and 10μ with a spatial resolution of ≈ 2'.'5. Most of the 2.2-μ radiation within the central 2 pc comes from discrete sources with absolute 2.2-μ magnitudes brighter than -8. At 10μ, nine discrete sources plus an extended ridge of emission are seen. Five of the discrete sources are located within the extended ridge and have properties similar to the planetary nebula NGC 7027.
Ventricular function after coronary artery bypass grafting: evaluation by magnetic resonance imaging and myocardial strain analysis.

Abstract Objective Magnetic resonance imaging with radiofrequency tissue tagging permits quantitative assessment of regional systolic myocardial strain. We sought to investigate the utility of this imaging modality to quantitatively determine preoperative impairment and postoperative improvement in ventricular function in patients with ischemic heart disease. Methods Magnetic resonance imaging with radiofrequency tissue tagging was performed on 6 patients (average age 60.2 ± 13.7 years) with coronary artery disease and 32 control subjects with no known heart disease. Patients with coronary artery disease underwent imaging before and 3 months after coronary artery bypass grafting. The ventricle was divided into 6 segments within a midventricular plane. Regional 2-dimensional left ventricular circumferential strain was calculated from tagged magnetic resonance images throughout systole. Circumferential strain results were compared in patients before and after and 3 months after coronary artery bypass grafting and also in control subjects. Results Before the operation circumferential strain identified 100% (10/10) of all regional wall motion abnormalities seen by preoperative ventriculography. Postoperatively, improvements were demonstrated in 56% (20/36) of the regions, and these improvements agreed with viability testing by single-photon emission computed tomography when available. Additionally, preoperative global circumferential strain for the ischemic group was significantly depressed relative to that in control subjects (0.11 ± 0.05 vs 0.20 ± 0.03, P r = 0.84, P P Conclusions Magnetic resonance imaging with radiofrequency tissue tagging permitted circumferential strain calculation. This technology quantitatively demonstrated improvements in left ventricular wall motion after coronary artery bypass grafting for both individual regions and the entire ventricle. This noninvasive method may prove useful in preoperative evaluation and postoperative serial assessment of left ventricular wall motion.
Design and Testing of a Multivariate Optical Element: The First Demonstration of Multivariate Optical Computing for Predictive Spectroscopy

A demonstration of multivariate optical computing is presented using binary dye mixtures consisting of Bismarck Brown and Crystal Violet. Bismarck Brown was treated as the analyte, while Crystal Violet was treated as a random interfering species. First, a multilayer multivariate optical element (MOE) for the determination of Bismarck Brown was designed using a novel nonlinear optimization algorithm. Next, the MOE was fabricated by depositing alternating layers of two metal oxide films (Nb2O5 and SiO2) on a BK-7 glass substrate via reactive magnetron sputtering. Finally, the MOE was tested on 39 binary dye mixtures using a simple T-format prototype instrument constructed for this purpose. For each sample, measurements of the difference between transmittance through the MOE, and the reflectance from the MOE were made. By setting aside some of the samples for instrument calibration and then using the calibration model to predict the remaining samples, a standard error of prediction of 0.69 μM was obtained fo...
A profile of early childhood special education in Taiwan, Republic of China

This article presents the results of a survey examining existing early childhood special education practices in Taiwan, the Republic of China. Descriptive data on personnel representing several disciplines currently providing early childhood services were gathered through a questionnaire survey of 134 programmes in Taiwan. The following characteristics of professionals and paraprofessionals (e.g. teaching assistants) in these early childhood intervention programmes were documented: title of job(s); years of experience; levels of education; receipt of specialised early intervention training; types of licence/credential/certification; and in-service training opportunities. Further, programme information such as the following was collected: total number of all children; number of children with special educational needs; staff–child ratio for centre-based programmes; type of service(s) provided by the programme or programme setting(s); and staff case load for home-based programmes.
Progesterone-dependent deoxyribonucleic acid looping between RUSH/SMARCA3 and Egr-1 mediates repression by c-Rel.

Steroids regulate alternative splicing of RUSH/SMARCA3. The full-length, progesterone-dependent α-isoform and the 3′-truncated, estrogen-dependent β-isoform have identical DNA-binding domains, nuclear localization signals, and RING fingers. Transcription of RUSH/SMARCA3 is mediated by a bipartite progesterone receptor half-site/overlapping Y-box combination (−38/−26), where progesterone activation is attenuated by nuclear factor Y binding. Regulation also involves two GC-rich sequences in the proximal promoter (−162/+90) and a RUSH/SMARCA3 site (−616/−611) in the 5′-untranslated region. Isoform-specific binding to the RUSH/SMARCA3 site is dictated by the hormonal milieu, as is the availability of factors that bind to the distal GC-rich site (−131/−126), a composite binding site for Egr-1/specific protein-1/3/Myc-associated zinc finger protein/myeloid zinc finger-1/c-Rel, and the proximal GC-rich site (−62/−53), which binds only Sp1/3. TransSignal TF-TF interaction arrays, supershift assays, and chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses confirmed strong physical interactions between RUSH/Egr-1 and RUSH/c-Rel that were visualized with fluorescent microscopy. Higher-order, long-range interactions between RUSH and Egr-1/c-Rel derivative of the anisotropic flexibility of the intervening DNA sequence were shown by Chromosome Conformation Capture assay. Glutathione S-transferase pull-downs confirmed that the RING finger is the protein-binding domain, suggesting that the RUSH isoforms have equivalent potential for protein interactions. Transient transfection assays showed that the cooperative interaction between RUSH and Egr-1 mediates repression by c-Rel. Thus, progesterone-induced transcription is fine-tuned by isoform-specific autoregulation, in which newly synthesized RUSH-1α binds DNA and interacts physically with liganded Egr-1 in the proximal promoter via a DNA-looping mechanism to mediate repression by c-Rel. In the absence of progesterone induction, RUSH-1β replaces RUSH-1α binding, Egr-1 and c-Rel are unavailable as molecular ties, and DNA looping is disfavored.
Phosphorylation and activation of the intestinal guanylyl cyclase receptor for Escherichia coli heat-stable toxin by protein kinase C

The heat-stable enterotoxin STa of E. coli causes diarrhea by binding to and stimulating intestinal membrane-bound guanylyl cyclase, triggering production of cyclic GMP. Agents which stimulate protein kinase C (PKC), including phorbol esters, synergistically enhance STa effects on cGMP and secretion. We investigated whether PKC causes phosphorylation of the STa receptor in vivo and in vitro. Immunoprecipitation of the STa receptor-guanylyl cyclase was carried out from extracts of T84 colon cells metabolically labelled with [32P]-phosphate using polyclonal anti-STa receptor antibody. The STa receptor was phosphorylated in its basal state, and 32P content in the 150 kDa holoreceptor band increased 2-fold in cells exposed to phorbol ester for 1 h. In vitro, immunopurified STa receptor was readily phosphorylated by purified rat brain PKC. Phosphorylation was inhibited 40% by 5 microM of a synthetic peptide corresponding to the sequence around Ser1029 of the STa receptor, a site previously proposed as a potential PKC phosphorylation site. Treatment of the immunopurified STaR/GC with purified PKC increased STa-stimulated guanylyl cyclase activity 2-fold. We conclude that PKC phosphorylates and activates the STa receptor/guanylyl cyclase in vitro and in vivo; Ser1029 of the STaR/GC remains a candidate phosphorylation site by PKC.
SALT SENSITIVITY OF THE HEMOCYANIN OF EURY- AND STENOHALINE SQUIDS

Abstract 1. The hemocyanin of the euryhaline squid Lolliguncula brevis is insensitive to changes in salinity in the range 11–35%. 2. In contrast the hemocyanin of the stenohaline Loligo paelei loses its cooperativity and pH dependence at 11%., and O2 affinity increases at physiological pH by more than half. 3. Hemocyanin O2 affinity in L. brevis, a rare example of a squid that survives shipping in small containers, is also fairly high and has little pH dependence regardless of salinity.
Lack of early augmentation of platelet reactivity after coronary intervention in patients treated with bivalirudin

To determine whether a regimen of aspirin pretreatment, bivalirudin during the procedure and clopidogrel (600 mg) immediately after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was associated with platelet activation during and shortly after (1 and 2 h) PCI, we characterized platelet function in 10 patients with the use of flow cytometry in the absence of agonist and in response to thrombin (10 nM), ADP (1 μM), the collagen-mimetic convulxin (5 ng/ml), and platelet activating factor (10 nM). Activation of platelets in peripheral blood was rare (<0.5% of platelets) before, during and after PCI. Platelet reactivity in response to each of the agonists was lower after the PCI compared with that in blood taken before the PCI. Accordingly, platelet activation and platelet reactivity were not increased after elective PCI when patients were treated during the procedure with aspirin and bivalirudin and immediately after the procedure with a 600 mg loading dose of clopidogrel.
Interactions among Stalk Modules of Thrombospondin-1

Thrombospondin-1 is a trimeric, modular calcium-binding glycoprotein. The subunit is composed of an N-terminal module; oligomerization domain; stalk modules including a von Willebrand factor type C module, three properdin or thrombospondin type 1 repeat (TSR) modules, and two thrombospondin-type EGF-like modules; and a C-terminal signature domain comprising single copies of the epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like, wire, and lectin-like modules. Conformational changes in the signature domain influence ligand binding to the N-terminal modules. Interactions have been demonstrated among the modules of the signature domain and the thrombospondin-type EGF-like modules. We have extended this analysis to the rest of the stalk modules. Differential scanning calorimetry revealed interactions between the most C-terminal TSR module and the EGF-like modules. Calorimetry and differences in expression levels of single versus tandem modules indicated that the three TSRs interact with each other as well. No evidence of interactions between the von Willebrand factor type C and TSR modules were detected by differential scanning calorimetry, circular dichroism, or intrinsic fluorescence. These results indicate that the TSR and thrombospondin-type EGF-like stalk modules act as a unit that may relay conformational information between the N-terminal and C-terminal parts of the protein.
Comparison of single-dose fosfomycin and a 7-day course of nitrofurantoin in female patients with uncomplicated urinary tract infection

Abstract This multicenter clinical trial compared single-dose fosfomycin tromethamine with a 7-day course of nitrofurantoin for the treatment of acute uncomplicated lower urinary tract infection (UTI) in female patients. Healthy females with symptoms of acute uncomplicated UTI were enrolled in a doublemasked, randomized clinical trial. Assessable patients had ≥10 5 colony-forming units per milliliter of a uropathogen in a cleanvoided midstream urine sample. Patients received a single 3-g dose of fosfomycin tromethamine plus 7 days of placebo capsules or a single 3-g dose of placebo plus 7 days of nitrofurantoin monohydrate/macrocrystal 100-mg capsules. Treatment efficacy was assessed by both bacteriologic and clinical response 5 to 11 days after the initial treatment dose (visit 2) and 5 to 11 days (visit 3) and 4 to 6 weeks (visit 4) after the last day of medication. Of the 749 patients initially enrolled in the study, 375 received fosfomycin and 374 received nitrofurantoin. There were no clinical differences in patient characteristics between the 2 groups at study entry. Overall, 94% of pretreatment isolates were susceptible to fosfomycin and 83% were susceptible to nitrofurantoin. Bacteriologic cure rates at the first follow-up visit (5 to 11 days after initiation of treatment) were 78% and 86% for fosfomycin and nitrofurantoin, respectively ( P = 0.02). At visit 3 (1 week posttreatment), they were 87% and 81% for fosfomycin and nitrofurantoin, respectively ( P = 0.17). Both treatment groups had an 80% overall clinical success rate (cure and improvement). Twenty patients (5.3%) who received fosfomycin and 21 patients (5.6%) who received nitrofurantoin reported an adverse effect related to study medication. The most common side effects related to fosfomycin treatment were diarrhea (2.4%), vaginitis (1.8%), and nausea (0.8%). Both bacteriologic and clinical cure rates observed with a single 3-g dose of fosfomycin were comparable to those achieved with a 7-day course of nitrofurantoin in female patients with acute uncomplicated UTI.
5-HT2 receptors augment cholinergic nerve-mediated contraction of rat bronchi.

Abstract 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) potentiated contractions of isolated rat bronchi evoked by electrical field stimulation (EFS). The degree of potentiation caused by 5-HT was dependent upon concentration of the amine present in the tissue bath. The effects of antagonists selective for different subtypes of the 5-HT receptor on potentiation of EFS-induced contractions by 5-HT were examined. Propranolol, a nonselective β-adrenoceptor antagonist which can act as a 5-HT 1 receptor antagonist, did not inhibit the effects of 5-HT on EFS-induced contractile responses. Similarly, 5-HT 3 receptor antagonism with MDL 72222 or ICS 205–930, did not inhibit the facilitatory effects of 5-HT. However, ketanserin, mianserin and spiperone. 5-HT 2 receptor antagonists, abolished the effects of 5-HT on EFS-induced responses. These latter results suggested that the potentiation was dependent upon activation of 5-HT 2 receptors thus additional experiments were conducted using the 5-HT 2 receptor agonist, α-methyl-5-hydroxytryptamine (α-Me-5-HT). α-Me-5-HT caused a concentration-dependent potentiation of EFS-induced contractile responses comparable to that observed with 5-HT. Concentrations of α-Me-5-HT that significantly potentiated EFS-induced contraction were essentially without affect on airway smooth muscle contraction elicited by exogenous acetylcholine. These results are consistent with a role for 5-HT 2 receptor activation in mediating the facilitatory effects of 5-HT on cholinergic nerve-mediated responses in airways.
An Assessment of Medical School Stressors on Preclinical Students’ Levels of Clinical Empathy

This study examines the impact of medical school-specific stressors on potential changes in medical students’ levels of clinical empathy. A total of 352 students at a U.S. medical school completed questionnaires at the beginning and the end of the 2007–2008 academic year. Subjects were found to decrease significantly in levels of empathy, although these changes were minimal. The negative impact of medical school-specific stressors was found to not significantly affect students’ changes in clinical empathy, yet correlation analyses showed that students high in clinical empathy were more likely to report that significant medical school stressors had more negative impact on their lives. Whereas medical school stress may not be a direct cause of the decline in empathy, students may be adapting to their environment by shedding empathy in order to become less vulnerable to the negative impact of the stressors.
Determination of Surface Damage in the Grinding of Silicon Wafers

Grinding as one of the important processes for silicon manufacturing industry is the first step to reduce the cutting-caused surface-damage, which is one of key parameters determining the surface quality of silicon wafers. To understand the evolution of surface damage in grinding process, the ball-dimple technique developed for the measurement of the subsurface damage of ground glasses was applied to characterize the surface damage of silicon wafers created in the grinding process. The surface damage increases with abrasive size, which associates with the formation and propagation of surface cracks. Fracture mechanics due to the indentation of sharp indenters was used to exploit the connection between the surface damage and the process parameters. Microindentation was used to evaluate the near-surface elastic behavior of the ground silicon wafers.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
A new approach to evaluate forest structure restoration needs across Oregon and Washington, USA

Widespread habitat degradation and uncharacteristic fire, insect, and disease outbreaks in forests across the western United States have led to highly publicized calls to increase the pace and scale of forest restoration. Despite these calls, we frequently lack a comprehensive understanding of forest restoration needs. In this study we demonstrate a new approach for evaluating where, how much, and what types of restoration are needed to move present day landscape scale forest structure towards a Natural Range of Variability (NRV) across eastern Washington, eastern Oregon, and southwestern Oregon. Our approach builds on the conceptual framework of the LANDFIRE and Fire Regime Condition Class programs. Washington–Oregon specific datasets are used to assess the need for changes to current forest structure resulting from disturbance and/or succession at watershed and regional scales. Across our analysis region we found that changes in current structure would be needed on an estimated 4.7 million+ ha (40% of all coniferous forests) in order to restore forest structure approximating NRV at the landscape scale. Both the overall level and the type of restoration need varied greatly between forested biophysical settings. Regional restoration needs were dominated by the estimated 3.8+ million ha in need of thinning and/or low severity fire in forests that were historically maintained by frequent low or mixed severity fire (historical Fire Regime Group I and III biophysical settings). However, disturbance alone cannot restore NRV forest structure. We found that time to transition into later development structural classes through successional processes was required on approximately 3.2 million ha (over 25% of all coniferous forests). On an estimated 2.3 million ha we identified that disturbance followed by succession was required to restore NRV forest structure. The results of this study are intended to facilitate the ability of local land managers to incorporate regional scale, multi-ownership context into local forest management and restoration. Meeting the region-wide restoration needs identified in this study will require a substantial increase in the pace and scale of restoration treatments and coordination amongst governments, agencies, and landowners. 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-SA license
Carbohydrate Fluxes into Alginate Biosynthesis in Azotobacter vinelandii NCIB 8789: NMR Investigations of the Triose Pools†

The metabolite flux of carbohydrates through primary catabolism and into hexose resynthesis has been investigated for alginic acid biosynthesis in Azotobacter vinelandii. To do these studies, we fed the microorganism a variety of 13C-labeled glucose precursors, including [U-13C6]glucose. The incorporations of the precursors were determined by 1D 13C-NMR, 2D 13C-DQF-COSY, and inverse triple-quantum correlation experiments. The results clearly show that the entire catabolism of hexose is through the Entner-Doudoroff (E-D) pathway and that the triose pools are in equilibrium. Reentry into gluconeogenesis prior to alginate synthesis occurs totally from the glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate generated by the E-D pathway. The obligatory intermediacy of triose intermediates in alginate biosynthesis was proved. The experiments and results presented in this paper constitute a new method for distinguishing the E-D pathway from glycolysis in bacteria.
Ovulation induced in Frog with Mammalian Hormones

WE have reported elsewhere1 that fertilizable eggs for embryological studies can be obtained satisfactorily from the ubiquitous Indian skipper-frog (Rana cyanophlyctis Schn.). Homoplastic parenteral injections of 4–5 pituitary glands into gravid test animals brought forth viable eggs after 12–15 hr. It was our object to find out if mammalian hormones could also induce these frogs to ovulate, as there is conflicting opinion about the action of gonadotrophins on female frogs. Rugh2 noted in this connexion that: “In general, the Anura will respond to pituitaries from other Amphibia but not from mammalian extracts of the pituitary hormone”. However, Greaser and Gorbman3 quoted authors reporting ovulation in two species of Rana induced by mammalian hormones. Whereas many workers have reported failure to induce Rana pipiens to ovulate with mammalian gonadotrophins, Wright and Hisaw4 appear to have succeeded with mammalian pituitary gonadotrophins. Ovulation has been brought about in frogs using testosterone, progesterone and adrenal cortical hormones5,6. Chang and Witschi7 suggested that cortisone and adrenocorticotrophic hormone play a supporting part in the process of ovulation in R. pipiens and that the ovary should be brought to a threshold by implanting one or two pituitary glands to enable the supporting agent to work. It has been assumed in explaining this action that the process of ovulation is caused by the high follicular œstrogen content, which in turn releases adrenocorticotrophic hormone from the pituitary, the latter activating the adrenal cortex to secrete cortisone which assists in ovulation.
Reproductive behavior of the Gymnosomatous Pteropod Clione antarctica

Summary The pteropod Clione antarctica (Molluscs: Gastropoda) was examined in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, to evaluate population densities and proportions of reproductively mature and copulating individuals. Three pteropod “swarms” estimated to consist of approximately 7.9 pteropods per m3 were sampled on September 30, October 8 and 26, 1993. Approximately 36 % of the swarms were reproductively mature individuals. In situ observations indicated that on average 8% of the individuals were paired and copulating. Individual pteropods exhibited directional movement toward conspecifics. Ninety-five percent of pteropod pairs observed (n = 40) separated by a distance of 1 cm initiated copulation.
Evolution of EF-hand calcium-modulated proteins. III. Exon sequences confirm most dendrograms based on protein sequences: Calmodulin dendrograms show significant lack of parallelism

In the first report in this series we presented dendrograms based on 152 individual proteins of the EF-hand family. In the second we used sequences from 228 proteins, containing 835 domains, and showed that eight of the 29 subfamilies are congruent and that the EF-hand domains of the remaining 21 subfamilies have diverse evolutionary histories. In this study we have computed dendrograms within and among the EF-hand subfamilies using the encoding DNA sequences. In most instances the dendrograms based on protein and on DNA sequences are very similar. Significant differences between protein and DNA trees for calmodulin remain unexplained. In our fourth report we evaluate the sequences and the distribution of introns within the EF-hand family and conclude that exon shuffling did not play a significant role in its evolution.
EXPERIMENTAL INFECTION OF CATTLE WITH A FELINE ISOLATE OF TRITRICHOMONAS FOETUS

Tritrichomonas foetus is the causative agent of bovine trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted disease in cattle that can result in large profit losses for cattle producers. Increasing reports have suggested that T. foetus is also the causative agent of large-bowel diarrhea in cats. To determine if the trichomonads recovered from the reproductive tract of cattle and the large intestine of cats can thrive in the same host, 2 groups of virgin Angus heifers were inoculated with T. foetus. The first group of heifers was inoculated with a bovine T. foetus isolate cultured from a naturally infected cow, and heifers in the second group were inoculated with T. foetus organisms cultured from the feces of a naturally infected cat. Over an 11-wk period, vaginal, cervical, and uterine mucus samples were analyzed, along with a single transcervical uterine biopsy sample, to determine organism and disease presence. The mucus and biopsy samples collected from each group indicate that the disease caused by feline and bovine isolates of T. foetus are comparable, but not identical.
The Effect of Non-Markovian Terms on the Landau Equation

The Landau equation can be derived as the sum of an expansion series in time provided certain non-Markovian short-time terms are neglected. The time series could be very useful for the solution of a variety of problems. It is necessary to estimate the time span over which the neglected term s are significant. The non-Markovian terms for the case of a homogeneous plasma are evaluated using a technique developed by Prigogine and Balescu. For typical values of plasma potential cut-offs the conditions under which the short-time terms may be ignored are estimated. It is found that for electrons of number density less than 1010 and protons of number density less than 1014 it may be possible to ignore the short-time effects. It is conjectured that for many situations the non-Markovian effects will be important for a time interval which has a lower bound t 0 and an upper bound several orders of magnitude greater than t .
Results of an Alcohol Prevention Program with Urban American Indian Youth

In comparing alcohol use among American Indian and non-Indian youth, the age at first involvement with alcohol is younger for Indians, the frequency and amount of drinking are greater, and the negative consequences are more common. This article presents the results of an innovative alcohol prevention program for urban Indian youth, blending mainstream prevention approaches with culturally appropriate intervention. A quasi-experimental treatment/non-equivalent control group research design was used to evaluate the Seventh Generation Program, comparing scores over time on measures assessing alcohol beliefs as well as decision-making, social support, locus of control, self-concept, depression, and ethnic identity. Results of repeated measures analysis revealed significant effects for treatment in the areas of alcohol beliefs, social support, locus of control and depression.
Paracervical block for labor analgesia: a brief historic review.

Abstract This historic review was written to clarify the known efficacy and side effects of paracervical blockade for labor analgesia. Although the popularity of the technique has diminished considerably, it continues to be used by some clinicians with ostensibly good results. The Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (CCTR;SR-PREG) and the electronic database MEDLINE were searched for studies reported in English to determine efficacy and side effects of paracervical block. Four randomized controlled studies specifically addressed paracervical block efficacy as assessed by parturients during labor with results of excellent or good analgesia among ~75%. Postparacervical block fetal bradycardia is the most significant side effect with a reported incidence ranging from 0% to ~40%. Overall, it appears that the incidence of postparacervical block fetal bradycardia is ~15%. However, the etiology of the observed fetal bradycardia remains unclear, and the incidence of adverse impact on fetal or neonatal outcome remains uncertain because there are too few trials with too few patients. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002;186:S127-30.)
Complementary and alternative medicine use among cancer survivors: a population-based study

Introduction The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among cancer survivors is high, yet less is known about reasons behind such use or the communication of CAM with conventional medical providers.
Efficacy and limitations of a STEMI network: 3 years of experience within the myocardial infarction network of the region of Augsburg - HERA

Aims The HERA Registry investigates logistics, adherence to standards, time intervals, and mortality in a regional network for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in a mixed urban and rural area.
Noise from small air jets and a quiet valve

Abstract Noise measurements of air jets of from 0·0794 to 0·635 cm diameter, with jet exit velocity varying from 54 to 244 m/s, to frequencies of 100 kHz are presented. Results are compared to those previously obtained for larger nozzles; acoustical power spectral density curves are found to be similar to those for the larger nozzles at like velocities. Results of a noise survey conducted near a 0·127 m line size quiet vent valve having approximately 20 000 square jets, 0·127 cm on a side are presented and found to agree with the laboratory nozzle noise data. Noise above a jet velocity of 120 m/s was found to be quadrupole in nature, while below this velocity dipole surface sound was observed; this surface noise is the noise of quiet valves, which operate at low velocities. It is estimated that a quiet valve jet of 0·025 cm diameter, with a velocity near 60 m/s will exhibit a peak acoustical power spectral density at frequencies beyond the range of human audibility.
DNA cleavage by photogenerated Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(4)(H(2)O)(2)(

Irradiation of Rh2(O2CCH3)4(H2O)2 with visible light in the presence of electron acceptors results in the formation of the oxidized complex, Rh2(O2CCH3)4(H2O)2+. Photogenerated Rh2(O2CCH3)4(H2O)2+ is able to cleave plasmid DNA, whereas the Rh2(O2CCH3)4(L)2+ complexes with nonlabile axial ligands, L, such as py (pyridine) and PPh3 (triphenylphosphine), do not cleave the double helix.
N,N-Bond Formation in Intramolecular Cobalt-Catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] Cyclizations of Alkynyl-Linked Bisnitriles, and the Preparation of Annulated Pyridazines.

Substitution at the propargyl position increases the steric hindrance and inhibits the reaction.
Large-Signal Performance, Linearity, and Reliability Characteristics of Aggressively-Biased Cascode SiGe HBTs for Power Amplifier Applications

Power performance, linearity, and reliability are investigated for aggressive VC bias (i.e., under strong base-current reversal and pinch-in) on cascode SiGe HBTs, in order to determine the influence of avalanche effects on PA performance and reliability. Moderate gain and linearity degradation are associated with excessive VC bias (pinch-in), and dynamic stress at high VC shows behavior similar to mixed-mode (simultaneous high JE + high VCB) stress. No significant degradation to PA performance was observed during dynamic stress.
Origin-dependent initiation of DNA replication within telomeric sequences

Replication of telomeres requires the action of telomerase, the semi-conservative replication machinery and the stabilization of the replication fork during passage through telomeric DNA. Whether vertebrate telomeres support initiation of replication has not been experimentally addressed. Using Xenopus cell free extracts we established a system to study replication initiation within linear telomeric DNA substrates. We show binding of TRF2 to telomeric DNA, indicating that exogenous DNA exclusively composed of telomeric repeats is recognized by shelterin components. Interaction with telomere binding proteins is not sufficient to prevent a DNA damage response. Notably, we observe regulated assembly of the pre-replicative complex proteins ORC2, MCM6 and Cdc6 to telomeric DNA. Most importantly, we detect origin-dependent replication of telomeric substrates under conditions that inhibit checkpoint activation. These results indicate that pre-replicative complexes assemble within telomeric DNA and can be converted into functional origins.
Removal of Deeply Inserted, Nonpalpable Levonorgestrel (Norplant@) Implants

Abstract Deeply inserted, nonpalpable contraceptive implants can often be removed easily using 6–8 cm 3 of 1% lidocaine and a single 1 cm incision. There is no need for suturing of the incision. The location of nonpalpable implants not retrieved by this procedure can be determined by a plain, soft tissue x-ray (standard AP and lateral and internal oblique; 45–55 kVP) of the area where the implants are inserted. Removal can then be accomplished several weeks later.
Tree-structured clustered probability models for texture

Summary form only given, as follows. A cluster-based probability model has been found to perform extremely well at capturing the complex structures in natural textures (e.g., better than Markov random field models). Its success is mainly due to its ability to handle high dimensionality, via large conditioning neighborhoods over multiple scales, and to generalize salient characteristics from limited training data. Imposing a tree structure on this model provides not only the benefit of reducing computational complexity, but also a new benefit, the trees are mutable, allowing us to mix and match models for different sources. This flexibility is of increasing importance in emerging applications such as database retrieval for sound, image and video.
Pregnancy and mental health of young homeless women

Pregnancy rates among young women who are homeless are significantly higher than rates among housed young women in the United States (J. M. Greene & C. L. Ringwalt, 1998). Yet, little research has addressed mental health or risk and resilience among young mothers who are homeless. Based on a sample from the Midwest Longitudinal Study of Homeless Adolescents, this study explores pregnancy and motherhood in unaccompanied homeless young women over a period of 3 years. The data are supplemented by in-depth interviews with a subset of young women. Results show that almost half (46.4%) of sexually active young women who are homeless (n=222, M age = 17.2) had been pregnant at baseline. Among those who stated they had children between Waves 2 and 13 (n=90), only half reported caring for their children consistently over time, and one fifth reported never seeing their children. Of the participants with children in their care at the last interview (Wave 13), almost one third met criteria for lifetime major depressive episode, lifetime posttraumatic stress disorder, and lifetime drug abuse, and half met criteria for lifetime antisocial personality disorder. Twelve-month diagnoses are also reported. The impacts of homelessness on maternal and child outcomes are discussed.
Tree growth at stand and individual scales in two dual-species mixture experiments in southern Washington State, USA

Planting with mixtures of tree species rather than single species is often considered during reforestation because of the potential increased productivity and other benefits. We examined tree growth at the stand and individual tree scales in two experiments contrasting monocultures with a 1:1 mixture of tree species: (1) Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) with a conifer of similar shade tolerance (western white pine (Pinus monticola Dougl. ex D. Don)) and (2) Douglas-fir with a more shade-tolerant conifer (western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.)). There was no effect of mixture on growth or yield in the Douglas-fir - western white pine combination. In the Douglas-fir - western hemlock combination, yields in the mixture equaled those in Douglas-fir stands because of the enhanced performance of Douglas- fir in the mixture. For Douglas-fir, the height/diameter (h/d) ratio was significantly less in mixture, suggesting reduced competition for light when grown with western hemlock. In contrast, the h/d ratio for western hemlock was significantly greater in mixture, suggesting increased competition for light when grown with Douglas-fir. Neighborhood analyses showed that tree growth was directly related to initial size and inversely related to relative neighbor size and that the h/d ratio was positively related to relative neighbor size. In general, the size of a neighboring tree influenced growth more than species identity. Relationships between h/d ratios and growth rates suggest that growth differences between Douglas- fir and western hemlock in mixture will eventually increase.
On Routing and Rate Control Strategies in Wireless Multi-Hop Random Access Networks

In this paper, we investigate in the context of multi- hop ad hoc wireless networks the impact of combined multi-rate and packet forwarding and routing operations on the throughput performance of the system. Our models and analysis results reveal key performance and design options involving the cross- layer operation of such networks. We carry out mathematical analysis in computing the transport throughput performance of the network under the use of different modulation/coding schemes (MCSs) that operate at different data rates. The medium access control (MAC) scheme is assumed to be based on a random access (pure ALOHA type) protocol. In configuring the parameters of the employed MCS, we use the Information theoretic (Shannon's) capacity formula, as well as settings that are based on IEEE 802.11 implementations. The results provide characterizations of the network's (end to end) throughput performance in terms of the underlying physical (and certain MAC) layer parameters in combination with the setting of the link and network layer involved packet forwarding range and routing scheme configuration. Our models provide important guidelines for the design of such rate adaptation algorithms and for the selection of the involved parameters and schemes at the physical, link and network layers.
Enhanced stress reactivity in paediatric anxiety disorders: implications for future cardiovascular health.

The aim was to clarify the developmental nature of associations between psychiatric illness and risk for cardiovascular disease by investigating dierences in cardiac functioning between youth with anxiety disorders and healthy controls. Twenty-two children meeting DSM-IV criteria for either separation anxiety disorder, overanxious disorder, panic disorder}panic attacks, or social phobia and 12 healthy controls underwent continuous electrocardiogram and respiration rate monitoring during a 15 min baseline period and 15 min of exposure to 5% CO # . Heart rate (HR) and high frequency heart rate variability (HRV), a non-invasive measure of cardiac parasympathetic control, were calculated. Youth with anxiety disorders had higher and less fluctuating HR during baseline. Data also suggested that probands showed diminished overall changes in HRV during baseline and CO # inhalation relative to controls. However, as respiration rate aects HRV, these findings were confounded by changes in respiration elicited by CO # inhalation. The data suggest that youth with anxiety disorders experience an elevated and less fluctuating HR in the face of a novel situation, possibly due to a failure to appropriately modulate HRV. In adults, sustained elevations in HR in conjunction with deficient vagal modulation predicts risk for future cardiovascular disease. As such, the current data suggest that the presence of an anxiety disorder may identify youth who exhibit autonomic profiles that place them at risk for cardiac disease. Received 11 September 2000; Reviewed 13 December 2000; Revised 19 February 2001; Accepted 20 February 2001
Rheumatoid nodules in the thyroid bed following total thyroidectomy: a case report

Rheumatoid nodules occur in 30 percent of patients with active rheumatoid arthritis. Common sites include the buttocks or the extensor surface of the forearm, with one group documenting their presence in the thyrohyoid membrane. To the best of our knowledge, rheumatoid nodules have not been described in the thyroid bed. We present the case of a 46-year-old Caucasian woman with active rheumatoid arthritis and Hashimoto's thyroiditis who presented with compressive neck symptoms. An ultrasound scan revealed that both lobes of her thyroid were enlarged. The right lobe measured 7.9×3.4×3.3cm and the left 8.3×3.3×3.1cm. A solitary 1.0×0.6×0.8cm nodule was seen in the right lower lobe. Her thyroid-stimulating hormone level was 4.22uU/mL (0.34 to 5.60). A total thyroidectomy was performed due to her symptoms and the possible growth of a nodule when on levothyroxine. A postoperative ultrasound scan showed no remaining thyroid tissue. The pathology revealed several small neoplasms ranging from a well-encapsulated adenoma to highly atypical follicular and papillary Hurthle cell lesions in the setting of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Low-dose radioactive iodine (33.4mCi) was given. Four months later, our patient complained of a feeling of fullness in her neck. A solid nodule of mixed echogenicity (5.6×3.3×2.3cm) was seen in the right level VI of the neck, and solid tissue of mixed echogenicity (2.9×2.3×1.7cm) on the left. Following repeat surgery, the pathology from the right specimen showed Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. The left specimen had areas of granuloma formation with fibrinoid necrosis and palisading histiocytes, consistent with the histology of rheumatoid nodules. No evidence of malignancy was seen. The patient continues to do well and remains disease-free. Rheumatoid nodules have not been reported in the thyroid bed. Their pathogenesis is not clear. Postoperative release of tumor necrosis factor alpha and local vascular damage may have triggered the nodule formation in this case. Rheumatoid nodules must be kept in the differential diagnosis of an enlarging thyroid in the setting of active rheumatoid arthritis. A fine-needle aspiration biopsy may show granuloma formation and be the most cost-effective initial diagnostic step, especially if there is a concern for malignancy. Early identification of these nodules will help decrease morbidity from unnecessary interventions and result in treatment that is both timely and appropriate.
Controlled synthesis and enhanced field emission characteristics of conical carbon nanotubular arrays

Abstract Conical carbon nanotubes (CCNTs) with unique structural characteristics arising from their tapered morphologies compared to uniform diameter carbon nanotubes, have been shown to exhibit enhanced field emission properties and support high current densities. Specifically, several CCNT arrays with different morphological characteristics (tip radius, aspect ratio, density and wall structure) were synthesized by variations in the process parameters using a microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (MWCVD) reactor. The field emission characteristics for a CCNT array sample with a tip radius of 5 nm, density of 10 8 /cm 2 and having the highest aspect ratio exhibited a low turn-on electric field ( β > 7500). Other samples with lower emission characteristics were attributed either to the presence of field screening effect resulting from higher CCNT density or due to the corresponding tip and wall characteristics.
SMOOTHED PARTICLE HYDRODYNAMICS METHOD FOR DROPLET INSTABILITY, IMPACT AND SOLIDIFICATION

Smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) is a meshless method based on the Lagrangian formulation. This method is superior to the traditional meshed methods. Due to the adaptivity of particle interpolation, the SPH method can handle the large deformation and the movement of interface easily and naturally. In this paper, we will apply the SPH model to simulate the formation of van der Waals (vdWs) liquid drop from initial square shape. XSPH is used to remove tensile instability and the final particle distribution is more homogeneous. Furthermore, we apply the SPH method to study the droplet impact on a smooth substrate in 3D with solidification. Multi-droplets impact one by one in 3D is investigated. The spherical droplet deforms to form a splat with the shape of a cylindrical disk. There are some splashed particles around the edge and several holes in the splats. The current model predicts the process of droplet impact very well.
Calcified Gastric Leiomyoma: Case Report

Summary A case report of a calcified gastric leiomyoma with gastroscopic findings is presented.
Utilitarianism and the Meaning of Life

This article addresses the utilitarian theory of life's meaning according to which a person's existence is significant just in so far as she makes those in the world better off. One aim is to explore the extent to which the utilitarian theory has counter-intuitive implications about which lives count as meaningful. A second aim is to develop a new, broadly Kantian theory of what makes a life meaningful, a theory that retains much of what makes the utilitarian view attractive, while avoiding the most important objections facing it and providing a principled explanation of their force.I have been very much puzzled as to the meaning of the question ‘What is the meaning or purpose of life?’ … But at last it occurred to me that perhaps the vague words of this question are often used to mean no more than ‘What is the use of a man's life?’ … A man's life is of some use, if and only if the intrinsic value of the Universe as a whole (including past, present, and future) is greater, owing to the existence of his actions and experiences, than it would have been if, other things being equal, those actions and experiences had never existed.G. E. Moore
A Review of “Who Cares for our Children? The Child Care Crisis in the Other America”

America is facing a financial crisis. As plans are rolled out in response to this economic downturn, and either embraced or decried, acrimonious debate rages over which fiscal choices should be mad...
INFORMS and the Analytics Movement: The View of the Membership

Analytics has seen rapid growth in its adoption across a variety of organizations, especially businesses, and many firms now recognize analytics as an important business function that adds value. This trend toward data-driven and analytical decision making presents tremendous opportunities and challenges for OR professionals. As the leading scientific and professional organization for OR professionals, INFORMS must decide whether to stake its claim on the analytics movement. The purpose of this study is to assess the attitude of INFORMS members with respect to analytics and INFORMS' expansion into analytics. The results show that the INFORMS membership overall perceived great benefits and limited risks and thus offered strong support for INFORMS' expansion into analytics. However, the expected involvement of members in INFORMS analytics-oriented activities is more selective. In addition, we found that members' ages, educational levels, and affiliations affect their views on the expansion. The study findings can assist in the formulation of INFORMS' analytics strategy, contribute to its change management process, and help identify areas of focus for analytics service offerings.