cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Leading in the Borderlands: Negotiating Ethnic Patriarchy for the Benefit of Students

This article draws from a 7-year autoethnographic study of a Mestiza (female Spanish/Native American) leader negotiating ethnic patriarchies while serving as dean of students at a large Midwestern ...
Nonlocal corrections to Fresnel optics: Model calculations from first principles for flat jellium

New calculations of the Feibelman d parameters below the bulk-plasma frequency are presented for first-principles models of a jellium metal surface. We employ for the surface potential-energy barrier that confines the electrons the results found earlier by Lang and Kohn using a local-density-functional approach. The dynamic response is calculated both within the random-phase approximation and within the time-dependent local-density-functional approximation. There is little qualitative difference between the two when the density parameter ${r}_{s}$=2. Along with the d parameters, we exhibit the distribution of screening charge and total normal electric field. Various structures that appear in the frequency dependence of the response are identified and discussed.
Molding metallocenters for biology

The field of bioinorganic chemistry and the large subfield of metallobiochemistry are burgeoning. It is only 25 years since the first volume dedicated to this field was published (Bioinorganic Chemistry, R. Dessy, J. Dillard, L. Taylor, editors, Advances in Chemistry Series #lOO, American Chemical Society, 1971) and this conference proceedings was a broad survey of the relatively few metalloproteins then known, coupled with a few attempts to make analogies between these and chemical systems. The latter were in the realm of inorganic chemistry, while the biochemical systems were traditionally in the province of biochemistry, biophysics, microbiology, and physiology. This border has all but been erased. Now we have journals and several new textbooks devoted to the interdisciplinary area of bioinorganic chemistry, and the great breadth of this field is becoming apparent, at least in outline form.
Performance of acousto-optic devices in the presence of noise

The nature of the first moment ensemble averages of the scattered light fields from an acousto- optic (AO) device in the Bragg regime under the influence of noise is investigated. The intensity profile of the diffracted light at the output has coherent and incoherent contributions from the deterministic and random parts of the interaction impulse response. The light beam profile is distorted due to the imperfections in the sound profile resulting from the bonding between the transducer and the AO device, random sound scatterers, etc. We compute the dependence of the signal-to-noise ratio of the first order light on the mean square values of the distributions of the imperfections and scatterers. The dependence of the diffracted light on the optical imperfections in the AO interaction region is also discussed.
Symbolic Problem Solving: An Important Piece of the Emergent Literacy Puzzle

The understanding of the representational nature of symbols and the ability to actively internalize and use these symbols is a crucial developmental step in the emergence of reading and writing literacy. Information was obtained from a study briefly summarized in this report which confirmed that children become able to understand and exploit external physical symbols by age three. How symbolic problem solving fits into the emergent literacy picture and its importance in providing the careful observer with a glimpse into the overall symbolic capacity of the young child are considered. Implications for encouraging problem solving in young children are discussed, and it is concluded that an atmosphere in which children feel safe taking risks, an environment rich in materials that promote symbol use, and caring adults who act to encourage, rather than discourage are essential elements in the creation of competent, confident young problem solvers; active, creative thinkers; and efficient and motivated readers ...
Modified tip grafts and tip punch devices.

Background: Nasal tip aesthetics depend on the graceful synergism between soft tissue and the underlying frame. Nasal projection and the nasal tip width are the two most important components of nasal aesthetics. The cartilage graft, which has a predictable ability to affect several of the anatomical components contributing to nasal tip aesthetics, is one of the most versatile tools used to modify nasal projection. The fundamental shortcoming of the current graft sculpturing technique, namely, the requirement of time to create an optimal tip graft, prompted the design of a tool for the precise and rapid sculpturing of cartilage used for nasal tip onlay and shield grafts. Methods: This report describes a modified design of the Peck and Sheen grafts and introduces a new instrument, the tip graft punch. The unique features of the tip graft punch that facilitate the production of a symmetric, precisely proportioned cartilage grafts are highlighted. Results: The tip graft punch has been successfully used on 49 patients over the past 2 years. Conclusions: The authors report a modification of nasal tip grafts and a simple and useful device for harvesting these grafts. This modification produces more natural and aesthetically pleasing results. The device saves surgery time, and provides a symmetric and anatomical graft design.
Magnitude and consequences of misclassification of incident hip fractures in large cohort studies: the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures and Medicare claims data.

Summary In the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures (SOF), 18.5 % of incident hip fractures identified in Medicare Fee-for-Service claims data were not reported to or confirmed by the cohort. Cognitive impairment was a modest risk factor for false-negative hip fracture ascertainment via self-report.
Metastatic right atrial mass.

A 48-year-old African-American male was admitted to the hospital following a syncopal episode. He reported a 2month history of non-productive cough, blood-tinged white sputum, swelling in the neck, dysphagia, and headache. Physical examination was consistent with superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS). Chest CT revealed a 9.4 7.9-cm mass within the right atrium with extension superiorly into the SVC with a thrombus. A biopsy of the right atrial mass, performed via the inferior vena cava, revealed metastatic adenocarcinoma consistent with intestinal origin. An abdominal CT showed a 3 2.8-cm lobulated soft tissue nodule that appeared to involve a loop of distal small bowel. A PET scan demonstrated intense, hypermetabolic activity associated with the right atrial mass and the mass seen on abdominal CT. Given the advanced stage adenocarcinoma of probable gastrointestinal malignancy in origin, the patient was found to be inoperable and was started on palliative radiation therapy. We know of no other report of a metastatic right atrial mass due to small bowel adenocarcinoma. Both primary and metastatic tumors of the heart are rare. Metastases mostly originate from melanoma, lymphoma/leukemia, or lung/ breast cancers [1]. Clinically, they present with a triad of obstruction, embolization, and constitutional symptoms [2]. SVCS can be caused by direct tumor invasion or by thrombus. Up to 95% of SVCS cases are secondary to
Movement, colonization, and establishment success of a planthopper of prairie potholes, Delphacodes scolochloa (Hemiptera: Delphacidae)

1. Movement, and particularly the colonisation of new habitat patches, remains one of the least known aspects of the life history and ecology of the vast majority of species. Here, a series of experiments was conducted to rectify this problem with Delphacodes scolochloa Cronin & Wilson, a wing-dimorphic planthopper of the North American Great Plains. 2. The movement of brachypterous and macropterous planthoppers within and among host-plant patches was quantified. Also, an experiment was conducted to assess whether planthopper propagule size (i.e. number of colonists) influenced the presence of planthopper adults or eggs over time, planthopper population growth rate (R0), and abundance or impact of an egg parasitoid. 3. Delphacodes scolochloa movement was well described by a simple diffusion model. As expected, brachypters were less dispersive than macropters – mean displacement distances among patches were three times greater for macropters (2.8 m vs. 8.1 m per day). 4. Number of colonists of vacant patches increased with increasing patch size (both wing forms) and decreased with increasing isolation (brachypters only). At the scale of individual potholes (<38 m), brachypters were dispersal limited. 5. Establishment success was strongly influenced by propagule size. An Allee effect constrained the establishment of new populations, but low establishment success was not a result of mate limitations or the presence of natural enemies (i.e. egg parasitoids).6. These movement data reveal important insights regarding the spatial population structure and spread of D. scolochloa.
Why the Vasa sank: 10 problems and some antidotes for software projects

In 1628, the newest ship in the Royal Swedish Navy took its maiden voyage. After sailing about 1,300 meters, a light gust of wind caused the Vasa to capsize. The reasons that the Vasa was constructed to be unstable, and the reasons it was launched when known to be unstable, are as relevant to our modern-day attempts to build large, complex software systems as they were to the 17th-century art and craft of building warships. This article describes the problems encountered in that project, interprets them in terms of modern software projects, and presents some antidotes for those problems.
On The Benefits and Challenges of Expecting Personal Fulfillment From Marriage

Why does marriage exist? Is it a social arrangement to facilitate the smooth transfer of property across generations? Is it a way to organize efficient divisions of labor within households? Is it a...
Internal and external noise in binaural detection.

Abstract We studied the 2IFC detectability of a 500 Hz tone masked by computer-generated maskers under the NOS Π interaural condition, and under two masker conditions. In the first masker condition the maskers in the two intervals of a trial were independent of each other, and in the second masker condition the maskers were identical, although maskers varied from trial to trial. Thresholds were higher for the independent-noise condition than for the identical noise condition. These results have implications for the Theory of Binaural Interaction Based on Auditory Nerve Data.
Decreased serotonin content of embryonic raphe neurons following maternal administration of p-chlorophenylalanine: a quantitative immunocytochemical study.

Abstract Previous studies from this laboratory have suggested that serotonergic (5-HT) neurons may influence the differentiation of their embryonic target cells in the developing rat brain 14,15,17 . The present study was designed to determine whether or not maternal p -chlorophenylalanine (pCPA) administration could deplete serotonin (5-HT) in developing 5-HT neurons during embryonic days 13–15, when the effects of pCPA on neuronal genesis have been observed previously. For this study, pCPA was administered to timed-pregnant rats and embryos were sacrificed at two different gestational ages, embryonic days 13–14 (E13–14) and 14–15 (E14–15). Immunotitration experiments were carried out on tissue sections, using an antiserum to 5-HT-hemocyanin conjugates to obtain a relative estimate of the amount of 5-HT contained within individual 5-HT neurons of embryos from pCPA-treated and control mothers. Diminished immunoreactivity as a consequence of addition of increasing amounts of antigen was then quantitated on a relative scale by comparison with the amount of immunoreactivity present when no antigen was added to the primary antiserum. Two major findings resulted from this study: (1) maternal pCPA treatment depleted 5-HT by approximately 50% in developing 5-HT neurons at embryonic ages E13–14 and E14–15, but depletion appeared to be greatest in the youngest embryos; (2) developing 5-HT neurons increased their content of neurotransmitter by approximately 10-fold during this one day of embryonic development, an effect which could be observed in both pCPA-treated and control animals. These results provide further support for the hypothesis that 5-HT neurons exert epigenetric influences on their embryonic target cells, since the ability of pCPA to alter neuronal genesis, described previously, can now be correlated with the depletion of 5-HT within individual raphe neurons during the same critical period of embryonic development.
Cross-sectional imaging of functional activation in the rat somatosensory cortex with optical coherence tomography

Simultaneous optical coherence tomography (OCT) and video microscopy were performed on the rat somatosensory cortex through a thinned skull during forepaw stimulation. Fractional change measurements in OCT images reveal a functional signal timecourse similar to well understood hemodynamic signal timecourses measured with video microscopy. The precise etiology of the observed OCT functional signal is still under investigation, but these results suggest that OCT can provide high-resolution cross-sectional images of functional neuro-vascular activation.
The effect of elastic strain on the super-conducting transition of tin, and the effects of pressure on the transitions of thallium, mercury, and tantalum

Abstract The depression of the magnetic threshold of tin by uniform dilatation has been measured by a differential method using liquid helium as pressure-transmitting medium. The temperature dependence of the depression follows the similarity principle approximately. The effect of shear was shown to be negligible by straining a hollow tin cylinder in torsion. A simple phenomenology is given relating the effects of pressure, shear, and tensile stresses, suggesting that the threshold field of a tin crystal is changed 2.6 times as much for unit strain along the tetrad axis as for unit strain in the basal plane. Thallium is anomalous in that its threshold is raised by pressure, independent of its state of cold work. The depression of the mercury threshold by pressure falls off less slowly with temperature than similarity requires indicating pressure-induced changes in its electronic structure. The following values were found for ( ∂H c ∂ p ) t c in units of 10−3 oersted atm−1: For Sn: -6.56±0.15; for Tl: 3.10±0.15; for Hg: -8.30±0.20; for Ta: -3.5±0.4.
Magnetosphere‐ionosphere interactions: Key to universe

Ionized matter—plasma—is the over-whelmingly dominant constituent of the universe as a whole, and matter in the plasma state is characterized by a complexity that vastly exceeds that exhibited in the solid, liquid, and gaseous states. Correspondingly, the physical and especially the electrodynamic properties of the plasma are still far from well understood.; While it is now universally acknowledged that our universe is a plasma universe, the physical understanding of this universe has remained in doubt. This is primarily because interpreting the physical processes from high-energy, optical, infrared, and radio telescope observations critically depend on our understanding of matter in the plasma state.
Photoelastic analysis with an interferometer simulating reinforced simple concrete beams

This investigation was undertaken to study the static stresses developed in reinforced models simulating reinforced-concrete beams. The models maintained the correct modular ratio of the reinforcing rod to the beam material. In addition, the percentage of reinforcing material was made to produce an elastically balanced beam. The stresses were obtained with a Favre interferometer. Comparison of the boundary stresses was made with a standard circular polariscope using monochromatic light. Samples of the stresses plotted are provided to show graphically the distribution of the stresses obtained in the analyses.
Frontal Muscle Scars of Trachyleberidinae and Hemicytherinae (Ostracoda)

One transverse and one mandibular muscle form the frontal scars on each valve in both the trachyleberines and hemicytherines. Bifurcation of the transverse muscle into anterior-posterior bundles (trachyleberine) and into dorsal-ventral bundles (hemicytherine) and mandibular muscle position account for the different frontal scar patterns observed.
Soviet Consumer Culture in the Brezhnev Era

Natalya Chernyshova has written a highly engaging, thoughtful and informative book that both revises commonly accepted assumptions about Soviet consumerism during the ‘long 1970s’ (1964–1985) and, ...
Latino immigrants: Patterns of survival

The Latino population continues to increase dramatically with some of the increase due to continuous immigration, both documented and undocumented. This article examines some of the demographic within group diversity that exists. The immigration experience is highlighted for the particular stresses that occur. The unique issues related to living in the United States without legal papers are noted. For those immigrants who are refugees, the impact of civil war and violence on their ability to adapt to this new culture is underscored. The consequences of immigration are noted in how children are affected. An Ecological Perspective illustrates how their adaptations can be classified into such specific areas as identity, relatedness, competence and autonomy. Some of the resources to support viable adaptation are delineated.
Default correlation: An empirical investigation of a subprime lender

In recent years, subprime lending has grown substantially as an important sector of the credit markets. This paper is concerned with the risk management of subprime loan portfolios and the importance of default correlation in measuring that risk. Using a large portfolio of residential subprime loans from an anonymous subprime lender, we show that default correlation is substantial for this lender. In particular, the significance of default correlation increases as the internal credit rating declines. Our results suggest that lenders and regulators would be well served investing in the understanding of default correlation in subprime portfolios.
Atrial fibrillation while chewing nicotine gum.

To the Editor.— Since 1984, nicotine chewing gum has been widely prescribed by physicians to aid cigarette smokers attempting to give up their habit. Many smokers who could benefit from smoking cessation have cardiovascular disease. Whether they can safely use the gum has not been established, because there are no published reports of gum use in cardiac patients. We report here a man with known cardiovascular disease who developed atrial fibrillation while chewing nicotine gum. Report of a Case.— A 52-year-old male smoker with known coronary artery disease sought help in order to stop smoking. He had smoked three packs of cigarettes per day for 35 years and made several unsuccessful attempts to quit. Following coronary artery bypass surgery in 1981 he did not smoke for three years, but relapsed during a time of stress. When seen, he was smoking one pack of low-tar and nicotine cigarettes daily, had rare
D-2 Dopaminergic Agonists and Adenosine 3′5′-Monophosphate Directly Regulate the Synthesis of α-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone-Like Peptides by Cultured Rat Melanotrophs

When placed in short term (2-day) tissue culture, the melanotrophs from the intermediate lobe of the rat pituitary gland synthesize a proopiomelanocortin-like material (POMC-LM). Exposure of these cells to bromocriptine (CB 154), an agonist upon their D-2 dopamine receptor, reduces the synthesis of POMC-LM; spiroperidol, an antagonist of the D-2 receptor, prevents this effect of CB 154. Cultured melanotrophs secrete an alpha MSH-like material. The amount of this alpha MSH-like material, either stored intracellularly or secreted into the culture medium, can be quantified in a specific RIA; the material identified in this manner is designated immunoreactive alpha MSH (IR-alpha MSH). CB 154 inhibits the secretion of IR-alpha MSH from these cells. Either spiroperidol or 8-bromo-cAMP prevent this inhibitory effect of CB 154. The capacity of these cells to synthesize alpha MSH-like molecules and release them into the culture medium can be assessed by incubation in the presence of [3H]tyrosine, followed by immunoprecipitation with an antibody directed against alpha MSH. This newly synthesized immunoprecipitable material is designated immunoprecipitable alpha MSH (IP-alpha MSH) and should be distinguished from IR-alpha MSH. Both CB 154 and quinpirole, a selective D-2 agonist (but not SKF 38393, a selective D-1 agonist), inhibit the synthesis and secretion of IP-alpha MSH. YM-09151-2, a selective D-2 antagonist (but not SCH 23390, a selective D-1 antagonist), blocks the inhibitory effects of quinpirole. Several compounds affecting cAMP metabolism (cholera toxin, forskolin, 8-bromo-cAMP, and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine) can also prevent the inhibitory effect of CB 154 on the synthesis of IP-alpha MSH. We conclude the following. The D-2 receptor in the intermediate lobe directly regulates the synthesis and secretion of IP-alpha MSH. cAMP can regulate either the synthesis of POMC-LM or the processing of this substance into alpha MSH-like peptides.
Significance of overvaluation of shape and weight in an ethnically diverse sample of obese patients with binge-eating disorder in primary care settings.

Undue influence of shape or weight on self-evaluation — referred to as overvaluation — is a core feature across eating disorders, but is not a diagnostic requirement for binge-eating disorder (BED). This study examined overvaluation of shape/weight in ethnically diverse obese patients with BED seeking treatment in primary care. Participants were a consecutive series of 142 (105 female and 37 male) participants with BED; 43% were Caucasian, 37% were African-American, 13% were Hispanic-American, and 7% were of “other” ethnicity. Participants categorized with overvaluation (N=97; 68%) versus without clinical overvaluation (N=45; 32%) did not differ significantly in ethnicity/race, age, gender, body mass index, or binge-eating frequency. The overvaluation group had significantly greater levels of eating-disorder psychopathology, poorer psychological functioning (higher depression, lower self-esteem), and greater anxiety disorder co-morbidity than the group who did not overvalue their shape/weight. The greater eating-disorder and psychological disturbance levels in the overvaluation group relative to the non-overvaluation group persisted after controlling for psychiatric co-morbidity. Our findings, based on an ethnically diverse series of patients seeking treatment in general primary-care settings, are consistent with findings from specialist clinics and suggest that overvaluation does not simply reflect concerns commensurate with being obese or with frequency of binge-eating, but is strongly associated with heightened eating-related psychopathology and psychological distress. Overvaluation of shape/weight warrants consideration as a diagnostic specifier for BED as it provides important information about severity.
Introduction: Institutional Analysis and Economic History

The three articles that follow this introductory essay reflect a rapidly growing effort in the social sciences to integrate institutional analysis with more traditional theory. In economic history, institutional analysis attempts to expand and enrich our understanding by modeling the ways in which the “rules of the game”–specifically, political and economic institutions–have affected economic behavior. By drawing on the literature of political economy, for example, economic historians can explore how institutions have interacted to affect economic performance over time.
Co-treatment with As2O3 enhances selective cytotoxic effects of STI-571 against Bcr-Abl-positive acute leukemia cells

By inhibiting the tyrosine kinase (TK) activity of Bcr-Abl, STI-571 induces differentiation and apoptosis of HL-60/Bcr-Abl (with ectopic expression of p185 Bcr-Abl) and K562 (containing endogenous expression of p210 Bcr-Abl) but not of the control HL-60 cells. Treatment with arsenic trioxide (As2O3) lowers Bcr-Abl protein levels and induces apoptosis of the Bcr-Abl- positive leukemic blasts (Blood 2000; 95: 1014). Here, we demonstrate that compared to treatment with STI-571 (0.25 to 1.0 μM) or As2O3 (0.5 to 2.0 μM) alone, combined treatment with As2O3 and STI-571 induced significantly more apoptosis of HL-60/Bcr-Abl and K562 but not HL-60/neo cells (P < 0.05). Combined treatment with As2O3 and STI-571 also resulted in greater reductions in the levels of Bcl-xL, XIAP and Akt, and inhibition of Akt kinase activity. Co-treatment with As2O3 inhibited STI-571-induced hemoglobin, which was associated with the cleavage and downregulation of GATA-1 transcription factor involved in erythroid differentiation. These data demonstrate that a treatment strategy which combines an agent that lowers Bcr-Abl levels, eg As2O3, with an agent that inhibits Bcr-Abl TK activity, eg STI-571, can potently induce apoptosis and differentiation of Bcr-Abl-positive human leukemic cells.
Unsteady One-Dimensional Flows with Heat Addition or Entropy Gradients

The present interest in aerodynamic propulsive devices, such as the pulse-jet and the ram-jet, has stimulated recent research in the field of combustion. One important aspect of the combustion problem considered herein is the unsteady gas dynamic effects associated with the burning process. Nonlinear differential equations of the Riemann type are derived for the solution of problems involving the propagation of one-dimensional waves in flows in tubes of slowly varying cross section with heat addition or entropy variation. These equations can be solved graphically or numerically with the method of characteristics; the method is described in the Appendix. The transient flows arising when heat is added to a section (as in a combustion chamber) of an initially isentropic flow in a tube have been calculated. The results of this calculation afford an insight into the gas dynamic aspects of intermittent heat addition in a flowing gas, as well as to the apparently anomalous behavior at sonic velocity of steady gas flows with heat addition. The equations derived are well suited to the calculation of the nonlinear pulse-jet cycle with heat addition, once a suitable model of combustion has been, selected.
Calculation of the thermal operating conditions of a tunnel-type kiln with the use of the computer

With the use of an ES computer, magnesite part firing parameters providing an improvement in technicoeconomic indices of the firing process have been developed and introduced in the tunnel kiln of Magnesite Combine. A production test showed satisfactory adequacy of the model developed of the tunnel kiln heating process to the object simulated.
Physicians and the Problem of Other Consciousnesses

Se referant au «New England journal of medicine», l'A. etudie l'evidence en vertu de laquelle nous n'avons pas besoin de prouver la conscience d'autrui. Meme si celle-ci apparait comme un continuum, l'A. montre qu'elle apparait d'abord comme un phenomene on/off analogue a la phase naturelle des evenements de transition
Active matrix liquid crystal displays for clinical imaging: comparison with cathode ray tube displays.

Fifteen large-area, flat-panel displays used for clinical image review were evaluated for image quality and compared with 30 comparably sized cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors. Measurements were of image display patterns by Video Electronic Standards Association (VESA) and a commercial product. Field measurements were made of maximum and minimum luminance, ambient lighting, characteristic curve (gamma), point shape and size, high-contrast resolution, uniformity, and distortion. Assessments were made of pixel defects, latent image patterns, ghosting artifacts, and viewing angle luminance. Also, a questionnaire was generated for users of the flat-panel and CRT units. Seventeen respondents indicated no preference for either flat panel or CRT. Results show these flat panels to have higher luminance (mean, 177.7 cd/m2); larger number of just noticeable differences (JNDs; n=555), higher gamma, comparable uniformity, and warm-up time. CRTs had less angle viewing dependence and far fewer artifacts (ghosting and latent images). Our questionnaire showed active matrix liquid crystal displays (AMLCD) to be fully acceptable for clinical image viewing. Furthermore, the statistical results show that further testing for new AMLCDs of this type is unwarranted.
LPE growth of 1.3 -m InGaAsP CW lasers on (110) InP substrates

Room temperature CW operation and threshold current densities below 1000 A/cm2 have been achieved near 1.3 μm wavelength with InP/InGaAsP/InP DH lasers grown by liquid phase epitaxy on (110)-oriented InP substrates.
Reliable Object Acquisition Via Clustering Of Ambiguously Matching Features

Features which are easily extracted from an image are often at too low a level to be unambiguously matched to features of a model. However, if an elementary feature ei has some structure, only a limited number of transformations Tij can match it to similar model features mj. By extracting a set of features ei,i=l,...,n the transformation parameter space can be populated with a number of potential transformations Tij, i=1,...,n ; j=1,...,k. Clustering in this parameter space derives a transformation T that is supported by a large amount of local matching evidence. Simple clustering techniques are described for handling combined rotation and translation. Results are reported using the clustering technique with edge features and circular neighborhood features to acquire 2D objects.© (1982) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Repairing Fetal Membranes with a Self-adhesive Ultrathin Polymeric Film: Evaluation in Mid-gestational Rabbit Model

Preterm premature rupture of membranes causes 40% of all preterm births, affecting 150000 women each year in the United States. Prenatal diagnostic procedures and surgical interventions increase incidence of adverse events, leading to iatrogenic membrane rupture after a fetoscopic procedure in 45% of cases. We propose an ultrathin, self-adherent, poly-l-lactic acid patch (“nanofilm”) as a reparative wound closure after endoscopic/fetoscopic procedures. These nanofilms are compatible with application in wet conditions and with minimally invasive instrumentation. Ex vivo studies to evaluate the nanofilm were conducted using human chorion–amnion (CA) membranes. A custom-built inflation device was used for mechanical characterization of CA membranes and for assessment of nanofilm adhesion and sealing of membrane defects up to 3 mm in size. These ex vivo tests demonstrated the ability of the nanofilm to seal human CA defects ranging in size from 1 to 3 mm in diameter. In vivo survival studies were conducted in 25 mid-gestational rabbits, defects were created by perforating the uterus and the CA membranes and subsequently using the nanofilm to seal these wounds. These in vivo studies confirmed the successful sealing of defects smaller than 3 mm observed ex vivo. Histological analysis of whole harvested uteri 7 days after surgery showed intact uterine walls in 59% of the nanofilm repaired fetuses, along with increased uterine size and intrauterine development in 63% of the cases. In summary, we have developed an ultrathin, self-adhesive nanofilm for repair of uterine membrane defects.
Detection of alloantibodies by flow cytometry: Relevance to clinical transplantation

Before an organ transplant is performed, donor-recipient compatibility must be established by a crossmatch in much the same way as it is done for blood transfusions. The target antigens in organ transplantation, however, are HLA rather than blood group molecules, and the target cells are lymphocytes instead of red cells. If antidonor antibodies are detected, it is important to know whether they are IgG or IgM, whether they recognize T and/or B cells, and whether the antibody reactivity is weak or strong. These test requirements are better met by flow cytometry than by the standard cytotoxicity technique. A growing body of evidence now indicates that flow cytometry can provide more sensitive and timely crossmatch information than cytotoxicity assays to decide whether or not a transplant should be done. Flow cytometry crossmatch (FCXM) is a new and evolving technique that has already been found to be extremely useful in the clinical transplantation setting, even though significant questions yet remain about the precision and reliability of using flow cytometry to quantify alloantibodies and about the limits of normal reactivity in the assay. This article reviews important technical details of the FCXM and its interpretation and clinical application in transplantation medicine.
Irreversible behavior of forced system

Many types of forced systems are known intuitively to undergo an irreversible behavior, in which all information about the initial conditions is eventually forgotten. These turn out to be the dynamic analogs of a system in an arbitrary initial state but connected to a static thermal reservoir and approaching equilibrium with that reservoir. The static and dynamic cases are intercombined into a single unified theory. This is based on a modified Hamiltonian and Liouville density dynamics, which explicitly includes irreversibility. Special contact transformation methods are used. The driving mechanism is generally quantal, incoherent, and of arbitrary character, not necessarily electromagnetic.
Fetal ear length measurement: a useful predictor of aneuploidy?

Objective To determine the usefulness of short ear length (EL) measurement in the prenatal detection of fetuses with chromosomal abnormalities. Design Fetal EL measurements, routine biometry and complete anatomic survey for fetal abnormalities were prospectively performed by antenatal sonography. Subjects One thousand eight hundred and forty-eight patients with singleton pregnancies undergoing genetic amniocentesis in the second or third trimester. Methods Complete data for EL, biometry and anatomic survey for major structural abnormalities and minor sonographic markers of chromosomal abnormality were available in 1311 fetuses. Of these, 48 (3.7%) had an abnormal karyotype and 1263 (96.3%) had a normal karyotype. Using an EL measurement of ≤10th percentile for corresponding gestational age in normal fetuses as abnormal cut-off values, detection rates for chromosomal abnormalities by short EL were determined. Results Among the 48 abnormal karyotypes, 34 were considered significant, and 11 of these 34 (32.4%) fetuses had short EL. In 14 cases, the karyotypic abnormality was considered non-significant and fetal EL was normal in all cases. Of the 34 fetuses with significant chromosomal abnormalities, six (17.6%) on antenatal sonography had no detectable abnormal findings, other than short EL. An increased biparietal diameter (BPD)/EL ratio of ≥4.0 was also noted in fetuses with an abnormal karyotype, but the sensitivity and predictive value of increased BPD/EL ratio alone or increased BPD/EL ratio in combination with short EL was no better than the sensitivity and predictive value of short EL alone. A combination of short EL and abnormal ultrasound, however, gave a much higher positive predictive value (46%) for significant chromosomal abnormalities. Conclusions Our findings suggest that in women at high risk for fetal chromosomal abnormality, a short fetal EL measurement on prenatal ultrasound, either alone or in combination with other sonographically detectable structural abnormalities, may be a useful parameter in predicting fetal aneuploidy. Copyright © 2002 ISUOG
Saline soaked pledgets prevent carbon dioxide laser-induced endotracheal tube cuff ignition.

Abstract Study Objective: To determine whether saline soaked pledgets would protect the cuffs of polyvinylchloride (PVC) endotracheal tubes from carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) laser-induced combustion. Design: 12 PVC endotracheal tubes were studied. The cuffed end of each was placed in a graduated cylinder and flushed with 5 L/min of oxygen for 5 minutes. The endotracheal tube's cuff was then inflated with air and the system pressure set to 20 cm H 2 O. Setting: Research laboratory of a university hospital. Interventions: Six of the endotracheal tube cuffs were protected with 1 inch by 3 inch saline soaked pledgets and six were left unprotected. A CO 2 laser set to 40 watts was then fired at the cuffs. Measurements and Main Results: All six unprotected cuffs were ignited in less than 1 second. No significant combustion occurred at the six pledget protected endotracheal tube cuffs after 1 minute of laser fire. Conclusions: Under the conditions of this experiment, saline soaked pledgets protected PVC endotracheal tube cuffs from the CO 2 laser.
The perturbed Galerkin method for Cauchy singular integral equations with constant coefficients

We have considered the numerical solution of Cauchy singular integral equations with constant coefficients via a polynomial based Galerkin method. L"2 and uniform convergence results are proved under Holder continuity conditions on the kernel and right hand side and taking into account the quadrature errors produced when inner products are replaced by numerical quadratures. These results generalize those of Miel, who considered only the case of equations of the first kind with index 0.
Direct determination of diffusion coefficients by chronoamperometry at microdisk electrodes

The chronoamperometric response at a microdisk is used for the direct determination of the diffusion coefficient of an electroactive species. The method does not require knowledge of the bulk concentration and the number of electrons participating in the electrode reaction, and requires only a value for the disk radius. Subsequent determination of the number of electrons (n) for an electrode reaction or the concentration of electroactive species is also possible. This approach is demonstrated with the evaluation of the diffusion coefficient of Fe(CN)64− in KCl and that of borohydride ion in NaOH. In both cases, the values of n found remained constant over a wide time range and correspond to those expected for these processes.
Comparison of water sorption by methacrylate and dimethacrylate monomers and their corresponding polymers

Water sorption of some glycol dimethacrylate and methyl methacrylate monomers was determined by Karl Fischer analysis. After γ-irradiation, the corresponding polymers were characterized in terms of percentage water uptake (gravimetrically), diffusion coefficient (D), and contact angle (θ) measurements. Water sorption of the polymers approximated Fick's law. Ignoring the double bond contribution, the weight per cent oxygen content (WPO), which is indicative of hydrophilic character of these materials, was calculated and correlated with the total oxygen content present in each monomer molecule. A linear relationship between the WPO and percentage water uptake was observed in a series of four glycol dimethacrylate and eight linear methyl methacrylate monomers. Their corresponding polymers conformed to a linear correlation between the WPO and θ. On the basis of its WPO, one dimethacrylate monomer (BIS-GMA) sorbed less water than expected because an intramolecular hydrogen bond was present. The rapid initial rates observed in soft methyl methacrylate polymers were attributed to the water soluble impurities present in the matrix. The D values of the networks based on difunctional methacrylates were generally lower than methyl methacrylates, presumably because of the highly crosslinked nature of the former.
Effects of orientation fluctuations on the angular distribution of the giant dipole resonance γ-rays in hot rotating nuclei

Abstract The macroscopic approach to the GDR in hot rotating nuclei is extended to include the angular distribution of the emitted GDR γ-rays. The effects of thermal shape fluctuation and in particular fluctuations in the nuclear orientation with respect to the rotation axis, are discussed in the framework of the Landau theory. It is found that while orientation fluctuations have negligible effects on the GDR cross section, they cause significant attenuation in the angular anisotropy parameter a 2 which offsets the a 2 enhancement due to intrinsic shape fluctuations. It is shown that this fluctuation theory is successful in reproducing both the observed cross section and a 2 in highly excited 90 Zr and 92 Mo compound nuclei. The non-adiabatic effects on a 2 are studied in terms of a time-dependent model for the quadrupole shape fluctuations.
Neutralization of different echovirus serotypes by individual lots of intravenous immunoglobulin.

Replacement therapy using intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) preparations in people with antibody deficiencies is effective in preventing the majority of common bacterial and viral infections, yet echovirus break-through infections have occurred. Currently, only limited information on neutralization capacity variability of individual IVIG lots against the different echovirus serotypes is available. Infectivity assays were established for the most prevalent echovirus serotypes (E 9, E 11, E 13, and E 30) circulating in the United States (US) and the European Union (EU). The echovirus serotype-specific neutralization titers of 41 IVIG lots manufactured from either whole blood (Recovered) or collected by apheresis (Source) and from either the US or EU, were determined. Significantly higher (P < 0.0001) neutralization titers against E 11 and E 30 were found in IVIG lots manufactured from US Source plasma compared to US Recovered plasma. Geographically, IVIG lots made from US plasma contained significantly (P < 0.0001) higher neutralization titers against E 9 and E 11 than lots manufactured from EU plasma, whereas lots made from EU plasma showed significantly higher neutralization of E 30. To conclude, IVIG lots differ in their neutralizing antibody content against different echovirus serotypes, depending on plasma collection practices and geographic origin. Based on these results, an informed choice in selecting IVIG lots with the highest available neutralization titer against the specific echovirus serotype would seem to be beneficial during treatment of break-through infections. J. Med. Virol. 83:305–310, 2011. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Investigation into a catalytically controlled reaction gasifier (CCRG) for coal to hydrogen

Abstract Energy demands will increase as industrialized nations strive to maintain progress and productivity gains and as developing nations increase their consumption and productivity. One direction that is evolving to satisfy the demand while minimizing environmental impacts is to move toward a hydrogen economy. For the foreseeable future, the majority of these demands will be met through the increased usage of fossil fuels. One of the most abundant and readily available fuels is coal. This realization has raised some questions about the responsible use of such a fuel and as such it is critical that a Greenhouse Gas Management strategy/technology be developed to forestall projected global warming and its impacts. The technology presented in this paper involves a novel form of coal gasification to convert coal to useful forms of energy while addressing environmental concerns. The technology, which is a form of steam reforming, focuses on the combining of catalytic combustion with coal gasification to generate H2 and CO from coal while yielding a CO2 sequestration ready stream. The H2 can either be separated from the CO or used as an IGCC turbine fuel. Using an Aspen Plus simulation shows that with a steam to carbon ratio of 1.5 provides a hydrogen output of 1.15 kg/h while generating about 14 kW of electricity (for every 1 kmol/h of carbon fed to the reformer) from a SOFC using the portion of the CO generated which was not needed to drive the reforming reactions. Additionally, recycling up to 25% of CO2 into the reformer produces about 15% more hydrogen, while using 20% less CO for combustion to drive the gasification reactions. Because of the Boudouard reaction an extra 32% (4.5 kW per kmol/h of carbon) can be generated from an SOFC operating on the CO not used for combustion.
The completion problem for partial packings

Packings (resolutions) of designs have been of interest to combinatorialists in recent years as a way of creating new designs from old ones. Line packings of projective 3-space were the first packings studied, but it is still unknown when a partial packing can be completed to a packing in this case. In this paper we show that there is no guarantee from a combinatorial point of view of completing such a partial packing even when the deficiency is 2. In particular, we construct for every odd prime power q a set of 2(q 2+1) lines which doubly cover the points of PG(3,q) and yet cannot be partitioned into two spreads (resolution classes). The method is based on manipulations of primitive elements of finite fields.
The design and evaluation of a CSCL tool to support reflection and revision of design projects

DESIGN PROJECTS are one form of project-based learning whereby students propose, build, and test an artifact to meet a specific need. This paper presents the design, implementation, and evaluation of a computer-based tool (Co-Net) designed to support students in the process of working on design projects (in this case, instructional design projects).Co-Net was implemented over two successive semesters, with approximately 43 students using it. Based on the classroom trials reported here, one major finding was that providing access to others’ published artifacts through the Web is a simple but powerful strategy to help learners to elaborate initial ideas, prompt reflection and evaluation of their own designs, and promote engagement in the larger design community. Also, facilitating the exchange of online feedback about one’s project design was perceived to be useful, but only when feedback was substantive, offered suggestions, or pointed out limitations in the design.
Eastern gamagrass as an alternative cellulosic feedstock for bioethanol production

Abstract Eastern gamagrass (Trypsacum dactyloides) is a C4 perennial grass, native to the USA with desirable characteristics that warrants further investigation as a new lignocellulosic crop for bioethanol production. Chemical composition assays showed that eastern gamagrass had comparable cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin compositions to those of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum). With the cellulose solvent-based lignocellulose fractionation (CSLF) pretreatment and subsequent enzymatic saccharification, 80.5–99.8% of cellulosic glucose was released from the gamagrass biomass, which was 10–17% greater than the glucose release efficiency from switchgrass (73.5–87.1%). Furthermore, the hydrolysate of gamagrass supported greater ethanol fermentation yield (up to 0.496 g/g glucose) than the hydrolysates of switchgrass. As such, in the whole process of biomass-to-ethanol conversion, gamagrass could yield 13–35% more ethanol per gram of biomass than switchgrass, indicating that gamagrass has high potential as an alternative energy feedstock for lignocellulosic ethanol production.
Firm characteristics and industry influences as drivers of internationalization: An examination of US business responses to the new European Union

This research examined the strategic responses of 70 US manufacturing firms to the European Community's unification movement. In general, internal firm's characteristics such as competitive advantages, performance goals, and the firm's current presence in Europe significantly influenced the nature of strategic responses. Surprisingly, external industry influences appeared somewhat ineffectual. The findings contradict conventional wisdom that posits industry influences as being the primary drivers of internationalization.