cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adenocarcinoma of the thyroid with hyperthyroidism and functional metastases; studies with thiouracil and radioiodine.

ADENOCARCINOMA of the thyroid with functioning distant metastases capable of producing clinical hyperthyroidism is exceedingly rare. In fact Frantz and her associates (7) state recently, “If such a case were ever found the study (that is, with radio-active iodine) might be most illuminating” (p. 687). Our good fortune in having the opportunity of observing two patients with this syndrome is the reason for this report. Subsequent papers will deal with the therapeutic and other effects of massive doses of radio-active iodine. The story of thiouracil in experimental thyroid physiology and in the clinical treatment of Graves' disease has been well told (1, 6, 20, 31, 32, 39): but there has been no report on the effect of this drug on functioning carcinoma metastases. The present study furnishes clear evidence on thiouracil inhibition of the hyperthyroidism produced by carcinomatous thyroid tissue. For the purposes of this study, the association of typical hyperthyroidism with a carcinomatous thyroid in the ne...
Fabrication and Electrical Properties of Textured Sr0.53Ba0.47Nb2O6 Ceramics by Templated Grain Growth

Textured Sr0.53Ba0.47Nb2O6 ceramics with a relative density of >95% were fabricated using templated grain growth (TGG). Acicular KSr2Nb5O15 template particles synthesized via a molten salt process were aligned by tape casting in a mixture of solid-state-synthesized SrNb2O6 and BaNb2O6 powders. The resulting ceramics possessed strong fiber texture along the polar axis ([001]) of the strontium barium niobate. Samples with 15.4 wt% templates attained a textured fraction of 0.82 after sintering at a temperature of 1450°C for 4 h. These materials showed peak dielectric constants of 7550 at 1 kHz, remanent polarizations of 13.2 μC/cm2, saturation polarizations of 21 μC/cm2 (60%–85% of the single-crystal value), piezoelectric strain coefficients of 78 pC/N (70%–85% of the single-crystal value), and room-temperature pyroelectric coefficients of 2.9 × 10−2μC·(cm2·°C)−1 (52% of the single-crystal value). These results show that TGG is a viable option for accessing single-crystal properties in polycrystalline ceramics.
Micromechanics of matrix cracking in fiber-reinforced brittle-matrix composites

Abstract A modified inclusion model for matrix cracking in a fiber-reinforced brittle-matrix composite is proposed. The bonding energy of the fiber-matrix interfaces and the residual stresses are included in the present model. Special attention is paid to long cracks (steady-state cracks). The parameter κ is found to distinguish the case of complete bridging (perfectly bonded interfaces) and that of slipping fibers. Moreover, the theoretical prediction of the critical applied stress σ A c is compared with that of the BHE model and experimental data. Finally, the optimal value of the fiber volume fraction is investigated for a composite with residual tension in the matrix.
Regulation of tubulin during ciliary regeneration in non-growing Tetrahymena.

Abstract The synthesis of tubulin from the outer doublet microtubules of Tetrahymena cilia has been studied during ciliary regeneration in non-growing cells. The results of both pulse and pulse-chase experiments indicate that the majority of tubulin subunits used to form ciliary microtubules in these cells comes from a cytoplasmic pool, and that there is little or no induced synthesis of tubulin during ciliary regeneration. Also a relatively high rate of turnover is noted for tubulin from the outer doublet microtubules of Tetrahymena cilia. Problems of the control of induced assembly of pre-existing tubulin stores are discussed.
Mast cell tryptase does not alter matrix metalloproteinase expression in human dermal fibroblasts: further evidence that proteolytically-active tryptase is a potent fibrogenic factor.

There is compelling in vitro and in vivo evidence to implicate mast cells in the development of fibrosis. However, an important question remains as to the mechanisms by which mast cells mediate fibrosis. Recent evidence from our laboratory (Gruber et al., 1997, J. Immunol. , 158:2310-2317) has revealed that tryptase, the unique and abundant serine protease of human mast cells, is capable of activating fibroblasts by stimulating chemotaxis, proliferation, and procollagen mRNA synthesis. Regulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression is another key step in connective tissue remodeling. Therefore, the effect of tryptase on fibroblast MMP expression was investigated. Proteolytically active tryptase did not alter the cellular mRNA levels for fibroblast MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, and MMP-9 as detected by RNase protection assays. Moreover, tryptase did not alter the basal levels of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, or the tissue inhibitor of MMP-1 (TIMP-1) in fibroblast conditioned media as detected by specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). These results indicate that tryptase does not increase MMP expression in normal dermal fibroblasts. Moreover, these data strengthen the potential role of this unique serine protease as a potent fibrogenic factor.
Commitment to Career versus Family/Home Life: Effects of Sex, Sex-Role Identity, and Family Status

Summary.-This study examined commitment to career, as opposed to family or home life, for a sample of 154 working MBA smdents. In contrast to previous results for middle managers, men were more committed to their careers than women. However, the effect of sex was largely explained by individuals' sex-role identity. Family status had no effect on commitment. Perhaps the most important work-related value which managers may hold, at least as far as their organizations are concerned, is the amount of commitment they have to their careers. Highly committed employees are likely to perform well and remain with the organization, and the organization itself is likely to be more effective (Steers, 1977). As the proportion of female managers has steadily increased over the last two decades, the question of whether women and men who pursue managerial careers differ in their commitment to their careers has provoked considerable interest. Powell, Posner, and Schmidt (1984) examined commitment to career versus family or home life in American Management Association (AMA) members. Contrary to sex-role stereotypes, they found that female managers were more committed to their careers, as opposed to their family or home lives, than male managers of equivalent age, salary, education, and managerial level. Powell, et al,'s (1984) results, while intriguing, raised several issues that could not be addressed with the data available. First, their median subject was 35 to 45 yr. old and in a middle-management position, as contrasted with a supervisory (lower) or executive (higher) management position. Men and women at lower levels could have different values than middle managers and exhibit a smaller sex difference, no sex difference, or one in the opposite direction. Second, they did not assess the marital and parental status of respondents. Female and male managers differ considerably on these variables, with female managers less likely to have ever been married or to have children. Family status could affect the inclination to make some sacrifice in
Inelastic Electron Tunneling Erases Coupling-Pathway Interferences

Theoretical analysis of nonadiabatic electron-transfer reactions in molecules usually assumes that electron amplitude propagates coherently from the reductant to the oxidant via covalent and noncovalent coupling pathways. We show that when the tunneling electron excites local bridge vibrations (inelastic tunneling), the excitation “labels” the physical pathway traversed. As such, the coherence among the bridge-mediated tunneling pathways is destroyed. We illustrate this effect using a simple model Hamiltonian and show how the donor−acceptor interaction, and thus the electron-transfer rate, is modified by inelastic effects. Pathway coherence loss provides a mechanism to relax orbital-symmetry constraints on electron-transfer reactions. This effect may be of particular significance in macromolecules with destructively interfering pathways or low tunneling barriers. Pathway decoherence that arises from inelastic effects in molecules is analogous to coherence loss in mesoscopic “which way” interferometers and...
Ethnographic Note on Nation: Narratives and Symbols of the Early Post-socialist Nationalism in Lithuania

In the late 1980s and early 1990s Lithuania experienced the nationalist upheaval, which epitomized in the break up from the Soviet Union in 1990. Narratives and symbols were constitutive of the nationalist movement. “Nation” — the master symbol of that time — was reproduced in relation to the symbols of “the West,” and “the East,” as well as through the different values implied in “the West” and “the East” symbolism. Nationalist narratives reconstructed history and memory, reevaluated the present of the “reborn” nation, and drew the paths for the transition. Symbols and narratives were significant in mobilizing popular opinion, creating models for identity and action, and expressing moral and legitimate stances. They were a primary mechanism by which ideologies and cultural stances were shaped and maintained during the nationalist upheaval. In early 1990s the “nation” was redefined in the context of the Western tradition which was essential in communicating with the European countries and distancing from the former Soviet Union.
Invited Commentary: Exploring the Promises, Intricacies, and Challenges to Positive Youth Development

We highlight the need for and critical importance of the program of research reported in this Special Issue. We emphasize that a focus on positive youth development is sorely overdue. The impressive project covering one decade, 42 states and 7,000 participants demonstrates critical contributors to positive youth development. The two identified themes emerging from the set of papers are that contexts and the nature of assets matter for youth. Collectively, the papers explored a variety of positive youth development relevant questions and utilized combinations of annual assessments and data sources from an extraordinary data base. The core methodological and conceptual flaw across papers was the under-representation of minorities in the data set, which limited the generalizability of findings. While the major shortcoming was acknowledged at the onset and recognized as a failing in each paper, nevertheless, merely conceding the flaw was seen as insufficient given the policy, practice, and research implications. The inadequate sampling and follow-up of youth from families which continue to face persistent social inequality and having the most to gain from a positive youth development conceptual strategy and was a major shortcoming; it prevented within group analyses. The co-authors note that although research decisions made limited the generalizability of the positive youth development research strategy for non-white American youth, the intended goals for inclusiveness are evident and, accordingly, suggest a level of hopefulness.
ATSDR evaluation of health effects of benzene and relevance to public health

As part of its mandate, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) prepares toxicological profiles on hazardous chemicals found at Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) National Priorities List (NPL) sites that have the greatest public health impact. These profiles comprehensively summarize toxicological and environmental information. This article constitutes the release of portions of the Toxicological Profile for Benzene. The primary purpose of this article is to provide public health officials, physicians, toxicologists, and other interested individuals and groups with an overall perspective on the toxicology of benzene. It contains descriptions and evaluations of toxicological studies and epidemiological investigations and provides conclusions, where possible, on the relevance of toxicity and toxicokinetic data to public health.
MINING PROCESS AND PRODUCT INFORMATION FROM PRESSURE FLUCTUATIONS WITHIN A FUEL PARTICLE COATER

The Next Generation Nuclear Power (NGNP) Fuel Development and Qualification Program included the design, installation, and testing of a 6-inch diameter nuclear fuel particle coater to demonstrate quality TRISO fuel production on a small industrial scale. Scale-up from the laboratory-scale coater faced challenges associated with an increase in the kernel charge mass, kernel diameter, and a redesign of the gas distributor to achieve adequate fluidization throughout the deposition of the four TRISO coating layers. TRISO coatings are applied at very high temperatures in atmospheres of dense particulate clouds, corrosive gases, and hydrogen concentrations over 45% by volume. The severe environment, stringent product and process requirements, and the fragility of partially-formed coatings limit the insertion of probes or instruments into the coater vessel during operation. Pressure instrumentation were installed on the gas inlet line and exhaust line of the 6-inch coater to monitor the bed differential pressure and internal pressure fluctuations emanating from the fuel bed as a result of bed and gas “bubble” movement. These instruments are external to the particle bed and provide a glimpse into the dynamics of fuel particle bed during the coating process and data that could be used to help ascertain the adequacy of fluidization and, potentially, the dominant fluidization regimes. Pressure fluctuation and differential pressure data are not presently useful as process control instruments, but data suggest a link between the pressure signal structure and some measurable product attributes that could be exploited to get an early estimate of the attribute values.
Stirring up Deep Waters: Korean Feminist Theologies Today

This article traces the history of Korean feminist theology, focusing on its recent developments since the 1980s. During this period Korean feminist theology has produced distinctive methodologies and actively engaged with social movements toward justice and democracy. In the past decade, however, Korean feminist theology has been criticized for its inertia. This article argues that today’s Korean feminist theology should be evaluated differently than in the past. Acknowledging considerable changes in Korean society, Korean feminist theology is coping with fresh challenges, making new waves, and generating new inspirations.
Thermoelectric performance of p-type nanohybrids filled polymer composites

Abstract Fluorinated C60 (F-C60) is a p-type organic semiconductor with a deep highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) level and it was used to modulate the band structure of reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The HOMO level of rGO has been tailored by adjusting the ratio between rGO and F-C60. As-prepared rGO/F-C60 hybrids were subsequently integrated to the conductive polymer, poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS), at a very low fraction (below the percolation threshold). The interfaces between rGO/F-C60 nanohybrids and polymer host served as Schottky barriers to selectively scatter low-energy carriers dependent on the interfacial barriers. The highest power factor reaches 83.2 μW/m K2 at an interfacial barrier of 0.7 eV for a 2.5 wt% loading fraction, indicating 19-fold enhancement in comparison to the conductive PEDOT:PSS with a power factor of 4.38 μW/m K2. More interestingly, F-C60 nanoparticles on rGO surfaces hinder thermal transport by effective phonon scattering, resulting in a figure of merit (ZT) of 0.10. In contrast, incorporation of inorganic nanoparticles may compromise thermoelectric properties for a low ZT due to the increase of thermal conductivity.
Macrodactyly involving both hands and both feet

A case is reported of a child with macrodactyly of both hands and both feet and very rare postaxial involvement of the upper limbs.
Crystal Structure of Human BPI and Two Bound Phospholipids at 2.4 Angstrom Resolution

Bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI), a potent antimicrobial protein of 456 residues, binds to and neutralizes lipopolysaccharides from the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. At a resolution of 2.4 angstroms, the crystal structure of human BPI shows a boomerang-shaped molecule formed by two similar domains. Two apolar pockets on the concave surface of the boomerang each bind a molecule of phosphatidylcholine, primarily by interacting with their acyl chains; this suggests that the pockets may also bind the acyl chains of lipopolysaccharide. As a model for the related plasma lipid transfer proteins, BPI illuminates a mechanism of lipid transfer for this protein family.
Antismoking initiatives: effects of analysis versus production media literacy interventions on smoking-related attitude, norm, and behavioral intention.

This study developed inoculation-driven antismoking interventions aimed at changing attitudes, norms and intentions about smoking to influence smoking behavior in adolescents. This study explored the efficacy of 2 intervention approaches designed to help adolescents to refrain from smoking initiation. Participants were junior high students (6th, 7th, and 8th grade) from schools in the Northeast. Two kinds of experimental workshops and a control group were designed as stimulus material in a repeated measure nonequivalent group experimental design. The 2 intervention workshops developed included: analysis + analysis (where participants discussed and analyzed cigarette and antismoking ads) and analysis + production (where participants discussed, analyzed, and then created their own antismoking ads). The analysis + production workshop was generally more successful than the analysis + analysis workshop and control group in changing participants' behavioral intention to smoke and attitude toward smoking but not...
Non-destructive diagnostic techniques for oxygen precipitates in Czochralski silicon

Abstract This work investigates the determination of oxygen precipitate density in silicon using non-destructive methods, based essentially on electrical and optical techniques. Regarding electrical techniques, minority carrier diffusion length measurements by means of surface photo voltage or electrolytical metal tracer methods to determine the density of oxygen precipitates in p-type silicon wafers is evaluated, taking advantage of the activity of oxygen precipitates as recombination centres for minority carriers. Regarding optical techniques, the scanning infra-red microscope is considered, which can detect oxygen precipitates in silicon exploiting their effectiveness as light scattering centres. These techniques are compared with the traditional etching technique, considering samples in a wide range of precipitate density (5×106–1011 cm−3) and submitted to a wide variety of thermal treatments. Correlations are discussed with the support of transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy observations, which provide complementary information on size, morphology and matrix stress of the oxygen precipitates.
Cochlear implant fixation using polypropylene mesh and titanium screws.

Hypothesis: Fixation of cochlear implants using prosthetic mesh is an improvement of the traditional fixation methods. Study Design: A retrospective chart review was performed examining all adult and pediatric patients between 1998 and 2003 who underwent cochlear implantation using polypropylene mesh and titanium screws to fix the cochlear implant internal receiver. Patient age at implantation, postoperative infections, device failures, device migrations or extrusions, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, flap complications, epidural hematoma data, and follow-up data were evaluated. Results: Two hundred and eighty-five patients were identified who received cochlear implantation using the polypropylene mesh securing technique. There were five postoperative infections, two device failures, zero flap complications, zero device migrations or extrusions, zero cerebral spinal fluid leaks, and zero epidural hematomas. The two delayed device failures in this series were not related to fixation technique. Conclusions: We conclude that this technique is widely applicable, technically superior, and not associated with increased complications.
Low-frequency flute instabilities of a bounded plasma column

Derivation of exact solutions for unstable waves (called flute waves) which occur in a radially bounded plasma column at frequencies below the ion cyclotron frequency. Both analytical and numerical solutions are presented for the m = 1 and m = 2 azimuthal modes for a variety of radial electric field profiles. It is shown that the behavior of the flute waves can depend sensitively on the radial extent of the plasma column. Moreover, it is found that the m = 1 mode and the m = 2 mode do not respond in the same way to changes in the radial boundary position or in the electric field profile.
A Comparison of Methods for Determining Significant Wave Heights—Applied to a 3-m Discus Buoy during Hurricane Katrina

Abstract In August 2005, the eye of Hurricane Katrina passed 90 km to the west of a 3-m discus buoy deployed in the Mississippi Sound and operated by the Central Gulf of Mexico Ocean Observing System (CenGOOS). The buoy motions were measured with a strapped-down, 6 degrees of freedom accelerometer, a three-axis magnetometer, and from the displacement of a GPS antenna measured by postprocessed-kinematic GPS. Recognizing that an accelerometer experiences a large offset due to gravity, the authors investigated four different means of computing wave heights. In the most widely used method for a buoy with a strapped-down, 1D accelerometer, wave heights are overestimated by 26% on average and up to 56% during the peak of the hurricane. In the second method, the component of gravity is removed from the deck relative z-axis accelerations, requiring pitch and roll information. This is most similar to the motion of the GPS antenna and reduces the overestimation to only 5% on average. In the third method, the orient...
Impact of Gold Mining on Middle Siberian Taiga Landscapes from Landsat 7 Data

A Russian-American research team investigates the impacts of long-term intensive working of gold deposits on landscapes in the Middle Siberian taiga. These impacts include the displacement of bedrock and alluvial deposits, deforestation, and increasing fire incidence. Landsat 7 satellite imagery and field data were used in assessing the information yield of satellite scanner channels in the process of classification of the registered images. A schematic electronic map was constructed that shows zones of gold mining, predominant vegetation species, cutover and burned areas, and natural and artificial water bodies.
Oxidation Kinetics of Waveguide Roughness Minimization in Silicon Microphotonics

Waveguide roughness causes severe signal attenuation in Si waveguides. Oxidation smoothing kinetics are simulated using SUPREME and measured by AFM. We find short period roughness is reduced fastest and an unexpected saturation phenomenon in oxidation smoothing kinetics. Waveguide transmission experiments are reported.
An anatomical substrate for the inhibitory gradient in the VLVp of the owl.

The interaural difference in the level of sounds is an important cue for the localization of the sound's source. In the barn owl, a keen auditory predator, this binaural cue is first computed in the nucleus ventralis lemnisci laterale, pars posterior (VLVp), a cell group found within the fibers of the lateral lemniscus. Its neurons are excited by inputs from the contralateral ear and inhibited by inputs to the ipsilateral ear and are therefore sensitive indicators of interattral level difference. The excitation arrives by a direct input from the contralateral nucleus arigularis, a cochlear nucleus, and the inhibition is mediated by a commissural projection that interconnects the VLVps of the two sides. The dorsally located neurons in the VLVp are more heavily inhibited than those found more ventrally, thus giving rise to a gradient of inhibition. This inhibitory gradient plays a central role in recent models of VLVp function. We present evidence based on standard anterograde tracing methods that this gradient of inhibition is mediated by a dorsoventral gradient in the density of synaptic inputs from the contralateral VLVp, the source of inhibition. Specifically, injection of tracers into one VLVp, regardless of the position of the injection within the nucleus, produced a vertically oriented field of label that was densest along the dorsal margin of the contralateral VLVp and became sparser at more ventral levels. Furthermore, we found that injections into the medial and lateral aspects of the nucleus produced this dorsoventrally graded field of label along the medial and lateral aspects of the contralateral VLVp, respectively. Finally, we confirmed an earlier observation suggesting that the anterior and posterior aspects of one VLVp project to the anterior and posterior aspects of the contralateral nucleus, respectively. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Regularized integral representation of thermoelastic stresses

Abstract The present paper deals with the boundary integral formulation of boundary value problems in general coupled thermoelasticity. A regularized integral representation of thermoelastic stresses is derived in which the strongest singularity does not exceed that involved in the integral representation of displacements. The boundary integral equations are written in a form which is free of Cauchy principal value integrals. The formulation possesses pure boundary character.
Correlates of City Crime Rates: Victimization Surveys, Versus Official Statistics

The effect of eight factors, thought to influence the incidence of crime, on indices based on Uniform Crime Reports and victim surveys, are examined. A comparison of the results reveals that different conclusions would be reached about the correlates of crime depending on the index used. Lacking evidence showing one measure as the more valid indicator of crime, we conclude that neither index is satisfactory for purposes of exploring the causes of crime.
A RAPID METHOD FOR THE DETERMINATION OF IRON IN ENRICHED BREAD.

A modification of the a-a9 bipyridine method which requires no ashing is proposed for the determination of iron in enriched bread.
The oxyluminescence and kinetics of oxyluminescence of selected polymers

Abstract The oxyluminescence (OL) curves of 19 polymers are presented. These curves may be employed as a means of characterization and/or identification of the polymer. A new method for determining the kinetics of the OL is described. The E a values of 6 different polymers ranged from 60 to 135 kJ mole −1 . The method is only applicable to single-step OL processes.
Nucleon Polarization in Pion Proton Scattering

The polarization of the recoiling nucleons after the scattering of a pion by a nucleon is calculated. It is found that the recoiling nucleons are polarized in a direction perpendicular to the scattering plane and that the intensity ratio for spin parallel or antiparallel to this direction in several cases is quite large. Simple formulas are given for computing the polarization as a function of the scattering angle in terms of the phase shifts.
Minimax, information and ultrapessimism

Discussing the foundations of the minimax principle, Savage (1954) argued that it is “utterly untenable for statistics” because it is “ultrapessimistic” when applied to negative income, but claimed that such objection is not relevant when the principle is applied to regret. In this paper I rebut the latter claim. I first present an example where ultrapessimism, as Savage understood it, applies to minimax regret but not to minimax negative income. Then, for a sequential decision problems with two terminal acts and a finite number of states of nature, I give necessary and sufficient conditions for a decision rule to be ultrapessimistic, and show that for every payoff table with at least three states, be it in regret form or not, there exist an experiment such that the minimax rule is ultrapessimistic. I conclude with some more general remarks on information and the value of experimentation for a minimax agent.
Why paying for health care reform is difficult and essential--numbers and rules.

The primary hurdle for U.S. health care reform is finding the money to pay for it. Henry Aaron outlines the promise and limitations of the possible approaches to financing, as well as the process that legislators must follow to pass a viable bill.
An EEG-based brain computer interface for rehabilitation and restoration of hand control following stroke using ipsilateral cortical physiology

The loss of motor control severely impedes activities of daily life. Brain computer interfaces (BCIs) offer new possibilities to treat nervous system injuries, but conventional BCIs use signals from primary motor cortex, the same sites most likely damaged in a stroke causing paralysis. Recent studies found distinct cortical physiology associated with contralesional limb movements in regions distinct from primary motor cortex. To capitalize on these findings, we designed and implemented a BCI that localizes and acquires these brain signals to drive a powered, hand orthotic which opens and closes a patient's hand.
Automated water-path ultrasonic examination of scrotum

Abstract A new method of examining the scrotum by ultrasound with an automated waterpath scanner is described. This method allows immobility of the scrotum in a more acceptable and painless way than in contact scanning methods. Panoramic scans of the entire scrotum and precision tomographic plane placement are advantages over conventional techniques. A description of normal scrotal anatomy includes the mediastinum of the testis, an important scrotal landmark. Representative cases of benign and malignant scrotal disease are presented to emphasize the utility of waterpath scanning.
33. Longitudinal changes in serum proinflammatory markers across pregnancy and postpartum: Effects of maternal body mass index

Background: The maternal immune system undergoes substantial changes to support healthy pregnancy. Although obesity is a primary driver of inflammation and predictive of perinatal complications, additive effects of pregnancy and obesity on changes in inflammatory processes are not well delineated. Methods: This study examined serum proinflammatory markers interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-1β, and C-reactive protein (CRP) during each trimester of pregnancy and 4–6 weeks postpartum among 57 women. Results: Overall, IL-6 showed an increasing trend across pregnancy and significant increase at postpartum. Similarly, TNF-α increased significantly across gestation, with a further increase at postpartum. Both IL-8 and IL-1β showed a U-shaped curve, decreasing from early to later pregnancy, and increasing at postpartum. Finally, serum CRP decreased significantly across pregnancy, with further decreases at postpartum. Maternal obesity predicted higher IL-6 at each study visit. Obese women showed a trend toward elevated serum CRP during pregnancy, and significantly higher levels at postpartum. Discussion: The course of pregnancy and postpartum is characterized by significant changes in serum proinflammatory mediators. Obese women show elevations in serum proinflammatory markers relative to normal weight women during pregnancy and postpartum. Further research is needed to determine the extent to which obesity-induced inflammation affects maternal and fetal health.
Page Oriented Holographic Memory Addressing Of Optical Bistable Devices Arrays

Page Oriented Holographic Memories can be used as stored microprograms. Because they may not give highly accurate signal levels, e.g. to 0.1% as may be needed, these holograms should address not a device array but an array of optical bistable shutters through which adjustable stable light beams may pass.
γ-Interferon stimulates production of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 by normal human macrophages

We show for the first time that normal human pulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAM) markedly enhance their basal rate of the production of [3H]-1,25(OH)2D3 when cultured in the presence of recombinant gamma-interferon (gamma-IFN). The rate of conversion of [3H]-25(OH)D3 to [3H]-1,25(OH)2D3 was dose-dependent in a linear fashion. A maximal production of 1,25(OH)2D3 by PAM occurred after exposure of PAM to gamma-IFN for one day. This maximum plateau-level was sustained for at least five days. The authenticity of the putative 1,25(OH)2D3 obtained from PAM was tested by demonstrating the exact comigration of [3H]-1,25(OH)2D3 with chemically synthesized 1,25(OH)2D3 in four different HPLC-systems.
Systematic assessment of gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) effects during and after acute intoxication.

We adapted and tested a previously published questionnaire battery eliciting sensory and cognitive symptoms during (acute) and immediately after (post-acute) GHB intoxication. Studying 125 GHB users, we assessed the instrument's internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha (CA) and responsiveness to change comparing acute and post-acute symptoms. The final 14-item battery demonstrated good internal consistency (CA ≥ 0.85, both acute and post-acute). The median symptom score (possible range 0–64) was 30 (acute) and 6 (post-acute; difference p < 0.001). This modified substance-specific symptom battery, which is easily administered, demonstrated excellent performance characteristics. It can be used to study GHB and, potentially, related drugs of abuse.
Developing Sound Tutor Training for Online Writing Centers: Creating Productive Peer Reviewers

Abstract It is our experience that tutors trained for face-to-face writing centers are not adequately prepared for the challenges they encounter working with online writing centers. The purpose of our article is to provide an overview—especially for administrators, developers, and tutors new to electronic tutoring environments—of the issues and considerations unique to online tutoring that training programs need to address. In our discussion, we hope to engender enthusiasm for online tutoring by discussing three aspects of online tutoring: appreciating text-only environments, developing procedures for responding online, and creating appropriate roles for online tutors. We offer suggestions about how to address these three aspects in online tutor training, and we suggest that addressing these issues leads to an understanding of the online tutor as a productive peer reviewer.
The combined effects of N-3 fatty acids and aspirin on hemostatic parameters in man.

Both fish oils and aspirin are readily available to the consumer as over-the-counter preparations. Since both of these products have been shown to prolong bleeding times, it is possible that hemostasis might be adversely affected in subjects taking them in combination. This study was undertaken to examine the effects of n-3 fatty acids and aspirin on platelet function. Eight healthy men took a total of 485 mg of aspirin over 3 days before beginning two weeks of fish oil supplementation (4.5 g of n-3 fatty acids/day). Subjects continued with fish oil while resuming aspirin treatment for 3 days. Aspirin alone prolonged bleeding times by 34% (p less than 0.05). Fish oil alone raised bleeding times only slightly (9%; N.S.), but aspirin plus fish oil raised them by 78% (p less than 0.01). The increase in bleeding times with the combination (78%) was not significantly different than the sum of the individual increases (43%). The effects of fish oil and aspirin on platelet aggregation were investigated using single and dual agonists. Although fish oil alone did not significantly raise aggregation thresholds for collagen, arachidonic acid, or PAF, it did reduce the extent of aggregation with collagen. When challenged by single or dual agonists, the combination of fish oil and aspirin did not make platelets less sensitive than did aspirin alone. Since fish oil and aspirin had synergistic effects on bleeding times, but not on platelet aggregation, these two substances appear to affect hemostasis by different mechanisms.
Wettabilities of Organosiloxane Thin Films Derived from SiCl3-Terminated Carbosilane Dendrons on Mica

We prepared submonolayers, monolayers, and multilayers of organosiloxanes derived from the second to fourth generation (G2−G4) SiCl3-terminated carbosilane dendrons on mica by spin-casting. The surface properties of these films, such as wettabilities, surface tensions, works of adhesion with various liquids, pore size, and surface coverage, were investigated by means of contact-angle measurements. All G2−G4 films exhibit high hysteresis of ∼20°, probably due to molecular scale chemical heterogeneity and surface roughness. The surface tensions of the G2−G4 monolayers are similar: γS (total) = ∼29 mJ/m2, γSd (dispersive) = ∼24 mJ/m2, and γSp (polar) = ∼5 mJ/m2. However, only γSd (∼21 mJ/m2) contributes to the surface tensions of the multilayers, suggesting that the underlying polar mica substrate is significantly screened by the dendron multilayers. Works of adhesion (WSL) for water, glycerol, dimethylformamide, methylene iodide, squalane, and hexadecane on the films were measured. The multilayers exhibit ...
The effect of aging on rat liver phosphoglycerate kinase and comparison with the muscle enzyme.

Pure liver phosphoglycerate kinase (ATP:3-phospho-d-glycerate 1-phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.2.3) from old rats has been found to be an altered enzyme with certain properties which are dissimilar to those of the enzyme obtained from young animals. Stability during storage, sensitivity to heat, response to antiserum and stability during isoelectric focusing differ. Unchanged are molecular weight, specific activity, Km, reactivity of SH groups, blocked N-terminal residue and leucine for the C-terminal residue. Liver phosphoglycerate kinase differs substantially from the muscle enzyme. Among the differences are stability, heat-sensitivity, Km for 3-phosphoglyceric acid, inactivation by urea and response to antiserum. Nonetheless, a number of properties suggest that the liver and muscle enzymes are similar in structure. Both react with antisera prepared to phosphoglycerate kinase from muscle and liver, respeetively. For both enzymes, the N-terminal residue is blocked and the C-terminal amino acid is leucine. The muscle form has been named phosphoglycerate kinase-1 or A. The only previously known isozyme is the testis enzyme, phosphoglycerate kinase-2 or B. We therefore propose that the liver enzyme be known as phosphoglycerate kinase-3 or C.
Neoliberalism, the production of vulnerability and the hobbled state: Systemic barriers to climate adaptation

The neoliberal transformation of the global political–economic system since the mid-1970s has led to profound and increasing inequality and has limited state capacities to tax, regulate and carry out socially supportive public policies. Neoliberalism, or the global institutionalization of laissez-faire economics, has helped to generalize individual and community vulnerability to climate-induced changes and decrease resilience by increasing poverty and thereby limiting options; the global majority face increasingly contingent employment and downward pressure on wages while global economic competition deprives smallholders of their assets. States compete to attract mobile capital by deregulating private activity such as logging and real estate development, increasing climate-related risks to individuals and communities. At the same time, neoliberal limits on the state have inhibited states' ability to fund and coordinate a range of necessary climate adaptations. Finally, neoliberalism undermines social cohe...
ADAPTIVE QUADRATURE FOR ITEM RESPONSE MODELS

Adaptive quadrature is applied to marginal maximum likelihood estimation for item response models with normal ability distributions. Even in one dimension, significant gains in speed and accuracy of computation may be achieved.
Deep Haplotype Divergence and Long-Range Linkage Disequilibrium at Xp21.1 Provide Evidence That Humans Descend From a Structured Ancestral Population

Fossil evidence links human ancestry with populations that evolved from modern gracile morphology in Africa 130,000–160,000 years ago. Yet fossils alone do not provide clear answers to the question of whether the ancestors of all modern Homo sapiens comprised a single African population or an amalgamation of distinct archaic populations. DNA sequence data have consistently supported a single-origin model in which anatomically modern Africans expanded and completely replaced all other archaic hominin populations. Aided by a novel experimental design, we present the first genetic evidence that statistically rejects the null hypothesis that our species descends from a single, historically panmictic population. In a global sample of 42 X chromosomes, two African individuals carry a lineage of noncoding 17.5-kb sequence that has survived for >1 million years without any clear traces of ongoing recombination with other lineages at this locus. These patterns of deep haplotype divergence and long-range linkage disequilibrium are best explained by a prolonged period of ancestral population subdivision followed by relatively recent interbreeding. This inference supports human evolution models that incorporate admixture between divergent African branches of the genus Homo.
Stochastic mapping frameworks

Stochastic mapping is an approach to the concurrent mapping and localization problem. The approach is powerful because the feature and robot states are explicitly correlated. Improving the estimate of any state automatically improves the estimates of correlated states. This paper describes a number of extensions to the stochastic mapping framework, which are made possible by the incorporation of past vehicle states into the state vector to explicitly represent the robot's trajectory. Having access to past robot states simplifies the mapping, navigation, and cooperation. Experimental results using sonar data are presented.
Recurrent Renal Cell Carcinoma Postnephrectomy With Intracardiac Extensions

The purpose of this case study is to describe a patient who presented postnephrectomy with recurrent renal cell carcinoma extending through the inferior vena cava (IVC) into the heart. The metastases were found by transesophageal echocardiography after the patient began retaining fluid in both lower extremities. The IVC portion of the tumor was continuous with the muscular wall, eliminating surgery as an option. Because this tumor has the potential to spread from the renals through the IVC to the heart, it is important for all sonographers, regardless of specialty, to be familiar with it.
A mobility based metric for clustering in mobile ad hoc networks

We present a novel relative mobility metric for mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs). It is based on the ratio of power levels due to successive receptions at each node from its neighbors. We propose a distributed clustering algorithm, MOBIC, based on the use of this mobility metric for selection of clusterheads, and demonstrate that it leads to more stable cluster formation than the "least clusterhead change" version of the well known Lowest-ID clustering algorithm (Chiang et al., 1997). We show reduction of as much as 33% in the rate of clusterhead changes owing to the use of the proposed technique. In a MANET that uses scalable cluster-based services, network performance metrics such as throughput and delay are tightly coupled with the frequency of cluster reorganization. Therefore, we believe that using MOBIC can result in a more stable configuration, and thus yield better performance.
Computational intelligence in modeling of biological neurons: A case study of an invertebrate pacemaker neuron

Computational modeling of biological neurons allows for exploration of many parameter combinations and various types of neuronal activity, without requiring a prohibitively large number of “wet” experiments. On the other hand, analysis and biological interpretation of such, often very extensive, databases of models can be difficult. In this article, we present two Computational Intelligence (CI) approaches, based on Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithms (MOEA), that we have successfully applied to the problem of analysis and interpretation of model neuronal data.
A Future Test of Gravitation Using Galaxy Cluster Velocities

The accelerating expansion of the Universe at recent epochs has called into question the validity of general relativity on cosmological scales. One probe of gravity is a comparison of expansion history of the Universe with the history of structure growth via gravitational instability: general relativity predicts a specific relation between these two observables. Here we show that the mean pairwise streaming velocity of galaxy clusters provides a useful method of constraining this relation. Galaxy cluster velocities can be measured via the kinetic Sunyaev-Zeldovich distortion of the cosmic microwave background radiation. Future surveys can provide large enough catalogs of cluster velocities to discriminate between general relativity and other proposed gravitational theories.
PMR: point to mesh rendering, a feature-based approach

Within the field of computer graphics and visualization, it is often necessary to visualize polygonal models with large number of polygons. Display quality is mandatory, but it is also desirable to have the ability to rapidly update the display in order to facilitate interactive use. Point based rendering methods have been shown effective for this task. Building on this paradigm we introduce the PMR system which uses a hierarchy both in points and triangles for rendering. This hierarchy is fundamentally different from the ones used in existing methods. It is based on the feature geometry in the object space rather than its projection in the screen space. This provides certain advantages over the existing methods.
Magnetic Saturation in Transformers used for a 48-pulse Voltage-Source Converter based STATCOM under Line to Line System Faults

The STATCOM (Synchronous Static Compensator) based on voltage source converter (VSC) is used to supply dynamic VARs required during power system faults for voltage support. However, magnetic saturation of transformers used in VSC topology result in over-current and trips of the STATCOM during system faults, when dynamic VARs and voltage support are required the most. In this paper, we propose and develop an "emergency PWM" strategy to prevent over-currents in VSC and transformer magnetic saturation for line-to-line system faults. A plusmn 100 MVAR STATCOM with a 48-pulse VSC based on 3-level Neutral Point Clamped (NPC) topology and four series connected transformers with realistic saturation (B-H) characteristics are considered. Simulation results are presented for a 48-pulse VSC based plusmn 100 MVAR STATCOM connected to a 2-bus power system to validate the "emergency PWM" strategy to prevent VSC over-current and transformer saturation and supply reactive power under line-to-line system faults. A practical issue of impact of slightly different saturation (B-H) characteristics of the four series transformers, on VSC performance is shown by simulation results for line-to-line fault.
Time domain decoding of extended Reed-Solomon codes

Time domain decoding of extended and doubly extended Reed-Solomon codes are considered for both errors only decoding and errors and erasures decoding. The parity check and generator matrices are given for the singly and doubly extended Reed-Solomon codes in terms of the parity check and generator matrices of the Reed-Solomon codes. Syndrome calculations for the singly and doubly extended codes are discussed and the modifications necessary for the error location and error magnitude calculations are given. The modifications necessary for decoding extended Reed-Solomon codes using the Berlekamp-Massey algorithm and Euclid's algorithm for finding the error magnitudes are presented for both errors only and errors and erasures decoding.