cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Mind of the Master Class: “That Terrible Tragedy”

“… that terrible tragedy, the French Revolution. …” —James Henry Hammond On February 1, 1836, James Henry Hammond – freshman congressman from South Carolina – intervened in a rancorous debate in the House of Representatives over antislavery petitions to condemn abolitionism as evidence of an ascendant radicalism that threatened the foundations of social order. The destructive principles initiated by “that terrible tragedy, the French Revolution” were now spreading across Europe and the northern states of the American Union. Slavery, he proclaimed, provided the last bulwark against catastrophe: “Sir, I do firmly believe that domestic slavery regulated as ours is produces the highest toned, the purest, best organization of society that has ever existed on the face of the earth.” Radicalism, spreading westward from New England, was undermining the constitutional and political framework of the Republic. Waxing philosophical while mincing no words, Hammond credited southern slavery with ensuring the fragile republican compromise between society and the individual. For Hammond, a large planter who had edited a pro-nullification newspaper, and for his proslavery countrymen and countrywomen, slavery guaranteed the protection of property rights necessary for the preservation of an ordered and civilized society. In a frequently repeated southern theory, slavery unified capital and labor and thus forestalled class struggle, considered the most dangerous and corrosive of sociopolitical antagonisms. The theory had wide appeal, but it mired slavery's proponents in tension between commitment to social hierarchy and commitment to a material progress that required free labor and industrialization and opened the road to Jacobinism.
Gemcitabine sensitizes lung cancer cells to Fas/Fas ligand system-mediated killing

Gemcitabine (GEM) is an agent commonly used in the treatment of non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). GEM induces apoptosis in NSCLC cells indirectly by increasing functionally active Fas expression. To further explore the mechanisms involved in the activation by GEM of apoptosis extrinsic pathway in lung cancer cells, we evaluated the ability of GEM to upregulate the expression of FasL in NSCLC H292 (mucoepidermoid carcinoma) cell line and to increase the sensitivity of these cells to Fas-mediated killing of cytotoxic lymphocytes. Cells were cultured with and without GEM (0.05 μM) for 24, 48, 72 and 96 hrs, and FasL mRNA and protein were evaluated by real-time PCR, and by western blot and flow cytometry, respectively. Apoptosis of cells expressing FasL was evaluated by flow cytometry. Cytotoxicity of LAK and malignant pleural fluid (PF) lymphocytes against H292 cells was analyzed in presence and absence of neutralizing anti-Fas antibody (clone ZB4), by a flow cytometry-based assay. Expression of FasL mRNA and protein in H292 cells after incubation with GEM was increased at all time-points and this increase was higher after 72 hrs. Accordingly, the percentage of apoptotic H292 cells expressing FasL was higher after 72 hrs. Cytotoxicity of LAK and PF lymphocytes was significantly increased after incubation of H292 cells with GEM and was partially inhibited by neutralizing anti-Fas antibody. These data demonstrate that: 1) GEM induces an up-regulation of FasL in NSCLC cells triggering cell apoptosis via an autocrine/paracrine loop; 2) GEM is able to increase the sensitivity of NSCLC cells to cytotoxic activity of LAK and PF lymphocytes by activation of Fas/FasL signalling system.
Biomolecular screening with encoded porous-silicon photonic crystals

Strategies to encode or label small particles or beads for use in high-throughput screening and bioassay applications focus on either spatially differentiated, on-chip arrays or random distributions of encoded beads. Attempts to encode large numbers of polymeric, metallic or glass beads in random arrays or in fluid suspension have used a variety of entities to provide coded elements (bits)--fluorescent molecules, molecules with specific vibrational signatures, quantum dots, or discrete metallic layers. Here we report a method for optically encoding micrometre-sized nanostructured particles of porous silicon. We generate multilayered porous films in crystalline silicon using a periodic electrochemical etch. This results in photonic crystals with well-resolved and narrow optical reflectivity features, whose wavelengths are determined by the etching parameters. Millions of possible codes can be prepared this way. Micrometre-sized particles are then produced by ultrasonic fracture, mechanical grinding or by lithographic means. A simple antibody-based bioassay using fluorescently tagged proteins demonstrates the encoding strategy in biologically relevant media.
The dendrite-to-composite transition in off-eutectic Sn-Pb alloys

A study of off-eutectic growth in the Sn-Pb system has been carried out under controlled growth conditions at temperature gradients of 110 and 310°C per cm. The critical rates for dendrite disappearance have been measured as a function of composition on the tin side of the eutectic and the results compared to theoretical predictions. Changes in dendrite morphology with composition were found and characterized. The volume fraction dendrites and the dendrite length were found to gradually decrease to zero as the critical rate was approached and these changes were quantitatively measured at the two gradients studied.
A destination-based approach for cut detection in wireless sensor networks

Wireless sensor networks often suffer from disrupted connectivity caused by its numerous aspects such as limited battery power of a node and unattended operation vulnerable to hostile tampering. The disruption of connectivity, often referred to as network cut , leads to ill-informed routing decisions, data loss and waste of energy. A number of protocols have been proposed to efficiently detect network cuts; they focus solely on a cut that disconnects nodes from the base station . However, a cut detection scheme is truly useful when a cut is defined with respect to multiple destinations i.e. target nodes, rather than a single base station. Thus, we extend the existing notion of cut detection, and propose an algorithm that enables sensor nodes to autonomously monitor the connectivity to multiple target nodes. We introduce a novel reactive cut detection solution, the point-to-point cut detection , where given any pair of source and destination, a source is able to locally determine whether the destination is reachable or not. Furthermore, we propose a lightweight proactive cut detection algorithm specifically designed for a network scenario with a small set of target destinations. We prove the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms through extensive simulations; specifically, in our network configurations, proposed cut detection algorithms achieve more than an order of magnitude improvement in energy consumption, when coupled with an underlying routing protocol.
Completely passive nonlinear transmission system using a nonlinear absorbing medium and azobenzene films

A completely passive nonlinear transmission system is constructed using nonlinear absorption materials and azobenzene films. We experimentally demonstrated that in a pump-probe combination, the transmission of a linearly polarized probe beam through a photo-anisotropic material placed between crossed polarizers becomes nonlinear when a nonlinear absorbing medium is placed in the path of the pump beam. The nonlinear transmission of a reverse saturable material serves as pump beam and aligns the azobenzene molecules in a predetermined polarization direction. Thus the transmittance of the probe beam is enhanced at lower input intensities while it becomes clamped at high input intensities. The clamping level and threshold can be controlled by adjusting the concentration of the nonlinear absorbing medium.
Quantum Darwinism: Entanglement, branches, and the emergent classicality of redundantly stored quantum information

We lay a comprehensive foundation for the study of redundant information storage in decoherence processes. Redundancy has been proposed as a prerequisite for objectivity, the defining property of classical objects. We consider two ensembles of states for a model universe consisting of one system and many environments: the first consisting of arbitrary states, and the second consisting of "singly branching" states consistent with a simple decoherence model. Typical states from the random ensemble do not store information about the system redundantly, but information stored in branching states has a redundancy proportional to the environment's size. We compute the specific redundancy for a wide range of model universes, and fit the results to a simple first-principles theory. Our results show that the presence of redundancy divides information about the system into three parts: classical (redundant); purely quantum; and the borderline, undifferentiated or "nonredundant," information.
Disseminated Actinomyces meyeri Infection Resembling Lung Cancer with Brain Metastases

Thoracic actinomycosis can resemble bronchogenic carcinoma in its clinical presentation and radiographic appearance. We report a case of pulmonary actinomycosis caused by Actinomyces meyeri in which hematogenous dissemination caused multiple brain abscesses resembling metastatic lung cancer. The correct diagnosis was made by thin-needle aspiration of a pleura-based lung mass. The pathogen isolated was further identified with the use of 16S rDNA sequencing. Antibiotic therapy resulted in rapid improvement of the lung lesion; however, the brain lesions required surgical drainage. Antibiotics were continued for more than a year before magnetic resonance images showed complete resolution of the cerebral abscesses.
Single amino acid substitution, from Glu1025 to Asp, of the fps oncogenic protein causes temperature sensitivity in transformation and kinase activity

We have sequenced 2.7 kilobases of v-fps DNA encoding the transforming protein, p140, of the temperature-sensitive (ts) FL-15 clone of avian Fujinami sarcoma virus. Ten single nucleotide differences were found when compared with the v-fps sequence of the temperature-resistant (tr) clone, FSV-2. Of these differences, five encoded altered amino acids within the 5' fps domain, only one encoded an altered amino acid in the 3' kinase domain, and four were silent. Among the five amino acid changes in the 5' fps domain, four were identical to the corresponding residues of c-fps, and the remaining one, a change from His to Arg at amino acid number 559, was located in the middle of a stretch of five consecutive histidine residues. These sequence comparisons suggested that only two amino acid changes, His to Arg at amino acid 559 and Glu to Asp at amino acid 1025, were likely to be responsible for the temperature sensitivity of the v-fps protein. Two recombinants, pFL-11 containing the 5' alterations and pFL-12 containing the single 3' mutation, were constructed in vitro to determine the precise ts lesion. It was found that both the recombinant pFL-12 and the parental pFL-5 were ts by three criteria: cell morphology, colony formation, and kinase activity. In contrast, the recombinant pFL-11 was ts in morphology, but not in colony formation, and was partially ts in kinase activity. pFSV 2-2 itself was temperature resistant by these criteria. We conclude that, first, the mutation of Glu to Asp at amino acid number 1025 can cause a complete ts phenotype, implying that this residue is located at a critical position of the v-fps oncogenic protein. Secondly, the change from His to Arg at amino acid position 559 results in a partial temperature sensitivity, providing the genetic evidence for a second functional domain of the v-fps oncogenic protein.
Technical Performance Score as Predictor for Post-discharge Reintervention in Valve-Sparing Tetralogy of Fallot Repair

Recognition of late problems following repair of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) with a transannular patch has stimulated modifications to preserve pulmonary valve (PV) function. This study assesses the ability of technical performance score (TPS) to determine the need for post-discharge reinterventions (RIs) in valve-sparing TOF repair. We retrospectively reviewed 157 patients following valve-sparing repair of TOF from 2007-2012. We assigned TPS as Class 1 (optimal), Class 2 (adequate), or Class 3 (inadequate) based on discharge echo and clinical criteria. Preoperative, discharge, and follow-up PV Z scores and post-discharge RIs were documented. Reasons for Class 2 or 3 designation were right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) gradient in 52, pulmonary regurgitation in 13, residual ventricular septal defects in 7, both RVOT gradient and ventricular septal defects in 13, and both RVOT gradient and pulmonary regurgitation in 37 patients. Median follow-up was 19.6 (range: 0.1-86.1) months. Class 3 patients had a significantly longer median intensive care unit and hospital stay compared with Class 1 (3 vs 2 days [P = 0.015] and 7 vs 5 days [P < 0.001], respectively). Post-discharge RIs were significantly lower in Class 1 vs Class 2 and Class 3 (P = 0.003). Class 1 patients had significantly larger PV Z scores compared with Class 2 or Class 3 patients (P < 0.001). TPS is associated with post-discharge RI rate after valve-sparing TOF repair. Preoperative PV Z score is highly correlated with Class I TPS. Patient selection based on preoperative PV Z scores may help determine if valve-sparing approach is appropriate, thus minimizing the need for RIs.
Concordant evolution of locomotor behaviour, display rate and morphology in Anolis lizards

Abstract Morphologically similar species of Anolis lizards use similar microhabitats on islands in the Greater Antilles. The habitat matrix model suggests that particular locomotor behaviours are favoured in different microhabitats, and that species evolve the morphology appropriate for a given locomotor mode. These predictions are confirmed for 13 species of Jamaican and Puerto Rican anoles. Species occupying similar microhabitats group together in a multi-dimensional ‘behaviour space’. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that limb proportions and locomotor patterns (e.g. frequency of running or jumping) have evolved in tandem. Further, the rate of rapid movements (i.e. runs and jumps) and display rate have co-evolved. A suite of relatively extreme morphological and behavioural (both locomotor and social) changes accompanied the evolution of an active foraging mode in A. valencienni . Similar, but less extreme, behavioural changes have been associated with morphological evolution among the 12 species that are sitand-wait foragers. Habitat structure is also important in determining locomotor behaviour, particularly jumping frequency and distance jumped.
Turbulent Fronts and Self-Fractalizing Ornaments Generated by An Interface Dynamics Equation

We present results of numerical experimentation with a 2-D version of an equation of surface dynamics that has been derived earlier in the context of flame fronts [Frankel & Sivashinsky, 1987, 1988] and solid-liquid interfaces [Frankel, 1988]. Our observations confirm qualitative predictions of Frankel & Sivashinsky [1987, 1988]: the curves develop chaotic cellular pattern and accelerate while imbedding is sustained. However, if we allow self-intersections, in a different range of parameters the equation gives birth to remarkably complex and beautiful fractal-like structures either entirely chaotic or preserving any symmetry if inherited from the initial configuration. This accumulation of complexity is also manifested in exponential growth of the length while diameter of the set increases linearly which results in increasingly dense covering of the plane. Based on these observations we introduce concepts of self-fractalizing family and asymptotic fractal dimension, which turns out to be equal to two.
Constructing State Autonomy: The Federal Trade Commission and the Celler-Kefauver Act

Though theory and evidence suggests that state agencies can be important social actors in their own right, few studies have attempted to account for their organizational strength. We examine the pa...
Decay rate of critical fluctuations in ethane+carbon dioxide mixtures near the critical line including the critical azeotrope

Using the technique of photon correlation spectroscopy we have measured the decay rate of critical fluctuations in mixtures of ethane and carbon dioxide of various compositions including a near-azeotropic mixture. Our experimental data indicate that there is only one dominant mode of fluctuations and the decay rate is well described by the predictions of the mode-coupling theory with the exponent v=0.63 for all compositions. The decay rate, its background contributions, the shear viscosity, and the correlation length for the mixtures appear to interpolate simply between those of ethane and carbon dioxide.
Counseling Men With Prostate Cancer: A Nomogram for Predicting the Presence of Small, Moderately Differentiated, Confined Tumors

ABSTRACTPurpose: Men diagnosed with clinically localized prostate cancer have a number of treatment options available, including watchful waiting, radical prostatectomy and radiation therapy. With the widespread use of serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing, prostate cancers are being diagnosed earlier in their natural history, with many tumors being small and of little health risk to the patient, at least in the short term. To better counsel men diagnosed with prostate cancer, we developed a statistical model that accurately predicts the presence of small moderately differentiated, confined cancer based on clinical variables (serum PSA, clinical stage, prostate biopsy Gleason grade and ultrasound volume) and variables derived from the analysis of systematic biopsies.Materials and Methods: The analysis included 409 patients diagnosed by systematic needle biopsy with clinical stages T1c or T2a N0 or NX and M0 or MX prostate cancer who were treated solely with radical prostatectomy at 1 of 2 institut...
Tangled bank of experimentally evolved Burkholderia biofilms reflects selection during chronic infections

How diversity evolves and persists in biofilms is essential for understanding much of microbial life, including the uncertain dynamics of chronic infections. We developed a biofilm model enabling long-term selection for daily adherence to and dispersal from a plastic bead in a test tube. Focusing on a pathogen of the cystic fibrosis lung, Burkholderia cenocepacia, we sequenced clones and metagenomes to unravel the mutations and evolutionary forces responsible for adaptation and diversification of a single biofilm community during 1,050 generations of selection. The mutational patterns revealed recurrent evolution of biofilm specialists from generalist types and multiple adaptive alleles at relatively few loci. Fitness assays also demonstrated strong interference competition among contending mutants that preserved genetic diversity. Metagenomes from five other independently evolved biofilm lineages revealed extraordinary mutational parallelism that outlined common routes of adaptation, a subset of which was found, surprisingly, in a planktonic population. These mutations in turn were surprisingly well represented among mutations that evolved in cystic fibrosis isolates of both Burkholderia and Pseudomonas. These convergent pathways included altered metabolism of cyclic diguanosine monophosphate, polysaccharide production, tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes, global transcription, and iron scavenging. Evolution in chronic infections therefore may be driven by mutations in relatively few pathways also favored during laboratory selection, creating hope that experimental evolution may illuminate the ecology and selective dynamics of chronic infections and improve treatment strategies.
Preparation of sodium trisilicate glasses of varying water content

Abstract Various properties of glasses are affected by small amounts of structural water. This water is known to be present in essentially all silicate glasses. Much of the differing values reported for various properties, such as electrical resistivity and diffusivity, probably is caused by using glass samples with varying water content. We have developed a technique for making glasses with nearly any desired level of water content.
Reduced uncertainty as a diagnostic benefit: an initial assessment of somatostatic receptor scintigraphy's value in detecting distant metastases of carcinoid liver tumours.

This paper employs classical concepts of diminishing marginal utility to demonstrate that risk-aversion can increase the perceived value of diagnostic procedures and thus raise optimum diagnostic expenditures. The theory is applied to a model in the spirit of Phelps and Mushlin's initial technology assessments. The specific evaluation is the cost-effectiveness of somatostatin receptor scintigraphy used to detect distant metastases of carcinoid liver tumours in a patient otherwise eligible for surgical resection of the liver. Data for the model are taken from published sources and financial databases, when available, and otherwise from a senior clinician's experience (LKK). The quantitative results indicate that receptor scintigraphy may have two beneficial impacts to risk-neutral individuals. First, it may reduce the combined costs of therapy and treatment because the diagnostic procedure costs less than the expected savings generated by avoiding inappropriate surgeries. Second, it may improve the patient's expected health-status-adjusted life years (HSALY) because the information allows physicians to better match treatment to the cancer's stage. Finally the paper demonstrates that risk aversion, as embodied in classical diminishing marginal utility applied to health status, can increase the value of the diagnostic tests and can lead the patient to choose a less beneficial treatment. An illustrative risk-averse utility function changed the optimum treatment from surgery to chemotherapy and increased scintigraphy's benefit by 500%. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thalidomide inhibits tumor necrosis factor alpha, decreases nitric oxide synthesis, and ameliorates the hyperdynamic circulatory syndrome in portal-hypertensive rats

Abstract A hyperdynamic circulatory state frequently is observed in portal hypertension with liver failure or extensive portal-systemic shunting. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF) causes marked hypotension in mammals by inducing nitric oxide synthesis and has been shown to play a role in the development of the hemodynamic changes observed in portal hypertension. Thalidomide selectively inhibits TNF production by enhancing messenger RNA degradation. We investigated the systemic and portal hemodynamic effects of thalidomide in a prehepatic model of portal hypertension and evaluated whether suppressing TNF synthesis decreases NO production. Portal hypertension was induced by partial ligation of the portal vein (PVL). Animals received thalidomide (T) (50 mg/kg/d) + water or water alone (W), orally, daily for 2 days before and 13 days after PVL operation, at which time hemodynamic studies were performed and TNF plasma levels were obtained. Sham-operated animals were studied identically. In an additional group of PVL animals, 24-hour urinary excretion of NO2- and NO3- was measured during treatment. PVL animals receiving T presented with a significantly higher mean arterial pressure and systemic vascular resistance and significantly lower portal pressure, TNF plasma levels, and 24-hour urinary excretion of NO2- and NO3-, in comparison with rats receiving W. A significant correlation (r = -0.61) was observed between TNF plasma levels and mean arterial pressure among PVL animals. Thalidomide did not have any significant effects on sham rats. Thalidomide inhibits TNF synthesis and reduces NO production, blunts the development of the hyperdynamic circulation, and decreases portal pressure in PVL-operated rats. (Hepatology 1996 Jun;23(6):1616-21)
Review of the recent application of the Nuclear Microprobe to art and archaeology

Abstract This review covers the period from the 2nd Nuclear Microprobe Conference to the present. Following a brief account of some new technologies and other aspects of using this technology, applications to the study of paintings and manuscripts, pottery and glasses and, finally, metal artifacts are discussed.
Powder cocaine and crack use in the United States: an examination of risk for arrest and socioeconomic disparities in use.

Abstract Background In light of the current sentencing disparity (18:1) between crack and powder cocaine possession in the United States, we examined socioeconomic correlates of use of each, and relations between use and arrest, to determine who may be at highest risk for arrest and imprisonment. Methods We conducted secondary data analyses on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2009–2012. Data were analyzed for adults age ≥18 to determine associations between use and arrest. Socioeconomic correlates of lifetime and annual use of powder cocaine and of crack were delineated using multivariable logistic regression and correlates of frequency of recent use were examined using generalized negative binomial regression. Results Crack users were at higher risk than powder cocaine users for reporting a lifetime arrest or multiple recent arrests. Racial minorities were at low risk for powder cocaine use and Hispanics were at low risk for crack use. Blacks were at increased risk for lifetime and recent crack use, but not when controlling for other socioeconomic variables. However, blacks who did use either powder cocaine or crack tended to use at higher frequencies. Higher education and higher family income were negatively associated with crack use although these factors were sometimes risk factors for powder cocaine use. Conclusions Crack users are at higher risk of arrest and tend to be of lower socioeconomic status compared to powder cocaine users. These findings can inform US Congress as they review bills (e.g., The Smarter Sentencing Act), which would help eliminate cocaine-related sentencing disparities.
Structurally induced semimetal-to-semiconductor transition in 1T-TiSe2

We show that observed changes in the nature of the conducting state of $1T$-Ti${\mathrm{Se}}_{2}$ in going from the normal semimetallic state to the charge-density-wave semiconducting state can be successfully modeled by variation of a single structural parameter, $z$, which modulates the Ti-Se bond length. These ab initio band-structure results lead to a number of interesting experimental consequences.
Highly Tunable Molecular Sieving and Adsorption Properties of Mixed-Linker Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks

Nanoporous zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) form structural topologies equivalent to zeolites. ZIFs containing only one type of imidazole linker show separation capability for limited molecular pairs. We show that the effective pore size, hydrophilicity, and organophilicity of ZIFs can be continuously and drastically tuned using mixed-linker ZIFs containing two types of linkers, allowing their use as a more general molecular separation platform. We illustrate this remarkable behavior by adsorption and diffusion measurements of hydrocarbons, alcohols, and water in mixed-linker ZIF-8x-90100–x materials with a large range of crystal sizes (338 nm to 120 μm), using volumetric, gravimetric, and PFG-NMR methods. NMR, powder FT-Raman, and micro-Raman spectroscopy unambiguously confirm the mixed-linker nature of individual ZIF crystals. Variation of the mixed-linker composition parameter (x) allows continuous control of n-butane, i-butane, butanol, and isobutanol diffusivities over 2–3 orders of magnitude a...
Improved workflow for 3D inverse modeling of magnetotelluric data: Examples from five geothermal systems

a b s t r a c t Magnetotellurics (MT) is now an important geophysical tool for imaging complex geothermal energy systems, but retrieving realistic three-dimensional (3D) resistivity models is challenging, and computationally intensive. To ameliorate this situation, we develop a sequenced MT inversion workflow that formalizes and improves upon concepts introduced by Rosenkjaer and Oldenberg (2012). We test the performance and reliability of our workflow using five 3D MT datasets from geothermal fields in the United States (Coso, Raft River) and Iceland (Krafla, Hengill and Krysuvik). We compare inversion results from the standard and sequenced workflows for each experiment, and find that the sequenced workflow always retrieves a better-fitting model, specifically at lower frequencies, which is geologically consistent and representative of a high temperature geothermal system. It also uses fewer computational resources.
Comparison of menstrual history reported by obstetrician–gynecologists versus patient self-report

Abstract Objective: To compare menstrual bleeding history reported by obstetrician–gynecologists versus history by patient self-report. Methods: Patients between ages 18 and 40 years were asked to fill out three questionnaires regarding their menstrual cycle and associated complaints. Independently, each patient’s physician was asked to fill out a menstrual bleeding questionnaire. Results: There was excellent correlation between physician and patient as to cyclicity of menses and duration but not as to quantity of flow. Physicians and patients reported a cycle length of 26–30 days in 83.9% (26 out of 31) and 70% (28 out of 40) of women and a cycle length of greater than 30 days in 9.7% and 30%, respectively (γ = 0.905, P = 0.01). Patients and physicians reported average cycle length of 4.6 ± 1.10 days and 5.01 ± 1.15 days, respectively ( P = 0.02). Physicians and patients described menstrual flow as light (19.4% versus 19.5%), normal (71% versus 53.7%), and heavy (9.7% versus 26.8%) (γ = 0.480, P = 0.132). Most surprisingly, physicians recorded that only 3.2% of this cohort met the criteria for menorrhagia, whereas 53.7% of the patients self-reported menorrhagia using a retrospective Pictorial Blood Assessment Chart. Conclusion: Menstrual cyclicity and duration correlated between physician and patient report. Light menses correlated between physicians and patients, but more women described heavy menses and menorrhagia than their physicians did.
Selective K+ recognition at the interface during self-assembly of a bis-podand thiol on a gold surface

A novel example of selective K+ recognition (over Na+, Cs+, Ba2+, and Ca2+) during the formation of a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) from a bis-podand thiol (4) on gold is reported. The ion incorporation in the monolayer was monitored by impedance spectroscopy measuring the capacitance as well as the change in the charge-transfer resistance (Rct) of the modified gold electrode. Results suggest that two different binding states of K+ exist in the monolayer structure, one that is strongly bound (primary) and another that is weakly bound (secondary). The primary K+ ions can be removed irreversibly, but the process is very slow, in contrast to the nearly reversible and fast binding nature of the secondary type. K+ does not bind to preformed SAMs, only to monolayers assembled in the presence of K+. Reflection−absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS) indicates a more compact and oriented monolayer when grown in the presence of K+, providing indirect evidence of the templating process.
Isomorphism linking smooth particles and embedded atoms

Abstract Macroscopic continuum simulations can be based on an unstructured moving spatial grid made up of “smooth particles”. The smooth particles’ equations of motion include interpolated values of the macroscopic stress gradient at each particle’s position. Microscopic solid-state simulations can be based on the motion of “embedded atoms”, with equations of motion based on a physical idea – embedding atoms in the local electronic density. The embedded atoms then move according to Newtonian equations of motion, based on electronic density gradients at each particle position. I show here that these two descriptions, macroscopic smooth particles and microscopic embedded atoms, can give identical particle trajectories. This demonstration facilitates the understanding of macroscopic models for surface tension and also suggests that certain macroscopic continuum approaches to smooth particle applied mechanics could have useful analogs in microscopic molecular dynamics.
Broadband nanowire-grid polarizers in ultraviolet-visible-near-infrared regions

Broadband nanowire-grid polarizers were designed and numerically simulated using the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method. Using a broadband stimulation source, optical properties of the polarizers were analyzed in the ultraviolet (UV)-visible-near infrared (NIR) regions. Specifically, the extinction ratios and optical transmittances of transverse magnetic (TM) and transverse electric (TE) modes were characterized for different metal materials and geometrical parameters including wire-grid periods, metal-wire fill ratios, and spacing between wire-grid layers. Based on the simulation results, an extra broadband polarizer with an average extinction ratio higher than 70 dB and transmission efficiency over 64% in the range of 0.3 to 5 µm was proposed.
The granulocytic response in nonspecific ulcerative colitis.

The charts of 134 patients with active ulcerative colitis were reviewed to determine their leukocytic response. Five patients had neutropenia; one of these had agranulocytosis. The majority had a moderate leukocytosis of between 10,000 to 20,000 WBC/cc., with immature elements. Two patients had a leukemoid reaction. The patients with depressed leukocyte counts nevertheless were actively producing leukocytes in their marrows and losing massive numbers by rectum. The peripheral leukocyte count in ulcerative colitis is thus only a single point in the dynamic continuum of production and loss into the colonic wall and lumen. The degree of polymorphonuclear leukocytosis was positively correlated with the severity of anemia and the extent of colonic involvement; it was unrelated to the severity of fever or diarrhea, or to the duration of illness. In ulcerative colitis, marked polymorphonuclear leukocytosis and/or shift to the left is often associated with normal or increased counts of eosinophils and lymphocytes in the peripheral blood.
The right to believe truth paradoxes of moral regret for no belief and the role(s) of logic in philosophy of religion

I offer you some theories of intellectual obligations and rights (virtue Ethics): initially, RBT (a Right to Believe Truth, if something is true it follows one has a right to believe it), and, NDSM (one has no right to believe a contradiction, i.e., No right to commit Doxastic Self-Mutilation). Evidence for both below. Anthropology, Psychology, computer software, Sociology, and the neurosciences prove things about human beliefs, and History, Economics, and comparative law can provide evidence of value about theories of rights. However, insofar as we have methods within Philosophy to help us formulate precise concepts of ‘belief’ and ‘rights’, methods that also help us to prove links (or absence thereof) amongst families of concepts of rights and belief, our discipline is in and of itself capable of sound reasoning about issues as puzzling as the following. Suppose a Jane who does not believe in God yet who believes she ought to so believe: Jane is undergoing doxastic moral regret (moral regret for lack of faith). We have all known such Janes and perhaps at one time or another even been one. Paradox: given RBT and NDSM, Jane as described not only does not exist, Jane cannot exist. Thus, to enrich the ways in which Philosophy need not get all its evidence from other academic disciplines, I present a brief introduction to what I call Neutral Universal Frames (NUFs). NUFs solve hard puzzles about interactions among modal concepts of belief and rights, concepts that occur in RBT, NDSM and the description of our Janes. NUFs for theories precisely articulated via any two or more modal concepts are a powerful and immensely general set of tools enabling us to define rich theories of truth (“models on frames”) to test philosophical theories for internal consistency and to prove the existence of connections (or absence thereof) amongst alternative articulations of philosophical theories. NUFs thereby add to the constructive knowledge producing way Logics intersect with Philosophy of Religion. And we will soon see why Jane, be she named ‘Jane’ or known simply as you: cannot exist. Read on at your own risk.
Limitations of Richardson Extrapolation and Possible Remedies for Estimation of Discretization Error

The origin of oscillatory convergence in finite difference methods is investigated. Fairly simple implicit schemes are used to solve the steady convection diffusion equation with variable coefficients and possible scenarios are shown that exhibit the oscillatory convergence. Also a manufactured solution to difference equations is formulated that exhibit desired oscillatory behavior in gird convergence with varying formal order of accuracy. This model-error equation is used to assess statistically the performance of several methods of extrapolation. Alternative extrapolation schemes such as the deferred extrapolation to limit technique to calculate the coefficients in the Taylor series expansion of the error function are also considered. A new method is proposed that is based on the extrapolation of approximate error and shown to be a viable alternative to the other methods. This paper elucidates the problem of oscillatory convergence and brings a new look into the problem of estimating discretization error by optimizing the information from a minimum number of calculations.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Effect of linear coupling on vibronic energy levels and transition intensities in the Jahn-Teller T⊗τ problem

Abstract We present a numerical solution for one-parameter linear Jahn-Teller coupling as it affects the full vibronic energy level spectrum of the T⊗τ problem. The Franck-Condon distribution of spectral intensities for the electronic transition from a totally symmetric originating state is characterized as a function of the linear coupling strength.
Chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow: differentiation-dependent gene expression of matrix components.

Abstract Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β-induced chondrogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells derived from bone marrow involves the rapid deposition of a cartilage-specific extracellular matrix. The sequential events in this pathway leading from the undifferentiated stem cell to a mature chondrocyte were investigated by analysis of key matrix elements. Differentiation was rapidly induced in cells cultured in the presence of TGF-β3 or -β2 and was accompanied by the early expression of fibromodulin and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein. An increase in aggrecan and versican core protein synthesis defined an intermediate stage, which also involved the small leucine-rich proteoglycans decorin and biglycan. This was followed by the appearance of type II collagen and chondroadherin. The pathway was also characterized by the appearance of type X collagen, usually associated with hypertrophic cartilage. There was also a change in the pattern of sulfation of chondroitin sulfate, with a progressive increase in the proportion of 6-sulfated species. The major proportion of newly synthesized glycosaminoglycan was part of an aggregating proteoglycan network. These data allow us to define the phenotype of the differentiated cell and to understand in greater detail the sequential process of matrix assembly.
Research on the Product Quality Control Based on the Systematic Design Process

It expounded the design quality connotation, product generalized quality was “the integrated embodiment of product function and performance”, the generalized product quality and the whole function and performance are equivalent. Clearly it made the design quality concretized into the product function and three performances. Expounded the concept of product design quality control, analyzed the influencing factors of product design quality, formed the design idea of quality control; aiming at the existing problems of traditional product design, established design quality control preliminary model by applying systematic design theory.
Evidence that the hepatic asialoglycoprotein receptor is internalized during endocytosis and that receptor recycling can be uncoupled from endocytosis at low temperature.

Abstract Rat hepatocytes in the continuous presence of [3H]asialo-orosomucoid quickly establish a steady state number of free and occupied surface receptors and rate of endocytosis. These values do not change even though many times more glycoprotein is internalized than there are surface receptors per cell. However, when cells endocytose only one round of surface bound [3H]asialo-orosomucoid at 37°C the internalization of glycoprotein is about 5 times faster than the increase of functional receptors on the cell surface. At 18°C new surface receptors appear at only 6% of the rate of internalization of pre-bound asialoglycoprotein. The results suggest that reutilization of asialoglycoprotein receptors is preferentially inhibited at low temperature and that receptor-ligand complexes enter the cell.
Characterizing Customers at Medical Center Farmers’ Markets

Approximately 100 farmers' markets operate on medical center campuses. Although these venues can uniquely serve community health needs, little is known about customer characteristics and outreach efforts. Intercept survey of markets and market customers between August 2010 and October 2011 at three medical centers in different geographic regions of the US (Duke University Medical Center, Cleveland Clinic, and Penn State Hershey Medical Center) were conducted. Markets reported serving 180-2,000 customers per week and conducting preventive medicine education sessions and community health programs. Customers (n = 585) across markets were similar in sociodemographic characteristics--most were middle-aged, white, and female, who were employees of their respective medical center. Health behaviors of customers were similar to national data. The surveyed medical center farmers' markets currently serve mostly employees; however, markets have significant potential for community outreach efforts in preventive medicine. If farmers' markets can broaden their reach to more diverse populations, they may play an important role in contributing to community health.
Nonlinear Internal Model Control for Systems with Measured Disturbances and Input Constraints

A nonlinear model-based control scheme is presented which extends nonlinear internal model control to systems with constrained inputs and measured disturbances. A method is proposed for a direct synthesis nonlinear controller which solves an instantaneous optimization to minimize the performance loss associated with enforcing the actuator constraints. Within this framework, the nonlinear controller can be represented as an optimal linear controller with an auxiliary feedback loop which cancels the effects of nonlinear dynamics and measured disturbances. The methods developed within the paper are applied to three simulation examples: a constrained linear example with measured disturbances, an isothermal reactor with Van de Vusse kinetics, and an industrial styrene polymerization reactor.
A generalization of residential location theory

Abstract This paper offers a more general theory of residential location as an alternative to the ‘trade- off’ model. The theory takes account of multiple employment centers, time as well as income constraints, environmental quality, non-work trips, local jurisdictions, the restricted number of houses available for occupation at any time and the constraints on choice imposed by the search process. The result is a very irregular bid rent surface. Its implications for the aggregate rent surface are discussed.
Modified Pyridinium Chlorochromate Oxidation of Aldehydes to Carbamoyl Azides/Acyl Azides or Carboxylic Acids

Abstract Aldehydes are transformed into carbamoyl azides/acyl azides by pyridinium chlorochromate in the presence of sodium azide. Comparable oxidations modified with sodium cyanide generate carboxylic acids from simple aliphatic aldehydes whereas conjugated aldehydes are unreactive.
A non-equilibrium thermodynamic development of energy and porous medium

Abstract The equations of energy and mass transfer in a porous medium are developed from continuum non-equilibrium thermodynamics. By considering a fluid-filled porous system as the sum of continua, an expression for the entropy production of the system is derived. Generalized fluxes of energy and mass transfer are obtained from inspection of the entropy production equation.
Curve forecasting by functional autoregression

This paper deals with the prediction of curve-valued autoregression processes. It develops a novel technique, predictive factor decomposition, for the estimation of the autoregression operator. The technique is based on finding a reduced-rank approximation to the autoregression operator that minimizes the expected squared norm of the prediction error. Implementing this idea, we relate the operator approximation problem to the singular value decomposition of a combination of cross-covariance and covariance operators. We develop an estimation method based on regularization of the empirical counterpart of this singular value decomposition, prove its consistency and evaluate convergence rates. The method is illustrated by an example of the term structure of the Eurodollar futures rates. In the sample corresponding to the period of normal growth, the predictive factor technique outperforms the principal components method and performs on a par with custom-designed prediction methods.
Incorporation of nondestructive evaluation in Pontis Bridge Management System

The highway system in the United States includes nearly 577,000 bridges, the majority of which were built during two major bridge building periods -- just before World War II (1930s) and in the first two decades of the Cold War (1950s and 1960s). Given the age and increased usage of these bridges over the years, many now require substantial maintenance to satisfy their desired level of service. The complex task of allocating scarce funds for the repair, maintenance, and rehabilitation of this large number of bridges led to the development of several optimization studies and two major bridge management system, namely BRIDGIT and Pontis. Pontis has emerged as the system of choice for all states in the Nation. At this time over 40 highway agencies continue to license, evaluate and implement the current AASHTOWARE Program, Pontis V. 3.2. However, all data currently required by Pontis to assess the structural stability and resulting suggestions for repair and maintenance of bridges are based on visual inspection and judgement. Consequently, all suggestions are based on that visual inspection. This paper discusses development of a plan for how non-destructive evaluation (NDE) data can be used to provide more information than visual inspection.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Bubble modulation using acoustic standing waves in a bubbling system

Abstract The behavior of a 6 mm mesobubble in an acoustic standing wave field is examined both experimentally and numerically in this study. The acoustic standing waves at 16 and 20 kHz are generated using two Nickel magnetostrictive transducers located at the top and bottom of the column. Experimental studies of the rise velocity of a mesobubble in the acoustic field indicate an axial wavy rising pattern of the bubble synchronized with that of the standing wave. The bubble rise velocity is significantly lower than that in the absence of an acoustic field. The behavior of bubble volume contraction and expansion can be accounted for by a 3-D direct numerical simulation of the bubble dynamics and flow field based on the compressible N–S equations coupled with the level-set method. The experiments and simulation reveal a consistent value of the ratio of the Bjerknes force to the buoyancy force for a single mesobubble rising in the acoustic field to be at 20–25%.