cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessing diet in populations at risk for konzo and neurolathyrism

Although both konzo and neurolathyrism are diseases associated with diet, we know surprising little about the diets of the groups at risk. The objective of this paper is to discuss methods for assessing dietary intake in populations at risk for konzo and lathyrism. These methods include weighed food records and interview based techniques like 24-h recalls and food frequency questionnaires (FFQs). Food records have the potential to provide accurate information on food quantities, and are generally the method of choice. Interview based methods provide less precise information on the quantities of foods ingested, and are subject to recall bias, but may be useful in some studies or for surveillance. Sample size needs to be adequate to account for day-to-day and seasonal variability in food intake, and differences between age and sex groups. Adequate data on the composition of foods, as actually consumed, are needed to evaluate the food intake information. This is especially important in the case of cassava and grass pea where the toxins in the diet is a function of processing. Biomarkers for assessing the cyanogen exposure from cassava-based diets are available; biomarkers for the β-ODAP exposure from grass pea diets need development.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation in children.

Purpose of reviewTo summarize recent advances in pediatric cardiopulmonary arrest prevention, resuscitation and postresuscitation management.Recent findingsPediatric cardiac arrest has traditionally been considered a futile medical condition with dismal outcomes. Data in the 21st century indicate th
A systems programming course using the HMS 5050, a counterfeit, hands-on, large-scale computer system

Computer Science students at MSU design and implement multiprogramming monitors for a simulated computer system which is an amalgamation of Control Data 3000- and 6000-series machines. In this paper we describe this computer, the systems programming course in which it is used, and the students' project. We also report briefly on student performance.
Quasilinear Control of Wind Farm Power Output

Quasilinear Control (QLC) is a set of methods for analysis and design of systems with nonlinear actuators and sensors. The approach of QLC is based on the method of stochastic linearization, which replaces each nonlinearity with an equivalent gain and bias. In this brief, we apply QLC to the design of controllers for regulating the power output of a wind farm with multiple wind turbines. Each of these turbines is modeled by a linear plant preceded by an asymmetric saturation nonlinearity, which accounts for the limited availability of wind. It is shown via numerical simulation that controllers designed using QLC perform significantly better in a broad range of wind farm operating regimes, compared with those designed using traditional linear methods in our earlier work, where saturation is ignored.
The potential for vigabatrin-induced intramyelinic edema in humans.

Summary: Purpose: Vigabatrin (Sabril, Hoechst Marion Roussel) is an antiepilepsy drug (AED) presently marketed in 64 countries for the treatment of partial and secondarily generalized seizures. Vigabatrin (VGB) is marketed in a subset of these countries for the treatment of infantile spasms. Clinical experience in humans has shown that VGB provides effective seizure control with a wide margin of safety. However, animal toxicity studies raised concern when prolonged administration of VGB was shown to induce intramyelinic edema (IME) in some laboratory animal species. Methods: Animal and human data were reviewed with respect to the potential for VGB-induced IME. Surveillance of patients receiving VGB in clinical trials or by prescription has been conducted for <15 years to identify patients developing clinical abnormalities that might be IME related. Results: The histologic lesions of VGB-induced IME in animals are reliably reproduced and correlate with changes in multimodality evoked potentials (EPs) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Numerous studies of the effects of VGB on EP and MRI in epilepsy patients have demonstrated no clear-cut IME-related changes in these modalities. Additionally, autopsy and surgical brain samples from VGB-treated patients have been scrutinized for potential IME histopathology. In an estimated 350,000 patient-years of VGB exposure (-175,000 patients exposed for 2 years at an average dose of 2 g/day), no definite case of VGB-induced IME has been identified. Conclusions: Comprehensive review of a variety of sources of data failed to identify any definite case of IME in humans treated with VGB.
Laboratory measurements of the generation and evolution of Langmuir circulations

We present laboratory measurements of the generation and evolution of Langmuir circulations as an instability of a wind-driven surface shear layer. The shear layer, which is generated by an accelerating wind starting from rest above a quiescent water surface, both accelerates and deepens monotonically until the inception of the Langmuir circulations. The Langmuir circulations closely follow the initial growth of the wind waves and rapidly lead to vertical mixing of the horizontal momentum and a deceleration of the surface layer. Prior to the appearance of the Langmuir circulations, the depth of the shear layer scales with (t) 1=2 ( is the kinematic viscosity and t is time), in accordance with molecular rather than turbulent transport. For nal wind speeds in the range 3 to 5 m s 1 , the wavenumber of the most unstable Langmuir circulation normalized by the surface wavenumber, k lc ,i s 0 :68 0:24, at a reciprocal Langmuir number, La 1 ,o f 5221. The observations are compared with available theoretical results, although none are directly applicable to the conditions of the experiments. The implications of this work for the generation and evolution of Langmuir circulations in the ocean and other natural water bodies are discussed.
An examination of the initial oxidation of a uranium-base alloy (U–14.1 at.% Nb) by O2 and D2O using surface-sensitive techniques

Abstract The corrosion resistance of uranium is greatly enhanced by alloying with niobium. In this study the initial stages of corrosion of a specific uranium-base alloy (U–14.1 at.% Nb) by O2 or D2O have been examined using the surface specific techniques of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermal programmed desorption (TPD), static secondary-ion mass spectroscopy (SSIMS), and sputtered neutrals mass spectroscopy (SNMS). XPS studies of the U–14.1 at.% Nb surface following oxidation using O2 at 300 K indicate production of a thin oxide overlayer of stoichiometric UO2.0 intermixed with Nb2O5. The same stoichiometry is exhibited for uranium when the oxide is prepared at 500 K with O2; although, niobium is much less oxidized exhibiting a mixture of NbO and Nb. Contrary to previous XPS literature, SNMS depth profiling studies reveal that oxidation by O2 is much greater (as judged by oxide layer thickness) than that exhibited by D2O. An oxide layer thickness of less than 20 A was created using D2O as an oxidant at 300 K with exposures >3500 L (oxide layers created from O2 are significantly greater at much smaller exposures). Formation of a critical density of Nb2O5 is suggested to be responsible for the enhanced corrosion resistance by preventing diffusion of O− (O2−) or OD−/OH− into the oxide/metal interface region. The domains of stability of hydroxyl formation have also been followed using TPD, SSIMS and XPS. Maximal surface hydroxyl concentrations (Θrel=0.30) are obtained at a surface temperature of 175 K for these experimental conditions.
Predicting crack growth direction in unidirectional composites

The purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of the parameters affecting crack growth direction in unidirectional composite materials. To achieve this, the effect of anisotropy and biaxial, far field, loading on the direction of crack growth in unidirectional off-axis composite materials is investigated. Specific emphasis is placed on defining the crack-tip-stress field and finding a consistent criterion for predicting the direction of crack growth. An anisotropic crack-tip-stress analysis was implemented using three criteria (the normal stress ratio theory, the tensor polynomial failure criterion, and the strain energy density theory) to predict the direction of crack extension in unidirectional off-axis graphite-epoxy. The theoretically predicted crack extension directions were then compared with experimental results. It was determined that only the normal stress-ratio criterion correctly predicts the direction of crack extension.
New Initiatives to Sustain Our Forward Momentum

In January 2001, Plant Physiology will celebrate its 75th birthday. In the past 75 years, the Journal has been transformed from a small upstart into a major international medium for the publication of many types of scientific articles dealing with plant development and function. Progress in plant
Diagnostic and screening procedures in family practice. Past, present, and future use.

Objective This report documents the experience, current practices, and plans of family physicians regarding their use of clinical procedures in diagnosis, screening, and prevention. Design A mailed survey of family physicians asked who offered or planned to add a variety of clinical procedures in their practices. Participants Active members of the Washington Academy of Family Physicians. Main outcome measures Does the physician include the procedure in his or her current practice or plan to add it in the future? Results Questionnaires were returned by 790 (82%) of 963 physicians, with 750 usable responses. Eighty-four percent of respondents were male and 68% had trained for at least 3 years. The median age of respondents was 40 years. Procedures performed by most respondents included the following: Papanicolaou's smear (97%), electrocardiography (80% performed it and 71% interpreted the results), endometrial biopsy (66%), pulmonary function test (61%), rigid sigmoidoscopy (58%), chest roentgenogram interpretation (54%), flexible sigmoidoscopy (52%), performing chest roentgenography (51%), and endocervical curettage (51%). Procedures most often planned to be added by respondents included flexible sigmoidoscopy (59%), colposcopy (30%), endometrial biopsy (23%), pulmonary function test (18%), smoking cessation groups (16%), exercise tolerance test (14%), and fine-needle aspiration biopsy (14%). Forty-two percent of respondents volunteered to teach these procedures to their colleagues. Conclusions Family practice includes a wide variety of procedures used in diagnosis, screening, and prevention. Family physicians are eager to add procedures to their practices and to teach their colleagues the procedures they know.
Validity and reliability of self-monitoring indices.

Primary objective: This research concerns the measurement of self-monitoring in people who were diagnosed with traumatic brain injury (TBI), learning disability (LD) and emotional disorder (ED). Two measures of self-monitoring were evaluated: (1) the correlation between participants’ self-predicted and observed standardized sub-test scores (R) on 17 WAIS-III sub-tests and (2) the average difference between the participants’ predicted and observed sub-tests scores (B). It was then determined if these measures could discriminate the three diagnostic groups.Research design: Canonical analysis assessed the relationship between the self-monitoring measures and four WAIS-III IQ measures. This study also evaluated if the R and B measures could discriminate the diagnostic groups.Methods and procedures: One hundred and twenty-four participants, 42 with TBI, 42 with LD and 40 with ED predicted their performance on 17 WAIS-III sub-tests.Main outcomes and results: Canonical analysis demonstrated a significant relatio...
Information Development for Refugee and Forced Migration Studies : the Refugee Studies Centre Library in the last decade

This article reviews the information developments experienced by the Refugee Studies Centre Library over the past ten years. It addresses the challenges associated with the boom in electronic information and how these have been harnessed to complement the still important and unique physical collections held by the Library. It highlights the creation of the RSC's Digital Library and the Forced Migration Online portal. These have played an important role in the navigation of the ever changing electronic landscape faced by the field of refugee and forced migration studies. Elisa Mason's research guide for resources on the web and article on internet-based current awareness services have been used to highlight key access points to e-resources for the subject area.
Massively Parallel Algebraic Multiscale Linear Solver

We analyze the parallel performance of the Algebraic Multiscale Solver (AMS) for the heterogeneous pressure system that arises from incompressible flow in porous media. We propose special modifications to the algorithm to improve its computational efficiency on massively parallel architectures. AMS is a two-level linear solver algorithm, based on the idea of non-overlapping domain-decomposition with a localization assumption, where the local solutions in each domain are used to construct the coarse operator. The overall scalability of AMS is strongly tied to the choice of parameters and algorithms involved. These choices additionally impact the convergence properties of the solver. We focus on the basis-function kernel, which dominates the setup phase, and on the local smoother, which dominates the solution phase. We carefully consider the balance of computational scalability and convergence rate to ensure high overall performance while maintaining robustness. We present test results for highly heterogeneous problems derived from the SPE10 benchmark, and ranging in size from millions to tens of millions of cells. The parallel AMS code is run two different architectures: a multi-core architecture and a massively parallel Knights Corner architecture. We also compare the performance and robustness of AMS with the widely-used SAMG solver, running on the multi-core architecture.
Nitrogen utilization by larval summer flounder, Paralichthys dentatus (Linnaeus)

Abstract Changes in the rates of ammonia and primary amino nitrogen excretion during development of larval summer flounder, Paralichlhys dentatus (Linnaeus) and a model for daily nitrogen excretion are presented. The coefficient of nitrogen utilization (range 0.27 to 0.68), the gross nitrogen growth efficiency (range 5 to 24%) and the net nitrogen growth efficiency (range 16 to 43%) all increased with age during the larval period. The specific ration (range 160 to 42%) decreased during the same period. Possible explanations for these changes in feeding relations are presented.
Effects of type and level of dietary fat during the pre-initiation phase of mammary carcinogenesis in rats

The effects of feeding two types (corn and menhaden) and two levels (5% and 20%, w/w) of dietary fat administered during the pre-initiation phase of chemically-induced mammary carcinogenesis on serum fatty acid profiles, and on tumorigenesis were studied in female Sprague-Dawley rats. One hundred and twenty 4-wk old rats were randomly divided into 4 groups and given the experimental diets for 4 weeks. When the rats were 8 weeks old, a single dose (5 mg/100 g body wt) of 7,12 dimethylbenz(α) anthracene (DMBA) was administered intragastrically to each rat. Thereafter, all the rats were fed the AIN-76A diet until the termination of the experiment. All the rats were necropsied 14 weeks after carcinogen administration. Body weights among the four groups of rats were similar throughout the study and was not different at necropsy. At the end of the experiment (14 weeks post-DMBA), the palpable tumor incidence was not significantly different (P > 0.05) among the four groups of rats, but at 12 weeks post-DMBA, the 20% corn oil (HCO) and the 5% menhaden oil (LMO) groups had significantly higher tumor incidence than the 20% menhaden oil (HMO) and the 5% corn oil (LCO) groups. Tumor burden (total tumor weight/rat) and mean latent period were not significantly different. Serum fatty acid profiles reflected the type of dietary oils consumed by the rats. These results showed that neither the type (corn, menhaden) nor the amount (5%, 20%) of dietary fat fed during pre-initiation influenced the final outcome of mammary carcinogenesis in female Sprague-Dawley rats.
Scattering Potential in Fully Ionized Gases

Recent methods for calculating the probability $W(E)\mathrm{dE}$ that a test particle in a plasma experiences an electrical field of magnitude $E\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}\frac{1}{2}\mathrm{dE}$ are discussed. In particular, the assumption is analyzed that the distribution $W(E)$ in a system of true charges can be calculated from an auxiliary system of uncorrelated virtual particles which, formally, do not interact although they are the sources of shielded Coulomb fields of the type introduced by Debye and H\"uckel. It is shown that the electrostatic energy of the auxiliary system, calculated as a volume integral over the average energy density $\frac{{〈{E}^{2}〉}_{\mathrm{Av}}}{8\ensuremath{\pi}}$, is identical with the interaction energy of the true particles as obtained by the Debye-H\"uckel theory. The distribution of the micropotential $W(\ensuremath{\Psi})d\ensuremath{\Psi}$ in a plasma is also calculated from the auxiliary system and used for deducing a scattering potential $\ensuremath{\Psi}(r)$ which has a natural cutoff at a distance equal to the average distance between neighboring ions. An approximate analytical expression for $\ensuremath{\Psi}(r)$ is given and the physical nature of the scattering potential is discussed.
Reduced order modeling for fluid flows based on nonlinear balanced truncation

For a vast variety of fluid flows the dynamics are governed by the Navier-Stokes equations which are highly nonlinear. In particular, the corresponding Galerkin models involve a quadratic type nonlinearity. The latter incudes the Burgers' equation as well. In this paper, a computational algorithm for nonlinear balanced truncation of the Galerkin models is proposed. The method is based on Taylor series expansion in which the computation of successively higher order terms reduces to solving consecutively higher order systems of linear algebraic equations. This procedure is also used to compute the coordinate transformation that yields the balanced system. Formulas to compute the nonlinear controllability, observability functions and coordinate transformation are derived.
Results of Traditional Surgical Treatment for Fecal Incontinence

The most common surgical treatment for fecal incontinence is sphincteroplasty, but this treatment option requires a localized anatomic sphincter injury and outcomes vary and tend to deteriorate with time. Other surgical techniques have therefore been developed. Postanal repair was designed to restore the anorectal angle with muscle plication of the posterior aspect of the anal canal. Initial improvement rates are acceptable, but only a small proportion of patients reports complete alleviation of symptoms and outcomes deteriorate with time. Suboptimal long-term outcome has lead to decreased use of the procedure. Electrostimulation of a transposed gracilis muscle around the anal canal can yield excellent results in selected patients. Complication rates are high when performed in nonspecialist centers, and the technique is currently not approved in the USA. Artificial bowel sphincter can restore acceptable anal continence and is used for treatment of end-stage fecal incontinence. A problematic high incidence of infection and erosion problems has been reported in some studies, which can hopefully be improved with a more stringent sterile protocol and centralization of the procedure to select specialist centers.
An Approximation to the Structured Singular Value

The purpose of this short paper is to apply an approximation to the structured singular value, derived in [8], to analyze robustness difficulties associated with an illconditioned plant discussed in [9].
Simulation and experimental validation of flow flooding chamber method of resin delivery in liquid composite molding

A new method of resin delivery, which we refer to as the flow flooding chamber (FFC), is investigated to improve infusion time and reduce material waste associated with the Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM) process. The FFC method uses a rigid chamber that rests on top of the bagging material and a vacuum drawn inside the chamber stretches the bag to take the shape of the chamber above the fiber preform. Resin is then drawn into this chamber unimpeded, and once the chamber is full of resin, the release of the vacuum results in application of atmospheric pressure on top of the bag that drives the resin into the fiber preform. The distribution media and other subsequent materials for its removal are not needed in this modified VARTM process. This process is mathematically modeled using a two event model that couples them by using the output conditions from the first event to the input conditions of the second event. The model is implemented in a numerical simulation so one can track the movement of the resin into the chamber and the preform. Experiments using the FFC process are conducted in complex geometries containing inserts and the flow fronts and fill times are recorded. The results compare very well with the predictions validating the assumptions made in the model to describe the flow.
Thermodynamic stability of polymer crystals. III. Torsional and longitudinal chain vibrations

The free energy density of a folded-chain crystal varies with the length of the straightchain section between consecutive folds. It is always minimum at infinite length. Another minimum at finite length L appears below a critical temperature T0 which among other things depends on the surface energy of the fold-containing planes. This minimum is a result of the smearing out of the nonharmonic lattice potential energy field by the incoherent vibrations of adjacent chains. In the present paper the simultaneous influence of both longitudinal and torsional vibrations of polyethylene chains in the orthorhombic lattice is considered. Due to the relative smallness of the amplitude of the potential energy for chain translation in comparison to that for chain rotation the calculated equilibrium length L at any temperature does not appreciably differ from the value obtained formerly for the torsional vibrations only. L increases with temperature and is maximum at the critical temperature. With increasing surface energy the equilibrium long period at constant temperature increases, and the critical temperature decreases. The calculated values fit fairly well the experimental data of polyethylene crystals grown from dilute solution if one admits that the surface energy varies slightly from solvent to solvent.
Preferred mental models for direct manipulation and command-based interfaces

Abstract One of the main methods used to compare direct manipulation and command-based interfaces is to examine user preferences. User preferences are extended in our research to examine which mental model, direct manipulation or command-based, subjects prefer to use in transfer situations. One group of subjects was provided with both a command-line and direct manipulation interface during a training phase. After training, several transfer experiments were conducted to determine the preferred mental model. The developed mental models were investigated by "running" the models and extending the models to new situations. They were evaluated by determining the operators specified by the subjects. By comparing the class of operators to subjects trained on only one of the interfaces, direct manipulation or command-based, the preferred model could be determined. The preferred mental model for "running" the model was the direct manipulation. For extensions that had a concrete or graphical basis in the interface, the direct manipulation was preferred. For extensions that were abstract, one model was not preferred over the other. Some ability to use multiple mental models, based upon the task, was also observed.
Time-shared program testing

We describe a system being developed at MIT to make possible direct, real-time contact between programmers and computer. Many programmers are given the same near-simultaneous ability through time-shared computer use with routines designed to minimize programmer decision time. This involves connection of a number of typewriters to a computer, a language for communication, a program filing system which can allow fast access to one of many partially run programs in memory or on file, and a monitor program to insure safety of the programs not being run and for analyzing the program under test. The results of preliminary experiments on the IBM 704 will be described.
HIGH INGUINAL LOUPE-ASSISTED VARICOCELECTOMY FOR SUBFERTILE MEN WITH VARICOCOCELES: TECHNICAL FEASIBILITY, CLINICAL OUTCOMES AND COMPLICATIONS

254 consecutive patients underwent high inguinal loupe-assisted varicocelectomy. All patients had at least a one year history of infertility with abnormal semen parameters and physical examination and/or color Doppler ultrasound proven varicocele. To facilitate the procedure, an × 3.0 loupe was used during spermatic cord dissection near or at level of internal inguinal ring. Semen analysis and physical examination were performed at 3 monthly intervals. No intra-operative complications occurred. The most common post-operative complications were transient scrotal pain and stitch reaction, occurring in 12% and 4% of men, respectively. Only one permanent and two transient hydroceles were observed. Recurrent or persistent varicocele was identified by physical examination and color Doppler in 5 varicocelectomies (1.4%), and by color Doppler only in 6 varicocelectomies (1.7%). Sperm motility increased from 30 ± 8% to 46 ± 20%, and sperm concentration. (106/cc) increased from 24 ± 18 to 41 ± 28. The one-year preg...
An Algorithm for the Chromatic Number of a Graph

Christofides' algorithm for finding the chromatic number of a graph is improved both in speed and memory space by using a depth-first search rule to search for a shortest path in a reduced subgraph tree.
Microclimate effects of fuels-reduction and group-selection silviculture: Implications for fire behavior in Sierran mixed-conifer forests

Abstract Fire suppression and other past management practices in the western USA have led to dense conifer forests with high canopy cover and thick layers of surface fuels, changes likely to alter understory microclimate relative to historical conditions. Silvicultural treatments are used to restore forest resilience, but little is known about their microclimate-mediated effects on fire behavior. We measured fire-related microclimate variables for two years before and after experimental, operational-scale application of fuels-reduction thinning and group selection treatments in a Sierra Nevada mixed-conifer forest. Measurements included air speed, temperature, and relative humidity; soil temperature and moisture; and dead fuel moisture. Wind gust speed increased moderately (average 0.7 m s −1 or 31% increase) in thinned forest and sharply (average 2.5 m s −1 or 128% increase) in group-selection openings. Surprisingly, treatments did not affect air temperature or humidity. Soil temperatures increased by a mean of 4 °C in group openings but did not increase in thinned stands. Duff moisture in group selection openings was 72% of that in the control stands, but there were no effects on moisture in other fuel particle size classes, or in thinned stands. Soil moisture increased in group-selection openings at depths down to 0.7 m but did not change in thinned stands. Fire spread simulation modeling with FMAPlus indicated that elevated wind speeds could increase the fire rate of spread, but that increases are moderate and largely linear rather than exponential across the observed range of wind gust speeds. In general our results suggest that group selection openings placed in high canopy cover, Sierran mixed-conifer forests are distinct microclimatic environments that will have slightly different fire behavior than the surrounding matrix due to higher surface temperatures and faster wind speeds. Current fuels-reduction thinning practices in dry western forests, however, will have minimal microclimatic-mediated influence on wildfire behavior, and there is little cause for concern about a faster rate of fire spread or drier fuels in such stands.
Readability, Interest, and Content of Current Mainstreaming Textbooks:

The readability, interest level, and contents of 18 current mainstreaming textbooks were assessed Results revealed that readability and interest level were comparable among the texts. A survey of the contents of the texts revealed more variation. Implications of these results for teacher training are discussed.
Perceived Risk, Risk Taking, Estimation of Ability and Injury Among Adolescent Sport Participants

OBJECTIVE: To determine the predictive validity of perceived risk, risk taking, estimation of ability, overefficacy, and previous injuries on actual injury among adolescents in sport; and to examine sex differences on these factors. METHODS: A cohort of 260 (148 male, 112 female) soccer players aged 11 to 14 years participated in a 3-month prospective injury study. Preseason written measures included self-reported perceived risk, previous injuries, risk taking and estimation of ability. RESULTS: Low levels of perceived risk and estimation of ability were associated with a significant increase in risk of injury, with odds ratios (ORs) ranging from 3.77-7.92. Positive relationships between injury and both estimation of ability and overestimation of ability were supported. Estimation of ability was also positively related to risk taking. In this study, however, risk taking was not directly related to injury, nor were previous injuries. Girls reported higher levels of perceived risk and lower levels of risk taking than boys. However, boys and girls reported similar estimation of ability and overestimation of ability and subsequently incurred similar numbers of injuries. CONCLUSIONS: Perceived risk and estimation of ability represent significant psychological risk factors for injury in adolescent sports. Sex differences in perceived risk, risk taking, and previous injuries should be considered when developing environmental and behavioral injury-prevention programs. Language: en
On the mechanics of crystalline solids

Abstract E lastic-plastic constitutive behavior of cubic crystals (and aggregates) at large pressure is investigated taking account of a thermodynamic basis for lattice straining. Particular attention is directed to quasi-static processes in which an explicit Schmid law governing active slip systems is adopted. Connections between a precise normality rule and the pressure-dependence of moduli and critical shear strengths are analyzed and their implications assessed.
Unconventional oil and gas resource development – Let’s do it right

Abstract The resource triangle can be used to describe the distribution of natural gas resources in all basins in the world. We have studied 25 basins in North America and conclude that over 90% of the technically recoverable resources (TRR) in natural gas formations can be found in unconventional reservoirs. We believe these statistics can be extrapolated to every basin in the world that produces substantial volumes of oil and gas. In fact, we have estimated that the world has over 57,000 Tcf of TRR in these basins. Not all of the TRR is economically recoverable because of gas prices, costs and other issues, such as lack of infrastructure, but the gas is there and can be produced in the future. However, the oil and gas industry must follow basic guidelines to ensure safety and environmental awareness as it develops these resources over the coming decades.
CdGAP regulates cell migration and adhesion dynamics in two-and three-dimensional matrix environments.

CdGAP is a Rac1/Cdc42 specific GTPase activating protein that localizes to cell–matrix adhesions through an interaction with the adhesion scaffold α-parvin/actopaxin to regulate lamellipodia formation and cell spreading. Herein we demonstrate, using a combination of siRNA-mediated silencing and over expression, that cdGAP negatively regulates directed and random migration by controlling adhesion maturation and dynamics through the regulation of both adhesion assembly and disassembly. Interestingly, cdGAP was also localized to adhesions formed in three-dimensional matrix environments and cdGAP depletion promoted cancer cell migration and invasion through 3D matrices. These findings highlight the importance of GAP proteins in the regulation of Rho family GTPases and the co-ordination of the cell migration machinery.
Characterization of a Plasmid Determining Resistance to Erythromycin, Lincomycin, and Vernamycin Bα in a Strain of Streptococcus pyogenes

A plasmid determining resistance to erythromycin, lincomycin, and vernamycin B α was isolated from a strain of Streptococcus pyogenes . The plasmid has a molecular weight of approximately 17 × 10 6 and is present to the extent of one to two copies per chromosomal genome equivalent. Images
Warhead counting using neutron scintillators: detector development, testing, and demonstration

The authors describe the development of a fast-neutron detector based on a boron-loaded plastic scintillator used previously for space applications. The detector rejects gammas and scattered low-energy neutrons, and its segmentation allows narrow fan-shaped collimation within +or-20 degrees horizontally and +or-50 degrees vertically. Testing includes distinguishing between mockups with either two or three warheads and locating the ten warheads on a silo-based Peacekeeper missile. For warhead-counting applications, the results presented indicate that collimated proton-recoil scintillations can, at least in some circumstances, provide the position resolution needed to resolve individual warheads without revealing intrusive information about their design. >
Comparisons of Body Image Perceptions of a Sample of Black and White Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fibromyalgia in the US

Objective: To explore the disease-related, body image (BI) perceptions of women diagnosed with, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and fibromyalgia (FM). Methods: A purposive sample of twenty-seven females participated in individual semi-structured phone interviews to elicit BI perceptions relative to pain, activity limitations and coping measures. Sessions were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim, and content analyzed. Results: Body image perceptions relative to 5 major themes emerged in the analysis. They focused on Pain, Disease Impact on Physical and Mental Function, Weight, Diseased-Induced Fears and, Coping measures. Pain was a common experience of all participants. Other troubling factors verbalized by participants included dislike and shame of visibly affected body parts, and disease-induced social, psychological and physical limitations. RA participants thought that manifested joint changes, such as swelling and redness, undergirded their prompt diagnosis and receipt of health care. Contrarily, women with fibromyalgia perceived that the lack of visible, disease-related, physical signs led to a discounting of their disease, which led to delayed health care and subsequent frustrations and anger. All but one participant used prayer and meditation as a coping measure. Conclusion: The body image perceptions evidenced by the majority of participants were generally negative and included specific focus on their disease-affected body parts (e.g. joints), mental function, self-identity, health care experiences, activity limitations and overall quality of life. Given the global effect of RA and FM, assessment and integration of findings about the BI perceptions of individuals with FM and RA may help define suitable interdisciplinary strategies for managing these conditions and improving participants' quality of life.
Conceptualizing Continuity and Change The Composite-Standard Model of Path Dependence

Political scientists studying institutional development face the challenge of accounting for both continuity and change over time. Models of path dependence based on increasing returns, inspired by the example of the QWERTY typewriter keyboard, have played an important role in the analysis of institutional continuity, but they have been criticized for their inability to accommodate change. In this article I present an alternative model of path dependence inspired by the example of the Internet, a technology that has changed fundamentally since its invention. The composite-standard model of path dependence illustrates how complex political institutions subject to increasing returns can evolve gradually over time through a changing mix of lower-level component parts. By incorporating mechanisms of institutional change, such as conversion and layering, within an increasing returnsbased theoretical framework, the composite-standard model highlights new interconnections among these previously distinct processe...
Mechanisms of epileptic susceptibility to photic activation. Case study of the photoconvulsive response.

SUMMARY A study of the photoconvulsive response to photic activation in a single subject was undertaken using the methods of generalized harmonic analysis. This paper presents such methods and the preliminary results of their application to the problem of defining the mechanisms of moment to moment variation in susceptibility to epileptic activation by intermittent photic stimulation. The EEG was divided into the following contiguous blocks of time: (1) a steady state period; (2) the first trial of photic activation, i.e., without a paroxysmal response; (3) a second trial of activation which did provoke a paroxysmal response; and (4) a non-contiguous post-paroxysmal trial of photic stimulation which was not associated with a photoconvulsive response. Spectral analysis of the first trial revealed that this period differed from the steady state by increased per cent power and coherence in the δ-range and decreased percent power and coherence in the α-range. These changes were found to be qualitatively similar to those seen in photoconvulsive response to the second trial. It was suggested that the first trial of activation served to partially activate the same seizure processes which were to appear in the photoconvulsive response. A later failure to obtain the photoconvulsive response was found to be coincident with lack of the above partial activation. These findings are discussed in the framework of the reflex theory of stimulus dependent epilepsies. RESUME Avec la methode d'analyse harmonique globale, on a etudie, chez un sujet, la reponse photoconvulsive. Ce travail presente les premiers resultats obtenus par ces methodes appliquees a l'etude de la definition des mecanismes impliques, a chaque instant, dans les variations de la susceptibilitea l'activation photoconvulsive. L'EEG a ete ainsi divise en periodes de temps successives: (1) une periode de repos; (2) le premier essai d'activation photique sans periode paroxystique; (3) un second essai d'activation provoquant une periode paroxystique. Ensuite (4) on a fait un autre essai espace dans le temps par rapport aux precedents, dans lequel la stimulation lumineuse intermittente ne provoquait pas de reponse convulsive. L'analyse spectrale du premier essai a demontre que cette periode etait differente de la periode de repos du fait de Faugmentation du pourcentage en energie et en coherence de l'activite de la bande delta et du fait de la diminution du pourcentage en energie et coherence de la bande alpha. Ces changements etaient qualitativement semblables a ceux observes dans la reponse photoconvulsive du second essai. On a ainsi pense que la premiere partie de l'activation servait a activer partiellement les memes processus paroxystiques qui apparaissaient ensuite dans la reponse photoconvulsive. Lorsqu'il n'y avait pas la reponse photoconvulsive, de meme on ne retrouvait pas les signes d'activation partielle precedemment decrits. Les resultats sont discutes dans le cadre de la theorie reflexe des epilepsies declenchees par des stimuli.
Superposition of small strains on large deformations as a probe of nonlinear response in polymers

The incremental response ΔG(t) obtained by superposing a deformation, Δγ, on a large deformation, γ1, has been determined in step shear experiments for a polyisobutylene solution and for a poly(methylmethacrylate) glass in torsion. For both systems ΔG(t) at γ1 was found to be smaller than the linear viscoelastic modulus, G(t), at zero prestrain. ΔG(t) was found to increase with increasing time, te, after imposition of the large deformation. It was also observed that the “apparent relaxation spectrum” associated with ΔG(t) narrows and shifts to shorter times when compared to the spectrum associated with the linear viscoelastic modulus, ΔG(t). The results for the solution art-well described by the nonlinear constitutive equation of the BKZ elastic fluid theory. It is found that ΔG(t) for the glass falls between the behavior predicted by the BKZ theory and the linear viscoelastic behavior.
Radiation exposure to operating room personnel during transperineal interstitial permanent prostate brachytherapy.

Abstract Purpose: To identify factors associated with radiation exposure (RE) to operating room personnel during transperineal interstitial permanent prostate brachytherapy (TIPPB). Methods and Materials: Between May 1998 and December 2000, 155 patients underwent TIPPB with fluoroscopic and ultrasound guidance. Data for each case included: operating room time (OT), anesthesia time (AT), fluoroscopy time (FT), number and type of seed implanted, total seed activity, and resident participation. Results: Personnel RE per case, FT, OT, and AT decreased as case number increased. Whole body badge dose per case decreased from a mean of 0.15±0.01 mSv (15±1 mrem) in 1998 to 0.074±0.011 mSv (7±1 mrem) in 2000. Average FT per case decreased from a mean of 17:27 min (range, 10:40–28:23) in 1998 to 12:08 min (range, 6:40–31:00) in 2000. Resident participation was associated with increased FT. Mean whole body and ring badge doses for the treating radiation oncologist were 0.0076 mSv/min (0.76 mrem/min) and 0.05 mSv/min (5.26 mrem/min) of FT, respectively. Conclusions: FT was the predominant factor that related to RE during TIPPB. Treating radiation oncologists were exposed to less than 20 mSv per 100 cases, significantly less than other fluoroscopically guided procedures. Nonetheless, appropriate radiation exposure precautions during TIPPB should continue.
Selective breeding for helplessness in rats alters the metabolic profile of the hippocampus and frontal cortex: A 1H-MRS study at 9.4 T

In humans metabolic changes, particularly in frontal areas of the brain, accompany depressive disorders, but few studies were conducted in animal models of depression. We used hydrogen-1 magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 9.4 T to measure the metabolic profiles of the hippocampus and frontal cortex in congenital learned helpless (cLH) and wild-type (WT) rats. The learned helplessness model of depression exposes animals to uncontrollable stress to induce changes in emotion, cognition and behaviour, but cLH rats were selectively bred to show changes in behaviour even without exposure to uncontrollable stress. Experimentally naive male 8- to 10-wk-old cLH (n = 10) and WT rats (n = 22) underwent spectroscopy and were exposed to uncontrollable stress 1 wk after the scan. We found that cLH compared to WT rats had lower levels of glutamate in the hippocampus and lower levels of choline-containing compounds in the hippocampus and frontal cortex, but higher levels of taurine and phosphocreatine in these regions, pointing to compensatory efforts of the brain to reduce excitotoxic potential and to increase neuroprotection and energy, possibly as a result of cellular stress and damage. The reduction in choline-containing phospholipids might represent a source or correlate of such stress. Overall, the results indicate that metabolic abnormalities are present in animals with a predisposition to helplessness even without exposure to explicit stress and may help identify non-invasive biomarkers in individuals who are prone to depression.
Performance analysis of the modified maximum likelihood sequence detector in the presence of data-dependent noise

The use of a modified maximum-likelihood sequence detector (MLSD) in a data-dependent noise channel is proposed. A new error metric based on nonstationary transition-dependent noise characteristics is derived. Simplified error metrics are suggested to reduce complexity. Performance is analyzed, noting that the error rate can be derived from a chi-square distribution. Simulation results show that the modified MLSD performs better than the normal MLSD in a jitter-dominant channel. It is shown that the logarithm term in the new error metric can be neglected without any loss of performance, resulting in reduced complexity. >
Heat capacity of molten polymers

Heat capacities of molten polyethylene, polypropylene, poly-1-butene, polystyrene, and poly(methyl methacrylate) were measured over a wide range of temperature by using a differential scanning calorimeter. The upper limit of temperature was established for each polymer at about 10°K below the beginning of thermal decomposition. For poly-1-butene and poly(methyl methacrylate) the solid-state heat capacity was also measured starting from room temperature. Several samples of each polymer were used so that average values of heat capacities could be established (reported in 10°K intervals). The data revealed for all polymers a nearly linear increase of heat capacity with increasing temperature over the whole temperature range investigated.
Remodeling of sinus node function after catheter ablation of right atrial flutter.

Sinus Node Remodeling.Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of ablation of right atrial flutter upon sinus node function in humans. Methods and Results:This study enrolled 35 patients. Twenty-four patients (16 men and 8 women; age 68 ± 11 years) were referred for ablation of persistent atrial flutter (duration 8 ± 11 months). After ablation, there was abnormal sinus node function defined as a corrected sinus node recovery time (CSNRT) > 550 msec. The control group consisted of 11 patients who were undergoing pacemaker implantation for sinus node disease but did not have a history of atrial dysrhythmias or ablation. Within 24 hours of ablation or pacemaker implantation, baseline maximal CSNRT was measured through a permanent pacemaker by AAI pacing at six cycle lengths: 600, 550, 500, 450, 400, and 350 msec. CSNRT then was measured in the same manner at 48 hours, 14 days, and 3 months after ablation/pacemaker implantation. P wave amplitude and duration, and percent atrial sensing also were assessed at the same intervals. For patients undergoing atrial flutter ablation, there was progressive temporal recovery of CSNRT (1,204 ± 671 msec at baseline vs 834 ± 380 msec at 3 months; P < 0.001) and a significant increase in the percent atrial sensing and P wave amplitude at 3 months compared with baseline (P < 0.001). In control subjects, there was no change in the CSNRT, percent atrial pacing, or P wave amplitude. Conclusion: After ablation of persistent atrial flutter, there is temporal recovery of CSNRT and increase in spontaneous atrial activity. These findings suggest that atrial flutter induces reversible changes in sinus node function.