cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Processing Conditions and Environmental Exposure on the Tensile Properties of Parboiled Rice

Ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and tensile modulus of elasticity (MOE) of parboiled rice were investigated. UTS and tensile modulus were measured for two rice varieties, Lemont and Rico-1, with respect to 5 and 10 min steaming durations, 21 and 40 °C drying temperatures, four storage environments of no exposure, 65, 86 and 100% relative humidity (RH) at room temperature, and six exposure durations of 0, 1, 2, 3, 9 and 24 h. Long grain, high amylose Lemont was found superior in UTS and MOE than medium grain, low amylose Rico-1, both before and after parboiling. Increasing steaming duration from 5 to 10 min increased the degree of parboiling, and consequently increased the UTS and MOE in both the varieties. Increasing drying temperature from 21 to 40 °C decreased the strength properties. Effect of storage environment and RH on the tensile strength properties revealed that in no exposure condition as well as 65% RH environment the tensile strength properties increased slightly or remained stable. When exposed to higher than 65% RH environment at room temperature the strength properties progressively decreased over storage period. The decrement rate was fast with high humidity of 100% and prolonged storage of 9–24 h, and the decrease was as high as 66·6% of the initial strength.
A multisensor employing an ultrasonic Lamb-wave oscillator

Initial experimental, analytical, and numerical evaluations of a microsensor that uses ultrasonic Lamb waves propagating in a thin plate supported by a silicon die are presented. Changes of oscillator frequency indicate magnitudes of the variables sensed. Because it is sensitive to many measurands, the device could operate as a microphone, biosensor, chemical vapor or gas detector, scale, pressure sensor, densitometer, radiometer, or thermometer. Because it is based on the use of Lamb waves, the sensor has selective response and sensitive operation in the low-megahertz frequency range in vacuum, in a gas, or while immersed in a liquid. >
Disturbance of Pituitary-Adrenal Interrelationships in Benign Intracranial Hypertension (Pseudotumor Cerebri)

Six patients with benign intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri) showed a disturbance of pituitary-adrenal interrelationships. All 6 patients when given metyrapone failed to show the expected increase in urinary 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (17-OHCS). When 2 of these 6 patients were given exogenous corticotropin a normal adrenal response was obtained. Three of these patients were also studied during remission of their disease and showed a normal increase in urinary 17-OHCS when given metyrapone. It seems probable that in benign intracranial hypertension there is a defect in the synthesis or release of endogenous corticotropin.
Validity of quick short forms of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised with brain-damaged patients

The validities of 41 short forms of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised that require 20 minutes or less to give were compared in a sample of 174 brain-damaged patients. Mean errors in predicting Full Scale IQs were computed for each subtest combination, and a short form efficiency index was calculated by correcting mean error for administration time. The three quick abbreviations proposed by Kaufman (1990) proved to be among the more efficient predictors of Full Scale IQ, but a number of other short forms also performed well. The data provide psychometric information for selecting a quick measure of IQ that fits the needs, preferences, and time constraints of the neuropsychologist.
Automatic contact detection in side-scan sonar data

Side-scan sonar is a proven tool for detection of underwater objects, particularly those objects that project above the seafloor. Rapid assessment of side-scan imagery for object detection is critical for port security needs. However, current side-scan data processing techniques are largely manual, highly time-consuming, and prone to operator error. Availability of well-trained analysts is also a challenge. This article describes a research and development effort at Science Applications International Corporation to automate side-scan sonar contact detection for safety of navigation surveys. Included in the development effort are innovative image processing and machine learning techniques designed to reduce the number of false alarms. These automated techniques are directly applicable to port security operations.
Iron in the Ross Sea: 2. Impact of discrete iron addition strategies

[1] Presented are results of a regional-scale numerical investigation into the effectiveness of Fe fertilization as a means to increase the efficiency of the biological pump in Fe-limited waters of the Ross Sea, Antarctica. This investigation was conducted using a modified version of the Coupled Ice And Ocean (CIAO) ecosystem model of the Ross Sea sector of the Southern Ocean. Four sets of experiments were performed, investigating the impacts of differences in (1) timing of fertilization, (2) duration of fertilization, (3) amount of Fe added, and (4) size of the fertilized patch. Results show that the stimulation of air-sea CO2 exchange (FCO2) depends primarily on the timing of fertilization, regardless of the amount of Fe added. When Fe was added at the optimal time of year, FCO2 from the atmosphere into the Ross Sea was increased by 3–22%, depending on fertilization strategy. Increasing patch size produced the largest response, and increasing initial Fe concentration produced the smallest. In all cases, as the intensity of Fe fertilization increased, the fertilization efficiency (increase in CO2 uptake per unit added Fe) dropped. Strategies that maximized the fertilization efficiency resulted in relatively little additional CO2 being drawn out of the atmosphere. To markedly increase oceanic uptake of atmospheric CO2 would require the addition of large amounts of Fe due to the low fertilization efficiencies associated with maximum air-sea CO2 exchange. Our results also show that differences in the fertilization strategy should be kept in mind when comparing the results of different Fe fertilization experiments.
Oxygen consumption in two species of freshwater snails (Goniobasis): Effects of temperature and ambient oxygen tension

Abstract 1. 1. Oxygen consumption (Vo2) was measured in Goniobasis cahawbensis and G. cochliaris as a function of ambient Po2 at 10, 17, and 24°C. 2. 2. G. cahawbensis and G. cochliaris were metabolic conformers at all temperatures. 3. 3. The two species had similar Vo2's at 24°C; G. cahawbensis had a higher Vo2 at 10 and 17°C. 4. 4. Q10 values for both species were directly proportional to Po2 in the 10–17°C range, were Po2 independent for G. cahawbensis in the 17–24°C range, and were inversely proportional to Po2, for G. cochliaris in the 17–24°C range.
Effect of Crystallinity on the Intercalation of Monoamine in α-Zirconium Phosphate Layer Structure

When the α-zirconium phosphate is of low crystallinity, guests are easy to intercalate into the entire gallery space, even at low intercalation ratio, and achieve a large interlayer distance. With increasing crystallinity, the intercalation turns out to be more difficult. A high degree of intercalation can only be achieved at a high intercalation ratio.
Partial affine-scaling for linearly constrained minimization

We propose an interior point method for finding a stationary point of a nonlinear program with linear equality and nonnegativity constraints. This method maintains a basis at each iteration and updates the iterate by taking an affine-scaling step in the space of nonbasic variables. In the general case, we propose to choose the basis according to a rule that maximizes the basic components of the iterate. In the case where the feasible region is the product of simplices, we propose an alternative rule that minimizes the basic components of the cost gradient. We analyze the convergence of the method under each rule. A key feature of this method is that it can be implemented much like the simplex method.
Thermodynamic Stability Analysis and Pressure−Temperature Flash for Polydisperse Polymer Solutions

Thermodynamic phase equilibrium calculations for systems containing polymers and/or many molecular species are computationally expensive and difficult because the number of equations that need to b...
Construct validity of the comprehensive level of consciousness scale: A comparison of behavioral and neurodiagnostic measures

The goals of the resent study are (a) to asses the construct validity of the Comprehensive Level of Consciousness Scale (CLOCS), (b) to examine the contribution of behavioral measures to prediction of outcome following severe insult to the central nervous system, and (c) to determine the unique proportions of outcome variance explained by neurodiagnostic and behavioral measures. The results provide support for the construct validity of the CLOCS. In addition, the data indicate that behavioral measures do indeed possess significant prognostic value above and beyond that of neurodiagnostic measures alone. Finally, a decomposition of outcome variance demonstrates that behavioral measures explain a unique proportion of outcome variance which is roughly comparable to that explained by neurodiagnostic procedures. These results are discussed in terms of their clinical and research implications.
Antibody chromatography on an immunologically specific adsorbent.

WHILE usual chromatographic methods have not, in general, proved as useful in the separation of closely related proteins as of low molecular weight substances, chromatography on adsorbents which bind only to the specific reactive sites of biologically active proteins may help to fill that need. I wish to report here the feasibility of elution chromatography of an antibody on its specific adsorbent. The antibody proteins are not only separated from the other constituents of serum, but are, in addition, resolved into components which remain active and distinguishable on repeated chromatography.
An experimental investigation of the melting process in a rectangular enclosure

An experimental investigation of the melting process in the vicinity of a heated vertical wall in a rectangular enclosure is presented in this work. A flat-plate heat pipe was used to provide a uniform temperature source. The liquid flow patterns during the melting process were captured and the instantaneous marching of the liquid‐solid interface was presented. In addition, the temperature distributions in the phase change material were measured at the mid-plane as well as top and bottom walls of the enclosure. Three diAerent heat transfer regimes were identified during the melting process. The parametric domain covered the range of Ra=2.0210 6 ‐2.6110 7 , Ste Fo=0.001‐ 0.125 and Pr=804‐1055 while the critical Rayleigh number where the transition from the conduction to the convection regime occurs was found to be in the range of 7.869 10 6 ‐3.237 10 7 . It was found that the melt volume fraction and the time-averaged Nusselt number can be correlated by: V/Vo=4.73Fo 0.906 Ste 1.538 Ra 0.002 and Nu=0.0219Ra 0.387 Pr 0.0191 (H/d) 0.0621 respectively. # 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
c-Myc alters the DNA damage-induced G2/M arrest in human mammary epithelial cells

Effects of c-Myc overexpression on the DNA damage-induced G2/M checkpoint were studied in finite lifespan, normal human mammary epithelial cells (HMECs). Previously, we showed that c-Myc attenuates G1/S arrest and leads to an inappropriate entry of cells with damaged DNA into the S phase, following treatment with ionising radiation (IR). Here we show that, in striking contrast to control cells, c-Myc-overexpressing HMECs demonstrate a significant attenuation of the G2/M arrest, following IR, and enter into inappropriate mitoses. At the molecular level, ectopic overexpression of c-Myc leads to an unusually high level of expression of cyclin B1, and the elevated levels of cyclin B1 were maintained, after gamma-irradiation. Introduction of DNA damage in c-Myc-overexpressing, normal mammary epithelial cells eventually induces apoptosis, indicating a dramatic sensitisation by c-Myc of DNA damage-induced apoptosis. These two remarkable phenotypes, checkpoint attenuation and sensitisation to apoptosis, resulting from a deregulation of the protooncogene c-myc, may produce a unique pattern of alternating cycles, consisting first of amplification of DNA damage, followed by apoptosis-assisted selective pressure. The result of this alternating pattern of damage apoptosis could facilitate the selection of certain genomic alterations required for cellular survival and cellular transformation.
AQL: a problem-solving query language for relational data bases

AQL is a query language based on a data base management system which uses Codd's relational model of data. It has been designed mainly to be used by the nonspecialist in data processing for interactive problem solving, application building, and simulation. Ease of use is achieved by providing an interface which allows the use of default options, synonyms, and definitions of attributes, inference, and the possibility of interactive completion of the query (i.e., menu). AQL combines the capabilities of the relational model of data with the powerful computational facilities and control structure of the host programming language (i.e., APL). A prototype version of AQL, which has been implemented, is reviewed.
Catheter-related bacteremia in a pediatric hemodialysis unit

Tunneled-cuffed hemodialysis catheters are frequently used as long-term vascular access in children due to the technical difficulties in constructing a fistula. Catheter-related bacteremia (CRB) is still a major complication contributing to patient morbidity and loss of vascular access. Objective: To investigate the microbiological characteristics of CRB in children on hemodialysis. Methods: Chart review of 63 children who received hemodialysis with a tunneled-cuffed catheter between January 1999 and December 2003 was performed. CRB was diagnosed when positive blood cultures were obtained in patients with symptoms of bacteremia, and without an identifiable source. Results: During the 5 year period, a total of 251 CRB were detected with 313 bacterial and 2 candidal growths in the blood cultures. The distribution of gram positive (Gr+) and gram negative (Gr−) microorganisms and their sensitivity patterns are shown in the table. Coagulase negative Staphylococcus was the most common microorganism, and constituted 62% of all bacterial isolates. All Gr+ microorganisms were sensitive to vancomycin except one isolate of Enterococcus fecalis. Enterobacter cloacae was the most common Gr− microorganism, followed by Klebsiella pneumonia. The sensitivity of Gr− microorganisms to levofloxacin was 100%. The treatment course was complicated by the growth of a second microorganism in subsequent blood cultures in 24% of infections; 54% of these consisted of both Gr+ and Gr− isolates. The etiology of ESRD or the use of immunosuppressive agents had no effect on the occurrence of CRB. The average number of infections were 5.8/1000 catheter days, and the recurrence of CRB was more likely in patients who had two or more CRB in a year. 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Gr+ growth 80% 88% 87% 85% 73% Oxacillin resistance 84% 73% 82% 68% 75% Gr− growth 20% 12% 13% 15% 27% Tobramycin resistance 21% 50% 25% 20% 13% Conclusions:Empiric initial treatment for CRB should include both Gr+, and Gr− coverage. Oxacillin and first generation cephalosporins are not good choices due to high incidence of resistance. Levofloxacin is a good alternative for Gr CRB. Novel preventive measures should be sought in patients who have a tendency to have recurrent CRB.
Measurement Equivalence of the Trauma Symptom Checklist-40 for Chemically Dependent African American and Caucasian Women: A Preliminary Study

The Trauma Symptom Checklist-40 (TSC-40) is a brief self-report measure of trauma-related symptoms. Using a confirmatory factor analysis framework, this preliminary study examined whether the TSC-40 provided a good fit for 50 African American and 52 Caucasian economically and educationally disadvantaged women enrolled in a residential treatment program. A 5-factor structure of the TSC-40 appeared to be more applicable for our sample than the original 6-factor model. This 5-factor model includes negative mood, interpersonal problems, sleep disturbance, dissociative-like symptoms, and sexual problems. Equivalent factor structure and factor loadings emerged for the two ethnic and racial groups. Implications pertaining to trauma assessment are discussed.
Increased microcalcification visibility in lumpectomy specimens using a stationary digital breast tomosynthesis system

Current digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) systems have been shown to have diminished microcalcification (MC) visibility compared to 2D mammography systems. Rotating gantry DBT systems require mechanical motion of the X-ray source which causes motion blurring of the focal spot, thus reducing spatial resolution. We have developed a stationary DBT (s-DBT) technology that uses a carbon nanotube (CNT) based X-ray source array in order to acquire all the projections images without any mechanical motion. It is capable of producing full tomosynthesis datasets with zero motion blur. It has been shown to have significantly higher spatial resolution than continuous motion DBT systems. An s-DBT system also allows for a wider angular span without increasing the acquisition time. A larger angular span covers a larger portion of the Fourier domain, thus decreasing the tissue overlap. In this study, we compare tomosynthesis imaging of MCs, in lumpectomy specimens, between an s-DBT system and a rotating gantry DBT system. Results show that s-DBT produces better MC sharpness and reduced tissue overlap compared to continuous motion DBT systems.
A tool for examining the role of the zinc finger myelin transcription factor 1 (Myt1) in neural development: Myt1 knock-in mice

The Myt1 family of transcription factors is unique among the many classes of zinc finger proteins in how the zinc-stabilized fingers contact the DNA helix. To examine the function of Myt1 in the developing nervous system, we generated mice in which Myt1 expression was replaced by an enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein fused to a Codon-improved Cre recombinase as a protein reporter. Myt1 knock-in mice die at birth, apparently due to improper innervation of their lungs. Elimination of Myt1 did not significantly affect the number or distribution of neural precursor cells that normally express Myt1 in the embryonic spinal cord. Nor was the general pattern of differentiated neurons altered in the embryonic spinal cord. The Myt1 knock-in mice should provide an important tool for identifying the in vivo targets of Myt1 action and unraveling the role of this structurally distinct zinc finger protein in neural development.
The effect of time pressure on the choice between brands that differ in quality, price, and product features

Consumers often make purchase decisions while under time pressure. This research examines the effect of time constraints on the choice of brands that differ in perceived quality, price, and product features. Specifically, when making choices under time pressure, consumers were found to be more likely to choose higher-quality brands over lower-quality brands and top-of-the-line models with enhanced product features over basic models with fewer features. Alternative explanations for these effects are explored, and practical implications are discussed.
Cell cycle-dependent chromatin shuttling of HBO1–JADE1 histone acetyl transferase (HAT) complex

HAT HBO1 interacts with 2 isoforms of JADE1: JADE1S and JADE1L. JADE1 promotes acetylation of nucleosomal histones by HBO1. HBO1–JADE1 complex facilitates cell proliferation by unclear mechanisms. Here we report intracellular chromatin shuttling of HBO1–JADE1 complex during mitosis coupled to phosphorylation of JADE1. In interphase of dividing cells JADE1S was localized to the nucleus and associated with chromatin. As cells approached mitosis, specifically prophase, JADE1S dissociated from chromatin and associated with cytoplasm. JADE1S chromatin re-association began in telophase and paralleled nuclear envelope membrane reassembly. By early G1, JADE1S was re-associated with chromatin and localized to the nucleus. Importantly, cytoplasmic but not chromatin-associated JADE1 protein was phosphorylated. Mass-Spectrometric analysis of JADE1S protein isolated from G2/M-arrested cells identified 6 phosphorylated amino acid residues: S89, T92, S102, S121, S392, and T468, including 3 novel sites. Temporally, JADE1S phosphorylation and dephosphorylation during mitosis correlated with JADE1S chromatin dissociation and recruitment. JADE1S chromatin recruitment was accompanied by the global histone H4 acetylation. Pharmacological inhibitor of Aurora A kinase prevented JADE1S protein band shift and chromatin dissociation, suggesting regulatory function for phosphorylation. In vivo experiments supported our in vitro results. In mouse kidneys, JADE1S transiently accumulated in the cytoplasm of tubular epithelial cells during kidney regeneration. The transient increase in the number of cells with cytoplasmic JADE1S directly correlated with activation of tubular cell proliferation and inversely correlated with the number of cells with nuclear JADE1S staining, supporting biological role of HBO1–JADE1 shuttling during organ regeneration.
Design and Fabrication of Microtacks for Retinal Implant Applications

To adhere an artificial retinal implant onto the epiretinal surface of the eye, our group has designed retinal microtacks. The microtacks were fabricated using two different micromachining techniques: 1) deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) and 2) ultrahigh precision micromilling. The DRIE process consisted of machining a double-sided polished three-inch silicon wafer using ICP with the Bosch process. For the ultra-high precision micromilling technique, titanium foil was bonded to a silicon wafer and precision machined with a 150-μm end-mill using PMAC code interfaced to a machine motion controller. Due to fabrication limitations, the tip of the DRIE fabricated Si tack was chisel-shaped, whereas versatility of the micromilling technique allowed a partially conical, tapered tip to be added to the Ti tack, which created a sharper point. For the Si tacks, the average overall length and width were measured to be within 7% and 2%, respectively, of the design while the Ti tacks were found to be within 1% and 6%, respectively. Additionally, the grip width, stop thickness, and the tip taper angle of the Ti tacks were within 3%, 9%, and 4%, respectively, of the design.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Neutralization of sulfuric acid solutions by calcite dissolution and the application to anoxic limestone drain design

Abstract Batch reactor (BR) experiments were conducted to measure the effect of hydrodynamics and gypsum coatings on calcite neutralization rates. A factorial array of BR experiments measured the H+ concentration change by calcite dissolution over a pH range of 1.5–3.5 and Na2SO4 concentrations of 0–1 M. The rate of H+ concentration change with time was determined by numerical differentiation of H+ concentration versus time. Regression modeling showed that for uncoated calcite, rates are only significantly affected by pH, r = - 10 - 2.32 a H + 0.76 . Whereas, for calcite coated with gypsum only time had a significant effect on calcite dissolution rates, r = −10−1.96t−0.53. Because transport-limited dissolution rates for uncoated calcite are a function of the pH and Reynolds number, a model was developed to express the effects of these two variables on the rate of H+ consumption for a solution with a Darcy velocity, q, through a porous medium with a particle radius, rp, such that r ′ = 1.08 × 10 - 3 q 0.31 r p - 0.69 m H + 0.87 . This equation was integrated via a numerical model to simulate the performance of an idealized anoxic limestone drain (ALD). This model predicts the pH and alkalinity change along the length of an ALD. The model shows that the efficiency of an ALD is greater when the Darcy velocity is low and the particle radius is small. In addition, the growth of gypsum coatings causes the rate of H+ neutralization to decline as the square root of time as they form and block the H+ transport to the calcite surface. Supersaturation with respect to gypsum, leading to coating formation, can be avoided by diluting the ALD feed solution or by replacing limestone with dolomite.
Psychosocial influences on ovarian endocrine and ovulatory function in Macaca fascicularis

Abstract Social subordination is associated with impaired reproductive success among female macaques living in natural or “semi-natural” environments. We studied the relationship between social status and ovarian function in female cynomolgus macaques living in socially stable single-male harem groups or in groups of like composition in which social instability was induced by the frequent redistribution of female group members. Compared to socially dominant females, socially subordinate females had fewer ovulatory menstrual cycles, more cycles with deficient luteal phase plasma progesterone concentrations, increased adrenal weights and increased heart weight. Social instability influenced none of these variables. In fact, females living in the situations of induced social instability had higher luteal phase plasma progesterone concentrations; this may be the result of frequent exposure to novel males. The results indicate that impaired reproductive success observed in socially subordinate female macaques may be related, at least in part, to changes in ovarian endocrine and ovulatory function.
Influence of ions and tonicity on RNA metabolism in Tetrahymena pyriformis.

Net RNA degradation occurs in Tetrahymem pyrifmmis when this ciliate is suspended in a non-nutrient medium. The quantity and quality of the excretion products is at least partially under the control of the ionic content and the tonicity of the cellular environment. The excretion of ultraviolet-absorbing materials was found to be elevated by sodium ions in a medium isotonic to the culture fluid, or by a hypertonic environment. Magnesium counteracted these effects. In isotonic suspension, sodium and magnesium ions lowered orthophosphate excretion; however, sodium altered the nature of the phosphate products so that acidlabile phosphates were also excreted rather than solely orthophosphate. Similar results were obtained in a hypertonic environment with or without sodium. The degree of purine and pyrimidine loss from the cells in all conditions of suspension was reflected in the amount of RNA degraded. The ion and tonicity effects apparently reflect events which alter the stability of the RNA and the properties of the membrane system, resulting in changes in both the rate of RNA degradation and the nature of the excreted products. The rates of orthophosphate excretion appear to be affected by changes in the acid-base balance within the cell which may be governed by the cation levels. The manipulation of the ionic content and tonicity of the medium offers a convenient method for obtaining cells reduced in RNA content.
Neutralization–reionization efficiencies for gaseous [C3Hn]+ Ions

A neutralization-reionization study of [C3Hn]+ ions, n = 6−0, shows that neutralization efficiencies are larger for hydrocarbon radical cations than they are for even-electron carbocations with one more H atom. Reionization efficiencies to positive ions do not depend appreciably on the electronic properties of the neutral species undergoing reionization. However, reionization efficiencies to negative ions increase dramatically with the degree of unsaturation, by nearly two orders of magnitude, from C3H6 to C3. All C3Hn neutrals studied survive intact neutralization to produce a considerable fraction of stable, non-dissociating [C3Hn]+ upon cationization. All C3Hn radicals (n = 5, 3, 1) can be transferred collisionally to stable even-electron anions. For the C3Hn hydrocarbon molecules studied (n = 6, 4, 2, 0) the stability of the molecular radical anion increases substantially with the degree of unsaturation.
Siderophore-redox active ionophore host-guest assemblies: A prototype for selective metal ion compartmentalization

Abstract The reduction potentials for two Wurster’s crowns, aza crown ethers which incorporate the redox active N , N , N ′, N ′-tetraalkyl-1,4-phenylenediamine into the structure of 18-crown-6, were studied in the presence of the siderophore ferrioxamine B, FeHDFB + . Addition of FeHDFB + resulted in a positive shift in the host reduction potential for both aza crown ethers studied. This shift is explained in terms of host-guest supramolecular assembly formation, which was independently verified by FAB-MS. An enhanced affinity for host-guest formation of the reduced aza crown ether was calculated for each aza crown ether-siderophore assembly using a thermochemical cycle. These differences in host binding affinity as a function of redox state can be harnessed for use in specific metal ion compartmentalization with application, for example, to environmental remediation.
Vapor Phase Lubrication of Gold/Gold Interfaces

The extension of current micro-satellite development efforts calls for a reduction in size by up to two orders of magnitude. Such a reduction in size necessitates the development of novel actuators, switches, and sensors operating on the micron length scale. The leading technology for creating such devices involves microfabrication processes currently used in the production of integrated circuits. Devices generated by these means are referred to as Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS). While many challenges remain in the design and production of MEMS, a critical aspect of their successful deployment involves lubrication of the devices to prevent wear and permanent, undesired adhesion (seizure) of the miniature moving parts. Results from research addressing the vapor phase lubrication of gold-gold contacts, modeling interfaces expected to be encountered in future RF MEMS devices, will be presented. Such interfaces will require high frequency intermittent contact, the absence of irreversible interfacial adhesion, the general absence of sliding within the contact, and the requirement of electrical conductivity upon contact. Work in this area has focused on the use of alklythiols as a means of controlling interfacial adhesion. Experiments have been carried out using atomic force microscopy to characterize adhesion as a function of alkylthiol chain length. In addition, these experiments have incorporated the simultaneous measurement of interfacial currents to explore load versus conductivity relationships. These measurements have been supported through measurements of surface composition through correlated quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Chlamydia trachomatis cervical infection and oral contraceptive use among adolescent girls.

Abstract This study examines the relationship between oral contraceptive use and Chlamydia trachomatis cervical infection in women less than 19 years of age. The clinical and epidemiologic data of 73 (19.4% prevalence rate) girls with chlamydial infection were analyzed, with special attention given to contraceptive use. The findings were compared with data from 303 girls who were chlamydia negative to assess the relationship between, oral contraceptive use and C. trachomatis infection. Use of an oral contraceptive for 6 months or longer was associated with chlamydial infection ( p = 0.005; odds ratio=2.41; 95% confidence interval 1.53–3.29). Oral contraceptive use was not associated with an increased rate of Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Trichomonas vaginalis infection. Association of oral contraceptive use with chlamydial infection remained significant after adjustments were made for confounding variables in a logistic regression process ( p = 0.013). This study suggests that oral contraceptive use may promote chlamydial infection of the cervix or enhance the detection of the C. trachomatis from the cervix in this population.
Leiomyosarcoma of the anus: Report of a case

We have presented an unusual case of leiomyosarcoma of the anus. On reviewing the literature, we did not find a similar case. This tumor metastasizes mainly to distant organs through the bloodstream. We treated the tumor by wide excision, followed by chemo-immunotherapy, hoping to sterilize possible microemboli. Since this type of lesion is very aggressive, we strongly suggest that any mass in the perianal region be excised and biopsied.
Motivation for participation in clinical trials of drugs for the treatment of asthma, seasonal allergic rhinitis, and perennial nonallergic rhinitis

Background While previous studies of enrollment motivation have been conducted with either healthy subjects or subjects with certain other diseases, little is known about the motives of subjects with asthma or rhinitis symptoms who seek to enter clinical trials. Objective This study was conducted to assess the self-reported role that altruism, healthcare receipt, and financial gain play in the motivation of subjects with symptoms of bronchial asthma, seasonal allergic rhinitis, and perennial nonallergic rhinitis who attempted to enroll in clinical trials. Methods Subjects with symptoms of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and perennial nonallergic rhinitis who sought to enroll in phase III clinical trials completed surveys from December 1991 to August 1992 (n = 295). The importance of altruistic and nonaltruistic motives was rated on numerical scales. Results Improved control of symptoms and learning more about the illness and medications for treatment were the most important nonaltruistic motives ( P P Conclusion Subjects with symptoms of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and perennial nonallergic rhinitis entered clinical trials for altruistic reasons and to receive healthcare treatment for their chronic illness including related health education. For the entire group, self-reported financial motives were less important that illness-related healthcare.
The requirements for sexual reproduction.

Sexual reproduction requires controls for gonadogenesis, genital differentiation, and sexuality. The initiating event is induction of testicular differentiation by an effect of the H-Y locus or a combination of X- and Y-borne genes. This paper reviews the evidence that testosterone, either directly or via regulated conversion to other steroids, controls sexuality as it does male genital differentiation. The point is also stressed that, despite their difference, sexual reproduction and individual homcostasis are intimately linked.
Contemporary application of cardiovascular hemodynamics: transcatheter aortic valve interventions.

Since the development and refinement of echocardiography, this technique has, for some time, been the mainstay for hemodynamic assessment of the mitral valve. This article discusses the key components of the invasive hemodynamic assessment of mitral valve disease and illustrates their utility through percutaneous transluminal mitral valvuloplasty for mitral stenosis and the novel transcatheter mitral valve repair using the MitraClip for mitral regurgitation. Changes in left atrial pressure and waveform, mean gradient, and cardiac output are critical assessment parameters for both safety and efficacy. Invasive hemodynamic assessment is an essential complement to echocardiography for the optimal guidance of these procedures.
Isolation and melting properties of branched-chain esters from lanolin

Saturated branched FA and their derivatives are both biodegradable and stable to oxidation. Their m.p. are expected to be enough lower than their straight-chain counterparts to make them ideal as biolubricants. But physical property data for branched fatty esters are limited. In this study, a complex mixture of branched methyl esters was obtained from lanolin through saponification, extraction of unsaponifiables, and methylation. Hydroxy compounds were removed by chromatography on alumina. Vacuum spinning-band distillation separated the mixture roughly by chain length. Countercurrent urea complex formation and low-temperature crystallization separated even-chain iso-and odd-chain anteiso-methyl esters of chain lengths 14 through 18 at >95% purity. Transesterification was used to convert methyl esters to isopropyl esters. The m.p. and heat of fusion of each ester were determined by DSC. NMR was used to verify the structure of branched esters.
Mechanical versus pharmacologic support for cardiogenic shock

Dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction is a rare cause of cardiogenic shock after an acute myocardial infarction. A case is presented where inotropic support and an intra-aortic balloon pump aggravated the cardiac hemodynamics by this mechanism. The circulatory support provided by Impella 2.5 heart pump, in addition to discontinuation of inotropic support and intra-aortic balloon pump, allowed stabilization and successful percutaneous revascularization. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Mixed mode stress intensity distributions for part circular surface flaws

Abstract Using the frozen stress method, mixed mode stress intensity factor (SIF) distributions were obtained for a series of low aspect ratio part circular surface flaws in flat plates over a depth to plate thickness range of 0.20–0.70. Mode I results were compared with Mode I solutions in order to sense the influence of the crack surface inclination to the free boundary. It was found that maximum SIF values did not necessarily occur at maximum flaw depth. A rationale is offered to explain this observation. It was also found that the effect of the boundary inclination was to reverse the relative magnitudes of K 1 K 1 and K 2 K 2 in going from a 30° to a 60° crack surface inclination with the boundary.
Alcoholism susceptibility loci: confirmation studies in a replicate sample and further mapping.

Background There is substantial evidence for a significant genetic component to the risk for alcoholism. A previous study reported linkage to chromosomes 1, 2, and 7 in a large data set that consisted of 105 families, each with at least three alcoholic members. Methods: AdditionaLgenotyping in the 105 families has been completed in the chromosomal regions identified in the initial analyses, and a replication sample of 157 alcoholic families ascertained under identical criteria has been genotyped. Two hierarchical definitions of alcoholism were employed in the linkage analyses: (1) Individuals who met both Feighner and DSM-111-R criteria for alcohol dependence represented a broad definition of disease; and (2) individuals who met ICD-10 criteria for alcoholism were considered affected under a more severe definition of disease. Results: Genetic analyses of affected sibling pairs supported linkage to chromosome 1 (LOD = 1.6) in the replication data set as well as in a combined analysis of the two samples (LOD = 2.6). Evidence of linkage to chromosome 7 increased in the combined data (LOD = 2.9). The LOD score on chromosome 2 in the initial data set increased after genotyping of additional markers; however, combined analyses of the two data sets resulted in overall lower LOD scores (LOD = 1.8) on chromosome 2. A new finding of linkage to chromosome 3 was identified in the replication data set (LOD = 3.4). Conclusions: Analyses of a second large sample of alcoholic families provided further evidence of genetic susceptibility loci on chromosomes 1 and 7. Genetic analyses also have identified susceptibility loci on chromosomes 2 and 3 that may act only in one of the two data sets.
Reorienting Deliberation: Identity Politics in Multicultural Societies

Many political theorists argue that cross-cultural communication within multicultural democracies is not best served by a commitment to identity politics. In response, I argue that identity politics only interfere with democratic participation according to an erroneous interpretation of the relationship between identity and reasoning. I argue that recognizing the importance of identity to the intelligibility of reasons offered in the context of civic deliberation is the first step towards the kind of dialogue that democratic participation requires.
Body Mass lndex and the Initial Manifestation of Coronary Heart Disease in Women Aged 40–59 Years

A population-based case-control study was conducted to evaluate body mass as a coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factor among women 40-59 years of age. Cases were women aged 40-59 whose first manifestation of CHD was angina (No. = 133), nonfatal myocardial infarction (No. = 90), and sudden unexpected death (No. = 18) during 1960-1982. Two randomly selected controls were matched on age and time of the initial disease manifestation of the case. The adjusted relative risk for weight and body mass index respectively demonstrated a moderate association with all CHD as well as with angina, but no association with definite CHD (myocardial infarction or sudden unexpected death). To determine if the observed association between body mass index and angina was possibly attributable to differential misclassification bias (i.e. obese women were, in contrast to non-obese women, preferentially labelled as having coronary artery disease) data for angina were stratified by confirmed versus unconfirmed cardiac origin. In the unconfirmed angina analysis, the 75th percentile for weight contrasted with the 25th percentile was associated with a 50% increase in the risk of being labelled as having angina (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.59, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11-2.28), while a similar contrast for Quetelet Index was also associated with a nearly 2-fold increase in the risk of being labelled as having angina (adjusted OR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.18-2.57).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Intrapleural Antimicrobial Irrigation for Postpneumonectomy Empyema in Patients With Lung Cancer

Purpose:Postpneumonectomy empyema (PPE) is a possible complication after a pneumonectomy in patients with lung cancer. The use of intrapleural (IP) antibiotic irrigation to treat infections in the ...
Non-Gaussian properties of the EEG during sleep.

Abstract A spectral and amplitude distribution analysis was made using an EEG sample taken during sleep. The analysis showed that low frequency activity (slow wave sleep) was significantly and positively correlated in time with non-Gaussian behavior of the EEG. During non-slow wave sleep, the amount of non-Gaussian activity was reduced.
The Transforming Self: Service Narratives and Identity Change in Emerging Adulthood

The study examined the extent to which a service trip to Nicaragua affected college students’ narrative understanding of themselves and their commitment to volunteer service. College students who w...
Army ants tunneling for classical simulations

The classical trajectory method (also called molecular dynamics) is the most widely used method for ensemble averaging and calculating rate constants of complex dynamical systems; however it has the serious drawback of not allowing tunneling. Here, we show how to include tunneling efficiently in real-time classical trajectories by using the army ants algorithm for quantum mechanical rare event sampling and partially optimized semiclassical tunneling paths based on valence internal coordinates. Three examples, HN2 dissociation and two kinds of HCOH isomerizations, are used to illustrate the tunneling method. We show that the army ants tunneling algorithm is very efficient (even lower computational costs than calculations without tunneling) and yields physically reasonable rate constants. The new algorithm is straightforward to include in any molecular dynamics package, and it allows sampling of regions of phase space that are classically inaccessible but that may lead to different products or different energy distributions than are populated by non-tunneling processes.
Evaluating air-blown gasification for energy recovery from wastewater solids: Impact of biological treatment and point of generation on energy recovery

Abstract Decentralized water reclamation is emerging as a new paradigm that pairs local wastewater resources with local users; however, one of the challenges that must be addressed to advance its implementation is the low energy efficiency associated with small treatment plants and the lack of available small-scale energy recovery technologies. Gasification is a technology that could be used to convert wastewater solids to energy at small wastewater resource recovery facilities (WRRF). A model developed for air-blown gasification coupled with internal combustion engine for energy production demonstrated that gasification of wastewater solids could produce up to one third of the electrical demand at a small WRRF. Results based on samples collected from local wastewater treatment plants show that the energy embedded in wastewater solids does not vary substantially with treatment processes implemented or point of solids generation, and thus gasification is feasible for a wide variety of WRRF sizes and processes. Further modeling revealed that feedstocks generated by three different processes have similar power output for one metric ton per day of solids gasified (∼20 kW), but the net power produced by a 19 ML/d WRRF varies more substantially (110–140 kW) because the mass of solids produced vary with each treatment scheme.
Vegetation diversity in an interconnected ephemeral riparian system of north-central Arizona, USA

Abstract A vegetation survey was conducted in the Pumphouse Wash canyon system, south of Flagstaff, Arizona. Plant species distribution, abundance, and diversity were quantified within and among canyons in this sensitive ephemeral riparian area. Abiotic variables were examined to see if they could predict vegetation diversity. Results of stand ordination and cluster analysis suggested that variation in vegetation distribution and composition was best explained by a complex temperature/moisture - substrate gradient. Understory diversity in general was related to changes in slope and sand/gravel substrate. Each tributary canyon supported unique plant species and the riparian vegetation in one tributary canyon was significantly less diverse than in each of the other canyons. The two canyons with the lowest understory diversity contained rare plant species not found in the other, more diverse canyons. Thus, overall diversity was demonstrated to be a poor predictor of the presence of rare species. Similarly, abiotic variation was useful at predicting diversity levels but was not useful at predicting species occurrence or ecological quality. In summary, attributes frequently considered of use for predicting conservation value of one type (e.g., diversity) were not good at predicting other conservation values (e.g., rarity).
Searches for Top and Bottom Squarks in pp Collisions at √s = 8 TeV

Supersymmetry is a popular extension to the standard model, which may solve the hierarchy problem without fine-tuning if it introduces top and bottom squarks with masses not larger than several hundred GeV. This note describes three searches for the direct pair production of these particles, based on a sample of pp collisions data corresponding to approximately 10 fb 1 collected by the Compact Muon Solenoid detector at the LHC, at a center-of-mass energy p s = 8 TeV. The searches are performed in the single lepton final state focusing on events with large transverse mass, the same-sign dilepton final state, and the all-hadronic final state using the T quantity. No evidence for the production of top or bottom squarks is observed. The results are used to place stringent constraints on the masses of these particles.