cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On research issues regarding uncertain query processing in an office document retrieval system

TEXPROS (TEXT PROcessing System) is an intelligent document processing, system; it supports storing, extracting, classifying, categorizing, retrieving, and browsing information from a variety of office documents [76]. This article presents a retrieval subsystem for TEXPROS, which is capable of processing incomplete, imprecise, and vague queries, and providing semantically meaningful responses to the user. The design of the retrieval subsystem is highly integrated with various mechanisms for achieving these goals. First, a system catalog including a thesaurus is used to store the knowledge about the database. Second, there is a query transformation mechanism composed of context construction and algebraic query formulation modules. Given an incomplete or imprecise query, the context construction module searches the system for the required terms and constructs a query that has a complete and precise representation: The resulting query is then formulated into an algebraic expression. Third, in practice, the user may not have a clear idea of what he is searching for. A browing mechanism is employed for such situations to assist the user in the retrieval process. With the browser, vague queries can be entered into the system until sufficient information, is obtained to the extent that the user is able to construct a query for his request. Finally, when processing of queries fails by responding with a null answer to the user, a generalizer mechanism is used to give the user cooperative explanation for the null answer. The presented techniques will contribute to our research toward development of highly intelligent data processing facilities beyond the present scope of database technology.
Electron spin resonance studies on graft copolymerization of gaseous styrene onto preirradiated polypropylene. II. Preirradiation under vacuum

Graft copolymerization of gaseous styrene was carried out at 40°C onto polypropylene preirradiated under vacuum. In order to investigate the origin of graft initiation activity, ESR spectra of irradiated polymers were measured and discussed. Although there are about three times as many radicals trapped in the sample irradiated at −78°C as in the sample irradiated at room temperature, both the samples showed nearly same degree of grafting. This is due to the ineffectiveness of radicals trapped in the amorphous region for grafting. The samples irradiated under vacuum showed more grafting than those irradiated in an oxygen atmosphere. This is compatible with the conclusion in the previous paper that in grafting of polypropylene irradiated in an oxygen atmosphere the carbon radicals produced by hydrogen abstraction by trapped peroxy radicals are the effective active centers.
Risk stratification of single or double vessel coronary artery disease and impaired left ventricular function using exercise radionuclide angiography

Abstract Patients with 3-vessel coronary artery disease (CAD) and normal left ventricular (LV) function have a worse prognosis if they manifest ischemia during exercise testing. The present study determines if exercise radionuclide angiography can aid in the risk stratification of patients with 1- or 2-vessel CAD and Impaired LV function (ejection fraction During follow-up 11 patients had initial significant cardiac events: 4 cardiac deaths, i cardiac arrest, 4 myocardial infarctions and 2 bypass or angioplasty procedures for unstable angina ≥3 months after the exercise study. Four of 11 patients (36%) with severely ischemic exercise radionuclide angiograms had events, compared to 7 of 54 patients (13%) without ischemic radionuclide angiograms. Event-free survival at 18 months was 73% for patients with severe exercise ischemia versus 92% for those without ischemia (p
Shellsort with a constant number of increments

We consider the worst-case running time of Shellsort when only a constant number,c, of increments are allowed. Forc=3, we show that Shellsort can be implemented to run inO(N 5/3) time, which is optimal. Forc=4, we further improve the running time toO(N 11/7), and, forc=5, we obtain a bound ofO(N 23/15). We also show anO(N 1+1/k ) bound for generalc, wherek=[(1+√8c+1)/4]. Forc=6, this isO(N 3/2).
High Temperature Ordered Intermetallic Alloys

This paper is intended to be a general introduction to this conference and is therefore not a review of the state of our current knowledge. Instead, it will address questions like the following: Why are intermetallic compounds interesting? What alloys are being studied, and which are being ignored? Since most research work is now being performed on L12 alloys, with by far the greatest emphasis on Ni3Al, the balanceof the paper will concentrate on strengthening mechanisms and mechanisms of ductility control in Ni3Al, pointing out the interesting questions and controversies which arose during this conference. The conclusions to be drawn from this paper are that ordered intermetallic alloys are very valuable materials for high temperature use, but engineers probably must become more sophisticated in the use of materials with limited ductilities at low temperatures before intermetallics will gain widespread usage. Furthermore, additional research needs to be performed on more complex intermetallic compounds than L12 since L12 compounds, as a group, do not have particularly high melting temperatures. However,since alloys with complex structures, e.g. Laves phases, are well known for their brittleness at low temperatures, it is all the more important that the properties of such alloys be studied and methods found to improve their ductilities.
Optical excitations in Bi2Sr2CuO6 and Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8: Evidence for localized (excitonic) and delocalized charge-transfer gaps

The optical properties of ${\mathrm{Bi}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Sr}}_{2}$${\mathrm{CuO}}_{6}$ (2:2:0:1) and ${\mathrm{Bi}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Sn}}_{2}$${\mathrm{CaCu}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{8}$ (2:2:1:2) have been investigated by transmission electron-energy-loss spectroscopy. At low energy, ${\mathit{E}}_{\mathrm{loss}}$\ensuremath{\le}10.0 eV, common features are observed in the spectra of these two materials at ${\mathit{E}}_{\mathrm{loss}}$=0.0,\ensuremath{\sim}2.7,3.6, and 4.6 eV. The effective number of charges associated with these excitations has been estimated using the optical-sum rule, and from the ratio of effective charges in the two materials, the origin of this feature has been inferred based on the relative number of Cu-${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ and Bi-O layers per formula unit. The effective-charge ratio for the free carriers at zero energy loss, ${\mathit{N}}_{2:2:1:2}$/${\mathit{N}}_{2:2:0:1}$=5.0, could not be used to determine whether the carriers were in the Cu-${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ or Bi-O planes because the oxygen doping in the two materials was not known. But at ${\mathit{E}}_{\mathrm{loss}}$=2.7 and 3.6 eV, the effective-charge ratio is 2.6 indicating that these transitions are associated with the Cu-${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ planes since the ratio is close to 2:1. The effective-charge ratio is 0.9 for ${\mathit{E}}_{\mathrm{loss}}$=4.6 eV suggesting that this excitation is localized in the Bi-O planes. If the two excitations in the Cu-${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ layers of 2:2:0:1 and 2:2:1:2 are identified with the delocalized and localized charge-transfer reactions [Mark S. Hybertsen, Michael Schluter, and Niels E. Christensen, Phys. Rev. B 39, 9028 (1989)], then the three-band Hubbard parameters \ensuremath{\varepsilon}=${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\varepsilon}}}_{\mathit{p}}$-${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\varepsilon}}}_{\mathit{d}}$ and ${\mathit{U}}_{\mathit{p}\mathit{d}}$ (\ensuremath{\varepsilon} is the energy difference between the Cu 3d and O 2p levels and ${\mathit{U}}_{\mathit{p}\mathit{d}}$ is the Coulomb repulsion between two holes occupying adjacent Cu and O sites) are 1.8 and 0.9 eV, respectively, with an uncertainty of \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.5 eV.
Reactivity of a Nickel Acylate Complex with Acetylenes under an Ar and a CO Atmosphere

The reaction of an alkyl nickel acylate complex with a variety of mono- and disubstituted acetylene derivatives was investigated. Depending upon the substitution pattern and the reaction time, the reaction product can be a 1,4-diketone, a cyclopentenone, or a γ-lactone, but only when the reaction is performed under an Ar atmosphere. When a CO atmosphere is used, no reaction occurs. The mechanism for formation of each of these compounds is discussed.
Laser photostimulation accelerates wound healing in diabetic rats

In this study, we examined the hypothesis that laser photostimulation can facilitate healing of impaired wounds in experimental diabetes using a rat model. Diabetes was induced in male rats by streptozotocin injection and two 6 mm diameter circular wounds were created on either side of the spine. The left wound of each animal was treated with a 632.8 nm He:Ne laser at a dose of 1.0 J/cm2 for five days a week until the wounds closed (three weeks). Measurements of the biomechanical properties of the laser-treated wounds indicated there was a marginal increase in maximum load (16%), stress (16%), strain (27%), energy absorption (47%) and toughness (84%) compared to control wounds of diabetic rats. Biochemical assays revealed that the amount of total collagen was significantly increased in laser treated wounds (274 +/- 8.7 microg) over the control wounds (230 +/- 8.4 microg). Sequential extractions of collagen from healing wounds showed that laser treated wounds had significantly greater concentrations of neutral salt soluble (15%) and insoluble collagen (16%) than control wounds, suggesting accelerated collagen production in laser treated wounds. There was an appreciable decrease in pepsin soluble collagen (19%) in laser treated wounds over control wounds, indicating higher resistance to proteolytic digestion. In conclusion, the biomechanical and biochemical results collectively suggest that laser photostimulation promotes the tissue repair process by accelerating collagen production and promoting overall connective tissue stability in healing wounds of diabetic rats.
The Mycetozoa: A revised classification

Introduction ... . . . . . . . . 59 Class Mycetozoa . ....... 61 Subclass Protostelia 62 Order Protosteliida 64 Family Cavosteliidae 64 Family Protosteliidae 67 Family Ceratiomyxidae . . 69 Subclass Dictyostelia 70 Order Dictyosteliida . ....... 71 Family Acytosteliidae 71 Family Dictyosteliidae 72 Subclass Acrasia . ....... 74 Order Acrasida ... . . . . . . . . .... ....... 75 Family Guttulinopsidae . .75 Family Acrasidae . ....... 76 Subclass Myxogastria . ....... 77 Groups of Uncertain Affinity . . 81 Conclusions ... . . . . . . . . 83 Literature Cited 86
IOFlow: a software-defined storage architecture

In data centers, the IO path to storage is long and complex. It comprises many layers or "stages" with opaque interfaces between them. This makes it hard to enforce end-to-end policies that dictate a storage IO flow's performance (e.g., guarantee a tenant's IO bandwidth) and routing (e.g., route an untrusted VM's traffic through a sanitization middlebox). These policies require IO differentiation along the flow path and global visibility at the control plane. We design IOFlow, an architecture that uses a logically centralized control plane to enable high-level flow policies. IOFlow adds a queuing abstraction at data-plane stages and exposes this to the controller. The controller can then translate policies into queuing rules at individual stages. It can also choose among multiple stages for policy enforcement.We have built the queue and control functionality at two key OS stages-- the storage drivers in the hypervisor and the storage server. IOFlow does not require application or VM changes, a key strength for deployability. We have deployed a prototype across a small testbed with a 40 Gbps network and storage devices. We have built control applications that enable a broad class of multi-point flow policies that are hard to achieve today.
Ex vivo analysis of resident hepatic pro‐inflammatory CD1d‐reactive T cells and hepatocyte surface CD1d expression in hepatitis C

Hepatic CD1d-restricted and natural killer T-cell populations are heterogeneous. Classical 'type 1' α-galactosylceramide-reactive CD1d-restricted T cells express 'invariant' TCRα ('iNKT'). iNKT dominating rodent liver are implicated in inflammation, including in hepatitis models. Low levels of iNKT are detected in human liver, decreased in subjects with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). However, high levels of human hepatic CD161(±) CD56(±) noninvariant pro-inflammatory CD1d-restricted 'type 2' T cells have been identified in vitro. Unlike rodents, healthy human hepatocytes only express trace and intracellular CD1d. Total hepatic CD1d appears to be increased in CHC and primary biliary cirrhosis. Direct ex vivo analysis of human intrahepatic lymphocytes (IHL), including matched ex vivo versus in vitro expanded IHL, demonstrated detectable noninvariant CD1d reactivity in substantial proportions of HCV-positive livers and significant fractions of HCV-negative livers. However, α-galactosylceramide-reactive iNKT were detected only relatively rarely. Liver CD1d-restricted IHL produced IFNγ, variable levels of IL-10 and modest levels of Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-13 ex vivo. In a novel FACS assay, a major fraction (10-20%) of hepatic T cells rapidly produced IFNγ and up-regulated activation marker CD69 in response to CD1d. As previously only shown with murine iNKT, noninvariant human CD1d-specific responses were also augmented by IL-12. Interestingly, CD1d was found selectively expressed on the surface of hepatocytes in CHC, but not those CHC subjects with history of alcohol usage or resolved CHC. In contrast to hepatic iNKT, noninvariant IFNγ-producing type 2 CD1d-reactive NKT cells are commonly detected in CHC, together with cognate ligand CD1d, implicating them in CHC liver damage.
Merging of vortices in the atmosphere of Jupiter: An analysis of voyager images

We have studied interactions between stable oval structures (spots) using the Voyager 2 cylindrical projection mosaics. In contrast with the solitary wave type of interaction, collisions between spots are irreversible. Most interactions (23 out of 27 cases) lead to merging of the two original spots. The other type of interaction (4 out of 27 cases) is simply a near miss—the spots pass around each other. Interactions of spots with filamentary regions, which are actively changing and more amorphous than spots, usually lead to the disappearance of the spot. Filamentary regions are also the major source of spots. Stable spots do not produce other spots. Instead, spots destroy each other by merging. Most spots are anticyclonic and sit in anticyclonic shear zones. Filamentary regions are cyclonic and sit in cyclonic shear zones. Larger spots are more elliptical than smaller ones. The most common spots have major diameters of 2000 km and minor diameters of 1500 km.
A procedure for classifying disruptions in spontaneous language samples

Anyone who's ever listened to, read, or transcribed an unedited sample of spontaneous speech is aware that perfectly articulate speakers are in short supply. Whether spoken by language impaired children or politicians, spontaneous language typically contains disruptions of what Clark and Clark (1977) termed the "ideal delivery." Psycholinguists have long viewed such disruptions as valuable clues to covert processes that culminate in the production of an utterance. For example, hesitation phenomena (e.g. filled and silent pauses) have been interpreted as evidence that the speaker is encountering significant information profit processing issues. Approaches to the analysis of utterance disruptions are reviewed, and a system is proposed for analyzing disruptions in spontaneous language, with four disruption categories (pauses, repetitions, revisions, and orphans). Use of the system is illustrated using language samples from 10 traumatically brain-injured and 10 normally developing speakers (ages 7-20). Language: en
Implementation concepts for an extensible data model and data language

Future database systems must feature extensible data models and data languages in order to accommodate the novel data types and special-purpose operations that are required by nontraditional database applications. In this paper, we outline a functional data model and data language that are targeted for the semantic interface of GENESIS, an extensible DBMS. The model and language are generalizations of FQL [11] and DAPLEX [40], and have an implementation that fits ideally with the modularity required by extensible database technologies. We explore different implementations of functional operators and present experimental evidence that they have efficient implementations. We also explain the advantages of a functional front-end to ¬1NF databases, and show how our language and implementation are being used to process queries on both 1NF and ¬1NF relations.
Culture promotes transfer of thyroid epithelial cell hyperplasia and proliferation by reducing regulatory T cell numbers.

Abstract IFN-γ−/− NOD.H-2h4 mice develop a spontaneous autoimmune thyroid disease, thyroid epithelial cell hyperplasia and proliferation (TEC H/P) when given NaI in their water for 7+ mo. TEC H/P can be transferred to IFN-γ−/− SCID mice by splenocytes from mice with severe (4–5+) disease, and transfer of TEC H/P is improved when splenocytes are cultured prior to transfer. Older (9+ mo) IFN-γ−/− NOD.H-2h4 mice have elevated numbers of FoxP3+ T reg cells, up to 2-fold greater than younger (2 mo) mice. During culture, the number of T reg decreases and this allows the improved transfer of TEC H/P. Co-culture with IL-2 prior to transfer prevents the decrease of T reg and improves their in vitro suppressive ability resulting in reduced TEC H/P in recipient mice. Therefore, culturing splenocytes improves transfer of TEC H/P by reducing the number of T reg and IL-2 inhibits transfer by preserving T reg number and function.
Tryptophan Contributions to the Empirical Free-Energy Profile in Gramicidin A/M Heterodimer Channels

Gramicidin A/gramicidin M heterodimer conductances were measured in planar lipid bilayers and found to form two distinguishable populations about halfway between the gramicidin A and gramicidin M homodimer conductances. This implies that the principle difference in the gramicidin A and gramicidin M transport free-energy profiles occurs at the channel center, where it would produce similar effects on the rate-limiting barrier for the two heterodimers. Kinetic analysis based on this and nearly all previously published homodimer conductance data for both gramicidin A and gramicidin M channels confirms this conclusion, indicating that the translocation step is ∼100-fold slower in gramicidin M homodimers than in gramicidin A homodimers and that first- and second-ion exit-rate constants are higher by factors of 24 and 10, respectively. Assuming that the ratios of rate constants are related to the free-energy difference between gramicidin A and gramicidin M, we construct an effective ion-Trp free-energy interaction profile that has a minimum at the channel center.
A review of the corrective power of personal comfort systems in non-neutral ambient environments

This paper discusses a spectrum of systems that cool or heat occupants personally, termed ‘personal comfort systems’ (PCS), in order to quantify their ability to produce comfort in ambient temperatures that are above or below the subjects’ neutral temperatures. The comfort-producing effectiveness may be quantified in terms of a temperature difference, coining the index ‘corrective power’ (CP). CP is defined as difference between two ambient temperatures at which equal thermal sensation is achieved - one with no PCS (the reference condition), and one with PCS in use. CP represents the degree to which a PCS system may “correct” the ambient temperature toward neutrality. CP can alternatively be expressed in terms of thermal sensation and comfort survey scale units. Published studies of PCS are reviewed to extract their CP values. Cooling CP ranges from -1 to -6K, and heating CP from 2K to 10K. The physical characteristics of the particular PCS systems are not reported in detail here, but are presented as prototypes of what is possible. Deeper understanding of PCS will require new physiological and psychological information about comfort in local body segments and subsegments, and about spatial and temporal alliesthesia. These topics present many opportunities for productive future research.
How do food passage rate and assimilation differ between herbivorous lizards and nonruminant mammals

What digestive adaptations permit herbivorous nonruminant mammals to sustain much higher metabolic rates than herbivorous lizards, despite gross similarity in digestive anatomy and physiology? We approached this question by comparing four herbivorous species eating the same diet of alfalfa pellets: two lizards (chuckwalla and desert iugana) and two mammals (desert woodrat and laboratory mouse). The mammals had longer small and large intestines, greater intestinal surface area, much higher (by an order of magnitude) food intake normalized to metabolic live mass, and much faster food passage times (a few hours instead of a few days). Among both reptiles and mammals, passage times increase with body size and are longer for herbivores than for carnivores. The herbivorous lizards, despite these much slower passage times, had slightly lower apparent digestive efficiencies than the mammals. At least for chuckwallas, this difference from mammals was not due to differences in body temperature regime. Comparisons of chuckwallas and woodrats in their assimilation of various dietary components showed that the woodrat's main advantage lay in greater assimilation of the dietary fiber fraction. Woodrats achieved greater fiber digestion despite shorter residence time, but possibly because of a larger fermentation chamber, coprophagy, and/or different conditions for microbial fermentation. We conclude with a comparative overview of digestive function in herbivorous lizards and mammals, and with a list of four major unsolved questions.
Texturing the narrative paradigm: Folklore and communication

Although communication theory is often informed by other disciplines, scholarly connections with folklore have been few. As communication scholars become increasingly interested in narrative as a topic of study for the future, it seems important to return to the past: To folklore, and to Walter Fisher's work in communication that yielded the narrative paradigm. This paper suggests ways in which complementary understandings of narrative in folklore and in Fisher's paradigm could coinform each other and thereby enrich both disciplines. Many ideas about communication and the narrative paradigm can be empirically strengthened by the work of folklore scholars. At the same time, communication scholarship informs folklore's attempts to merge aesthetic and social processes in folklore and encouraging the conversation between disciplines to continue.
Identifying candidate allogeneic NK-cell donors for hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation based on functional phenotype

Identifying candidate allogeneic NK-cell donors for hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation based on functional phenotype
Morphological Amplification of Action Potentials in Axonal Varicosities

Action potentials, the regenerative electrical waves traveling along axons, are the electrical trigger of synaptic neurotransmitter release. Aside from propagation failures at branch points, axon geometry is presumed to be immaterial to action potential propagation. Our numerical simulations, in contrast, indicate that in-line varicosities can significantly modulate action potentials, and over large distances. A single in-line varicosity can severely depress action potential amplitudes upstream from it while, within the varicosity, depolarization is amplified. Amplification within varicosities varies in a non-trivial manner with varicosity size, and is most pronounced for varicosities close in dimensions to Herring bodies, the secretory specializations of neurohypophysial axons. Enhancement in secretory terminals is equally significant. Amplification is dominated by geometrical factors, but does vary with the kinetics of voltage-gated ion channels.
Integrated Proteomic, Transcriptomic, and Biological Network Analysis of Breast Carcinoma Reveals Molecular Features of Tumorigenesis and Clinical Relapse

Gene and protein expression changes observed with tumorigenesis are often interpreted independently of each other and out of context of biological networks. To address these limitations, this study examined several approaches to integrate transcriptomic and proteomic data with known protein-protein and signaling interactions in estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer tumors. An approach that built networks from differentially expressed proteins and identified among them networks enriched in differentially expressed genes yielded the greatest success. This method identified a set of genes and proteins linking pathways of cellular stress response, cancer metabolism, and tumor microenvironment. The proposed network underscores several biologically intriguing events not previously studied in the context of ER+ breast cancer, including the overexpression of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and the overexpression of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1. A gene-based expression signature biomarker built from this network was significantly predictive of clinical relapse in multiple independent cohorts of ER+ breast cancer patients, even after correcting for standard clinicopathological variables. The results of this study demonstrate the utility and power of an integrated quantitative proteomic, transcriptomic, and network analysis approach to discover robust and clinically meaningful molecular changes in tumors.
Menopausal-type symptoms in young breast cancer survivors

Abstract Background There has been little previous information available about menopausal-type symptoms in very young breast cancer survivors. Methods In collaboration with the Young Survival Coalition, we conducted an Internet-based survey of women with a history of breast cancer diagnosed at age 40 years or younger using items derived from the Breast Cancer Prevention Trial symptom checklist. Results A total of 371 respondents were eligible for analysis. Mean age at diagnosis was 32.8 years and mean age at follow-up 36.2 years; 89% of women received chemotherapy, 49% tamoxifen, 15% ovarian suppression, 4% aromatase inhibitors. At the time of survey, 37% were taking tamoxifen and 9% ovarian suppression. Excluding women on ovarian suppression, 77% of women were premenopausal at follow-up. Many women reported bothersome menopausal-type symptoms. In particular, 46% of women reported hot flashes and 39% reported dyspareunia. In a linear regression model of symptom scores, current ovarian suppression, postmenopausal status, baseline anxiety before the diagnosis, pregnancy after the diagnosis, prior chemotherapy, and lower perceived financial status were associated with more bothersome symptoms. Conclusion A substantial number of young breast cancer survivors experience bothersome menopausal symptoms. While the women who responded to our survey may represent a select group of survivors, these findings may have important implications for treatment decision making and long-term quality of life of young women with breast cancer.
Continuity through Co-optation: Rural Politics and Regime Resilience in Morocco and Mauritania

Morocco and Mauritania's regimes differ radically in their political structures and contemporary histories, yet they employed several similar strategies to secure survival during the Arab uprisings. Besides limited repression, constitutional reforms and palliative concessions, both regimes also used a distinct strategy of co-optation to aid authoritarian resilience. Targeting rural politicians with weak party affiliations for co-optation, regimes used it to build and reinforce loyalist political parties in the late 2000s. Once the uprisings began, both regimes deployed these loyalist parties to undertake counter-revolutionary activities to contain and counterbalance the power of youth and Islamist movements.
Do Dental Educators Need to Improve Their Approach to Teaching Rubber Dam Use

Most dentists are educated in rubber dam use in dental school, but there is often disparity between what is taught for various restorative procedures and what is practiced in the private sector. It is a common, although undocumented, belief that few practicing dentists routinely use rubber dam isolation. This study repeated a survey conducted in 1985 evaluating U.S. general dentists' attitudes toward rubber dam usage to see if improvement is needed in current dental educators' approach to this topic. Four hundred dentists were selected randomly from ten major geographically diverse cities using the website YellowPages.com. Each was mailed a letter requesting survey participation, which included a pre-stamped, pre-addressed postcard with the survey printed on the back. The target population, general dentists, returned 164 surveys (41 percent). Their responses can be summarized as follows: 71 percent do amalgams-of those, 53 percent never use a rubber dam whereas 12 percent always use a rubber dam; 100 percent do anterior direct resin composites-of those, 45 percent never use a rubber dam whereas 17 percent always use a rubber dam; 98 percent do posterior direct resin composites-of those, 39 percent never use a rubber dam and 18 percent always use a rubber dam; and 78 percent do endodontic procedures-of those, 11 percent never use a rubber dam whereas 58 percent always use a rubber dam. Most (74 percent) felt that their dental school rubber dam training was adequate; 42 percent felt that its use has an effect on the quality of restorative dentistry. Their most common reasons for not using a dam were the following: inconvenience (40 percent); unnecessary (28 percent); other (12 percent); patient refusal (11 percent); and time (9 percent). No respondent indicated that "cost" was a reason for not using rubber dams. This study indicates that many general dentists in this country continue to ignore the rubber dam for many restorative and some endodontic procedures. It indicates that predoctoral dental educators need to look for opportunities for improvement to reduce the discrepancy between what is taught and the general practice of dentistry.
Size and Refractive Index Determination of Single Polystyrene Spheres.

The intensity of the light scattered from individual dielectric spheres was measured as a function of the scattering angle, for light polarized parallel and perpendicular to the scattering plane. These sets of data were used to determine the radius and refractive index of the spheres by fitting the data to the scattering function obtained from Mie theory. The light was produced by a He·Cd laser (A=441.6 om). Measurements were performed on particles of six discrete sizes with radii in the range 117-1175 om. Several different measures of the quality of fit were examined, and the least-squares fit, unweighted or weighted with a factor sin 2 (8/2), was found to be the best. The values obtained for the index of refraction were found to be within 1 % of the published bulk value 1.615. The measured radii differed by several percent from those specified by the manufacturer. Several sources of error were analyzed, and their effects were simulated in numerical experiments. The largest source of error in the instrument was a discrepancy between the actual scattering angle and the reading provided by the instrument. Less significant was the noise introduced by the motion of the particle within the laser beam. A calibration eliminated most of the error in the scattering angle. The precision and accuracy of this technique are estimated to be 0.2% and 0.9%, respectively, of the particle size for particles of a nominal radius of 457 nm.
Contour path FDTD method for analysis of pyramidal horns with composite inner E-plane walls

The contour path finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method is used for modeling pyramidal horn antennas with or without composite E-plane inner walls. To model the pyramidal horn surface, a locally distorted grid is used. Modified equations are obtained based on the locally distorted grid and the assumptions of the contour path method. The developed algorithm is validated by comparing computed antenna gain patterns, with and without the presence of composite material, with available measurements. >
Vaginal hysterectomy vs. laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy in women with symptomatic uterine leiomyomas: a retrospective study.

Introduction: Uterine leiomyomas are the most common benign tumors of the female reproductive system. Although the majority of myomas are asymptomatic, some patients have symptoms or signs of varying degrees and require a hysterectomy. The aim of the study was to compare the clinical results of two minimally invasive hysterectomy techniques: vaginal hysterectomy (VH) and laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH). Material and methods: A retrospective, observational study was performed at a tertiary care center: the Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology Department, Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital Research Institute. The study period was from January 2003 to December 2012. A total of 159 women underwent either vaginal hysterectomy (VH, n = 120) or laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH, n = 39) for symptomatic uterine myomas. Outcome measures, including past medical history, blood loss, major complications, operating time and discharge time were assessed and compared between the studied groups. Statistical analysis was performed using Student t-test, U-Mann Whitney test, χ 2 test and Yates‘χ 2 test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: There were no differences in patients’ mean age. Parity was significantly higher in the VH group (VH 1.9 ± 0.7 vs. LAVH 1.5 ± 0.8; p = 0.008). No difference was found in the mean ± standard deviation (SD) uterine volume between vaginal hysterectomy and LAVH groups (179 ± 89 vs. 199 ± 88 cm 3 ), respectively. The mean operative time was significantly longer for the LAVH group (83 ± 29 vs. 131 ± 30 min; p = 0.0001). The intraoperative blood loss (VH 1.3 ± 1.1 vs. LAVH 1.4 ± 0.9 g/dl; p = 0.2) and the rate of intra- and postoperative complications were similar in both groups studied. The mean discharge time was longer for LAVH than for VH (VH 4.2 ± 1.2 vs. LAVH 5.3 ± 1.3 days, p = 0.0001). Conclusions: Laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy and VH are safe hysterectomy techniques for women with the myomatous uterus. Concerning the LAVH, the abdominal-pelvic exploration and the ability to perform adnexectomy safely represent the major advantages comparing with VH. Vaginal hysterectomy had a shorter operating time and the mild blood loss making it a suitable method of hysterectomy for cases in which the shortest duration of surgery and anesthesia is preferable.
Beyond Strategies Teacher Beliefs and Writing Instruction in Two Primary Inclusion Classrooms

Links between teachers’ pedagogical beliefs and teaching practices were investigated with respect to process writing instruction. Participants included 5 teachers, 44 general education students, and 23 special education students in 2 elementary multi-age inclusion classrooms. Findings suggested that, although the teachers shared similar views on inclusion and were convinced of the uniqueness of their respective instructional approaches, they nuanced their writing instruction to conform to their implicit theories about teaching, learning, and disability. One set of teachers believed that the writing “breakdowns” of students with disabilities required a structural approach— sequenced, individualized, phonics-based instruction targeting individual performance levels. Another set of teachers advocated a relational approach, wherein students with disabilities are “protected” and “empowered” in learning communities characterized by shared activities, student choice, and interpersonal communication.
Characterizing Energy Usage of a Commercially Available Ground Robot: Method and Results

Energy usage by mobile robots is becoming a larger concern as autonomous systems increase mission durations. Understanding and characterizing energy usage is key to reliable mission operation. This paper presents a methodology for characterizing energy usage of a ground robot traveling at a constant speed applicable to both open and "black box" proprietary platforms. To address testing area limitations, we introduce a "rounded box" path to approximate straight line travel. For a case study, this methodology was applied to an iRobot Packbot on grass and asphalt surfaces. Our results show a decrease in electrical energy used with increasing speed for soft grass and constant energy usage on asphalt. For both surfaces, a similar electrical-to-mechanical efficiency curve is obtained.
Short-Term Impact of 1997/1998 ENSO-Induced Disturbance on Abundance and Genetic Variation in a Tropical Butterfly

In order to assess the short-term impact of habitat loss after disturbance, we studied Arhopala epimuta (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) populations in 5 landscapes in Borneo that were differentially affected by the 1997/1998 El Nino Southern Oscillation-induced drought and fire. Sampling was conducted before (1997) and after (1998 and 2000) disturbance. This study combined demographic and genetic data inferred from the analysis of 5 microsatellite loci and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region sequences. Over all 5 landscapes, a total of 313 A. epimuta were sampled over the 3-year survey. Butterfly abundance varied greatly both spatially and temporally (within disturbed landscapes). After the disturbance, a 4-fold population expansion was observed in a small unburned isolate, whereas population extinction was observed in one of the severely burned areas. The analysis of mtDNA sequences in a subsample of 106 A. epimuta revealed no significant spatial or temporal genetic structure. The analysis of 5 microsatellite loci revealed high frequencies of null alleles. Genetic evidence of recent change in population size was found in all 3 unburned landscapes using microsatellites. Congruent to mtDNA, microsatellites failed to detect significant genetic structure according to sampling year or landscapes. Our results suggest that, for mobile species within recently fragmented habitat, habitat loss after disturbance may lead to local population extinction but may augment genetic diversity in remnant local populations because of increased gene flow.
Cytotoxic analogs of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone bind with high affinity to human breast cancers

Recently, we developed two new cytotoxic analogs of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH), AN-152 in which doxorubicin (DOX) is linked to [D-Lys6]LH-RH, and AN-207 which consists of 2-pyrrolino-DOX coupled to [D-Lys6]LH-RH. In this study, we examined binding of AN-152 and AN-207 to membranes of human breast cancer specimens and MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer lines. Both cytotoxic analogs displayed IC50 values in the nanomolar concentration range (IC50 = 2-13 nM). Using radioligand binding studies, we characterized the receptors for LH-RH on membranes of breast cancers. In addition, the expression of mRNA for LH-RH receptors in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines was demonstrated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). These highly active cytotoxic analogs of LH-RH have been designed as targeted chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of various cancers expressing receptors for LH-RH.
Molybdän‐ und Wolframimidoalkylidenkomplexe als effiziente Olefinmetathesekatalysatoren

Die katalytische Olefinmetathese hat sich schnell zu einer der am haufigsten eingesetzten Transformationen der modernen chemischen Synthese entwickelt. Ein Klasse von Katalysatoren, die den Weg zu dieser bedeutenden Entwicklung wiesen, sind die hochoxidierten Alkylidenkomplexe des Molybdans. Dieser Aufsatz umreist entscheidende Beobachtungen, die zur Entdeckung und Entwicklung von Molybdan- und Wolfram-Metathesekatalysatoren fuhrten. Schwerpunktmasig beschrieben wird der Einsatz von Molybdankatalysatoren in der Synthese biologisch relevanter Verbindungen und die Verwendung von chiralen Molybdankomplexen zur enantioselektiven Synthese. Derartige hocheffiziente Katalysatoren eroffnen einen einzigartigen Zugang zu Materialien von ausergewohnlicher Enantiomerenreinheit, haufig unter Vermeidung von Losungsmittelabfallen.
Using real options to evaluate ethanol plant expansion decisions

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate how to incorporate market price risk into investment decisions. The investigation focuses on investments to expand ethanol production facilities. The model is used to determine if such a real option approach can explain recent changes in the level of plant investment activity.Design/methodology/approach – The paper demonstrates how real option analysis and Monte Carlo simulation can be used to evaluate ethanol plant investments by using available historical industry and market price data. We focus on existing small‐to‐medium, dry milling plants and the real option to expand the scale of operations. The binomial option pricing model is used to identify optimal strategies.Findings – Increasing profitability and volatility appear to favor the strategy of investing during 2005‐2007. However, when the prices of corn and natural gas rise and plant profitability declines during 2007‐2008, the best strategy is increasingly to either postpone the investment or ...
Differential regulation of expression of hepatic and pulmonary cytochrome P4501A enzymes by 3-methylcholanthrene in mice lacking the CYP1A2 gene.

The cytochrome P4501A enzymes play important roles in carcinogen metabolism. We reported previously that 3-methylcholanthrene (MC) elicits a persistent induction of hepatic, pulmonary, and mammary microsomal cytochrome P450 (P450) 1A enzymes for several weeks after MC withdrawal. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that CYP1A2, a liver-specific P450 isozyme, plays an important role in the mechanisms governing persistent CYP1A1 induction by MC in liver but not in extra-hepatic tissues such as lung, which is devoid of endogenous CYP1A2. Administration of wild-type (WT) or CYP1A2-null mice with MC (100 μmol/kg i.p.) once daily for 4 days caused significant increases in hepatic CYP1A1/1A2 activities, apoprotein contents, and mRNA levels 1 day after carcinogen withdrawal compared with vehicle-treated controls. The induction persisted in the WT, but not CYP1A2-null animals, for up to 15 days. In the lung, MC caused persistent CYP1A1 induction for 15 days in both the genotypes. Since MC is almost completely eliminated by day 15, we hypothesize that CYP1A2 contributes to the up-regulation of CYP1A1 in liver, but not lung, by a novel mechanism, presumably involving a CYP1A2-dependent persistent metabolite. The studies demonstrate tissue-specific differences in the regulation of CYP1A by MC, a phenomenon that may have implications for human carcinogenesis caused by environmental chemicals.
Is it homogeneous Pt(II) or heterogeneous Pt(0)n catalysis? Evidence that Pt(1,5-COD)Cl2 and Pt(1,5-COD)(CH3)2 plus H2 form heterogeneous, nanocluster plus bulk-metal Pt(0) hydrogenation catalysts

Abstract An investigation of the question of “Is it homogeneous or heterogeneous catalysis?” is reported when using Pt II (1,5-COD)X 2 (X = halogen, alkyl) precatalysts for the hydrogenation of olefins. Using product studies, kinetic evidence, and Hg 0 poisoning experiments, it is shown that Pt II (1,5-COD)Cl 2 is a precatalyst and must be reduced to Pt 0 nanoclusters and bulk metal as the true hydrogenation catalyst. An investigation of the related complex Pt II (1,5-COD)(CH 3 ) 2 reveals that this complex does not form a hydrogenation catalyst by itself under H 2 , in agreement with the literature. Kinetic and Hg 0 poisoning evidence confirms that Pt II (1,5-COD)(CH 3 ) 2 , too, forms a Pt 0 heterogeneous catalyst if other metals (Ir 0 , Pt 0 ) are used as seeds to initiate the reduction of Pt II . A short review of the use of Pt II (1,5-COD)Cl 2 in hydrosilylation reactions is given, illustrating the continued controversy surrounding the nature of the true catalyst in that literature system.
Interarea Model Estimation for Radial Power System Transfer Paths With Intermediate Voltage Control Using Synchronized Phasor Measurements

In this paper we develop measurement-based methods for estimating a two-machine reduced model to represent the interarea dynamics of a radial, two-area power system with intermediate dynamic voltage control. Two types of voltage control equipment are considered, namely, a static VAr compensator (SVC), and a synchronous condenser. The methods use synchronized bus voltage phasor data at several buses including the voltage control bus, and the line currents on the power transfer path.
On the Macrocyclization of the Erythromycin Core: Preorganization is Not Required

The erythromycins, discovered and isolated in the early 1950s, are the best-known members of the clinically important macrolide class of antibiotics. The 14-membered macrolactone core imbedded in these natural products has inspired new synthetic methods for the construction of large ring lactones, beginning with the landmark synthesis of erythronolide B by the Corey group in 1978. During these studies, a single acetonide protecting group was utilized at the C-3/C-5 position. Similarly, this protecting group was used by the Masamune group years later for the synthesis of 6-deoxyerythronolide B (6-dEB). While no rationale was given for the use of this acetonide at the time, its function was revealed during the historic synthesis of erythromycin A in 1981 by Woodward et al. In three consecutive reports, the Woodward group extensively explored the conformational requirements for efficient acylation-based macrolactonization of erythromycin A seco acid derivatives. In particular, cyclic protecting groups were placed at various positions to serve as biasing elements, that is, artificial structural features intended to aid macrocyclic ring closure through substrate preorganization. The results from this study led the Woodward group to conclude that “certain structural features such as ... cyclic protecting groups at C-3/C-5 and C-9/C-11 are required for efficient lactonization” and that “these structural requirements probably arise from conformation requirements for lactonization.” This conclusion—that preorganization is required for efficient cyclization—has become a wellaccepted doctrine that has influenced the planning of all ensuing erythromycin syntheses (see below). We now report for the first time that conformational restraining elements are in fact not required for attaining efficient lactonization of the erythromycin core structure, 6-deoxyerythronolide B (6dEB). Moreover, we demonstrate that the removal of biasing elements allows for more stereochemical flexibility in the cyclization of 6-dEB, thus enabling access to stereochemical analogues that are not readily accessible with the biasing elements in place. Overall these findings require revision of the 30-year-old dogma that preorganization is mandatory for achieving macrocyclization of the erythromycins. Inspired by the Woodward report, synthetic endeavors by the research groups of Stork, Nakata, Yonemitsu, Danishefsky, Kochetkov, Hoffmann, Evans, Woerpel, Nelson, and us have reduced the conformational space available to the seco acid backbones of the erythronolide series (that is, 6-dEB, erythronolide B, and erythronolide A) through the use of sixmembered-ring protecting groups on C-3/C-5 and C-9/C-11 (Scheme 1). In addition to scaffolds with cyclic protecting