cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Processing aspects of glass-nicalon fibre and interconnected porous aluminium nitride ceramic and glass composites

Glass matrix-fibre and glass infiltrated ceramic composites with interconnected phases have been shown to have the potential for displaying optimum thermal conductivity and dielectric constant at 1 MHz making them useful as substrates for electronic packaging. Ceramic (Nicalon and silicon carbide grade (SCS)) fibre-borosilicate glass composites were fabricated using tape casting processes combined with pressure and pressureless sintering techniques. Experiments were also conducted to process AIN ceramics with interconnected porous channels which were then hot infiltrated with borosilicate glass. Results of optical characterization of the composites indicate that infiltration of Nicalon cloth with glass is achieved by hot pressing, while the tape casting and lamination approach followed by sintering is useful for fabricating composites of glass and Nicalon tows. The sintered aluminium nitride ceramics are comprised of ≈28% (volume fraction) interconnected pores. Hot infiltration yielded ≈100 μm penetration of borosilicate glass into the pores of the nitride ceramic. The paper discusses the various scientific aspects involved in processing the glass-fibre and porous AIN composites containing 3-d interconnected pores. Results of the microstructural characterization of these composites are discussed particularly in regards to the desired microstructure essential for these composites to be useful as substrates in electronic packaging.
Oocyte morphology correlates with embryo quality and pregnancy rate after intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the relation of oocyte morphology with embryo quality and pregnancy rates (PRs) after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Design: Retrospective study of patients undergoing ICSI. Setting: University Hospital IVF Center. Patient(s): Sixty-eight patients who underwent ICSI and had transfer of good-quality embryos (grade 3), 60 patients with transfer of both good- and poor-quality embryos (grade 3 and grade 2), and 18 patients with transfer of poor-quality embryos (grade 2). Intervention(s): Comparison of the outcome of ICSI in the three groups of patients and the relation of oocyte morphology to embryo quality. Main Outcome Measure(s): Oocyte morphology and embryo quality (grade). Fertilization, cleavage, and pregnancy rates. Serum E 2 on the day of hCG administration. Result(s): Oocytes with poor morphology (dark cytoplasm; many vacuoles or fragments in cytoplasm) led to poor-quality embryos and consequently to lower PRs (5.5% versus 29.4%). Serum E 2 on the day of hCG administration was significantly higher in the group with good-quality embryos compared with that with poor-quality embryos (2,047 ± 135.7 versus 1,651 ± 164.8 pg/mL, respectively). Conclusion(s): Serum E 2 on the day of hCG administration is a marker of embryo quality. Oocyte morphology correlates well with embryo quality and PRs after ICSI.
Iterative learning system to intercept a ball for humanoid soccer player

Soccer for humanoid robots has been a field of study for a long time, and the majority of the teams that compete in a tournament only focus until now in reaching the ball and drive it to score. That is the reason why we think that a more collaborative work would be a real improvement towards accomplishing the RoboCup 2050 ultimate goal of a fully autonomous humanoid team defeating the winning team of the FIFA World Cup Championship of the same year. In this paper, we propose a training system for humanoid-type soccer robot, that will learn to precisely intercept of a ball when is kicked by one robot of the same team. Vision system for ball detection is used as input to predict trajectory of the ball. A knowledge based learning algorithm enables the player to get higher chance to intercept the ball. We confirmed that the proposed approach can be a part of intelligent robot in the field of humanoid soccer.
Observation of Electron-Beam-Induced Phase Evolution Mimicking the Effect of the Charge–Discharge Cycle in Li-Rich Layered Cathode Materials Used for Li Ion Batteries

Capacity loss and voltage fade upon electrochemical charge–discharge cycling observed in lithium-rich layered cathode oxides (Li[LixMnyTM1–x–y]O2, where TM = Ni, Co, or Fe) have recently been correlated with a gradual phase transformation featuring the formation of a surface reconstructed layer (SRL) that evolves from a thin (<2 nm), defect spinel layer upon the first charge to a relatively thick (∼5 nm), spinel or rock-salt layer upon continuous charge–discharge cycling. Here we report observations of an SRL and structural evolution of the SRL on the Li[Li0.2Ni0.2Mn0.6]O2 (LNMO) particles, which are identical to those reported due to the charge–discharge cycle but are a result of electron-beam irradiation during scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) imaging. Sensitivity of the lithium-rich layered oxides to high-energy electrons leads to the formation of a thin, defect spinel layer on surfaces of the particles upon exposure to a 200 kV electron beam for as little as 30 s under normal high-reso...
10.2.2 Mathematical Models of Emergence in Complex Systems‐of‐systems

This paper presents an analysis of five mathematical models of systems-of-systems (SoS) illustrating the potential for emergent behavior. Each case is examined to determine whether or not the resulting system behavior meets the challenge of “essential unpredictability” which would serve as a critical factor in defining the SoS as complex. We conclude that three of the cases provide examples of systems which meet all the criteria for System-of-system definition, but do not exhibit emergent behavior, while at least one, and perhaps two, of the cases lead to emergent behavior meeting the “essential unpredictability” test, thereby demonstrating the difference between complicated systems-of-systems and complex ones. Further examination of this relationship is proposed, and further questions for study are defined.
A mycosis-like granuloma of fish.

Mycoses of systemic distribution are rarely observed in fresh-water fish in this country. In a recent review of atypical cell growths in fishes, Nigrelli1 cited the only known instance of a mycetoma in a North American freshwater fish which occurred in the head of fingerling landlocked salmon from an Idaho hatchery.2 The fungus associated with this granuloma was characterized by a branching septate mycelium. Rucker3 reported a streptomycete which was pathogenic to blueback salmon. This organism produced internal nodules containing masses of hyphae but no inflammatory response. A pathogenic fungus has been observed frequently in marine fish,4 however, and in both marine and fresh-water fish in Europe. This organism was tentatively classified as a Phycomycete in or near the order Chytridiales and was assigned to the genus and species Ichthyophonus hoferi,b later reclassified as Ichthyosporidium hoferi.4 The granuloma described in this report occurs in fresh-water trout and is apparently caused by a budding, yeast-like form with no hyphae which evokes a tremendous inflammatory reaction. Morphologically, the organism does not resemble the previously described Ichthyosporidium. The lesions were first
Test profile of cholinergic dysfunction and of Alzheimer-Type dementia

A characteristic profile of subtest scores from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) similar to that seen in clinically tested dementia patients was found in 10 of 19 normal young adult subjects with a drug-induced cholinergic deficiency of mental functioning but in only 4 of 22 control subjects. The same subtest profile was then found in test data from two groups of consecutive dementia patients (61 and 77 patients, respectively) with research diagnoses of Alzheimer-type dementia (DAT, senile and presenile), multi-infarct, and other dementias. The profile identified 44% of testable patients with AD and was 96% specific to DAT (only two false positives). A Verbal-Performance IQ discrepancy of 15 or more points was associated with cholinergic dysfunction in the normal drug subjects, but this IQ-score discrepancy did not differentiate AD from multi-infarct dementia patients. It was concluded that the subtest profile could contribute to the differentiation of DAT from other dementias. The association of this profile with drug-induced cholinergic deficiency suggested that the cholinergic deficiency of DAT might be responsible for the intellectual changes seen in this disease.
High-spin states in 127,129La; A test of backbending in the even Ba and Ce nuclei

Abstract The h 11 2 band in 127,129 La has been identified to spin 35 2 − , and it does not backbend. This suggests that rotation-aligned h 11 2 protons are a major component of high-spin states in neighboring Ba and Ce nuclei which do exhibit backbending.
Risk factors associated with the need for a tracheostomy in extremely low birth weight infants.

In an attempt to determine the risk factors associated with the need for a tracheostomy in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants, a retrospective, case control study was conducted (each infant with a tracheostomy [case] was matched to two controls). Medical records were reviewed for patients' characteristics, risk factors for tracheostomy and outcome. During the study period (June 1996 to Dec 2010), 934 ELBW infants were admitted to our institution and nine infants had a tracheostomy and were matched to 18 controls. There were no differences in birth weight (BW) and gestation age (GA) between cases and controls (828.1 ± 136.2 g vs. 822.0 ± 140.9 g [P = 0.91] and 26.6 ± 1.8 weeks vs. 26.5 ± 1.6 weeks [P = 0.88], respectively). In comparison to their controls, infants with a tracheostomy had a higher rate of intubation (median 13 [11–15] vs. 3 [2–5], P ≤ 0.001), a higher rate of total intubation attempts (median 18 [13–21] vs. 5.5 [3–7], P = 0.001), and more days of mechanical ventilation prior to their tracheostomy (mean 100.7 ± 27.7 vs. 29.2 ± 19.8 days [P < 0.001]). Also infants with a tracheostomy had a higher rate of non-congenital upper airway obstruction (55% [5/9] vs. 0% [0/18]; P = 0.001), a higher rate of chronic lung disease (100% [9/9] vs. 5% [1/18]; P < 0.001) and a higher mortality (44% [4/9] vs. 0% [0/18]; P = 0.007) than their controls. In conclusion, chronic lung disease, multiple intubations and intubation attempts, duration of mechanical ventilation, and non-congenital upper airway obstruction are risk factors associated with tracheostomies in ELBW infants. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:146–150. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Incubation temperature affects plasma insulin-like growth factors in embryos from selected lines of turkeys.

Abstract An experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that incubator temperature may affect circulating insulin-like growth factors (IGF-I and IGF-II). In prior studies, growth of turkey embryos was altered by increasing incubator temperatures. Interestingly, the embryonic growth of a growth-selected line (F) was reduced, whereas embryos from an egg-production-selected line (E) did not alter embryonic growth but altered organogenesis. Growth of the F and E lines was altered experimentally in the current study by increasing incubator temperature from 36.8 to 37.2 C during the last 3 d of incubation. Embryonic blood samples were taken and analyzed for glucose, glucagon, IGF-I, and IGF-II concentrations. Increased incubator temperature elevated embryonic plasma glucose concentrations of all treatments compared to controls, which was accompanied by increased plasma glucagon concentration only in the E line embryos. Line and treatment interacted to affect IGF-I and IGF-II concentrations of embryo and hatchlings. Line E embryos increased IGF-I in response to the higher temperature, but controls did not; F embryos altered IGF-II in response to treatment, but controls did not. Alterations in IGF-I in E corresponded to growth responses, whereas IGF-II in F corresponded to metabolic responses. We concluded that changes in turkey embryo growth rates to incubator temperature involved changes in IGF-I. Additionally, IGF-II and glucagon are involved in intermediary metabolism during higher temperature exposure.
The effects of social environment on adult neurogenesis in the female prairie vole.

In the mammalian brain, adult neurogenesis has been found to occur primarily in the subventricular zone (SVZ) and dentate gyrus of the hippocampus (DG) and to be influenced by both exogenous and endogenous factors. In the present study, we examined the effects of male exposure or social isolation on neurogenesis in adult female prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster). Newly proliferated cells labeled by a cell proliferation marker, 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU), were found in the SVZ and DG, as well as in other brain areas, such as the amygdala, hypothalamus, neocortex, and caudate/putamen. Two days of male exposure significantly increased the number of BrdU-labeled cells in the amygdala and hypothalamus in comparison to social isolation. Three weeks later, group differences in BrdU labeling generally persisted in the amygdala, whereas in the hypothalamus, the male-exposed animals had more BrdU-labeled cells than did the female-exposed animals. In the SVZ, 2 days of social isolation increased the number of BrdU-labeled cells compared to female exposure, but this difference was no longer present 3 weeks later. We have also found that the vast majority of the BrdU-labeled cells contained a neuronal marker, indicating neuronal phenotypes. Finally, group differences in the number of cells undergoing apoptosis were subtle and did not seem to account for the observed differences in BrdU labeling. Together, our data indicate that social environment affects neuron proliferation in a stimulus- and site-specific manner in adult female prairie voles.
Debris- and Ice-Skimming Booms at Riverside Diversions

Hydraulic-design guidelines are presented for deploying debris- and ice-skimming booms at riverside diversions such as water intakes for thermal power stations, municipal water-supply facilities, and irrigation canals. Based on laboratory-flume tests and boom literature, the guidelines aim to reduce debris passage into and accumulations at diversions. Important design variables include boom distance out from the diversion entrance, boom orientation to the diversion, and boom draft. Optimal deployment of skimming booms is related to the flow field at riverside diversions. The flume tests established how these variables influence the physical processes governing skimming-boom performance, and they led to recommendations on effective deployment of straight and bent booms for debris flushing. Bent booms, which comprise two segments (one angled from upstream and one parallel to the diversion), are the more effective boom type for wider ranges of river and diversion flows.
Axonal trajectories between mouse somatosensory thalamus and cortex

An in vitro brain slice preparation has been used to label fibers connecting the somatosensory thalamus and cortex of the mouse. In 400-800-micron brain slices, the pathway between the ventrobasal complex and somatosensory cortex was labeled under direct vision with horseradish peroxidase crystals (HRP), HRP-Nonidet P-40 (NP40) detergent chips, or a solution of HRP/dimethylsulfoxide. Thalamocortical and corticofugal fibers are organized into a plexiform system of bundles that appears to be fairly constant from animal to animal. Bundles of fibers projecting from the ventrobasal complex course between regularly spaced groups of thalamic neurons. Thalamocortical axons do not invariably leave the thalamus via the fiber bundle closest to the perikarya. Thus, nearest-neighbor relationships are abolished before these axons have even left the thalamus. The axon bundles traverse the thalamic reticular nucleus lateral to the complex. The axons then rotate about one another, analogous to the coiling of strands in rope about a central axis. This accounts for the well known 180 degrees rotation in the mediolateral direction between thalamic and cortical maps. Laterally, fiber bundles converge and diverge within the internal capsule so that nearest-neighbor relationships are lost. Individual thalamocortical axons do not bifurcate proximal to the subcortical white matter. After single bundles of fibers reach a point just below the subcortical white matter, their individual fibers diverge widely. Within the subcortical white matter most afferent fibers make a small dorsally concave loop prior to taking one of two possible courses: some of the fibers ascend directly into the overlying cortex usually angled towards the dorsal surface of the brain; other fibers run in the subcortical white matter for variable distances prior to ascending into cortex. Within somatosensory cortex, smooth axons branch near their terminals in layers IV and VI. Axonal terminal and branching patterns of these axons within somatosensory cortex are similar to those found in in vivo preparations. Most axons are smooth, but other axons are beaded. Some beaded axons project to layer I. Corticofugal fibers are labeled. Fibers leaving somatosensory cortex have an angle of descent opposite to the angle of ascent for afferent fibers, and are often fasciculated in the cortex and subcortical white matter. Within the subcortical white matter efferent fibers often loop in a direction opposite to that of afferent fibers. Corticofugal fibers occasionally give off a collateral corticostriatal branch within the internal capsule.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Diminishing Returns: The Effects of Income on the Content of Stereotypes of Wage Earners

This study examined stereotypes of wage earners who varied in annual income from $10,000 to $190,000. As income increased, these stereotypes increased strongly in positive agentic characteristics and moderately in negative agentic characteristics and decreased slightly in communal characteristics. Findings were consistent with the interpretation that these stereotypic beliefs resulted from the influence of wage earners’ income on participants’ beliefs about earners’ role behavior on the job and in caring relationships.
New Rods Move before Differentiating in Adult Teleost Retina

To understand the cellular context of neuronal differentiation in the vertebrate retina, we analyzed the behavior of a class of progenitor cells in the outer nuclear layer of the teleost retina which divide throughout the animal's life and generate only rod photoreceptors. We present evidence that these progenitors reside adjacent to the outer limiting membrane of the retina during all phases of cell cycle. After final cell division, postmitotic cells move inward, toward the vitreal boundary of the outer nuclear layer, before they give rise to new rods. This movement is remarkable because it occurs in the mature, functioning retina. We hypothesize that only one of the two progenitor daughter cells moves while the other remains adjacent to the outer limiting membrane to divide again.
‘Anthropocentric Indirect Arguments for Environmental Protection,’ Kevin Elliott; Anthropocentric Indirect Arguments: A Risky Business?

Energy scientist Amory Lovins is fond of pointing out that in the late 19th century, it was not picketing environmentalists that saved the whales being slaughtered en masse for oil used for lightin...
Los Alamos High-Power Microwave Source Development: The Resonant-Cavity Virtual Cathode And The Large-Orbit Gyrotron

The need for new, very intense microwave sources has been stimulated by the requirements for high-power phased arrays, vulnerability and effects tests sources, and the next generation of particle accelerators including the proposed linear colliders. All of these applications place stringent demands on the microwave source in addition to high power, including frequency and phase stability, efficiency, and long pulse ( > 1 μs) repetitive operation. Los Alamos is working on the resonant-cavity virtual cathode source and the large-orbit gyrotron in an attempt to experimentally address some of these issues. The resonant-cavity virtual cathode research has succeeded in demonstrating single-mode, narrow-band operation by surrounding the oscillating virtual cathode with a resonant-cavity structure. An experimental effort to injection lock the oscillating virtual cathode to a low-power injected signal is currently underway. The large-orbit gyrotron research is directed toward developing a technique for efficiently coupling the microwave output power into rectangular wave-guide. A 1-MV, 20-kA modulator with a 1-μs pulse length and a 5-Hz pulse repetition frequency (prf) has been designed and is currently in development; it will be used to drive a repetitively pulsed large-orbit gyrotron. The overall experimental effort is described and current experimental results are discussed.
Magnetohydrodynamic Effects on the Growth of Condensations in an Expanding Universe and the Formation of Galaxies

We review evidence for the existence of the Galaxy's (Milky Way's) magnetic field and the evidence for an intergalactic magnetic field permeating an ionized inter-galactic medium. The magnetohydrodynamics of such an inter-galactic medium during the post-recombination expansion and the effects of MHD on the formation of galaxies are then considered: isotropic cosmologies, the interaction of magnetic fields with isotropic backgrounds, detailed MHD perturbation computations, and an analysis of related MHD galaxyformation studies.
Residual Stresses in Welded Moment Frames and Implications for Structural Performance

Welding-induced residual stresses are usually regarded as secondary stresses and therefore not accounted for in the structural analysis. This treatment, however, was brought into question with the welding research community by the discovery of a widespread structural damage in the 1994 Northridge earthquake. Brittle fracture was identified in many of the prequalified weld joints in steel moment frames. Welding-induced residual stresses are believed to be one of the factors contributing to the brittle fracture. In this paper, a detailed investigation on residual stresses in welded moment frame connections is presented. Both the actual connection configurations of the moment resistant frames and local weld details are considered by means of advanced residual stress analysis techniques. Then, the effects of triaxial residual stress state on plastic deformation capacity are discussed based on finite-element results on a wide-plate specimen loaded in tension. Finally, a series of fracture mechanics analyses were carried out to assess the effects of residual stresses on the fracture behavior. As a result, a great deal of insight has been obtained on the fracture behavior of the moment frame welds. Among other things, the results indicate that welding-induced residual stresses significantly increase the fracture driving force due to the presence of high tensile residual stresses. The high triaxial residual stress states identified in these joints can greatly reduce the plastic deformation capability, consequently promoting brittle fracture. Therefore, it seems reasonable to postulate that weld residual stresses could have played an important role in the occurrence of brittle fracture in the pre-Northridge weld joints.
Numerical simulations of Cross-Appalachian transport and diffusion

Numerical studies of short-term transport and diffusion over regional distances have been made with a particle-in-cell model and compared with observations from the Cross-Appalachian Tracer Experiment. The plume configurations of all seven simulations show general agreement with the observed patterns. Frequency distributions of observed and predicted values are broadly similar, although correlation coefficients of points paired in space and time are poor; this results from small dislocations in predicted versus observed plume orientations.
Survival by stress modality in patients with a normal myocardial perfusion study

We sought to determine the differential prognosis of patients with a normal single-photon emission computed tomographic (SPECT) perfusion study by type of stress modality. Even with a normal SPECT perfusion study, patients selected for adenosine stress have a worse survival than those selected for exercise stress. In patients who are able, low-level treadmill exercise is commonly performed during adenosine infusion ("walking" adenosine). The adjusted differential prognosis of patients performing walking adenosine is unknown. Our historical cohort underwent adenosine or treadmill stress with SPECT imaging during 2003 and 2004. Adenosine studies were classified as walking or adenosine only (no low-level exercise). Patients with an abnormal single-photon emission computed tomogram or missing demographic information were excluded. All-cause mortality was determined through July 2008. In total 3,479 patients were included, of which 1,451 (41.7%) were stressed with adenosine only, 201 (5.8%) with walking adenosine, and 1,827 (52.5%) with treadmill exercise. Over an average of 4.3 ± 1.0 years of follow-up, 307 (8.8%) died. Mortality was greatest for adenosine only, intermediate for walking adenosine, and least for exercise (p <0.001 by log-rank test), even after accounting for covariates (adjusted hazard ratio for walking adenosine 0.57, p = 0.044). In conclusion, patients with a normal SPECT perfusion scan who are able to undergo an adenosine protocol in conjunction with exercise have an intermediate prognosis between those who cannot perform low-level exercise and patients able to undergo full treadmill exercise. This differential survival remains significant after adjustment, perhaps because of differences in baseline functional capacity.
Inhibitory cross-talk by cAMP kinase on the calmodulin-dependent protein kinase cascade.

The calmodulin-dependent kinase (CaM-K) cascade, a Ca2+-triggered system involving phosphorylation and activation of CaM-KI and CaM-KIV by CaM kinase kinase (CaM-KK), regulates transcription through direct phosphorylation of transcription factors such as cAMP response element-binding protein. We have shown previously that activated CaM-KIV can activate the mitogen-activated protein kinases (Enslen, H., Tokumitsu, H., Stork, P. J. S., Davis, R. J., and Soderling, T. R. (1996) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 93, 10803–10808), and the present paper describes a novel regulatory cross-talk between cAMP kinase (PKA) and CaM-KK. PKA gave rapid phosphorylation in vitro and in cells of recombinant CaM-KK, resulting in 50–75% inhibition of CaM-KK activity, part of which was due to suppression of CaM-binding by phosphorylation of Ser458 in the CaM-binding domain. However, the Ser458 → Ala mutant, or a truncation mutant in which the CaM-binding and autoinhibitory domains were deleted, was still partially suppressed by PKA-mediated phosphorylation. The second inhibitory site was identified as Thr108 by site-specific mutagenesis. Treatments of COS-7, PC12, hippocampal, or Jurkat cells with the PKA activators forskolin or isoproterenol gave 30–90% inhibition of either endogenous or transfected CaM-KK and/or CaM-KIV activities. These results demonstrate that the CaM kinase cascade is negatively regulated in cells by the cAMP/PKA pathway.
Effects of surface modification on placement and adhesion of NG108-15 cells

A graded height flow cell was used to measure the adhesion properties of the neural cell line of neuroblastoma X glioma (NG108-15) cells cultured on substrates of organosilane self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). The SAMs tested in this study were 13F, 15F, PEG 550, OTS, DETA and APTS. Utilizing deep UV lithography, patterning of the SAMs create three regions for cell attachment; the original SAM, the backfilled SAM, and the interface between the two. Upon plating, the cell soma show no preference for any of the three regions. One exception was on PEG 550, which was found to resist cell adhesion upon normal plating conditions. The cell processes of the NG108-15 cells show a preference for growth at the interface between two patterned surfaces. A factor of three increase in adhesion properties was found for the patterned surface over an uncoated glass surface. Design rules of a single whole cell biosensor using theNG108-15 cells can be developed based on these findings.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Prognostic Value of Body Mass Index in Locally Advanced Breast Cancer

Purpose: The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the association and prognostic value of body mass index (BMI) at the time of initial diagnosis in patients with locally advanced breast cancer (LABC). The analysis includes the subsets of inflammatory (IBC) and noninflammatory (non-IBC LABC) breast cancer. Experimental Design: We identified 602 patients who had LABC treated on prospective clinical trials. BMI was divided into three groups: ( a ) ≤24.9 (normal/underweight), ( b ) 25.0 to 29.9 (overweight), and ( c ) ≥30 (obese). Kaplan-Meier product limit method was used to estimate survival outcomes. Cox proportional hazards were used to determine associations between survival and BMI and to test for an interaction between BMI and breast cancer type. Results: Eighty-two percent had non-IBC LABC and 18% had IBC. Obese patients tended to have a higher incidence of IBC compared with overweight and normal/underweight groups ( P = 0.01). Median follow up was 6 years for all patients. Median overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were 8.8 and 5.9 years, respectively. Patients with LABC who were obese or overweight had a significantly worse OS and RFS ( P = 0.001) and a higher incidence of visceral recurrence compared with normal/underweight patients. In a multivariable model, BMI remained significantly associated with both OS and RFS for the entire cohort. The interactions between BMI and LABC subsets and between BMI and menopausal status were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Patients with LABC and high BMI have a worse prognosis. Evaluation of the biological factors associated with this observation can provide tools for additional therapeutic interventions.
Cardiac hormones target nuclear oncogenes c-Fos and c-Jun in carcinoma cells.

Background c-Fos is a cellular proto-oncogene which dimerizes with c-Jun proto-oncogene to form AP-1 transcription factor, which upregulates transcription of genes involved in proliferation and cancer formation. Four cardiac hormones, that is, long-acting natriuretic peptide (LANP), vessel dilator, kaliuretic peptide (KP) and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) with anticancer effects in vivo are potent inhibitors of the Ras-MEK 1/2-ERK 1/2 kinase cascade and signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT-3) that activate c-Fos and c-Jun. These four cardiac hormones were investigated for their effects on proto-oncogenes c-Fos and c-Jun within the nucleus of cancer cells. Materials and methods Four cardiac hormones were evaluated for their ability to decrease proto-oncogenes c-Fos and c-Jun, measured by ELISA in extracted nuclei of three human cancer cell lines. Results Vessel dilator, LANP, KP and ANP over a concentration range of 100 pM–10 μM, maximally decreased c-Fos by 61%, 60%, 61% and 59% in human hepatocellular cancer cells, by 82%, 74%, 78% and 74% in small-cell lung cancer cells, and by 82%, 73%, 78% and 74% in human renal adenocarcinoma cells. c-Jun was maximally reduced by vessel dilator, LANP, KP and ANP by 43%, 31%, 61% and 35% in hepatocellular cancer cells, by 65%, 49%, 59% and 40% in small-cell lung cancer cells, and by 47%, 43%, 57% and 49% in renal cancer cells. Conclusion Four cardiac hormones are potent inhibitors of c-Fos and c-Jun proto-oncogenes within the nucleus of cancer cells.
The Questions about Behavioral Function (QABF): Current Status as a Method of Functional Assessment.

Functional assessment has now entered the mainstream for evaluation and to aid in the treatment of challenging behaviors, while experimental functional analysis was at the forefront of this movement, this particular methodology has proven to be impractical, and thus has limited utility in real world settings. As a result of these factors standardized test have become a popular alternative for making a functional assessment. The most extensively studied of these scales to date is the Questions About Behavioral Function (QABF). This paper reviews the available research on this scale, its current status, and future directions.
Dieldrin: studies in a poisoned child.

Clinical symptoms and gross autopsy findings in two cases of dieldrin poisoning are presented. Studies in one child suggest that redistribution of the insecticide into fat is slow and that the more rapid redistribution of dieldrin is from brain to muscle, which may account for termination of seizures. Concentrations fall to population levels with a first-order decay rate which had, in this case, a half-life of 50 days. Electroencephalograms, helpful for diagnosis, may reflect the brain load of poison. Evidence for liver toxicity was found both acutely and more than one year after poisoning.
Experiments in marine navigation with NAVSTAR-GPS satellites

Abstract One of six Type Z Navigation sets, which use the civil-available C/A code signal, was provided to the U.S. Coast Guard and the Maritime Administration for a joint test and evaluation program. The goal of this program is to determine the suitability of GPS C/A signals for marine use. The first static tests were conducted in May–September 1979 in Long Beach, California. Results from these tests are presented following a tutorial summary of the Z-set operating principles. When signal conditions are optimum, the tests reveal a four-satellite fix accuracy and variability which is considerably better than the readout precision of 1.0 arc-sec. Underlying effective ranging errors were estimated to fall in the 5–10 m. rms, range. Fix errors increased by a factor of 5 when 24-h old orbit and clock parameters were used, and they increased by the same amount when only three satellites with poor GDOP were available. Fixes obtained in a vehicle agreed with topographic map location at 14 of 15 sites around Los Angeles, with the one fix failure ascribed to building shadow. Further examples of underlying ranging errors measured with an X-set located near Baltimore, Maryland, are shown to agree with these data.
Disparities in reconstruction rates after mastectomy: patterns of care and factors associated with the use of breast reconstruction in Southern California.

Background Many factors influence whether breast cancer patients undergo reconstruction after mastectomy. We sought to determine the patterns of care and variables associated with the use of breast reconstruction in Southern California.
Visualizing the perisaccadic shift of spatiotopic coordinates.

A point light source flickering on and off during a horizontal saccade projects a horizontal array onto the retina. The apparent visual direction of the tail end of the perceived (phantom) array reflects the amount of perisaccadic shift of spatiotopic coordinates that has been completed by the end of the saccade. Four men, saccading 8° to the right across a flashing light, judged the horizontal visual direction of the left (tail) end of the phantom array relative to the left end of a standard 8° array that had projected an image onto the retina before the saccade began. On average, the left ends appeared to be aligned when the last flash in the phantom array was imaged on the retina 7.4° to the right of the image of the left end of the standard array. This result implies that the shift of spatiotopic coordinates is virtually complete by the end of the saccade.
Effect of dithiothreitol on lipid peroxidation induced modification of NMDA receptor in fetal guinea pig brain

The present study examines if the NMDA receptor modification induced by lipid peroxidation is mediated through its redox site and is therefore reversible by dithiothreitol (DTT) by performing [3H]MK-801 binding in the fetal guinea pig brain. P2 membrane fractions were prepared from fetal guinea pig brains and were peroxidized in vitro by 100 μM ascorbate and 25 μM ferric chloride for 20 min. Control and peroxidized membranes were then incubated with 100 μM DTT for 30 min at 37°C. [3H]MK-801 binding was performed in DTT treated and untreated membranes in the presence of 100 μM each of glutamate and glycine. In addition, to study the glutamate- and glycine-dependent activation, [3H]MK-801 binding was determined in the absence (basal) and presence (activated) of glutamate and glycine. Bmax (number of binding sites) and Kd (affinity) of the binding sites were used as indices of NMDA receptor modification and its reversibility by DTT. After lipid peroxidation, the Kd value increased from 4.44 ± 0.12 in control to 10.39 ± 1.78 nM (P < 0.01) suggesting decreased affinity following lipid peroxidation. Following treatment with DTT, there was no significant change in Kd, but Bmax was significantly (P < 0.007) decreased in the peroxidized membrane. This suggests that DTT did not improve the affinity of the NMDA receptor of the lipid peroxidized membrane but may have a deleterious effect by reducing the number of binding sites. However, in the control membrane DTT significantly increased the affinity (P < 0.004) and the Bmax (P < 0.01) of the NMDA receptors. Lipid peroxidation decreased the glutamate- and glycine-dependent activation by 65% as compared to control. Treatment with DTT further decreased the activation by 50% in the peroxidized membrane, while increased by 60% in the control membrane which may be due to modification of the glutamate and glycine sites or the ion channel properties of the NMDA receptor by DTT. The data suggest that the modification of the NMDA receptor and its modulatory sites by lipid peroxidation is a complex process, is not reversible by DTT and is therefore not mediated through its redox site. We conclude that DTT further modifies the NMDA receptor and its modulatory sites and/or its ion channel in the lipid peroxidized membrane.
Long-term trends in U.S. manufacturing energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions

Abstract This paper describes our most recent analysis of U.S. manufacturing energy consumption and extends our previous efforts in two important ways. We have acquired new data that enable us to extend our previous period of study and thus examine three distinct time periods, two with stable energy prices (1958–1973 and 1985–1991) and one in which energy prices rose significantly (1973–1985). We have also adapted our method to examine the historical trends of carbon emissions associated with manufacturing.
Acceptability of panic disorder treatments: A survey of family practice physicians

Abstract The acceptability of three approaches to treating panic disorder was studied. One hundred eighteen family practice physicians read descriptions of imipramine therapy, cognitive-behavior therapy, and client-centered therapy of panic disorder and completed treatment acceptability measures for each description. The subjects also described their usual treatment and referral practices with panic disorder clients and rank-ordered the three forms of treatment based upon their beliefs about treatment effectiveness. Cognitive-behavior therapy was evaluated more positively than client-centered therapy on all measures of treatment acceptability. Subjects' ratings of the acceptability of drug therapy tended to fall between cognitive-behavior therapy and psychotherapy, but were not significantly different from either. Physicians reported that they tend to treat panic disorder clients pharmacologically and refer for psychological treatment relatively infrequently. Pharmacotherapy was ranked as the most effective intervention by most physicians, followed by cognitive-behavior therapy, and then by psychotherapy.
Reactor Operations: The Role for Computers

Although computers are being applied to reactor operations assistance, there is, as yet, very little U.S. experience in direct computer control of reactors. Given the trend toward increasing computer applications, there is a clear need for a systems analysis approach to understanding their role. This paper discusses the potential for computers in reactor operations, the factors that support their introduction, and some of the barriers that exist to increased use. Of particular interest are opportunities for computer driven graphic displays to improve the safety and economics of reactor operations, and associated challenging human factor issues. A Mitre project which explores in a preliminary fashion the value of interactive displays of current reactor thermal conditions (power shape parameters) to control room staff is discussed by way of an illustration. The paper concludes with an identification of critical issues which must be resolved as computer aided decision making in support of safe nuclear power plant operations is developed.
Etiology of Chylothorax in 203 Patients

OBJECTIVES To characterize the etiology of chylothorax in patients encountered at a single tertiary referral center and to compare the findings with those from previous studies. PATIENTS AND METHODS The medical records of all patients with chylothorax seen at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn, over a 21-year period, from January 1, 1980, to December 31, 2000, were retrospectively reviewed to ascertain the underlying cause of their condition. RESULTS We identified 203 patients with chylothorax; 92 were females (male-female ratio, 1.21). The median age was 54.5 years (range, 21 weeks' gestation to 93 years). Dyspnea, the most common presenting symptom, occurred in 98 (56.6%) of 173 patients in whom initial symptoms were recorded, whereas 64 (37.0%) had no respiratory symptoms. Median duration of symptoms before diagnosis was 7.5 weeks (range, 1 day to 4.5 years). Causes of chylothorax included surgery or trauma in 101 patients (49.8%), various medical conditions in 89 (43.8%), and unknown in 13 (6.4%). Among surgical procedures, esophagectomy (29 patients) and surgery for congenital heart disease (28 patients) were the most common causes of chylothorax. Among medical conditions, lymphoma (23 patients), lymphatic disorders (19 patients), and chylous ascites (16 patients) were the most common causes. CONCLUSIONS Chylothorax has numerous causes. In contrast to previous studies, surgery or trauma was the most common cause of chylothorax at our institution, accounting for nearly 50% of cases. Lymphoma and other malignancies caused chylothorax in only 16.7% of cases. These numbers are possibly related to the high volume of cardiothoracic surgical procedures performed at our tertiary referral center.
Imaging spectrograph for interstellar shocks: a narrowband imaging payload for the far ultraviolet

We present an imaging spectrometer developed for narrowband imaging at 1035 A with high (∼1-arc sec) spatial resolution over a modest field of view (∼5 arc min). The instrument is based on a conventional Gregorian telescope with aberration-corrected holographic rulings on the secondary optic. These aberration-correcting rulings enable stigmatic imaging in diffracted light with a minimum number of optical elements, thereby maintaining a high system efficiency. The capabilities of this instrument allow us to map the distribution of UV-emitting material in the hot (∼300,000 K) plasma from shocks in supernova remnants. Although this design is optimized for imaging near 1035 A, the basic concept can be applied to provide narrowband imaging or long-slit imaging spectroscopy at any wavelength. In addition, a larger field of view is possible with a corresponding loss in spatial resolution.
Reliability Note on the Social Support Scale

This study investigated the internal reliability of Pollack and Harris's (1983) Social Support Scale and reports norms for 352 college males and 443 females. While the scale appears sufficiently reliable for research purposes, additional considerations of reliability and validity need to be addressed before clinical applications are appropriate.
Measurement of ƒ(α) from scaling of histograms, and applications to dynamical systems and fully developed turbulence

Abstract A procedure for obtaining ƒ(α) directly from the scaling of histograms of multifractal measures is presented, and is applied to several measures arising in dynamical systems and fully developed turbulence. The method works well when the scaling range is large, and useful statistical information on iso-α sets such as lacunarity can be obtained. However, if the available scaling range is small, corrections of second order become importance and bias the ƒ(α) curve obtained directly.
The caudal luminous organs of lanternfishes: General innervation and ultrastructure†

Neuroanatomical, light and electron microscopic investigations of the caudal luminous organs of two lanternfish species, Stenobrachius leucopsarus and Parvilux ingens, were conducted in a search for morphological correlates underlying their luminescent behavior and control mechanisms. Complex neural pathways involving the spinal nerves and the sympathetic nerve chain of the caudal peduncle are associated with profuse segmental innervation to both the supracaudal and infracaudal organs. Neural composition of these segmental subunits indicates that pre-ganglionic (spinal) as well as post-ganglionic (sympathetic) fibers are involved in the neural control of luminescence of these organs. Neuro-photocyte units, in which multiple nerve branches are sandwiched between two lamellar photocytes and establish large surface areas of close appposition, as well as gap junctions apparently interconnecting all photocytes throughout the luminous organs, may account for the very rapid and simultaneous displays of spontaneous or electrically driven luminescence. The organization of the caudal luminous organs is compared with that of lanternfish photophores. Relatively few granular and agranular synaptic vesicles are present in some nerve processes of the photocyte units, suggesting that adrenergic neurotransmission as well as electrotonic spread of excitation may be involved at the neuro-photocyte junctions.
Single-wave run-up on sloping beaches

Possibilities of high shoreline amplification and run-up are investigated. A shoreline amplification of magnitude 5·38 and a tsunamigenic (deep water) amplification of magnitude 5·71 are obtained from single waves without analytic or computational difficulties. It is not claimed that these are a maximum, but rather it is conjectured that arbitrarily high run-up and amplification can be obtained provided that the correct initial wave trains are chosen.
Use of Binding Measurements To Predict Elicitor Dosage Requirements for Secondary Metabolite Production from Root Cultures

The strength of binding of a fungal elicitor derived from Rhizoctonia solani to Agrobacterium-transformed root cultures of Hyoscyamus muticus is assessed. Two techniques are used to estimate the equilibrium binding constant: (1) a dose response, which involves the measurement of sesquiterpene formation in the presence of different amounts of elicitor, and (2) elicitor-contacting experiments in which the root tissue is exposed to the elicitor for a short period of time and then the unbound elicitor concentration is determined by a bioassay. The equilibrium binding constants estimated by these two techniques were on the same order of magnitude. The value predicted from the dose response technique was 6.44 (mmol of glucose equiv/L of medium)−1, while that obtained from elicitor contact was 1.89 (mmol of glucose equiv/L of medium)−1. The higher binding constant measured by dose response may result from feedback inhibition of secondary metabolite formation at higher elicitor dosages. The magnitude of the binding'constant indicates that elicitor dosage is dependent upon both the amount of tissue in the reactor and the amount of medium present to dilute the added elicitor. Since proposed reactor configurations for plant root culture vary from 200 to 2000 g of tissue per liter of medium, elicitor dosage requirements will vary significantly depending upon the reactor operational conditions. This influence of elicitor binding on reactor design and operation is discussed.