cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phase structure, morphology and phase boundary diagram in an aromatic polyimide (BPDA–PFMB)/m‐cresol system

An organo-soluble aromatic polyimide has been synthesized from 3,3', 4,4'-bis(phenyltetracarboxylic) dianhydride (BPDA) and 2,2'-bis (trifluoromethyl)-4,4'-diaminobiphenyl (PFMB) via a one-step polymerization in m-cresol. The phase boundary diagram for this system has been established by differential scanning calorimetry, polarized light microscopy (PLM) and wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) experiments. A crystallosolvate form I has been found over the entire concentration region at low temperatures. When the temperature is increased, an isotropic phase has been observed below concentrations of about 40%. In the relatively high concentration region between 45 and 95%, a transition from the crystallosolvate form I to a crystallosolvate form II has been observed. Form II exhibits a different WAXD pattern. In a narrow concentration region between the isotropic and the crystallosolvate form II (40-45%), a biphase behavior has been found. The birefringence of this region may be an indication of a liquid crystalline phase. The BPDA-PFMB polymer crystal has been found in the very high concentration region (>95%) for temperatures >250°C. The morphologies of these phases have been investigated via PLM and transmission electron microscopy. Above the gel/sol transition temperature, the form I shows negative birefringent spherulites consisting of thin lamellae. The form II exhibits a tendency of positive birefringent spherulites. Possible mechanisms of the formation of the metastable phase morphology and their associations with the mechanical gel/sol transition are also discussed.
Suggested method for coherent x-ray production by combined x-ray and low-energy photon pumping

Under certain stated conditions, the electron population can be inverted in a variety of targets by a combination of x-ray (e.g., originating in a storage ring) and low-energy photon (e.g., from a laser) pumping. Coherent (mainly soft) x rays could then be produced by stimulated emission.
Secure data storage and retrieval in the cloud

With the advent of the World Wide Web and the emergence of e-commerce applications and social networks, organizations across the world generate a large amount of data daily. This data would be more useful to cooperating organizations if they were able to share their data. Two major obstacles to this process of data sharing are providing a common storage space and secure access to the shared data. In this paper we address these issues by combining cloud computing technologies such as Hive and Hadoop with XACML policy based security mechanisms that provide fine-grained access to resources. We further present a web-based application that uses this combination and allows collaborating organizations to securely store and retrieve large amounts of data.
“And Ain't I a Woman?” Toward a Multicultural Approach to Gender and Morality

This article addresses research issues relevant to studying the moral dimensions of women's and girls' physical activity experience. Morality and gender are introduced as social constructs, and a critical analysis of how scholars have conceived of these constructs is presented. A brief historical account of psychologists' theoretical and empirical study of gender and morality in the United States includes selected academic milestones that have influenced research on females in physical activity. This chronology provides a backdrop for a theoretical analysis of how psychologists conceive of the still-evolving constructs of gender and morality. The analysis is framed by a typology developed along social and cognitive axes; illustrations of research in physical activity contexts are provided where possible. The final section offers reflections on four major issues that are of particular importance to future investigations involving the moral aspects of women's and girls' physical activity experience.
Subband structure of a nearly free, uniform-density, dilute electron system in a wide quantum well

Quantum oscillations in the magnetoresistance of an electron system realized in a selectively doped, wide parabolic quantum well of ${\mathrm{Al}}_{x}{\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}\mathrm{As}$ are analyzed to obtain the electron densities of the electric subbands. Self-consistent calculations of the subband structure predict that the electrons in the well occupy four electric subbands, and that the total electron wave function is nearly constant over the central 1000 \AA{} of the well. The measured subband densities agree with the predictions of the calculation remarkably well, verifying the realization of the electron system designed.
Complementary and alternative medicine and the NIH

In 1995, the Office of Alternative Medicine defined complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) as “. . . a broad domain of healing resources that encompasses all health systems, modalities, practices and their accompanying theories and beliefs, other that those intrinsic to a the politically dominant health system of a particular society or culture in a given historical period.”1 Other surveys have operationally defined CAM as those practices used for the prevention and treatment of disease that are not taught widely in medical schools, nor generally available in hospitals.2 CAM deals with cross-cutting themes, from molecular biology to preventive and primary health care. CAM practices are both complementary to conventional medicine and those that are alternative healthcare options where no conventional approach exists. CAM may involve practices with highly specialized skills and long training and others that are applied simply by the patient. Complementary and alternative medicine is that subset of practices not integral to conventional care but still used by patients to supplement that care.
Monosulcate angiosperm pollen from the López de Bertodano formation (upper Campanian-Maastrichtian-Danian) of Seymour island, Antarctica

Abstract Monosulcate angiosperm pollen are very rare in the uppermost Campanian-Maaastrichtian-lower Danian Lopez de Bertodano Formation of Seymour Island, Antarctica. Nine species are described, including two new species, Clavamonocolpites polygonalis sp. nov. and Gemmamonocolpites pilulus sp. nov. Other forms include five species of Liliacidites , one species of Arecipites , and Clavatipollenites hughesii Couper. They document the presence in the Cretaceous-Tertiary Antarctic Peninsula area of Chloranthaceae, Liliaceae (or other monocotyledons angiosperms) and possible Palmae.
Analysis of Tidal Marsh Vegetation Patterns in Two Georgia Estuaries Using Aerial Photography and GIS

Aerial photographs and GIS analysis were used to map the distribution of tidal marsh vegetation along the salinity gradients of the estuaries of the Altamaha and Satilla Rivers in coastal Georgia. Vegetation maps were constructed from 1993 U.S. Geological Survey Digital Orthophoto Quarter Quads, 1∶77,000-scale color infrared photographs taken in 1974 and 1∶24,000-scale black and white photographs taken in 1953, Changes between years were identified using a GIS overlay analysis. Four vegetation classifications were identified and groundtruthed with field surveys: salt marsh (areas containing primarilySpartina alterniflora), brackish marsh (Spartina cynosuroides andS. alterniflora), Juncus (Juncus roemerianus), and fresh marsh (Zizania aquatica, Zizaniopsis miliacae, and others). There was no evidence for an upstream shift in marsh vegetation along the longitudinal axis of either estuary over the time frame of this analysis, which implies there has not been a long-term increase in salinity. Although the inland extent of each marsh zone was further upstream in the Satilla than the Altamaha, they corresponded to similar average high tide salinities in each estuary: areas classified as salt marsh occurred from the mouth up to where average high tide salinity in the water was approximately 15 psu;Juncus ranged from 21 to 1 psu; brackish marsh ranged from 15 to 1 psu; and fresh marsh was upstream of 1 psu. Approximately 63% of the 6,786 ha of tidal marsh vegetation mapped in the Altamaha and 75% of the 10,220 ha mapped in the Satilla remained the same in all 3 yr.Juncus was the dominant classification in the intermediate regions of both estuaries, and shifts between areas classified asJuncus and either brackish or salt marsh constituted the primary vegetation change between 1953 and 1993 (87% of the changes observed in the Altamaha and 95% of those in the Satilla). This analysis suggests that the broad distribution of tidal marsh vegetation along these two estuaries is driven by salinity, but that at the local scale these are dynamic systems with a larger number of factors affecting the frequently changing borders of vegetation patches.
Defining the radiation "scatter cloud" in the interventional suite.

Objective We hypothesized that fluoroscopic imaging creates radiation fields that are unevenly scattered throughout the endovascular suite. We sought to quantify the radiation dose spectrum at various locations during imaging procedures and to represent this in a clinically useful manner. Methods Digital subtraction imaging (Innova 4100; GE Healthcare, Waukesha, Wisc) of the abdomen and pelvis was performed on a cadaver in anteroposterior, left lateral, and right anterior oblique 45° projections. Radiation exposure was monitored in real time with DoseAware dosimeters (Phillips, Houston, Tex) in eight radial projections at distances of 2, 4, and 6 ft from the center of the imaged field, each at 5-ft heights from the floor. Three to five consecutive data points were collected for each location. Results At most positions around the angiographic table, radiation exposure decreased as the distance from the source emitter increased; however, the intensity of the exposure varied dramatically around the axis of imaging. With anteroposterior imaging, the radiation fields have symmetric dumbbell shapes, with maximal exposure perpendicular to the table at the level of the gantry. Peak levels at 4 and 6 ft from the source emitter were 2.4 times and 3.4 times higher, respectively, than predicted based on the inverse square law. Maximal radiation exposure was measured in the typical operator position 2 ft away and perpendicular to the table (4.99 mSv/h). When the gantry was rotated 45° and 90°, the radiation fields shifted, becoming more asymmetric, with increasing radiation doses to 10.9 and 69 mSv/h, respectively, on the side of the emitter. Minimal exposure is experienced along the axis of the table, decreasing with distance from the source ( Conclusions Quantifiable and reproducible radiation scatter is created during interventional procedures. Radiation doses vary widely around the perimeter of the angiography table and change according to imaging angles. These data are easily visualized using contour plots and scatter three-dimensional mesh plots. Rather than the concentric circles predicted by the inverse square law, these data more closely resemble a "scatter cloud." Knowledge of the actual exposure levels within the endovascular environment may help in mitigating these risks to health care providers.
Utilization of white blood cells for study of clinical genetic disorders

Summary o 1. During the past few years, white blood cells have been extensively used for the study of the clinical genetic disorders. The present paper reviews the techniques used in this laboratory for the preparation and separation of white blood cells for enzyme analysis. The utilization of these procedures in the study of genetic disorders and chromosomal aberrations is discussed.
Genital herpes : An integrated approach to management

This review of epidemiologic, clinical, and psychosocial/psychobehavioral data related to genital herpes simplex virus infection details the increasing incidence of herpes simplex virus infection in the United States and summarizes the data regarding the safety and efficacy of chronic and acute antiviral therapy with acyclovir. It additionally establishes the validity of psychosocial intervention as an adjunct to pharmacologic therapy for patients with recurrent genital herpes.
Association between familial suicidal behavior and frequency of attempts among depressed suicide attempters

OBJECTIVE: Only a few studies have examined whether a family history of suicide influences the severity of suicidal acts and the results have been inconsistent. The current study aimed to examine whether a family history of suicidal acts predicts severity of suicide attempts. METHOD: 190 suicide attempters aged 18-75 years with a lifetime history of major depression were assessed for first-degree family history of suicidality and severity of suicide attempts (number and lethality of prior suicide attempts and age at first attempt). RESULTS: Regression analyses indicate that a positive family history of suicidal behaviors predicts a greater number of suicide attempts. Reasons for living predict number and lethality of prior attempts. CONCLUSION: It is critical to assess for family history of suicidal behavior when treating depressed suicide attempters as it may serve as an indicator of the risk of repeat suicide attempt and as a guide for treatment. Language: en
High-Speed, Random-Access Fluorescence Microscopy: II. Fast Quantitative Measurements With Voltage-Sensitive Dyes

An improved method for making fast quantitative determinations of membrane potential with voltage-sensitive dyes is presented. This method incorporates a high-speed, random-access, laser-scanning scheme (Bullen et al., 1997. Biophys. J. 73:477-491) with simultaneous detection at two emission wavelengths. The basis of this ratiometric approach is the voltage-dependent shift in the emission spectrum of the voltage-sensitive dye di-8-butyl-amino-naphthyl-ethylene-pyridinium-propyl-sulfonate (di-8-ANEPPS). Optical measurements are made at two emission wavelengths, using secondary dichroic beamsplitting and dual photodetectors ( 570 nm). Calibration of the ratiometric measurements between signals at these wavelengths was achieved using simultaneous optical and patch-clamp measurements from adjacent points. Data demonstrating the linearity, precision, and accuracy of this technique are presented. Records obtained with this method exhibited a voltage resolution of approximately 5 mV, without any need for temporal or spatial averaging. Ratiometric recordings of action potentials from isolated hippocampal neurons are used to illustrate the usefulness of this approach. This method is unique in that it is the first to allow quantitative determination of dynamic membrane potential changes in a manner optimized for both high spatiotemporal resolution (2 micrometers and <0.5 ms) and voltage discrimination.
Ageing Studies and Lifetime Extension of Polymer-Based Composite Rocket Motors Containing Ammonium Perchlorate Solids

Polymer based composite rocket motors containing ammonium perchlorate (AP) as the active ingredient are retrieved from the field at regular intervals for quality evaluation (QE) studies. During QE the motors are subjected to static firings. The ballistic performances of these aged motors are compared to the ballistic parameters originally obtained at zero time during lot acceptance tests (LAT). During the in-service time period, a number of factors can affect the ultimate ballistic performance of the rocket motor. Among the factors that can adversely affect the ultimate safe life of the rocket motor are moisture, temperature profiles, soluble impurities within the polymer matrix and motor vibration.
Evolutionary impact of limited splicing fidelity in mammalian genes

The functional significance of most alternative splicing (AS) events, especially frame-shifting ones, has been controversial. Using human-mouse comparison, we demonstrate that frame-preserving AS events adapt and get fixed more rapidly than frame-shifting AS events; selection for smaller exon size is stronger in frame-preserving exons than in frame-shifting ones. These results suggest AS events introducing mild changes are generally favored during evolution and explain the excess of shorter, frame-preserving cassette exons in present mammalian genomes.
Comparison of correlations and experiment in opposing flow, mixed convection heat transfer in a vertical tube with Grashof number variation

Abstract Mixed convection heat transfer in a vertical tube with opposing flow (downflow heating) was studied experimentally for Reynolds numbers ranging from about 700 to 25 000 at constant Grashof number under constant wall temperature (CWT) conditions. The Grashof number was varied independently by adjusting steam pressure in the jacket of a vertical, double-pipe heat exchanger. In the turbulent region at Re > 10000 and in the asymptotic region at Re
Effects of Patents and Licenses on the Provision of Clinical Genetic Testing Services

The growth of patents that include genetic sequences has been accompanied by concern about their impact on the ability of physicians to provide clinical genetic testing services and to perform research. Therefore, we conducted a survey of clinical laboratory directors that perform DNA-based genetic tests to examine potential effects. We performed a telephone survey between July and September in 2001 of all laboratory directors in the United States who were members of the Association for Molecular Pathology or who were listed on the GeneTests.org website. One hundred thirty-two of 211 (63%) laboratory directors were interviewed. Ten of these were excluded because they did not conduct DNA-based genetic tests. Almost all performed genetic tests for clinical purposes. Half performed tests for research purposes as well. Twenty-five percent of respondents reported that they had stopped performing a clinical genetic test because of a patent or license. Fifty-three percent of respondents reported deciding not to develop a new clinical genetic test because of a patent or license. In total, respondents were prevented from performing 12 genetic tests, and all of these tests were among those performed by a large number of laboratories. We found 22 patents that were relevant to the performance of these 12 tests. Fifteen of the 22 patents (68%) are held by universities or research institutes, and 13 of the 22 patents (59%) were based on research funded by the United States Government. Overall, respondents reported that their perceptions of the effects of patents on the cost, access, and development of genetic tests, or data sharing among researchers, were negative. In contrast, most respondents felt that patents did not have an effect on the quality of testing. We conclude that patents and licenses have had a significant effect on the ability of clinical laboratories to develop and provide genetic tests. Furthermore, our findings suggest that clinical geneticists feel that their research is inhibited by patents. The effects of patents and licenses on patients' access to tests, and the costs and quality thereof, remains to be determined.
Arrhenotoky and oedipal mating in the northern fowl mite (Ornithonyssus sylviarum) (Acari: Gamasida: Macronyssidae).

Background: The northern fowl mite (NFM; Ornithonyssus sylviarum) is a blood-feeding ectoparasite of birds and a major pest of poultry in the United States. Mite populations spread rapidly in commercial flocks, reach peak burdens of >70,000 mites per bird and have developed resistance to many pesticides. Despite decades as a pest in the United States, the reproductive biology of NFM remains unclear. Based on karyotypes, the NFM has haplodiploid sex determination, which suggests unmated females could produce male offspring (arrhenotoky). Thus, unmated females could disseminate to a new host and initiate an infestation by producing and mating with sons (oedipal mating). Methods: We used small capsules to isolate and recover NFM on host chickens. Mites in capsules could blood feed, develop and reproduce, but could not contact other mites. Individual larvae were matured in isolation to produce known, unmated females. We evaluated reproduction of (I) previously mated females (i) in isolation, or (ii) paired with a male, and (II) unmated (virgin) females in isolation. In each treatment we recorded the number and sexes of offspring produced over time. Results: Mated NFM produced female and male offspring in isolation, or when paired with a male. When paired with a male, females produced a female-biased sex ratio of the offspring (F:M ratio ~5:1). Unmated, female NFM produced exclusively male offspring when in isolation. When paired with their sons that had developed to maturity, the "virgin" females were able to mate and subsequently produce female offspring. Conclusions: This study found that females with immediate access to sperm produced mostly female offspring. Virgin female NFM initially produced only male offspring and subsequently used oedipal mating to produce female offspring. Using this reproductive system NFM could successfully colonize new hosts as immature, or unmated females. The strong female-biased sex ratio of NFM populations suggests a large proportion of the parasite population is capable of disseminating to new hosts, which is essential for an obligate parasite to persist.
Constitutive ERK1/2 Activation by a Chimeric Neurokinin 1 Receptor-β-Arrestin1 Fusion Protein PROBING THE COMPOSITION AND FUNCTION OF THE G PROTEIN-COUPLED RECEPTOR “SIGNALSOME”

The beta-arrestins, a small family of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-binding proteins involved in receptor desensitization, have been shown to bind extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) and function as scaffolds for GPCR-stimulated ERK1/2 activation. To better understand the mechanism of beta-arrestin-mediated ERK1/2 activation, we compared ERK1/2 activation by the wild-type neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptor with a chimeric NK1 receptor having beta-arrestin1 fused to the receptor C terminus (NK1-betaArr1). The NK1 receptor couples to both G(s) and G(q/11), resides on the plasma membrane, and mediates rapid ERK1/2 activation and nuclear translocation in response to neurokinin A. In contrast, NK1-betaArr1 is a G protein-uncoupled "constitutively desensitized" receptor that resides almost entirely in an intracellular endosomal compartment. Despite its inability to respond to neurokinin A, we found that NK1-betaArr1 expression caused robust constitutive activation of cytosolic ERK1/2 and that endogenous Raf, MEK1/2, and ERK1/2 coprecipitated in a complex with NK1-betaArr1. While agonist-dependent ERK1/2 activation by the NK1 receptor was independent of protein kinase A (PKA) or PKC activity, NK1-betaArr1-mediated ERK1/2 activation was completely inhibited when basal PKA and PKC activity were blocked. In addition, the rate of ERK1/2 dephosphorylation was slowed in NK1-betaArr1-expressing cells, suggesting that beta-arrestin-bound ERK1/2 is protected from mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase activity. These data suggest that beta-arrestin binding to GPCRs nucleates the formation of a stable "signalsome" that functions as a passive scaffold for the ERK1/2 cascade while confining ERK1/2 activity to an extranuclear compartment.
Effects of certain preservatives on the aging characteristics of acacia

The rheological characteristics of acacia solutions of various concentrations were examined. Based on the results, a series of 2 5 per cent acacia solutions using five different preservatives and two combinations of preservatives were studied for a period of 1 year. Rheological, pH, and organoleptic data were obtained in order to describe the aging characteristics of the solutions. In each case, the results showed a reduction in pH and viscosity, which was most pronounced in the unpre-served control solution. Possible reasons for the decrease, as well as for the rate at which it occurred, are discussed.
Socially-Aware Large-Scale Crowd Forecasting

In crowded spaces such as city centers or train stations, human mobility looks complex, but is often influenced only by a few causes. We propose to quantitatively study crowded environments by introducing a dataset of 42 million trajectories collected in train stations. Given this dataset, we address the problem of forecasting pedestrians' destinations, a central problem in understanding large-scale crowd mobility. We need to overcome the challenges posed by a limited number of observations (e.g. sparse cameras), and change in pedestrian appearance cues across different cameras. In addition, we often have restrictions in the way pedestrians can move in a scene, encoded as priors over origin and destination (OD) preferences. We propose a new descriptor coined as Social Affinity Maps (SAM) to link broken or unobserved trajectories of individuals in the crowd, while using the OD-prior in our framework. Our experiments show improvement in performance through the use of SAM features and OD prior. To the best of our knowledge, our work is one of the first studies that provides encouraging results towards a better understanding of crowd behavior at the scale of million pedestrians.
Surgical Treatment of Thymic Epithelial Neoplasms

Resection continues to be the mainstay of treatment for epithelial lesions of the thymus. This has never been in doubt for encapsulated stage I and II lesions, but we recently have come to a greater appreciation of the role of preoperative therapy for locally advanced lesions, particularly stage III disease. For any lesion that presents in the anterior mediastinum and on CT scan does not appear to be eminently resectable, a biopsy should be performed to rule out lymphoma after serum germ cell markers have been obtained to rule out the rare primary mediastinal or metastatic germ cell tumor.
Submarine landslide triggered by volcanic eruption recorded by in situ hydrophone

NW Rota-1 is a submarine volcano in the Mariana volcanic arc that is notable as the site where underwater explosive eruptions were first witnessed in A.D. 2004. After years of continuous low-level eruptive activity, a major landslide occurred at NW Rota-1 in August 2009, triggered by an unusually large eruption that produced 10 times the acoustic energy of the background level of activity. An anomalous earthquake swarm preceded the eruption, suggesting that the sequence started with a magmatic intrusion and associated faulting beneath the volcano. We quantify the size and extent of the landslide using bathymetric resurveys and interpret the timing of events using data from an in situ hydrophone. This is the first instrumental documentation of an earthquake-eruption-landslide sequence at a submarine volcano, and illustrates the close interaction between magmatic activity and mass wasting events in the growth of undersea arc volcanoes.
Ultrastructure of the type “B” cells in the rectal pad epithelium of Locusta migratoria

The electron microscopical structure of the type "B" cells in the rectal pad epithelium of Locusta is described. The type "B" cells occur singly in the distal region of the rectal pad epithelium. They are characteristically goblet shaped and join with contiguous type "A" or rectal pad cells, near the apical surface by means of a restricted region of septate desmosomes. Type "B" cells possess a microvillate apical membrane, with the villi arranged as a rosette overlying the apical inaginations of adjacent type "A" cells. Large numbers of microtubules and vacuoles of various sizes containing an assortment of inclusions are present in the apical region of the type "B" cells. Many of the microtubules insert distally on hemidesmosomes located in the apical plasma membrane. Rough endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria are also present but neither are abundant. The possible significance of these findings is discussed.
Synthesis of molecular objects: Two‐dimensional polymers

Throughout this century polymer science has studied the linear chain and its architectural derivatives which include familiar forms such as the branched chain and the three dimensional network. Other derivatives with unique properties have been investigated more recently and include macromolecular rings, dendrimers, stars, combs and ladders. The objective of this work is to depart from the focus on linear chains and explore the “bulk” synthesis and properties of polymer molecules that can be considered molecular objects. Ideal molecular objects should be macromolecules with well defined shapes that persist as systems transform reversibly from solids to melts or solutions. The limited access to conformational space which is required in order to define and maintain shape in liquid and solid states of the system is an unusual molecular characteristic in common polymers. Our ability to create such objects through bulk reactions of reasonable scale will undoubtedly extend the current boundaries of polymer science and technology. Shapes that are particularly interesting are those not common in the conformational space of linear chains, for example, two-dimensional polymers shaped as plates and macromolecular bundles shaped as cylinders or parallelepipeds. The molecular object to be discussed in this lecture is a rigid and anisotropic two-dimensional polymer with planar dimensions greater than its thickness and a shape-granting skeleton built by covalent bonds. We have so far developed three different strategies for their synthesis, all involving systems in which reactive oligomers organize spontaneously into the necessary planar assemblies to form the object. In one strategy molecular recognition driven by homochiral interactions plays a key role in the formation of two-dimensional polymers.1 A different methodology relies on entropy-driven nanophase separation in rodcoil block molecules in which a rigid segment is covalently bonded to a flexible one sharing the same backbone. The third strategy involves the folding of oligomers into hairpin structures which self assemble into two-dimensional liquids. The lecture will also describe examples of unique properties that could be achieved in materials containing these rigid two-dimensional objects. These examples will include bulk materials with self-organized surfaces and also remarkably stable nonlinear optical properties.
The Female Rape Survivor: Time-Limited Group Therapy with Female-Male Co-Therapists

Two therapists, a female and a male, led 4 consecutive time-limited groups for 17 adult female rape survivors. Each group ran for 8 sessions; there was a one-time follow-up session 3 months later. the therapists evaluated the clients initially, after therapy, and at follow-up. Symptoms most improved were: fear, anxiety, guilt, depression and somatic complaints. Specific phobias, poor social functioning, and difficulties discussing rape were significantly improved, while sexual dysfunction and difficulties in relationships with men changed little. At follow-up, improvements were maintained or enhanced. This approach can be valuable in counseling rape survivors.
The economic aspects of operational reliability in electricity markets

The implementation of electricity markets in various U.S. jurisdictions has resulted in multiple markets at different time scales for trading the same electricity commodity. This multi-settlement system allows the participation of players with physical resources and loads, as well as financial entities. Given the strong interactions of market and system operations, the multiple markets and the participation of financial players make the operational reliability management an increasingly challenging task. While the nature of the interactions between the system and market operations is well understood on a qualitative basis, the quantification of the operational reliability impacts on the overall economics of electricity markets is, typically, not performed. In this paper, we develop a general approach to quantify the market performance as a function of operational reliability criterion in a multi-settlement environment while taking into account the participation of players with physical resources and load, as well as financial entities. The quantification provides meaningful measures of the monetary and the resource dispatch impacts of the compliance with the operational reliability criterion in force. We illustrate the application of the proposed approach to the ISO-NE system in the quantification of the comparative impacts of two different security criteria for the 2005 -2006 day-ahead and real-time markets. Through this study, we gain insights into the distinctions between day-ahead and real-time markets, as well as the impacts of participating financial entities in addition to those with physical generation assets or loads.
All Patients Should Be Admitted to the Hospital After a Transient Ischemic Attack

Before choosing a management strategy for the patient described, the first question is a diagnostic one. What happened and why? The most probable diagnosis, but certainly not the only one, is transient ischemic attack (TIA). We might increase our diagnostic certainty with MRI; acute infarction on diffusion-weighted imaging confirms the diagnosis of an ischemic neurovascular event. However, in the short-term, this will not change our management, because the absence of a diffusion-weighted imaging lesion does not exclude TIA, and the pretest probability of TIA is high based on the patient's age, symptoms, and negative head CT. So proceeding with a working diagnosis of TIA, the most dangerous potential cause of the patient's symptoms is sensible. This leads directly to the next question: why might she have had a TIA? The cause might be cardioembolism (10% to 20% of patients with TIA) or large-artery stenosis (15%–20% of patients).1 This matters because, if present, the risk of short-term recurrence is high (particularly with large-artery stenosis), and these mechanisms require specific early interventions beyond standard antiplatelet and statin therapy. Testing to evaluate whether these mechanisms caused her …
Molar Tooth Sign in Joubert Syndrome: Clinical, Radiologic, and Pathologic Significance

Joubert syndrome is a rare autosomal-recessive condition characterized by early hyperpnea and apnea, developmental delay, and truncal ataxia. We previously described key ocular motor signs in Joubert syndrome and the molar tooth sign resulting from dysplasia of the isthmic segment of the brain stem, superior cerebellar peduncles, and vermis. In this study, we obtained clinical and developmental data in 61 cases, and radiologic data in 46 of these, to determine the prevalence of the molar tooth sign in a large sample, and to ensure that magnetic resonance images obtained for study were representative of the Joubert syndrome population at large. We studied the morphology of the isthmic segment of the pontomesencephalic junction, the segment of the brain stem derived from the primitive isthmus. Portions of the cerebellum analyzed included the superior cerebellar peduncles, the anterior and posterior lobes of the vermis, and the flocculonodular lobe. In one case, autopsy of the brain was performed. The averag...
Self-Shielded High-Efficiency Yagi-Uda Antennas for 60 GHz Communications

A high-efficiency self-shielded microstrip-fed Yagi-Uda antenna has been developed for 60 GHz communications. The antenna is built on a Teflon substrate (er = 2.2) with a thickness of 10 mils (0.254 mm). A 7-element design results in a measured S11 of ; 9.5 dBi at 58 - 63 GHz. The antenna shows excellent performance in free space and in the presence of metal-planes used for shielding purposes. A parametric study is done with metal plane heights from 2 mm to 11 mm, and the Yagi-Uda antenna results in a gain >; 12 dBi at 58 - 63 GHz for h = 5 - 8 mm. A 60 GHz four-element switched-beam Yagi-Uda array is also presented with top and bottom shielding planes, and allows for 180° angular coverage with <; 3 dB amplitude variations. This antenna is ideal for inclusion in complex platforms, such as laptops, for point-to-point communication systems, either as a single element or a switched-beam system.
Real-time data mining of massive data streams from synoptic sky surveys

The nature of scientific and technological data collection is evolving rapidly: data volumes and rates grow exponentially, with increasing complexity and information content, and there has been a transition from static data sets to data streams that must be analyzed in real time.?Interesting or anomalous phenomena must be quickly characterized and followed up with additional measurements via optimal deployment of limited assets.?Modern astronomy presents a variety of such phenomena in the form of transient events in digital synoptic sky surveys, including cosmic explosions (supernovae, gamma ray bursts), relativistic phenomena (black hole formation, jets), potentially hazardous asteroids, etc. We have been developing a set of machine learning tools to detect, classify and plan a response to transient events for astronomy applications, using the Catalina Real-time Transient Survey (CRTS) as a scientific and methodological testbed. The ability to respond rapidly to the potentially most interesting events is a key bottleneck that limits the scientific returns from the current and anticipated synoptic sky surveys.?Similar challenge arises in other contexts, from environmental monitoring using sensor networks to autonomous spacecraft systems.?Given the exponential growth of data rates, and the time-critical response, we need a fully automated and robust approach.?We describe the results obtained to date, and the possible future developments. Advances in the automated classification of transient events in synoptic sky surveys.Innovative methods for the analysis of irregularly sampled, heterogeneous time series.Novel approach to the machine-assisted discovery using a symbolic regression.Approaches to an automated decision making based on the automated classification.
Patient-specific dosimetry using deformable anthropomorphic models

1491 Objectives Much progress has been made in patient-specific dosimetry for targeted radionuclide therapy including the development of Monte Carlo methods for dose calculations and methods for accurate quantification of activity uptake in tumors and body organs. The aim of performing these calculations is to optimize tumor dose while limiting toxicity to normal tissue during treatment. We propose a novel method for individualized dosimetry using deformable anthropomorphic phantoms as input for Monte Carlo dose calculations using the Geant4 simulation toolkit. Methods We have established a method that uses non-uniform activity distributions in organs or tumors from quantitative SPECT or PET data, combined with either manually segmented CT data or the use of deformable (NURBS) anthropomorphic models as input into our established Geant4 transport codes to obtain 3D maps of absorbed dose. The code has been updated to model decay events for radionuclides used in radiopharmaceutical therapy. Corrections for partial volume effects previously studied on our imaging system were applied, and the effects of different reconstruction approaches were also studied. Results We evaluated organ and tumor doses for several patient treatments including radioimmunotherapy for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and peptide receptor agents for neuroendocrine tumors. Average organ doses, 3D dose maps, and dose-volume histograms were developed. Calculations can be obtained by the Monte Carlo code in about 12 hours, with errors mostly less than 5%. Very small organs or tumors required more run time to improve accuracy. Organ doses were compared to results from established dosimetric codes (e.g. OLINDA/EXM) and dose maps and DVHs were compared to results reported by others (e.g. SIMIND). Conclusions The application of this method to several patient studies demonstrates that use of deformable phantoms as input into Monte Carlo simulations for dose calculations can provide accurate, patient-specific 3D dosimetry in times that may be applied in routine clinical practice
The Polarized Effect of Intracellular Calcium on the Renal Epithelial Sodium Channel Occurs as a Result of Subcellular Calcium Signaling Domains Maintained by Mitochondria.

The renal epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) provides regulated sodium transport in the distal nephron. The effects of intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) on this channel are only beginning to be elucidated. It appears from previous studies that the [Ca2+]i increases downstream of ATP administration may have a polarized effect on ENaC, where apical application of ATP and the subsequent [Ca2+]i increase have an inhibitory effect on the channel, whereas basolateral ATP and [Ca2+]i have a stimulatory effect. We asked whether this polarized effect of ATP is, in fact, reflective of a polarized effect of increased [Ca2+]i on ENaC and what underlying mechanism is responsible. We began by performing patch clamp experiments in which ENaC activity was measured during apical or basolateral application of ionomycin to increase [Ca2+]i near the apical or basolateral membrane, respectively. We found that ENaC does indeed respond to increased [Ca2+]i in a polarized fashion, with apical increases being inhibitory and basolateral increases stimulating channel activity. In other epithelial cell types, mitochondria sequester [Ca2+]i, creating [Ca2+]i signaling microdomains within the cell that are dependent on mitochondrial localization. We found that mitochondria localize in bands just beneath the apical and basolateral membranes in two different cortical collecting duct principal cell lines and in cortical collecting duct principal cells in mouse kidney tissue. We found that inhibiting mitochondrial [Ca2+]i uptake destroyed the polarized response of ENaC to [Ca2+]i. Overall, our data suggest that ENaC is regulated by [Ca2+]i in a polarized fashion and that this polarization is maintained by mitochondrial [Ca2+]i sequestration.
Litigating Canada-U.S. Transboundary Harm: International Lawmaking and the Threat of Extraterritorial Reciprocity

This Article joins a spirited debate ongoing among international law scholars. Numerous articles have debated the changing nature of international law and relations: the impact of globalization, the decline of territorial-sovereignty, the ever important role that non-state actors play, and the growing use of domestic laws to solve transboundary problems. That scholarship, however, often speaks only in general theoretical terms, and has largely ignored how these changes are playing out in countries outside the United States in ways that impact American interests. This Article picks up where that scholarship leaves off. It examines one of the perennial challenges for international environmental law - how to address transboundary pollution. It does this in the context of an unlikely flashpoint, the Canada-U.S. relationship. The Article explores the possibility that Canadians will use their own domestic environmental laws in Canadian courts to remedy transboundary harm. The Article argues that in light of the recent chill in Canada-U.S. relations, the growing extraterritorial reach of U.S. environmental laws, and the recent changes in law and science that Canadians (and, in particular, those living in the province of Ontario) are likely to turn to extraterritorial environmental statutes, and then file suit under those statutes, as a means of addressing U.S. pollution that causes cross-border harm.
Dystopian realities and archival dreams in the Purari Delta of Papua New Guinea

Years of resource extraction by multinational corporations have transformed the Purari Delta into a resource frontier where communities’ desires, subjectivities and histories are being unevenly reconfigured. Focusing on the struggles of I'ai communities for recognition by the Papua New Guinean government as traditional resource owners, I examine how, in the wake of the destruction of regional archives and the perceived inaccessibility of PNG's National Archives, men are marshalling new assemblages of evidence: written ancestral histories, heirloom objects, found images and maps. I explore how I'ai men are strategically deploying these materials to actualise their utopian dreams of recognition. Realites dystopian et l'archives de reves dans le Delta du Purari de la Papouasie Nouvelle Guinee Des annees d'extraction de ressources par des multinationales ont transforme le Delta Purari en une frontiere de ressources ou les desirs, les subjectivites et les histoires des communautes sont inegalement reconfigures. En mettant l'accent sur les luttes des communautes I'ai pour leur reconnaissance par le nouveau gouvernement de Papouasie Nouvelle-Guinee (PNG) en tant que proprietaires de ressources traditionnelles, j'examine comment, dans le sillage de la destruction des archives regionales et l'inaccessibilite percue des Archives nationales de la PNG, les hommes proposent de nouveaux assemblages de donnees probantes: ecrit des histoires ancestrales, objets d'heritage, images et cartes geographique trouve. J'explore donc comment les hommes I'ai deploie strategiquement ces materiaux pour actualiser leurs reves utopiques de reconnaissance
Tachycardia heart failure alters rabbit aortic smooth muscle responsiveness to angiotensin II

The effects of heart failure on the responsiveness of aortic smooth muscle tissue to various vasoactive agents were examined. Heart failure was induced in rabbits by sustained rapid ventricular pacing (400 beats/min) for 6-7 wk. After the rabbits were killed, strips of thoracic aorta were prepared and mounted in tissue baths. Responsiveness of these aortic strips to potassium depolarization and cumulative additions of vasoactive agents was determined. Aortic strips from control and tachycardia heart failure (THF) rabbits developed similar maximum forces to stimulation by potassium depolarization (0.77 +/- 0.08 vs. 0.96 +/- 0.16 kg/cm2), calcium chloride (0.71 +/- 0.09 vs. 0.88 +/- 0.06 kg/cm2), and phenylephrine (0.90 +/- 0.08 vs. 1.14 +/- 0.09 kg/cm2). The maximum relaxation to isoproterenol was also unaffected by THF (0.08 +/- 0.02 vs. 0.07 +/- 0.01 kg/cm2). In contrast, the maximum response of aortic strips from THF rabbits to angiotensin II was significantly lower than control (0.37 +/- 0.07 vs. 0.069 +/- 0.09 kg/cm2). With regard to aortic smooth muscle sensitivity, no differences in the concentrations at which 50% of the maximal response is achieved (EC50) were observed between THF and control strips for calcium chloride (0.10 +/- 0.01 vs. 0.16 +/- 0.04 mM), isoproterenol (51.5 +/- 13.5 vs. 51.0 +/- 5.4 nM), and phenylephrine (65.2 +/- 12.3 vs. 92.5 +/- 18.0 nM). However, THF was associated with a significant increase in the EC50 value for angiotensin II response (2.03 +/- 0.25 vs. 0.58 +/- 0.05 nM). These results demonstrate that THF is associated with a specific and significant reduction in the sensitivity and maximal responsiveness of aortic smooth muscle to angiotensin II.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Two Case Reports of Nodular Fasciitis: A Newly Recognized Placental Lesion

We describe two occurrences of nontrophoblastic mesenchymal tumors of the placenta. The first placental tumor was found along the placental margin, and the second was identified close to the insertion of the fetal membranes along the placental disc. Microscopically both lesions demonstrated bland fibroblastic cells with intricate vasculature and inflammatory cells. Both lesions were negative for estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), beta-HCG, PLAP, CD34, desmin, h-caldesmin, and smooth muscle actin by immunohistochemistry. Some cells were weakly positive for CD10, a nonspecific finding. The morphologic and immunohistochemical characteristics of these lesions were most consistent with nodular fasciitis, a tumor most commonly found in the soft tissues. FISH positive for USP6 gene rearrangement in our two patients confirmed the molecular similarity of these lesions to nodular fasciitis of soft tissue. Such lesions can be easily dismissed on gross placental examination as infarcts or thrombi, thus these rare entities are likely underreported.