cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Silicone deposition in reconstruction scars of women with silicone breast implants

Abstract Background: The possible association of silicone breast implants and disease is a subject of continuous debate and concern. Objective: Our purpose was to examine microscopically and ultrastructurally the periprosthetic fibrous capsules and reconstruction scars of women with silicone breast implants. Methods: Representative samples from the periprosthetic capsules and reconstruction scars from six women with silicone breast implants were examined by a variety of light microscopy techniques, transmission electron microscopy, and electron probe microanalysis. Results: Silicone globules of various sizes were identified in every periprosthetic capsule and reconstruction scar. Conclusion: Extrusion and seeding of the incision tract during surgery most likely accounts for the presence of silicone in the reconstruction scar specimens. This observation suggests that the identification of silicone in the reconstruction scars of women with silicone breast implants does not necessarily implicate rupture of the silicone breast implant with systemic dissemination of silicone gel.
Induction Properties of a Transiently Transfected Glucocorticoid-responsive Gene Vary with Glucocorticoid Receptor Concentration

Transient transfections of steroid receptors have yielded much of the data used to construct the current models of steroid hormone action. These experiments invariably examine the ability of receptors to regulate transcription when occupied by saturating concentrations of steroid. We now report that other induction properties of a transiently transfected gene are not constant but vary with the concentration of transiently transfected glucocorticoid receptors. Thus, the percentage of maximal induction seen with subsaturating concentrations of glucocorticoid could be dramatically increased, and an antiglucocorticoid could be converted into a partial glucocorticoid, simply by increasing the concentration of glucocorticoid receptors. This behavior was observed in HeLa cells, containing endogenous receptors, or in CV-1 cells, containing almost no endogenous receptor, with either homologous or heterologous receptors. These increases were relatively insensitive to the concentration of reporter gene, suggesting the titration of some transcription factor(s) involved in regulating the position of the glucocorticoid dose-response curve and the agonist activity of an antiglucocorticoid. This property of transfected glucocorticoid receptors required a full-length, functionally active receptor but was retained, albeit reduced in magnitude, in the absence of binding to a glucocorticoid response element. Furthermore, this phenomenon was specific in that the A form of the human progesterone receptor had no effect under the same conditions. These variations in induction properties of antiglucocorticoids and of subsaturating concentrations of glucocorticoid, in a manner that was proportional to the amount of transfected receptor, reveal processes that are not operative with saturating concentrations of glucocorticoid. These variations also demonstrate that caution should be exercised in making mechanistic conclusions based solely on experiments conducted with saturating concentrations of glucocorticoid.
Effective size of vacancies in aliovalently doped SrTiO3 perovskites

Abstract Point defects like vacancies can have a profound effect on the structure of perovskite ceramics, but the exact mechanisms involved are still unclear. While a few theoretical models exist for some perovskites, none are particularly accurate or at all suited to the impure, doped, or otherwise defective ceramics which abound in commercial devices. A new empirical approach is presented here. A predictive model for the pseudocubic lattice constant of such perovskites, based solely on published ionic radii data, has been developed and adapted as a model for effective tolerance factor. This model shows that the average A-site size generally decreases with increasing vacancy concentration up to [ V ] = 22%, but not as much as would be expected if vacancies were truly zero-dimensional defects. Such vacancies have an effective size due to both bond relaxation and mutual repulsion of coordinating oxygen ions. At compositions corresponding to [ V ] 3 -based perovskites than existing methods and can potentially be expanded to other perovskite systems.
Radiation-produced ultraviolet absorption in KCl

Abstract Ultraviolet (u.v.) absorption bands produced in KCl by electron irradiation at 80°K to a concentration of 3 × 10 8 F centers/cm 3 were studied as a function of trace impurity content and annealing temperature. A single absorption band peaked at 240 nm, reported by Faraday and Compton, was found in samples from three undoped ingots and one lightly lead-doped ingot at the irradiation temperature. After step annealing to higher temperatures new bands of variable width, height, and position were formed which were strongly ingot dependent. In addition, the temperature at which the 240 nm band first showed changes was sample dependent. For a more heavily calcium-doped sample, a different initial u.v. band was found peaked at 230 nm. These bands are attributed to interstitial halide centers which cluster at, and are stabilized by, trace amounts of impurity.
Type IX Collagen NC1 Domain Peptides Can Trimerize in Vitro without Forming a Triple Helix

Synthetic peptides of the three chains of type IX collagen consisting of the carboxyl-terminal end of the COL1 domain and the complete NC1 domain were characterized by circular dichroism spectroscopy and analyzed for their ability to assemble into trimers. In vitro association and oxidation result in disulfide-linked oligomers as shown by molecular sieve chromatography and SDS-polyacrylamide electrophoresis. Whereas the individual peptides show a tendency to self-associate, when an equimolar amount of the three peptides was oxidized, a heterotrimer of the three chains was observed. This heterotrimer is recognized by a monoclonal antibody against the disulfide-linked NC1 domain of chicken type IX collagen, indicating the correct formation of the disulfide bonds. Circular dichroism measurements show that under the association conditions used, a triple helix does not form between the chains. These results indicate that these peptides contain all the necessary information for chain selection and assembly.
Qualitative And Quantitative Artifact From CT Algorithms

Image artifacts in computed tomography originate either in the hardware or software components of the system. Software artifacts may be classified as qualitative or quantitative depending, respectively, upon whether the rms artifact converges within the image field or whether it diverges. As an example of quantitative artifact, we demonstrate that truncated algorithms, often recommended for reducing reconstruction time, inherently generate aperature-error or size-effect artifact. As an example of qualitative artifact, we demonstrate that algorithms giving sharpest edge-definition do not yield generally superior point resolution. These "sharp" algorithms, however, do generate large qualitative artifact, and require relatively long computer time. Prereconstruction and postreconstruction averaging, often introduced to alleviate noise and artifact problems, can be eliminated completely. One achieves the same final result by initially choosing a different, and often simpler, reconstruction convolution.© (1976) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Letter Regarding Article by Connolly et al, “Challenges of Establishing New Antithrombotic Therapies in Atrial Fibrillation”

To the Editor: Dr Connolly and colleagues in the July 24, 2007, issue of Circulation 1 have clearly defined the important challenges we face in evaluating antithrombotic drugs for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF). We are in general agreement with the authors. However, we differ on the advisability of conducting a superiority trial of a new, presumably effective antithrombotic agent against aspirin in patients at high risk for stroke. The only evidence supporting the benefit of aspirin against the placebo for stroke prevention in AF is from the Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation (SPAF) I trial.2 …
Quality-of-Life Utility Values for Erectile Function and Sildenafil Treatment.

Objective: The cost effectiveness of sildenafil remains controversial, due in part to questions about the magnitude and significance of changes in quality-of-life utility values as a result of its use. Our objective was to measure utilities for present health and hypothetical erectile function scenarios in men with and without erectile dysfunction (ED) and to measure utilities in men with ED before and after treatment with sildenafil. Subjects and methods: Men with and without ED were recruited from a urologist’s office. Subjects completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), the 12-Item Short-Form health survey (SF-12), and utility assessments (visual analogue scale [VAS], time tradeoff [TTO], and standard gamble [SG]) for their own present health and erectile function as well as for hypothetical scenarios of poor and very good erectile function. Exclusion criteria were cardiac illness history, current nitrate use, present sildenafil use, or inability to follow up. Results: Eighty-nine men without ED and 58 men with ED were recruited. Fifteen men with ED (25.9%) were prescribed sildenafil and completed at least one follow-up interview. Utilities for men with ED were significantly lower than men without ED by VAS (0.71 vs 0.84, p < 0.01) and TTO (0.89 vs 0.96, p < 0.01), but not by SG. Men without ED rated the poor erectile function scenario lower than men with ED; both groups rated the very good erectile function scenario similarly. Men without ED rated poor erectile function significantly lower than their present health (utility differences 0.34 for VAS, 0.08 for TTO and SG). In 15 men who gave ratings after sildenafil, significant changes were seen in IIEF scores, but not in utilities. Conclusion: Men with ED had lower VAS and TTO utilities than men without ED. Based on utility differences between present health and a poor erectile function scenario in men without ED, sildenafil would likely be considered cost effective from a societal perspective. However, sildenafil therapy may be less cost effective from a patient perspective, but conclusions are limited by the small group of men providing ratings after sildenafil therapy. Very good erectile function is highly valued by men regardless of their erectile function status.
Three-Axis Lorentz-Force Magnetic Sensor for Electronic Compass Applications

A low-power microelectromechanical-systems (MEMS) three-axis Lorentz-force magnetic sensor is presented. The sensor detects magnetic field in two axes with a single MEMS structure. Three-axis sensing is performed using two perpendicular structures on the same die. The MEMS device is a micromechanical resonator, and sensing is conducted using excitation currents at the device's in-plane and out-of-plane mechanical resonant frequencies which are 20.55 and 46.96 kHz, respectively. A die-level vacuum seal results in in-plane and out-of-plane mechanical quality factors of 1400 and 10000, current, the sensor's noise is equivalent to 137 nT/√Hz for the respectively. With 0.58 mW used to provide the two-axis excitation z-axis magnetic field inputs and 444 nT/√Hz for the x-and y-axis fields. For the z-axis field measurements, Brownian noise is the dominant noise component, while the xand y-axis field measurements are limited by the electronic noise in the discrete capacitive-sensing electronics. The major source of offset error is residual motion induced by electrostatic force. The offset is reduced to 14 μT using a dc compensation voltage applied to the MEMS structure to null the electrostatic force. After compensation, the offset stability is 400 nT with a 0.7-s averaging time.
Behavior of dissolved antimony, arsenic, and selenium in the Atlantic Ocean

Abstract Vertical profiles for dissolved antimony, arsenic, and selenium were obtained at four stations in the eastern basins of the North and South Atlantic Ocean, and on a surface-water transect from 24 ° S to 31 ° N. Total dissolved selenium displays surface-water depletion and deep-water enrichment, with organic selenide (selenium in soluble peptides) being the predominant species in surface waters and selenate predominating in deep waters. Although the concentrations of total selenium in surface waters of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres are similar, the ratio of inorganic to organic selenium is strongly influenced by the intensity of upwelling. Total inorganic arsenic is depleted in the surface waters of all stations, and increases to relatively constant deep-water concentrations (c. 20 nmol/l). In contrast, total inorganic antimony shows surface-water maxima at two stations. Although the average surface-water arsenic and antimony concentrations in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres are identical, there is some evidence for the atmospheric deposition of antimony. Overall, the cycling of the metalloids in the Atlantic is dominated by in situ biotic reactions, and modified by inputs from upwelling and atmospheric deposition.
Correlates of vulnerability among arthropod species threatened by invasive ants

Invasive species are causing population declines and extinctions of native species worldwide. Correlates of species vulnerability, which help identify at-risk taxa, are not well developed for arthropods, particularly with respect to threats from invasive species. At five sites undergoing invasion by ants in the Hawaiian Islands, we assessed body size, population density, trophic role and provenance (introduced or endemic to the Hawaiian Islands) as potential correlates of vulnerability for 300 arthropod species. Among rare species, prove- nance was the most important factor associated with absence from invaded plots, with endemic species much more commonly absent. Trophic role was also important, but only when interacting with provenance: endemic carnivores were by far the most vulnerable group, followed by endemic detritivores. For non-rare species, Hawaii endemics were sig- nificantly more reduced in invaded plots compared to introduced species. In addition, species that occurred at lower population densities were more vulnerable than those occurring at higher densities. Body size did not correlate with vulnerability for either rare or non-rare species. Despite these trends, there was relatively high variability in responses to invasion among species in many taxonomic orders, as well as among populations of particular species at different sites. While the consideration of additional intrinsic traits might increase pre- dictive ability to some degree (e.g., intrinsic traits only explained 21% of the variation in impact among non-rare species), community-specific extrinsic factors appear to play a large role in influencing outcomes for many species, making prediction substantially more difficult.
Increasing Elementary-aged Students’ Reading Fluency with Small-group Interventions: A Comparison of Repeated Reading, Listening Passage Preview, and Listening Only Strategies

Although reading fluency is one of the five essential early-reading skills students must develop, many elementary-aged students in the United States do not read age-appropriate material fluently. As such, small-group interventions are practical and often more time efficient than individualized interventions aimed to address this problem. However, few small-group interventions targeting students’ reading fluency have been empirically evaluated. The primary purpose of this study was to examine three small-group reading interventions that have been used to improve students’ reading fluency (repeated reading, listening passage preview, and listening only). Using an alternating-treatments design, the effects of each intervention were evaluated with four-second-grade students with average to below average reading skills. Students’ words read correctly per minute (immediately following and 2 days after intervention) served as the outcome measures. Results supported the repeated reading intervention, followed by listening passage preview, as most effective. Findings also suggested that improvements from each intervention remained 2 days later.
Dispersion of solids in nonhomogeneous viscous flows

Abstract Dispersion of powdered solids in viscous liquids is the result of the interaction between a complex flow and incompletely understood phenomena — rupture and erosion of solids — occurring at agglomerate length scales. Breakup of solid clusters in nonhomogeneous flows is studied by dynamic modeling. Complex flow behavior is simulated by means of a chaotic flow; breakup is characterized by the ‘fragmentation number’, Fa , which is the ratio of deforming viscous forces to resisting cohesive forces. A condition for rupture, Fa > Fa sep , developed using a two fragment model cast in terms of a microstructural vector model, is presented. Clusters rupture and erode causing the population to evolve in space and time; conditions based on the magnitude of Fa determine whether or not rupture occurs, and the probability of erosion. Results are analyzed by means of fragmentation theory. It is shown that the polydispersity is not constant, that the cluster size distribution resulting from dispersion is not self-similar, and that erosion in a nonhomogeneous flow leads to a wider size distribution than predicted by mean-field approaches. It is shown as well that regardless of the mixing, that the mass fraction of ultimate size clusters can be predicted by a polynomial relation derived via fragmentation theory and that the overall rates of erosion in both poorly mixed or well mixed flows can be described by a power law.
Popliteal traumatic arteriovenous fistula

Popliteal trauma requires particular attention because blood vessel injuries in that zone might cause serious complications. Popliteal traumatic arteriovenous fistula (AVF) should be considered for...
Latinos and mutual support groups: A case for considering culture.

The literature on recognized Latino cultural values and their effect on mental health interventions with Latinos is reviewed, and experiences in implementing school-based mutual support groups for Latino parents are examined. Recommendations are made for incorporating cultural values in support group interventions with Latinos to promote increased participation. Implications for research are discussed.
MULTI-SCALE DYNAMICS OF HIGH ENERGY THROUGHPUT SYSTEMS

Abstract The present paper analyzes the energy dynamics of process networks and/or staged processes whereby the material recycle streams interconnecting the units/stages take on the additional role of energy carriers. In the presence of large energy input and output flows, the networks considered are shown to exhibit a dynamic behavior with multiple time scales, with the variables in the energy balance evolving over a short time horizon, and the variables in the material balance exhibiting both fast and slow transients. A singular perturbation analysis is employed for the derivation of reduced order models for the fast and slow dynamics. Finally, an illustrative example and numerical simulation results are presented.
Management of tuboovarian abscesses: percutaneous drainage following failed antibiotic therapy

Abstract Objective: To look at the short- and long-term outcome of percutaneous drainage of tuboovarian abscesses (TOAs) after failure to respond to initial antibiotic therapy. Methods: A retrospective study of patients with a diagnosis of TOAs admitted to Jackson Memorial Hospital between January 1, 1997 and December 31, 1997. Results: Fifty-four patients with a diagnosis of TOAs were identified. Forty patients (74%) responded to parental antibiotic therapy and 14 patients (26%) did not. Percutaneous drainage was performed under computed tomography or ultrasound guidance in 10 patients who failed antibiotic therapy. Eight patients (80%) responded to percutaneous drainage, and two patients (20%) continued with febrile morbidity and required surgical intervention. Follow-up was possible for seven patients with a median duration of 11 months. Recurrence occurred in two patients, at 2 and 18 months post drainage, and required surgery. Long-term sequelae included infertility in two patients. No patients have developed chronic pelvic pain. Conclusions: In this series of patients, percutaneous drainage of TOAs was successful in avoiding surgery in 6 of 10 patients. Therefore, percutaneous drainage should be considered as the next management strategy for patients admitted with TOAs who do not respond to antibiotic therapy.
Temperature effects on Valonia bioelectric potential.

Abstract This investigation concerned detailed effects of temperature on bioelectric potential. Previous measurements of algal potentials were made at irregular, widely spaced, temperature intervals; this study recorded temperature continuously from 10 to 36°. The current models predict relatively simple continuous temperature dependencies for bioelectric potentials; yet in this investigation abrupt changes in potential were observe near 15 and 30°. Below 15 and above 30° the potentials changed sharply while between 15 and 30° temperature had only slight effect on the potential.
Epidemiology of HIV infection among Israeli Arabs.

Abstract Objective. Israeli Arab citizens comprise Israel's largest minority group (15.6% of Israelis>12 years old). The objectives of this study were to describe the epidemiology of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in this group for the first time at a national level, and to identify health promotion and treatment needs. Methods. All HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) cases among Israeli Arab citizens that were notified to the Ministry of Health between 1985 and 2002 were analysed and compared with other Israelis (excluding immigrants from sub-Saharan Africa and their children). Results. Twenty-five AIDS cases and 51 HIV-positive cases were notified in adult/adolescent Israeli Arabs, (3.4% of all adult/adolescent cases). In addition, four child cases were reported. The cumulative rates for Arab and non-Arab Israelis were 10.1 and 37.8/100,000, respectively. The gender ratios (male/female) were 3.3 and 4.4 for AIDS cases and HIV cases, respectively. The median age was 31.5 years [interquartile range (IQR)=12] for AIDS cases and 30 (IQR=12) for HIV cases. Modes of transmission were heterosexual contact (34%), intravenous drug use (21%), male homosexual contact (19%), unknown (14%), haemophilia (6%), children of at-risk parents (4%) and blood (2%). The mean interval from HIV notification to AIDS diagnosis was 1.5 years until 1998 and 2.8 years thereafter. Knowledge, attitudes and practices studies on AIDS in Arabs are also discussed in this article. Conclusion. HIV prevalence is lower in Arab Israelis than in non-Arab Israelis and Arabs residing in neighbouring countries. Nevertheless, the shorter interval from HIV notification to AIDS diagnosis in Arab Israelis suggests a lower rate of HIV testing and diagnosis at a later stage of infection. Patterns of transmission in Arab Israelis need further evaluation, including behavioural surveys.
Subjective relative income and lottery ticket purchases

Despite a return of only $.53 on the dollar, state lotteries are extremely popular, especially among the poor, who play the most but can least afford to play. In two experiments conducted with low-income participants, we examine how implicit comparisons with other income classes increase low-income individuals' desire to play the lottery. In Experiment 1, participants were more likely to purchase lottery tickets when they were primed to perceive that their own income was low relative to an implicit standard. In Experiment 2, participants purchased more tickets when they considered situations in which rich people or poor people receive advantages, implicitly highlighting the fact that everyone has an equal chance of winning the lottery. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tetracyclic phenothiazines. III. . Intermolecular hydride transfer in acid induced disproportionation of 1,2-dihydro-3-hydroxy-3H-pyrido[3,2,1-kl] phenothiazines†

1,2-Dihydro-3-hydroxy-3H-pyrido[3,2,1-kl]phenothiazines and 1H-pyrido[3,2,1-kl]phenothiazines undergo acid catalyzed disproportionation with intermolecular hydride transfer to form pyrido[3,2,1-kl]phenothiazinium salts and 1,2-dihydro-3H-pyrido[3,2,1-kl]phenothiazines. Sodium borohydride reduction of 3-alkyl- or 3-arylpyrido[3,2,1-kl]phenothiazinium salts gives 3-alkyl- or 3-aryl-1H-pyrido[3,2,1-kl]phenothiazines. In the presence of a proton source, borohydride reduction of pyrido[3,2,1-kl]phenothiazinium fluoroborate or 3-chloropyrido-[3,2,1-kl]phenothiazinium perchlorate gives 1,2-dihydro-3H-pyrido[3,2,1-kl]phenothiazine, while 1H-pyrido[3,2,1-kl]phenothiazine is formed in aprotic solvents with pyridine present.
Anonymous mechanisms in group decision support systems communication

Abstract Using group decision support systems (GDSS) as a backdrop, this paper looks at the issues surrounding anonymity, with particular emphasis on how it may be achieved. Ensuring anonymity requires more than simple encryption. Anonymity is viewed as a composite of three types of anonymity—environmental, content-based and procedural. Each type is investigated and procedures developed to improve the anonymity of the system. Behavioral and operational costs are identified for each of the three types of anonymity. For some meetings, the benefits of supporting anonymous communication may not justify the costs. Mechanisms providing complete procedural anonymity in various system configurations are presented. It is shown that five separate mechanisms can be used to provide procedural anonymity. The impact of relaxing each of these mechanisms is also investigated. Even though a system provides anonymity, participants may be skeptical. This skepticism can reduce the overall efficiency of the group. For this reason it is important to be able to convince groups that their comments are indeed anonymous. The issue of how to convince individuals that their anonymity is secure is discussed and a partial solution to this problem is presented.
Moving a Mountain: Sending Schooling Through the Air

(1978). Moving a Mountain: Sending Schooling Through the Air. The Review of Education: Vol. 4, No. 4, pp. 413-416.
A mathematical theory of enamel solubility and the onset of dental caries: II. Some solubility equilibrium considerations of hydroxyapatite.

Equilibrium solubility considerations are presented based on the assumption that equating the kinetic expressionq, developed in part I, to zero can describe the equilibrium or steady state between hydroxyapatite and salt solutions. From this expression is derived Hodge's empirical equilibrium equation,C=KH. Further, a lograithmic transformation of this equation results in an expression that accounts for the equilibrium calcium, phosphorus andpH relation found by Levinskas and Neuman. Finally, it also shows the relation between log (C·P) andpH necessary for typical artificial carious lesions as found by Coolidge, Besic and Jacobs. A discussion of a recent theory of hydroxyapatite solubility of LaMer reveals calculation errors that vitiate his results. It is shown that logK1 (K1 is the ratio of the rate constants inq and can serve as a solubility equilibrium constant for hydroxyapatite) varies by only 1.2 units when calculated from three diverse sets of data. This variation is less than that reported by LaMer (when the errors of calculation in that work are corrected) and considerably less than the range of 11 among attempts to calculate a conventionalpK sp , as summarized by Hodge.
VARIATION IN PROSTATE CANCER SURVIVAL EXPLAINED BY SIGNIFICANT PROGNOSTIC FACTORS

ABSTRACTPurpose: Traditional survival analytical tools do not reveal the ability of significant prognostic factors to predict (that is, explain variation in) survival. We used survival data in patients with prostate cancer to illustrate how the association of factors with survival diverges from their ability to explain variation in survival; bladder cancer was included as a point of general comparison.Materials and Methods: We used the 1973 to 1990 records of the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results program. Multivariate proportional hazards models were used to identify factors that significantly associated with survival. The proportion of variation explained by these factors was estimated with the Schemper method.Results: The dataset included 10,636 patients with prostate cancer and 1,070 with bladder cancer. Median survival was significantly longer in prostate than bladder cancer; other characteristics were similarly distributed. Age, stage and marital status were associated with survival in both c...
Reduction processes in the fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry of sulfonyl esters of diazonaphthalenones

Orthoquinone diazides, which are widely used in microlithography, have attracted considerable attention, especially in terms of their application in the production of high-contrast resists. Previous electron impact mass spectrometric results have confirmed that the primary fragmentation process of these compounds is the elimination of N2 to form an indenoketene ion. This is analogous to the photodecomposition pathway which makes them effective in the lithographic process. Those results also revealed the occurrence of an alternative process, which involves a two-hydrogen reduction of the intermediate species formed prior to conversion to the ketene. The present study investigates the behaviour of the orthoquinone diazides when there is an abundance of protons available to form the reduction product. Several different types of diazonaphthalenone sulfonyl esters, ranging in complexity from the monosubstituted phenol esters to disubstituted dihydroxybenzophenones, were examined using fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry. Although reduction was the primary process in the hydrogen-rich matrices, the extent of reduction was characteristic of the particular isomer as well as the matrix used.
Ambiguity functions of laser-based chaotic radar

The ambiguity functions of a newly developed laser-based chaotic radar (CRADAR) system are studied. In the CRADAR system, the chaotic waveforms can be generated either by an optically injected (OI) semiconductor laser, or a semiconductor laser with optoelectronic feedback (OEF). The ambiguity functions of the chaotic pulsation and chaotic oscillation waveforms obtained experimentally from the CRADAR system with the respective OEF and the OI schemes are examined and compared. In the cross-ambiguity functions, both types of the chaotic waveforms demonstrate their excellent capabilities in the electrical counter-countermeasures (ECCM) that civilian and military applications desire. In the auto-ambiguity functions, the chaotic oscillation waveform shows better unambiguous detection quality than the chaotic pulsation waveform that an ideal thumbtack-like ambiguity function with minimal sidelobes is found. Moreover, variations in the peak value and the full width at half-maximum of the auto-ambiguity function of the chaotic oscillation waveform along the principal axes are also investigated. By having the features of both ultrawideband radar and random signal radar, the chaotic oscillation waveform of the CRADAR system with the OI scheme is shown to possess the advantages of high range resolution, excellent ECCM capability, ideal thumbtack-like ambiguity function, and uncoupled range and range rate resolution functions.
110 Amifostine protects against cyclophosphamide and cisplatin-induced mutagenesis without affecting therapeutic effectiveness

Cyclophosphamide and cisplatin, while extremely effective in killing tumor cells, are both highly mutagenic and carcinogenic to normal cells. When administered at doses ranging from 50 to 200 mg/kg to C3H mice, cyclophosphamide induced mutations at the hprt locus in splenocytes in a linear dose response manner, e.g., mutant frequency increased from 1.5 × 10−6 to 4 × 10−5. Under similar conditions, pretreatment with amifostine protected against cyclophosphamide-induced mutagenesis. Mutant frequency was reduced from 1.6 × 10−5 to 1.8 × 10−6 with no reduction in the therapeutic response of cyclophosphamide on fibrosarcoma cells. Cisplatin at a dose of 4 mg/kg increased mutant frequency from 1.5 × 10−6 to 3 × 10−6. Amifostine reduced this frequency back to control levels (i.e., 1.5 × 10−6). Amifostine's anti-mutagenic effects are being monitored in a clinical trial of amifostine and high-dose cyclophosphamide. Data from this trial will be presented. Amifostine has a potential clinical role for antimutagenesis and anticarcinogenesis in radiation and/or chemotherapy protocols. Supported by Chicago Center for Radiation Therapy, DOE CONT W-31-109-ENG-38 and NIH CA-37435.
Abdominal compartment syndrome after mesenteric revascularization

Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) results from increased pressure within the abdominal cavity leading to multisystem organ dysfunction. The most common cause of ACS is increased intraperitoneal volume from any source, but extrinsic compression can also cause increased intra-abdominal pressure. Although ACS has been well described in patients with trauma, little has been reported on ACS in postoperative patients without traumatic injuries. We report on a patient who had acute ACS 2 days after surgical revascularization for chronic mesenteric ischemia. With appropriate treatment, the patient made a rapid and complete recovery. We present this case of acute ACS in the postoperative patient without trauma to increase awareness and help minimize death caused by this devastating syndrome.
Matching pedagogical intent with engineering design process models for precollege education

Public perception of engineering recognizes its importance to national and international competitiveness, economy, quality of life, security, and other fundamental areas of impact; but uncertainty about engineering among the general public remains. Federal funding trends for education underscore many of the concerns regarding teaching and learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics subjects in primary through grade 12 (P-12) education. Conflicting perspectives on the essential attributes that comprise the engineering design process results in a lack of coherent criteria against which teachers and administrators can measure the validity of a resource, or assess its strengths and weaknesses, or grasp incongruities among competing process models. The literature suggests two basic approaches for representing engineering design: a phase-based, life cycle-oriented approach; and an activity-based, cognitive approach. Although these approaches serve various teaching and functional goals in undergraduate and graduate engineering education, as well as in practice, they tend to exacerbate the gaps in P-12 engineering efforts, where appropriate learning objectives that connect meaningfully to engineering are poorly articulated or understood. In this article, we examine some fundamental problems that must be resolved if preengineering is to enter the P-12 curriculum with meaningful standards and is to be connected through learning outcomes, shared understanding of engineering design, and other vestiges to vertically link P-12 engineering with higher education and the practice of engineering. We also examine historical aspects, various pedagogies, and current issues pertaining to undergraduate and graduate engineering programs. As a case study, we hope to shed light on various kinds of interventions and outreach efforts to inform these efforts or at least provide some insight into major factors that shape and define the environment and cultures of the two institutions (including epistemic perspectives, institutional objectives, and political constraints) that are very different and can compromise collaborative efforts between the institutions of P-12 and higher education.
The Solar Neighborhood. IX. Hubble Space Telescope Detections of Companions to Five M and L Dwarfs within 10 Parsecs of the Sun

We report the detections of low-mass companions to five M and L dwarfs within 10 pc of the Sun using the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Near-Infrared Camera and Multi-Object Spectrometer (NICMOS). Follow-up observations using the HSTAdvanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) and Fine Guidance Sensor 1r (FGS1r) confirm our NICMOS discoveries of companions to the L4.5 dwarf GJ 1001B (LHS 102B) and the M5 dwarf LHS 224, respectively. Images obtained with the Astrophysical Research Consortium 3.5 m telescope at Apache Point Observatory verify our discovery of a companion to the M3 dwarf G239-25. Our NICMOS images confirm the previously suspected duplicity of the M3 dwarfs GJ 54 and GJ 84. The components of GJ 1001BC and LHS 224AB have nearly equal luminosities in all the ACS and/or NICMOS bandpasses in which they were observed. The magnitudes of GJ 54A and B in one FGS1r bandpass and four NICMOS bandpasses differ by P1. GJ 84B and G239-25B are � 4 mag fainter than their M3 companions in the NICMOS bandpasses. We estimate from our NICMOS photometry that GJ 84B and G239-25B have spectral types M7 and M8, respectively, and masses near the lower limit for sustained hydrogen burning. The apparent separations of GJ 1001BC, GJ 54AB, and LHS 224AB suggest orbital periods less than 5 yr. These binary dwarfs are ideal candidates for continued astrometric monitoring that will quickly yield accurate dynamic masses needed to constrain the mass-luminosity relation for low-mass stars and brown dwarfs.
Surface Water 234Th/238U Disequilibria: Spatial and Temporal Variations of Scavenging Rates within the Pacific Ocean

Dissolved and particulate 234Th were determined on several surface transects within the Pacific Ocean. These transects, spanning major oceanographic regimes, ranged from oligotrophic subtropical gyres to eutrophic eastern boundary and equatorial divergence zones. Modeling of the disequilibria between 234Th and 238U within the surface waters provides estimates for the residence time of dissolved thorium with respect to particle scavenging, the residence time of particulate 234Th, and the particulate 234Th flux from the surface layer. The results provide a broad spatial view of the intensity and temporal variability of these scavenging processes. Within the oceanic surface waters dissolved 234Th residence times vary from 6 to 220 days and the scavenging rate of dissolved 234Th onto particles appears to be proportional to primary production. The scavenging intensity of dissolved 234Th is strongly correlated with particulate organic carbon flux throughout a wide range of marine environments ranging from estuaries to the deep sea. Including these environments, which represent end-members for 234Th scavenging intensity, the residence time for dissolved 234Th is shown to vary from 0.3 days to 2 years depending on the particle flux. Particulate 234Th residence times in oceanic surface waters are of the order of weeks and appear to be governed by the rate of zooplankton grazing. Model-derived particulate 234Th fluxes can be used to constrain estimates based upon surface sediment trap collections.
Increase in cardiac myosin heavy-chain (MyHC) alpha protein isoform in hibernating ground squirrels, with echocardiographic visualization of ventricular wall hypertrophy and prolonged contraction

SUMMARY Deep hibernators such as golden-mantled ground squirrels ( Callospermophilus lateralis ) have multiple challenges to cardiac function during low temperature torpor and subsequent arousals. As heart rates fall from over 300 beats min −1 to less than 10, chamber dilation and reduced cardiac output could lead to congestive myopathy. We performed echocardiography on a cohort of individuals prior to and after several months of hibernation. The left ventricular chamber exhibited eccentric and concentric hypertrophy during hibernation and thus calculated ventricular mass was ~30% greater. Ventricular ejection fraction was mildly reduced during hibernation but stroke volumes were greater due to the eccentric hypertrophy and dramatically increased diastolic filling volumes. Globally, the systolic phase in hibernation was ~9.5 times longer, and the diastolic phase was 28× longer. Left atrial ejection generally was not observed during hibernation. Atrial ejection returned weakly during early arousal. Strain echocardiography assessed the velocity and total movement distance of contraction and relaxation for regional ventricular segments in active and early arousal states. Myocardial systolic strain during early arousal was significantly greater than the active state, indicating greater total contractile movement. This mirrored the increased ventricular ejection fraction noted with early arousal. However, strain rates were slower during early arousal than during the active period, particularly systolic strain, which was 33% of active, compared with the rate of diastolic strain, which was 67% of active. As heart rate rose during the arousal period, myocardial velocities and strain rates also increased; this was matched closely by cardiac output. Curiously, though heart rates were only 26% of active heart rates during early arousal, the cardiac output was nearly 40% of the active state, suggesting an efficient pumping system. We further analyzed proportions of cardiac myosin heavy-chain (MyHC) isoforms in a separate cohort of squirrels over 5 months, including time points before hibernation, during hibernation and just prior to emergence. Hibernating individuals were maintained in both a 4°C cold room and a 20°C warm room. Measured by SDS-PAGE, relative percentages of cardiac MyHC alpha were increased during hibernation, at both hibernacula temperatures. A potential increase in contractile speed, and power, from more abundant MyHC alpha may aid force generation at low temperature and at low heart rates. Unlike many models of cardiomyopathies where the alpha isoform is replaced by the beta isoform in order to reduce oxygen consumption, ground squirrels demonstrate a potential cardioprotective mechanism to maintain cardiac output during torpor.
Risk assessment in energy trading

This paper provides a state-of-the-art summary of risk assessment in energy trading. Techniques from financial engineering are needed by electric energy companies to manage price risk. These tools are needed by suppliers, distributors, and traders in a competitive electric power marketplace. Tools that have been adapted to the specific environment of the electric power system include portfolio analysis and hedging instruments. This paper provides a comprehensive critical literature survey of what has been applied to date in the power markets and which areas continue to need additional research. One example market scenario is used throughout the paper to demonstrate the usefulness of the risk assessment methods.
A Transcript Map for the 2.8-Mb Region Containing the Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 Locus

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN 1) is an autosomal dominant disorder in which affected individuals develop variable combinations of parathyroid, anterior pituitary, endocrine pancreatic, and duodenal tumors (Metz et al. 1994). The PYGM (muscle glycogen phosphorylase) marker at chromosome 11q13 originally was found to be linked to MEN1, showing no recombination with the MEN1 phenotype (Larsson et al. 1988; Nakamura et al. 1989; Petty et al. 1994; Kytola et al. 1995; Smith et al. 1995; Courseaux et al. 1996). However, recombinants between the MEN1 phenotype and more centromeric and telomeric markers have narrowed the MEN1 locus to a ∼2-Mb interval flanked by the markers D11S1883 and D11S449 (Courseaux et al. 1996; Debelenko et al. 1997a). The MEN1 gene is suspected to encode a classic tumor suppressor gene based on the observed loss of heterozygosity (LOH) for markers at 11q13 present in MEN 1 tumors, as well as in sporadic tumors of the types seen in familial MEN 1 (Larsson et al. 1988; Friedman et al. 1989, 1992; Debelenko et al. 1997b; Dong et al. 1997). Tumor deletion studies have suggested that the disease locus lies just telomeric to PYGM, narrowing the location of the MEN1 gene to a 600-kb region between PYGM and D11S449 (Bystrom et al. 1990; Lubensky et al. 1996; Emmert-Buck et al. 1997). At present only two genes, ZFM1 (Toda et al. 1994) and FAU1 (Kas et al. 1993a), have been assigned to the minimal MEN1 interval, PYGM–D11S449 (Courseaux et al. 1996). Both genes have been excluded as candidates for MEN 1 based on mutation analysis (Kas et al. 1993b; Courseaux et al. 1996). Here we report the isolation, mapping, characterization, and mutation analysis of 21 transcripts contained in the 1-Mb region from PYGM to D11S4907, with the most intensive effort focusing on the genes in the PYGM to D11S449 interval. The transcript map, however, includes 33 transcripts spanning the 2.8-Mb interval between D11S480 and D11S913.
A longitudinal analysis of work-life balance perspectives of future business professionals

People face the difficulty of how to allocate their limited time between work and non-work activities; this is the age-old problem of work-life balance. Facilitating work-life balance for its employees is a vital aspect of best practices in business management, which will engender higher levels of employee job performance and ethical behaviour. This study compares findings of prior research with results of a current survey of work-life balance perspectives of future business professionals. A key finding is that work-life balance is still of high importance. In addition, some interesting gender-related changes were observed. Comparing the results for 2013 and 2008, findings show that regarding WLB-related issues that were of more concern to females than males in the past are now essentially of shared interest for both sexes.
Cohomology of bundles on homological Hopf manifolds

We discuss the properties of complex manifolds having rational homology of S 1 × S 2n−1 including those constructed by Hopf, Kodaira and Brieskorn-van de Ven. We extend certain previ- ously known properties of cohomology of bundles on such manifolds.As an application we consider degeneration of Hodge-deRham spectral sequence in this non Kahler setting.