cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rotating space elevators: Physics of celestial scale spinning strings

We explore classical and statistical mechanics of a novel dynamical system, the Rotating Space Elevator (RSE) (L. Golubovic, S. Knudsen, EPL 86, 34001 (2009)). The RSE is a double rotating floppy string reaching extraterrestrial locations. Objects sliding along the RSE string (climbers) do not require internal engines or propulsion to be transported far away from the Earth’s surface. The RSE thus solves a major problem in space elevator science, which is how to supply energy to the climbers moving along space elevator strings. The RSE can be made in various shapes that are stabilized by an approximate equilibrium between the gravitational and inertial forces acting in a double rotating frame associated with the RSE. This dynamical equilibrium is achieved by a special (“magical”) form of the RSE mass line density derived in this paper. The RSE exhibits a variety of interesting dynamical phenomena explored here by numerical simulations. Thanks to its special design, the RSE exhibits everlasting double rotating motion. Under some conditions, however, we find that the RSE may undergo a morphological transition to a chaotic state reminiscent of fluctuating directed polymers in the realm of the statistical physics of strings and membranes.
Three-dimensional Percolation With Removed Lines of Sites

The site percolation problem on a cubic lattice in which entire lines of sites are removed randomly is analyzed with use of both analytical and large-cell (up to ${100}^{3}$) Monte Carlo renormalization-group techniques. Because of strong correlation effects, the behavior of small systems deviates appreciably from regular percolation, and the percolation threshold is lowered. However, it is shown that the asymptotic values of the critical exponents are consistent with those of regular percolation. The results suggest a practical way to generate macroscopic three-dimensional percolating samples, which can be used to measure various physical properties of percolating systems.
86Rb transport, water and cation concentrations in lenses exposed to polymyxin B sulfate☆

Abstract Polymyxin B sulfate induced damage to the membranes of the lens fibers and increased lens hydration both in vitro and after injection into the vitreous cavity of the rabbit eye. Lenses exposed to polymyxin B sulfate gained Na+ ions and water with non-equivalent losses of K+ ions. The latter resulted from stimulation of the K+−Rb+ ion “pump” that maintained relatively high concentrations of lens K+ despite marked losses by increased efflux. Increase in total Na++K+ ion levels in lenses exposed to polymyxin B sulfate resulted in osmotic effects, and water was drawn into the lens. A “vicious cycle” of membrane destruction, hydration, and increase in concentrations of osmotically active ions (Na++K+) with additional hydration follows lens exposure to polymyxin B sulfate.
Emergency use of cardiopulmonary bypass in complicated transcatheter aortic valve replacement: Importance of a heart team approach

Objectives Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) expands options for high-risk patients with aortic stenosis but is complex with life-threatening complications. We describe indications for use of salvage cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and assess outcomes. Methods From 2006 to 2011, 303 patients underwent TAVR, and 12 (4%) required emergency CPB. Approach was transapical (9) and transfemoral (3). Mean age was 82 ± 9 years, median Society of Thoracic Surgeons score was 11 and mean gradient was 46 ± 9 mm Hg. Access for CPB was femoral under fluoroscopy. Principal indication for CPB was hemodynamic instability with or without ischemic changes. These resulted from aortic insufficiency (n = 5), valve embolization (n = 3), coronary malperfusion (n = 2), bleeding requiring pericardiocentesis (n = 1), and bleeding from ventricular apex (n = 1). Additional procedures included valve-in-valve TAVR (n = 5), surgical valve replacement (n = 3), and coronary intervention (n = 2). Additional circulatory support was used in 7 cases: intra-aortic balloon pump (5) and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (3). Results There were 2 hospital deaths. Mean postoperative gradient was 12 ± 9 mm Hg, and median stay was 16 days. There were no myocardial infarctions or renal failure. One patient had stroke with arm weakness, 2 required tracheostomy, and 2 underwent reoperations for bleeding. Median follow-up was 19 months, and there were 5 late deaths. Conclusions Complications during TAVR can be life threatening and may necessitate additional procedures. Expeditious use of CPB support provided by a multidisciplinary heart team optimizes rescue after myocardial collapse.
Mental Arithmetic as a Function of Computerized Digit Rates, Gender, and Size of Audience:

Mental-arithmetic tests were given to 117 undergraduate volunteers (40 men and 77 women) using three rates (between groups) of digit presentation (1 sec., 2 sec., and 3 sec.) under three (within-gr...
Adipose tissue cellularity and apoptosis after intracerebroventricular injections of leptin and 21 days of recovery in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of leptin and post-treatment recovery on adipose tissue cellularity and apoptosis. In addition, to investigate whether Bcl-2 and/or Bax is involved in the mechanism of leptin-induced adipose tissue apoptosis. DESIGN: A total of 24 adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were injected i.c.v. with either 10?μg mouse leptin or 10?μl vehicle once per day for 4 days. At 24?h after the last injection, one group was killed while the other was monitored for 21 days. MEASUREMENTS: DNA fragmentation and Bcl-2 and Bax protein levels were determined in inguinal (ING), epididymal (EPI) and retroperitoneal (RP) white adipose tissues and the interscapular brown adipose tissue (BAT). Cellularity was determined in ING and EPI. RESULTS: Leptin significantly reduced the masses of all white fat pads [RPINGEPI] but not BAT. Cell volume was significantly reduced in EPI and ING. Only ING had a significantly reduced cell number from leptin treatment plus exhibited apoptosis by increased DNA fragmentation and DNA laddering, and upregulation of pro-apoptosis Bax protein. The other fat pads exhibited a general trend to increase the Bcl-2/Bax ratio. Recovery allowed for normalization of white fat pad mass, cell number and cell volume; however, BAT mass increased 42% over control. After recovery, apoptosis was not detected, Bcl-2 protein had increased in ING, and the Bcl-2/Bax ratio had risen overall. CONCLUSIONS: Central administration of mouse leptin in the rat targets white fat depots individually to reduce mass by a reduction in cell volume plus adipocyte deletion in, at least, the ING fat pad by Bax-mediated apoptosis. Even after a dramatic loss in adipose tissue mass and change in cellularity, the rat demonstrates a resilient return to control levels together with an increase in factors that prevent adipocyte loss.
Exchange rates and agribusiness trade: A case study of Nebraska beef exports to Japan

This case study traces the history of exchange rate risk encountered by a Nebraska agribusiness that sells meat products to Japan. The study describes the strategies used to mange that risk. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Heterarchy in Bronze Age Denmark: Settlement Pattern, Gender, and Ritual

The social system of Bronze Age Denmark (c. 1500–500 BC) Is analyzed from the perspective of heterarchy. Special emphasis is placed on archeological evidence from habitation sites, Including direct evidence of economic activities and production control. The history of such research is reviewed to reveal the intellectual traditions of previous analyses. In addition, gender relations and the role of ritual in the social system are considered. The framing concept of heterarchy helps explicitly integrate evidence of domestic and ritual activities and emphasizes the importance of lateral as well as vertical relationships within the prehistoric society.
Faith in Practice: End-of-Life Care and the Catholic Medical Professional.

Theological discussions on appropriate courses of care for the very ill can be more difficult if information on options and outcomes is lacking. This article provides an historical review of a chan...
Familial hyperinsulinemia associated with secretion of an abnormal insulin, and coexistence of insulin resistance in the propositus.

A 45-yr-old muscular nonobese white man who had a 9-yr history of syncopal episodes was studied on several occasions between April 1979 and August 1984. Fasting glucose concentrations ranged between 74-115 mg/dl, and those of insulin ranged between 14-64 microU/ml. Reactive hypoglycemia 3-4 h after ingestion of glucose occurred in the first 2 yr. Glucose tolerance was impaired in 1979, from February 1982 through September 1983, and again in August 1984. The maximum plasma insulin response to glucose ranged between 475-1630 microU/ml. When studied in November 1982, insulin (0.1 U/kg) caused a fall in blood glucose concentration of only 25% (normal, greater than 50%), and maximal glucose utilization during the euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp was 7.5 mg/kg . min (normal, greater than 12 mg/kg . min). Plasma counterregulatory hormone concentrations were normal, and antibodies to insulin and the insulin receptor were absent. Binding of exogenous insulin to the patient's cellular receptors (monocytes, red blood cells, and skin fibroblasts) was normal. Insulin was purified from plasma by immunoaffinity and molecular sieve chromatography and was found to elute later than human insulin on reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography. It was more hydrophobic than normal human insulin and had only 10% of the activity of normal insulin in terms of ability to bind to and stimulate glucose metabolism in isolated rat adipocytes. The abnormal insulin was identified in two of three sons and a sister, but not in the mother, brother, or niece. Sensitivity to insulin was normal in the two sons who had abnormal insulin. These results suggest that in this family the abnormal insulin was due to a biosynthetic defect, inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. The hyperinsulinemia was not associated with diabetes in family members who had no insulin resistance.
A comparison of geostatistical methods for estimating virus inactivation rates in ground water

Abstract Enteric viruses are responsible for a large number of ground-waterborne disease outbreaks every year. Septic tanks are the most frequently cited causes of ground-water contamination in disease outbreaks, and are probably the major contributors of viruses to the subsurface environment. Controlling the placement of septic tanks such that all viruses would be non-infective by the time the effluent reached drinking water wells would likely reduce the number of waterborne viral disease outbreaks. This study describes the use of and provides a comparison of different geostatistical techniques (kriging, cokriging, and combined kriging and regression) to estimate virus inactivation rates in ground water. These estimates were used with the regional ground-water flow characteristics to estimate septic tank setback distances over a city-wide area. It was found that combined kriging and regression, which eliminates the need for laboratory values of virus inactivation rates by using the linear regression relationship between temperature and inactivation rates, produced comparable results to the other two methods, yet reduced the cost of the analysis considerably.
Structure of toxoplasma gondii LDH1: Active-site differences from human lactate dehydrogenases and the structural basis for efficient APAD**+ use

While within a human host the opportunistic pathogen Toxoplasma gondii relies heavily on glycolysis for its energy needs. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), the terminal enzyme in anaerobic glycolysis necessary for NAD+ regeneration, therefore represents an attractive therapeutic target. The tachyzoite stage lactate dehydrogenase (LDH1) from the parasite T. gondii has been crystallized in apo form and in ternary complexes containing NAD+ or the NAD+-analogue 3-acetylpyridine adenine dinucleotide (APAD+) and sulfate or the inhibitor oxalate. Comparison of the apo and ternary models shows an active-site loop that becomes ordered upon substrate binding. This active-site loop is five residues longer than in most LDHs and necessarily adopts a different conformation. While loop isomerization is fully rate-limiting in prototypical LDHs, kinetic data suggest that LDH1's rate is limited by chemical steps. The importance of charge neutralization in ligand binding is supported by the complexes that have been crystallized ...
Selection of Saphenous Vein Conduit in Varicose Vein Disease

Background Limbs with varicose veins are difficult to assess as a source of saphenous vein conduit. Anatomic, histologic, and ultrasound studies demonstrate two types of longitudinal veins in the lower extremities. The great saphenous vein is deep to the saphenous fascia. Accessory saphenous veins are superficial to this layer and have thin walls with diminished muscle cells and elastic fiber. Accessory saphenous veins dilate and form varicosities. Segments of great saphenous veins are often suitable as coronary conduits. No studies have assessed the suitability of saphenous veins as coronary artery conduits in patients with varicose vein disease. Methods Intraoperative high-resolution ultrasound studies were performed in coronary artery bypass graft procedures to assess lower extremity venous morphology in limbs of 77 patients without known venous disease, in 19 limbs with venous telangiectases, and in 23 limbs with varicose veins. Results Dilated great saphenous vein segments were identified in 6% of normal limb venous segments compared with 21% of segments in limbs with telangiectases (p = 0.027) and 22% of segments in limbs with varicosities (p = 0.012). The incidence of absent or hypoplastic great saphenous vein segments is increased in limbs with varicosities (35%) compared with normal limbs (21%; p = 0.032). In the calf, at least one great saphenous vein segment suitable for coronary artery bypass grafting is present in 70% of limbs with varicosities and in 89% of limbs with telangiectases. Conclusions Ultrasound studies document that varicose veins are limited to accessory saphenous veins. Great saphenous vein conduits, identified by ultrasonography, are available in limbs with varicose vein disease.
Numerical reconstruction for dispersionless refractive profiles

An efficient method is presented here for reconstructing dispersionless refractive profiles from scattering data. This procedure makes use of known reflection data to determine the refractive index of a semi-infinite slab. The numerical method presented here avoids matrix inversion, successive differentiation, and the solution of auxiliary algebraic or differential equations. Instead, the method relies on leapfrogging through space and time to solve a recently developed integral equation. Results for several new profiles are displayed, and evidence of the robustness of the technique with respect to noise is exhibited.
Life Meaning Is Associated With Suicidal Ideation Among Depressed Veterans

Suicide is a major public health concern among U.S. veterans. Even when asked directly, veterans who die by suicide have been found to deny suicidal thoughts. Psychological assessment needs to go beyond the current risk factors and evaluate underlying factors that may increase suicide risk. In the present study, diagnostic interviews and self-report questionnaires were used to measure life meaning and suicidal ideation in a sample of 110 depressed veterans. Life meaning was significantly associated with suicidal ideation, even after accounting for depression and suicide history. Life meaning may be an important, previously ignored indicator of suicide risk.
Positive affect of parents of autistic children: A comparison across two teaching techniques*

While the positive effects of behavioral parent training programs on children with developmental disabilities are well documented, relatively little attention has been focused on the effects of such programs on the parents. One important area of effect relates to the parents' positive affect while implementing such programs. The purpose of this investigation was to conduct a comparison of parental affect across two parent training programs. Naive judges were asked to rate positive affect of parents as they worked in one-on-one training sessions with their children. The parents implemented either a highly structured, discrete-trial procedure or a more naturalistic pivotal response training procedure. Results indicated that the parents implementing the pivotal response training procedure were rated as exhibiting significantly more positive affect than those parents implementing the discrete-trial procedure. The implications of these results on the design of parent training programs are discussed.
Prevention of toxin-induced intestinal ion and fluid secretion by a small-molecule CFTR inhibitor☆

Abstract Background & Aims: The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) provides an important apical route for Cl − secretion across intestinal epithelia. A thiazolidinone-type CFTR blocker (CFTR inh -172) reduced cholera toxin-induced fluid accumulation in mouse intestinal loops. Here, we characterize the efficacy and pharmacodynamics of CFTR inh -172 in blocking cAMP and cGMP induced Cl − /fluid secretion in rodent and human intestine. Methods & Results: CFTR inh -172 inhibited cAMP and cGMP agonist induced short-circuit current by >95% in T84 colonic epithelial cells (K I ∼ 3 μmol/L) and in mouse and human intestinal sheets (K I ∼ 9 μmol/L). A single intraperitoneal injection of CFTR inh -172 (200 μg) blocked intestinal fluid secretion in a rat closed-loop model by >90% for cholera toxin and >70% for STa Escherichia coli toxin. In mice, CFTR inh -172 (20 μg) inhibited cholera toxin-induced intestinal fluid secretion by 90% (persistence t 1/2 ∼10 hours, K I ∼ 5 μg) and STa toxin by 75% (K I ∼ 10 μg). Tissue distribution and pharmacokinetic studies indicated intestinal CFTR inh -172 accumulation facilitated by enterohepatic circulation. An oral CFTR inh -172 preparation reduced fluid secretion by >90% in a mouse open-loop cholera model. Conclusions: A small molecule CFTR blocker markedly reduced intestinal ion and fluid secretion caused by cAMP/cGMP-dependent bacterial enterotoxins. CFTR inhibition may thus reduce fluid secretion in infectious secretory diarrheas.
Ecological and evolutionary dynamics of two-stage models of social insects with egg cannibalism

Abstract Cannibalistic interactions between different developmental stages in a population are prevalent among many groups of animals and social insects. Cannibalism plays an important role in the population outcomes and represents an adaptive strategy in which parents consume some offspring to increase their current and/or future reproductive success. To understand how egg cannibalism affects ecological dynamics and evolutionary outcomes, we propose a simple two-stage ecological model and its evolutionary model by using the framework of evolutionary game theory. Our analytical study shows that: 1. At the population level, a large rate of egg cannibalism can lead to a forward transcritical bifurcation, characterized by the emergence of a globally stable interior equilibrium, while a small rate of egg cannibalism can lead to a backward subcritical bifurcation, which generates strong Allee effects . 2. When the environment is harsh, egg cannibalism can prevent extinction in both the ecological and the evolutionary setting. In addition, evolution preserves strong Allee effects by choosing the trait with the smaller cannibalism rate. 3. Evolution may decrease or increase the fitness of the colony by decreasing or increasing the total population size. 4. The trait function is very important since it can affect permanence of the system. These results suggest that cannibalism behavior is indeed an adaptive strategy when the availability of food is scarce and the nutrient is limited. Additionally, cannibalism may be averted by defensive behaviors or other adaptations that serve to their age distribution, and it may be also a mechanism that can generate strong Allee effects .
Total skin electron beam therapy for cutaneous lymphomas and leukemias

Abstract Total skin electron beam therapy (TSEB) was used in the treatment of 33 patients with lymphoma and 13 patients with leukemia involving extensive segments of the skin surface. Twenty-two of 23 had skin lesions as a primary manifestation of lymphoma (primary cutaneous lymphoma-PCL) and 11 developed cutaneous lesions following disseminated nodal lymphoma (secondary cutaneous lymphoma-SCL). A once weekly fractionation scheme was employed to irradiate the entire skin surface with 3.5 to 4 MeV electron beam from a 6 MeV linear accelerator. During each weekly session, 400 rad were delivered to the entire skin and a complete course consisted of 4–6 consecutive weekly sessions. The majority of patients have been previously treated elsewhere for various periods and all patients have been at risk for a median of 12 months, range from 12–117 months following TSEB. Striking predominance of the diffuse pattern (76%) was demonstrated in both the PCL and SCL. There was extracutaneous involvement in 63% ( 13 22 ) of the PCL, nodal or visceral at onset of TSEB; median follow-up was 24 months, range 6–117 months; 20 22 (90%) of all patients obtained prompt relief of symptoms and complete regression of cutaneous lesions. Duration of cutaneous remission ranged from 6–96 months, median 18 months; in general, duration was adversely influenced by the presence of visceral involvement at onset of TSEB. Although cutaneous response among the patients with SCL and leukemia was equally good, many of these patients were treated for palliation because of rapid progression of their disease. Once weekly treatments were highly effective, well-tolerated and no untoward immediate or late effects have been noted in the bone marrow or normal skin irradiated.
The fate of phenomenology in deconstruction : Derrida and husserl

This paper begins by presenting Lawlor's Derrida and Husserl: The Basic Problems of Philosophy, an account of how deconstruction emerges as Derrida discusses Husserl's phenomenology (I.). It then determines the genre of Lawlor's intellectual history. Lawlor writes a continuist narrative history of ideas and concepts (II.). In the subsequent main section the paper uses Lawlor's material to take a position in the debate between Husserl and Derrida (III.). This is done in three parts. The first part reconstructs Derrida's version of Husserlian time consciousness (III. 1). The second part proposes an alternative and revisionist reading of Husserl's theory of internal temporality. On this reading Husserl is a process theoretician of consciousness (III. 2). The third part juxtaposes Husserl and Derrida's critical views (III. 3), arguing that Husserl's fluxive theory of time consciousness does not suffer from the problems Derrida finds in his Husserl. The final section (IV.) points to relativizing consequences f...
Clinical correlates of heavy tobacco use among adolescents.

Abstract The primary aim of this study was to determine the clinical factors differentiating adolescents with heavy smoking (≥10 cigarettes/day) from adolescents with light smoking. This study involved a study group of 812 adolescents recruited from adolescent alcoholism treatment centers and from the community. Logistic regression analyses demonstrated that adolescents with heavy smoking, compared with adolescents with light smoking, were significantly more likely to demonstrate Caucasian American ethnicity, drug-use disorders, alcohol-use disorders, and conduct disorder. Our findings suggest that the clinical correlates of heavy smoking among adolescents are generally similar to those for smoking at any level (vs. nonsmokers), except that heavy smoking is more strongly associated with Caucasian American ethnicity. Also, depressive disorders were associated with smoking at any level in our sample, but depressive disorders were not associated with heavy smoking.
Melanoma metastático causando intussuscepção do intestino delgado: diagnóstico por 18F-FDG PET/TC

Melanoma maligno e uma doenca comum e agressiva que frequentemente causa metastase para o intestino delgado. Este estudo ilustra um caso de intussuscepcao do intestino delgado causada por uma lesao metastatica de melanoma visualizada a 18F-FDG PET/TC em uma paciente de 48 anos idade que realizou exame de reestadiamento.
Differential antigen preservation during tissue autolysis.

Abstract Immediate fixation or snap freezing of tissue is ordinarily done to maximize antigen preservation for immunocytochemistry; however, delay in tissue allocation or spontaneous lymph node infarction can render tissue suboptimal for immunostaining. To test the effects of tissue autolysis/necrosis on the preservation of various lymphoid, epithelial, and mesenchymal markers, two lymph nodes (one with reactive lymphoid hyperplasia and one with metastatic ductal breast carcinoma) were evaluated for immunocytochemically demonstrated antigen preservation at 0-, 4-, 8-, 12-, 24-, 48-, and 72-hour intervals of autolysis at 37°C. All specimens were stained by frozen section and formalin-fixed paraffin section immunocytochemical reactions with antibodies against CLA (CD45), UCHL-1 (CD45RO), L-26, κ, λ, antiepithelial keratins (AE-1 and AE-3), epithelial membrane antigen, and vimentin. Frozen sections were additionally stained for Leu-1 (CD5), Leu-2a (CD8), Leu-3a+b (CD4), Leu-4 (CD3), and Leu-14 (CD22). The most resilient lymphoid antigen preservation was observed with CLA and UCHL-1, both exhibiting immunoreactivity at 72 hours in both frozen and fixed preparations. L-26 showed similar reactivity in frozen sections, but detectable antigen was observed only up to 24 hours in formalin-fixed tissue. Leu-2a proved to be the most labile antigen, persisting for only 12 hours in frozen sections. The epithelial markers epithelial membrane antigen and AE-1 exhibited excellent antigenic preservation in both frozen and fixed preparations; AE-3 persisted well in frozen section but was not demonstrated in fixed tissue. Vimentin immunoreactivity was vastly superior in frozen, as compared with fixed, tissue sections. Most antigens showed remarkable preservation despite morphologic degradation; however, differential antigenic resilience was demonstrated. Knowledge of this variation in antigen decay is critical for evaluation of immunoperoxidase phenotypic studies of autolyzed or necrotic tissue.
Flow Resistance of Surface Micromachined Microfluidic Channels

In this paper measured pressure vs. flow and flow resistance are compared with theoretical predictions (Poiseuille flow) for surface micromachined microfluidic channels with thin-film deformable covers. Three sets of data are compared. In data set 3 the channel width is narrow, channel deflections are relatively small, and there is very little deviation from the theoretical flow resistance prediction. In data sets 1 and 2 there is significant deviation from Poiseuille flow predictions—with flow resistances as little as 1/2 the predicted values that decrease with increasing pressure. Two hypotheses to explain this discrepancy are discussed: (1) channel cover deflection leading to deeper, lower resistance flow channels, and (2) an observed two-phase, air/water, flow phenomena leading to reduced effective wall friction in the channel.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Processing and characterization of reactive polystyrene/hyperbranched polyester blends

Newly developed hyperbranched polyols (HBPs) possess a compact, highly branched, three-dimensional (3D) structure, which has a high density of functional end groups and inherently low viscosity. The combination of these two properties, low viscosity and high reactivity, makes HBP polymers attractive candidates for reactive polymer blending. The HBP additives are able to behave as lubricants during processing and as self-compatibilizing toughening agents in the final blend formulation. In this work, we have studied a series of blends of hyperbranched polyester with high molecular weight polystyrenes. The processability and compatibility in the blends were investigated as a function of volume fraction of the HBP added and reactivity of the matrix phase. We find, through processing and rheological studies, that HBPs are extremely effective processing aids. A significant drop in the blend viscosity occurs immediately on addition of HBP, even at levels as low as 2 vol.%. Characterization including microscopy, thermal analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) indicates that the HBP forms immiscible blends with polystyrene and styrene maleic anhydride (SMA) copolymers. A significant degree of compatibilization occurs in the reactive systems, as evidenced by shifts in the thermal transitions of the HBP phase, and by morphology refinement observed by electron microscopy. The degree of compatibilization in the blends was found to increase with SMA reactivity.
Ovarian papillary serous tumors of low malignant potential (Serous borderline tumors): A long term follow‐up study, including patients with microinvasion, lymph node metastasis, and transformation to invasive serous carcinoma

BACKGROUND The clinical outcome of patients with ovarian serous tumors of low malignant potential (LMP) remains controversial, especially for those with extraovarian disease. We retrospectively reviewed our experience to study this question further, to assess the safety of conservative management of patients with limited disease, and to determine whether exophytic ovarian surface tumor was predictive of tumor recurrence. METHODS The clinical and pathologic records of 76 patients with ovarian serous LMP tumors accessioned at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation from 1979 to 1990 were reviewed. International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging was retrospectively assigned, follow-up information obtained, and clinicopathologic correlations made. RESULTS An exophytic ovarian surface component was present in 39 of 76 patients (51%). Stage II or III disease was present in 28 of 74 staged patients (38%). Follow-up information was available on 66 patients, ranging from 8 to 264 months (mean, 99 months). Twenty-five patients of 66 patients with follow-up information (38%) received adjuvant therapy. Only 1 patient (1.5%) developed progressive disease; she died of widespread invasive serous carcinoma. Two of 18 conservatively managed patients (11%) developed “recurrent” disease, including 1 patient with a second primary serous LMP tumor of the preserved ovary and 1 patient with an incidentally discovered microscopic serosal implant. There were no other recurrences in the study group, which included four patients with stromal microinvasion and one with lymph node involvement. CONCLUSIONS The long term outcome of serous LMP tumors is extremely favorable. Exophytic ovarian surface tumor did not serve as a predictor for subsequent peritoneal implants. Conservative surgical management in young patients with localized disease is supported and the use of adjuvant therapy in the initial management of patients with advanced tumors is further questioned. Cancer 1996;78:278-86.
Identification of Critical Residues within the Conserved and Specificity Patches of Nerve Growth Factor Leading to Survival or Differentiation

Afflicted neurons in Alzheimer disease have been shown to display an imbalance in the expression of TrkA and p75NTR at the cell surface, and administration of nerve growth factor (NGF) has been considered and attempted for treatment. However, wild-type NGF causes extensive elaboration of neurites while providing survival support. This study was aimed at developing recombinant NGF muteins that did not support neuritogenesis while maintaining the survival response. Critical residues were identified at the ligand-receptor interface by point mutagenesis that played a greater importance in neuritogenesis versus survival. By combining point mutations, two survival-selective recombinant NGF muteins, i.e./7-84-103 and KKE/7-84-103, were generated. Both muteins reduced neuritogenesis in PC12 (TrkA+/p75NTR+) cells by >90%, while concurrently retaining near wild-type survival activity in MG139 (TrkA+ only) and PCNA fibroblast (p75NTR+-only) cells. Additionally, survival in both naive and terminally differentiated PC12 cells was shown to be intermediate between NGF and negative controls. Dose-response curves with 7-84-103 showed that the differentiation curve was shifted by about 100-fold, whereas the EC50 for survival was only increased by 3.3-fold. Surface plasmon resonance analysis revealed a 200-fold decrease in binding of 7-84-103 to TrkA. The retention of cell survival was attributed to maintenance of signaling through the Akt survival pathway with reduced MAPK signaling for differentiation. The effect of key mutations along the NGF receptor interface are transmitted inside the cell to enable the generation of survival-selective recombinant NGF muteins that may represent novel pharmacologic lead agents for the amelioration of Alzheimer disease.
Simultaneous Optimization of Preventive Maintenance and Replacement Policy for Machines: A Modern Control Theory Approach

In this paper, the problem of machine replacement in a changing technological environment is formulated as a problem in modern control theory. The objective is to maximize the present value of all future net profits over a class of infinite chains of machines where each link in the chain represents a uniform length replacement cycle with identical preventive maintenance. The control is effected by varying (i) the length of the replacement cycle, and (ii) the schedule of preventive maintenance. The optimal control is determined by applying the maximum principle of Pontryagin and resulting influence functions are provided economic interpretations.PDF version: Sethi, S.P. “Simultaneous Optimization of Preventive Maintenance and Replacement Policy for Machines: A Modern Control Theory Approach,” Management Sciences Research Report #223, GSIA, Carnegie-Mellon University, 1971.
Videography and geographical information systems for recording the excavation of a prehistoric underwater site

L'A. decrit une methode d'enregistrement des donnees dans des sites prehistoriques sous-marins. Il utilise un systeme d'enregistrement video associe a un logiciel de traitement d'informations geographiques
Displacement damage cross sections for neutron-irradiated silicon carbide

Displacements per atom (DPA) is a widely used damage unit for displacement damage in nuclear materials. Calculating the DPA for SiC irradiated in a particular facility requires a knowledge of the neutron spectrum as well as specific information about displacement damage in that material. In recent years significant improvements in displacement damage information for SiC have been generated, especially the energy required to displace an atom in an irradiation event and the models used to describe electronic and nuclear stopping. Using this information, numerical solutions for the displacement functions in SiC have been determined from coupled integro-differential equations for displacements in polyatomic materials and applied in calculations of spectral-averaged displacement cross sections for SiC. This procedure has been used to generate spectrally averaged displacement cross sections for SiC in a number of reactors used for radiation damage testing of fusion materials, as well as the ARIES-IV conceptual fusion device.
The Debonding of Viscoelastic Fiber Composites in Antiplane Shear

In this paper, we first review previous work on the antiplane shear of an elastic fiber composite containing fibermatrix interfaces that suffer nonlinear slip. We extend the theory to account for viscoelastic matrix response treating the solitary fiber problem and effective composite response along the way. The elastic and viscoelastic constitutive relations developed are used to analyze the pure torsion of a circular cylinder containing unidirectional fibers aligned parallel to the cylinder axis. The existence and character of singular surfaces, i.e., surfaces that separate regions of fully slipped material from a minimally slipped core are analyzed as well.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Quality of life indicators according to voice disorders and voice-related conditions.

Objectives/Hypothesis: To evaluate the association between a history of voice disorders and voice-related conditions and the short form–36 eight-scale measure of functional health and well-being as well as psychometrically based physical and mental health summary measures within a senior population. Study Design: Cross-sectional survey completed by 461 individuals aged 50 years and older, October 2010. Methods: The questionnaire included items on demographics, medical history, health, and voice use and disorders. Quality of life indicators were based on questions from the SF-36. Results: The prevalence of ever having had a voice disorder was 17%. Hoarseness, esophageal reflux, frequent throat clearing, respiratory allergies, pneumonia, difficulty projecting the voice, chronic dryness of the throat, bitter or acid taste, effort required to talk, stomach or duodenal ulcers, wobbly or shaky voice, voice discomfort, chronic throat soreness, and emphysema were significantly associated with participants indicating they had experienced a voice disorder. The history of anxiety and depression was also significantly associated with a history of voice-related conditions. Those with a history of voice disorders had significantly poorer health with respect to physical functioning, bodily pain, role limitations due to physical health problems, role limitations due to emotional problems, emotional well-being and social functioning, energy or fatigue, and general health perception. Conclusions: Voice disorders stem from a variety of risk factors and biological mechanisms. Such disorders may lead to poor physical and psychosocial functioning.
Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection

Nitrofurantoin, trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole, fosfomycin, and pivmecillinam are considered first-line agents for cystitis. Fluoroquinolones should not be routine first-line choices for cystitis, although they are first-line empirical therapy for pyelonephritis.
The Effects of Expressive Variation in Dynamics on the Musical Preferences of Elementary School Students.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of expressive variation in dynamics on the musical preferences of elementary school students. Participants were 315 students in Grades 1–5 who attended two urban elementary schools. The music teacher administered a music preference test that presented two versions each of 10 folk songs. One version of each song used expressive variation in dynamics; the other was consistently even in dynamics and other expressive variables. Analysis of the results indicated that a significant proportion of students at each school preferred the expressive versions of 6 different songs. Between the two schools, seven expressive versions were preferred. Age did not seem to have a systematic effect. It was speculated that different dynamic interpretations of the three nonsignificant folk songs may have produced different responses. Recommendations were made concerning the importance of expressive performance in elementary music education.
SORASCS: a case study in soa-based platform design for socio-cultural analysis

An increasingly important class of software-based systems is platforms that permit integration of third-party components, services, and tools. Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) is one such platform that has been successful in providing integration and distribution in the business domain, and could be effective in other domains (e.g., scientific computing, healthcare, and complex decision making). In this paper, we discuss our application of SOA to provide an integration platform for socio-cultural analysis, a domain that, through models, tries to understand, analyze and predict relationships in large complex social systems. In developing this platform, called SORASCS, we had to overcome issues we believe are generally applicable to any application of SOA within a domain that involves technically naive users and seeks to establish a sustainable software ecosystem based on a common integration platform. We discuss these issues, the lessons learned about the kinds of problems that occur, and pathways toward a solution.
Deconvolution-based nonlinear filtering for incompressible flows at moderately large Reynolds numbers

Summary We consider a Leray model with a deconvolution-based indicator function for the simulation of incompressible fluid flow at moderately large Reynolds number (in the range of a few thousands) with under-resolved meshes. For the implementation of the model, we adopt a three-step algorithm called evolve–filter–relax that requires (i) the solution of a Navier–Stokes problem, (ii) the solution of a Stokes-like problem to filter the Navier–Stokes velocity field, and (iii) a final relaxation step. We take advantage of a reformulation of the evolve–filter–relax algorithm as an operator-splitting method to analyze the impact of the filter on the final solution versus a direct simulation of the Navier–Stokes equations. In addition, we provide some direction for tuning the parameters involved in the model based on physical and numerical arguments. Our approach is validated against experimental data for fluid flow in an idealized medical device (consisting of a conical convergent, a narrow throat, and a sudden expansion, as recommended by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration). Numerical results are in good quantitative agreement with the measured axial components of the velocity and pressures for two different flow rates corresponding to turbulent regimes, even for meshes with a mesh size more than 40 times larger than the smallest turbulent scale. After several numerical experiments, we perform a preliminary sensitivity analysis of the computed solution to the parameters involved in the model. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MindFinder: image search by interactive sketching and tagging

In this technical demonstration, we showcase the MindFinder system $-$ a novel image search engine. Different from existing interactive image search engines, most of which only provide image-level relevance feedback, MindFinder enables users to sketch and tag query images at object level. By considering the image database as a huge repository, MindFinder is able to help users present and refine their initial thoughts in their mind, and finally turn thoughts to a beautiful image(s). Multiple actions are enabled for users to flexibly design their queries in a bilateral interactive manner by leveraging the whole image database, including tagging, refining query by dragging and dropping objects from search results, as well as editing objects. After each action, the search results will be updated in real time to provide users up-to-date materials to further formulate the query. By the deliberate but easy design of the query, MindFinder not only tries to enable users to present on the query panel whatever they are imagining, but also returns to users the most similar images to the picture in users' mind. By scaling up the image database to 10 million, MindFinder has the potential to reveal whatever in users' mind, that is where the name MindFinder comes from.
Treatment Outcomes for Temporomandibular Joint Reconstruction After Proplast- Teflon Implant Failure

A retrospective study of 107 patients (male, n = 13; female, n = 94) with 163 joints previously treated with Proplast-Teflon (PT; Vitek, Inc, Houston, TX) implants was performed. The average time in situ for the PT was 59.8 months (range, 2 to 126 months). Average length of follow-up was 84.6 months (range, 59 to 126 months). Only 12% of joints showed no significant osseous changes radiographically. Forty-five patients (42%) continue to have in situ PT implants and 36% of them experience pain that requires medication; 25% have developed an anterior open bite and malocclusion; 9% have limited vertical opening; and 40% are asymptomatic. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) reconstruction after PT implant failure was performed with five different autologous tissues or a total joint prosthesis. Autologous tissues used to reconstruct the TMJ and the rates of success were as follows: 1) 31% free temporalis fascia and muscle graft with and 13% without sagittal split ramus osteotomy, 2) 8% dermis, 3) 25% conchal cartilage, 4) 12% costochondral grafts, and 5) 21% sternoclavicular grafts. The success rate decreased in all autologous tissue groups as the number of TMJ surgeries performed before reconstruction increased. Ankylosis was the most common cause of failure. Results of TMJ reconstruction with a total joint prosthesis were as follows: 1) 88% functional and occlusal stability of total joint prosthesis; 2) level of pain reduction was rated as 46% good, 38% fair, and 16% poor; and 3) an average interincisal opening of 27 mm at 24 months or less, and 33 mm at 25 months and beyond.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The Influence of Season on Semen Production in the Domestic Fowl

Abstract SINCE the superior breeds and strains of domestic fowl produce eggs throughout the entire year, they have been generally classified as continuous breeders in contrast to non-domesticated fowl which reproduce only during limited portions of the year. Continuous breeding should, however, be more properly described in relative terms, for in most species thus far investigated the intensity or efficiency of reproduction is not constant throughout the year. It has been observed at the Purdue Poultry Farm (Hogue and Schnetzler, 1937) and by poultrymen and hatcherymen throughout the Mid-West that large numbers of infertile hatching eggs are obtained during the late summer and early fall months. McKenzie and Berliner (1937) found that the ram exhibits marked seasonal differences in semen quantity and quality and Erb, Andrews, and Hilton (1942) reported that in the bull, semen quality is significantly superior during the months of April, May, and June and of the poorest . . .
Photon-gated photoconductivity of Pr 3+ :YAG

We have observed photon-gated photoconductivity in Pr:YAG, providing clear evidence for photoionization of the trivalent praseodymium ion in the solid state. Photoionization occurs by two-step absorption from 3H4(1) → 1D2(1) followed by an excited-state absorption from 1D2 to the lowest component of the 4f5d configuration. The excitation spectrum of the photocurrent shows sharp 1D2 spectral features, providing unambiguous assignment of the photocurrent.
Life History and Status of Delta Smelt in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Estuary, California

The delta smelt Hypomesus transpaciftcus is endemic to the upper Sacramento-San Joaquin estuary. It is closely associated with the freshwater-saltwater mixing zone except when it spawns in fresh water, primarily during March, April, and May. The delta smelt feeds on zoo- plankton, principally copepods. Its dominant prey was the native copepod Eurytemora affinis in 1972-1974 but the exotic copepod Pseudodiaptomus forbesi in 1988. Because the delta smelt has a 1 -year life cycle and low fecundity (mean, 1,907 eggs/female), it is particularly sensitive to changes in estuarine conditions. Tow-net and midwater trawl samples taken from 1959 through 1981 throughout the delta smelt's range showed wide year-to-year fluctuations in population densities. Surveys encompassing different areas showed declines in different years between 1980 and 1983. After 1983, however, all studies have shown that the populations remained at very low densities throughout most of the range. The recent decline ofdelta smelt coincides with an increase in the diversion of inflowing water during a period of extended drought. These conditions have restricted the mixing zone to a relatively small area of deep river channels and, presumably, have increased the entrainment ofdelta smelt into water diversions. Restoration of the delta smelt to a sustainable population size is likely to require maintenance of the mixing zone in Suisun Bay and maintenance of net seaward flows in the lower San Joaquin River during the period when larvae are present.