cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of pitch in multislice spiral/helical CT

The purpose of this study is to understand the effect of pitch on raw data interpolation in multislice spiral/helical computed tomography (CT) and provide guidelines for scanner design and protocol optimization. Multislice spiral CT is mainly characterized by the three parameters: the number of detector arrays, the detector collimation, and the table increment per x-ray source rotation. The pitch in multislice spiral CT is defined as the ratio of the table increment over the detector collimation in this study. In parallel to the current framework for studying longitudinal image resolution, the central fan-beam rays of direct and opposite directions are considered, assuming a narrow cone-beam angle. Generally speaking, sampling in the Radon domain by the direct and opposite central rays is nonuniform along the longitudinal axis. Using a recently developed methodology for quantifying the sensitivity of signal reconstruction from nonuniformly sampled finite points, the effect of pitch on raw data interpolation is analyzed in multislice spiral CT. Unlike single-slice spiral CT, in which image quality decreases monotonically as the pitch increases, the sensitivity of raw data interpolation in multislice spiral CT increases in an alternating way as the pitch increases, suggesting that image quality does not decrease monotonically in this case. The most favorable pitch can be found from the sensitivity-pitch plot for any given set of multislice spiral CT parameters. An example for four-slice spiral CT is provided. The study on the effect of pitch using the sensitivity analysis approach reveals the fundamental characteristics of raw data interpolation in multislice spiral CT, and gives insights into interaction between pitch and image quality. These results may be valuable for design of multislice spiral CT scanners and imaging protocol optimization in clinical applications.
Effect of Insulin, Glucose, and Glucose and Insulin on the Rate of Metabolism of Ethyl Alcohol.

ConclusionsThere is no evidence from 24 experiments in 6 dogs that insulin, glucose, or insulin plus glucose increases the rate of metabolism of ethyl alcohol.
Wet thermal oxidation of AlAsSb against As/Sb ratio

The authors describe lateral steam oxidation of the AlAsSb material system, varying the As/Sb ratio. Large oxidation depths are obtained for a variety of As/Sb ratios, as long as both As and Sb are present. In comparison, oxidation of AlAs is much slower, whereas AlSb does not appear to oxidise at all. Qualitatively different oxides are obtained from AlAs0.56Sb0.44 and AlAs0.16Sb0.84.
A comparison of selenite and tellurite toxicity in Escherichia coli

l -Methionine enhances the toxicity of TeO3− and SeO3− to E. coli wild type. d -Methionine is ineffective. Similar effects are obtained with the methionine-requiring mutant A.T.C.C. 9663. The enhancement of TeO3− toxicity can be produced by a wide variety of sulfur compounds. Such compounds include those which serve as complete or partial sources of sulfur for E. coli in addition to those not metabolized by the organism. All effective compounds contain sulfur in its most reduced state (S−). SeO3tt- does not show this effect. The enhancement of TeO3− toxicity in contrast to SeO3− by more diverse sulfur compounds demonstrates that a sulfur-TeO3− interaction takes place which has an effect on E. coli that is not comparable to any SeO3−-sulfur interaction.
Polyphenolic Compounds in Canned Apricots

SUMMARY Polyphenolic compounds were extracted with ethyl acetate from aqueous infusions of canned Blenheim apricots (Prunus armenica L.). The compounds were separated by two-dimensional paper chromatography of the extract with n-butanol-acetic acid-water (4:1:5) and 2% acetic acid. The individual compounds were identified by Rf values, fluorescent behavior, absorption spectra, and degradation products. Shown to be present in the extract were three chlorogenic acid isomers, two p-coumaric acid derivatives, rutin, isoquercitrin, quercetin, an unidentified quercetin glucoside, catechin, and epicatechin. The predominant polyphenolic compounds were chlorogenic acids and p-coumaric acid derivatives.
The scattering transform for the Benjamin-Ono equation

The authors use constructive methods to investigate the spectral theory of the Benjamin-Ono equation. Since the linearization series used previously is singular, they replace it with an improved series obtained by finite-rank renormalization. This introduces additional scattering data, which are shown to be dependent upon a single function, though not the usual one. They then prove the continuity of the direct and inverse scattering transforms defined by the improved series for small complex potentials.
Multimodal Integration in Granule Cells as a Basis for Associative Plasticity and Sensory Prediction in a Cerebellum-like Circuit

The recoding of diverse sensory and motor signals by granule cells (GCs) is probably critical for the function of cerebellar circuits, yet the nature of these transformations and their significance for cerebellar information processing remain poorly understood. In cerebellum-like structures in fish, anti-Hebbian plasticity at parallel fiber synapses generates "negative images" that act to cancel predictable patterns of electrosensory input. Here I test the hypothesis that GCs enhance the capacity of Purkinje-like cells to generate specific negative images by selectively encoding combinations of sensory and motor signals. Using in vivo whole-cell recordings, I show (1) that a subset of GCs integrate sensory and motor signals conveyed by distinct mossy fiber classes and (2) that Purkinje-like cells exhibit plastic changes specific to the combinations of signals that individual GCs encode. Consistent with influential theories of cerebellar function, these findings suggest that selective GC output enhances the capacity of Purkinje-like cells to acquire selectivity through associative plasticity.
"Autocannibalism" of choline-containing membrane phospholipids in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease-A hypothesis.

The selective vulnerability of certain cholinergic neurons in Alzheimer's disease could reflect a unique response of these neurons to a neurotoxic factor. Alternatively the etiologic factor causing the disease could affect the brain generally, and the selective death of the cholinergic neurons could occur because they have a biochemical property that makes them least able to withstand this factor. One such property might be their tendency to utilize choline-phospholipids both as a membrane constituent and as a source of free choline for acetylcholine synthesis: perhaps when choline levels in the brain's extracellular fluid are too low to sustain acetylcholine release, these neurons break down their choline-phospholipids more rapidly than they can synthesize them, thus changing membrane structure and, ultimately, neuronal viability.
Metallography of gamma titanium aluminides

Abstract The microstructures of forged and heat treated Ti48A12Nb2Mn (at.%) and Ti48A12Nb2Cr (at.%) gamma titanium aluminides have been revealed by the application of selected metallographic preparation techniques and characterized using light microscopy. Examination of the as-polished specimen surface under polarized light was highly effective in revealing the equiaxed gamma grain structure and twins within the gamma grains, but it did not delineate alpha-two phase present at gamma grain boundaries or within a lamellar gamma/alpha-two constituent. Bright-field and differential-interference contrast light microscopy analyses of specimens chemically etched with Kroll's reagent (100mL H2O+ 4mL HNO3+22mL HF) were marginally effective in characterizing the equiaxed gamma grain structure and likewise did not reveal the alpha-two phase. Furthermore, the application of Kroll's reagent resulted in localized dissolution in the form of fine grooves or microcraks oriented in preferred directions within the equiaxed gamma grains. Under light microscopy, gamma grains that experienced this attack resembled the lamellar gamma/alpha-two constituent. The alpha-two phase was most clearly revealed using an etching solution comprised of 30mL lactic acid + 30mL HNO3 + 3mL HF, while the gamma grain and twin boundaries were most effectively revealed using an etching solution comprised of 30mL HCL+ 10mL HNO3+ 5mL H2O2+ 3mL HF. An etching solution of 25mL H2O+ 50mL glycerol + 25mL HNO3 + 2mL HF was very effective in simultaneously revealing both the gamma and alpha-two phase morphologies.
Reaction of [fac-(CO)3(dppe)Mn(OH2)]BF4 with 13CO and conversion of the resulting tetracarbonyl to labeled isocyanato complexes

Abstract When 13 CO is bubbled into a CH 2 Cl 2 solution of [ fac -(CO) 3 (dppe)Mn(OH 2 )]BF 4 (dppe=Ph 2 PCH 2 CH 2 PPh 2 ), the aqua ligand is replaced by the CO to give the tetracarbonyl, [(CO) 3 ( 13 CO)(dppe)Mn]BF 4 ( 1 ) in which the labeled CO appears exclusively at the site originally occupied by the aqua ligand. Treatment of this aqua complex with NaN 3 leads to an approximate 50:50 mixture of isocyanates corresponding to attack, with equal probability, at either the labeled CO or its axial partner. Neither of the two CO groups trans to the P atoms in the tetracarbonyl are affected.
Community-acquired pneumonia. Diagnostic and therapeutic approach.

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is one of the most common infectious diseases encountered by physicians. Mild or walking pneumonia is treated in the ambulatory setting, whereas sicker patients with CAP usually require hospitalization. CAP may be defined as an infectious disease confined to or involving the lungs, caused by microorganisms. CAP is important from a public health standpoint because of the frequency of this infectious disease and its attendant morbidity and mortality. Optimal antimicrobial therapy of CAP depends on an accurate assessment of the presumed or known pathogens and detailed knowledge of the spectrum, pharmacokinetics, resistance potential, side-effect profile, and cost of the antimicrobial agent selected to treat CAP.
Biomedical CyberInfrastructure challenges

Biomedical research traverses a new era of advancements through the adoption of massive computing and big-data solutions to major scientific problems. However, the road ahead is far from "a walk in a park" -- many obstacles exist in the standardization, adoption, and evolution of methods, practices, algorithms, tools, and ultimately knowledge, that would mature along this road. In this article, we discuss such challenges that we encountered in this field and possible solutions from the iDASH program that closely engages this community.
Endogenous ethylene response and chlorophyll loss in sequentially older leaves of Poa pratensis infected by Bipolaris sorokiniana.

Summary Endogenous ethylene production in sequentially older leaves of intact Poa pratensis infected by Bipolaris sorokiniana was evaluated as a factor in pathogenesis contributing to the chlorosis of infected leaves.Ethylene increased in leaves of all ages in response to infection, peaked 48 h after inoculation, and then gradually declined through 96 h.Maximum ethylene production occurred in the youngest leaf and decreased progressively in each older leaf.Symptom development on sequentially older leaves included brown lesions, chlorotic halos around lesions, chlorosis along and on either side of the leaf midvein between lesions, and complete chlorosis of infected leaves.Severity of symptom development and Chl loss increased on each sequentially older leaf. Subjecting inoculated sequentially older leaves of intact plants to hypobaric pressure (23.3kPa) in a controlled atmosphere-environmental system (CAES), or to 150μLL L -1 2,5-norbornadiene (NBD), during infection and disease development decreased the loss of Chl in all leaves without interfering with infection and lesion development.Midvein and complete chlorosis common to the two oldest infected leaves was substantially decreased.Chlorotic halos around lesions were not appreciably affected by hypobaric pressure or by NBD.It was concluded that ethylene is a component of pathogenesis responsible for much of the chlorosis of infected leaves, that pathogenesis is enhanced in sequentially older leaves, and that chlorotic halos surrounding lesions are not a function of ethylene.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma Dependence on Bcl-2 Family Members for Survival

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare but aggressive cutaneous neoplasm with high metastatic potential, has a poor prognosis at late stages of disease with no proven chemotherapeutic regimens. Using an enriched culture medium, we established and characterized 11 MCC cell lines for Bcl-2 family profiling and functional studies. Immunoblot analysis revealed collectively high protein levels of prosurvival Bcl-2 members in cell lines and a panel of MCC tumors. Downregulation of individual Bcl-2 proteins by RNAi promoted death in a subset of MCC cell lines, whereas simultaneous inhibition of multiple family members by using the small-molecule antagonist ABT-263 led to a marked induction of cell death in 10 of 11 lines. ABT-263 induced Bax-dependent apoptosis with rapid cleavage of caspase-3 and PARP, regardless of Bcl-2 family profile or the presence of Merkel cell polyomavirus. Furthermore, ABT-263 treatment led to rapid and sustained growth suppression of MCC xenografts from a representative cell line, accompanied by a striking increase in apoptosis. Our results establish that concurrent inhibition of multiple prosurvival Bcl-2 proteins leads to effective induction of apoptosis, and strongly support the concept that targeting MCC dependence on these molecules may be useful therapeutically by reversing an intrinsic resistance to cell death.
Foucault's corollary: agency theory and the economics of self-monitoring

In a knowledge economy, the management of an organisation's human capital is critical and prudent management often translates into the attainment of a sustainable competitive advantage. The interaction of knowledge workers with Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) has presented a particularly interesting dynamic to researchers who study changes in related behavioural phenomena. One such phenomenon is self-monitoring. This paper examines the economics of self-monitoring and the integral role of ICTs in enabling knowledge workers to self-monitor. By merging Foucault's power/knowledge ideas with classical agency theory, we gain a richer understanding of human capital dynamics in a knowledge economy.
Ultra-small-angle neutron scattering: a new tool for materials research

Ultra-small-angle neutron scattering is a powerful new tool to quantitatively characterize the morphology of materials on length scales from 0.1 to 50 μm. The technique has already been used on a wide range of materials from hydrogels to geologic specimens. The data reveal a surprising richness of previously undetected morphological features.
Kinetics of thermal synthesis of cerium sulfides

Abstract One of the most promising applications for cerium sulfide is as a refractory for molten metal processing, particularly for reactive actinides. Separate processes were used to synthesize cerium monosulfide, cerium sesquisulfide (Ce 2 S 3 ) and cerium hydride (CeH 2 ). High purity Ce 2 S 3 was produced by reacting ceria (CeO 2 ) and hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) in an induction furnace using a carbon catalyst at temperatures above 2000 °C. CeH 2 was synthesized from cerium metal and hydrogen gas at 100 °C. Ce 2 S 3 and CeH 2 were subsequently reacted together in an induction furnace at temperatures above 1700 °C to produce CeS. X-ray diffraction was used to analyze synthesized samples and the kinetics of the CeS synthesis reaction was modeled using a diffusion-limited reaction model. The activation energy for the process was estimated to be 190 kJ/mol.
Curling of concrete slabs on grade: experimental versus theoretical analysis

Based on a mathematical approach, Westergaard (1926, 1927, 1943, 1948) derived formulae that predicted the state of stresses and strains in concrete slabs on grade subjected to temperature variations. Although Westergaard made various assumptions, his approach remained a basic tool for the design of concrete pavements. This paper presents a close experimental examination of the deformation of concrete pavement slabs subjected to temperature variations. Full-scale instrumented slabs provided data from key-performance parameters within the scope of a long-term monitoring program where concrete pavement slabs equipped with over 200 sensors are subjected to weather conditions in the absence of traffic loading. A quantitative validation of Westergaard's predictions is presented and a modification to Westergaard's curling strain formula is suggested based on temperature profiles recorded across the slab cross section. Time histories of temperature profiles showed a temperature change at the mid-slab thickness a...
The Structure and Computational Analysis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Protein CitE Suggest a Novel Enzymatic Function

Abstract Fatty acid biosynthesis is essential for the survival of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and acetyl-coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) is an essential precursor in this pathway. We have determined the 3-D crystal structure of M. tuberculosis citrate lyase β-subunit (CitE), which as annotated should cleave protein bound citryl-CoA to oxaloacetate and a protein-bound CoA derivative. The CitE structure has the (β/α)8 TIM barrel fold with an additional α-helix, and is trimeric. We have determined the ternary complex bound with oxaloacetate and magnesium, revealing some of the conserved residues involved in catalysis. While the bacterial citrate lyase is a complex with three subunits, the M. tuberculosis genome does not contain the α and γ subunits of this complex, implying that M. tuberculosis CitE acts differently from other bacterial CitE proteins. The analysis of gene clusters containing the CitE protein from 168 fully sequenced organisms has led us to identify a grouping of functionally related genes preserved in M. tuberculosis, Rattus norvegicus, Homo sapiens, and Mus musculus. We propose a novel enzymatic function for M. tuberculosis CitE in fatty acid biosynthesis that is analogous to bacterial citrate lyase but producing acetyl-CoA rather than a protein-bound CoA derivative.
SAXS studies of lamellar level morphological changes during crystallization and melting in PEEK

Abstract The double endothermic behaviour of poly(aryl ether ether ketone) (PEEK) has been the subject of considerable debate during the last few years. In this paper, the various explanations for the double endothermic behaviour of PEEK are examined using a combination of real time small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and differential scanning calorimetry (d.s.c.) techniques. The correlation function approach was used to analyse SAXS data. The correlation functions were interpreted in terms of a two-phase model to obtain average lamellar and amorphous, layer thicknesses. The average lamellar and amorphous layer thicknesses are observed to be about 125A and 50A respectively. From the SAXS data, it is observed that the average amorphous layer thickness (1) does not decrease during the development of the low endotherm, and (2) decreases during melting at temperatures corresponding to the low endotherm. From the d.s.c. studies, it is observed that the high endotherm develops before the low endotherm. Based on these and other observations, the melting recrystallization model and the lamellar insertion model are ruled out as possible explanations for the origin of the low endotherm in PEEK. We suggest that the origin of the low and high endotherms lies in melting of secondary and primary lamellar stacks respectively. The secondary lamellar stacks consist of thinner lamellae and thicker amorphous layers as compared to the primary lamellae which results in the high endotherm.
Comparative Profitability of Purebred and Crossbred Holstein Herds in Venezuela

Abstract The objective was to compare the profitability of dual purpose systems (beef and milk) with Holstein crossbred cattle in lowland ecozones with those in highland dairy systems using purebred Holsteins. Data were variable costs for feed, labor, health, and reproduction; gross incomes from milk and beef from surveys of 157 farms in 1987 to 1988; and records of dairy performance. Profit measures were milk income over feed cost for lactating cows and net margin for all cows (gross income from milk and beef minus variable costs per year). Least squares methods were used to estimate costs and profit measures from a model containing effects of breed, ecozone, herd size, reproduction system, interviewer, and milk yield as a covariate. Milk income over feed cost for daily systems was greater than for dual purpose systems, but this was a misleading profit measure because it ignores beef sales and other costs and relevant animal categories (e.g., dry cows). When these factors were considered, dual purpose systems with crossbred cows (lowest cost) and dairy systems with Holsteins had similar net margins. However, greater profits were indicated for dual purpose systems when the average milk per cow for these systems was considered to earn similar profits, eliminating the concentrate feed subsidy and the preferential exchange rate, beef production, transport costs, and fixed costs of capital. Thus, the most economical production system for Venezuela at this time is dual purpose herds with crossbred cattle in the lowland ecozones.
Exploring Teachers' Beliefs About Teaching Knowledge: Where Does It Come From? Does It Change?

The authors analyzed the open-ended responses of preservice (n = 53) and practicing (n = 57) teachers in terms of themes related to beliefs regarding the source and stability of teaching knowledge. Findings indicate that participants hold a range of beliefs regarding these constructs. Six themes related to the source of teaching knowledge emerged: formal education, formalized bodies of knowledge, observational learning, collaboration with others, enactive experiences, and self-reflection. For beliefs about the stability of teaching knowledge, individuals expressed beliefs about the amount, direction, and quality of knowledge change with regard to various aspects of knowledge (e.g., content knowledge, use and integration of technology, knowledge of development and pedagogy). The authors relate their findings to the existing literature and discuss the implications of the identified beliefs for future research as well as teacher education, development, and practice.
FungiDB: an integrated functional genomics database for fungi

FungiDB (http://FungiDB.org) is a functional genomic resource for pan-fungal genomes that was developed in partnership with the Eukaryotic Pathogen Bioinformatic resource center (http://EuPathDB.org). FungiDB uses the same infrastructure and user interface as EuPathDB, which allows for sophisticated and integrated searches to be performed using an intuitive graphical system. The current release of FungiDB contains genome sequence and annotation from 18 species spanning several fungal classes, including the Ascomycota classes, Eurotiomycetes, Sordariomycetes, Saccharomycetes and the Basidiomycota orders, Pucciniomycetes and Tremellomycetes, and the basal 'Zygomycete' lineage Mucormycotina. Additionally, FungiDB contains cell cycle microarray data, hyphal growth RNA-sequence data and yeast two hybrid interaction data. The underlying genomic sequence and annotation combined with functional data, additional data from the FungiDB standard analysis pipeline and the ability to leverage orthology provides a powerful resource for in silico experimentation.
Duplex-promoted platination of adenine-N3 in the minor groove of DNA: challenging a longstanding bioinorganic paradigm.

The interactions of [Pt(en)Cl(ACRAMTU-S)](NO3)2 (PT-ACRAMTU, en = ethane-1,2-diamine, ACRAMTU = 1-[2-(acridin-9-ylamino)ethyl]-1,3-dimethylthiourea) with adenine in DNA have been studied using a combination of analytical and high-resolution structural methods. For the first time, a cytotoxic platinum(II) complex has been demonstrated to form adducts in the minor groove of DNA through platination of the adenine-N3 endocyclic nitrogen. An acidic depurination assay was developed that allowed the controlled and selective (pH 2, 60 °C, 12 h) release of platinum-modified adenine from drug-treated nucleic acid samples. From the digested mixtures, three adducts were isolated by semipreparative reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography and studied by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (in-line LC−MS), variable-pH 1H NMR spectroscopy, and, where applicable, X-ray crystallography. The three species were identified as the N7 (A*-I), N3 (A*-II), and N1 (A*-III) linkage isomers of [Pt(en)(ACRAMTU-S)(a...
Dilemmas in the treatment of chronic pain

Chronic pain affects millions of people and results in activity limitations and psychologic and social problems. Even with the armamentarium of analgesics currently available, patients continue to receive inadequate relief of their painful conditions. One of the primary factors that limits appropriate utilization of analgesics is the spectrum of adverse effects that often results following acute and chronic use. In addition, legal and regulatory barriers, inability of physicians and other healthcare professionals to accurately assess pain, societal attitudes toward selected classes of pain medications, and other factors complicate pain management. Understanding how these barriers contribute to the undertreatment of pain and incorporating effective pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic measures into a treatment plan are required to manage patients with chronic pain.
The PalmPilot and the handheld revolution

With many failed and still-failing efforts, handheld computation has been taking a long time to arrive. However, the unquestionable success of 3Com's PalmPilot heralds the start of a revolution in computation. The author discusses the many guises of portable computers and considers the reasons for Pilot's success. He discusses three enabling technologies: wireless networking, Global Positioning Systems and cryptography.
Collaboration and Citizen Participation in Community Mediation Centers

Community mediation programs could be viewed simply as community-based alternatives to court-based adjudicatory systems. Alternatively, they provide broader services and offer deeper benefits as “community-owned” programs that foster citizen participation and democratic governance. However, little research has been conducted on the extent to which they fulfill these expectations. This study of the scope and structure of relationships forged by community mediation centers with their stakeholders, funders, and referral sources attempts to fill this gap in the scholarship. Data were obtained from a national sample of 174 agencies through the National Association for Community Mediation. Qualitative and quantitative descriptive data suggest that community mediation centers have established moderate to strong interorganizational linkages, multiple funding and referral streams, and broadly representative boards of directors. Their experience with participatory decision making and other means of citizen involvement is also present, although weaker.
Characteristics of R&D management which influence information needs

The information needs of mid- and upper-level R&D managers are identified by reviewing their environment, functions, and communication patterns from an information systems perspective. The information problems in R&D, such as inability to respond rapidly and failure of analytical support methods, are seen as symptoms of the mismatch of information needs and the information systems employed. The new technology of decision support systems is discussed as the ideal solution approach to R&D information management and decision-making. A comprehensive list of candidate data bases is provided.
Characterization of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) isoforms in normal and cancer cells: there is no cancer-associated form of PCNA.

In order to clarify the status of PCNA in normal and transformed cells, we performed analysis of this protein by 2D-PAGE, Western blot and mass spectrometry. All the cell lines examined contained the major PCNA form (pI 4.57/30 kDa), that is not post-translationally modified. In addition to the major form, two minor isoforms (pI 4.52/30 kDa and pI 4.62/30 kDa) were also detected in all the cell lines examined. However, the level of PCNA in cancer cells is 5–6 folds higher than those in primary and most of the immortalized cells. Taken together, the significant difference in PCNA status between cancer and normal cells is not at the post-translational modifications but in the overall levels of PCNA.
Inertial properties of eigenvalues, II

Abstract Inequalities involving the eigenvalues of conjunctive Hermitian matrices are established, and shown to contain a recent result of Machover, the law of inertia, and the interlacing inequalities.
Community-making in times of displacement: The place of marriage and religious identification among young Muslim men and women

This concluding essay integrates the various contributions of this special volume to conceptualize how South Asian migrant communities, whether in the UK, Bangladesh, or the US, respond to and negotiate multiple experiences of displacement and resettlement. I draw attention to the place of Islam – as religion, institutional context, social connection, and moral community – among young men and women in these multiple sites to highlight the salience of religious networks in the meaning of family, the identification of marriage partners, and the making of a moral compass to guide social and personal life. These networks unfold in a particular historical context where forms of Islamic othering and economic insecurity shape relations of social engagement and belonging among Muslim immigrants youth.
Clinical practice. Hypercalcemia associated with cancer.

A 47-year-old woman with a history of breast cancer presents with confusion and dehydration. The serum calcium level is 18.0 mg per deciliter. She has postural hypotension and low central venous pressure. The serum phosphorus level is 5.0 mg per deciliter, the blood urea nitrogen level 80 mg per deciliter, the serum creatinine level 2.0 mg per deciliter, and the albumin level 3.3 g per deciliter. Bone scintigraphy reveals no evidence of skeletal involvement by the tumor. How should she be treated?
Estimating treatment effects in randomized clinical trials with non-compliance: the impact of maternal smoking on birthweight.

This paper assesses the causal impact of late-term (8th month) maternal smoking on birthweight using data from a randomized clinical trial, in which some women were encouraged not to smoke, while others were not. The estimation of treatment effects in this case is made difficult as a result of the presence of non-compliers, women who would not change their smoking status, regardless of the receipt of encouragement. Because these women are not at risk of changing treatment status, treatment effect distributions may be difficult to construct for them. Consequently, the paper focuses on obtaining the distribution of treatment impacts for the sub-set of compliers found in the data. Because compliance status is not observed for all subjects in the sample, a Bayesian finite mixture model is estimated that recovers the treatment effect parameters of interest. The complier average treatment effect implies that smokers give birth to infants weighing 348 g less than those of non-smokers, on average, although the 95% posterior density interval contains zero. The treatment effect is stronger for women who were moderate smokers prior to pregnancy, implying a birthweight difference of 430 g. However, the model predicts that only about 22% of the women in the sample were at risk of changing their smoking behaviour in response to encouragement to quit. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of multi-carrier and single-carrier intensity modulation techniques for indoor optical wireless links

We evaluate the performance of three direct-detection orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) schemes in combating multipath distortion in indoor optical wireless links, comparing them to unipolar M-ary pulse-amplitude modulation (M-PAM) with minimum mean-square error decision-feedback equalization (MMSE-DFE).
A Participant's View of the National Council of Women Psychologists: Comment on Capshew and Laszlo

In their perceptive and closely reasoned attempt to delineate “the complex relationships between gender, professionalization, and ideology” that evolved within the American psychological profession during World War II and to “further expose the processes that produce and legitimate separate spheres of activity for men and women,” Capshew and Laszlo (1986) provide a fresh, thought-provoking perspective from which to view “the woman problem,” as it was initially dubbed by E. G. Boring (1951). They present data drawn from historical, statistical, and autobiographical sources, assess the relative influence of possible causal factors, and draw conclusions consonant with their basic assumptions.
Distribution and fitness effects of the son-killer bacterium inNasonia

Maternally inherited microorganisms that kill male (but not female) progeny are widespread in nature. Three hypotheses have been proposed for the evolution of male-killing microorganisms: inbreeding reduction, release of resources to remaining females and inoculum for horizontal transmission. The sonkiller bacterium,Arsenophonus nasoniae, is a maternally inherited bacterium that causes lethality of male embryos of infected females in the parasitoid wasp,Nasonia vitripennis. In this paper we describe the geographical distribution and frequency of the son-killer bacterium in North American populations ofN. vitripennis andNasonia longicornis. We tested the resource release hypothesis using the body size measurements of infected and uninfected females from natural populations. No evidence was found for a fitness increase of females infected with the bacterium compared to uninfected females. We propose a modification of the existing models, termed the ‘incremental gain’ hypothesis. According to this model, the bacteria are maintained in host populations due to horizontal transmission and male killing provides an incremental gain in the fitness of infected females relative to females infected with non-male-killing bacteria.
Treatment options for migraine during pregnancy

Migraine and pregnancy commonly co-exist and healthcare providers should be ready to give advice to women with migraine regarding treatment options that are compatible with pregnancy and lactation. A major goal of treatment is to avoid medications that may be harmful to the developing fetus or cause other pregnancy problems. Nonpharmacological behavioral methods of treatment are especially useful in pregnancy. Migraine increases the risk of pregnancy-related stroke and pre-eclampsia and women with migraine should be monitored for these problems.
Hypertension in women

Hypertension is the most common modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in both men and women. The prevalence and severity of hypertension rise markedly with age, and blood pressure control becomes more difficult with aging in both genders, particularly in women. In addition, there are forms of hypertension that occur exclusively in women, e.g., hypertension related to menopause, oral contraceptive use, or pregnancy (e.g., chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia or eclampsia). Randomized controlled trials show that antihypertensive therapy provides similar reductions in major cardiovascular events in men and women. Therefore, gender should not influence decisions on selection of blood pressure lowering therapies, except for consideration of gender-specific side effects or contraindications for use in women who are or may become pregnant. This article reviews the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in women, as well as recent guidelines for management of hypertension in women.
Effect of repeated instillation of interstitial cystitis urine on the rabbit urinary bladder

One theory for the etiology of interstitial cystitis (IC) proposes toxic substances in the urine. This hypothesis was tested in our laboratory by infusing urine into the bladders of rabbits twice weekly for six weeks. For the first study rabbits were treated by one-hour biweekly intravesical exposure to urine from a symptomatic interstitial cystitis patient, a normal volunteer, or physiologic saline. For the second study, animals were exposed to both a high and a low molecular weight fraction of urine pooled from 7 interstitial cystitis patients, 7 normal female volunteers, and physiologic saline. At the end of six weeks the animals were cystoscoped and the bladder was removed the following day for histologic and contractile studies. Post-distention glomerulations were observed in 3 of the 4 whole IC urine-treated animals and an ulcer identical to the classic "Hunner's ulcer" was seen in one of these animals. Post-distention petechial hemorrhages were also noted in all 5 of the high molecular weight IC urine-treated animals but in none of the others, suggesting a difference between IC and normal urine. These IC urine-treated groups also showed the greatest degree of histologic changes including edema and plasma cell infiltrates in the lamina propria, submucosa and perivascular tissue. However, there was no statistically significant difference in bladder capacity, micturition patterns, or contractile response of bladder strips. These results indicate that there are substances with nominal molecular weight greater than 10 kD in interstitial cystitis urine that induce changes in the rabbit bladder that resemble bladders of interstitial cystitis patients.
Single-pulse and multiple-pulse femtosecond spectroscopy: Progress toward collective mode-selective chemistry

Abstract Recent efforts in femtosecond pulse-shaping and multiple-pulse femtosecond spectroscopy, with the ultimate aim of coherent optical control over condensed material behavior and structure, are reviewed. Real-time detection methods are also discussed. Experimental demonstrations of coherent control over electronic and vibrational responses are summarized.
Cruise Ship Environmental Hygiene and the Risk of Norovirus Infection Outbreaks: An Objective Assessment of 56 Vessels over 3 Years

BACKGROUND Norovirus infection outbreaks (NoVOs) occur frequently in closed populations, such as cruise ship passengers. Environmental contamination is believed to play an important role in NoVO propagation. METHODS Trained health care professionals covertly evaluated the thoroughness of disinfection cleaning (TDC) of 6 standardized objects (toilet seat, flush handle or button, toilet stall inner handhold, stall inner door handle, restroom inner door handle, and baby changing table surfaces) with high potential for fecal contamination in cruise ship public restrooms, by means of a previously validated novel targeting method. RESULTS Fifty-six cruise ships (approximately 30% of 180 vessels operated by 9 large cruise lines) were evaluated from July 2005 through August 2008. Overall, 37% (range, 4%-100%; 95% confidence interval, 29.2%-45.4%) of 8344 objects in 273 randomly selected public restrooms were cleaned daily. The TDC did not differ by cruise line and did not correlate with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Vessel Sanitation Program inspection scores (r(2), .002; P = .75). More than half the vessels had overall TDC scores <30%, although several of these low-scoring ships had near-perfect CDC sanitation scores. The mean TDC of the 3 ships evaluated within 4 months before a NoVO (10.3%) was substantially less than the mean TDC of the 40 ships that did not experience NoVOs (40.4%) (P < .004). CONCLUSIONS An objective evaluation of public restroom environmental hygiene on 56 cruise ships found that only 37% of selected toilet area objects were cleaned on a daily basis. Low TDC scores may predict subsequent NoVO-prone vessels. Enhanced public restroom cleaning may prevent or moderate NoVOs on cruise ships.
The effect of magnetospheric ion bombardment on the reflectance of Europa's surface

Laboratory investigations have been conducted to ascertain the role of sulphur ion implantation on differences in the reflectivity of the leading and trailing atmospheres of Europa in the visible and UV ranges. Under the laboratory conditions tested, neither S-implantation nor SO2 deposition can account for the general 'reddening' of the trailing hemisphere in the UV, relative to the leading hemisphere; this feature has been shown to be producible by fast penetrating ions.
Distributing the control of a temporal network among multiple agents

Agents collaborating on a set of tasks subject to temporal constraints must coordinate their activities to ensure that all of the temporal constraints are ultimately satisfied. Simple Temporal Networks (STNs) can be used to concisely represent temporal constraints; however, most algorithms for manipulating such networks presume that a single agent controls the network. Although recent research considers the controllability of networks in which Nature independently controls some temporal intervals, it nonetheless presumes that a single agent controls the rest of the network.This paper makes the following contributions. First, it argues for STNs augmented to accommodate the real-time execution of tasks. Although borrowing from existing approaches, it differs by sharply distinguishing between constraints in the network and the distribution of control over that network. Second, it introduces a more general conception of distributing control of a temporal network, one that is able to accommodate not only networks partially controlled by Nature, but also networks controlled by multiple agents. Third, it construes an existing algorithm for partitioning temporal networks into independent subnetworks as an algorithm for distributing control of a temporal network among multiple agents, each agent having sole control over one subnetwork. It then presents a more general algorithm that allows one of the subnetworks to remain dependent on the rest, thereby enabling the overall network to be less constrained. Restrictions on the control of the dependent subnetwork, specified in terms of necessary and sufficient bounds, guarantee an effective distribution of control over the network.
Assessment of common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications by whole blood aggregometry: a clinical evaluation for the perioperative setting.

Objective To help define the perioperative risk related to commonly used non-aspirin NSAIDs with whole blood platelet aggregometry. Methods Twelve healthy volunteers were recruited. Two cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 inhibitors (ibuprofen and naproxen) and two COX-2 inhibitors (meloxicam and celecoxib) were administered, and daily whole blood platelet aggregometry studies were obtained until studies showed no platelet inhibition. Aspirin was studied at the conclusion of the study. Results Ibuprofen had no inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation in all women and no inhibitory effect in 83% of men at 24 hours. All platelet function had returned to normal at 48 hours. The inhibitory effect of naproxen on platelets was absent at 48 hours in 83% of the women and 50% of men. By 72 hours all platelet studies had returned to normal. Meloxicam and celecoxib did not cause any overall inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation. Conclusions Ibuprofen and naproxen have a mild inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation compared with aspirin and this effect is undetectable by 48 hours and 72 hours, respectively. Meloxicam and celecoxib show essentially no inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation. These findings suggest that there is little bleeding risk related to platelet aggregation at 24 hours in patients who take COX-2 inhibitors and at 72 hours for those who take COX-1 inhibitor medications.
Construction and testing of a 1000 hp high-temperature superconducting motor

An air-core, synchronous motor with a high temperature superconducting field winding has been successfully constructed and tested. The motor features a salient-pole superconducting field winding that operates at a nominal temperature of 30 K. A closed-loop (reverse Brayton cycle) cryogenic refrigeration system is used for initial cooldown and normal operation. Designed for 1,000 hp, this motor was demonstrated at 1,600 hp during operation at its rated speed of 1,800 RPM. This work summarizes the design objectives and requirements, technical challenges, data acquisition techniques and testing results.
A fundamental study on silver flakes for conductive adhesives

Silver (Ag) flakes are widely used as fillers for electrically conductive adhesives (ECAs). The Ag flakes need to be pretreated with organic lubricants to ensure the proper rheology of the ECAs. Lubricants on the Ag flakes influence rheology, conductivity and other properties of ECAs. The surface composition of a Ag flake was investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The nature of the lubricant on a Ag flake and the interaction between the lubricant and Ag flake surface were studied by diffuse reflectance infrared spectroscopy. Thermal decomposition of the lubricant was also studied by differential scanning calorimetry. In addition, the effects of some chemical compounds on lubricant removal were also investigated.
Stability of Mg-sulfates at −10°C and the rates of dehydration/rehydration processes under conditions relevant to Mars

[1] We report the results of low temperature (−10°C) experiments on the stability fields and phase transition pathways of five hydrous Mg-sulfates. A low temperature form of MgSO4·7H2O (LT-7w) was found to have a wide stability field that extends to low relative humidity (∼13% RH at −10°C). Using information on the timing of phase transitions, we extracted information on the reaction rates of five important dehydration and rehydration processes. We found that the temperature dependencies of rate constants for dehydration processes differ from those of rehydration, which reflect differences in reaction mechanisms. By extrapolating these rate constants versus T correlations into the T range relevant to Mars, we can evaluate the possibility of occurrence of specific processes and the presence of common Mg-sulfate species present on Mars in different periods and locations. We anticipate in a moderate obliquity period, starkeyite and LH-MgSO4·H2O should be two common Mg-sulfates at the surface, another polymorph MH-MgSO4·H2O can exist at the locations where hydrothermal processes may have occurred. In polar regions or within the subsurface of other regions, meridianiite (coexisting with water ice, near 100% RH) and LT-7w (over a large RH range) are the stable phases. During a high obliquity period, meridianiite and LT-7w should exhibit widespread occurrence. The correlations of reaction rates versus temperature found in this study imply that dehydration and rehydration of hydrous Mg-sulfates would always be slower than the sublimation and crystallization of water ice, which would be supported by mission observations from Odyssey and by Mars Exploration Rovers.
A monolithic GaAs FET RF signal generation chip

A GaAs FET monolithic IC for heterodyne signal generation, consisting of a 2.2GHz local oscillator tuned with on-chip varactors, a doubly-balanced mixer, and a 1.5GHz bandwidth IF preamplifier, will be discussed.