cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the use of electric and magnetic data to determine electric sources in a volume conductor.

Methods of obtaining detailed information about electrical sources in semi-infinite and spherical volume conductors using electric and magnetic surface data are investigated. Surface data produced by various actual sources in the conductors are calculated. Using these data, a least-squares error (LSE) solution is then obtained for the dipoles in a multiple dipole assumed source and a comparison of the actual and assumed sources is made. Noise is simulated by the addition of random numbers to the data; modeling errors by the use of actual and assumed sources with different configurations. It is found that it is not possible to calculate a condition number (CN) which serves as a useful measure of the sensitivity of the LSE solutions to noise and modeling errors. It is also found that no useful information about the actual source can be obtained from LSE solutions when noise and modeling errors are present. No improvement is obtained when magnetic or a combination of electric and magnetic data are used. However, it is found that three additional solutions developed from the LSE solutions can provide some accurate information. These three solutions provide information about the general magnitude and orientation of the electrical activity of the actual source as well as the “flow” and “rotation” characteristics of the source. The most accurate flow information tends to be produced by electric or a combination of electric and magnetic data; the most accurate rotation information tends to be produced by magnetic or a combination of data. This indicates that electric and magnetic measurements can provide different information when noise and modeling errors are present. The results also show that information about the location of the actual source is provided by a comparison of differences between actual surface data and that produced by a series of LSE solutions. There are no improvements in the location information when a combination of data is used.
In vitro and in vivo evidence that autoimmune reactivity to collagen develops spontaneously in Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice.

Abstract Egg-induced granuloma formation in murine schistosomiasis mansoni results from vigorous anti-parasite reaction by activated T cells, macrophages, eosinophils, and fibroblasts. The present study suggests that strain-specific, autoimmune T-cell reactivity directed against host matrix proteins might also contribute to granulomatous hypersensitivity. T cells from infected C57B1 6 , but not from CBA or BALB c mice, proliferative in vitro in response to denatured collagen. T cells from uninfected mice, previously immunized with soluble egg antigen (SEA), did not respond in vitro to collagen. Spleen cells from acutely infected mice, but not chronically infected or uninfected animals, formed granulomas around collagen-coupled polyacrylamide beads in vitro. This response was blocked by anti-collagen antibodies that had no inhibitory effect on in vitro granuloma formation around SEA-coupled beads. In related in vivo studies, granuloma formation was quantitated after iv injection of SEA-, collagen-, or uncoated beads into normal or infected recipients. The mean diameter of lung granulomas induced by collagen-coupled beads in infected mice was significantly greater than the diameter of granulomas around either collagen beads in uninfected mice or uncoated beads in infected mice. These observations indicate that anti-collagen responses develop spontaneously in Schistosoma-infected mice and suggest that such reactivity might play a secondary role in granuloma formation and the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis.
Spatial distribution of cobalt nanoclusters in block copolymers

This paper describes the selective phase separation of cobalt metal nanoclusters within a PS25300-b-PMMA25900 block copolymer. This selective phase separation was achieved due to the different reactivities of the functional groups in the blocks toward the metal fragments. Transmission electron micrographs showed that the cobalt clusters aggregated primarily in the poly(methyl methacrylate) block, while no cobalt nanoclusters were observed in the polystyrene block, thus creating a patterned distribution that coincided with the morphology of the block copolymer. Fourier transform infrared studies demonstrated the development of a reactive adsorption process between cobalt nanoclusters and the poly(methyl methacrylate) block, as evidenced by the appearance of new absorption bands corresponding to the formation of Co(CO)4- and COO- and the shift of C−C−O and C−O combination bands.
Angiography of hepatic neoplasms: A review

Abstract Selective angiographic techniques provide the clinician with another method to evaluate the liver for space occupying lesions. Basically, tumor vascularity, even more than size, is the critical factor in the angiographic expression of these mass lesions. The typical hepatoma, solitary and multinodular forms, usually is visualized with ease. More often, scirrhous cholangiocarcinoma is a much more difficult angiographic diagnosis, since less dramatic vascular changes are associated with it. Of the metastatic tumors to the liver, diffuse adenocarcinoma secondaries from the GI tract are more common, and show less vivid vascular changes. Since all neoplasms of the liver derive their vascular supply from hepatic arteries, the late phase of the angiogram or the portogram will show negative filling defects, occasionally as small as 1 cm in size. Since these filling defects are non-specific, the arteriographic changes subsequent to the tumor must be evaluated carefully to make a specific diagnosis. The arteriographic features of some benign liver tumors are mentioned, only in a differential setting, since they usually can be distinguished from their malignant counterparts. The exception to this latter statement is the liver cell adenoma which resembles a hepatoma angiographically.
Beta carotene is associated with the regression of hamster buccal pouch carcinoma and the induction of tumor necrosis factor in macrophages

Abstract Beta carotene (250 ug/ml) dissolved in mineral oil applied either topically or injected locally (190 ng/ml dissolved in media) into DMBA (7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene)-induced or HCPC-1 cell line-produced oral squamous cell carcinoma of the hamster buccal pouch was observed to result in the regression of these tumors. (p ≤ .005) Beta carotene application to tumor bearing pouches was observed to produce a dramatic increase in positively stained macrophages for tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) as compared to macrophages in control pouches. Macrophages from hamsters with regressed tumor were shown to produce a significant increase in cytotoxicity to HCPC-1 tumor cells. Regression of the hamster oral carcinoma was correlated with the increased capacity of macrophages to lyse tumor cells, and related to the induction of tumor necrosis factor which was associated with the administration of the carotenoid, beta carotene.
Discovery of a nitric oxide responsive quorum sensing circuit in vibrio harveyi

Group behavior of the human pathogen Vibrio cholerae, including biofilm formation and virulence factor secretion, is mediated by a process known as quorum sensing. Quorum sensing is a way by which bacteria coordinate gene expression in response to population density through the production, secretion, and detection of small molecules called autoinducers. Four autoinducer-mediated receptor histidine kinases have been implicated in quorum sensing through the phosphotransfer protein LuxU: CqsS, LuxP/Q, CqsR, and VpsS (Vc1445). Of these receptor kinases, VpsS is predicted to be cytosolic, and its cognate autoinducer is currently unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that the nitric oxide-bound complex of a member of the recently discovered family of nitric oxide-responsive hemoproteins called NosP (VcNosP is encoded by Vc1444; this gene product is also known as VpsV) inhibits the autophosphorylation activity of VpsS and thus phosphate flow to LuxU. Therefore, we propose that VpsS contributes to the regulation of quorum sensing in a nitric-oxide-dependent manner through its interaction with NosP.
Inactivation of glutamate decarboxylase by bromopyruvate.

Abstract Bromopyruvate was shown to inhibit E. coli glutamate decarboxylase competitively with respect to L-glutamate. High concentrations of bromopyruvate caused a time-dependent inactivation of glutamate decarboxylase. However, the apoenzyme was rapidly and irreversibly inactivated by bromopyruvate with an inactivation constant of 490 1 mole−1 min−1 at pH 5.7. Studies with labeled bromopyruvate indicated that approximately 1.7 moles of inhibitor were bound per subunit of apoenzyme.
Prevention practices for perinatal group B streptococcal disease: A multi-state surveillance analysis**

Objective To evaluate hospital-based practices for perinatal group B streptococcal disease prevention and to identify institutional factors related to the disease. Methods We surveyed microbiology laboratories and obstetric programs during 1994 at hospitals in five states with active surveillance for invasive group B streptococcal disease. Institutions provided information on methods for detecting carriers and on obstetric policies for group B streptococcal disease prevention. We used linear regression to identify prevention practices and hospital characteristics that correlated with the number of cases of early-onset disease. Results Of 295 hospitals, 247 (84%) laboratories and 154 (52%) obstetric programs completed the survey. Most (83%) laboratories performed group B streptococcal cultures on rectal and vaginal specimens, but only 12 (6%) used selective broth media. Among the obstetric programs, 54 (35%) had policies on some aspect of group B streptococcal disease prevention. Of the hospitals with policies, 21 (48%) recommended intrapartum antimicrobial prophylaxis for women with risk factors outlined by the 1992 ACOG statement. Adjusting for the number of births, there were more cases of early-onset group B streptococcal disease in institutions providing care for more African American women and for more women with no prenatal care. Institutions that had group B streptococcal screening policies had fewer earlyonset cases. Conclusion Many institutions with prevention policies followed practices that differed from those recommended in published prevention statements. Having any screening policy, however, was associated with reduced early-onset disease, independent of the risk profile of the patient population. Adopting prevention policies is most urgent for practices serving individuals at increased risk, such as African American women and women without prenatal care.
Characterization of endothelin receptor subtypes on airway smooth muscle cells.

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) has constrictor and mitogenic effects on airway smooth muscle strips and cultured cells, respectively. This study addresses the type of the ET receptor subtype(s) present on ovine airway smooth muscle cells and the possibility of autocrine effects. The expression of the preproendothelin-1 gene was demonstrated by Northern analysis, and the medium obtained from these cells contained immunoreactive-ET-1. Competitive binding experiments between [125I]ET-1 and ET-1, ET-3, and two ET-receptor subtype selective-ligands, BQ-123 (ETA and sarafotoxin S6c (ETB), yielded IC50 values of 1.1 ± 0.1, 227 ± 13, 12 ± 1, and 194 ± 21 nM, respectively. ET-3 also gave a limited number of higher affinity sites. In the presence of BQ-123 (1 μ;M), the binding of [1251]ET-1 was decreased by 80—85%, and the IC50 values with ET-1, ET-3, and S6c were 2.0 ± 0.4, 3.6 ± 0.6, and 1.1 ± 0.9 nM, respectively. In similar experiments with 0.1 μM sarafotoxin S6c, the respective IC50 values for ET-1 and ET-3 were 2.4 ± 0....
Advanced method to estimate reliability-based sensitivity of mechanical components with strongly nonlinear performance function

Based on the random perturbation technique for reliability sensitivity design, some realistic reliability-based sensitivity issues are discussed, some of which have a structure of high nonlinear performance functions. Combining the related theories of the moment method of the reliability analysis, the matrix differential, and the Kronecker algebra, the reliability-based sensitivity method based on the perturbation method is modified if the first four moments of random variables are given. Meanwhile, a reliability-based sensitivity computation method is proposed. Some examples are used to show that using this method can effectively improve the accuracy of the reliability-based sensitivity computation and offer a reliable theoretic basis in engineering.
Repeat Transurethral Manipulation of Bulbar Urethral Strictures is Associated With Increased Stricture Complexity and Prolonged Disease Duration

Purpose: We examined the association of previous transurethral manipulation with stricture complexity and disease duration among men referred for bulbar urethral reconstruction.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 340 consecutive urethroplasties performed by a single surgeon between July 2007 and October 2010. Only men treated with initial open surgery for bulbar strictures were included in analysis, thus excluding those with hypospadias, lichen sclerosus, pelvic radiation, prior urethroplasty, incomplete data, or pure penile or posterior urethral stenosis. Cases were divided into 2 groups based on the history of transurethral treatment for urethral stricture before urethroplasty, including group 1—0 or 1 and group 2—2 or greater treatments.Results: Of 101 patients with bulbar urethral stricture and all data available 50 and 51 underwent 0 to 1 and 2 or greater previous transurethral treatments, respectively. Repeat transurethral manipulation was strongly associated with longe...
Observation and formation mechanism of stable face-centered-cubic Fe nanorods in carbon nanotubes

The crystallographic structure and orientation of iron nanoparticles present in carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was studied when iron was used as a catalyst. It was found that while most of the nanoparticles encapsulated inside the CNTs had the expected α-Fe (body-centered-cubic) phase, a significant number of them formed and retained the γ-Fe (face-centered-cubic) phase that is not the normal bulk phase at room temperature (nor even expected to form at the growth temperature used). It was also found iron particles at the tips of the nanotubes were either α-Fe or cementite (Fe 3 C). On the basis of these observations and thermodynamics, a mechanism for the formation of these particles and insights into CNT growth is proposed.
Optically enhanced NMR of plastically deformed GaAs

$^{69}\mathrm{Ga}$ and $^{75}\mathrm{As}$ NMR of plastically deformed GaAs under optical pumping conditions at low temperatures is shown to exhibit substantial differences compared to results obtained from as-grown material. NMR signal enhancement has been observed in a wide energy range of the irradiation light above and below the band gap. The phase of the NMR signals is independent of the helicity of the pumping light. A continuum of intragap states introduced in the GaAs upon plastic deformation is involved in the polarization of the nuclei.
Virtual Reference for Video Collections: System Infrastructure, User Interface and Pilot User Study

A new video-based Virtual Reference (VR) tool called VideoHelp was designed and developed to support video navigation escorting, a function that enables librarians to co-navigate a digital video with patrons in the web-based environment. A client/server infrastructure was adopted for the VideoHelp system and timestamps were used to achieve the video synchronization between the librarians and patrons. A pilot usability study of using VideoHelp prototype in video seeking was conducted and the preliminary results demonstrated that the system is easy to learn and use, and real-time assistance from virtual librarians in video navigation is desirable on a conditional basis.
Color Effects in the Scattering of White Light by Micron and Submicron Spheres

The tristimulus color system is used to describe the colors of the light scattered by spheres with radii a = 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, and 1.2 μ for real refractive indices m = 1.31 and 1.46 and by spheres with radii a = 0.1, 0.2, 0.4μ for complex refractive index corresponding to a highly absorbing substance such as vanadium pentoxide. The quantities calculated are the dominant wavelength, purity, the visible intensity, and the intensity for unpolarized incident white light from a 3200°K source as well as for each of the two plane-polarized components.The angular variation of colors designated as higher-order Tyndall spectra (H.O.T.S.) occurs only for radii comparable to the wavelength. For small particles, the light is blue, corresponding to Rayleigh scattering, while for radii a>0.8 μ, the scattered light is uniformly yellow. At intermediate sizes 0.2 μ≤a≤0.8 μ the H.O.T.S. described by Sinclair and La Mer occur. However, there is no correlation between the appearance of the color bands and the intensity peaks of the scattered light. It is possible to have a polydisperse system in the intermediate size range exhibit H.O.T.S. while a perfectly monodisperse system of larger radius does not exhibit this phenomenon. A visual measure of the polarization ratio at two or three backward directions can serve to determine the particle size.
Manufacturability and applications of SiGe HBT technology

Abstract This article reviews the status of IBM's SiGe HBT technology, with a focus on manufacturability issues and circuit applications. Device design and process integration issues which have driven the development of the technology are discussed. Device results are shown, emphasizing the demonstration of reproducibility and yield in the manufacturing environment. Reproducibility of parameters for the 47/65 GHz (f T / f MAX ) SiGe HBT is shown to be superior to that of BJTs in state-of-the-art implanted-base processes. Recent circuit results, covering the performance range from 1 to 23 GHz, are reviewed. The addition of a polyimide/gold backend process for low-loss inductors and transmission lines is key to MMIC applications operating at 12 GHz and above.
Selenium molecules and their possible role in deep emission from glasses doped with selenide nanocrystals

We report the observation of Raman scattering from a vibration mode with frequency of 320 cm−1 and its higher‐order harmonics in silicate glasses doped with selenide semiconductor nanocrystals such as CdSe and ZnSe. Comparison with Raman spectra of glasses and alkali halides doped with Se suggests that these modes are caused by the presence of selenium molecules in the glasses. When excited in the blue and green by an Ar+ laser, glasses containing Se only are found to emit strong near‐infrared luminescence whose peak and line shape are very similar to the so‐called ‘‘deep emission’’ observed frequently from selenide‐doped glasses. Possible effects of Se molecules on the linear and nonlinear optical properties of glasses containing selenide nanocrystals are discussed.
CD40 ligation induces lymphotoxin α gene expression in human B cells

CD40 plays an important role in T cell mediated B cell proliferation and isotype switching. The cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and lymphotoxin (LT)-alpha are expressed by B cells, and are known to play a role in B cell activation. We have studied TNF-alpha and LT-alpha expression in human tonsillar B cells following stimulation with anti-CD40 mAb. Anti-CD40 induced weak TNF-alpha mRNA expression but strong LT-alpha mRNA expression and had little effect on the constitutive expression of LT-beta mRNA in B cells. Induction of TNF-alpha mRNA was inhibited by actinomycin D suggesting that CD40 ligation results in transcriptional activation of the TNF-alpha and LT-alpha genes. Anti-CD40 caused minimal increase in the expression of TNF-alpha on the B cell membrane and no detectable secretion of TNF-alpha. Anti-CD40 as well as soluble CD40 ligand caused sustained induction of LT-alpha on the membrane of the B cells lasting up to 120 h but induced no detectable secretion of LT-alpha. IL-4, a cytokine known to synergize with anti-CD40 in inducing B cell proliferation and isotype switching, augmented the induction of LT-alpha mRNA and of mLT-alpha expression by anti-CD40. These results indicate that CD40 ligation vigorously induces expression of membrane LT-alpha in B cells and that membrane LT-alpha may play a role in CD40 mediated B cell activation.
Interaction of EIT Waves with Coronal Active Regions

Large-scale coronal waves associated with flares were first observed by the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) Extreme ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (EIT). We present the first three-dimensional MHD modeling of the interaction of the EIT waves with active regions and the possibility of destabilization of an active region by these waves. The active region is modeled by an initially force-free, bipolar magnetic configuration with gravitationally stratified density. We include finite thermal pressure and resistive dissipation in our model. The EIT wave is launched at the boundary of the region, as a short time velocity pulse that travels with the local fast magnetosonic speed toward the active region. We find that the EIT wave undergoes strong reflection and refraction, in agreement with observations, and induces transient currents in the active region. The resulting Lorentz force leads to the dynamic distortion of the magnetic field and to the generation of secondary waves. The resulting magnetic compression of the plasma induces flows, which are particularly strong in the current-carrying active region. We investigate the effect of the magnetic field configuration and find that the current-carrying active region is destabilized by the impact of the wave. Analysis of the three-dimensional interaction between EIT waves and active regions can serve as a diagnostic of the active region coronal magnetic structure and stability.
“I’m Not Going to Be, Like, for the AP”: English Language Learners’ Limited Access to Advanced College-Preparatory Courses in High School

Advancement to postsecondary education for English language learners (ELLs) can be seriously constrained by a lack of academic preparation during high school. Currently, ELLs lag behind their non-ELL peers in their level of access to advanced college-preparatory courses. Through a qualitative case study of ELL education at a large public high school, we examine the educational practices that result in ELLs’ restricted curricular choices. The findings expose the way in which ELLs’ chances for rigorous academic preparation are systematically reduced and point to the importance of providing ELLs with high-level academic curriculum while also supplying linguistic scaffolding that makes such learning possible.
Nonneoplastic alterations of the mammary epithelium can mimic atypia

Abstract Context.—The pathologist evaluating breast biopsy specimens sometimes encounters nonneoplastic alterations of the mammary epithelium that raise the differential diagnosis of atypia. Becaus...
Preparation of copper compounds of different compositions and particle morphologies

Copper compounds of different chemical compositions and particle shapes were prepared by homogeneous precipitation from copper salt solutions in the presence of urea. It was demonstrated that the nature of the anions played an essential role in the properties of the generated solid phase. Thus, Cu(II)-nitrate solutions yielded spherical amorphous particles which had the composition of malachite [Cu2(OH)2CO3], the Cu(II)-chloride solutions gave bipyramidal particles of atacamite [CuCl2 · 3Cu(OH)2], and in Cu(II)-sulfate solutions needle-shaped brochantite [3Cu(OH)2 · CuSO4] or platelets of posnjakite [3Cu(OH)2 · CuSO4 · H2O] were formed. The addition of NaOH to prepared dispersions resulted in a rapid phase transformation of all above solids into needle-like Cu(OH)2. Calcination of various copper basic compounds at 700–800 °C temperature produced CuO, while the particle morphology was retained.
On feeding the dying.

eeling and sentiment are rarely absent from a well-ordered moral life. They serve to reinforce our convictions, warn us clamorously when some cherished values are in danger, and alert us that the consequences of some action may carry untoward ethical insults. If they are not always reliable guides, their absence is even more hazardous, as anyone who has dealt with a sociopath is painfully aware. What, then, are we to make of those circumstances in which our traditional or
Bacterial community composition of divergent soil habitats in a polar desert

Edaphic factors such as pH, organic matter, and salinity are often the most significant drivers of diversity patterns in soil bacterial communities. Desert ecosystems in particular are model locations for examining such relationships as food web complexity is low and the soil environment is biogeochemically heterogeneous. Here, we present the findings from a 16S rRNA gene sequencing approach used to observe the differences in diversity and community composition among three divergent soil habitats of the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica. Results show that alpha diversity is significantly lowered in high pH soils, which contain higher proportions of the phyla Acidobacteria and Actinobacteria, while mesic soils with higher soil organic carbon (and ammonium) content contain high proportions of Nitrospira, a nitrite-oxidizing bacteria. Taxonomic community resolution also had a significant impact on our conclusions, as pH was the primary predictor of phylum-level diversity, while moisture was the most significant predictor of diversity at the genus level. Predictive power also increased with increasing taxonomic resolution, suggesting a potential increase in niche-based drivers of bacterial community composition at such levels.
Defining the Role of Histone Deacetylases in the Inhibition of Mammary Carcinogenesis by Dietary Energy Restriction (DER): Effects of Suberoylanilide Hydroxamic Acid (SAHA) and DER in a Rat Model

Dietary energy restriction (DER) inhibits experimentally induced mammary cancer, an effect accompanied by elevated levels of silent information regulator 2 (SIRT1), a class III histone deacetylase (HDAC). However, the effect of DER on targets of other classes of HDACs has not been reported, a highly relevant issue given evidence that HDAC induction favors the development of cancer and tumor growth. Experiments were carried out to determine whether suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), a histone deacetylase inhibitor with broad activity, would affect the anti-cancer activity of DER. Female Sprague Dawley rats (n = 30/group) were injected with 1-methyl-1-nitrosourea (50 mg/kg) at 21 days of age and 7 days thereafter were randomized to groups fed: (i) control diet (AIN-93G), (ii) 0.1% SAHA (w/w), (iii) 40% DER, or (iv) 0.1% SAHA + 40% DER. An additional group was fed 0.1% SAHA + 40%DER for 5 weeks and released to control diet for 3 weeks. DER significantly reduced mammary cancer incidence, multiplicity, and cancer burden and prolonged cancer latency (P < 0.01). Cancer inhibition was maintained in SAHA + DER, despite evidence that histone (H2A(Lys9), H2B(Lys5), and H4(Lys5/8/12/16), but not H3(Lys9); P < 0.001) and non-histone protein deacetylation (p53(Lys373) and p53(Lys382); P < 0.001) induced by DER was reversed by SAHA. This indicates that the inhibition of DER of cancer is not dependent on HDAC induction. After releasing rats from DER + SAHA, cancer multiplicity remained lower than control (P < 0.05), consistent with apoptosis-mediated cell deletion. These findings support further investigation of the hypothesis that HDAC induction by DER blunts its anti-carcinogenic impact.
On the Use of Replacements to Extend System Life

We consider an extreme version of the replacement problem. A vital component of a system must be replaced before it fails, otherwise the system fails with no possibility of repairing the system. We assume that n spares are available and that the distribution of a component life is known; the objective is to schedule the replacements so that the expected life of the system is maximized. Our results range from an iterative formula for constructing the optimal schedule to more general mathematical properties of optimal schedules and expected times.
Synthesis of aminated PVCs using an aprotic solvent: DMSO

Poly(vinyl chloride) was post-polymerization copolymerized with a highly basic amine, piperazine, using an aprotic solvent, dimethyl sulfoxide. By using this highly dipolar solvent, a more dilute nucleophile concentration and a lower reaction temperature were possible than in methanol-moderated reactions. The linear substitutional reaction dominated over both the crosslinked substitutional reaction and the elimination reaction. From the nitrogen assays, pH response curves, and colorimetric results, the evidence suggests that this route may be more promising for fabricating electrode membranes or other components in which an ionically conductive film is desirable.
An object-oriented kernel for an integrated design and process planning system

An object-oriented kernel that integrates design and process planning in the domain of mechanical parts is presented. The kernel has identified and separated the integral elements of its domain from the elements that are associated with a particular design/manufacturing environment. Consequently, it can be customized to a wide range of environments and be used as a rapid prototyping tool. A prototype has been developed and implemented in Smalltalk-80.
Fear of Past Abusive Partner(s) Impacts Current Posttraumatic Stress Among Women Experiencing Partner Violence

This study examines the impact of fear of past abusive partner(s) on posttraumatic stress among 212 community-recruited women currently exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV). The path analysis model tested explained 60% of the variation in IPV-related posttraumatic stress. Findings revealed that fear of past abusive partner(s) was uniquely associated with the severity of current posttraumatic stress symptoms over and above the impact of current IPV or childhood abuse and neglect. Future research should continue examining women's subjective emotional experience of past and current victimization so as to further inform both clinical practice and intervention planning.
Global markets and the new product development process

Explains the globalization of new products with the help of a global new product development model. Attempts to provide a framework for the new product development process, bearing in mind the increasing globalization of markets. Concludes that joint functioning of engineering, marketing, market research, R&D and management is needed from the first stage of product development.
Ethnic Characterization of Gender-Inequality and Domestic Violence against Women of Reproductive Ages in Nigeria

Domestic violence against women is a social problem with no tribal distinction in Nigeria. This paper analyzed the forms of gender inequality and domestic violence and determines the factors promoting violence against women. The 2008 Demographic and Health Survey data were used. Factor Analysis and Bootstrapped Quantile regression method were used for data analysis. The results showed more dominance of men in decision making in tribes from northern Nigeria, while average domestic violence indicators were highest among the Tiv (0.5020) and Ibibio (0.4957) women. The factors that significantly increased domestic violence (p>0.05) were the years of education of wife, involvement in labour market, watching TV and households' male headship, while it significantly reduced with age of women, number of wives, age of household heads, wife's access to newspaper and non-smoking husband. It was concluded that limitations in data availability restricts further probe into cultural reasons behind some of the results and that violence against women would reduce if child marriage is prohibited, smoking is banned and men are enlightened on the fundamental rights possessed by women in Nigerian constitutions.
Patient Perceived Outcomes of Treatments Used for Interstitial Cystitis

Objectives Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a challenging disease complex. Patients’ perception of their outcomes after different treatment modalities may be the best measure of therapeutic efficacy. Our study focused on a large group of women with a diagnosis of IC who reported on perceived outcomes after undergoing invasive and pharmaceutical treatments for their disease. Methods Seven hundred fifty patients with a diagnosis of IC completed a computerized survey that queried each patient about their demographics, symptoms, concomitant diagnoses, treatments, and their perceived treatment outcomes. The patients were surveyed on therapies used to treat IC and whether they perceived their condition to be improved, not affected or having deteriorated at a mean follow-up of 6 months. Pearson chi-squared tests were used in the statistical analyses. Results Invasive and medical therapies were surveyed. The most commonly performed procedures were hydrodistention (61.9%), intravesical therapy (40.1%), and urethral dilatation (26.5%). Of these procedures, 24.4% to 45.3% of patients were improved by these procedures; whereas 27.0% to 49.8% felt no effect and 25.9% to 30.7% worsened. A comparison of the number of patients who improved with those who deteriorated while on medical therapy was found to be significant for all drugs (P Conclusions Medical therapy is perceived to be superior to invasive therapy in the treatment of IC. Medication should be considered the first line therapy for IC. Several medications showed a large percentage of patients with improvement in symptoms. These medications were calcium glycerophosphate (Prelief, AkPharma Inc, Pleasantville, NJ), phenazopyridine, and pentosan polysulfate sodium.
Five advanced pancreatic cancer patients in a Phase I study of anti-CD3 x anti-EGFR bispecific antibody armed activated T cells (BATS)

Meeting abstracts Conventional chemotherapy for locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) and metastatic PC (MPC) is associated with clinical toxicities, dismal response, and poor survival rates. Novel approaches are needed. Preclinical studies show that bispecific antibody armed T cells exhibit
AIDS and STD Education: What's Really Happening in Our Schools?

A recent study revealed that, in the school districts surveyed, AIDS and STD educational programs have been incorporated into the curricula only minimally. In addition, educational objectives for t...
A mimic's imitator: a cavitary pneumonia in a myasthenic patient with history of tuberculosis

A 77-year-old man with myasthenia gravis receiving prednisone and plasmapheresis was found to have right upper lobe cavitary pneumonia on radiological imaging studies after thymectomy. He had a remote history of treated pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) at the age of 19. On the basis of history of TB and current prednisone therapy, reactivation of pulmonary TB was highly suspected. Branching Gram-positive bacilli were identified on bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). BAL Ziehl-Neelsen Acid-fast bacilli stain was negative, but a modified Kinyoun stain revealed branching, beaded, filamentous bacilli, suggestive of Nocardia spp. Nocardia cyriacigeorgica grew from the BAL culture. Cerebral MRI demonstrated a right frontal lobe lesion, clinically correlated to be nocardial brain abscess. The patient was treated with three-drug antimicrobial therapy (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, meropenem, linezolid) for 2 months, followed by an additional 10 months of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Amikacin would have been included in the initial three-drug regimen, but its use was contraindicated in our myasthenic patient because aminoglycoside would trigger fatal myasthenic crisis by neuromuscular blockage. Follow-up imaging studies revealed resolution of the lung and brain lesions.
The biochemistry of pseudouridine.

Publisher Summary The chapter discusses the biochemistry of pseudouridine. It also discusses in a critical, selective, and occasionally speculative fashion, the special enzymological properties, the mode of biosynthesis, and the biological role of pseudouridine. Pseudouridine and its phosphorylated derivatives form a class of biochemically distinctive compounds. In some cases, these compounds appear to participate in enzymatic reactions, as analogs of uridine and its phosphate esters, but there are reactions, in which the 5-ribosyl bond confers a degree of specificity. Several proposed mechanisms for the biosynthesis of polynucleotide ψ have been discussed in this chapter. These include a pathway via diribosyluracil, an intramolecular rearrangement, and the direct condensation of uracil and ribose 5-phosphate to yield ψ monophosphate (MP). While the last reaction occurs in at least two organisms, the data available at present is insufficient to exclude completely any of the three proposals. The most probable pathway of the formation of polynucleotide ψ is by way of the direct incorporation of ψ triphosphate (TP) formed from ψ MP, arising by direct condensation.
Influence of neighborhood types on trip distances: Spatial error models for Central Ohio

ABSTRACTThis study examines the relationships between land-use, transportation infrastructure, household, and individual characteristics and the resulting average and daily trip distances using data from the 1999 Mid-Ohio Area Household Travel Survey. Spatial error models are developed to analyze the determinants of average and daily trip distances at the person level. First, new neighborhood categories are created using K-means cluster analysis and several land-use and built-environment variables. Then, these new neighborhood categories (such as central city residential areas, medium-density suburbs, low-density suburbs, etc.) are used as independent variables to explain the resulting average and total trip distances, while controlling for sociodemographics, access to transit and bicycle facilities, and spatial autocorrelation. The results indicate that the residential location characteristics are a significant factor in explaining trip distances; people who live in areas that are away from urban centers...
Efficient 3-Dimensional Vector-Wave Analysis of Wavelength Multiplexers Using Arrayed-Waveguide Gratings

The NxN arrayed-waveguide grating (AWG) multi/demultiplexer [1] has become one of the key integrated-optic components in wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) communication networks. The reported methods [2]-[4] for the design and performance simulation of AWGs have so far been limited to 2-D scalar-wave analysis using the effective-index method in the vertical direction. In this paper we present a computationally efficient 3-D vector-wave technique for analyzing and designing AWGs including the effects of waveguide-slab junction coupling losses and TE and TM polarizations.
Précis of The evolution of human sexuality

Patterns in the data on human sexuality support the hypothesis that the bases of sexual emotions are products of natural selection. Most generally, the universal existence of laws, rules, and gossip about sex, the pervasive interest in other people's sex lives, the widespread seeking of privacy for sexual intercourse, and the secrecy that normally permeates sexual conduct imply a history of reproductive competition. More specifically, the typical differences between men and women in sexual feelings can be explained most parsimoniously as resulting from the extraordinarily different reproductive opportunities and constraints males and females normally encountered during the course of evolutionary history. Men are more likely than women to desire multiple mates; to desire a variety of sexual partners; to experience sexual jealousy of a spouse irrespective of specific circumstances; to be sexually aroused by the sight of a member of the other sex; to experience an autonomous desire for sexual intercourse; and to evaluate sexual desirability primarily on the bases of physical appearance and youth.The evolutionary causes of human sexuality have been obscured by attempts to find harmony in natural creative processes and human social life and to view sex differences as complementary. The human female's capacity for orgasm and the loss of estrus, for example, have been persistently interpreted as marriage-maintaining adaptations. Available evidence is more consistent with the view that few sex differences in sexuality are complementary, that many aspects of sexuality undermine marriage, and that sexuality is less a unifying than a divisive force in human affairs.
Hemorrhages of late pregnancy with emphasis on placental circulation and the mechanism of bleeding.

Rupture of the marginal sinus is the outstanding cause of bleeding at all stages of pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester when this fragile channel is especially susceptible to breakthrough.A description of the placental circulation is presented to explain the mechanism of bleeding. Diagnosis and principles of treatment of various conditions giving rise to hemorrhage are emphasized, including marginate placenta, circumvallate placenta, placenta praevia and abruptio placentae.
Using Radiolabeled DNA as an Imaging Agent to Recognize Protein Targets

In the article by Hicke et al. ( [1][1] ) in this issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine, a method to target tumors by a novel class of imaging probes (aptamers) is developed and validated in a small-animal model. Aptamers are synthetic, single-stranded DNA or RNA molecules that have a unique 3-
Gate movement for timing improvement on row based Dual-VDD designs

The scale of technology node increases power-density dynamically. Various techniques are proposed to reduce the power consumption. One approach is Dual-Supply Voltage (DSV).DSV is to apply a lower supply voltage on selected non-critical gates for power saving while maintaining chip performance at the same time. In order to facilitate the power design in DSV, the same voltage gates are grouped to form islands. [21] presents a flow to generate and place voltage islands. However, after relocating gates to voltage islands, the original placement is changed and the timing might become worse. In this paper, we propose algorithms to redistribute gates for performance improvement. At the same time, all the DSV island/gate constraints are satisfied. On tested designs, our algorithm greatly improved the timing, and the final worst slack is less than 10ps worse than that of the original design.
The ovarian action of interleukin-1 is receptor mediated: reversal by a naturally occurring interleukin-1 receptor antagonist *

Objective To address indirectly the possibility that the ovarian action(s) of interleukin (IL)-1 are receptor mediated and to re-examine the recently reported proposition that the naturally occurring IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) may in fact act in the capacity of mixed IL-1 receptor agonist/antagonist. Design In vitro treatment of isolated granulosa cell (GC) and whole ovarian dispersates of rat origin. Results Treatment of GC from immature rats with increasing concentrations of IL-1ra (10 to 5,000 ng/mL) proved without effect on either the basal or FSH (100 ng/mL)-supported accumulation of P. Likewise, cellular viability (as assessed by conversion of 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2–5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide to spectrophotometrically detectable formazan) remained unaltered. However, the concomitant addition of increasing concentrations of IL-1ra (10 to 5,000 ng/mL) yielded dose-dependent reversal of the 10 ng/mL IL-1 β -mediated inhibition of the FSH-supported accumulation of P. Similarly, the ability of IL-1 β to exert a dose-dependent (0 to 30 ng/mL) antigonadotropic effect was attenuated progressively given the concurrent presence of increasing concentrations (1,000 and 5,000 ng/mL) of IL-1ra. Although treatment of whole ovarian dispersates with 10 ng/mL IL-1 β resulted in a 5.4-fold increase in the accumulation of prostaglandin (PG)E 2 , this effect too was all but eliminated after the concomitant addition of 5 μ g/mL IL-1ra. Conclusions These observations support the nontoxic nature of IL-1ra, confirm its lack of agonistic activity, validate its utility as an experimental probe, and suggest that neither the basal nor the FSH-stimulated accumulation of P are subject to regulation by endogenously produced GC-derived IL-1-like activity. Moreover, these observations suggest that the ability of IL-1 β to inhibit the gonadotropin-supported accumulation of P and to increase PGE 2 accumulation is receptor-mediated.
Lymphoma of the genitourinary tract.

Abstract Lymphomatous involvement of the genitourinary tract is extremely rare when it presents as primary extranodal disease. It is more common in the advanced stage of disseminated disease. Computed tomography is the best diagnostic modality to detect the involvement of the genitourinary tract. Although the appearances are generally nonspecific, certain characteristics on computed tomography may suggest and allow for a proper approach to the diagnosis.
Short-changed? South Africa since apartheid

In Short-Changed? South Africa since Apartheid, Bundy presents an analysis of selected political, social and economic developments since 1994 through an historical lens, studying the existence of h...
Reliability and Validity of the Fullerton Functional Fitness Test: An Independent Replication Study

A limiting factor in evaluating the functional status of older people is the lack of appropriate measurement tools for assessing functional mobility, muscle strength, aerobic endurance, agility, and flexibility. In this study, the reliability and validity of the seven-item Fullerton Functional Fitness Test (FFT) battery, designed for use with community-dwelling older adults, was examined. The test items were as follows: floor sit-and-reach, back scratch, 8-ft up-and-go, arm curl, 30-s chair stand. 2-min step, and 9-min walk. Seventy-nine participants (42 physically active, 37 sedentary) completed the FFT battery three times within a 2-week period. The test-retest reliability intraclass correlation coefficients were high. Construct validity analysis revealed that five of the seven FFT items discriminated between the physically active and sedentary groups. In conclusion, most of the evidence from the stability reliability and discriminant validity analyses supports the view that the Fullerton FFT battery is...
A semi-analytical approach for calculating the equilibrium structure and radial breathing mode frequency of single-walled carbon nanotubes

A semi-analytical model for determining the equilibrium configuration and the radial breathing mode (RBM) frequency of single-wall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is presented. By taking advantage of the symmetry characteristics, a CNT structure is represented by five independent variables. A line search optimization procedure is employed to determine the equilibrium values of these variables by minimizing the potential energy. With the equilibrium configuration obtained, the semi-analytical model enables an efficient calculation of the RBM frequency of the CNTs. The radius and radial breathing mode frequency results obtained from the semi-analytical approach are compared with those from molecular dynamics (MD) and ab initio calculations. The results demonstrate that the semi-analytical approach offers an efficient and accurate way to determine the equilibrium structure and radial breathing mode frequency of CNTs.