cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Treatment of the dysmenorrhea symptom complex; a preliminary report on the efficacy of a uterine relaxing factor.

Abstract A uterine relaxant, a factor obtained from the corpus luteum of sow ovaries, has been isolated and the bio-assay standardized. It has been chemically classified as a protein or polypeptide. This substance is not destroyed in the stomach as the active principle appears in the blood serum within 30 minutes after oral administration in the human being. In a series of 90 women who complained of dysmenorrhea an initial dose of 1,000 to 3,000 units followed by 1,000 units every 2 to 4 hours was sufficient to control the symptoms of 61 women. Twenty-nine women had no results from therapy, but only 21 were considered adequately treated. Although the efficacy of medication for dysmenorrhea is notoriously difficult to evaluate, the fact that a number of women obtained no relief from small doses but adequate relief when larger amounts of U.R.F. were administered leads us to believe that the action is physiological rather than psychological. It seems from this preliminary survey that the uterine relaxing factor is of value in the treatment of dysmenorrhea as it relieves the entire symptom complex and has no sedative effect. It is apparently ineffective in those women with major psychosomatic difficulties or anatomically abnormal pelves. Further studies are planned using larger doses as well as a control series making use of a placebo tablet similar in all respects to those containing U.R.F.
A novel high-speed data acquisition system

This paper presents the design of a 10 MHz, 12 bit data acquisition system. Two novel features are incorporated in the design-programmable channel selection and memory configuration which results in a 25% saving in memory. A software driver package is written and is callable from an application program in BASIC, Pascal, FORTRAN and C. The package includes commands that initialize the board, set the clock, establish A/D and D/A parameters, transfer the memory and execute the A/D and D/A operations. >
THE ROLE OF MODEL SELECTION IN CAUSAL INFERENCE FROM NONEXPERIMENTAL DATA

The article by Starr et al. (1) in this issue of the Journal provides a valuable starting point to examine the role of model selection when using multivariate models in causal inference. In their discussion, Starr et al. make two observations that taken together raise a central problem. They first note that "the complementary nature of the relationship between some explanatory variables can lead to compromised inferences if one or the other is innocently omitted from consideration." Epidemiologists should recognize this as the familiar problem of confounding. But Starr et al. go on to note that "the indiscriminate inclusion of any and all variables that might just possibly be important" may also compromise inferences. They thus imply (and we agree) that inferences regarding an exposure effect may be compromised by the inclusion of too few or too many covariates in a model. Faced with this dilemma, the authors adopt a backward-elimination model-selection strategy, allowing for ad hoc modifications such as forcing in certain main effects believed a priori to be nonzero. While we do not take issue with the need for some sort of modelselection strategy such as Starr et al. and others (2) have employed, we feel that the descriptions and justifications offered for such strategies have been incomplete. We will argue that all modelling strategies contain implicit prior beliefs about nature. One can justify a modelling strategy only if the
Cloning and identification of bacteriophage T4 gene 2 product gp2 and action of gp2 on infecting DNA in vivo.

Abstract We sequenced bacteriophage T4 genes 2 and 3 and the putative C-terminal portion of gene 50. They were found to have appropriate open reading frames directed counterclockwise on the T4 map. Mutations in genes 2 and 64 were shown to be in the same open reading frame, which we now call gene 2. This gene codes for a protein of 27,068 daltons. The open reading frame corresponding to gene 3 codes for a protein of 20,634 daltons. Appropriate bands on polyacrylamide gels were identified at 30 and 20 kilodaltons, respectively. We found that the product of the cloned gene 2 can protect T4 DNA double-stranded ends from exonuclease V action.
Urban Growth in Developing Countries: A Review of Current Trends and a Caution Regarding Existing Forecasts

Summary. — The purpose of this paper is to clarify the nature of the on-going urban transition in developing countries, the quality of the available data, and the uncertainty of existing urban forecasts. Although the recently released United Nations’ publication World Urbanization Prospects is an invaluable resource for those interested in studying urban change, the data in the report are somewhat deceptive in their apparent completeness and beyond the narrow confines of technical demography there is a great deal of misunderstanding and misreporting about what these data mean and how they should be interpreted. For example, while the scale of urban change is unprecedented and the nature and direction of urban change is more dependent on the global economy than ever before, many aspects of the traditional distinction between urban and rural are becoming redundant. This paper provides a broad overview of the available evidence on patterns and trends in urban growth in developing countries, highlighting regional differences where appropriate. The paper also examines the quality of past urban population projections and finds that there has been considerable diversity in their quality by geographic region, level of development, and size of country. 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Influence of Friction on the Cyclic Response of Simple Straight Wire Rope Strands under Axial Loads

Abstract The frictional damping properties of axially loaded simple straight wire rope strands are studied using an analytical model for cables of current design. Since the cable axial response is driven by the interwire local pivoting, a first linear model is built in which pivoting occurs without friction. A hysteretic model is then built after a specific law of friction is established. Using comparisons with experimental results described in the literature, the frictional energy dissipated over a load cycle is shown to be very small compared to the elastic strain energy and other dissipations. This result is in agreement with the experimental fact that axially loaded simple straight strands do not experience fretting‐induced failures, except when they are close to the terminations.
Development of the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness and Response

ABSTRACT The International Oil Pollution Prevention and Response (OPPR) Convention represents current international efforts to improve capabilities to prepare for and respond to catastrophic oil spills. Initiated by the United States, it is being negotiated by the Marine Environment Protection Committee of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Major components of the proposal include the establishment of an International Marine Pollution Information Center located at IMO headquarters, National Response Centers in each coastal state, and oil spill response contingency plans for ships. Other proposed articles include prepositioning of oil response equipment in high-risk areas, a research and development program for response techniques, and international cooperation during responses to catastrophic oil spills. Several problems have complicated negotiations of the OPPR Convention. First, severe time constraints have been placed on the negotiators, with the final conference1 to consider the OPPR sched...
Negative-tone resist system using vinyl cyclic acetal crosslinker

Most high performance negative tone resists are chemically amplified systems. The chemistry involves a creation of acid during photo-exposure and subsequent crosslinking of the polymer matrix during post-exposure bake. The commonly used crosslinkers are epoxies, melamines, benzyl alcohol and benzyl acetates. In light of the high reactivity of vinyl group on vinyl ether type compounds, literature has suggested that photochemical addition reaction of a polymer- bearing pendant vinyl ether with various thiol compounds can potentially be highly sensitive negative-type photoresists. Recently, bis-dihydropyrane derivative has been used for the first time to develop high performance negative tone resists for DUV, E-beam and x-ray applications. A cyclic acetal system based on acetal blocked aromatic aldehyde has also been demonstrated to be a good crosslinker for negative DUV resist. In order to take advantage of the above chemistries, we have investigated a crosslinker, 3,9-divinylspirobi(M-dioxane) (DVSDO), which contains both cyclic acetal groups and vinyl groups. Different loadings of DVSDO from 8% to 17% were formulated in combination with triphenyl sulfonyl triflate and N-sulfonyl triflate derivatives in polyhydroxystyrene matrix. One composition contains 8% N- sulfonyloxy derivative, 12% DVSDO in 20% solid of polyhydroxystyrene has shown resolution to 0.35 micrometer from Canon 0.37 NA DUV stepper. It also shows promising resolution in E-beam lithography. Varying the post apply bake (PAB) temperatures and post exposure bake temperatures (PEB) demonstrate a great dependency of sensitivity to baking temperature. The sensitivity increases with decreasing PAB, while decreases with decreasing PEB. Insufficient baking time (less than 4 - 5 minutes) at lower PEB temperature 90 degrees Celsius causes significant film loss after development in 0.14N TMAH for 60 - 75s. On the other hand, when the PEB temperature is too high (greater than 120 degrees Celsius), the resist's resolution is degraded. Recent literature report has shown that high resolution can be achieved on negative resist system by raising PAB temperature. However, most of the known resist systems cannot tolerate high temperature, due to background crosslinking. The crosslinker, DVSDO, introduced in this paper seems to have higher heat resistance toward thermal induced background crosslinking. The resist formulated here can tolerate 140 degrees Celsius bake without seeing residues on the unexposed area. In this paper, we also discuss some IR studies on the crosslinking mechanism in addition to the lithographic evaluation.
On the existence of tris 2,2'-biquinoline complexes of first transition series metal ions in the solid state. Spectra and magnetic characterization of [Fe(II)(2,2'-biquinoline)3](NCS)2 and some related pseudo-tetrahedral ferrous compounds

Abstract Double benzo substitution cis to the nitrogen atoms of 2,2′-bipyridine results in 2,2′-biquinoline, hereafter, biq. Numerous examples of tris 2,2′-bipyriidne metal species are known, but to out knowledge, there have been no previous reports of tris biq metal species. Herein, we report the first isolation of what appears to be a tris biq species, Fe(biq) 3 (NCS) 2 , in the solid state obtained from a water-acetone solution as an analytically pure, pale blue-gray solid. Zero and high field Mossbauer, optical (near infrarcd-visible), and infrared spectra as weil as cryomagnetic data clearly show that Fe(biq) 3 (NCS) 2 contains a pseudo-octahedral high spin iron(II) chromophore. Several possibilities are proposed for the structure of Fe(biq) 3 (NCS) 2 including some with unidentate biq. The weak field, highly hindered environment of the complex is such that it readily undergoes facile loss of two moles of ligand simply on mixing the solid complex with a variety of organic solvents. The resulting neutral buff-colored iron(II) complex, Fe(biq)(NCS) 2 , is a pseudo-tetrahedral monomer which can also be prepared by the direct reaction of an ethanolic solution of Fe(NCS) 2 with a benzene solution of biq in a 1:1 stoichiometry. The spectral and cryomagnetic properties of Fe(biq)- (NCS) 2 as well as those for the related pseudo-tetrahedral compounds Fe(biq)Cl 2 , Fe(2,9-dimethyl-l,10-phenanthroline)X 2 (X=CI - , Br - , I - , NCS - ) and Fe(2,9-dimethyl-4,7-di-phenyl- 1,10-phenanthroline)Cl 2 , are reported as weil. In particular, the latter pseudo-tetrahedral systems are found to exhibit a novel, complex range of slow paramagnetic behavior depending on T , H o and specific coordinated anion. This behavior correlatcs with low temperature susceptibility data.
Priorities in Teaching Economic Geography: Placing the Economy, Sense of Geographies, Intellectual Bridging

This paper identifies some personal priorities in teaching economic geography. The author places the economy relationally regarding social, cultural and political dimensions of life; she clarifies different modes of geographic inquiry-geographies; and she taps the breadth of economic geography by including a wide range of substantive topics. She discusses internal differentiation regarding substantive topics and modes of geographic inquiry as an asset, offering ground for cross-fertilization of ideas. The course is demanding, and this is appreciated by most, but not all, students. From the author's vantage point, the course both informs and is informed by her research-stimulating experience.
Characterization of viruses infecting a eukaryotic Chlorella-like green alga☆

Nineteen plaque-forming viruses of the unicellular, eukaryotic Chlorella-like green alga, strain NC64A, were isolated from various geographic regions in the United States and characterized. Like the previously described virus, PBCV-1, all of the new viruses were large polyhedrons, sensitive to chloroform, and contained large dsDNA genomes of ca. 300 kbp. All of the viral DNAs contained 5-methyldeoxycytidine which varied from 0.1 to 47% of the deoxycytidine. In addition, 10 of the viral DNAs contained N6-methyldeoxyadenosine which varied from 8.1 to 37% of the deoxyadenosine. These viruses, along with 11 previously described viruses which replicate in the same Chlorella host, were grouped into 11 classes based on at least one of the following properties: plaque size, reaction with PBCV-1 antiserum, or the nature and abundance of methylated bases in their genomic DNA.
On two-sided orthogonal Procrustes problems.

A least squares method for approximating a given symmetric matrixB by another matrixB which is orthogonally similar to a second given matrixA is derived and then generalized to nonsymmetric (but square)A andB. A possible application to ordering problems is discussed.
X-ray micromachining of high-aspect-ratio MEMS using SU8 ultrathick photoresist

In this work, a negative-tone photoresist, SU8, used in UV- based micromachining of high-aspect-ratio MEMS has been tested using proximity X-ray printing. Very thick (a few hundreds of micrometers) SU8 resist layers were processed with standard cleanroom equipment and exposed with 1 - 10 keV X-rays at a beamline of the CAMD synchrotron radiation facility. It showed a large increase in sensitivity in deep X-ray lithography compared to the standard poly(methyl-methacrylate) (PMMA) resist, resulting in increased throughput potential. Resist microstructures with aspect-ratio as high as 50 (height 350 : width 7) and vertical sidewalls, were produced. The benefits of using such X-ray resist in X-ray manufacturing are discussed.
Implications of redox processes for the rehabilitation of an urban lake, Onondaga Lake, New York

Abstract A synthesis of the impacts of domestic and industrial wastes on oxygen resources and redox conditions of polluted Onondaga Lake, Syracuse, N.Y., is presented based on a long-term (1978–2005) monitoring program. Insights from this retrospective analysis are used to evaluate management alternatives for the remediation of oxygen resources and redox conditions. Reduced byproducts of anaerobic metabolism accumulated annually in the hypolimnion, causing low dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations in the upper waters during fall turnover. The high natural sulfate (SO4 2−) concentration of the lake promoted DO depletion and the production of methylmercury (CH3Hg+). Severe depletions of DO occurred annually in the upper waters during fall mixing, representing violations of water quality standards for extended intervals from 1978 to 1996. Depletions of DO during fall were less severe from 1997 to 2004. The improvement is reported to be in response to: (1) more routine occurrence of spring turnover following c...
Synthesis and X-ray structures of dinuclear and trinuclear gold(I) and dinuclear gold(II) amidinate complexes.

The structures of the trinuclear gold(I), [Au 3 (2,6-Me 2 -form) 2 -(THT)CI], the dinuclear [Au 2 (2,6-Me 2 -form) 2 ], and the oxidative-addition product [Au 2 (2,6-Me 2 -form) 2 Cl 2 ] formamidinate complexes are reported. The trinuclear complex is stable with gold-gold distances 3.01 and 3.55 A. The gold-gold distance in the dinuclear complex decreases upon oxidative-addition with halogens from 2.7 to 2.5 A, similar to observations made with the dithiolates and ylides.
JOHN V. MURRA, BIBLIOGRAFÍA

La obra erudita de John Murra se caracteriza por su minuciosa atencion bibliografica. Por muchos anos Murra elaboro la seccion “EthnohistorySouth America” del Handbook of Latin American Studies. Ademas ofrecio a sus lectores un comentario actualizado sobre las fuentes de estudios andinos (por ejemplo, ver 1968b). A John Murra debemos el mismo cuidado en compilar su propia bibliografia. Esta contribucion no es ni sera la unica que intenta catalogar la fecunda obra de Murra. Al comenzar el proyecto, tuve la ventaja de organizar su archivo personal que contiene ejemplares, a veces hasta varias docenas, de sus numerosas publicaciones. Ni puedo dejar de reconocer la importancia de bibliografias previamente editadas, con mencion especial a la “Bibliografia de John Murra”, que se publico en Lima, en Nispa Ninchis (Castro et al. 2000, pp. 55-64). La tarea formidable de esta bibliografia es que identifica las distintas versiones de los ensayos, algunos con vidas largas. Por citar solo un ejemplo, el ensayo clasico “La funcion del tejido…” primero ofrecido como ponencia en 1958, se reedito siete veces en Estados Unidos, Peru y Chile, y por ultima vez en 2002.
Case study: use of differential reinforcement to suppress self-injurious and aggressive behavior.

A program of differential reinforcement of other behavior was employed to reduce the rates of aggression and head-banging in a 6-yr., 8-mo.-old profoundly retarded female. Whereas, two different time-out procedures were not associated with stable decreases in aggressive behavior, this program was associated with immediate and dramatic decreases in aggression and head-banging. The present results suggest that (a) initial values of such programs may be situation-specific and (b) either the procedure or the inclusion of contingencies for all maladaptives within one program may be superior to a time-out program which focuses on a subset of all maladaptive behavior.
Observed and Simulated Intraseasonal Variability of the Wintertime Planetary Circulation

Abstract The persistence of the planetary-scale simulation over the North Pacific Ocean is investigated during 18 Northern Hemisphere winters from 1965/66 to 1982/83. Quasi-stationary flow patterns dominate 20 periods during the 6 El Nino winters. In contrast, 29 such periods are observed during the remaining 12 winters. Nearly all of the quasi-stationary episodes during El Nino winters exhibit negative 500 mb geopotential height anomalies in the Gulf of Alaska-Aleutian Island region. During the other 12 winters, episodes characterized by positive height anomalies in that region occur as frequently as those exhibiting negative height anomalies. The observed persistence of the planetary circulation is contrasted to that simulated by the UCLA general circulation model. Ten winters of model output are analyzed: during five winters, sea surface temperatures (SSTs) are prescribed to evolve through their climatological seasonal cycle while during the other five winters, SST anomalies corresponding to idealized ...
Acyl-Coa: sn-glycerol 3-phosphate acyltransferase in mitochondria and microsomes of adult and fetal guinea pig lung.

Summary Guinea pig lung mitochondrial and microsomal glycerophosphate acyltransferase (GAT) was measured using palmityl- or oleyl-CoA as acyl donor. The activities of the two fractions differed in substrate specificity and sensitivity to N-ethylmaleimide, trypsin, and acetone. In comparison to adult lung, the fetal lung had markedly higher subcellular GAT activity. The results demonstrate a bimodal distribution of GAT in lung and suggest that this enzyme may plan an important role in lung development.
Between and Within: International Perspectives on Cancer and Health Disparities

The purpose of this article is to compare reasons for cancer health disparities in developing and developed countries. By 2010, approximately 60% of new cancer cases will occur in the developing world, higher than rates developed countries. However, disparities exist not only between countries but also within countries. Cancer epidemiology in developing countries is paradoxical: Increased incidence is partially due to increased development resulting in longer life expectancy and unhealthy lifestyle behaviors. Reduced mortality from infectious diseases results in relatively greater mortality from chronic diseases. However, infectious diseases are also risk factors for the leading causes of cancer mortality in these countries. While health disparities in developing versus developed countries are quantitatively worlds apart, they are qualitatively rather similar. They share common causes, such as environmental pollution, the need for social justice, large gaps between the rich and the poor, lack of access to cancer resources, and health services that are available to some but not to all. While industrialization and urbanization elevate a country's economic base while contributing to cancer incidence and mortality. Strategies to reduce international cancer disparities include country- and regional-level interventions, utilizing nongovernmental organizations, and developing long-term inter-institutional partnerships. Although economic aid is undoubtedly necessary, it is not sufficient to control cancer in the developing world. To address these problems, it will be necessary to focus attention on what can be done locally-within countries, not only between countries.
Metastatic malignant melanoma to the bladder: a case series.

Background: Metastatic melanoma to the bladder is rarely reported, and the role of surgery is still largely unknown. We review 4 such cases and highlight their management and outcomes. We also review the relevant literature. Methods: The Mayo Clinic tumor database was searched and 4 such cases were found. Results: All 4 patients were treated locally with transurethral resection. The only patient who had a solitary metastasis did relatively well, having no evidence of disease 10 months after his presentation, while the other 3 died within 6 months. The literature highlights various approaches to management, but there is no definitive evidence that radical cystectomy offers any benefit over transurethral resection. Conclusion: Resection may improve survival in the setting of a solitary metastasis, but there is no evidence that radical cystectomy offers any benefit over local resection. With diffuse disease, however, resection is likely only beneficial for treatment of hematuria.
Assessing Diet and Seasonality in the Lower Pecos Canyonlands: An Evaluation of Coprolite Specimens as Records of Individual Dietary Decisions

Abstract This article presents an evaluation of coprolite specimens from the Lower Pecos canyonlands as records of individual dietary decisions. Prior studies of coprolites from this region have greatly expanded our knowledge of Archaic subsistence patterns, but have not taken full advantage of the record of individual dietary decisions recorded in each coprolite specimen. The menu, or dietary combinations, reflected in individual coprolite specimens are assessed through the identification of several congruent botanical components derived from the same food resource, phytoliths, fiber ultimates, and epidermal sheets. The data is analyzed with hierarchical cluster analysis, an exploratory statistical technique. The resultant menus reflected in these clusters are evaluated with reference to a diet-breadth model developed for the known staple resources of the canyonlands. Three main menus are apparent in the specimens. The first menu consists of prickly pear (Opuntia sp.) cladodes, or nopales, and was principally, although not exclusively, consumed in the late spring. This menu is primarily consumed when other resources were not readily available and may be considered a dependable but undesirable meal. The second menu consists of pit-baked lechuguilla (Agave lechuguilla) and sotol (Dasylirion sp.) caudices, or hearts, common throughout the cool season. This menu entails high processing costs, but would provide a reliable caloric return. The third menu exhibits a monolithic reliance on prickly pear fruits, or tunas, during the summer. The ease of harvest and consumption is reflected in the seasonal dominance of this resource, which was assuredly a highly desirable meal. The dietary patterns recorded in the coprolite specimens from the Lower Pecos canyonlands demonstrate a seasonally variable diet-breadth that incorporated low-ranked resources during times of seasonal scarcity as well as a monolithic dependence on high-ranked resources when they were available in the local landscape.
Effects of noise and response complexity upon vigilance performance.

Visual vigilance performance was investigated with respect to environmental stimulation (90 db, 1000 cps noise) and intra-organismic stimulation (simple vs complex response). 140 Ss monitoring a display for 1 hr. under 1 of 2 noise types were instructed either to press a button upon detection of aperiodic signals (simple response) or to perform also a checklist operation subsequent to the signal detection (complex response). Significant correct detection differences occurred between response groups with complex groups showing higher performance (p < .05). Differences in correct detection were obtained for noise conditions (for continuous, M = 83%; for intermittent, M = 78.5%). Results were evaluated in terms of the activation hypothesis.
An algorithm for the management of posttraumatic cervical spondyloptosis

Posttraumatic cervical spondyloptosis is the most severe form of fracture dislocation. Since its occurrence is uncommon, there is no consensus on its surgical management. Detailed description of five patients who were successfully managed through one approach (posterior or anterior) is presented, a review of the current literature is reported, and biomechanics is provided. An algorithm for the treatment of cervical spondyloptosis is then proposed.
Meaningfulness and Retention of a Single Paired Associate

The prediction of interference theory that material of low meaning would be more resistant to forgetting was tested by comparing the retention of paired associates of high and low meaning. Each S learned a single paired associate and was tested once after time intervals ranging from 25 sec. to 2 wk. Contrary to the prediction of interference theory, no statistically significant differences were found at retention.
Interspecific hybridization in cucumis

A. The genusCucumis and its close relatives in the family Cucurbitaceae have long supported a disorganized tangle of misinformation resulting from incorrect identification of plant cultures. Several disease resistance surveys and other studies on exotic species of cucurbits have reported information on unverified and often misnamed cultures, but during the past decade many identity errors inCucumis have been corrected by critical inquiry. B. The data from cross-fertility tests are compatible with data from studies on morphology, cytogenetics, phytogeography, and physiology (cucurbitacins). They indicate: 1. C. anguria var.longipes is closely related toC. anguria var.anguria and may be its progenitor. 2. C. leptodermis andC. myriocarpus are related as varieties or subspecies rather than as distinct species. 3. C. zeyheri is no closer than a subspecies toC. prophetarum, and it may be a distinct species. 4. C. dinteri andC. sagittatus are related as varieties or subspecies rather than as distinct species. 5. C.hardwickii andC. sativus are related as varieties rather than as distinct species. C. The cross-fertility studies indicate thatCucumis species can be tentatively organized into four cross-sterile groups: 1. Eight spiny-fruited, African species or varieties ofCucumis are closely related toC. anguria var.anguria, yielding partly fertile hybrids with it. 2. C. metuliferus is not closely related to any other species used in these studies. 3. C. sativus, including many cultivated forms and the spiny-fruited, seven-chromosomeC. hardwickii from India, is not closely related to any of the spiny-fruited, 12-chromosome species from Africa or their cultivated relative,C. anguria var.anguria. 4. The three African species with young fruits hairy and lacking operculate spines (C. humifructus, C. melo and its cultivated forms, and C.sagittatus includingC. dinteri) are more closely related to one another than they are to any of the other species studied. D. Crosses of C. melo with C.sagittatus yield partly developed seeds. Work with additional collections of those species and their close relatives may yield a “bridging species” or form that will permit transfer of genes from other species intoC. melo. Embryo culture techniques may be useful in culturing the minute embryos observed in these crosses. E. The abundance and specific structure of soft spines on fruits in the anguria group appear to be unrelated to cross-fertility barriers. Spine differentiation occurs within as well as between interfertile entities.
Bright sub-100-fs x-ray pulse using small-angle Thomson scattering of ultrafast laser pulses

We propose a scheme for bright, sub-100-femtosecond x-ray radiation generation using small-angle Thomson scattering. Coupling high-brightness electron bunches with high-power ultrafast laser pulses, radiation with photon energies of 8- to 40-keV can be generated with pulse duration comparable to that of the incoming laser pulse with peak spectral brightness of approximately 1020 photons s-1 mm-2 mrad-2 per 10(superscript -3 bandwidth, close to those of the third-generation synchrotron light sources. The scheme is scalable to shorter pulse duration and high peak brightness, depending on the performance of the laser system.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Relative distribution of Ca2+ channels at the crayfish inhibitory neuromuscular junction.

We investigated the Ca2+ channel-synaptic vesicle topography at the inhibitor of the crayfish (Procambarus Clarkii) neuromuscular junction (NMJ) by analyzing the effect of different modes of Ca2+ c...
Mental illness depiction in children's films

Forty-nine children’s (G- and PG-rated) films were viewed and rated with respect to the depiction of mental illnesses. Material about mental illnesses was included in 33 (67%) of these films. Twelve (24%) had one or more characters labeled as having a mental illness; an additional 21 films contained references to mental illnesses. Characters with mental illnesses tended to be male, adult, Caucasian, single or of unknown marital status, and identified by disparaging slang terms rather than formal diagnoses. Of the 12 movies containing characters with mental illnesses, 8 (67%) included depictions where that character was violent. Other characters responded in generally favorable ways to the mentally ill characters: most worked cooperatively with the character and helped and trusted the character. However, nearly two-thirds also showed fear of the character. Results suggest that mental illness depictions are common in children’s films, and that, despite some positive responses from other characters, mentally ill characters tend to be feared and disparaged. Study limitations and possible implications for children’s developing understanding of mental illnesses are discussed. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dietary fiber and associations with adiposity and fasting insulin among college students with plausible dietary reports.

Abstract Objective We examined dietary fiber intake, food sources of dietary fiber, and relation of dietary fiber to body composition and metabolic parameters in college students with plausible dietary reports. Methods Students (18–24 y of age) provided data on anthropometry, fasting blood chemistries, and body composition (bioelectric impedance). Diet and physical activity were assessed with the Diet History Questionnaire and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Plausible dietary reporters were identified (±1 SD cutoffs for reported energy intake as a percentage of predicted energy requirement). Multiple regression analyses were conducted with the total ( n = 298) and plausible ( n = 123) samples, adjusting for age, race, sex, smoking status, physical activity, energy intake, and fat-free mass (where applicable). Results Food sources of dietary fiber were similar in men and women. In the plausible sample compared with the total sample, dietary fiber was more strongly associated with fat mass (β = −0.24, P P P P P P Conclusion Inclusion of implausible dietary reports may result in spurious or weakened diet–health associations. Dietary fiber is negatively associated with fasting insulin levels in men and women and consistently associated with adiposity measurements in men.
Clinical, histologic, microbiologic, and biochemical characterization of the causative agent of bacillary (epithelioid) angiomatosis: A rickettsial illness with features of bartonellosis

It has been suggested that bacillary (epithelioid) angiomatosis (BEA) is a manifestation of cat scratch disease (CSD). Because of clinical similarity between this condition and the verruga peruana phase of bartonellosis, we sought to further characterize this disease as well as its causative agent and to compare it to bartonellosis. We isolated a small flagellated pleomorphic bacillus from skin lesions of two patients with BEA. Organisms were stained successfully with Warthin-Starry silver stains, but immunohistochemistry failed to demonstrate binding with a polyclonal antibody directed against the cat scratch bacillus. Whole cell fatty-acid gas chromatography performed on both BEA organisms and Bartonella bacilliformis demonstrated marked similarity between the two. Electron microscopy of BEA organisms in tissue and in suspension revealed features characteristic of a gram negative bacillus. Based on these findings, we propose that this unusual rickettsial infectious disease with vascular proliferation may represent an unusual variant of infection with a bartonella-like organism rather than a manifestation of cat scratch disease.
A NASA study of the impact of technology on future sea based attack aircraft

A conceptual aircraft design study was recently completed evaluating carrier-based, subsonic attack aircraft using contemporary and future technology assumptions. The study examined a configuration matrix that was made up of light and medium bomb loads, one and two man crews, internal and external weapons carriage, as well as conventional and flying wing planforms. Use of common technology assumptions, engine cycle simulation code, design mission, and consistent application of methods allow for direct comparison of the aircraft. This paper describes the design study ground rules and the aircraft designed. The aircraft descriptions include weights, dimensions, layout, design mission, design constraints, maneuver performance, and fallout mission performance. The strengths, and weaknesses of each aircraft are highlighted.
Molecular and phylogenetic analysis of PCR-amplified cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) family sequences from representatives of the earliest available lineages of eukaryotes

Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) and cell division control (CDC2) sequences are strongly conserved among eukaryotes and may complement the use of other sequence families in eukaryotic phylogenetic inference. We synthesized degenerate PCR primers to amplify the catalytic region of CDK homologs in representatives of the earliest available lineages of eukaryotes. CDK family sequence-based, maximum-likelihood distance measurements with neighbor joining, and Fitch-Margoliash least-squares analyses produced unrooted dendrograms that included protists, yeasts, and higher eukaryotes. Bootstrap confidence estimates supported CDK-based phylogenetic groupings among the protists, fungi, and vertebrates although resolution within these groups was often insignificant. However, Trichomonas vaginalis and Giardia lamblia exhibited two of the most divergent CDK-like sequences consistent with rRNA-phylogenetic inference of early divergence of these eukaryotic lineages. In the evolution from unicellular to multicellular organisms, a constellation of amino acid residues aligning with the human, CDK N-terminal β sheet may have undergone abrupt replacement.
Side-Chain Metallocene-Containing Polymers by Living and Controlled Polymerizations

This review summarizes recent work on side-chain metallocene-containing polymers prepared by controlled and living polymerizations, which include living anionic polymerization (LAP), ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) and controlled radical polymerization (CRP) such as atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT), and nitroxide-mediated polymerization (NMP). The majority of efforts in the field are focused on side-chain ferrocene-containing polymers, while cobaltocenium-containing polymers have recently started to draw attention. Future direction on the development of other metallocene-containing polymers is discussed.
Serious Injuries Related to the Segway® Personal Transporter: A Case Series

Study objective We describe a case series of emergency department (ED) visits for injuries related to the Segway® personal transporter. Methods This was a retrospective case review using a free-text search feature of an electronic ED medical record to identify patients arriving April 2005 through November 2008. Data were hand extracted from the record, and further information on admitted patients was obtained from the hospital trauma registry. Results Forty-one cases were included. The median age was 50 years, and 30 patients (73.2%) were women. Twenty-nine (70.7%) of the patients resided outside the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia, and 32 (78.1%) arrived between June and September. Seven (17.1%) patients had documented helmet use. Ten (24.4%) were admitted. Four patients (40% of admitted patients) required admission to the ICU. Conclusion The severity of trauma in this case series of patients injured by the use of the self-balancing personal transporter is significant. Further investigation into the risks of use, as well as the optimal length and type of training or practice, is warranted. A distinct E-code and Consumer Product Safety Commission's product code is needed to enable further investigation of injury risks for this mode of transportation.
Collaborative Hierarchical Clustering in the Browser for Scatter/Gather on the Web

Scatter/Gather is a powerful browsing model for exploratory information seeking. However, its potential on the web scale has not been demonstrated due to scalability challenges of interactive clustering. We have developed in previous research a two-stage method to support on-the-fly Scatter/Gather, in which an offline module pre-computes a hierarchical structure to support constant time on-line interaction. In this work, we focus on the offline hierarchy construction and develop a novel distributed approach to hierarchical agglomerative clustering (HAC). Relying on Javascript that is commonly supported by browsers, the distributed clustering method has the potential to scale with growing traffics of a site. We show in experiments that a moderate increase in the number of parallel processes (in visitors' browsers) leads to a dramatic decrease of clustering time. This demonstrates great potentials in supporting large-scale Scatter/Gather interactions on the web. We present preliminary analysis of clustering effectiveness and a related Scatter/Gather prototype for web search.
The ambiguous pulmonary venoatrial junction: a new perspective

Purpose The pulmonary venoatrial junction (PVAJ) has recently received attention due to the widespread use of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. However, the literature lacks a consensus in the definition of the PVAJ. We aim to review the inconsistent definitions for the PVAJ and related implications in imaging and catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. Results The PVAJ as described by embryology, gross anatomy, histology and imaging is ambiguous, leading to disparities in its definition. Because of differing definitions of the PVAJ, there is a broad range in the prevalence of anatomic variations, including (1) percentage of common pulmonary veins (10–79% on the left), (2) supernumerary pulmonary veins (10–42%) and (3) ostial diameter and shape. We postulate several reasons for this broad range in the described prevalence of anatomic variation of the PV as follows: (1) different definitions of the PVAJ, (2) different vantage points, (3) different imaging modalities, and (4) different prevalence of anatomic variants among different study populations. Conclusions The ambiguous PVAJ with its gradual transition from the left atrium to the pulmonary veins defies precise definition even though it plays an important role in the management of atrial fibrillation. Physicians should be aware of variability in the language used to describe the PVAJ and resultant discrepancy in reported anatomical information.
Normal coordinate analysis of methanethiol and isotopic analogs

Abstract Gas-phase infrared frequencies for 55 fundamentals of methanethiol (CH2SH) and its d1, d3, d4, and 13C-substituted analogs have been used to calculate a nineteen-parameter symmetry valence force field. The final refinement resulted in an average error of less than 5 cm−1 (ca. 0.4%) between the calculated and observed frequencies for the five isotopomers. In general, the calculations support presently accepted vibrational assignments for these species. One revision indicated, however, is the transposition of δCSH and νCS for CD3SH. The calculations show that the band observed at 643 cm−1 is associated with δCSH, while νCS is assigned to the absorption at 688 cm−1. Comparisons are made between the present force field and one previously reported for CH3SH, as well as one for the selenium analog, CH3SeH. The calculated symmetry valence force field was then transformed ito a set of valence force constants in terms of internal coordinates for comparison with available data for CH3OH, a series of alkanethiols and alkyl sulfides, and an ab initio force field for CH3SH.
Use of a Quadratic Response Model to Estimate Optimum Combinations of Nutritional Variables

Abstract Quadratic response surface modeling was used to estimate the optimum combination of feeding rate and percentage of dietary protein for growth of 3–6-week-old blue tilapia Tilapia aurea. Sixteen treatments consisting of all combinations of four dietary protein levels and four feeding rates were replicated in a recirculating-water aquarium system at 23°C for 3 weeks. Quadratic response surfaces fitted to the data were similar for the two replicates and identified treatment combinations supporting maximum growth. Dietary protein, feeding rate, and their interaction significantly affected food conversion by blue tilapia. The quadratic response surface model yielded results that generally agreed with published values for juvenile tilapias. This approach offers a promising research pathway to project optimum culture conditions from short-term trials.
Multilayer ionic polymer transducer

A transducer consisting of multiple layers of ionic polymer material is developed for applications in sensing, actuation, and control. The transducer consists of two to four individual layers each approximately 200 microns thick. The transducers are connected in parallel to minimize the electric field requirements for actuation. The tradeoff in deflection and force can be controlled by controlling the mechanical constraint at the interface. Packaging the transducer in an outer coating produces a hard constraint between layers and reduces the deflection with a force that increases linearly with the number of layers. This configuration also increases the bandwidth of the transducer. Removing the outer packaging produces an actuator that maintains the deflection of a single layer but has an increased force output. This is obtained by allowing the layers to slide relative to one another during bending. Experiments on transducers with one to three layers are performed and the results are compared to Newbury’s equivalent circuit model, which was modified to accommodate the multilayer polymers. The modification was performed on four different boundary conditions, two electrical the series and the parallel connection, and two mechanical the zero interfacial friction and the zero slip on the interface. Results demonstrate that the largest obstacle to obtaining good performance is water transport between the individual layers. Water crossover produces a near short circuit electrical condition and produces feedthrough between actuation layers and sensing layers. Electrical feedthrough due to water crossover eliminates the ability to produce a transducer that has combined sensing and actuation properties. Eliminating water crossover through good insulation enables the development of a small (5 mm x 30 mm) transducer that has sensing and actuation bandwidth on the order of 100 Hz.
Gendered Expectations? Reconsidering Single Fathers' Child-Care Time

We take a fresh look at an important question in the sociology of gender and family: Do single fathers “mother”? We add to the theoretical debate by proposing that single fathers face competing interactional pressures, to simultaneously act like mothers and men. Using nationally representative data from the American Time Use Survey 2003 – 2006 (N = 16,654), we compare the time single fathers spend on child care to other parent types, paying special attention to differences in employment profiles, household composition, and care arrangements. Accounting for these differences, single fathers spend slightly less time caring for children than do mothers, but more time than married fathers. Interesting differences emerge, however, depending upon the age of the youngest child in the household.
A conceptual framework for identifying various types of confessions

Considerable attention has been given to the psychology of confession evidence in recent years. While various factors have been used to define the types of confessions possible, most classification frameworks have focused on the various types of false confessions. An expanded framework is outlined using a decision-tree model in which confessions are defined according to a number of dimensions, including whether or not a confession is retracted, veracity or truthfulness, legal culpability of the suspect, voluntariness, and specific nature of the coercion that might produce a confession. A proposal is made for a new subtype of false confession, the coerced-reactive type, to supplement current theoretical approaches. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of the implications of this conceptual model for providing consultation and expert testimony in cases involving disputed confessions. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Language: en