cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The relationship between role concerns, preferences for slimness, and symptoms of eating problems among college women

Eating problems and body dissatisfaction among women have been associated in the literature with both slim standards of female bodily attractiveness and concerns about success and failure. This study demonstrates that among college women the desire for slim, noncurvaceous bodies associated with dieting and binging is correlated with an emphasis on physical attractiveness, and thus may be related to the desire to match the currently fashionable slim standard of female bodily attractiveness. A similar desire for slim, noncurvaceous bodies associated with purging and underweight is correlated with an emphasis on intelligence or professional success, and thus may be related to a desire to avoid the curvaceous figures that have been found associated in the minds of males and females with a perceived lack of intelligence.
It’s Getting Better All the Time: Comparative Perspectives from Oceania and West Africa on Genetic Analysis and Archaeology

Technological advances are making genetic data collection and analysis feasible on a scale unimaginable only a few years ago. Early genetic research using mitochondrial DNA and the Y chromosome provided important insights for macroscale modeling of regional and continent-wide population movements, but the capacity to study the entire genome now opens an era of finer-grained, mesoscale studies of regional and local population histories that are more compatible with the scale of archaeological analysis. The utility of integrating both types of data is illustrated by a case study from Oceania, where genetic studies were used to evaluate two models for the geographic origins of the populations that colonized Polynesia beginning ca. 3000 bp, bringing with them the distinctive Lapita cultural assemblage. A second case study considers the application of genetic studies to an understanding of Fulbe history, especially that of the pastoral Fulbe. Both archaeological and genetic data are underdeveloped for the key Fulbe homeland regions of Mauritania and Senegal, but recent research in the Middle Senegal Valley permits some conjectures on the history of Fulbe nomadic pastoralism. The article concludes with suggestions for a multidisciplinary research agenda to expand and upgrade the quality of relevant archaeological data, incorporate biodistance studies of human skeletal material, and improve and expand genetic sampling using more historically sensitive collection protocols.
A collocation-type method for the solution of inverse problems in dispersive scattering theory

This article introduces a numerical technique for solving the inverse problem in dispersive scattering theory. The inverse problem is first formulated as a relationship between the impulse response R and the susceptibility kernel G. Using the Legendre-Gauss-Lobatto nodes we construct the Nth polynomial interpolation to approximate the solution of G for a given R. This method is efficient and yields very accurate results. Illustrative examples are included to demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed method. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Effect of deficiencies of sodium and potassium on motility of the intestine of the rat.

SummaryMaintenance of adult female albino rats on a diet containing 0.005% potassium for 6 weeks resulted in a 50% decrease in intestinal propulsive motility. Reduction of the sodium content of this diet from 0.25% to 0.005% did not result in an increase in intestinal motility. Feeding a diet containing 0.005% sodium and 0.5% potassium did not alter the intestinal propulsive motility of the albino rats when compared with observations of control animals on a diet containing 0.5% potassium and 0.25% sodium.
Theory of electron tunneling from d bands in solids I. Application to field emission

Abstract Recent experimental studies on electron emission from transition metals have prompted theoretical interest on tunneling from d bands in solids. Several theories of d electron tunneling applied to field emission are reviewed and compared. A one-dimensional model calculation of tunneling from ferromagnetic nickel, using a stationary-state solution, is described. Finally, a fully three-dimensional calculation of the transmission coefficient for the d states of a transition metal is outlined and discussed.
Differential effects of iron additions on organic and inorganic carbon production by phytoplankton

Bottle and mesoscale experiments have demonstrated that iron additions enhance phytoplankton growth and reduce surface pCO 2 in high-nutrient, low-chlorophyll (HNLC) regions of the world oceans. Here we show that iron additions specifically stimulate organic but not inorganic carbon production in the HNLC Subarctic Pacific. Five-hour 14 C labeling experiments performed during incubation of surface water samples demonstrated a large increase in the rate of organic carbon produced but no change in the rate of inorganic carbon production. The same result was obtained on two different dates: one when coccolithophores formed a relatively large proportion of total autotrophic biomass; the other when coccolithophores were less abundant. Together with previous taxonomic observations, our results imply that iron fertilization may be particularly effective in drawing down CO 2 in surface waters by stimulating primary production but not calcium carbonate precipitation, which augments CO 2 .
Melagatran for thromboprophylaxis after mechanical valve implantation: results in a heterotopic porcine model.

Objective Melagatran, the active form of ximelagatran, is a novel, direct thrombin inhibitor that does not have a narrow therapeutic window regarding hemorrhagic and thromboembolic events. We aimed to determine whether melagatran would be effective in preventing thrombus formation on heterotopically placed mechanical heart valves. Methods A graft containing a bileaflet mechanical heart valve was implanted in the descending thoracic aorta of domestic swine. Two groups of 6 animals received daily subcutaneous injections of either melagatran (2.4 mg/kg, 3 times per day) or dalteparin (175 U/kg, 2 times per day) for 30 days. Four control animals received no anticoagulation therapy. Fecal HemoQuant and serum hemoglobin levels were recorded. Thirty days after the procedure, platelets were labeled with indium 111, the abdominal organs were inspected, and thrombi and platelets deposited on the valve were measured. Results Median thrombus burden on the valves was 0.4 mg (interquartile range, 0.15-5.45 mg) with melagatran, 0.5 mg (interquartile range, 0-14.5 mg) with dalteparin, and 168 mg (interquartile range, 32.5-665.75 mg) for controls (melagatran vs dalteparin and control; P = .04). Median platelet deposition on the valves was 0 (interquartile range, 0-8.9 × 10 4 ) with melagatran, 49.9 × 10 4 (interquartile range, 27.9 × 104-191.8 × 10 4 ) with dalteparin, and 115.2 × 10 4 (interquartile range, 9.6 × 10 4 -243 × 10 4 ) for controls (melagatran vs dalteparin and control; P = .02). Melagatran did not increase the risk of thromboembolism or bleeding. Conclusions Thrombus and platelet accumulation on the prosthetic valves was decreased by melagatran and dalteparin. The use of melagatran or other related direct thrombin inhibitors warrants further study in prophylaxis of thromboembolism in patients with mechanical heart valves.
A Descriptive Study for a Strength and Balance Program for Frail Older Adults in an Assisted-Living Facility

ABSTRACT The Placemat Strength Training Program (PSTP) is a strength and balance program for frail older assisted-living residents. Exercise facilitators led the PSTP, which was based on a laminated place mat with 10 illustrated exercises. Functional ability and determinants of exercise were examined among the intervention group (n = 15) (age 83.3 ± 7.31), which received the PSTP three times a week for 10 months, and the comparison group (n = 21) (age 86.19 ± 5.16), which received the PSTP along with usual physical activities approximately twice a week for 10 months. Constructs from the theory of planned behavior (TPB) (Ajzen & Driver, 1991) provided a framework to examine determinants of exercise (participants' intention to exercise, behavioral beliefs, perceived behavioral control, and normative beliefs). Results of functional assessments and determinants of exercise were inconclusive because of high rates of attrition. However, qualitative research provided insights to determinates of exercise and indi...
Analysis of a Circular Braiding Process for Complex Shapes

Circular braiders can be adapted to make complex shapes by overbraiding a contoured mandrel and adjusting the process parameters, usually by trial and error. To advance this technology, we developed a detailed model of the braiding process. The model relates the shape of the braid to the machine speeds (which can be profiled), and a number of other machine setting. In addition, the model predicts the local micro-geometry, e.g. orientation angle, yarn volume fraction, cover factor, and jamming limits. Experimental results are presented for a number of cases and they confirm the validity of the model. Solutions for special geometries are also presented and some of them yield surprising, counter-intuitive results. For example, we found that the direction in which a simple tapered shape is braided has a significant effect on its microstructure. Furthermore, in certain cases, it may be necessary to actually reverse the braiding direction momentarily to achieve a uniform braid.
Faster evolutionary rates in endosymbiotic bacteria than in cospeciating insect hosts

The hypothesis of a universal molecular clock holds that divergent lineages exhibit approximately constant rates of nucleotide substitution over evolutionary time for a particular macromolecule. We compare divergences of ribosomal DNA for aphids (Insecta) and Buchnera, the maternally transmitted, endosymbiotic bacteria that have cospeciated with aphids since initially infecting them over 100 million years ago. Substitution rates average 36 times greater for Buchnera than for their aphid hosts for regions of small-subunit rDNA that are homologous for prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Aphids exhibit 18S rDNA substitution rates that are within the range observed in related insects. In contrast, 16S rDNA evolves about twice as fast in Buchnera as in related free-living bacterial lineages. Nonetheless, the difference between Buchnera and aphids is much greater, suggesting that rates may be generally higher in bacteria. This finding adds to evidence that molecular clocks are only locally rather than universally valid among taxonomic groups. It is consistent with the hypothesis that rates of sequence evolution depend on generation time.
Ultrashort pulse generation and measurement techniques

The first section will discuss the generation of picosecond and femtosecond laser pulses, their propagation and compression in optical fibers, and their amplification for nonlinear spectroscopic applications. Laser systems for different wavelength regimes and pulse measurement techniques will be described. The second section will extend the discussion of picosecond and femtosecond measurement to studies of ultrafast processes in materials. Pump-probe and transient four-wave-mixing methods will be analyzed. Examples of application to both molecular and solid state systems will be presented.
Metabolic syndrome: a work in progress, but a useful construct.

The metabolic syndrome is a construct that has come into common usage over the last few decades. In 1956, Jean Vague1 first demonstrated that upper-body obesity determined predisposition to diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, gout, and renal calculi; however, it was the presentation of this concept by Gerald Reaven in his Banting Lecture in 19882 that initiated the current focus on this entity as a clinical and pathological construct. Dr Reaven suggested that 3 major conditions—non–insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (type 2 diabetes mellitus), hypertension, and coronary artery disease—had an causal commonality (resistance to insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and hyperinsulinemia) and referred to this constellation of abnormalities as “syndrome X.” He did not include abdominal obesity in the original description, nor did he comment significantly on a potential clinical role for his observations. In fact, his concluding sentences stated, “What remains to be seen is the magnitude of the role that resistance to insulin-stimulated glucose uptake plays in the etiology of human disease. I can only hope that this presentation has outlined the possibilities for future efforts to answer this question.” Response by Kahn p 1818 Since that time, this construct has evolved conceptually and functionally into an entity that many refer to as a “syndrome.” More recently, there have been many questions about the legitimacy of this designation, summarized by Kahn et al3 in a September 2005 position statement for the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD). Their comments called into question many of the assumptions that underlay the designation of “syndrome,” and they posed the following key questions: How clear is the existing definition of the metabolic syndrome for diagnostic purposes? How useful is the syndrome definition in predicting cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk? Do the individual components of the syndrome convey “risk” …
Structural refinement of cubic Lu(OH)3

Abstract The cubic form of lutetium trihydroxide crystallizes in space group Im3(Th5. No. 204) with a0 = 8.2240(3)Ă. Single crystal X-ray diffraction data have been collected on an Enraf-Nonius CAD-4 automated diffractometer, complete to 2θ = 60°. The final full-matrix least-squares refinement based on 69 unique reflections yields an R value of 0.029. The cell contains eight formula units. Each lutetium atom is octahedrally coordinated with six oxygen atoms, and each oxygen is coordinated by two lutetium atoms to form infinite LuOLu chains. Atomic coordinates, temperature factors and other supporting crystallographic and supplementary data are reported. Dehydration, fluorescence, and spectroscopic analyses have been done on single crystals of cubic Lu(OH)3. The observed density is 5.36(4) Mg m−3 (ϱc = 5.396 Mg m−3). The important bond lengths are: LuO = 2.243 A; OO (intermolecular) = 2.728 and 2.972A. Lutetium trideuteroxide has been prepared in order to compare the IR spectra of Lu(OH)3 and Lu(OD)3 with regard to hydrogen bonding.
Long-term Reproductive Outcomes after Single-step Versus Sequential Blastocyst Culture

BACKGROUND: Optimizing the in vitro environment of the embryo is of key importance in the successful culture of human blastocysts. Some advocates of sequential culture of embryos in simple media followed by complex media have suggested that this technique is superior to embryo culture in a single culture medium. Data is limited regarding reproductive outcomes following single culture medium versus sequential culture from Day 1-6 for blastocyst transfer. OBJECTIVE(S): To assess live birth rates and mean gestational age at delivery following single-step versus sequential embryo culture media. MATERIALS ANDMETHOD(S): Fresh Day 5 transfer cycles performed between January 1, 2006 and August 31, 2010 were included. Subjects were limited towomen< 38 years old. Embryos were cultured in sequential media using human tubal fluid (HTF) for days 1-3 followed by culture in Global blastocyst medium on days 3-6. For culture in a single medium, Global blastocyst mediawas used on days 1-6, with a changeover to fresh drops on day 3. All media were supplemented with 10% synthetic serum protein. All embryos were individually cultured in microdrops under an oil overlay at 37 C with 6% CO2 and air. Outcome measures of interest were positive HCG, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy, spontaneous abortion rate, mean gestational age at delivery, and live birth rate. Student t-test and Fisher’s exact tests were used as appropriate. P-values <0.05 were considered significant. RESULT(S): 119 subjects and 100 subjects were in the single-step and sequential media groups, respectively. Table 1 summarizes the results.
Paclitaxel Activation of the GADD153 Promoter through a Cellular Injury Response Element containing an Essential Sp1 Binding Site

The GADD153 promoter is transcriptionally activated by paclitaxel-induced injury. Promoter deletion from −786 to −85 base pairs relative to the start of transcription had no significant effect on activation, but deletion to the TATA box abolished it. Placement of the 39 bases from −74 to the TATA box (cellular injury response element, CIRE) upstream of the adenovirus E4 TATA box conferred paclitaxel inducibility. The only consensus sequence present in the CIRE is an Sp1 site; mutation of this site inhibited paclitaxel activation. Paclitaxel failed to activate a SV40-driven luciferase construct containing five Sp1 sequences, and Sp1 sites further upstream in the GADD153 promoter were not essential for activation. Pure Sp1 and nuclear extracts from uninjured and paclitaxel-injured cells protected the same region from −62 to −48 bases on the noncoding strand and −74 to −53 on the coding strand. Nuclear extracts shifted the CIRE to the same extent as purified Sp1 but had no effect on a CIRE with a mutated Sp1 site in gel shift assays. Immunodepletion of Sp1 abolished the shift; antibody to Sp1 produced a supershift. These data indicate that paclitaxel activates the GADD153 promoter through a constitutively occupied Sp1 site at −61 bases.
Toward Unsupervised Segmentation of Semi-Rigid Low-Resolution Molecular Surfaces

In this paper we study a particular type of surface segmentation problem motivated by molecular biology applications. In particular, two input surfaces are given, coarsely modeling two different conformations of a molecule undergoing a semi-rigid deformation. The molecule consists of two subunits that move in a roughly rigid manner. The goal is to segment the input surfaces into these semi-rigid subcomponents. The problem is closely related to non-rigid surface registration problems, although considering only a special type of deformation that exists commonly in macromolecular movements (such as the popular hinge motion). We present and implement an efficient paradigm for this problem, which combines several existing and new ideas. We demonstrate the performance of our new algorithm by some preliminary experimental results in segmenting low-resolution molecular surfaces.
An anticoincidence-shielded Ge(Li) gamma-ray spectrometer and its application to radioanalytical chemistry problems

An anticoincidence-shielded Ge(Li) γ-ray spectrometer incorporating a largevolume, high-resolution coaxial diode inside a large plastic phosphor shield is described. It provides a peak-to-Compton ratio of 245: 1 for137Cs and a significantly improved sensitivity for both low- and high-level radionuclide measurements. Examples of its application to neutron activation analysis, analysis of proton activated sources, and environmental radionuclide analysis are illustrated.
Toward a validation of the concept of borderline schizophrenia

Abstract The concept of borderline schizophrenia has survived in DSM-III under the term schizotypal personality disorder . First-generation studies of borderline schizophrenia have focused on phenomenological criteria for delineation of the syndrome. Four diagnostic systems have been published but no external validation is offered, hence, their use is limited. Two published studies give prevalence rates of 12.7% and 24.5% among first-degree relatives of schizophrenics. A second generation of studies focusing on biologic dysfunctions already described in schizophrenic populations but targeting high-risk individuals, like the first-degree relatives of schizophrenics, will provide external validation for the diagnosis of Borderline Schizophrenia. Six areas for study are suggested: biochemical, brain morphology, psychophysiological, electroencepholographic, neuroendocrine, and neuromuscular. A clinicobiologic dissection would provide the biologic underpinning for the diagnosis of borderline schizophrenia. To date, only platelet and plasma MAO levels among first-degree relatives have been studied. The heuristic value of this model is discussed.
On self-similar growth

Abstract Evidence of self-similar growth proposed earlier by Ramkrishna (Ramkrishna, D., 1994. Towards a self-similar theory of microbial populations. Biotech. Bioeng. 43, 138–148) is presented by performing dynamic simulations of models satisfying the necessary criteria in the cited reference. Self-similarity is attained well ahead of eventual balanced growth. An example is also presented in which the violation of the criteria leads to the absence of not only self-similar growth but also balanced, exponential growth. Considerable further work, experimental as well as theoretical, is required to put self-similar growth on a firmer basis, however.
Influence of angiotensins (I, II, & III), bradykinin and arachidonic acid on renomedullary PGE production in vitro.

Abstract Renomedullary tissue from rabbit or rat was incubated with angiotensin I, II, III, arachidonic acid, bradykinin, indomethacin and meclofenamate to study their effect on PGE 2 production. Arachidonic acid and bradykinin enhanced PGE 2 production significantly. Indomethacin and meclofenamate inhibited PGE 2 production by more than 70%. Angiotensin I, II and III did not influence PGE 2 production. These results suggest that bradykinin and arachidonic acid stimulate PGE 2 production by a direct cellular action whereas the angiotensins do not.
The problem of exciton induced photoemission from CdS

Abstract S huba has found the velocity distribution of photoelectrons from CdS to be almost independent of photon energy. He assumes that this indicates that the photoemission is due to the ionization of defect levels by excitons. It is shown here that both the velocity and spectral distributions found by S huba can be explained by the assumption of an exponential distribution of states from which the photoelectrons are directly excited by the photons. It is concluded that a velocity distribution which is insensitive to photon energy is, in itself, not sufficient evidence for exciton induced photoemission.
Representing unit test data for large scale software development

Large scale software projects rely on routine, automated testing to gauge progress towards its goals. The diversity and quantity of these tests grow as time and project scope increase. This is as a consequence of both experience and expanding audience. It becomes increasingly difficult to interpret testing results as the testing suites multiply and diversify. If interpretation becomes too difficult, testings results could become ignored all together. Visualization has proven to be an effective tool to aid the interpretation of large amounts of data. We have adapted visualization techniques based on small multiples to communicate the health of the software project across several levels of abstraction. The collective set of techniques we refer to as the SeeTest visualization schema. We applied this visualization technique to the Open MPI test results in order to assist developers in the software release cycle. Through the visualizations, developers found a variety of surprising mismatches between their data and their intuitions. This exploration did not involve collecting any data not already being collected, merely presenting it in manner that better supported their needs. In this paper, we detail the development of the representation we used and give more particular analysis of the insights gained by the Open MPI community. The techniques presented in this paper can be applied to other software projects.
A comparison of interstitial water isolation methods demonstrates centrifugation with aspiration yields reduced losses of organic constituents

Spiked sediment and seawater were used to evaluate the recoveries of neutral organic compounds in interstitial water (IW) separated by centrifugation and sampled using a unique aspiration system. An average recovery of 94%±0.8% (SE, n=116) of ten polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons and four chlorinated hydrocarbons was obtained from spiked estuarine IW using the aspiration system. Centrifugation of spiked sediment using the aspiration system recovered significantly higher IW concentrations of acenaphthene, phenanthrene, fluoranthene and DOC than did IW filtration, or in situ IW collection by fritted glass, or membrane covered, vessels.
Root Cause Analysis of an Industrial Boiler Explosion (and How Hazard Analysis Could Have Prevented It)

An explosion occurred in the firebox of an industrial boiler with a nominal fuel input rate of 100 MW (340 million Btu/hr), in a processing plant during final commissioning of the burner systems. This paper describes the investigation of the incident, root cause analysis, and lessons learned from the incident. The original burners in the boiler had recently been replaced with low NOx burners, and the facility was in the process of commissioning the new burner system. The boiler was running only on natural gas igniters at the time of the incident. While firing on igniters, an undetected stoppage of the control equipment occurred, which led to a restriction of airflow through the secondary air dampers. The boiler controls included programmable logic controllers (PLCs) for both the combustion control system (CCS) for regulation and the burner management system (BMS) for safety functions. The BMS was intended to detect a loss of control such as this and immediately stop fuel to the boiler; however, it did not. The BMS PLC was not configured to detect the dangerous states and allowed the igniters to continue to fire. An explosion subsequently occurred within the boiler firebox that caused extensive damages to the facility and equipment. This paper will describe the incident investigation and determination of multiple root causes for failure of the BMS to prevent the explosion. The inadequate configuration of the control systems was likely present for some time prior to the incident, and the explosion was eventually caused when the right conditions occurred during this commissioning. We found through the investigation that the BMS deficiencies could have been detected and prevented (and almost were) through standard hazard analysis techniques common in the chemical processing industries. This paper will also discuss how hazard analysis can be applied to detect and prevent similar system failures.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Endometrial disruption does not improve implantation in patients who have failed the transfer of euploid blastocysts

Purpose To assess the impact of single pass outpatient endometrial biopsy in patients at the highest risk for an endometrial cause for failed implantation; those that have failed to conceive despite the transfer of morphologically normal euploid embryos.
Chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics of photosystems I and II from grana and photosystem I from stroma lamellae

Summary Comparative fluorescence investigations of the pigment system I from grana and stroma revealed significant differences in the organization of chlorophyll in the two fractions as (1) the degree of polarization of fluorescence of system I from grana was only 50–60 % of that of system I from stroma; (2) the ratio of fluorescence intensity at 685 nm (F685) to 735 nm in system I from grana (free from detergent solubilized chlorophylls) was about twice that in system I from stroma; (3) the system I from stroma contained a higher concentration of a chlorophyll a form absorbing at 705 nm (Chl a 705) than the system I from grana ( Gasanov and French , 1973). A drastically reduced but almost equal fluorescence transient and 1 second delayed light emission were observed in the two fractions. Analysis of the slow delayed light emission characteristics of the various fractions (system I from grana and stroma, and system II from grana) revealed differences in their kinetics. Fluorescence data on pigment system II from grana are also presented for comparison. As compared to system I from grana, system II from grana has a 7 fold higher ratio of F685/F735, a 60 fold higher intensity of 1 second delayed light intensity, about four fold higher variable chlorophyll fluorescence, and almost equal degree of polarization of fluorescence. No evidence for system II from stroma is reported.
Vibrational overtone spectra and interactions of C2H4 and H2CCHCH3 in liquid Kr

Abstract Vibrational overtone spectra of ethene and propene dissolved in liquid krypton at 120 K have been recorded between 5000 and 16500 cm−1. Spectral regions for the first four overtones were measured using a Fourier transform spectrophotometer. The fifth overtone (Δυ = 6) spectra in liquid Kr were recorded with a double beam (pump-probe) thermal lens technique. Local-mode parameters were calculated for C–H oscillators in solution and compared with gas phase local mode parameters. The bandwidth (Δω1/2) of the absorption bands of ethene correlate with the magnitude of the collision frequency with the solvent atoms. For propene, the shapes of the absorption bands in gas phase and in liquid krypton are similar. Density functional theory calculations of the structural parameters and C–H vibrational frequencies of propene in gas phase and in solution are reported. Frequency shifts (Δω) with respect to gas phase results are attributed to changes in harmonic frequency and anharmonicity of the particular C–H bond of the sample dissolved in liquid krypton.
Bridge fatigue reliability assessment using probability density functions of equivalent stress range based on field monitoring data

This paper focuses on fatigue reliability assessment of steel bridges by using probability density functions of equivalent stress range based on field monitoring data. To date, existing steel bridges have experienced fatigue cracks initiated and propagated. As a result, bridge structural integrity may not be preserved safely up to its anticipated service life. For this reason, it is necessary to assess and predict bridge fatigue reliability. The AASHTO Specifications can be used to estimate capacity of structural details in the fatigue reliability assessment, whereas long-term monitoring data can be used to provide efficient information for fatigue in terms of equivalent stress range and cumulative number of stress cycles. Under uncertainties, an approach using probabilistic distributions associated with stress ranges is proposed to effectively predict equivalent stress ranges for bridge fatigue reliability assessment. The fatigue detail coefficient, A, and the equivalent stress range, Sre, are both treated as random variables in the proposed fatigue reliability approach. This approach is illustrated on two existing bridges which are expected to experience finite or infinite fatigue life.
Comparison of two free-energy expressions and their implications in surface enrichment.

We compare two free-energy expressions, developed by Cohen and Muthukumar [J. Chem. Phys. 90, 5749 (1989)] and by Jerry and Nauman [J. Colloid Interface Sci. 154, 122 (1992)], in terms of their predictions concerning surface enrichment. We show that a term must be added to the former expression so that it may predict the correct dependence of the surface composition on the bulk. The latter expression does predict the correct dependence. We have also derived the quadratic surface-energy contribution from a finite (nonzero) range interaction model.
Simple Procedure for Determining Long-Term Chemical Shrinkage for Cementitious Systems Using Improved Standard Chemical Shrinkage Test

In the past 10 years, renewed research interest has shown the benefits of internal curing by incorporating prewetted lightweight fine aggregate (LWFA) in high-performance concrete (HPC). To determine the optimum LWFA content, information about the propensity for shrinkage in the cement paste, specifically the chemical shrinkage value, is needed. However, information is lacking on how to determine the long-term chemical shrinkage value for HPC with supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) and/or shrinkage-reducing admixture (SRA). The purpose of this research was to identify a simple procedure to determine long-term chemical shrinkage values for given cementitious systems with SCMs and/or SRA. Several improvement to ASTM C1608 (dilatometry procedure) were investigated. An experimental prediction model was adopted and verified to estimate long-term chemical shrinkage values for portland cement systems containing SCMs and/or SRA. A recommended procedure is proposed to determine the long-term chemical shrinkage values for HPC systems containing SCMs and/or SRA, and a modification to a commonly used LWFA proportioning equation is suggested.
On the Hardening Response in Small Deformation of Metals

Abstract : This paper is concerned with a special class of hardening response functions for small deformation of elastic-plastic materials, its application to isotropic metals, and comparison of the theoretical results with experimental cyclic stress-strain curves for two different metals. The theoretical development is carried out within the scope of the existing purely mechanical theory for the 'rate-independent' response of elastic-plastic materials, which admits the existence of a single loading function, as well as certain accepted idealizations. After summarizing the basic equations for small deformation, detailed attention is given to the development of a special form of the hardening response function, motivated mainly by the observation that the stress-strain curves for uniaxial cyclic loading of a fairly large class of metals attain -- after several cycles -- the so-called saturation hardening.
Experimental breaking of an adiabatic invariant.

When a cylindrical pure electron plasma is displaced from the center of the trap, it performs a bulk circular orbital motion known as the l=1 diocotron mode. The slow application of a perturbing potential to a patch on the trap wall distorts the orbit into a noncircular closed path. Experiments and a simple theoretical model indicate that the area by the loop is an adiabatic invariant. Detailed studies are made of the breaking of the invariant when perturbations are rapidly applied. When the perturbation is applied with discontinuous time derivatives, the invariant breaking greatly exceeds the predictions of the standard theory for smooth perturbations.
Is Ulcerative Colitis Associated with Survival Among Older Persons with Colorectal Cancer in the US? A Population-Based Case–Control Study

While ulcerative colitis (UC) is a risk factor for colorectal cancer, the association of UC with survival after colorectal cancer has not been studied in an older population. The objective of our study was to compare the survival of colorectal cancer between persons with and without UC. All cases of colorectal cancer (CRC) in persons 67 and older residing in a SEER catchment area and enrolled in the Medicare between 1993 and 1999 were assessed. We identified diagnosis of UC using ICD-9 codes on Medicare outpatient, office, and inpatient claims in the 2 years prior to the date of diagnosis. We used Cox proportional hazards model and Kaplan–Meier curves to compare survival between individuals with UC and CRC (UC–CRC) and sporadic CRC We identified 47,543 cases of colorectal cancer. Cases with UC–CRC tend to be diagnosed at earlier stages compared to sporadic CRC (42 vs. 37% local (TNM stage 1 and 2) and 11 vs. 17% distant spread (TNM stage 4), respectively; P value = 0.04). Controlling for age, gender, race and stage, diagnosis of UC did not affect the 3-year survival for CRC Colorectal cancers tend to be diagnosed at earlier stages among persons with UC, but there is no difference in 3-year survival rates for colorectal cancer among individuals with and without UC.
Raman spectra of iodide species in intercalated IBi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ

Abstract We report Raman spectra of pristine Bi 2 Sr 2 CaCu 2 O 8+δ single crystals. Low frequency spectra of the intercalated crystal taken at room and liquid nitrogen temperatures with the 488 nm Ar + excitation line exhibit a strong band at 105 cm -1 and weaker bands at ≈ 73 and ≈ 150 cm -1 . The results are confirmed by using the 647 nm Kr + excitation line. These bands characterize the fundamental vibrations of I 3 -molecular anions embedded in the lattice. Drastic change of the micro-Raman scattering in the 200–700 cm -1 region is observed between pristine and iodinated crystals. A factor group analysis of stage-1 IBi 2 Sr 2 CaCu 2 O 8+δ is presented based on possible structures and predicts that iodine vibrations can be Raman active in a non-centrosymmetric lattice.
Financial management: Development of scales

This study is a contribution to the development of family resource management scales, specifically financial management scales. Principal axis factor analysis, with varimax rotation, is used to assess underlying relationships in 23 family resource management variables related to time and money resources. Reliability and content, construct, and criterion-related validity of the scales are assessed. Two scales that are reliable and have some degree of validity are developed: frequency of financial problems and frequency of financial management. The scales could be used in future research, teaching, or counseling to organize financial management concepts.
Costs of switching social groups for dominant and subordinate dark-eyed juncos (Junco hyemalis)

I quantified the costs of switching from a familiar to an unfamiliar flock for captive dark-eyed juncos (Junco h. hyemalis) by measuring several physiological and behavioral variables before and after flock switching. Birds that were initially dominant dropped in status in unfamiliar flocks, and experienced increased metabolic rates, while subordinate birds appeared to undergo less physiological change when switching flocks. This difference occurred despite a lack of any rank-related differences in the effects of joining a new flock on rates of aggression, weight change, access to food, or plasma corticosterone levels. These results suggest that for dominant, but not subordinate, individuals there is a measurable metabolic cost to joining a new social group, even in the absence of adverse factors such as food limitation. Dominant individuals may be less likely than subordinates to leave familiar flocks because of their higher metabolic costs when joining a new social group.
Western EFL Teachers and East-West Classroom-Culture Conflicts:

This article surveys some of the conflicts endemic to foreigners teaching English as a foreign language (EFL) in China. Though learning English is very popular in China now and China is one of the ...
Effect of fiber architecture on permeability in liquid composite molding

This study investigates the effect of fiber architecture on the permeability in liquid composite molding. The in-plane permeabilities of several glass fiber mats with different architectures were measured. A conceptual model based on the observed micro-scale flow pattern is proposed to explain the measured permeability results. It is found that the size of the pores outside the fiber tows and how these pores are connected determine the permeability of a fiber reinforcement.
Transient neonatal hyperammonemia: Squeezing an iceberg into a pigeon hole

Transient neonatal hyperammonemia (TNH) was reviewed in six cases seen by the authors and in 27 selected from the literature. These 33 cases were compared with 13 infants with urea cycle enzyme deficiencies (UCED). The two groups were similar in sex distribution, routes of delivery, time of onset of seizures, Apgar scores and in the prevalence of perinatal complications. Patients with TNH had significantly lower birth weights (2,282±78 gm vs. 3,336±222; mean±SEM; P < 0.001) and gestational ages (35±0.5 vs. 40±0.5 weeks; p e 0.001). The mean time of onset of respiratory distress (4±1 vs. 72 2 26 hr; P < 0.001), need for ventilatory support (P < 0.001), time of onset of lethargy (P < 0.006) and coma (P < 0.005) all occurred earlier in patients with TNH than in those with UCED. Plasma ammonium concentra- tions were higher in patients with TNH than UCED (1,871±209 vs. 973±169 μM;P < 0.02). Respiratory distress occurred in all except one patient with TNH within the first 24 hr, while it occurred in none of the UCED patients within the first 30 hr and only one occurred in 62%of the latter group at any time. The clinical presentations of these two syndromes permit differentiation on clinical grounds alone.
Directly and indirectly technetium-99m-labeled antibodies--a comparison of in vitro and animal in vivo properties

To investigate the in vivo and in vitro properties of 99mTc when labeled to antibodies via one direct and one indirect method, the B72.3 and C110 IgG antibodies were radiolabeled directly via stannous ion reduction and indirectly via the hydrazino nicotinamide chelator and compared in vitro and in vivo. Antibody avidity (but not immunoreactive fraction) appeared to be independent of labeling methods for both antibodies. Following stannous ion reduction, antibodies were fragmented by denaturing SDS PAGE although only slight evidence of fragmentation was found in vivo. The direct label was instable to transchelation to cysteine and glutathione in vitro and in vivo. Following intravenous administration, urinary excretion of activity was threefold greater for the direct label and was almost exclusively labeled cysteine and glutathione. Significant differences in the biodistribution of 99mTc were also observed: liver levels were lower, kidney levels were higher and clearance of label from blood and tissues was faster for the direct label. At Day 1, tumor accumulation was threefold lower for the direct label although most normal tissues were also lower. In conclusion, when labeled to two antibodies by one direct method, 99mTc is unstable towards transchelation relative to one indirect method. These relative instabilities greatly influenced the biodistributions in mice and may influence the quality of images obtained in patients.
Endobronchial metastasis from prostate carcinoma

Metastasis from the prostate to the lungs is common; however, endobronchial metastasis from the prostate has been reported only twice. We report a patient with endobronchial metastases from the prostate in the absence of bony metastases. Clinical and roentgeno-graphic findings of pulmonary metastases from prostate cancer are described, and therapeutic considerations are discussed.
Hepatotoxicity Associated With Dietary Supplements Containing Anabolic Steroids

Background & Aims: The aim of this article was to re-emphasize the hepatotoxicity associated with the use of anabolic androgenic steroids and to highlight the marketing and sale of anabolic androgenic steroids as dietary supplements. Methods: This was a case series of 2 patients who developed a cholestatic liver panel after consumption of anabolic androgenic steroids. A detailed Pubmed/Medline search was performed to research this topic. Results: We present 2 young men who developed significant cholestatic liver injury after consumption of anabolic androgenic steroids. This was associated with considerable morbidity, although both patients recovered without the need for a liver transplant. Both of these anabolic androgenic steroids were being marketed as dietary supplements. Conclusions: Despite being classified as class III controlled substances, anabolic androgenic steroids are still a cause for serious hepatotoxicity in the United States. Some of these anabolic androgenic steroids are being marketed as dietary supplements. Although the Food and Drug Administration is making concerted efforts to regulate this, increased vigilance also is required from the medical profession.
Semi-supervised recursively partitioned mixture models for identifying cancer subtypes

Motivation: Patients with identical cancer diagnoses often progress differently. The disparity we see in disease progression and treatment response can be attributed to the idea that two histologically similar cancers may be completely different diseases on the molecular level. Methods for identifying cancer subtypes associated with patient survival have the capacity to be powerful instruments for understanding the biochemical processes that underlie disease progression as well as providing an initial step toward more personalized therapy for cancer patients. We propose a method called semi-supervised recursively partitioned mixture models (SS-RPMM) that utilizes array-based genetic and patient-level clinical data for finding cancer subtypes that are associated with patient survival. Results: In the proposed SS-RPMM, cancer subtypes are identified using a selected subset of genes that are associated with survival time. Since survival information is used in the gene selection step, this method is semi-supervised. Unlike other semi-supervised clustering classification methods, SS-RPMM does not require specification of the number of cancer subtypes, which is often unknown. In a simulation study, our proposed method compared favorably with other competing semi-supervised methods, including: semi-supervised clustering and supervised principal components analysis. Furthermore, an analysis of mesothelioma cancer data using SS-RPMM, revealed at least two distinct methylation profiles that are informative for survival. Availability: The analyses implemented in this article were carried out using R ( http://www.r.project.org/). Contact:devin_koestler@brown.edu; e_andres_houseman@brown.edu Supplementary information:Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
bofC Encodes a Putative Forespore Regulator of the Bacillus Subtilis σk Checkpoint

A mutation, bofC1, that restores σK activation in Bacillus subtilis strains unable to produce active σG has been identified. This mutation defines a new sporulation gene, bofC, that has been cloned and sequenced and encodes a 19 kDa protein. bofC is transcribed in the forespore by RNA polymerase associated with the transcription factors σF (EσF) and σG (EσG). BofC acts negatively on SpolVB and the results described suggest that BofC regulates SpolVB activity and its intercompartmental signalling role in the σK checkpoint
LAPAROSCOPIC CROSS-TRIGONAL COHEN URETERONEOCYSTOSTOMY: NOVEL TECHNIQUE

Purpose: We describe a novel technique of laparoscopic transvesical cross-trigonal Cohen anti-reflux ureteroneocystostomy.Materials and Methods: A 10, an 11 and a 32-year-old patient with symptomatic unilateral vesicoureteral reflux underwent laparoscopic cross-trigonal ureteral reimplantation. Two 5 mm. balloon tip ports were suprapubically inserted into the bladder. Using a transurethral resectoscope with a Collins knife a 4 to 5 cm. cross-trigonal submucosal trough was created from the refluxing ureteral orifice to the contralateral side of the bladder. The refluxing ureteral orifice and intramural ureter were completely mobilized intravesically, advanced transtrigonally and secured to the detrusor muscle at the apex of the trough with 3 deep interrupted sutures. The elevated mucosal flaps of the trough were suture approximated over the ureter to create a submucosal tunnel. All suturing was performed by freehand laparoscopic technique.Results: Operative time was between 2.5 and 4.5 hours and blood loss...
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SEWELLEL (APLODONTIA RUFA) REMAINS FROM DUNCAN'S POINT CAVE, SONOMA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

Nine sewellel (Aplodontia rufa) bone specimens are identified in the Duncan's Point Cave vertebrate archaeofauna. At least 3 individuals are represented and 3 specimens exhibit evidence of deposition in the cave as carnivore prey. The extralimital presence of A. rufa near the mouth of the Russian River demonstrates their occurrence over a wider area during the mid-Holocene and raises the possibility of the existence or recent extirpation of a 3rd isolated coastal Californian population of the species. Based on the presence of bones of A. rufa in the Duncan's Point Cave archaeofauna and the availability of suitable habitat in the region, a detailed survey of the area surrounding the mouth of the Russian River is warranted.