cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gender and Informal Caregiving in CCRCs: Primary Caregivers or Support Networks?

Relatively little research has been conducted on caregiving or kin support patterns among residents of newer forms of senior housing. The current research investigates variation in reported current or potential supporters by gender, age, and marital status among 687 residents of four continuing care retirement communities. Women and men tended to identify different configurations of social support, with the gender difference partially attributable to marital status (i.e., higher rates of widowhood among women). Age 75–84 was nonlinearly associated with more reported supporters, suggesting a shift in types of supporters by age. Unmarried persons more often identified friends and “others” in terms of support, in lieu of spousal support.
Short‐term fasts and the ingestive behaviour of grazing cattle

Twelve tethered Angus cows (Bos taurus)weighing 471 ± 18 kg were used in a balanced changeover design to estimate the direct (D), residual (R), and permanent (P) effects of 1,2, and 3 h fasts following 2 h grazing sessions on the ingestive behaviour of cattle grazing swards of endophyte-(Acremonium coenophialum Morgan-Jones and Gams)-free tall fescue (Festuca arundinaceaSchreb. cv Kentucky 31) (Exp I) and lucerne (Medicago sativaL. cv Arc) (Exp II). Herbage dry-matter (DM) mass (> 5 cm) and individual herbage DM allowances were 1-16 t ha-1 and 50 kg per hour in Exp I and 1-861 ha-1 and 78 kg per hour in Exp II, respectively. In Exp I, P effects of fasting followed trends of R effects since the D effects were small. Mean DM intake rates (P) were 2-2., 1-8, and 1-3 kg h-1 for cows given 1, 2, and 3 h fasts, respectively. Mean intakes (DM) per bite (P) were 082, 071, and 045 g bite-1 for cows assigned 1, 2, and 3 h fasts, respectively. Rates of biting were not affected by fasting and averaged 45 bites min”’. In Exp II, P effects followed trends in D effects since R effects were small. Mean DM intake rates (P) were 20, 22, and 3-0 kg for cows subjected to 1,2, and 3 h of fast, respectively. Rates of biting (P) were 24, 27, and 32 bites min-1 for cows after 1, 2, and 3 h fasts, respectively. DM intakes per bite (P) were not affected by fasts and averaged 1-46 g bite-1. The behavioural responses of cattle to interval between meals were attributed to differences in flow characteristics of ingesta of lucerne and tall fescue in the gastrointestinal tract.
Comparing Effectiveness of Measures That Improve Aircraft Structural Safety

This paper aims to discover how the measures that improve aircraft structural safety compare with each other in terms of effectiveness. The safety measures included here are a load safety factor of 1.5, conservative material properties, redundancy, certification tests, error reduction, and variability reduction. A static point stress design with a simple redundancy model is considered, and individual errors in calculation (loads, stresses, failure) and in geometry and variability in loading, material properties, and geometry are modeled. A probabilistic model is used based on assumed uniform distribution for errors as often only upper limits on errors are available. For variabilities, some lognormal distributions are used. It is found that error reduction is more effective than certification testing, which is more effective than using an extra load safety factor. Variability reduction is found to be a very effective way of reducing the probability of failure (more effective than error reduction), but it should be accompanied by an increased B-basis value. In addition, certification testing is found to be effective when errors are large, whereas structural redundancy is found to be more effective when errors are low. It is also found that as safety measures are added and the probability of failure is reduced, the uncertainty in that probability of failure increases.
An adaptation of the EWMA chart for short run SPC

The properties of a first-order, constant variance, dynamic linear model when monitoring an i.i.d. process are used to develop a framework for monitoring processes under startup conditions. Under stationary conditions, the statistic used for updating the estimate of the posterior mean of the process is just the exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) control chart statistic. As such, an adaptation of the EWMA chart, referred to within as a dynamic EWMA chart, is proposed for monitoring short production runs. The model is driven by a specification of a prior distribution in the mean and variance of the process. Simple approximations are developed for the posterior estimates of the model parameters to enable its use by shop floor personnel. It is based upon specifications in the sensitivity of the control chart procedure to special cause phenomena when the chart is operated in its stationary phase. An i.i.d. process is simulated to determine the required control chart standard deviation multiplier to a...
OptimalGrid: middleware for automatic deployment of distributed FEM problems on an Internet-based computing grid

OptimalGrid represents a new style of middleware for computing large connected problems in a distributed computing environment. Previous techniques have employed the "toolkit" approach, where the application writers would manually parallelize their problems, employing the programming interface of a specific parallel or distributed system. OptimalGrid removes that burden from the programmer by automating the problem partitioning, the problem deployment, the runtime management and the dynamic rebalancing/redeployment of the problem in the event of faults or performance problems. With OptimalGrid, the programmer is responsible only for the description of the problem, the problem algorithm, and the data; the rest is handled by the middleware.
Classification of glacial tills by computer using the clus program

Abstract Classification of glacial tills in general has been based on field and laboratory characteristics; using such observations eight till units have been recognized in the Danville region of Illinois. Components analysis of the laboratory data (8 variables from 145 samples) identify six independent sources of variation. On this basis, classification procedure using the CLUS algorithm, produced groups which were similar to till units based on field and laboratory data. Some groups were distinct and common to both analytical procedures, whereas others contain overlaps between groups in the two types of classification. Where the information is adequate groups are distinct; whereas, if overlaps and ambiguities arise, the properties measured showed greater variation within groups (i.e. tills) than between tills.
The isotropic viscoplasticity theory based on overstress applied to the modeling of modified 9wt.%Cr-1wt.%Mo steel at 538°C

Abstract The viscoplasticity theory based on overstress (VBO) is augmented to model the rate dependent behavior of modified 9wt.%Cr-1wt.%Mo steel at 538 °C. VBO is a unified state variable theory with growth laws for three state variables: the equilibrium (back) stress, the kinematic stress and the isotropic stress. The growth law for the equilibrium stress is formulated in a common hardening-recovery format. Its growth is also indirectly influenced through the growth of the isotropic and kinematic stresses which are made to depend on a newly formulated deformation history-modified accumulated inelastic strain. This variable allows modeling of permanent softening when loading takes place over a sufficiently long time. The present formulation models strain rate history dependence, cyclic softening which depends on rate, and secondary and tertiary creep at stress levels within the quasi-elastic region of the stress-strain diagram.
Overexpression of E-Cadherin and β-Catenin Proteins in Metastatic Prostate Cancer Cells in Bone

BACKGROUND The expression of E-cadherin in the intercellular adhesion of metastatic prostate cancer cells in bone, which is the most prevalent site of metastatic growth, remains elusive. METHODS The aim of the study was to compare the concurrent membranous expression of E-cadherin and β-catenin proteins, the state which is known to be associated with the cellular adhesion function of E-cadherin, in prostate biopsy tissue specimens by immunohistochemical staining method. The expression patterns of E-cadherin or β-catenin were classified as homogeneous (most cells exhibiting positively), heterogeneous (a few scattered patches of cells with positivity) or negative. RESULTS Benign prostate hyperplasia cells exhibited homogeneous expression of both E-cadherin and β-catenin in 9 of 11 (82%), whereas the primary prostate cancer cells were homogeneously positive for both proteins only in 4 of 22 (18%) of the cases. The results are similar to those reported in literature. However, in contrast to the primary cancer, a significantly increased frequency of the metastatic prostate cancer cells in bone exhibited homogeneous expression of E-cadherin and β-catenin in 12 of 17 (71%) of the cases. A statistically significant association was observed between the overexpression of both proteins and the metastatic prostate cancer cells in bone (Fisher's exact P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The result of the study demonstrated for the first time that the membranous overexpression of E-cadherin and β-catenin are significantly associated with the metastatic prostate cancer cells in bone and that the high frequency of expression suggest their involvement in the intercellular adhesion of the metastatic cells in bone. Prostate 68: 78–84, 2008. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
ISG15 inhibits Ebola VP40 VLP budding in an L-domain-dependent manner by blocking Nedd4 ligase activity

Ebola virus budding is mediated by the VP40 matrix protein. VP40 can bud from mammalian cells independent of other viral proteins, and efficient release of VP40 virus-like particles (VLPs) requires interactions with host proteins such as tsg101 and Nedd4, an E3 ubiquitin ligase. Ubiquitin itself is thought to be exploited by Ebola virus to facilitate efficient virus egress. Disruption of VP40 function and thus virus budding remains an attractive target for the development of novel antiviral therapies. Here, we investigate the effect of ISG15 protein on the release of Ebola VP40 VLPs. ISG15 is an IFN-inducible, ubiquitin-like protein expressed after bacterial or viral infection. Our results show that expression of free ISG15, or the ISGylation system (UbE1L and UbcH8), inhibits budding of Ebola virus VP40 VLPs. Addressing the molecular mechanism of this inhibition, we show that ISG15 interacts with Nedd4 ubiquitin ligase and inhibits ubiquitination of VP40. Furthermore, the L-domain deletion mutant of VP40 (ΔPT/PY), which does not interact with Nedd4, was insensitive to ISG15-mediated inhibition of VLP release. These data provide evidence of antiviral activity of ISG15 against Ebola virus and suggest a mechanism of action involving disruption of Nedd4 function and subsequent ubiquitination of VP40.
Adrenal glucocorticoid and androgen precursor dissociation in anorexia nervosa.

Context: Anorexia nervosa is characterized by hypogonadism and relative hypercortisolemia. We have demonstrated that free testosterone levels are low in women with anorexia nervosa, with the lowest levels in those receiving oral contraceptives (OCPs), and that dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) sulfate is reduced only in those receiving OCPs. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine whether adrenal steroidogenesis dysregulation contributes to decreased androgen levels in anorexia nervosa. Design and Setting: We conducted a cross-sectional study in a General Clinical Research Center. Study Participants: We studied 20 women with anorexia nervosa [10 women with anorexia nervosa receiving OCPs (AN+E) and 10 not receiving OCPs (AN−E)] and 20 healthy controls [10 healthy controls receiving OCPs (HC+E) and 10 not receiving OCPs (HC−E)]. Main Outcome Measures: We measured DHEA and cortisol levels in response to 250-μg cosyntropin stimulation after 1-mg overnight dexamethasone suppression. Results: Mean basal a...
Mechanical Signaling for Bone Modeling and Remodeling

Proper development of the skeleton in utero and during growth requires mechanical stimulation. Loading results in adaptive changes in bone that strengthen bone structure. Bone’s adaptive response is regulated by the ability of resident bone cells to perceive and translate mechanical energy into a cascade of structural and biochemical changes within the cells — a process known as mechanotransduction. Mechanotransduction pathways are among the most anabolic in bone, and consequently, there is great interest in elucidating how mechanical loading produces its observed effects, including increased bone formation, reduced bone loss, changes in bone cell differentiation and lifespan, among others. A molecular understanding of these processes is developing, and with it comes a profound new insight into the biology of bone. In this article, we review the nature of the physical stimulus to which bone cells mount an adaptive response, including the identity of the sensor cells, their attributes and physical environment, and putative mechanoreceptors they express. Particular attention is allotted to the focal adhesion and Wnt signaling, in light of their emerging role in bone mechanotransduction. The cellular mechanisms for increased bone loss during disuse, and reduced bone loss during loading are considered. Finally, we summarize the published data on bone cell accommodation, whereby bone cells stop responding to mechanical signaling events. Collectively, these data highlight the complex yet finely orchestrated process of mechanically regulated bone homeostasis.
Cortical bone tissue resists fatigue fracture by deceleration and arrest of microcrack growth

Knowledge of kinetics of fatigue crack growth of microcracks is important so as to understand the dynamics of bone adaptation, remodeling, and the etiology of fatigue-based failures of cortical bone tissue. In this respect, theoretical models (Taylor, J. Biomech., 31 (1998) 587-592; Taylor and Prendergast, Proc. Instn. Mech. Engrs. Part H 211 (1997) 369-375) of microcrack growth in cortical bone have predicted a decreasing microcrack growth rate with increasing microcrack length. However, these predictions have not been observed directly. This study investigated microcrack growth and arrest through observations of surface microcracks during cyclic loading (R=0.1, 50-80MPa) of human femoral cortical bone (male, n=4, age range: 37-40yr) utilizing a video microscopy system. The change in crack length and orientation of eight surface microcracks were measured with the number of fatigue cycles from four specimens. At the applied cyclic stresses, the microcracks propagated and arrested in generally less than 10,000 cycles. The fatigue crack growth rate of all microcracks decreased with increasing crack length following initial identification, consistent with theoretical predictions. The growth rate of the microcracks was observed to be in the range of 5x10(-5) to 5x10(-7)mmcycle(-1). In addition, many of the microcracks were observed not to grow beyond 150 microm and a cyclic stress intensity factor of 0.5MNm(-3/2). The results of this study suggest that cortical bone tissue may resist fracture at the microscale by deceleration of fatigue crack growth and arrest of microcracks.
DBHR, a Gene with Homology to Dopamine β-Hydroxylase, Is Expressed in the Neural Crest throughout Early Development

In a screen for genes involved in neural crest development, we identified DBHR (DBH-Related), a putative monooxygenase with low homology to dopamine β-hydroxylase (DBH). Here, we describe novel expression patterns for DBHR in the developing embryo and particularly the neural crest. DBHR is an early marker for prospective neural crest, with earliest expression at the neural plate border where neural crest is induced. Furthermore, DBHR expression persists in migrating neural crest and in many, though not all, crest derivatives. DBHR is also expressed in the myotome, from the earliest stages of its formation, and in distinct regions of the neural tube, including even-numbered rhombomeres of the hindbrain. In order to investigate the signals that regulate its segmented pattern in the hindbrain, we microsurgically rotated the rostrocaudal positions of rhombomeres 3/4. Despite their ectopic position, both rhombomeres continued to express DBHR at the level appropriate for their original location, indicating that DBHR is regulated autonomously within rhombomeres. We conclude that DBHR is a divergent member of a growing family of DBH-related genes; thus, DBHR represents a completely new type of neural crest marker, expressed throughout the development of the neural crest, with possible functions in cell–cell signaling.
Relativistic Theory of the Photoelectric Effect. Part I. Theory of the K -Absorption of X-rays. Part II. Photoelectric Absorption of Ultragamma Radiation

Part I: A strict theory of the absorption of x-rays is developed on the basis of relativistic quantum electrodynamics. The theory is applied to the absorption of x-rays by a Dirac electron in the field of a nucleus. Corrections to the non-relativistic theory are appreciable only for heavy elements, where the present calculations give a $K$-discontinuity twenty percent smaller than the earlier ones. The agreement with experiment is not improved.
Efficient design of exponential-Krylov integrators for large scale computing

Abstract As a result of recent resurgence of interest in exponential integrators a number of such methods have been introduced in the literature. However, questions of what constitutes an efficient exponential method and how these techniques compare with commonly used schemes remain to be fully investigated. In this paper we consider exponentialKrylov integrators in the context of large scale applications and discuss what design principles need to be considered in construction of an efficient method of this type. Since the Krylov projections constitute the primary computational cost of an exponential integrator we demonstrate how an exponential-Krylov method can be structured to minimize the total number of Krylov projections per time step and the number of Krylov vectors each of the projections requires. We present numerical experiments that validate and illustrate these arguments. In addition, we compare exponential methods with commonly used implicit schemes to demonstrate their competitiveness.
A Best Practices Guide to CFD Education in the Undergraduate Curriculum

The AIAA Fluid Dynamics Technical Committee formed a working group in 2010 to explore how to include computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in undergraduate education. The following article is the best practices guide resulting from that working group, and is intended to guide the development of CFD instructional content in undergraduate aerospace and mechanical engineering curricula. The article addresses a growing need for new engineers to become ‘intelligent users’ of CFD: that is, to be able to obtain a solution of a flow, and to critically assess the quality of the result. The article distils the concepts of CFD into curricular elements, and establishes reasonable expected outcomes for undergraduate-level instruction of these concepts. It then provides numerous case studies of existing CFD courses, presented in a hierarchy of various ‘profiles’ – from CFD light to CFD heavy – for inclusion in courses with lecture, laboratory or design formats. Specific needs of mechanical engineering programmes are also discussed. Hardware, software, and textbook resources are also briefly reviewed.
Perceptions of Community Health Workers (CHWs/PS) in the U.S.-Mexico Border HEART CVD Study

Although prior research has shown that Community Health Workers/Promotores de Salud (CHW/PS) can facilitate access to care, little is known about how CHW/PS are perceived in their community. The current study reports the findings of a randomized telephone survey conducted in a high-risk urban community environment along the U.S.-Mexico border. In preparation for a community-based CHW/PS intervention called the HEART ecological study, the survey aimed to assess perceptions of CHW/PS, availability and utilization of community resources (recreational and nutrition related) and health behaviors and intentions. A total of 7,155 calls were placed to complete 444 surveys in three zip codes in El Paso, Texas. Results showed that participants felt that healthful community resources were available, but utilization was low and variable: 35% reported going to a park, 20% reported having taken a health class, few reported using a gym (12%), recreation center (8%), or YMCA/YWCA (0.9%). Awareness and utilization of CHW/PS services were low: 20% of respondents had heard of CHW/PS, with 8% reporting previous exposure to CHW/PS services. Upon review of a definition of CHW/PS, respondents expressed positive views of CHW/PS and their value in the healthcare system. Respondents who had previous contact with a CHW/PS reported a significantly more positive perception of the usefulness of CHW/PS (p = 0.006), were more likely to see CHW/PS as an important link between providers and patients (p = 0.008), and were more likely to ask a CHW/PS for help (p = 0.009). Participants who utilized CHW/PS services also had significantly healthier intentions to reduce fast food intake. Future research is needed to evaluate if CHW/PS can facilitate utilization of available community resources such as recreational facilities among Hispanic border residents at risk for CVD.
The Impact of Synthetic and Accented Speech on Unattended Recall in a Dichotic Listening Task

Synthetic speech is a commonly used form of computer-generated speech. Synthetic speech is different than natural speech as it has a different pacing and lacks intonation. English natural speech with a foreign accent also has a different pacing and pronunciation than an American’s own natural accented speech. A study was performed to determine if unattended synthetic speech was more difficult to process than unattended natural speech when one is engaged in an activity that demands a great deal of attention. Participants engaged in a dichotic listening task where they wore headphones and repeated information from one ear (attended), while ignoring information from their other ear (unattended). It was found that the presence of natural speech in the unattended ear resulted in participants reporting more low-threshold information from the task, and that accent did not impact the amount reported. It was concluded that synthetic speech is inherently different than natural speech, as degrading the natural speec...
Oxygen Causes Pulmonary Vasodilation in Fetal Lambs by Increasing Oxidative Phosphorylation and ATP Release. 134

Oxygen Causes Pulmonary Vasodilation in Fetal Lambs by Increasing Oxidative Phosphorylation and ATP Release. 134
Sickle cell anemia and vascular dysfunction: The nitric oxide connection

Endothelial dysfunction and impaired nitric oxide bioavailability have been implicated in the pathogenesis of sickle cell anemia. Nitric oxide is a diatomic gas with a role in vascular homeostasis. Hemoglobin polymerization resulting from the HbS mutation produces erythrocyte deformation and hemolysis. Free hemoglobin, released into plasma by hemolysis scavenges on nitric oxide, and leads to reduced nitric oxide bioavailability. Pulmonary hypertension is a known consequence of sickle cell anemia. It occurs in 30-40% of patients with sickle cell anemia, and is associated with increased mortality. Several studies have implicated intravascular hemolysis, and impaired nitric oxide bioavailability in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms of altered nitric oxide bioavailability in sickle cell anemia and its possible role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension.
The effects of olfactory bulbectomy and chronic psychosocial stress on serum glucocorticoids and sexual behavior in female rats.

Abstract The effects of olfactory bulb removal (OBX) and chronic psychosocial stress on serum glucocorticoids and sexual behavior were assessed in female rats primed with a subthreshold level of estradiol (E 2 ). Ovariectomized females underwent either OBX or sham surgery. Half of the OBX and half of the sham animals were exposed to chronic psychosocial stress (crowding, strobe light, and intermittent noise) for one-half h per day for 27 days. On day 22, three blood samples were collected from each animal for serum corticosterone analysis; 1) before, 2) during, and 3) after acute stress (one-half h restraint). On day 28, females were exposed to either 4 or 24 h of E 2 . On day 29, all females received 500 μg progesterone (P) 4 h prior to sexual behavior testing. Sexual receptivity was measured using the lordosis quotient (LQ = [number of lordotic responses/10 mounts] × 100). Sexual proceptivity (dart and ear wiggling sequences) and rejection (number of nonlordotic responses to mount attempts) were measured throught t a 10-min test period. Results showed that chronic psychosocial stress dramatically increased sexual receptivity and proceptivity while decreasing sexual rejection in female rats primed with a subthreshold level of E 2 . Chronic psychosocial stress also elevated serum glucocorticoids and significantly exacerbated the glucocorticoid response to acute stress. OBX, while increasing sexual receptivity and decreasing sexual rejection, had no effect on serum glucocorticoids. These findings support the hypothesis that OBX potentiates female sexual behavior directly through an increase in neural sensitivity to E 2 . In contrast, the enhancing effect of chronic psychosocial stress on female sexual behavior may result from alterations of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal system.
Waterless, Scrubless Alcohol-Based Surgical Scrub Agent Compared to Traditional Surgical Scrub Using Chlorhexidine

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: In veterinary surgery traditionally, the surgical hand scrub involves scrubbing the hand and forearms with a brush or impregnated sponge/brush for 6 minutes using a timed method or an anatomic stroke-count method. The new brushless techniques consist of vigorously rubbing an antimicrobial agent on the hands and arms for approximately 1.5-3 minutes. Alcohol-based scrub agents have been suggested as an alternative to the traditional method since prior studies have shown that prolonged and repeated scrubbing with a scrub brush increases skin damage and microbial skin counts. This study examined the effectiveness of a 1.5-2 minute application of a waterless, scrubless hand preparation containing 61% ethyl alcohol and 1% chlorhexidine, as compared to a traditional 6 minute scrub using 2% chlorhexidine on the initial reduction of bacterial counts on the hands of veterinary students preparing for surgery. The hypothesis was the scrubless alcohol-based technique would reduce bacterial counts at one-minute post scrubbing as effectively as a traditional surgical scrub using 2% chlorhexidine. METHODS: Thirty-two veterinary students were randomly assigned to perform either a traditional scrub or an alcohol-based scrub one week. The alternative technique was done the second week. Prior to the first surgical scrub of the day, hand cultures were performed using the modified glove-juice technique. After performing the randomly assigned scrub technique, the hand was cultured a second time one minute post scrub. An aliquot of culture solution was plated and colony-forming units were determined. The differences between groups in pre- and post-treatment log counts and log reductions were examined with a paired student's t-test using statistical significance of P ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: Both 2% chlorhexidine and the alcohol-based prep technique showed significant (P CONCLUSIONS: This scrubless, waterless, alcohol-based scrub agent provides an effective alternative to the more traditional chlorehxidine and scrub brush techniques in reducing bacterial counts on hands being prepared for surgery.
High-Field Scanning Probe Lithography in Hexadecane: Transitioning from Field Induced Oxidation to Solvent Decomposition through Surface Modification

High field scanning probe lithography in hexadecane leads to two different chemical reactions depending on surface hydrophilicity. On a hydrophilic surface, oxidation of the sample occurs; a hydrophobic surface, results in solvent decomposition and nanoscale deposition of etch resistant material. The features are characterized with photoelectron emission microscopy and are carbonaceous in nature with a highly cross-linked bonding network. Tone reversal in a fluorinated etch is achieved.
Endometrial ablation with the combined Nd:YAG laser-rollerball

Endometrial ablation, an effective treatment for intractable uterine bleeding, can be performed with hysteroscopic rollerball coagulation, neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser, and endomyometrial resection techniques. Between November 1990 and January 1995, 49 women underwent ablation with the Nd:YAG laser and a nontouch technique on the ostia, uterine fundus, and upper one-third to one-half of the posterior uterine wall, in combination with rollerball coagulation over the entire endometrial surface after 60-W Nd:YAG application. The power source of the rollerball was set at 80 W of pure coagulation current. Each patient was pretreated with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist or an antiestrogenic compound. The complications were one uterine perforation with a dilator with no sequelae, and one severe infection requiring hysterectomy. There were no failures. Of the 48 women available to follow-up, amenorrhea was achieved in 43 (90%). Two continued to spot very slightly on occasion, but did not require minipads. Three women had light flow requiring one to two tampons for 1 to 4 days every month. The technique continues to provide a very high rate of complete amenorrhea.
Predictive validity of four factors derived from an 'hyperactivity/MBD' questionnaire.

Abstract Two studies were conducted to evaluate the differential predictive validity of four factors — hyperactivity/impulsivity, attention/socialization problems, antisocial behavior, learning problems — derived from Tarter's ‘hyperactivity/ MBD’ questionnaire. One hundred forty five inpatient alcoholic men were evaluated in the first study and 34 first or second year college men in the second study. Our previous research had revealed significant relationships between the total hyperactivity/MBD score and psychopathology (MMPI, Psychopathic State Inventory), alcohol use patterns and consequences/ and several areas of life functioning (Addiction Severity Index). Factor 1 was revealed in both studies to be associated with hypomania and impulsive behaviors. Factor 2 was associated with many of the same MMPI scales as the total hyperactivity/MBD score, including psychopathic deviate, psychasthenia and social introversion, as well as other measures of sociopathy and criminal behavior. A subsequent breakdown of Factor 2 into its attention and socialization components provided further meaningful differentiations. Factor 3 was found in both studies to be predictive of antisocial and criminal personality and behavior. Both factors 2 and 3 were also closely associated with difficulties in interpersonal relations. Factor 4 bore few relationships with personality, but was found to be related to visuospatial performance deficits. The research therefore supported the differential predictive validity of the four factors. The examination of the individual relationships of these factors enabled a more precise delineation of underlying relationships than was achieved by the total hyperactivity/MBD score.
Cognitive Performance During Long-Term Respirator Wear While at Rest

Cognitive performance was studied in six male and three female subjects exposed to two randomly administered 10-hour measurement periods, a control condition without a respirator, and a respirator wear trial requiring continuous wear, under nonexercise conditions. Reaction time and decision-making speed were assessed using a series of simple and choice reaction time tasks at the start of each test iteration and after hours 2,4,6,8, and 10 of testing. Subject anxiety levels were assessed along with reaction time measures. Visual tracking ability was measured after each hour of testing. Reaction time and decision-making speed did not differ significantly between control and respirator conditions at any time throughout the 10 hours of testing. Female volunteers exhibited significantly faster reaction times and decision-making speeds than males independent of respirator wear conditions and time of measurement. Subject anxiety increased significantly from initial measurements after 8 hours of testing for each ...
Reply to comment by Gracz on ''Wetland drying and succession across the Kenai Peninsula Lowlands, south-central Alaska'' 1

Gracz (2011, Can. J. For. Res. 41: 425-428) proposes that the Good Friday earthquake of 1964 caused falling lake levels and drying wetlands on Alaska's Northern Kenai Lowlands (NKL). His hypothesis states that the earthquake in- creased hydraulic conductivity by fracturing a leaky confining layer, accelerating drainage of surface water into regional aquifers. We counter that a single model of draining does not apply across the heterogeneity of geomorphology and soils on the NKL. In particular, the NKL's glacial history precludes uniform application of a subsurface hydrologic model for lake draining and the nature of peat-based wetlands precludes its application to wetland drying. Instead, small, yet cumula- tive, climatic reductions in moisture surplus explain both observed lake level declines and vegetation changes. Moreover, and unlike a climatic hypothesis, a seismic hypothesis fails to explain lake drying elsewhere in Alaska. Although it is likely that the earthquake influenced some hydrologic features in the NKL, it is unlikely that a single hydrologic model based on a simple mechanical cause, e.g., downward drainage, adequately explains the changes observed across the whole NKL. Conversely, we maintain that the uniformity of the vegetation response seen across different landscapes, including wetlands, forests, and alpine areas, throughout the state of Alaska strongly supports a climatic hypothesis.
Enantiomeric Differences in Ion Association in a Chiral Solvent

7Li NMR spectra of solutions of the lithium salts of the R and S chiral isomers of the sec-butoxycyclooctatetraene dianion (C8H7−OC4H92-) in S,S-(+)-2,3-dimethoxy-1,4-bis(dimethylamino)butane were found to be remarkably different. The lithium cations in both solutions exist as mixtures of solvent-separated ion pairs and contact ion pairs with the dianion of C8H7−OC4H9. However, the relative concentration of the contact ion pair is much greater for the R isomer of C8H7−OC4H92- than for the S isomer. The complexity of steric interactions involving the chiral solvent and the R and S sec-butoxy groups results in the solvent being much more capable of partially separating Li+ from the S isomer of C8H7−OC4H92- than from the R isomer.
Iterated Galois towers, their associated martingales, and the p-adic Mandelbrot set

We study the Galois tower generated by iterates of a quadratic polynomial f defined over an arbitrary field. One question of interest is to find the proportion an of elements at level n that fix at least one root; in the global field case these correspond to unramified primes in the base field that have a divisor at level n of residue class degree one. We thus define a stochastic process associated to the tower that encodes root-fixing information at each level. We develop a uniqueness result for certain permutation groups, and use this to show that for many f each level of the tower contains a certain central involution. It follows that the associated stochastic process is a martingale, and convergence theorems then allow us to establish a criterion for showing that an tends to 0. As an application, we study the dynamics of the family x 2 + c ∈ Fp[x ], and this in turn is used to establish a basic property of the p-adic Mandelbrot set.
A prescriptive eclectic approach with Ms. Katrina

This article illustrates a prescriptive eclectic approach with Ms. Katrina, a complex and challenging woman, by demonstrating the process of customizing psychological treatments and therapeutic relationships to her specific needs as defined by a multitude of diagnostic and particularly nondiagnostic considerations. Given the wealth of clinical and historical information provided, we would initially concentrate on assessing Ms. Katrina's objectives, preferences, and resources while cultivating a validating and collaborative alliance. We would then systematically select and implement a series of cascading, iterative treatment decisions: setting, intensity, format, strategies, somatic treatments, and therapeutic relationships. Three priorities in this case are the coordination of an intense, integrative treatment involving multiple modalities, formats, and clinicians, the need to actively enlist Ms. Katrina's participation and strengths in her psychotherapy, and the centrality of therapist self-care when treating angst-inducing disorders.
The effect of neural embryonic stem cell therapy in a rat model of cavernosal nerve injury

OBJECTIVE To isolate embryonic stem cells that have differentiated along the neuronal cell line, and to assess whether injecting these neural stem cells into the corpus cavernosum influences cavernosal nerve regeneration and functional status. MATERIALS AND METHODS Embryonic neural stem cells were obtained; 26 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: five had a sham operation; eight (controls) had a bilateral cavernosal nerve crush and injection of culture medium into the corpora cavernosa; four had an injection of neural embryonic stem (NES) cells into the major pelvic ganglion (MPG); and nine had bilateral cavernosal nerve crush and injection of NES cells into the corpora cavernosa. Erectile response was assessed by cavernosal nerve electrostimulation at 3 months, and penile tissue samples were evaluated histochemically for nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-containing fibres, tyrosine hydroxylase and neurofilament staining. RESULTS The groups injected with NES cells into the MPG and corpora cavernosa had significantly higher intracavernosal pressures than the control group. Immunohistochemical staining also revealed differences in the quality of the NOS-containing nerve fibres. Neurofilament staining was significantly better in the experimental groups injected with NES cells. CONCLUSION We were able to isolate embryonic stem cells that had differentiated along the neural cell line and, using these NES cells intracavernosally, showed improved erectile function in a rat model of neurogenic impotence.
Locus of Control in Intellectual Situations in American and Chinese School Children

Abstract The Intellectual Achievement Responsibility (IAR) Questionnaire. developed by Crandall et al., was administered to 720 children, 360 from the United States and 360 from Taiwan. The subjects were equally distributed in the sixth and eighth grades, and also by sex. A 2 × 2 × 2 (culture, grade, sex) analysis of variance was performed separately on scores of the subscale of success experiences (I +) and subscale of failure experiences (I-). The results showed that: (a) American children obtained significantly higher I + but lower I-scores than Chinese children. (b) Sixth graders obtained significantly higher scores on both I + and I-subscales than eighth graders. (c) Boys scored significantly higher than girls on I +, but sex differences in I-were not significant. It was also found that American children were more internal in success than in failure situations, while the reverse was true for Chinese children.
A two-dimensional, distributed logic processor for machine vision

A very-fine-grained architecture which can solve certain two-dimensional machine vision problems very efficiently is discussed. The architecture maintains both a high degree of flexibility and fine-grainness. This is done by reducing each processor to an associative memory cell. However, unlike classical associative memory processors, the present processor uses a two-dimensional nearest-neighbor interconnect. Arithmetic operations are based on the use of a redundant number system and a physically compact memory word structure. These features provide a high level performance. >
L 2 ( X, μ ) or ℌ (Hilbert Space)

The gradient map ∇ is C1 (ℝ n , ℂ) ∋ f → (∂f/∂x1, ..., ∂f/∂x n ). The Laplacian map Δ is C2 (ℝ n , ℂ) ∋ f → Σn1=1∂2f/∂x2 i .
High-brightness slab-coupled optical waveguide laser arrays

We have constructed high brightness slab-coupled optical waveguide laser arrays. Devices in the array emit in large nearly circular single-spatial modes. We have shown that optical cross-coupling in closely spaced devices is not an issue for maintaining single-mode output, including the effects of slab-coupling. By appropriate heat-sinking, we have shown linear continuous-wave power densities of 98 W/cm along the array emission aperture.
Natural history of acute upper GI bleeding due to tumours: short-term success and long-term recurrence with or without endoscopic therapy.

Summary Background Scant information is available regarding patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) from tumours. Aim To determine the presentation, endoscopic findings, treatment and outcomes in patients with UGIB from malignant tumours and identify risk factors associated with rebleeding. Methods Consecutive patients who were hospitalised with haematemesis, melena or haematochezia and underwent upper endoscopy were identified retrospectively by reviewing an endoscopy database. Patients with UGIB due to biopsy-proven malignant tumours were studied. Results Tumours were the source of bleeding in 106 (5%) of 2,166 patients with UGIB. Tumours were oesophageal in 17 (16%), gastric in 77 (73%) and duodenal in 12 (11%). At presentation, 84 (79%) did not have known cancer previously, and 79 (75%) had metastatic disease. Seventy-seven (73%) received transfusions at index hospitalisation. At endoscopy, 32 (30%) had active bleeding (31 oozing, 1 spurting). Among actively bleeding patients, haemostasis was achieved in 12 (86%) of 14 receiving endoscopic therapy and all 18 not receiving endoscopic treatment. Hospitalisation for rebleeding occurred in 50 (49%) of 103 at a median of 30 days (3–885). On multivariate analysis, age ≤60 years (OR = 2.49, 95% CI 1.06–5.81) and haemodynamic instability (OR = 2.42, 95% CI 1.08–5.46) were associated with rebleeding. Conclusions Patients presenting with tumour-associated UGIB have substantial blood loss, with three-quarters requiring transfusion at presentation. Initial haemostasis occurs in almost all patients, with or without endoscopic therapy, but rebleeding requiring repeat hospitalisation occurs in approximately half the patients and is more common in patients who are ≤60 years of age and have haemodynamic instability at presentation.
Obesity by choice: the powerful influence of nutrient availability on nutrient intake

The consumption of nutrients by rodents is markedly influenced by the number of containers of each nutrient provided. Most rats given a choice from separate sources of protein, carbohydrate, and fat thrived if given one cup of each but half failed to thrive if given one cup of each and three extra cups of carbohydrate or fat. Rats given five bottles of sucrose solution and one bottle of water became fatter than rats given five bottles of water and one of sucrose. These studies in rats may point to a model for human obesity, in which the availability of food can override physiological controls of ingestion.
Papyrus: a history-based VLSI design process management system

This paper describes the design and implementation of a VLSI design process management system called Papyrus, which is built upon a history-based design process model that supports both routine and exploratory VLSI design processes. Emphasis of this paper is put on the descriptions of Papyrus's basic data models, design decisions, and implementation details. The operational prototype features a transparent dynamic load balancing scheme to exploit the computation power of networked workstations, an atomicity-guarantee mechanism to preserve the high-level abstraction of the design task construct, an interactive design-history manipulation facility, and a set of storage management techniques to reduce the storage overhead entailed by the single assignment update semantics, which is crucial to the support of the so-called rework mechanism. This system also embodies an innovative history-based meta-data inference scheme that automates many previously user-responsible design data management functions. >
Comparison of Biopsy Samples Obtained Using Standard Endoscopic Instruments and the Harmonic Scalpel During Laparoscopic and Laparoscopic‐Assisted Surgery in Normal Dogs

Objectives— To compare tissue specimens of canine abdominal organs collected by standard techniques (ST) and harmonic scalpel (HS) and to determine the effect of each technique on wound healing. Study Design— Experimental. Animals— Twelve dogs. Methods— Paired biopsy samples (ST, HS) were collected from liver, spleen, adrenal gland, pancreas, stomach, jejunum, and bladder using laparoscopic or laparoscopic-assisted methods. Hemorrhage at biopsy sites was assessed (present or absent). Specimens were evaluated for diagnostic quality and histologic changes. Dogs were necropsied at 4 or 14 days postoperatively. Results— HS incision caused less frequent hemorrhage of all organs except spleen. HS specimens had more coagulation necrosis than ST specimens, but both techniques yielded specimens that were sized similarly and were of diagnostic quality. At necropsy, HS biopsy sites of the stomach, jejunum, bladder, adrenal gland, and pancreas were more hyperemic than ST sites. There were more adhesions at jejunal and pancreatic ST biopsy sites. HS biopsy sites had more coagulation necrosis at days 4 and 14 postoperatively. Differences in fibrin deposition, inflammation, and fibrosis were present at biopsy sites of some organs at days 4 or 14 and in comparisons between days 4 and 14. Conclusions— Diagnostic quality biopsy specimens were obtained with HS and ST. Although HS-induced gross and histologic changes during the first 2 postoperative weeks, no clinical complications were observed. Clinical Relevance— Both HS and ST can yield specimens with minimal hemorrhage and HS resulted in no apparent postoperative problems in normal dogs. Although HS caused more inflammation and adhesions at biopsy sites of the pancreas, adrenal gland, and jejunum, no clinical complications occurred.
Serum Antibodies and Anthropometric Data at Diagnosis in Pediatric Crohn’s Disease

Serum antibodies, including ASCA, anti-OmpC, and ANCA, correlate with disease location and predict disease phenotype in inflammatory bowel disease. The objective of this study was to determine relationships between serum antibody status and anthropometric data for children with newly diagnosed Crohn’s disease. A retrospective review was conducted on children diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at our institution from 2003 to 2008. Patients who had ASCA IgA, ASCA IgG, anti-OmpC, and pANCA antibodies, and anthropometric data measured before diagnosis and therapy were included. Z-scores for height and weight were compared among groups according to the presence of specific antibodies. Spearman’s rank correlation was used to assess association between antibodies and growth data. One hundred and two patients, mean age 11.9 years, met the inclusion criteria. Patients with the presence of any of the four antibodies had lower mean height and weight z-scores than patients without any antibodies present. When individual antibodies were studied, patients with positive ASCA titers had lower mean weight and height z-scores than patients without any antibodies present. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient demonstrated a significant association between increasing ASCA titers and lower weight z-scores, but not lower height z-scores. Pediatric patients with newly diagnosed Crohn’s disease and the presence of ASCA antibodies have lower mean height and weight z-scores. This study provides evidence that specific subsets of children with Crohn’s disease may be at greater risk of growth impairment.