cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Management of Sinusitis in the Cystic Fibrosis Patient

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is present in up to 100% of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). CF-associated CRS is particularly recalcitrant, and sinus disease can have important implications in the health of the lower airways and overall quality of life in these patients. Both medical and surgical management play important roles in treating CF-associated CRS, but guidelines are lacking. This review summarizes the current literature on both medical and surgical management of this disease to provide an up-to-date analysis and recommendations on the treatment of CF-associated CRS.
Temperature-Dependence of Corrosion of Ni-Based Superalloys in Hot CO 2 -Rich Gases Containing SO 2 Impurities

Future power plants will require Ni-based superalloys resistant to high-temperature corrosion in CO2-rich environments containing impurities. In this work, several commercially available Ni-based alloys (617, 230, 625, 263, 740H) were exposed at 600°C, 650°C, 750°C and 1 atm to 95% CO2, 4% H2O, 1% O2 without/with 0.1% SO2 to simulate compositions expected in a direct-fired supercritical CO2 power cycle. The results indicate no effect of SO2 at 750°C, a small negative effect at 650°C, and a large negative effect at 600°C. Alloys exposed at the higher temperatures (650–750°C) formed thin Cr-rich oxide scales, whereas the lowest temperature (600°C) resulted in thicker scales consisting of non-protective oxides and sulfates. Thermodynamic analysis indicates this increased corrosion is associated with a transition in the stable compounds in contact with the gas. Understanding the factors that affect this transition will aid in the selection or design of alloys for future CO2-based power systems.
Measurement uncertainty of rossi-alpha neutron experiments

Abstract Rossi-alpha neutron experiments are used to estimate the prompt neutron decay constant of a fissile assembly, a quantity of widespread interest in applications including in nuclear nonproliferation and criticality safety. This work develops a mathematical model to efficiently estimate measurement uncertainty of Rossi-alpha neutron experiments inferred from a two-exponential fit model with histogram binning. The derived uncertainty estimates were validated using repeated Rossi-alpha measurements of a subcritical, 4.5-kg sphere of weapons-grade, alpha-phase plutonium with nickel, copper, tungsten, and polyethylene reflectors. The estimates of uncertainty for the histogram data produced by the model were conservative and agree with the reference uncertainties within noise. The estimates of the prompt neutron decay constant uncertainty agreed with the reference uncertainties within one standard deviation. The proposed model will reduce total measurement times, ultimately reducing operational and procedural costs in application.
Physical modeling of the heritability and maintenance of epigenetic modifications

We develop a predictive theoretical model of the physical mechanisms that govern the heritability and maintenance of epigenetic modifications. This model focuses on a particular modification, methylation of lysine-9 of histone H3 (H3K9), which is one of the most representative and critical epigenetic marks that affects chromatin organization and gene expression. Our model combines the effect of segregation and compaction on chromosomal organization with the effect of the interaction between proteins that compact the chromatin (heterochromatin protein 1) and the methyltransferases that affect methyl spreading. Our chromatin model demonstrates that a block of H3K9 methylations in the epigenetic sequence determines the compaction state at any particular location in the chromatin. Using our predictive model for chromatin compaction, we develop a methylation model to address the reestablishment of the methylation sequence following DNA replication. Our model reliably maintains methylation over generations, thereby establishing the robustness of the epigenetic code.
#PoppyNightmare: A Content Analysis of Instagram “Call-Out” and “Influencer” Posts at California's Walker Canyon Poppy Fields: Extended Abstract

This poster presentation will share initial results of a content analysis performed on Instagram posts about the Walker Canyon Poppy Fields, contrasting the messages and tropes shared by influencers with the posts of environmental advocates. The analysis itself examines the “top posts” in the #poppynightmare Instagram hashtag, and focuses on how the individuals in the social network employ images and text.
Should Machines Write About Death? Questions of Technology, Humanity, and Ethics in the Automation of Journalism

This chapter examines ethics regarding the automation of journalism as driven by the integration of algorithms, artificial intelligence, and related technologies, such as news-writing software, into the newsroom. It traces current approaches to journalism ethics that are primarily grounded in existing standards and codes for human journalists and fledgling efforts to address the shift in the role of technology from mediator to “author.” Taking the question, “Should machines write about death?” as provocation, this chapter demonstrates that existing journalism research and codes regarding automated technologies fall short in addressing the complication of machines as communicators in terms of the ontological assumptions underlying journalism theory and ethics. It then advocates for scholars to engage with scholarship within Human-Machine Communication and philosophy of technology to advance journalism ethics in a way that is responsive to the changing function and nature of technology associated with journalism automation.
REMEMBERING HOW AND WHAT I THINK: A Response to the JRE Articles on Hauerwas

In this essay Stanley Hauerwas reflects on his life's work by responding to the critical contributions found in the essays of this volume. Rather than trying to defend a “position,” Hauerwas takes this opportunity to offer further insight into how he sees his work to be driven by theology, insofar as his ethical reflection cannot be extricated from Christological considerations. It is this Christological center that allows him to avoid making a false separation between the person and work of Jesus Christ. For Hauerwas, only in maintaining its Christological center can Christian “ethics” be understood in continuity with the practices of the church, including the practice of Christian speech. Without this continuity, “ethics” fails to be theological.
Phosphorylation of the rev gene product of human immunodeficiency virus type 1.

Abstract Replication of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 requires the functional expression in trans of the virally encoded rev gene product (previously called art/trs). Here we demonstrate that this protein can be metabolically labeled with 32Pi. The phosphate receptor in the rev protein is shown to be exclusively serine. Treatment of rev-expressing cells with phorbol ester, a specific activator of protein kinase C, led to significant but transient enhancement of the level of rev phosphorylation. These results indicate that the rev protein is posttranslationally modified in vivo and suggest that the level of this modification is subject to modulation by extracellular stimuli.
Nonparametric Curve Estimation

In this Chapter we discuss nonparametric estimation of probability density functions and regression functions which we refer to as curveestimation or smoothing.
In-Vehicle Network Architecture for the Next-Generation Vehicles

The demand for drive-by-wire, telematics, entertainment, multimedia, pre-crash warning, remote diagnostic and software update, etc. will significantly increase the complexity of the future in-vehicle communication networks. New types of communication networks will also be necessary to satisfy the requirements of safety and fuel efficiency, and meet the demand for new features. Different sets of vehicle electronic modules will require different types of networks. For example, drive-by-wire and active collision avoidance systems need fault tolerant networks with time-triggered protocols, to guarantee deterministic latencies; multimedia systems need networks with high bandwidth to transfer video files; and body control electronics need low-bandwidth networks to keep the cost down. As the size and complexity of these networks increase, ease of integration has become a major challenge for design engineers. In today's vehicles, there are mainly two networks: a high-speed network for the power train and a low-speed network for the body electronics. Since the complexity of the network is increasing and the demand for bandwidth is growing, future vehicles will require many partitioned networks. The partitioning of the networks will be done based on the locality as well as the functionality of the modules. One of the challenging issues will be the selection of topology to interconnect various in-vehicle partitions of the network. Interconnection among all in-vehicle partitions of the network is necessary for diagnostics and software updates in various modules. One logical approach for interconnecting various partitions of the network would be via a hierarchical bus. This paper shows various types of hierarchical connections among the partitions of in-vehicle networks. Different partitions may use different protocols. For example, one partition may use the CAN protocol, the second partition may use the TTCAN protocol, the third partition may use the LIN protocol, and so on. The hierarchical bus will be using intelligent switches to facilitate the translation of messages from one protocol to another protocol while the messages will be moving from one partition to another partition. This paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages of various types of hierarchical connections in terms of cost, bandwidth, latency, fault tolerance, and many other features. The paper also presents simulation models that can be used to determine the performance of various types of partitions and network topologies.
Ferromagnetism and crystalline electric field effects in cubic UX2Zn20(X=Co,Rh,Ir)

Abstract The physical properties of a new family of cubic UX 2 Zn 20 ( X = Co , Rh , Ir ) heavy-fermion compounds are presented. Both UCo 2 Zn 20 and URh 2 Zn 20 show peaks in specific heat and magnetic susceptibility at ∼ 5 – 10 K suggesting the presence of crystalline electric field (CEF) effects in these materials, i.e., a localized 5 f 2 configuration of uranium. UIr 2 Zn 20 exhibits a first-order ferromagnetic transition at T c = 2.1 K with a saturation moment μ sat = 0.4 μ B at 2 K indicating itinerant ferromagnetism. All compounds in this series are heavy-fermion materials with enhanced electronic specific heat coefficients γ ∼ 100 – 450 mJ / mol K 2 .
Further progress in numerical flux scheme

We report in this paper recent progress in the AUSM-family numerical fluxes, with emphasis on their capability for resolving shock and contact discontinuities, preserving density positivity, and maintaining shock stability in multidimensions. The schemes can produce a shock without any intermediate structure and satisfies entropy condition.
Spectral properties of small Hadamard matrices

Abstract We prove that if A and B are Hadamard matrices which are both of size 4 × 4 or 5 × 5 and in dephased form, then t r ( A ) = t r ( B ) implies that A and B have the same eigenvalues, including multiplicity. We calculate explicitly the spectrum for these matrices. We also extend these results to larger Hadamard matrices which are permutations of the Fourier matrix and calculate their spectral multiplicities.
Silver in the North Pacific Ocean

[1] The distribution of silver in the North Pacific, determined using a suite of surface and subsurface samples, was found to be controlled by both natural and anthropogenic processes. Within the water column, silver was distributed as a typical nutrient-type element, as was previously observed in other oceanic waters. However, surface water concentrations of silver near Japan were the highest ever measured for the open ocean (up to 12 pM) and are considered evidence of anthropogenic contamination. Since prevailing wind flow during this study was westerly, this enrichment is attributed to aeolian fluxes of Asian industrial aerosols to North Pacific surface waters. Additional evidence of the impact atmospheric inputs of silver have on the North Pacific water column is shown by comparisons of intermediate depth waters analyzed during this study and during a study carried out 20 years previously that indicate temporal increases in industrial silver fluxes to these waters. Measurements from this study also confirm that silver is significantly correlated with dissolved silica, although the correlations are measurably different between the Atlantic and Pacific basins, and that the ratio of silver to copper is diagnostic of individual water masses in the Pacific and can be used as a geochemical tracer of ocean circulation. Overall, data obtained during this study enable a complete preliminary survey of silver in the World Ocean.
An estimate of the effectiveness of pheromone-baited traps for the suppression ofScolytus multistriatus (Coleoptera: Scolytidae)

We attempted to suppress a population ofScolytus multistriatus (Marsham), the principal vector of Dutch elm disease, by trapping flying beetles on sticky traps baited with synthetic pheromone. The estimated catch on 421 traps distributed throughout a 1-km2 plot in Detroit, Michigan, was nearly 1 million beetles. Because an estimated 5 million beetles emerged in the plot during the study period, we conclude that this preliminary trapping study had no appreciable effect on suppressing the population. Studies that employ improved materials and techniques are continuing.
Performance of a worm algorithm in ϕ 4 theory at finite quartic coupling

Abstract Worm algorithms have been very successful with the simulation of sigma models with fixed length spins which result from scalar field theories in the limit of infinite quartic coupling λ . Here we investigate closer their algorithmic efficiency at finite and even vanishing λ for the one component model in dimensions D = 2 , 3 , 4 .
Dynamic Flexibility of Protein−Inhibitor Complexes: A Study of the HIV-1 Protease/KNI-272 Complex

The dynamics and flexibility of protein−ligand complexes is central to understanding and predicting binding geometries and energetics. We have calculated various measures of the dynamic flexibility...
Human performance for detection and discrimination of simulated microcalcifications in mammographic backgrounds

We conducted experiments to determine human performance in detecting and discriminating microcalcification-like objects in mammographic background. This study is an extension of our previous work where we investigated detection and discrimination of known objects in white noise background (SKE/BKE taks). In the present experiments, we used hybrid images, consisting of computer-generated images of three signal shapes which were added into mammographic background extracted from digitized normal mammograms. Human performance was measured by determining percentage correct (PC) in 2-AFC experiments for the tasks of detecting a signal or discriminating between two signal shapes. PC was converted into a detection or discrimination index d' and psychometric functions were created by plotting d' as function of square root of signal energy. Human performance was compared to predictions of a NPWE model observer. We found that the slope of the linear portion of the psychometric function for detection was smaller than that for discrimination, as opposed to what we we observed for white noise backgrounds, where the psychometric function for detection was significantly steeper than that for discrimination. We found that human performance was qualitatively reproduced by model observer predictions.
Development of the dendritic branching pattern of the Medial Giant Interneuron in the grasshopper embryo

Abstract The embryonic development of the grasshopper's Medial Giant Interneuron (MGI) was examined by injecting the cell with the fluorescent dye Lucifer Yellow at a series of stages in its growth. Particular attention was given to the way in which this neuron constructs its stereotyped dendritic branching pattern. The MGI's dendrites originate as secondary processes which sprout at characteristic points along the neurite after the primary growth cone has passed. These processes then arborize to form a miniature version of their adult branching pattern before the end of embryonic life. While growing, the dendritic branches are covered with a radiant profusion of filopodia; however, these filopodia are ephemeral structures and disappear once the cell matures. By contrast there is no significant reduction in either the number or the spatial extent of the actual dendrites at any embryonic stage. This implies that the stereotyped branching pattern of the mature MGI is primarily determined by a precise pattern of initial growth, and that secondary pruning of branches does not play an important role in shaping the final form of this cell. The coordinate ingrowth of the first cercal sensory axons was examined by cobalt filling the embryonic nerve, and the means by which these sensory axons make their initial contacts with the MGI's dendrites is herein discussed. The following paper considers the degree to which this sensory innervation regulates dendritic growth and branching.
Anesthesia inhibits Poly I:C induced stimulation of natural killer cell cytotoxicity in mice

The effects of general anesthesia on the levels of baseline and inducible splenic natural killer (NK) activity of mice were examined. General anesthesia significantly inhibited the induction of NK activity by Poly I:C, while having no effect on baseline NK. Since this effect was reproduced using three different anesthetics (Avertin, ether, and Ketamine/Xylazan), the inhibition of inducible NK activity is probably due to the state of general anesthesia, rather than to the pharmacological properties of the anesthetics. Inhibition of the Poly I:C mediated induction of NK was observed for at least 4 days after anesthesia. In contrast to anesthesia alone, anesthesia with surgery significantly decreased baseline NK activity. However, the addition of surgery to anesthesia did not significantly alter the level of inhibition of NK stimulation by Poly I:C compared to anesthesia treatment alone. Experiments assessing the NK modulatory effects of surgery alone were not performed. Interestingly, neither anesthesia alone nor anesthesia with surgery were able to significantly decrease splenic NK activity that had been induced with Poly I:C prior to anesthesia. In view of the important role of NK cells in the innate immune defenses, the possible clinical applications of these results are discussed.
Determinants of Third Parties’ Intervention and Alignment Choices in Ongoing Conflicts, 1946–2001

The decision to intervene in ongoing conflicts is one of the most difficult foreign policy choices states often face. Yet, studies of third parties' joining behavior have been rare and limited in several respects. First, they have explored only a subset of all interventions—military interventions. Second, they have concentrated on security-based determinants of intervention—power and alliance considerations—while underplaying other possible motivations behind the decision to intervene. Third, they have explored intervention and alignment choices as separate issues. This paper proposes a model of joining behavior that includes both security considerations and homophilous network ties as determinants of third parties' intervention and alignment choices. The model is tested on military and nonmilitary interventions data from [Corbetta and Dixon (2005)][1] for the 1946–2001 period. The results from a boolean logit estimation indicate that (1) the intervention decision is the result of both security-driven, pragmatic considerations and homophily between joiners and disputants; and (2) opposition to a party in a conflict is as important as a third party's social proximity to the side being supported. [1]: #ref-15
The urban growth machine, central place theory and access to open space

Abstract The provision of urban open space occurs through political and economic mechanisms that could marginalize racial minority groups. In this research, we explore two competing hypotheses of marginalized access to open space (greenways, parks, and natural areas). The first hypothesis couples Logan and Molotch’s “growth machine” theory with the concepts of laissez-faire racism and White privilege. Urban space is conceptualized as contested terrain being sought after by local elites who utilize their political and economic will to co-opt government decision making authority. The second hypothesis—central place theory—posits that access to open space is determined by the spatial patterns of economic agglomeration. Analyzing Raleigh, North Carolina as a case study, the results do not support either the growth machine theory or central place theory. Rather, urban growth is found to have very localized social consequences, seen through variations in different racial/ethnic groups’ level of access to open space.
Low delay Distributed Video Coding using data hiding

Distributed Video Coding (DVC) is a popular topic in the research community and the past years have seen several different implementations. DVC has been proposed as a solution for applications that have limited battery resources and low hardware complexity, thus necessitating a low complexity encoder. An ideal application would be in remote surveillance/monitoring or live video conferencing. However, current solutions use iteratively decodable channel codes like LDPCA or Turbo codes that have large latencies. In order to make real-time communication possible. The proposed architecture makes efficient use of Skip blocks to reduce the bitrate, eliminates the iterative decoding nature of the Wyner-Ziv (WZ) channel and uses a simple data-hiding based compression algorithm. This drastically cuts down on the time complexity of the decoding procedure while still maintaining an rate-distortion performance better than that of H.264/AVC Intra coding and other current DVC solutions.
Intelligent agents extend knowledge-based systems feasibility

Episodic classification problems are the transient responsibilities of the knowledge worker—growing and then receding in importance over time. Typically, episodic classification problems do not conform to traditional expert system solutions, and they require specialized architectures to offer decision support and increased span of control for those individuals whose task is expediting the problems. This paper describes a system for addressing episodic classification problems, giving appropriate functional and technical detail, and continues by illustrating the effectiveness of the system through a case study of use of the system.
Evoked potential assessment of cortical adaptation

Visual evoked potential contrast adaptation was measured in normal subjects using a real-time-retrieval swept contrast analysis. Results demonstrated orientation specific adaptation suggesting a cortical locus. Conditions which disturb cortical inhibition (i.e., epilepsy and dopaminergic agents) altered this adaptation effect.
Incremental constitutive laws and their associated failure criteria with application to plain concrete

Abstract A time independent incremental constitutive law corresponding to hypoelasticity is examined with particular reference to its description of failure. Material constants applicable to plain concrete are determined and the resulting law is shown to describe the behavior up to and including failure for both triaxial and combined torsion and compression loading.
Method for the determination of chromium (VI) as chromium (VI)-dibenzyidithiocarbamate

Dibenzyldithiocarbamic acid (DBDC) exhibits the ability to speciate between chromium(VI) and chromium(III), since only the chromium(VI) will form complexes with DBDC. The complex is then extracted into an organic solvent and assayed using an ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) spectrophotometer at 498.8 nm. Using 250 ml of aqueous sample detection limits less than 1 ng/ml are possible, while the linear range extends to 500 gmg/ml when working at 498.8 nm. Oxidation of the chromium(III) to chromium (VI) using cerium (IV) enables the determination of total chromium and subsequently the chromium (III) in solution. Evaluation of the method with a standard reference material produced only 4.81 part per thousand error in the determination of chromium(VI).
Collagen fibrillogenesis in tendon development: current models and regulation of fibril assembly.

Tendons are collagen-based fibrous tissues that connect and transmit forces from muscle to bone. These tissues, which are high in collagen type I content, have been studied extensively to understand collagen fibrillogenesis. Although the mechanisms have not been fully elucidated, our understanding has continued to progress. Here, we review two prevailing models of collagen fibrillogenesis and discuss the regulation of the process by candidate cellular and extracellular matrix molecules. Although numerous molecules have been implicated in the regulation of collagen fibrillogenesis, we focus on those that have been suggested to be particularly relevant to collagen type I fibril formation during tendon development, including members of the collagen and small leucine-rich proteoglycan families, as well as other molecules, including scleraxis, cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, and cytoskeletal proteins.Birth Defects Research (Part C) 84:228‐244, 2008. V C 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Stress relaxation and mechanical equation of state in austenitic stainless steels

Stress relaxation experiments have been performed on types 304 and 316 stainless steel at room temperature. The stress-strain rate data show that these materials exhibit the behavior of mechanical equation of state. The experimental results are discussed using the concept of internal stress.
Divalent metal transporter, iron, and Parkinson's disease: A pathological relationship

Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA; Department of Radiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; UTSA Neuroscience Institute and Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA Cell Research (2010) 20:397-399. doi: 10.1038/cr.2010.39; published online 1 April 2010 Cell Research (2010) 20:397-399. © 2010 IBCB, SIBS, CAS All rights reserved 1001-0602/10 $ 32.00 www.nature.com/cr npg
Numerical techniques in eikonal function theory

Many problems in eikonal function theory can be formulated as an optimization problem in one or more sets of two variables. We show that such problems can be attacked quite successfully by purely numerical methods instead of the usual series developments. As an example, we determine the angle eikonal of a lens designed to form a perfect one-to-one image of a curved object plane onto a flat image plane and then calculate the aberrations when the lens is used backward.
Major arms imports and the onset of civil and ethnic wars in the postcolonial world, 1956–1998: A preliminary reassessment

Abstract This study examines the effects of states’ major arms imports from major powers on the likelihood of civil and ethnic wars in the postcolonial world. Focusing on civil and ethnic wars, respectively, in postcolonial states from 1956 through 1998, this investigation reveals that major arms imports from major powers have no statistically significant effect on either civil or ethnic war onset, considering political, economic, demographic, and geographic factors. The results also demonstrate that there are some different causal mechanisms between the onset of civil and ethnic wars. Finally, this article discusses policy implications and suggests some directions of the further research.
Positional and activity behavior in a captive slow loris: A quantitative assessment

This study examines the positional and activity behavior of a captive slow loris, Nycticebus coucang. The male individual was housed in a primate facility providing a seminatural environment and was subjected to a series of videotape recordings from which 1,878 point observations were taken. The enclosure was designed to allow maximum flexibility of substrate use. Quantitative information detailing activity, positional mode, and substrate geometry was collected using a checklist of 15 variables. Data were tabulated and compared as frequency distributions to describe activity budgets, the use of locomotor and postural modes, and the relation of posture to activity behavior and substrate geometry. The results indicated that almost 90% of the active day may be devoted to behaviors directly or indirectly related to dietary functions. For locomotor behavior, both climbing and walking were associated with the use of diagonal couplets. The loris devoted 52% of its positional behavior to postural modes, favoring the quadrupedal stand, triplets, and sitting. Suspension was found to be used more often in posture than locomotion. Overall, the loris's repertory of positional modes accommodated a wide range of substrate geometries.
Changes in desaturase activity and the fatty acid composition of microsomal membranes from liver tissue of thermally-acclimating rainbow trout

Rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) were acclimated to either 5 or 20°C, and then transferred to the opposite temperature, and changes in the fatty acid composition of liver microsomal membranes and the activities of the hepatic Δ9, Δ6, and Δ5 desaturases were measured at intervals of up to one month post-transfer. Inital changes (days 0–3) in fatty acid composition were: (1) an increase in the proportion of saturates and a decrease in the proportion of polyunsaturates during warm acclimation, and (2) a decrease in the proportion of saturates during cold acclimation. The activity of the Δ6 desaturase approximately doubled immediately following the changes in temperature, but alterations in Δ9 and Δ5 desaturase activities required at least 3 days to occur. The results indicate that desaturase enzymes do not play a major role in the initial adaptation of membrane fatty acid composition to changes in temperature. However, the desaturase enzymes may be involved in the later stages (3–28 days) of the acclimatory process. The proportion of monoenes was well correlated with Δ9 desaturase activity during both transfers, and appeared to be adjusted as required to offset changes in the proportion of polyunsaturates.
Meso-scale stress response of thin ceramic membranes with honeycomb support

Planar solid oxide fuel cells are made up of repeating sequences of electrolytes, electrodes, seals, and current collectors. For electrochemical reasons it is best to keep the electrolyte as thin as possible. However, for electrolyte-supported cells, the thin electrolytes are susceptible to damage during production, assembly, and operation. One of the latest generation electrolytes employs a meso-scale honeycomb layer to support thin, electrochemically efficient membranes. Using finite element analysis, a two-scale model computes distributions of first principal stresses throughout a representative unit cell of the meso-scale structure. Displacement at the macro-scale is informed by meso-scale geometry via a homogenized equivalent stiffness, while the stresses at the two scales are related via a scalar magnification factor. The magnification factor is computed for a variety of geometries and loading conditions. Physical specimens are measured in tension to obtain an experimental magnification factor which agrees well with the simulations. When both the stiffness and magnification factor for a given meso-scale pattern are known, the macro-scale geometry can be analyzed without revisiting the meso-scale model, thus reducing computational time and costs.
Library instruction in women's studies research

Synopsis Libraries must begin to take a much more active role in provision of Women's Studies research resources, as well as instruction in locating and evaluating such resources. In order to do this, it is necessary to have an in-depth knowledge of reference tools available and other existing sources of information relating to Women's Studies and the women's movement. This article attempts to provide the basis for acquiring the necessary expertise and methods needed to keep abreast of recent publications in the field. Associations, newsletters, clearinghouses, networks; esoteric publications; reference books; subject headings; special collections; major bibliographies; periodicals; indexes and abstracts; government documents; non-print, reprint and microform resources; and grant sources are covered. In addition to footnotes, an extensive bibliography is appended.
Search for singlet-triplet bistability or biradicaloid properties in polycyclic conjugated hydrocarbons: a valence-bond analysis

Two classes of molecules displaying singlet-triplet biradical bistability (i.e. species having significant biradicaloid properties) can be designed as follows. Alternant conjugated polycyclic hydrocarbons with numerous fixed double bonds (double bonds that remain unchanged in all its Kekule resonance structures), a large number of Dewar resonance structures which measures the corresponding diradical resonance, and a small HOMO-LUMO band gap which measures the ease of thermal spin inversion are candidates for singlet triplet biradical bistability. Chichibabin's hydrocarbon ( 1 ) is an example. In addition, in the search for candidate molecules having singlet triplet bistability, one should also examine polycyclic conjugated systems having nonalternant induced spin frustration. Spin frustrated nonalternant polycyclic conjugated hydrocarbons will display singlet-triplet bistability (biradicaloid properties) and are generated from alternant valence-bond diradicals or Huckel molecular orbital diradicals having...
Distribution and biological turnover of dissolved organic compounds in the water column of the Black Sea

Abstract Water column concentrations and turnover rates were determined for a suite of low molecular weight organic compounds in the Black Sea. The classes of compounds studied included amino acids, simple sugars, α-keto acids, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, flavins and thiols. Our study yielded some new insights, as well as a few surprising discoveries, regarding the composition and cycling of organic matter in the Black Sea. (1) Uptake rates of organic compounds were from 2 to 4640 times faster in oxic surface waters than in anoxic waters. (2) Sharp maxima or minima in concentrations of organic compounds coincided with zones of enhanced microbial activities, especially in the vicinity of the oxic-suboxic and suboxic-anoxic interfaces. (3) The benthic boundary layer, 300–400 m thick, had a markedly different organic composition and substantially higher concentrations of organic acids, and to a lesser extent sugars and thiols, than the overlying water. (4) A dramatic change in the composition and concentration of dissolved free amino acids occurred in the water column during the cruise and appeared to be related to biological patchiness. (5) Organic thiols constituted a significant portion (e.g. 10–20%) of the total reduced sulfur near the top of the sulfidic zone, and may contribute to the origin of hydrogen sulfide in this zone. (6) Major unknown amine and carbonyl compounds were discovered in the anoxic zone, providing evidence that the Black Sea contains unique anaerobic bacteria with possibly new biochemical pathways.
Strategic Retail Fashion Market Positioning: A Comparative Analysis

Market positioning is perhaps the greatest strategic problem facing the fashion retailer in today's dynamic retail environment. Branded merchandise and changing consumer perceptions/lifestyles make continual market monitoring essential. This study explores explores the dynamics of market positioning in the home fashion arena, as viewed from a consumer lifestyle perspective. Implications for more effective home fashion market positioning by department, specialty, and mass merchandising outlets are also given.
Efficacy of SMS Text Message Interventions for Smoking Cessation: A Meta-Analysis.

Abstract Background Mobile technology provides new opportunities for health promotion communication. The purpose of this study was to conduct a current and extensive meta-analytic review of SMS (short message service) text message-based interventions for individual smoking cessation. Methods Academic Search Complete, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Scopus were reviewed for articles meeting selection criteria: 1) randomized controlled trials, 2) measured smoking cessation, and 3) intervention primarily delivered through SMS text messaging. Three and 6month follow-up of 7-day point prevalence or continuous abstinence was considered from studies meeting criteria. All analyses were conducted with intention-to-treat. Both fixed and random effects models were used to calculate the global outcome measure and confidence intervals. Results Thirteen studies were identified that met inclusion criteria. The studies were found to be homogeneous [ Q 12 =12.47, p =0.14]. Odds ratios based on the random effects models suggested that interventions generally increased quit rates compared to controls, 1.36 [95% CI=1.23, 1.51]. Intervention efficacy was higher in studies with a 3month follow-up compared to 6month follow-up. Text plus programs (e.g., text messaging plus Web or in-person intervention modalities) performed only slightly better than text only programs. Pooled results also indicate message frequency schedule can affect quit rates, in which fixed schedules performed better than decreasing or variable schedules. The use of quit status assessment messages was not related to intervention efficacy. Conclusion Smoking quit rates for the text messaging intervention group were 36% higher compared to the control group quit rates. Results suggest that SMS text messaging may be a promising way to improve smoking cessation outcomes. This is significant given the relatively wide reach and low cost of text message interventions. Identifying the components that make interventions efficacious will help to increase the effectiveness of such interventions.
Cumulative area of peaks in a multidimensional high performance liquid chromatogram

Abstract An algorithm was developed to recognize peaks in a multidimensional separation and calculate their cumulative peak area. To find the retention times of peaks in a one dimensional chromatogram, the Savitzky–Golay smoothing filter was used to smooth and find the first through third derivatives of the experimental profiles. Close examination of the shape of these curves informs on the number of peaks that are present and provides starting values for fitting theoretical profiles. Due to the nature of comprehensive multidimensional HPLC, adjacent cut fractions may contain compounds common to more than one cut fraction. The algorithm determines which components were common in adjacent cuts and subsequently calculates the area of a two-dimensional peak profile by interpolating the surface of the 2D peaks between adjacent peaks. This algorithm was tested by calculating the cumulative peak area of a series of 2D-HPLC separations of alkylbenzenes, phenol and caffeine with varied concentrations. A good relationship was found between the concentration and the cumulative peak area.
Benign rectal ulcer: an underground cause of inpatient lower gastrointestinal bleeding.

Background: Although it is uncommon, significant bleeding per rectum presents one of the most difficult emergency problems. Bleeding from a rectal ulcer is not well recognized as a cause of such bleeding. Methods: From July 2000 through December 2000, 195 consecutive patients with significant blood loss per rectum were reviewed. Results: Forty-eight cases in whom significant gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding occurred following prior hospitalization were identified. Sources of bleeding were gastroduodenal in 38 cases (79%) and colorectal in 10 cases (21%). The causes of inpatient colorectal bleeding were benign rectal ulcer (n = 4), ischemic colitis (n = 3), neoplasia (n = 2), and diversion colitis (n = 1). Conclusion: The differential diagnosis for inpatients who develop new inpatient GI bleeding differs from that of patients who develop outpatient GI bleeding. Careful examination of the rectum following rectal instrumentation is critical. In addition to the standard resuscitative measures, the identification and treatment of rectal ulcers in this group of patients is of paramount importance. The treatment options for bleeding rectal ulcer include conservative therapy, cauterization, embolization, banding, and local excision.
Quantification of human high-molecular-weight kininogen (HMW-KGN) by specific hemagglutination inhibition reaction (39887).

SummaryHMW-KGN bears antigenic determinants shared by LMW-KGN, but also has antigenic properties unique to HMW-KGN. An antiserum which reacted only with HMW-KGN was prepared by exhaustive adsorption of antiserum to both HMW-KGN and LMW-KGN with a preparation of LMW-KGN. Using such an antiserum, HMW-KGN can be quantified by a hemagglutination inhibition assay.
On Causal Coding of Markovian Sources with General Alphabets

We study the structure of optimal causal encoder for a kth order Markovian source, minimizing the total rate subject to a mean-square distortion constraint. In our setup, the source has a general alphabet and the encoder is allowed to be variable-rate. This leads to an optimization problem in an infinite-dimensional space, for which we prove the existence of a solution. We further show that, for k ges 1, the optimal causal encoder for a kth order Markovian source uses only the last k source symbols and the information available at the receiver. For k = 0, however, the optimal causal encoder is memoryless. We also consider the infinite-horizon problem, and provide an existence result for an optimal stationary solution. We further show that for coding of a linear source, the quantization of the innovation is an almost optimal scheme in the limit of low-distortion
Effect of particulate tougheners on the damping of composite laminates

Rubber is commonly added to composites to increase the toughness. This research investigates adding toughening particles to graphite/epoxy composites for the purpose of increasing the vibrational damping. Adding toughening particles to the interlaminar regions of graphite/epoxy is shown to significantly increase the loss factor, although the increase is much less than can be achieved by embedding a viscoelastic damping layer. The bending stiffness and shear modulus, however, are much higher for the samples with embedded particles than samples with a viscoelastic layer. The addition of damping particles could therefore be used for stiffness-critical parts.
Spiky strings in the Bethe ansatz at strong coupling

We study spiky string solutions in AdS{sub 3}xS{sup 1} that are characterized by two spins S, J as well as winding m in S{sup 1} and spike number n. We construct explicitly two-cut solutions by using the SL(2) asymptotic Bethe ansatz equations at leading order in strong coupling. Unlike the folded spinning string, these solutions have asymmetric distributions of Bethe roots. The solutions match the known spiky string classical results obtained directly from string theory for arbitrary semiclassical parameters, including J=0 and any value of S, namely, short and long strings. At large spins and winding number the string touches the boundary, and we find a new scaling limit with the energy given as E-S=(n/2{pi}){radical}(1+[(4{pi}{sup 2})/n{sup 2}](J{sup 2}/ln{sup 2}S+m{sup 2}/ln{sup 2}S))lnS. This is a generalization of the known scaling for the folded spinning string.
Choosing anticancer drug targets in the postgenomic era.

The human genome project will be completed in the early part of the next decade. For example, most of the approximately 105 human mRNAs have already been at least partially cloned and sequenced as cDNAs. These cDNAs, when completed, will provide valuable tools for studying the protein products of their respective mRNAs. The challenge in the postgenomic era will be to apply advances in molecular oncology to select from among this diverse set of proteins the most suitable candidates for anti-cancer drug discovery programs. Here, I outline some considerations that may be helpful in choosing rational drug targets for cancer therapy.
Medication assisted treatment discontinuation in pregnant and postpartum women with opioid use disorder

Abstract Background Increasing use of opioids has led to an increase in the number of pregnant and postpartum women in medication assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder. Methods We (1) conducted a systematic review of published literature on MAT discontinuation (methadone and buprenorphine) in pregnant and postpartum women and (2) determined methadone discontinuation rates in a retrospective cohort (2006–2013) of pregnant and postpartum women in a university affiliated methadone clinic. Results We found limited generalizable literature reports of discontinuation rates, with a range of prenatal discontinuation rates from 0 to 33% and rates which spanned various prenatal and postnatal periods from 26 to 64%. In our cohort of 229 women, 251 pregnancies were reported, with a prenatal methadone discontinuation rate of 11.0%. Based on a Cox proportional hazards model controlling for age, pregnancy outcome, and duration of treatment prior to delivery, the probability of methadone discontinuation at or before 6 months postpartum was 56.0%. Duration of methadone treatment prior to delivery was inversely associated with risk for postpartum discontinuation of treatment (HR = 0.98, 95% CI (0.96, 0.99)). Conclusions We conclude that the postpartum period is a time of increased risk for discontinuation of MAT. More accurate assessment of rates of pre- and postpartum MAT discontinuation, as well as further investigation of factors affecting these rates, is warranted. Development and testing of interventions to encourage early prenatal enrollment in MAT and improve postnatal retention in MAT would benefit pregnant women and new mothers with opioid use disorder.
Alpha 4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit links cholinergic to brainstem monoaminergic neurotransmission

Agonists of nicotinic receptors containing the α4-subunit produce antinociception accompanied by several adverse side effects. The purpose of this study was to determine the distribution of the α4-subunit of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) in brainstem monoaminergic nuclei that may contribute to these effects using dual labeling immunofluorescence methods. The α4-subunit immunoreactivity was enriched in serotonergic (nucleus raphe magnus, pallidus, obscurus, and dorsalis) and noradrenergic (A5, locus coeruleus (LC), A7) areas associated with antinociception, where it was commonly colocalized with serotonin (5-HT) or tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactivity. However, it was also noted that α4 was present in all other brainstem monoaminergic nuclei examined (adrenergic C1–C3, noradrenergic A1–α4, dopamine A9 and A10, nucleus raphe medianus). To determine if α4 agonists could impact neural activity in brainstem, monoaminergic nuclei that are associated with antinociception, the expression of c-Fos in response to the systemic administration of epibatidine (2.5, 5, or 10 μg/kg) was examined. Epibatidine produced a robust (2–5-fold) increase in c-Fos expression, which was not dose dependent, in all of these areas examined except the nucleus raphe magnus. These results suggest that the α4 subunit is positioned to mediate the effects of acetylcholine widely across many, if not all, monoaminergic neurons in the brainstem. These observations emphasize the potential involvement of noradrenergic, as well as serotonergic mechanisms in epibatidine's analgesic effects, and they also suggest that even selective α4 ligand may have widespread effects on brain monoamine neurotransmission. Synapse 49:195–205, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.