cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A NEW METHOD FOR USE OF THE CROSBY-KUGLER INTESTINAL MUCOSAL BIOPSY CAPSULE.

Intestinal mucosal biopsy, introduced by Shiner1 in 1956, is a useful diagnostic and investigational procedure which has received general acceptance.2-4 Examination of fresh small intestinal mucosa with the dissecting microscope and of fixed sectioned specimens with light and electron microscopes has revealed abnormalities in a large number of disease states. These include non-tropical sprue (celiac disease, gluten-sensitive enteropathy, idiopathic steatorrhea),2-4 tropical sprue, Whipple9s disease (intestinal lipodystrophy), regional enteritis, intestinal lymphangectasis, Bassen-Kornzweig syndrome (a-beta-lipoproteinemia, acanthocytosis), acquired idiopathic See Images In The PDF File hypogammaglobulinemia, hookworm infestation, giardiasis, mast cell disease, small intestinal diverticulosis, amyloidosis, lymphosarcoma of the jejunum, and myelomatosis.
Modeling the remnant mass, spin, and recoil from unequal-mass, precessing black-hole binaries: The intermediate mass ratio regime

We revisit the modeling of the properties of the remnant black hole resulting from the merger of a black-hole binary as a function of the parameters of the binary. We provide a set of empirical formulas for the final mass, spin, and recoil velocity of the final black hole as a function of the mass ratio and individual spins of the progenitor. In order to determine the fitting coefficients for these formulas, we perform a set of 128 new numerical evolutions of precessing, unequal-mass black-hole binaries, and fit to the resulting remnant mass, spin, and recoil. In order to reduce the complexity of the analysis, we chose configurations that have one of the black holes spinning, with dimensionless spin $\ensuremath{\alpha}=0.8$, at different angles with respect to the orbital angular momentum, and the other nonspinning. In addition to evolving families of binaries with different spin-inclination angles, we also evolved binaries with mass ratios as small as $q={M}_{1}/{M}_{2}=1/6$. We use the resulting empirical formulas to predict the probabilities of black hole mergers leading to a given recoil velocity, total radiated gravitational energy, and final black hole spin.
Changes in canine cortical and cancellous bone mechanical properties following immobilization and remobilization with exercise

The purpose of this study was to assess cortical and cancellous bone responses to unilateral limb immobilization and, subsequently, to remobilization with exercise, in a young adult canine model. Right forelimbs of 14 1-2-year old mongrel dogs were immobilized in a non-weight-bearing position by a bandage for 16 weeks. Six control dogs were untreated. At 16 weeks, seven immobilized and three control dogs were euthanized. The remaining seven immobilized dogs began a recovery protocol consisting of 16 weeks of kennel confinement (without the right forelimb bandaged) followed by 16 weeks of treadmill exercise conducted three times per week. These seven dogs and three control dogs were euthanized at 48 weeks. Bone mineral density of the proximal radii was determined with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and humeral middiaphyseal cross-sectional areas were determined with computed tomography. Humeri were tested in cranio-caudal three-point bending to failure. Cancellous bone cores from the lateral humeral condyles had wet apparent density determined and were tested to failure in compression. Mechanical properties, bone density, and cross-sectional areas were compared between immobilized (right forelimb), contralateral weight bearing (left forelimb), and control forelimbs with Kruskal-Wallis and post hoc tests. At 16 weeks, bone mineral density, cortical load, yield, and stiffness as well as cancellous bone failure stress, yield stress, and modulus were significantly lower (p < 0.02) for immobilized limbs than control limbs. Immobilized limb cancellous bone mechanical properties were 28%-74% of control values, and cortical bone mechanical properties were 71%-98% of control values. After 32 weeks of remobilization, cortical and cancellous bone mechanical properties were not different from control values except that cortical bone failure stress and modulus were significantly higher (p < 0.01) between remobilized and control limbs. In summary, 16 weeks of forelimb immobilization was associated with significantly lower mechanical properties, and with greater differences in cancellous than cortical bone properties. Mechanical properties were not different from control values after 32 weeks of recovery that included 16 weeks of treadmill exercise.
Richard Bergh's Nordic Summer Evening: Cultural Differences in Interpretation

(1992). Richard Bergh's Nordic Summer Evening: Cultural Differences in Interpretation. Konsthistorisk tidskrift/Journal of Art History: Vol. 61, No. 4, pp. 152-160.
Variations in capture-zone geometry of a partially penetrating pumping well in an unconfined aquifer

Design of effective and efficient pump-and-treat systems requires capture zones of recovery wells to closely circumscribe the contaminant plume. Overestimation of capture zones incurs the undesired expense of treating clean water. Underestimation of capture zones enables contaminants to escape downgradient. Recovery wells in unconfined aquifers commonly penetrate only part of the aquifer either because of its large saturated thickness or the shallow vertical extent of contamination. The capture-zone geometry of a partially penetrating pumping well can differ greatly from that of a fully penetrating one because of vertical flow components near the well. The differences in geometry are far greater if the medium is anisotropic (K{sub h} {ne} K{sub v}). To estimate the capture-zone geometry of a partially penetrating pumping well, a steady-state, finite-difference model was constructed to simulate flow to a well in a regional flow system. The model was used to simulate differences in the velocity field created by changes in (1) the depth of well penetration, (2) the magnitude of the regional hydraulic gradient, and (3) the degree of anisotropy. Following each simulation particle tracking was performed to determine the maximum width, depth, and distance to the stagnation point of the capture zone. Graphs were developed betweenmore » capture-zone width, relative capture-zone depth, distance to the stagnation point, versus the ratio of Q/q (pumping rate/specific discharge). The graphs enable estimates to be made of these geometric parameters for a variety of pumping rates, regional hydraulic gradients, hydraulic conductivities, anisotropy ratios, and degrees of partial penetration.« less
Heterosexual behavior patterns and the spread of HIV/AIDS: the interacting effects of rate of partner change and sexual mixing.

Objectives This study evaluates whether the influence of sexual mixing patterns on the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic curve is sensitive to the prevailing rates of sexual partner change in a population. Study design A biobehavioral macrosimulation model is employed to assess the interacting dynamics of the rates of sexual partner change and patterns of sexual mixing between population subgroups. HIV spread is simulated under 2 rates of partner change scenarios and under various degrees of assortativeness in sexual mixing patterns. Results With high rates of partner change, disassortativeness in sexual mixing tends to increase the overall size of the HIV epidemic. However, when relatively low rates of partner change are simulated, disassortative mixing yields a smaller epidemic. This pattern is further influenced by the underlying sexual transmission probabilities of HIV. Conclusions Each of the various determinants of the sexual spread of HIV must not be considered in isolation. Instead, the interactive nature of those determinants should be accounted for in discussions of HIV epidemic dynamics.
Optimal control of pulse amplification without inversion

We apply an optimal control technique (OCT) to design a secondary coupling pulse that can control the amplification of a given primary optical pulse in a dense media of coherently prepared three-level \ensuremath{\lambda}-type atoms without population inversion. Effects of pulse absorption, amplification, and reshaping by the medium are incorporated in the OCT. We demonstrate numerically that shape-invariant as well as shape-distorted amplification without population inversion can be achieved by properly designing the shape of the coupling pulse. The maximum amplification obtainable is shown to be dependent on the initial atomic coherence as well as the upper bound of the coupling pulse intensity. The group velocity of the primary pulse can also be controlled by the coupling pulse. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Temperature-driven polar anchoring transitions in nematic liquid crystals: computer simulations

Using a collective inverted-pendulum model, we have performed computer simulations of temperature-driven anchoring transitions in nematic liquid crystals. Behavior reminiscent of some of the experimentally observed anchoring transitions was obtained in our simulations. We have thus shown that anchoring transitions can be induced by the thermal motion of the substrate. These effects, which originate in molecules in direct contact with the substrate, then propagate into the bulk of the liquid crystal
Effects of goldthioglucose on alcohol consumption in c57bl mice.

Abstract Alcohol consumption during both the static and dynamic phases of gold-thioglucose-induced obesity was measured in C57BL/Crgl female mice. In the static phase of obesity, GTG-obese mice displayed a decreased alcohol consumption when compared to controls. During the dynamic phase of obesity, GTG-treated animals showed a markedly diminished alcohol consumption in the first week after injection which was followed by a gradual return towards a normal intake for this strain. The results suggest that the observed changes in alcohol consumption are directly related to CNS damage. Alterations in peripheral factors, such as ethanol metabolism and the state of the gastric mucosa, as a resultant of drug treatment were also considered.
Aetiology of secondary depression in male alcoholics.

BACKGROUND Secondary depression is common among primary alcoholics. However, its aetiology is poorly understood. METHOD Forty men with primary alcoholism, abstinent for two weeks or more, with a secondary major depressive episode were compared with forty matched never-depressed primary alcoholic controls for risk factors for depression and recent life events. RESULTS In the six months before the onset of depression depressed alcoholics had experienced significantly more life events, more life events with negative impact, more dependent events caused by alcohol, and more independent events. Significantly more depressed alcoholics than controls had a family history of depression, a family history of suicidal behaviour and had themselves attempted suicide. CONCLUSION Having recent life events, particularly events with negative impact, and a family history of depression are risk factors for secondary depression in alcoholics.
Perceiving Other Planets: Bodily Experience, Interpretation, and the Mars Orbiter Camera

An emerging philosophical perspective called “postphenomenology,” which offers reflection upon human relations to technology, has the potential to increase our understanding of the functions performed by imaging technologies in scientific practice. In what follows, I review some relevant insights and expand them for use in the concrete analysis of practices of image interpretation in science. As a guiding example, I explore how these insights bear upon a contemporary debate in space science over images of the fossilized remains of a river delta on the surface of Mars. These considerations include an analysis of the ways that the objects of study are transformed by the mediating imaging technologies, such as the Mars Orbiter Camera.
N-Linked Oligosaccharides on the Meprin A Metalloprotease Are Important for Secretion and Enzymatic Activity, but Not for Apical Targeting

The α and β subunits of meprins, mammalian zinc metalloendopeptidases, are extensively glycosylated; ∼25% of the total molecular mass of the subunits is carbohydrate. The aim of this study was to investigate the roles of the N-linked oligosaccharides on the secreted form of mouse meprin A. Recombinant meprin α and mutants in which one of the 10 potential Asn glycosylation sites was mutated to Gln were all secreted and sorted exclusively into the apical medium of polarized Madin-Darby canine kidney cells, indicating that no specific N-linked oligosaccharide acts as a determinant for apical targeting of meprin α. Several of the mutant proteins had decreased enzymatic activity using a bradykinin analog as substrate, and deglycosylation of the wild-type protein resulted in loss of 75–100% activity. Some of the mutants were also more sensitive to heat inactivation. In studies with agents that inhibit glycosylation processes in vivo, tunicamycin markedly decreased secretion of meprin, whereas castanospermine and swainsonine had little effect on secretion, sorting, or enzymatic properties of meprin. When all the potential glycosylation sites on a truncated form of meprin α (α-(1–445)) were mutated, the protein was not secreted into the medium, but was retained within the cells even after 10 h. These results indicate that there is no one specific glycosylation site or type of oligosaccharide (high mannose- or complex-type) that determines apical sorting, but that core N-linked carbohydrates are required for optimal enzymatic activity and for secretion of meprin α.
Structure of a rabbit muscle fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase A dimer variant.

National Institutes of Health (GM060616, DK065089); Offices of Biological and Environmental Research; Basic Energy Sciences of the US Department of Energy; National Center for Research Resources
Experimental validation of an undersea free space laser network simulator in turbid coastal conditions

Mobile, high throughput mid-range data communications and robust real-time data networking in the subsea environment that can accommodate high bandwidth sensors such as optical imagers have a potentially high impact as enabling technologies for a variety of future subsea operations in the areas of distributed sensing and real-time wireless feedback and control of unmanned undersea vehicles. Although much work has been done recently in the field of undersea optical free space communications and networking, to date there has yet to be an implementation of a complete multi-node undersea wireless optical data communications network. The deployment and testing of optical wireless network equipment in the undersea environment is expensive and time-consuming, and there is a clear need for a network simulation framework that will allow researchers to evaluate the performances of different networking concepts/configurations under realistic operational and environmental constraints. This paper describes a network simulation approach that uses an accurate time dependent Monte Carlo channel model to simulate the networking physical layer, which can be used in conjunction with higher network layer protocols to simulate larger scale network performance and to help determine hardware requirements for overall network system design in a variety of undersea channel conditions.
Ballistic trajectories for Mercury Orbiter missions using optimal Venus flybys, a systematic search

The considered approach, which has been previously studied by Hollenbeck et al. (1973) makes use of a Venus gravity assist. The search for ideal trajectories for Mercury Orbiter missions involves a determination of trajectories with the lowest possible Mercury approach speed. Ideal Venus-to-Mercury transfers and opportunities are discussed. The second part of the reported investigation is concerned with the determination of suitable trajectories for the trip from earth to Venus. On the basis of the obtained data it appears that the best ten trajectories can deliver spacecraft from a low of 720 kg to a high of 1230 kg to orbits with 500 km periapse and 24 hr periods. The corresponding flight times are 790 days and 1243 days.
The Spinning problem

Neighbor discovery in wireless networks with directional antennas is of crucial importance to many applications. In this paper we propose a variation of the classic neighbor discovery problem which we named the spinning problem. Here we are given an arbitrary number of devices on a plane. Each antenna starts spinning at a given rate and transmitting its location. The initial location and orientation are unknown. The goal is to find the rates that minimize the time for each device to find the location of every other device. We analyze a few particular cases of the problem. Specifically, we describe a polynomial time algorithm for 2 devices, and an exponential algorithm for n devices. It remains unknown whether there exists a polynomial time algorithm for an arbitrary number of antennas.
Reproducibility of low resting testosterone concentrations in endurance trained men

Previous reports indicate endurance trained (ET) men have resting tstosterone concentrations without any significant increases in their luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations. The purpose of this study was to examine the reproducibility of these resting hormonal findings in ET men. Resting blood samples were collected at three separate trials (2 weeks apart) in groups of ET men (n = 15) and age-matched, untrained (UT n = 13) men. Blood specimens were analyzed for total testosterone, LH, cortisol and prolactin. Results indicated that testosterone was significantly (p 0.05) between the groups at any trial. These results confirm earlier findings reported for ET men. Furthermore, the results indicate the resting reproductive hormonal status (i.e., low testosterone) of ET men is reproducible and does not appear to be an artifact of the timing of the blood sampling methodology used.
Appropriateness of accounting data in performance evaluation: An empirical examination of environmental uncertainty as an intervening variable☆

Abstract Rooted in contingency theory, this study puts forth propositions stating (1) that superiors of business units which face higher environmental uncertainty will use a more subjective performance appraisal approach whereas superiors of business units which face lower environmental uncertainty will use a more formula-based performance evaluation approach, and (2) that a stronger fit between environmental uncertainty and performance evaluation style would be associated with higher business unit performance. Findings from 58 business units in eight Fortune 500 firms provide strong support to both sets of these propositions.
Adaptive document block segmentation and classification

This paper presents an adaptive block segmentation and classification technique for daily-received office documents having complex layout structures such as multiple columns and mixed-mode contents of text, graphics, and pictures. First, an improved two-step block segmentation algorithm is performed based on run-length smoothing for decomposing any document into single-mode blocks. Then, a rule-based block classification is used for classifying each block into the text, horizontal/vertical line, graphics, or-picture type. The document features and rules used are independent of character font and size and the scanning resolution. Experimental results show that our algorithms are capable of correctly segmenting and classifying different types of mixed-mode printed documents.
Restoration of bilinearly distorted images: I. finite impulse response linear digital filtering

FIR digital filters based on a minimum-mean-square-error criterion are determined for the restoration of images that undergo bilinear (quadratic and with memory) distortion in the presence of additive, signal-independent noise. Results are applied to one- and two-dimensional images distorted in partially coherent imaging systems. The effects of coherence, noise, and the length of the FIR filter on image restorability are assessed.
Engineering the information technology curriculum with pervasive themes

Building a curriculum is an engineering process much like others. It specifies a curriculum, designs an instructional program, assesses its results and, like other engineering processes, is based on an underlying theory. This paper will survey the specification, theory, design and assessment of the SIGITE Information Technology curriculum. It is necessarily a survey because of the breadth of these topics, but the engineering perspective proposed will yield a framework in which much current activity can be understood and guided, and in which missing elements can be identified and proposed. Within this context, a significant element of specification is the pervasive theme - those deep, recurring and enduring understandings that lie at the heart of the IT discipline and define us as members of a shared profession. A methodology is given for instructional design that supports pervasive themes while not diminishing instructional time already committed to traditional topical coverage and skills mastery. Finally, recommendations are made for how SIGITE can support instructional design for pervasive themes.
Effect of prestimulation on sentence comprehension by aphasic subjects

Aphasic subjects and controls were tested to determine whether comprehension of spoken sentences was enhanced by prestimulation concerning their contents. For each of the 20 test points, the subject listened to the test sentence and selected the corresponding picture from among four pictures presented simultaneously. The preparatory suggestions were given in one test condition and withheld in the other. Each prestimulation consisted of one or two sentences that indicated the persons, objects, or general situation to be presented in the test sentence. Analysis of variance indicated that the effect of the prestimulation was not significant.
Intimate Partner Violence among West African Immigrants

Although the number of African immigrants arriving to the United States has increased significantly, there has been little investigation regarding their experiences of intimate partner violence or coping strategies. This study used focus groups and individual interviews to explore intimate partner violence among 32 heterosexual West African immigrants. Results suggest that although cultural expectations influence their coping strategies, West African-born men and women face different realities, with women reporting multiple instances of abuse and a sense of frustration with the existing options for assistance. Although participants discussed multilevel support structures within the immediate West African community to address intimate partner violence, all of these options maintained a gender hierarchy, leaving women dissatisfied. Challenges and barriers to partner violence resolution and coping strategies are identified. Results are examined in terms of their implications for addressing the needs of this underserved population. Implications for future research and services are discussed and highlighted.
Flow variation and substrate type affect dislodgement of the freshwater polychaete, Manayunkia speciosa

AbstractWe quantified microscale flow forces and their ability to entrain the freshwater polychaete, Manayunkia speciosa, the intermediate host for 2 myxozoan parasites (Ceratomyxa shasta and Parvicapsula minibicornis) that cause substantial mortalities in salmonid fishes in the Pacific Northwest. In a laboratory flume, we measured the shear stress associated with 2 mean flow velocities and 3 substrates and quantified associated dislodgement of polychaetes, evaluated survivorship of dislodged polychaetes, and observed behavioral responses of the polychaetes in response to increased flow. We used a generalized linear mixed model to estimate the probability of polychaete dislodgement for treatment combinations of velocity (mean flow velocity = 55 cm/s with a shear velocity = 3 cm/s, mean flow velocity = 140 cm/s with a shear velocity = 5 cm/s) and substrate type (depositional sediments and analogs of rock faces and the filamentous alga, Cladophora). Few polychaetes were dislodged at shear velocities...
Autoclave processing of long fiber thermoplastic composites

Abstract Models for management of volatiles and resin flow during autoclave processing of long fiber thermoplastics composites are developed and described. Comparison of model predictions with data is favorable.
Change in the physiological state of a cell population as a function of culture growth and age (Tetrahymena geleii)

Abstract By growing small numbers of Tetrahymena in culture pipettes, very accurate growth curves are obtainable. This method permits precise determinations of the length of lag phase, which, in turn, can be used as a measure of the physiological state of inocula withdrawn from standard cultures of various ages. The experiments demonstrate a steady shift in the physiological state of the cells and constitution of the medium during the logarithmic and stationary phases of culture growth. The total logarithmic period cannot be considered as physiologically homogeneous even though the average cell generation time remains constant. The lag phase is a period of readjustment to the medium by the newly inoculated cell population. No significant alteration of the medium is detectable during the lag period.
Short-distance probes for protein backbone structure based on energy transfer between bimane and transition metal ions

The structure and dynamics of proteins underlies the workings of virtually every biological process. Existing biophysical methods are inadequate to measure protein structure at atomic resolution, on a rapid time scale, with limited amounts of protein, and in the context of a cell or membrane. FRET can measure distances between two probes, but depends on the orientation of the probes and typically works only over long distances comparable with the size of many proteins. Also, common probes used for FRET can be large and have long, flexible attachment linkers that position dyes far from the protein backbone. Here, we improve and extend a fluorescence method called transition metal ion FRET that uses energy transfer to transition metal ions as a reporter of short-range distances in proteins with little orientation dependence. This method uses a very small cysteine-reactive dye monobromobimane, with virtually no linker, and various transition metal ions bound close to the peptide backbone as the acceptor. We show that, unlike larger fluorophores and longer linkers, this donor–acceptor pair accurately reports short-range distances and changes in backbone distances. We further extend the method by using cysteine-reactive metal chelators, which allow the technique to be used in protein regions of unknown secondary structure or when native metal ion binding sites are present. This improved method overcomes several of the key limitations of classical FRET for intramolecular distance measurements.
Diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced degenerative, proliferative and neoplastic lesions in the liver of the medaka (Oryzias latipes) following short-term exposure

Abstract To test the effects of short-term exposure of diethylnitrosamine (DEN) on the liver of the medaka, groups of medaka were exposed for 48 h to relatively low (100 mg/liter), medium (200 mg/liter), and high levels (400 mg/liter) of DEN and sequential sacrifices made over a 6 month post-exposure period. Many of the lesions seen have been reported in studies using lower level, long-term exposures and included hepatocellular necrosis, spongiosis hepatis, foci of cellular alteration and benign and malignant biliary and hepatocellular neoplasms. Higher exposure levels led to increased severity and incidence of many of the lesions seen within the time frame of the study.
Metallurgical factors controlling impact properties of two phase steels

Microstructural elements were identified and characterized which have a significant influence on the impact properties of dual-phase alloys. Iron base alloys were used. One of these had a composition of 2.0 wt % Si. (FS)
TOPOLOGICAL HOCHSCHILD HOMOLOGY AND THE CONDITION OF HOCHSCHILD-KOSTANT-ROSENBERG

*Partially supported by the NSF and the Sloan Foundation. †Partially supported by the Missouri Research Council.
Fluid exchange in tunnel and tube capillaries.

Abstract The phenomena of fluid exchange in blood capillaries described by Starling's hypothesis are analyzed in terms of the properties of the endothelial barrier and the surrounding tissue. Two types of capillaries are defined: tube capillaries, where the rate of fluid exchange between intra- and extravascular space is determined by the capillary filtration coefficient, and tunnel capillaries, where the rate of exchange is determined by the hydraulic properties of the interstitium. The functional exchange properties of capillaries in mesentery, omentum, and cremaster muscle are shown to be those of tube capillaries. In hypothetical three-dimensional tissues whose capillaries and interstitium have the properties of mesentery, the functional aspects of fluid exchange can be explained by either model. It is also shown that in tissues whose capillaries are of the tunnel type exchange is strongly influenced by the capillary spacing. These results provide a basis of determining the relative importance of the endothelial barrier versus the surrounding medium as factors that govern fluid exchange.
Reevaluation of the Magnitudes of Three Destructive Aftershocks of the 1886 Charleston Earthquake

A review of newspaper reports of the three largest aftershocks of the August 31, 1886 Charleston earthquake, which occurred on October 22, 1886 (5:20 am and 2:45 pm local time) and on November 5, 1886 (12:20 pm local time), documents that they were felt over larger areas than those listed in current catalogs. We estimated felt areas and area within various isoseismal levels. Using recursion relationships of Johnston (1996) between intensity areas and their seismic moments, we have calculated their moment magnitudes. Our results give Mw of 5.1, 5.7, and 5.3 for the three events, significantly greater than the mb 4.4, 4.7, and 4.4, respectively, listed in current catalogs. These new magnitude estimates are probably more reasonable values for the largest aftershocks of the M 7.3 mainshock.
Particle streak velocimetry and CH laser-induced fluorescence diagnostics in strained, premixed, methane–air flames

We present the use of simultaneous particle streak velocimetry (PSV) and CH planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) diagnostics in the study of planar, strained, premixed, methane–air flames, stabilized in a jet-wall stagnation flow. Both PSV and PLIF data are imaged at high spatial resolution and sufficiently high framing rates to permit an assessment of flame planarity and stability. Concurrent measurements of mixture composition, (Bernoulli) static-pressure drop, and stagnation-plate temperature provide accurate boundary conditions for numerical simulations. The new PSV implementation is characterized by very low particle loading, high accuracy, and permits short recording times. This PSV implementation and analysis methodology is validated through comparisons with previous laminar flame-speed data and detailed numerical simulations. The reported diagnostic suite facilitates the investigation of strained hydrocarbon–air flames, as a function of nozzle-plate separation to jet-diameter ratio, L/d, and equivalence ratio, ɸ. Methane–air flames are simulated using a one-dimensional streamfunction approximation, with full chemistry (GRI-Mech 3.0), and multi-component transport. In general, we find good agreement between experiments and simulations if boundary conditions are specified from measured velocity fields. Methane–air flame strength appears to be slightly overpredicted, with the largest disagreements for lean flames.
Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) in gynecologic oncology: technique and initial report.

Abstract Objectives Recent reports suggest that laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS), also known as single-port surgery, is technically feasible in treating a variety of disease processes. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of LESS for the surgical treatment of various gynecologic cancers or precancerous conditions through both laparoscopic and robotic-assisted approaches. Methods A single institution retrospective review of patients treated with LESS on the gynecologic oncology service in 2009 was performed. Patients underwent surgery through a single 2–3 cm umbilical incision with a multi-channel SILS™ port for laparoscopic cases or a single-channel Gelport® for robotic cases on the daVinci® Surgical System. Results Thirteen patients had LESS surgery performed, nine done laparoscopically and four robotically. Procedures included endometrial cancer staging ( n =1), ovarian cancer staging ( n =1), retroperitoneal pelvic lymph node dissection ( n =1), risk-reducing extrafascial hysterectomy/bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO, n =2) and BSO alone ( n =5), and an ovarian cystectomy ( n =1) and BSO ( n =2) for complex adnexal masses. Median patient age and BMI were 47 years and 28, respectively. Median operating time was 65 min. All procedures were successfully performed via a single incision and no post-operative complications occurred. The majority of patients required no narcotics post-operatively. Conclusion We present the first series of laparoendoscopic single-site surgery for the treatment of various gynecologic oncology conditions. LESS is feasible in select patients by laparoscopic or robotic-assisted techniques. Further studies are needed to better define the ideal gynecologic procedures for single-site surgery and to assess the benefits of LESS compared with more conventional minimally invasive approaches.
Faculty Issues in Rural Community Colleges.

This chapter reviews the literature regarding the issues and challenges facing rural community colleges in their efforts to attract qualified candidates for full-time faculty vacancies. It discusses factors related to the socialization of faculty into the rural community college environment and provides recommendations for policy and practice.
Fatigue and microcracking of concrete

The direct and indirect methods of examining microcracks are reviewed. It is concluded that the discontinuity stress is a fundamental property of concrete. It signifies (1) the end of the quasi-elastic behavior of concrete (2) the long time sustained strength of concrete, (3) the point at which the Poisson's ratio starts to increase, and (4) the point at which mortar cracks begin to develop extensively. However, a logical and measurable definition of discontinuity stress has not yet been found. This paper suggests a new approach to define discontinuity stress based on fatigue tests. The fatigue interactions surface is derived, which reveals a measurable “kink”. This “kink” represents the discontinuity stress. Below this “kink” in the high cycle region, microcracks are developing as bond cracks in a slow gradual process. Above the “kink” in the low cycle region, mortar cracks are forming continuous networks.
Enzyme−Nanoparticle Functionalization of Three-Dimensional Protein Scaffolds

Various surface modification techniques have been developed for patterning functional biomolecules in two dimensions, allowing enzymes, antibodies, and other compounds to be localized for applications in bioanalysis and bioengineering. Here, we report a strategy for extending high-resolution patterning of biomolecules to three dimensions. In this approach, three-dimensional protein scaffolds are created by a direct-write process in which multiphoton excitation promotes photochemical cross-linking of protein molecules from aqueous solution within specified volume elements. After scaffold fabrication, protein microstructures are functionalized with enzyme−gold nanoparticle conjugates via a targeting process based in part on electrostatic attraction between the low-isoelectric-point enzyme and the microstructure, fabricated from high-isoelectric-point proteins. High signal-to-background ratios (∼20:1) are demonstrated for fluorescent product streams created by dephosphorylation of the fluorogenic compound, f...
Recent Developments in the Roles of Vitamins and Minerals in Reproduction

Vitamins and minerals affect reproductive function. Vitamin A deficiency has long been known to affect reproductive function in cattle. More recently, a role has been proposed for the vitamin A percursor, beta-carotene, in reproductive efficiency. Dietary supplementation with vitamin E and selenium may reduce the incidence of retained placenta, but these nutrients may also affect reproductive function in other ways. Calcium and phosphorus deficiencies affect reproduction in cattle, and vitamin D may directly affect reproductive function in addition to its role in calcium and phosphorus metabolism. Dietary manipulation of a number of other vitamins and minerals also influences reproductive function. However, the specific roles of nutrients in reproductive tissues are not well-defined in dairy cattle, and nutrient requirements for optimal reproductive efficiency in modern dairy cattle deserve careful reevaluation. This review provides a background of the effect of vitamins and minerals on reproduction and it attempts to provide a basis for further investigation of specific mechanisms by which reproductive function is affected. The interface between nutritional science and reproductive physiology provides considerable potential for optimizing reproductive efficiency in dairy cattle.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of the Kv1.2 Potassium Channel

Voltage-gated ion channels are membrane proteins that open and close in response to voltage changes across the membrane. Voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels are composed of two structurally and functionally separate domains, a voltage-sensing domain (VSD) and the ion conducting pore (PD). The voltage-sensing domain is comprised of four transmembrane segments that are highly charged and move in response to changes in the electric potential resulting in opening of the channel. We have developed complete models of the Kv1.2 channel in the open and closed state using the homology, de novo, and domain assembly methods of the structure prediction program ROSETTA. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were carried out to refine selected candidates of the open and closed state models of Kv1.2 in an explicit water-membrane environment. Each model was simulated for 100ns in the presence of a positive or negative voltage using the program NAMD. The magnitude of the gating charge that is transferred across the membrane upon opening of the channel is calculated based on 500ns of MD simulations of the full-channel and the isolated VSDs. In addition FEP simulations were performed to calculate the free energy of neutralizing (transmembrane) charged residues on the voltage-sensing helices, and to determine the fraction of the transmembrane voltage acting on each residue. The contribution of several charged residues (on the S4 and S2 segments) to the gating charge was then obtained by calculating the “electric” displacement of each amino acid side chain in the external field. The results show that the transmembrane electric field is focused inside the voltage sensor domains and that the gating charge arises mainly from the three positively charged residues located on the S4 segment.
Hyper-structure mining of frequent patterns in uncertain data streams

Data uncertainty is inherent in many real-world applications such as sensor monitoring systems, location-based services, and medical diagnostic systems. Moreover, many real-world applications are now capable of producing continuous, unbounded data streams. During the recent years, new methods have been developed to find frequent patterns in uncertain databases; nevertheless, very limited work has been done in discovering frequent patterns in uncertain data streams. The current solutions for frequent pattern mining in uncertain streams take a FP-tree-based approach; however, recent studies have shown that FP-tree-based algorithms do not perform well in the presence of data uncertainty. In this paper, we propose two hyper-structure-based false-positive-oriented algorithms to efficiently mine frequent itemsets from streams of uncertain data. The first algorithm, UHS-Stream, is designed to find all frequent itemsets up to the current moment. The second algorithm, TFUHS-Stream, is designed to find frequent itemsets in an uncertain data stream in a time-fading manner. Experimental results show that the proposed hyper-structure-based algorithms outperform the existing tree-based algorithms in terms of accuracy, runtime, and memory usage.
Foreign capital inflow and economic growth in LDCs

The implications of foreign capital inflow are re-examined in a neoclassical model of economic growth (a la Chow-Zeng, Applied Economics Letters, 8, pp. 613–15, 2001). By following the definition of the steady state stock of aggregate capital, it is shown that under normal depreciation of foreign capital and the natural rate of growth of labour force, an inflow of foreign capital may or may not increase the per capita domestic capital and consumption of the host nation.
Leukemia Inhibitory Factor Binds to Human Breast Cancer Cells and Stimulates Their Proliferation

Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is a cytokine that was originally described as a differentiation factor of a murine myeloid leukemia cell line and subsequently found to be an important mediator of embryonic development. Although extensively studied in the hematopoietic system, its effects on solid tumors are generally unknown. In the present study we investigated the role of LIF in human breast cancer cells. Using the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, we found that the human breast carcinoma MCF-7 cell line expressed the message for both LIF receptor and its signal-transducing protein gp130, suggesting that these receptors might be biologically active. Binding studies with radiolabeled LIF demonstrated that MCF-7 cells interacted with this cytokine, and the ligand binding was specific and time, dose, and temperature dependent. In addition, a Scatchard analysis of the data revealed a single class of high-affinity (Kd 0.27 nM) receptors with a density of approximately 430 sites per cell. MCF-7 cells exposed to LIF internalized and degraded the ligand. LIF stimulated the growth of MCF-7 as well as other estrogen-dependent and independent breast cancer cell lines, but the effect on normal breast epithelial lines was less significant. Likewise, it stimulated colony formation by breast cancer cells obtained from five different breast cancer patients in a dose-dependent fashion. These results overall suggest that human breast tumor cells express functional LIF receptors that play a role in breast cancer cell proliferation.
Integrating a New Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology Course Sequence into the PharmD Curriculum

Objective. To evaluate the implementation of an integrated medicinal chemistry/pharmacology course sequence and its alignment with a therapeutics series. Design. Each topic was divided into modules consisting of 2-hour blocks, and the content was integrated and aligned with the therapeutics series. Recitation sessions emphasizing application skills in an interactive environment followed each of three 2-hour blocks. To ensure that students achieved competency in each unit, students failing any unit examination were encouraged to undergo remediation. Assessment. Student feedback was collected by an independent researcher through social media and focus groups and relayed anonymously to course directors for midcourse improvements. Responses from surveys, interviews, and student ratings of faculty members and of courses were used to implement changes for future editions of the courses. Conclusion. The majority of students and faculty members felt the integration and alignment processes were beneficial changes to the curriculum. Elements of the new sequence, including remediation, were viewed positively by students and faculty members as well.
High-dose chemotherapy for breast cancer.

BREAST CANCER INCIDENCE AND mortality have been stable or declining since about 1992, the first decline since statistics were available. Whilescreeninghasresultedinahigher percentageofpatientswithearlystagedisease and improved survival, mortality at 10yearsexceed60%for thosewith10or more involved lymphnodesor largeprimary tumors. Virtually all patients who initially present with or later develop metastaticbreastcancerultimatelydieof their disease. Of 1581 women with metastatic breast cancer treated at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center with the conventional dose of 5-fluorouracil doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide, only 263 (17%) obtained a complete response and 49 (3%) were in the same complete response 5 years later. Currently, 26 (1.3%) are in complete response. Event-free survivors were only found among women who achieved a complete response to chemotherapy, which is an important surrogate end point, necessary but not sufficient for a cure. In laboratory models of breast cancer, thedoseofchemotherapycorrelates with curative therapy. Pilot studies of high-dose therapy with bone marrow transplant (BMT) were promising and randomized studies were designed and begun in the first half of this decade. All 9 reports of randomized trials of high-dose therapy in high-risk primary and metastatic breast cancer, are included in this review (TABLE 1). Treatment-related mortality in the randomized trials is consistently low (0% to 2.5%) except for the CALGB Intergroup study, which had a 7.4% toxic mortality rate. The ABMT Registry reports a similarly low treatmentrelated mortality rate of 3%.
Aflatoxin production by a variant of Aspergillus oryzae (NRRL strain 1988) on cowpeas (Vigna sinensis)

Aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, and G2 are produced when a variant of Aspergillus oryzae (NRRL strain 1988) is grown on cowpeas or rice. The present study indicates that a strain of Aspergillus oryzae approved for use in food processing is variable and the resulting variant, unlike the parent strain, has a propensity to produce aflatoxin.
Perceptions of self-efficacy for two types of second language methods instruction

A mixed method design was used to investigate the effects of online second language (L2) methodology instruction on the sense of efficacy of teacher-candidates enrolled in initial licensure programs for L2 teachers. More specifically, the researcher examined the extent to which L2 teacher-candidates completing online L2 methodology instruction perceived themselves to be less confident in their ability to teach L2 learners upon completion of their coursework than did their counterparts who completed the same instruction in a F2F setting. Results of the study emphasized the confidence-related benefits of F2F L2 methodology instruction. Completers of the F2F courses experienced a significantly greater increase in confidence to teach L2 learners than did their online peers in regard to all but three of the 16 survey items measuring teacher efficacy. Data suggested that observing demonstrations of teaching strategies and witnessing classroom dynamics allowed the teacher-candidates in the F2F classes to see how...
Primary total hip arthroplasty using a modular proximally coated prosthesis in patients older than 70: two to eight year results☆

Patients older than 70 years who underwent primary total hip arthroplasty using a modular proximally porous-coated femoral stem with an ingrowth hemispherical acetabular component were evaluated. This included 135 hips in 122 patients, with an average 5-year follow-up period. This study included 96 patients (107 hips) still living; 26 patients (28 hips) patients had died, and 8 patients were lost to follow up. In this study, 93% of patients had little or no pain, and 95% were extremely or very satisfied with the operation. Mean Harris Hip score was 83, with a Short Form-36 (SF-36) physical component and mental component summary score of 41 and 51, respectively. Osteolysis surrounding the femur was seen in 8 hips (7%) and around the acetabulum in 6 hips (5%). No components were loose or required revision.