cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ontogenetic patterns of thyrotropin-releasing hormone-like material in rat hypothalamus, pancreas, and retina: selective effect of light deprivation

Recent observations have shown the presence of thyrotropin-releasing hormone-like material (TRH-LM) in rat pancreatic islets and in retina. Its immunological and biological properties are identical to those of synthetic thyrotropin-releasing hormone (thyroliberin). This communication deals with the ontogenesis of TRH-LM in rat pancreas and retina as compared to that of rat hypothalamus. Effects of sex and exposure to constant dark were also studied. Results show that asynchronous changes in the concentration of TRH-LM occur during the postnatal maturation of these tissues, presumably mediated by organ-specific control mechanisms--e.g., light affects only the accumulation of TRH-LM in the retina. TRH-LM may act as neurotransmitter in the regulation of pancreatic islet cell function and in the development of photo-reception in the retina. Increases in hypothalamic TRH-LM seem to parallel the development of the pituitary-thyroid secretory activity, but the function of extrahypothalamic TRH-LM remains speculative.
Toward Volumetric MR Thermometry With the MASTER Sequence

MR temperature monitoring is an indispensable tool for high intensity focused ultrasound. In this paper, a new technique known as MASTER (multiple adjacent slice thermometry with excitation refocusing) is presented which improves the speed and accuracy of multiple-slice MR thermometry. Defocusing the magnetization after exciting a slice allows for multiple slices to be excited concurrently and stored in k-space. The magnetization from each excitation is then refocused and read in sequence. This approach increases TE for each slice, greatly improving temperature SNR as compared to conventional slice interleaving. Gradient sequence design optimization is required to minimize diffusion losses while maintaining high sequence efficiency. Flexibility in selecting position, update rate, accuracy, and voxel size for each slice independently allows for freedom in design to fit different application needs. Results are shown in phantom and in vivo validating the feasibility of the sequence, and comparing it to interleaved GRE. Sample design curves are presented that contrast the MASTER design space with that of interleaved GRE thermometry.
Spatial markets and the potential for economic integration between Canadian and U.S. regions

The potential for further economic integration among Canadian and American regions is measured by comparing province-to-state trade with state-to-state trade, where the latter is used as a benchmark of integration. To accomplish this, an attraction constrained gravity model is derived from micro foundations and estimated. The analysis demonstrates that after controlling for variations in output, distance, wages, productivity, and localization economies, the border remains a significant barrier to trade, although much less than previous estimates of the border effect using internal Canadian trade as a benchmark. The model's results also indicate that the border's influence varies across sectors, and the influence appears to be, in part, related to the presence of tariff and non-tariff barriers.
Uranium Rich Sediments on the East Pacific Rise

SEDIMENTS on mid-ocean ridges associated with ocean floor spreading and high heat flow are poor in Al, Ti, Si, Cu, Co, Ni and rare earth elements, and enriched in Fe, Mn, V, Cd, Hg, As, B, Cr, Ba and P, compared with other pelagic sediments. The origin of these distribution patterns is not fully understood but is most likely the result of volcanic processes associated with the degassing of the mantle under spreading ridges1–5.
Cardinality-restricted chains and antichains in partially ordered sets

Abstract For a given poset and positive integer κ, four problems are considered. Covering : Determine a minimum cardinality cover of the poset elements by chains (antichains), each of length (width) at most κ. Optimization : Given also weights on the poset elements, find a chain (antichain) of maximum total weight among those of length (width) at most κ. It is shown that the chain covering problem is NP-complete, while chain optimization is polynomial-time solvable. Several classes of facets are derived for the polytope generated by incidence vectors of antichains of width at most κ. Certain of these facets are then used to develop a polyhedral combinatorial algorithm for the antichain optimization problem. Computational results are given for the algorithm on randomly generated posets with up to 1005 elements and 4 ⩽ κ ⩽ 30.
Lipid oxidation in food emulsions

Lipid oxidation is a major cause of quality deterioration in food emulsions. The design of foods with improved quality depends on a better understanding of the physicochemical mechanisms of lipid oxidation in these systems. The oxidation of emulsified lipids differs from that of bulk lipids, because of the presence of the droplet membrane, the interactions between the ingredients, and the partitioning of ingredients between the oil, aqueous and interfacial regions.
Distribution of alleles of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T gene polymorphism in familial spina bifida.

Spina bifida cystica (SB) is one of the most common and disabling of birth defects. Folic acid supplementation in mothers during the periconceptional period has been shown to prevent more than 70% of neural tube defects (NTD) including SB. However, the mechanism is unknown. We tested a series of multicase SB families in which 224 individuals were genotyped and a group of 215 unrelated unaffected (external) control individuals for association of SB with the T allele of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism that produces a heat-labile enzyme protein. The data were analyzed using first the transmission/disequilibrium test (TDT) and second a modified case-control study design with Monte Carlo sampling methods. No association of SB with the MTHFR T allele was found by either method. Presently, association between SB and the T allele has been found in four studies, a Dutch study, an Irish study, a North American study, and an Italian study. But no association was found in four other studies, a British study, a French study, a Turkish study, and a German study. A California population-based study found only modestly increased risk of SB with this allele that was not significant at the P < 0.05 level. The present study finds no evidence of the association. Only one other study, the German study, has used TDT analysis. The present study is the first to use a modified case-control study design with Monte Carlo sampling methods to test this association. Thus, it appears that the MTHFR T allele is a risk factor for SB in some populations but not others. Major genetic risk factors for folate-related SB remain to be found.
Identification of 5'-deoxypyridoxine-3-sulfate as the major urinary metabolite of 5'-deoxypyridoxine in rats with comments on the inhibition of arylsulfatase activity and manganese dioxide oxidation by neighboring groups.

The major urinary metabolite of 5′-deoxypyridoxine in rats was shown to be identical to 5′-deoxypyridoxine-3-sulfate but different from 5′-deoxypyridoxine-4′-sulfate in its ultraviolet and infrared spectra, its migration in thin-layer chromatography, and its behavior in acid and base. Previous identification of the metabolite as 5′-deoxypyridoxine-4′-sulfate by other workers was based on its failure to be hydrolyzed by arylsulfatase and to be oxidized by manganese dioxide. We have now demonstrated that ortho-methyl groups inhibit arylsulfatase and that ortho-sulfate groups inhibit oxidation by manganese dioxide. Therefore, we conclude that under our conditions the major metabolite of 5′-deoxypyridoxine in the rat was the 3-sulfate.
Detecting Insider Theft of Trade Secrets

MITRE researchers designed a prototype system for identifying insider threats, which prompted a team of engineers and social scientists to experimentally study how malicious insiders use information differently from a benign baseline group. This research provides new insight into how malicious insiders behave.
Optimal reward on a sparse tree with random edge weights

It is well known that the maximal displacement of a random walk indexed by an m -ary tree with bounded independent and identically distributed edge weights can reliably yield much larger asymptotics than a classical random walk whose summands are drawn from the same distribution. We show that, if the edge weights are mean-zero, then nonclassical asymptotics arise even when the tree grows much more slowly than exponentially. Our conditions are stated in terms of a Minkowski-type logarithmic dimension of the boundary of the tree.
Increased STAT-3 and synchronous activation of Raf-1-MEK-1-MAPK, and phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase-Akt-mTOR pathways in atypical and anaplastic meningiomas

The intracellular events promoting meningioma cell proliferation in high grade tumors are not established. In this study we compared 45 WHO grade I and 35 grade II or III meningiomas by Western blot or immunohistochemistry for phosphorylation/activation of the MEK-1-MAPK, PI3 K-Akt-mTOR-PRAS40 and STAT3 pathways. By Western blot, STAT3 activation was detected in 75% of grade I compared to 100% of grade II and III meningiomas. By immunohistochemistry p-STAT3 was detected in 28% of grade I compared to 65 or 66% of grade II and III meningiomas, respectively. Phosphorylated MEK-1 and p-MAPK were activated in nearly all grade I, II and III tumors. Phosphorylated Akt was also detected in the majority of meningiomas of each grade although downstream pathway component activation was less widespread. These findings suggest that there is increased STAT3 activation in WHO grade II and III meningiomas compared with grade I tumors. Moreover, each of the three major growth regulatory pathways is concomitantly activated in higher grade meningiomas.
A new characterization of quasi-analytic classes of C-functions.

Abstract It is shown that a basic class C{Mn} of C∞-functions contains only quasi-analytic functions if, and only if, every function in C{Mn} maps Borel sets onto Borel sets.
Monofunctional adenine N-3 adducts of melphalan: occurrence at a mutational hotspot sequence and resistance to removal by AlkA protein.

Previous work showed that a CTAAA sequence in the supF gene of the shuttle plasmid pZ189 was a hotspot for mutagenesis by the aromatic nitrogen mustards melphalan and chlorambucil, and indirect evidence suggested adenine N-3 adducts as premutagenic lesions. In order to characterize the adducts formed at this sequence more directly, a substrate was prepared in which the three adjacent adenines in the CTAAA sequence were 3H-labeled. Following treatment of this substrate with [14C]melphalan, thermolabile adducts were depurinated and analyzed by HPLC. Only a single peak bearing both 3H and 14C label was detected and it coeluted with the single major adduct formed by the reaction of melphalan with free adenine base. Various spectrometric analyses of this species were all consistent with its identification as a monofunctional adenine N-3 adduct of melphalan. There was no evidence for any bifunctional adducts involving the labeled adenines. There was little if any release of the adenine N-3 adduct of melphalan by Escherichia coli AlkA protein, under conditions where 3-methyladenine was quantitatively released. The results support the proposal that monofunctional adenine N-3 adducts are intermediates in the generation of T A and T G transversions by aromatic nitrogen mustards. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 31:333–339, 1998 © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Comparison between photoluminescence and Raman scattering in disordered and ordered alloys of GaInP

Abstract We have studied the photoluminescence spectra in both ordered and disordered phases of Ga0.5In0.5P alloy as a function of pressure. We found evidence of a pressure-induced conversion of Ga0.5In0.5P from a direct band gap semiconductor to an indirect band gap semiconductor owing to lowering of the X conduction band valleys relative to the minimum at the zone centre. Raman spectra in Ga0.5In0.5P samples doped with Se donors are reported. In ordered Ga0.5In0.5P electronic Raman scattering from single-particle excitations indicates the existence of a high-density electron gas which is absent in a similarly doped disordered sample.
How Research Is Conducted in a Private Practice

This article aims to describe how ethically and efficiently research has been conducted in our practice. What started out as a very informal set of internal checks and balances at our practice has evolved into a very busy research department. We now have numerous internal and external studies. Research opportunities include computer-aided detection, full field breast ultrasound, elasticity imaging, cone beam computed tomography of the breast, and breast tomosynthesis. There are many ways a mammography center can conduct research; we have found that commitment is a major factor. Each project needs adequate time and supervision. The dedication must be there to see the projects through to completion.
Limits on split supersymmetry from gluino cosmology

An upper limit on the masses of scalar superpartners in split supersymmetry is found by considering cosmological constraints on long-lived gluinos. Over most of parameter space, the most stringent constraint comes from big bang nucleosynthesis. A TeV mass gluino must have a lifetime of less than 100 seconds to avoid altering the abundances of D and Li-6. This sets an upper limit on the supersymmetry breaking scale of 10{sup 9} GeV.
SYSTEMATICS OF PLUTONIUM FISSION ISOMERS.

Abstract Half-lives, thresholds and isomer ratios of 235, 237–240Pum fission isomers are given. Systematics indicate that 236, 238Pum are anomalous. The measured thresholds of 239, 240Pum are larger than those deduced from (n,f) data.
Kinetics of protein crystal nucleation and growth in the batch method

Abstract We have applied the Johnson–Mehl–Avrami–Kolomogorov (JMAK) theory of crystal nucleation and growth to the problem of protein crystallization in the batch method. Without integrating the JMAK equation explicitly, we use dimensional analysis to derive a general formula for the half-life for decay of the protein supersaturation. This formula includes a dimensioned group and an arbitrary dimensionless function. We integrate the JMAK equation exactly for the special case where the growth rate is independent of the supersaturation and the nucleation rate is proportional to its square. This gives an equation for the time decay of the supersaturation and a formula for the half-life in which all arbitrary dimensionless functions are evaluated. The results are consistent not only with Von Weimarn's rule, which asserts that the average size of a crystal increases as the supersaturation decreases, but also with our experimental results for crystallization of lysozyme, in which the half-life at fixed pH decreases with increasing ionic strength and decreasing temperature.
Concordance Among Three Self-Reported Measures of Medication Adherence and Pharmacy Refill Records

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the level of agreement among three previously validated self-reported medication adherence measures and pharmacy refill records (RRs). Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Five primary care physician office sites in rural northeast Georgia. Participants 139 adult patients with one or more of these chronic diseases: hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, hypothyroidism, or a condition requiring hormone replacement therapy. Interventions Study participants completed the Brief Medication Questionnaire (BMQ), the Medication Adherence Survey (MAS), and the Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) instruments; pharmacy RRs for the medication or medications being used to treat the target disease were obtained from pharmacies used by the study participants. Main Outcome Measures Adherence to medication therapy for target disease. Results Participants were nearly all white (98.6%), consistent with the Appalachian area in which the study was conducted, and mostly women (71.9%).While 91.4%of study participants reported taking their study medication most or all of the time, RRs showed mean adherence rates of 82.6%, 82.1%, 79.1%, 74.6%, and 69.8%for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hypothyroidism, hypercholesterolemia, and hormone replacement therapy, respectively. Moderate correlations of .234, .261, and .213 were found between RRs and the MAS, MOS, and BMQ belief screen, respectively. Spearman correlations ranged from.091 between RRs and the BMQ regimen subscale to .313 between MOS andMAS. Pearson chi-square tests showed that only the BMQ belief subscale was significant in this study. Conclusion Because of the weak to moderate concordance found among validated measures of adherence, the selection of a useful adherence measure in pharmacy practice is difficult. These findings underscore the difficulty in both assessing patients' medication-taking behavior and assessing and comparing the results of adherence research. The development of valid and reliable measures for easily assessing medication adherence behavior in community pharmacies is needed.
Trichloroethylene oxidation by toluene dioxygenase

Summary Trichloroethylene was oxidized by purified toluene dioxygenase obtained from recombinant E. coli strains. The major oxidation products were formic acid and glyoxylic acid. Other potential products, dichloroacetic acid, chloral, phosgene, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide, were not detected. [ 14 C]trichloroethylene became covalently attached to protein components and NADPH suggesting non-specific alkylation by reactive products. Oxidation of deuterated trichloroethylene yielded 50.2% deuterated formate. Oxidation of trichloroethylene in D 2 O yielded 43.7% deuterated formate. These data indicate that both carbon atoms are giving rise to formic acid. The results are consistent with a mechanism of TCE oxygenation not involving epoxide, dioxetane, or dihydroxy intermediates and indicate significant differences from those previously proposed for cytochrome P-450 (Miller, R.E. & Guengerich, F.P. (1982) Biochemistry 21, 1090–1097) or methane monooxygenase (Fox, B.G., Borneman, B.G., Wackett, L.P., & Lipscomb, J.D. (1990) Biochemistry 29, 6419–6227).
Diffusion coefficient reduction through species bundling

A systematic approach was developed for reducing the size as well as the computational cost in the evaluation of diffusion coefficients for mechanisms with mixture-averaged diffusivities by bundling species with similar diffusivities into groups. The systematic reduction was formulated as an integer programming problem and solved efficiently with a greedy algorithm. Reduction error was controlled by a user-specified threshold value, and the algorithm was fully automated. The method was then applied to a 20-species reduced mechanism for ethylene and a 188-species skeletal mechanism for n-heptane. Nine bundled species groups were identified for ethylene, while reduced models with 19, 9, and 3 diffusive species groups were developed for n-heptane in ascending order of reduction errors. Validations of the reduced diffusion models obtained with about 10% reduction error in premixed and nonpremixed flames show good agreement with the detailed model, and the worst case reduction error is close to the user-specified level of 10%. Significant reduction in CPU time was observed in the evaluation of the diffusion terms, while the overall time saving is simulation-dependent due to the existence of other terms, such as the chemical source term, that are not affected by the reduction in the diffusion term.
Biomechanical evaluation of in-stenting restenosis

Coronary heart disease is the single leading cause of death in America today. Annually, an estimated 1.2 million Americans suffer from a new or recurrent coronary attack. Coronary heart disease is caused by atherosclerosis, the narrowing of the coronary arteries due to fatty build ups of plaque. It’s likely to produce angina pectoris (chest pain), heart attack or both. The placement of a stent in the artery is used to prevent the collapse of the balloon treated artery. However the struts can introduce the excessive stresses on the artery wall and cause the artery to be re-blocked after weeks or months (in-stent restenosis). This study will quantify how key parameters of a stent such as mesh design, strut thickness, and plaque geometry affect the restenosis conditions. Results will identify the desirable properties necessary for the development of effective therapeutic strategy for reducing in-stent restenosis.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Trends in Global Marine Cloudiness and Anthropogenic Sulfur

Abstract A statistical analysis using published data on the global distribution of total cloud cover and cloud type amounts over the ocean, reduced from the Comprehensive Ocean–Atmosphere Data Set (COADS), shows a significant positive trend (4.2% increase from the 1930 baseline) in total oceanic cloud amount in the period between 1930 and 1981. The increase of total cloud amount for the Northern Hemisphere (5.8% ) was twice that for the Southern Hemisphere (2.9% ), The more consistent 30-yr ( 1952–1981 ) data show that the change in cloud amount ( 1952 base) was 1.5% for the globe, 2.3% for the Northern Hemisphere, and 1.2% for the Southern Hemisphere. The analysis also shows that the greatest cloud amount increase was for altocumulus and altostratus clouds and that this increase was most pronounced at midlatitudes (30°–50°N). The trend and the pattern of cloud amount variations appear to be in accord with the temporal trend and geographic distribution of S02 emissions. It is hypothesized that sulfate par...
Interventional Neuroradiology in Acute Ischemic Stroke; Extracranial and Intracranial Angioplasty and Stenting

Atherosclerotic disease as a cause for stroke represents a major source of mortality in North America and is associated with high medical and social cost. Currently there are more than 700,000 cases of new or recurrent strokes per year [1], of which 20%–30% is attributed to atherosclerosis of the carotid bifurcation and proximal internal carotid artery. Recent advances in neurointerventional catheter-based techniques and microballoon and stent design have occurred in the past decade which have enabled the treatment of complex vascular lesions, previously deemed unapproachable using catheter-based techniques [2]. The endovascular approach is providing greater therapeutic options for patients with increased surgical risk and who are symptomatic despite maximal medical therapy. Such lesions include severe atherosclerosis in patients with significant comorbidity such as tandem intracranial stenosis, contralateral carotid occlusion and recurrent stenosis of vessels having previously undergone surgical carotid endarterectomy. Percutaneous balloon angioplasty alone or when combined with stent placement (stent-assisted angioplasty) is also providing alternatives to treatment of carotid dissection, intracranial atherosclerosis, or recalcitrant acute thrombosis refractory to intraluminal thrombolysis, wide-necked aneurysms, and intracranial vasospasm resulting from subarachnoid hemorrhage. The technique of angioplasty and stent deployment and their current role in the management of cerebrovascular ischemic disease are presented.
Medical Malpractice Damage Caps and Provider Reimbursement

A common state legislative maneuver to combat rising healthcare costs is to reform the tort system by implementing caps on noneconomic damages awardable in medical malpractice cases. Using the implementation of caps in several states and large database of private insurance claims, I estimate the effect of damage caps on the amount providers charge to insurance companies as well as the amount that insurance companies reimburse providers for medical services. The amount providers charge insurers is unresponsive to tort reform, but the amount that insurers reimburse providers decreases for some procedures. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Open-mindedness and intellectual humility

Among those who regard open-mindedness as a virtue, there is dispute over whether the trait is essentially an attitude toward particular beliefs or toward oneself as a believer. I defend William Ha...
Dehydrated Sweet Potatoes as a Substitute for Corn-Soybean Silage

Summary Two feeding trials were conducted on substituting dehydrated sweet potatoes for corn-soybean silage during the winter months of 1948–1949 and 1949–1950. The cows produced the same amount of 4 per cent fat-corrected milk on the dehydrated sweet potatoes as when they were on the silage, the averages for both trials being 23.3 and 23.7 lb. per cow per day, respectively. Apparently dehydrated sweet potatoes may serve as a good replacement for silage for milk production, especially when pastures are poor and silage unavailable.
Present Commitments: Their Relationship To One's Acceptance of Community Change and Programs

This study developed and tested a model for analyzing learn ing situations and communities prior to implementing programs. Tested and supported with qualifications in a rural Wisconsin community, this model proposes that present behavioral commit ments could be used to predict commitments to new social ideas and potential educational programs. The present and past commit ments were both socio-economic (i.e., investments in local prop erty) and social psychological (i.e., interactions with others on new issues). Attitude intensities toward the new ideas operationalized the commitments to the new ideas. The socio-economic type com mitments predicted commitments to the new ideas better, thus suggesting that adult educators who wish to know the probable success and acceptance of a program must analyze their program ming situations to learn behavioral commitments people have already made.
The effect of testosterone on corticosteroids in surgical trauma: studies in man.

ABSTRACT The effect of pretreatment with testosterone on the adrenocortical response to surgery was studied in 5 patients undergoing subtotal gastrectomy. Testosterone propionate was administered intramuscularly or intravenously in doses of 40–200 mg. per twenty-four hours for one to five days prior to surgery. Plasma free and conjugated corticosteroid concentrations were measured before, during and following operation. The 24-hour urinary excretion of corticosteroid and ketosteroid was also measured. Five other patients who were undergoing gastrectomy but who were not pretreated with testosterone served as controls. Pretreatment with testosterone did not cause a demonstrable alteration in the concentrations of plasma free or conjugated corticosteroid nor in the urinary excretion of corticosteroid or ketosteroid, during and following operation.
Hereditary defects of the conotruncal septum in Keeshond dogs: pathologic and genetic studies.

Abstract Pathologic studies of a hereditary cardiovascular defect in Keeshond dogs demonstrated a spectrum of malformations, primarily involving the ventricular outflow tracts. Lesions ranged from subclinicai defects of the crista supraventricularis to end-stage tetralogy of Fallot and included isolated ventricular septal defects and pulmonic stenosis. The spectrum can be explained by assuming that the anatomic variations represent different thresholds along a continuum of maldevelopment producing hypoplasia and malpositioning of the conotruncal septum. The results of breeding experiments conducted in a colony of Keeshond dogs with conotruncal septal defects confirmed the hereditary nature of the abnormality but were not consistent with any simple genetic hypothesis. Both the incidence and the severity of the conotruncal lesions increased with the severity of the parental defect. The results are shown to fit a polygenic model with three developmental thresholds, in which multiple genes act additively to produce a continuous distribution of maldevelopment involving the conotruncal septum. Lesions of increasing severity occur with an increasing “dose” of genes predisposing to conotruncal septal defects.
Prediction of Youth Contacts With Law Enforcement Agencies

The purposes of this research were to determine the predictors of juvenile delinquency, to develop a practical system for early identification of its causes, and to determine the extent to which youngsters' contacts with law enforcement agencies could be predicted over an eight-year period. The subjects were children in grades three, six, and nine who had been nominated by teachers as displaying aggressive-disruptive or socially approved behavior. The criterion to be predicted was contact with law enforcement agencies. While all criterion data were collected eight years after the original nomination and collection of predictor data, the actual dates of contact with law enforcement agencies varied from as little as one year to as long as eight years after the original nomination. Predictive accuracies ranging from 69% to 79% were achieved using stepwise multiple discriminant function analysis. Keywords: Juvenile justice Language: en
Three-Dimensional Alignment and Corotation of Weak, TC-like Vortices via Linear Vortex Rossby Waves

The vertical alignment of an initially tilted geostrophic vortex is shown here to be captured by linear vortex Rossby wave dynamics when the vortex cores at upper and lower levels overlap. The vortex beta Rossby number, defined as the ratio of nonlinear advection in the potential vorticity equation to linear radial advection, is less than unity in this case. A useful means of characterizing a tilted vortex flow in this parameter regime is through a wave‐mean flow decomposition. From this perspective the alignment mechanism is elucidated using a quasigeostrophic model in both its complete and linear equivalent barotropic forms. Attention is focused on basicstate vortices with continuous and monotonically decreasing potential vorticity profiles. For internal Rossby deformation radii larger than the horizontal scale of the tilted vortex an azimuthal wavenumber 1 quasi mode exists. The quasi mode is characterized by its steady cyclonic propagation, long lifetime, and resistance to differential rotation, behaving much like a discrete vortex Rossby wave. The quasi mode traps disturbance energy causing the vortex to precess, or corotate, and thus prevents alignment. For internal deformation radii smaller than the horizontal vortex scale, the quasi mode disappears into the continuous spectrum of vortex Rossby waves. Alignment then proceeds through the irreversible redistribution of potential vorticity by the sheared vortex Rossby waves. Further decreases in the internal deformation radius result in a decreased dependence of vortex evolution on initial tilt magnitude, consistent with a reduction of the vortex beta Rossby number. These results are believed to have relevance to the problem of tropical cyclone (TC) genesis. Cyclogenesis initiated through the merger and alignment of low-level convectively generated positive potential vorticity within a weak incipient vortex is captured by quasi-linear dynamics. A potential dynamical barrier to TC development in which the quasi mode frustrates vertical alignment can be identified using the linear alignment theory in this case.
Relationship between density and elongation-at-break of naturally and artificially aged cable materials used in nuclear power plants

Various polymeric cable materials were aged in operating nuclear plants while exposed to a range of temperatures and radiation fluxes. Materials included ethylene propylene rubber (EPR), chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE), crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE), and polychloroprene (CR) (also known by the brand name Neoprene®). Changes in density were monitored using the density-gradient method while changes in elongation-at-break were determined using strip specimens that were microtomed from the cable parts. For most cable jackets, the elongation-at-break shows a significant negative correlation with density in a power-law fashion. For some materials, the elongation-at-break versus density correlation can be described adequately by a simple linear model, a special case of the power-law model. Artificial (laboratory) aging typical of that used for qualification was also conducted on the same cable materials and correlations between density and elongation-at-break were similarly derived. For each material, the correlation obtained from artificial aging was then compared with that of natural aging to test the postulate that artificial and natural aging follow the same pattern. For some materials, the results show that there is a significant difference between these two aging formats. For all the cable materials that show correlation between these two material properties, the artificially aged specimens tend to have lower values of elongation-at-break than the naturally aged specimens within the density range common to both aging schemes. Thus, for these materials, the two aging methods are intrinsically different.
Current concepts in dentin bonding: focusing on dentinal adhesion factors

With greater need for treating root surface lesions, dentinal adhesives are more in demand. For successful treatment, all factors—dentin, tooth, patient and materials—must be considered.
Regulation of interleukin-1β–induced chemokine production and matrix metalloproteinase 2 activation by epigallocatechin-3-gallate in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts

Objective. To evaluate the efficacy of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a potent antiinflammatory molecule, in regulating interleukin-1 (IL-1)– induced production of the chemokines RANTES (CCL5), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1/ CCL2), epithelial neutrophil–activating peptide 78 (ENA-78/CXCL5), growth-regulated oncogene (GRO/CXCL1), and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial fibroblasts. Methods. Fibroblasts obtained from RA synovium were grown, and conditioned medium was obtained. Cell viability was determined by MTT assay. RANTES, MCP-1, ENA-78, and GRO produced in culture supernatants were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. MMP-2 activity was analyzed by gelatin zymography. Western blotting was used to study the phosphorylation of protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms and nuclear translocation of NF-B. Results. EGCG was nontoxic to RA synovial fibroblasts. Treatment with EGCG at 10 M or 20 M significantly inhibited IL-1–induced ENA-78, RANTES, and GRO, but not MCP-1 production in a concentration-dependent manner. EGCG at 50 M caused a complete block of IL-1–induced production of RANTES, ENA-78, and GRO, and reduced production of MCP-1 by 48% (P < 0.05). Zymography showed that EGCG blocked constitutive, IL-1–induced, and chemokine-mediated MMP-2 activity. Evaluation of signaling events revealed that EGCG preferentially blocked the phosphorylation of PKC and inhibited the activation and nuclear translocation of NF- Bi n IL1–treated RA synovial fibroblasts. Conclusion. These results suggest that EGCG may be of potential therapeutic value in inhibiting joint destruction in RA.
Management of traumatic duodenal hematomas in children.

Abstract Background Duodenal hematomas from blunt abdominal trauma are uncommon in children and treatment strategies vary. We reviewed our experience with this injury at a large-volume children's hospital. Materials and methods A retrospective case series was assembled from January 2003–July 2014. Data collected included demographics, clinical and radiographic characteristics, and hospital course. Patients with grade I injuries based on the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma Duodenum Injury Scale were compared with those with grade II injuries. Results Nineteen patients met inclusion criteria at a median age of 8.91 y (range, 1.7–17.2 y). Mechanisms of injury included direct abdominal blow or handle bar injury ( n = 9), nonaccidental trauma ( n = 5), falls ( n = 3), and motor vehicle accident ( n = 2). Ten patients had grade I hematomas and nine had grade II. Hematomas were most frequently seen in the second portion of the duodenum ( n = 9). Five patients underwent a laparotomy for concerns for hollow viscus injury. No patients required operative drainage of the hematoma; however, one patient underwent percutaneous drainage. Twelve patients received parenteral nutrition (PN) for a median duration of 9 d (range, 5–14 d). Median duration of PN for grade I was 6.5 d (range, 5–8 d) versus 12 d for grade II (range, 9–14 d; P = 0.016). Complications included one readmission for concern of bowel obstruction requiring bowel rest. Conclusions This study suggests that duodenal hematomas can be successfully managed nonoperatively. Grade II hematomas are associated with longer duration of PN therapy and consequently longer hospital stays. These data can assist in care management planning and parental counseling for patients with traumatic duodenal hematomas.
Hydrologic Interdependencies and Human Cooperation: The Process of Adapting to Droughts

The Bear River Basin, which includes portions of Idaho, Utah, and Wyoming in the United States, has a dynamic history of human hydrologic adaptations in relation to a highly variable water supply. These adaptations are embedded in a geographical setting highly influenced by the legal, policy, and institutional contexts that govern allocation of water in this generally arid region. In response to several years of drought and a historically low water year in 2004, water users in the Bear River Basin tested the efficacy of the ‘‘law of the river’’andinnovativeagreementsthat theyhad negotiatedin recentyears to help mitigateimpactsrelated to water shortages. Three innovations were identified as being key to a successful response to the 2004 drought: 1) a precedent-setting voluntary settlement agreement, 2) technical work in river modeling and instrumentation, and 3) extraordinary communication strategies employedthroughout the drought. Based on case study research and utilizing a ‘‘ways of knowing’’ theoretical framework, the authors report on an unfoldingcontemporaryhistoryofhowpeoplein theBearRiverBasinhavelearnedtodealwithuncertainties and risks associated with both droughts and floods. Their story has important implications for the understanding of conflict and cooperation in water systems, management of transboundary waters, and the promotion of sustainable water resource governance.
Happiness of Mexican Americans

Despite arguments on both sides, no one knows how happiness compares between Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic Whites. This was investigated using responses of 328 female and 276 male Mexican Americans and 7,226 female and 5,870 male non-Hispanic Whites to items about happiness, satisfaction in eight domains of life, and demographics included on 11 surveys from 1985 through 2000 representative of the U.S. population. There were virtually no differences in the happiness of Mexican American men and non-Hispanic White men, but Mexican American women were not as happy as non-Hispanic White women when both were 18 to 30, were married, were economically well-off, held white-collar jobs, and were born in this country. Demographic variables and satisfaction in eight domains of life were largely unrelated to the happiness of Mexican Americans of both sexes, suggesting almost all information about happiness from studies of non-Hispanic Whites does not apply to them.
Hand therapy management following mutilating hand injuries

Hand therapy can optimize functional outcomes following various surgical procedures of the hand. Rehabilitation is especially essential following mutilating injuries in which multiple systems are involved. The healing process and therapeutic techniques foreach system are discussed in this article. Treatment guidelines for flaps, replantation, and toe to digit transfers are also included.
COUPLES' LONG‐TERM EVALUATIONS OF THEIR MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER EXPERIENCE

This retrospective survey was conducted to determine how couples felt about their Marriage Encounter experience an average of four years later. One hundred twenty-nine couples were randomly selected from those who attended a National Marriage Encounter weekend in Eastern Iowa over a ten-year period. The results indicated that about 80% of the couples reported a totally positive experience. The most frequently cited positive aspect of the program was the “dialogue” or communication technique designed to encourage the expression of feelings. Nearly one in ten couples reported three or more negative effects of the program on their relationship. The most frequently cited negative effect was that needs were identified on the weekend but not subsequently fulfilled, resulting in greater frustration for the respondent. Within the design limits of a retrospective survey, we concluded that Marriage Encounter is viewed as a helpful experience by most couples, but that a significant minority of couples may experience negative consequences of the program.
Targeting Breast Cancer Stem Cells

There is increasing evidence that many cancers, including breast cancer, contain populations of cells that display stem-cell properties. These breast cancer stem cells, by virtue of their relative resistance to radiation and cytotoxic chemotherapy, may contribute to treatment resistance and relapse. The elucidation of pathways that regulate these cells has led to the identification of potential therapeutic targets. A number of agents capable of targeting breast cancer stem cells in preclinical models are currently entering clinical trials. Assessment of the efficacy of the agents will require development of innovative clinical trial designs with appropriate biologic and clinical end points. The effective targeting of breast cancer stem cells has the potential to significantly improve outcome for women with both early-stage and advanced breast cancer.
Mobile Commerce as a Solution to the Global Digital Divide: Selected Cases of e-Development

Capabilities of accessing, delivering, and exchanging information in digital forms vary greatly across rich and poor nations. On top of other global socio-economic disparities, we now have a growing global "digital divide." With lower fixed and operating costs, geographic flexibility, and the ability to operate without electric connections, mobile networks offer a solution to the global digital divide. We employ the term "mobile e-Development models" or MED models for economic development strategies based on mobile telecommunications and mobile commerce. Success of such MED models depends on a variety of contextual factors shaped by specific aspects of technology, economy, politics, regulation, and culture. In this chapter, we explore the mechanisms by which these contextual factors could influence the reach of mobile networks and the degree and types of mobile phone use. Two cases are presented to illustrate how environmental forces are shaping the development of mobile markets in Asian countries.
Paraclival or Cavernous Internal Carotid Artery: One Segment but Two Names

Background The anatomy of the carotid artery has traditionally been understood into segments that correspond to the surrounding relevant anatomy. Transcranial surgery favors the seven segments classification initially posited by our group in 1996. With the advent of endoscopic approaches a new term has been added to the carotid anatomy lexicon “the paraclival internal carotid artery (ICA).” This “paraclival” carotid is a very familiar segment for all endoscopically trained skull base surgeons but a clear correlate to the transcranial anatomy has not been described. The purpose of our study is to improve the communication between endoscopic and open trained skull base surgeons by correlating the endoscopic paraclival ICA to the transcranial segments of the ICA. Methods Two cadaveric specimens underwent both endoscopic and transcranial dissection. Aneurysm clips were placed in the proximal and the distal extent of the paraclival ICA as described in previous literature. The clip positions were visualized and correlated to open anatomical landmarks. Results The proximal clip was located just medial to the origin of the petrolingual ligament, while the distal clip was placed just inferior to the posterior genu of the cavernous ICA. Conclusion The paraclival ICA corresponds to lacerum segment of ICA and vertical cavernous ICA.
Alternates to EBCT for coronary calcium

HCT and EBT imaging of soft plaque and the use of these modalities in CT angiographic applications are important in the non-calcified plaque assessment of coronary artery disease and in the follow-up of treatment.
Adapt or Perish.

H. G. Wells was trained as a biologist and influenced by Darwin and his concepts of evolution. He succinctly summarizes these concepts as “Adapt or perish, now as ever, is nature's inexorable imperative.” However, even in his wildest dreams of science fiction, Wells would find the environmental
The Effect of the Dielectric Constant of a Solution of CdSe Quantum Dots on Electrophoretic Deposition of the Dots

The effect on film quality of the dielectric constant eb of the bath solution used for electrophoretic deposition of CdSe quantum dots (QDs) was investigated. Various combinations of solvents yielding different eb were tested, with the best films produced by a bath consisting of hexanes and acetone. Two different types of film were observed, depending on the volume fraction of acetone in the bath: thin, but strongly adhered films for eb 12. This behavior is explained in terms of the rate at which QDs arrive at the surface of the electrode, which depends on the electrophoretic mobility of the QDs and therefore also the dielectric constant of the bath.
Working Principle and Application of Converter Valve Control System in ±660 kV HVDC Transmission Project

As the core equipment for HVDC transmission system,valve control system is mainly responsible for triggering,monitoring and protecting the converter valve.In Ningdong-Shandong ± 660 kV DC transmission project,the working principle and design features of the valve control system are presented.In addition,the on-site operation is introduced,with focus on the problems of valve base electronics(VBE) occurring in the commmissioning and trial operation.Finally,effective measures and improvement suggestions are proposed.
A Study of the Atomization Characteristics of Swirl Spray Nozzles Used in a Wetprocess Flue-gas Desulfurization Unit

Atomization spray nozzles are key components in a wet-process flue-gas desulfurization sprinkling tower.The quality of atomization can directly affect desulfurization efficiency and the utilization rate of a desulfurization agent.Tests were conducted with the hollow cone-shaped and eccentric swirl nozzle often used in wet-process flue-gas desulfurization technology serving as an object of investigation.Developed were a series of geometrically similar spray nozzles and also those with a change only in outlet diameters.A systematic study was performed of the above-mentioned nozzle as regards the following characteristics: volumetric flow rate,atomization particle diameter,atomization angle,and atomization particle distribution,etc.From the tests a set of rules or laws governing the following factors were obtained: the variation of volumetric flow rate with a change in pressure and spray nozzle structure,the variation of atomization particle diameter with a change in pressure,flow rate and spray nozzle structure,the variation of atomization angle with a change in pressure,etc.Average-diameter span was used to indicate the dispersion degree for judging the distribution of atomization particles.Identified was a variation law governing a decrease in average diameter span with an increase in outlet diameter.