cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dynamic overstresses in fibrous polymeric materials

Abstract We have considered the problem of the dynamic stress redistribution in fibrous materials brought about by the failure of a single element. Our model consists of a number of aligned adjacent chains of harmonically coupled masses. Neighboring masses on adjacent chains are also coupled by shear-carrying springs. Depending upon the scope and assignment of parameters, the model might apply to aligned polymer chains in a crystal or amorphous environment, to filaments in a fiber, or to a fibrous composite material. At time t = 0, an intra-chain spring is broken and the motion of the masses in the local environment is followed by molecular dynamics. The dynamic loads carried by bonds in chains neighboring the defect oscillate with decreasing amplitude, ultimately reaching asymptotic values that can also be calculated exactly by harmonic analysis. We find that the maximum of the excess load carried by a spring in a chain adjacent to a defect is about two times the asymptotic value for two-dimensional arrays of chains and somewhat larger for three-dimensional arrays. The dependence of these quantities on the magnitude of the shear carrying spring constant is explored. These results have implications for a number of theoretical approaches to fiber and composite strength which use load-sharing models based on asymptotic values.
Atomic Physics and Related Subjects.: Communications to Nature.: The Nuclear Moment of Lithium.

Atomic Physics and Related Subjects.: Communications to Nature .: The Nuclear Moment of Lithium
North American face flies Old World origins: mitochondrial evidence.

. Analysis of a 513 base sequence of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene in Musca autumnalis De Geer (Diptera: Muscidae) from the U.S.A., England, Russia and Kazakhstan confirms that North American flies originated in Western Europe. Flies from the U.S.A., England and southern Russia shared most of their mitochondrial diversities, but face flies from Kazakhstan were substantially dissimilar, suggesting highly restricted gene flow and a species complex within the Palearctic.
Multiscale imaging of bone microdamage

AbstractBone is a structural and hierarchical composite that exhibits remarkable ability to sustain complex mechanical loading and resist fracture. Bone quality encompasses various attributes of bone matrix from the quality of its material components (type-I collagen, mineral and non-collagenous matrix proteins) and cancellous microarchitecture, to the nature and extent of bone microdamage. Microdamage, produced during loading, manifests in multiple forms across the scales of hierarchy in bone and functions to dissipate energy and avert fracture. Microdamage formation is a key determinant of bone quality, and through a range of biological and physical mechanisms, accumulates with age and disease. Accumulated microdamage in bone decreases bone strength and increases bone’s propensity to fracture. Thus, a thorough assessment of microdamage, across the hierarchical levels of bone, is crucial to better understand bone quality and bone fracture. This review article details multiple imaging modalities that have...
A Meaning of ΠΡΕΣΒΕΥΕΣΘΑΙ

LSJ s.v. πρeσβe⋯ω II.3.b recorded, on the strength of Thuc. 5.39.2, the meaning ‘go as ambassador’ for the middle voice, in addition to the well-attested ‘send ambassadors’. The passage, however, does not on inspection support the meaning (see K. J. Dover, HCT 4.376 on Thuc. 6.104.2); it was deleted from the Supplement to LSJ.
Advancing motivated learning with goal creation

This paper reports improvements to our Motivated Learning (ML) model. These include modifications to the calculation of need/pain biases, pain-goal weights, and how actions are selected. Resource based abstract pains are complemented with pains related to desired and undesired actions by other agents. Probability based selection of goals is discussed. The minimum amount of desired resources is now set automatically by the agent. Additionally, we have presented several comparisons of Motivated Learning performance against some well-known reinforcement learning algorithms.
Interaction of anthelmintic benzimidazoles with Ascaris suum embryonic tubulin.

The ability of mebendazole and fenbendazole to bind to tubulin in cytosolic fractions from 8-day Ascaris suum embryos was determined by inhibition studies with [3H]colchicine. Colchicine binding in the presence of 1·10−6 M mebendazole was completely inhibited during a 6 h incubation period at 37°C. Inhibition of colchicine binding to A. suum embryonic tubulin by mebendazole and fenbendazole appeared to be noncompetative. The inhibition constants of mebendazole and fenbendazole for A. suum embryonic tubulin were 1.9·10−8 M and 6.5·10−8 M, respectively. Mebendazole and fenbendazole appeared to be competitive inhibitors of colchicine binding to bovine brain tubulin. The inhibition constants of mebendazole and fenbendazole for bovine brain tubulin were 7.3·10−6 M and 1.7·10−5 M, respectively. These values are 250–400 times greater than the inhibition constants of fenbendazole and mebendazole for A. suum embryonic tubulin. Differential binding affinities between nematode tubulin and mammalian tubulin for benzimidazoles may explain the selective toxicity. The importance of tubulin as a receptor for anthelmintic benzimidazoles in animal parasitic nematodes is discussed.
Didactic lecture versus instructional standardized patient interaction in the surgical clerkship.

Abstract Background Medical schools increasingly employ the standardized patient interaction (SPI) as a teaching and testing modality to prepare students for USMLE Step 2 Clinical Skills (Step 2 CS). However, little is known about the perceptions medical students have toward SPIs. We hypothesized that the SPI would increase the self-confidence of surgery students in their history and physical examination (H&P) skills as compared with the classic lecture format and that students would perceive the SPI as a valuable learning tool. Methods Students (n = 126) on the junior surgery clerkship were randomized into two groups. Group A (n = 61) received a didactic lecture on acute appendicitis. Group B (n = 65) participated in an SPI in which the portrayed patient had acute appendicitis. Student perceptions were surveyed by written questionnaire pre- and postencounter using a 5-point Likert scale, with 5 being the most favorable rating. Data (perceptions, performances on the SPI, clerkship grades) were compared using a Student t test followed by the Mann-Whitney rank sums test. Results Group A “enjoyed” the lecture format more than group B “enjoyed” the SPI format (3.4 ± 0.1 versus 2.6 ± 0.1, P P P = .001) but not after the SPI (from 3.6 ± 0.1 to 3.8 ± 0.1, P = not significant). Conclusions The didactic lecture format was not only enjoyed and valued more than the SPI, but our surgery students also perceived it as superior to the SPI in building confidence in history and physical examination skills. These findings suggest that surgical educators should develop ways to improve students’ perceptions and attitudes surrounding the surgical SPI.
Polarization fields and phase space densities in storage rings: Stroboscopic averaging and the ergodic theorem☆

Abstract A class of orbital motions with volume preserving flows and with vector fields periodic in the “time” parameter θ is defined. Spin motion coupled to the orbital dynamics is then defined, resulting in a class of spin–orbit motions which are important for storage rings. Phase space densities and polarization fields are introduced. It is important, in the context of storage rings, to understand the behavior of periodic polarization fields and phase space densities. Due to the 2 π time periodicity of the spin–orbit equations of motion the polarization field, taken at a sequence of increasing time values θ , θ + 2 π , θ + 4 π , … , gives a sequence of polarization fields, called the stroboscopic sequence. We show, by using the Birkhoff ergodic theorem, that under very general conditions the Cesaro averages of that sequence converge almost everywhere on phase space to a polarization field which is 2 π -periodic in time. This fulfills the main aim of this paper in that it demonstrates that the tracking algorithm for stroboscopic averaging, encoded in the program SPRINT and used in the study of spin motion in storage rings, is mathematically well-founded. The machinery developed is also shown to work for the stroboscopic average of phase space densities associated with the orbital dynamics. This yields a large family of periodic phase space densities and, as an example, a quite detailed analysis of the so-called betatron motion in a storage ring is presented.
Consequences of electroplated targets on radiopharmaceutical preparations

Abstract The staff of the cyclotron facility at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center is involved in a comprehensive radionuclide preparation program which culminates with the formulation of numerous requested short-lived, positron-emitting radiopharmaceutical agents for clinical investigation. Both the produced radionuclide as well as the final radiolabeled compound are subjected to stringent quality control standards including assays for radiochemical and chemical purity. The subtle chemical consequences resulting from the irradiation of a nickel-plated target for 13N production serve to emphasize some of these potential technical difficulties.
Preoperative stent placement versus prompt surgery for cancer of the head of the pancreas.

Introduction: Cancer of the head of the pancreas most commonly presents with obstructive jaundice and weight loss. In most US hospitals, these patients undergo a staging CT scan. In patients with obvious metastatic or unresectable disease, placement of an endoscopic expandable metal stent provides the most durable palliation. Most patients who are potentially resectable, based on CT scan and/or endoscopic ultrasonography, also undergo preoperative placement of an endoscopic biliary stent (plastic) as a “bridge” to surgery. This longstanding practice of placing a preoperative plastic biliary stent in those patients who are scheduled for an attempt at surgical cure was originally proposed as a method to restore the nutritional deficiencies associated with prolonged cholestasis. The hope was that this restoration would lead to fewer perioperative and postoperative complications. Very few randomized trials have studied the effect of preoperative drainage on outcomes, and the results of these have been inconclusive. The practice of preoperative stent placement has nonetheless continued at many centers. The recent publication of a very large and well-designed randomized, controlled clinical trial provides important new insights into the management of these patients with potentially resectable cancer of the pancreatic head.
Mechanism of Binding Chunks of Meat 1. Effect of Physical and Chemical Treatments

Abstract The mechanism of heat mediated binding of chicken meat cubes (broiler leg and breast) to form a single large unit on cooking was studied. The effect of various treatments (beating, sodium chloride, Kena, Ribonucleic Acid and dried meat) on binding was studied, by determining the amount of chemical composition of cookout. The results in general showed that the substances which reduced the amount of cookout increased the binding irrespective of their chemical or mechanical action. Sodium chloride and Kena (food grade phosphate) reduced the cookout to the greatest extent and also showed the greatest improvement in binding. However, the nature and mechanism of binding of meat pieces by sodium chloride and Kena appeared to be different as was evidenced by the variations in the amount and chemical composition of the cookout. It was postulated that binding is a complex phenomenon involving water holding and/or binding, cell disruption, releasing of intercellular material and the physical and chemical changes in the proteins (connective, sarcoplasmic and contractile proteins) on heating. It appears that salt-soluble proteins are not the only parameter of binding chicken meat chunks.
Sensor Response To Scan Noise Generated By Off-Axis Light Sources

This paper is an analytical study of the scan noise in image scanning systems and its effects upon the sensor. The specific source of scan noise to be considered is that generated by the detectors as they pass over the diffraction pattern of an off-axis source. The supports of a Cassegrain optical system are the diffracting apertures of concern in the present study. Two types of support structures will be compared for their applicability to system trade-offs. In addition, the three principal types of scan noise are classified according to their effects upon the signal processing. The relative importance of each noise type if analyzed, in detail, from the standpoint of frequency filtering, while incorporating several real world system complexities into the general analytical solution.
A numerical investigation for the optimal positions and weighting coefficients of point dose measurements in the weighted CTDI

The mean dose over the central phantom plane (i.e., z = 0, dose maximum image) is useful in that it allows us to compare radiation dose levels across different CT scanners and acquisition protocols. The mean dose from a conventional CT scan with table translation is typically estimated by weighted CTDI (CTDIW). However, conventional CTDIW has inconsistent performance, depending on its weighting coefficients ("1/2 and 1/2" or "1/3 and 2/3") and acquisition protocols. We used a Monte Carlo (MC) model based on Geant4 (GEometry ANd Tracking) to generate dose profiles in the central plane of the CTDI phantom. MC simulations were carried out for three different sizes of z-collimator and different tube voltages (80, 100, or 120 kVp), a tube current of 80 mA, and an exposure time of 25 ms. We derived optimal weighting coefficients by taking the integral of the radial dose profiles. The first-order linear equation and the quadratic equation were used to fit the dose profiles along the radial direction perpendicular to the central plane, and the fitted profiles were revolved about the Z-axis to compute the mean dose (i.e., total volume under the fitted profiles/the central plane area). The integral computed using the linear equation resulted in the same equation as conventional CTDIW, and the integral computed using the quadratic equation resulted in a new CTDIW (CTDIMW) that incorporates different weightings ("2/3 and 1/3") and the middle dose point instead of the central dose point. Compared to the results of MC simulations, our new CTDIMW showed less error than the previous CTDIW methods by successfully incorporating the curvature of the dose profiles regardless of acquisition protocols. Our new CTDIMW will also be applicable to the AAPM-ICRU phantom, which has a middle dose point.
A nested case control study of plasma ICAM-1, E-selectin and TNF receptor 2 levels, and incident primary open-angle glaucoma

Purpose. To evaluate prediagnostic markers of endothelial dysfunction and inflammatory processes in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).
Biosynthesis of ursolic acid-2-14C

Abstract Ursolic acid- 14 C was prepared by administration of mevalonic acid-2- 14 C, sodium acetate-1- and -2- 14 C, sodium formate- 14 C and l -methionine-methyl- 14 C respectively to cut sections of Salvia officinalis . Only mevalonic acid-2- 14 C was incorporated efficiently into the acidic triterpene. Each of the ursolic acid preparations was subjected to the Schmidt reaction. The C-28 of ursolic acid acquired a small amount of label from formate- 14 C, but not from any other of the precursors. The reason for this is not known.
Electron trajectory analysis of the spherical-sector electrostatic spectrometer: focussing properties and multichannel detection capability

Abstract The electron-optical system of the VG ESCALAB5 electrostatic spectrometer has been characterized by a large number of electron trajectory calculations through the double-einzel transfer lens, the retarding grids and the spherical-sector analyzer in order to determine and optimize its behavior for both single-channel- and multichannel-detection. It is found to be very well suited for multidetection in spite of its effective sector angle of 145 ° rather than the full 180 °. Our study also suggests several modifications to improve its basic performance. Among these, the correction of an approximately 2.5° misalignment between lens and analyzer orientation is the most important. We also consider improved entry and exit slits and baffles. However, no sophisticated termination of the 1/ r 2 -field beyond the existing Herzog plate appears to be necessary, a result which somewhat relaxes the design criteria for such a system relative to recent discussions. The performance of the modified instrument with a channel plate multichannel detector is also discussed, and gains of at least 10–30 times in data accumulation rates are observed. In addition, we have developed an analytical solution for trajectories that permits similar studies for an idealized spherical-sector analyzer of arbitrary sector angle. This is found to be in excellent agreement with our more accurate numerical trajectory calculations, and it yields further quantitative information on energy dispersion, resolution, aberrations, overall transmission and the analyzer contribution to lineshape. These results should be useful in designing other systems involving such sector analyzers.
Semantic distance norms computed from an electronic dictionary (WordNet)

WordNet, an electronic dictionary (or lexical database), is a valuable resource for computational and cognitive scientists. Recent work on the computing of semantic distances among nodes (synsets) in WordNet has made it possible to build a large database of semantic distances for use in selecting word pairs for psychological research. The database now contains nearly 50,000 pairs of words that have values for semantic distance, associative strength, and similarity based on co-occurrence. Semantic distance was found to correlate weakly with these other measures but to correlate more strongly with another measure of semantic relatedness, featural similarity. Hierarchical clustering analysis suggested that the knowledge structure underlying semantic distance is similar in gross form to that underlying featural similarity. In experiments in which semantic similarity ratings were used, human participants were able to discriminate semantic distance. Thus, semantic distance as derived from WordNet appears distinct from other measures of word pair relatedness and is psychologically functional. This database may be downloaded from www.psychonomic.org/archive/.
Bariatric Surgery — From Treatment of Disease to Prevention?

Bariatric surgery to treat morbid obesity has improved dramatically over the past 60 years — especially over the past several decades. Today's methods are far safer than the hazardous intestinal bypass procedures that were introduced in the 1950s. Bariatric-surgery techniques have progressed through various iterations of horizontal and vertical stapling of the stomach with or without banding (e.g., vertical banded gastroplasty) to vertical gastric partitioning or creation of a gastric pouch with proximal bypass into a jejunal loop (i.e., the gastric bypass), which is considered to be a reference standard. Currently, inflatable bands that can be placed laparoscopically are an . . .
Prevention of Estrogen-Induced Uterine Hyperemia by α-Adrenergic Receptor-Blocking Agents

Pharmacological agents were used to determine whether catecholamine receptor activation is a necessary step in the elicitation of uterine hyperemia in response to iv estradiol. Uterine hyperemia was produced in ovariectomized, estradiol benzoate-maintained rats by the administration of 0.5 μg/kg estradiol. 17β- 13lI-labeled albumin was administered iv before sacrifice and the uterine blood volume calculated from the radioactivity present in the organ. Control animals showed a doubling of uterine blood volume and an increment in uterine prostaglandin E and F at 2 h. The normal uterine blood volume response was prevented by pretreatment with the a-adrenergic blocking agents phentolamine and HEAT (BE-2254, or 2-(β-[d4-hydroxyphenyl] ethylaminomethyl) -tetralone hydrochloride), but was not blocked by depletion of uterine catecholamines with guanethidine, reserpine, or 6-hydroxydopamine or by adrenal demedullation. Blockade of β-adrenergic or dopaminergic receptors with propranolol and pimozide did not ablate ...
Current treatment strategies and outcomes in the management of symptomatic vertebral hemangiomas.

Objective We analyzed the outcome of patients with symptomatic vertebral hemangiomas treated at University of California, San Francisco, over a 20 year period. Treatment included transarterial embolization, embolization followed by surgical decompression or vertebral reconstruction with arthrodesis, and percutaneous vertebroplasty alone. Methods All medical, surgical, and radiological records were reviewed retrospectively. All patients underwent follow-up neurological examination and evaluation of back pain. Results Sixteen patients diagnosed with symptomatic vertebral hemangiomas causing pain or neurological deficit were treated at University of California, San Francisco, between 1984 and 2004. Mean follow-up was 81 months. Seven of nine patients undergoing surgical decompression and tumor resection reported pain relief and demonstrated improvement in neurological deficit when present. Two patients had recurrent myelopathy: one was successfully treated with a second decompressive surgery, whereas the second underwent a staged vertebrectomy. All three patients undergoing vertebrectomy had cord compression from extraosseous tumor growth. Preoperative embolization reduced expected intraoperative blood loss in four patients. Three of four patients who underwent transarterial embolization alone experienced resolution of back pain. Two of four patients treated with vertebroplasty had long-term pain relief. Conclusion Transarterial embolization followed by laminectomy is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of cord compression by vertebral hemangioma causing stenosis without instability or deformity. Vertebrectomy preceded by embolization and followed by reconstruction can be used to treat cord compression from extraosseous tumor extension. Transarterial embolization without decompression is an effective treatment for painful intraosseous hemangiomas. Vertebroplasty is useful for improving pain symptoms, especially when vertebral body compression fracture has occurred in patients without neurological deficit, but is less effective in providing long-term pain relief.
Approach to cervicothoracic neuroblastomas via a trap-door incision

Neuroblastomas located in the apex of the hemithorax or in the lower cervical region may make complete resection via a cervical or a thoracic approach difficult. The authors recently managed two patients with cervicothoracic neuroblastomas through an approach using the trap-door incision often applied in the setting of vascular trauma. This approach allowed a successful, complete excision of these tumors, which may have otherwise been difficult.
A 3D interface-enriched generalized finite element method for weakly discontinuous problems with complex internal geometries

An interface-enriched generalized finite element method (GFEM) is introduced for 3D problems with discontinuous gradient fields. The proposed method differs from conventional GFEM by assigning the generalized degrees of freedom to the interface nodes, i.e., nodes generated along the interface when creating integration subdomains, instead of the nodes of the original mesh. A linear combination of the Lagrangian shape functions in these integration subelements are then used as the enrichment functions to capture the discontinuity in the gradient field. This approach provides a great flexibility for evaluating the enrichment functions, including for cases where elements are intersected with multiple interfaces. We show that the method achieves optimal rate of convergence with meshes which do not conform to the phase interfaces at a computational cost similar to or lower than that of conventional GFEM. The potential of the method is demonstrated by solving several heat transfer problems with discontinuous gradient field encountered in particulate and fiber-reinforced composites and in actively-cooled microvascular materials.
Reduced joint counts in controlled clinical trials in rheumatoid arthritis

Results. The effect sizes of the joint scores derived using a reduced number of joints were similar to those of the original 60-joint score. The reduced joint count scores revealed significant changes for clinical trials involving as few as 15 patients. Conclusion. Reduced joint count scores may be used to evaluate the results of clinical trials without decreasing the ability to detect change over time. Quantitative assessment of a reduced number of joints may also facilitate assessment of responses to treatment in the routine care of patients with RA. Objective. To determine if quantitative assessment of a reduced number of joints provides information equivalent to that obtained by the traditional 60-joint evaluation in detecting changes in patients participating in clinical trials of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods. The changes in quantitative joint scores of patients from 3 previously reported clinical trials were compiled and compared with changes in quantitative scores derived using a reduced number of joints. Effect sizes were calculated (mean change in joint score/standard deviation of joint score) and compared for the different joint indices.
The role of deformation in controlling depositional patterns in the south-central Niger Delta, West Africa

Abstract The Niger Delta has a distinctive structural and stratigraphic zonation. Regional and counter-regional growth faults, developed in an outer-shelf and upper-slope setting, are linked, via a translational zone containing shale diapirs, to a contractional zone defined by a fold-thrust belt that developed in a toe-of-slope setting. Structural and depositional systems have migrated with the progradation of the delta. A paleo fold belt is buried under the modern upper/middle slope. The structural system in this paleo fold belt is complex and comprises a series of en echelon thrust-cored folds and associated ponded slope-basins, shale diapirs, and extensional growth faults. Analysis of the growth sections filling the ponded slope-basins provides a record of how this accommodation was created and subsequently filled and how the individual structural elements interact to create and modify the available space. The depositional systems initially exploit primary accommodation on the slope created by structural movement—the synchronous growth of the fold, the extensional faults and the shale diapir. As the pond is progressively filled, the previously deposited strata modify the accommodation and subsequent depositional systems compensate accordingly.
Use of animals in the rehabilitation of psychiatric inpatients

This study compared the impact of therapy and activity groups on two matched groups of 8 and 9 psychiatric inpatients. Daily sessions of the groups were held for 11 wk. in identical rooms except for the presence of caged finches in one of the rooms. The patients were evaluated before and after the sessions using standard psychiatric rating scales. The group who met in the room that contained animals (a cage with four finches) had significantly better attendance and participation and significantly improved in areas assessed by the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale. Other positive trends indicated that the study should be replicated with larger samples and modified to increase interactions with the animals.
Effects of large amplitude and transverse shear on vibrations of triangular plates

Abstract In this paper an analytical investigation of large amplitude free flexural vibrations of isotropic and orthotropic moderately thick triangular plates is carried out. The governing equations are expressed in terms of the lateral displacement, w, and the stress function, F, and are based on an improved non-linear vibration theory which accounts for the effects of transverse shear deformation and rotatory inertia. Solutions to the governing equations are obtained by using a single-mode approximation for w, Galerkin's method and a numerical integration procedure. Numerical results are presented in terms of variations of non-linear frequency ratios with amplitudes of vibrations. The effects of transverse shear, rotatory inertia, material properties, aspect ratios, and thickness parameters are studied and compared with available solutions wherever possible. Present results are in close agreement with those reported for thin plates. It is believed that all of the results reported here that are applicable for moderately thick plates are new and therefore, no comparison is possible.
Auto-ignition of a flat solid fuel in a high temperature oxidizer boundary layer flow

Abstract A theoretical model is developed for the thermal ignition of a flat combustible solid in a hot, oxidizing boundary layer flow. It is considered that the solid ignition is controlled by two primary processes, one being the solid heating and gasification, and the other the onset of the gas phase reaction after fuel vaporization. With this approach, the solid ignition delay is obtained by combining the time required for the fuel to start to pyrolyze, and the gas phase induction time. The solid fuel pyrolysis time is calculated by using a simplified analysis of solid heating, with the assumption that because of the high activation energy characteristic of the solid pyrolysis process, this takes place exclusively at the surface when it reaches the solid pyrolysis temperature. A one step, global reaction of the Arrhenius type is used to describe the combustion reaction; thus, a large activation energy asymptotic analysis is used to calculate the induction time. It is shown that for given gas flow condi...
Positive, negative, and disparate--women's differing long-term psychosocial experiences of bilateral or contralateral prophylactic mastectomy

Because of recent studies showing strong prevention benefit and acceptable psychosocial outcomes, more women may be considering prophylactic mastectomy. A growing literature shows some positive psychosocial outcomes for women with bilateral prophylactic mastectomy, but less is known about women with contralateral prophylactic mastectomy. Several surveys have shown that a large majority of women with prophylactic mastectomy report satisfaction with their decisions to have the procedure when asked in a quantitative, closed-ended format. We sought to explore the nuances of women's satisfaction with the procedure using a qualitative, open-ended format. We included open-ended questions as part of a mailed survey on psychosocial outcomes of prophylactic mastectomy. The research team coded and analyzed these responses using qualitative methods. We used simple descriptive statistics to compare the demographics of the entire survey sample to those women who answered the open-ended questions; the responses to the open- and closed-ended satisfaction questions, and the responses of women with bilateral and contralateral prophylactic mastectomy. Seventy-one percent of women with prophylactic mastectomy responded to the survey and 48% provided open-ended responses about psychosocial outcomes. Women's open-ended responses regarding psychosocial outcomes could be coded into one of three general categories--positive, negative, and disparate. In the subgroup of women with both open- and closed-ended responses, over 70% of women providing negative and disparate comments to the open-ended question simultaneously indicated satisfaction on a closed-ended question. Negative and disparate open-ended responses were twice as common among women with bilateral prophylactic mastectomy (52%) than women with contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (26%). These findings suggest that even among women who report general satisfaction with their decision to have prophylactic mastectomy via closed-ended survey questions, lingering negative psychosocial outcomes can remain, particularly among women with bilateral prophylactic mastectomy. This dichotomy could be an important factor to discuss in counseling women considering the procedure.
A Portrait of Public Administration in India: Challenges of Governance in the World’s Largest Democracy

contemporary challenges of governance in India and present proposals for addressing them. They all discuss problems with bureaucracy, including the antiquated processes and criteria for recruitment of the nation's higher civil service, rigidity and inefficiencies in gov ernment operations, widespread corruption, lack of accountability, lack of representativeness in public service, unresponsiveness to citizens, and the inability of the bureaucracy to deal with the growing role of the private sector and civil society in governance. In 1991, India liberalized its markets, privatized several government-owned industries, and became more open to globalization. These reforms have created a radical change in the Indian political and economic system as well as unprecedented challenges for public administration. On the one hand, liberal ization and globalization have produced greater wealth, a larger middle class, and modernization in India; on the other hand, they have created a tremen dous and urgent need for public administrative re forms, infrastructure development, and reduction of the widening gap between the rich and poor.
Biogeochemical cycling in an organic-rich coastal marine basin. 8. A sulfur isotopic budget balanced by differential diffusion across the sediment-water interface

Abstract The sulfur isotopic composition of the sulfur fluxes occurring in the anoxic marine sediments of Cape Lookout Bight, N.C., U.S.A., was determined, and the result of isotopic mass balance was obtained via the differential diffusion model. Seasonal pore water sulfate δ 34 S measurements yielded a calculated sulfate input of 0.6%.. Sulfate transported into the sediments via diffusion appeared to be enriched in the lighter isotope because its concentration gradient was steeper, due to the increase in the measured isotopic composition of sulfate with depth. Similarly, the back diffusion of dissolved sulfide towards the sediment-water interface appeared enriched in the heavier isotope. The isotopic composition of this flux was calculated from measurements of the δ 34 S of dissolved sulfide and was determined to be 15.9%.. The isotopic composition of buried sulfide was determined to be −5.2%. and the detrital sulfur input was estimated to be −6.2%.. An isotope mass balance equation based upon the fluxes at the sediment-water interface successfully predicted the isotopic composition of the buried sulfur flux within 0.5%., thus confirming that isotopes diffuse in response to their individual concentration gradients.
Reconstruction of the interosseous ligament unloads metallic radial head arthroplasty and the distal ulna in cadavers

Purpose Longitudinal radioulnar dissociation may result when a compressive load to the hand results in excessive proximal migration of the radius with interosseous ligament (IOL) disruption and radial head fracture. Interosseous ligament reconstruction has been proposed to restore more normal forearm mechanics. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of IOL reconstruction on compressive load transfer through the forearm after excision and metallic replacement of the radial head in cadavers. Methods In 8 cadaveric forearms, 138 N of compressive load was applied to the hand in neutral forearm rotation and neutral elbow varus–valgus alignment. We measured proximal radial migration and 3-dimensional force vectors acting on the distal radius, distal ulna, IOL, proximal radius, and proximal ulna. The experiment was repeated in order for 5 conditions: (1) with the IOL intact, (2) with the IOL reconstructed with a double-bundle flexor carpi radialis construct, (3) with the radial head excised, (4) after metallic radial head arthroplasty, and (5) after cutting the IOL reconstruction. Analysis of variance was used for statistical comparisons. Results With the IOL intact the resultant load in the distal radius was 94% ± 3% of hand load, with 75% ± 2% transmitted to the proximal radius. Double-bundle flexor carpi radialis reconstruction effectively restored this relationship. After radial head excision the resultant distal radius load decreased whereas great increases were seen in the resultant distal ulna load, the resultant load in the IOL reconstruction, the resultant load in the proximal ulna, and proximal radial migration. Force continued to transfer through the proximal radius transversely, with a 400% increase in transverse force, a consequence of abutment of the radial stump caused by proximal radioulnar convergence (there was no contact at the capitellum). After radial head arthroplasty loads transferred across the wrist remained closer to intact but the resultant load on the distal ulna and proximal radius remained increased. With cutting of the IOL reconstruction transverse forces in the forearm became negligible, the resultant distal ulna load increased by 50%, and the resultant radial head load increased by 25%. Proximal migration of the radius was small and was increased by 4.6 mm with radial head excision and by 1 mm after radial head replacement compared with the IOL-reconstructed, radial head–intact state. Conclusions Interosseous ligament reconstruction may help improve treatment of longitudinal radioulnar dissociation but remains an experimental procedure.
Suspended marine clay mineral identification by scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis

A. technique enabling qualitative identification of clay mineral species commonly found in marine environments, on a particle-by-particle basis, permits electron microscopic and X-ray analysis examination of specific clay particles, without affecting either their morphology or association, on membrane ultrafilters containing as little as 0.2 mg of particulate matter.
Differential Effects of French and Spanish Immersion Education on English Literacy Skills

Abstract This study examined the English literacy skills of children in an immersion school, some of whom were enrolled in a French program and some in a Spanish program. The English literacy skills of the children enrolled in the Spanish program were consistently better than the English literacy skills of the children enrolled in the French program. In addition, with English literacy instruction provided during first grade, both French and Spanish groups achieved expected scores on the English literacy tests by the end of first grade. The results of this study suggest that learning English literacy skills was enhanced by concurrently learning a second language with a consistent orthography.
Overcoming 'resistance' to antiplatelet therapy: targeting the issue of nonadherence

A wide range of interindividual variability in the measured and clinical effects of antiplatelet drugs exists. As patients with less platelet inhibition consistently have increased rates of adverse cardiovascular outcomes, a great deal of effort is being focused on understanding and treating this apparent 'resistance.' Pharmacogenomic and pharmacodynamic methods to better delineate responders from nonresponders are being developed, and innovative strategies and novel, potent drugs capable of overcoming nonresponsiveness are in active clinical trials. Less attention has been paid to the confounding role that patient nonadherence has on individual response to antiplatelet therapy, but accruing evidence indicates that nonadherence has a dominant impact in real-world, outpatient settings, as compared with true, biochemical antiplatelet nonresponsiveness. Understanding the mechanisms of nonadherence and rigorously testing methods to overcome it are urgently needed to avoid the potential harm in delivering increasingly intense and expensive therapies to those who may not need it, while at the same time offering a way to improve overall health-care efficiency.
A sporulation medium forDiscula destructiva, the dogwood anthracnose fungus

A growth medium incorporating finely ground oak or maple leaf tissue was developed for the purpose of increasing in vitro conidium production by the dogwood anthracnose pathogen,Discula destructiva.
Closed one-stage functional end-to-end jejunojejunostomy in horses with use of linear stapling equipment.

Objective—To use gastrointestinal linear stapling instrumentation to perform a closed one-stage functional end-to-end jejunojejunostomy in adult horses as an alternative to a stapled side-to-side jejunojejunostomy. Study Design—Clinical outcome, anatomic and histological architecture, and anastomotic dimensions were determined at 2, 4, 8, 16, and 24 weeks postoperatively. Animals or Sample Population—18 adult horses. Methods—The anastomosis and peritoneal cavity were inspected for adhesions. The diameter and circumference of the anastomosis and jejunum oral and aboral to the anastomosis were determined from digitized contrast radiographs and linear measurements. Healing of anastomotic sites was evaluated histologically. Results—Three horses were euthantized in the immediate postoperative period. In the 15 surviving horses, there were no peritoneal adhesions or distortion of the anastomoses and stomas remodeled in an end-to-end fashion. The mean anastomotic staple line (7.48 cm) and mucosa (6.89 cm) diameters were significantly (P < .05) larger than the mean jejunal diameter oral (6.03 cm) and aboral (6.01 cm) to the anastomosis. The mean anastomotic luminal circumference (13.61 cm) was significantly (P < .01) larger than the mean oral (11.43 cm) and aboral (11.12 cm) jejunal circumference. Histologically, there was adequate mucosal and muscularis mucosae reapposition with a moderate degree of fibrosis and inflammation. Conclusions—Closed one-stage functional end-to-end jejunojejunostomy resulted in an acceptable functional anastomosis. Clinical Relevance—This technique appears to be an acceptable alternative to linearly stapled, side-to-side jejunojejunostomies performed in horses.
Information level and young children's phonological accuracy.

The influence of information level on the production accuracy of 20 children (22 to 28 months) was examined. The data were children's productions of nouns in sets of utterances referring to triplets of pictures representing noun-verb-noun utterances. In each triplet one noun remained the same, thus decreasing in information value from the first to the third picture (new, moderately old, and old information). Words representing new information were produced more accurately than words representing old information. The types of errors did not differ. Further evidence of this effect was provided by an examination of the duration of new versus old word productions by 12 of the children. Productions encoding new information were consistently longer on average than those encoding old information. The results provide experimental evidence of an effect observed in adults that indicates early sensitivity to information level. However, because of the children's young age, the effects are characterized as a speaker-internal process that only serendipitously corresponds to listener needs.
Diversity of Life Experiences: The Development and Validation of a Biographical Measure of Receptiveness to Dissimilar Others

In light of changing demographics one of the biggest future challenges for selection and promotion will be identifying individuals who are able to effectively work with dissimilar others and are receptive to differences in others. Since a reliable and valid measure of individuals’ receptiveness to dissimilar others does not currently exist, a biodata-based measure of this construct was developed using traditional scale development techniques. Evidence of the new measure’s reliability and validity are provided. Implications for theory-building and future research are presented, as well as potential applications for selection and assessment.
Market Access For Biopharmaceuticals: New Challenges

Biotechnology firms face new challenges as biologics account for an increasing share of product approvals and pipelines and their high costs are under scrutiny by regulators, employers, and consumers. Although the first generation of biologics often targeted niche markets with little impact on payers’ total costs, the current product wave addresses larger populations. To meet the needs of all stakeholders, manufacturers must adopt an evidence-based approach including three principles: demonstration of clinical and economic value, price evolution according to market conditions (from orphan diseases to large areas such as diabetes), and an early timetable integrating clinical and economic endpoints.
Interannual variability in timing of bloom initiation in the California Current System

[1] In the California Current System the spring transition from poleward to equatorward alongshore wind stress heralds the beginning of upwelling-favorable conditions. The phytoplankton response to this transition is investigated using 8 years (1998–2005) of daily, 4-km resolution, Sea-viewing Wide Field of view Sensor (SeaWiFS) chlorophyll a concentration data. Cluster analysis of the chlorophyll a time series at each location is used to separate the inshore upwelling region from offshore and oligotrophic areas. An objective method for estimating the timing of bloom initiation is used to construct a map of the mean bloom start date. Interannual variability in bloom timing and magnitude is investigated in four regions: 45°N–50°N, 40°N–45°N, 35°N–40°N and 20°N–35°N. Daily satellite derived wind data (QuikSCAT) allow the timing of the first episode of persistently upwelling favorable winds to be estimated. Bloom initiation generally coincides with the onset of upwelling winds (±15 days). South of ∼35°N, where winds are southward year-round, the timing of increased chlorophyll concentration corresponds closely to timing of the seasonal increase in upwelling intensity. A 1-D model and satellite derived photosynthetically available radiation data are used to estimate time series of depth-averaged irradiance. In the far north of the region (>46°N) light is shown to limit phytoplankton growth in early spring. In 2005 the spring bloom in the northern regions (>35°N) had a “false start”. A sharp increase in chl a in February quickly receded, and a sustained increase in biomass was delayed until July. We hypothesize that this resulted in a mismatch in timing of food availability to higher trophic levels.
Boltzmann’s Conception of Theory Construction: The Promotion of Pluralism, Provisionalism, and Pragmatic Realism

Boltzmann’s contributions to theoretical physics constitute a landmark in the history and philosophy of science. His papers and treatises that bear on statistical mechanics and the kinetic theory of gases occupy a position of seminal importance for the resolution of the crises in physics that characterize the development of early 20th-century scientific thought. The Boltzmann equation of 1872, namely the distribution function which gives the statistical probability of locating particles as a function of space, time, and velocity, is well known. Again, Boltzmann’s fame is anchored to contemporary theory in physics by his clear and rigorous mathematical definition of the entropy function as related to probability and the statistical mechanics of atomic distribution. This is the celebrated H-theorem in which irreversibility is interpreted as an essentially statistical property of an ensemble of particles. In addition, we, of course, acknowledge the merits of Boltzmann’s exhaustive exploration of the implications of the kinetic theory of gases, a subject which he pursued with determination and success for more than two decades.
Porous calcite single crystals grown from a hydrogel medium

This paper describes the internal structure of calcite (CaCO3) crystals grown in an agarose hydrogel and demonstrates that the gel-grown calcite crystals, like biogenic calcite crystals, incorporate the organic matrix, resulting in internal structures with pores on the order of 100's of nanometers.