cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Investigation of Carbon Nanofibers (CNFs) Effects on the Flexural and Thermal Behavior of E-Glass/Polyester Composites

Properties of polymeric composites can be enhanced tailoring with nanomaterials such as CNFs, CNTs, nanoclay etc. A high intensity ultrasonic liquid processor was used to infuse CNFs into the polyester matrix which was then mixed with catalyst using a high speed mechanical agitator. Both conventional and nanophased GRPC were fabricated by VARTM. Flexure tests were performed on the conventional, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, and 0.4 wt.% CNF-filled GRPC. The results showed 49% and 31% increase in the flexural strength and modulus, respectively, with increasing loading percentage of CNFs up to 0.2%. DMA showed 92% increase in the storage modulus, and slight increase in the Tg in the nanophased GRPC, respectively, as compared to the conventional GRPC. TGA exhibited insignificant effect of CNFs in the decomposition temperature. TMA showed less CTE in the nanophased GRPC. SEM evaluations revealed relatively less damage in fractured surfaces of the nanophased GRPC.© 2010 ASME
A Low-Complexity Method to Compensate IQ-Imbalance and Phase Noise in MIMO-OFDM Systems

The degrading effect of RF impairments on the performance of wireless communication systems is more pronounced in MIMO- OFDM transmission. Two of the most common impairments that significantly limit the performance of MIMO-OFDM transceivers are IQ-imbalance and phase noise. Low-complexity estimation and compensation techniques that can jointly remove the effect of these impairments are highly desirable. In this paper, we propose a simple joint estimation and compensation technique to estimate channel, phase noise and IQ-imbalance parameters in MIMO-OFDM systems under multipath slow fading channels. A subcarrier multiplexed preamble structure to estimate the channel and impairment parameters with minimum overhead is introduced and used in the estimation of IQ-imbalance parameters as well as the initial estimation of effective channel matrix including common phase error (CPE). We then use a novel tracking method based on the second order statistics of the inter-carrier interference (ICI) and noise to update the effective channel matrix throughout an OFDM frame. Simulation results for a variety of scenarios show that the proposed low-complexity estimation and compensation technique can efficiently improve the performance of MIMO-OFDM systems in terms of bit-error-rate (BER).
Treatment of human herpesvirus 8 infections

: Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8) is the most recently described member of the herpesvirus family. Although a number of clinical conditions have been associated with HHV8, only Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is recognized as being of HHV8 etiology. Treatment of KS includes radiotherapy, cytotoxic therapies, cidofovir, and interferon-α, as well as topical and systemic retinoids. In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seropositive persons the most effective therapy for KS has been combination antiretroviral treatment. As a result of marked improvements in the immune status of these patients since 1996, many cases of KS in HIV seropositive persons have “spontaneously” resolved. Therefore, KS has once again become a rare tumor in persons who receive (and respond to) combination antiretroviral therapy. For other persons with KS, a number of experimental therapies are under study including inhibitors of angiogenesis, new classes of retinoids and liposomal anthracyclines.
Coping imagery, systematic desensitization, and self-concept change

The hypothesis was proposed that gains in self-concept as the result of systematic desensitization could be determined by active coping imagery. In a study of the effects of coping imagery on self-concept, subjects high in test anxiety were assigned to one of four groups: coping imagery, systematic desensitization, combined coping imagery and systematic desensitization, and no-treatment control. The three treatment groups were equally effective in reducing test anxiety. The coping imagery instructions produced significant reductions (with initial levels statistically controlled)in the discrepancy between perceived self- and ideal self-concept, and increased study behavior for minor exams and midterm exams. No difference between groups on the self-concept variable or ideal self-concept variable alone were obtained. Implications for treatment are discussed.
Caproyl esterase from rat testis: purification and action on cumulus cells

Rat caproyl esterase (E.C.3.1.1.1), extracted from testis with Tween 80, was purified by cation exchange and lectin affinity chromatography. The 104-fold purified enzyme had an activity of 840 μmol/hr per mg protein. The purified esterase did not contain any hyaluronidase or N-acetyl-glucosaminidase activity. Electrophoresis on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gels revealed a single band of approximately 60,000 molecular weight. The esterase had an isoelectric point of 5.1. Inhibition experiments showed high sensitivity of the enzyme to sulfhydryl agents and complete inactivation by sodium aurothiomalate. The purified caproyl esterase was shown to digest the cumulus matrix from mouse ova.
Interleukin-6 produces neuronal loss in developing cerebellar granule neuron cultures

CNS levels of the cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) are elevated during CNS injury and disease, but it is unclear if IL-6 contributes to the pathologic process. Our studies show that in a well-characterized CNS developmental model system, primary cultures of rodent cerebellar granule neurons, chronic exposure to IL-6 during neuronal development can result in cell damage and death in a subpopulation of developing granule neurons. Chronic exposure to IL-6 also increased the susceptibility of the granule neurons to a toxic insult produced by excessive activation of NMDA receptors. These results are consistent with a role for IL-6 in the neuropathology observed in the developing CNS during injury and disease.
Quantitative mapping of glutamate presynaptic terminals in the supraoptic nucleus and surrounding hypothalamus.

Abstract Although the hypothalamus is generally regarded to have low levels of glutamate receptors, anatomical and physiological studies have provided consistent evidence implicating glutamate as a potential transmitter for the control of neuroendocrine cell activity. To clarify the extent of the contribution of synapses utilizing glutamate for control of vasopressin/oxytocin neuroendocrine cells, we mapped the density and location of glutamate immunoreactive terminals in the supraoptic nucleus and surrounding hypothalamus. Colloidal gold particle densities in presynaptic terminals were measured from electron micrographs of: (1) the magnocellular neuroendocrine cell perikarya (main body of the supraoptic nucleus), (2) the dendritic field of the magnocellular neuroendocrine cells (ventral dendritic neuropil) and (3) the hypothalamic perinuclear zone dorsal to the supraoptic nucleus. In addition, serial sections were stained, alternately, for glutamate or GABA to determine glutamate staining in GABA cells. Terminals with high glutamate immunoreactivity were clearly distinguished from the glutamate precursor staining found in GABA terminals and were abundant at all rostral-caudal levels within each region. The number of glutamate terminals identified in each region was similar but represented a very high proportion of all terminals in the ventral dendritic neuropil (38%) vs. the main body of the supraoptic nucleus and the perinuclear zone (20–22%). The regional variation in the relative proportion of glutamate terminals was determined largely by differences in the number of non-glutamate terminals within each region. Glutamate and GABA terminals together accounted for over two-thirds of the innervation of vasopressin/oxytocin neuroendocrine cells. No systematic relationship was observed between excitatory and inhibitory inputs on the same cell. These results suggest that glutamate is the predominant excitatory transmitter used for control of vasopressin/oxytocin cells. The relative contribution of glutamate neurotransmission to a particular region will depend, in part, on the number and type of competing non-glutamate terminals.
Doppler-Free Spectrum of the Barium 1S0−1P1 Transition by Degenerate Four-Wave Mixing Using an Air/Acetylene Flame

Doppler-free flame spectrometry based on resonant degenerate four-wave mixing (D4WM) is shown to be an effective analytical tool for the determination of barium at high spectral resolution. Optical phase conjugation is produced in an air/acetylene flame, resulting in an optical signal that is a coherent time-reversed replica of the probe beam. The degenerate four-wave mixing spectrum of barium for the 6s2 1S0-6s6p 1P1 transition at 18,060.19 cm−1 is collected with a linewidth of 0.08 cm−1 (FWHM) with the use of a convenient continuously flowing atmospheric-pressure flame atomizer. A preliminary detection limit of 5 μg/mL barium, while a Doppler-free linewidth is maintained at 0.08 cm−1, is reported.
Mosaic Narrative and the Formation of Identity in Conrad's the Secret Sharer

(2008). Mosaic Narrative and the Formation of Identity in Conrad's the Secret Sharer. The Explicator: Vol. 67, No. 1, pp. 13-16.
A critical review of landslide monitoring experiences

Over the past few years, the monitoring of natural phenomena has acquired great importance for the scientific community. It aims to understand the mechanisms of disruptive processes, define adequate prevention measures for the mitigation of their effects and reduce the loss of human lives and assets. In order to detect the stability conditions of slopes belonging to different geological and environmental contexts, geotechnical investigations have been carried out since 1982. The various types of landslides to be investigated, and the diverse socio-economic contexts involved, have shown the need for constant surveillance, using the most up-to-date technology available. For this purpose, automatic recording systems connected to different sensors have been installed, (and also serve civil defence purposes). During this research activity, several problems arose, and several solutions had to be found. In this paper, some of the main problems concerning the installation and management of monitoring equipment used for the study of three landslides will be discussed.
The importance of vascular surgery training in a general surgery practice.

The aim of this report was to document the practice of vascular surgery for graduates of 4 general surgery training programs.Graduating residents from 1991 to 1995 were surveyed by phone to document the number of reconstructive vascular and dialysis access procedures that they performed during the most recent 12 months. Those who pursued additional training beyond general surgery or who did not successfully complete the certifying examination of the American Board of Surgery (ABS) were excluded. In addition, the Resident Review Committee for Surgery (RRC-S) defined category report for these same general surgeons during their residency was examined.Fifty-five percent (26 of 47) of the board-certified general surgeons do either reconstructive or dialysis access vascular surgery. The average number of procedures in the RRC-S defined category for this cohort was 76. During the focused 12 months, 1986 vascular procedures were done by these 26 surgeons (76 cases per surgeon).In certain regions of this country, a significant volume of vascular surgery is done by general surgeons who have an ABS primary certificate alone. The technique of control and repair of major arteries and veins, the consequences of distal organ ischemia, reperfusion injury, thrombosis, and embolization are important anatomic and physiologic principles that must be taught in the curriculum to general surgeons, regardless of their future surgical careers. (Curr Surg 57:381-383. Copyright 2000 by the Association of Program Directors in Surgery.)
Convective quasi-equilibrium reconsidered

[1] The hypothesis of convective quasi-equilibrium states that moist convection reacts almost instantly to drive the atmospheric temperature profile throughout the troposphere to one of a special subset of possible profiles. In a simple case this might consist of a moist adiabat with the saturated moist entropy of the adiabat equaling the moist entropy of the boundary layer. In more complex cases the target temperature profile might depend on the moisture profile as well as boundary layer conditions. We present evidence from analytical and numerical calculations which challenge the validity of this hypothesis. These calculations involve both a simple, physically based parameterization of the effects of convection on its environment and a complex cloud-resolving model. In both cases we show that imposed temperature perturbations in the lower troposphere are rapidly eliminated, while those in the upper troposphere are not. The rapid temperature relaxation in the lower troposphere is due to the near-instantaneous change in the precipitation rate and latent heat release provoked by the temperature anomaly. Water vapor is so limited in the upper troposphere that this process cannot act there.
Resting-state functional connectivity in neuropsychiatric disorders.

Purpose of reviewThis review considers recent advances in the application of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging to the study of neuropsychiatric disorders.Recent findingsResting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging is a relatively novel technique that has several potential ad
Artery/Vein Specification Is Governed by Opposing Phosphatidylinositol-3 Kinase and MAP Kinase/ERK Signaling

Angioblasts are multipotent progenitor cells that give rise to arteries or veins [1]. Genetic disruption of the gridlock gene perturbs the artery/vein balance, resulting in generation of insufficient numbers of arterial cells [2]. However, within angioblasts the precise biochemical signals that determine the artery/vein cell-fate decision are poorly understood. We have identified by chemical screening two classes of compounds that compensate for a mutation in the gridlock gene [3]. Both target the VEGF signaling pathway and reveal two downstream branches emanating from the VEGF receptor with opposing effects on arterial specification. We show that activation of ERK (p42/44 MAP kinase) is a specific marker of early arterial progenitors and is among the earliest known determinants of arterial specification. In embryos, cells fated to contribute to arteries express high levels of activated ERK, whereas cells fated to contribute to veins do not. Inhibiting the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) branch with GS4898 or known PI3K inhibitors, or by expression of a dominant-negative form of AKT promotes arterial specification. Conversely, inhibition of the ERK branch blocks arterial specification, and expression of constitutively active AKT promotes venous specification. In summary, chemical genetic analysis has uncovered unanticipated opposing roles of PI3K and ERK in artery/vein specification.
Low tissue oxygen saturation is associated with requirements for transfusion in the rural trauma population.

Tissue O2 saturation (StO2) is a measure of tissue perfusion and should decrease during active hemorrhage. An initial StO2 value upon trauma center arrival measured concurrently with or prior to vitals, may predict hemorrhagic shock, requiring early blood product transfusion. Our aim was to identify the early StO2 threshold associated with a greater volume of packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion 24 h after injury. All highest tier triage trauma patients from January 2011 to July 2012 were included in this study. The initial StO2 value upon arrival was used for comparison. A total of 632 patients were considered, 74 % of them male with a mean age of 46 years. Initial StO2 values were available for 325 patients. An StO2 value of 65 % was determined as the cutoff due to the marked increase in PRBC consumption in 24 h. There were 23 patients (7 %) with an StO2 reading <65 % compared to 302 patients with values ≥65 %. Both groups had similar systolic blood pressure (118 vs. 126) and heart rate (99 vs. 95) in the trauma bay. In addition, there was no difference in the initial hemoglobin, pH, or base deficit. An early StO2 value <65 % also led to a greater number of PRBC transfused in 24 h (6.4 vs. 1.7). Regression analysis demonstrated that an StO2 <65 % was the only variable associated with a higher PRBC transfusion volume in 24 h (p = 0.01). An StO2 value <65 % correlates with greater requirement for PRBC transfusion 24 h after injury. This suggests that StO2 can be used as an early marker of hemorrhage which may be superior to traditional vital signs in the trauma population.
Unique continuation for operatorswith partially analytic coefficients

Abstract A general unique continuation result for partial differential operators with partially analytic coefficients was obtained in Tataru (1995); however, certain technical assumptions were used there. A part of these assumptions were elliminated independently by Hormander (1985), and Robbiano and Zuily (preprint). The aim of this note is to remove the remaining technical restriction and, at the same time, to provide a simple proof for the entire result.
Conservation and evolution of cis-regulatory systems in ascomycete fungi.

Relatively little is known about the mechanisms through which gene expression regulation evolves. To investigate this, we systematically explored the conservation of regulatory networks in fungi by examining the cis-regulatory elements that govern the expression of coregulated genes. We first identified groups of coregulated Saccharomyces cerevisiae genes enriched for genes with known upstream or downstream cis-regulatory sequences. Reasoning that many of these gene groups are coregulated in related species as well, we performed similar analyses on orthologs of coregulated S. cerevisiae genes in 13 other ascomycete species. We find that many species-specific gene groups are enriched for the same flanking regulatory sequences as those found in the orthologous gene groups from S. cerevisiae, indicating that those regulatory systems have been conserved in multiple ascomycete species. In addition to these clear cases of regulatory conservation, we find examples of cis-element evolution that suggest multiple modes of regulatory diversification, including alterations in transcription factor-binding specificity, incorporation of new gene targets into an existing regulatory system, and cooption of regulatory systems to control a different set of genes. We investigated one example in greater detail by measuring the in vitro activity of the S. cerevisiae transcription factor Rpn4p and its orthologs from Candida albicans and Neurospora crassa. Our results suggest that the DNA binding specificity of these proteins has coevolved with the sequences found upstream of the Rpn4p target genes and suggest that Rpn4p has a different function in N. crassa.
Applications of Fodor's lemma to Vaught's conjecture

A tree is said to have unique limits if no two distinct nodes on the same limit level have the same predecessors. If к is a regular cardinal, then a tree of height к is narrow if it is <к branching, has unique limits, and does not embed 2<w. A set of nodes is stationary if the set of heights is stationary. We prove the following extension of Fodor's theorem: Theorem. If T is narrow and S is a stationary set of nodes, then S has a stationary subset along one branch. If M is a countable model, then say that M is isolated at α if the α-theory of M has only countably many countable models. For φ ϵ Lω1ω let Modφ be the collection of isomorphism types of countable models of φ. Theorem. If φ is a counterexample to Vaught's conjecture and for each M ϵ Modφ, AM is a thin set of countable ordinals at which M is isolated, then ∪MϵModφ, AM is thin. We use this theorem to prove several new consequences of the existence of a counterexample to Vaught's conjecture, and to prove extensions of some of the known consequences. For example we show: Theorem. If φ is a counterexample, then there is some α < ω1 such that every nontrivial complete α-theory extending φ is a counterexample. Theorem. If φ is a counterexample, then there is an M ϵ Modφ such that for every N ϵ Modφ if o(N) = o(M), then the o(N)-theory of N is a counterexample.
Tailored Crumpling and Unfolding of Spray‐Dried Pristine Graphene and Graphene Oxide Sheets

For the first time, pristine graphene can be controllably crumpled and unfolded. The mechanism for graphene is radically different than that observed for graphene oxide; a multifaced crumpled, dimpled particle morphology is seen for pristine graphene in contrast to the wrinkled, compressed surface of graphene oxide particles, showing that surface chemistry dictates nanosheet interactions during the crumpling process. The process demonstrated here utilizes a spray-drying technique to produce droplets of aqueous graphene dispersions and induce crumpling through rapid droplet evaporation. For the first time, the gradual dimensional transition of 2D graphene nanosheets to a 3D crumpled morphology in droplets is directly observed; this is imaged by a novel sample collection device inside the spray dryer itself. The degree of folding can be tailored by altering the capillary forces on the dispersed sheets during evaporation. It is also shown that the morphology of redispersed crumpled graphene powder can be controlled by solvent selection. This process is scalable, with the ability to rapidly process graphene dispersions into powders suitable for a variety of engineering applications.
Analysis of radial flow reformer for fuel cell applications

Abstract In this paper, the performance of a radial flow reformer is analyzed. Fundamental principles of reaction engineering are utilized to design this reactor where methane is reformed to produce sufficient hydrogen to generate 20 W of power in a fuel cell. It is shown that the radial flow geometry leads to modest pressure drop. The reactor operates at a pressure of 150 kPa, a steam to methane ratio of 3 and an inlet temperature of 848 K and is able to generate sufficient hydrogen for 20 W of power. The heat duty required for the reformer is approximately 43% of the power generated.
OLFACTORY BULB RESPONSES IN THE TURTLE, WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE DEEP NEGATIVE SPIKE

The orthodromic cortical response induced by the olfactory nerve stimulation was analysed by the depth recording and also the commissural and the antidromic stimulations. The following results were obtained;1. The orthodromic cortical response (OCR) consists of two components: the initial potential and the slow potential, negative in sign, at the cortical surface. When recording in the external plexiform layer, the negative deep spike of 3-5 msec duration occurred, following by the slow potential. The latency is about 15 msec from the onset of the initial potential and remains constant throughout the external plexiform layer. The recovery process of deep spike is extremely slow, requiring 2 sec or more for full recovery. In the deeper layer, unit discharge appeared.2. In the internal granular layer the commissural cortical response (CCR) consists of positive-negative slow potential having a long latency of 60 msec. The deep spike does not interact with the preceding CCR.3. The antidromic stimulation induces the grouped spike discharges and slow potential in the depth recording. The both negative slow potentials of OCR and antidromic cortical response (ACR) are depressed by the commissural stimulation, but the deep spike of OCR and the grouped spikes of ACR do not interact with the commissural stimulation.From the above findings, it seems likely that the deep spike is generated in the radially oriented secondary element, namely the apical dendrites of the mitral cell.
A Vortical Hot Tower Route to Tropical Cyclogenesis.

Abstract A nonhydrostatic cloud model is used to examine the thermomechanics of tropical cyclogenesis under realistic meteorological conditions. Observations motivate the focus on the problem of how a midtropospheric cyclonic vortex, a frequent by-product of mesoscale convective systems during summertime conditions over tropical oceans, may be transformed into a surface-concentrated (warm core) tropical depression. As a first step, the vortex transformation is studied in the absence of vertical wind shear or zonal flow. Within the cyclonic vorticity-rich environment of the mesoscale convective vortex (MCV) embryo, the simulations demonstrate that small-scale cumulonimbus towers possessing intense cyclonic vorticity in their cores [vortical hot towers (VHTs)] emerge as the preferred coherent structures. The VHTs acquire their vertical vorticity through a combination of tilting of MCV horizontal vorticity and stretching of MCV and VHT-generated vertical vorticity. Horizontally localized and exhibiting conve...
Pediatric rheumatic disease: Standards of care for JIA--the basic foundation for quality.

In terms of quality of healthcare, standards of care establish the basic principles and infrastructure required to achieve optimal health outcomes for a specific patient population. In the UK, the British Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Rheumatology (BSPAR) standards of care for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) are an excellent example of this foundational work.
Iterative system identification using multigrid techniques

A new system identification algorithm utilizing multigrid techniques is presented. System identification algorithms based on iterative techniques are enhanced and made more efficient using the multigrid methods. The reduction in the number of iterations required to converge to a solution is realised by forcing the low frequency error components to appear to be at a higher frequency by transferring to a coarser sampling period. Finite impulse response (FIR) system identification simulations with and without the multigrid techniques employed are presented.
Fabry disease: Effective tissue substrate depletion following enzyme replacement in α-galactosidase A deficient mice. • 607

Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder that results from the deficient activity of the lysosomal hydrolase α-galactosidase A(α-Gal A). The progressive accumulation of its major glycolipid substrate, globotriaosylceramide (GL-3), leads to premature death due to vascular disease of the kidney, heart or brain. The recent availability of mice with α-Gal A deficiency, generated by gene targeting, permits evaluation of the potential therapeutic effectiveness of α-Gal A replacement. Studies were conducted in the enzyme deficient mice to determine the plasma clearance and biodistribution of four different α-Gal A recombinant glycoforms which varied in their levels of sialylation. The plasma half-lives for all four glycoforms were about 3-5 min, with the most highly sialylated glycoform having the longest half-life. All four glycoforms were primarily taken up by the liver, with a small amount present in kidney and spleen 1 hr after intravenous administration of 1mg/kg. Significant hepatic activity was recovered 96 hr after a single dose (10% and 5% of that recovered at 1 hr after injection, respectively), indicating the in vivo stability of sialylated and non-sialylated glycoforms. Subsequent dosing studies revealed that eight intraveneous doses (1mg/kg every 48 hr), depleted that accumulated GL-3 in plasma, liver, and heart and reduced the renal GL-3 by 30-50%. Ultrastructural examination of liver revealed empty vacuoles indicating that the administered enzyme gained access to and hydrolyzed the accumulated substrate in lysosomes. These preclinical results in the α-Gal A deficient mice provide the rationale for enzyme replacement in Fabry disease.
A transgenic Tbx6;CreERT2 line for inducible gene manipulation in the presomitic mesoderm

The rhythmic segmentation process of the presomitic mesoderm (PSM) orchestrates the formation of somites, the fundamental units for the vertebrate axial body plan. To aid the investigation of molecular components governing the conversion from PSM into somites, we generated a transgenic mouse line that expresses a tamoxifen (tmx) inducible CreER(T2) under the control of a 2.5 kb enhancer element of Tbx6, a gene essential for PSM formation and somite patterning. Combined with Cre reporters, this Tbx6;CreER(T2) line displays robust tmx-inducible Cre activity in the PSM at various embryonic stages. This tool should be useful for studying gene function during somitogenesis by either conditional inactivation or mis-expression, and potentially coupled with cell marking.
Oxygen Diffusion Enables Anti-Wear Boundary Film Formation on Titanium Surfaces in Zinc-Dialkyl-Dithiophosphate (ZDDP)-Containing Lubricants

This paper reports a wear reduction by up to six orders of magnitude for Ti-6Al-4V alloy when treated by an oxygen diffusion (OD) process and subsequently tested in a zinc-dialkyl-dithiophosphate (ZDDP)-containing lubricant. In addition to case hardening, it is discovered that OD enables the formation of an anti-wear boundary film on the titanium surface. Transmission electron microscopy and surface chemical analyses revealed that this boundary film has a two-layer structure comprising an amorphous oxide interlayer and a ZDDP-based top film with complex compounds.
Risk of Melanoma and Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer Among Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Background & Aims Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at risk for certain malignancies. We aimed to determine the risk of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) in patients with IBD and how medications affect these risks. Methods We performed retrospective cohort and nested case-control studies using administrative data from the LifeLink Health Plan Claims Database from 1997 to 2009. The cohort comprised 108,579 patients with IBD, and each was matched to 4 individuals without IBD. The risk of melanoma and NMSC was evaluated by incidence rate ratio (IRR) and by adjusted Cox proportional hazard ratio (HR) modeling. In nested case-control studies, patients with melanoma or NMSC were matched to 4 patients with IBD without melanoma or NMSC. Conditional logistic regression was used to determine associations between medications and both skin cancers. Results In the cohort, IBD was associated with an increased incidence of melanoma (IRR, 1.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09–1.53). Risk was greatest among individuals with Crohn's disease (IRR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.13–1.85; adjusted HR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.00–1.64). The incidence of NMSC also increased among patients with IBD (IRR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.40–1.53) and was greatest among those with CD (IRR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.54–1.74). In the nested case-control studies, therapy with biologics increased the risk of melanoma (odds ratio [OR], 1.88; 95% CI, 1.08–3.29). Patients who had been treated with thiopurines had an increased risk of NMSC (OR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.66–2.05). Conclusions Immunosuppression increases the risk of melanoma and NMSC among patients with IBD. The risk of melanoma is increased by use of biologics, and the risk of NMSC is increased by use of thiopurines. Patients with IBD should be counseled and monitored for skin cancer.
Scaling Zernike expansion coefficients to different pupil sizes

Recent developments in technologies to correct aberrations in the eye have fostered extensive research in wave-front sensing of the eye, resulting in many reports of Zernike expansions of wave-front errors of the eye. For different reports of Zernike expansions, to be compared, the same pupil diameter is required. Since no standard pupil size has been established for reporting these results, a technique for converting Zernike expansion coefficients from one pupil size to another is needed. This investigation derives relationships between the Zernike expansion coefficients for two different pupil sizes.
The measurement of the glass transition temperature of mesophase pitches using a thermomechanical device

A thermomechanical analysis (TMA) technique is presented for the measurement of the glass transition temperature (Tg) of glassy pitch materials. Pitches with varying mesophase content have been used for the Tg determination. In this technique, the linear expansion of a mesophase pitch sample with respect to temperature is determined by means of a dilatometer. The change in the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the pitch materials was found to be significant at the glass transition temperature. Therefore, the measurement of the CTE of the specimen with respect to temperature revealed the glass transition temperature. This technique was found to be very sensitive and easily executable. Results from the TMA technique show good agreement with those from differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The TMA technique was found to reproduce the Tg value for the mesophase pitch samples within ± 2 °C. In many cases, the value of Tg from the dilatometer was much more definitive than that obtained from DSC, especially for the mesophase pitch samples. A linear correlation for Tg as a function of Mettler softening point temperature (Ts) is developed and compared with that in the literature.
Diffusion across the sclera.

Abstract Regions of beef sclera free from perforations were mounted between two chambers and the movement of substances from one side to the other determined. All dyestuffs tested were virtually impermeant except for fluorescein and acid fuchsin. A variety of ions and solutes up to the size of serum albumin were also tested and were found to diffuse across about three times more slowly than they do in the rabbit corneal stroma. This rate of diffusion would slow the passage of locally applied drugs through the selera to an extent compatible with the delay in their action on the pupil.
Reactions of 197Au with 19 to 100 MeV 4He ions: Equilibrium statistical model analyses

Abstract Excitation functions and mean recoil ion ranges have been measured for reactions induced in 197Au with 19 to 100 MeV 4He ions. Excitation functions for the production of 195, 196T1, 197, 198, 198m, 199, 200T1, 195m. 197mHg and 194, 195, 196, 198Au are reported. Recoil ranges indicate that. the (α, xn), x = 1–6 reaction products are generally consistent with a compound nucleus mechanism, whereas the (α, α′n) reaction product ranges indicate a non-compound mechanism. The (α, xn), x = 2–5 excitation functions are analysed in terms of the statistical model, using a standard Fermi gas level density but allowing the level spacing parameter a to be varied. Results of calculations using the s-wave approximation in which a variable level spacing parameter was used are also presented. Effects of varying the nuclear moment of inertia in calculating γ-ray emission limits are explored. Results indicate a best value of a between 16 and 24 MeV−1, which is consistent with the Fermi gas model prediction of A 8 MeV −1 for the level density used.
Differential Pulse Polarography of Tetracycline: Determination of Complexing Tendencies of Tetracycline Analogs in the Presence of Cations

The complexation tendencies, stoichiometries, and stability constants for tetracycline, minocycline, and demeclocycline with the metallic ions calcium(II), magnesium(II), zinc(II), aluminum(III), iron(II), and iron(III) were evaluated using a polarographic technique. Changes in pulse peak heights for each tetracycline derivative were measured as a function of cation concentration. The method provides an in vitromethod of evaluating the selectivity of particular metal ions for different tetracycline analogs.
Input impedance and reflection coefficient in fractal-like models of asymmetrically branching compliant tubes

A mathematical model is described, based on linear transmission line theory, for the computation of hydraulic input impedance spectra in complex, dichotomously branching networks similar to mammalian arterial systems. Conceptually, the networks are constructed from a discretized set of self-similar compliant tubes whose dimensions are described by an integer power law. The model allows specification of the branching geometry, i.e., the daughter-parent branch area ratio and the daughter-daughter area asymmetry ratio, as functions of vessel size. Characteristic impedances of individual vessels are described by linear theory for a fully constrained thick-walled elastic tube. Besides termination impedances and fluid density and viscosity, other model parameters included relative vessel length and phase velocity, each as a function of vessel size (elastic nonuniformity). The primary goal of the study was to examine systematically the effect of fractal branching asymmetry, both degree and location within the network, on the complex input impedance spectrum and reflection coefficient. With progressive branching asymmetry, fractal model spectra exhibit some of the features inherent in natural arterial systems such as the loss of prominent, regularly-occurring maxima and minima; the effect is most apparent at higher frequencies. Marked reduction of the reflection coefficient occurs, due to disparities in wave path length, when branching is asymmetric. Because of path length differences, branching asymmetry near the system input has a far greater effect on minimizing spectrum oscillations and reflections than downstream asymmetry. Fractal-like constructs suggest a means by which arterial trees of realistic complexity might be described, both structurally and functionally.
Persuading girls to take elective physical science courses in high school: Who are the credible communicators?

Eighth-grade girls (N=257) randomly selected from nine different public junior high schools in central Texas were questioned in order to identify the communicators whom they perceive as highly credible regarding reasons for taking elective physical science courses in high school and the attributes associated with these communicators. Four persons were each identified by better than 10 percent of the sample as the best person to try to convince junior high school girls to take elective physical science courses in high school. In order of perceived credibility, these persons are “father,” “woman science teacher,” “mother,” and “boy high school student.” Slight variations in the order of perceived credibility were found when the responses from girls of the different ethnic groups represented in the sample (Caucasian, Hispanic, Black, and Asian) were examined separately. Attributes listed by the respondents for “father,” “woman science teacher,” “mother,” and “boy high school student” were examined and classified into the categories of prestige, trustworthiness, similarity, attractiveness, and power. Prestige and trustworthiness are the attributes associates most frequently with communicators identified as highly credible. Implications of the present study and suggestions for further research are discussed.
Socio-technical networks of large, post-implementation Web information systems: tracing effects and influences

This paper presents the results of a study to increase knowledge of the nature of post-implementation web IS, and issues inherent in ongoing Web IS management. It employs a new socio-technical framework, Kling's STIN (Kling et al., 2000), to organize and analyze field data from four large USA manufacturing companies. The paper finds that post-implementation Web IS are highly dynamic systems composed of multiple technical and non-technical components. The paper illustrates how Web IS are socially embedded by showing how social components compromise an integral part of the technological system, and by providing examples of how social forces shape the technical components of the system. Using the STIN framework and the case study data, the paper outlines major groups of actors of dependencies which comprise the STIN. The paper argues that web IS are transitory, socially negotiated artifacts. It suggests a new view of Web IS configurations as reflections of current organizational power arrangements.
Governors, Legislatures, and State Budgets across Time

Prior research by Abney and Lauth concluded that governors were losing ground to legislatures in shaping the state budget. Goodman examined Abney and Lauth’s explanations for this change and found empirical support for some but not others. This article’s findings reveal that governors, as a group, have not declined in budgetary influence, although some have gained and others lost during recent decades. The longitudinal analysis arrives at two major conclusions: (1) executive–legislative influence changes that take place stem primarily from political rather than structural changes, and (2) budgetary influence is not unidimensional as governors and legislatures compete in a non-zero-sum game in pursuit of different budgetary outcomes.
Transient electro‐optic Kerr effect in spheroidal particles

Benoit's theory of the time dependence of the birefringence transient in the Kerr cell following sudden removal of the orienting field has been examined and shown to hold only for spherical part ides and not ellipsoids of revolution. This observation is in agreement with the methods of dielectric dispersion and depolarization of fluorescence which yield two rotary diffusion constants, while Benoit's theory yields only one. A new theory is presented here which contains two rotary diffusion constants and reduces to the Benoit equation in the limiting cases of spheres and infinitely thin rods. Also the theoretical extensions of Tinoco and Ridgeway have been examined and compared to the resulting theory.
Using the Arts to Acquire and Enhance Management Skills

There are many ways to gain insights into and develop approaches to acquiring and enhancing management skills. This article explores one of them—through examining analogies between strategic manage...
A systematic review of large-scale surveys of cancer survivors conducted in North America, 2000–2011

Many large surveys collect data on cancer survivors, but few encompass the full spectrum of domains relevant to survivorship ranging from cancer care to quality of life to late- and long-term effects of cancer and its treatment. Here, we review large data sources in North America collecting cancer survivor-reported health information, and catalogue the domains of cancer survivorship each includes. We identified surveys of cancer survivors through a comprehensive web search of federal government agencies, non-profit organizations, and related societies that support health care research or provide health care services, as well as a systematic review of literature indexed on PubMed from 2000–2011. A total of 57 surveys were identified, 26 nationally representative surveys and 31 regional, state, or provincial surveys. Thirty-four surveys specifically targeted cancer survivors, and an additional two surveys had supplements or modules targeted at cancer survivors. Among the nationally representative surveys, general medical characteristics and medical conditions were the most frequently reported cancer survivorship domains, and information on cancer-related costs was least frequently reported. Our review demonstrates that a large and growing number of surveys across the U.S. and Canada are collecting data on cancer survivors. These surveys differ in design, geographic region, primary population of interest, cancer site, and research areas of interest. They address a wide range of survivorship issues. Future cancer survivorship research should concentrate on understudied areas in order to better understand the challenges faced by this growing population.
Transformation through Interaction: A Meta-Ethnographic Synthesis of Research Reports on Mutual Aid Groups

Meta-ethnography is presented as an innovative method for the systematic review of a set of symbolic interactionist ethnographies of mutual aid group work. Interpretive metaphors and themes from each study are synthesized in relation to the major phases of the planned change process. ‘Transformation through interaction’ is identified as the master integrative theme. Grounded lessons for mainstream group work are also generated. The merits and limitations of meta-ethnography in relation to the project of translation science, the bridging of the social worlds of researcher and practitioner, are also discussed.
Using task analytic models to visualize model checker counterexamples

Model checking is a type of automated formal verification that searches a system model's entire state space in order to mathematically prove that the system does or does not meet desired properties. An output of most model checkers is a counterexample: an execution trace illustrating exactly how a specification was violated. In most analysis environments, this output is a list of the model variables and their values at each step in the execution trace. We have developed a language for modeling human task behavior and an automated method which translates instantiated models into a formal system model implemented in the language of the Symbolic Analysis Laboratory (SAL). This allows us to use model checking formal verification to evaluate human-automation interaction. In this paper we present an operational concept and design showing how our task modeling visual notation and system modeling architecture can be exploited to visualize counterexamples produced by SAL. We illustrate the use of our design with a model related to the operation of an automobile with a simple cruise control.
Lipids and Pulmonary Function in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Studies considering the association between total cholesterol and noncardiovascular mortality, particularly from respiratory disease, yield inconclusive findings. To explore this question, the relation of lipids to pulmonary function, specifically forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1)), was investigated in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Conducted in the United States in 1988-1994 among adults aged > or =17 years, this survey measured serum lipids, FEV(1), and confounding factors including smoking and antioxidants. Multiple linear regression analysis explored the relation of FEV(1)/height(2) to low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and their respective apolipoproteins (apo) B and A-I. A standard deviation increase in HDL cholesterol or apo A-I was associated with an FEV(1) increase of 43 ml (95% confidence interval (CI): 30, 56) or 29 ml (95% CI: 11, 47), respectively, for an average-height adult. A standard deviation increase in LDL cholesterol or apo B was associated with an FEV(1) decrease of -24 ml (95% CI: -43, -5) or -53 ml (95% CI: -74, -32), respectively, adjusted for serum antioxidant status. The lipid subfractions were differentially associated with FEV(1) consistent with the possibility that LDL cholesterol contributes to endogenous oxidative burden while HDL cholesterol attenuates inflammatory tissue damage. Whether these associations are causal remains to be determined.
International Human Rights at the Close of the Twentieth Century

Speculates as to why the human-rights revolution is increasingly likely to dominate our foreign-policy attentions in the decades to come. Ventures some predictions, of particular interest perhaps to international lawyers, about where the cause of international human rights is heading.
Brief Communication: Tumor Regression Caused by Endotoxins and Mycobacterial Fractions

A transplantable hepatocarcinoma of guinea pigs was used as an experimental model for immunotherapy of cancer. Earlier work showed that complete regression of 6- to 7-day-old tumors could be obtained in about 60% of cases by inoculation of the tumors with live BCG or certain fractions of BCG attached to minute oil droplets and suspended in Tween-saline. One of the most essential fractions was P3, a nonsensitizing, nonantigenic trehalose mycolate related to, but not identical with, cord factor. We now report that oil-droplet preparations containing P3 and bacterial endotoxin (ET) produced cure rates of up to 90% in the same system. In addition, regression was faster than with BCG, and older tumors could be treated successfully. The most effective ET's were from rough strains of salmonellae, known as Re mutants, which could not synthesize and attach the polysaccharide portion of endotoxin.