cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Soils and Recent Sediments

Soils and recent marine sediments contain a complex polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon assemblage. There is a high degree of similarity in the molecular weight distribution of the many series of alkyl homologs of these aromatic hydrocarbons, and this distribution varies little over a wide range of depositional environments. The evidence suggests that these hydrocarbons are formed in natural fires, are dispersed and mixed by air transport, and are eventually deposited into surface sediments. The analytical, geochemical, and environmental implications of these findings are discussed.
Surface plasmon-enhanced transverse magnetic second-harmonic generation

We present experimental studies on surface plasmon (SP) enhanced transverse magnetic second-harmonic generation (T-MSHG) in single-crystal iron films grown by molecular beam epitaxy at room temperature on MgO (001) substrates. We show that it is possible to achieve both strongly enhanced T-MSHG intensity and high magnetic contrast ratio under attenuated total reflection configuration without using complex heterostructures because MSHG is generated directly at the iron surface where SPs are present. The T-MSHG has a much larger contrast ratio than transverse magneto-optical Kerr effect (T-MOKE) and shows great potential for a new generation of bio-chemical sensors due to its very high surface sensitivity. In addition, by analyzing the experimental results and the simulations based on SP field-enhancement theory, we demonstrate that the second-order susceptibility of MSHG shows great anisotropy and the tensorχxzzoddis dominant in our sample.
Pathology of meningiomas

Because meningiomas arise from arachnoid cells present in the meninges, they can occur in any location where meninges or ectopic meninges exist, such as the nasal cavity, the paranasal sinuses, the middle ear, and even the mediastinum. Although the tumors may range in appearance from epithelial to mesenchymal, they are characterized by a uniform distribution of cells with shapes ranging from polygonal epithelial-like to spindled and fusiform. Historically, classification of meningiomas has been based upon cell shapes, cell patterns, cell products, or stroma, implying clinicopathologic differences among the types. Numerous observations have shown that certain conditions may indicate a predisposition for developing meningiomas, prompting extensive studies of meningiomas using cytogenetic techniques. Meningiomas are common neoplasms arising from the central nervous system meninges. They are important because of the morbidity they produce. Their critical intracranial and intraspinal locations make diagnosis and surgical removal difficult.
Geography of electoral preferences: the 1990 Great National Assembly elections in Bulgaria

Abstract Bulgaria was the first country in Eastern Europe where a former Communist Party won free and democratic Parliamentary elections. This political response of the Bulgarian electorate, rather unexpected at that time, could be linked to—among other factors—the geographic position of the country in relation to the place of origin of the political transformation processes. The comparative analysis of the geographic patterns of Bulgaria's major political parties displayed a deep social split, primarily along ideological lines. However, the configuration and performance of the main political actors on the eve of elections proved to be of relatively little importance for the Bulgarian political transformation. Bulgarian society was once again compelled to adapt to external influences, this time coming predominantly from the core of the Soviet-led international system, rather than to an urgent need to solve internal political economic contradictions. The term ‘superimposition of peripheries’ was introduced to describe the political geography and suggest an explanation of the 1990 election results.
Principles of Surgery for Malignant Astrocytomas

Malignant astrocytomas constitute the most aggressive and common primary tumors of the central nervous system. The standard treatment protocol for these tumors involves maximum safe surgical resection with adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Despite numerous advances in surgical techniques and adjuncts, as well as the ongoing renaissance in the genetic and molecular characterization of these tumors, malignant astrocytomas continue to be associated with poor prognosis, with median overall survival averaging 15 months for grade IV astrocytomas after standard-of-care treatment. In this article, the goals, principles, techniques, prognostic factors, and modern outcomes of malignant astrocytoma surgery are reviewed. Particular attention is paid to contemporary methods of neuronavigation and functional mapping, the prognostic significance of the extent of resection, surgically delivered adjunctive therapies, and future avenues of research.
Sources of Chlorpyrifos and Dacthal to a Small Canadian Prairie Watershed

Atmospheric deposition and air−water exchange of two semivolatile pesticides, Dacthal and chlorpyrifos, were compared in a small agricultural watershed in southern Manitoba, Canada, between 1994 and 1996. Dacthal was not used in the watershed nor in the surrounding region. Dacthal concentrations were derived from long-range transport and deposition processes and were lower than those of chlorpyrifos, which was applied locally each year of the study. Maximum concentrations of chlorpyrifos in air (103 ng/m3), precipitation (38 ng/L), and creek water (105 ng/L) were observed during local application periods. The highest Dacthal concentrations (4 ng/L) observed in precipitation occurred during intervals when its use in the U.S. was expected, although a seasonal relationship was not established. Precipitation and gas exchange across the air−water boundary were important pathways of movement for both chlorpyrifos and Dacthal. A net volatilization flux from the entire creek surface was observed for chlorpyrifos ...
Directed forgetting in pigeons

Pigeons performed a version of delayed matching-to-sample in which different postsample cues signaled different trial outcomes. Cues to remember (R cues) signaled the usual comparison stimuli. Cues to forget (F cues) signaled either cancellation of comparison stimuli (comparison-omission) or presentation of a sample-independent discrimination (comparison-substitution). As assessed by occasional probe trials, F cues decreased matching accuracy during comparison-omission more than during comparison-substitution. The loss in accuracy of matching in F-cue probes was directly related to length of delays during comparison-omission but not during comparison-substitution. Because trials generally terminated in reward during comparison-substitution but not during comparison-omission, these findings were interpreted as suggesting the importance of end-of-trial reinforcement for the maintenance of short-term memory.
Historical trends of radiotherapy use in prevalent malignancies over 38 years in SEER

Radiation therapy (RT) has changed dramatically over the past four decades with the development of megavoltage treatment, 3D treatment planning, intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), and image guidance. Indications for RT have also changed with advances in the surgical and medical treatment of cancer. Thus, the historical trend in RT receipt as part of initial therapy is of general interest to all oncologists. The Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Result database of the original nine sites (SEER-9) was queried with the most recent available data from 1973–2011 for the common malignancies in the USA relevant to radiotherapy (including breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, uterus, bladder, lymphoma, thyroid, oral cavity, and cervix). Cancer sites and histology were identified according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer Staging ICD-O-3 reference. Analysis was based on the percentage of nonmetastatic patients receiving radiation therapy. Radiation therapy utilization varied over the course of the 38-year study period. Breast cancer treatment peaked in 2003 and has shown a gradual decrease in the late 2000s (N = 9380; 55.8 % in 2003 vs N = 9975; 51.9 % in 2011). Although diagnosis and radiation treatment of prostate cancer rose rapidly in the 1990s, there has been a persistent decrease from 2000 to 2011 (N = 7589; 41 % in 2000 vs N = 6100; 32.2 % in 2011). The use of RT in lung cancer overall declined over the decades, but there was a relative resurgence in the last 5 years of the study. In contrast, RT for colorectal cancer has consistently increased. RT usage has changed significantly over the past four decades, particularly in disease sites with highest incidence, such as lung, breast and prostate cancer. As radiation oncology evolves in its technology and applications, knowledge of the changes in clinical use will be important in identifying and investing in the needed RT health resources for the future.
Crossmodal Visual Input for Odor Tracking during Fly Flight

Flies generate robust and high-performance olfactory and visual behaviors. Adult fruit flies can distinguish small differences in odor concentration across antennae separated by less than 1 mm [1], and a single olfactory sensory neuron is sufficient for near-normal gradient tracking in larvae [2]. During flight a male housefly chasing a female executes a corrective turn within 40 ms after a course deviation by its target [3]. The challenges imposed by flying apparently benefit from the tight integration of unimodal sensory cues. Crossmodal interactions reduce the discrimination threshold for unimodal memory retrieval by enhancing stimulus salience [4], and dynamic crossmodal processing is required for odor search during free flight because animals fail to locate an odor source in the absence of rich visual feedback [5]. The visual requirements for odor localization are unknown. We tethered a hungry fly in a magnetic field, allowing it to yaw freely, presented odor plumes, and examined how visual cues influence odor tracking. We show that flies are unable to use a small-field object or landmark to assist plume tracking, whereas odor activates wide-field optomotor course control to enable accurate orientation toward an attractive food odor.
Encoded grid generation from a computer solid model

Abstract Integrating machine vision and computer solid modeling could significantly improve productivity by simplifying the inspection process. The three-dimensional measurement of smooth surfaces can be accomplished with a vision system locating features projected on a surface, by a structured light source. Given the computer solid model of a surface, the projected features from the light source can be encoded so that the vision system will detect a uniformly simple pattern when the object's surface and modeled surface are identical. An investigation into and analysis of generating these encoded projection patterns are presented in this paper. A study of computer graphics image-forming techniques and their application to structured lighting inspection is made. This work provides a basis for linking computer solid modeling technology and structured light inspection of manufactured parts.
Optical combing to align photoreceptors in detached retinas

In this paper, we presented a novel micro-manipulating method, called 'optical combing', that could improve the retina reattachment surgery results. Optical combing adopts the working principle of optical tweezers (i.e., focused Gaussian beam produces a trapping force when it incidents onto a micro-object. The trapping force can pull the micro-object to the central point of focused laser beam. Optical combing is implemented by scanning a focused laser beam on the misaligned micro objects (such as misaligned photoreceptors). In our preliminary experiment, a set of misaligned micro glass rods was re-aligned by applying this optical combing technology, which verified our theory. In the future, this technique will be used to re-align misaligned photoreceptors in real retina.
The visual appearance of comets under varying solar wind conditions

Three-dimensional MHD simulations have been performed for four different sets of solar wind conditions and cometary outgassing rates appropriate to the Halley encounters. Even though the simulations are single fluid calculations, it is possible to separate the solar wind and cometary ions using the divergenceless nature of the solar wind ions. The cometary ion density is then integrated along the line-of-sight from the observer through the comet to determine how the comet would look to a distant observer under these different conditions. In general, comet tails appear longer when the interplanetary magnetic field lies in the plane of the sky rather than along the line-of-sight. Also, the tail shrinks as the speed of the solar wind increases and/or the mass loading rate decreases.
Surfactant nucleation and orientation of crystals in the syntheses of metal sulfides in a polymer matrix

Abstract The role of added surfactant in a biomimetic in situ synthesis of inorganic/polymer composites in which the inorganic phase displays uniformity of size, morphology, phase, and crystallographic orientation is discussed. Addition of a surfactant, AOT, to the synthetic system induces nucleation and orientation of CdS crystals within a poly(ethylene oxide) film. Interaction of the AOT with polymer-bound Cd2+ ions determines the nucleation and orientation of the resulting crystals. Other surfactants, with different structures and headgroups, produced different results, ranging from inhibition of mineral growth to extraction of the cations from the film. The use of other metals in place of Cd2+ results in different interactions and produces a change in the order of the product.
[3H]norepinephrine binding and lipolysis by isolated fat cells

Abstract [ 3 H]norepinephrine was shown to bind to specific sites on isolated fat cells. A Scatchard plot of norepinephrine binding showed two apparent K a of 1.9 · 10 6 and 1.2 · 10 5 LM − . 1.4 · 10 −4 M Norepinephrine covalently-linked to agarose beads reduced [ 3 H]norepinephrine binding by over 50%. Several structurally related drugs were compared as inhibitors of [ 3 H]norepinephrine binding and as stimulators of lipolysis in preparations of similarly prepared cells. Dose-response curves for norepinephrine, epinephrine and isoproterenol showed the affinities for binding inhibition and for stimulation of lipolysis to be in the same range of 6 · 10 −7 -2 · 10 −6 M. Dopamine and dopa were potent inhibitors of [ 3 H]norepinephrine binding at 8.5 · 10 −7 M and 2.0 · 10 −6 M respectively, but did not stimulate lipolysis even at 10 −4 M. Propranolol, a β-adrenergic antagonist, had no effect on [ 3 H]norepinephrine binding at 10 −4 M but completely inhibited catecholamine-stimulated lipolysis at 10 −5 M. Phentolamine, an α-adrenergic antagonist, did not inhibit binding or catecholamine-stimulated lipolysis at 10 −4 M. Ephedrine, metaraminol, phenylephrine and normetanephrine were also ineffective both as [ 3 H]norepinephrine binding inhibitors and as stimulators of lipolysis. The results suggested the catechol ring of catecholamines is more important than the ethanolamine side chain as a requirement for binding, while both an intact catechol moiety and ethanolamine function appear necessary for physiological effect.
Significance of Blood Flow in Calculations of Temperature in Laser Irradiated Tissue

A dimensionless solution of the heat conduction equation for laser irradiation of tissue has been extended to include transport of heat owing to blood flow. The importance of the heat loss term is discussed in relation to the perfusion rate and exposure duration.
Cloning and sequence analysis of candidate human natural killer-enhancing factor genes

A cytosol factor from human red blood cells enhances natural killer (NK) activity. This factor, termed NK-enhancing factor (NKEF), is a protein of 44000 M r consisting of two subunits of equal size linked by disulfide bonds. NKEF is expressed in the NK-sensitive erythroleukemic cell line K562. Using an antibody specific for NKEF as a probe for immunoblot screening, we isolated several clones from a λgt11 cDNA library of K562. Additional subcloning and sequencing revealed that the candidate NKEF cDNAs fell into one of two categories of closely related but non-identical genes, referred to as NKEF A and B. They are 88% identical in amino acid sequence and 71% identical in nucleotide sequence. Southern blot analysis suggests that there are two to three NKEF family members in the genome. Analysis of predicted amino acid sequences indicates that both NKEF A and B are cytosol proteins with several phosphorylation sites each, but that they have no glycosylation sites. They are significantly homologous to several other proteins from a wide variety of organisms ranging from prokaryotes to mammals, especially with regard to several well-conserved motifs within the amino acid sequences. The biological functions of these proteins in other species are mostly unknown, but some of them were reported to be induced by oxidative stress. Therefore, as well as for immunoregulation of NK activity. NKEF may be important for cells in coping with oxidative insults.
A simple method for the purification of fluorine

Abstract A simple method for the purification of fluorine gas is described. With the exception of nitrogen and argon, all impurities usually present in commercial fluorine can be readily removed by 1) conversion of O2 to non-volatile O+2 salts, and 2) a 70 to 63°K trap-to-trap distillation.
Enantiomeric separations of benzodiazepines by electrochemically modulated liquid chromatography

Abstract Electrochemically modulated liquid chromatography (EMLC) has been applied to the enantiomeric separation of a group of benzodiazepines (i.e., oxazepam, lorazepam and temazepam) using a porous graphitic carbon (PGC) stationary phase and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) as a chiral mobile phase additive. The basis of the separation derives from the reversible electrosorption of the additive onto PGC, resulting in a new approach for manipulating the chirality and selectivity of the stationary phase. Changes in the voltage applied (Eappl) to the stationary phase were found to alter the retention and the enantioselectivity of the separation, both of which reflect the dependence of the electrosorption of the additive on Eappl. By exploiting these dependencies, mixtures of each of the three racemates could be resolved to differing extents while using the same isocratic elution condition. A general description of the retention process and the role of the apparent enantiomerization of oxazepam and lorazepam are briefly discussed.
Tropical Pacific Interannual Variability and CO2 Climate Change

Abstract In this paper, an attempt is made to estimate possible sensitivities of El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO)-related effects in a climate with increased carbon dioxide (CO2). To illustrate this sensitivity, results are shown from two different interactive ocean-atmosphere model configurations and an atmospheric model with prescribed heating anomalies. In the first, an atmospheric general circulation model (GCM) is coupled to a global coarse-grid dynamical ocean GCM (coupled model). In the second, the same atmospheric model is coupled to a simple nondynamic slab-ocean mixed-layer model (mixed-layer model). In the third, an atmospheric model is run in perpetual January mode with observed sea surface temperatures (SSTs) and prescribed tropical tropospheric heating anomalies (prescribed-heating model). Results from the coupled model show that interannual SST variability (with warm and cold events relative to the mean SST) continues to occur in the tropics with a doubling of CO2. This variability is su...
GC-MS Derivatization Studies: The Formation of Dexamethasone MO-TMS

Abstract The 16α-methyl group in dexamethasone increases drastically the steric hindrance to reaction of both the 20-ketone and 17α-hydroxyl groups, as shown by kinetic studies with GC-MS techniques. A procedure is described for the preparation of the MO derivative (reaction et 60[ddot]C for 3 hr) and complete conversion of all hydroxyl groups to TMS ether groups (reaction at 100[ddot]C for 6 hr). The resulting MO-TMS derivative is thermostable and suitable for use in GC-MS methods. The procedures usually employed in urinary steroid studies are satisfactory for prednisone and prednisolone.
Transnationalism and vocabularies of motive in international migration: the case of Israelis in the United States.

The great body of recent work on international migration has generally considered immigration as a permanent movement and explored the phenomenon from either a micro or macro perspective. Transnationalism offers a new model that integrates these dichotomized views. This paper uses the perspective of transnationalism to explore the motives of Israeli immigrants in the U.S. Integrating insights from both micro and world systems perspectives findings emphasize the importance of personal and macro-level networks as well as Israelis international culture and experience as both facilitating and giving meaning to their presence in the United States. (EXCERPT)
Mechanism of dehydrodimerization of aromatic substrates by aluminium chloride-cupric chloride

Abstract The following results were obtained from oxidation of the appropriate aromatic hydrocarbons with AlCl3-CuCl2: 1-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)naphthalene from naphthalene-meistylene, 2,2'-bifluorene from nuorene, 2,2'-bifluorene from fluorene-mesitylene, and bimesityl and 3,3'-dichlorobimesityl from mesitylene. Mechanistically, radical cations are presumed to function as intermediates. Generally, coupling seems to proceed by cation attack on an aromatic molecule. Other pathways may pertain in certain cases, e.g. radical dimerization of radical cations.
Provider assessment of adherence to HIV antiretroviral therapy.

Background: Adherence assessment is an essential component of monitoring HIV antiretroviral therapy. Prior studies suggest that medical providers frequently estimate individual patient adherence inaccurately. Objective: We compared provider estimates of nonadherence to antiretroviral therapy with unannounced pill counts and structured patient interviews to determine the accuracy of adherence information obtained by providers and patients. Design, setting, and participants: Comparison of three adherence measures in homeless or marginally housed persons receiving HIV antiretroviral therapy (n = 45) and their providers (n = 35). Measurements: Provider estimate of percentage of pills taken; three successive patient structured reports of number of doses missed in the last 3 days; and three successive unannounced pill counts. Results: 13% (95% confidence interval [CI], 4%-22%) of patients were not following their regimen as directed. Provider-adherence estimate explained only 26% (95% CI, 6%-47%) of the variation in pill count adherence, whereas patient report explained 72% (95% CI, 52%-96%). The sensitivity and specificity of provider estimates of nonadherence, defined as <80% of pills taken by pill count, were 40% and 85%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of patient interview were 72% and 95%, respectively. Conclusions: Provider estimate of adherence was inaccurate whereas structured patient report was more closely related to pill count. Structured assessment over several short intervals may improve accuracy of adherence assessment in clinical practice.
Subtype specific estrogen receptor action protects against changes in MMP-2 activation in mouse retinal pigmented epithelial cells.

Abstract Eyes with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) demonstrate accumulation of specific deposits and extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules under the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). AMD is about two times more prevalent in aging postmenopausal women. Therefore we studied whether 17β-estradiol (E2) modulates the expression and activity of the trimolecular complex (MMP-2, TIMP-2 and MMP-14), molecules which are of major importance for ECM turnover in RPE. We used cell lines isolated from estrogen receptor knockout mice (ERKO) to determine which ER (estrogen receptor) subtype was important for ECM regulation in RPE cells. We found that mouse RPE sheets had higher baseline MMP-2 activity in the presence of ERβ. This correlated with higher MMP-2 activity in RPE cell lines isolated from ERKOα mice. Exposure to E2 increased MMP-2 activity in mouse RPE cell lines. In addition E2 increased transcriptional activation of the MMP-2 promoter through a functional Sp1 site which required the presence of ERβ, but not ERα. E2 also maintained levels of pro MMP-2, and MMP-14 and TIMP-2 activity after oxidant injury. Since the direct effects of E2 on MMP-2 transcriptional activation and the regulation of the trimolecular complex after oxidant-induced injury requires ERβ, this receptor subtype may have a role as a potential therapeutic target to prevent changes in activation of MMP-2.
Asymptotic uniform data-rate guarantees in large wireless networks

In this paper, we study asymptotic uniform data-rate guarantees in large wireless networks from an information-theoretic viewpoint. We consider the following question: what is the maximum achievable data rate that such a network can support for communication from an arbitrary radio node to its destination under transmission power and network-topology constraints, as the network size goes to infinity? In other words, we study the data-rate guarantee for an arbitrarily chosen source-destination pair assuming all other nodes act as relays. We consider two types of network deployments: (1) a regular deployment with unreliable nodes; and (2) a random deployment. We provide upper and lower bounds on the asymptotic achievable data rate for both linear and planar topologies under the two deployment models.
Cenozoic thermal evolution of the central Sierra Nevada, California, from (UTh)/He thermochronometry

Apatite(U-Th)/He cooling ages are reported for igneous apatite samples from the central Sierra Nevada and compared to published apatite fission track ages and track length data from the same mineral separates. Helium ages are youngest at low elevations and increase systematically toward higher elevations, ranging from 43 to 84 Ma at Yosemite Valley, 32 to 74 Ma at Kings River Canyon, and 23 to 75 Ma at Mt. Whitney. Helium ages from high elevation samples are generally concordant with corresponding fission track ages, while lower elevation helium ages are substantially younger. Cooling histories inferred from present laboratory derived fission track annealing and helium diffusion models do not match well, suggesting that either helium diffusion rates or fission track annealing rates are miscalibrated at temperatures below about 60°C for geologic exposure periods. Unlike the fission track results, the helium data do not indicate a very low geothermal gradient in the Sierra Nevada during early to middle Tertiary time.
Resuscitation of injured myocardium with adenosine and biventricular assist.

Abstract Recovery of energy metabolism and contractility in stunned myocardium requires several days, even when mechanical circulatory support is employed. This double-blind study was undertaken to determine if myocardial recovery could be accelerated by intracoronary infusion of adenosine during reperfusion. Ten mongrel dogs were subjected to 45 minutes of global normothermic ischemia while on biventricular support with centrifugal pumps. During initial reperfusion, 20 minutes later, and at hourly intervals for 4 hours, dogs received 100 mL/min of unaltered blood or blood enriched with adenosine (0.2 mmol/L) into the coronary arteries for 5 minutes. Circulatory support was discontinued after 4 hours or sooner if the first time derivative of left ventricular pressure exceeded 2,000 mm Hg/s. Animals that received adenosine were weaned sooner (72 ± 27 versus 216 ± 54 minutes) and had higher systolic pressure (110 ± 21 versus 57 ± 36 mm Hg), lower left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (23.8 ± 4.8 versus 34.0 ± 7.2 mm Hg), and higher first time derivative of left ventricular pressure (3,407 ± 812 versus 1,510 ± 1376 mm Hg/s) than controls at the completion of the experiment ( p p
Changes in Spatial Patterns of Rabbit Olfactory EEG with Conditioning to Odors

Electrode arrays (8 × 8, 3.5 × 3.5 mm) were implanted epidurally on the olfactory bulbs of rabbits for EEG recording. The rabbits were trained to give a conditioned response to a warning odor paired with an electric shock. EEGs were recorded and edited, and representative ERG bursts with odor and preceding the odor were selected for measurement. Each burst was displayed in a contour map of amplitude. The contour maps revealed active EEG foci in the bulb with size, shape and location unique to each rabbit. Changes in shape and location took place only during familiarization and during training, when a warning odor was paired with the aversive stimulus. The EEG spatial patterns did not change when visual or auditory stimuli were used as CS. EEG spatial patterns did not reflect conformal mapping of odor stimulus to neural activity response, but were determined by state variables of the animal related to olfactory conditioning history. The implications for human EEG are briefly discussed.
Operator-valued Jet Functions with Positive Carathéodory–Pick Operators

A factorization result for pairs of operator-valued functions with positive semidefinite Caratheodory–Pick operators is extended to pairs of jet-valued functions.
Recall of and Reactions to a Surgeon Referral Letter for BRCA Genetic Counseling Among High-Risk Breast Cancer Patients

The oncology care setting represents an important opportunity to identify and refer women at increased risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. However, little is known about the effectiveness of provider approaches to inform patients of hereditary cancer risk or patient uptake of genetic counseling (GC). This qualitative study examined the impact of a surgeon referral letter on recently diagnosed breast cancer patients’ uptake of BRCA GC. Qualitative open-ended, in-depth interviews were conducted with 26 high-risk breast cancer patients sent a referral letter for BRCA GC by their surgeon. Data were analyzed by a grounded theory approach. Most women (~80%) recalled receiving the letter, and 62% of all (n = 16) women pursued GC. Recall of the letter did not seem to be associated with uptake of GC (P = .49, Fisher’s exact test). The results highlight key areas for improvement that may help increase the impact of the letter. Half of the women in this sample believed that the letter was sent to all breast cancer patients, rather than those with specific risk factors. Few women mentioned any implications for the information obtained during GC or testing regarding their current breast cancer diagnosis or treatment. Of the women who did not attend, many perceived that dealing with the GC and testing process in the midst of a cancer diagnosis and treatment was overwhelming. Among the women who had chosen not to attend GC, most stated they would reconsider after completing their treatment. Patient recall of a surgeon referral letter does not seem to increase the number of high-risk women who attend GC after a breast cancer diagnosis. The letter approach in its current format does not seem to be a wholly effective means of communicating with some patients who may be overwhelmed by their cancer diagnosis or unaware that GC and testing may have implications for their current treatment decisions, possibly resulting in a missed opportunity to engage in informed decision making.
Late Miocene to Recent transtensional tectonics in the Sierra San Fermı́n, northeastern Baja California, Mexico

Basins and ranges within part of the Gulf of California Extensional Province (Mexico) have experienced complex distributed deformation, including normal and strike-slip faulting and block rotations, linked to dextral shear at the Pacific–North America plate boundary. In the Sierra San Fermin and southern Sierra San Felipe (northeastern Baja California), normal faulting began between 12.5 and 6 Ma, although most extension occurred between about 6 and 3 Ma, strongly influencing thickness and distribution of ash-flow tuffs and sedimentary deposits. Extension is generally <10% in 6 Ma rocks and somewhat more in 12.5 Ma rocks. Inversion of kinematic data, interpreted together with published paleomagnetic data, suggests that the axis of least principal stress was oriented between W–E and SW–NE in late Miocene time. Our data indicate an important change in the amount of dextral shear, but not necessarily the least principal stress direction (WSW–ENE), at about 3 Ma. Structural constraints limit significant sinistral strike-slip faulting, conjugate to the dextral plate boundary, to the last ∼3 My. Progressive changes in the geometry of faulting through time are consistent with regional strain partitioning within the Pacific–North America plate boundary zone, and are predicted by physical and analytical models of oblique divergence as the orientation of the stretching vector α changes to lower and lower values.
Identification of dynamic stiffness matrices of elastomeric joints using direct and inverse methods

Abstract New experiments are designed to permit direct comparison between direct and inverse identification methods of the dynamic stiffness matrices of elastomeric joints, including non-diagonal terms. The joints are constructed with combinations of inclined elastomeric cylinders to control non-diagonal terms in the stiffness matrix. The inverse experiment consists of an elastic metal beam end-supported by elastomeric joints coupling the in-plane transverse and longitudinal beam motion. A prior method is extended to identify the joint dynamic stiffness matrices of dimension 3 from limited modal measurements of the beam. The dynamic stiffness and loss factors of the elastomeric cylinders are directly measured in a commercial elastomer test machine in shear, compression, and inclined configurations and a coordinate transformation is used to estimate the kinematic non-diagonal stiffness terms. Agreement is found for both dynamic stiffness and loss factors between the direct and inverse methods at small displacements. Further, the identified joint properties are employed in a model that successfully predicts the modal parameters and accelerance spectra of the inverse experiment. This article provides valuable insight on the difficulties encountered when comparing system and elastomeric component test results.
Multiscale Particle-Based Modeling of Flowing Platelets in Blood Plasma Using Dissipative Particle Dynamics and Coarse Grained Molecular Dynamics

We developed a multiscale particle-based model of platelets, to study the transport dynamics of shear stresses between the surrounding fluid and the platelet membrane. This model facilitates a more accurate prediction of the activation potential of platelets by viscous shear stresses—one of the major mechanisms leading to thrombus formation in cardiovascular diseases and in prosthetic cardiovascular devices. The interface of the model couples coarse-grained molecular dynamics (CGMD) with dissipative particle dynamics (DPD). The CGMD handles individual platelets while the DPD models the macroscopic transport of blood plasma in vessels. A hybrid force field is formulated for establishing a functional interface between the platelet membrane and the surrounding fluid, in which the microstructural changes of platelets may respond to the extracellular viscous shear stresses transferred to them. The interaction between the two systems preserves dynamic properties of the flowing platelets, such as the flipping motion. Using this multiscale particle-based approach, we have further studied the effects of the platelet elastic modulus by comparing the action of the flow-induced shear stresses on rigid and deformable platelet models. The results indicate that neglecting the platelet deformability may overestimate the stress on the platelet membrane, which in turn may lead to erroneous predictions of the platelet activation under viscous shear flow conditions. This particle-based fluid–structure interaction multiscale model offers for the first time a computationally feasible approach for simulating deformable platelets interacting with viscous blood flow, aimed at predicting flow induced platelet activation by using a highly resolved mapping of the stress distribution on the platelet membrane under dynamic flow conditions.
Power circulation via negative energy-flux wormholes in optical nanowaveguides

We show that energy circulation within a pulse is possible when it propagates in a high-contrast dielectric nanowire. This process is accomplished through electromagnetic “wormhole” regions, in which the Poynting vector associated with the guided mode is negative with respect to the direction of propagation. For demonstration purposes this mechanism is elucidated in AlGaAs and silicon nanowaveguides. The effect of dispersion on the power circulation is also considered.
Analysis of volatiles associated with industrial scale processing of expanded polystyrene Part II: Identification and quantitation

Expanded polystyrene was pyrolyzed on a laboratory scale hot wire cutter. The resulting volatiles were characterized using GC/MS as the primary analytical tool. Use was also made of retention data from a complex petrochemical standard. In situ bromination of the pyrolysate further helped in structure elucidation. Air samples were collected in the field and compared to the model experiments from a laboratory scale hot wire cutter. The results indicate that alkylbenzene type compounds were the primary compounds in this environment. A few oxygenated substances were also formed. Traces of brominated compounds were detected in the model experiments but not in the samples collected in the field, with one exception. Quantitative data are presented from a typical industrial operation.
Coalescence Behavior of Aluminum Alloy Drops in Molten Salts

The coalescence of aluminum and aluminum alloy drops in molten salt flux was observed in different salt fluxes as a function of time. Salts based on equimolar NaCl-KCl with addition of other metal chlorides or metal fluorides were used. All salts showed the ability to coalesce metal drops into one drop, but time taken for complete coalescence was different for different salts. Metal drops are covered with oxide film, which hinders their ability to coalesce into one metal drop. Thus, the coalescence ability of any salt depends on the efficiency of oxide removal by the salt. Removal of oxide layer from aluminum surface by equimolar NaCl-KCI and equimolar NaCI-KCI containing 5 mass%NaF was observed by interference microscopy. It was found that the oxide layer was not removed by equimolar NaCl-KCl, while it was removed by equimolar NaCl-KCl containing 5 mass%NaF. Coalescence ability of salt is related to weight loss of metal in salt and interfacial tension between metal and salt.
Frontal lobe function in progressive supranuclear palsy

• Performance on tasks evaluating "executive and attentional" processes presumably subserved by prefrontal cortex were compared in patients with progressive supranuclear palsy and with age- and education-matched control subjects. The results indicated that patients with progressive supranuclear palsy were particularly impaired when a task required sequential movements, conceptual shifting, monitoring the frequency with which stimuli are presented, or rapid retrieval of verbal knowledge. These deficits could not simply be accounted for by slowed information processing or by a deficit in representational knowledge. Conceivably, "weak activation" of frontal lobe representational knowledge characterized by an observed attentional deficit results in the neuropsychological impairments noted in patients with progressive supranuclear palsy. The oral administration of physostigmine, under double-blind placebo-controlled conditions, did not facilitate executive or attentional performance as evaluated by our tasks.
Mass spectra of thiazolidines

The electron impact mass spectra of twelve thiazolidines have been measured and the fragmentation patterns examined. The three most intense fragmentations common to all the thiazolidines examined are: (a) the cleavage of the substituent at C-2, (b) 1,4-ring cleavage, and (c) 2,5-ring cleavage. The 1,4- and 2,5-cleavages occur with and without rearrangement of a proton.
Racial/ethnic differences in the longitudinal progression of co-occurring negative affect and cigarette use: From adolescence to young adulthood

Aims This study examined the longitudinal progression of the co-occurrence of cigarette use and negative affect among the general population of U.S. adolescents and young adults and between racial/ethnic groups.
AUDITORY EXPERIENCE DOES NOT SHAPE SEXUAL PREFERENCES FOR SONGS IN FEMALE NORTHERN CARDINALS

Bird song is typically used by males to attract females. As a consequence of the vocal learning process, the acoustic morphology of male songs shows marked geographic variation. Whether females use variation in male songs to choose mates has been controversial (reviewed by Catchpole & Slater, 1995). In some species, the song types that females produce when treated hormonally have been considered to be the song types they prefer in the context of mate choice. To examine this notion, I investigated the song type preferences of female northern cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) using a more direct measure, copulation solicitation display. Unlike females of many other species of songbirds in the Temperate zone, female cardinals naturally develop songs by imitating adults just as males do, allowing direct identification of when and what song types are memorized by females for vocal production. I sought to determine if the memory trace formed for vocal performance is identical with the memory trace that guides song type preference in a sexual context, and whether females truly form any song type preference based on auditory experience during the first year of their lives. To address these questions, audio-video playback experiments were carried out on captive-raised adult cardinals whose complete auditory history was known. The results showed that female cardinals did not come to prefer any song type based on experience; they responded equally to all conspecific song types. Thus, memory formed for vocal production in females is not equal to song type preferred in sexual context. The results suggest that variation in song types is not important for mate choice in cardinals.
An analysis of algorithms laboratory utilizing the maximum segment sum problem

This paper describes a laboratory/homework exercise, appropriate for the traditional CS 2 or Data Structures & Algorithms course (CS 7) [1], that gives students practice in analyzing algorithms to determine their asymptotic running times as well as in recognizing the relationship between an algorithm's asymptotic running time and the execution time of a program implementing it. The exercise utilizes the maximum segment sum problem, which, we argue, is a good alternative to sorting, the problem that is probably most often used in exercises of this kind.
A systems approach to the child, school, family, and community in an urban area.

Fifteen eighth-grade students, their parents, teachers, and relevant school administrators received a multilevel systems consultation from a community mental health center. Clients were conceptualized and worked with in terms of the subsystem to which they belonged and with regard to the interrelationships of the other subsystems comprising the school-community system. Theoretical considerations following Lewin's life-space concept are described as a basis for this approach in contrast to more traditional ones which typically fail to treat directly, simultaneously, and/or sequentially all client subsystems, e.g., child, school, family, and community. The consultation is described as a case example with each client contributing to the evaluation of the intervention. Although the consultation could not be carried out entirely along the lines originally conceived, it serves as a helpful model for making a more potent impact in school interventions.
Hazing: Uncovering one of the best-kept secrets of the workplace

K athryn, the newly promoted supervisor of a large supermarket, is asked to check something in the meat freezer. As she does so, she hears the door lock behind her. It is closing time and she knows that everyone leaves promptly. Will she spend the next 12 hours in the freezer, only to be found frozen solid in the morning? Twelve hours at these temperatures would mean certain death, but Kathryn does not panic. Why? Her manager had let her know that new supervisors in the store are commonly subjected to being locked in the freezer for five minutes. Kathryn remained calm because she had been prepared for this practice. Otherwise she might have "freaked out" at the thought of dying, and even after she had been "rescued," she probably would have angrily concluded that she was working with a bunch of savages and quit the job. But Kathryn knew she was being hazed, and therefore could go along with the gag. Practical jokes, intentionally meaningless or humiliating tasks, and unnecessary assignments are all forms of hazing. The language is explicit: learning the ropes, paying your dues, passing muster, and earning your stripes are all terms referring to the rites of passage from outsider to insider. Newcomers are hazed to test them for potential membership. Will they fit in, be loyal to the group, be reliable, have a sense of humor? The tests for compatibility are varied: new to the job, a counter clerk at McDonald's is told to inventory pickle slices; a hospital orderly is asked to look for the fallopian tube; a bank teller has her keys hidden; an engineer is given cleaning jobs; and a new lawyer gets the most boring cases.
Kinetics of the pyrolysis of arundo, sawdust, corn stover and switch grass biomass by thermogravimetric analysis using a multi-stage model.

Abstract A new multi-stage kinetic model has been developed for TGA pyrolysis of arundo, corn stover, sawdust and switch grass that accounts for the initial biomass weight ( W 0 ). The biomass were decomposed in a nitrogen atmosphere from 23 °C to 900 °C in a TGA at a single 20 °C/min ramp rate in contrast with the isoconversion technique. The decomposition was divided into multiple stages based on the absolute local minimum values of conversion derivative, ( dx / dT ), obtained from DTG curves. This resulted in three decomposition stages for arundo, corn stover and sawdust and four stages for switch grass. A linearized multi-stage model was applied to the TGA data for each stage to determine the pre-exponential factor, activation energy, and reaction order. The activation energies ranged from 54.7 to 60.9 kJ/mol, 62.9 to 108.7 kJ/mol, and 18.4 to 257.9 kJ/mol for the first, second and the third decomposition stages respectively.
Selective Increase in Dopamine Utilization in the Shell Subdivision of the Nucleus Accumbens by the Benzodiazepine Inverse Agonist FG 7142

We examined the effects of the benzodiazepine inverse agonist FG 7142 on dopamine metabolism in the core and shell subdivisions of the nucleus accumbens. FG 7142 (15 mg/kg i.p.) or vehicle was administered to adult male rats 30 min before they were killed. Selected brain regions, including samples from the whole nucleus accumbens as well as core and shell subdivisions, were collected and assayed for tissue concentrations of dopamine and its major metabolite, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid. Consistent with previous reports, FG 7142 administration increased dopamine utilization in the medial prefrontal cortex but not the whole nucleus accumbens. Examination of subdivisions revealed that FG 7142 produced increased dopamine utilization in the shell subdivision of the nucleus accumbens. No effect of FG 7142 on dopamine utilization in the core region of the nucleus accumbens was observed. These data are discussed in terms of in vivo microdialysis studies reporting increased dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens after FG 7142 administration.