cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Running and grimacing: the struggle for balance in mobile work

The current proliferation of mobile devices in computing, electronics and communications industries has begun to provide consumers and workers with types of experiences that once required being tethered to a particular piece of technology at a fixed location. Advertisers bombard us with images of executives reclining on sun drenched beaches, cheerfully pecking away at their laptops, or struting, like alpha males through airports checking their stock portfolios on PDAs and mobile phones.
THE GALACTORRHŒA-ENDOMETRIOSIS SYNDROME

Abstract A new syndrome consisting of galactorrhœa and endometriosis is described. Nine patients with endometriosis, eight of whom had galactorrhœa either at diagnosis or after treatment with danazol are reported. Prolactin concentrations were normal in seven patients. Galactorrhœa in a woman with regular menstrual periods should suggest a possible diagnosis of underlying endometriosis, especially if there is a history of dysmenorrhœa.
Strength loss in composites from lateral contact loads

Abstract Lateral impact of composites introduces a complicated loading into the structure, with both bending and contact loads present. In the present investigation, static contact loads were applied to a laminate supported so that the contact loads were introduced without bending effects. Thus the objective was to study the effects of the contact loads separately. It was found that the contact stiffness law observed previously by others also applied in the present case. Significant damage and loss of strength under subsequent in-plane tension loading was observed, with the most severe case corresponding to the strength reduction of a through hole. Finite element calculations of the contact loading could be correlated with the observed loss in strength.
Code available for boundary-value problems

In a series of well-known papers, Victor Pereyra and colleagues have developed the deferred-correction of divided-difference methods for the numerical solution of two-point boundary-value problems both for first-order systems and for second-order scalar equations. As a first step on the road similarly to developing deferred-correction of collocation methods, we have studied Pereyra's code IDCBVP for the second-order case in detail; since most of Pereyra's effort has been directed toward first-order systems, it is not surprising that we were able to improve IDCBVP considerably. Such effort seems worthwhile since experience indicates that for efficiency one should solve second-order problems as second-order problems rather than as first-order systems. Our resulting code NUMIDC is efficient, accurate, reliable, and seems to compare favorably with competing codes on appropriate problems.
An electronic framework to enhance conceptual learning

Almost all courses use homework assignments as a means to help students improve their mastery of concepts introduced in class. The development of the assignments, checking of solutions and delivery of feedback to students can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. This research introduces a simple framework that has been used to develop fully automated electronic assignments covering various concepts in operations management (OM). The resultant assignments can be run over the internet or directly on student computers. Student feedback based on survey responses and usage data suggests that they view the assignments as an important component of the course. The framework, which can be used to deliver assignments covering different concepts from other functional areas, and the completed assignments for OM are provided free for non-profit, educational use.
Increasing Response Rates to Mail Questionnaires: A Review of Inducement Strategies

Abstract Health education researchers frequently use mail questionnaires to collect data. One major limitation to mail survey research is nonresponse bias. When the nonresponse rate is high, external validity is compromised. A number of studies have examined the effect of inducement strategies on response rate. Such studies have resulted in much discrepancy and uncertainty as to the strategies that consistently increase response rate. This article provides survey researchers with effective inducement strategies based on a comprehensive review of the professional literature. Five areas of consideration regarding mail survey research are examined: (1) envelopes and postage, (2) cover letter, (3) incentives, (4) questionnaire characteristics, and (5) participant contact. The use of this information should strengthen mail survey research and minimize nonresponse bias.
Redox properties of tyrosine and related molecules

Redox reactions of tyrosine play key roles in many biological processes, including water oxidation and DNA synthesis. We first review the redox properties of tyrosine (and other phenols) in small molecules and related polypeptides, then report work on (H20)/(Y48)-modified Pseudomonas aeruginosa azurin. The crystal structure of this protein (1.18 A resolution) shows that H20 is strongly hydrogen bonded to Y48 (2.7–2.8 A tyrosine-O to histidine-N distance). A firm conclusion is that proper tuning of the tyrosine potential by a proton-accepting base is critical for biological redox functions.
NELL-1 Promotes Cartilage Regeneration in an In Vivo Rabbit Model

Repair of cartilage due to joint trauma remains challenging due to the poor healing capacity of cartilage and adverse effects related to current growth factor-based strategies. NELL-1 (Nel-like molecule-1; Nel [a protein strongly expressed in neural tissue encoding epidermal growth factor like domain]), a protein first characterized in the context of premature cranial suture fusion, is believed to accelerate differentiation along the osteochondral lineage. We previously demonstrated the ability of NELL-1 protein to maintain the cartilaginous phenotype of explanted rabbit chondrocytes in vitro. Our objective in the current study is to determine whether NELL-1 can affect endogenous chondrocytes in an in vivo cartilage defect model. To generate the implant, NELL-1 was incorporated into chitosan nanoparticles and embedded into alginate hydrogels. These implants were press fit into 3-mm circular osteochondral defects created in the femoral condylar cartilage of 3-month-old New Zealand White rabbits (n=10). Con...
Adriamycin, bleomycin, DIC, CCNU, and prednisone (ABDIC) chemotherapy in MOPP‐resistant Hodgkin's disease

ABDIC was administered to 32 patients with MOPP-resistant Hodgkin's disease. Three were considered nonevaluable because of early death. All patients had received MOPP (medium of eight cycles), and five had also received other chemotherapy. Major radiotherapy had been used in 18 of the 29. Complete remission (CR) occurred in 10 of 29 (34.5%), partial remissions (PR) in 14 (48.2%), and no remissions (NR) in five (17.2%). Median survival and relapse-free survival for CR patients exceeded 28 months. Two relapsed at 8 and 18 months; one died at 9 1/2 months, and the other is disease-free with other treatment at 35 months. Seven of the remaining eight patients are alive without disease (10-35 months); 4 are on maintenance therapy, and the other died from an infection and eosinophilic granuloma of lung without evidence of recurrent Hodgkin's disease. Median survival of PR patients was eight months. One patient with Hodgkin's disease involving the liver is alive at 36 months with further therapy. Median survival of NR patients is 2.5 months, and all died within seven months. Survival of CR patients is greater than PR and NR patients (P = 0.002), and that of PR is greater than NR (P = 0.01). Four of the 29 patients had nodal relapse, and 25 had parenchymal relapse, with no difference in response rates (P = 0.47). ABDIC is useful in Hodgkin's disease patients who have had extensive prior chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Corticotropin-releasing factor 1 receptor-mediated mechanisms inhibit colonic hypersensitivity in rats.

The potential relationship between stress and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptomatology suggests a possible role for stress-mediating hor- mones, such as corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), in the altered perception of stimuli in IBS patients. In previous studies, Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats with gen- etic indices of high anxiety demonstrated colonic hypersensitivity coupled with a high basal level of CRF within the central nervous system. In the cur- rent study we tested the hypothesis that a selective, non-peptide CRF1 receptor antagonist, antalarmin, would inhibit hypersensitivity in the WKY rat colon. Colonic sensitivity was determined by monitoring a visceromotor behavioural response during innocuous levels of colorectal distention (30 mmHg). In high anxiety WKY rats we found that antalarmin (20 mg kg )1 , i.p.) significantly decreased the viscero- motor response induced by colorectal distention. In a second study central administration (i.c.v.) of CRF was used to induce colonic hypersensitivity in lower anxiety Fischer 344 (F-344) rats, and in this model, antalarmin significantly inhibited the CRF-induced colonic hypersensitivity. In summary, a selective CRF1 receptor antagonist, antalarmin, inhibits colonic hypersensitivity apparent in WKY rats or in F-344 rats given a central administration of CRF. Our findings suggest that CRF1 receptor antagonism may represent a novel therapeutic approach for the treat- ment of IBS.
Gas phase chlorination of hydrogen-passivated silicon surfaces

A simple method is described to functionalize hydrogen-passivated Si(111) and Si(100) surfaces with chlorine (Cl2) gas. Infrared-absorption spectroscopy provides a positive identification of chlorination and mechanistic information on the chlorination of H-terminated Si surfaces, and on the structure and stability of chlorine-terminated Si surfaces (Cl∕Si). We find that the chlorination process does not change the surface morphology: H∕Si(111)‐(1×1) surfaces and HF-etched Si(100) surfaces remain atomically flat and atomically rough, respectively, upon chlorination. Chlorinated S: surfaces are stable in a nitrogen atmosphere for over 12 hours.
Two phase liquid helium flow testing to simulate the operation of a cryocondensation pump in the DIII-D tokamak*

Abstract A liquid helium-cooled cryocondensation pump has been installed in the DIII=D tokamak fusion energy research experiment at General Atomics. The pump is located within the tokamak vacuum chamber beneath the divertor baffle plates and is utilized for plasma density and contamination control. Two-phase helium flows through the pump at 5 to 10 g/s utilizing the beat transfer and constant temperature characteristics of boiling liquid helium. The pump is designed for a pumping speed of 32,0001/s. Extensive testing was performed with a prototypical pump test fixture. Several pump geometries (simple tube, coaxial flow plug, and coaxial slotted insert) were tested, in an iterative process, to determine which was the most satisfactory for stable cryocondensation pumping. Results from the different tests illustrating the temperature distribution and flow characteristics for each configuration are presented.
Complications of labor induction among multiparous women in a community-based hospital system

Objective The purpose of this study was to examine complications of labor induction compared to spontaneous labor in multiparas. Study Design This was a retrospective cohort study of multiparous women with live, singleton pregnancies at term, who had no contraindications to labor or labor induction. Cesarean delivery was the primary outcome. Results Of the study subjects, 7208 experienced spontaneous labor, 2190 underwent labor induction with oxytocin, and 239 underwent labor induction requiring cervical ripening agents. Oxytocin-induced multiparas were 37% more likely to require cesarean compared to those with spontaneous labor (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.10-1.71) and nearly 3 times more likely to undergo cesarean when cervical ripening agents were used (OR, 2.82; 95% CI, 1.84-4.53). Women requiring cervical ripening were also 10 times more likely to spend more than 12 hours in labor than those with spontaneous labor. Conclusion Multiparas undergoing labor induction are at increased risk for obstetric complications compared to spontaneous labor.
Evaluation of team‐based management: a case study

Team‐based management systems appear to be a possible avenue for increasing the productivity and effectiveness of organizations. However, there are concerns regarding their true purposes and effects within organizations. There is presently a dearth of literature evaluating the effectiveness of team‐based management. To begin filling this void, provides a case study illustrating the process, as well as the findings, from such an evaluation effort. In addition, presents a review of the literature regarding team‐based management.
Demand Forecasting for Rural Transit: Models Applied to Washington State

Rural transit demand forecasting is a tool that aids planners and analysts in the allocation of scarce resources for typically underserved populations. As the number of privately owned automobiles has increased over the past several decades, the provision of public transportation has decreased and lessened the ability of nondrivers to participate in the workforce, take advantage of social service programs, and receive adequate medical care. With Washington State as the case study, three models were developed on the basis of usage characteristics for several existing transportation systems in four Washington counties. Peer analysis was used to create three models with varying levels of complexity and data requirements to predict ridership on countywide public transportation systems. Results indicate that the disaggregated transit demand (DTD) model estimation techniques are the most refined and flexible. The DTD model provides a significant starting point for developing accurate equations for predicting transit need and demand for underserved areas in Washington State.
Corneal accommodation in chick and pigeon.

We have investigated the role of changes in corneal radius of curvature in effecting accommodation in the bird's eye. It was found that in natural accommodation (measured by IR photoretinoscopy) changes of corneal radius of curvature (measured by IR photokeratometry) play an important role in both the chick and the pigeon. In the adult pigeon the cornea is indeed responsible for the largest part of natural accommodation (up to approx. 9 D). In this animal the corneal diameter (as seen from the optical axis of the eye) decreases in accommodation which can be taken to explain the change of corneal radius of curvature. In the chicken, corneal accommodation is combined with other mechanisms (total accommodative range 15–17 D, corneal accommodation about 8 D). The chicken's cornea is aspherical within the pupil area leading to large measurement variation in photokeratometry if the Purkinje images are not symmetrical to the pupillary axis.
An "Inhibitory" Influence on Brainstem Population Responses

Forward masking was used to obtain measurements of physiological masking and two-tone unmasking from short-latency evoked potentials and psychophysical responses in human subjects. The physiological results are in qualitative agreement with data on inhibitory phenomena in nonhuman auditory systems. The neural and behavioral data obtained thus far agree well.
Modified maximum likelihood estimator for the mixing distribution in a finite mixture

Using the likelihood equations, a method based on the generalized inverse of matrices is proposed to derive closed-form estimates for the mixing proportions in a finite mixture, when the component distributions are known.
Nonisomorphic generalized quadrangles

Abstract For each integer e > 2 a class of somewhat more than φ ( e ) pairwise non-isomorphic quadrangles is exhibited and shown to yield nonisomorphic ( v , k , λ)-designs. The collineation groups of these quadrangles and designs are determined. Also a class of quadrangles with s = q − 1, t = q + l , q any prime power, is constructed.
Off the Map? Locating the Emerging Church: A Comparative Case Study of Congregations in the Pacific Northwest

This article seeks to clear up the conceptual confusion around the identity and practices of congregations labeled as Emerging. This research is motivated in part by Chaves (J Sci Study Relig 49(1):1–14, 2010) recent diagnosis of the social scientific study of religion literature as suffering from a religious congruence fallacy in which behavior is assumed to follow one’s religious label; rather than assume similarity as a result of the Emerging label this article seeks to uncover the distinctive practices of congregations labeled as Emerging and to offer a comparative analysis. Additionally, this article fills a gap in the social scientific literature by providing description of the actual practices and worship of Emerging congregations from a multi-site, congregational field research project in the Pacific Northwest. Drawing on participant observation, pastor interviews, focus groups, and paper/web resources this paper clarifies what is meant by the term the emerging church. It is shown that the emerging church in Seattle is comprised of a spectrum of congregations that are adept at attracting young adults. Despite their apparent similarities, the congregations on the ends of this spectrum are shown to belong to distinct subcultures. These are then compared to the existing dominant, Protestant subcultures in the Pacific Northwest.
Dipstick Urinalysis Screening of Asymptomatic Adults for Urinary Tract Disorders: I. Hematuria and Proteinuria

We review evidence on the value of dipstick urinalysis screening for hemoglobin and protein in asymptomatic adults. In young adults, evidence from five population-based studies indicates that fewer than 2% of those with a positive heme dipstick have a serious and treatable urinary tract disease, too few to justify screening and the risks of subsequent workup. For older populations, evidence is contradictory and no recommendation can presently be made for or against hematuria screening. A population-based randomized, controlled trial of hematuria screening in the elderly is urgently needed. Proteinuria screening is not recommended in any healthy, asymptomatic adult population, since four population-based studies have found that fewer than 1.5% of those with positive dipsticks have serious and treatable urinary tract disorders. ( JAMA . 1989;262:1214-1219)
Breaking Up is Hard to Do: The Ups and Downs of Divorcing Brands

When Alicia Keys was officially appointed BlackBerry’s cre-ative director in early 2013, she described the different stages of her relationship with the brand. She had previously been in a “long-term relationship with BlackBerry”. At some point she started to “flirt with other smartphone brands”. The iPhone and Android seemed much sexier to her, and she turned her back on BlackBerry – like many other ardent admirers of the former cult brand. BlackBerry realized that it had to work hard to regain Alicia’s interest. It relaunched with a new platform, a new phone and a number of new, user-friendly features. Ultimately, BlackBerry won her back. She claimed to have “an exclusive relation-ship with the BlackBerry 10”. But not all brand relationships have such happy endings. Alicia’s flings with other brands might have led to a permanent farewell for Blackberry. Just as in personal relationships, even close brand commitments sometimes come to an end.
Zinc uptake by primate retinal pigment epithelium and choroid.

We studied zinc uptake by nonhuman primate retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and choroid, using wZn as a probe. With intravenously administered MZnCl2, virtually all detectable tracer was lost from the plasma after 20 hours but the pigment epithelium-choroid showed prominent uptake and retention. Plasma concentrations of oral “ZnO remained high 20 hours after feeding. Uptake and retention of orally administered MZn as “ZnO from the bloodstream by the RPE/choroid was avid in both young and old animals. Excretion in urine and feces was minimal. All pigmented ocular tissues took up and retained “Zn. A survey of total zinc content of human and nonhuman primate ocular tissues showed that the pigmented tissues had consistently higher concentrations of zinc. Our results demonstrate for the first time direct uptake and retention of zinc from the blood by primate RPE and other ocular tissues.
A silicon microsuspension for disk drive applications

A silicon miniature gimbal suspension with integrated metal leads for disk drive heads has been designed, fabricated and tested. Details on the structure itself and the fabrication process alternatives are given. In the course of this project, a new technique for making structures from SOI (silicon-on-insulator)-like starting materials was developed. The silicon micromachined gimbals were tested successfully on a disk spin stand.
Error-free computer solution of certain systems of linear equations

Abstract In this article we propose a procedure which generates the exact solution for the system A x = b , where A is an integral nonsingular matrix and b is an integral vector, by improving the initial floating-point approximation to the solution. This procedure, based on an easily programmed method proposed by Aberth [1], first computes the approximate floating-point solution x * by using an available linear equation solving algorithm. Then it extracts the exact solution x from x * if the error in the approximation x * is sufficiently small. An a posteriori upper bound for the error of x * is derived when Gaussian Elimination with partial pivoting is used. Also, a computable upper bound for |det( A )|, which is an alternative to using Hadamard's inequality, is obtained as a byproduct of the Gaussian Elimination process.
Validation of a clinical finite element model of the human lumbosacral spine

Very few finite element models on the lumbosacral spine have been reported because of its unique biomechanical characteristics. In addition, most of these lumbosacral spine models have been only validated with rotation at single moment values, ignoring the inherent nonlinear nature of the moment-rotation response of the spine. Because a majority of lumbar spine surgeries are performed between L4 and S1 levels, and the confidence in the stress analysis output depends on the model validation, the objective of the present study was to develop a unique finite element model of the lumbosacral junction. The clinically applicable model was validated throughout the entire nonlinear range. It was developed using computed tomography scans, subjected to flexion and extension, and left and right lateral bending loads, and quantitatively validated with cumulative variance analyses. Validation results for each loading mode and for each motion segment (L4-L5, L5-S1) and bisegment (L4-S1) are presented in the paper.
The Federal Reserve, the Emerging Markets, and Capital Controls: A High-Frequency Empirical Investigation

In this paper, I use weekly data from seven emerging nations—four in Latin America and three in Asia—to investigate the extent to which changes in Fed policy interest rates have been transmitted into domestic short-term interest rates during the 2000s. The results suggest that there is indeed an interest rates “pass-through” from the Fed to emerging markets. However, the extent of transmission of interest rate shocks is different—in terms of impact, steady state effect, and dynamics—in Latin America and Asia. The results also indicate that capital controls are not an effective tool for isolating emerging countries from global interest rate disturbances. Changes in the slope of the U.S. yield curve, including changes generated by a “twist” policy, affect domestic interest rates in emerging countries. I also provide a detailed case study for Chile.
Regulation of hamster splenocyte reactivity to concanavalin a during pregnancy

Abstract The survival to term of mammalian fetuses regardless of their expression of paternal or embryonic developmental antigens suggests that some alteration in the immune capabilities of a female occur during pregnancy. The immunocompetence of female Syrian golden hamsters during pregnancy was investigated with respect to the blastogenic response of spleen cells to the T-cell mitogen concanavalin A (Con A). The blastogenic response of spleen cells from pregnant hamsters during mid- or late gestation is 10% of that observed for spleen cells from age-matched, virgin female animals. The degree of depression of Con A-induced blastogenesis is independent of the parity status of the animal, and in all parities, the normal magnitude of response to Con A returns within 10 days of parturition. The concentration of Con A required for maximal stimulation is unaffected by the state of pregnancy. The spleen cells from pregnant hamsters are not capable of suppressing the proliferative response of spleen cells from virgin females to Con A. However, the serum from pregnant hamsters, in comparison with serum from virgin female animals, is capable of reducing this mitogenic response. Extensive washing of the splenocytes from pregnant hamsters does reduce the degree of suppression. These results suggest that the hamster is an excellent animal model for the investigation of the mechanism(s) of immune regulation that operate during pregnancy.
Combating Drug-Resistant Bacteria: Small Molecule Mimics of Plasmid Incompatibility as Antiplasmid Compounds

A major mechanism for bacterial resistance to antibiotics is through the acquisition of a plasmid coding for resistance-mediating proteins. Described herein is a strategy to eliminate these plasmids from bacteria, thus resensitizing the bacteria to antibiotics. This approach involves mimicking a natural mechanism for plasmid elimination, known as plasmid incompatibility. The compound apramycin was identified as a tight binder to SLI RNA (Kd = 93 nM), the in vivo target of the plasmid incompatibility determinate RNA I, and footprinting/mutagenesis studies indicate apramycin binds SLI in the important regulatory region that dictates plasmid replication control and incompatibility. In vivo studies demonstrate that this compound causes significant plasmid loss and resensitizes bacteria to conventional antibiotics. The demonstration that a small molecule can mimic incompatibility, cause plasmid elimination, and resensitize bacteria to antibiotics opens up new targets for antibacterial research.
Hormonal and Nutritional Effects on Cardiovascular Risk Markers in Young Women

Context: Cardiovascular (CV) risk markers, including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), are increasingly important in predicting cardiac events. A favorable CV risk profile might be expected in anorexia nervosa (AN) due to low body weight and dietary fat intake. However, women with AN have decreased IGF-I levels reflecting decreased GH action, and IGF-I deficiency is associated with elevated hsCRP. Moreover, oral estrogens, known to increase hsCRP in other populations, are commonly prescribed in AN. To date, hsCRP levels and their physiological determinants have not been reported in women with AN. Objective: We examined the relationship between CV risk markers, undernutrition, IGF-I, and oral estrogens, specifically hypothesizing that in the setting of undernutrition, AN would be associated with low hsCRP despite low IGF-I levels and that those women taking oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) would have higher hsCRP and lower IGF-I levels. Design and Setting: We conducted a cross-sectional study at ...
Fixed points of asymptotic contractions

Abstract Let φ : R + → R + be a contractive gauge function in the sense that φ is continuous, φ(s) 0, and if f :M→M satisfies d(f(x),f(y))⩽φ(d(x,y)) for all x,y in a complete metric space (M,d), then f always has a unique fixed point. It is proved that if T :M→M satisfies d T n (x),T n (y) ⩽φ n d(x,y) , x,y∈M, where each φn is continuous and φn→φ uniformly on the range of d, then T has a unique fixed point, and moreover all of the Picard iterates of T converge to this fixed point.
Aspects of the Hydrological Cycle of the Ocean-Atmosphere System

Abstract The balance equations for atmospheric water vapor and freshwater in the oceans are used to illustrate that evaporation and precipitation represent the major linkage between the atmospheric and oceanic branches of the global hydrological cycle. Attempts are also made to establish the hydrological cycle of the coupled ocean-atmosphere system using water vapor flux divergence, precipitation, and interoceanic freshwater transport estimates from previous studies as well as computational results with more recent data. This hydrological cycle works as follows: the atmospheric water vapor converged to the Pacific results in an excess of precipitation and a freshwater transport across the Bering Strait and the Arctic Sea to the Atlantic. The atmospheric water vapor is then diverged out of the latter ocean due to an excess of evaporation there.
Shallow structure of the straits of Florida.

Continuous seismic profiles of the Straits of Florida indicate that north of 26°309N the trough was formed mainly by sediment upbuilding along the margins. South of this latitude the straits may be due in part to faulting.
IMM/SCRUB: A domain-specific tool for the deduplication of vaccination history records in childhood immunization registries

IMM/Scrub is a pilot tool developed to assist in the deduplication of vaccination history records in childhood immunization registries. This problem is complicated by a number of factors including that fact that: (1) some doses are numbered and some are not, (2) doses may have different dose numbers, (3) doses may specify different preparations within a vaccine series, (4) one dose may indicate a combination vaccine and the other dose may specify one component of that combination, (5) two doses may have slightly different dates, and (6) combinations of any of these problems may occur together. IMM/Scrub is designed to help detect 10 different types of vaccination dose duplicates and also allows the user to specify flexibly the conditions in which a duplicate dose might be automatically eliminated. In addition, IMM/Scrub is linked to the IMM/Serve immunization forecasting program, which can provide additional assistance in the data cleaning process. The paper describes (1) the design of the current pilot implementation of IMM/Scrub, (2) the lessons learned during its implementation, and (3) our preliminary experience applying it to data from three immunization databases, from a state, a metropolitan area, and an academic medical center.
Kirchhoff elastic wave migration for the case of noncoincident source and receiver

In taking into account both compressional (P) and shear (S) waves, more geologic information can likely be extracted from the seismic data. The presence of shear and converted shear waves in both land and marine seismic data recordings calls for the development of elastic wave‐migration methods. The migration method presently developed consists of simultaneous migration of P- and S-waves for offset seismic data based on the Kirchhoff‐Helmholtz type integrals for elastic waves. A new principle of simultaneously migrating both P- and S-waves is introduced. The present method, named the Kirchhoff elastic wave migration, has been tested using the 2-D synthetic surface data calculated from several elastic models of a dipping layer (including a horizontal layer), a composite dipping and horizontal layer, and two layers over a half‐space. The results of these tests not only assure the feasibility of this migration scheme, but also demonstrate that enhanced images in the migrated sections are well formed. Moreove...
Evaluation of a compact high power pulsed fiber laser source for laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

The aim of the present work is to evaluate the potential of a fast growing laser technology, the fiber laser, in the field of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). Many compact fiber lasers are now available, which produce a high quality beam and deliver sufficient energy to generate optically interesting plasmas for analytical purposes at very high repetition rates. This technology has not been yet seriously investigated for LIBS applications. We summarize here the main specifications and analytical performances of this laser source coupled to three different spectrometers for the analysis of aluminium samples. Limits of detection in the low µg g−1 range are calculated for magnesium, copper, manganese, silicon, iron and chromium. Using a compact spectrometer, a low limit of detection of 1.1 µg g−1 is obtained for magnesium in aluminium. Ablation craters produced on aluminium are also characterized. Finally, we briefly illustrate the possibilities of the fiber laser for the LIBS analysis of another matrix, calculating limits of detection that are below 20 µg g−1 for silver, iron and nickel in copper.
Breast cancer cell-derived matrix supports vascular morphogenesis.

The extracellular matrix (ECM), important for maintaining tissue homeostasis, is abnormally expressed in mammary tumors and additionally plays a crucial role in angiogenesis. We hypothesize that br...
Transition from two-dimensional to three-dimensional behavior in the self-assembly of magnetorheological fluids confined in thin slits

We study the effects of extreme confinement on the self assembly of the colloids found in magnetorheological (MR) fluids using Brownian dynamics simulations. The MR fluid is confined in a thin slit with a uniform external magnetic field directed normal to the slit. We find a crossover in the behavior of the system from two dimensions to three dimensions as the slit thickness is increased. A simple model is presented to describe this crossover as a function of the slit thickness and volume fraction of the MR fluid. The model is able to predict the salient features of the structure formation that has been observed in these systems. Furthermore, the model predicts the approximate time scales for structure formation under a variety of conditions. We present a quantitative analysis of the effect of volume fraction on the behavior of the system. Additionally, we show quantitatively how energy barriers to structure formation play a crucial role in determining the steady state structure of these systems. Our analysis explains the discrepancies between previous experimental and theoretical work on the self-assembly of MR fluids confined in thin slits.
Expression of constitutive heterochromatin in cultured fibroblasts from Microtus agrestis

Abstract The expression of constitutive heterochromatin in fibroblasts from Microtus agrestis was examined by light microscopy and autoradiography. It was observed that this heterochromatin exists as long heteropycnotic chromatin fibers dispersed to varying degrees in the interphase nucleus, is precociously condensed in prophase, lags in its separation in anaphase and persists as heteropycnotic structures in late telophase. These findings supplement other evidence which suggest that mammalian constitutive heterochromatin may be a unique entity.
Theories with only a finite number of existentially complete models

We construct, in particular, a countable universal theory with JEP which has exactly 2 non-isomorphic countable existentially complete models, and these two models can be either elementarily equivalent or inequivalent.
Private Lessons from Dumbledore's “Chamber of Secrets”: The Riddle of the Evil Child in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

“No book would have given [Tom Riddle] that information.” —Dumbledore, Half-Blood Prince The penultimate novel in J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince grapple...
Axle load and tillage effects on soil physical properties and soybean grain yield on a mollic ochraqualf in northwest Ohio

Abstract Soil compaction due to vehicular traffic causes severe yield reductions on poorly-drained heavy-textured soils in northwest Ohio. Therefore, effects of harvest traffic and tillage methods were studied on soybean [ Glycine max (L.) Merc.] growth and yield and soil physical properties of a clayey soil during the 1996 growing season. Three axle load treatments were imposed with a single axle grain cart loaded with dry corn ( Zea mays L.) grain to achieve a control (0 Mg), a half full cart (10 Mg) and a full cart (20 Mg). Three tillage methods imposed as sub-plot treatments, consisted of no-till, chisel plow, and moldboard plow. Temporal changes in soil water content, soil bulk density, aeration porosity, and oxygen diffusion rate were measured for axle load and tillage treatments during the growing season and related to soybean yield. There were significant temporal changes in soil bulk density. Throughout the growing season, the soil bulk density values ranged from 1.2–1.6 Mg/m 3 measured by the radiation method, and 1.6–1.75 Mg/m 3 by the clod method. Soybean grain yield for the control treatment was 2.5 Mg/ha and was significantly reduced by 9 and 19% for axle loads of 10 and 20 Mg, respectively. The highest yield of 2.5 Mg/ha was obtained for the no-till treatment, and chisel and moldboard plowing significantly reduced soybean grain yield by 9 and 14%, respectively. Soybean grain yield was significantly correlated with soil bulk density, aeration porosity, the interaction of oxygen diffusion rate (ODR) with aeration porosity and soil bulk density.
Diversion of mercury binding in rat tissues by selenium: A possible mechanism of protection

Summary The mechanisms involved in the protection of selenite against the toxicity of HgCl 2 were investigated with rats. Pretreatment with Se was found to increase markedly the Hg content in the blood and testis, while significantly decreasing that in the kidney. The Hg content in the liver was increased slightly by Se. However, the Hg in the soluble fraction, a major subcellular Hg-binding component, was markedly diverted from low molecular weight proteins to large molecular weight ones in the liver, testis and kidney. Although less pronounced, the diversion also occurred in the plasma. Thus, we propose that Se counteracts Hg toxicity by altering tissue concentration of this element and by diverting tissue Hg to presumably less critical components, similar to the way it counteracts Cd toxicity.
Synthesis and X-ray structures of [H3O+·18-crown-6] n [MCl 4 n− ]; (M=Fe,n=1;M=Co,n=2); compounds which form liquid clathrates with aromatic solutions

The title compounds, [H3O+·18-crown-6][FeCl4−] (1), and [H3O+·18-crown-6]2[CoCl42−] (2), were prepared by air oxidation of Fe(CO)5 for1, and Co2(CO)8 for2, in the presence of 18-crown-6, H2O and HCl(g) in toluene. Liquid clathrates formed immediately for both species:1·4.3 C7H8 and2·3.7 C7H8.1 crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group P21ma witha=10.357(1),b=11.824(1),c=8.961(1) A, andDc=1.46 g cm−3 forZ=2. Refinement based on 935 observed reflections led to a finalR value of 0.089.2 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c witha=16.225(1),b=11.522(1),c=20.136(1)A, β=97.75(2)o, andDc=1.37 g cm−3 forZ=4. Refinement based on 1322 observed reflections led to a finalR value of 0.11.
Preparation of α-fluoro-β-per(poly)fluoroalkyl-substituted enol ethers

Abstract Fluorocarboethoxymethylene tri-n-butylphosphorane, Bu3P=CFCOOEt (3), reacts with per- and poly-fluoroalkyl-substituted carboxylic acid esters, ethyl formate and γ-butyrolactone to give the corresponding enol ethers, RFC (OEt)=CFCOOEt (4), in good yield. Non-activated esters failed to react with 3. With the anion derived from ethyl diethylphosphonofluoroacetate, (EtO)2P(O)CFHCOOEt (5), a mixture of 4 and β-ketoesters, RFC(O)CFHCOOEt (7), is formed.
Optimal Planetary Orbital Transfers via Chemical Engines and Electrical Engines

Because the orbital periods for planetary orbital transfers are of order hour, the primary objective of an optimal trajectory is to minimize the propellant consumption. In this paper, we present a systematic investigation of optimal trajectories for planetary orbital transfer. Major results on thrust control, propellant consumption, and flight time are presented with particular reference to LEO-to-GEO transfer. The following results were obtained with the sequential gradient-restoration algorithm in either single-subarc form or multiple-subarc form: (i) For minimum propellant consumption, the thrust direction is tangent to the flight path. The thrust magnitude has a three-subarc form: powered flight with maximum thrust is followed by coasting flight, which is followed by powered flight with maximum thrust. (ii) The flight time is determined mainly by the thrust-to-weight ratio. A transfer via chemical engines is relatively short: usually, it requires less than one cycle to achieve the mission, which involves a large portion of coasting flight. A transfer via electrical engines is relatively long: usually, it requires a multicycle spiral trajectory to achieve the mission, which involves a large portion of powered flight, mostly in the first subarc. (iii) The propellant consumption is determined mainly by the specific impulse: the electrical engine is more efficient than the chemical engine, resulting in lower propellant consumption and higher payload.
Effect of an Auditory Training Program on Reading, Phoneme Awareness, and Language

This investigation examined the effect of an auditory training program, Fast ForWord-Language, with 26 children ages 7 to 10 years. As two subgroups based on reading ability, all children received 6 wk. of intervention. Thresholds for three conditions of backward masking were obtained pre- and postintervention, and 6 mo. afterward. Immediately following the intervention period, backward masking thresholds improved for all backward masking conditions. Participants also showed increases in language skills and in phoneme awareness but not in reading skills. Six months after intervention, there were improvements in thresholds for backward masking but no improvements in language or reading skills for either group. This study calls into question the efficacy of an intensive auditory training program to improve reading skills.
Polymer-Templated Nanospider TiO2 Thin Films for Efficient Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting

We have discovered a facile and inexpensive approach to fabricate “nanospider” TiO2 thin films with not only an amazing morphology but highly efficient water splitting to produce hydrogen. Our method employs benzene-swollen poly(ethylene glycol) as a sacrificial organic polymer to template the semiconductor thin film. The synthesized TiO2 thin films are highly crystalline with optimized particle and channel size to enhance the liquid-semiconductor junction interaction. This enhanced contact area leads to more than twice the water splitting performance than conventional P25 thin films. In addition, the nanospider thin films also outperform P25 films in the photodegradation of toxic organics.
Left-sided sacrospinous ligament suspension for treating recurrent sigmoid neovagina prolapse

Numerous techniques for surgical creation of a neovagina have been described for treating Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome. Sigmoid vaginoplasty is one well-described technique with satisfactory long-term outcomes. However, there are several case reports of subsequent prolapse of the sigmoid neovagina, which presents a unique challenge for surgical repair, as the associated mesentery can also be involved and is at risk during repair. We present a patient with MRKH syndrome and recurrent sigmoid neovagina prolapse who had undergone four prior attempts at repair. In all prior attempts, recurrence of her prolapse occurred within 3 months of the antecedent surgery. We describe the first report and successful long-term treatment of recurrent sigmoid neovagina prolapse using a left-sided sacrospinous ligament suspension.
Analysis of 3‐D microstructure of porous poly(lactide‐glycolide) matrices using confocal microscopy

Porous matrices of biodegradable polymers are extensively used as scaffolds in tissue engineering and as drug delivery devices. A critical component of the design, processing, and utility of such polymeric systems concerns the local void microarchitecture. In this study, a novel approach based on confocal fluorescence imaging was employed to visualize and quantify in 3 dimensions (3-D) the individual and population-level void morphology within porous polymeric matrices. Poly(lactic acid-glycolic acid) copolymer matrices were cast to yield void configurations of variable void sizes but constant cumulative voidage. Using confocal microscopy, fluorescently saturated polymer matrices were optically sectioned into serial 2-D images, and 3-D void contours were reconstructed via object discrimination and connectivity analysis. The resultant data was used to quantitate the matrix microstructure and map its evolution following polymer degradation. Under conditions of accelerated degradation, matrix erosion was found to cause a significant change in the disposition of voids; this involves two processes (void formation and void enlargement), the extent of which was influenced by the initial void size and the duration of erosion. By virtue of providing both static and dynamic descriptions of the void morphology in poly(lactic acid-glycolic acid) matrices, this is the first spatiotemporal study of the 3-D microarchitecture of porous, bioerodible tissue analog matrices.
Inhibin B in males with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) deficiency: changes in serum concentration after shortterm physiologic GnRH replacement--a clinical research center study.

To examine the role of inhibin B in the feedback regulation of FSH secretion in the human male, we determined serial levels in 18 men with idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) during their initial 8 weeks of GnRH replacement. Pulsatile GnRH was administered every 2 h, with the dose increased at 2-week intervals (5-50 ng/kg/bolus). Every 2 weeks, sera were assayed for inhibin B, FSH, LH, and testosterone. Serial comparisons were performed within the IHH group as well as vs. normal men (n = 20). The baseline inhibin B level in IHH patients averaged 68 +/- 11 pg/mL (mean +/- SEM), significantly less than that in normal men (239 +/- 14 pg/mL; P < 0.001). After 8 weeks of pulsatile GnRH, inhibin B levels in the IHH patients increased significantly to 118 +/- 14 pg/mL (P = 0.003). During GnRH replacement, FSH concentrations correlated negatively with inhibin B concentrations at all doses. Patients previously treated with testosterone began with somewhat lower inhibin B levels but demonstrated a signif...
Small Cell Lung Cancer: The Influence of Dose and Treatment Volume on Outcome

The treatment of small cell lung cancer is clearly enhanced by the addition of radiation therapy. Survival increases modestly while local thoracic failure as first site of progression is reduced from approximately 60% when chemotherapy alone is used to 30% after combined modality therapy. The variables of radiation dose and treatment volume seem to be important in the successful management of this disease. Local chest control appears to increase as doses are escalated from low levels (25 Gy) to moderate levels (45 to 50 Gy). With about one third of patients experiencing local chest progression, one can speculate that higher radiation doses might be of value. However, at this time there is no proof that increased dose or dose intensity bears out this promise. Indeed, increasing dose intensity of radiotherapy, eg, twice-daily treatment, increases esophagitis, perhaps reduces local failure, but has not improved overall survival. Using larger total doses or altered fraction schemes must still be considered to be under investigation. To increase dose in a safe manner, reduction in the volume covered by radiation portals will likely need to take place. Modern trials suggest that prophylactic treatment of the radiographically or clinically negative contralateral hilum and/or supraclavicular nodal regions may not be necessary for survival or local control. Importantly, reducing treatment volumes may permit increasing doses without exceding normal tissue tolerance. Also, reduced volumes pave the way for further clinical trials that improve radiation dose delivery by better target definition and more conformal therapy.