cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Shear-wave splitting in the lower crust beneath the Archean crust of southwest Greenland

Abstract Slant stacks of seismic data from rifted ancient Archean crust along the southwest coast of Greenland indicate that the lower crust is strongly seismically anisotropic. The slant stack data show that a lower-crustal, wide-angle S-wave reflection has a different intercept time and ray parameter on the radial and transverse components from a receiver gather recorded on Passcal Reftek three-component seismometers. From the S-wave analysis, the continental crust is clearly seismically anisotropic above a high-velocity wedge in the lower crust. Possibly, magmatic underplating during Late Cretaceous Labrador Sea rifting heated the pre-existing lower crust promoting plastic flow and enabling alignment of anisotropic minerals to produce the seismic anisotropy.
Dyeing High Wet Modulus Rayon Yarns with Fiber Reactive Dyes

Dyeing behavior of four selected high wet modulus (HWM) rayon yarns, regular viscose rayon yarn, and cotton yarn were compared. After being dyed with a variety of fiber reactive dyes, yarns of each fiber were evaluated for quantity of dye taken up by the fiber and for apparent color yield. Dye sorption was quantified through spectrophotometric analysis; color and shade evaluation were done instrumentally, using a colorimeter, as well as visually. All forms of rayon studied were found to exhaust more dye than did cotton. Dye take-up of HWM rayon yarns was similar to that o f viscose. Depth of color o f dyed cotton yarns was consistently lower than that o f any o f the rayon yarns studied. Small variations in depth of shade among HWM and viscose yarns were attributed to the presence or absence o f delustrant.
Theory Vs. Mechanics in an Application of Calculus to Biology.

(1977). Theory vs. Mechanics in an Application of Calculus to Biology. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 84, No. 1, pp. 40-43.
Effluent taxation in monopoly markets

Asch and Seneca (A + S) demonstrate in a recent issue of this journal that complete internalization of external cost by a monopoly firm will sometimes result in a social-welfare gain and sometimes will not. The critical factor in determining whether a gain or a loss will occur is the size of external cost relative to the monopolist's price-cost margin. If full internalization of the externality is undesirable, A + S note that partial internalization may be preferable to none, but do not develop a method of determining the degree of internalization that is most appropriate. In this note, the A + S analysis is extended to derive an emissions-tax formula which establishes the extent of internalization required to achieve an efficient allocation of resources in markets characterized by (some degree) monopoly power. 3 figures, 6 references.
Interaction, not gravitation

Cannon and Jensen assert that data from different national time laboratories give a test of the interaction interpretation of special relativity theory. That interpretation is to be applied, however, to clocks in relative uniform motion, and therefore is not tested by the time-rate effects associated with different terrestrial locations of clocks. Those effects are described by the general theory of relativity, and arise with differences in gravitational potential and state of circular motion of the clocks. An argument by the authors against invariance of entropy clocks, on grounds of neglect of relativity of simultaneity, is also criticized.
Induction of apoptotic cell death in a neuroblastoma cell line by dibucaine.

Abstract Dibucaine, a local anesthetic known to interact with cell membranes, induced apoptosis in SK-N-MC human neuroblastoma cells in a dose-dependent manner. Apoptosis was demonstrated by direct visualization of morphological nuclear changes using a DAPI staining technique and confirmed by the production of characteristic ladder patterns of DNA fragmentation on gel electrophoresis. At concentrations which induced apoptosis, dibucaine significantly altered membrane fluidity, indicating that fluidity may be a major target for the cytotoxic action of dibucaine. Also, dibucaine increased intracellular calcium levels more effectively in calcium-containing Krebs–Ringer buffer than in calcium-free Krebs–Ringer buffer. Removal of extracellular calcium or addition of antioxidants or protein synthesis inhibitor effectively blocked dibucaine-induced apoptosis. These results suggest that membrane damage, intracellular calcium levels, and oxygen free radicals may be involved in the apoptosis induced by dibucaine.
Monte Carlo simulation of cable fatigue stresses in two cable-stayed bridges

Monte Carlo simulation studies were performed to determine fatigue stress distributions due to truck traffic in all stay cables of two existing cable-stayed bridges. One bridge had two planes of stay cables with concrete edge girders, and the other had one plane of stay cables with a concrete box superstructure. Influence lines from the finite element analyses of these bridges were used to perform the simulations. Existing truck weight distribution models were used. The frequency of truck passage was varied to assess its influence on fatigue stresses. The results of this study are presented, and the responses of the two bridges are compared.
Use of fluorescence to determine the effects of cholesterol on lipid behavior in sphingomyelin liposomes and erythrocyte membranes.

The purpose of this study was to generate the equivalent of a cholesterol/temperature phase map for a biological membrane using fluorescence spectroscopy. The pseudo-phase map was created using human erythrocytes treated with various concentrations of methyl-β-cyclodextrin to remove defined amounts of cholesterol and a trio of fluorescent probes that assess different membrane properties (laurdan, diphenylhexatriene, and merocyanine 540). Parallel experiments with two-photon microscopy suggested that changes in cellular cholesterol content affected the entire membrane rather than being localized to specific macroscopic domains. The various regions of the composite erythrocyte pseudo-phase map were interpreted using analogous data acquired from multilamellar vesicles that served as simplified models of cholesterol-dependent phases. The vesicles consisted of various concentrations of cholesterol (0 to 50 mol%) with either palmitoyl sphingomyelin, 1:1 dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine and dioleoylphosphatidylcholine, or phospholipid mixtures intended to simulate either the inner or outer leaflet of erythrocyte membranes. Four distinguishable regions were observed in sphingomyelin phase maps corresponding to the traditional solid-ordered and liquid-disordered phases and two types of liquid-ordered behavior. Physical properties were less diverse in the mixed phospholipid vesicles, as expected, based on previous studies. Erythrocytes displayed five regions of different combinations of membrane properties along the phase map. Some of the observations identified similarities between the cells and liquid-ordered behavior observed in the various types of liposomes as well as some interesting differences.
Stimulation of transactivation of the largemouth bass estrogen receptors alpha, beta-a, and beta-b by methoxychlor and its mono- and bis-demethylated metabolites in HepG2 cells.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the mechanisms by which the pesticide, methoxychlor (MXC), acts as an environmental endocrine disruptor through interaction with the three largemouth bass ( Micropterus salmoides ) estrogen receptors (ERs) α, βa, and βb. MXC is a less-environmentally persistent analog of DDT that behaves as a weak estrogen. Using transient transfection assays in HepG2 cells, we have previously shown that each receptor is responsive to the endogenous ligand 17β-estradiol (E 2 ) in a dose-dependent manner. The parent compound, MXC, showed dose-dependent stimulation of transcriptional activation through all three ERs. In addition to the parent molecule, each of the metabolites was also estrogenic with all three ERs. The order of potency for ERα and ERβb was HPTE > OH-MXC > MXC, while the opposite order was seen for ERβa. HepG2 cells did not substantially metabolize MXC to the active metabolites, thus the activity of MXC was not due to metabolism. When examining the effects of increasing concentrations of MXC at a fixed concentration of E 2 , all three ERs show increased activity compared to that with E 2 alone, showing that the effects of MXC and E 2 are additive. However, when this experiment was repeated with increasing concentrations of HPTE at a fixed concentration of E 2 , the activity of ERα was decreased, that of ERβb was increased, while that of ERβa was unaffected compared to E 2 alone. These experiments suggest that HPTE functions as an E 2 antagonist with ERα, an E 2 agonist with ERβb and does not perturb E 2 stimulation of ERβa. While it is clear the ERβ subtypes are the products of different genes (due to a gene duplication in teleosts) the differences in their responses to MXC and its metabolites indicate that their functions diverge, both in their in vivo molecular response to E 2 , as well as in their interaction with endocrine disrupting compounds found in the wild.
Seasonal changes in adipose tissue lipogenesis in the hibernator

Abstract 1. 1. Seasonal effects on lipogenesis from glucose or acetate by white and brown adipose tissue preparations from the ground squirrel were studied. 2. 2. Lipogenic capacity of white adipose tissue follows a yearly cycle, reaching a maximal rate in June, declining in September, and being lowest in January. 3. 3. Compared with white adipose tissue, a low rate of fatty add synthesis was found in brown adipose tissue. Maximal rate of acetate oxidation in brown adipose tissue was observed in arousing animals.
Peripheral field stimulation for thoracic post herpetic neuropathic pain.

Abstract Objective Post herpetic neuralgia is a chronic, debilitating pain with very few management options and is often refractory to treatment. We present our experience with a series of 4 patients who underwent subcutaneous peripheral field stimulation for treatment of thoracic post herpetic neuropathic pain. Methods Four patients with intractable thoracic post herpetic neuropathic pain were operated after maximum medical treatment and a neuropsychological evaluation. Multiple percutaneous electrodes were placed in the subcutaneous plane in the region of pain for a 7-day trial. Following a successful trial (more than 50% reduction of pain), the electrodes were then internalized and attached to a pulse generator. Visual analog scores (VAS) were studied during the preoperative, immediate postoperative and last follow-up visits. Long-term treatment results were determined by retrospective review of medical records. Average follow-up period was 28.2 months. Results All 4 patients showed persistent improvement in their VAS pain scores with an average improvement of more than 75%. There were no treatment failures and no complication requiring re-operation was reported. Conclusion Peripheral field stimulation for the treatment of post herpetic neuropathic pain is a safe and effective method for pain relief for an extremely complex problem with very few solutions. Patient selection and proper lead placement is most important for the success of treatment.
The dynomak: An advanced spheromak reactor concept with imposed-dynamo current drive and next-generation nuclear power technologies

Abstract A high-β spheromak reactor concept has been formulated with an estimated overnight capital cost that is competitive with conventional power sources. This reactor concept utilizes recently discovered imposed-dynamo current drive (IDCD) and a molten salt (FLiBe) blanket system for first wall cooling, neutron moderation and tritium breeding. Currently available materials and ITER-developed cryogenic pumping systems were implemented in this concept from the basis of technological feasibility. A tritium breeding ratio (TBR) of greater than 1.1 has been calculated using a Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP5) neutron transport simulation. High temperature superconducting tapes (YBCO) were used for the equilibrium coil set, substantially reducing the recirculating power fraction when compared to previous spheromak reactor studies. Using zirconium hydride for neutron shielding, a limiting equilibrium coil lifetime of at least thirty full-power years has been achieved. The primary FLiBe loop was coupled to a supercritical carbon dioxide Brayton cycle due to attractive economics and high thermal efficiencies. With these advancements, an electrical output of 1000 MW from a thermal output of 2486 MW was achieved, yielding an overall plant efficiency of approximately 40%.
“Neuronal and glia abnormalities in Tsc1-deficient forebrain and partial rescue by rapamycin”

Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) is a multiorgan genetic disease that prominently features brain malformations (tubers) with many patients suffering from epilepsy and autism. These malformations typically exhibit neuronal as well as glial cell abnormalities and likely underlie much of the neurological morbidity seen in TSC. Tuber pathogenesis remains poorly understood though upregulation of the mTORC1 signaling pathway in TSC has been consistently demonstrated. Here we address abnormal brain development in TSC by inactivating the mouse Tsc1 gene in embryonic neural progenitor cells. This strategy permits evaluation of the role of the Tsc1 gene in both neuronal as well as glial cell lineages. Tsc1(Emx1-Cre) conditional knockout (CKO) animals die by 25 days of life. Their brains have increased size and contain prominent large cells within the cerebral cortex that have greatly increased mTORC1 signaling and decreased mTORC2 signaling. Severe defects of cortical lamination, enlarged dysmorphic astrocytes and decreased myelination were also found. Tsc1(Emx1-Cre) CKO mice were then treated with rapamycin to see if the premature death and brain abnormalities can be rescued. Postnatal rapamycin treatment completely prevented premature death and largely reversed the glia pathology but not abnormal neuronal lamination. These findings support a model that loss of function of the TSC genes in embryonic neural progenitor cells causes cortical malformations in patients with TSC. The dramatic effect of rapamycin suggests that even with extensive multi-lineage abnormalities, a postnatal therapeutic window may exist for patients with TSC.
Visual Perception and the Guidance of Locomotion without Vision to Previously Seen Targets

Two experiments were performed to assess the accuracy and precision with which adults perceive absolute egocentric distances to visible targets and coordinate their actions with them when walking without vision. In experiment 1 subjects stood in a large open field and attempted to judge the midpoint of self-to-target distances of between 4 and 24 m. In experiment 2 both highly practiced and unpracticed subjects stood in the same open field, viewed the same targets, and attempted to walk to them without vision or other environmental feedback under three conditions designed to assess the effects on accuracy of time-based memory decay and of walking at an unusually rapid pace. In experiment 1 the visual judgments were quite accurate and showed no systematic constant error. The small variable errors were linearly related to target distance. In experiment 2 the briskly paced walks were accurate, showing no systematic constant error, and the small, variable errors were a linear function of target distance and averaged about 8% of the target distance. Unlike Thomson's (1983) findings, there was not an abrupt increase in variable error at around 9 m, and no significant time-based effects were observed. The results demonstrate the accuracy of people's visual perception of absolute egocentric distances out to 24 m under open field conditions. The accuracy of people's walking without vision to previously seen targets shows that efferent and proprioceptive information about locomotion is closely calibrated to visually perceived distance. Sensitivity to the correlation of optical flow with efferent/proprioceptive information while walking with vision may provide the basis for this calibration when walking without vision.
Probiotic Bifidobacterium species stimulate human SLC26A3 gene function and expression in intestinal epithelial cells

SLC26A3, or downregulated in adenoma (DRA), plays a major role in mediating Cl− absorption in the mammalian intestine. Disturbances in DRA function and expression have been implicated in intestinal...
Bildung und Struktur von Silikagel

Zwei grundlegend verschiedene Reaktionen finden gleichzeitig statt, wenn man eine Losung von Orthokieselsaure altern last. Die Polymerisation beruht auf der Befriedigung des Koordinationsbedarfes, und die Kondensation beruht auf Abspaltung von Wasser zwischen zwei eng benachbarten OH-Ionen. Abhangig von der individuellen Geschwindigkeit dieser beiden Reaktionen und ihrem Zusammenwirken erhalt man Silikagele mit auserordentlich verschiedenen Eigenschaften.
The autism susceptibility gene met regulates zebrafish cerebellar development and facial motor neuron migration

During development, Met signaling regulates a range of cellular processes including growth, differentiation, survival and migration. The Met gene encodes a tyrosine kinase receptor, which is activated by Hgf (hepatocyte growth factor) ligand. Altered regulation of human MET expression has been implicated in autism. In mouse, Met signaling has been shown to regulate cerebellum development. Since abnormalities in cerebellar structure have been reported in some autistic patients, we have used the zebrafish to address the role of Met signaling during cerebellar development and thus further our understanding of the molecular basis of autism. We find that zebrafish met is expressed in the cerebellar primordium, later localizing to the ventricular zone (VZ), with the hgf1 and hgf2 ligand genes expressed in surrounding tissues. Morpholino knockdown of either Met or its Hgf ligands leads to a significant reduction in the size of the cerebellum, primarily as a consequence of reduced proliferation. Met signaling knockdown disrupts specification of VZ-derived cell types, and also reduces granule cell numbers, due to an early effect on cerebellar proliferation and/or as an indirect consequence of loss of signals from VZ-derived cells later in development. These patterning defects preclude analysis of cerebellar neuronal migration, but we have found that Met signaling is necessary for migration of hindbrain facial motor neurons. In summary, we have described roles for Met signaling in coordinating growth and cell type specification within the developing cerebellum, and in migration of hindbrain neurons. These functions may underlie the correlation between altered MET regulation and autism spectrum disorders.
On certain violations of the Superiority Condition, AgrO, and economy of derivation

This paper examines Superiority effects with VP internal constituents in English, Spanish and Bulgarian. It is argued in the paper that certain data concerning Superiority effects provide evidence for the existence of AgrO. In particular, they provide evidence that Accusative wh-phrases undergoing syntactic wh-movement must move to SpecAgrOP on their way to SpecCP. The data examined in the paper are also shown to provide support for the Economy account of the Superiority Condition.
Leptin's Actions on the Reproductive Axis: Perspectives and Mechanisms

Energy availability influences reproductive fitness. The activity of the reproductive axis is sensitive to the adequacy of nutrition and the stores of metabolic reserves. The adipocyte-derived hormone leptin is postulated to reflect the state of nutrition and energy reserves and serve as a metabolic gate to the reproductive system. Genetically obese ob/ob mice (lacking endogenous leptin) are infertile, and treatment of these animals with exogenous leptin stimulates the activity of the reproductive endocrine system and induces fertility in both sexes. Severely food-restricted animals have reduced circulating levels of leptin, which are associated with markedly reduced secretion of the gonadotropins, LH, and FSH. Treatment of food-restricted mice, rats, sheep, and monkeys with exogenous leptin reverses the diet-induced inhibition of gonadotropin secretion. Leptin has also been suggested to have a role in timing the onset of puberty in several species, although evidence that leptin is the primary metabolic signal for initiating the onset of puberty in any species is controversial. Notwithstanding this debate, it is undisputed for all species studied to date that adequate levels of leptin in the circulation are essential (but not sufficient) for pubertal progression and that leptin treatment can reverse the delay in sexual maturation caused by food restriction. Double-label in situ hybridization studies in the brain of the mouse, rat, and monkey have revealed that hypothalamic neurons expressing proopiomelanocortin and neuropeptide Y coexpress the leptin receptor, whereas no evidence has been adduced that GnRH neurons express this receptor. Together, these observations suggest that leptin is a metabolic signal to the neuroendocrine reproductive system and that under conditions of inadequate energy reserves, low leptin levels act as a metabolic ‘‘gate’’ to inhibit the activity of the neuroendocrine reproductive axis in both sexes.
Gene Therapy for Hereditary Hearing Loss

Mutations in over 70 genes have now been identified as causing hereditary hearing loss in humans. This expanding knowledge about the genetics of hearing loss opens the door for the development of gene therapies aimed at restoring hearing function by delivering corrective DNA to the inner ears of patients with hearing loss caused by these mutations. This review summarizes some of the recent advances toward the goal of developing gene therapy as a treatment for hereditary hearing loss in humans.
An on-chip power modulator

We report our results on pulse forming line (PFL) based CMOS pulse generator studies. Standard on-chip transmission lines are used as PFLs while CMOS transistors are used as switches. Through simulations, we clarify the effects of switch speed and switch resistance on the generated pulses. In a standard 0.13 μm CMOS process with a 500 μm long PFL, post layout simulations show that pulses of 10.4 ps width can be obtained. Thus, the PFL circuit significantly extends short pulse generation capabilities of CMOS technologies. Much shorter pulses can be generated with more advanced digital CMOS processes and silicon germanium (SiGe) BiCMOS technologies. A CMOS circuit with a 4 mm long PFL is implemented in a commercial 0.13 μm CMOS technology. Pulses of ∼ 160 ps duration and 120–180 mV amplitude on a 50Ω load are obtained when the power supply is tuned from 1.2 V to 2.0V. Possible reasons for low output voltage and long pulse width include measurement instrument limitations and parasitic effects.
Intercalative and nonintercalative binding of large cationic porphyrin ligands to calf thymus DNA

The large meso-substituted porphine, meso-tetra(4-N-methylpyridyl)porphine has been identified as a DNA-interactive ligand with a capacity for intercalation (1,2). Subsequently, the 2-N-methyl, 3-N-methyl and N-trimethylanilinium analogues of this porphyrin intercalator have been obtained for physico-chemical analyses (absorption spectroscopy, viscometry, circular dichroism, unwinding of supercoiled DNA). In this paper we discuss the factors affecting the character of porphyrin binding (intercalative, as is the case for the 4-N-methyl and 3-N-methyl porphines, versus non-intercalative, as is the case for the 2-N-methyl and N-trimethylanilinium porphines) and the impact that porphyrins' binding has upon the structure of DNA. The molecular conformation of the porphyrin ligand varies slightly within this series so that the ability of a given porphyrin to intercalate may be correlated with the arrangement of charged groups, the planarity of the porphine ring and the effective width of the individual molecules. The results from these studies indicate that sequence selective binding occurs within a small aperture of solution conditions.
Problem behaviour as communication.

Individuals with intellectual disabilities commonly engage in a variety of problematic behaviours such as aggression and self-injury. This paper discusses the value of using a communicative model to study these behaviour problems. First, the reciprocal nature of behaviour problems is outlined. Next, research on the use of functional communication training as a treatment for behaviour problems is reviewed in terms of its initial effectiveness, generalisation, and maintenance, as well as the mechanisms responsible for behaviour change. Finally, recommendations are made for future research and training efforts aimed at reducing severe behaviour problems.
A learning scheme for SPICE simulations diagnostics

A prototype learning scheme for SPICE simulations diagnostics is discussed. The scheme, called ALEA, is run under the MS-DOS operating system and written in C. It consists of two subsystems: AUSPICE, a batch translation of the homonymous expert system, and LEA, which is the actual learning functionality. These two subsystems are meant to cooperate according to different modalities (policies) in different times. A simple numerical example is introduced in order to explain how ALEA can learn from AUSPICE's rules and from experience. For the sake of brevity, only two SPICE parameters are considered: TMAX and TSTOP. >
Linking Implicit and Explicit Memory: Common Encoding Factors and Shared Representations

Summary Dissociations between implicit and explicit memory have featured prominently in theories of human memory. However, similarities between the two forms of memory have been less studied. One open question concerns whether implicit and explicit memory share encoding resources. To explore this question, we employed a subsequent memory design in which several novel scenes were repeated once during an fMRI session and explicit memory for the scenes was unexpectedly tested afterward. Subsequently remembered scenes produced more behavioral priming and neural attenuation—two conventional measures of implicit memory—than did subsequently forgotten scenes. Moreover, brain-behavior correlations between these two implicit measures were mediated by subsequent memory. Finally, tonic activity, possibly reflecting the natural time course of attention, was predictive of subsequent memory. These results suggest that implicit and explicit memory are subject to the same encoding factors and can rely on similar perceptual processes and representations.
Manufacturing decision making with FACTOR

The FACTOR system is designed to support the effective management of the capacity of manufacturing organization. This philosophy is best described as total capacity management (TCM). The TCM fundamental principle suggests that through a thorough understanding of a system's capacity and the ability to control that capacity, a manufacturing system can profitably and predictably deliver quality products to its customers. This tutorial covers the basic concepts of FACTOR. FACTOR has been applied to engineering, design, scheduling and planning problems within many manufacturing organizations. Topics covered include: the FACTOR modeling constructs, integration with existing production data, the use of FACTOR for schedule creation and adjustment, FACTOR/AIM, and new enhancements to the products.
Hepatic venous outflow reconstruction in adult living donor liver transplants without portal hypertension

Graft congestion is one of the causes of poor graft function in segmental liver transplantation. Three factors are implicated in segmental graft congestion: graft size, hepatic venous outflow and portal inflow. The graft size must be matched to the body weight, which is conventionally done by using graft to body weight ratio. Hepatic blood outflow must be optimized by hepatic vein reconstruction, which can be complicated. High portal blood flow has been shown to be detrimental to small-for-size grafts. These factors are strictly connected to each other. They can all contribute to graft congestion and poor function, while one factor can compensate for the others and decrease congestion. Ideally, all the accessory veins should be reconstructed, if possible, to maximize the outflow. In the absence of portal hypertension and with an adequate sized graft, complex venous reconstruction may not be necessary. We present a case report of an adult living donor liver transplant with the favorable conditions of normal portal pressure and a large sized graft, but complicated by the presence of several accessory hepatic veins. A simple hepatic vein anastomosis was sufficient for adequate outflow and prompt graft function.
Determination of free‐volume parameters from diffusivity data in glassy polymers

Donnees de diffusivite pour une quantite trace de solvant dans le polymere collectees a des temperatures en dessous de la transition vitreuse du polymere
Developing a valid and reliable measure of organizational crisis responsibility

This study intended to develop a reliable and valid measure of organizational crisis responsibility that could be uniquely applied to public relations research. The three-dimensional measure was constructed using rigorous two-step pilot tests and a nationwide panel full administration survey. The constructed measures were further refined using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, and resulted in a twelve-item scale, consisting of three items for intentionality, three items for locality, and six items for accountability. The confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the hypothesized factor structure and confirmed that the dimensions of the scale had reliable and valid factor structure. Language: en
Sublingual apomorphine for the treatment of erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a prevalent problem in the world and wreaks havoc on the psychosocial well-being of sufferers as well as partners. First-line treatment for ED is oral therapy, however, the currently available oral erectogenic agent is not uniformly successful and requires approximately 1 h to exert its effect. Apomorphine is a novel, oral erectogenic agent taken sublingually. It exerts its effect on hypothalamic centres involved in the triggering of the erection cascade. It dissolves rapidly and results in an erection in responders in approximately 20 min. By avoiding first pass metabolism through its sublingual administration, apomorphine avoids any significant interaction with food or other drugs. In trials in over 4000 subjects representative of the general ED population, beneficial effects were seen in a significant percentage of men. Its exact position in the market remains to be seen, however, its ability to permit spontaneous sexual relations will prove to be of significant benefit to many men.
Trajectory generation for kinematic legged robots

We present a general trajectory generation scheme for a class of "kinematic" legged robots. The method does not depend upon the number of legs, nor is it based on foot placement concepts. Instead, our method is based on an extension of a nonlinear trajectory generation algorithm for smooth systems to the legged case, where the relevant mechanics are not smooth. Our extension is based on the realization that legged robot configuration spaces are stratified. The algorithm is illustrated with a simple example.
Mixing processes on the Atlantic continental shelf, Cape Cod to Cape Hatteras

Abstrnct Data from moored current meters and airborne and satellite observatioll\ are ustlcl in COIIjunction with analyses of shear flow dispersion to estimate the dispersion of dissolved substances in the Middle Atlantic Bight during unstratified periods. The long-shelf dispersion coefficient is estimated to be of the order of 104-lo5 cm2.sP1, and the cross-shelf dispersion coefficient of the order of 3x lo5 crn’*~-~ at midshelf. The cross-shelf estimate is a factor of 10 less than previous ones, which were based on the assumption that the cross-shelf flux of freshwater is equal to the inflow from tributary rivers within the bight itself.
A new compact band-pass filter employing three parallel-coupled lines

A newly-developed miniaturized band-pass filter with sharp cutoff employing three parallel-coupled lines is reported. The filter input and output feed lines are collinear, which can be used as an advantage. The chain-matrix parameters for the new band-pass filter are derived and used in predicting the filter performance. A spectral-domain analysis is also performed on three parallel-coupled microstrip lines and suspended striplines constituting the filter. The new filter with pass-band centered at 3 GHz has been designed using microstrip line, achieving less than 0.5-dB insertion loss, and measured and calculated results agree well. >
A longitudinal study of hymenal morphology in the first 3 years of life.

Objective To document the effects of aging on hymenal morphology during the first 3 years of life in a cohort of nonabused girls. Methods Using a longitudinal design, we examined and photographed the external genitalia of 134 girls at 2 months or less and near 3 years of age; 42 of these girls were also examined near 1 year of age. The prevalence of each hymenal characteristic was calculated at each time, and differences were analyzed using the z statistic and McNemar change tests. Measurements of transhymenal diameters and the inferior rims were compared using a paired t-test. Results Hymenal configuration in 65% (87 of 134) of the subjects changed between birth and 3 years, usually from annular or fimbriated to crescentic. External ridges observed at birth usually resolved by 3 years, whereas intravaginal ridges were observed more often in 3-year-olds (P = .00). Analysis by race showed that the prevalence of both superior and lateral notches decreased in whites, whereas the prevalence of intravaginal ridges changed only in blacks (P = .00). Sixty-eight percent (15 of 22) of the tags present at birth were not observed at 3 years, while nine tags formed during this period. Changes observed between 1 and 3 years included increases in the mean horizontal (P = .00) and vertical (P = .02) transhymenal diameters and in the prevalence of the crescentic configuration (P = .04). Conclusions Changes in hymenal morphology, which may vary by race, occur in the first 3 years of life. Alterations are more pronounced in the first year than in years 2 and 3. Physicians should understand the effects of aging on the hymen's appearance to differentiate normal development from post-traumatic or infectious changes.
Children's experiences of pain in an accident and emergency department.

Abstract Controlling pain in sick or injured children continues to be a challenge, particularly for those working in Accident and Emergency departments. Empathising with the subjectivity of a child's experience, provides insight into the range of significant events that frequently exacerbate the quality and intensity of physical pain; the latter being compounded by the ‘emotional' pain of fear, misunderstanding, separation or distress. This article stresses the importance of an holistic approach for effective pain management. The developmental aspects of the perceptual, interpretative and expressive components of pain will be explored and a range of pain assessment tools considered.
Statin use is associated with enhanced collateralization of severely diseased coronary arteries.

Abstract Background The presence of coronary collateral vessels has been associated with improved clinical outcome in patients with coronary artery disease. Animal experiments have shown that hydroxymethyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) can promote angiogenesis in ischemic tissues in a cholesterol-independent manner. We hypothesized that statin therapy is associated with increased coronary collateral formation in patients with severe coronary artery disease. Methods and results Patients undergoing clinically indicated coronary angiography at the Tufts–New England Medical Center from September 2000 to April 2001 who had at least 1 major coronary artery occlusion, or a stenosis of ≥95% with Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) trial grade ≤1 anterograde flow on their angiograms, were included. Fifty-one patients were taking statins before admission, and 43 patients were not. Their angiograms were reviewed and coronary collaterals were graded from 0 to 3 according to the Cohen-Rentrop method. The statin-treated group had a significantly higher mean collateral score compared with the patients not taking statins (2.05 vs 1.52, P = .005). Multivariate analysis supported the significance of the effect of statin therapy on the collateral score. There was no relation between collateral score and low-density lipoprotein levels ( r = −0.06, P = .64). The statin-treated group also had a significantly higher left ventricular ejection fraction compared to the patients not taking statins (51% vs 44%, P Conclusions Statin therapy is associated with enhanced coronary collateral formation in patients with severely diseased coronary arteries.
Sensitivity of the Weather Research and Forecast/Community Multiscale Air Quality modeling system to MODIS LAI, FPAR, and albedo

This study aims to improve land surface processes in a retrospective meteorology and air quality modeling system through the use of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) vegetation and albedo products for more realistic vegetation and surface representation. MODIS leaf area index (LAI), fraction of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation (FPAR), and albedo are incorporated into the Pleim-Xiu land surface model (PX LSM) used in a combined meteorology and air quality modeling system. The current PX LSM intentionally exaggerates vegetation coverage and LAI in western dry lands so that its soil moisture nudging scheme is more effective in simulating surface temperature and mixing ratio. Reduced vegetation coverage from the PX LSM with MODIS input results in hotter and dryer daytime conditions with reduced ozone dry deposition velocities in much of western North America. Evaluations of the new system indicate greater error and bias in temperature, but reduced error and bias in moisture with the MODIS vegetation input. Hotter daytime temperatures and reduced dry deposition result in greater ozone concentrations in the western arid regions even with deeper boundary layer depths. MODIS albedo has much less impact on the meteorology simulations than MODIS LAI and FPAR. The MODIS vegetation and albedo input does not have much influence in the east where differences in vegetation and albedo parameters are less extreme. Evaluation results showing increased temperature errors with more accurate representation of vegetation suggests that improvements are needed in the model surface physics, particularly the soil processes in the PX LSM.
Opposites attract: the role of predicate dimensionality in preschool children's processing of negations

Three experiments investigated the role of oppositional predicate dimensionality in four- and five-year-old children’s processing of negation. In Experiment 1 children (37 four-year-olds, mean age 4;8, and 20 five-year-olds, mean age 5;9) were asked to produce opposites for common terms (e.g. ‘big’). In Experiment 2 children (27 four-year-olds, mean age 4 ;8; 23 five-year-olds, mean age 5 ;9) were asked to make pictures corresponding to statements phrased as negations (e.g. The arrow is NOT pointing up). In Experiment 3, children were asked to evaluate a series of pictures made by ‘another child ’ using materials and procedures similar to those used in Experiment 2. Preschool children made use of predicate dimensionality when producing negations but could accurately evaluate truth-values regardless of content. Children often recalled negated items as affirmations (usually corresponding to antipodal opposites), which suggests that children’s use of predicate dimensionality contributes to non-classical processing.
Phenology and its Repercussions on the Reproductive Ecology of Mosses

Abstract Phenology is interpreted as the study of the timing of growth and reproductive events, and it underpins a great proportion of the field of reproductive ecology. Salient early works in bryophyte phenology provided broad-based compilations of important phenological characteristics for entire local bryofloras in Germany and European regions, including branching architecture, the timing of vegetative growth, gametangial initiation times, fertilization times, the duration of sporophyte development, and the time of spore liberation. Recent work in the field was incited by the formulation of a phenological classification system for mosses proposed by Stanley Greene and placed into context by Royce Longton. Phenology in the broad sense is seen to intersect the fields of stem architecture, growth rates, nutritional status, structural development, population dynamics, fertilization biology, fitness measures, the interplay between sexual and asexual reproduction, spore dispersal patterns, sex dimorphism, cl...
Design and Effectiveness of Self-Directed Interactive Learning Modules Based on PowerPoint™

Computer-assisted or e-learning modules can be an effective mode of education, particularly if they incorporate interactivity and feedback. However, such modules can face barriers to adoption by faculty, particularly when they involve the use of new software. In this report, we describe the generation of e-learning modules derived using standard features of PowerPoint™ that include feedback and require active engagement by students. These modules, that we term Interactive PowerPoints™ or IPPs, have been used in a variety of settings within the pre-clerkship years of a standard medical (MD) curriculum. Our analysis demonstrates that use of IPPs as supplementary material can enhance performance on standard multiple choice exam questions and are at least equivalent in efficacy to didactic lectures for delivery of specific concepts. In addition, use of IPPs for practice Genetics problems resulted in a significant increase in student perceptions of comprehension and ability to apply knowledge. Finally, students indicated a distinct preference for blended learning experiences incorporating IPPs. Thus, IPPs represent a low-cost, easily adoptable e-learning mechanism that provides for an efficient and interactive learning experience for medical students.
Symptomatic Postnatal Cytomegalovirus Testing among Very Low-Birth-Weight Infants: Indications and Outcomes.

Objective The objective of this study was to describe the indications for postnatal cytomegalovirus (CMV) testing among very low-birth-weight (VLBW, birth weight [BW] < 1,500 g) infants, clinical characteristics of infected infants, and adverse outcomes associated with CMV infection. Study Design This is a single-center, retrospective study of 2,132 VLBW infants from 1999 to 2013. Results In this study, 145 (6.8%) infants out of 2,132 were evaluated for postnatal CMV infection and 27 (18.6%) infants out of 145 were infected. CMV-tested infants were of significantly lower gestational age and BW compared with untested VLBW infants (p < 0.001). Respiratory decompensation and thrombocytopenia were the findings most commonly associated with infection. CMV-infected infants had significantly more exposure to mechanical ventilation and longer duration of hospitalization. Adjusting for multiple predictors of respiratory morbidity, the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) was significantly elevated among infants diagnosed with postnatal CMV infection (odds ratio, 4.0 [95% confidence interval, 1.3-12.4); p, 0.02.) Conclusion Symptomatic postnatal CMV infection was diagnosed in 1.3% of VLBW infants, most commonly among infants with BW < 1,000 g with respiratory instability and thrombocytopenia. Similar to late-onset bacterial infection, symptomatic postnatal CMV infection may be an independent contributor to the development of BPD. This possibility should be addressed in a prospective study of extremely low BW infants.
Quantum Lithography and Microscopy

We discuss two related problems: qauntum lithography with classical light and the precision measurement of small separations between two atoms or molecules placed in a standing wave laser field.
Role of Solution and Surface Coverage on Voltage-Induced Response of Low-Density Self-Assembled Monolayers

Low-density self-assembled monolayers (LD-SAMs) exhibit voltage-induced conformational changes leading to tunable wetting properties and ionic permeability. Here we investigate the role of solution conditions (pH, salt concentration, presence of acetonitrile) and surface coverage via nonfaradaic electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and contact angle measurements. We observe a large change in receding angle (32°) in an aqueous environment for an optimal combination of solution and film composition. This voltage-induced response in wetting properties is also correlated with a large change in dielectric properties as measured from electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Our results demonstrate that the molecular nature of this responsive surface makes it particularly sensitive to solution conditions, a feature that could be exploited for sensing or detection.
Parametric investigation of gas permeability in cross-ply composite laminates using three-dimensional finite elements

Three-dimensional finite element models are used to study the influence of various parameters on the gas permeability of cross-ply composite laminates. It is shown that the interlaminar cross-sectional area, which is formed between two adjacent plies due to the crack opening displacement (COD) is the most crucial factor in determining the permeability. Hence, the interlaminar cross-sectional area obtained by superposing CODs of two-dimensional model is not accurate enough. The cross-sectional area is found to be related not only to the resultant forces and thermal load but also to the delamination shape, the delamination length and the stacking sequence. Effect of temperature dependent material properties is investigated as well. The finite element results are compared with experimental results obtained in a previous study.
The Impact of Robotic Versus Conventional Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting on In-Hospital Narcotic Use: A Propensity-Matched Analysis.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to compare narcotic use in the perioperative hospital stay as a measure of pain in patients undergoing robotic versus conventional coronary artery bypass grafting...
The oxidation of mannitol

SummaryRadioactive mannitol has been administered to rats with the following results: 1. When given orally, about 50% of the mannitol carbon is recovered in the expired CO2 in 12 hours. 2. With intraperitoneal injection, the mannitol is largely recovered in urine with only 2-3% of the mannitol carbon recovered in the expired CO2. 3. By injection directly into the portal system by way of the spleen, oxidation comparable to or greater than that obtained by oral administration is obtained. It is concluded from these results that mannitol can be oxidized by the body if it is administered by a route that makes it first available to the liver, as in oral feedings.
Police Station Fire Information Management System Building based on SOA Framework

This research aims for the fire information standardization and enhancing the fire unit management capabilities,and brings forward theoretic frame works for fire information management platform for police station,and analyzes its technical specialty.Based on SOA framework and fire business,this research analyzed the police station’s fire information management process and data structure,and design the Shanghai Police Station Fire Information Management System.
C P -violating baryon oscillations

We enumerate the conditions necessary for $CP$ violation to be manifest in $n\ensuremath{-}\overline{n}$ oscillations and build a simple model that can give rise to such effects. We discuss a possible connection between neutron oscillations and dark matter, provided the mass of the latter lies between ${m}_{p}\ensuremath{-}{m}_{e}$ and ${m}_{p}+{m}_{e}$. We apply our results to a possible baryogenesis scenario involving $CP$ violation in the oscillations of the ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Xi}}}^{0}$.