cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pulsed–Raman Measurements of Temperature When Large Temperature Variations and Gradients are Present

Pulsed Raman temperature measurements by Lo and Compaan on Si samples have been interpreted as proving that the surface region does not melt during intense pulsed laser irradiation. In this paper, it is shown by detailed calculations with the melting model that the choice of experimental parameters in the Raman measurements can severely compromise a straightforward interpretation of the data. Moreover, it is demonstrated that temperatures extracted from Raman measurements are highly sensitive to the temperature-dependent optical properties of the material. Finally, it is pointed out that the very large temperature gradients present during pulsed laser annealing may entirely invalidate the Stokes/anti-Stokes ratio as an accurate temperature probe.
Controlled open drainage of severe intra-abdominal sepsis.

• Controlled open drainage of the abdomen (gauze in plastic intestinal bag/surgical glove packing of abscesses; wound closure only to the degree needed to prevent evisceration) was compared with closed drainage (soft rubber or sump drains; complete fascial closure) in 31 patients with severe intraabdominal sepsis. Three (23%) of 13 patients died after open drainage vs eight (44%) of 18 after closed drainage. The difference was attributable to a lower incidence of recurrent abscesses in the former group (one recurrence) than in the latter (six recurrences). Thus, controlled open drainage may improve survival in this highly lethal condition. (Arch Surg1985;120:629-631)
Nest complexity, group size and brood rearing in the fire ant, Solenopsis invicta.

Colonies of the monogyne social form of the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, may contain half a million workers per nest. Spatially organizing such a large group within the confines of a single nest requires a pragmatic architectural design. The morphology of field mounds and subterranean nest chambers of S. invicta were determined using several cast methods. The above-ground portion of a fire ant nest, the mound, consisted of a dense matrix of narrow tunnels. Below ground level, subterranean shafts and nodes were excavated through the grass root system (10-20 cm), connecting the mound tunnels to the subterranean chambers. Chambers averaged ∼ 5cm2 and appeared at depths from 10-80 cm below ground level. The orientation of mound tunnels and subterranean shafts was more often vertical than horizontal, probably facilitating the diurnal micro-migration of colony members back and forth from the subterranean chambers to the mound. The mean size of groups in the subterranean chambers of field nests was remarkably small relative to colony size (∼200 individuals per chamber: 50% workers, 50% brood). In laboratory experiments, neither crowding nor nest partitioning affected brood rearing. The possibility that small group size and nest complexity generate localized or time-released communication signals is discussed.
Female Officials in the Feminist Capital: the Case of Santa Clara County:

TU rNTIL RECENTLY, most studies of elected women in the United States have had a national or state focus,1 in spite of the fact that most female officials serve at the county and city levels. In 1980, 15,320 out of a total of 16,136 female officeholders nationwide were in city and county governments. Furthermore, while women as a percentage of elected officials remained fairly constant between 1975 and 1980 at the congressional (3 percent) and state (10 percent) levels, their proportions doubled in county positions (from 3 to 6 percent) and tripled in municipal posts (from 4 to 13 percent) (CAWP 1981a). Studies of women in local government began in earnest in 1975. In that year the Center for the American Woman and Politics (CAWP) conducted a national survey of women in municipal and county (along with state and congressional) offices (Johnson and Stanwick 1976). CAWP's 1977 survey included a comparison sample of male officeholders (Johnson and Carroll 1978). While there have been a few other reports from nationwide samples (e.g., Karnig and Oliver 1976; MacManus 1976; Welch and Karnig 1979), most of the literature on women in local office consists of case studies scattered throughout the country: Connecticut (Mezey 1978b, 1980a, 1980b); Westchester County, New York (Lee 1976); New York City (Van Hightower 1977); Pennsylvania (King and McAuliffe 1976); suburban Chicago (Merritt 1977, 1980); Houston (MacManus 1981); and Hawaii (Mezey 1978a, 1978c). Enough cases and nationwide studies have been generated so that one can begin to find patterns in women's local-level officeholding and to draw comparisons with officials in higher positions. One of the most striking patterns to emerge at all levels is that, compared to men in office, women have distinctive recruitment patterns and attitudes (Johnson and Carroll 1978). While such differences do not emerge in every local study (see, for example, the mixed results in Stewart's [1980] anthology), they have been sufficiently consistent to draw scholarly attention to the precise nature of and reasons for such differences.
A Randomized Clinical Trial of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Fluoxetine, and Pill Placebo in the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Treatment Effects and Long-Term Maintenance

Objective The relative short-term efficacy and long-term benefits of pharmacologic versus psychotherapeutic interventions have not been studied for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study compared the efficacy of a selective serotonin reup-take inhibitor (SSRI), fluoxetine, with a psychotherapeutic treatment, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and pill placebo and measured maintenance of treatment gains at 6-month follow-up. Method Eighty-eight PTSD subjects diagnosed according to DSM-IV criteria were randomly assigned to EMDR, fluoxetine, or pill placebo. They received 8 weeks of treatment and were assessed by blind raters posttreatment and at 6-month follow-up. The primary outcome measure was the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale, DSM-IV version, and the secondary outcome measure was the Beck Depression Inventory-II. The study ran from July 2000 through July 2003. Results The psychotherapy intervention was more successful than pharmacotherapy in achieving sustained reductions in PTSD and depression symptoms, but this benefit accrued primarily for adult-onset trauma survivors. At 6-month follow-up, 75.0% of adult-onset versus 33.3% of child-onset trauma subjects receiving EMDR achieved asymptomatic end-state functioning compared with none in the fluoxetine group. For most childhood-onset trauma patients, neither treatment produced complete symptom remission. Conclusions This study supports the efficacy of brief EMDR treatment to produce substantial and sustained reduction of PTSD and depression in most victims of adult-onset trauma. It suggests a role for SSRIs as a reliable first-line intervention to achieve moderate symptom relief for adult victims of childhood-onset trauma. Future research should assess the impact of lengthier intervention, combination treatments, and treatment sequencing on the resolution of PTSD in adults with childhood-onset trauma.
Peer social status and reports of children's adjustment by their teachers, by their peers, and by their self-ratings.

Abstract By a peer nomination procedure, 238 pupils in Grades 3–5 were identified as one of five social status types: popular, rejected, neglected, controversial, and average. Status group differences among teachers' reports, peers' reports, and children's self-reports of adjustment were examined. The results were consistent with previous studies in that rejected children were viewed as exhibiting significantly more classroom and peer-related behavior problems than any of the other status groups, and popular children were viewed as the most well-adjusted. Adjustment problems for neglected children were limited to peers' reports that these children lacked group cooperation and leadership abilities. Controversial children performed well academically and were viewed by peers as possessing simultaneously strong positive and negative interpersonal skills. This pattern of status group differences was consistent across raters (teacher, peers, self) and across various characteristics (gender, grade level, geographic location, race). Thus, these results add further validity to this peer nomination method of identifying specific peer social status groups.
Factors Influencing Landowner Interest in Managing Wildlife and Avian Habitat on Private Forestland

This study examined factors related to private forest landowners' interest in managing wildlife and avian habitat on their land. Regression analysis of survey responses from Tennessee Cumberland Pl...
Formulation and characterization of chitosan-based hydrogel films having both temperature and pH sensitivity

Chitosan-based hydrogel films having both temperature and pH sensitivity were prepared by blending chitosan with temperature sensitive poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) and polyethylene glycol (PEG, Mw 2000). PEG was added to enhance film properties, such as thermal, mechanical and swelling properties. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) study indicated that the physically blended films exhibited a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) identical to that of pure PNIPAAm (around 32 °C). FT-IR data indicated that the temperature sensitivity is due to the PNIPAAm component in the film. The thermal analysis showed that chitosan and PNIPAAm were compatible and the blended films are apt to crystallize. The X-ray diffraction study further showed that the blended films had a higher crystallinity level than chitosan or PNIPAAm alone. The newly formed crystalline domains acted as physical crosslinkers and greatly increased the crosslinking level of the blended films, which, in turn, affected the swelling behavior and mechanical property of the blended films. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the blended swollen films exhibited a more porous structure at 37 °C (>LCST) than at room temperature (<LCST), though their swelling ratios were reduced as temperature increased from room temperature to 37 °C because of the dehydration nature of PNIPAAm at temperatures above its LCST. The results demonstrated that physically blended temperature sensitive films could be formulated, which are capable of producing more pores upon heating. The blended films were also found to be pH sensitive due to the fact that chitosan, one of the film components, has many pendant amino groups.
The non-synchronous synthesis of myelin components during early stages of myelination in the rat optic nerve.

—Analysis of lipids and proteins in whole optic nerves during initial stages of myelination indicate a sequential deposition of myelin components. During this period sulfatide levels increase from 4 nmol/pair of nerves at 9 days to 29 nmol/pair of nerves at 21 days. Cerebrosides are not detected until the 12th day and attain a level of 46 nmol/pair of nerves in the 21-day old rat. Plasma-logen values increase from 2.1 to 31 nmol/pair of nerves and cholesterol values from 12 to 158 nmol/pair of nerves between 9 and 21 days. High molecular weight proteins are present in samples from 9-day old rats analyzed by discontinuous sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Under identical conditions myelin basic proteins are first observed in the 10 day sample, and the proteolipid protein is first detected in the 12 day sample. The 2′, 3′-cyclic nucleotide 3′-phosphohydrolase activity increases from 1.13 to 5.50 μmol/min per mg protein between 9 and 21 days.
Army Missile and Aviation Structural Health Monitoring Applications for Advanced Active Thin Film Materials

High strength, low weight carbon fiber structures are being used frequently for Army missile and aviation applications, but they are susceptible to low energy impact damage. On the other hand, unnecessary removal from service for inspection and maintenance reduces readiness. Structural health monitoring systems that include an array of sensors and/or actuators are needed to reduce risk and increase readiness. Typically sensors and actuators are piezo-based and too large to be embedded in the structure or if embedded can affect strength. Thin film sensors and actuators are significantly thinner; therefore reducing the potential for affecting the strength of the composite structure. Development of these sensors will be critical to future Army readiness.
Hydrogen isotope fractionation factor for mixed-layer illite/smectite at 60° to 150°C: New data from the northeast Texas Gulf Coast

Abstract The δD values of water and clay collected from 0.6 to 5.5 km deep wells in 9 oil and gas fields within the Houston salt basin located in the northeast Texas Gulf Coast were used to reevaluate the temperature dependence of hydrogen isotope fractionation between mixed layer illite/smectite (I/S) and water, and the equations of Yeh (1980), Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta, 42:140–143) and Capuano (1992), Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta, 56:2547–2554) for the calculation of αI/S-water, both of which are commonly cited in the literature. δD values of water and clay in the normally pressured and geopressured sections are different. In the normally pressured section (
STIMULUS CONTROL OF BEHAVIORAL HISTORY

Pigeons were exposed to two different reinforcement schedules under different stimulus conditions in each of two daily sessions separated by 6 hr (Experiments 1 and 2) or in a single session (Experiment 3). Following this, either a fixed-interval (Experiment 1) or a variable-interval schedule (Experiments 2 and 3) was effected in both stimulus conditions. In the first two experiments, exposure to fixed-ratio or differential-reinforcement-of-low-rate schedules led to response-rate, but not pattern, differences in subsequent performance on fixed- or variable-interval schedules that persisted for up to 60 sessions. The effects of reinforcement-schedule history on fixed-interval schedule performance generally were more persistent. In Experiment 3, a history of high and low response rates in different components of a multiple schedule resulted in subsequent response-rate differences under identical variable-interval schedules. Higher response rates initially occurred in the component previously correlated with high response rates. For 3 of 4 subjects, the differences persisted for 20 or more sessions. Previous demonstrations of behavioral history effects have been confined largely to between-subject comparisons. By contrast, the present results demonstrate strong behavioral effects of schedule histories under stimulus control within individual subjects.
Optical radiation and Zeiss short-pulsed xenon photocoagulators. I. Clinical considerations of articulation with the Fankhauser slit-lamp delivery system.

When coupled with the Fankhauser slit-lamp delivery system and fundus contact lens, the optical radiation photocoagulator provides a xenon source with outstanding image quality in the central and peripheral fundus. This photocoagulation system can produce small, timed retinal lesions that can be precisely placed even in the perimacular area. Clinically, these lesions are indistinguishable from those created by a similarly modified Zeiss xenon photocoagulator. The optical radiation unit has successfully treated senile retinoschisis, von Hippel angioma, exudative diabetic retinopathy, subretinal neovascularization, and proliferative sickle cell retinopathy. Although it seems less powerful than the Zeiss photocoagulator, it is less bulky, relatively low priced, and generates little ozone. We believe the optical radiation unit, when coupled with a slit-lamp delivery system, represents a valid system for the photocoagulative treatment of retinal disease.
Magnetoreception in an Avian Brain in Part Mediated by Inner Ear Lagena

Summary Many animals use the Earth's geomagnetic field for orientation and navigation, but the neural mechanisms underlying that ability remain enigmatic [1, 2]. Support for at least two avian magnetoreceptors exists, including magnetically activated photochemicals in the retina [3, 4] and ferrimagnetic particles in the beak [5, 6]. The possibility of a third magnetoreceptor in the inner ear lagena organs has been suggested [7]. The brain must process magnetic receptor information to derive constructs representing directional heading and geosurface location. Here, we used the c-Fos transcription factor, a marker for activated neurons [8], to discover where in the brain computations related to a specific set of magnetic field stimulations occur. We found that neural activations in discrete brain loci known to be involved in orientation, spatial memory, and navigation may constitute a major magnetoreception pathway in birds. We also found, through ablation studies, that much of the observed pathway appears to receive magnetic information from the pigeon lagena receptor organs.
Digital control of power conditioning converters for superconductive magnetic energy storage

Digital control of power conditioning circuits for superconductive magnetic energy storage is presented. A system is used to model circuits which consist of 10-kVA solid-state converter circuits, an 8-H superconducting coil, and IBM-AT and Apple-MACII computers. The computers are used for control of real and reactive power flow, current sharing, and data acquisition and manipulation. Results of the successful control of charging and discharging the 8-H coil are presented. >
Dynamic power and performance back-annotation for fast and accurate functional hardware simulation

Virtual platform prototypes are widely used for early design space exploration at the system level. There is, however, a lack of accurate and fast power and performance models of hardware components at such high levels of abstraction. In this paper, we present an approach that extends fast functional hardware models with the ability to produce detailed, cycle-level timing and power estimates. Our approach is based on back-annotating behavioral hardware descriptions with a dynamic power and performance model that allows capturing cycle-accurate and data-dependent activity without a significant loss in simulation speed. By integrating with existing high-level synthesis (HLS) flows, back-annotation is fully automated for custom hardware synthesized by HLS. We further leverage state-of-the-art machine learning techniques to synthesize abstract power models, where we introduce a structural decomposition technique to reduce model complexities and increase estimation accuracy. We have applied our back-annotation approach to several industrial-strength design examples under various architecture configurations. Results show that our models predict average power consumption to within 1% and cycle-by-cycle power dissipation to within 10% of a commercial gate-level power estimation tool, all while running several orders of magnitude faster.
An examination of the relationship between active site loop size and thermodynamic activation parameters for orotidine 5′-monophosphate decarboxylase from mesophilic and thermophilic organisms

Closure of the active site phosphate gripper loop of orotidine 5′-monophosphate decarboxylase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (ScOMPDC) over the bound substrate orotidine 5′-monophosphate (OMP) activates the bound substrate for decarboxylation by at least 104-fold [Amyes, T. L., Richard, J. P., and Tait, J. J. (2005) J. Am. Chem. Soc. 127, 15708−15709]. The 19-residue phosphate gripper loop of the mesophilic ScOMPDC is much larger than the nine-residue loop at the ortholog from the thermophile Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus (MtOMPDC). This difference in loop size results in a small decrease in the total intrinsic phosphate binding energy of the phosphodianion group of OMP from 11.9 to 11.6 kcal/mol, along with a modest decrease in the extent of activation by phosphite dianion of decarboxylation of the truncated substrate 1-(β-d-erythrofuranosyl)orotic acid. The activation parameters ΔH⧧ and ΔS⧧ for kcat for decarboxylation of OMP are 3.6 kcal/mol and 10 cal K−1 mol−1 more positive, respectively, for...
Hidden consumption behaviour: an alternative response to social group influence

Purpose – This paper aims to examine how conflicting brand preferences between a social group and an individual may lead the individual to hide their consumption. Specifically, the authors examine the conditions under which hiding behaviour is most likely to occur and the impact of susceptibility to interpersonal influence on the decision to hide. Design/methodology/approach – Two experiments were conducted using a combination of student and adult samples. Analysis of variance and regression analyses were used to test the hypotheses. Findings – Findings suggest that individuals are most likely to hide their consumption behaviour when group sanctions for non-conformity are severe, but the likelihood of being caught is low. Further, individual differences in susceptibility to interpersonal influence are found to affect individuals’ decisions to hide their consumption behaviour. Research limitations/implications – By identifying hidden consumption behaviour as a possible response to preference conflict, this...
Hydrogen—vacancy interactions in palladium

Abstract Statistical mechanical calculations of the properties of Pd—H—solid solutions containing H-decorated vacancies are presented. The formation energies of the H-vacancy clusters are taken from recent effective-medium calculations. The formation of “excess” vacancies and their relevance to the kinetic and thermodynamic behavior of the system is discussed.
Tailoring photocatalytic nanostructures for sustainable hydrogen production

Photocatalysis is an important component for achieving sustainability in chemical transformations. It requires light absorption by a semiconductor and efficient extraction of the photogenerated electron–hole pairs to chemically active sites. One of the main problems in photocatalytic materials is to avoid electron–hole recombination following excitation. Tailored nanostructures offer a new way for achieving this goal by facilitating electron–hole separation. Nanoscaling of materials offers additional opportunities to generate unique photocatalysts that demonstrated novel light absorption, thermodynamic and kinetic properties. In this feature article we highlight some recent approaches towards the preparation of materials and nanostructures that showed improved activity for the sustainable production of hydrogen. This reaction has received much attention for the supply of future demand both for chemical industry and energy-related applications.
Probe-induced concentration distortions in molecular-beam mass-spectrometer sampling☆

Abstract Undistorted one-dimensional concentration profiles in a binary one-dimensional stream (no sampling probe present) are generated, in a numerical analysis, using a source, a sink, and differing combinations of massdiffusion coefficient and chemical-relaxation time. Corresponding to each of these undistorted concentration profiles, several distorted concentration distributions are generated using the same combination of massdiffusion coefficient and chemical-relaxation time but inserting an infinitely long conical sampling probe at differing axial locations. The velocity and concentration distributions are calculated numerically taking into account axial symmetry, compressibility, and the nonzero sampling-orifice diameter d. A large radial concentration gradient is found at the orifice. Each distorted concentration profile is compared with the corresponding undistorted profile in order to determine the apparent axial shift of the centerline concentration due to the sampling. (The centerline concentration is the important concentration when analyzing the composition using a molecular-beam mass spectrometer system.) If, at the sampling orifice, the chemical relaxation time is much larger than the characteristic flow time and Re Sc ⪢ 1, then the apparent axial shift δ of the sampling location is found to be δ d=0.19 ( Re Sc ) 1 2 where Re Sc ≡ flow velocity times orifice diameter divided by mass-diffusion coefficient at the orifice. The results are relevant to molecular-beam sampling from flames.
Analysis of Design Parameters in Platform Manipulators

Multi-loop parallel structures of platform manipulators present challenge to their design analysis. For studying the workspace of the 3-6 class of platforms, we developed the vertex space concept in Ji (1994). This paper extends the vertex spaces concept to other structures for analysing and comparing their workspaces. We classify the vertices of the platform manipulators into types A and B. The platform manipulators are then divided into four groups based on their vertex types. Design parameters in platform manipulators are studied in terms of their functions and effects to vertex spaces and workspace.
Health Education about AIDS among Seropositive Blood Donors

The New York Blood Center is developing a health education and psychosocial sup port program for blood donors who are notified that they are HIV antibody positive. The goals of that program are: (1) to provide accurate and intelligible information about the test results to notified donors; (2) to encourage behavior that will reduce the likelihood of spreading the virus; (3) to encourage notified donors to behave in ways that will reduce the probability that they will develop AIDS; and (4) to provide sup port and facilitate functional coping responses. This article reviews the theoretical and empirical work which informs the intervention program, and it describes how the pro gram is being implemented.
A Functional DnaK Dimer Is Essential for the Efficient Interaction with Hsp40 Heat Shock Protein

Highly conserved molecular chaperone Hsp70 heat shock proteins play a key role in maintaining protein homeostasis (proteostasis). DnaK, a major Hsp70 in Escherichia coli, has been widely used as a paradigm for studying Hsp70s. In the absence of ATP, purified DnaK forms low-ordered oligomer, whereas ATP binding shifts the equilibrium toward the monomer. Recently, we solved the crystal structure of DnaK in complex with ATP. There are two molecules of DnaK-ATP in the asymmetric unit. Interestingly, the interfaces between the two molecules of DnaK are large with good surface complementarity, suggesting functional importance of this crystallographic dimer. Biochemical analyses of DnaK protein supported the formation of dimer in solution. Furthermore, our cross-linking experiment based on the DnaK-ATP structure confirmed that DnaK forms specific dimer in an ATP-dependent manner. To understand the physiological function of the dimer, we mutated five residues on the dimer interface. Four mutations, R56A, T301A, N537A, and D540A, resulted in loss of chaperone activity and compromised the formation of dimer, indicating the functional importance of the dimer. Surprisingly, neither the intrinsic biochemical activities, the ATP-induced allosteric coupling, nor GrpE co-chaperone interaction is affected appreciably in all of the mutations except for R56A. Unexpectedly, the interaction with co-chaperone Hsp40 is significantly compromised. In summary, this study suggests that DnaK forms a transient dimer upon ATP binding, and this dimer is essential for the efficient interaction of DnaK with Hsp40.
Classification in automobile insurance using a DEA and discriminant analysis hybrid

In this article, we adopt an efficiency approach to the two-group linear programming method of discriminant analysis (DA), using principles taken from data envelopment analysis (DEA), to predict group membership in an insurance underwriting scheme. Using an empirical insurance data base we illustrate the effectiveness of our model as a decision-making tool to distinguish among automobile insurance applicants by contrasting our hybrid model with both statistical and LP methods of discriminant analysis. We find for this insurance application that our hybrid model significantly outperforms the more traditional methods in separation and misclassification outcomes.
Studies using a recombinant vaccinia virus expressing the circumsporozoite protein of Plasmodium berghei

A recombinant vaccinia virus was constructed which expressed the circumsporozoite protein of Plasmodium berghei. Four different strains of mice belonging to different haplotypes were immunized with the recombinant virus. The antibody response to the circumsporozoite protein as well as to vaccinia virus varied among the strains, independently of each other. The anticircumsporozoite protein titers were comparable to that obtained on immunization with irradiated sporozoites. Spleen cells from H2d mice immunized with P. berghei sporozoites showed a significant proliferative response when cultured in vitro with a low multiplicity of the recombinant vaccinia virus. A weak cytotoxic T lymphocyte response specifically targeting the circumsporozoite protein could be identified in spleens of BALB/c (H2d) mice immunized with vaccinia virus when BALB 3T3 cells transformed with a plasmid expressing the circumsporozoite protein under control of the simian virus 40 promoter were used as target cells in the cytotoxic T lymphocyte assay. However, none of the recombinant virus-immunized animals could be protected from a challenge of sporozoites even at the lowest dose of parasite used.
Treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence in Women with Urethral Hypermobility and Intrinsic Sphincter Deficiency

AbstractPurpose: We compared 2 treatment modalities (sling cystourethropexy and periurethral collagen injection) in patients with intrinsic sphincter deficiency alone or with urethral hypermobility (combined stress urinary incontinence).Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed a series of 50 consecutive patients treated surgically for intrinsic sphincter deficiency during a 2-year period. All patients were evaluated by history and physical examination to assess urethral hypermobility and urodynamic testing. Intrinsic sphincter deficiency was assessed by abdominal leak point pressure and video urodynamics. Of the 50 patients 28 underwent a pubovaginal sling operation and 22 received a periurethral injection of collagen.Results: Of the patients studied 40 percent had combined stress urinary incontinence. A pubovaginal sling procedure resulted in a cure rate of 81 percent in this group, compared to 25 percent for periurethral injection of collagen.Conclusions: A subgroup of women exists with combin...
The adoption of online technology by volunteer-based organizations: the case of a state Guardian ad Litem program

Guardian ad Litem (GAL) programs represent one example of new hybrid models of governmental organizations in which citizen volunteers participate with staff in delivering services. Information and communication technologies (ICT) also increasingly play a role in distributing e-government information to citizens. This study used a web-based survey to examine adoption of and intent to use ICT among citizen volunteers, staff and other stakeholders within Florida's GAL program. Constructs based on Davis' Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) [10] were tested in analyzing survey results, and found to provide a solid foundation for evaluating stakeholder use of online technologies.
Carbon‐11 labeling of a potent, nonpeptide, at1‐selective angiotensin‐II receptor antagonist: MK‐996

[α- 11 C]Benzoyl chloride was synthesized and purified by normal phase HPLC. [ 11 C]MK-996 ([ 11 C]N-[[4'[(2-ethyl-5,7-dimethyl-3H-imidazo [4,5-b]pyridin-3-yl)methyl][1,1'-biphenyl]-2-yl]sulfonyl]-benzamide), a potent and selective ligand for the AT 1 receptor, was prepared by N-benzoylation of L-159,221 with [α- 11 C]benzoyl chloride in tetrahydrofuran using lithium his(trimethylsilyl)amide as a base. The radiotracer was purified by semi-preparative reverse-phase HPLC. The average specific activity was 1162 mCi/μmol calculated at end-of-synthesis (EOS). The average time of synthesis including formulation was 38 minutes
The lithographer's dilemma: shrinking without breaking the bank

It can no longer be assumed that the lithographic scaling which has previously driven Moore’s Law will lead in the future to reduced cost per transistor. Until recently, higher prices for lithography tools were offset by improvements in scanner productivity. The necessity of using double patterning to extend scaling beyond the single exposure resolution limit of optical lithography has resulted in a sharp increase in the cost of patterning a critical construction layer that has not been offset by improvements in exposure tool productivity. Double patterning has also substantially increased the cost of mask sets. EUV lithography represents a single patterning option, but the combination of very high exposure tools prices, moderate throughput, high maintenance costs, and expensive mask blanks makes this a solution more expensive than optical double patterning but less expensive than triple patterning. Directed self-assembly (DSA) could potentially improve wafer costs, but this technology currently is immature. There are also design layout and process integration issues associated with DSA that need to be solved in order to obtain full benefit from tighter pitches. There are many approaches for improving the cost effectiveness of lithography. Innovative double patterning schemes lead to smaller die. EUV lithography productivity can be improved with higher power light sources and improved reliability. There are many technical and business challenges for extending EUV lithography to higher numerical apertures. Efficient contact hole and cut mask solutions are needed, as well as very tight overlay control, regardless of lithographic solution.
Fracture of Boron/Aluminum Composites with Discontinuities

Boron/aluminum laminates in symmetric layups of [±45] and [±45/02] containing discontinuities in the form of holes and slits were tested in tension. Both layups exhibited decreases in failure stress with discontinuity size. However the two exhibited quite different failure modes. The [±45 ] failed with interlaminar shear as the dominant mode whereas the [±45/02] specimens reacted to discontinuities catastrophically in a manner suggestive of the effect of cracks on homogeneous metals. A correlation is proposed for the fracture of the [±45/02] laminate.
Induced superconductivity and residual resistance in InAs quantum wells contacted with superconducting Nb electrodes

Abstract We have investigated hybrid superconductor/semiconductor structures consisting of modulation-doped InAs quantum wells contacted by closely spaced niobium electrodes, and showing induced superconductivity in the InAs. The resistance of these semiconductor-coupled weak links does not disappear abruptly with decreasing temperature, but instead over a wide temperature range, in a continuous, thermally activated fashion. We present a detailed quantitative study of the temperature-dependence of the residual resistance, and of a peculiar interrelation between the rate of resistance decrease and the geometry of the devices.
Examining factors that influence erroneous phosphorylation site localization via competing fragmentation and rearrangement reactions during ion trap CID‐MS/MS and ‐MS3

Factors influencing the magnitude of competing fragmentation and intramolecular phosphate group rearrangement reactions during CID-MS/MS and CID-MS(3) of protonated phosphopeptide ions in ion trap mass spectrometers, and their effect on phosphorylation site localization using automated search algorithms, have been examined by systematically varying the peptide composition, the identity, number, and position of the phosphorylated "donor" and nonphosphorylated "acceptor" residues, and the proton mobility of the precursor ion charge states for a synthetic phosphopeptide library. CID-MS(3) of product ions formed via combined neutral losses of HPO3 and H2 O, rather than direct loss of H3 PO4 from phosphotyrosine containing peptides yielded incorrect phosphorylation site assignments, while correct phosphorylation site assignments for phosphothreonine and phosphoserine containing peptides were highly dependant on the relative abundance of these competing fragmentation pathways. Abundant phosphate group rearrangement product ions were observed from CID-MS/MS of multiply protonated phosphopeptide ions, with increased rearrangement under nonmobile or partially mobile protonation conditions, and as a function of the identity and number of the donor and acceptor residues. A clear inverse trend was observed between the amplitude of these rearrangement reactions and the confidence for phosphorylation site localization, and rearrangement played a contributing role in erroneous phosphorylation site assignment for several peptides.
Development of Innovative and Efficient Hydraulic Fracturing Numerical Simulation Model and Parametric Studies in Unconventional Naturally Fractured Reservoirs

Abstract The most effective method for stimulating unconventional reservoirs is using properly designed and successfully implemented hydraulic fracture treatments. The interaction between pre-existing natural fractures and the engineered propagating hydraulic fracture is a critical factor affecting the complex fracture network. However, many existing numerical simulators use simplified model to either ignore or not fully consider the significant impact of pre-existing fractures on hydraulic fracture propagation. Pursuing development of numerical models that can accurately characterize propagation of hydraulic fractures in naturally fractured formations is important to better understand their behavior and optimize their performance. In this paper, an innovative and efficient modeling approach was developed and implemented which enabled integrated simulation of hydraulic fracture network propagation, interactions between hydraulic fractures and pre-existing natural fractures, fracture fluid leakoff and fluid flow in reservoir. This improves stability and convergence, and increases accuracy, and computational speed. Computing time of one stage treatment with a personal computer is now reduced to 2.2 min from 12.5 min than using single porosity model. Parametric studies were then conducted to quantify the effect of horizontal differential stress, natural fracture spacing (the density of pre-existing fractures), matrix permeability and fracture fluid viscosity on the geometry of the hydraulic fracture network. Using the knowledge learned from the parametric studies, the fracture–reservoir contact area is investigated and the method to increase this factor is suggested. This new knowledge helps us understand and improve the stimulation of naturally fractured unconventional reservoirs.
Magnetic dipole and electric quadrupole transitions in the trivalent lanthanide series: Calculated emission rates and oscillator strengths

Given growing interest in optical-frequency magnetic dipole transitions, we use intermediate coupling calculations to identify strong magnetic dipole emission lines that are well suited for experimental study. The energy levels for all trivalent lanthanide ions in the $4{f}^{\text{n}}$ configuration are calculated using a detailed free ion Hamiltonian, including electrostatic and spin-orbit terms as well as two-body, three-body, spin-spin, spin-other-orbit, and electrostatically correlated spin-orbit interactions. These free ion energy levels and eigenstates are then used to calculate the oscillator strengths for all ground-state magnetic dipole absorption lines and the spontaneous emission rates for all magnetic dipole emission lines including transitions between excited states. A large number of strong magnetic dipole transitions are predicted throughout the visible and near-infrared spectrum, including many at longer wavelengths that would be ideal for experimental investigation of magnetic light-matter interactions with optical metamaterials and plasmonic antennas.
Thought insertion as a disownership symptom

Stephens and Graham (2000) maintain that in cases of thought insertion, the sense of ownership is preserved, but there is a defect in the sense of agency (i.e. the sense that one is the author or initiator of the thought). However, these theorists overlook the possibility that subjectivity might be preserved despite a defect in the sense of ownership. The claim that schizophrenia centers upon a loss of a sense of ownership is supported by an examination of some of the other notable disownership symptoms of the disorder, such as bodily alienation and experiences of “unworlding.” Is there a way to make sense of the “underlying characteristic modification” that ties together the various symptoms of schizophrenia and disrupts subjects’ “hold” on their own bodies and surroundings? I will argue that what accounts for subjects’ usual sense of ownership are fully embodied processes of causal-contextual information integration, which are made possible by subjects’ affective framing patterns. Attenuated affective framings lead to a loss of a sense of ownership and cause subjects to lose their “grip” on bodily sensations and mental states, which ultimately can result in experiences of thought insertion. I will conclude with some brief remarks about implications for treatment, and point to several body-centered intervention methods that might help to restore subjects’ sense of ownership.
Antisense oligomers of cfos and cjun block glucocorticoid stimulation of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) gene expression in cultured anterior pituitary cells

The proto-oncogenes, cfos/cjun, are co-localized with thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) in cultured anterior pituitary cells and increase following exposure to dexamethasone (Dex). To assess the role of cfos and cjun in the Dex stimulation of TRH gene expression, we used antisense oligonucleotides to block cfos and cjun expression in order to reduce formation of activating protein-1 (AP-1). The results showed that the antisense oligonucleotides together effectively reduced cfos/cjun gene expression and consequently the glucocorticoid stimulation of TRH peptide and mRNA. The findings indicate that cfos/cjun are involved in the glucocorticoid activation of TRH gene expression.
A feasibility study to evaluate breast cancer patients’ knowledge of their diagnosis and treatment

Objective To evaluate the feasibility of an electronic survey to assess patients’ knowledge of their breast cancer and treatment, and interest in receiving a medical summary.
Blastogenic response of whole blood cells of turkeys to a T-cell mitogen

Cellular immune mechanisms in the turkey are not well understood because adequately standardized, reproducible in vitro assays to measure cellular immunity are not available. Our purpose was to optimize conditions for a whole blood mitogenic assay that would facilitate quantitative assessment of the ability of circulating T cells of turkeys to respond to Con A. Heparinized peripheral blood from normal turkeys was examined. Data indicated that diluting the blood 1:20 or 1:40 and incubating the test cultures at 39 degrees C or 41 degrees C gave the best mitogenic stimulation. Presence of 7.5% turkey serum but not chicken or fetal bovine serum in the culture medium substantially enhanced the blastogenic response. Ontogeny of the whole blood mitogenic response was examined by repeat observations on a group of turkeys at various age levels starting at 1 week of age. Whole blood cells from 1-week-old turkeys responded poorly to Con A, although by 2 weeks of age, the response was well developed. Tests at subsequent ages revealed variable levels of activity. There was a considerable individual variation in the level of blastogenic response of turkeys within the same age group.
Effect of corticosteroids on serum antinuclear antibodies in man

The effect of prednisone on serum levels of IgG antibodies to viral and bacterial antigens was measured and compared to its effect on IgG antibodies to nuclear antigens in 8 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Prednisone at 15-80 mg/day (mean 55 mg/day) for 14-30 days (mean 19 days) lowered the serum IgG by an average of 22% (p less than 0.005). An even greater reduction in IgG antinuclear antibodies occurred (mean 43%, p less than 0.001) including responses to double stranded DNA, single stranded DNA, and the nucleosides, adenosine, guanosine, cytidine and thymine riboside. In contrast, there was no alteration in serum IgG antibody levels to influenza virus vaccine and pneumococcal vaccine antigens. These results suggest that prednisone has a selective effect on the expression of autoimmunity which may, in part, be responsible for its clinical efficacy in systemic lupus erythematosus.
Temporal stability and within-subject consistency of nicotine withdrawal symptoms

This study tested the temporal stability and within-subject consistency of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-III-R (DSM-III-R) nicotine withdrawal symptoms in 39 (21 female, 18 male) regular smokers. Subjects provided withdrawal symptom ratings while smoking ad libitum and during two 48-hour abstinence periods that were separated by 1 week. All but two symptoms, increased eating and hunger, demonstrated adequate temporal stability (i.e., stability coefficients > or = .70). Within-subject consistency was found for impatience, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and irritability. The total (average) score emerged as the most stable and consistent indicator of withdrawal. Results of a cluster analysis suggest the presence of two groups of smokers based on the withdrawal experience. Possible reasons for variability in nicotine withdrawal symptom reports are discussed.
Reference priors with partial information

SUMMARY In this paper, reference priors are derived for three cases where partial information is available. If a subjective conditional prior is given, two reasonable methods are proposed for finding the marginal reference prior. If, instead, a subjective marginal prior is available, a method for defining the conditional reference prior is proposed. A sufficient condition is then given under which this conditional reference prior agrees with the conditional reference prior derived in the first stage of the reference prior algorithm of Berger & Bernardo (1989, 1992). Finally, under the assumption of independence, a method for finding marginal reference priors is also proposed. Various examples are given to illustrate the methods.
Effect of Cortisone on the Minimal Carcinogenic Dose50 of Methylcholanthrene in Albino Mice

The administration of 0.4 mg. of cortisone acetate per 30 Gm. of body weight, injected subcutaneously five times a week over a 16-day period (12 injections) during the initial phase of the experiment, caused a slight decrease in the incidence of methylcholanthrene-induced tumors. The CF-1 albino mice used in this experiment also exhibited a definite retardation or even a significant decrease in body weight during the 16-day period of cortisone acetate administration. However, when cortisone acetate was withdrawn, the mice gained weight rapidly. At the termination of the experiment, the groups of mice which had received cortisone (Groups B and C) exhibited a mean weight approximately equal to that of the control groups.