cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design principles for public safety response mobilization

In this paper, we identify key characteristics of public safety response mobilization systems (PSRMS) and describe the different technical characteristics they can assume: open standards vs. commercial-off-the-shelf packages, fixed vs. mobile, security and privacy management approaches, data distribution and access control. Finally, we present testable hypotheses about which technical design features and architectural principles will produce successful PSRMS.
Psychotherapy, psychopathology, research and practice: Pathways of connections and integration

This paper describes three pathways of connections between different communities of knowledge seekers: integration of psychotherapeutic approaches, integration of psychotherapy and psychopathology, and integration of science and practice. Some of the issues discussed involve the delineation and investigation of common factors (e.g., principles of change), improvement of major forms of psychotherapy, clinical implications of psychopathology research, as well as current and future directions related to practice-research networks. The aim of this paper is to suggest that building bridges across theoretical orientations, scientific fields, professional experiences, and epistemological views may be a fruitful strategy to improve our understanding and the impact of psychotherapy.
Long-term warming restructures Arctic tundra without changing net soil carbon storage

High latitudes contain nearly half of global soil carbon, prompting interest in understanding how the Arctic terrestrial carbon balance will respond to rising temperatures. Low temperatures suppress the activity of soil biota, retarding decomposition and nitrogen release, which limits plant and microbial growth. Warming initially accelerates decomposition, increasing nitrogen availability, productivity and woody-plant dominance. However, these responses may be transitory, because coupled abiotic-biotic feedback loops that alter soil-temperature dynamics and change the structure and activity of soil communities, can develop. Here we report the results of a two-decade summer warming experiment in an Alaskan tundra ecosystem. Warming increased plant biomass and woody dominance, indirectly increased winter soil temperature, homogenized the soil trophic structure across horizons and suppressed surface-soil-decomposer activity, but did not change total soil carbon or nitrogen stocks, thereby increasing net ecosystem carbon storage. Notably, the strongest effects were in the mineral horizon, where warming increased decomposer activity and carbon stock: a 'biotic awakening' at depth.
The Heidrun Field - Development Overview

Heidrun, an oil and gas field lying in 345 meters of water off the coast of Norway, has been developed using the world`s first concrete Tension Leg Platform (TLP). The TLP substructure, comprised of the Hull and Module Support Beams (MSB`s) is built of high strength lightweight aggregative concrete. The MSB concept eliminated the need for a module support frame and enabled the modules to be mat3ed with the substructure by ballasting and deballasting, without the use of expensive heavy lift vessels. The TLP topsides consists of five main modules and a drilling rig. The design concept of these large modules as self contained elements enabled them to be pre-commissioned to a large extent at the fabrication yards, prior to load out. Sixteen tubular steel Tethers anchor the platform to four concrete Foundations on the seabed. These Foundations were towed to the field and lowered into position by ballasting, again without the use of heavy lift vessels. Installation of a subsea Well Template enabled the first wells to be pre-drilled and pre-completed before the platform was towed to the field, enabling an early production start after platform installation. Two oil export pipelines and one gas export line were completed onshoremore » then wet towed to the field using the controlled depth tow method. Titanium is used for the platform Drilling Riser, providing the same strength as conventional materials but with considerable weight savings. Produced oil from Heidrun is offloaded directly into shuttle tankers, without intermediate storage, using the innovative Submerged Turret Loading technology.« less
The alpha1-adrenergic antagonist prazosin ameliorates combat trauma nightmares in veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder: a report of 4 cases.

Background Central nervous system (CNS) adrenergic hyperresponsiveness may be involved in the pathophysiology of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Two Vietnam combat veterans with PTSD prescribed the centrally active alpha1-adrenergic antagonist prazosin for symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy unexpectedly reported elimination of combat trauma nightmares. This observation prompted an open-label feasibility trial of prazosin for combat trauma nightmares in chronic combat-induced PTSD. Method Four consecutively identified combat veterans with chronic DSM-IV PTSD and severe intractable combat trauma nightmares participated in an 8-week open trial of escalating-dose prazosin. Nightmare severity response was rated using the nightmare item of the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale and the Clinical Global Impressions-Change scale. Results The 2 patients who achieved a daily prazosin dose of at least 5 mg were markedly improved, with complete elimination of trauma nightmares and resumption of normal dreaming. The 2 subjects limited to 2 mg of prazosin to avoid excessive blood pressure reduction were moderately improved with at least 50% reduction in nightmare severity. Conclusion These clinical observations, together with neurobiological evidence for alpha1-adrenergic regulation of CNS neurobiological systems relevant to PTSD, provide rationale for placebo-controlled trials of prazosin for PTSD combat trauma nightmares.
RECENT APPEARANCE OF CYLINDROSPEMOPSIS (CYANOBACTEIUA) IN FIVE HYPEREUTROPHIC FLORIDA LAKES1

Observations of historical and recent phytoplankton samples from five hypereutrophic Florida lakes indicate that nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria in the genus Cylindrospermopsis Seenayya et Subba Raju have entered these water-bodies sometime in the last 30 years. Cylindrospermopsis forms a year-round bloom in one of the five lakes, dominates seasonally in another, and is at least at times an important component of the phytoplankton community in the remaining three. The increase in abundance of Cylindrospermopsis in Florida lakes could have implications for water management.
Fish community structure associated with stabilized and unstabilized shoreline habitats, Coeur d'Alene River, Idaho, USA

Stabilization of riverbanks and lake shorelines has become widely used to reduce erosion. Studies on effects of stabilization on fish species and communities have indicated highly variable effects from beneficial to detrimental. Bank stabilization implemented to reduce shoreline erosion of metals-contaminated sediments in the lower Coeur d'Alene River, Idaho, prompted concern of possible effects on the fish community. Fish sampling (electrofishing and gillnetting) and habitat assessment were conducted at 24 sites in the lower 54 km of river during 2005 and 2006 to assess differences in the fish community (relative abundance, species diversity and community composition) at stabilized and unstabilized shorelines. Within stabilized and unstabilized shorelines we evaluated seasonal differences as well as upstream and downstream differences. We captured 3511 fish from 17 species and 7 families; 83% of fish were captured by electrofishing. Fish relative abundance was significantly higher at stabilized than unstabilized sites for electrofishing. We also found positive correlations between relative abundance and diameter of rock at stabilized sites for both sampling gears. Three species (brown bullhead Ameiurus nebulosus, northern pike Esox lucius and pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus) were captured more readily at stabilized shoreline sites. Seasonally, the differences in relative abundance among habitat types indicate that stabilized structures are providing stable habitat year-round. Overall, stabilized shorelines on the lower Coeur d'Alene River were not found to be adversely affecting overall fish relative abundance, diversity and species composition under the existing low fraction (2.5%) of bank stabilization. Based on these results and reviews of other studies, we suggest that two factors affecting the results of bank stabilization studies are (i) the habitat quality of the unstabilized river, and (ii) the percentage of the river that has been stabilized. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
THE REDUCIBILITY OF CONSTANT-PERTURBED PRODUCTS OF CYCLOTOMIC POLYNOMIALS

In 1908, Schur raised the question of the irreducibility over ℚ of polynomials of the form f(x) = (x - a1)(x - a2)⋯(x - an) + 1, where the ai are distinct integers. Since then, many authors have addressed variations and generalizations of this question. In this article, we investigate the analogous question when replacing the linear polynomials with cyclotomic polynomials and allowing the constant perturbation of the product to be any integer d ∉ {-1, 0}. One interesting consequence of our investigations is that we are able to construct, for any positive integer N, an infinite set S of cyclotomic polynomials such that 1 plus the product of any k (not necessarily distinct) polynomials from S, where k ≢ 0(mod 2N+1), is reducible over ℚ.
Medizinische Prophylaxe der beruflichen Lärmschwerhörigkeit (Audiomobilprogramm SUVA)

Rapport sur les mesures medicales preventives a prendre en cas de surdite due au bruit (risque collectif: environ 250'000 personnes exposees). Les raisons, les buts a atteindre, le mode d'execution et les consequences sur le plan de la medecine du travail et de l'otologie sont brievement commentes. The report shows the medical prophylactic measures against the occurence of deafness caused by professional noise (approximately 250'000 workers are exposed to this risk). Reasons, aims, method of procedure and otological consequences will be shortly discussed.
Coping styles, depressive symptoms and race during the transition to adulthood

In this study, we investigated the relationship between religious coping and depressive symptoms for 467 Black and White American college students from two large Midwestern Universities. We also examined the effects of different religious coping styles on depressive symptoms by race. Chi-square tests indicated that Blacks reported greater use of active and passive religious coping styles in comparison to Whites. Multivariate regression analyses indicated that neither active nor passive religious coping was independently related to depressive symptoms for Blacks or Whites, however, coping without invoking religious beliefs was related to fewer depressive symptoms for Blacks (s = −0.329, p = 0.001). The results may provide evidence of race differences in religious coping patterns that exist during the transition to adulthood and that Black American young adults may utilise religious coping methods to mitigate psychological distress independent of other indicators of religiosity like church attendance and cl...
Experimental Nonsurgical Tattoo Removal in a Guinea Pig Model with Topical Imiquimod and Tretinoin

background. Tattoo removal is a common request in dermatologic surgery practices. Conventional tattoo removal modalities consist of mechanical, chemical, and thermal methods, but these interventions may result in undesirable dermal damage, disfiguring scars, and pigmentary changes. objective. To evaluate the efficacy of topical imiquimod and tretinoin for the removal of tattoos in a guinea pig model. methods. Five albino guinea pigs (A–E) were tattooed with black, red, green, and yellow. Beginning 6 hours after tattooing, A received no treatment, B was treated with petrolatum, C had imiquimod cream alternating with tretinoin gel, D had imiquimod cream alone, and E received tretinoin gel alone. The animals were treated for 7 days. Biopsies of the tattoos were taken at 6 hours, 7 days, and 28 days. results. Control guinea pig B had normal-appearing tattoos with consistent histopathology on day 28. Guinea pig D, treated with imiquimod cream clinically, had no visible tattoo, consistent with greatly diminished or no dye evident on histopathology. Guinea pig E, treated with tretinoin gel, and guinea pig C, treated with combination tretinoin gel and imiquimod cream, had faded tattoos and moderate clearance of pigment on histopathology. conclusion. In the guinea pig, the use of imiquimod was successful as a nonsurgical method of acute-phase tattoo removal, but was associated with fibrosis and the loss of dermal appendages.
School Profiles of At-Risk Student Concentration: Differential Growth in Oral Reading Fluency.

The present study provides a data-driven approach to identifying groups of schools based on the concentration of at-risk students the school serves. The percentage of English language learners, minority students, and students eligible for free or reduced priced lunch were used as indicators in a latent profile analysis of 569 schools. The goal of the present study was to determine whether school-level average student reading performance varied as a function of the groups identified in the latent profile analysis. To do so, groups extracted by the latent profile analysis were used as school-level predictors of growth in oral reading fluency, which was modeled at the within-student level of a three-level hierarchical growth curve model. Oral reading fluency was measured at four points during the year in a large cross-sectional sample of first-, second-, and third-grade students. Results indicated that schools were able to be classified into four distinct groups based on their concentrations and types of at-risk students. Further, in all three grades, there were significant differences between the four identified groups observed in average reading fluency scores at the beginning of the year, the end of the year, and growth during the year indicating that groups based on school-concentration of at-risk students were significantly related to average student achievement in reading ability.
Solidification of neutron matter

Abstract The effect of the angular momentum dependence of the neutron-neutron interaction on the solidification of neutron matter is investigated using the Reid interaction and the lowest order constrained variational method. In agreement with previous estimates the solidification density with an average state independent interaction is estimated to be ≈ 2.1 n/fm3. However the exchange and particularly the extra attraction in l = 0 states greatly favor the fluid phase and no indication of solidification is obtained up to ρ = 3.6 n/fm3 when the l-dependence of the interaction is considered.
Paramagnetic point defects in silicon nitride and silicon oxynitride thin films on silicon

Abstract Silicon nitride and silicon oxynitride thin films on silicon often contain paramagnetic point defects. In the nitride, major defects are the K 0 center ( • SiN 3 ) and the N 2 0 center ( • NSi 2 ), with possibly an NN 2 0 center (SiN • NSi 2 ). In the dark, the K center normally exists as nonparamagnetic K − and K + . It may be (temporarily) put into the K 0 state by UV excitation. The behavior of K 0 is consistent with a model in which the two-electron state is more stable than the single-electron state; other explanations are possible. A change in composition from Si-rich to N-rich Si x N y reduces [ K 0 ] and, due to the wider bandgap, allows the singly-occupied N 2 0 state to emerge from the valence band edge. In the oxynitride, the main defects are: the N 4 0 center (Si 3 N • Si), plus the N 2 0 and K 0 ; the common SiO 2 defect centers E ′ s ( • SiO 3 ) and E ′ y (O 3 Si + ··· • SiO 3 ); and a tentatively-assigned nitroxide-like N x center. Since most oxynitride defects contain either N or O, but not both, a multiphase material is suggested.
Effect of conidial dispersal of the fungal pathogen Entomophaga maimaiga (Zygomycetes: Entomophthorales) on survival of its gypsy moth (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) host

Abstract Several researchers have developed a one-generational computer model that simulates infection prevalence of gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar , caterpillars by its fungal pathogen, Entomophaga maimaiga . Inputs required are temperature, humidity, and rainfall records, a measure of fungus resting spore load in the soil, and an estimate of gypsy moth larval density. In a previous study, the model accurately tracked fungal-induced host mortality as long as airborne fungal conidia were allowed to disperse freely over a local area. In 2002, dispersal of conidia and its influence on the impact of the fungus on the gypsy moth was investigated. Gypsy moth densities and fungus resting spore loads were measured in 15 plots within a 3 km area. In 7 of the plots, prevalence of fungal disease was determined weekly by collecting and rearing gypsy moth larvae. Different strategies were used to disperse conidia within the model, and resulting simulated prevalence rates were compared to actual data. Model output was most accurate when airborne conidia were permitted to disperse equally to all plots. Thus, to accurately assess the impact of the fungus in one location, it is necessary to take into account fungal activity throughout the local area.
Environmental Preference, Habitat Selection and Urban Housing

This paper addresses the suitability of various forms of housing for particular groups and the possibility of applying experiences derived from other cultures. The dangers of overgeneralization, and hence the need to be culture-specific, are stressed. At the same time a general approach is proposed which enables lessons to be derived from other cultures that clarify the suitability and acceptability of various environments and suggest ways in which acceptability and suitability of new urban and housing forms can be improved.
A new technique for studying the chip formation process in diamond turning

A new technique to examine the chip formation process has been developed. This experimental method involves cutting along the interface of two workpieces that have been joined, stopping the cut, retracting the tool and then separating the two halves of the workpiece. By viewing the cross section of the chip in the scanning electron microscope (SEM), the angle of shear and structure of the chip can be observed. The value of the technique is increased by measuring the tool forces while producing the chip. The shear and normal stresses on the shear plane and the forces attributable to elastic deformation of the workpiece can be calculated from this shear angle and the measured tool forces.
An introduction to snapshot algorithms in distributed computing

Recording on-the-fly global states of distributed executions is an important paradigm when one is interested in analysing, testing, or verifying properties associated with these executions. Since Chandy and Lamport`s (1985) seminal paper on this topic, this problem is called the snapshot problem. Unfortunately, the lack of both a globally shared memory and a global clock in a distributed system, added to the fact that transfer delays in these systems are finite but unpredictable, makes this problem non-trivial. This paper first discusses issues which have to be addressed to compute distributed snapshots in a consistent way. Then several algorithms which determine on-the-fly such snapshots are presented for several types of networks (according to the properties of their communication channels, namely, FIFO, non-FIFO, and causal delivery).
How large is the course effect? A note on Romney's course effect vs. teacher effect on students' ratings of teacher competence

Romney (1977) presented data from which he concluded that within student ratings of college instruction, the course that an instructor teaches is as important a determiner of resulting ratings as the instructor himself. Reanalysis of his data indicates that the course effect is actually quite small, a result that is consistent with earlier studies.
So who gains from a small tick size

Abstract We investigate the relation between price discreteness and the number of dealers in a dealer market. We present a model featuring a finite number of dealers competing in prices for supplying liquidity to a forthcoming market order. We find that a decrease in tick size benefits dealers and tends to hurt investors when the number of dealers for a stock is small. In contrast, a decrease in tick size hurts dealers and benefits investors when the number of dealers is large. This result yields several new empirical implications relating a change in tick size to entry and exit of dealers, order aggressiveness and transaction rates.
Active control of rotating stall using pulsed-air injection: a parametric study on a low-speed axial flow compressor

This paper presents preliminary results on the use of low flow, high momentum, pulsed air injectors to control the onset of stall in a low-speed, axial flow compressor. By measuring the unsteady pressures in front of the rotor, the controller determines the magnitude and phase of a stall cell and controls the injection of air in front of the rotor face. Initial experimental results have verified that controller slightly extends the stall point of the compressor and virtually eliminates the hysteresis loop normally associated with stall. An explanation of this effect is proposed based on the quasi-steady effects of air injection on the compressor characteristic curve.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Electrodynamics of microstretch and micropolar fluids

A continuum theory is developed for anisotropic microstretch and micropolar fluids subject to electormagnetic interactions. Balance laws and thermodynamically admissible constitutive equations are obtained. Material and thermodynamic stability restrictions on the material moduli are determined. Field equations are obtained for both anisotropic microstretch and micropolar fluids. The general theory is specialized to formulate field equations for micropolar magneto and electro-hydrodynamics.
Technology Standards for School Administrators: An Analysis of Practicing and Aspiring Administrators' Perceived Ability to Perform the Standards:

This study investigated practicing and aspiring school administrators' perceived level of proficiency related to the Technology Standards for School Administrators adopted by the International Society for Technology in Education. Based on the mentor-mentee relationship, the study found there were no significant differences between mentors and mentees in their perceived ability to meet any of the Technology Standards for School Administrators. However, there was a significant difference between mentors and mentees on the social, legal, and ethical issues standard, with mentees showing a greater desire to pursue professional development in this standard area.
Mental Health Characteristics of Sexual Minority Veterans

This study examines the mental health characteristics of sexual minority (lesbian, gay, and bisexual, or LGB) veterans, compared these characteristics to those of an existing Veterans Affairs (VA) ...
Characterization of Wound Cytokines in the Sponge Matrix Model

• Although different populations of inflammatory cells infiltrate the healing wound, the mechanisms by which they influence the healing process in vivo are poorly defined. In vitro studies suggest that these cells may mediate wound healing by releasing various cytokines within the wound. We measured the levels of interleukin (IL) 1, IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor, and macrophage colony-stimulating factor within a subcutaneously implanted polyurethane sponge on various days after injury. Significantly higher levels of IL-1, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor, and macrophage colony-stimulating factor were detected in the wound fluid compared with basal serum levels in nonwounded mice. Tumor necrosis factor, macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and IL-6 peaked earlier than IL-1; however, the levels of these cytokines had fallen by the 13th day after wounding. Interleukin 2, IL-3, and IL-4 could not be detected in the wound fluid, and the wound fluid inhibited the proliferation of the IL-2–dependent cell lines CTLL-2 and HT-2 in response to recombinant IL-2. We hypothesize that tumor necrosis factor, macrophage colony-stimulating factor, IL-1, and IL-6, which are secreted at the site of injury, interact to promote tissue remodeling. The decrease in the levels of these cytokines by the 13th day after wounding may be the result of a regulatory process by the healed wound. ( Arch Surg . 1989;124:1422-1428)
Stability of polymeric surfaces subjected to ultraviolet irradiation

Abstract Polymers are generally low surface free energy materials. Their polar component of the surface free energy is rather low in comparison to that of water. As a result, such solids tend to maintain undesirably high values of the solid-water interfacial free energy when placed in contact with biological fluid environments. One of the surface modification techniques to increase the polar component of the surface free energy, and thereby to reduce the solid-water interfacial energy of a polymeric solid, is the ultraviolet irradiation of the solid in air. A model polymeric surface, smooth, chemically homogeneous, and tightly adherent to the substrate, was prepared in this study by radiofrequency sputter deposition of polymethylmethacrylate onto a polished, single-crystal, silicon substrate. The stability of this polymeric surface when subjected to ultraviolet irradiation for various times was monitored by measuring the time changes in the contact angle of a water drop on the solid which was equilibrated in a nonpolar environment such as octane. It is inferred that the UV irradiation can degrade the polymer matrix and generate photooxidation products which are slowly extracted by water. The incorporation of the extractables in the probe liquid drop (water) deformed the latter and after a certain time the top portion of the drop's interface became planar. Under such conditions, the drop appeared to be gel-like and had an elastic response to small external forces such as the touching of its surface with a needle. After a long period of time, the water drop finally disappeared by penetrating into the pores generated in the polymer as a result of its degradation and the extraction of the photooxidation products.
Isolated mesenteric desmoids (mesenteric fibromatosis)

The so-called desmoid tumour is an important member of a group of conditions termed ‘the fibromatoses' which are characterised by an infiltrating fibroblastic proliferation without features of an inflammatory response. While desmoids most frequently arise in the anterior abdominal wall, they may also be extra-abdominal or intra-abdominal in location. Mesenteric desmoids are relatively rare. They may occur in association with Gardner's syndrome, especially following colectomy, or as an isolated abnormality in otherwise normal patients. In the present paper the authors describe the clinical, radiological and pathological findings in two patients with isolated mesenteric desmoids. The radiological differential diagnosis is also briefly discussed.
Model atmospheres for SN 1987A and the distance to the Large Magellanic Cloud

A code which simultaneously solves the non-LTE equations of statistical equilibrium and the time-independent equation of radiation transport in an expanding atmosphere is applied to analyze the spectrum of SN 1987A. The behavior of a model atmosphere in which the density structure is a power-law function of radius has been studied and compared closely with SN 1987A data. This model atmosphere is used to derive corrections to the expanding photosphere method for determining distances to supernovae. The distance to the Large Magellanic Cloud derived from SN 1987A observations by this 'custom yardstick' is 49 + or - 6 kpc in excellent accord with results for RR Lyrae stars and for Cepheids. This empirical test of the expanding photosphere method provides the basis for hope that it may make a significant contribution to the extragalactic distance scale at cosmologically interesting distances.
Yield and Composition of Surimi from Pacific Whiting (Merluccius productus) and the Effect of Various Protein Additives on Gel Strength

Based on round fish weight, the yields from processing Pacific whiting into surimi included 43.3% planks, 36.2% minced flesh, 23.8% washed and pressed flesh, 19.5% refined flesh and 21.4% surimi (91.7% refined flesh plus 8.3% cryoprotectants). After washing (3:1; watenminced flesh) and pressing twice, 40.6% of the original lipid and 77.4% of the original ash were removed from the minced flesh. Surimi contained 54% extractable myofibrillar protein. Egg white (EW), whey protein concentrate and soy protein isolate at 0 to 5.0% levels were evaluated as protein additives to heat-set gels. EW, at the 3.0% level produced superior gel hardness and elasticity (P≤0.05).
Two cases of rapid onset Parkinson's syndrome following toxic ingestion of ethylene glycol and methanol.

Ethylene glycol and methanol are toxic alcohols commonly found in a variety of commercial products. We report two cases, one associated with ethylene glycol and one with methanol poisoning, which both led to acute hemorrhagic necrosis of the basal ganglia and resulted in acute Parkinson's syndrome. It is unlikely that oxalate crystal deposition is the only mechanism for such basal ganglia necrosis, because similar findings were seen following methanol intoxication. We discuss other possible mechanisms that may contribute towards this unusual neurotoxicity. Both of our patients survived their toxic ingestions, but then developed acute Parkinson's syndrome within 10 days of the ingestion. However, the patient who ingested methanol developed respiratory muscle stiffness/weakness, which responded poorly to anti-Parkinsonian drug therapy. Treatment with carbidopa/levodopa improved cogwheel rigidity and bradykinesia in both patients. We conclude that acute Parkinsonism is one of the lesser-recognized devastating complications of both ethylene glycol and methanol poisoning. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2007) 81, 114–121. doi:10.1038/sj.clpt.6100013
An extended review of the X11ARIMA seasonal adjustment package

Abstract The revised version of X11ARIMA, Statistics Canada's seasonal adjustment package, is reviewed. The 1988 package, available for PCs as well as mainframes, is easy to use and more flexible than the 1980 version. New features reflecting research by Estela Dagum and her colleagues are highlighted. Comparisons are made with some other available X-11 programs.
Study of plasma protein C and inflammatory pathways: biomarkers for dimethylnitrosamine-induced liver fibrosis in rats

The present investigation was designed to identify potential biomarker(s) and assess the involvement of inflammatory pathway in dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-induced liver fibrosis in rats. Following DMN-treatment (10 mg/ml/kg, i.p., given three consecutive days each week for 4 weeks) body and liver weights were significantly decreased concurrent with increasing severity of liver damage assessed by bridging fibrosis, a histopathologic assessment and characteristic of human liver disease. Protein C along with albumin, C-reactive-protein (CRP), haptoglobin and total protein were significantly reduced and correlated with changes in liver histopathology. Biochemical markers of liver functions were significantly increased and correlated with changes in liver histopathology and plasma levels of protein C. Soluble intracellular-adhesion-molecule-1 (sICAM-1) levels were increased significantly but were poorly correlated with histopathology and protein C levels. Inflammatory chemokines and other analytes, monocyte-chemoattractant-protein-1 and 3 (MCP-1 and MCP-3), macrophage-colony-stimulating-factor (M-CSF) were significantly increased during the disease progression, whereas macrophage-derived-chemokine (MDC) and CRP were significantly suppressed. Circulating neutrophils and monocytes were also increased along with disease progression. The differential changes in sICAM-1, hyaluronic acid, gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT), neutrophil and other inflammatory chemokines suggest the involvement of inflammatory pathways in DMN-induced liver fibrosis. In conclusion, the progressive changes in protein C along with other noninvasive biochemical parameters whose levels were significantly correlated with disease progression may serve as biomarkers for pharmacological assessment of targeted therapy for liver fibrosis.
Dissolution medium—a critical parameter to identify bioavailability problems of furosemide tablets

The pH-solubility profiles of furosemide bulk drug and the dissolution profiles of two brands of furosemide tablets as a function of pH have been determined. The dissolution rate increased as the pH of the medium increased. Even though dissolution rate differences were noted around the pKa (3.60) of furosemide, such differences were negligible in the phosphate buffer region. One of these brands was alleged to cause therapeutic failures. The brand that dissolved poorly at pH 4.6 also exhibited inferior bioavariability. The data suggests the need for careful selection of pH and buffers composing dissolution media to make in vitro results meaningful and consistent with in vivo data.
Total synthesis of Lys3 tamandarin M. A potential affinity ligand

The synthesis of Lys3 tamandarin M is described. This analogue can be used as a protein affinity ligand to probe the mechanism of action of this unique class of molecules.
Tunable Thin-Film Crystalline Structures and Field-Effect Mobility of Oligofluorene–Thiophene Derivatives

Air-stable p-type semiconducting oligofluorene–thiophene derivatives were vacuum-deposited on octadecyltriethoxysilane-treated SiO2/Si substrates. Effects of end-substituents and substrate deposition temperature (TD) on molecular orientation, crystalline morphologies, and structures in these thin films were investigated by two-dimensional grazing incidence X-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy, and those results were correlated with charge mobility in top-contacted devices. Crystalline morphologies of the first monolayer thin film in direct contact with the dielectric surface, influenced by TDs (25, 90, and 140 °C) and end-substituted groups (hydrogen, hexyl, and dodecyl), could be categorized as dendrite, compact disk, and single-crystal-like layered grains. The results of grazing incidence X-ray diffraction strongly support that molecular orientation in the films can be finely tuned through controlling substrate, TD, and molecular architecture, resulting in high air stability and field-effect mo...
Riemann Solver for Relativistic Hydrodynamics

In this paper we construct an efficient, accurate, and rugged Riemann solver for relativistic hydrodynamics. The algorithm is an extension of the two shock approximation of Colella to the relativistic regime. The Riemann solver constructed here is made to converge to the solution via iteration. Two different iterative techniques are presented, one based on a secant method and the other on a Newton method. The method presented here provides an exact treatment of the transverse velocities across general, oblique shocks. This is a non-trivial but very desirable property to have in a Riemann solver for relativistic flow. We also show the equivalence of our new formulation to the previous ones in the non-relativistic limit.
Novel molecular screening approaches in colorectal cancer.

Traditional methods for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening have reduced rates of malignancy and death; however, low compliance and morbidities associated with invasive techniques have encouraged efforts for establishing equally effective, less invasive novel screening approaches. We review the current state of novel screening approaches in CRC to include CT colonography, fecal DNA, DNA methylation, micro-RNA, and protein and molecular markers. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 105:459–467. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Application of high resolution X-ray computed tomography to mineral deposit origin, evaluation, and processing

Abstract High resolution X-ray computed tomography (CT) is the industrial equivalent of medical CAT scanning and provides a mechanism for non-destructive studies of the three-dimensional nature of geological materials. HRXCT produces two-dimensional images (slices) that reveal the interior of an object as if it had been sliced open along the image plane for viewing. A CT image is generated by differences in X-ray attenuation that arise from differences in density and composition within the object. By acquiring a contiguous set of slices, volumetric data for all or part of a sample can be obtained, allowing three-dimensional inspection and measurement of features of interest. CT is particularly effective in the study of metallic ores that commonly contain minerals spanning the range of densities of natural materials. Available software can produce grain shape, size, and orientation data from the scanned volume, which can be particularly useful for oriented samples. CT is particularly useful for studies of gold and other precious metal-bearing minerals that typically have significant contrast even with common metallic mineral phases. CT precisely defines the in-situ location of mineral grains of interest within a sample, which then can be studied in conventional petrographic sections, and other forms of data collected, e.g. isotope or trace element geochemistry. Another area of application is fluid inclusions, which can be discerned even in opaque phases, and fluid and vapor volumes measured for sufficiently large occurrences. We summarize CT principles and review available instrumentation, as well as scanning and data reduction protocols that provide unique three-dimensional information for diverse ore types and applications in mineral deposits geology. CT applications for economic geology and other fields will continue to expand as instruments continue to evolve and as scanning protocols and applications are extended for more precise quantification of three-dimensional relationships, particularly for fine-grained particles and small fluid inclusions in larger volumes and for separation of minerals with limited contrast.
From the Field: THE GROWING SIGNIFICANCE OF PUBLIC OPINION FOR DEATH PENALTY JURISPRUDENCE

ABSTRACT After examining historical interpretations of the eighth amendment's ban on cruel and unusual punishments, this paper focuses on recent changes in death penalty attitudes in the United States. Recent decisions by the Supreme Court are discussed that appear to broaden and strengthen the role ofpublic opinion in determining the constitutionality of various aspects of capital punishment. At the same time, several recent public opinion polls document declining support for the death penalty, and find only minority support given the option of life-without-parole (an alternative already available in 35 of the 38 death penalty states in the U.S.). Should these trends continue, the Supreme Court may be receptive to broader challenges to the constitutionality of all death penalty statutes.
Exotic Collections Asset Pricing: The Lagrangian Optimization

Exotic collections include all non-traditional financial assets that investors pursue for investments and psychological satisfaction purposes. This paper proposes a dynamic Lagrangian model to price these assets, which carry special features compared to traditional assets. The model assumes two types of agents: one has a fixed ratio of traditional investment and the other faces the tradeoff between traditional and exotic investment. The model also incorporates risks of various assets in the utility function to best mimic the real world investor decision. This paper develops the dynamic model and derives the conditions that maximize the agent’s utility in infinite lives. This paper also solves the optimization conditions to present a solution to investment decision.
Pullout strength of fixation screws from polymethylmethacrylate bone cement

Polymethylmethacrylate bone cement is often used to fill voids and increase the strength of osteoporotic and pathological bone. However, it is unclear as to which method of cement augmentation provides optimal screw fixation. This study was conducted to determine which of the current cement augmentation techniques provides the strongest construct when used in association with orthopaedic fixation screws. Pullout strength was determined for screws placed in sawbones with no cement, soft cement, doughy cement and hard cement after drilling and tapping. All cement-screw constructs were significantly stronger than the no cement group. Screws placed in doughy cement had a significantly higher pullout force than those placed in hard cement. Pullout strength of screws placed in soft cement was intermediate between the other cement techniques but not significantly different from either group.
Management of biliary tract disease during pregnancy: a decision analysis

The appropriate management of biliary tract disease during pregnancy is uncertain. Although laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be performed safely during pregnancy, the timing and indications for this surgical intervention have not been firmly established. We constructed a Markov decision analytic model that incorporates maternal well-being and fetal outcome into a choice between nonoperative management (NM) and laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for pregnant women with biliary tract disease (BTD). Our model cycles through weeks of pregnancy for a cohort of 200 gravid women presenting with biliary tract disease in both the first and second trimesters. Weekly state probabilities and utilities for fetal outcome were derived from the literature, while weekly utilities for disease and operative states were estimated in consultation with obstetricians. We cycled the model from 6 to 42 weeks and from 19 to 42 weeks to simulate first and second trimester presentations. Outcomes are expressed in quality pregnancy weeks (QPWs). One QPW is the utility of a normal healthy week of pregnancy. A comprehensive search of the literature yielded a fetal death rate following LC for biliary tract disease of 2.2% and following NM of 7%. Relapse rates were found to be trimester dependent and estimated to be 55%, 55%, and 40% in the first, second, and third trimester, respectively. For a hypothetical cohort of 100 women presenting with biliary tract disease in their first trimester, LC generated 12,800 QPWs compared with 12,400 QPWs for NM, an average gain of 4 QPWs per woman. For the cohort of women entering the model in the second trimester, 11,600 QPWs were accrued by the LC group and 11,400 QPWs by the NM group, an average gain of 2 QPWs per woman. These findings were sensitive only to changes in fetal death rates under the two treatment arms. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is superior to nonoperative management for pregnant women presenting in the first or second trimester with biliary tract disease.
Test Method for Measuring Strength of a Curved Sandwich Beam

A fixture for testing curved sandwich beams in flexure was designed and evaluated. The test specimen is a continuous sandwich beam consisting of a central circular 90° region connected by two straight legs. The fixture was designed according to the four-point flexure principle to produce a pure bending moment in the curved region. The validity of the test fixture in producing the desired loading was examined by fitting a curved aluminum bar of similar bending stiffness as the sandwich beams considered. Strain gage readings were successfully compared to predictions from curved homogeneous beam theory. In addition, the deflection of the beam at the loading points was analyzed using straight and curved beam theory for the various sections of the beam, and predictions were compared to measured load-displacement response. Good agreement was achieved between experimental and analytical results lending confidence to the test principle. Curved sandwich beams consisting of glass/polyester face sheets over a PVC foam core were tested to failure and the loading response of the beams and their failure behavior are discussed. It was found that the beams failed at the upper face/core interface due to radial tension stress.
Effects of residue management on nitrogen losses in surface and sub-surface water from sugarcane fields

The effect of three sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) residue-management plans on nitrogen losses in surface runoff and sub-surface leachate was studied for 3 years. The three management plans evaluated were conventional burning (CB), compost application with burning (COMB), and remaining green cane trash blanketing (GCTB) treatment. In the CB treatment, sugarcane residue was burned after harvest. The COMB treatment consisted of compost applied at ‘off bar’ with sugarcane residue burned immediately after harvest. Compost was applied in the amount of 13.4 Mg ha−1 annually. Surface runoff was collected with automatic refrigerated samplers and sub-surface leachate was collected with pan lysimeters over a period of 3 years. Total nitrogen (TN), NO3/NO2–N, and NH4–N were measured. The mean losses of nitrogen (TN, NO3/NO2–N, and NH4–N) from the COMB treatment after the burning procedure (post-harvest, years 2 and 3) were on average 2.7 times higher than those before harvest and burning (pre-harvest, year 1)....
A comparison of hypothalami of rats and mice: lack of gross sexual dimorphism in the mouse

Abstract Anterior hypothalami from 10 male and 10 female CBA/j type mice were sectioned serially and examined histologically for possible sexual dimorphisms in appearance and size of neuronal aggregations. Measurements of volumes of suprachiasmatic nuclei and an adjacent cell aggregation, designated as the medial portion of the anterior hypothalamic nucleus (AHm) and similar in appearance and position to the sexually dimorphic nucleus of the rat, were made. In contrast to known sexual dimorphism present in the rat, no sex differences in volumes of mouse hypothalamic structures were found. This lack of gross sexual dimorphism in the mouse could be explained by (a) insensitivity of dividing and developing AHm neurons to androgens, or by (b) a possible influence of androgens upon overall AHm morphology in both sexes, due to transfer of androgens from males to females in utero.
Merrill C. Sosman Lecture. The practice of radiology by nonradiologists: cost, quality, and utilization issues.

Although some things have not changed much since Merrill Sosman's time, many ethical and economic aspects of medical practice are now being scrutinized much more closely than in the past. Among the questions being asked are the following: Are physicians overutilizing technology? How much and by what criteria are physicians being paid (or overpaid)? Is the best possible quality of care being provided to patients? During the past few years, several colleagues and I have worked with a group at Pennsylvania Blue Shield (PBS) to study utilization, cost, and quality issues associated with the practice of radiology by nonradiologists. Compelling data and concepts have emerged from these studies. This article reviews some of our findings and other issues in three areas: (1) utilization patterns and costs for outpatient radiographic, sonographic, CT, and MR imaging examinations of PBS subscribers throughout the state during 1991; (2) recent trends in the utilization of barium enemas, colonoscopy, and percutaneous ...