cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thermal Resistance of the Interface Between Vertically Aligned Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Arrays and Inconel and SiO2/Si Substrates

The interface thermal resistance (ITR) of the interface between vertically aligned multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) arrays and the SiO2 /Si and Inconel substrates was investigated. Experimental results were compared with theoretical predictions for the ITR across nanoconstrictions. The model considers classical constriction effects and contributions due to diffuse mismatch thermal resistance. Experimental values of the ITR are much larger than the model predictions. The observed discrepancy may be due to the imperfect mechanical contact between the tubes and substrate or additional contributions to ITR due to the presence of a catalyst layer at the interface.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Insular thyroid cancer: a population-level analysis of patient characteristics and predictors of survival

BACKGROUND: Insular thyroid cancer (ITC) is an uncommon, poorly differentiated thyroid malignancy. To date, there have been no population-level studies of the characteristics and outcomes of patients with ITC. METHODS: The authors used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database from 1999 to 2007 to compare the characteristics and prognosis of patients who had ITC with those of patients who had well differentiated thyroid cancer (WDTC) and anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC). Data analyses were performed using chi-square tests, analyses of variance, log-rank tests, and multivariate regression. RESULTS: There were 114 patients with ITC, 497 patients with ATC, and 34,021 patients with WDTC. The mean age of patients with ITC was 62.1 years versus 48.1 years for patients with WDTC and 69.5 years for patients with ATC (P < .001). The mean ITC tumor size was 5.9 cm versus 2.0 cm for WDTC and 6.4 cm for ATC (P < .001). Distant metastasis occurred in 31% of patients with ITC versus 4.5% of patients with WDTC and 59.1% of patients with ATC (P < .001). Insular histology was associated independently with compromised survival in the overall study sample (hazard ratio [HR], 2.1; P = .001). The 5-year disease-specific survival rate was 72.6%, 97.2%, and 9.1% for patients with ITC, WDTC, and ATC, respectively (P < .001). After adjustment, radioiodine therapy (HR, 0.15; 95% confidence interval, 0.04-0.5) and distant metastasis (HR, 15.3; 95% confidence interval, 3.7-62.2) were associated independently with ITC survival. The mortality rate was 7.1%, 12%, and 54.3% for patients with localized, regional, and distant stage ITC, respectively (P < .001). For patients who had ITC with distant metastasis, thyroidectomy and radioiodine therapy independently improved survival. CONCLUSIONS: ITC is rare and aggressive. The current results indicated that its treatment should include total thyroidectomy and high-dose radioiodine for all patients and neck dissections for patients with lymph node disease. Early diagnosis and close surveillance are essential in the management of patients with ITC. Cancer 2011. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Synthesis and Gas Phase Thermochemistry of Germanium-Containing Compounds

The driving force behind much of the work in this dissertation was to gain further understanding of the unique olefin to carbene isomerization observed in the thermolysis of 1,1-dimethyl-2-methylenesilacyclobutane by finding new examples of it in other silicon and germanium compounds. This lead to the examination of a novel phenylmethylenesilacyclobut-2-ene, which did not undergo olefin to carbene rearrangement. A synthetic route to methylenegermacyclobutanes was developed, but the methylenegermacyclobutane system exhibited kinetic instability, making the study of the system difficult. In any case the germanium system decomposed through a complex mechanism which may not include olefin to carbene isomerization. However, this work lead to the study of the gas phase thermochemistry of a series of dialkylgermylene precursors in order to better understand the mechanism of the thermal decomposition of dialkylgermylenes. The resulting dialkylgermylenes were found to undergo a reversible intramolecular {beta} C-H insertion mechanism.
The Escherichia coli K-12 gntP Gene Allows E. coli F-18 to Occupy a Distinct Nutritional Niche in the Streptomycin-Treated Mouse Large Intestine

Escherichia coli F-18 is a human fecal isolate that makes type 1 fimbriae, encoded by the fim gene cluster, and is an excellent colonizer of the streptomycin-treated mouse intestine. E. coli F-18 fimA::tet, lacking type 1 fimbriae, was constructed by bacteriophage P1 transduction of the fim region of the E. coli K-12 strain ORN151, containing the tetracycline resistance gene from Tn10 inserted in the fimA gene, into E. coli F-18. E. coli F-18 fimA::tet was found to occupy a distinct niche in the streptomycin-treated mouse intestine when fed in small numbers (10(4) CFU) to mice, along with large numbers (10(10) CFU) of E. coli F-18, as defined by the ability of the E. coli F-18 fimA::tet strain to grow and colonize only 1 order of magnitude below E. coli F-18. The same effect was observed when mice already colonized with E. coli F-18 were fed small numbers of E. coli F-18 fimA::tet. Experiments which show that the E. coli K-12 gene responsible for this effect is not fim::tet but gntP, which maps immediately downstream of the fim gene cluster, are presented. gntP encodes a high-affinity gluconate permease, suggesting that the distinct niche in the mouse large intestine is defined by the presence of gluconate. The data presented here support the idea that small numbers of an ingested microorganism can colonize the intestine as long as it can utilize an available nutrient better than any of the other resident species can.
Solar-diffuser panel and ratioing radiometer approach to satellite sensor on-board calibration

The use of a solar-diffuser panel is a desirable approach to the on-board absolute radiometric calibration of satellite multispectral sensors used for earth observation in the solar reflective spectral range. It provides a full aperture, full field, end-to-end calibration near the top of the sensor's dynamic range and across its entire spectral response range. A serious drawback is that the panel's reflectance, and the response of any simple detector used to monitor its reflectance may change with time. This paper briefly reviews some preflight and on-board methods for absolute calibration and introduces the ratioing-radiometer concept in which the radiance of the panel is ratioed with respect to the solar irradiance at the time the multispectral sensor is viewing the panel in its calibration mode.
11.1: Invited Paper: Switchable Reflective Displays Formed from Holographic Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystals (H-PDLCs)

Holographically formed polymer dispersed liquid crystals (H-PDLC) films show excellent promise in the development of switchable transmissive and reflective diffractive optical elements. The use of holographic photopolymerization allows for the development of spatially periodic gratings of nano-scale sized LC domains. Reflection gratings exhibiting blue, green or red colors can be routinely fabricated and electrical switching has been demonstrated. Reflective H-PDLCs have been investigated in terms of their electro-optical performance parameters and their potential as a viable display system. These films exhibit low switching fields, high contrast ratios, high transmission in the on and off states and fast switching speeds on the order of microseconds. The state of the art performance levels and existing challenges in this new technology are broadly discussed.
Pre-harvest burning for control of tuber infection byAlternaria solani

Pre-harvest propane burning of vines and soil surface significantly reduced populations ofAlternaria solani spores on the soil surface in field studies. Infection of potato tubers harvested from burned fields was reduced in most cases. Laboratory studies indicated a minimum temperature of 200°C for 1–2 seconds was required to significantly (P = 0.05) reduce germination ofA. solani spores. This temperature was achieved at the soil surface in the field when plots were burned at tractor speeds of 2, 3, 4 and 5 mph. In practice burning at only 2, 3 and 4 mph significantly reduced spore populations and tuber infection in the field. Recontamination of plots after burning occurred relatively rapidly.
Peer Victimization in Youth with Tourette's Syndrome and Chronic Tic Disorder: Relations with Tic Severity and Internalizing Symptoms

The present study analyzed rates of peer victimization in children with a chronic tic disorder as compared to children with type 1 diabetes and healthy controls. The associations among peer victimization, tic symptom severity, and psychological symptoms, as well as the potential mediating relationship between peer victimization, tic severity, and child internalizing symptoms, were also explored. Children with tics displayed higher rates of peer victimization than control groups, and peer victimization in children with tics was positively correlated with tic symptom severity, loneliness, anxiety symptoms, and parent report of child internalizing symptoms. Results also supported the hypothesis that peer victimization mediates the relationship between tic symptom severity and loneliness. Findings highlight the importance of the assessment and treatment of psychosocial variables in children with chronic tic disorders, including social functioning and peer relationships.
The Role of Perceived Discrimination during Childhood and Adolescence in Understanding Racial and Socioeconomic Influences on Depression in Young Adulthood

Objective To describe levels of perceived lifetime discrimination among young adults and determine its role in understanding this racial/ethnic disparity. Study design Data were from the Princeton School District study, a 10-year cohort study in which investigators followed 545 non-Hispanic black (46%) and white initial 5-12 graders. Perceived lifetime racial discrimination was assessed with the General Ethnic Discrimination Scale and depressive symptoms with the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Stepped linear and logistic regression analyses assessed the relationships of race/ethnicity, parental education, and quintiles of discrimination to depressive symptoms. Stratification by race/ethnicity explored differences in the role of discrimination in explaining the relationship between parental education and depressive symptoms. Results Black students from professionally educated families had the greatest discrimination scores, 1.8 times greater than among their white peers (mean black = 42.1 vs mean white = 22.8; P Conclusions Greater levels of parent education are protective against depression for white youth. However, for black youth, greater parent education confers both risk and protective effects. The high discrimination among black youth from families with college or professionally educated parents overwhelms the protective effect of greater levels of parent education.
Sociodemographic Predictors of Cervical Cancer Screening in Women with a Medical Disability

The purpose of this project was to describe cervical cancer screening rates in women with medical disabilities living in Ohio, and explore the relationship of select sociodemographic factors to cervical cancer screening participation. A chart abstraction of 350 randomly selected women, ages 20 to 80 years and enrolled in a statewide home care waiver program, was completed in July 2008. Less than half of the women (45.4%) had obtained a cervical cancer screening within the past 3 years. Controlling for age and third-party insurance, the odds of being screened decreased 20% with each activity of daily living requiring assistance (odds ratio = .815, 95% confidence interval [.696, .953]). Previous studies indicate that women with self-reported limitations are less likely to report a cervical cancer screening. The gap for screenings appears greater for women with a medical disability.
Information content of high harmonics generated from aligned molecules

We derive an expression for the harmonic signal from nonadiabatically aligned molecules that accounts for both electronic and rotational motions. We identify a single approximation, which converts the expression into a physically transparent and computationally convenient form. Our analytical result gives explicitly the time dependence of the harmonic spectra, thus explaining the observations of a class of recent experiments. Moreover, it points to new opportunities for generating insights into the structure and dynamics of molecular systems through harmonic generation experiments from aligned molecules. This includes information regarding the rotational and electronic dynamics of isolated systems, as well as regarding the decoherence and relaxation in molecules subject to a dissipative environment.
Economics: Account for depreciation of natural capital

Economic indicators that omit the depletion and degradation of natural resources and ecosystems are misleading, warns Edward B. Barbier.
Deciphering the hierarchy of angiohematopoietic progenitors from human pluripotent stem cells

Identification of sequential progenitors leading to blood formation from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) will be essential for understanding the molecular mechanisms of hematopoietic lineage specification and for development of technologies for in vitro production of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). It is well established that during development, blood and endothelial cells in the extraembryonic and embryonic compartments are formed in parallel from precursors with angiogenic and hematopoietic potentials. However, the identity and hierarchy of these precursors in human PSC (hPSC) cultures remain obscure. Using developmental stage-specific mesodermal and endothelial markers and functional assays, we recently identified discrete populations of angiohematopoietic progenitors from hPSCs, including mesodermal precursors and hemogenic endothelial cells with primitive and definitive hematopoietic potentials. In addition, we discovered a novel population of multipotent hematopoietic progenitors with an erythroid phenotype, which retain angiogenic potential. Here we introduce our recent findings and discuss their implication for defining putative HSC precursor and factors required for activation of self-renewal potential in hematopoietic cells emerging from endothelium.
Supersymmetric extra dimensions: Gravitino effects in selectron pair production

We examine the phenomenological consequences of a supersymmetric bulk in the scenario of large extra dimensions. We assume that supersymmetry is realized in the bulk and study the interactions of the resulting bulk gravitino Kaluza-Klein (KK) tower of states, with supersymmetry breaking on the brane inducing a light mass for the zero-mode gravitino. We derive the 4D effective theory, including the couplings of the bulk gravitino KK states to fermions and their scalar superpartners. The virtual exchange of the gravitino KK states in selectron pair production in polarized ${e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ collisions is then examined. We find that the leading order operator for this exchange is dimension 6, in contrast with that of bulk graviton KK exchange which induces a dimension 8 operator at lowest order. The resulting kinematic distributions for selectron production are dramatically altered from those in $D=4$ supersymmetric scenarios and can lead to an enormous sensitivity to the fundamental higher-dimensional Planck scale, of order $(20--25)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\sqrt{s}.$
Subdivision of the Mg‐suite noritic rocks into Mg‐gabbronorites and Mg‐norites

Mg-suite noritic rocks can be divided into two groups, the Mg-gabbronorites and the Mg-norites. The rocks of these groups differ in ratios of high-Ca pyroxene to total pyroxene, compositions of pyroxene and plagioclase, assemblages of Ti-, Nb-, and Zr-bearing minerals, compositions of chrome spinel, bulk-rock Ti/Sm and Sc/Sm, and measured ages. The two groups probably crystallized from different types of parent magmas. Two hypotheses are offered for the differences in composition of the parent magmas. One hypothesis ascribes the differences to compositional heterogeneity of the mantle source areas. The other hypothesis ascribes the differences to variations in extent of partial melting of the mantle source regions and variations in extent of assimilation of the anorthosite and the highly differentiated residual liquid that were produced during the primordial lunar differentiation.
Prediction of the Nocturnal Duct and Its Effect on UHF

A method is described for predicting diurnal variation in uhf field strengths, which is based on the micrometeorology governing the nighttime refractive-index profiles. Using surface meteorological data from past years, predictions are made of the probability distribution of the diurnal field variations to be expected on 100 and 1,000 mc over CRPL links in Colorado. The predictions are compared with field-strength observations taken in 1952, and the agreement is encouraging.
5.6 A 0.13μm fully digital low-dropout regulator with adaptive control and reduced dynamic stability for ultra-wide dynamic range

An increasing number of power domains and of power states per domain, as well as decreasing decoupling capacitance per local grid and ultra-wide current dynamic range of digital load circuits (for low power on one end while maintaining performance at another) necessitate the design of high-efficiency, compact on-die voltage regulators providing ultra-fine grained spatio-temporal voltage distribution [1,2]. Digitally implementable linear regulators operated in low-dropout (LDO) mode, based on continuous time or discrete time control, exhibit process and voltage scalability [3-5], thus supplementing their analog counterparts [6].
Identifying the Types of Student and Teacher Behaviours Associated with Teacher Stress.

Abstract The objectives of this study were to identify the student behaviours associated with teacher stress and determine the types of teacher behaviours that may elicit these stressful student behaviours. Student teachers (n=186) and their supervising teachers (n=77) completed a stressful student behaviour questionnaire, a teacher behaviour questionnaire, and a teacher stress survey. Results showed that student lack of effort in class was most strongly associated with teacher stress. In addition, teacher behaviours were correlated with students’ behaviours of coming to class unprepared. However, few significant correlations were obtained when student behaviour and teacher behaviour data were provided by different sources.
Experimental hepatic cryosurgery

Abstract In 28 dogs, a major portion of a lobe of the liver was frozen, either by contact with a cryoprobe or by spraying liquid nitrogen (−196 °C) over the exposed liver or by pouring liquid nitrogen into a plastic barrel placed on the lobe of the liver, which was wrapped in a Dacron velour cloth. With the probe technique, the amount of tissue that could he frozen was not as great as with direct application of liquid nitrogen to the liver. The spray technique allowed freezing of a larger area but with cracking of the liver substance with considerable mortality from bleeding. With the pour technique, even a larger area of liver could be frozen and bleeding was much less because of the protection afforded by the Dacron cloth. There were no toxic effects from the devitalized liver which was left to be resorbed. These techniques are applicable for treating localized lesions in the liver in humans, but the experiments demonstrate the difficulty of achieving great depth of freezing with any currently available technique of freezing tissue in situ . Clearly, advances in cryosurgical equipment are needed.
Diffraction ellipsometry studies of osmotically compressed muscle fibers.

Microstructural features of relaxed, skinned muscle fibers compressed with polyvinylpyrollidone were examined by optical diffraction ellipsometry. This technique is sensitive to the optical anisotropy within the muscle, including that due to intrinsic properties of the protein molecules as well as that due to the regular arrangement of proteins in the surrounding medium. The change in polarization state of light after interacting with the muscle is described by the differential field ratio (DFR) and birefringence (Δn). Compression of single fibers (sarcomere length = 2.6 μm) with 0%–21% polyvinylpyrrolidone caused an increase of up to 23% and 31% for DFR and Δn, respectively. The largest increase in both parameters occurred at intermediate sarcomere lengths. Theoretical modelling of the results suggest that the average S-1 tilt angle may be reduced upon compression of the filament lattice. This is supported by experiments in which S-1 was enzymatically cleaved with α-chymotrypsin. Separate experiments comparing fibers with intact membranes and skinned fibers compressed to an equivalent lattice spacing showed little difference in DFR or Δn.
The role of dietary counseling and nutrition support in head and neck cancer patients.

Purpose of reviewHead and neck cancer patients frequently present with malnutrition. Treatment options put the patient at further nutritional risk. Inadequate nutritional status is associated with poor prognosis. Dietary counseling and nutrition support can positively impact prognosis; however, the
Development and mechanism of γ-secretase modulators for Alzheimer's disease.

γ-Secretase is an aspartyl intramembranal protease composed of presenilin, Nicastrin, Aph1, and Pen2 with 19 transmembrane domains. γ-Secretase cleaves the amyloid precursor proteins (APP) to release Aβ peptides that likely play a causative role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In addition, γ-secretase cleaves Notch and other type I membrane proteins. γ-Secretase inhibitors (GSIs) have been developed and used for clinical studies. However, clinical trials have shown adverse effects of GSIs that are potentially linked with nondiscriminatory inhibition of Notch signaling, overall APP processing, and other substrate cleavages. Therefore, these findings call for the development of disease-modifying agents that target γ-secretase activity to lower levels of Aβ42 production without blocking the overall processing of γ-secretase substrates. γ-Secretase modulators (GSMs) originally derived from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) display such characteristics and are the focus of this rev...
A note on some features of the theory of localization of deformation

Abstract This note examines two aspects of the theory which treats localization of deformation as a bifurcation from homogeneous deformation. The results are obtained for solids modelled as elastic-plastic and having smooth yield and plastic potential surfaces, but it is not required that inelastic strain increments be normal to the yield surface. First, it is demonstrated that discontinuous bifurcations, for which elastic unloading occurs outside the zone of incipient localization, first become possible at the point of continuous bifurcation, for which further plastic deformation is assumed to occur both inside and outside of the zone of localization. Second, we investigate an apparent paradox which arises in the rigid plastic limit of an elastic-plastic localization calculation if normality does not apply. This is resolved by consideration of the relative amounts of the bifurcation mode corresponding to elastic and to plastic deformation and it is demonstrated that even for very small amounts of elasticity, bifurcation modes which are inadmissible in the rigid plastic case become possible.
The absolute instability of an inviscid compound jet

This paper examines the emergence of the absolute instability from convectively unstable states of an inviscid compound jet. A compound jet is composed of a cylindrical jet of one fluid surrounded by a concentric annulus of a second, immiscible fluid. For all jet velocities in this range exaggerates its distinction from the convective instability and further aids the potential observation of absolute instability.
Short-Term Competition for Ammonium and Nitrate in Tallgrass Prairie

The availability of N limits productivity in tallgrass prairie. Spring burning is common because it results in greater plant productivity despite reducing net N mineralization. To better explain how burning affects inorganic N availability in tallgrass prairie, the partitioning of 15N among plant and soil pools was measured in June and August 1994. Approximately 2.5 microgram N g(-1) soil was injected as either NH4 or NO3 to a depth of 15 cm within cores in burned and unburned prairie. Cores were removed from the field 6 d after injection, and 15N recovery in plant and soil N pools was determined. No more than 14% of the applied 15N remained in inorganic form 6 d after application. The largest portion of the applied 15N (35-80%) was recovered in the soil organic nitrogen pool (N(o)). Burning significantly increased the immobilization of both NH4 and NO3 within N(o), and microbial biomass accounted for greater than or equal to 50% of the 15N recovered in N(o). Accumulation of 15N in plants accounted for less than or equal to 35% of the applied 15N with a majority recovered from roots. Burning had little effect on 15N recovery in plants; however, 15N accumulations in roots were significantly greater when NO3 was used. Results indicate that immobilization within soil organic matter (SOM) controls the availability of both NH4 and NO3 to plants. Increased immobilization in soils with burning probably results largely from increased microbial N demand resulting from greater litter inputs with wider C to N ratios. Further research is needed to determine if abiotic mechanisms for N immobilization also significantly influence N availability in prairie soils.
A Microprocessor Controller Debugging Module for Brookhaven FASTBUS

As an aid to debugging conveniently all the new Brookhaven Fastbus modules that will be used in Experiment 749 at the AGS, an 8085 based microprocessor module has been made. A debugging program which allows the testing of modules on the bus is provided.
A SIMPLIFIED TECHNIQUE OF UPPER POLE HEMINEPHRECTOMY FOR DUPLEX KIDNEY

Purpose: We describe a simplified technique of upper pole heminephrectomy in cases of duplex kidney.Materials and Methods: The upper pole collecting system is entered and the upper pole is excised. The vascular supply to the upper pole is then easily identified and divided. The upper pole ureter is dissected below the lower pole vessels and distal ureteral dissection is completed. We performed the technique in 11 girls and 3 boys with a mean age of 1.8 years who had poor or nonfunctioning upper moieties of duplicated kidneys. The diagnosis was ectopic ureter in 11 cases and ureterocele with duplication in 3.Results: Mean surgical time was 95 minutes. Blood loss was not clinically significant in any patient and mean hospitalization was 2.7 days. The only postoperative complication was atelectasis, which resolved promptly with medical treatment. There was no injury to the lower pole ureter or vascular pedicle.Conclusions: Our technique enables reliable and safe excision of upper pole renal tissue with the m...
Does midtrimester ΔOD450 of amniotic fluid reflect severity of Rh disease

Thirty-two patients with Rh-immunized pregnancies had amniocenteses between 16 and 20 weeks' gestation. Serial amniotic fluid values of delta optical density at 450 nm were studied to predict the severity of Rh disease. A value >0.15 indicated severe Rh immunization. Values
Progress in broadband infrared nulling technology for TPF

TPF-I has set for itself a host of challenging technical milestones along its path to demonstrating the feasibility of infrared nulling for planet detection Progress in each of these areas of technical development will be reviewed as well as progress in meeting the overarching technical milestones.
Retrograde amnesia and brain seizure activity in mice: Strain differences

Abstract The relationship between retrograde amnesia and brain seizures was examined in two inbred strains of mice, DBA 2J and C57BL 6J , and their F1 hybrids. Mice were treated with transcorneal electroshock stimulation 45 sec after training on an inhibitory avoidance task. The mice were either anesthetized with diethyl ether or unanesthetized prior to electroshock administration. In unetherized mice of all strains, the electroshock intensities required to produce retrograde amnesia were comparable to those necessary to elicit electrographic seizures. A similar relationship was seen in F1 hybrids etherized prior to electroshock, in spite of the fact that both brain seizure and retrograde amnesia thresholds were elevated by diethyl ether. In etherized mice of the DBA 2J and C57BL 6J strains, the thresholds for retrograde amnesia were much higher than the brainseizure thresholds. These data indicate that brain seizures are not always a sufficient condition for producing retrograde amnesia.
Arginine and urea biosynthesis in the lugworm, Arenicola cristata

Abstract 1. 1. Acetohydroxamate, a specific urease inhibitor, has been used with 14 C-tracers to determine presence of the ornithine cycle in the marine polychaete, Arenicola cristata Stimpson. The technique provides a rapid in vivo method for evaluating the presence of the ornithine cycle in marine invertebrates with significant arginase and urease activities. 2. 2. [ 14 C] from ureido-[ 14 C]citrulline and guanidino-[ 14 C]arginine was incorporated into urea. 3. 3. Ornithine transcarbamylase, arginase and urease were detected in gut, gill and body wall tissues. 4. 4. De novo arginine and urea biosynthesis by the ornithine cycle is limited by the low levels or absence of carbamyl phosphate synthetase.
Regional integration and development in Africa: Lessons from the east African community

(1979). Regional integration and development in Africa: Lessons from the east African community. The Journal of Commonwealth & Comparative Politics: Vol. 17, No. 3, pp. 227-246.
Modelling menstrual cycle length and variability at the approach of menopause by using hierarchical change point models

As women approach menopause, the patterns of their menstrual cycle lengths change. To study these changes, we need to jointly model both the mean and variability of cycle length. Our proposed model incorporates separate mean and variance change points for each woman and a hierarchical model to link them together, along with regression components to include predictors of menopausal onset such as age at menarche and parity. Additional complexity arises from the fact that the calendar data have substantial missingness due to hormone use, surgery, and failure to report. We integrate multiple imputation and time-to event modeling in a Bayesian estimation framework to deal with different forms of the missingness. Posterior predictive model checks are applied to evaluate the model fit. Our method successfully models patterns of women’s menstrual cycle trajectories throughout their late reproductive life and identifies change points for mean and variability of segment length, providing insight into the menopausal process. More generally, our model points the way toward increasing use of joint mean-variance models to predict health outcomes and better understand disease processes.
A model for the shell current in a reversed field pinch

A model for the shell current in a reversed field pinch which includes the current induced by the motion of the plasma is discussed. This model gives a good approximation to the magnitude and time dependence of a shell current measured experimentally. >
Maturation of oligodendrocytes is more sensitive to TNFα than is survival of precursors and immature oligodendrocytes

TNF alpha is a cytokine recently found at high levels in multiple sclerosis plaques. The present study addressed the questions whether TNF alpha might affect oligodendrocytes at various stages of maturation and whether the effects of transient incubation with TNF alpha would last during subsequent differentiation. Primary glial-cell cultures were treated with 1000 U/ml of TNF alpha for 48 h, beginning on days 1, 2, 6, 8 and 10 days in vitro, and allowed to grow for up to 3 weeks (total) in vitro. A significant deficit of O4+/MBP+ cells in the TNF alpha-treated cultures became obvious during the second week. Moreover, the morphology of the O4-positive cells became more complex with time in the control cultures, whereas fewer cells in TNF alpha-treated cultures developed into cells with sheets of membrane or > four processes. In TNF alpha-treated cultures, the numbers of O4-positive cells increased by about four-fold during weeks 2 and 3, but the numbers of MBP-positive cells did not and were significantly lower than the numbers of MBP-positive cells in control cultures. The effects of TNF alpha were apparent 1 to 14 days after treatment, suggesting long-term influences, and could be initiated at diverse stages of maturation. Future testing of hypothetical mechanisms by which TNF alpha may inhibit oligodendrocyte differentiation should impact on our understanding of the apparent limitations on remyelination in the mature CNS.
Risk of non‐arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION) after cataract extraction in the fellow eye of patients with prior unilateral NAION

Aim: To determine the risk of non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION) after cataract extraction (CE) in the fellow eye of patients with prior unilateral NAION. Design: Retrospective, cohort study. Methods: Medical records of patients with NAION evaluated in our institution between 1 January 1986 and 31 December 2001 were reviewed to determine the onset of NAION and the time of CE. Patients were excluded if the date of NAION and CE was unreliable, or if CE in the fellow eye was performed before the unilateral NAION. Statistical analysis was performed by including fellow eye CE as a time-dependent covariate in a Cox proportional hazards regression model of NAION incidence in the fellow eye. Results: Of the 325 eligible patients, 9 (53%) of 17 patients with NAION who underwent CE in the fellow eye developed fellow eye NAION, and 59 (19%) of 308 patients with NAION who did not undergo CE in the fellow eye developed fellow eye NAION. Cataract extraction in the fellow eye increased the risk of NAION occurrence in the fellow eye by 3.6-fold (Cox regression, p = 0.001). Conclusions: Patients with unilateral NAION are at a significantly higher risk of developing NAION in the fellow eye after CE.
Watershed land use and aquatic ecosystem response: Ecohydrologic approach to conservation policy

Summary Land use activities change the natural functions of a watershed impacting the flow of water and water quality, and impair aquatic ecosystems. Optimal allocation of land use depends on attributes related to terrestrial and aquatic environments. A dynamic model that links land use, overland flow, suspended sediment, and an aquatic species is used to evaluate alternate land use policies. The dwarf wedge mussel that is classified as endangered in the region is used as an indicator species of aquatic health in a watershed in Massachusetts. The simulation model is used to evaluate spatial nature of processes and land use policies. Spatial and temporal changes in runoff, sediment loading, and mussel population are modeled over a period of 4 years. Ten policy scenarios represent combinations of best management practices and development of agriculture and urban land at spatial locations of headwaters, main stem regions, riparian, and entire watershed. Increasing the proportion of agriculture and high density residential land use increased runoff, while increasing the frequency and magnitude of peak flows in the watershed. Sediment loading increased with an increased proportion of agriculture area and decreased with an expansion of high density residential area. Scenarios with an increase in sediment loading above the baseline mean exhibited an irregular recovery of the mussel population from high loading events. Policy implications include the need for best management practices to decrease runoff and sediment loading in the watershed, through education and incentive programs.
Neuropeptide receptors are present in fetal neocortical transplants

Transplants of fetal neocortex (E15-19) within the minimally traumatized fourth ventricle were examined for the presence of receptors for the peptides bombesin (BN) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). These peptides are involved in cellular growth or regulation of cerebral blood flow. Although fetal and adult cortex in situ have low and moderate receptor densities for BN-like peptides respectively, neocortical transplants developed high densities between 4 and 16 weeks postoperative. VIP receptors, which have moderate density in adult cortex, were initially high but later showed a variable distribution in the transplants. The results suggest that neuropeptides, particularly BN and VIP may have a role in the growth and vascularization of central nervous system transplants.
Experimental anxiety reduction: Systematic desensitization versus a false-feedback expectancy manipulation

Abstract College students were shown anxiety provoking slides before and after systematic desensitization or placebo treatment (high-expectation-for-improvement) or no treatment. Both self-report and physiological dependent measures were taken. The self-report measure showed the desensitization and placebo treatments to have produced significant and similar decreases in anxiety. The physiological measures showed that where group differences were found, desensitization was superior to placebo treatment and no treatment. The discussion highlights one of the major problems in interpreting the expectancy literature; namely, the inadequacy of relative dependent measures for assessing the impact of expectancy manipulations.
Cyclic voltammetry of silyl- and stannyl-tricobalt cluster compounds

Abstract The electrochemical behavior of the clusters PhM′Co3(CO)n (M′ = Si, n = 11 and M′ = Sn, n = 12) has been examined via cyclic voltammetry in CH2Cl2 solution. In both cases the radical anions PhM′Co3(CO)n⨪ are unstable, rearranging to Co(CO)4 and other products. However, for the silicon compound, where there is one formal cobalt—cobalt bond, the radical anion is sufficiently stable to allow for detection of anion reoxidation at medium scan speeds. The half-life of PhSiCo3(CO)11⨪ has been calculated as 2.3 s at 25°C.
On the hubbard model at half filling

Abstract We show that particle-hole symmetry in the half-filled Hubbard model leads to cancellation of a large class of diagrams with loops. Using this cancellation we show that at half filling the self energy is an even function of U and the charge and spin susceptibilities are related by a simple change of sign of the Coulomb energy U.
Combined hysteroscopic and laparoscopic findings in patients with chronic pelvic pain

Study Objective. To document the abnormal findings at hysteroscopy and laparoscopy in patients with chronic pelvic pain. Design. Prospective evaluation at surgery of women treated consecutively between January 1, 1991, and December 30, 1992. Setting. A private practice. Patients. One hundred forty-one women with pelvic pain (average age 35 yrs). Interventions. Laparoscopy was performed in all patients, and hysteroscopy in all but one, who had had a hysterectomy. Endometrial and endocervical biopsies were performed. Measurements and Main Results. In 42 (30%) of 140 patients with a primary diagnosis of chronic pelvic pain, hysteroscopic evaluation with endometrial and endocervical biopsies revealed an abnormality. Findings at hysteroscopy included leiomyomas in 25 patients (18%), intrauterine polyps in 9 (6.4%), and cervical stenosis in 4 (2.9%). Three women (2.1%) had intrauterine scarring and one (0.7%) had a bicornuate uterus. Endometrial biopsies showed adenomatous hyperplasia with atypia, and cystic hyperplasia in one patient each. Endocervical biopsies revealed cervical dysplasia in four women (2.89%). An abnormal finding was documented on laparoscopic examination in all 141 patients. These included endometriosis in 113 patients (80%), adhesions in 67 (48%), leiomyomas in 59 (42%), and enlarged globular uterus in 34 (24%). In addition, appendiceal abnormalities were present in three women (2.1%) and hernia in two (1.4%). Conclusions. Hysteroscopic abnormalities were found in 30% and laparoscopic abnormalities in 100% of patients who had a primary diagnosis of chronic pelvic pain.
Advances in the theory and practice of graph drawing

The visualization of conceptual structures is a key component of support tools for complex applications in science and engineering. Foremost among the visual representations used are drawings of graphs and ordered sets. In this talk, we survey recent advances in the theory and practice of graph drawing. Specific topics include bounds and tradeoffs for drawing properties, three-dimensional representations, methods for constraint satisfaction, and experimental studies.
NEW, SIMPLE COORDINATION COMPOUNDS OF Cr, Mo, AND W FROM LIQUID CLATHRATE MEDIA

Abstract The reactions of M(CO)6 (M = Cr, Mo, W) with 18-crown-6 in the presence of H2O and HCl(g) in toluene have been explored. In each case, a liquid clathrate formed almost immediately upon reaction, from which new and unusual coordination complexes of Cr, Mo and W were isolated. The structures of [H3O+·18-crown-6] [CrIIICl4(H2O)2 −], [H3O+·18-crown-6]2 [H5O2·MoIII 2Cl9 2-] and [H3O+·18-crown-6][WvOCl4(H2O)−] were established by X-ray crystallography.
Response of spores and vegetative cells of Bacillus spp. in a hydrocarbon-water system.

Summary. Nine strains of Bacillus spp. isolated from hydrocarbon fuel systems were examined for their ability to survive, multiply, sporulate and germinate in the aqueous phase of a hydrocarbon fuel-aqueous salts medium. Vegetative cells did not survive in significant numbers. Larger inocula of vegetative cells survived better than smaller ones, suggesting that lytic products influenced survival. One isolate produced limited numbers of spores in the fuel-salts system. Spores survived, and germinated at a slow rate. Germinated spores were capable of outgrowth and limited cell division. Thus, many Bacillus spp. isolated from fuel systems may be the progeny of spores which survived, rather than of cells proliferated or sporulated in the system. Survival patterns did not change when products of a hydrocarbon-using bacterium were present in the medium. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that Bacillus spp. although isolated frequently from hydrocarbon systems, do not play a significant role in the ecology of such systems.
Wave-theory analysis of acousto-optic Bragg diffraction image formation.

We analyze anastigmatic Bragg diffraction imaging by use of an efficient numerical method that makes use of a plane-wave spectrum formalism applicable to weak acousto-optic diffraction involving three-dimensional light and sound fields. Results from this wave-theory analysis are compared with previous results derived on the basis of ray theory, and are shown to be in good agreement, thus corroborating the validity of both techniques.
Self-splicing introns in prokaryotes: Migrant fossils?

Although the discovery of self-splicing group I introns in prokaryotes engendered much excitement, the introns appeared to be confined to bacteriophages, with none apparent in their eubacterial hosts. There was, therefore, no true phylogenetic continuum from which to trace the lineage of these introns. Some light has been shed on this problem by two recent reports describing the discovery of group I introns in cyanobacterial cells. These findings strongly support the antiquity of introns. A minireview.
On Misconceptions in Goal Programming: Response

(1991). On Misconceptions in Goal Programming: Response. Journal of the Operational Research Society: Vol. 42, No. 10, pp. 928-929.
Solution properties of tetrakis-(4-N-methyl)pyridylporphineiron(III)

Abstract Tetrakis-(4-N-methyl)pyridylporphineiron(III) (FeTMpyP) was synthesized and its aqueous solution properties studied. The visible spectrum of FeTMpyP was found to be dependent on pH and ionic strength. The following equilibria were sufficient to account for the titration data: H 2 O + FeP ( H 2 O ) 5+ ⥂ FeP ( OH )( H 2 O ) 4+ + H + ;p K a1 =4.7±0.2 FeP ( OH )( H 2 O ) 4+ ⥂ FeP (OH) 2 3+ + H + ; p K a2 =6.5±0.3 2 FeP ( OH ) 2 3+ ⥂O−( FePOH ) 2 6+ + H 2 O ; K D ≃9×10 5 M −1 . Magnetic susceptibility measurements and Mossbauer spectroscopy were used to characterize the FeTMpyP species at low and high pH. In the range pH 1–3, monomeric, high-spin, pentacoordinated iron(III) is the primary species. A μ-oxo dimer involving low-spin hexacoordinated iron(III) exists at pH 10–12. The rate of dissociation of the dimer at μ = 0.05 M and t = 25°C was found a two-term rate law: − d [ dimer ] d t =(k 1 +k′ 1 [ H + ])[ dimer ] where k1 = 0.42 sec−1 and K1 = 31 M−1 sec−1. These results are compared with those obtained for the dissociation of dimer of tetraphenylporphinesulfonatoferrate(III), FeTPPS.
Regional drainage of meltwater beneath a Hesperian-aged south circumpolar ice sheet on Mars

[1] Five sinuous valleys that begin near the margins of the Hesperian-aged Dorsa Argentea Formation (DAF) are examined using Mars Global Surveyor Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter data. These valleys are carved into the surrounding Noachian cratered terrain and extend away from the DAF for lengths up to 1600 km before terminating in the Argyre basin 1–3 km below their starting elevations. The association of these valleys with the DAF, thought to be the volatile-rich deposits of a previously widespread circumpolar ice sheet, supports the scenario whereby the valleys formed contemporaneously with the DAF and served as conduits for drainage of meltwater associated with the melting and retreat of the ice sheet. Examination of the head regions of three of the valleys reveals pits and basins carved into the local deposits of the DAF closely associated with the valley heads. On the basis of the distribution of these pits and basins, their morphologies, size, spacing, and basal elevations similar to the nearby valleys, we conclude that the pits and basins represent the expression of the valleys within the DAF. We suggest that the pits and basins resulted from surface collapse of the deposits due to basal drainage of meltwater beneath the thinning ice sheet. Sinuous ridges within some of the basins appear similar to terrestrial eskers and further support this scenario.
Propagation of Long Water Waves through Branching Channels

This paper investigates the fundamental behavior of long water waves propagating through branching channels of uniform depth and width. Numerical simulations based on the Boussinesq long wave model were carried out to investigate the effects of channel width b , effective wavelength λe , wave amplitude α , and angle θ between channel branches on wave transmission and reflection. Our results showed that the transmission and reflection of long waves through branching channels are dominantly governed by a single dimensionless parameter b∕ λe , whereas other parameters such as the angle between channel branches are less important. Detailed quantitative results for predicting long wave transmission and reflection in different branching channels based on the similarity parameter b∕ λe were determined. From these results, we have discovered some very interesting and distinct long wave behaviors in narrow and wide branching channels. To verify the numerical results, experiments were conducted in a right-angled br...