cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fault damage zone origin of the Teufelsmauer, Subhercynian Cretaceous Basin, Germany

Recognition of fractures as porosity-reducing deformation bands pervading all sandstone segments of the Teufelsmauer, Subhercynian Creatceous Basin, Germany, motivates a study relating the observed macroscopic and microscopic deformation to the damage zone of the nearby Harz border fault. Deformation bands, confirmed and documented by several porosity-reducing micro-mechanisms, such as cataclasis, particulate flow, pressure solution and a heavy quartz cementation, were mapped and analyzed in terms of the kinematics and deformation intensities expressed by them. Deformation band kinematics are uniform throughout the entire basin and consistent with the large-scale tectonic structures of the area. A strain intensity study highlights two narrow but long zones of deformation bands, sub-parallel to the Harz border fault. Deformation band kinematics, strain intensity, as well as micro-mechanisms are all consistent with a continuous but internally diverse deformation band damage zone of the entire Teufelsmauer structure along the Harz border fault, bringing new insights into the tectonic evolution and the origin of the heavy quartz cementation of the sandstones in the Subhercynian Cretaceous Basin.
A Comparison of Academic Success: College Credits via General Examination or Course Enrollment

AbstractThis study investigated the question of whether those students who earned credits for basic courses through the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) General Examinations achieved the same level of academic performance in advanced courses as those who took the basic courses in the traditional manner, A rigorous sampling procedure was used to match both CLEP and non-CLEP students on Florida Twelfth Grade Test scores. Both groups were then compared on their average grades in five academic areas: English, social science, natural science, mathematics, and humanities. Results of covariance analysis showed that the CLEP students (N=134) did just as well in five academic areas and overall GPA as the non-CLEP students (N=160).
Efficient harmonic microbunching in a 7th-order inverse-free-electron laser interaction

We have shown that a seventh-order inverse-free-electron laser (IFEL) interaction, where the radiation frequency is the seventh harmonic of the fundamental resonant frequency, can microbunch a beam of relativistic electrons inside an undulator. Using coherent transition radiation (CTR) emitted by the bunched 12.3 MeV beam as a diagnostic, strong microbunching of the beam is inferred from the observation of CTR at the first, second, and third harmonics of the seed $10\text{ }\text{ }\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{m}$ radiation. Three-dimensional IFEL simulations show that the observed harmonic ratios can be explained only if transverse spatial distribution of the steepened bunched beam is taken into account.
Ground-based helioseismology networks☆

Abstract The diurnal rising and setting of the Sun severely compromises helioseismology from a single ground-based observatory. This periodic interruption creates sidelobes in power spectra at multiples of 1/day (11.57 μHz) centered around each solar line, contaminating the spectra and hampering mode identification and frequency measurement. So far, three strategies have been used to overcome the difficulty — observing from the Polar regions, observing with a network of stations placed around the Earth, or observing from a fully sunlit orbit in space. This paper reports on the status of the networks that are either currently in operation or being planned. These include the Global Oscillation Network Group (GONG) project, the Birmingham network, the IRIS network of the University of Nice, the SCLERA network of the University of Arizona, and the ESTEC network. The scientific objectives and instrumentation of these networks are briefly described. The relationship between networks and the helioseismology experiments on the SOHO mission are described.
Comparison of complexes with anionic and neutral amide groups. Crystal and molecular structures of bis N-(2-pyridyl)acetamide complexes of Pd(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II)

Abstract The crystal structure of the neutral complex Pd(aap)2 of the title ligand shows a tetragonal Pd(II) with two trans ligands each chelated by the ring nitrogen and amide oxygen. The amide nitrogen is deprotonated and not coordinated. In the isomorphous M(aapH)2(NO3)2 structures where M = Co(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II), there are two axial water molecules and again two trans ligands chelated as above but with a neutral amide nitrogen. For two of these complexes (M = Ni, Zn), the detailed molecular structures were determined. These complexes possess an amide CO bond 0.04 A shorter and an amide CN bond 0.03 A longer than are found in the Pd(aap)2 complex. Crystal data for Pd(aap)2: space group P21/n, Z = 2, a = 8.191(2), b = 4.859(1), c = 17.582(3) A, β = 96.24(2)°, R = 3.2% for 1728 reflections. Crystal data for [Zn(aapH)2(H2O)2](NO3)2: space group P21/n, Z = 2, a = 7.134(3), b = 10.266(6), c = 14.004(6) A, β = 93.13(4)°, R = 6.0% for 1714 reflections. Crystal data for [Ni(aapH)2(H2O)2](NO3)2: space group P21/n, Z = 2, a = 7.120(2), b = 10.170(2), c = 13.970(5) A, β = 93.61(2)°, R = 3.2% for 1787 reflections. Crystal data for [Co(aapH)2(H2O)2(NO3)2: space group P21/n, Z = 2, a = 7.113(6), b = 10.275(4), c = 14.045(7) A, β = 93.6(1).
The Use of Case Studies in Establishing Feasibility for Wetland Restoration

Establishing restoration feasibility is a multifaceted process that requires consideration of the ecological, social, and economic conditions of a given site. Examining completed restoration projects that report successes and failures may enhance this complex decision-making process. We describe five completed wetland restoration projects and identify commonalities among them to inform the process of establishing feasibility for proposed restoration projects. Most of the case studies identified the need to gather preexisting and historical information, develop scenarios through hydrologic modeling, study the restoration materials, use best professional judgement for unanswered questions, establish multigroup collaboration, gain public support from stakeholders, and monitor postrestoration. We applied these lessons to a study that evaluated the feasibility of restoring Dyke Marsh Preserve, a tidal freshwater marsh in Virginia that the National Park Service is mandated to preserve. We found that the use of case studies substantially increased confidence in the decision-making process by focusing discussions on the most important ecological, social, and economic aspects of a potential restoration.
Dominance, politics, and physiology: voters' testosterone changes on the night of the 2008 United States presidential election.

BACKGROUND: Political elections are dominance competitions. When men win a dominance competition, their testosterone levels rise or remain stable to resist a circadian decline; and when they lose, their testosterone levels fall. However, it is unknown whether this pattern of testosterone change extends beyond interpersonal competitions to the vicarious experience of winning or losing in the context of political elections. Women's testosterone responses to dominance competition outcomes are understudied, and to date, a clear pattern of testosterone changes in response to winning and losing dominance competitions has not emerged. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The present study investigated voters' testosterone responses to the outcome of the 2008 United States Presidential election. 183 participants provided multiple saliva samples before and after the winner was announced on Election Night. The results show that male Barack Obama voters (winners) had stable post-outcome testosterone levels, whereas testosterone levels dropped in male John McCain and Robert Barr voters (losers). There were no significant effects in female voters. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The findings indicate that male voters exhibit biological responses to the realignment of a country's dominance hierarchy as if they participated in an interpersonal dominance contest. Language: en
COMPARISONS OF FOUR PSYCHOMOTOR TASKS: GRADE AND SEX OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHILDREN

Summsy.-Children in Grades 1 through 6 (N = 1,183) were tested on either a simple reaction time, pursuit rotor, hand tapping, or arm-hand steadiness task. The results, which provide normative data, show that all four tasks are grade (age) dependent; subjects in higher grades performed better than those in lower grades. Reaction time was sex-dependent; the boys scored better than the girls. Arm-hand steadiness was also sex dependent; the girls scored better than the boys. No interaction of sex X grade was noted on any task. Among the many "fine" motor tasks receiving attention from investigators are reaction time, pursuit rotor performance, hand-tapping speed, and armhand steadiness. Age and sex effects in children have been examined quite often using the first two tasks and less frequently using the others. Gilbert (1894) studied simple reaction time in children 6 to 17 yr. of age who pressed a switch in response to the movement of a disk attached to a mechanical arm. He found that reaction time is inversely related to age in children, and boys are better than girls at each age. Miles (1931) asked children aged 6-9, 10-14, and 15-19 yr. to lift a finger from a switch in response to a buzzer. His result confirmed Gilbert's that an age effect exists in simple reaction time performance but he did not compare by sex. Pierson and Montoye (1958) tested boys 8-16 yr. who released a switch after being given a light signal; an age effect was found. Hodgkins (1963) tested first, seventh and tenth grade boys and girls using the release of a telegraph key and a light stimulus. Seventh graders performed better than first graders and boys in seventh and tenth grades were better than the girls, but no sex effect was found in first grade. Obrist, Howard, Sutterer, Hennis, and Murrell (1973) used children aged 4, 5, 8, and 10 yr. plus 19-yr.-old young men. The subject released a telegraph key in response to a sound stimulus. Performances were inversely related to age. Thomas, Gallagher, and Purvis (1981) tested children of 7,9, 11, and 13 yr. as well as 20-yr.-olds. Forty trials were performed using a light stimulus with the response being the pressing of a switch with the The author thanks the children and staff of the Vigo County, Indiana, School Corporation for their cooperation; Barnard Chavies. Timothy Foist, Omar Hassan, Kathryn Idelson, Jeffrey Po& (who also wrote the analysis of variance program), Susan Rose, and Patricia Villegas for help in data colleaion; and M~lton Firestone, User Services Consultant, Computer Center, Indiana State Univers~ry. for writing the Scheffk program. The study was partially funded by the Indiana State University Research Committee. Request reprints from William Ruffer, Department of Physical Education, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN 47809.
Magma ascent by porous flow

Porous flow of buoyant liquid through partially molten rock is regarded as the initial transport process leading to magma segregation in the mantle. Recent work has identified the importance of matrix deformation and compaction in this process. We present finite-difference calculations based on a generalized form of Darcy's law that includes matrix deformation, in two-dimensional Cartesian and cylindrical coordinates. We emphasize the existence of solitary wave solutions, called magmons. These waves are regions of locally high porosity that ascend through regions of low, uniform porosity. They differ from diapirs, where the liquid and matrix ascend together. The one-dimensional waves that were previously reported are found to be unstable in two dimensions, breaking down to form two-dimensional waves of circular cross section. Both the development of the instability and the form of the two-dimensional waves are supported by theoretical analysis. Numerical experiments in which two-dimensional waves collide show that the extent to which they are conserved after collision depends on the lateral offset of the waves. The conservation can be very good; in other cases, larger waves appear to grow at the expense of smaller waves. Although the quantification of the relevant permeability and rheological parameters remains uncertain, geophysically plausible estimates suggest wavelengths of kilometers and velocities of centimeters per year. In our preliminary assessment of the relevance of these results to igneous processes, we find that magmons are unlikely to be important in regions of broad upwelling, such as beneath spreading centers. Here the transport of liquid adjusts to match the supply by melting, and compaction processes are not important. If liquid is supplied from below to a stable partially molten region of the asthenosphere, it is expected to ascend in magmons. This may occur beneath oceanic volcanic centers or in subcontinental mantle. It is possible that magma ascent in magmons leads to spatial and temporal episodicity of volcanic activity, if higher level processes do not obscure this influence. The waveform of a magmon ascends faster than the liquid within the magmon, so new liquid is taken in from above, while original liquid is lost from below. Consequently, magmons can mobilize small degrees of partial melt and deliver it rapidly to the surface.
Structural Effects of Platform Certification on a Complementary Product Market: The Case of Mobile Applications

This article examines the structural effects of platform certification on the supply of complementary products. Drawing on the exploratory case of mobile application markets, the article highlights the broader market effects of competing platforms and their certifications on a platform-based complementary product market. The case suggests that platform certifications influence market intermediation, entry barriers, and deployment fragmentation. We present these market effects in a conceptual model that can be applied to understand similar complementary product markets. As such, the article contributes to the literature on compatibility standards by emphasizing some of the complementary product market effects of employing certification in enhancing compatibility.
Finite element analysis of chip formation in grooved tool metal cutting

This paper presents the simulation of chip formation in grooved tool cutting using DYNA3D, 3D FEM software for dynamic nonlinear analysis that was used to simulate the orthogonal cutting problem. First, a flat-face cutting tool was employed in the simulation to verify the validity of the FEM model. Next, the same simulation techniques were used to study the effects of different groove geometries on the chip formation process in grooved tool cutting. In the first set of grooved tool simulations, the depth of the groove was constant while the width was decreased. In the second set, the width was constant and the depth was increased. By analyzing the chip flow, chip curl, chip thickness, stress and strain in the chip, the effects of different groove widths and depths on the chip formation process were then discussed.
Preprocessing of SAR interferometric data using anisotropic diffusion filter

The most commonly used smoothing algorithms for complex data processing are blurring functions (i.e., Hanning, Taylor weighting, Gaussian, etc.). Unfortunately, the filters so designed blur the edges in a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) scene, reduce the accuracy of features, and blur the fringe lines in an interferogram. For the Digital Surface Map (DSM) extraction, the blurring of these fringe lines causes inaccuracies in the height of the unwrapped terrain surface. Our goal here is to perform spatially non-uniform smoothing to overcome the above mentioned disadvantages. This is achieved by using a Complex Anisotropic Non-Linear Diffuser (CANDI) filter that is a spatially varying. In particular, an appropriate choice of the convection function in the CANDI filter is able to accomplish the non-uniform smoothing. This boundary sharpening intra-region smoothing filter acts on interferometric SAR (IFSAR) data with noise to produce an interferogram with significantly reduced noise contents and desirable local smoothing. Results of CANDI filtering will be discussed and compared with those obtained by using the standard filters on simulated data.
The Making of an Epic (American) Hero Fighting for Justice: Commodification, Consumption, and Intertextuality in the Floyd Landis Defense Campaign:

This article considers how American cyclist Floyd Landis is commodified, or produced and reproduced (hereafter “re/produced”), for consumption through the multiple texts of his mediated campaign to fight doping allegations, a campaign that emphasized digital media. Critical discourse analysis revealed several intertextually related narratives deployed for consumption by fans and supporters, narratives that commodified Landis in a variety of complex and interrelated ways. The overriding self-referential narrative across the defense campaign texts commodified Landis as the epic (American) hero fighting for justice against insurmountable odds, institutional forces, and foreign conspiracies, yet remaining grounded, accessible, and available for consumption by fans and supporters. It is suggested here that the effective consumption of Landis’s campaign is partly due to features of digital media that render it a powerful site for guiding interpretations and for performing identities in ways that directly re/ pr...
COAGULATION OF CIGARETTE SMOKE PARTICLES

Abstract Experimental measurements on the deposition of cigarette smoke particles (CSP) in the human airways have produced results that are inconsistent with typical deposition data based on particle size. Previous work relating to hygroscopic growth indicates that hygroscopicity alone can not account for this discrepancy. The present study investigates coagulation of CSP modeled as a polydisperse-charged aerosol as a possible explanation. The results of the model more accurately predict the experimental coagulation data for mainstream CSP than models that treat CSP as a monodisperse or polydisperse-uncharged aerosol. An aerosol with an initial charge distribution based on Boltzmann equilibrium yields slightly larger coagulation rates than the mainstream CSP polydisperse-charged model. The numerical results indicate that the size and charge distribution of sidestream CSP, with a concentration of 106 particles cm-3, remain stable. In 2 s, the size distribution of mainstream CSP, with a concentration of 109 particles cm-3, shifts to a larger size while becoming flatter and wider. The diameter of average mass increases from 0.29 to 0.5 μm. Numerical results confirm experimental reports for mainstream CSP, which indicate that the total number of charged particles increases with time and, in the early stages of coagulation, the amount of charge per particle cannot be estimated based on the particle size. This study shows that polydisperse-charged CSP, allowed to coagulate for 2 s in the mouth, will not produce size distributions that yield the observed deposition of CSP. However, additional coagulation will take place as the CSP travels through the respiratory tract, which will be investigated in future work.
An Improved Azimuth Indicating System for Aircraft

Because of the violent maneuvering possibilities in modern aircraft, the usefulness of azimuth indicators in avigation marine navigational applications. New problems in direction indicating instruments therefore have been introduced, such as the perplexing problem of obtaining indication after loops or rolls. Azimuth indicating systems now used in aircraft have indicating a completely satisfactory solution to such problems. This paper summarizes the progress from the direct reading compasses to monitored gyroscopes and concentrates on the unique problems in aircraft where space limitations, reliability, and operation at all altitudes are important. It indicates how azimuth indicators and auto pilot controls close to the ideal are obtainable by the use of special features including a novel ``nontumbling'' mechanism and an electromagnetic type of gimbal adjusting device.
Influence of HOV Lane Access on HOV Lane Utilization

High-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes are employed in many cities as a traffic congestion mitigation technique. These lanes are intended to provide a travel time benefit to carpools and buses, providing an incentive to choose those modes. The time and frustration involved in finding and using HOV lane access points may act as a deterrent to HOV lane use. Thus, proper planning of HOV lane access may be able to improve convenience for potential users, increasing HOV lane utilization. This paper investigated the possible relationship between the time required to access the HOV lane and travelers' choice of HOV lane as their mode. Additionally, the distance to HOV lane access points and the type of access point were examined for their influence on HOV lane use rates. It was concluded that neither the type of HOV lane access point (for example, a T-ramp versus a slip ramp) nor the added time necessary to access the HOV lane were significant factors in HOV lane use rates. Instead, the convenience of carpool formation and the convenience of HOV lane access to traveler's origins and destinations were found to be the most important factors in HOV lane use rates.
Silicates Do Nucleate in Oxygen-rich Circumstellar Outflows: New Vapor Pressure Data for SiO

We have measured the vapor pressure of solid SiO as a function of temperature over the range from 1325 up to 1785 K in vacuo using a modified Thermo-Cahn thermogravimetric system. Although an extrapolation of the current vapor pressure data to 2200 K is close to that predicted from the work of Schick under reducing conditions, the vapor pressures measured at successively lower temperatures diverge significantly from such predictions and are several orders of magnitude lower than predicted at 1200 K. This new vapor pressure data has been inserted into a simple model for the gas expanding from a late-stage star. Using the new vapor pressure curve makes a significant difference in the temperature and stellar radius at which SiO gas becomes supersaturated, although SiO still becomes supersaturated at temperatures that are too low to be consistent with observations. We have therefore also explored the effects of vibrational disequilibrium (as explored by Nuth & Donn) of SiO in the expanding shell on the conditions under which nucleation occurs. These calculations are much more interesting in that supersaturation now occurs at much higher kinetic temperatures. We note, however, that both vibrational disequilibrium and the new vapor pressure curve are required to induce SiO supersaturation in stellar outflows at temperatures above 1000 K.
Fabrication of biomolecule–copolymer hybrid nanovesicles as energy conversion systems

This work demonstrates the integration of the energy-transducing proteins bacteriorhodopsin (BR) from Halobacterium halobium and cytochrome c oxidase (COX) from Rhodobacter sphaeroides into block copolymeric vesicles towards the demonstration of coupled protein functionality. An ABA triblock copolymer-based biomimetic membrane possessing UV-curable acrylate endgroups was synthesized to serve as a robust matrix for protein reconstitution. BR-functionalized polymers were shown to generate light-driven transmembrane pH gradients while pH gradient-induced electron release was observed from COX-functionalized polymers. Cooperative behaviour observed from composite membrane functionalized by both proteins revealed the generation of microamp-range currents with no applied voltage. As such, it has been shown that the fruition of technologies based upon bio-functionalizing abiotic materials may contribute to the realization of high power density devices inspired by nature.
Spectral time moment analysis of microgel structure and dynamics

The structure and dynamics of crosslinked nanoparticles (microgels) made out of hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC) polymer chains were studied using dynamic light scattering spectroscopy. The microgel light scattering spectra were found to be highly nonexponential requiring a spectral time moment analysis in which the spectra were fit to a sum of stretched exponentials. Each term offers three parameters for analysis and represents a single spectral mode. At room temperature microgel spectra reveal three modes. Two faster modes are almost diffusive and correspond to apparent sizes of 25 and 450-650 nm. The slowest mode is independent of scattering angle and is reminis- cent of the slow polymer mode observed in identical non-crosslinked polymer solutions. When solution temperature is varied from 23 to 45 ◦ C and back, the microgel undergoes a reversible volume phase transition between 40 and 45 ◦ C. According to the time-moment analysis, above the transition temperature two faster modes collapse into one with apparent hydrodynamic radius of 100-150 nm, while the slow mode remains largely unchanged. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 771-781, 2008
Bactericidal Effect of Hydrogen Peroxide on Spacecraft Isolates

Solutions of 3, 10, and 15% hydrogen peroxide were found to have pronounced bactericidal effects, as a function of time of exposure, on sporeformers and non-sporeformers isolated from spacecraft.
SPEAR 3 upgrade project: the final year

During April, 2003, the SPEAR 2 storage ring, which served the high energy physics community from 1972 to 1987, and the synchrotron radiation community for an additional 15 years, was removed from its shielding tunnel in order to install the new 3-GeV, 500-mA SPEAR 3 light source. From May to November, SSRL will excavate the tunnel floor and pour a new concrete floor, and then install pre-assembled girders holding magnets, copper vacuum chambers, PEP-II-style rf cavities, and beam line front end components. At the same time, power supply, instrumentation and control, and other ancillary systems will be configured, leading to a commissioning period beginning in November 2003. The progress of accelerator component implementation and installation during the final year of the project will be reviewed.
Differential effects of androgens on coronary blood flow regulation and arteriolar diameter in intact and castrated swine

Low endogenous testosterone levels have been shown to be a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular benefits associated with testosterone replacement therapy are being advocated; however, the effects of endogenous testosterone levels on acute coronary vasomotor responses to androgen administration are not clear. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of acute androgen administration on in vivo coronary conductance and in vitro coronary microvascular diameter in intact and castrated male swine. Pigs received intracoronary infusions of physiologic levels (1–100 nM) of testosterone, the metabolite 5α-dihydrotestosterone, and the epimer epitestosterone while left anterior descending coronary blood flow and mean arterial pressure were continuously monitored. Following sacrifice, coronary arterioles were isolated, cannulated, and exposed to physiologic concentrations (1–100 nM) of testosterone, 5α-dihydrotestosterone, and epitestosterone. To evaluate effects of the androgen receptor on acute androgen dilation responses, real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry for androgen receptor were performed on conduit and resistance coronary vessels. In vivo, testosterone and 5α-dihydrotestosterone produced greater increases in coronary conductance in the intact compared to the castrated males. In vitro, percent maximal dilation of microvessels was similar between intact and castrated males for testosterone and 5α-dihydrotestosterone. In both studies epitestosterone produced significant increases in conductance and microvessel diameter from baseline in the intact males. Androgen receptor mRNA expression and immunohistochemical staining were similar in intact and castrated males. Acute coronary vascular responses to exogenous androgen administration are increased by endogenous testosterone, an effect unrelated to changes in androgen receptor expression.
A Two-Step Adams-Bashforth-Moulton Split-Explicit Integrator for Compressible Atmospheric Models

Abstract Split-explicit integration methods used for the compressible Navier–Stokes equations are now used in a wide variety of numerical models ranging from high-resolution local models to convection-permitting climate simulations. Models are now including more sophisticated and complicated physical processes, such as multimoment microphysics parameterizations, electrification, and dry/aqueous chemistry. A wider range of simulation problems combined with the increasing physics complexity may place a tighter constraint on the model’s time step compared to the fluid flow’s Courant number (e.g., the choice of the integration time step based solely on advective Courant number considerations may generate unacceptable errors associated with the parameterization schemes). The third-order multistage Runge–Kutta scheme has been very successful as the split-explicit integration method; however, its efficiency arises partially in its ability to use a time step that is 20%–40% larger than more traditional integratio...
Comparison of Drug Approvals in Europe Versus the United States: An Analysis of Discrepancies Between Drug Products Reviewed by EMA and FDA.

Background:Regulators from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) do not always agree on interpretation of data for a drug’s safety and efficacy.Methods and Results:The authors compared all new molecular entities approved or rejected in a 5-year period from 2007 to 2011, identified where FDA and EMA reviews resulted in different regulatory decisions, and explored potential mechanisms for the discrepancies. Thirteen entities were associated with different regulatory decisions, and 2 drugs were withdrawn from their respective markets in 2010: one from the US (Mylotarg; gemtuzumab ozogamicin) and the other in Europe (Thelin; sitaxentan sodium).Conclusions:There are relatively few cases where FDA and EMA substantively differ with regard to product approvals and market withdrawals. It is likely that the scientific and cultural differences between FDA and EMA will continue to diminish over time, because these two agencies increasingly work together as pharmaceutical pr...
Discovering causal pathways linking genomic events to transcriptional states using Tied Diffusion Through Interacting Events (TieDIE)

Motivation: Identifying the cellular wiring that connects genomic perturbations to transcriptional changes in cancer is essential to gain a mechanistic understanding of disease initiation, progression and ultimately to predict drug response. We have developed a method called Tied Diffusion Through Interacting Events (TieDIE) that uses a network diffusion approach to connect genomic perturbations to gene expression changes characteristic of cancer subtypes. The method computes a subnetwork of protein–protein interactions, predicted transcription factor-to-target connections and curated interactions from literature that connects genomic and transcriptomic perturbations. Results: Application of TieDIE to The Cancer Genome Atlas and a breast cancer cell line dataset identified key signaling pathways, with examples impinging on MYC activity. Interlinking genes are predicted to correspond to essential components of cancer signaling and may provide a mechanistic explanation of tumor character and suggest subtype-specific drug targets. Availability: Software is available from the Stuart lab’s wiki: https://
An application of the distributed hydrologic model CASC2D to a tropical montane watershed

Summary Increased stormflow in the Quebrada Estero watershed (2.5 km2), in the northwestern Central Valley tectonic depression of Costa Rica, reportedly has caused flooding of the city of San Ramon in recent decades. Although scientifically untested, urban expansion was deemed the cause and remedial measures were recommended by the Programa de Investigacion en Desarrollo Humano Sostenible (ProDUS). CASC2D, a physically-based, spatially explicit hydrologic model, was constructed and calibrated to a June 10th 2002 storm that delivered 110.5 mm of precipitation in 4.5 h visibly exceeded the bankfull stage (0.9 m) of the Quebrada flooding portions of San Ramon. The calibrated hydrograph showed a peak discharge 16.68% (2.5 m3 s−1) higher, an above flood stage duration 20% shorter, and time to peak discharge 11 min later than the same observed discharge hydrograph characteristics. Simulations of changing land cover conditions from 1979 to 1999 showed an increase also in the peak discharge, above flood stage duration, and time to peak discharge. Analysis using a modified location quotient identified increased urbanization in lower portions of the watershed over the time period studied. These results suggest that increased urbanization in the Quebrada Estero watershed have increased flooding peaks, and durations above threshold, confirming the ProDUS report. These results and the CASC2D model offer an easy-to-use, pragmatic planning tool for policymakers in San Ramon to assess future development scenarios and their potential flooding impacts to San Ramon.
Body Image in the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Questionnaire: development and validation

Objective The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a prolapse-specific body image questionnaire. Study Design Prolapse-specific body image themes that were identified in our previous work served as a framework for the development of a question pool. After review for face and content validity and reading level, the question pool was reduced to 21 items that represent predominant themes and that form the initial Body Image in Pelvic Organ Prolapse (BIPOP) questionnaire. Women with symptomatic prolapse of Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POPQ) of more than stage II were enrolled from 2 academic urogynecology practices; they completed questionnaires on pelvic floor symptoms and distress, general body image, depression, self-esteem, and the BIPOP questionnaire, and they underwent the POPQ. We field-tested the BIPOP questionnaire with approximately 200 participants; 10 women completed cognitive interviews, and 100 women repeated the BIPOP questionnaire to assess test-retest reliability. Results Two hundred eleven participants were enrolled, and 201 women had complete data. Participants had mean age of 60.2 ± 10.5 years, were predominantly white (98%), were partnered (80%), and had median POPQ stage III. Cognitive interviews confirmed comprehension and clarity of questions and acceptability of length and subject matter. Exploratory factor analysis was performed in an iterative process until a parsimonious, 10-item scale with 2 subscales was identified (subscale 1 represented general attractiveness; subscale 2 represented partner-related prolapse reactions). Cronbach's α score for the subscales were 0.90 (partner) and 0.92 (attractiveness). Correlations between related questionnaires and BIPOP subscales were strong and directionally appropriate. Test-retest correlations on both total and subscale measurements were high. Conclusion We developed and validated a prolapse-specific body image measurement that has face and content validity, high internal consistency, strong correlation with general prolapse and body image measures, and strong test-retest reliability.
Phonon heat dissipation in silicon

Thermal budget is quickly emerging as the prominent limitation on future trends in scaling of semiconductor devices. Detailed understanding of electron-phonon coupling, as well as characteristics of the phonon heat generated by the electron current, such as phonon mode and spectrum, are crucial to our understanding of the micro-scale heating issues in semiconductor devices. We combine established numerical algorithms for Brillouin zone integration (Gilat et al.) with the deformation potentials given in the literature to compute detailed electron-phonon scattering rates. The electronic band structure is obtained from non-local pseudo-potentials (Cohen et al.), while the adiabatic bond-charge model is used for the phonon dispersion (Weber, 1977, Weber and Nielsen, 1979).
Cryopreservation of Embryos of the New World Screwworm Cochliomyia hominivorax (Diptera: Calliphoridae)

A method for cryopreserving embryos of the screwworm, Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel), was developed for the long-term storage of strains used in research projects and for colonies maintained as back-up to production strains that are mass-reared for sterile insect release programs. This protocol, when combined with a previous procedure that was designed to render screwworm embryos permeable to water loss and the influx of cryoprotectants, yields rates of ≈53% hatching, 22% pupation, and 75% adult emergence. These yields are all lower than control levels, but by the next generation the progeny of the cryopreserved flies are near or equal to control levels and are available in sufficient numbers to reestablish laboratory colonies. Important to the success of this study was identifying the optimum embryonic stage for treatment, formulating an incubation regime, which allowed consistent retrieval of embryos at the optimum stage, establishing the correct dehydration time for the previtrification step, and developing a recovery system after liquid nitrogen storage of the embryos.
Milestones and the next accreditation system: what does it mean to the fellows?

In 1999, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) identified 6 core competency domains required during residency training for all specialties. These competencies include patient care, medical knowledge, practice-based learning and improvement, interpersonal and communication
Sugarcane Growth Responses to Chlordane and Microarthropods and Effects of Chlordane on Soil Fauna

Since 1954 many Louisiana sugarcane growers have applied chlordane to the soil at planting time to control wireworms in light soils and a miscellaneous group of small animals in heavy soils. From field and laboratory studies it is concluded that, while beneficial effects of chlordane on sugarcane yields may sometimes be found. such effects are usually small and difficult to measure. Furthermore, soil application of chlordane reduces earthworm populations in cane fields. where small increases in sugarcane growth are associated with the application of chlordane to the soil, it seems likely that the stimulating effects of chlordane on plant growth may be at least as important as the control of any arthropod pests. Collembola and Acarina are the most abundant and widely distributed arthropods present in the sugarcane soils of Louisiana.
COMMENT ON 'THREE ASPECTS OF COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT

A group of 56 5-yr.-olds and 3 grosp of 53 8-yr.-olds were pretested to ascertain their developmental level of think~ng (rule behaviors) as inferred from their performance on eight items on the balance scale, cwo weight, two distance, two conflict weight, and two conflict distance. The ordered relationship of the various Rules as related to the test items is found because the distance problems were solvable by Rule I1 but not by Rule I. Conflict problems emphasized problems needing understanding of Rule 111, and so forth. The part of the experimental methodology in question involves the attempt to equate the initial knowledge of participants. ". . . children whose responses were consistent with the distance cue on both distance tasks or on more than two of the six distance and conflict items were excluded from further participation in the experiment" [emphasis added] (Siegler, p. 500). This indicates that the excluded children used Rule I1 or above in answering the balance-scale questions. Since these Rules and items are developmentally related, it is obvious that more 8-yr.-olds can answer the items and use higher order Rules and thus will be excluded from the sample than will 5-yr.-olds. Siegler (p. 500) reported the differential elimination of the 5- and 8-yr.-olds. Two 5-yr.-olds were eliminated, but 19 8-yr.-olds were excluded from further participation in the experiment because of their high scores. Those children who remained in the samples were most of the 5-yr.-olds and the cognitively less advanced 8-yr.-olds. However, the attempt to equate the two groups of children on initial knowledge actually produced a group of children, the remaining 8-yr.-olds, who are somewhat superior to the remaining 5-yr,-olds on cognitive development and, therefore, subsequent tests of rule behavior. Statistical regression is the name given by Campbell and Stanley (1963) to the phenomenon in psychological measurement to problems of internal validity of research designs which dcvelop, from among other causes, from the selection of research groups on the basis of low (or high) scores from a population. Statistical regression effects toward the mean, as explained by Thorndike (1942) more than 30 yr. ago, inevitably occur. The more extreme the selected groups' scores, the greater the regression-toward-the
The Isoperimetric Inequality and Quasiconformal Maps on Manifolds with Finite Total Q-curvature

In this paper, we obtain the isoperimetric inequality on a conformally flat manifold with finite total Q-curvature. This is a higher dimensional analog of Li and Tam’s result [“Complete surfaces with finite total curvature.” Journal of Differential Geometry 33 (1991): 139–68] on surfaces with finite total Gaussian curvature. The main step in the proof is based on the construction of a quasiconformal map the Jacobian of which is suitably bounded.
Intravascular laser speckle imaging for the mechanical analysis of coronary plaques (Conference Presentation)

Acute myocardial infarction is frequently caused by the rupture of coronary plaques with severely compromised viscoelastic properties. We have developed a new optical technology termed intravascular laser speckle imaging (ILSI) that evaluates plaque viscoelastic properties, by measuring the time scale (time constant, τ) of temporally evolving laser speckle fluctuations. To enable coronary evaluation in vivo, an optical ILSI catheter has been developed that accomplishes omni-directional illumination and viewing of the entire coronary circumference without the need for mechanical rotation. Here, we describe the capability of ILSI for evaluating human coronary atherosclerosis in cadaveric hearts. ILSI was conducted in conjunction with optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging in five human cadaveric hearts. The left coronary artery (LCA), left anterior descending (LAD), left circumflex artery (LCx), and right coronary artery (RCA) segments were resected and secured on custom-developed coronary holders to enable accurate co-registration between ILSI, OCT, and histopathology. Speckle time constants, τ, calculated from each ILSI section were compared with lipid and collagen content measured from quantitative Histopathological analysis of the corresponding Oil Red O and Picrosirius Red stained sections. Because the presence of low viscosity lipid elicits rapid speckle fluctuations, we observed an inverse correlation between τ measured by ILSI and lipid content (R= -0.64, p< 0.05). In contrast, the higher viscoelastic modulus of fibrous regions resulted in a positive correlation between τ and collagen content (R= 0.54, p< 0.05). These results demonstrate the feasibility of conducting ILSI evaluation of arterial mechanical properties using a miniaturized omni-directional catheter.
Intervention Effects Evaluation on AIDS-related Knowledge and High-risk Behaviors Among 244 MSM In Colleges

Objective To evaluate the intervention effects of health education on AIDS-related knowledge,attitude and behaviors of MSM in colleges,and provide reference for formulating effective intervention measures.Methods On the basis of the baseline survey conducted by sampling of snowball,comprehensive intervention strategies were taken among all subjects,such as AIDS-related health education for 6 months and peer education.And investigation was conducted again after intervention.Results Before and after intervention,the proportion of subjects who admited having homosexual behaviors within the last 6 months changed from 78.2% to 75.4%,and no significance was found(P0.05).Whether homosexual or heterosexual,the prevalence rates of sexual behaviors were all obviously higher before intervention.The proportion of subjects using condoms in the last homosexual behavior changed from 56.5% before intervention to 67.9% after intervention,there was significant differenec(P0.05).There was no significant difference before and after intervention in the condom use rate within the last 6 months sexual behaviors.Conclusion The intervention measures had some effects.Long-term intervention mechanism should be established to change the high-risk behaviors of MSM.
Orthopedic aspects of bone dysplasias.

SUMMARY Although the number of bone dysplasias and their variable forms of expression seem to be increasing almost daily, in almost all instances orthopedic disease is detected at rather specific locations —the cervical spine, the thoracic and lumbar spine, and the knee and hips —and the orthopedic deformity is surprisingly constant.
CFL learners’ recognition and production of pragmatic routine formulae

A pragmatic routine formula is any expression with a stable form that is commonly repeated in the routinized social interactions of a given culture. Previous research has reported that such pragmatic routine formulae are often underused by foreign language learners, even when they have been studying the language for a long time. To explore the reasons for this underuse, this study investigated the development of 59 Chinese as a foreign language (CFL) learners’ recognition and production of pragmatic routine formulae in situations they might encounter in China. Results showed that length of stay in the target language country had a significant effect on recognition but not on production. CFL learners with longer periods of residence abroad were able to recognize more pragmatic routine formulae, but which specific formulae were recognized depended on the interactional settings in which learners had engaged. Further analysis revealed that learning challenges may arise in three kinds of situations: (1) those requiring a pragmatic formula in the target language but a different formula in the learner’s native language, (2) those requiring a routine formula in the target language but no remarks in the native language, and (3) those in which the learner overgeneralizes a more familiar form.
External Financing and the Level of Development: A Conceptual Approach

One of the most striking differences between the developing and the industrial countries involves the structures of their financial systems. As per capita incomes increase, financial structures expand rapidly. Thus, in the developing countries, the ratio of money to national income ranges from 10 per cent at low levels of per capita income to 30 per cent at higher levels. Similarly, the ratios of financial assets to national income and of indirect finance to direct finance are also significantly higher in the industrial countries than in the developing ones. The counterpart to a modest financial structure in countries with low levels of per capita income is extensive reliance on self-finance. Increases in these ratios, as per capita incomes increase, are associated with changes in the institutional financial structure; banks and non-bank financial intermediaries are relatively more important in the economies of the industrial countries. Moreover, the facilities for trading in various risks, including various business risks, are much more comprehensive in the industrial countries than in the developing ones.
Mitigating Impacts of Underwater Noise From Dredging on Beluga Whales in Cook Inlet, Alaska

The Port of Anchorage, near the head of Cook Inlet in south central Alaska, receives ~80% of all the goods that enter Alaska. Several glacial rivers deposit their large silt load into Cook Inlet, and each year the US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) dredges ~1,650,000 m 3 of silt from in front of the port.