cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Four Wave Mixing based stopped light in optically thick hot Rubidium vapor

We discuss stored light in warm Rubidium vapor. Mediated by FWM, the idler pulses are spontaneously generated in the medium, and then stored and retrieved simultaneously with the signal pulses.
Effects of Coupling Chemistry on the Activity of Poly(ethylene glycol)-Modified Alkaline Phosphatase:

Proteins modified by covalent coupling to poly(ethylene glycol) are of interest for several biotechnical applications. In the present work we compare the effects of four commonly used coupling methods on alkaline phosphatase activi ty ; the four methods use the PEG tresylate, succinimidyl succinate, cyanuric chloride derivative, or carbonyl diimidazole derivative. All routes give active enzyme, with only the cyanuric chloride route giving significant deactivation; none the less the cyanuric chloride derivative is useful at lower degrees of modification. Examination of the Michaelis-Menten parameters for the cy anuric chloride coupling suggests that the loss of activity from this route results from intramolecular crosslinking of the protein, which in turn leads to loss of protein conformational flexibility.
Scheduling on-demand data broadcast in mixed-type request environments

In many on-demand broadcast environments, there can be a mix of requests, in which some of the requests have real-time constraints, while other requests have no time constraints associated with them. We refer to such environments as mixed-type environments. Existing strategies for on-demand data in broadcast systems typically only consider how to minimize the wait time of the requests, while scheduling strategies for real-time requests typically only consider how to minimize the number of deadlines missed. How to satisfy both of these constraints is a challenging problem whose solution can benefit many applications. In this paper, we present an on-demand broadcast cost model that is more general than existing broadcast cost models because it considers both response time and number of deadlines missed. An analysis of the system is presented as a Markov decision process to ascertain the feasibility of an optimal policy. We propose two scheduling strategies for mixed-type broadcast systems that are based on our cost model: maximum paid cost first and maximum value gained first. The simulation results show that both of our strategies always achieve the best result, when compared to existing broadcast strategies, for varying request arrival rates, real-time to non-real-time request ratios, missed deadline weight values, wait-time bounds on the non-real-time requests, and varying broadcast rates.
Effects of confinement on analyticity in two-dimensional quantum chromodynamics

We study the analytic properties of scattering amplitudes in two-dimensional quantum chromodynamics. The long-range confining force leads to nonanalytic behavior for individual Feynman diagrams and amplitudes involving colored external states calculated in the light-cone gauge. Nevertheless physical amplitudes involving only color-singlet external states have the normal analyticity properties. We explicitly demonstrate analyticity for the meson inelastic form factor and the elastic scattering amplitude.
Clustering of disfluencies in the speech of stuttering and nonstuttering preschool children.

Cluster formation in speech disfluencies of 15 preschool stuttering children and an equal number of nonstuttering control subjects was studied and compared. Clustering was defined as the occurrence...
Numerical experiments on the stability of disklike galaxies.

It is noted that the stability properties of available galactic models are not consistent with presumptions based on observation and that axisymmetric disk systems with velocity dispersions like those of the Galaxy display major changes in form on a dynamical time scale. A report is given on a series of numerical experiments carried out as part of a systematic search for purely self-consistent disk galaxy models that might undergo little change over the time of several galactic rotations. The stability problem is reviewed, the method and calculations used are described, and initial conditions are outlined. The problem of estimating growth rates is discussed, and growth rates are evaluated for various disturbances. Experimental results are presented concerning growths of axisymmetric disturbances in 'cold' systems as well as disturbances with m = 1, 2, and 3. It is found that m = 2 disturbances are the most virulent and should dominate when all m values are allowed, but that the most rapidly growing disturbances are inhibited when several m values are allowed.
Solar flare X-ray spectra

Solar flare X ray spectrum analysis for lower corona physical conditions, discussing continuum and line emission
Spatial patterns of total petroleum hydrocarbons in the terrestrial environment at McMurdo Station, Antarctica

Fossil fuels are used throughout the United States Antarctic Program. Accidental releases of petroleum hydrocarbons are the leading source of environmental contamination. Since 1999 McMurdo Station has been the site of the most extensive environmental monitoring programme in Antarctica. Nearly 2500 surface soil samples were collected from 1999–2007 to determine the spatial “footprint” of petroleum hydrocarbons. Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) concentrations were measured using a high-resolution capillary gas chromatographic method with flame ionization detection. Three distinct TPH patterns were detected: low molecular weight gasoline/JP5/AN8, residual weathered petroleum and an unresolved complex mixture of high molecular weight material. Overall TPH concentrations were low with 38% of the samples having TPH concentrations below 30 ppm and 58% below 100 ppm. Total petroleum hydrocarbon concentrations above 30 ppm are largely confined to the central portions of the station, along roads and in other areas where elevated TPH would be expected. Peripheral areas typically have TPH concentrations below 15 ppm. Areas of elevated TPH concentrations are patchy and of limited spatial extent, seldom extending over distances of 100 m. This environmental monitoring programme is ongoing and can serve as an example to other Antarctic programmes concerned with monitoring environmental impacts.
Quantitative assessment of lung ventilation and microstructure in an animal model of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis using hyperpolarized gas MRI.

Rationale and Objectives The use of hyperpolarized 3 He magnetic resonance imaging as a quantitative lung imaging tool has progressed rapidly in the past decade, mostly in the assessment of the airway diseases chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. This technique has shown potential to assess both structural and functional information in healthy and diseased lungs. In this study, the regional measurements of structure and function were applied to a bleomycin rat model of interstitial lung disease. Materials and Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats (weight, 300–350 g) were administered intratracheal bleomycin. After 3 weeks, apparent diffusion coefficient and fractional ventilation were measured by 3 He magnetic resonance imaging and pulmonary function testing using a rodent-specific plethysmography chamber. Sensitized and healthy animals were then compared using threshold analysis to assess the potential sensitivity of these techniques to pulmonary abnormalities. Results No significant changes were observed in total lung volume and compliance between the two groups. Airway resistance elevated and forced expiratory volume significantly declined in the 3-week bleomycin rats, and fractional ventilation was significantly decreased compared to control animals ( P 3 He showed a smaller change but still a significant decrease in 3-week bleomycin animals ( P Conclusions Preliminary results suggest that quantitative 3 He magnetic resonance imaging can be a sensitive and noninvasive tool to assess changes in an animal interstitial lung disease model. This technique may be useful for longitudinal animal studies and also in the investigation of human interstitial lung diseases.
Transfer function approach to the experimental determination of mode transfer matrices

An improved scheme for characterization of multimode fiber systems is investigated. Characterization with transfer matrices requires multiple measurements for each component. The transfer function approach herein investigated requires only a single launch measurement to be made on a component, which afterward can be described by as few as two numbers. Further, it is shown that this technique is considerably more accurate and repeatable than matrix approaches. A concatenation experiment is performed to demonstrate the efficacy of the new technique as well as to compare it with the more traditional transfer matrix approach.
Reactive compatibilization of blends of nylon 6 and ABS materials

Abstract Blends of nylon 6 with various ABS materials including its styrene/acrylonitrile, SAN, matrix component were examined for rheological behaviour, mechanical properties, and phase morphology. These mixtures have poor mechanical properties unless properly compatibilized. This was done here by adding to the SAN phase a polymer that is miscible with it but which contains functional groups that can react with the nylon 6 to form in situ , graft copolymers at the polymer-polymer interfaces. These compatibilizer molecules contained either anhydride or oxazoline units for reactivity. Evidence of reactions in the blends was seen in the rheological behaviour of the melt and in the morphology and mechanical behaviour of the solid. Some blends exhibited outstanding toughness. A more quantitative assessment of the extent of reaction was provided by a selective solvent extraction technique. Lap shear adhesion measurements for laminates of nylon 6 with materials containing reactive polymers provided a direct way to assess the effectiveness of the interfacial reaction.
Predicting mixed-signal dynamic performance using optimised signature-based alternate test

Accurate generation of circuit specifications from test signatures is a difficult problem, since analytical expressions cannot precisely describe the nonlinear relationships between signatures and specification. In addition, it is difficult to precisely control physical factors in built-in self-test circuitry, which can cause errors in the signatures. A methodology for efficient prediction of circuit specifications with optimised signatures has been proposed. The proposed optimised signature-based alternate test methodology accurately predicts the specifications of a Device Under Test (DUT) using a strong correlation mapping function. Hardware measurement results show that this approach can be effectively used to predict the specifications of a DUT, with a significant reduction in the prediction error compared with previous approaches.
Cyclization of synthetic cis‐1,4‐polyisoprene

Cyclization of synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene was carried out by using TiCl4 and p-toluenesulfonic acid catalyst. The average cyclicity and structure of the polymers cyclized to a different degree was studied by infrared and high-temperature NMR spectroscopy. The methods of synthesizing an average mono-, bi-, tri-, or polycyclic polymer that could be distinguished by high-temperature NMR spectroscopy and followed by gel-permeation chromatography are discussed.
Formation reactions for thiogermanic acids from GeO2 and GeS2 precursors

Abstract In the present work, the reaction routes for the formation of the adamantane H4Ge4S10 and double decker H2Ge4S9 thiogermanic acids have been investigated for gaseous H2S reactions with GeS2 and GeO2. H4Ge4S10 was shown to form from both GeS2 and GeO2. The synthesis route for the H4Ge4S10 phase using GeO2 as a precursor was found to be H2S(g) pressure-dependent. While H2Ge4S9 did not form from gaseous H2S reactions with GeS2, it formed readily with GeO2 reactions. In addition, the role of water in the reaction process was examined. Structural characterizations of these materials have been carried out using IR and Raman spectroscopies and powder XRD.
Effect of Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (EDTA) on Growth from Spores of Bacillus cereus

Germination and growth from spores of toxigenic B. cereus strain USDA 201 in BHI broth containing Na2EDTA were studied. Reduced growth was effected by low EDTA concentrations (< 300 ppm). Little or no growth was observed after incubation for 48 hr in broth containing from 300–1,000 ppm of EDTA EDTA did not affect percent spore germination, or release of Ca following heat activation and subsequent incubation. However, delayed colony development was observed as EDTA concentrations increased in the broth, and atypically small colonies formed on Plate Count Agar. Growth inhibition by 500 ppm EDTA was evident over the pH range 5–9, with the highest spore resistance observed at pH 7. Addition of Fe, Zn, and Ca to the media reversed the growth inhibitory action, whereas Mg was less effective.
Na+/H+ antiporter (NHE-1 isoform) in cultured vascular smooth muscle from the spontaneously hypertensive rat

An increase in Na+/H+ antiporter activity may be involved in hyperproliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) and possibly in the vascular hyperplasia characteristic of hypertension. The present study was designed to examine cell proliferation, Na+/H+ exchange activity, and mRNA levels of the NHE-1 isoform of the Na+/H+ antiporter in cultured aortic VSMC derived from the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) and from normotensive controls, the Wistar/Kyoto rat (WKY). VSMC derived from the SHR grown in early (2 to 6), but not in later (7 to 10) sub-passages, exhibited an increase in [3H]-thymidine incorporation and shorter doubling times as compared to those derived from WKY rats. Na+/H+ exchange activity assayed in the nominal absence of HCO3-/CO2, as the rate of intracellular pH (pHi) recovery after cell acidification was significantly higher in cells from SHR than in those from WKY rats when cells were studied in early sub-passages, but not in cells studied in later sub-passages. In cells grown in early sub-passage, Na+/H+ exchange activity assessed as the initial rate of Na+i accumulation following acute cell acidification was also significantly higher in SHR than WKY cells both in the nominal absence (10.22 +/- 1.15 and 6.98 +/- 1.17 mmol Na+i/90 seconds, P < 0.05, respectively) and in the presence of HCO3-/CO2 (9.94 +/- 1.02 and 5.59 +/- 0.86 mmol Na+/90 seconds, P < 0.01, respectively). There were no detectable differences in the level of steady-state Na+/H+ antiporter (NHE-1) mRNA between VSMC from SHR and WKY rats. Our findings indicate that Na+/H+ exchange activity is increased in cultured aortic VSMC derived from SHR as compared to those derived from WKY rats. The higher functional activity of the Na+/H+ antiporter in VSMC from the SHR is due to a post-transcriptional event(s) and may be related to enhanced growth in culture.
Deposition of lipid in calf aorta maintained in vitro.

Morphologic and histochemical observations on the isolated perfused calf aorta maintained in vitro provide evidence that the aortas remain viable during perfusion. The appearance of lipid in the inner layers of the aortic wall corresponds to the previously reported biosynthesis of lipid by the aortic wall. There is a lag period of 24 to 48 hours between the chemical and morphologic appearance of lipid.
Connections of the subthalamic nucleus in the monkey

Attempts were made to determine the afferent and efferent connections of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) in the monkey using retrograde and anterograde axoplasmic transport technics. Following HRP injections limited to the STN, label was transported to arrays of cells adjacent, and parallel, to the lateral medullary lamina in the rostral two thirds of the lateral pallidal segment (LPS). Only sparse label was transported to cells of the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) and the locus ceruleus (LC). No enzyme was transported across the midline, or to the striatum, medial pallidal segment (MPS), thalamus, substantia nigra (SN) or dorsal nucleus of the raphe (DNR). HRP injected into portions of both the STN and SN produced retrograde transport of the enzyme to cells in parallel arrays in the LPS related rostrocaudally to the injection site. Additional enzyme transport was seen in cells of the striatum, the DNR and the PPN. Only a few isolated cells were labeled in the sensorimotor cortex. Efferent connections of the STN were studied in monkeys in which [3H]amino acids were injected hydraulically or iontophoretically into the STN. Isotope traced in serial autoradiographs was distributed to: (1) both segments of the globus pallidus (GP) in arrays parallel to the medullary laminae, and (2) the pars reticulata of SN (SNpr). The greatest number of terminals was found in the MPS. Fibers from the rostral part of the STN descended along the dorsal border of the SN and projected ventrally to terminations in the SNpr. No isotope was transported across the midline, or to the striatum, thalamus, DNR or PPN. Isotope injected into both the STN and SN produced similar transport to the GP and transport via nigral efferent fibers to: (1) portions of the striatum, (2) specific thalamic nuclei (VAmc, VLm, DMpl), (3) deep and middle gray layers of the superior colliculus and (4) PPN. Control studies indicated that [3H]amino acids injected only into the SN were transported to PPN. HRP injected into PPN produced profuse retrograde transport in cells of the MPS and SNpr and distinct label in a few cells of the zona incerta and STN. These data suggest that the STN receives its major subcortical input from cell of the LPS arranged in arrays which have a rostrocaudal organization. No cells of the MPS or SN project to the STN. The output of the STN is to both segments of the GP and SNpr. Major subcortical projections to PPN arise from the MPS and SNpr, but afferents also arise from other sources. The major projection of PPN is to SN.
Contemporary management of spinal AVFs and AVMs: lessons learned from 110 cases

Object Spinal arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are rare, complex spinal vascular lesions that are challenging to manage. Recently, understanding of these lesions has increased thanks to neuroimaging technology. Published reports of surgical results and clinical outcome are limited to small series. The authors present a large contemporary series of patients with spinal AVFs and AVMs who were treated at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona. Methods Retrospective detailed review of a prospective vascular database was performed for all patients with spinal AVFs and AVMs treated between 2000 and 2013. Patient demographic data, AVF and AVM characteristics, surgical results, clinical outcomes, complications, and long-term follow-up were reviewed. Results Between 2000 and 2013, 110 patients (57 male and 53 female) underwent obliteration of spinal AVFs and AVMs. The mean age at presentation was 42.3 years (range 18 months–81 years). There were 44 patients with AVFs ...
Boundary relaxation method for the analysis of terminations in ducts

A hybrid combination of modal/ray-tracing and numerical techniques is developed for treating inhomogeneous or arbitrarily shaped terminations in ducts. The problem-domain, usually electrically large, is divided into two regions: one region is homogeneous and some distance away from the termination; the other one which includes the termination is (in general) inhomogeneous. A modal or ray-tracing solution is developed to solve the incoming wave in the first region, while the solution for the termination region is obtained numerically (finite differences) with an initial estimate of the boundary condition on the interface between the two regions. Then, an iterative technique, Boundary Relaxation Method (BRM), is utilized to implement the correct boundary condition. In this paper, some 2-D waveguide termination problems are analyzed to illustrate the BRM. Examples include the study of loaded waveguide cavities.
Persistence of fetal vasculature in a patient with Knobloch syndrome: Potential role for endostatin in fetal vascular remodeling of the eye

Abstract Objective To report a child with Knobloch syndrome (KS) with features of persistent fetal vasculature (PFV) and to discuss the possible role of endostatin in vascular remodeling of the fetal eye. Design Case report with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis of serum endostatin. Main outcome measures Ocular examination, fluorescein angiography, echography, ELISA analysis of serum endostatin, and typing for pathogenic mutations in COL18A1 . Results Slit-lamp examination in the left eye disclosed numerous findings of PFV, including an extensive persistent pupillary membrane, scarcity of iris crypts, and pigmented epicapsular stellate remnants on the anterior lens surface. Dilated fundus examination revealed a total posterior vitreous detachment, despite the young age of the patient, with numerous white intragel opacities that were compatible with remnants of the vasa hyaloidea propria. The fundus had a tesselated appearance with angiographically visible large choroidal vessels. There was a retinochoroidal staphyloma inferotemporal to the optic disc. There were no retinal vessels visible temporally, and there was no macular differentiation or foveal pit. Competitive ELISA analysis disclosed no detectable serum endostatin. None of the 8 reported pathogenic mutations in the COL18A1 gene was found in the patient. Conclusions Persistent fetal vasculature may be a clinical and important manifestation in some patients with KS and can be explained by a deficiency in endostatin. Endostatin deficiency may result in reduced or delayed regression of fetal blood vessels in the eye (including the intravitreal compartment), thereby resulting in incomplete development of the normal vasculature in the retina. Our typing results for the reported COL18A1 mutations confirm the genetic heterogeneity of KS.
The age, origin, and volcanological significance of the Y-5 ash layer in the Mediterranean

The Y-5 ash is the most widespread layer in deep-sea sediments from the eastern Mediterranean. This ash layer was previously correlated with the Citara-Serrara tuff on Ischia Island and dated at approximately 25,000 yr B.P. New data on the glass chemistry of the Y-5 ash and pyroclastic deposits from the Neopolitan volcanic province suggest that the layer is correlative with the large-volume Campanian ignimbrite and not with the deposit from Ischia Island. The volume of the Y-5 ash is approximately 65 km3 which is comparable in magnitude to the volume of the Campanian ignimbrite. An interpolated age of approximately 38,000 yr B.P. is estimated based on sedimentation rates derived from δ18O stratigraphy. There is a discrepancy between this estimate and previously reported radiocarbon ages which range from 24,000 to 35,000 yr B.P. We propose that the “Campanian tuff ash layer” should be adopted as the full stratigraphic name for the Y-5 ash. The deep-sea ash layer is divisible into two units in proximal localities, probably correlating with two major phases of the eruption: plinian and ignimbrite.
Keeping customers shopping in stores: interrelationships among store attributes, shopping enjoyment, and place attachment

Our research purpose was to identify and test variables that contribute to customer's willingness to continue to shop in brick and mortar stores, hereafter referred to as store loyalty. Specifically, we examined interrelationships among store attributes, shopping enjoyment, place attachment, and store loyalty with apparel shoppers. Significant store attributes that predicted shopping enjoyment included atmosphere, price, leisure, design, and service. Shopping enjoyment was a significant predictor of both place attachment and store loyalty. In turn, place attachment was found to be a significant predictor of store loyalty. The implications for store retailing are discussed as well as limitations and areas for future research.
Using property graphs for rich metadata management in HPC systems

HPC platforms are capable of generating huge amounts of metadata about different entities including jobs, users, and files. Simple metadata, which describe the attributes of these entities (e.g., file size, name, and permissions mode), has been well recorded and used in current systems. However, only a limited amount of rich metadata, which records not only the attributes of entities but also relationships between them, are captured in current HPC systems. Rich metadata may include information from many sources, including users and applications, and must be integrated into a unified framework. Collecting, integrating, processing, and querying such a large volume of metadata pose considerable challenges for HPC systems. In this paper, we propose a rich metadata management approach that unifies metadata into one generic property graph. We argue that this approach supports not only simple metadata operations such as directory traversal and permission validation but also rich metadata operations such as provenance query and security auditing. The property graph approach provides an extensible method to store diverse metadata and presents an opportunity to leverage rapidly evolving graph storage and processing techniques.
Extensive sequencing of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator gene: assay validation and unexpected benefits of developing a comprehensive test.

Extensive sequencing of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator gene: Assay validation and unexpected benefits of developing a comprehensive test
Increased Use of Maternal Intra-Partum Antibiotics is Not Associated with a Reduction in Morbidity of Early-Onset GBS (GBS) Infections: But It Does Expose a Lot More Women to Ampicillin † 1471

Maternal chemoprophylaxis with intra-partum antibiotics (IPA), has been increasingly enouraged over the past several years in an attempt to reduce the incidence of GBS infections. We wondered what impact these exhortations had on the incidence, morbidity, and mortality of GBS infections in our institution.
Immunohistochemical localization of Na,K-ATPase in the in situ lens, cultured human lens epithelium and lentoid.

Abstract The localization of Na,K-ATPase in the lens is quite controversial. We explored this problem through immunoelectron microscopic examination of rat and human lens. Unlike previously reported results, we have found that Na,K-ATPase is localized in the basal plsma membrane, but not in the lateral or apical plasma membrane of both rat and human lens epithelium. The lens fiber lacked immunoreaction. Localization of Na,K-ATPase was also investigated in the cultured human lens epithelium and in lentoid. Immunoreaction was detected in the apical (facing the media) plasma membrane of the lens epithelium cultured on the lens capsule, whereas the reaction was observable in both apical and basal plasma membrane of the lens epithelium cultured on the biopore membrane filters. Immunoreaction in lentoid was observed in the surface plasma membrane. These data indicate that the polarized distribution seen in the in situ lens epithelium changes when these cells are cultured, and that Na,K-ATPase in the cultured lens cells including lentoid is located in the plasma membrane which is in contact with the growth media. This change in polarity of Na,K-ATPase distribution in cultured epithelial cells may be dictated by the need to maintain ion homeostasis by extrusion of sodium ions across the cell membrane facing the media.
Cyanovirin-N binding to Manα1–2Man functionalized dendrimers

Manα1–2Man functionalized G(3) and G(4)–PAMAM dendrimers have been synthesized and characterized by MALDI-TOF MS and NMR spectroscopy. Precipitation assays to assess the binding of the dimannose-functionalized dendrimers to Cyanovirin-N, a HIV-inactivating protein that blocks virus-to-cell fusion through high mannose mediated interactions, are presented.
Strategies for Covalent Multilayer Growth. 1. Polymer Design and Characterization

We describe the synthesis and characterization of several maleimide−vinyl ether and maleimide−primary alkene alternating copolymers capable of being incorporated into covalently bound multilayer assemblies. Synthetic control over the monomer substituents allows substantial versatility in the choice of layer formation chemistry and in polymer properties. We report on the copolymerization of substituted allyl-, allyloxy-, vinyl-, and vinyloxy- monomers with a variety of N-substituted maleimides. The substituted maleimides were prepared by reaction of maleic anhydride with selected aromatic amines. Polymerization yields are typically in the range of 75−95% consumption of the monomers. 1H NMR, FTIR, and UV−visible spectroscopies were used to characterize the polymers.
Urinary tract erosions after synthetic pubovaginal slings: diagnosis and management strategy.

Abstract Objectives. To review our experience with the diagnosis and management of genitourinary tract erosions after pubovaginal sling placement. Methods. Clinic and operative records from the urology and gynecology services at two university hospitals were reviewed, and 14 patients were identified who underwent surgical treatment for a urogenital tract erosion after pubovaginal sling placement. The presenting symptoms, physical findings, diagnostic procedures, surgical treatments, and outcomes were reviewed. Results. Six vaginal erosions, six urethral and vaginal erosions, and two bladder erosions occurred. All were associated with synthetic sling or suture materials. Common symptoms included vaginal and urethral pain, irritative voiding symptoms, vaginal discharge and/or bleeding, and recurrent urinary tract infections. All vaginal and urethral erosions were detected by physical examination and cystoscopy. Symptoms resolved after removal of the eroded sling component. Of the 12 patients with vaginal or urethral erosions, 7 developed recurrent postoperative stress incontinence. Conclusions. Persistent painful or irritative symptoms after pubovaginal sling placement may be due to urogenital tract erosion, especially if synthetic materials were used. Appropriate evaluation and treatment will result in dramatic symptomatic improvement, although recurrent stress incontinence may occur.
Effective elastic moduli of a soft medium with hard polygonal inclusions and extremal behavior of effective Poisson's ratio

We consider two-dimensional, two-phase, elastic composites consisting of a soft isotropic medium into which hard elastic inclusions have been placed, requiring that the inclusions be interconnected only at corner points. Denoting by δ the ratio of Young's modulus for the soft and hard phases, we show that the leading term in the asymptotic expansion as δ→0 for the effective moduli can be calculated from a finite-dimensional algebraic minimization problem. For several composites with either hexagonal symmetry or orthotropic symmetry, we explicitly solve this algebraic problem. In particular, from the above constituents we construct an isotropic material with maximal positive Poisson's ratio, as well as an orthotropic material with Poisson's ratio less than −1. We also recover in a simple way, Milton's isotropic composite with Poisson's ratio close to −1.
The Complementary Roles of Radionuclide Myocardial Perfusion Imaging and Cardiac Computed Tomography

Despite recent dramatic advances in managing patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD), it still accounts for more deaths in the United States than any other medical condition. American Heart Association Statistics show that CVD accounts for 33.6% deaths, 1 every 39 seconds. 1 Costs are estimated at $286 billion, more than the cost of cancer. Given its large burden, the need for assessing CVD in an accurate, safe, and cost-effective manner is great. Noninvasive imaging has been the primary modality to effectively diagnose coronary artery disease (CAD) and, more importantly, risk stratify patients by separating low-risk patients who can be treated conservatively from those at high risk who need more aggressive management. Imaging can also be used to monitor disease progression, direct further evaluation, and guide changes in treatment. Although there is overlap, some noninvasive imaging modalities focus on cardiac physiology/function, whereas others focus on anatomy. Functional imaging consists mainly of techniques that detect physiologically significant coronary artery narrowings. Stress single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) radionuclide myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) and stress echocardiography are most widely used for this purpose, although perfusion techniques with computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging are under investigation. 2 In particular, stress MPI can accurately diagnose CAD, measure left ventricular (LV) function, risk stratify patients, and assess myocardial viability in situations of LV dysfunction. MPI, most often using singlephoton‐emitting radiotracers, is widely used and cost-effective, and its utility is supported by a large body of literature. New technology and techniques promise to overcome current limitations of MPI. In addition, CVD is more than CAD, and nuclear imaging shows promise for evaluating myocardial disease in the setting of congestive heart failure (CHF). Anatomic imaging of CAD focuses on visualization of the epicardial coronary arteries and perfused myocardium. One can quantify coronary artery calcium (CAC) reflecting disease extent, or directly visualize coronary lumens and plaque using CT angiography. Many investigators are also exploring approaches that combine functional and anatomical evaluation,eitherinsequenceorinonesetting(ie,hybridimaging), to give a more complete cardiovascular evaluation and help overcome the limitations of each modality. Hybrid imaging may be particularly useful for identifying culprit lesions, for coronary plaque imaging and in CHF. This review will examine the strengths and weaknesses of radionuclide MPI and CT imaging techniques, and explore how they provide complementary information. Throughout, one must consider that the choice of diagnostic modality should rely on not only availability and effectiveness but also each patient’s unique clinical presentation.
Symmetric extension for lifted filter banks and obstructions to reversible implementation

Symmetric pre-extension is a standard approach to boundary handling for finite-length input vectors with linear phase filter banks. It works with both conventional linear implementations and the so-called reversible, or integer-to-integer, implementations of odd-length linear phase (whole-sample symmetric) filter banks. In comparison, significant difficulties arise when using symmetric pre-extension on reversible filter banks with even-length (half-sample symmetric) linear phase filters. An alternative approach is presented using lifting step extension, in which boundary extensions are performed in each step of a lifting factorization, avoiding some of these difficulties while preserving reversibility and retaining the nonexpansive property of symmetric pre-extension. Another alternative that is capable of preserving both reversibility and subband symmetry for half-sample symmetric filter banks is developed based on ideas from the theory of lattice vector quantization. The practical ramifications of this work are illustrated by describing its influence on the specification of filter bank algorithms in Part 2 of the ISO/IEC JPEG 2000 image coding standard.
Physicochemical characterization of galactosyldiglycerides and their quantitation in wheat flour lipids by high performance liquid chromatography

A high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method was developed for analyzing digalactosyldiglycerides (DGDG) and monogalactosyldiglyceride (MGDG) in polar lipids fractionated from lipid extracts of wheat or flour. Wheat lipid samples were prepared by solvent extraction, then fractionated on a silica gel packed open column. A Spherisorb ODS (octadecyl silane) column with methanol/water elution system was used for separation of glycolipids in the polar lipid fractions. The detection limit of the refractive index detector with interferometric optics was 0.25µg for both DGDG and MGDG. Separating on nonpolar bonded phase columns permitted us to differentiate, based on fatty acid composition and position, among components within the specific glycolipid classes. Semipreparative HPLC on analytical columns was used to subfractionate the polar lipids. The glycolipids were collected for functional group characterization. Approximately 35% of each DGDG subfraction was accounted for as carbohydrate. The absence of phosphorus precluded phospholipids. Fatty acid analysis by gas chromatography showed the first DGDG to be linoleic acid, whereas the second DGDG peak was composed of linoleic, oleic and palmitic acids. Mass spectrometric analysis of the first DGDG peak showed linoleic acid in both the SN-1 and 2 positions. Mass spectrometric analysis revealed that palmitic or oleic acid in the second peak was preferentially located on the SN-1 position; linoleic acid was on the SN-2 position.
The complexity of antidifferentiation

We consider real-valued functions defined on the interval [0, 1]. We denote by Δ the set of derivatives; i.e., ƒ Є Δ iff there is a differentiable function F such that F' = ƒ. Any such F is a primitive of ƒ and is uniquely determined up to a constant. To normalize, we denote by F(x)=ƒ^x_0ƒ the primitive determined by F(0)=0. This is the original Newtonian concept of integration as antidifferentiation.
Calcium and phosphorus studies

Summary The addition of viosterol to milk in the form of an emulsion enhances the efficacy of the viosterol, in curing moderate and severe degrees of rickets, about tenfold. It is suggested that the increased potency of milk rendered antirachitic by direct irradiation, by feeding vitamin D to the cow, or by the addition of vitamin D which ultimately becomes dispersed within the fat globules, is due to the small particle size of the lipoids in which the vitamin is carried, and hence is probably more easily absorbed from the gastrointestinal canal.
Homicide and the baby-sitter.

Two babies were smothered by their baby-sitter. The deaths happened 4 years apart. The baby-sitter was convicted based on a confession, not on the findings at autopsy. These cases illustrate the difficulty in distinguishing SIDS from suffocation homicide. Language: en
Cognitive Impairment and Mortality in Older Mexican Americans

OBJECTIVES: To examine the extent to which cognitive status and decline in cognitive status predict mortality in older Mexican Americans. DESIGN: Longitudinal cohort. SETTING: Older Mexican Americans residing in five southwestern states in the United States. PARTICIPANTS: Two thousand six hundred twenty-five persons aged 65 and older living in Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and California. MEASUREMENTS: The cognitive function of participants was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) in 1993–94 and again in 1995–96. Cognitive decline was defined using two sets of criteria: a drop to 17 or less (moderate-severe cognitive impairment) on the MMSE at 2-year follow-up and a decrease of at least four points, a threshold change in scores that was used to predict mortality in this sample. Cox proportional hazards models were conducted to examine the association between the MMSE and increased risk for mortality, after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, medical conditions, and depressive symptoms. RESULTS: Five-year mortality risk was significantly associated with persons in the moderately-severely cognitively impaired category (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.35, P < .001). Moreover, mild cognitive impairment was also predictive of mortality in older Mexicans (HR = 1.45, P < .001). Two-year declines in cognitive functioning, particularly in persons who had declined to the moderate-severe impairment category (HR = 2.23, P < .001) and those who dropped at least four points on the MMSE (HR = 1.30, P < .001), were predictive of mortality 3 years later, after controlling for important variables. CONCLUSIONS: Baseline moderate-severe and mild cognitive status and 2-year decline in cognitive functioning independently predict mortality in older Mexican Americans. Although age and selected medical conditions have been reported as the more salient predictors of mortality, cognitive functioning should be considered part of identifying older persons at high risk for underlying medical conditions and mortality.
A Unique Role of the β-2 Thyroid Hormone Receptor Isoform in Negative Regulation by Thyroid Hormone

Negative regulation by thyroid hormone is mediated by nuclear thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) acting on thyroid hormone response elements (TREs). We examine here the role of human TR-beta2, a TR isoform with central nervous system-restricted expression, in the regulation of target genes whose expression are decreased by triiodothyronine (T3). Using transient transfection studies, we found that TR-beta2 achieved significantly greater ligand-independent activation on the thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and common glycoprotein alpha-subunit genes than either TR-beta1 or TR-alpha1. A chimeric TR-beta isoform containing the TR-beta2 amino terminus linked to the TR-alpha1 DNA- and ligand-binding domains functioned like the TR-beta2 isoform on these promoters, confirming that the amino terminus of TR-beta2 was both necessary and sufficient to mediate this effect. By constructing deletion mutants of the TR-beta2 amino terminus, we demonstrate that amino acids 89-116 mediate this function. This domain, important in ligand-independent activation on negative TREs, is discrete from a previously described activation domain in the amino-terminal portion of TR-beta2. We conclude that the central nervous system-restricted TR-beta2 isoform has a unique effect on negative regulation by T3 that can be mapped to amino acids 89-116 of the amino terminus of the human TR-beta2.
Comparative immunological, pharmacological and biological characteristics of ciguateric toxin found in Ctenochaetus sp. from Tahiti and Hawaii

Ciguatera poisoning is a seafood intoxication resulting from the consumption of certain reef fishes. The source of the toxin(s) has been identified as a dinoflagellate, Gambier‐discus toxicus, which was first discovered in the waters of the Gambier Islands in French Polynesia where ciguatera is considered to be a significant public health problem. The G. toxicus was subsequently found to occur in many parts of the world, including Hawaii. This paper is concerned with the immunological, pharmacological and biological characteristics of a ciguateric toxin found in two closely related surgeon fish (Ctenochaetus sp.) from Tahiti and Hawaii. The toxin extracted from the two groups of fish was found to be pharmacologically identical, but that from the Tahitian group was more toxic than that of the Hawaiian fishes based on enzyme immunassay and mouse bioassay.
Structure-function studies on Acanthamoeba myosins IA, IB, and II.

Myosins IA and IB are globular proteins with only a single, short (for myosins) heavy chain (140,000 and 125,000 daltons for IA and IB, respectively) and are unable to form bipolar filaments. The amino acid sequence of IB heavy chain shows 55% similarity to muscle myosins in the N-terminal 670 residues, which contain the active sites, and a unique 500-residue C-terminus highly enriched in proline, glycine, and alanine. The C-terminal region contains a second actin-binding site which allows myosins IA and IB to cross-link actin filaments and support contractile activity. Myosins IA and IB are regulated solely by phosphorylation of one serine on the heavy chain positioned between the catalytic site and the actin-binding site that activates ATPase. Myosins II is a more conventional myosin in composition (two heavy chains and two pairs of light chains), heavy chain sequence (globular head 45% identical to muscle myosins and a coiled-coil helical tail), and structure (bipolar filaments). The tail of myosin II is much shorter than that of other conventional myosins, and it contains a 25 amino acid sequence in which helical structure is predicted to be weak or absent. The position of this sequence corresponds to the position of a bend in the monomer. Myosin II heavy chains also have a 29-residue nonhelical tailpiece which contains three regulatory, phosphorylatable serines. Phosphorylation at the tip of the tail regulates ATPase activity in the globular head apparently through an effect on filament structure.
An Examination of Nontraditional Accounting Students' Communication Apprehension and Ambiguity Tolerance.

Abstract Although accounting programs are attempting to improve students' communication skills, communication apprehension may be hindering those efforts. This exploratory study investigates a largely ignored group in business education research: nontraditional students. The survey of accounting majors described in this article found that nontraditional students were significantly different from traditional students in communication apprehension and a personality variable, tolerance for ambiguity. Apparent gender differences also have implications for developing communication skills programs.
Theory and Practice of Positive Feminist Therapy: A Culturally Responsive Approach to Divorce Therapy with Chinese Women

Positive Feminist Therapy (PFT) is a strength-based culturally responsive therapy model specifically designed for helping Chinese women facing marital conflicts and divorce, integrating Empowerment Feminist Therapy, systems theory, and positive psychology. To help clients become change agents, PFT uses clients’ existing strengths to develop alternatives by examining internalized values of womanhood within their unique cultural contexts. The goals are to empower Chinese women to reclaim their sense of self on the path to achieving balance and self-efficacy, and to redirect their energy toward a synergy between themselves and society. Potential applications of, and recommendations for, Positive Feminist Therapy are presented using a case scenario.
Absence of a relationship between degree of white ancestry and intellectual skills within a black population

Genetic differences have been offered as an hypothesis to explain the average IQ difference usually found between US black and white populations (Jensen, 1973; Shockley, 1972). While most behavioral scientists would choose to ignore the hypothesis as distasteful, there is little direct evidence against it (Scarr and Weinberg, 1976). Those who prefer an environmental hypothesis to account for the average difference between black and white groups on intellectual tests have not succeeded in accounting for the magnitude of the effect, nor have those who hold a genetic hypothesis been able to refute an environmental stance. No direct comparisons of black and white samples will settle the issue of possible genetic differences, because obvious environmental differences are confounded with any genetic differences between the populations that are socially classified as black and white (Scarr-Salapatek, 1971a, 1971b, 1972, 1973, 1974; Scarr and Weinberg, 1976). The fact that US blacks are a hybrid population 1 makes the study of admixture a potential method to evaluate the effects of racial genetic differences. Those environmental differences between the races that affect al l blacks equally, but no whites, will not contaminate the possible relationship between genetic racial differences and intellectual performance within the hybrid group. Thus, if genetic, racial differences do contribute to average intellectual differences between blacks and whites, then those blacks with higher degrees of white ancestry should perform better on intellectual tests than those with lesser degrees of admixture (Jensen, 1973; Shuey, 1966). Even within the hybrid group, the effects of environmental differences cannot be ignored. The amount of racial discrimination may be related to the degree of