cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design and Analysis Issues in Community-Based Drug Abuse Prevention

This article reviews the design and analysis issues that face community-based drug abuse prevention trials. Such trials allocate intact social groups to study conditions and fall within the general class of studies called “community trials.” Special concerns for community trials include selection bias, differential mortality and maturation, contamination, poorly defined constructs, weak interventions, violation of assumptions underlying analysis methods, and low power. Potential solutions include careful selection of comparison units, tight control over distribution of intervention materials, matching, randomization, adding more units to each condition or more frequent observations in each unit, monitoring exposure to intervention-like activities in all sites, regression adjustment for covariates, modeling time, and selection of an appropriate analysis model. Four approaches to analysis are illustrated in an example based on an adolescent tobacco use prevention study.
Enhanced virtual microscopy for collaborative education

Curricular reform efforts and a desire to use novel educational strategies that foster student collaboration are challenging the traditional microscope-based teaching of histology. Computer-based histology teaching tools and Virtual Microscopes (VM), computer-based digital slide viewers, have been shown to be effective and efficient educational strategies. We developed an open-source VM system based on the Google Maps engine to transform our histology education and introduce new teaching methods. This VM allows students and faculty to collaboratively create content, annotate slides with markers, and it is enhanced with social networking features to give the community of learners more control over the system. We currently have 1,037 slides in our VM system comprised of 39,386,941 individual JPEG files that take up 349 gigabytes of server storage space. Of those slides 682 are for general teaching and available to our students and the public; the remaining 355 slides are used for practical exams and have restricted access. The system has seen extensive use with 289,352 unique slide views to date. Students viewed an average of 56.3 slides per month during the histology course and accessed the system at all hours of the day. Of the 621 annotations added to 126 slides 26.2% were added by faculty and 73.8% by students. The use of the VM system reduced the amount of time faculty spent administering the course by 210 hours, but did not reduce the number of laboratory sessions or the number of required faculty. Laboratory sessions were reduced from three hours to two hours each due to the efficiencies in the workflow of the VM system. Our virtual microscope system has been an effective solution to the challenges facing traditional histopathology laboratories and the novel needs of our revised curriculum. The web-based system allowed us to empower learners to have greater control over their content, as well as the ability to work together in collaborative groups. The VM system saved faculty time and there was no significant difference in student performance on an identical practical exam before and after its adoption. We have made the source code of our VM freely available and encourage use of the publically available slides on our website.
The Effect of Adjuvant Trastuzumab on Locoregional Recurrence of Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2-Positive Breast Cancer Treated with Mastectomy.

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) overexpression was associated with locoregional recurrence (LRR) in the preadjuvant trastuzumab era. This study aimed to examine the effect of trastuzumab on LRR in mastectomy patients and whether it varied with postmastectomy radiation (PMRT). From the authors’ institutional database, 501 women with stages I–III HER2-positive breast cancer who underwent mastectomy from 1998 to 2007 were identified. A landmark analysis was performed to compare two cohorts: 170 women who received trastuzumab and 281 who did not. Kaplan–Meier methods were used to estimate locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRRFS). A propensity score analysis was used to balance the treatment groups with respect to multiple covariates. Analogous methods were used to study the effect of PMRT. The women in the trastuzumab group were more likely to be node positive and to receive systemic therapy or PMRT (p < 0.01). The 5-year LRRFS was 98 % in the trastuzumab troup versus 94 % in the no trastuzumab group [hazard ratio (HR) 0.31; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.09–1.09; p = 0.07]. After adjustment for multiple covariates, including receipt of chemotherapy and PMRT, trastuzumab decreased LRR rates (HR 0.21; 95 % CI 0.04–0.94; p = 0.04). Among the women who received PMRT, trastuzumab reduced the 5-year LRR rate (0 vs 5 %; p = 0.06). Among those who did not receive PMRT, trastuzumab did not significantly decrease LRR (3 vs 6 %; p = 0.26). High rates of locoregional control (5-year rate, 98 %) were observed among patients who received trastuzumab and mastectomy ± PMRT. Trastuzumab decreased LRR in HER2-positive women who received mastectomy and PMRT, suggesting that the largest benefit is seen in a higher-risk subset of patients.
Critical postmodern theory in mathematics education research: a praxis of uncertainty

In this article, the authors provide an overview of mathematics education as a research domain, identifying and briefly discussing four shifts or historical moments. They illustrate how researchers working in various moments conceptualize not only the interactions among teachers, students, and mathematics differently but also teachers, students, and mathematics as subjects of inquiry as they ask different questions made possible by different theoretical perspectives. The authors then provide brief descriptions of critical theory and postmodern theory, and suggest critical postmodern theory as a hybrid theory that offers a praxis of uncertainty for reconceptualizing and conducting mathematics education research. They conclude by summarizing three research articles that they believe exemplify the empowering and humanizing uncertainties of how teachers, students, mathematics, and the multiplicity of interactions therein might indeed be reconceptualized with/in critical postmodern theory.
Names in Marilynne Robinson's Gilead and Home

AbstractThe titles of Marilynne Robinson's complementary novels Gilead (2004) and Home (2008) and the names of their characters are rich in allusions, many of them to the Bible and American history, making this tale of two Iowa families in 1956 into an exploration of American religion with particular reference to Christianity and civil rights. The books' titles suggest healing and comfort but also loss and defeat. Who does the naming, what the name is, and how the person who is named accepts or rejects the name reveal the sometimes difficult relationships among these characters. The names also reinforce the books' endorsement of a humanistic Christianity and a recommitment to racial equality.
Efficient Renaturation of Immobilized Met-hemoglobin at the Galleries of α-Zirconium Phosphonate

Reversible thermal denaturation of met-hemoglobin in the galleries of α-zirconium phosphonates was observed using powder XRD, circular dichroism, and activity studies. The efficiency of renaturation of the sample depended on the type of surface functions present on the phoshonate.
An algorithm for certain multi-commodity flow problems

In this paper an algorithm is presented for solving a certain class of multi-commodity flow problems. The class of problems considered consist of integer capacity multi-source and multi-sink problems for which each node is a source of sink for all but at most one commodity. The algorithm is described in the case that any edge connecting a source and sink of a commodity can be used for flow of that commodity.
An improved urinary excretion test as an assay for intrinsic factor.

SummaryA procedure is suggested for the assay of preparations of intrinsic factor by measuring the urinary excretion of radioactivity following dosage with vit. B12 labeled with cobalt 60. It was found important to use more than one “flushing” dose of unlabeled vit. B12 to produce maximum excretion of radioactivity. By use of this precaution, the same patient could be used for assaying several preparations of intrinsic factor in succession. The injection of large amounts of unlabeled vit. B12 appeared to decrease the uptake of small doses of labeled vit. B12 when subsequently administered orally. There appeared to be some proportionality between the dosage of intrinsic factor and the amount of radioactivity excreted in the test.
The Child in Chekhov

The focus of my research is on representation of childhood in Chekhov's stories. In this article I look at two stories (“Grisha” and “At Home”) published at the height of Chekhov's interest in children in the mid-1880s. I have chosen this material because one of the stories appears on Leo Tolstoy's list of known favorites, both stories are written in the form of a dramatic sketch, and both narratives address two crucial stages in the development of the child protagonist. My aim is to sketch the literary and extraliterary background on the topic, and to identify the salient features of Chekhov's model through a careful reading of the stories. A close reading of Chekhov's texts provides an opportunity to see the outlines of Chekhov's model in its dialogical relationship with the prevalent discourses of the time.
Evaluation of In Vitro Apparent Protein Digestibility by Shrimp Using Gut Enzyme Extracts

Knowledge of apparent protein digestibility (APD) is required for optimization of feed formulae for the production of marine penaeid shrimp. The purpose of this study was to evaluate an in vitro method for determining APD in marine penaeid shrimp using gut enzyme extracts. A high correlation (r2 = 0.95) was shown between single-ingredient APD values for fish meal diets using in vivo methodology and those derived from in vitro testing of ingredients. A second study showed positive correlation (r2 = 0.71) between in vitro APD of selected purified and semipurified ingredients and their reported in vivo APDs. This correlation was much higher for purified ingredients (r2 = 0.93) versus less-refined ingredients (r2 = 0.24). A third trial compared in vitro APD at three different enzyme extract pH values and showed that for most protein sources, APD was significantly highest (P < 0.05) at pH = 7.0 and lower at pH = 6.1 or 7.9, indicating a neutral pH optimum for this methodology.
Halogenated hydrocarbons: Past, present and near-future problems

The fear that the wholesale entry of biocides into the environment would endanger the integrity of ecosystems was voiced in the 1940s by a small group of scientists. Subsequently, the population declines of seabirds and marine mammals, coupled with laboratory experiments showing negative impacts upon organisms through exposure to various pesticides, led many sovereign nations to ban or strongly regulate the use of such chemicals, as well as the industrially used polychlorinated biphenyls. Subsequently, and up to the present, the major concern has been with increasing usages of these materials in the tropics and Southern Hemisphere, the so-called "continental tilt". An International Mussel Watch Program has been proposed to assess potential damages to the ecosystems in these areas from increased pesticide usages. Near-future problems include identification of peaks of gas chromatograms that may represent anthropogenic toxins in the environment; the antagonistic or synergistic effects of already identified toxins; and the impacts of agricultural biocides upon mariculture.
Tree Selection and Landscape Analysis of Eastern Red Bat Day Roosts

Abstract Declining bat populations and increasing demands on forest resources have prompted researchers to investigate tree roost selection of forest bats. Few studies, however, have investigated different spatial scales and landscape pattern as criteria for selection of tree roosts. In 1999 and 2000, we radiotracked 23 eastern red bats (Lasiurus borealis) to 64 day roosts. Using univariate and multivariate comparisons, we tested roost tree variables with random tree data at 3 circular spatial scales: roost tree, plot, and landscape. We found 15 variables that were entered in a stepwise discriminant analysis to best differentiate between the roost and random samples; 11 (73.3%) were landscape variables measured with a geographic information system. On average (&#x1d465; ± SE), red bats roosted in deciduous trees (42.0 ± 2.1 cm dbh) that were located in plots with more (3.1 ± 0.1 m2) basal area, higher (84.0 ± 1.3) percentage of canopy closure, and lower (27.2 ± 2.2) percentage of groundcover than random plots. A...
Marriage, remarriage, and other language games. Emma Gad's 'AEgtestand' and De 'unge dromme' and the comedy of remarriage

Emma Gad’s pair of plays, AEgtestand (Marriage) and De unge Dromme (Young Dreams), anticipate the film genre Stanley Cavell called “the comedy of remarriage.” They draw on and parody plays by Ibsen, but also present striking parallels to aspects of modernist drama, notably the genre of the chamber play.
Comparing exposure metrics in the relationship between PM2.5 and birth weight in California.

Although studies suggest that air pollution is linked to perinatal outcomes, the geographic characterization of exposure to pollution differs between the studies. We compared neighborhood- and county-level measures of air pollution exposure, while examining the association between particulate matter less than 2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5) and birth weight among full-term births in California in 2000. To reduce the effects of demographic variability, our analysis was limited to two populations of 8579 non-Hispanic white and 8114 Hispanic mothers who were married, between 20 and 30 years of age, completed at least a high school education, and gave birth for the first time. Measurements from the nearest monitor, and average and distance-weighted average of monitors within a 5-mile radius from each mother's residence (constituting neighborhood metrics) and the mean of monitors within each mother's county of residence were considered. PM2.5 measurements, provided by the California Air Resources Board, were calculated to correspond to each mother's 9-month gestation period. Although metrics within the 5-mile radii and the county were highly correlated (r2=0.78), the county-level metric provided a stronger association between PM2.5 and birth weight (β=−4.04, 95% confidence interval =−6.71, −1.37) than the metric for the average of all monitors within 5-miles (β=−1.38, 95% confidence interval =−3.36, 0.60) among non-Hispanic white mothers; similar results were observed among the Hispanic sample of mothers. Consequently, inferences from studies using different definitions of air pollution exposure may not be comparable.
Adult Mouse Venous Hypertension Model: Common Carotid Artery to External Jugular Vein Anastomosis.

The understanding of the pathophysiology of brain arteriovenous malformations and arteriovenous fistulas has improved thanks to animal models. A rat model creating an artificial fistula between the common carotid artery (CCA) and the external jugular vein (EJV) has been widely described and proved technically feasible. This construct provokes a consistent cerebral venous hypertension (CVH), and therefore has helped studying the contribution of venous hypertension to formation, clinical symptoms, and prognosis of brain AVMs and dural AVFs. Equivalent mice models have been only scarcely described and have shown trouble with stenosis of the fistula. An established murine model would allow the study of not only pathophysiology but also potential genetic therapies for these cerebrovascular diseases. We present a model of arteriovenous fistula that produces a durable intracranial venous hypertension in the mouse. Microsurgical anastomosis of the murine CCA and EJV can be difficult due to diminutive anatomy and frequently result in a non-patent fistula. In this step-by-step protocol we address all the important challenges encountered during this procedure. Avoiding excessive retraction of the vein during the exposure, using 11-0 sutures instead of 10-0, and making a carefully planned end-to-side anastomosis are some of the critical steps. Although this method requires advanced microsurgical skills and a longer learning curve that the equivalent in the rat, it can be consistently developed. This novel model has been designed to integrate transgenic mouse techniques with a previously well-established experimental system that has proved useful to study brain AVMs and dural AVFs. By opening the possibility of using transgenic mice, a broader spectrum of valid models can be achieved and genetic treatments can also be tested. The experimental construct could also be further adapted to the study of other cerebrovascular diseases related with venous hypertension such as migraine, transient global amnesia, transient monocular blindness, etc.
A Decision Theory Approach to Portfolio Selection

This paper starts with a brief summary of Harry Markowitz's portfolio selection model and proceeds to reformulate it within the framework of modern statistical decision theory. The future returns from securities are viewed as a function of the unknown state of nature. The investor has certain a priori probabilities for the different states of nature, which probabilities he later modifies in the light of new experimental information. Following the Bayesian strategy, the investor chooses that portfolio of securities which maximizes the weighted average of payoffs, using as weights the a posteriori probabilities of the states of nature. A computer program, based on the critical line method, is used to solve a simple illustrative problem.
Percutaneous laser disc decompression: history and scientific rationale

This is a summary of the basic science experiments leading up to the actual clinical application of Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression (PLDD) in human patients. The basic premise underlying PLDD is that the nucleus pulposus is mostly water (60-80%, depending on age). Water being noncompressible, a small reduction in volume in a contained hydraulic vessel such as an intervertebral disc results in a disproportionate fall in pressure. A 1 mL change in an intact intervertebral disc will produce a change of 312 KPa (1 KPa = 7.5 mm Hg pressure). Two years of laboratory experiments at Columbia University confirmed this thesis. The first PLDD in a human patient was performed at the Neurosurgical Institute of the University of Graz, Graz, Austria in collaboration with Dr. Peter Ascher in mid-February 1986. Since then, PLDD is being performed world wide, with approximately 55,000 procedures performed in Western Europe, South America, Korea, Japan, China, India, and the U.S. The author has performed more than 2500 lumbar disc, more than 12 thoracic disc and more than 350 cervical disc PLDDs. The complication rate is 0.4% and consists of only discitis, all of which have responded to parenteral antibiotics. There have been no deaths, no instances of cord damage, or nerve root damage in the author’s series. Spinal stenosis responds when it is due to disc protrusion, as does back pain without a radicular component. Extruded discs also respond as long as there is communication with the parent disc. Emergency PLDD is possible for acute cauda equina syndrome, but must be followed immediately by emergency surgery if the PLDD is unsuccessful. The chief contraindication for PLDD is free fragments. The success rate according to the MacNab criteria worldwide is 89% to 90%. The worldwide complication rate is 1%. The necessity of repeat PLDD is 5%, and is usually due to re-injury. PLDD should supplant the 70-year-old laminectomy and discectomy, which weaken an already weakened posterior wall and annulus that makes herniated disc disease a familial disease. Annunen of Finland has established that there is a genetic mutation involving cross linkages of the collagen triple strands in Finnish men with HNP disease. The high success rate and low complication rate and outpatient application without hospitalization make PLDD a viable first option, main-line therapy for herniated disc disease in the 21st century.
New Uses for an Old Technology: The Telephone and Students with Special Learning Needs

Abstract Approximately 98 per cent of homes in the United States of America have telephones and almost every developing country in the world is installing sophisticated communications systems with the telephone as an integral part. The telephone as a learning device has been documented, and with its almost universal availability its educational potential should be exploited. One population of learners receiving considerable attention are those with special learning needs including those classified as behaviour disordered, mildly handicapped, gifted, learning disabled, home‐bound, remotely isolated, hearing‐impaired, blind, and culturally or socially deprived. This article investigates the use of the telephone and its peripherals as devices enhancing the educational programmes of these special students. It will suggest some new and humane ways in which these devices can be employed in the United States or internationally — whether in Paris or in Pakistan.
Continuous fabrication platform for highly aligned polymer films

Superior mechanical and thermal properties in bulk polymers can be achieved by aligning the molecular chains through drawing-induced plastic deformation. Although highly aligned polymer films (HAPF...
Copolymerization of vinyl siloxanes with organic vinyl monomers

A series of simple vinyl siloxanes containing monofunctional, difunctional, and trifunctional silicon atoms has been copolymerized with various organic vinyl monomers. It is now possible to predict the behavior of vinyl siloxanes of complex structure in copolymerization reactions with these vinyl monomers. The structure of the vinyl siloxane does not appreciably affect the total rate of copolymerization or its reactivity toward a given organic vinyl monomer. Vinyl siloxane monomers have comparable reactivities to monomers such as vinyl acetate, vinyl chloride, and perfluorovinyl chloride but are less reactive than acrylonitrile, styrene, and N-vinylpyrrolidone. In copolymerization reactions involving vinyl siloxanes the total polymerization rate and the molecular weight of the copolymers are markedly affected by the amount of vinyl siloxanes in the monomer mixture. An increase in the percentage of vinyl siloxane in the monomer mixture results in a decreased polymerization rate and copolymers having lower molecular weights.
Three-dimensional nuclear analysis for the US dual coolant lead lithium ITER test blanket module

Detailed 3-D neutronics calculations have been performed for the US DCLL TBM. The neutronics calculations were performed directly in the CAD model using the DAG-MCNP code that allows preserving the geometrical details. Detailed high-resolution, high-fidelity profiles of the nuclear parameters were generated using fine mesh tallies. These included tritium production, nuclear heating, and radiation damage. The TBM heterogeneity, exact source profile, and inclusion of the surrounding frame and other in-vessel components result in lower TBM nuclear parameters compared to the previous 1-D predictions. This work clearly demonstrates the importance of preserving geometrical details in nuclear analyses of geometrically complex components in fusion systems.
Impact of the federal contraceptive coverage guarantee on out-of-pocket payments for contraceptives: 2014 update

Background The Affordable Care Act requires most private health plans to cover contraceptive methods, services and counseling, without any out-of-pocket costs to patients; that requirement took effect for millions of Americans in January 2013.
Antiviral activity of a phosphorothioate oligonucleotide complementary to human cytomegalovirus RNA when used in combination with antiviral nucleoside analogs

ISIS 2922 is a phosphorothioate oligonucleotide with potent antiviral activity against human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in cell culture assays. The ability of ISIS 2922 to inhibit replication of HCMV when used in combination with other antiviral agents approved for treatment of HCMV disease was investigated using a 96-well immunoassay. The antiviral activity of ISIS 2922 against HCMV was additive with that of ganciclovir (9-(1,3-dihydroxy-2-propoxymethylguanine); DHPG) or foscarnet (phosphonoformate). Compounds used clinically for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus infection and likely to be co-administered with ISIS 2922 in the clinic were also evaluated for their ability to modulate the antiviral activity of ISIS 2922. 3'-Azido-3'-deoxythymidine (AZT) exhibited no antiviral activity against HCMV in the 96-well immunoassay, and did not significantly alter the antiviral activity of ISIS 2922. 2'-3'-Dideoxycytidine (ddC) was able to inhibit replication of HCMV at high doses, and this activity was additive with that of ISIS 2922. ISIS 2922 inhibited HIV replication in acute infection assays at relatively high concentrations as previously reported for non-complementary phosphorothioate oligonucleotides. When ISIS 2922 was used in combination with AZT in this assay, interactions were additive at most concentrations, although significant and reproducible synergy was observed at some concentration combinations.
Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist as a biomarker for bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome in lung transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND The major limitation to survival after lung transplantation is bronchiolitis obliterative syndrome (BOS). BOS is a chronic inflammatory/immunologic process characterized by fibroproliferation, matrix deposition, and obliteration of the airways. The mechanism(s) that lead to fibro-obliteration of allograft airways have not been fully elucidated. Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) is a naturally occurring antagonist of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1 and has been associated with a number of fibroproliferative diseases. METHODS We determined whether IL-1Ra, as compared to IL-1beta, IL-10, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from lung transplant recipients was associated with BOS. BALF was collected from three groups of patients: BOS (n=22), acute rejection (n=33), and healthy transplant recipients (n=30). RESULTS IL-1Ra levels were significantly elevated in patients with BOS compared to healthy lung transplant recipients and patients with acute rejection (P<0.001 and P<0.05, respectively). Furthermore, when patients with BOS had their BALF analyzed from their last bronchoscopy before the development of BOS (Future BOS [FBOS] group) (n=20), their levels of IL-1Ra were also significantly elevated compared to healthy lung transplant recipients and patients with acute rejection (P<0.001 and P<0.05, respectively). Importantly, the elevated levels of IL-1Ra in the BOS and FBOS groups were not accompanied by any significant increases in IL-1beta, IL-10, TGF-beta, or TNF-alpha. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that elevated levels of IL-1Ra may be attenuating IL-1 bioactivity during the pathogenesis of BOS and creating a local environment that favors fibroproliferation and matrix deposition.
Analysis of geomorphology citations in the last quarter of the 20th century

Three hundred and twenty-eight geomorphology articles published in the last quarter of the 20th century were cited 20 or more times in Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) indices, as of 15 May 2001. At the close of the 20th century, well-cited geomorphology is highly multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary with the most dominant fields being in biological, civil engineering, earth science, geography, geological, and soils disciplines. The very strong English-language bias of well-cited journal articles creates a geographical bias in study site selection, which may in turn bias geomorphic theory. Water-based research (fluvial processes and landforms, riparian, drainage basin) dominates well-cited papers, with the ‘hottest’ subfield in the 1990s being riparian research with a biological emphasis. Over 90 journals publish well-cited papers, but Earth Surface Processes and Landforms hosts the largest number of well-cited papers. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antenatal diagnosis and management of monoamniotic twins.

Double survival of monoamniotic twins is rare. Three consecutive cases in which double survival occurred are presented. Accurate antenatal diagnosis, intensive fetal surveillance, and operative delivery should improve neonatal outcome. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1987;157:1255-7.)
Comparative diversificationdynamics among Palaeocontinents during the Ordovician Radiation

Abstract The Ordovician Radiation was among the most extensive intervals of diversification in the history oflife. However, a delineation of the proximal cause(s) of the Radiation remains elusive. Any such determination should involve an analysis of geographic overprints on diversification: did the Radiation occur randomly around the world or, alternatively, was it focused in particular geographic or depositional regimes? Here, I present a comparative evaluation of Ordovician diversification among several palaeocontinents to determine whether biotas associated with certain palaeocontinents exhibited different diversification patterns than others; in part, this involves a numerical “correction” to raw diversity trajectories. Clear disparities among palaeocontinents are indicated by the data, which appear to reflect differences in the extent of siliciclastic input partly in association with tectonic activity. Further testing will be required to fully substantiate the implication that siliciclastic influx was a predominant factor in the Ordovician Radiation, affecting a variety of higher taxa among all three Phanerozoic evolutionary faunas.
Excitonic and Vibrational Properties of Single-Walled Semiconducting Carbon Nanotubes**

We review quantum-chemical studies of the excited-state electronic structure of finite-size semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) using methodologies previously successfully applied to describe conjugated polymers and other organic molecular materials. The results of our simulations are in quantitative agreement with available spectroscopic data and show intricate details of excited-state properties and photoinduced vibrational dynamics in carbon nanotubes. We analyze in detail the nature of strongly bound first and second excitons in SWCNTs for a number of different tubes, emphasizing emerging size-scaling laws. Characteristic delocalization properties of excited states are identified by the underlying photoinduced changes in charge densities and bond orders. Due to the rigid structure, exciton–phonon coupling is much weaker in SWCNTs compared to typical molecular materials. Yet we find that, in the ground state, a SWCNT's surface experiences the corrugation associated with electron–phonon interactions. Vibrational relaxation following photoexcitation reduces this corrugation, leading to a local distortion of the tube surface, which is similar to the formation of self-trapped excitons in conjugated polymers. The calculated associated Stokes shift increases with enlargement of the tube diameters. Such exciton vibrational phenomena are possible to detect experimentally, allowing for better understanding of photoinduced electronic dynamics in nanotube materials.
Synthesis and crystal structure of a copper(II) complex with a tetradentate dithiadioxime ligand

Abstract A neutral five-coordinate dithiadioxime complex of copper(II), chloro[3,3′-(1,3-propanedithia)bis(3-methyl-2-butanone oximato)(1-)-S,S′, N,N′]copper(II) (Cu(LH)Cl), was prepared by reaction of CuCl2 with the [3,3′-(1,3-propanedithia)bis(3-methyl-2-butanone oxime)] ligand (LH2) in methanol-acetone. The crystal structure of the Cu(LH)Cl monohydrate, [CuCl(C13H25N2S2O2)]·H2O, reveals a square pyramidal geometry about the metal centre. The copper(II) ion is coordinated in an approximate square plane by the two oxime nitrogen atoms and two thioether sulphur atoms of the tetradentate dithiadioxime ligand, with the chlorine occupying an axial coordination site at a CuCl distance of 2.3931(8) A. The copper-to-nitrogen distances average 1.997 A, while the copper-to-sulphur distances average 2.3279 A. The least-squares S2N2 plane is situated 0.467(1) A below the copper centre. A proton bridges the two oxime oxygen atoms of the complex in the fashion typical of metal complexes containing cis-oxime functions.
Temperature distributions from interstitial rf electrode hyperthermia systems: theoretical predictions.

Abstract In recent years, there has been increased interest in the use of hyperthermia as an adjuvant modality to radiation and chemotherapy in the treatment of cancer. One of the more promising techniques is the application of an rf voltage to an array of electrodes inserted directly into the tumor. The electrodes are usually small, hollow stainless steel needles that are inserted as the first step in a brachytherapy procedure. By applying a voltage between the needles, an rf current is induced in the tissue, resulting in joule heating. In this paper, we calculate numerically the temperature distributions for an array of such needles. In our model we assume a two-dimensional problem, i.e. infinitely long needles, and a homogeneous medium. Blood flow effects are included in the calculation. The results show that for low blood perfusion rates, e.g., on the order of 3 ml/ 100 gm·min, very smooth temperature distributions result, and the electrodes can be spaced fairly far apart. However, for blood flow rates on the order of 20 m1/100 gm·min the temperature distributions are not smooth, and there are hot spots around the electrodes and cool regions between them. However, if the electrodes are spaced about 1 cm apart and the voltages are adjusted to optimize the temperature distribution then reasonably good results should be achievable. The bioheat equation is solved using a finite difference technique. By applying the superpostion principle, we are able to introduce a procedure which substantially reduces the amount of core storage required and results in reasonably efficient run times on a moderate size mini-computer.
Functional Characterization of the Antibiotic Resistance Reservoir in the Human Microflora

To understand the process by which antibiotic resistance genes are acquired by human pathogens, we functionally characterized the resistance reservoir in the microbial flora of healthy individuals. Most of the resistance genes we identified using culture-independent sampling have not been previously identified and are evolutionarily distant from known resistance genes. By contrast, nearly half of the resistance genes we identified in cultured aerobic gut isolates (a small subset of the gut microbiome) are identical to resistance genes harbored by major pathogens. The immense diversity of resistance genes in the human microbiome could contribute to future emergence of antibiotic resistance in human pathogens.
Phase unwrapping in the presence of strong turbulence

Phase unwrapping in the presence of branch points using a least mean square error (LMSE) wave-front reconstructor requires the use of a Postprocessing Congruence Operation (PCO) to ensure the unwrapped output is congruent or modulo-2π-equivalent to the wrapped input. 2π discontinuities known as branch cuts in the unwrapped phase are altered by the addition of a constant parameter h to the rotational component when applying the PCO. Selecting a value of h which minimizes the proportion of irradiance in the pupil-plane adjacent to branch cuts is an effective method to maximize performance of adaptive optics (AO) systems in strong turbulence. The optimal value of h varies significantly in open-loop AO or while the loop is closing. Once the loop is closed, optimal values tend to occur near h = 0. This paper proposes two algorithms which utilize this behavior to optimize the PCO and compares them with other unwrappers in closed-loop AO simulations. When compared to other PCO unwrappers, both algorithms reduced the probability of low Strehl ratios, as well as the normalized variance of the Strehl ratio. The second algorithm reduced normalized variance by up to 33 percent. AO systems which depend on steady performance and Strehl ratio values above a minimum threshold serve to benefit from these algorithms when operating in the presence of branch points.
Outer space, inner space: Doris Lessing's metaphor of science fiction

(1975). Outer space, inner space: Doris Lessing's metaphor of science fiction. World Literature Written in English: Vol. 14, No. 1, pp. 187-197.
Squamous carcinoma arising in the pituitary gland.

A case in which a squamous cell carcinoma arose in an intrasellar squamous cyst and invaded the surrounding brain is presented.
Breakthroughs in nursing education: looking back, looking forward.

Abstract This article reviews changes in nursing education in the last quarter century, notes some trends currently shaping health care delivery and academia, and discusses some issues likely to grow in importance in the next quarter century.
Adrenocorticotropin administration during early gestation on conceptus development in swine.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of exogenous adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), administered to gilts during early stages of gestation, upon fetal survival and various maternal and conceptus parameters. Forty-eight gilts of approximately 6–7 months of age were bred by means of artificial insemination after detection of the second estrus and randomly allotted to one of 12 treatment-period groups. Treatment consisted of a daily intramuscular injection of 0, 40 or 80 U.S.P. units of a long acting ACTH preparation for a period of five days. The injection periods were 1–5, 6–10, 11–15 or 16–20 days of gestation with day one corresponding to 48 hours post-estrus detection. All gilts were slaughtered at approximately 37 days of gestation. Forty-two of the 48 inseminated gilts conceived. Conception rate was not different (P>.10) among the 12 treatment-period combinations. Percent fetal survival was greater (P X ± SEM ) than in gilts receiving 40 U.S.P. units of ACTH (68.8 ± 4.5%). The percent fetal survival in the control group (71.7 ± 3.9%) was not different (P>.10) from either of the two ACTH treatment groups. A significant (P .10) differences were detected among the 12 treatment-period combinations for any of the maternal or conceptus parameters measured.
Insurance problems and pathological gambling

A survey of 241 members of Gamblers Anonymous was conducted in order to find out the impact of pathological gambling on the insurance industry and whether Gamblers Anonymous reverses that impact. Fifty-two percent of the respondents cashed in, surrendered, lapsed or had policies revoked for non-payment. Forty-six percent borrowed on or used the cash value of their life insurance policies while gambling. Forty-seven percent admitted to some form of insurance related fraud, embezzlement or arson in connection with their gambling. The cost to the insurance industry was estimated at 66 billion dollars in surrendered policies and 33 billion dollars in fraud. Attendance at Gamblers Anonymous reversed much of this loss as members picked up new policies and engaged in programs of restitution after attendance. A discussion is made of the insurance related activities in terms of the usage of options up to and including suicide. Possible insurance industry responses are presented.
Diagnostic validity of three swab techniques for identifying chronic wound infection

This study examined the diagnostic validity of three different swab techniques in identifying chronic wound infection. Concurrent swab specimens of chronic wounds were obtained using wound exudate, the Z-technique, and the Levine technique, along with a specimen of viable wound tissue. Swab and tissue specimens were cultured using quantitative and qualitative laboratory procedures. Infected wounds were defined as those containing 1 x 10(6) or more organisms per gram of tissue. Accuracy was determined by associating the quantitative cultures of swab specimens with the cultures from tissue specimens using receiver operating characteristic curves. Of the 83 study wounds, 30 (36%) were infected. Accuracy was the highest for swab specimens obtained using Levine's technique at 0.80. Based on Levine's technique, a critical threshold of 37,000 organisms per swab provided a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 57%. The mean concordance between swab specimens obtained using Levine's technique and tissue specimens was 78%. The findings suggest that swab specimens collected using Levine's technique provide a reasonably accurate measure of wound bioburden, given that they are more widely applicable than tissue cultures. The diagnostic validity of Levine's technique needs further study using an alternative reference standard, such as the development of infection-related complications.
Renormalization and transition to chaos in area preserving nontwist maps

Abstract The problem of transition to chaos, i.e. the destruction of invariant circles or KAM (Kolmogorov-Arnold-Moser) curves, in area preserving nontwist maps is studied within the renormalization group framework. Nontwist maps are maps for which the twist condition is violated along a curve known as the shearless curve.In renormalization language this problem is that of finding and studying the fixed points of the renormalization group operator R that acts on the space of maps. A simple period-two fixed point of R , whose basin of attraction contains the nontwist maps for which the shearless curve exists, is found. Also, a critical period-12 fixed point of R , with two unstable eigenvalues, is found. The basin of attraction of this critical fixed point contains the nontwist maps for which the shearless curve is at the threshold of destruction. This basin defines a new universality class for the transition to chaos in area preserving maps.
The simulation of infrared bands from the analyses of rotational spectra: the 2ν9-ν9 and ν5-ν9 hot bands of HNO3

Abstract The results of millimeter and submillimeter wave rotational spectroscopy are used to simulate the complex structure of the 2 ν 9 – ν 9 (438 cm −1 ) and ν 5 – ν 9 (421 cm −1 ) hot bands. The comparison data were obtained with a high-resolution Bruker FTIR. The combination of the quality of these data and the complexity of the spectra of these interacting states represents a stringent test for the simulation. It is shown that the agreement is very good and that this approach is generally advantageous. From this simulation, the ratios of the transition dipole moments for the 2 ν 9 – ν 9 and ν 5 – ν 9 hot bands with respect to the ν 9 fundamental band were found to be 1.38(11) and 0.67(20), respectively. Using these results, the calculated integrated band intensities for the hot bands at 296 K were determined to be S v (2ν 9 – ν 9 )=1.63×10 −18 cm −1 /( mol cm −2 ) and S v (ν 5 – ν 9 )=0.36×10 −18 cm −1 /( mol cm −2 ) . These results were used to successfully simulate high-resolution stratospheric spectra obtained from a balloon flight of the FIRS-2 spectrometer. The more general problem of the rotation–vibration database and the optimal use of both microwave and infrared data to define it is discussed. It is concluded that it is best if the combination of data takes place at the level of the original spectra.
Expert System Technology For The Space Station Communications And Tracking System

This paper describes Harris research into the use of Expert System technology for the management of the Communications and Tracking System for the Space Station. Harris Corporation has developed the CAMERA (Control and Monitoring Equipment Resource Allocation) Expert System Under a NASA contract with JSC to minimize crew workload in managing the communications of the Space Station. It provides for automatic management of communications resources, diagnosis of faults, and reconfiguration to restore communications automatically. The system utilizes a state-of-the-art man-machine interface to allow high level end-to-end service requests. The expert system interprets the requests, determines the equipment required to implement the service, and assigns the appropriate equipment to the service. The expert system then establishes the service automatically at the time requested and monitors the operation of the simulated system to diagnose faults and determine the appropriate procedures to restore the service. A graphical design tool allows the operator to define new services from existing service primitives. Graphical, hierarchical equipment schematics support both the simulation of faults as well as the diagnostic process. Symbolic models for the equipment and measurements are represented in an object-oriented manner.
METALLOCENE COMPLEXES OF CYCLOPENTADIENYL YLIDES

Abstract Several new transition metal complexes of the cyclopentadienyl ylides (CpPPh3, CpSMe2, and CpPy are reported. Reactions of CpSMe2 with MnCl2, FeCl2, CoCl2 and NiX2 (where X=d or Br) leads to complexes in which the ylide:metal halide stoichiometry is 1:1. These complexes are assigned sandwich structures. Reaction of Pd(NO3)2 with CpSme2 yields a very air-sensitive compound having a unique (CpSMe2)3 Pd(NO3)2 stoichiometry. With HgX2 the CpSMe2 HgX2 (where X=Cl, Br, I) derivatives are formed; bonding of the mercury is shown for the iodide derivative to be at C-3 of the cyclopentadienyl ring. Reaction of CpPPh3 with FeCl2 produces two derivatives which appear to have stoichiometrieg unique in iron metallocene chemistry: (CpPPh3)Fe2 Cl4 and (CpPPh3)Fe2Cl4.
Scanning tunneling microscopy : a surface science tool and beyond

Abstract A short overview of the history of scanning tunneling microscopy and the principle of local probe methods is given. A selection of applications illustrates the unique and attractive features and the wide interdisciplinary nature of local probe methods. They could be the beginning of a new era in surface science.
P‐wave image of the crust and uppermost mantle in southern California

We have determined a P-wave tomographic image of the crust and uppermost mantle in southern California by using 131,372 P-wave arrival times from 6,437 local earthquakes recorded by the Caltech-USGS Southern California Seismic Network in the past twelve years. The obtained image has a spatial resolution of 25 km in the horizontal direction and 8–11 km in depth. The tomographic image is found to correlate well with major surface geological features. In the shallow crust, sedimentary basins such as the Los Angeles Basin, Ventura Basin and Santa Maria Basin are well imaged as low velocities, while batholiths such as the Peninsular Ranges and San Gabriel Mountains are imaged as high velocities. In the deeper crust, the velocity is low beneath the Mojave Desert, Coso volcanic area and Salton Trough, while it is high beneath the Great Valley, Continental Borderland and the major basins. A high-velocity layer exists in the mid-crust beneath the Salton Trough, in good agreement with a previous study using seismic explosions and gravity data. In the uppermost mantle, the velocity is low beneath southeastern Sierra Nevada and the volcanic areas while it is high beneath the Mojave Desert and along the Pacific coast.