cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of Material Information Model for the Injection Molding Process and Product

Injection molding (IM) has been the most widely used manufacturing process for making plastic products mainly due to its high efficiency and manufacturability. The design of injection molding systems relies heavily on material data and related information. The availability of right material information at right time is of utmost importance for the design, operation and maintenance of the injection molding process. In this paper, a concise, and conceptual Injection Molding Material Information Model (IM-MIM) is proposed to support necessary computer-based modeling, calculation and management of material data. In this paper, we study different steps of the IM process from the information-modeling viewpoint to identify the role and influence of material properties and behaviors in decision-making process. We further developed a four-level IM-MIM model framework, which provides a foundation for different material-related activities or analyses. Several key components in the IM-MIM, which consists of the material data, physical and behavioral properties, thermodynamic and transport properties, and other material information like rheological and mechanical properties, are presented in detail.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Davidson's generalization of the Fényes-Nelson stochastic model of quantum mechanics

Davidson's generalization of the Fenyes-Nelson stochastic model of quantum mechanics is discussed. It is shown that this author's previous results concerning the Fenyes-Nelson process extend to the more general theory of Davidson.
Light-weight cyptography for resource constrained environments

We give a survey of "light-weight" encryption algorithms designed to maximise security within tight resource constraints (limited memory, power consumption, processor speed, chip area, etc.) The target applications of such algorithms are RFIDs, smart cards, mobile phones, etc., which may store, process and transmit sensitive data, but at the same time do not always support conventional strong algorithms. A survey of existing algorithms is given and new proposal is introduced.
Light scattering by a homogeneous sphere with radial projections.

Total scattering by a homogeneous sphere with projections is compared with that of the smooth homogeneous sphere of equal total volume and refractive index. The sphere sizes examined are x = 2πa/λ = 0.03 − 1200, n = 1.05. Scattered light from randomly oriented particles is predicted numerically with the Rayleigh-Gans-Debye approximation for small and intermediate particles and with van de Hulst’s anomalous diffraction approximation for intermediate and large ones. The results indicate moderate effects on total scattering of projection (spine) formation at the expense of the particle core. Spine formation does not change scattering by small (Rayleigh) particles; it decreases total scattering when x = 0.1 − 45 more or less in proportion to the total mass of the spines, and it increases scattering for x > 45 by somewhat more.
Cytology and time of origin of interstitial neurons in the white matter in infant and adult human and monkey telencephalon.

The fine structure, synaptic relationships, distribution and time of origin of interstitial neurons situated within the white matter subjacent to the visual, somatosensory and motor cortices were studied in the human and monkey telencephalon. The analysis was carried out on Nissl-stained serial sections, rapid Golgi impregnations, by acetylcholinesterase (AChE) histochemistry, electron microscopy and [3H]thymidine ([3H]TdR) autoradiography. Interstitial neurons have a similar distribution, morphology and histochemistry in both human and monkey telencephalon. Their highest density and the most extensive distribution is found in the neonatal period in both species. The number of interstitial neurons decreases during infancy, but numerous cells remain in the adult.
The effects of continuous cocaine dose, treatment, and withdrawal duration on the induction of behavioral tolerance and dopamine autoreceptor function

The present experiment evaluated the interactions between continuous cocaine dose, duration of administration, and duration of withdrawal on the induction of behavioral tolerance and changes in dopamine autoreceptor (DA) function. In the current experiments, rats were exposed to a pretreatment regimen involving the continuous administration of 0, 5, or 20 mg/kg/day cocaine for either 3 or 7 days. All subjects were then withdrawn from the pretreatment regimen for 1 or 7 days. For the experiments examining behavioral tolerance, the subjects received 15.0 mg/kg ip cocaine. For the experiments examining alterations in DA function, the subjects received a 0.063 mg/kg ip quinpirole injection, followed 5 min later by a 15.0 mg/kg ip cocaine injection. For all experiments, the subjects were placed in activity monitors, and ambulation was measured for 60 min. The results indicated that all continuous cocaine durations induced significant changes in cocaine-induced behavior at the 1-day withdrawal period. However, for tolerance to be exhibited on the 7-day withdrawal period, either high-dose or long-duration continuous cocaine had to be administered. This tolerance was associated with an increase in DA sensitivity. However, the change in DAs was dose- or duration-dependently related to tolerance. Overall, the literature suggests that behavioral tolerance following continuous cocaine administration may be mediated by multiple, time-dependent mechanisms that operate in an all-or-none manner.
Le cancer du sein triple-négatif. Le triple-négatif est fréquent chez les patientes mutées : comment ne pas le rater ? Comment le caractériser ? De manière plus générale, l’imagerie peut-elle orienter vers le diagnostic histologique ? ☆

Resume Les cancers mammaires triple-negatifs (TN) surviennent plutot chez les femmes jeunes et/ou mutees et ont un potentiel agressif. Il est important de detecter precocement ce sous-type tumoral. En mammographie, les cancers TN se presentent souvent comme une masse ronde ou lobulee, a contour circonscrit, microlobule ou indistinct. En echographie l’aspect tres hypoechogene est frequent. En IRM un rehaussement annulaire est evocateur.
Putting the NP in PPP: The Role of Nonprofit Organizations in Public Private Partnerships

Since the 1980s, public policymakers and contracting agents in the United States have promoted the concept of public-private partnerships (PPPs). These are typically seen as partnerships between the public and business sectors, but research finds that nonprofit intermediary institutions, either created for the purpose or already in existence, are often what makes it possible for PPPs to function and realize their potential. Nonprofits of this kind provide a "third space" in which PPPs can be formed, implemented, and sustained; they may also serve as value guardians of the PPP process. This article describes the essential but little credited role of nonprofit organizations in PPPs in the city of Cleveland, Ohio. Seven case examples illustrate the often-overlooked role of nonprofits and increase our understanding of the character and distinctiveness of PPPs within American civil society. Public managers, policymakers, and others concerned about the performance and management of PPPs, and desiring to stimula...
C-Glycosylation of Substituted Heterocycles Under Friedel-Crafts Conditions (II): Ribosylation of Multi-Functionalized Thiophenes and Furans for the Synthesis of Purine-Like C-Nucleosides

Abstract In our continuing studies of the Friedel-Crafts glycosylation of preformed heterocycles, we have observed that while the SnCl4 catalyzed glycosylation of methyl 4-(formylamino)thiophene-3-carboxylate (5) gives readily the C-nucleosides 7b and 7a, the corresponding Et2AlCl catalyzed reaction gives exclusively the N-nucleoside 11. These nucleosides can be further elaborated into the bicyclic thieno[3,4-d]-pyrimidine system. Similarly, methyl 4-(formylamino)furan-3-carboxylate (19) gave the expected C-nucleosides 2Ob and 2Oa upon glycosylation in the presence of SnCl4. However, these nucleosides could not be converted into the furo[3,4-d]pyrimidine system. Interestingly, several of the N-formamido compounds exhibit pronounced rotational isomerism, which was demonstrated by 1H NMR spectroscopy
Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Recommendations and Agreement with Mandated Human Papillomavirus Vaccination for 11-to-12-Year-Old Girls: a Statewide Survey of Texas Physicians

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine Texas physicians' recommendations for the quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in 11-to-12-year-old girls, intention to recommend HPV vaccines to 11-to-12-year-old boys, and attitudes about mandated HPV vaccination for 11-to-12-year-old girls. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional, web-based survey of Texas physicians who provide direct patient care in family medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics/gynecology, and internal medicine in September 2008. The three outcome variables were: HPV vaccine recommendations to 11-to-12-year-old girls, likelihood of recommending the vaccine to 11-to-12-year-old boys, and agreement with mandated vaccination of 11-to-12-year-old girls. Univariate and logistic regression analyses were used to determine practice-related and attitudinal factors associated with each outcome. Results: Of the 1,122 respondents, 48.5% stated they always recommended HPV vaccines to girls, 68.4% were likely to recommend the vaccine to boys, and 41.7% agreed with mandated vaccination. In multivariate logistic regression models, variables independently associated with recommendation to 11-to-12-year-old girls included: percentage of patients with Medicaid [odds ratio (OR), 1.02; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.01-1.03], academic versus nonacademic practice (OR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.05-4.23), office procedures to maximize vaccination (OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.01-1.56), HPV knowledge (OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.04-1.49), valuing HPV vaccine information from both professional organizations (OR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.15-3.16) and professional conferences (OR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.10-2.57), belief in mandated HPV vaccination (OR, 5.38; 95% CI, 3.28-8.83), and barriers to vaccination (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.00-1.16). Discussion: Half of the physicians in this study did not follow current recommendations for universal HPV vaccination of 11-to-12-year-old girls. Factors linked to vaccine recommendations may be targeted in educational or policy interventions. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(8):2325–32)
Abnormal benzodiazepine and zinc modulation of GABAA receptors in an acquired absence epilepsy model

Brain cholesterol synthesis inhibition (CSI) at a young age in rats has been shown to be a faithful model of acquired absence epilepsy, a devastating condition for which few therapies or models exist. We employed the CSI model to study cellular mechanisms of acquired absence epilepsy in Long-Evans Hooded rats. Patch-clamp, whole-cell recordings were compared from neurons acutely dissociated from the nucleus reticularis of thalamus (nRt) treated and untreated with a cholesterol synthesis inhibitor, U18666A. In U18666A-treated animals, 91% of rats developed EEG spike-waves (SWs). Patchclamp results revealed that although there was no remarkable change in GABAA receptor affinity, both a loss of ability of benzodiazepines to enhance GABAA-receptor responses and an increase of Zn2+ inhibition of GABAA-receptor responses of nRt neurons occurred in Long-Evans Hooded rats previously administered U18666A. This change was specific, since no significant changes were found in neurons exposed to the GABA allosteric modulator, pentobarbital. Taken collectively, these findings provide evidence for abnormalities in benzodiazepine and Zn2+ modulation of GABAA receptors in the CSI model, and suggest that decreased gamma2 subunit expression may underlie important aspects of generation of thalamocortical SWs in atypical absence seizures. The present results are also consistent with recent findings that mutation of the gamma2 subunit of the GABAA receptor changes benzodiazepine modulation in families with generalized epilepsy syndromes.
Spontaneous extraperitoneal hemorrhage with hemodynamic collapse in patients undergoing anticoagulation: management with selective arterial embolization

The authors report their experience with management of unstable spontaneous extraperitoneal hemorrhage (SEH) with selective transcatheter embolization. Five consecutive patients underwent angiographic evaluation for SEH complicated by hemodynamic collapse while undergoing anticoagulation therapy. Bleeding occurred via one or two lumbar arteries in psoas hematomas. Two abdominal wall hematomas were supplied by the inferior epigastric artery, with additional supply via the deep circumflex iliac artery in one. Microcoil embolization successfully controlled extravasation in all patients, with stabilization of hemodynamic parameters. Four of the five patients survived the immediate postprocedural interval. Selective transcatheter embolization may be a viable life-saving option in SEHassociated hemodynamic collapse.
Somatization disorder in a US Southern community: use of a new procedure for analysis of medical classification

The authors examine somatization disorder in a community population, using grade of membership analysis, a new multivariate analytical technique for the analysis of medical classification. The technique is used to examine whether somatic symptoms will cluster into a clinical syndrome resembling somatization disorder, as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III), if no a priori assumptions are made about the interrelationship of somatic symptoms or their clustering into clinical syndromes. Grade of membership analysis is applied to all respondents in the US National Institute of Mental Health Epidemiological Catchment Area Project of the Piedmont region of North Carolina reporting three or more somatic symptoms from the somatization disorder section of the Diagnostic Interview Schedule. The analysis indicates that seven 'pure' types, roughly analogous to clusters in cluster analysis, best describe the interrelationship of the symptoms included in the analysis. One 'pure' type in the analysis is nearly identical to DSM-III somatization disorder and is associated with demographic characteristics consistently found among patients with DSM-III somatization disorder. The present results demonstrate that symptoms associated with this disorder do cluster in a highly predictable fashion and represent a strong validation of the natural occurrence of an entity resembling somatization disorder.
Visual resolution in the periphery

Visual acuity thresholds were determined for two Os with a 3-deg square grating target presented for 0.2 sec within a steadily illuminated surround field matched in luminance to the test field. Measurements were made in the fovea, and at 10, 20, and 30 deg along the horizontal meridian of the temporal retina, at luminances between −3.5 and 3.0 log mL. The foveal acuity-luminance functions showed a large increase in acuity up to 1 or 2 log mL, but at peripheral locations very little increase occurred above 0 log mL. The maximum acuity reached at photopic luminances dropped sharply with increasing eccentricity. Visual acuities were two to four times higher than those previously reported for the periphery; methodological and target differences are presented to account for this result.
Prediction and cooperation in gaze control

Multiple gaze control capabilities are coordinated using predictive methods. Internal models of state allow smooth interaction of multivariable, multirate controls. The problem of rapid gaze shift in a simulated robotic system illustrates several styles of control interaction.
Homogeneous nucleation of particles from the vapor phase in thermal plasma synthesis

Particle nucleation and growth are simulated for iron vapor in a thermal plasma reactor with an assumed one-dimensional flow field and decoupled chemistry and aerosol dynamics. Including both evaporation and coagulation terms in the set of cluster-balance rate equations, a sharply defined homogeneous nucleation event is calculated. Following nucleation the vapor phase is rapidly depleted by condensation, and thereafter particle growth occurs purely by Browntan coagulation. The size and number of nucleated particles are found to be affected strongly by the cooling rate and by the initial monomer concentration. An explanation is presented in terms of the response time of the aerosol to changing thermodynamic conditions.
Application of simulated poisson statistical processes to stem imaging

The computer generation of Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope (STEM) images is one way of approximating controlled experimental conditions. These STEM images are assumed to be composed of signals derived from Poisson distributed variables; three algorithms for Poisson deviate generation are examined. Relationships between the image acquisition parameters and resulting object contrast are given. An application to evaluation of the minimum detectable elemental concentration in Electron Energy Loss Spectrometry (EELS) images is presented. It is found that for typical experimental conditions, the required analysis time for the sample varies approximately as the inverse square of the concentration (when other factors are equal).
Lesions of rostral ventrolateral medulla abolish some cardio- and cerebrovascular components of the cerebellar fastigial pressor and depressor responses

Abstract We sought to establish whether the C1 area of the rostral ventrolateral reticular nucleus (RVL) of the medulla oblongata mediates: (1) the elevations in arterial pressure (AP), heart rate (HR) and regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) elicited by electrical stimulation of the rostral cerebellar fastigial nucleus (FN), the fastigial pressor response (FPR); (2) the reductions in AP and HR elicited by chemical stimulation of intrinsic neurons of FN with excitatory amino acids, the fastigial depressor response (FDR)13. Studies were conducted on rats anesthetized (chloralose), paralyzed and artificially ventilated. The FN was stimulated electrically through microelectrodes and chemically by microinjection of d,l -homocysteic acid (100 nmol in 100 nl). rCBF was measured in homogenates of 11 brain regions by the14C-iodoantipyrine technique. Bilateral electrolytic lesions restricted to the RVL abolished the elevations in AP, HR and rCBF elicited by electrical stimulation as well as the fall of AP and HR elicited by chemical stimulation of the FN. The disappearance of the responses was anatomically selective and could not be attributed to changes in resting AP, HR or rCBF, loss of reactivity of preganglionic sympathetic neurons, or variations in blood gases. Since the FN neither projects to nor receives afferents from the RVL the pathway to RVL is indirect. We conclude that: (1) the FPR results from excitation and the FDR inhibition of reticulospinal sympathoexcitatory axons of RVL; (2) the FPR is a consequence of excitation of axons arising from neurons in an as yet unidentified area of lower brainstem projecting to or through the FN and with collateral branches innervating RVL mono- or polysynaptically; (3) the FDR, in contrast, represents excitation of intrinsic FN neurons with a polysynaptic projection to RVL through unidentified regions of lower brainstem; (4) the RVL is a relay mediating the increase in rCBF associated with the FPR; and (5) the RVL plays a critical role in integrating actions on the systemic and cerebral circulation represented in cerebellum.
Experimental Investigation of Energy Harvesting With Essential Nonlinearities

The advancement of technology of portable electronics and devices has increased the need for self-sufficient energy sources. This work investigates the potentiality of a vibration-based energy harvesting system based on the response of an attachment with strong nonlinear behavior. The electromagnetic coupling is achieved by a piezoelectric element across a resistive load. Typical designs utilize a linear oscillator, which limits the peak harvesting performance to a narrow band of frequencies about the natural frequency of the oscillator. An essentially nonlinear cubic oscillator is shown, with proper design, to significantly improve the range of frequencies for sufficient harvesting when compared with a tuned linear oscillator design. Numerical simulations of the proposed model reveal this wider band of frequencies harvest significant power when the system is subjected to harmonic excitation. A physical model was developed and the acquired instantaneous voltage was recorded to calculate the average power over a resistive load and to experimentally validate the numerical simulations.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
VPI-5, AlPO4-8, and MCM-9: similarities and differences

Comparison of X-ray powder diffraction data from AlPO4-8, MCM-9, and VPI-5 show similarities suggesting that AlPO4-8 and MCM-9 may be mixtures of phases, one of which is VPI-5. Argon adsorption isotherms imply that MCM-9 does contain Si-VPI-5, whereas AlPO4-8 does not contain VPI-5.
Hydrogen Molecule Clusters

Ab initio calculations at the MP2 and coupled cluster levels have been performed for small clusters of hydrogen molecules. A concise model interaction potential was constructed on the basis of ab initio potential surface points for the dimer and on comparison with ab initio results for the trimer and tetramer. The model was used to investigate key features of cluster growth, starting with the aggregation energies for clusters with up to 10 molecules. Fully anharmonic zero-point vibrational energies were evaluated for these clusters and were found to be a sizable fraction of the well depth for small clusters. Calculations on larger clusters were used to follow the approach to regular structures in large aggregations, the energetics of cluster growth, and the internal rotation potential for hydrogen molecules embedded in a large cluster. It was found that the essentially free rotation involves concerted reorientation of hydrogen molecules in the first surrounding shell.
Nanoscale structure, composition, and charge transport analysis of transparent conducting oxide nanowires written by focused ion beam implantation.

Realizing optically transparent functional circuitry continues to fuel scientific and technological interest in transparent conducting oxides (TCOs). However, precise means for creating transparent...
Does the Grameen Bank exert market power over borrowers

In this article, we use the recently developed stochastic frontier estimator of market power to test whether or not the Grameen Bank’s lending rates are consistent with marginal cost pricing. We find that they are not and, on average, the markup is about 3% above marginal cost. However, the markup is considerably dwarfed when compared to the markups charged by commercial microfinance institutions. Their lending rates are reported to range from 97% to 165% above marginal cost.
TEACHING SELF‐FEEDING SKILLS TO PATIENTS WITH RETT SYNDROME

Few studies have examined the extent to which functional hand-use may be taught to girls with Rett syndrome after those skills have been lost. In this investigation, five females with classic Rett syndrome were taught to feed themselves using a method of prompting and reinforcement. All patients demonstrated improvements in their self-feeding skills. The results are discussed in terms of the factors that may influence the acquisition of skills in girls with Rett syndrome, and directions for future research and proposed.
Starplasty: Revisiting a Pediatric Tracheostomy Technique:

Objective To determine the efficacy the “starplasty” pediatric tracheostomy technique in reducing the incidence of major complications and tracheotomy-related death. Methods Retrospective chart analysis of all the cases of starplasty performed at 2 tertiary care centers between 1990 and 2002. Results There were 94 children in our cohort ranging in age from 2 days to 14 years. Of the patients, 47 (50%) were females and 47 (50%) were males and 60 of the children (64%) were younger than 1 year of age. Forty-one patients (44%) had neurologically related airway problems as their primary indication for tracheostomy, 34 (36%) had upper airway obstruction, and the remainder had pulmonary diseases, prolonged intubation, or metabolic-related airway problems. There were 41 short-term complications including 5 cases of tracheal tube dislodgement. There were no instances of pneumothorax or tracheostomy-related death. There were 26 long-term complications. There were no cases of clinically relevant suprastomal collapse that compromised decannulation and no instances of tracheal stenosis. Twenty-six patients underwent decannulation, all of whom developed a tracheocutaneous fistula (TCF). Two patients had spontaneous closure of the TCF; 9 patients underwent surgical repair of their fistulas, 53 patients remain tracheostomy-dependent, and 8 patients died of their primary disease. Conclusion The need for pediatric tracheotomy has increased as a consequence of our success in treating chronically ill children. Starplasty reduces the incidence of major complications, including pneumothorax and death from accidental decannulation. Its major drawback is the need for secondary reconstruction of a tracheocutaneous fistula. EBM rating: C.
Analysis of nanometre‐sized pyrogenic particles in the scanning transmission electron microscope

The chemical reactions that take place at surfaces as well as internally in nanoscale particles are of great scientific interest. Such reactions control the catalytic properties of small metal particles and thus are technologically very important. In order to allow enhancement of the performance of such catalytic systems, an understanding of the processes taking place at the atomic scale is necessary. Z-contrast imaging and electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) in the dedicated scanning transmission electron microscope can give atomic-scale information and thus provide a unique opportunity to study such nanoscale systems. Here, iron particles from known positions in a ferrocene-seeded flame and their effects on soot formation are studied. Using EELS, spatial variations in oxidation state of the metal atoms are detected across individual nanometre-sized particles collected from the post-flame region. The surfaces of these particles are found to be less oxidized than their centres. Additionally, the particles are imaged with atomic resolution allowing their structure to be identified. Using these results and those for particles collected from in-flame regions, direct evidence is provided for the catalytic role of Fe-containing particles in the removal of carbonaceous soot produced during combustion of hydrocarbon-based fuels.
Five- and Six-Coordinate Adducts of Nitrosamines with Ferric Porphyrins: Structural Models for the Type II Interactions of Nitrosamines with Ferric Cytochrome P450

Nitrosamines are well-known for their toxic and carcinogenic properties. The metabolic activation of nitrosamines occurs via interaction with the heme-containing cytochrome P450 enzymes. We report the preparation and structural characterization of a number of nitrosamine adducts of synthetic iron porphyrins. The reactions of the cations [(por)Fe(THF)2]ClO4 (por = TPP, TTP, OEP) with dialkylnitrosamines (R2NNO; R2 = Me2, Et2, (cyclo-CH2)4, (cyclo-CH2)5, (PhCH2)2) in toluene generate the six-coordinate high-spin (S = 5/2) [(por)Fe(ONNR2)2]ClO4 compounds and a five-coordinate intermediate-spin (S = 3/2) [(OEP)Fe(ONNMe2)]ClO4 derivative in 57−72% yields (TPP = 5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrinato dianion, TTP = 5,10,15,20-tetra-p-tolylporphyrinato dianion, OEP = 2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18-octaethylporphyrinato dianion). The N−O and N−N vibrations of the coordinated nitrosamine groups in [(por)Fe(ONNR2)2]ClO4 occur in the 1239−1271 cm−1 range. Three of the six-coordinate [(por)Fe(ONNR2)2]ClO4 compounds and one five-coo...
The influence of rear turn-signal characteristics on crash risk.

INTRODUCTION: The relationship between the relative risk of a rear-end collision during a turn, merge, or lane change maneuver and the characteristics of the rear turn-signal configuration was examined using crash data from seven states in the United States. METHOD: Rear turn-signal characteristics-including color, optics, separation, and light source-were identified for 55 vehicle models and used in a logistic regression analysis to model the odds of a rear-end collision. Additional variables including driver demographics (gender, age), vehicle age, and light condition were also modeled. Risk was assessed using a contrast group of striking vehicles in similar collisions. RESULTS: The results suggest that the odds of being the struck vehicle were 3% to 28% lower among vehicles equipped with amber versus red turn signals. Although the analysis suggests that there may be a safety benefit associated with amber rear turn signals, it is unclear whether turn-signal color alone is responsible. IMPACT ON INDUSTRY: The results suggest that aspects of a vehicle's rear signal characteristics may influence crash risk. Language: en
Oestrogens and psychological well-being.

The last decade has seen increased interest in the role of hormones, including oestrogens, not only in regulating growth, sexual development and reproduction but in maintaining a sense of psychological well-being. Episodes of change in oestrogen levels, whether increasing or decreasing, are high-risk periods for the emergence of psychological symptoms in some women. This may be due to a ‘kindling effect’ for women with previous psychological disturbance, an effect on circadian rhythm activity and therefore altered neurovegetative functions, or an effect on central rhythmic functioning between the hypothalamus and the cerebral cortex, all mediated by effects on neurotransmitter systems. Data supporting these hypotheses come from animal studies as well as converging research in several areas including the study of psychological side-effects of oral contraceptives, the study of mood and cognitive disturbances related to the menstrual cycle, the studies of states of hormonal change such as pregnancy and the m...
The End-Permian Mass Extinction

Teichert’s description of a gradual extinction at the close of the Permian reflects one view of our expanding knowledge of late Permian biostratigraphy and the end-Permian mass extinction. From this perspective, the extensive late Permian marine regression produced lengthy hiatuses in the marine record, limiting the number of “good” (i.e., continuous) marine boundary sections to South China and perhaps the southern Alps. The hiatus makes the transition between the Permian and Triassic appear abrupt and the extinction catastrophic in many sections. An alternative view, espoused particularly by several Chinese paleontologists, invokes sudden and catastrophic environmental change induced by massive volcanism or an extraterrestrial impact as the cause of the extinction.
Tumor immunogenicity and responsiveness to cancer vaccine therapy: The state of the art

Despite enormous effort, promising pre-clinical data in animal studies and over 900 clinical trials in the United States, no cancer vaccine has ever been approved for clinical use. Over the past decade a great deal of progress has been in both laboratory and clinical studies defining the interactions between developing tumors and the immune system. The results of these studies provide a rationale that may help explain the failure of recent therapeutic cancer vaccines in terms of vaccine principles, in selecting which tumors are the most appropriate to target and instruct the design and implementation of state-of-the-art cancer vaccines.
Growth dynamics of Artemisia annua hairy roots in three culture systems

The transient growth of Artemisia annua hairy roots was compared for cultures grown in shake flasks and in bubble column and mist reactors. Instantaneous growth rates were obtained by numerically differentiating the transient biomass measurements. Specific sugar consumption rates showed good agreement with literature values. From the growth rate and sugar consumption rate, the specific yield and maintenance coefficient for sugar were determined for all three culture systems. These values were statistically indistinguishable for roots grown in shake flasks and bubble columns. In contrast, the values for roots grown in bubble columns and mist reactors were statistically different, suggesting that sugar utilization by roots grown in these two systems may be different. By measuring respiration rates in the bubble column reactor we also determined the actual biomass yield and maintenance coefficient for O2 and CO2. Together with an elemental analysis of the roots, this allowed us to obtain a reasonable carbon balance. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 83: 428–443, 2003.
Smoking cessation is challenging even for patients recovering from lung cancer surgery with curative intent

Abstract Background Although it is recommended that smokers undergoing surgery for lung cancer quit smoking to reduce post-operative complications, few studies have examined patterns of smoking in the peri-operative period. The goals of this study were to determine: (1) patterns of smoking during post-operative recovery, (2) types of cessation strategies used to quit smoking, and (3) factors related to smoking after lung cancer surgery. Methods Data were collected from 94 patients through chart review, tobacco, health status, and symptom questionnaires at 1, 2, and 4 months after surgery. Smoking status was assessed through self-report and urinary cotinine measurement. Results Eighty-four patients (89%) were ever-smokers and 35 (37%) reported smoking at diagnosis. Thirty-nine (46%) ever-smokers remained abstinent, 13 (16%) continued smoking at all time-points, and 32 (38%) relapsed. Ten (46%) of those who relapsed were former-smokers and had not smoked for at least 1 year. Sixteen (46%) of those who were smoking at diagnosis received cessation assistance with pharmacotherapy being the most common strategy. Factors associated with smoking during recovery were younger age and quitting smoking ≤6 months before the diagnosis of lung cancer. Factors that were marginally significant were lower educational level, male gender, lower number of comorbidities, and the presence of pain. Conclusion Only half of those who were smoking received assistance to quit prior to surgery. Some patients were unable to quit and relapse rates post-surgery were high even among those who quit more than 1 year prior. Innovative programs incorporating symptom management and relapse prevention may enhance smoking abstinence during post-operative care.
A rapid and automatic image registration algorithm with subpixel accuracy

A number of digital imaging techniques in medicine require the combination of multiple images. Using these techniques, it is essential that the images be adequately aligned and registered prior to addition, subtraction, or any other combination of the images. This paper describes an alignment routine developed to register an image of a fixed object containing a global offset error, rotation error, and magnification error relative to a second image. The described routine uses sparsely sampled regional correlation in a novel way to reduce computation time and avoid the use of markers and human interaction. The result is a fast, robust, and automatic alignment algorithm, with accuracy better than about 0.2 pixel in a test with clinical computed radiography images.
Two-Part Factor Mixture Modeling: Application to an Aggressive Behavior Measurement Instrument

This study introduces a two-part factor mixture model as an alternative analysis approach to modeling data where strong floor effects and unobserved population heterogeneity exist in the measured items. As the names suggests, a two-part factor mixture model combines a two-part model, which addresses the problem of strong floor effects by decomposing the data into dichotomous and continuous response components, with a factor mixture model, which explores unobserved heterogeneity in a population by establishing latent classes. Two-part factor mixture modeling can be an important tool for situations in which ordinary factor analysis produces distorted results and can allow researchers to better understand population heterogeneity within groups. Building a two-part factor mixture model involves a consecutive model building strategy that explores latent classes in the data for each part as well as a combination of the two-part. This model building strategy was applied to data from a randomized preventive intervention trial in Baltimore public schools administered by the Johns Hopkins Center for Early Intervention. The proposed model revealed otherwise unobserved subpopulations among the children in the study in terms of both their tendency toward and their level of aggression. Furthermore, the modeling approach was examined using a Monte Carlo simulation.
Seizure characteristics and control following resection in 332 patients with low-grade gliomas

Object Seizures play an important role in the clinical presentation and postoperative quality of life of patients who undergo surgical resection of low-grade gliomas (LGGs). The aim of this study was to identify factors that influenced perioperative seizure characteristics and postoperative seizure control. Methods The authors performed a retrospective chart review of all cases involving adult patients who underwent initial surgery for LGGs at the University of California, San Francisco between 1997 and 2003. Results Three hundred and thirty-two cases were included for analysis; 269 (81%) of the 332 patients presented with ≥ 1 seizures (generalized alone, 33%; complex partial alone, 16%; simple partial alone, 22%; and combination, 29%). Cortical location and oligodendroglioma and oligoastrocytoma subtypes were significantly more likely to be associated with seizures compared with deeper midline locations and astrocytoma, respectively (p = 0.017 and 0.001, respectively; multivariate analysis). Of the 269 p...
Reconsidering the Linkage between Public Assistance and Public Opinion in the American Welfare State

In an article published in this Journal, we have examined whether American welfare recipients possess beliefs and attitudes that differ from mainstream public opinion. Although our findings cast doubt on the existence of a widespread ‘culture of dependence’, we do show that programme beneficiaries exhibit self-interested support for government policies that provide assistance to needy segments of the population. However, our analysis – like most others on this topic – assumes that welfare participation affects opinions and not vice versa. This is problematic because there are theoretical reasons to believe that influences flow in the opposite direction, as well. Therefore, some important questions remain to be answered: is it really the case that welfare participation, itself, shapes the outlook of programme beneficiaries? Or do political attitudes affect reliance on public assistance in the first place?In this Research Note, we examine the underlying structure of the relationship between welfare participation and attitudes towards government activity. Our analysis uses the 1992 Center for Political Studies (CPS) National Election Study, the same dataset employed in the earlier article. But, we test a statistical model that allows for reciprocal influences between welfare and public opinion. The empirical results reinforce the earlier conclusion that welfare participation has an impact on mass attitudes. Conversely, political attitudes have no effect on whether citizens use public aid. Mirroring our earlier work, we find that people who rely on governmental assistance take rational, self-interested positions on the public policy issues which operate to their own direct benefit.
Hardness assurance and testing techniques for high resolution (12- to 16-bit) analog-to-digital converters

This paper discusses hardness assurance and testing techniques to test and evaluate total dose radiation degradation of high resolution A/D converters. A 16-bit converter with internal calibration is compared with older designs (12-/14-bit) that use more conventional architectures. The results show that measurements of dc parameters and static linearity at major code transitions should be adequate for hardness assurance testing with considerable cost savings compared to full dynamic or all-codes testing. The failure level of CMOS and BiCMOS converters depends on dose rate in a complicated way that is not adequately addressed by high-temperature annealing. Tests at low dose rates - below 0.01 rad(Si)/s - are recommended for space applications of these technologies.
Flow cytometric analysis of the cytotoxic effects of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans leukotoxin on human natural killer cells

The goal of this investigation was to determine if human natural killer (NK) cells were susceptible to the cytolytic effects of the Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans leukotoxin (LTX). Following treatment with LTX (0-200 ng/ml), NK cell activation by interleukin-2 (IL-2) was evaluated. LTX inhibited the IL-2-induced expression of both CD69 and the IL-2 receptor. Furthermore, the up- regulation of CDS6 was also impaired. To determine whether the observed functional deficits were the result of cell death, NK cell viability was evaluated by flow cytom- etry. Changes in forward and side light scatter patterns consistent with cell death were observed within 60 mm. Direct analysis of cell viability by measuring propidium iodide exclusion, however, indicated little change in the viability of LTX-treated NK cells. Electron microscopic analysis of NK cells exposed to LTX revealed early nuclear alterations characterized by hyperchromaticity, nuclear fragmentation, and condensation of nucleoplasm. However, no change in membrane integrity was initially noted. Finally, LTX caused a rapid and sustained eleva- tion in the intracellular levels of Ca2�. These morphologi- cal and biochemical changes are consistent with the no- tion of programmed cell death. J. Leukoc. Biol. 55: 153-160; 1994.
Garlic ointment inhibits biofilm formation by bacterial pathogens from burn wounds.

When thermal injury damages the skin, the physical barrier protecting underlying tissues from invading micro-organisms is compromised and the host’s immune system becomes supressed, facilitating colonization and infection of burn wounds with micro-organisms. Within the wound, bacteria often develop biofilms, which protect the bacteria from the immune response and enhance their resistance to antibiotics. As the prophylactic use of conventional antibiotics drives selection of drug-resistant strains, the use of novel agents to prevent biofilm formation by wound pathogens is essential. In the present study, we utilized our recently developed in vitro wound biofilm model to examine the antibiofilm activity of garlic (Allium sativum). Wound pathogens were inoculated on sterile cellulose discs, exposed to formulated garlic ointment (GarO) or ointment base, and incubated to allow biofilm development. Biofilms were quantified and visualized microscopically. GarO prevented biofilm development by Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae, and caused a 2–5 log reduction of the bioburden within Enterococcus faecalis biofilms. Additionally, GarO disrupted partially developed biofilms produced by S. aureus, S. epidermidis and A. baumannii. The antistaphylococcal activity of GarO was stable for over 3 months at room temperature. Thus, GarO could be used as a prophylactic therapy to prevent wound biofilms caused by both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria from forming, and may be a potential therapy for disrupting established staphylococcal biofilms.
Potential utility of an expression array signature for predicting anthracycline responsiveness or resistance.

Breast cancers, like other malignancies, are heterogeneous in terms of their molecular genetic alterations, gene expression patterns, clinical outcomes, and response to various therapies. This complexity has been characterized with various methods including expression array analyses, which have been used to define breast cancer subtypes according to identified predominant patterns of gene expression (Table 1). These subclasses are correlated with clinical outcomes and, therefore, represent prognostic markers (Table 1). However, therapeutic decision making is now being primarily based on the status of individual predictive markers such as estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). These markers are used to select patients for treatment with specific therapies including antiestrogens, HER2-targeted agents, and/or chemotherapeutics. RNA array analyses permit characterization of expression of individual markers on a gene-by-gene basis and allow for analyses of combinations of gene expression across the entire genome. This has allowed for correlation of various expression patterns with responsiveness to any of a number of administered therapies. Although it had been expected that such detailed analyses across the entire range of known genes would reveal clear patterns of gene expression closely associated with specific responses to particular treatments, this goal has remained largely elusive.
C. G. Jung

C. G. Jung beendete im Jahre 1900 sein Medizinstudium an der Universitat Basel. Er studierte bei Pierre Janet in Paris und arbeitete eine Zeitlang bei Eugene Bleuler, der das Konzept der Schizophrenie entwickelte. 1913 gab er seine Stellung an der Universitat von Zurich auf, um sich starker seiner Praxis, seiner Forschung und seinen Schriften widmen zu konnen. Er war Mitarbeiter von Freud. Es kam jedoch aufgrund immer starker werdender Differenzen zum Bruch mit Freud. Fur Jung war etwa die psychosexuelle Entwicklungstheorie von Freud zu einseitig. Jung gilt als einer der grosten Denker unseres Jahrhunderts und ist Begrunder der analytischen Psychologie. Zu seinen bedeutenden Beitragen zur Psychologie gehoren die grundlegenden Begriffe „introvertiert“ und „extrovertiert“, die Vorstellung eines kollektiven Unbewusten, die recht kontrovers aufgenommene Vorstellung der Archetypen und die Entwicklung des Wortassoziations-Tests. In vielen seiner Schriften kommt auch sein starkes Interesse fur die Einflusse der Religion auf die Entwicklung und Individuation des Menschen zum Ausdruck.
A seismically active section of the Southwest Indian Ridge

The section of the Southwest Indian Ocean Ridge west of the Prince Edward Fracture zone has a large ridge axis offset and a complicated ridge-transform morphology. We have determined the source mechanisms of transform earthquakes along this portion of the ridge from an inversion of long-period P and SH waveforms. The seismicity is characterized by anomalous faulting mechanisms, source complexity and an unexpectedly large seismic moment release. Several earthquakes with dip-slip components of faulting have been recognized on the central section of the Andrew Bain and 32° E transforms suggesting geometrical complexity along the transform. This region has experienced a Mw = 8.0 transform earthquake in 1942, yet we observe a seismic slip rate during the last 20 years that is still comparable to the predicted spreading rate (1.6 cm/yr). The calculated slip rate over a period of 60 years is three times greater than the expected rate of spreading.