cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetic risks of intracytoplasmic sperm injection in the treatment of male infertility: recommendations for genetic counseling and screening

Abstract Objective: To review the most clinically significant genetic disorders associated with severe oligospermia and azoospermia in males, and to present recommendations for the genetic counseling and screening of infertile males and their partners before undertaking intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)-assisted reproduction. Design: The literature on genetic disorders associated with severe oligospermia and azoospermia was reviewed, and the most recent outcome data from surveys of ICSI-derived offspring are presented. Studies related to this topic were identified through MEDLINE. Result(s): Genetic disorders are not infrequent causes of severe oligospermia and azoospermia in males undergoing ICSI-assisted reproduction. The application of ICSI in the treatment of oligospermic or azoospermic males may result in the transmission or de novo introduction of genetic mutations or chromosomal abnormalities in their offspring. Genetic counseling and appropriate screening of couples with male infertility should be performed before their undertaking ICSI-assisted reproduction. Conclusions: An understanding of the genetic risks and possible consequences that are inherent when ICSI is used to assist fertilization in couples with male infertility is necessary for clinicians and their patients.
Global pattern density effects on low-k trench CDs for sub-65-nm technology nodes

Comprehensive CD characterization of low-k trench etch for 65nm nodes are performed through a specially designed mask with global pattern density (GPD) in the range from 25% to 60%. Unlike traditional means, through this mask we systematically demonstrate global pattern density effects on etch behaviors in correlation with CD uniformity, CD proximity, and CD linearity without local etch loading effect contributed from nearby environment [1-3] and position dependent effect contributed from resist developing or aberrations of the wafer-imaging lens [4]. From our study, CD proximity is the most sensitive item. Wider trench shows larger CD variation as compared with narrow trench when global environment vary. Moreover, we find that low pressure etch conditions in a small chamber volume etcher exhibits less CD variation of global pattern density effect. On the other hand, pressure in a large chamber volume etcher provides better tuning capability in the adjustment of CD variation. The results suggest that residence time might be an influential factor for the GPD dependent CD control.
Partnering strategies for childhood agricultural safety and health.

ABSTRACT The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has been the lead federal agency of the national Childhood Agricultural Injury Prevention Initiative (CAIPI) since the program's inception in 1996 and in this role, collaborated with numerous partners in childhood agricultural injury prevention activities. This collaboration has likely helped achieve the current reduction in childhood agricultural injury. The paper looks at existing groups with past and current childhood agricultural injury prevention activities for partnering strategies that could contribute to reducing the morbidity and mortality of childhood agricultural injuries. Based upon the review, suggestions are made for future partnering strategies to continue progress in this area.
Phenotypic Evolution: A Reaction Norm Perspective

By Carl D. Schlichting and Massimo Pigliucci. Sunderland, MA: Sinauer. 1998. 387 pp. ISBN 0-87893-799-4. $38.95 (paper).
Syndesmosis sprains of the ankle The influence of heterotopic ossification

A retrospective study of 50 syndesmosis sprains in 44 football players was performed. Five patients (6 ankles) were lost to follow-up, allowing review of 44 injuries. Average follow-up was 47 months. The patients were evaluated for recurrent injury, overall ankle function, and for persistent ankle symptoms, including stiffness, pain, limping, and swelling. Follow-up radiographs of the injured ankle were obtained in 22 patients. The average return time to full activity was 31 days. Pain with pushing-off was a major factor preventing return to activity. At final followup, 36% of the patients complained of persistent mild to moderate stiffness of the ankle. Twenty-three percent had mild to moderate pain, usually with activity. One patient had a mild limp with activity, and 18% of the ankles had persistent mild to moderate swelling. Ankle function was rated as good to excellent in 86%. All patients with fair results had recurrent ankle sprains. There were no poor results. Eleven of the 22 patients with follow-up radiographs developed heterotopic ossification within the interosseous membrane, but no patient developed a frank synostosis. The patients with heterotopic ossification required an average of 11 days more recovery time than those without ossification. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups' ultimate ratings of ankle function or ankle symptoms, but the ankles with heterotopic ossification were associated with more recurrent lateral ankle sprains. We conclude that syndesmosis sprains require a longer recovery period than other types of ankle sprains. Most of these injuries showed good to excellent ankle function after recovery, unless there was a recurrent ankle sprain.2+ formation of heterotopic ossification.
A calorimetric study of the folding-unfolding of an alpha-helix with covalently closed N and C-terminal loops.

Abstract The thermal melting of a dicyclic 29-residue peptide, having helix-stabilizing side-chain to side-chain covalent links at each terminal, has been studied by circular dichroism spectropolarimetry (CD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The CD spectra for this dicyclic peptide indicate that it is monomeric, almost fully α-helical at −10 °C, and undergoes a reversible transition from the folded to the disordered state with increasing temperature. The temperature dependencies of the ellipticity at 222 nm and the excess heat capacity measured calorimetrically are well fit by a two-state model, which indicates a cooperative melting transition that is complete within the temperature ranges of these experiments (from −10 °C to 100 °C). This allows a complete analysis of the thermodynamics of helix formation. The helix unfolding is found to proceed with a small positive heat-capacity increment, consistent with the solvation of some non-polar groups upon helix unfolding. It follows that the hydrogen bonds are not the only factors responsible for the formation of the α-helix, and that hydrophobic interactions are also playing a role in its stabilization. At 30 °C, the calorimetric enthalpy and entropy values are estimated to be 650(±50) cal mol−1 and 2.0(±0.2) cal K−1mole−1, respectively, per residue of this peptide. Comparison with the thermodynamic characteristics obtained for the unfolding of double-stranded α-helical coiled-coils shows that at that temperature the enthalpic contribution of non-polar groups to the stabilization of the α-helix is insignificant and the estimated transition enthalpy can be assigned to the hydrogen bonds. With increasing temperature, the increasing magnitude of the negative enthalpy of hydration of the exposed polar groups should decrease the helix-stabilizing enthalpy of the backbone hydrogen bonds. However, the helix-stabilizing negative entropy of hydration of these groups should also increase in magnitude with increasing temperature, offsetting this effect.
The parabolic bellman equation

where Q E Q x (0, T) for some smooth bounded domain Sz c [w”, apQ denotes the parabolic boundary of Q, and each L! is a second order, uniformly elliptic operator of the form Lku = -afj(x, t)uxixj + b;(x, t)u_ + ek(x, r)u (1 Oandall(x,t)EQ,~~IW”: ck > 0 (1 < k < m): and also (1.3)
Use of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) antagonists infliximab, etanercept, and adalimumab in patients with concurrent rheumatoid arthritis and hepatitis B or hepatitis C: a retrospective record review of 11 patients

An understanding of the cytokine cascade in a rheumatoid joint has led to the development of new therapeutic options, including drugs targeting tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). The safety profile of these agents in patients with hepatitis-induced liver disease, however, remains a concern because of risks associated with immune suppression. To examine the effect of three different TNF-α antagonists, infliximab, etanercept, and adalimumab, on serum transaminases and hepatitis viral load in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and concurrent hepatitis B (HBV) or hepatitis C (HCV). Medical records of 11 patients with diagnosis of RA and documented seropositivity for hepatitis B or hepatitis C were retrospectively reviewed for worsening of hepatic inflammation and viral proliferation as measured by a rise in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and viral load while using these agents. Three patients had RA with concurrent chronic HBV and eight patients had RA with concurrent chronic HCV. Seven patients remained on a single anti-TNF-α agent and four patients switched to a second anti-TNF-α agent due to treatment failure. Two patients showed a transient elevation in AST and/or ALT from normal, but in all 11 patients, AST and ALT levels were within one time the upper range of normal at the conclusion of the study. No significant increase in viral load was seen except one patient who showed a fourfold increase from baseline. Our case series supports results obtained from previous studies examining the safety of anti-TNF-α agents in patients with underlying hepatic disease. Use of these agents in patients with HBV or HCV may be associated with a transient transaminitis but appears to be safe overall. In both groups, frequent monitoring of serum transaminase levels and viral load is essential.
Simultaneous Measurement of Glucose Blood–Brain Transport Constants and Metabolic Rate in Rat Brain using in-vivo1H MRS

Cerebral glucose consumption and glucose transport across the blood–brain barrier are crucial to brain function since glucose is the major energy fuel for supporting intense electrophysiological activity associated with neuronal firing and signaling. Therefore, the development of noninvasive methods to measure the cerebral metabolic rate of glucose (CMRglc) and glucose transport constants (KT: half-saturation constant; Tmax: maximum transport rate) are of importance for understanding glucose transport mechanism and neuroenergetics under various physiological and pathological conditions. In this study, a novel approach able to simultaneously measure CMRglc, KT, and Tmax via monitoring the dynamic glucose concentration changes in the brain tissue using in-vivo 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and in plasma after a brief glucose infusion was proposed and tested using an animal model. The values of CMRglc, Tmax, and KT were determined to be 0.44±0.17 μmol/g per minute, 1.35±0.47 μmol/g per minute, and 13.4±6.8 mmol/L in the rat brain anesthetized with 2% isoflurane. The Monte-Carlo simulations suggest that the measurements of CMRglc and Tmax are more reliable than that of KT. The overall results indicate that the new approach is robust and reliable for in-vivo measurements of both brain glucose metabolic rate and transport constants, and has potential for human application.
A note on experiential learning in professionla training

As part of a summer training program in psychopathology, first-year graduate students in clinical and counseling psychology have entered Anna State Hospital, Anna, Illinois as patients, for periods that ranged from 3 to 5 days. Their experiences, both individual and group, suggest that assuming roles in such a manner can result in increased undestanding of the roles assumed and of the behaviors and feelings of persons in those roles.
Spectroscopic and Kinetic Characterization of the Recombinant Wild-type and C242S Mutant of the Cytochrome b Reductase Fragment of Nitrate Reductase

Abstract Spectroscopic and kinetic studies comparing the behavior of the recombinant cytochrome b reductase fragment of corn leaf nitrate reductase and a mutant in which cysteine 242 is replaced with a serine residue (C242S) have been carried out. The visible and circular dichroism spectra of the wild-type and mutant protein are virtually identical and compare well with those reported for nitrate reductases from other sources. The reduced wild-type protein forms a charge-transfer complex with NAD that has an absorption envelope that extends into the near infrared, with a maximum around 800 nm. The C242S mutant forms a similar charge-transfer complex with NAD but to a lesser extent than the wild-type. The reduction potential of the flavin for the wild-type protein is −287 mV, and that for the mutant is −279 mV. The rate of reduction by NADH of the C242S mutant is 7-fold slower than that for the wild-type protein, and the K is larger by a factor of 2. These results indicate that the cysteine 242 residue plays a role principally in facilitating electron transfer from NADH to the flavin rather than in binding of NADH to the enzyme.
Mus spretus-specific LINE-1 DNA probes applied to the cloning of the murine pearl locus.

Abstract LINE-1 is the major family of long, interspersed, repetitive DNA sequences found in mammalian genomes. The mouse species Mus spretus contains large LINE-1 subfamilies that are distinguishable from the LINE-1 elements of laboratory Mus domesticus strains by their content of particular nucleotide differences. Oligonucleotides containing these differences act as M. spretus -specific LINE-1 hybridization probes. We have used these probes as a novel genetic tool in conjunction with an interspecific hybrid congenic mouse, in which the M. spretus allele of the pearl gene has been transferred onto a M. domesticus background. From a lambda library prepared from this congenic mouse, four clones were isolated by hybridization to the M. spretus-specific probes. After derivation of genetic markers from these clones, two of them were found to be linked to the pearl gene. These markers are the first two of up to 75 that could be isolated to support cloning the pearl gene. Considering the interspersed nature of LINE-1, we propose that species-specific LINE-1 probes could also be used to isolate markers for many other target genes.
Fracture incidence on debonding of orthodontic brackets from porcelain veneer laminates

The bonding force and the incidence of porcelain fracture for two porcelain systems, on removal of orthodontic brackets bonded to porcelain veneer laminates after thermocycling, were determined. A factorial design with a total sample size of 256 was used. The factors tested were (1) porcelain type (feldspathic [porcelain CE] or high alumina [porcelain VI]), (2) surface treatment (glazed or roughened), (3) priming agent (silane or alcohol), (4) bonding resin (macrofilled or microfilled), and (5) debonding time (30 minutes or 24 hours). An analysis of variance revealed that surface treatment, primer, resin type, and debonding time each contributed significantly to the debonding force. The probability of porcelain fracture was dependent on the porcelain type and the debonding force, with porcelain VI exhibiting a significantly higher probability of fracture than porcelain CE at the same debonding force. The etched surface of porcelain CE exhibited a more retentive microstructure than porcelain VI. The success of using bonded orthodontic brackets on porcelain veneer laminates depends on both the bond of resin to porcelain and the resistance of porcelain to fracture during debonding. For a given porcelain veneer, factors that provide a higher debonding force result in a higher probability of porcelain veneer fracture.
N-Heterocyclic Carbene Palladium Complexes Bearing Carboxylate Ligands and Their Catalytic Activity in the Hydroarylation of Alkynes

The synthesis and reactivity of palladium acetate/trifluoroacetate complexes stabilized by the presence of N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands are described. The structures and coordination characteristics of both (IPr)Pd(OAc)2 (1) and (IPr)Pd(OOCCF3)2(H2O) (2) were elucidated by spectroscopic and X-ray diffraction studies. The structure of 1 shows a novel coordination of the anions in a monomeric complex, with one acetate anion acting as a monodentate ligand while the second one coordinates through both oxygens. The NHC ligands in 1 and 2 are stable under acidic conditions. The complexes were used as precatalysts in the hydroarylation of alkynes. Using this simple protocol, a number of arenes react with various alkynes to produce stilbenes.
Gemcitabine and other new chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of metastatic bladder cancer

An improved quality of life secondary to reduced chemotherapy toxicity is an important end point in the treatment of all patients with metastatic cancer. In this review, we have demonstrated that gemcitabine and gemcitabine/cisplatin combinations appear to have a reduced toxicity profile compared with MVAC. Phase II studies with gemcitabine and cisplatin have shown good response rates that are possibly equivalent to MVAC, and a Phase III trial is now completed. Similar data have been reported for the paclitaxel/carboplatin combination and a Phase III trial comparing that combination with MVAC is planned. For patients with TCC who are in mild renal failure or who have significant underlying medical conditions, gemcitabine can also be considered as a reasonable single agent therapy. Complete responses can be seen, even in patients who are older than the age of 70. Moore et al., for example, demonstrated near complete responses to gemcitabine monotherapy in 4 patients older than 80 years of age. In conclusion, chemotherapy options for patients with metastatic bladder cancer have changed significantly with the addition of gemcitabine and other drugs to the armentarium. The integration of gemcitabine into the initial chemotherapy plan for these patients is still being developed. It is clear that this agent should be included in the management discussions of all patients with metastatic bladder cancer.
Yersinia enterocolitica infections in hospitalized patients: the problem of hospital-acquired infections.

Objective: To study the epidemiology of Yersinia enterocolitica infections in hospitalized patients and to determine the frequency of hospital-acquired infection and the modes of transmission within the hospital. Design: Descriptive study in which the clinical microbiology laboratory reported all positive Yersinia cultures to the infection control department; each case was investigated to determine the source of infection. Setting: A 700-bed university teaching hospital. Participants: All patients who were culture-positive for Y enterocolitica after admission to the University of Cincinnati Hospital during the 4-year period between 1987 and 1990. Results: Of 18 patients who were diagnosed with Yersinia infections, 8 (44%) were community-acquired. These patients were admitted with gastrointestinal symptoms and had their first positive cultures between days 1 and 5 of their hospitalizations. Five patients (28%) had hospital-acquired infections, having developed diarrhea after admission for unrelated problems, and became culture-positive between days 18 and 66. The remaining 5 patients could not be classified as either community- or hospital-acquired. These patients had gastrointestinal symptoms at the time of admission, but these could have been explained by other diseases. Their first positive stool cultures were not obtained until the second week or later during hospitalization, and 3 of these patients had negative stool cultures prior to a positive culture. Conclusions: Although Y enterocolitica has not previously been recognized as a common hospital problem, at least 28% of our patients acquired their Yersinia infections in the hospital. In some cases, cross infections, transmitted by healthcare workers, occurred between patients. Four of the 18 infections occurred in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
Methane in aging hydrothermal plumes

Methane concentration and the stable carbon isotopic composition ( 13 C-CH4) were measured in aging hydrothermal plume waters originating at the Endeavour Segment, Juan de Fuca Ridge. CH4 concen- trations decreased systematically from 600 nM at on-axis stations to 11 nM at a distal station 15 km off axis; background CH4 concentrations are 2 nM. CH4 behaves nonconservatively in plume waters and does not correlate with conservative parameters such as temperature anomaly (), but is highly correlated with NH4 and total dissolvable Mn. 13 C-CH4 values for plume depth samples varies inversely and significantly (R 2 0.89) with methane concentrations normalized to . Some 13 C-CH4 values (1.8 and 10.9 ‰) measured at the 15 km off-axis station are among the heaviest yet reported from a natural marine environment. Less than 5% of original hydrothermal methane remains in the plume at this station. The data are consistent with extensive microbial methane oxidation. A narrow range of fractionation factors (rc 1.0072 to 1.0077) was calculated for the Endeavour samples. These fractionation factors are less than those reported by Coleman et al. (1981), but fall near the trend line of their rc versus temperature data when extrapolated to plume water temperature (2 °C). Copyright © 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd
Readmissions after complex aneurysm repair are frequent, costly, and primarily at nonindex hospitals

Objective Readmissions after complex vascular surgery are not well studied. We sought to determine the rate of readmission after thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair (TAA/TAAAR) at our institution and to identify risk factors for and costs of readmission. Methods Using a prospectively collected institutional database in conjunction with a Maryland statewide database, we reviewed index admissions and early readmissions for all patients who underwent TAA/TAAAR between 2002 and 2013 at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. Only Maryland residents were included to capture readmissions to any Maryland hospital. Results We identified 115 Maryland residents (58% men; mean age, 65 ± 1.2 years) undergoing TAA/TAAAR (57% open repair). Early readmissions were frequent and occurred in 29% of patients. Of the readmitted patients, 79% ( P P = .03) and postoperative pneumonia (odds ratio, 4.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.28-15.4; P = .02). Readmitted patients had significantly lower average income compared with the nonreadmitted cohort (U.S. $62,000 ± $4000 vs $73,000 ± $3000; P = .04). Striking differences were seen between patients readmitted to the index hospital where the operation was performed, and those who were readmitted to a nonindex hospital: patients readmitted to the index hospital were readmitted mainly for aneurysm-related surgical issues, whereas patients readmitted to the nonindex hospital were readmitted for medical morbidities. An aneurysm-related intervention was required in 75% of patients readmitted to the index hospital vs in 9% of patients readmitted to the nonindex hospital. Readmissions to a nonindex hospital cost significantly less than to the index hospital (U.S. $20,000 ± $4400 vs $42,000 ± $8800; P = .03) and were not associated with increased overall mortality. Conclusions Early readmissions after TAA/TAAA repair are frequent and often occur at hospitals other than the index institution. Risk factors for readmission include open repair and postoperative pneumonia but not pre-existing patient comorbidities. Readmissions to nonindex hospitals were related to medical morbidities that were associated with fewer interventions and lower costs compared with the index hospital. Focusing on preoperative risk factors in this group of patients may not lead to reduction in readmissions. Minimizing nonsurgical complications may reduce post-TAA/TAAAR readmissions and the high costs associated with repeat care.
Influence of post-treatment strategies on the properties of activated chars from broiler manure

Abstract There are a myriad of carbonaceous precursors that can be used advantageously to produce activated carbons or chars, due to their low cost, availability and intrinsic properties. Because of the nature of the raw material, production of granular activated chars from broiler manure results in a significant ash fraction. This study was conducted to determine the influence of several pre- and post-treatment strategies in various physicochemical and adsorptive properties of the resulting activated chars. Pelletized samples of broiler litter and cake were pyrolyzed at 700 °C for 1 h followed by a 45 min steam activation at 800 °C at different water flow rates from 1 to 5 mL min −1 . For each activation strategy, samples were either water-rinsed or acid-washed and rinsed or used as is (no acid wash/rinse). Activated char’s physicochemical and adsorptive properties towards copper ions were selectively affected by both pre- and post-treatments. Percent ash reduction after either rinsing or acid washing ranged from 1.1 to 15.1% but washed activated chars were still alkaline with pH ranging from 8.4 to 9.1. Acid washing or water rinsing had no significant effect in the ability of the activated char to adsorb copper ions, however it significantly affected surface area, pH, ash content and carbon content. Instead, manure type (litter versus cake) and the activation water flow rate were determining factors in copper ion adsorption which ranged from 38 mg g −1 to 104 mg g −1 of activated char. Moreover, strong positive correlations were found between copper uptake and concentration of certain elements in the activated char such as phosphorous, sulfur, calcium and sodium. Rinsing could suffice as a post treatment strategy for ash reduction since no significant differences in the carbon properties were observed between rinsed and acid wash treatments.
An efficient 13.56 MHz active back-telemetry rectifier in standard CMOS technology

In this paper, we present the design of a high-frequency (HF) rectifier implemented in a 0.5-μm 3M/2P 5V standard CMOS process for wireless power transmission across short-range inductive links. The rectifier has been optimized for 13.56 MHz ISM band, and achieves power conversion efficiency (PCE) of ~83% and voltage conversion ratio > 92% in post-layout simulations. We have successfully incorporated a dual-mode back-telemetry capability in this rectifier with little area or efficiency overhead, which tolerates wide load-fluctuations at the secondary side. With these improvements, this active back-telemetry rectifier (ABTR) is geared towards increasing the overall system efficiency, data transfer rate, and reading range in applications such as implantable microelectronic devices (IMD) and radio frequency identification (RFID).
Jaw scaling and biomechanics in fossil taxa

L'analyse allometrique et biomecanique crânio-faciale critique les arguments de Smith relatifs a l'etude de la morphologie et des fonctions de la mâchoire des Primates prosimiens
"Chunnel Visions": Unpacking the Anticipatory Geographies of an Anglo-European Borderland

This study examines the overlapping ways in which a cross-channel "Transmanche" region has been envisioned, mapped, promoted, and thereby made part of the fast developing European political and business discourse surrounding border regions. Originally conceived along the lines of connections opened up by the Channel Tunnel, the region links the English county of Kent, the French region of Nord-Pas de Calais, and more recently, through a larger partnership that created a so-called "Euroregion", the whole of Belgium. This study unpacks three distinct future-oriented modes of visioning the cross-channel region: the infrastructural , predicated on the tunnel itself and the ties of new rail and road networks; the Eurocratic , predicated on EU funding and protocols; and the entrepreneurial , predicated on the business of promoting the region for economic development. By overlapping and drawing upon one another, these future-predicting and future-normalizing "Chunnel visions" have a material force and thus important practical consequences. Among them is the eclipse of other potentially more democratic and environmentally sustainable visions of the region.
Shock-wave equation of state of molten and solid fayalite

Shock-wave equations of state (EOS) of initially solid (300 K) and molten (1573 K) fayalite (Fe_2SiO_4, Fa) are measured over the pressure ranges of 23–212 and 5–47 GPa, respectively. The 300 K data indicates that Fa undergoes a phase change from the low-pressure olivine structure (Lpp) over the 35–55 GPa range. In agreement with earlier analyses of Rockport fayalite shock data and diamond cell recovery experiments, the high pressure phase (Hpp) data are consistent with an oxide (2FeO+SiO_2, stishovite) mixture. A fit to the Hpp Hugoniot data in the shock velocity (u_S)–particle velocity (u_P) plane yields: u_S = 4.07 (0.22)km/s + 1.43 (0.06)u_P. Here, the initial density, ρ_0 is 4.375 (0.027) Mg/m^3. The 1573 K data yields: u_S = 2.63(0.02) km/s + 1.59 (0.01)u_P. Initial density calculated from temperature data is 3.750 (0.018) Mg/m^3 and K_(0S)=25.9±0.4 GPa, and K_(0S)′=5.36±0.04 GPa. The bulk modulus, K_(0S), compares favorably with Agee’s result [Geophys. Res. Lett. 19 (1992a) 1169], 24.4 GPa, but the pressure derivative is much less than the K_(0T)′=10.1 GPa previously reported. Molten Fa compression data >40 GPa are closely fit with an ideal mixture of oxides, SiO_2 (stishovite) + 2FeO (Lpp), in support of the hypothesis of Rigden et al. [J. Geophys. Res. 94 (1989) 9508]. A model molten basalt incorporating previous molten anorthite (An)–diopside (Di) eutectic and the present molten Fa (EOS) data implies that a zone of basic silicate liquid, could be neutrally buoyant at a depth of ∼250–400 km, upon partial melting of a peridotite mantle as discussed by Rigden et al. [Science 226 (1984) 1071]. This conclusion is based on comparison of the density of the model basalt: (An_(0.36)Di_(0.64))_(0.85)Fa_(0.15), with Dziewonski and Anderson’s Preliminary Reference Earth model [Phys. Earth Planet. Inter. 25 (1981) 297].
An analytical model for the phase behavior of cholesteryl esters in intracellular inclusions.

Abstract The cholesteryl ester-rich, intracellular inclusions that characterize atherosclerotic plaque are capable of existing in a metastable, relatively fluid state for long periods of time. We have developed an analytical model which explains this metastability, and other aspects of the phase behavior, of physiologically relevant, phospholipid-stabilized dispersions of cholesteryl ester mixtures. The model, based on classical nucleation theory, incorporates temperature, time and lipid composition as independent variables. Differential scanning calorimetry was used to elucidate the model. The dispersions consisted of cholesteryl palmitate and an ester containing a long-chain, unsaturated or polyunsaturated, fatty acid. When a dispersion of approx. 1-μm droplets is melted, then cooled, crystallization is preceded by the formation of small crystalline nuclei (homogeneous nucleation). Nucleation is energetically unfavorable until (typically) well below the melting point, σ, the tension between the surface of the crystal nucleus and surrounding fluid, is a measure of the difficulty in forming nuclei. This parameter was found to increase with the content of unsaturated ester, σ was found to increase with increasing triacylglycerol content, and to decrease upon addition of free cholesterol.
DB2/XML: designing for evolution

DB2 provides native XML storage, indexing, navigation and query processing through both SQL/XML and XQuery using the XML data type introduced by SQL/XML. In this tutorial we focus on DB2's XML support for schema evolution, especially DB2's schema repository and document-level validation.
Observing the inner heliosphere from new perspectives

Abstract In the solar corona, the density scale height is large, a considerable fraction of a solar radius. Because of this, observations of the Sun from a single vantage point produce images which show an unavoidable overlapping of many structures along the line of sight. This makes it difficult, and sometimes impossible, to determine the true nature of the feature being observed. This difficulty can be overcome by obtaining simultaneous observations from multiple vantage points. Using these observations, and a reconstructions process similar to that used in medical imaging applications, the true three-dimensional nature of the solar corona can be deduced. The same process can be used to follow the formation of coronal mass ejections (CME's) in the low corona and the propagation of CME's through interplanetary space.
A SPREADSHEET PROGRAM FOR TEACHING PHARMACOKINETICS

The number of medications used in Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care Units continues to increase steadily, with a concomitant increase in the potential for drug interactions and toxicity. In order to provide more pharmacokinetic information to the medical staff, we developed a computer program using Lotus 1-2-3 on an IBM-PC employing well known pharmacokinetic equations for predicting individual patient parameters. The program has user-friendly menus that include on-line help screens making it easy to obtain the following information: 1. Calculate half-life, volume of distribution, ideal dose and ideal interval in any given drug. 2. Given a desired interval, desired peak and desired trough, it will calculate a recommended dose. 3. Visualize graphically the serum level versus time curve of the “current” and “proposed” regimen, or superimpose both. 4. Do the above when the peak and trough levels are obtained either during “steady-state” or after an “initial” dose. This program works for any drug that has a first order elimination rate constant (aminoglycosides, theophylline, digitalis, phenobarbital, etc.), regardless of the patient's age and size, i.e., neonates, infants, children or adults. It can be utilized as a learning tool by using simulated or actual patient data, or in a hospital unit as a way to monitor patient serum levels and potentially decrease unwanted toxicity.
Environment, Market Share, and Market Power

In this paper we develop a process model relating market share to firm profits. In particular, we specify average price and average cost equations as a function of previous year market share position, changes in market share, environmental conditions, and interactions of environmental conditions with the lagged market position and market share change variables. We estimate these equations using PIMS data after controlling for unobservable factors. Our results suggest that firms with high market shares derive no extra market power benefits except if they operate in environments with little buyer power. Instead, environmental factors and changes in market share most strongly influence price and cost. An analysis of the market share associated with maximal firm profits indicates that for the majority of firms in our sample steadily increasing market share does not always associate with increasing profits, giving credence to the proposition that "more market share is not always better."
Silicon - aluminium siting in the faujasite lattice

Recent nuclear magnetic resonance techniques — first, with 29Si1 and, now, with 27Al2—contribute to our knowledge of the siting of silicon and aluminium atoms in the faujasite lattice. In addition to the topics of randomness and order, they also relate to the validity of Loewenstein's rule which prohibits aluminium placement on neighbouring lattice tetrahedral (T) sites3–5. This note is intended to show that the available data are consistent both with Loewenstein's rule being operative and with aluminium atoms being randomly distributed in the structure. The former can be seen in the consequences of not imposing Loewenstein's rule on the structure and the latter, by the agreement between observed and calculated distributions of the type silicon atoms.
The motives of political party activists: A factor-analytic exploration

Students of political motives have had difficulty relating operational indicators to the conceptual framework (associated with Clark and Wilson) that has dominated the field. The present analysis suggests that since this framework is concerned with organizational incentives rather than with individual motives, some fine tuning of the three dimensions included in the original typology may be in order and two additional dimensions need to be added. While this revised framework does not lend itself to the tangible versus nontangible motives overlay conventionally associated with the original framework, a perhaps more useful overlay is suggested which may contribute to a better understanding of what distinguishes party activists from those persons who restrict themselves to more elementary forms of political expression.
CAD Analysis of Four Co-Propagating Spatial Domain Multiplexed (SDM) Channels of Same Wavelength in Optical Fibers

A four channel spatially multiplexed optical system has been designed using commercially available CAD software. Two dimensional intensity plot and three dimensional beam profiles with CAD simulated output data are presented in this paper.
FACTORS INFLUENCING THE PERSISTENCE OF CHORIOMENINGITIS VIRUS IN THE BLOOD OF MICE AFTER CLINICAL RECOVERY

Mice infected in utero continued to carry choriomeningitis virus in the blood more regularly and in greater amount than suckling mice infected by contact. This result may be due to the difference in tissue maturity at the time of infection: the more immature the tissues are when infected, the longer the virus appears to persist in them after maturation. A similar result was obtained with mice of different ages infected either by contact or by intranasal instillation of virus, in that the carrier state lasted longer in the younger animals. This cannot be attributed entirely to the difference in age, however, since young mice as a rule showed more severe symptoms than mature animals. It is possible, therefore, that the difference in the severity of the disease accounted in part for that in the duration of the infection. In mature mice infected experimentally as well as in some of the suckling mice infected by contact the severity of the disease was the determining factor, the infection persisting longest in those animals that showed the most severe reaction. The character of the virus used also appeared to influence the persistence of the virus in the blood. A strain of virus isolated in 1935 from an infected stock mouse and modified by intracerebral passage in mice (5) disappeared from the circulation more rapidly than the stock strain maintained by natural passage in the infected mouse stock. The guinea pig passage strain, however, which was obtained from the same mouse as the mouse passage virus but passed through guinea pigs by pad inoculation, persisted in the blood more frequently than the stock strain. Carrier mice without exception had a high degree of immunity to intracerebral injection with virus, while other animals once infected but no longer carrying detectable amounts of virus in the blood often showed an incomplete immunity that manifested itself in an accelerated, non-fatal reaction, presumably of an allergic nature. This observation does not prove, however, that the immunity always is an "infection immunity," since a high degree of resistance not associated with detectable amounts of virus in the blood and brain was produced by repeated injections with the mouse passage strain. Since the blood and the tissues of old carriers often contain large amounts of virus, it is very unlikely that their immunity is due to protective antibodies circulating in the blood or fixed in the tissue spaces. It rather appears that the susceptible cells of such animals are infected and that cells occupied by actively multiplying virus cannot be reinfected. The mechanism of this infection immunity as well as the immunity apparently not associated with infection requires further study.
Thermodynamic studies of YFe12−xVx and SmFe12−xVx alloys

Abstract The Invar alloys of YFe12−xVx (x=1.6, 2.0, 2.4, 2.8, 3.2) and SmFe12−xVx (x=2.4, 2.8) were prepared. The activity and the relative partial molar Gibbs free energy of the yttrium and samarium in the alloys were determined by the e.m.f. method using a single crystal of CaF2 as a solid electrolyte at temperatures of 920–1020 K and 900–1000 K respectively.
Atomistic Determination of Continuum Mechanical Properties of Ion-Bombarded Silicon

Highly disordered, ion-processed silicon is studied using a molecular dynamics simulation with empirical interatomic potentials. The surface free energy density, stress-strain relations, and continuum surface features of silicon, bombarded in the simulations to relatively high fluence by medium energy argon ions, are computed statistically by preparing multiple randomized ion-bombarded specimens. The surface-free energy per unit area for the ion-bombarded silicon is about 1.76 J/m 2 , much lower than the 2.35 J/m 2 corresponding to a (001) unrelaxed, crystalline silicon surface. A stress-strain curve is obtained computationally by performing a constant strain test on the ion-bombarded specimens and by calculating stresses from the interatomic forces acting across different cross sections in the sample. The resulting tensile elastic modulus of the material, while slightly elevated due to the prominence of the free surface in the thin layer, is in good agreement with available experimental data. The surface is characterized using an interatomic potential-based C 2 continuous sampling method.
Response to “Avoiding Tension of Wound Closure in Reduction Mammaplasty and Mastopexy in Previously Irradiated Breasts”

I thank Dr Rudolph for his insightful comments with regard to our article on reduction mammaplasty in previously radiated breasts.1 I agree that radiated tissues are usually not ischemic, that fibroblast activity is compromised, and that excessive tension on the incision can compromise wound healing. Most surgeons who operate in radiated fields will attest to …
An experimental investigation on flame interaction and the existence of negative flame speeds

Downstream interaction between two counterflow premixed flames of different stoichiometries are investigated. Various flame configurations are observed and quantified; these include the binary system of two lean or rich flames, the triplet system of a lean and a rich flame separated by a diffusion flame, and single diffusion flames with some degree of premixedness. Extinction limits are determined for methane/air and butane/air mixtures over the entire range of mixture concentrations. Results show that these extinction limits can be significantly modified in the presence of interaction such that a mixture much beyond the flammability limit can still burn if it is supported by a stronger flame. The experiment also demonstrates the existence of negative flames whose propagation velocity is in the same general direction as that of the bulk convective flow. Implications of the present results on the flammability of stratified mixtures and on the modeling of turbulent flames are discussed.
Thermal stability studies of a polyimide–polytetrafluoroethylene blend and its components

Low-dielectric constant (ϵr) polymers, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), are an important component of advanced electronic products that transit data, since it is this physical property that largely determines a device's performance. For instance, the dielectric constant determines overall signal speed and proximity in that one circuit line can be placed to another, i.e., wiring density, while maintaining desired electrical characteristics. However, due to PTFE's inertness and intractability, significant challenges exist in the successful application of the polymer as an insulation material. One specific example is the lack of available methods to uniformly and controllably generate fine, high-density features in the neat fluoropolymer. Recently, it was reported that excellent structuring characteristics of PTFE can be achieved by sensitizing the fluoropolymer to excimer laser radiation using small quantities of an aromatic polyimide. An important physical property of the sensitization agent, in addition to interacting strongly with the laser's emitted energy, is suitable thermal stability due to PTFE's high-temperature processing requirements. Using multiple analysis techniques, the thermal decomposition behavior of PTFE, polyimide sensitizer, and resulting polymer blend have been evaluated. It was determined that the onset of decomposition for all systems is near or greater than 500°C. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Intradural extramedullary lesion of the conus, medullaris

Fig. 1. (A) Microscopic pathologic examination of the removed tumor showing fascicles of moderately dense, elongated cells associated with collagenous bands (hematoxylin and eosin stain, original magnification 100), (B) Immunohistochemical analysis showing the neoplastic cells strongly and uniformly immunoreactive for CD34 (original magnification 200), and (C) immunonegative for epithelial membrane antigen (hematoxylin and eosin, original magnification 100). This figure is available in colour at www.sciencedirect.com. 1. Answer
One-Semester CS Capstone: A 40-60 Teaching Approach

The CS capstone (senior project) course has two primary goals: academic and practical. The academic goal is to integrate knowledge and skills developed in other courses in the context of a real-world project, while the practical goal is to carryout software development in a simulated real-world development environment. A one-semester capstone course presents a challenge to achieving these goals in such short time. This paper describes a 40-60 Teaching Approach that utilizes 40% of the course time for achieving the academic goal and the remaining 60% for achieving the practical goal. The first part focuses on the exploration, planning, design, and document generation, while the second part is dedicated for working with tools and technologies. The presented approach is the result of the author's experience in teaching and fine-tuning the capstone course since spring 2004.
Heuristic malware detection via basic block comparison

Each day, malware analysts are tasked with more samples than they have the ability to analyze by hand. To produce this trend, malware authors often reuse a significant portion of their code. In this paper, we introduce a technique to statically decompose malicious software to identify shared code. This technique variably applies a sliding-window methodology to either full files or individual basic blocks to produce representative similarity ratios either between two binaries or between two functionalities within binaries, respectively. This grants the ability to apply heuristic detection via threshold similarity matching as well as full-inclusivity matching for malicious functionality. Additionally, we apply generalization techniques to minimize local assembly variants while still maintaining consistent structural matching. We also identify improvements that this technique provides over previous technologies and demonstrate its success in practical sample detection. Finally, we suggest further applications of this technique and highlight possible contributions to modern malware detection.
A scanning probe microscopy study of the (001) surfaces of V2O5 and V6O13

Abstract Single crystals of V 2 O 5 (001) and V 6 O 13 (001) were imaged in ambient conditions by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Atomic-scale resolution images are compared with partial and total electron-density plots of the surface calculated using the extended Huckel tight-binding electronic band-structure method. The V 2 O 5 (001) surface is terminated by vanadyl O atoms that dominate the contrast in both AFM and STM images. The V 6 O 13 (001) surface, on the other hand, is terminated by a V–O plane and the contrast in both AFM and STM images is dominated by the V atoms.