cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multilayer PVDF Polymer Transducers for Pulse Compression Applications

A multilayer PVDF transducer design is presented. The design allows the overall sensitivity of the PVDF polymer transducer to be significantly improved while retaining PVDF film's wide bandwidth properties. This is achieved by implementing the pulse compression technique through a multiple piezoelectric polymer layer assembly. A detailed theoretical model that allows the performance of the multilayer transducer to be predicted was developed. Experimental data were collected by using the PVDF needle hydrophone with enhanced bandwidth specially designed by Medicoteknisk Institute (Force Institutes, Copenhagen, Denmark). A good agreement between experimental data and computer simulations was obtained.
The Eighth Chapter

[1] And when he had opened the seventh seal, [2] there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. [3] And I saw seven angels [4] standing before God, [5] and to them were given seven trumpets. [6] And another angel came [7] and stood before the altar, [8] having a golden censer. [9] And much of odours was given unto him [10] that he should offer of the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar [11] which was before the seat. [12] And the smoke of the odours which came of the prayers of the saints ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand. [13] And the angel took the censer and filled it with fire of the altar [14] and cast it into the earth. [15] And voices were made, and thunderings, and lightnings, [16] and great earthquake. [17] And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets [18] prepared themselves to blow.
Effect of Water Vapor on Sintering of Ceramic Oxides

Increased rates of densification, i.e., shrinkage, in the initial and intermediate stages of sintering of ceramic powders in the presence of water vapor have been reported by a number of investigators. The thermodynamic driving forces and mechanisms of mass transport affected by the presence of water vapor are examined.
An Introduction to ind-Varieties and pro-Groups

Sections 4.1-4.3 are devoted to developing the basic definitions, examples and elementary properties of ind-varieties and ind-groups introduced by [Safarevi c82], which is our basic reference.
Intraoperative Evaluation of the Extrahepatic Biliary Tree and Ampulla of Vater

Most carcinomas of the extrahepatic bile ducts and ampulla of Vater are diagnosed prior to surgery, so intraoperative consultations usually concern evaluation of resection margins. However, a primary diagnosis of malignancy may be made at the time of frozen section in rare cases, particularly when preoperative biopsy specimens from biliary strictures are nondiagnostic. Inflammatory diseases that affect extrahepatic bile ducts can cause strictures that simulate carcinoma in pancreatobiliary resection specimens. The purpose of this chapter is to (1) discuss the gross and histologic features of benign and malignant extrahepatic bile duct lesions that are encountered during frozen section consultations, (2) address issues related to evaluation of resection margins from bile duct specimens, and (3) review the features of ampullary neoplasms and their mimics.
Differentiation of Functions of Two or More Variables

This chapter discusses the differentiation of functions of two or more variables. For most of the functions, it is common to denote y = f ( x ). This means that the variable y can be expressed explicitly in terms of the single variable x . However, in a great variety of applications, it is necessary to express the quantity of interest in terms of two or more variables. If D is a subset of ℝ 2 , then a real-valued function of two variables f is a rule that assigns to each point ( x, y ) in D a unique real number that is denoted by f ( x, y ). The set D is called the domain of f . The set { f ( x, y ): ( x, y ) ∈ D }, which is the set of values the function f takes on, is called the range of f . The same rule applies to functions of three variables having D is a subset of ℝ 3 . The values of a three-variable function is denoted by w , where w = f ( x, y, z ). The graph of a function f of two variables x and y is the set of all points ( x, y, z ) in ℝ 3 such that z = f ( x , y ). The graph of a function of two variables is called a surface in ℝ 3 .
Data-Driven Science and Engineering: Machine Learning, Dynamical Systems, and Control

Data-driven discovery is revolutionizing the modeling, prediction, and control of complex systems. This textbook brings together machine learning, engineering mathematics, and mathematical physics to integrate modeling and control of dynamical systems with modern methods in data science. It highlights many of the recent advances in scientific computing that enable data-driven methods to be applied to a diverse range of complex systems, such as turbulence, the brain, climate, epidemiology, finance, robotics, and autonomy. Aimed at advanced undergraduate and beginning graduate students in the engineering and physical sciences, the text presents a range of topics and methods from introductory to state of the art.
The Development and Evaluation of a Series of New First-Year Engineering Courses

The current Research-to-Practice, Work-in-Progress paper presents the development, launch, and preliminary evaluation of a series of four new introductory engineering courses at Princeton University School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS). The courses were designed to address the findings of a university-wide strategic planning process that revealed students’ dissatisfaction with the first-year engineering experience and a higher attrition rate of students from groups traditionally underrepresented in engineering. Early findings from an in-depth, mixed-methods evaluation reveal that the courses are succeeding in increasing students’ satisfaction with the first-year engineering experience and reducing the attrition rate of students from underrepresented groups.
The association between history of screening for cancer and receipt of an annual flu vaccination: Are there reinforcing effects of prevention seeking?

Background Receipt of an annual flu vaccination (AFV) is a preventative health measure that reduces the risk of infection with the flu. Screening for cancer (SC) is another recommended preventative health measure. The current study hypothesizes that people who have previously obtained a cancer screening are motivated to receive other preventative health measures. Methods Testing the association between a history of SC and receipt of an AFV used data from the 2016 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey. The association was investigated using weighted and adjusted multivariable logistic regression models on multiple age-based groups chosen according to cancer screening recommendations. Results The odds of individuals with a history of SC receiving an AFV were significantly greater in women screened for colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer, and men screened for colorectal cancer, when compared with those without a history of SC after adjusting for confounders of interest. It is notable that no association was found between screening for cervical cancer and the receipt of AFV for women aged 30-65 years (odds ratio: 1.06; 95% confidence interval: 0.92, 1.21), and 50-65 years (odds ratio: 1.14; 95% confidence interval: 0.93, 1.40). Conclusions More research is necessary to understand why cervical cancer screenings are not associated with receipt of an AFV.
The "Great American Crime Decline": Possible Explanations

This chapter examines the key features of the crime decline in the United States during the 1990s–2010s but also takes a broader look at the violence declines globally. The author argues that violent and property crime trends might have diverged recently, with property crimes increasingly happening in the online sphere. An important distinction is made between ‘contact crimes’ that require a victim and offender to be present in the same physical space, and other crimes. Contrary to the uncertainties engendered by property crime, the declines in violent (contact) crime are rather general, and have been happening across all demographic and geographic categories within the United States and throughout the developed world. An analysis of research literature on crime trends has identified 24 different explanations for the crime drop. Each one of them is briefly outlined and examined in terms of conceptual clarity and empirical support, with 9 crime decline explanations highlighted as promising. Most of these promising explanations, being relative newcomers in the crime trends literature, have not been sufficiently empirically tested and thus require further research. One potentially fruitful avenue for future studies is to examine the association of the most promising crime decline explanations with improvements in self-control.
The Stupid in Genre Fails

Storytelling evolves, as do genres. Evolutions prompted by creative innovations, hybridization, or encountering emerging technology, any of these might lead to a genre fail. Genre failures mark a juncture in an evolutionary branch, leading to a dead-end, a limp wilting limb, or a vigorous new branch. Even in this latter instance, prior to its institutionalization, a genre innovation might at first come off as stupid. As examples, the authors evaluate innovative approaches to the horror genre, Roman Pornos (Japanese softcore erotic films), and the televisual following the advent of streaming services. From the emergence of long-format television, to the possibilities of interactive narratives, streaming has a measurable impact on (televisual-)genres, and forms. Interactive narratives begin to blur the boundaries between televisual/cinematic narratives and videogames.
Associations of race and ethnicity with risk of developing invasive breast cancer after lobular carcinoma in situ

Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) of the breast is a risk factor of developing invasive breast cancer. We evaluated the racial differences in the risks of subsequent invasive breast cancer following LCIS. We utilized data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registries to identify 18,835 women diagnosed with LCIS from 1990 to 2015. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate race/ethnicity-associated hazard ratios (HRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of subsequent invasive breast cancer. During a median follow-up of 90 months, 1567 patients developed invasive breast cancer. The 10-year incidence was 7.9% for Asians, 8.2% for Hispanics, 9.3% for whites, and 11.2% for blacks (P = 0.046). Compared to white women, black women had significantly elevated risks of subsequent invasive breast cancer (HR 1.33; 95% CI 1.11, 1.59), and invasive cancer in the ipsilateral breast (HR 1.37; 95% CI 1.08, 1.72) and in the contralateral breast (HR 1.33; 95% CI 1.00, 1.76). Black women had significantly higher risks of invasive subtypes negative for both estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor (HR 1.86; 95% CI 1.14, 3.03) and invasive subtypes positive for one or both of receptors (HR 1.30; 95% CI 1.07, 1.59). The risk of subsequent invasive breast cancer was comparable in Asian women and Hispanic women compared with white women. Black women had a significantly higher risk of developing invasive breast cancer, including both hormone receptor-positive and hormone receptor-negative subtypes, after LCIS compared with white counterparts. It provides an opportunity to address health disparities.
The first North American Propterodon (Hyaenodonta: Hyaenodontidae), a new species from the late Uintan of Utah.

The carnivorous mammalian fauna from the Uintan (late middle Eocene) of North America remains relatively poorly documented. This is unfortunate, as this is a critical interval in the transition from "creodont" to carnivoran dominated carnivore guilds. This study reports a new species from the Uinta Formation of the Uinta Basin, Utah, the first North American species of the otherwise Asian hyaenodont genus Propterodon. The new species, Propterodon witteri, represented by a dentary with M2-3 from the late Uintan Leota Quarry, is larger than the well-known P. morrisi and P. tongi and has a larger M3 talonid, but is otherwise very similar. A phylogenetic analysis of hyaenodont interrelationships recovers P. witteri as a hyaenodontine but is generally poorly resolved. A relationship between Hyaenodontinae and Oxyaenoides, recovered by many recent analyses, is not supported. Among the Asian species of Propterodon, P. pishigouensis is reidentified as a machaeroidine oxyaenid and recombined as Apataelurus pishigouensis new combination. Isphanatherium ferganensis may also represent an Asian machaeroidine. Identification of a North American species of Propterodon and an Asian Apataelurus increases the similarity of North American Uintan and Asian Irdinmanhan faunas and suggests that there was substantial exchange of carnivorous fauna during the late middle Eocene.
A two-step program preventing bone metastatic relapse

Treating bone metastatic prostate cancer with docetaxel nanoparticles and denosumab averts tumor regrowth.
Implementing a Concept-Based Nursing Curriculum: A Review of the Literature

Abstract As complexity within the health-care industry grows, concerns regarding the theory-practice gap for new graduate nurses increase. One proposed method for overcoming this gap is a concept-based curriculum (CBC). The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines directed this literature review of 23 peer-reviewed articles published between 2008 and 2018 on transitioning to a CBC. Results demonstrated that although transitioning to a CBC has significant challenges in organization, time, and faculty support, it also supported a more interactive learning environment, student-centered teaching, and streamlining of course content.
A Boolean Model of Microvascular Rarefaction to Predict Treatment Outcomes in Renal Disease.

Despite advances in renovascular disease (RVD) research, gaps remain between experimental and clinical outcomes, translation of results, and the understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms. A predictive tool to indicate support (or lack of) for biological findings may aid clinical translation of therapies. We created a Boolean model of RVD and hypothesized that it would predict outcomes observed in our previous studies using a translational swine model of RVD. Our studies have focused on developing treatments to halt renal microvascular (MV) rarefaction in RVD, a major feature of renal injury. A network topology of 20 factors involved in renal MV rarefaction that allowed simulation of 5 previously tested treatments was created. Each factor was assigned a function based upon its interactions with other variables and assumed to be “on” or “off”. Simulations of interventions were performed until outcomes reached a steady state and analyzed to determine pathological processes that were activated, inactivated, or unchanged vs. RVD with no intervention. Boolean simulations mimicked the results of our previous studies, confirming the importance of MV integrity on treatment outcomes in RVD. Furthermore, our study supports the potential application of a mathematical tool to predict therapeutic feasibility, which may guide the design of future studies for RVD.
Low-Power MEMS-Based Pierce Oscillator Using a 61-MHz Capacitive-Gap Disk Resonator

A 61-MHz Pierce oscillator constructed in 0.35- $\mu \text{m}$ CMOS technology and referenced to a polysilicon surface-micromachined capacitive-gap-transduced wine-glass disk resonator has achieved phase noise marks of −119 dBc/Hz at 1-kHz offset and −139 dBc/Hz at far-from-carrier offsets. When divided down to 13 MHz, this corresponds to −132 dBc/Hz at 1-kHz offset from the carrier and −152 dBc/Hz far-from-carrier, sufficient for mobile phone reference oscillator applications, using a single MEMS resonator, i.e., without the need to array multiple resonators. Key to achieving these marks is a Pierce-based circuit design that harnesses a MEMS-enabled input-to-output shunt capacitance more than $100\times $ smaller than exhibited by macroscopic quartz crystals to enable enough negative resistance to instigate and sustain oscillation while consuming only $78~\mu \text{W}$ of power—a reduction of $\sim 4.5\times $ over previous work. Increasing the bias voltage of the resonator by 1.25 V further reduces power consumption to $43~\mu \text{W}$ at the cost of only a few decibels in far-from-carrier phase noise. This oscillator achieves a 1-kHz-offset figure of merit (FOM) of −231 dB, which is now the best among published chip-scale oscillators to date. A complete linear circuit analysis quantifies the influence of resonator input-to-output shunt capacitance on power consumption and predicts further reductions in power consumption via reduction of electrode-to-resonator transducer gaps and bond pad sizes. The demonstrated phase noise and power consumption posted by this tiny MEMS-based oscillator are attractive as potential enablers for low-power “set-and-forget” autonomous sensor networks and embedded radios.
Manipulation of Precursor Reactivity for the Facile Synthesis of Heterostructured and Hollow Metal Selenide Nanocrystals

We present a one-pot synthesis of nanocrystal heterostructures containing metal selenide cores shelled with tungsten-based metal selenides. This synthesis is enabled by the use of oleic acid as a W...
V – Orthogonal Polynomials

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on simple sets of orthogonal polynomials. These sets of polynomials arise in various ways, one of which is as the solutions of a class of differential equations. It has been shown that, under certain conditions, given any interval and a positive weight function on that interval, there exists a corresponding set of orthogonal polynomials. Eigenvalue problems are another important source of sets of orthogonal functions, not necessarily polynomials. It has also been shown that under certain conditions, an arbitrary function could be expanded in an infinite series of the functions of an orthogonal set. Such series are called Fourier series. The knowledge of Fourier series and orthogonal functions can be used to obtain the solutions of some problems of mathematical physics. Some basic general properties of sets of orthogonal polynomials that hold for all such sets have been derived in the chapter.
Effect of Sub-Bottom Inhomogenieties on Shallow Water Spatial Coherence

A coupled-mode approach is applied to examine the spatial coherence of the acoustic field in an inhomogeneous waveguide. The formulation derived is a matrix analog of the equations resulting from application of strong fluctuation theory to propagation in an inhomogeneous medium. The expression that results is evaluated to determine the effect of sub-bottom roughness on horizontal spatial coherence in shallow water. Results are presented for low-frequency propagation in an environment in which a homogeneous clay-silt sediment overlies irregular bedrock. Numerical examples demonstrate the effects of frequency, water depth and source-receiver geometry on coherence. For the cases examined, the field is coherent over many wavelengths in qualitative agreement with existing data.
Application of time-temperature superposition principle to pull-off tensile strength of asphalt tack coats

Abstract Flexible pavements are multilayered structures that are designed to withstand vehicular traffic and thermal loading. Tack coat provides the bonding between these multilayers, which is a critical mechanism to provide a pavement with the monolithic action of asphalt layers to resist traffic and thermal loading, thereby dictating the pavement’s service life. Asphalt binder bond strength (BBS) is an indicator that can be used to evaluate the interlayer bonding ability of tack coat and changes as a function of temperature and loading rate. The focus of this paper is to prove that the time-temperature superposition principle is applicable to the BBS of various tack coat materials. In order to achieve this goal, BBS and dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) tests were conducted on four different tack coats, CRS-2, CRS-1h, NTCRS-1hM, and Ultrafuse. The Pneumatic Adhesion Tensile Testing Instrument (PATTI) was used to determine the BBS at 13 different temperatures ranging from 5 °C to 53 °C. The BBS data showed that adhesive failures between the binder and pull stub of PATTI caused the drop of BBS below 5 °C to 15 °C for hard (CRS-1h) and Non-tracking (NTCRS-1hM, Ultrafuse) tack coat. In addition to the BBS test, DSR tests were performed on the emulsion residue to measure the time-temperature shift factors at the reference temperature of 20 °C. It was found that the time-temperature shift factors determined from the DSR tests could be successfully used to shift the BBS vs. stress rate curves to construct the mastercurve for all four tack coat materials at a residual application rate of 0.14 L/m2 (0.03 Gal/yd2) as long as the BBS test exhibited cohesive failure between the binder and pull-off stubs. A simple method based on the BBS values at two temperatures is proposed to predict the mastercurve for routine characterization of the BBS mastercurve. No definite trend in the BBS mastercurve emerged among the different tack coat application rates for the different tack coats.
Thermoresponsive polymer assemblies via variable temperature liquid-phase transmission electron microscopy and small angle X-ray scattering.

Herein, phase transitions of a class of thermally-responsive polymers, namely a homopolymer, diblock, and triblock copolymer, were studied to gain mechanistic insight into nanoscale assembly dynamics via variable temperature liquid-cell transmission electron microscopy (VT-LCTEM) correlated with variable temperature small angle X-ray scattering (VT-SAXS). We study thermoresponsive poly(diethylene glycol methyl ether methacrylate) (PDEGMA)-based block copolymers and mitigate sample damage by screening electron flux and solvent conditions during LCTEM and by evaluating polymer survival via post-mortem matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI-IMS). Our multimodal approach, utilizing VT-LCTEM with MS validation and VT-SAXS, is generalizable across polymeric systems and can be used to directly image solvated nanoscale structures and thermally-induced transitions. Our strategy of correlating VT-SAXS with VT-LCTEM provided direct insight into transient nanoscale intermediates formed during the thermally-triggered morphological transformation of a PDEGMA-based triblock. Notably, we observed the temperature-triggered formation and slow relaxation of core-shell particles with complex microphase separation in the core by both VT-SAXS and VT-LCTEM. Thermoresponsive polymers are used in numerous technological applications but well established, direct techniques for elucidating their elevated temperature, solution-phase, nanoscale morphologies and dynamics are lacking. Here, the authors examine thermoresponsive polymeric materials by liquid-cell transmission electron microscopy and gain insight into their thermal-responsive behaviour.
MINE COUNTERMEASURE SUPPORT PLATFORM CONVERSION SHIP DESIGN

US Navy experience gained from the mine countermeasures (MCM) operations against the mines planted by Iraq during Operation Desert Storm highlighted the need for a centralized platform for support of MCM operations. USS INCHON (LPH-12) has been selected by the US Navy as the most cost-effective platform to provide a near-term solution which will meet all requirements. After a brief discussion of MCM operations, other candidate MCS platforms studied, and the far-term (new construction) MCS(X), the remainder of the paper focuses on the conversion of the LPH-12 to operate as the centralised platform for MCM operations.
Reflections on Democracy: The Beginning of the End or the End of the Beginning?

Democratization represents both a sea change in the life of a society and an open-ended process. The order that it produces is never an unmitigated good or a natural outcome, and it is not likely to be self-sustaining in any time or place. The ability of the United States to foster democratization, whether at home or abroad, is modest because it is proportional to its limited ability to build and maintain the institutions that democracy requires.
Epstein-Barr virus transformation.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the biology of Epstein–Barr virus. Epstein-Barr virus is a large DNA virus with a genome approximately 170 x l03 bases long. The genome exists as a linear molecule in the packaged virus. However, upon infection the genome circularizes and resides largely as a free episome in the nucleus of infected cells. It was initially cloned and sequenced as BamHI and EcoRI restriction fragments. The viral genome is composed of both unique and repetitive regions. The ends of the genome contain a number of direct terminal repeats involved in the circularization of the virus. The major internal repeat element, IR-1, present near the left hand end of the genome is composed of a variable number of 3.2 kb direct repeats. Three other smaller repeat regions have been identified. The complete DNA sequence has provided a wealth of information about the locations of possible promoters, open-reading frames, and polyadenylation signals. Central to understanding Epstein-Barr virus latency is the careful characterization of the patterns of viral transcription in latently infected cells. An important tool for dissecting the role of this virus in Burkitt's lymphoma is the careful comparison of the regions of the viral genome essential for latent infection in lymphoblastoid compared to Burkitt's lymphoma cell lines.
Evaluation of a GRAS Sanitizer for Enhanced Microbial Safety and Shelf-life of Whole Tomatoes for ISS and Planetary Outpost

The successful incorporation of fresh fruit and vegetables in the diet of astronauts in space would require that these products are free of foodborne pathogens and retain desirable quality characteristics during storage, This study evaluated 200 or 500 ppm sodium hypochlorite, 5% (w/v) hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ); and 1% (w/v) PRO-SAN, a biodegradable foodgrade sanitizer, for inactivating pathogenic bacteria on whole tomatoes and improving the shelf-life of these products. Tomatoes were inoculated with a 5-strain mixture of nalidixic-acid-resistant Escherichia coli O157:H7 or Salmonella spp (∼ 10 8 CFU/tomato) to facilitate selective isolation of the pathogens from inoculated tomatoes without interference from the natural microflora. The inoculated tomatoes were immersed for 4 min in distilled water (control) or in each sanitizer at ambient temperature (23 C) then rinsed for 5 s in fresh distilled water. Some of the treated tomatoes (non-rinsed) were stored at 23°C for 8 days. Viable pathogens on tomatoes were evaluated immediately after treatment and at set intervals during storage. Non-inoculated tomatoes were exposed to basically the same treatments then subjected to visual, chemical, and physical analyses at set intervals during storage at ambient temperature. PRO-SAN consistently reduced initial populations of each pathogen on tomatoes by more than 3 log cycles. Log reductions from washing tomatoes with water, sodium hypochlorite and H 2 O 2 ranged from 1.60 to 2.37 for Salmonella and 1.07 to 2.79 for E. coli O157:H7. Populations of Salmonella survivors on tomatoes remained relatively constant during storage; however, significant decreases in E. coli occurred only on PROSAN-treated tomatoes at day 8 of storage (P<0.05). PRO-SAN decreased the percentage of tomatoes spoiled during storage compared to water, H 2 O 2 , and sodium hypochlorite. There were no significant differences in color of tomatoes treated with water or with the sanitizers tested in this study (P≥ 0.05). The use of 1% PRO-SAN at 23 °C seems to have good potential for enhancing the microbial safety and shelf-life of tomatoes.
The Influence of Coauthoring on the Writing Process

A study examined the influence of coauthoring on the writing process in the classroom. Subjects were 24 students in a ninth-grade English class at a racially and socioeconomically diverse high school located in a medium-sized Midwestern city. Data was collected over the first 9-week quarter of the year. Eight collaborative writing triads, maintained over the course of the quarter, were formed in the first few weeks of the school year. Primary criteria in establishing heterogeneous groups were gender, race, and verbal ability/leadership. Subjects wrote three essays, each to be completed in three class sessions, on agrumentative topics chosen by the instructor to promote cognitive conflict. Discourse of the third writing assignment was used for the study and subjects were audiotaped during the writing process. Data was also collected via a questionnaire filled out by the entire class after the last coauthoring experience and retrospective interviews were conducted. Findings suggest that students writing collaboratively spend a far greater percent of their energies on planning and revising than solo authors do. Students interviewed said that what they most remembered from collaborative writing was different ways to plan. Findings also suggest that coauthors' writing processes tend to resemble those of more expert writers. Also, because of interactions necessary for coauthoring, students must give specific and analytical attention to their own writing processes as well as those of others. (Contains 20 references.) (CR) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. *********************************************************************** ******A...k************************************************************** THE INFLUENCE OF COAUTHORING ON THE WRITING PROCESS rn tr)
Simultaneous intrauterine and tubal pregnancies following ovulation induction

Abstract Two cases of simultaneous intrauterine and tubal pregnancies resulting from the administration of human menopausal gonadotropin (HMG) in one instance and clomiphene citrate in the other are described. No vaginal bleeding or spotting was observed, and dilatation and curettage were not performed around the time the tubal pregnancies were excised; consequently, the intrauterine pregnancy was salvaged in each instance.
Arbitration of Statutory Employment Discrimination Claims in a Nonunion Environment: A Guide to Procedural Fairness

The previous decade has seen an increasing trend toward the use of arbitration to resolve statutory employment discrimination claims. The enforceability of most private sector arbitration agreements arising in a nonunion setting is reviewable under the Federal Arbitration Act. Such arbitration agreements are most often created by management and become a condition of employment. To represent a feasible alternative to court litigation, employers and employees must have confidence that outcomes achieved through the arbitration process will be enforced by the courts as final and binding upon the parties to the dispute. The extent to which an arbitration agreement adequately protects the procedural and remedial rights of the participants is an important issue affecting the probability that a court will enforce the outcome of an arbitration procedure. This paper reviews guidelines provided by the courts and practitioners to aid in the design of an effective and legally enforceable arbitration procedure to resolve statutory employment discrimination claims arising in a private sector nonunion environment.
Near-optimum design of GaAs-based concentrator space solar cells for 80 C operation

Using a detailed computer simulation model and reasonable values of optical, geometrical and material parameters from current published literature, parameter optimization studies were performed on two cell geometries, namely, the circular geometry for a Cassegrainian concentrator with 100 AM0, 80 C operation and the rectangular geometry for a venetian blind concentrator with 20 AM0, 80 C operation. For each cell geometry, three cell configurations were considered: p/n AlGaAs/GaAs; n/p AlGaAs/GaAs; and, n/p GaAs shallow homojunction. The studies show the possibility of designing GaAs-based space solar cells with beginning-of-life efficiencies exceeding 22 percent at 20 to 100 AM0, 80 C and probable efficiency degradation of less than 15 percent after a 70 percent reduction in diffusion length in each cell region.
Polymer-based cell-free expression of ligand-binding family B G-protein coupled receptors without detergents

G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute the largest family of intercellular signaling molecules and are estimated to be the target of more than 50% of all modern drugs. As with most integral membrane proteins (IMPs), a major bottleneck in the structural and biochemical analysis of GPCRs is their expression by conventional expression systems. Cell-free (CF) expression provides a relatively new and powerful tool for obtaining preparative amounts of IMPs. However, in the case of GPCRs, insufficient homogeneity of the targeted protein is a problem as the in vitro expression is mainly done with detergents, in which aggregation and solubilization difficulties, as well as problems with proper folding of hydrophilic domains, are common. Here, we report that using CF expression with the help of a fructose-based polymer, NV10 polymer (NVoy), we obtained preparative amounts of homogeneous GPCRs from the three GPCR families. We demonstrate that two GPCR B family members, corticotrophin-releasing factor receptors 1 and 2β are not only solubilized in NVoy but also have functional ligand-binding characteristics with different agonists and antagonists in a detergent-free environment as well. Our findings open new possibilities for functional and structural studies of GPCRs and IMPs in general.
A sex difference in the onset of the latent learning impairment in rats.

The current study examined a sex difference in the onset of a latent learning impairment in Sprague–Dawley rats. Forty rats (20 male, 20 female) were tested on the Latent Cue Preference (LCP) task at 3 or 11 months of age. Additionally, 19 female rats were tested at 14 or 18 months of age. All rats were given four training trials in the LCP task using a three-compartment box, during which the rats explored a water-paired compartment and an unpaired compartment (each with a different visual cue) on consecutive days. Rats were then water-deprived for 23 hr and given a compartment preference test, in which more time spent in the water-paired compartment demonstrated latent learning. Results showed that 11-month old males and 18-month old females showed impaired latent learning, but 11- and 14-month old females showed intact latent learning, which may possibly be due to the neuroprotective effects of estrogen. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 56: 1134–1141, 2014.
MINIMAL AGE FOR INDUCTION OF OVULATION WITH PROGESTERONE IN RATS: EVIDENCE FOR NEURAL CONTROL.

Injection of progesterone at 10:00 AM on the second day after PMS increased the percentage of rats which ovulated in response to a single injection of 3.75-7.5 IU of PMS given at 16, 18, 20 or 22 days of age. While this effect of progesterone was observed when as much as 15.0 IU of PMS was given to 20-or 22-day-old rats, the maximal dose of PMS at which it occurred in younger rats was 7.5 IU. Evidence obtained from the intravenous injection of 2.0 IU of HCG at 18 days of age (PMS given when 16 days old) suggests that follicular sensitivity to ovulating hormone is lower when high doses of PMS are used than when low doses are given. Neither progesterone nor HCG produced ovulation in rats given PMS at 14 days of age. Phenobarbital prevented progesterone-induced ovulation if given at 1:30 PM on the second day after PMS, but did not if given at 5:30 PM. Such data suggest that ovulation induced by progesterone was caused by a neurally controlled release of pituitary ovulating hormone. If this interpretation is ...
An Overview of Compulsory, Noncompulsory, and Coercive Interventions for Treating People with Mental Disorders in the United States

Compulsory and noncompulsory treatments in the United States have changed over the past 50 years in response to a series of events occurring politically, clinically, economically, and ethically. This paper examines the key aspects of this development and identifies both differences and similarities between these different approaches for difficult-to-engage clients. Attention is given to the integral but controversial role of coercion. As part of the ongoing continuum of development, I propose that the language and definition around coercion be refined to identify better the important proactive components that occur across the treatment spectrum.
Echolocation with bat buzz emissions: Model and biomimetic sonar for elevation estimation

Just prior to capture the Buzz II emissions of some mouth-emitting bats, such as Eptesicus fuscus, are observed to exhibit spectra having multiple peaks. This paper proposes an echolocation strategy that uses such spectra with energy concentrated in specific frequency bands for determining target elevation. A biomimetic sonar was implemented to produce a tri-modal spectrum by driving a speaker with a signal rich in harmonics. The emission magnitudes at these harmonic frequencies measured as a function of elevation in the zero-azimuth plane form distinct beams. A template was formed from the ratio of the first harmonic and fundamental magnitudes to determine elevation. The elevation estimator exhibited a sub-degree accuracy (SD=0.4∘) over a 20° interval centered at the elevation at which these two beams intersect in the zero-azimuth plane. Spectral cues from –40° to +10° elevation allow a qualitative non-linear control of sonar orientation to drive the target to the beam-intersection point where quantitati...
Utility of serum fructosamine as a measure of glycemia in young and old diabetic and non-diabetic subjects.

Abstract Purpose: Currently used methods to determine glycemia have certain disadvantages, including cost, heavy labor involvement, and storage problems. Determination of serum fructosamine levels, on the other hand, offers several potential advantages over these current measures. Our goal was to evaluate the utility of serum fructosamine as a measure of glycemia. Subjects and methods: Fructosamine levels were measured in 145 normal and diabetic subjects aged 20 to 86 years. The measured levels were then related to standard measures of glycemia, including glycosylated hemoglobin, glycosylated albumin, and fasting glucose. The effects of chronic illness and medications known to alter glucose tolerance were also investigated. Results: Fructosamine levels were well correlated with other measures: r=0.73 with glucose, 0.76 with hemoglobin A 1C (HbA 1C ), and 0.80 with glycosylated albumin. Levels of fructosamine were significantly higher (p Conclusion: Assay of serum fructosamine appears to be comparable to that of HbA 1C for determination of glycemic control. The automaticity, reproducibility, and lower cost for the fructosamine assay argue strongly in favor of this assay in comparison to those for other glycosylated proteins.
A CONTINUOUS SHADING SCHEME FOR TWO-VARIABLE MAPPING

Research into the quality of map reader's perceptions of correlation from conventional mapping has shown that there is much more to be done in this area. The two-variable maps produced by the US Bureau of the Census using a 16-colour shading scheme have the potential for portraying correlation but fail to achieve a high level of understanding, in part due to the design problems inherent in the use of colour to code quantitative data. This study provides an alternative to the use of colour and classification on two-variable maps. Several tests were run to determine the feasibility of the use of crossed-line shading patterns on two-variable maps. These initial experiments have shown that subjects are able to make valid visual interpretations of the variable mesh patterns used in terms of value retrieval, system logic and correlation perception. Le recherches sur la qualite de la perception de la correlation sur les cartes conventionnelles indiquent qu'il reste beaucoup a faire en ce domaine. Les cartes a de...
THE EFFECTS OF CHRONIC IMPAIRMENT OF CARDIAC LYMPH FLOW ON MYOCARDIAL REACTIONS AFTER CORONARY ARTERY LIGATION IN DOGS.

Abstract Myocardial changes after an acute coronary arterial occlusion have been studied in two groups of dogs. In one group, obstruction to the cardiac lymphatic drainage had been produced prior to the coronary occlusion. In the second group, no such obstruction to lymph flow was induced. The myocardial changes in the two groups were different, especially with regard to the extent of necrosis, the sequence of inflammatory reactions, and the degree of fibrotic and calcific change. Significantly different also were the reactions in the tissues around the silk used to ligate the coronary artery branch. Characteristically, dogs with obstruction to cardiac lymphatic drainage had increased inflammatory response to the presence of this foreign body; resolution of this inflammatory response was interrupted about 40 days postoperatively by an influx of PMNs. The possible role of obstruction to cardiac lymphatic drainage in predisposing the human heart to infection and inflammation is suggested.
SUFFICIENT CONDITIONS FOR NEGATIVE EXPONENTIAL DENSITIES A FURTHER ANALYSIS

Brueckner correctly pointed out that one of the sufficient conditions for negative exponential densities is a unitary price elasticity of the compensated, not the uncompensated, demand for housing. This note shows that the Brueckner condition implies a zero income elasticity of housing demand when income and price elasticities are constrained to be constants. It also derives the utility function that gives rise to negative exponential densities in this case, given that other standard assumptions are satisfied. In light of empirical evidence, justification for the popular negative exponential functional form seems rather weak.
The Combined Dynamic and Static Contributions to Subacromial Impingement A Biomechanical Analysis

Ten human cadaveric shoulders were tested with a dynamic shoulder model simulating physiologic rotator cuff, deltoid, and biceps muscle forces. The combined effect of the muscle forces and acromial structure on subacromial impingement was measured with minimally invasive, miniature pressure transducers. Shoulders with large acromial spurs had significantly greater impingement pressures at the anterolateral acromion in neutral, internal, and external rotation compared with those with flatter acromia. Application of a biceps muscle force reduced anterolateral acromial pressures by 10%. Failure to simulate a supraspinatus force decreased acromial pressure 52% in shoulders with type III acromia in neutral rotation. Without rotator cuff forces applied, the maximum deltoid muscle force required to elevate the arm increased by 17%. Acromial pressures were increased when no rotator cuff forces were applied, but the increases were not significant. After an anterior acromioplasty, pressures decreased by 99% anteriorly. However, failure to achieve a flat surface posteriorly increased pressures in this location, especially with the shoulder in external rotation. Modeling the rotator cuff and deltoid muscle forces demonstrated the importance of the muscular force couple to center the humeral head during elevation of the arm. The inferior forces of the infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis muscles were necessary to neutralize the superior shear force produced by the deltoid and supraspinatus muscles.
Research and Progress in Laser Welding of Wrought Aluminum Alloys. I. Laser Welding Processes

With the wide application of Al alloys in automotive, aerospace and other industries, laser welding has become a critical joining technique for aluminum alloys. In this review, the research and progress in laser welding of wrought Al alloys have been critically discussed from different perspectives. The primary objective of this review is to understand the influence of welding processes on joint quality and to build up the science base of laser welding for the reliable production of Al alloy joints. Two main types of industrial lasers, carbon dioxide (CO2) and neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG), are currently applied but special attention is paid to Nd:YAG laser welding of 5000 and 6000 series alloys in the keyhole (deep penetration) mode. In this part of the review, the main laser welding processing parameters including the laser-, process-, and material-related variables and their effects on weld quality are examined. In part II of this article in this journal, the metallurgical microstruc...
Structural evolution during micelle polymerization

The evolution of microstructure during the free-radical polymerization of the surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium 4-vinylbenzoate has been measured using small-angle neutron scattering. The polymerization of the micelles was performed online, collecting SANS data continuously during the polymerization. Unlike microemulsion polymerizations, this micellar polymerization is seen to proceed through a highly turbid phase with local, short-range order at a length scale of approximately 50 A. A simple structural model has been proposed to quantify the structural changes during the course of the reaction. The ordered structure is postulated to be an ordered bundle of cylindrical micelles, which subsequently breaks up into the final equilibrium structure of discrete, polymerized cylinders.
Chromatin Association with the Nuclear Envelope Supports Stable Nuclear Mechanics

Although the nuclear lamina is considered to be the primary mechanical defense of the nucleus, lamins are part of an integrated network of lipids, proteins, and chromatin. Here, we isolate the contribution of chromatin to nuclear mechanics by employing fission yeast, which lack a nuclear lamina. We have combined a quantitative imaging platform capable of measuring 3D nuclear contours in vivo with an in vitro optical tweezers assay to probe the mechanical properties of S. pombe nuclei. In live cells, we find that association of chromatin with the inner nuclear membrane (INM) through integral membrane proteins is required for a normal mechanical response to microtubule (MT) forces. Increasing loss of integral INM proteins results in highly deformable nuclei specifically in response to exogenous MT forces. These nuclei also show a decreased capacity to recover from mechanical stress. Using optical tweezers, we find that nuclei lacking integral INM proteins are less stiff than wild type nuclei and have increased chromatin flow, particularly when force is applied at rates that recapitulate the kinetics of MT dynamics in vivo. Wild type mitotic nuclei, in which chromatin is globally released from the INM, are extremely soft and also display increased chromatin flow compared to interphase nuclei. Interestingly, decreasing the chromatin to nuclear volume ratio without altering the association of chromatin with the INM has only a slight effect on stiffness and does not alter chromatin flow. Together, these findings suggest that association of chromatin with the nuclear envelope underlies nuclear stiffness. Further, release of chromatin from the INM allows chromatin to flow into MT-dependent fluctuations of the nuclear envelope, leading to larger, longer-lasting nuclear deformations. Lastly, these results suggest that chromatin association with the lamina may contribute to the mechanical behavior of metazoan nuclei.