cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Peritoneal closure at vaginal hysterectomy: a reassessment

Objective To evaluate the clinical outcome of patients who underwent vaginal hysterectomy with or without peritoneal closure. Methods This study was a randomized trial. Using computer-generated numbers, all patients undergoing vaginal hysterectomy without oophorectomy were randomized to either no peritoneal closure (n = 57) or routine peritoneal closure (n = 49). Patients were followed-up for a minimum of 1 year for development of complications and postoperative dyspareunia. At 4–6 postoperative weeks, the distance between the ovaries and the vaginal cuff was measured by ultrasound. Results Postoperative complications were similar in both groups. The incidence of deep-thrust dyspareunia at 6 and 12 months was also similar. No statistical differences between the two groups were noted in the ovary to vaginal cuff distances either overall or when patients with dyspareunia were considered separately. Conclusion The data in this study do not support the use of reperitonealization on a routine basis. However, because of a lack of statistical power, larger studies will be required to confirm this theory.
Functionalized nano interdigitated electrodes arrays on polymer with integrated microfluidics for direct bio-affinity sensing using impedimetric measurement

Abstract This paper presents a fully integrated nano interdigitated electrodes array (nIDA) and microfluidic system on polymer substrate. It can be used as a miniaturized, sensitive, and easy-to-use impedimetric sensor for genomics, proteomics, and cellular analysis. The benefits gained from a nanoscale IDA is very high sensitivity for monitoring protein binding behavior. With the intention of integrating this nano biosensor into a lab-on-a-chip device, a gold nIDA has been successfully patterned on polymer (cyclic olefin copolymer, COC) substrate, which has been widely used for disposable lab-on-a-chip applications. The fabricated device has been characterized in deionized (DI) water and different concentrations of KCl salt solution ranging from 10−1 to 10−5 M using electrochemical impedimetric spectroscopy (EIS). Experimental and theoretical impedance responses are well matched. The preliminary test shows that the impedance from the same buffer solution increases after protein binding (mouse monoclonal anti-rabbit immunoglobulin, IgG) at the gold electrode surface and the impedance change is directly related to the IgG concentration. These results support the feasibility of applying the proposed device as a sensitive protein immunosensor on a disposable polymer substrate.
Developing a Reduced-Order Model to Understand Non-Synchronous Vibration (NSV) in Turbomachinery

This paper demonstrates the potential of using a multi-degree-of-freedom, traditional van der Pol oscillator to model Non-Synchronous Vibration (NSV) in turbomachinery. It is shown that the two main characteristics of NSV are captured by the reduced-order, van der Pol model. First, a stable limit cycle oscillation (LCO) is maintained for various conditions. Second, the lock-in phenomenon typical of NSV is captured for various fluid-structure frequency ratios. The results also show the maximum amplitude of the LCO occurs at an off-resonant condition, i.e., when the natural shedding frequency of the aerodynamic instability is not coincident with the natural modal frequency of the structure. This conclusion is especially relevant in preliminary design in industry because it suggests that design engineers cannot treat NSV as a normal Campbell-diagram crossing as they would for preliminary design for forced response; it is possible that by redesigning the blade, the response amplitude of the blade may actually be higher.The goal of future research will be to identify values and significance of the coupling parameters used in the van der Pol model, to match these coefficients with confirmed instances of experimental NSV, and to develop a preliminary design tool that engineers can use to better design turbomachinery for NSV. Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD) CFD techniques and coefficient tuning from experimental instances of NSV have been considered to identify the unknown coupling coefficients in the van der Pol model. Both the modeling of experimental NSV and preliminary design development will occur in future research.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Carbon monoxide and flash evoked potentials from rat cortex and superior colliculus.

Abstract In view of the conflict between qualitative reports that flash evoked potentials from superior colliculus (SC) and visual cortex (VC) of rats are uniquely sensitive to low levels of carbon monoxide (CO), and a more quantitative report that the visual cortex evoked potential is not sensitive to low levels of CO, the present report documents the effects of different concentrations of CO upon flash evoked potentials from these areas. The amplitude of the P3-N4 component from the SC evoked potential demonstrated the best dose/effect relationship, increasing up to levels of 38% carboxyhemoglabin (COHb). Latencies were affected only when COHb levels reached 55%. The use of the visual system to determine effects of toxic agents upon the central nervous system is discussed.
POSH acts as a scaffold for a multiprotein complex that mediates JNK activation in apoptosis

We report that the multidomain protein POSH (plenty of SH3s) acts as a scaffold for the JNK pathway of neuronal death. This pathway consists of a sequential cascade involving activated Rac1/Cdc42, mixed-lineage kinases (MLKs), MAP kinase kinases (MKKs) 4 and 7, c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) and c-Jun, and is required for neuronal death induced by various means including nerve growth factor (NGF) deprivation. In addition to binding GTP-Rac1 as described previously, we find that POSH binds MLKs both in vivo and in vitro, and complexes with MKKs 4 and 7 and with JNKs. POSH overexpression promotes apoptotic neuronal death and this is suppressed by dominant-negative forms of MLKs, MKK4/7 and c-Jun, and by an MLK inhibitor. Moreover, a POSH antisense oligonucleotide and a POSH small interfering RNA (siRNA) suppress c-Jun phosphorylation and neuronal apoptosis induced by NGF withdrawal. Thus, POSH appears to function as a scaffold in a multiprotein complex that links activated Rac1 and downstream elements of the JNK apoptotic cascade.
Effect of sucrose on the optical properties of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine

Abstract The gel to liquid crystal phase transition of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) has been followed by the change in absorbance at 400 nm; this change is due to the change in lipid light scattering properties during the transition. The effect of sucrose on the change in absorbance during the transition of DPPC has been investigated. It has been shown that the presence of sucrose or glycerol in the multilamellar liposome suspension increases the change in absorbance due to the main transition, decreases the total absorbance, and decreases the change in absorbance due to the pretransition. This effect of sucrose and glycerol is shown to be an optical effect which is correlated with solvent index of refraction.
An Improved Television Sound System

The following paper describes a single die, integrated, monolithic, sound system. Total function includes 4.5mHz I. F. limiting and amplification, quadrature F.M. detection, external D.C. volume control, audio power and preamplification, plus an internal supply line voltage regulator. Substantial performance ance gains throughout were realized with improved circuit and device design techniques.
CS-XML and model understanding

The automated analysis of model specifications is an area that historically receives little attention in the simulation research community but which can offer significant benefits. A common objective in simulation is enhanced understanding of a system; model specification analysis can provide insights not otherwise available as well as time and cost savings in model development. The Condition Specification (CS) [1] is a model specification form that is amenable to such analysis; an XML-based representation of such is said to be in CS-XML. This paper discusses the motivations for CS-XML and presents some results from analysis efforts using CodeSurfer [2], a software static analysis tool. CS-XML also provides an essential foundation for Web Services that support the analysis of discrete-event simulation models.
Health literacy training for health professions students.

Abstract Objective This pilot project assessed the effectiveness of training health professionals in (1) readability assessment of written health materials, (2) plain language editing, and (3) formatting materials so they are easy to understand and use. Methods Over six semesters, five students participated in the project. Students were trained to assess document readability, confirm and interpret readability results and “stamp” the documents with results. Students then edited documents under supervision, via revised documents were re-assessed for readability and approved. Training was assessed through readability score comparison and exit interviews with students. Results Most original readability scores were 10th grade to college level. After editing, the average reading level of 73% was 6th grade or better. Students and supervisor rated skill levels as “proficient” at the end of the semester. Conclusion To address the gap between document reading level and patients’ reading ability, health documents should be assessed and edited for plain language. Working with patient documents from various health fields, our program effectively trained health professions students in these skills. Practice implications Training health professions students in readability assessment and plain language editing can reduce literacy demands on patients and address the need for professionals with these skills.
High-order adaptive method for computing two-dimensional invariant manifolds of three-dimensional maps

An efficient and accurate numerical method is presented for computing invariant manifolds of maps which arise in the study of dynamical systems. A quasi-interpolation method due to Hering-Bertram et al. is used to decrease the number of points needed to compute a portion of the manifold. Bezier triangular patches are used in this construction, together with adaptivity conditions based on properties of these patches. Several numerical tests are performed, which show the method to compare favorably with previous approaches.
Characterization of cerebral aneurysms using 4D FLOW MRI

Six patients with large or giant cerebral aneurysms were examined with 4D-Flow MRI and analyzed regarding 3D flow patterns and aneurysm wall shear stress (WSS). Two distinct groups of aneurysms were identified with fast swirling flow versus slow flow and significantly different WSS patterns, correlating with aneurysm morphology.
Cardiopulmonary bypass in a gravid patient: perioperative changes in endothelin levels

Transient elevations of the potent vasoconstrictive peptide endothelin have been reported to occur with the institution of cardiopulmonary bypass. We measured plasma endothelin levels in a 24-year-old gravid patient undergoing a mitral valve replacement operation. Plasma endothelin levels increased by more than 250% in the first 24 hours postoperatively and remained elevated above baseline values at 36 hours postoperatively.
Relegation and Reversion: Longitudinal Analysis of School Turnaround and Decline

School turnaround has become a popular strategy for improvement of chronically low-performing schools. Research related to school turnaround has relied substantially upon case studies. These case studies often focus on successful turnarounds and report immediate outcomes, failing to provide information about the sustainability of the results. In addition, schools with equally dramatic declining academic performance garner little attention from educators, policy makers, and researchers. This study addresses this gap in school effectiveness and school improvement literature by examining the longitudinal performance of schools after experiencing a dramatic improvement or decline. Results of the study indicated that 3 years after a school experienced turnaround, on average, academic performance declined from peak performance, but did not revert to prior low levels of performance. Similarly, academic performance of downfall schools, on average, did not relegate schools to a status of chronic low performance, y...
The NRC Bell 412 ASRA safety system: a human factors perspective on lessons learned from an airborne incident

Abstract The National Research Council (NRC) Bell 205 Airborne Simulator is a full authority fly-by-wire (FBW) research helicopter. On 24 May, 1996 this aircraft underwent a failure which drove all four flight control actuators to full extension shortly after engagement of the FBW system, with nearly catastrophic results. The sound design inherent in the original Bell 205 safety system allowed the safety pilot to override the FBW system and prevented the loss of aircraft and crew. This incident, however, led to the realization that the existing safety system configuration in the Bell 205 was only marginally acceptable, and that this same system would be inadequate for the next generation FBW aircraft, the NRC Bell 412 Advanced Systems Research Aircraft (ASRA). Experience gained from the Bell 205 incident, and historical experience, has driven the design process of the safety systems for ASRA, with a particular view toward the capabilities and limitations of the operators.
The Tetrahymena Ribozyme Cleaves a 5‘-Methylene Phosphonate Monoester ∼102-fold Faster Than a Normal Phosphate Diester: Implications for Enzyme Catalysis of Phosphoryl Transfer Reactions†

Single-atom substrate modifications have revealed an intricate network of transition state interactions in the Tetrahymena ribozyme reaction. So far, these studies have targeted virtually every oxy...
The relationship of intercultural communication competence with stress and the handling of stress as reported by international students

Abstract This study focused upon the relationship of intercultural communication competence (ICC) with the amount of stress and the effectiveness of handling that stress as reported by international students attending a university in the Midwest United States. Intercultural communication competence was defined as a multidimensional concept consisting of: communication effectiveness, adaptation, social integration, language competence, knowledge of the host culture, and social decentering. Four research questions were posited. Reported adaptation and social decentering were the best predictors of the amount of stress reported. Reported communication effectiveness, adaptation and social integration were the best predictors of the reported effectiveness in handling stress. The relationships among the six components of ICC were analyzed. Variations in ICC and stress were examined on the basis of each participants native country or region.
EVOLUTION OF QNDE’S CORE INTERDISCIPLINARY SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING BASE

Nondestructive testing (NDT) for flaws in materials and structures has undergone an evolutionary change over the past 50 years. In the U.S. it has moved from a testing strategy (NDT) with a zero defects requirement to a test and evaluate technology (NDE) based upon damage tolerant design considerations. Here it is assumed that the part will always contain defects but those greater than a critical size, specified by fracture mechanics, will be removed by inspection thereby resetting the part’s service clock. In this talk, events will be identified that were critical in promoting this paradigm shift and in moving on to quantitative NDE (QNDE). A number of major research programs were also initiated to upgrade NDT to meet the new requirements; principal attention in this talk will be given to research highlights initiated in the first of these programs, the DARPA/AFML Interdisciplinary Program for Quantitative Flaw Definition that was established 35 years ago. Its purpose was threefold: to develop a new core science/people base for inspection technology that could meet the new requirements, to set the stage for new field—adaptable engineering tools, and to initiate the current continuing series of quantitative NDE (QNDE) meetings. Advances initiated in this program and pursued by many over the years have resulted in a scientific core structure for quantitative NDE (QNDE) based on a linkage of fundamental models of the various measurement processes that are involved in any inspection and/or technology. These models and their linkage will be discussed and the core structure defined. A new and powerful set of engineering tools—i.e. simulation programs for UT, X‐ray, and EC technologies ‐has also been developed using these models. Applications of these tools will be highlighted and their role in other advanced programs including Structural Health Monitoring and Condition‐Based Maintenance will be noted. Finally, a discussion of visions of future opportunities and directions for QNDE will be given.
Reticular nucleus of rat thalamus is metabolically activated during trained forelimb movements

Abstract Sprague-Dawley rats were trained to grasp and repetitively press a lever. 2-[ 14 C]deoxyglucose (2-DG) autoradiographs of the brains of these animals revealed focal increases of 2-DG uptake in the reticular (R) nucleus of thalamus when compared to control subjects. The data demonstrate that 2-DG uptake increases in a nucleus which contains exclusively inhibitory neurons, and are pertinent to hypotheses that R might play a role in selective attention.
Decision or No Decision: How Do Patient–Physician Interactions End and What Matters?

A clearly stated clinical decision can induce a cognitive closure in patients and is an important investment in the end of patient–physician communications. Little is known about how often explicit decisions are made in primary care visits. To use an innovative videotape analysis approach to assess physicians’ propensity to state decisions explicitly, and to examine the factors influencing decision patterns. We coded topics discussed in 395 videotapes of primary care visits, noting the number of instances and the length of discussions on each topic, and how discussions ended. A regression analysis tested the relationship between explicit decisions and visit factors such as the nature of topics under discussion, instances of discussion, the amount of time the patient spoke, and competing demands from other topics. About 77% of topics ended with explicit decisions. Patients spoke for an average of 58 seconds total per topic. Patients spoke more during topics that ended with an explicit decision, (67 seconds), compared with 36 seconds otherwise. The number of instances of a topic was associated with higher odds of having an explicit decision (OR = 1.73, p < 0.01). Increases in the number of topics discussed in visits (OR = 0.95, p < .05), and topics on lifestyle and habits (OR = 0.60, p < .01) were associated with lower odds of explicit decisions. Although discussions often ended with explicit decisions, there were variations related to the content and dynamics of interactions. We recommend strengthening patients’ voice and developing clinical tools, e.g., an “exit prescription,” to improving decision making.
Causes of Growth and Decline in Mexico’s Maquiladora Apparel Sector

Abstract Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) beginning in 1994, the maquiladora sector was the dynamic manufacturing sector in Mexico, and its apparel subsector was especially so, more than quadrupling in employment from December 1993 to July 2000. Yet NAFTA’s influence on apparel employment is hard to find in a careful time series econometric analysis. Instead, much of employment growth is explained for 1980 to the present by changes in US demand as measured by real US gross domestic product or by real US apparel spending, by US/Mexico relative labor cost as proxied by the real peso‐dollar exchange rate, and by the relaxation of quotas on US apparel imports from Mexico in 1988–1990. In equations including these variables, tests for a structural break at the time of NAFTA find an effect which is either insignificant or else quite small and in some models negative. Possible explanations for this surprising result are discussed, along with the implications for cost–benefit analysis of free...
The variability of single evoked vertex potentials in man.

Abstract The variability of single (not averaged) auditory evoked responses was studied in a subject with uniquely high voltage vertex potentials. Her N 1 -P 2 amplitude averaged about 100 μV at 80 dB hearing level (ISO) with 10 sec inter-stimulus intervals. The voltages of single responses varied widely in approximately Gaussian distributions. No cyclical pattern of variation in amplitude was found. With shorter inter-stimulus intervals or with weaker stimuli the average responses were smaller, the distributions were smaller. This combination suggests the interaction of a random process with the parameters such as intensity and inter-stimulus interval that determine the amplitude of each response.
Experimental Support for a Desolvation Energy Term in Governing Equations for Binding Equilibria

This study introduces a new thermodynamic framework for aqueous reaction equilibria that treats water as a coreactant in the development of a general binding equation. The approach features an explicit consideration for the change in hydration that occurs when two solvated surfaces come into contact. As an outcome of this framework, the standard-state free energy of binding is defined by the summation of two terms: the traditional term (−RT ln Ki) plus a desolvation free-energy term that is weighted by the number of complexes formed at equilibrium. The new formalism suggests that the equilibrium ratio, Ki, is not a constant and that the observed concentration dependence of Ki may be used to obtain the molar desolvation energy and the standard-state free energy at infinite dilution. The governing equation is supported by results from isothermal titration calorimetry using the chelation of calcium(II) by EDTA as a model binding reaction. This work may have far-reaching implications for solution thermodynami...
Brain fibroblast growth factors do not stimulate myelination or remyelination in tissue culture.

Abstract Myelin basic protein fragments that stimulated proliferation of fibroblasts in vitro did not enhance myelin formation or remyelination in nervous system tissue cultures. Similar fragments are present during demyelination in multiple sclerosis, but the lack of myelin stimulating activity in vitro suggests that they may not play a role in remyelination in vivo .
A stent for co-delivering paclitaxel and nitric oxide from abluminal and luminal surfaces: Preparation, surface characterization, and in vitro drug release studies

Abstract Most drug-eluting stents currently available are coated with anti-proliferative drugs on both abluminal (toward blood vessel wall) and luminal (toward lumen) surfaces to prevent neointimal hyperplasia. While the abluminal delivery of anti-proliferative drugs is useful for controlling neointimal hyperplasia, the luminal delivery of such drugs impairs or prevents endothelialization which causes late stent thrombosis. This research is focused on developing a bidirectional dual drug-eluting stent to co-deliver an anti-proliferative agent (paclitaxel – PAT) and an endothelial cell promoting agent (nitric oxide – NO) from abluminal and luminal surfaces of the stent, respectively. Phosphonoacetic acid, a polymer-free drug delivery platform, was initially coated on the stents. Then, the PAT and NO donor drugs were co-coated on the abluminal and luminal stent surfaces, respectively. The co-coating of drugs was collectively confirmed by the surface characterization techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), 3D optical surface profilometry, and contact angle goniometry. SEM showed that the integrity of the co-coating of drugs was maintained without delamination or cracks formation occurring during the stent expansion experiments. In vitro drug release studies showed that the PAT was released from the abluminal stent surfaces in a biphasic manner, which is an initial burst followed by a slow and sustained release. The NO was burst released from the luminal stent surfaces. Thus, this study demonstrated the co-delivery of PAT and NO from abluminal and luminal stent surfaces, respectively. The stent developed in this study has potential applications in inhibiting neointimal hyperplasia as well as encouraging luminal endothelialization to prevent late stent thrombosis.
Joint variable spatial downscaling

Joint Variable Spatial Downscaling (JVSD), a new statistical technique for downscaling gridded climatic variables, is developed to generate high resolution gridded datasets for regional watershed modeling and assessments. The proposed approach differs from previous statistical downscaling methods in that multiple climatic variables are downscaled simultaneously and consistently to produce realistic climate projections. In the bias correction step, JVSD uses a differencing process to create stationary joint cumulative frequency statistics of the variables being downscaled. The functional relationship between these statistics and those of the historical observation period is subsequently used to remove GCM bias. The original variables are recovered through summation of bias corrected differenced sequences. In the spatial disaggregation step, JVSD uses a historical analogue approach, with historical analogues identified simultaneously for all atmospheric fields and over all areas of the basin under study. Analysis and comparisons are performed for 20th Century Climate in Coupled Models (20C3M), broadly available for most GCMs. The results show that the proposed downscaling method is able to reproduce the sub-grid climatic features as well as their temporal/spatial variability in the historical periods. Comparisons are also performed for precipitation and temperature with other statistical and dynamic downscaling methods over the southeastern US and show that JVSD performs favorably. The downscaled sequences are used to assess the implications of GCM scenarios for the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint river basin as part of a comprehensive climate change impact assessment.
Surface states of GaAs (110): Pseudopotential calculations

Abstract In this letter we present calculations for surface states in high symmetry points Γ, M, X and X' of Jones' zone of GaAs (110), using a step barrier potential. It is found that only four surface states appear in the thermal gap; two in Γ point at 0.38 and 1.2 eV from the top of the valence band considered as origin of energies, one at 0.8 eV in M point and another in X′ point at 0.3 eV. Also, we obtain a low band of surface states between −3 and −5.5 eV.
The US National Science Foundation's deep underground laboratory at Homestake- DUSEL

The US National Science Foundation has launched a program to establish a world-class, multi-disciplinary deep underground science and engineering laboratory - DUSEL. The NSF has selected as the prime site to be developed for an international world-class research facility. Recently there has been increasing interest in underground physics, astrophysics and other fields of science that require deep underground laboratory and research facilities. I will review the scientific case for DUSEL and the near-term experiments anticipated in Homestake, as well as presenting the efforts to create the Sanford Laboratory at Homestake in advance of DUSEL.
Far-infrared conductivity and anomalous below-gap absorption in superconducting granular NbN

The far-infrared (10-100 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$) complex conductivity of superconducting granular NbN films has been determined from reflection and transmission data. Moderately granular films, with ${R}_{\ensuremath{\square}}=150$ and $200 \frac{\ensuremath{\Omega}}{\ensuremath{\square}}$, followed Leplae-modified Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer---theory predictions with no absorption below the gap frequency ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{g}$. The derived values of $\frac{2\ensuremath{\Delta}}{k{T}_{c}}$ were 3.8 and 4.0, slightly below the results for homogeneous films. Highly granular films, with ${R}_{\ensuremath{\square}}\ensuremath{\ge}500 \frac{\ensuremath{\Omega}}{\ensuremath{\square}}$, displayed dc resistive tails and evidence of Josephson coupling. The real part of the far-infrared conductivity was BCS-type for frequencies above ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{g}$ but showed an anomalous absorption below ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{g}$. This excess absorption may arise from two-dimensional fluctuations in the form of vortices or from normal conducting regions mixed in with the superconducting grains.
Synthesis of ligand-functionalized water-soluble [18F]YF3 nanoparticles for PET imaging

We report a simple, efficient synthesis of novel 18F-labeled imaging agents based on YF3 nanoparticles. Targeting ligands and antitumor drug molecules can be introduced onto the YF3 nanoparticles in a one-pot synthesis. The 18F-labeling reaction proceeds in aqueous solutions at room temperature with excellent radiolabeling yields (>80%) in a very short time (5–10 min). 18F-labeled YF3 nanoparticles displayed high stability in mouse and human serum, and their application for mapping lymph nodes in live rats after local injection has also been demonstrated.
Nature of bonding in montmorillonite adsorbates. I. Surface adsorption.

It has been shown that organic solutes that do not have groups which are cation exchangeable adsorb on the surface of neutralized montmorillonite and do not (unlike several solvents such as alkanols and water) penetrate to the interior of the crystal. The number of available sites on the surface is of the order 1018-10-19 sites per m.2 of surface area. The number of interior sites available is about 600 times as high. The fact that surface adsorption is the process involved explains in part the fact that such adsorbates are physiologically available when used in pharmaceutical preparations.
Bypass-zone tempestite facies model and proximality trends for an ancient muddy shoreline and shelf

Member 2 of the late Precambrian to Lower Cambrian Chapel Island Formation of southeast Newfoundland was primarily deposited in storm-influenced, nearshore and shelf environments along a fine-grained coastline. Deposition took place within or adjacent to a deltaic system that supplied abundant silts and clays. Thin-bedded graded sandstone beds, hummocky cross-stratified beds, and a variety of very thin conglomerate units contain evidence for deposition by storm currents. Sedimentological and stratigraphic evidence is used to reconstruct the relative paleobathymetric position of the three major facies in member 2. The Gutter Cast Facies is a shallow-subtidal deposit characterized by very thin sandstone laminae and abundant pot and gutter casts. The Siltstone-Dominated Facies contains more laterally extensive thin-bedded sandstones and fewer erosional features, and was deposited in the inner shelf. The Sandstone-Dominated Facies consists of thin to medium, graded and hummocky cross-stratified sandstone beds deposited in a more distal shelf setting, but above storm wave base. The facies model and set of proximality trends developed for member 2 deposits may be applicable to other storm-influenced fine-grained shorelines. In this model, the shallow subtidal is a zone of throughput with high-velocity, sediment-laden flows eroding deep narrow scours (gutter casts) and depositing very little sand outside of these scours. As the storm-generated flows move into deeper water they decelerate, resulting in less erosion of the sea floor and depositing thicker and more continuous sand beds (Siltstone-Dominated Facies). Further from shore, bed thickness reaches a maximum (Sandstone-Dominated Facies) and hummocky crossstratification is abundant. Even more distally, bed thickness decreases again (represented by thinly laminated siltstones of the overlying member 3). Analysis of sedimentary structures and paleocurrent data suggests deposition by storm currents that transported sediment nearly perpendicular to shore.
Amino-terminal parathyroid hormone-related protein: specific binding and cytosolic calcium responses in rat insulinoma cells.

PTH-related protein (PTHrP), originally identified through its causative role in human humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy, is now known to be a normal gene product expressed in a wide variety of neuroendocrine, epithelial, and mesoderm-derived tissues. PTHrP gene expression has recently been demonstrated in fetal and adult, benign and malignant, as well as human and rodent pancreatic islets. As in other tissues, the role of PTHrP expression in the normal islet is only beginning to be explored. In the current report, PTHrP expression in the normal rat pancreatic islet was confirmed using an affinity-purified antiserum directed against the N-terminal, biologically active region of the molecule. The effects of PTHrP on the islet were then explored using rat insulinoma (RIN m5F) cells. Synthetic PTHrP-(1-36) bound specifically, but with low affinity (Kd, approximately 10(-7) M) to RIN cell membranes. PTHrP-(1-36) failed to stimulate cAMP production in RIN cells, although RIN cells displayed a normal adenylat...
Data Transfers between Processes in an SMP System: Performance Study and Application to MPI

This paper focuses on the transfer of large data in SMP systems. Achieving good performance for intranode communication is critical for developing an efficient communication system, especially in the context of SMP clusters. We evaluate the performance of five transfer mechanisms: shared-memory buffers, message queues, the Ptrace system call, kernel module-based copy, and a high-speed network. We evaluate each mechanism based on latency, bandwidth, its impact on application cache usage, and its suitability to support MPI two-sided and one-sided messages
Using an existing denture to design a radiographic template for a two-implant mandibular overdenture

This article describes a technique for modifying an existing mandibular complete denture for use as a radiographic template with a radiopaque light-activated calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH) 2 ) preparation. This allows prosthetically driven treatment planning and the surgical placement of 2 implants to support the existing mandibular denture.
Fuzzy molecular modeling

Increased knowledge and understanding of chemistry has enabled researchers to develop materials such as polymers and composites which have superior characteristics to naturally-occurring materials. Yet, even with the most advanced equipment, we still cannot accurately model chemical properties such as lattice parameters and bond angles in simple tetragonal structures such as the chalcopyrite family of compounds. The imprecision results from the analytical techniques and imprecision in the samples and measurement process. The research in this paper presents a new method for representing lattice parameters and bond angles-through the use of fuzzy logic. Since fuzzy logic by definition is imprecise, it is a natural means to represent the imprecision of lattice parameters and bond angles. The fuzzy lattice parameters are created by collecting parameter values from literature. From the minimum, maximum and average of these parameter values, a fuzzy number is created which represents the imprecision in that parameter. Then, through the use of fuzzy arithmetic operators and recently-developed fuzzy trigonometric functions, atom locations within the unit cell and bond angles can be calculated. Using fuzzy logic in this manner benefits us by allowing the direct representation and calculation of the imprecision found in chemical compounds which arises from measurement error, structural defects, and thermal and vibrational characteristics.
Parallel inverse QR decomposition

This paper describes an algorithm and an associated architecture for the parallel implementation of the least squares problem using the inverse QR decomposition. We developed the architecture as a part of our research on the parallel implementation of multidimensional signal processing algorithms. In this paper, we show that this architecture can also be used to provide a high performance implementation of the least squares problem.
Short and tweet: experiments on recommending content from information streams

More and more web users keep up with newest information through information streams such as the popular micro-blogging website Twitter. In this paper we studied content recommendation on Twitter to better direct user attention. In a modular approach, we explored three separate dimensions in designing such a recommender: content sources, topic interest models for users, and social voting. We implemented 12 recommendation engines in the design space we formulated, and deployed them to a recommender service on the web to gather feedback from real Twitter users. The best performing algorithm improved the percentage of interesting content to 72% from a baseline of 33%. We conclude this work by discussing the implications of our recommender design and how our design can generalize to other information streams.
Time to disease-related pain and first opioid use in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer treated with sipuleucel-T

BACKGROUND: Sipuleucel-T has demonstrated improved overall survival in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). This analysis examined the effect of sipuleucel-T on time to disease-related pain (TDRP) and time to first use of opioid analgesics (TFOA) in mCRPC using data pooled from three randomized phase III studies in men with asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic mCRPC (D9901 (NCT00005947), D9902A (NCT01133704), D9902B (IMPACT; NCT00065442)). METHODS: Four-hundred and twenty-eight asymptomatic patients were analyzed for TDRP; 737 patients were analyzed for TFOA. Pain status was collected using logs adjudicated by blinded, independent reviewers. Opioid use for cancer-related pain was identified from medically reviewed reports of concomitant medication. Disease-related pain was defined as pain post enrollment. TDRP and TFOA were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox regression. RESULTS: Treatment with sipuleucel-T was not associated with a significant difference in TDRP (hazard ratio (HR) ¼ 0.819; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.616–1.089; P ¼ 0.170; median TDRP 5.6 months for sipuleucel-T and 5.3 months for control, respectively), although 39.3% of sipuleucel-T-treated patients and 18.9% of control patients were pain-free at 12 months. However, there was a significant delay in TFOA with sipuleucel-T (HR ¼ 0.755; 95% CI: 0.579–0.985; P ¼ 0.038). Median TFOA for sipuleucel-T was 12.6, and 9.7 months for control, with 50.6% and 43.1% opioid-free at 12 months, respectively. Kaplan–Meier curves for both end points began to diverge at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Sipuleucel-T was associated with longer TFOA but not significantly longer TDRP. Both end points demonstrated evidence of a delayed treatment effect, consistent with an active immunotherapy.
Light limitation of phytoplankton biomass and macronutrient utilization in the Southern Ocean

The Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) is unique in that it has continually high concentrations of major plant nutrients but low phytoplankton biomass. This enigmatic phenomenon is the focus of significant speculation that trace nutrients, including Fe, may limit phytoplankton crop size. Global climatologies indicate that the ACC is a region with low surface temperatures, weak density stratification, little summertime surface solar irradiance, and strong wind stress. These physical phenomena act to limit growth rates of the phytoplankton community. Using a photo-physiological description of phytoplankton growth in a simple one-dimensional ecosystem model forced by observations or climatologies of mixing depth and surface irradiance, the authors make an evaluation of the potential for massive, nutrient-exhausting, phytoplankton blooms forming in the ACC. The ACC has persistent mixed layers in excess of 50 m. Literature values and model optimization indicate that the minimal aggregate specific loss rate and typical physical conditions of stratification and surface irradiance, the model predicts that phytoplankton in the ACC would not utilize >10% of the available macronutrients. Without a mechanism for increasing the strength of stratification, the authors predict that massive Fe additions to the Southern Ocean would fail to significantly mitigate the atmospheric CO{sub 2} derived from fossilmore » fuel.« less
Incorporation of Fe3O4 nanoparticles into organometallic coordination polymers by nanoparticle surface modification.

Oberflachenmodifizierte Fe3O4-Nanopartikel (NPs) werden durch den Austausch von Oleylamin-Schutzgruppen gegen [(η5-Semichinon)Mn(CO)3]-Einheiten erhalten. Sie konnen als Keim oder Templat bei der Bildung kristalliner Koordinationspolymere wirken, die die superparamagnetischen Fe3O4-NPs dann einschliesen. Hybride magnetische Eigenschaften resultieren, wenn paramagnetische Metallzentren wie Mn2+ in die Polymere eingefuhrt werden (siehe Bild).
What might philosophy of science look like if chemists built it

Had more philosophers of science come from chemistry, their thinking would have been different. I begin by looking at a typical chemical paper, in which making something is the leitmotif, and conjecture/refutation is pretty much irrelevant. What in fact might have been, might be, different? The realism of chemists is reinforced by their remarkable ability to transform matter; they buy into reductionism where it serves them, but make no real use of it. Incommensurability is taken without a blink, and actually serves. The preeminence of synthesis in chemistry could have led philosophers of science to take more seriously questions of aesthetics within science, and to find a place in aesthetics for utility. The necessary motion twixt macroscopic and microscopic views of matter in modern chemistry leads to the coexistence of symbolic and iconic representations. And in another way to the deliberate, creative violation of categories.
Three Dimensional Environment Modeling through Simultaneous Localization and Mapping Techniques

We present our work developing a platform to use a two dimensional laser range finder and a modified version of the Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) algorithm to develop a detailed, accurate three dimensional model of an unknown indoor environment with no a priori information. Our approach is to have the robot make multiple passes through the environment, with the sensor mounted at a different height each time. SLAM is performed at each resulting slice. We then present and compare two ways to fuse the maps attained at each height into an overall 3-D map.
MIMO channel measurements for urban military applications

This paper presents results from a measurement campaign that was conducted to characterize the multiple input multiple output (MIMO) channel characteristics in a low-rise urban environment in the military UHF frequency band. Data were collected in Baltimore, Maryland using a 2times3 MIMO testbed in June 2007. Testing consisted of transmitting orthogonal channel probes from a stationary transmit test van and using a mobile receive van that collected data while traveling through predetermined routes in the city. Data were collected on both straight line-of-sight (LOS) paths and on L-shaped routes that involved turning onto a perpendicular street that was not within LOS of the transmitter. Statistics of the fading were characterized and found to exhibit Ricean behavior in LOS regions and Rayleigh statistics in non-LOS regions. The channel transfer matrix was computed based on measured data and used to infer the MIMO communications channel capacity as a function of distance from the transmitter and antenna spacing. The measured capacity was compared to the theoretical capacity of a 2times3 reference system with a stationary channel. These comparisons show that MIMO processing is capable of increasing the capacity by a factor of 1.3 to 1.8 relative to the reference system. Results are also presented that show capacity is insensitive to antenna spacing down to a minimum spacing of 0.25lambda for the conditions encountered in this study.
Subcooled Forced Convection Film Boiling Drag and Heat Transfer of a Wedge

Subcooled laminar forced convection film boiling flow on a wedge is analyzed considering the streamwise pressure gradient imposed on the flow and the streamwise buoyancy force acting on the vapor film. A twophase boundary-layer model is proposed, and the local similarity concept is applied to obtain an approximate solution of the governing equations. For a water-steam system at atmospheric pressure considered within this study, wall skin friction results display a strong dependency on the streamwise buoyancy force driving the vapor film and the external pressure gradient. Adverse streamwise buoyancy force acting on the vapor film, which is the case on the lower surface of a horizontally aligned wedge, may cause vapor flow separation. In contrast to wall skin friction dependency, the wall heat transfer parameter shows a secondary dependence on the streamwise pressure gradient and the buoyancy force.
A prototype BPM electronics module for RHIC

Prototype components of the VXI-based Beam Position Monitor Electronics for the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider have been constructed and tested for accuracy, resolution and linearity. The detector, designed solely for single-bunch acquisition, consists of a homodyne detector followed by a sample and hold and Analog-to-Digital Converter. In the final modules, an on-board Digital Signal Processor will provide turn by turn data correction, continuously updated closed-orbit averaging, and circular buffer maintenance. A timing processor allows synchronization of modules to enable correlated data collection. >
The call to teach and teacher hopefulness

The purpose of this paper is to explore teacher motivation and well‐being. Our analysis focuses on two central concepts, the notion of a calling to teach and of teacher hopefulness. Data from 205 preservice and inservice teachers were collected to determine teachers’ sense of calling and level of hope. Results indicate that overwhelmingly, both preservice and inservice teachers feel called to teach and have high levels of hope. However, there are some differences between preservice and inservice teachers and among inservice teachers based on years of experience. Results are discussed in the light of their implications for teacher coping, commitment, and resistance.