cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mesoscopic simulation of self-assembly of carbon nanotubes into a network of bundles

*† ‡ A computational approach for generation of network structures of interconnected carbon nanotube (CNT) bundles, commonly observed in CNT-based materials, is developed and tested. The approach is based on a mesoscopic computational model designed for simulation of large systems of interacting CNTs. The model adopts a coarse-grained representation of a CNT as a sequence of stretchable cylindrical segments defined by a chain of nodes. The dynamic behavior of CNTs is reproduced with the help of a mesoscopic force field, by solving the equations of motion for the nodes. The mesoscopic force field accounts for stretching and bending of individual CNTs, as well as for the van der Waals interactions among the nanotubes. Simulations, performed for systems containing thousands of CNTs and having dimensions on the order of a micrometer, predict spontaneous self-assembly of CNTs into a continuous network of bundles. The structures produced in the simulations are qualitatively similar to the structures of CNT films and mats observed in experiments.
Reproductive success, postpartum maternal behavior, and masculine sexual behavior of neonatally androgenized female hamsters.

Abstract Sex differences in maternal behavior induced by pup stimulation (sensitization) have been reported for rats and hamsters and may be affected by the presence or absence of perinatal androgen treatment. Postpartum maternal behavior and litter survival in golden hamsters treated with testosterone propionate (TP) as neonates were studied. A high dose of TP (300 μg) eliminated feminine reproductive capacity when given on Day 2 or 4 postpartum and had no discernible effect on Day 12. Treatment on Days 6, 8, or 10 resulted in treatment day-dependent deficiencies in reproductive success which fell short of sterility in most females. These deficiencies included low birth weight, weight gain, and higher litter losses than controls. However, the maternal behavior of TP dams, as measured by retrieval and crouching, appeared to be normal. The disparity between delivery and successful rearing of normal-weight young may include uterine incompetence, lactation deficiency, and hypercannibalism. Behavioral masculinization was a more sensitive index of neonatal androgen action than any aspect of defeminization, but the two phenomena were dissociated in individuals.
New Antheridiogen from the Fern Onoclea sensibilis

An antheridium-inducing hormone (antheridiogen) derived from the fern species Onoclea sensibilis (Polypodiaceae) is chromatographically distinct from the native antheridiogen of Pteridium aquilinum (Polypodiaceae). It also differs from the native antheridiogens of Lygodium japonicum and Anemia phyllitidis (Schizaeaceae).
Variational stability in dirac-hartree-fock theory

Abstract Variational stability in analytic Dirac-Hartree-Fock calculations requires that positive energy spinors remain orthogonal to all negative energy spinors that can be constructed from a finite number of basis spinors. The orthogonality constraint can be considered either by direct expansion of the relativistic basis or by the pseudopotential technique.
Leukostasis: A phenomenon of prolymphocytic leukemia

We are reporting a case of a patient with prolymphoctic leukemia complicated by fatal leukostasis. Multiple leukemic thrombi and leukoaggregales were demonstrated on postmortem examination in both the brain and lungs. This represents the first report pathologically documenting leukostasis in a chronic lymphoid malignancy.
Serum vitellogenin levels and reproductive impairment of male Japanese Medaka (Oryzias latipes) exposed to 4-tert-octylphenol.

The induction of synthesis of the "female" yolk precursor protein vitellogenin (VTG) in male fish by estrogenic chemicals in the environment has been demonstrated in many recent reports. However, l...
Bad Blood: The risks of red cell storage

Blood transfusion saves many lives but carries the risk of injury, such as severe damage to the lungs. In 'Bedside to Bench', Janet S. Lee and Mark T. Gladwin examine the implications of clinical studies assessing such damage. The risk of injury seems to increase with the number of units transfused and may be greater with blood that has been stored longer. Researchers have yet to understand why, but several mechanisms are under scrutiny. In 'Bench to Bedside', Paul S. Frenette and Narla Mohandas discuss recent studies pinpointing a trigger—a specific antigen on neutrophils for a severe form of transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI). The findings could lead to new ways to diagnose TRALI and identify people at risk.
Ontogeny of cholecystokinin satiety in rats

The development of cholecystokinin satiety effects was studied in newborn rats. Weight gain during tests was the measure of intake in the sucklings, until the rats were weaned at 20 days of age. Thereafter food intake was measured directly. Intraperitoneal injection of cholecystokinin (CCK-OP) suppressed feeding in 1-7 day old rat pups. Gastric loads of 0.9% NaCl, 2.5% D-phenylalanine, and L-phenylalanine suppressed subsequent intake in 1-10 day old rats, but not in 10-20 day old rats. The early satiety effect of the intragastric loads was attributed to gastric distension. At 21-25 days of age, rats showed a suppression of intake following gastric loads of L-phenylalanine but not D-phenylalanine. This is tentative evidence that releasers of endogenous CCK do not induce satiety until immediately after weaning.
Structured interviewing in volunteer selection

Abstract Social service agencies that depend on volunteers need high quality personnel, so they need reliable and valid selection systems for screening candidates. In this article, the utility of structured interviewing for volunteer selection is explored, and the development of a structured interview for volunteer selection is reviewed. Finally, results of initial analyses supporting the reliability and validity of the structured interview are discussed.
Cross-sectional imaging in congenital anomalies of the heart and great vessels: Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography

LTHOUGH WE WILL concentrate on cardiac and great vessel anomalies in this section, one must remember that congenital cardiac disease is associated with a wide range of noncardiac anomalies. This will affect how we place cross-sectional imaging data in the larger context of the patient’s disease complex. It may seriously impact how we manage the care of the patient in the environment of magnetic resonance scanners and computed tomography (CT) machines. It may affect how we deliver sedative medications, monitor patient safety, administer contrast agents, and how we focus our limited imaging time. In the Baltimore–Washington Infant Study, 27% of patients with cardiac defects had associated anomalies. 1 Single-organ system extracardiac abnormalities will occur with higher frequency than in the normal population, musculoskeletal and central nervous sytem being most common. 1,2 However, many associated defects are well-defined chromosomal abnormalities, heritable syndromes, and associations. Down’s syndrome is most frequent. Approximately 40% of Down’s syndrome patients have cardiac defects (ventricular septal defect, atrioventicular canal defects). Down’s patients also have related clinical problems from pulmonary hypertension and upper airway abnormalities, im
Thoracolumbar spinal manipulation and the immediate impact on exercise performance.

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to determine if thoracolumbar chiropractic manipulative therapy (CMT) had an immediate impact on exercise performance by measuring blood lactate concentration, exercise heart rate, and rating of perceived exertion during a treadmill-based graded exercise test (GXT). Methods Ten healthy, asymptomatic male and 10 female college students (age = 27.5 ± 3.7 years, height=1.68 ± 0.09 m, body mass=71.3 ± 11.6 kg: mean ± SD) were equally randomized into an AB:BA crossover study design. Ten participants were in the AB group, and 10 were in the BA group. The study involved 1 week of rest in between each of the 2 conditions: A (prone Diversified T12-L1 CMT) vs B (no CMT). Participants engaged in a treadmill GXT 5 minutes after each week's condition (A or B). Outcome measures were blood lactate concentration, exercise heart rate, and rating of perceived exertion monitored at the conclusion of each 3-minute stage of the GXT. The exercise test continued until the participant achieved greater than 8 mmol/L blood lactate, which correlates with maximal to near-maximal exercise effort. A dependent-samples t test was used to make comparisons between A and B conditions related to exercise performance. Results No statistically significant difference was shown among any exercise response dependent variables in this study. Conclusions The results of this research preliminarily suggest that CMT to T12-L1 does not immediately impact exercise performance during a treadmill-based GXT using healthy college students.
Development and use of a short-term nutrient absorption technique for evaluating soil magnesium status

A greenhouse investigation was undertaken to study and evaluate the use of a short-term nutrient-absorption technique for evaluating soil magnesium status. Barley (Hordeum vulgare), variety Arivat, was used as the test plant. The investigation included four experiments with the following objectives: (1) to determine the need for base applications of nitrogen and phosphorus in a soil-magnesium study using a short-term nutrient absorption technique; (2) to study the effect of base applications of N and P on Mg-uptake by plants under three time periods of root-soil contact; (3) to study the effect of increasing soil moisture from 75 to 100 per cent of the soil moisture equivalent on the plant uptake of Mg; and (4) to evaluate the short-term nutrient-absorption technique in determining the magnesium status in six different soils: Gila silt loam, Tours silty clay loam, Cajon clay loam, La Palma fine sandy loam, Yavapai sandy clay loam, and Casa Grande loam. Magnesium was applied in the form of MgSO4 and Sul-PO-Mag. Plant growth, potassium, calcium, and magnesium uptake were increased by the base application of nitrogen and phosphorus using a 7-day period of root-soil contact. Plant growth was not affected by soil moisture level. Potassium and calcium concentrations in the plant were decreased with increasing soil moisture, but the total plant uptake of these nutrients was not affected. Total plant uptake and concentration of magnesium were increased by increasing soil moisture level. The results obtained in this study agree with previous observations that soil response to Mg does not depend upon the amount of exchangeable magnesium in the soil.
The Relationship Between the First Year Egg Production and the Egg Production of Later Years

Abstract The development of egg production standards for Record of Performance work has awakened much interest on the part of both teachers and poultrymen in the relationship between the first year egg production and later years of production. Many poultrymen feel that it is much easier to obtain a pullet year record of 200 eggs than it is to obtain a second year record of 180 eggs. Practically no effort has been made to set up egg production standards for birds over two years of age. Brody (1921) analysed the records of 4,210 Barred Plymouth Rocks at the Maine Agricultural Experiment Station and 1,000 White Leghorns in the Storrs egg-laying contests. This analysis showed that the phenomena of egg production is much like the growth of organisms. From this analysis he also concluded that the curve of egg production could be expressed by the equation of an autocatalytic chemical reaction. Brody, . . .
Rapid repeat pregnancy and experiences of interpersonal violence among low-income adolescents.

Abstract Context: Rapid repeat pregnancy (RRP) among adolescents, usually defined as pregnancy onset within 12–24 months of the previous pregnancy outcome, has frequently been the target of public health interventions, due to the exacerbation of negative consequences associated with recurrent adolescent pregnancy (and more specifically with childbearing). Objective: To examine what, if any, relationship exists between RRP and the experience of interpersonal violence and abuse among low-income adolescents at one semi-urban health center. Design: Case-control study using retrospective chart review. Participants and Setting: 100 women aged 13–21 who received prenatal care at one independent nonprofit health center that serves adolescents and their children from June 1994 through June 1996. Main Outcome Measures: Number and timing of pregnancies, occurrence of physical or sexual abuse; other psychosocial risk factors were evaluated. Results: In this population, the experience of any form of physical or sexual violence during the study interval was associated with RRP within 12 months ( p = 0.01, OR=3.46) and 18 months ( p = 0.013, OR=4.29). Other previously reported predictors of RRP, including family stress, financial stress, and other environmental stressors did not reach statistical significance at either 12 months or 18 months in this sample. Of additional note, young women who experienced any form of abuse during the 12-month study interval were substantially more likely to miscarry than were their nonabused peers, and spontaneous abortion was also very strongly associated with RRP ( p Conclusions: The experience of interpersonal violence is correlated with rapid repeat pregnancy among low-income adolescents. This study strongly suggests a need for both extensive screening for partner and family violence among pregnant and postpartum adolescents, and follow-up safety planning support in combination with family planning interventions.
INTRACRANIAL HEMORRHAGE: DIAGNOSIS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Intracranial hemorrhages are an important cause of acute neurologic disease presenting in the emergency setting. To optimize outcome, it is important that the physician quickly recognize intracranial hemorrhages. To minimize mortality and neurologic morbidity, it is often necessary to initiate urgent therapy in the emergency rooms and to obtain neurosurgical consultation in order to pursue early surgical therapy. This article discusses the recognition and early treatment of the various types of intracranial hemorrhages.
High Pressure Injection Injuries: A Serious Occupational Hazard

AbstractHigh pressure injection equipment such as airless paint sprayers, high pressure grease guns, and fuel injection apparatus constitute a serious safety hazard resulting in significant morbidity. These devices are capable of delivering contaminants such as paint, solvents, and grease at pressures ranging from 600–12,000 psi. This allows the substance to penetrate through a minute skin wound and to spread widely through fascial planes and tendon sheaths and to produce significant vascular compression and systemic toxicity. High pressure injection injuries frequently result in amputation. Fifty-five suspected high pressure injection injury cases were evaluated. Twenty were determined to be actual injection injuries from equipment producing pressures in the range of 1,500–12,000 psi. The injected contaminants included latex paint, mineral spirits, and concrete sealer. Fourteen injuries involved digits. Digital amputation was necessary in three patients. Hospital admissions averaged 6.5 days. Successful ...
Absorption spectra of NH3 using a microwave-sideband CO2-Laser spectrometer

Abstract An improved microwave-sideband CO 2 laser spectrometer with resolution of 2 × 10 -4 cm -1 is described. For a series of vibration-rotation lines of NH 3 in v 2 and v 2 = 2 a ← v 2 = 1 s bands, frequencies, strengths, widths and shifts are derived by measuring the absorption line profiles at different pressures. The experimental results are analysed and compared with previous theoretical calculations and measurements.
Distribution of glucose-6-phosphatase activity in normal, hyperplastic, and preneoplastic rat liver

The significance of glucose-6-phosphatase (G6P) expression by bile duct-like cells proliferating during hepatocarcinogenesis in the histogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma is not clear. To this end, we measured the histochemical and biochemical activity of G6P in normal rat liver, and in rat livers in which bile duct-like proliferation was induced by either hyperplastic (bile duct ligation for 14 days or feeding alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate for 28 days) or neoplastic (feeding a choline-devoid diet containing 0.1% ethionine for 60 days) regimens. In normal, hyperplastic, and preneoplastic livers, G6P histochemical activity was confined to the hepatocytes; proliferated bile duct-like cells, like normal bile ducts, did not display visible G6P staining. When the enzyme activity was determined biochemically, however, hydrolysis of glucose-6-phosphate was observed in both parenchymal and nonparenchymal liver cells isolated from all experimental animals. In elutriated nonparenchymal fractions, G6P activity was directly proportional to the number of cells positive for gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and cytokeratin no. 19 (markers of bile duct cells) and inversely proportional to the number of cells positive for vimentin (marker of mesenchymal cells). These results indicate that, while by light microscopy hepatic G6P histochemical activity is detectable only in the hepatocytes, the biochemical activity is also expressed in proliferating bile duct-like cells. However, the nonparenchymal activity is observed during both neoplastic and hyperplastic liver growth, thus indicating that the presence of this enzyme in bile duct-like cells proliferating during hepatocarcinogenesis should not necessarily be construed as supporting their stem cell nature nor their neoplastic commitment.
Solid and liquid nitrogen

Abstract Condensed nitrogen, one of the simplest molecular systems, has been the focus of vigorous and productive study in recent years. This paper reviews the experimental and theoretical literature on nitrogen giving primary emphasis to the solid state, although some attention is devoted to the liquid phase also. The status of knowledge of the intermolecular potential, structural and thermodynamic properties, and lattice dynamics are discussed in detail and suggestions are made for further research.
Thermochemistry of Non-Covalent Ion–Molecule Interactions

The thermochemistry of non-covalent ion-molecule complexes has been examined by measuring quantitative bond dissociation energies using threshold collision-induced dissociation in guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometers (GIBMS). The methods used are briefly reviewed and several examples of the types of information and insight that can be obtained from such thermodynamic information are discussed. The hydration of metal cations, both singly and doubly charged, is reviewed and the trends elucidated, mainly on the basis of electrostatic contributions. The binding of alkali metal cations to amino acids has been examined for a range of systems, with both the overall polarizability of the amino acid and the local dipole moment of heteroatomic side-chains shown to be important contributors. The gas-phase interactions of the 12-crown-4 (12C4) polyether with alkali metal cations, classic molecular recognition systems in solution, have been newly compared to previous GIBMS work. These results validate the previous hypothesis that excited conformers were present for Rb(+)(12C4) and Cs(+)(12C4) and offer clues as to how and why they are formed.
Coulomb Holes and Correlation Potentials in the Helium Atom

Thus, the asymptotic structure of the exchange-correlation potential [ital W][sub [ital x][ital c]]([bold r]) of the work formalism is that of [ital W][sub [ital x]]([bold r]) which is ([minus]1/[ital r]). We also detemine via the Kinoshita wave function the correlation potential [mu][sub [ital c]]([bold r]) of Kohn-Sham theory, which differs from [ital W][sub [ital c]]([bold r]) in that it also incorporates the effects of the correlation contribution to the kinetic energy. Consequently, it is less attractive than [ital W][sub [ital c]]([bold r]), but also has zero slope at the nucleus. However, as is known, the potential [mu][sub [ital c]]([bold r]) is nonmonotonic, since it goes positive within the atom, then becomes negative in the classically forbidden region, finally vanishing asymptotically as a negative function. Since the exchange potentials of the work formalism and Kohn-Sham theory are the same for this atom, and because [ital W][sub [ital c]]([bold r]) is strictly representative of Coulomb correlations, we attribute the nonmonotonicity and positiveness of the Kohn-Sham potential [mu][sub [ital c]]([bold r]) to the correlation kinetic energy. This conclusion is consistent with the result that the difference between the correlation energies determined within the work formalism from the dynamic Coulomb hole and Kohn-Sham theorymore » is equal to the correlation contribution to the kinetic energy.« less
Critical Zone Observatories: Building a network to advance interdisciplinary study of Earth surface processes

We live at the dynamic interface between the solid Earth and its outer fluid envelopes. This interface, extending from the outer vegetation canopy to the base of active groundwater, was recently named the Critical Zone because it supports life and is increasingly impacted by human actions. Understanding the complex interactions between processes that operate in and shape the Critical Zone requires interdisciplinary approaches that span wide spatial and temporal scales. Tectonic processes, weathering, fluid transport, and biological processes control the function and structure of the Critical Zone. Three Critical Zone Observatories recently established by the U.S. National Science Foundation are designed to integrate studies of process interactions up to the watershed scale. A goal of the program is to build the three independently conceived observatories into a network from which broader understanding – larger spatial scales but also deeper insight – can emerge.
Cyclic ADP-ribose contributes to contraction and Ca2+ release by M1 muscarinic receptor activation in coronary arterial smooth muscle.

The present study determined the role of cyclic ADPribose (cADPR) in mediating vasoconstriction and Ca2+ release in response to the activation of muscarinic receptors. Endothelium-denuded small bovine coronary arteries were microperfused under transmural pressure of 60 mm Hg. Both acetylcholine (ACh; 1 nmol/L to 1 Imol/ L) and oxotremorine (OXO; 2.5–80 Imol/L) produced a concentration-dependent contraction. The vasoconstrictor responses to both ACh and OXO were significantly attenuated by nicotinamide (Nicot; an ADP-ribosyl cyclase inhibitor), 8-bromo-cADPR (8-Br-cADPR; a cADPR antagonist) or ryanodine (Ry; an Ry receptor antagonist). Intracellular Ca 2+ ([Ca 2+ ]i) was determined by fluorescence spectrometry using fura-2 as a fluorescence indicator. OXO produced a rapid increase in [Ca2+]i in freshly isolated single coronary arterial smooth muscle cells (CASMCs) bathed with Ca 2+ -free Hanks’ solution. This OXO-induced rise in [Ca 2+ ]i was significantly reduced by pirenzepine (PIR; an M1 receptor-specific blocker), Nicot, 8-Br-cADPR or Ry. The effects of OXO on the activity of ADP-ribosyl cyclase (cADPR synthase) were examined in cultured CASMCs by measuring the rate of cyclic GDPribose (cGDPR) formation from s-nicotinamide guanine dinucleotide. It was found that OXO produced a concentration-dependent increase in the production of cGDPR. The stimulatory effect of OXO on ADP-ribosyl cyclase was inhibited by both PIR and Nicot. These results suggest that the cADPR signaling pathway participates in the contraction of small coronary arterial smooth muscle and Ca 2+ release induced by activation of M1 muscarinic receptors.
CT visualization of posterior vertebral veins: A sign of vena caval obstruction

In computerized tomography of the chest and abdomen in children, visualization of veins in the paravertebral musculature is indicative of superior inferior vena caval obstruction. This collateral circulation, while not a constant feature of vena caval obstruction, is not seen in normal children.
Manifold learning using Euclidean k-nearest neighbor graphs [image processing examples]

In the manifold learning problem one seeks to discover a smooth low dimensional surface, i.e., a manifold embedded in a higher dimensional linear vector space, based on a set of n measured sample points on the surface. In this paper, we consider the closely related problem of estimating the manifold's intrinsic dimension and the intrinsic entropy of the sample points. Specifically, we view the sample points as realizations of an unknown multivariate density supported on an unknown smooth manifold. In previous work, we introduced a geometric probability method called the geodesic minimal spanning tree (GMST) to obtain asymptotically consistent estimates of manifold dimension and entropy. In this paper, we present a simpler method, based on the k-nearest neighbor (k-NN) graph that does not require estimation of geodesic distances on the manifold. The algorithm is applied to standard synthetic manifolds as well as real data sets consisting of images of faces.
Market efficiency and inefficiency in rational expectations equilibria: Dynamic effects of heterogeneous information and noise

The paper examines time series properties and efficiency of a securities market where disparately informed traders hold rational expectations and extract signals from the endogenous market price. Two equilibria are calculated, using a method of Sargent to handle the problem of infinite regress. When rational speculation is the sole source of potential trade, the market price reflects all private information, and zero trade occurs. When net supply is perturbed by unobserved noise, the market exhibits a broad range of characteristics cited in empirical literature, including excess volatility, mean reversion, dividend yield effects, trading volume and divergence of opinion.
Efficacy and Safety of Clarithromycin Compared to Cefixime as Outpatient Treatment of Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

Background Clarithromycin is a new acid-stable, 14-membered macrolide active against many of the organisms responsible for lower respiratory tract infections. It has been administered to over 5,000 patients worldwide and has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment for acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis and bacterial pneumonia when given twice daily (250 to 500 mg). Cefixime is an amino-thiazolyl cephalosporin with an extended spectrum of antibacterial activity inhibiting β-lactamase-producing respiratory pathogens. It has a long half-life, allowing once-daily administration. Methods This randomized, double-blind multicenter study compared clarithromycin and cefixime as treatment for patients with community-acquired lower respiratory tract infections (n=213). Patients had bacterial pneumonia (clarithromycin, 19 percent; cefixime, 21 percent) or acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis or asthmatic bronchitis (clarithromycin, 81 percent; cefixime, 79 percent). Patients received 500 mg of clarithromycin twice daily (n = 103) or 400 mg of cefixime once daily (n = 110) for 7 to 14 days. Results Clinical cure or improvement occurred in 86 percent of the clarithromycin-treated patients and 88 percent of the cefixime-treated patients. When only patients with identified infections with Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis , or Streptococcus pneumoniae were considered, clinical success rates were 97 percent for clarithromycin and 96 percent for cefixime; the rate of bacteriologic eradication was 91 percent for clarithromycin and 90 percent for cefixime. Adverse events occurred in 29 percent of the clarithromycin-treated patients and 23 percent of the cefixime-treated patients. Conclusions This study demonstrates that clarithromycin and cefixime are effective treatments for pneumonia and acute bacterial exacerbations of bronchitis of mild to moderate severity caused by the most common infecting organisms.
Efficient calculation of chemically reacting flow

A semi-implicit finite volume formulation is used to study flows with chemical reactions. In this formulation the source terms resulting from the chemical reactions are treated implicitly and the resulting system of partial differential equations is solved using two time-stepping schemes. The first is based on the Runge-Kutta method while the second is based on an Adams predictor-corrector method. Results show that improvements in computational efficiency depend to a large extent on the manner in which the source term is treated. Further, analysis and computation indicate that the Runge-Kutta method is more efficient than the Adams methods. Finally, an adaptive time stepping scheme is developed to study problems involving shock ignition. Calculations for a hydrogen-air system agree well with other methods.
Performance trends for analog to digital converters

Analog-to-digital converters are key components of signal processing systems, and may even dictate system architectures due to their limitations on sampling rate and resolution. The state of the art for ADCs, including both experimental converters and commercially available parts, is reviewed. The data imply that the performance measure, P=2/sup SNRbits//spl middot/f/sub samp/, uncertainty in the sampling process (aperture jitter) over a very wide range of sampling rates. For ADCs operating at multi-GSPS rates, the speed of the device technology is also a limiting factor (due to comparator ambiguity). Technological progress as measured by P is discussed.
Irinotecan Plus Temozolomide for Relapsed or Refractory Neuroblastoma

Purpose To report on an irinotecan and temozolomide regimen for neuroblastoma (NB). Quality of life and minimizing toxicity were major considerations. Patients and Methods The plan stipulated 5-day courses of irinotecan 50 mg/m2 (1-hour infusion) and temozolomide 150 mg/m2 (oral) every 3 to 4 weeks, with a pretreatment platelet count more than 30,000/μL. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor was used when the absolute neutrophil count was less than 1,000/μL. Results Forty-nine NB patients received 1 to 15 courses (median, 5). Gastrointestinal and myelosuppressive toxicities were readily managed. Lymphocyte responses to phytohemagglutinin after 2 to 10 courses (median, 3.5) were normal in 10 of 10 patients treated after nonimmunosuppressive therapy, and normalized in five of seven patients first treated less than 2 months after high-dose alkylators. Of 19 patients treated for refractory NB and assessable for response, nine showed evidence of disease regression, including two complete responses and seven ob...
Rheology of "Wet" Polymer Brushes via Brownian Dynamics Simulation: Steady vs Oscillatory Shear

The rheology of solvent-filled polymer brushes under steady and oscillatory shear is studied by Brownian dynamics simulation. The flow field is solved self-consistently with the polymer dynamics. We find that under steady flow the brushes are shear thinning in both normal forces and shear viscosity. During oscillatory flow, extreme shear thickening occurs when the ratio of the Weissenberg number to the dimensonless flow frequency $\mathrm{Wi}/\ensuremath{\omega}\ensuremath{\approx}3$. Shear-induced diffusion is shown to create this thickening. These findings serve to explain the recent measurements made by Klein et al. [Nature 352, 143 (1991); 370, 634 (1994); Discuss Faraday Soc. 98, 173 (1994)].
Diminished Chondrogenesis and Enhanced Osteoclastogenesis in Leptin-Deficient Diabetic Mice (ob/ob) Impair Pathologic, Trauma-Induced Heterotopic Ossification

Diabetic trauma patients exhibit delayed postsurgical wound, bony healing, and dysregulated bone development. However, the impact of diabetes on the pathologic development of ectopic bone or heterotopic ossification (HO) following trauma is unknown. In this study, we use leptin-deficient mice as a model for type 2 diabetes to understand how post-traumatic HO development may be affected by this disease process. Male leptin-deficient (ob/ob) or wild-type (C57BL/6 background) mice aged 6-8 weeks underwent 30% total body surface area burn injury with left hind limb Achilles tenotomy. Micro-CT (μCT) imaging showed significantly lower HO volumes in diabetic mice compared with wild-type controls (0.70 vs. 7.02 mm(3), P < 0.01) 9 weeks after trauma. Ob/ob mice showed evidence of HO resorption between weeks 5 and 9. Quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) demonstrated high Vegfa levels in ob/ob mice, which was followed by disorganized vessel growth at 7 weeks. We noted diminished chondrogenic gene expression (SOX9) and diminished cartilage formation at 5 days and 3 weeks, respectively. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase stain showed increased osteoclast presence in normal native bone and pathologic ectopic bone in ob/ob mice. Our findings suggest that early diminished HO in ob/ob mice is related to diminished chondrogenic differentiation, while later bone resorption is related to osteoclast presence.
Functional conditioning of skeletal muscle ventricles

We describe a 'functional' conditioning protocol and implant system for skeletal muscle ventricles that utilize a combination of high-frequency burst electrical stimulation and progressive volume expansion. Results indicate that this approach can produce fatigue-resistant, large volume, powerful skeletal muscle ventricles able to work against physiological pressures.
Parent-child factors in gender role socialization in girls.

This paper is one of a series of papers from a unique longitudinal study of sexual identity development in tomboy ( N = 50) and nontomboy ( N = 49) girls. Data come from the initial evaluations of these girls and their parents. This report focuses on parental factors in gender role socialization. Analyses indicate little difference between the two groups in parent-child contact during the first 5 years of the child's life. While parents of both groups felt equally close to their daughters, tomboys were more likely to choose their fathers as favored parent and they were more likely to model their fathers. Fathers from both groups had similar masculinity self-ratings. However, mothers of tomboys were more likely to have been tomboys themselves and to accept tomboyish behavior on the part of their daughters. The results are consistent with a social learning explanation of psychosexual differentiation.
Exploring and Enhancing Spatial Thinking Links to Achievement in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics?

Although neglected in traditional education, spatial thinking plays a critical role in achievement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. We review this relationship and investigate the malleability of spatial thinking. Can spatial thinking be improved with training, life experience, or educational interventions? Can improving spatial thinking improve STEM achievement? Research indicates that the answer is “yes” to both questions. A recent quantitative synthesis of 206 spatial training studies found an average training improvement of 0.47 standard deviations. Training effects lasted for months in studies examining durability and transferred to tasks that differed at least moderately from training tasks. A few studies indicate that spatial training can improve STEM learning, although more research needs to be done on this issue. We argue that including spatial thinking in STEM curricula could substantially increase the number of Americans with the requisite cognitive skills to ...
Differential equations governing slip-induced pore-pressure fluctuations in a water-saturated granular medium

Macroscopic frictional slip in water-saturated granular media occurs commonly during landsliding, surface faulting, and intense bedload transport. A mathematical model of dynamic pore-pressure fluctuations that accompany and influence such sliding is derived here by both inductive and deductive methods'. The inductive derivation shows how the governing differential equations represent the physics of the steadily sliding array of cylindrical fiberglass rods investigated experimentally" by Iverson and LaHusen (1989). The deductive derivation shows how the same equations result from a novel application of Biot's (1956) dynamic mixture theory to macroscopic deformation. The model consists of two linear differential equations and five initial and boundary conditions that govern solid displacements and pore-water pressures. Solid displacements and water pressures are strongly coupled, in part through a boundary condition that ensures mass consereation during irreversible pore deformation that occurs along the bumpy slip surface. Feedback between this deformation and the pore-pressure field may yield complex system responses. The dual derivations of the model help explicate key assumptions. For example, the model requires that the dimensionless parameter B, defined here through normalization of Biot's equations, is much larger than one. This indicates that solid-fluid coupling forces are dominated by viscous rather than inertial effects. A tabulation of physical and kinematic variables for the rod-array experiments of lverson and LaHusen and for various geologic phenomena shows that the model assumptions commonly are satisfied. A subsequent paper will describe model tests against experimental data.
Accountability and the clinical practice of ethics consultation: roles, activities, and the experience of doing.

The past few years have seen greater attention directed toward important procedural elements associated with ethics consultation. Examples include considerations about how best to document consulta...
Do Black Bears Respond to Military Weapons Training

The primary function of military training areas is to support military missions; however, management of natural resources that is compatible with that function has become a focal issue on many military installations. We investigated the relationship between black bear (Ursus americanus) habitat use and weapons-firing exercises at 3 spatial scales on the western portion of U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune (Camp Lejeune), North Carolina. In 2000 and 2001, we collected 1,494 telemetry locations for 14 bears (6 males, 8 females). We used spatial contours of human auditory disturbance levels based on the noise generated from firing activities to establish high-, medium-, and low-disturbance noise zones for each firing range. We used the multinomial logit form of discrete choice analysis to examine whether bears exhibited a spatial (i.e., general avoidance of areas associated with military activity) or temporal response (i.e., avoidance of military training areas but only when firing exercises occurred). Except for small areas near the firing positions, differences in bear use among the 3 noise zone areas was mostly a function of the prevalence of selected vegetation types and not a response to military activity. Our temporal analysis further suggested that bears did not respond to weapons exercises; the distance of bears to the nearest high-disturbance noise zone was not associated with the occurrence of weapons exercises.
A New Method for Computing the Diagonal of a Matrix Inverse

The computation of some entries of a matrix inverse arises in several important applications in practice. This paper presents a probing method for determining the diagonal of the inverse of a sparse matrix in the common situation when its inverse exhibits a decay property. A few simple properties of the inverse suggest a way to determine effective probing vectors based on standard graph theory results. An iterative method is then applied to solve the resulting sequence of linear systems, from which the diagonal of the matrix inverse is extracted. Results of numerical experiments are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
What Philosophers Know: Argument and intuition in Kripke's Naming and Necessity

In January 1970, just about twenty years after Quine's revolutionary APA paper, Saul Kripke gave a series of lectures at Princeton that launched a counter-revolution. “The impact of the lectures,” Scott Soames tells us, “was profound and immediate, and over the years their influence has grown.” In drastic contrast to Quine's paper, Kripke's lectures provided, among other things, “a compelling defense of the metaphysical concepts of necessity and possibility … forceful arguments that there are necessary truths that are knowable only aposteriori, and apriori truths that are contingent … and a persuasive defense of the intelligibility of essentialism – i.e., the claim that it makes sense to characterize objects as having some of their properties essentially.” Soames' view of Kripke's effectiveness is widely shared. As Christopher Hughes puts it, “Certain Kripkean views [the metaphysical views mentioned by Soames as well as many of Kripke's key claims in the philosophy of language] … are, if not uncontroversial, as close to uncontroversial as any interesting views in analytic philosophy.” This consensus is all the more remarkable because, especially regarding necessity, Kripke rehabilitated positions that seemed to have been definitively buried by analytic philosophers from Frege, through the logical positivists, to Quine. Given analytic philosophers' commitment to rigorous argument as the hallmark of their discipline, we might expect that Kripke's lectures will be models of compelling argument.
Black Racial Conservatism and Intra-Racial Attitudes

This paper examines competing measures of African-American intra-racial attitudes and political attitudes among African Americans. Specifically, I examine the impact of implicit and explicit measures of racial identity and in-group animus. The focus of this research is African-American racial conservatism. It is hypothesized that an increase in racial identity will lead to an increase in support for Affirmative Action and Welfare. To the contrary, an increase in in-group animus will result in a decrease in support for Affirmative Action and Welfare. The data consist of university students from a Historically Black University and students from Traditional White Institutions.
Multiple sclerosis prevalence in the United States commercially insured population

Objective: To estimate the US commercially insured multiple sclerosis (MS) annual prevalence from 2008 to 2012. Methods: The study was a retrospective analysis using PharMetrics Plus, a nationwide claims database for over 42 million covered US representative lives. Annual point prevalence required insurance eligibility during an entire year. Our primary annual MS identification algorithm required 2 inpatient claims coded ICD-9 340 or 3 outpatient claims coded ICD-9 340 or 1 MS-indicated disease-modifying therapy claim. Age-adjusted annual prevalence estimates were extrapolated to the US population using US Census data. Results: The 2012 MS prevalence was 149.2 per 100,000 individuals (95% confidence interval 147.6–150.9). Prevalence was consistent over 2008–2012. Female participants were 3.13 times more likely to have MS. The highest prevalence was in participants aged 45–49 years (303.5 per 100,000 individuals [295.6–311.5]). The East Census region recorded the highest prevalence (192.1 [188.2–196.0]); the West Census region recorded the lowest prevalence (110.7 [105.5–116.0]). The US annual 2012 MS extrapolated population was 403,630 (387,445–419,833). Conclusions: MS prevalence rates from a representative commercially insured database were higher than or consistent with prior US estimates. For further accuracy improvement of US prevalence estimates, results should be confirmed after validation of MS identification algorithms, and should be expanded to other US populations, including the government-insured and the uninsured.
Application of GC-HRMS and GC×GC-TOFMS to aid in the understanding of a dioxin assay's performance for soil and sediment samples.

There have been numerous attempts to correlate results obtained by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) to alternative techniques such as immunoassays and bioassays for the analysis of diox...
Messy Methods: Queer Methodological Approaches to Researching Social Media

Abstract This article sketches out a queer methodological approach for ethically researching social media websites such as Facebook. Detailing my experiences researching marriage equality on Facebook, I argue that queer theory can help researchers negotiate the public/private continuum that figures so heavily into digital research. During my study, I turned to queer theory to help me with ethical quandaries regarding my relationship with participants, recruitment, and data collection. I detail how, on the one hand, I identified as queer to potential participants, in an effort at being up-front with them; on the other hand, I grew uneasy that some of my Facebook friends would be confused by the fact that I was joining homophobic Facebook groups for the purpose of my research, and I opened up an additional Facebook account as a result. Ultimately, I argue that a queer methodology enables an understanding of how the public/private continuum influences multiple parts of the research process; complicates accepted methodological practices in productive ways; provides a productive lens for exploring social media as a research method.
Nickel complexes of bidentate [S2] and [SN] borato ligands.

Nickel(II) complexes of the monoanionic borato ligands [Ph 2 B(CH 2 SCH 3 ) 2 ] (abbreviated Ph 2 Bt), [Ph 2 B(CH 2 S t Bu) 2 ] (Ph 2 Bt t B u ), [Ph2B(1-pyrazolyl)(CH 2 SCH 3 )], and [Ph 2 B(1-pyrazolyl)(CH 2 S t Bu)] have been preparedand characterized. While [Ph 2 Bt] formed the square planar homoleptic complex, [Ph 2 Bt] 2 Ni, the larger [S 2 ] ligand with tert-butyl substituents, [Ph 2 Bt t B u ], yielded an unexpected organometallic derivative, [Ph 2 Bt t B u ]Ni(η 2 -CH 2 SBu t ), resulting from B-C bond rupture. The analogous thiametallacycle derived from the [S 3 ] ligand, [PhB(CH 2 S t Bu) 3 ] (PhTt t B u ), has been structurally authenticated (Schebler, P. J.; Mandimutsira, B. S.; Riordan, C. G.; Liable-Sands, L.; Incarvito, C. D.; Rheingold, A. L. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2001, 123, 331). The [SN] borato ligands formed exclusively the cis stereoisomers upon reaction with Ni(II) sources, [Ph 2 B(1-pyrazolyl))(CH 2 SR)] 2 Ni. Analysis of the Ni(II/I) reduction potentials by cyclic voltammetry revealed a ∼600 mV anodic shift upon replacement of two thioether donors ([Ph 2 -Bt] 2 Ni) with two pyrazolyl donors ([Ph2B(1-pyrazolyl)(CH2SCH3)] 2 Ni) consistent with the all thioether environment stabilizing the lower oxidation state of nickel.
Reverse Permeation of Weak Electrolyte Draw Solutes in Forward Osmosis

The successful development of forward osmosis relies on the identification of draw solutes that can be easily regenerated, produce high water fluxes, and minimize leakage into the feed solution. One promising draw solute currently under investigation, ammonia–carbon dioxide, is a weak electrolyte. Therefore, in this work, we report a fundamental study on the reverse permeation of a model weak electrolyte draw solute, propanoic acid/propanoate ion, through a commercial cellulose triacetate forward osmosis membrane. Reverse solute flux and permeate water flux were monitored as the draw solution pH was varied from pH 4–7. Draw solutions with pH < 4.87, the pKa of propanoic acid, exhibited significantly higher reverse draw solute fluxes. However, pH had little effect on the water flux generated by the draw solutions. A mathematical model for the solute and water fluxes, which accounts for the pH-dependent equilibrium of the propanoic acid dissociation reaction, was developed and compared with experimental dat...