cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Early Sedentary Merchant in the Middle West: Records Available for a Study of the Career of Henry Shaw

Over a century ago Henry Shaw climbed the business ladder in St. Louis, and in his later years he did much for the culture of his adopted city. Shaw left behind many records of his career. Those pertaining to his business have been deposited in the Baker Library at Harvard University. The records are voluminous and as yet unused, except in so far as they have been examined for the purpose of the following tentative statement. The collection includes personal accounts, real estate records, family correspondence, and business records, such as waste books, journals, ledgers, invoice books, and bank balances. The collection of letters is particularly significant and valuable, for it deals with many subjects, including importing and exporting, and covers the whole period of Shaw's activity in America.
A Continuous, Bivariate Exponential Extension

Abstract Two derivations are given for an absolutely continuous bivariate extension of the exponential distribution. This distribution turns out to be the absolutely continuous part of the bivariate exponential distribution of Marshall and Olkin and a variant of the bivariate exponential extension of Freund. One derivation utilizes the loss of memory property (LMP) which Marshall and Olkin used to derive their bivariate exponential distribution. Distributional properties, reliability considerations and estimation for this distribution are discussed. Further, the LMP is characterized for absolutely continuous bivariate random variables (X, Y) through the independence of min (X, Y) and X – Y.
Resolution of electrostatic storage targets

In the class of electrostatic storage devices, which includes image orthicons, vidicons and certain signal recorders, a reading electron beam senses the potential distribution rather than the written charge distribution on a target. The transformation of a charge pattern into a potential pattern on a dielectric surface can be considered an imaging process. In this paper the theoretical aperture response and equivalent pass band of a general electrostatic storage target are derived. Target resolution is shown to depend upon the thicknesses of the dielectric layers. Specific applications of the analysis are also presented. The paper concludes with a discussion of experimental results.
Problems in the Detection of Rubella Virus in African Green Monkey Kidney Tissue Culture

SummaryThe sensitivity to rubella virus of 96 lots of AGMK tissue culture was evaluated using the enterovirus interference technique. Wide variation in sensitivity was found leading to the classification of 32 of the lots tested as resistant to rubella virus. The use of these resistant lots of tissue culture for the isolation or titration of rubella virus would lead to invalid test results. Appropriate controls are needed to assure the validity of studies in which rubella virus is detected with African green monkey kidney tissue culture.
Surface structure determination of Sn deposited on Pt(111) by low energy alkali ion scattering

Abstract Surface structures resulting from the deposition and annealing of Sn on Pt(111) and exhibiting p(2 × 2) and p(√3 × √3)−R30° LEED patterns have been studied by low energy alkali ion scattering. Azimuthal and polar incident angle dependencies were measured for 500 and 1000 eV Li + ions scattered from the clean and Sn covered surfaces. Shadowing and blocking effects adequately describe the single scattering from the clean Pt surface. The data support a structural model in which the Sn is incorporated into the Pt surface rather than existing as an overlayer. Analysis of the Sn angle dependence indicates that the Sn is not coplanar with the Pt but is protruding 0.022 ± 0.005 nm above the surface. The results are compared with related metal-on-metal systems.
Nonparametic estimation of location and dispersion on Riemannian manifolds

A central limit theorem for intrinsic means on a complete flat manifold and some asymptotic properties of the intrinsic total sample variance on an arbitrary complete manifold are given. A studentized pivotal statistic and its bootstrap analogue which yield confidence regions for the intrinsic mean on a complete flat manifold are also derived.
Why Some Disabled Adults In Medicaid Face Large Out-Of-Pocket Expenses

Using national survey data, we found that the Medicaid program effectively limits out-of-pocket health care spending for the majority of Medicaid enrollees who are disabled but are not in institutions, such as nursing homes. However, we also found that for 10 percent of these enrollees, annual out-of-pocket spending is $1,200 or higher—a significant sum for people who are low-income. Other research has shown that such cost barriers can deprive Medicaid enrollees of cost-effective care in favor of cost-ineffective care or no care at all. As state policy makers contemplate benefit reductions that could shift more costs to Medicaid enrollees, careful consideration must be given to the potential effects on this particularly vulnerable group.
Characteristics of AVIRIS bands measurements in agricultural crops at Blythe area, California: V. studies on alfalfa spectral data

The present study is focusing on the following main objectives that are: 1) to compare the spectral and radiometric characteristics of AVIRIS data from Alfalfa crops with the spectra measured by FieldSpecR ASD radiometer; 2) to study the impact of growth regulators that applied on alfalfa in comparison of data collected from AVIRIS seen and; 3) to build a spectral library for the alfalfa crop that exposed to growth regulators that were studied. AVIRIS data from Blythe were acquired in June 1997 to study the agricultural spectra from different crops and for identification of crops in other areas with similar environmental factors and similar spectral properties. On June 26-28, 2001 spectra were collected from Alfalfa fields using the FieldSpecR ASD spectrometer at Blythe area, California (at the 114o 33.52 W Longitude and 33o 39.76 N Latitude to Longitude 114o 33.54 W and Latitude 33 39.88 N). The alfalfa crop fields were treated with different chemicals of growth regulators. These growth regulators were AuxiGro, Apogee and Messenger. These chemicals were used in different concentrations. Environmental parameters were studied such as the soil water content (WC), pH, and organic matter (OM). The results of this study showed that there is a significant correlation between the data that were collected by AVIRIS image scene in 1997 and spectral data collected by the FieldSpec spectrometer in the same places that were scanned by AVIRIS. This correlation allowed us to build a spectral library to be used in ENVI-IDL software. Furthermore, using IDL algorithms of Spectral Angle Mapper classification (SAM), Spectral Feature Fitting (SFF) and Spectral Binary Encoding (SPE) showed an excellent agreement between the traced spectra from the AVIRIS image and the spectral radiometer data collected from the alfalfa crops treated with growth regulators (i.e. the correlation is between 75 - 94% match). Three widely used vegetation indices such as NDVI, WBI, and PRI, showed that there are significant correlations between WBI and NDVI (r2= 0.44 - 0.88 for alfalfa crops treated by growth regulators. Further use of the AVIRIS images can be of a value to crops identification or crops yield for commercial use.© (2005) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
IMPROVING PRODUCTIVITY IN TURBINE DESIGN

The need to improve the efficiency of information transfer to manufacturing through a drafting operation is common to most engineering organizations. The most effective way to improve drafting productivity is to completely eliminate interactive drafting from the drawing production cycle by generating drawing and manufacturing data entirely by computer. This type of automation where detailed prototype drawings are, in effect, automatically constructed as a by product of an engineering design process has recently been implemented by General Electric as part of an overall program aimed at automating the requisition cycle of its industrial steam turbines. The methodology employed in this program is described in the following paper.
CT angiography in complex upper extremity reconstruction.

Computed tomography angiography is a new technique that provides high-resolution, three-dimensional vascular imaging as well as excellent bone and soft tissue spatial relationships. The purpose of this study was to examine the use of computed tomography angiography in planning upper extremity reconstruction. Seventeen computed tomography angiograms were obtained in 14 patients over a 20-month period. All studies were obtained on an outpatient basis with contrast administered through a peripheral vein. All the studies demonstrated the pertinent anatomy and the intraoperative findings were as demonstrated in all cases. Information from two studies significantly altered pre-operative planning. The average charge for computed tomography angiography was $1,140, compared to $3,900 for traditional angiography.
Comparison of Individual and Group Performance Related to Heterogeneous-Wrong Responses, Size, and Patterns of Interaction

Using an extended model of a pair-group study by Goldman (1966), this research examined the effects on group performance of heterogeneity-homogeneity with respect to wrong response tendencies, numb...
“MORE” is “LESS”: Sign language comprehension in deaf and hearing children ☆

Abstract Matched groups of deaf children of deaf parents and hearing children of hearing parents were required to indicate which of two glasses contained more or less water. The deaf comprehended the meaning of the highly iconic sign “LESS” across all ages while comprehension of the noniconic sign “MORE” was a function of age. These data, reflecting a “MORE is LESS” effect, were the reverse of the findings for the hearing given speech. When given sign, the performance of the hearing was similar to that of the deaf except for the absence of an age-related increase in “MORE” accuracy. Analyses of response biases revealed differential preferences for the two groups. Results are discussed in terms of the relative iconicity of the two signs and Clark's Semantic Feature Hypotheses.
Process mineralogy of suspended particles from a simulated commercial flash smelter

Polished sections of pyrometallurgical intermediate products from a simulated commercial flash furnace were examined by reflected light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectrometry and electron backscatter analysis, and microprobe analysis for phase and textural relationships. The smelter feed is a copper concentrate from a porphyry copper deposit. The concentrate consists primarily of chalcopyrite, bornite, and pyrite with smaller amounts of covellite, chalcocite, molybdenite, magnetite, galena, and sphalerite. The flash furnace reactions for pyrite and chalcopyrite can be observed by reflected light microscopy. Reacted angular particles of pyrite exhibit successive rims of fibrous pyrrhotite and hematite or magnetite. Reacted angular chalcopyrite particles show successive rims of bornite, digenite, and chalcocite. Spherical particles, formed by the complete melting of former pyrite and chalcopyrite particles, consist of variable amounts of granular pyrrhotite with magnetite rims and minor hematite. Spherical particles, formed by the complete melting of former chalcopyrite particles, exhibit exsolution intergrowths with varying proportions of intermediate solid solution, bornite, digenite, and chalcocite, and have rims of hematite, magnetite, and copper-iron spinel. Electron microprobe analyses show that the iron oxides contain significant copper and minor zinc in their structures. Sphalerite and molybdenite do not show evident mineralogical reactions.
The metabolic N-oxidation of carcinogenic arylamines in relation to nitrogen charge density and oxidation potential.

The N-oxidation of carcinogenic arylamines to form N-hydroxy arylamines has long been regarded as a necessary metabolic step for conversion to proximate carcinogenic derivatives. In contrast, arylamine ring-oxidation has been generally considered to be an important detoxification mechanism. Both enzymatic reactions are carried out in the liver and usually involve the cytochrome P-450 monooxygenases. Studies on the metabolic oxidation of certain arylamines have indicated that the relative charge density on nitrogen versus ring-carbon atoms for a nitrenium/carbenium ion-enzyme intermediate correlates with the relative proportion of N-versus ring-hydroxylated products that are formed. A further examination of this approach now shows that positive charge density on the nitrogen, as estimated by Huckel molecular orbital calculations, is consistent with the formation of N-hydroxy arylamines from aniline, 4-aminoazobenzene, 2-naphthylamine, 4-aminobiphenyl, 2-aminofluorene, and 6-aminochrysene, but not from 1-naphthylamine, 1-aminopyrene, 6-aminobenzo[a]pyrene, or 7-aminobenz[a]anthracene. Since greater positive charge on the arylamine nitrogen implies a greater charge localization during the transition state of the enzyme-substrate complex, we envisioned that higher oxidation potentials for arylamines, which might be expected to correlate inversely with the ease of total oxidation, would instead be predictive of the relative extent of N-oxidation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Representation requirements for supporting intelligent fixture design retrieval and reuse

Holding the work piece for machining, forming, assembly, or inspection operations is a universally encountered problem in the manufacturing world. The apparatus used to accomplish this is a fixture. Using efficient fixtures is a good way of improving the throughputs of the processes by reducing the part setup time, which can be defined as locating the part in the desired position in a safe way to allow machining. Identification of design requirements, fixture analysis and fixture synthesis can be named as the phases of computer aided fixture design. Typical fixture design systems focus on one of these phases, as the knowledge representation requirements differ for each stage. This paper discusses these phases with respect to the general manufacturing scheme and identifies the issues on integration in order to have a successful variant approach to the fixture selection problem. A system architecture is discussed that is based upon the new graph-based integrated fixture representation. This system architecture should facilitate the rapid exploration of existing fixtures and fixture assemblies to find suitable matches for new part manufacture.
Raman and infrared spectra of tetramethylenecyclobutane-d0and tetramethylenecyclobutane-d8

Abstract Tetramethylenecyclobutane-d0 and tetramethylenecyclobutane-d8 have been isolated for the first time. They are white crystalline solids at −22°C, and they rapidly polymerize upon warming to room temperature. Infrared data are reported for the vapors at room temperature and for the solids at −190°C, and Raman measurements for several cooled solutions and for the solids below −150°C. The data are completely compatible with a planar ring and D4h symmetry but with no other possible symmetry. Assignments are made for 23 of the 24 allowed fundamentals.
Integrated hybrid polystyrene-polydimethylsiloxane device for monitoring cellular release with microchip electrophoresis and electrochemical detection.

In this work, a polystyrene (PS)–polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) hybrid device was developed to enable the integration of cell culture with analysis by microchip electrophoresis and electrochemical detection. It is shown that this approach combines the fundamental advantages of PDMS devices (the ability to integrate pumps and valves) and PS devices (the ability to permanently embed fluidic tubing and electrodes). The embedded fused-silica capillary enables high temporal resolution measurements from off-chip cell culture dishes and the embedded electrodes provide close to real-time analysis of small molecule neurotransmitters. A novel surface treatment for improved (reversible) adhesion between PS and PDMS is described using a chlorotrimethylsilane stamping method. It is demonstrated that a Pd decoupler is efficient at handling the high current (and cathodic hydrogen production) resulting from use of high ionic strength buffers needed for cellular analysis; thus allowing an electrophoretic separation and in-channel detection. The separation of norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) in highly conductive biological buffers was optimized using a mixed surfactant system. This PS–PDMS hybrid device integrates multiple processes including continuous sampling from a cell culture dish, on-chip pump and valving technologies, microchip electrophoresis, and electrochemical detection to monitor neurotransmitter release from PC 12 cells.
A generalized LSQR algorithm

LSQR is a popular iterative method for the solution of large linear system of equations and least-squares problems. This paper presents a generalization of LSQR that allows the choice of an arbitrary initial vector for the solution subspace. Computed examples illustrate the benefit of being able to choose this vector. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Statistical fuzzy interval neural networks for currency exchange rate time series prediction

In this paper, the statistical fuzzy interval neural network with statistical interval input and output values is proposed to perform statistical fuzzy knowledge discovery and the currency exchange rate prediction. Time series data sets are grouped into time series data granules with statistical intervals. The statistical interval data sets including week-based averages, maximum errors of estimate and standard deviations are used to train the fuzzy interval neural network to discover fuzzy IF-THEN rules. The output of the fuzzy interval neural network is an interval value with certain percent confidence. Simulations are completed in terms of the exchange rates between US Dollar and other three currencies (Japanese Yen, British Pound and Hong Kong Dollar). The simulation results show that the fuzzy interval neural network can provide more tolerant prediction results.
Robust approaches to laser-selective chemistry and quantum molecular control

An absorption cell inside a Sagnac interferometer shapes laser pulses optimized to specific molecules, and a new acousto-optic pulse shaping technique provides improved flexibility for generating the complex waveforms needed for chemical applications.
Avoidance of unpalatable prey by predaceous diving beetle larvae: The role of hunger level and experience (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae)

The effects of hunger and experience on the avoidance of unpalatable prey were examined. Larvae of the predaceous diving beetle,Dytiscus verticalis, after feeding on one of two feeding regimes, were offered palatable and unpalatable prey during a series of trials. Consumption of palatable prey (calf heart) was not affected by hunger or experience. Avoidance of unpalatable prey (tails of the red-spotted newtNotophthalmus viridescens) decreased with increased hunger, with hungrier predators sampling unpalatable prey more often. Although the overall level of avoidance varied across trials, the degree of difference in avoidance between predators at different hunger levels remained relatively constant across trials. Beetle larvae responded to an increase in their feeding regime within 36 h (after two trials), by becoming more selective. In a separate experiment, hunger level affected the number of beetle larvae that seized unpalatable newt tails, but experience did not.
Impact of animal waste lagoons on ground-water quality.

Abstract Ground-water quality was monitored for three years at two sites around clay-lined animal waste lagoons on the Delmarva Peninsula. A swine waste lagoon located in an Evesboro loamy sand soil (excessively well-drained) was having a severe impact on ground-water quality. Ammonium nitrogen concentrations above 1000 mg/liter N have been measured in shallow monitoring wells around the lagoon. Chloride and total dissolved solids concentrations were also high. At the second site which has three lagoons and a settling pond in poorly drained soils, some seepage was occurring. Ammonium nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, chloride and total dissolved solids were above background concentrations in some of the monitoring wells. There was a strong correlation between nitrate nitrogen and chloride concentrations in the monitoring wells. The results indicated that clay-lined animal waste lagoons located in sandy loam or loamy sand soils with high water tables may lead to degradation of ground-water quality.
Statics and Geometry of Underconstrained Axisymmetric 3-Nets

Etude d'un systeme forme par 3 reseaux de membres lineaires flexibles avec des intersections telles que chacune implique un membre de chaque reseau. le premier est meridional et les 2 autres inclines a des angles egaux mais opposes. Les intersections n'etant pas fixes, le systeme est sous-contraint et ne possede generalement pas une configuration unique
TU-A-301-04: Breast Composition Measurement with a Cadmium-Zinc-Telluride (CZT) Based Spectral Computed Tomography System

Purpose: To investigate the feasibility of breast tissue composition in terms of water, lipid and protein with a Cadmium‐Zinc‐Telluride (CZT) based computed tomographysystem, as that information may help to better characterize suspicious lesions. Methods: Simulations and experimental studies were performed with a spectral CTsystem equipped with a CZT‐ based photon countingdetector with energy resolution. Simulations of the figure‐of‐merit (FOM), which represents the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of the dual energy image with respect to mean glandular dose, were performed to find the optimal configuration of experimental acquisition parameters. A calibration phantom of 3.175 cm in diameter was constructed from a polyoxymethylene plastic with cylindrical holes and filled with water and oil. Similar size samples of pure adipose and lean bovine tissue were used for the three‐material decomposition. Tissue composition results computed from the images were compared to data from chemical analysis of prior tissue samples. Results: The beam energy was selected to be 100 kVp with a threshold energy of 40 keV. The tissue samples were successfully decomposed into water, lipid and protein contents. The RMS percentage errors of the mass density for the three‐material decomposition, as compared to data from chemical analysis, were estimated to be approximately 6.92%. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the CZT‐based photon countingdetector may be employed in the CTsystem to quantify the water, lipid, and protein mass densities in tissue with relatively good agreement.
Diluted magnetic semiconductor superlattices

Abstract Cd 1− x Mn x Te superlattices with periodically varying Mn content have recently been grown epitaxially on (100) GaAs substrates. Two orientations of the epilayer, (100) and (111), have been reported by different research groups. Recent experiments involving transmission electron microscopy of the GaAs-CdTe interface clearly reveal the connection between the interfacial microstructure and the epitaxial relation. Another recent result is the observation of anisotropy in the photoluminescence spectra of superlattices whose components are individually isotropic. This could be either due to the quantum confinement in one direction and/or due to the uniaxial strain. Our preliminary results involving the growth of Zn 1− x Mn x Se epilayers are also discussed.
Development of an in vivo method to identify mutants of phage T4 lysozyme of enhanced thermostability

An M13 bacteriophage-based in vivo screening system has been developed to identify T4 lysozyme mutants of enhanced thermal stability. This system takes advantage of easy mutagenesis in an M13 host, the production of functional T4 lysozyme during M13 growth, and the ability to detect lysozyme activity on agar plates. Of several mutagenesis procedures that were tested, the most efficient was based on misincorporation by avian myeloma virus reverse transcriptase. This one-step mutagenesis and screening system has been used to find 18 random single-site mutant lysozymes, of which 11 were heat resistant. Each of these had a melting temperature within 0.8-1.4 degrees C of wild type, suggesting that the screening system is quite sensitive.
Value of non-contrast sequences in magnetic resonance angiography of hepatic arterial vasculature

Abstract Objective To evaluate value of adding non-contrast MR angiographic sequence (In-Flow Inversion Recovery [IFIR]) to standard fat-suppressed T1-weighted postcontrast sequence (3D spoiled gradient echo [3D-GRE]) for evaluating hepatic arterial anatomy. Methods Retrospective evaluation of 30 consecutive patients undergoing multiphase liver MRI. Individual vessels for IFIR/3D-GRE sequences were evaluated by two blinded readers using a four-point scale. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for vessel conspicuity between IFIR/3D-GRE sequences. Results IFIR alone diagnostically imaged 8.1% of vessels, 3D-GRE alone 25.8%, 55.8% by both 3D-GRE/IFIR, and 10.3% of vessels by neither. Two patients with variant vascular anatomy were visualized with both sequences. Addition of IFIR to 3D-GRE resulted in statistically significant increase in arterial visualization ( p Conclusions IFIR may be a useful adjunct to 3D-GRE in hepatic angiography without adding considerably to scan time. 10% more hepatic arteries were seen when combining information from IFIR/3D-GRE vs. 3D-GRE alone.
Chain transfer and living functionalization of polymethacrylates by group transfer polymerization using ethyl 2‐Phenyl‐2‐butenoate

A living functionalization method has been investigated for group transfer polymerization (GTP) of poly(alkyl methacrylates) using ethyl 2-phenyl-2-butenoate (EPB). The end-capping reactions of EPB to living trimethylsilyl ketene acetal-ended poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) chain ends have been systematically studied and characterized by SEC, VPO, UV-visible spectrosocopy, 1H and 13c NMR spectroscopy. The results of sequential monomer addition, varying stoichiometry and copolymerization indicate that EPB effects efficient chain end functionalization only at stoichiometric concentrations; chain transfer reactions (chain transfer constant = 0.4) occur with excess EPB and during copolymerization with MMA. Chain transfer reactions (chain transfer constant = 0.1) also occur when copolymerizing ethyl 2-methyl-2-butenoate with MMA.
"Atomistic" Dopant Profiling Using Scanning Capacitance Microscopy

In this article we investigate the possibility to use scanning capacitance microscopy (SCM) for 3-D dopant profiling. It is shown that SCM with probes that have a radius under 10 nm, could be potentially used to determine the x-y-z coordinates of the doping atoms (or ionized impurities) in a layer of a thickness equal to the width of the depletion region. An inversion algorithm that computes the locations of the dopants from the experimental capacitance-voltage (C-V) measurements is presented for the first time. The algorithm is based on the evaluation of the doping sensitivity functions of the differential capacitance and uses a gradient-based iterative method to compute the locations of the dopants.
Aqueous benzene-diols react with an organic triplet excited state and hydroxyl radical to form secondary organic aerosol

Chemical processing in atmospheric aqueous phases, such as cloud and fog drops, can play a significant role in the production and evolution of secondary organic aerosol (SOA). In this work we examine aqueous SOA production via the oxidation of benzene-diols (dihydroxy-benzenes) by the triplet excited state of 3,4-dimethoxybenzaldehyde, 3DMB*, and by hydroxyl radical, ˙OH. Reactions of the three benzene-diols (catechol (CAT), resorcinol (RES) and hydroquinone (HQ)) with 3DMB* or ˙OH proceed rapidly, with rate constants near diffusion-controlled values. The two oxidants exhibit different behaviors with pH, with rate constants for 3DMB* increasing as pH decreases from pH 5 to 2, while rate constants with ˙OH decrease in more acidic solutions. Mass yields of SOA were near 100% for all three benzene-diols with both oxidants. We also examined the reactivity of atmospherically relevant mixtures of phenols and benzene-diols in the presence of 3DMB*. We find that the kinetics of phenol and benzene-diol loss, and the production of SOA mass, in mixtures are generally consistent with rate constants determined in experiments containing a single phenol or benzene-diol. Combining our aqueous kinetic and SOA mass yield data with previously published gas-phase data, we estimate a total SOA production rate from benzene-diol oxidation in a foggy area with significant wood combustion to be nearly 0.6 μg mair−3 h−1, with approximately half from the aqueous oxidation of resorcinol and hydroquinone, and half from the gas-phase oxidation of catechol.
142 EFFECT OF GRANULOCYTE-MACROPHAGE COLONY-STIMULATING FACTOR AND INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR-1 ON DEVELOPMENT AND POST-TRANSFER SURVIVAL OF BOVINE EMBRYOS PRODUCED IN VITRO

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is a multifunctional cytokine that has been implicated in the regulation of preimplantation embryonic development in several species. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) can increase the proportion of bovine embryos that develop to the blastocyst stage and increase embryo survival following transfer to heat-stressed, lactating dairy cows (Block J et al. 2003 J. Anim. Sci. 81, 1590–1602; Theriogenology 67, 1518–1529). The current objective was to test whether addition of GM-CSF and IGF-1 to culture medium enhances development and post-transfer survival of in vitro-produced bovine embryos. Holstein COC shipped overnight in a portable incubator in oocyte maturation medium were fertilized with X-chromosome selected sperm from Holstein bulls. X-selected sperm were used because females were preferred. Morulae and blastocysts were collected at Day 7 after insemination and transferred at Day 7 after ovulation to lactating dairy cows subjected to a modified OvSynch protocol. In Experiment 1, conducted from June 29 to August 31, embryos were cultured in KSOM-BE2 alone, KSOM-BE2 with 100 ng mL–1 of Arg3-IGF-1 or KSOM-BE2 with 10 ng mL–1 of recombinant BoGM-CSF. Treatments were added at Day 1 after insemination. As compared to control embryos (17 ± 2%), the percentage of cleaved embryos that became transferable morulae or blastocysts at Day 7 was increased (P < 0.05) by GM-CSF (25 ± 2%) but not by Arg3-IGF-1 (18 ± 2%). There was no significant effect of treatment on pregnancy rate at Day 30 to 35 [34% (n = 52), 35% (n = 51), and 43% (n = 55) for control, GM-CSF, and IGF-1, respectively] or calving rate (27, 35, and 40%) although values were numerically greater for cows receiving IGF-1 treated embryos. In experiment 2, conducted from September 7 to February 1, embryos were cultured in KSOM-BE2 alone, KSOM-BE2 with 100 ng mL–1 Arg3-IGF-1 added at Day 1 after insemination, or KSOM-BE2 with 10 ng mL–1 recombinant BoGM-CSF added at Day 5 after insemination. GM-CSF, but not IGF-1, increased the percentage of oocytes (P < 0.03) and the percentage of cleaved embryos (P = 0.05) that became transferable morulae or blastocysts at Day 7. The percentage of cleaved embryos becoming blastocysts was 14 ± 1% for GM-CSF, 14 ± 2% for Arg3-IGF-1 (P = 0.11), and 10 ± 1% for controls. Treatment with GM-CSF increased (P = 0.056) the percentage of cows pregnant at Day 30 to 35 [34% (n = 79), 43% (n = 107), and 27% (n = 44) for control, GM-CSF, and IGF-1, respectively]. Data on calving rate are currently being collected; to date, 86% of calves were female. Results indicate that embryo competence for post-transfer survival can be enhanced by treatment with GM-CSF at Day 5 after fertilization. Research supported by USDA Grant 2006-55203-17390, BARD Grant US-3986-07 and the Southeast Milk Dairy Checkoff Program. B.L. was supported by a CAPES (Brazil)/Fulbright Fellowship.
Clinical Effect of Captopril on the Formation and Growth of Cystine Calculi

AbstractWe determined the clinical efficacy of captopril for the prevention of new stones or stone growth in patients with homozygous cystinuria. Nine patients with a history of multiple cystine stones despite standard fluid and alkalization therapy received 50 mg. captopril, 3 times daily in addition to the standard therapy. Before treatment the rate of new stone formation or stone growth ranged from 0.7 to 2.0 events (mean 1.2) per patient-year for 1 to 3 years of observation (mean 1.9). During treatment the rate ranged from 0 to 3.0 events (mean 1.03) per patient-year for 0.5 to 6 years (mean 2.9). Although statistical significance was not evident for the group as a whole (p = 0.35), our findings suggest that captopril may be clinically efficacious in at least some patients with difficult to control cystinuria. Recommendations regarding its indications in this setting are made.
Thin-filament length correlates with fiber type in human skeletal muscle

Force production in skeletal muscle is proportional to the amount of overlap between the thin and thick filaments, which, in turn, depends on their lengths. Both thin- and thick-filament lengths ar...
Salt diapir-influenced, shallow-marine sediment dispersal patterns: Insights from outcrop analogs

Unique outcrop exposures of two salt diapirs, a secondary salt weld, and associated syndiapiric strata in northeast Mexico offer an important perspective on salt-influenced petroleum reservoirs by allowing recognition and description of salt-related sandstone depocenters. Spectacular progressive unconformities and halokinetic sequences, coupled with laterally continuous exposures, permit accurate correlation and interpretation of syndiapiric units. Analysis of the syndiapiric Upper Cretaceous, Delgado Sandstone Member (Potrerillos Formation) delineates regional shoreline sediment dispersal locally impacted by diapiric relief and the distribution and internal character of salt diapir-proximal sandstone depocenters. Sequence-stratigraphic correlation defines striking relationships between highstand (HST) and transgressive systems tracts (TST), stratal thinning trends, and salt diapir relief. Transgressive systems tract and highstand systems tract strata show thinning and lithofacies shoaling trends toward diapirs; however, the latter is more pronounced in the HST and occurs at a greater distance from salt diapirs (within 1–2 km [0.6–1.2 mi]). Sandstone depocenters, roughly 0.5–1.0 km (0.3–0.6 mi) wide and 0.5–0.2 km (0.3–0.1 mi) thick, are present in both TST and HST strata and consist of sandier, shallower water facies. However, depocenters are better developed in TST strata as thicker stratigraphic sections on updip diapir margins. We propose that sandstone depocenters formed by preferential sediment reworking and shelf ridge development on landward diapir margins during marine transgression. Elevated diapir relief and higher subsidence rates adjacent to salt diapirs likely enhanced this process. Additionally, depocenters adjacent to El Papalote diapir are smaller and contain deeper water facies than the age-equivalent depocenters adjacent to El Gordo diapir, suggesting that it had higher, broader sea-floor relief.
Predicting Treatment Outcome for Child Sexual Abusers

A total of 122 child molesters were studied to investigate the extent to which Alford's sex offender taxonomy and Finkelhor's Multifactor Theory would predict treatment response. The taxonomy was constructed incorporating two dimensions: perpetrator type and primary motivation to commit abuse. The results indicated that regressed offenders whose primary motivation to commit child abuse was to meet non-sexual needs made more favorable progress and had a higher ratio of therapy successes than comparison groups. A factor analysis of variables constructed from Finkelhor's theory produced seven factors. Three of these factors predicted treatment progress and one predicted termination outcome. Statistical analyses indicated that perpetrators 1) whose family of origin modelled child abuse, and 2) who were rejected by adult peers but, 3) who did not have any behavioral deficits such as an impulse control problem, responded more favorably in therapy than perpetrators who did not share these characteristics. Perpetrators with impulse control problems and/or severe emotional immaturity tended to be therapy failures. Although the Alford sex offender taxonomy and Finkelhor factors were significant predictors of treatment effects, they accounted for considerably less variance than number of treatment sessions attended and therapists' ratings of attitudes and behavior during treatment.
Methodological Challenges and Contributions in Disaster Epidemiology

Considering the very unusual and extreme situations under which a disaster and the corresponding adverse health responses occur, it is challenging to provide a unified methodological framework for disaster epidemiology. In this commentary, we identify targets of estimation and common challenges in estimating the quantities of interest. In some cases, we discuss methodological contributions and future work regarding the design and analysis of epidemiologic studies of disasters. To ground our points, we refer to some of the papers published in this issue. Although disasters occur in a wide variety of settings and circumstances, it is possible to identify several methodological challenges and commonalities in the epidemiologic studies of disasters published in this issue. These provide a platform for developing statistical methods to assess short- and long-term adverse health effects of disasters and to predict consequences of future disasters. Disasters have been defined as acute, collectively experienced traumatic events, with a sudden onset. They can be natural (e.g., hurricanes, floods, earthquakes) or man-made (e.g., plane crashes, industrial accidents, terrorist attacks, suicide bombings). By definition, disasters are rare events that, with respect to timing and form, are somewhat unpredictable. This uncertainty poses obvious methodological challenges, because it is exceedingly difficult to have systems in place to adequately track either exposures or health outcomes before, during, and after significant disasters. Therefore, study design and statistical methods to estimate the health impact of a disaster can deviate substantially from those commonly used in more traditional epidemiologic studies.
Knowledge and Perceptions of Health Literacy Among Nursing Professionals

Low health literacy affects nearly half of the U.S. population. Health care professionals may not recognize low health literacy in their patients nor understand its impact on health outcomes. The purpose of this pilot study was to describe nurses' knowledge and perceptions of low health literacy on patients, their practice, and the health system. This cross-sectional, descriptive study used a web-based survey to assess the knowledge and perceptions of health literacy among nursing professionals. Registered nurses licensed by the State of California were randomly selected and invited to participate in the study. Data analysis included descriptive statistics to describe nursing professionals' general knowledge and perceptions. Qualitative textual analysis was done on participant responses to a survey question that asks participants to define health literacy using their own words. Results of this study revealed that nursing professionals' knowledge of health literacy and their understanding on the role health literacy plays on patient health outcomes is limited. Health literacy was also reported to be a low priority among providers and organizations. Nursing plays an important role in direct patient care and in the delivery of health services. Educating nurses on health literacy and improving patient communication and understanding can improve health outcomes.
The Expanding Role of Endoscopic Robotics in Mitral Valve Surgery: 1,257 Consecutive Procedures.

Background The role of robotic instruments in mitral valve (MV) surgery continues to evolve. The purpose of this study was to assess the safety, efficacy, and scope of MV surgery using a lateral endoscopic approach with robotics (LEAR) technique. Methods From 2006 to 2013, a dedicated LEAR team performed 1,257 consecutive isolated MV procedures with or without tricuspid valve repair or atrial ablation. The procedures were performed robotically through five right-side chest ports with femoral artery or ascending aortic perfusion and balloon occlusion. Operative videos and data were recorded on all procedures and reviewed retrospectively. Results The mean age of all patients was 59.3 ± 20.5 years, and 8.4% (n = 105) had previous cardiac surgery. The MV repair was performed in 1,167 patients (93%). The MV replacement was performed in 88 patients (7%), and paravalvular leak repair in 2 patients. Concomitant atrial ablation was performed in 226 patients (18%), and tricuspid valve repair in 138 patients (11%). Operative mortality occurred in 11 patients (0.9%) and stroke in 9 patients (0.7%). Predischarge echocardiograms demonstrated mild or less mitral regurgitation in 98.3% of MV repair patients. At mean follow-up of 50 ± 26 months, 44 patients (3.8%) required MV reoperation. Application of the LEAR technique to all institutional isolated MV procedures increased from 46% in the first year to more than 90% in the last 3 years. Conclusions Mitral valve repair or replacement, including concomitant procedures, can be performed safely and effectively using the LEAR technique. With a dedicated robotic team, the vast majority of patients with MV disorders, either isolated or with concomitant problems, can be treated using the LEAR technique.
Prevention of Preneoplastic Mammary Lesion Development by a Novel Vitamin D Analogue, 1α-Hydroxyvitamin D5

Background The form of vitamin D (vitamin D3) in fortified milk and the provitamin D produced by the body undergo metabolic activation to a biologically active form, 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1alpha,25(OH)2D3]. This compound can induce cell differentiation and can prevent proliferation of cancer cells. However, because 1alpha,25(OH)2D3 is hypercalcemic (effective in increasing serum calcium level), it is not suitable for use in cancer prevention or cancer therapy trials. Purpose We synthesized a vitamin D5 series analogue, 1alpha-hydroxy, 24-ethyl-cholecalciferol, or 1alpha-hydroxyvitamin D5 [1alpha(OH)D5], and evaluated its chemopreventive activity in carcinogen-treated mammary glands in organ culture experiments. Methods The analogue 1alpha(OH)D5 was synthesized from sitosterol acetate and was characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance. Its purity was evaluated by high-pressure liquid chromatography. The calcemic activities of vitamin D3 and D5 analogues were determined in vitamin D-deficient Sprague-Dawley rats. Mammary glands of BALB/c mice were placed in organ culture and treated with the carcinogen 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) to induce preneoplastic lesions. Vitamin D analogues were added to the culture medium at four different concentrations, and formation of mammary lesions was evaluated. The effects of 1alpha(OH)D5 and 1alpha,25(OH)2D3 on the expression of vitamin D receptors (VDRs) and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) were studied by immunohistochemistry. Statistical significance was determined by the chi-squared test. All reported P values were two-sided. Results 1alpha,25(OH)2D3 was fourfold more calcemic than 1alpha(OH)D5 at a dose of 0.042 microg/kg per day in rats. Both 1alpha,25(OH)2D3 and 1alpha(OH)D5 inhibited the development of DMBA-induced preneoplastic lesions in mouse mammary glands compared with untreated glands. The effect of the vitamin D3 analogue was observed at a much lower concentration (0.01 microM). Treatment with 1alpha(OH)D5 resulted in a dose-related (0.01-10.0 microM) inhibition without any toxicity, whereas the vitamin D3 analogue was highly potent but toxic at concentrations of 1.0 microM or higher. Normal mouse mammary glands poorly express VDR and TGF-beta1; incubation with 1alpha(OH)D5 or 1alpha,25(OH)2D3 dramatically induced their expression. Conclusions This is the first report showing the possibility of chemoprevention by a vitamin D5 series compound. We conclude that 1alpha(OH)D5 is less calcemic than 1alpha,25(OH)2D3. It is nontoxic at a wide range of concentrations, but it is potent in inhibiting the development of preneoplastic lesions in mammary glands in organ culture. In addition, we show for the first time the induction of TGF-beta1 in normal mammary tissues by a chemopreventive agent. Implications 1alpha(OH)D5 is a good candidate for in vivo chemoprevention studies. It may mediate its action by inducing expression of VDR and of TGF-beta1, as is seen in other systems.
Crustal growth and tectonic evolution of the Mojave crustal province: Insights from hafnium isotope systematics in zircons

Coupled U-Pb ages and Hf isotopic ratios in zircons from Proterozoic basement and three siliciclastic cover sequences in southern California provide important insights into the formation of the southern Mojave crustal province and its incorporation into southwestern Laurentia. Hafnium isotopic ratios measured in >800 zircons, coupled with new and previously reported U-Pb ages, suggest that the crystalline basement of the Mojave crustal province formed from four main components: 1) mantle components ranging from depleted to moderately enriched; 2) metasedimentary framework rocks derived from 2.6 to 2.4 Ga and 2.0 to 1.8 Ga crust; 3) 1.79 to 1.64 Ga intrusive rocks that reflect mixing of mantle-derived melts and crust; and 4) Mesoproterozoic (1.4 to 1.2 Ga) anorthosite and granitic to syenitic intrusive rocks. Initial Hf isotopic ratios of detrital zircons in siliciclastic cover sequences suggest varying degrees of insularity of the Mojave province during assembly of southwestern Laurentia. The Mesoproterozoic Pinto Mountain Group appears entirely derived from Mojave province basement. In contrast, Neoproterozoic quartzites of the Big Bear Group had a distal provenance, either an unexposed, older, western subprovince of the Mojave crustal province lacking ca. 1.7 Ga magmatic rocks or from a distinctive Paleo- and Mesoproterozoic basement province far to the east within Laurentia. Zircons in latest Neoproterozoic to Cambrian quartzites reflect provenance from an integrated transcontinental drainage network delivering sediment to the craton edge and westward into the Cordilleran miogeocline.
Reliability characterization of the SLICC package

SLICC (Slightly Larger than IC Carrier) is a chip-scale ball grid array (BGA) package currently under development at Motorola. The SLICC package consists of a solder-bumped integrated circuit (IC) which is flip-chip bonded to an interposer substrate-approximately 8 mils thick-and then underfilled with an encapsulant. Chip I/Os are routed to package I/Os through plated through holes (PTHs) in the interposer substrate. Package I/Os are composed of solder bumps (approx. 22.2 mils in diameter on a 32-mil pitch) attached to the bottom side of the interposer substrate. The most apparent benefit of the SLICC package is its utilization of the area efficiency associated with direct chip attach (DCA) technology, coupled with the assembly, test, and repair simplicity afforded by BGA-type packaging.
A version numbering scheme with a useful lexicographical order

We describe a numbering scheme for versions with alternatives that has a useful lexicographical ordering. The version hierarchy is a tree. By inspection of the version numbers, we can easily determine whether one version is an ancestor of another. If so, we can determine the version sequence between these two versions. If not, we can determine the most recent common ancestor to these two versions (i.e., the least upper bound, lub). Sorting the version numbers lexicographically results in a version being followed by all descendants and preceded by all its ancestors. We use a representation of nonnegative integers that is self delimiting and whose lexicographical ordering matches the ordering by value. >