cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Computation of rarefied hypersonic flows

Numerical techniques for the simulation of hypersonic flows of rarefied gases are examined in an analytical review. The direct-simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method developed to interpret measurement data obtained by the Space Shuttle in the SUMS project is described; the fundamental limitations of the DMSC approach are discussed; and modifications to improve the physical plausibility of DSMC predictions are proposed. Particular attention is given to the use of a double-peaked molecular distribution function for the internal flow in the SUMS probe, a downstream vacuum-reservoir condition as a simplifying assumption, and an explicit forward-time centered-space differencing scheme for the discretization of the SUMS problem. Typical simulation results are presented in extensive graphs and briefly characterized.
Breaking Ground: Engaging Undergraduates in Social Change Through Service Learning

This paper describes a service-learning project designed for an upper-level sociology course in Policy and Social Change. The project, Breaking Ground, had two main goals: to change students' perce...
The faulty premises of the next Marshall plan

Beware of historians bearing false analogies. There are at least four overlooked reasons why calls for financial assistance, even on the scale of a new Marshall Plan, would not address today's threats and security challenges in the Middle East and Africa as the original did for post‐World War II Europe.
Dynamics of electronic self-balancing systems

Subject to the usual assumption of component linearity, the operational calculus, i.e., the Laplace transformation, is applied to the analysis of the dynamic response of the industrial self-balancing potentiometer. Transient response and frequency response of the system are considered. It is established, however, that the system is primarily velocity limited. For large amplitude signals which cause the system to depart from the linear condition, a method for prediction of approximate frequency response is given.
High-resolution calorimetry: limitations of doped semiconductor thermometers

Abstract Small thermal calorimeters operating at cryogenic temperatures have achieved an energy resolution for single X-ray photons that is a factor of 20 better than the theoretical limit for a silicon ionization detector. To determine the potential for further improvements and decide on likely routes for achieving them, we discuss detector design optimization, first for an ideal calorimeter, and then for the case where components exhibit non-ideal behavior. Two serious non-ideal properties of doped semiconductor thermometers are electron–phonon decoupling and excess noise. These have been characterized over a range of sensitivity and operating temperature, and their effects on design optimization and ultimate performance can be evaluated.
Avoiding ERP pitfalls

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems manage information. They integrate all aspects of a business. Under the pressures of global competition, many companies are using their limited resources to implement an ERP system—to stay profitable and competitive. But while an ERP system can be beneficial, there have also been costly failures. What are the best strategies for setting up an ERP system? What are its special risks? And how can you avoid problems? © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spins of Gd153, Dy159 and Pm148

Abstract Ground-state nuclear spins of 236 d Gd153, 134 d Dy159 and 5.3 d Pm148 have been measured by the atomic-beam magnetic-resonance method. They are found to be I( Gd 153 ) = 3 2 , I( Dy 159 ) = 3 2 and I(Pm148) = 1. The spins of Gd153 and Dy159 are found to be consistent with collective-model state assignments for the odd neutrons, 3 2 + [651] and 3 2 − [521] respectively. The spin of Pm148 is found to be consistent with shell-model state assignments g 7 2 for the odd proton and ( f 7 2 ) 5 2 −3 for the odd neutrons.
The optimal power puzzle: scrutiny of the monotone likelihood ratio assumption in multiple testing.

SUMMARY In single hypothesis testing, power is a nondecreasing function of Type I error rate; hence it is desirable to test at the nominal level exactly to achieve optimal power. The optimal power puzzle arises from the fact that for multiple testing under the false discovery rate paradigm, such a monotonic relationship may not hold. In particular, exact false discovery rate control may lead to a less powerful testing procedure if a test statistic fails to fulfil the monotone likelihood ratio condition. In this article, we identify different scenarios wherein the condition fails and give caveats for conducting multiple testing in practical settings. We study an important assumption that has been used implicitly in the multiple testing literature. In the context of false discovery rate analysis (Benjamini & Hochberg, 1995), we show that the assumption can be violated in many important settings. The goal of this article is to explicitly state the assumption to bridge the gap in conventional methodological development, rigorously investigate the legitimacy of the assumption in various settings, and give caveats for conducting multiple testing in practice. To identify this assumption, it is helpful to first examine closely the framework of single hypothesis testing. Suppose we want to test H0 versus H1 based on the observed value of a continuous random variable X. A binary decision rule δ ∈{ 0,1} divides the sample space S into two regions, S = S0 ∪ S1, such that δ =0 when X ∈ S0 and δ =1 when X ∈ S1 .L etT (·) be a function of X, with small values indicating evidence against H0. The critical region S1 can be expressed as S1 ={ x ∈ S : T (x ) t }= 1 − G1(t), respectively. Since α(t) increasesint and β(t)decreasesint,weconcludethat β(t)decreasesin α(t).Thereforetheoptimalchoice
Fluorine Deposition in Bone as Related to Physiological State

Abstract Chicks were fed either a corn-soy basal or the same diet with 252 ppm added fluorine (F) from raw rock phosphate. These diets were fed continuously from hatching to 104 weeks of age to both males and females. Birds were sacrificed at 4, 13, 27, 39, 52, 78, and 104 weeks of age, and their tibiae were analyzed for F on an ash basis. At 4 and 13 weeks there were no significant differences in bone fluoride between males and females fed either the basal diet or between the sexes of those fed the added F. However, there were 3 to 10 times greater levels of bone fluoride in the birds receiving added F. At 27 weeks of age, males and females had bone contents of 767 ppm F and 1,066 ppm F, respectively, when fed the basal diet. These values for the F-added groups were 7,000 and 7,900, respectively. The values at 39 weeks of age were 904, 1,530, 8,000 and 9,187, respectively, and for 52 weeks 1,055, 1,906, 8,675, and 9,125, respectively. The values at 78 weeks of age were 1,487, 3,057, 10,300, and 11,975, respectively, and for 104 weeks 1,251, 3,550, 10,895, and 12,454, respectively. This suggests that females concentrate the F in the bones after sexual maturity. The experimental procedure described was also conducted with restricted ovulator birds, but they were sacrificed at 52 weeks of age. This experiment was conducted to determine if the sex or actual egg production was the important factor. The F content of the tibiae were 972, 814, 6,800, and 5,500 ppm F for the male and female without and with F, respectively. These results showed that there is no difference between males and sexually inactive females in bone F deposition but that physiological factors associated with egg production are responsible for the increased deposition.
Principles of locomotion for simple-shaped cells

MOVING cells display a variety of shapes and modes of locomotion1, but it is not clear how motility at the molecular level relates to the locomotion of a whole cell, a problem compounded in studies of cells with complex shapes2–5. A striking feature of fish epidermal keratocyte locomotion is its apparent simplicity6. Here we present a kinematic description of locomotion which is consistent with the semicircular shape and persistent 'gliding'; motion of fish epidermal keratocytes. We propose that extension of the front and retraction of the rear of these cells occurs perpendicularly to the cell edge, and that a graded distribution of extension and retraction rates along the cell margin maintains cell shape and size during locomotion. Evidence for this description is provided by the predicted circumferential motion of lamellar features and the curvature of 'photo-marked' lines within specific molecular components of moving keratocytes. Our description relates the dynamics of molecular assemblies to the movement of a whole cell.
Class D voltage-switching MOSFET power amplifier

An analysis of a class D voltage-switching tuned power amplifier is given, along with experimental results. Analytical equations are derived for performance parameters at any operating frequency normalised with respect to the resonant frequency and at any load resistance normalised with respect to the characteristic impedance of the resonant circuit. The analysis is carried out under the high loaded quality factor assumption, using Fourier series techniques. The behaviour of power MOSFETs in class D circuits for both capacitive and inductive loads is discussed in detail. It is shown that the operation above the resonant frequency (an inductive load) is preferred. The theoretical results were in good agreement with measured circuit performance parameters. The equations provide easy-to-use design tools, which can find a broad application, e.g. in designing DC/DC resonant converters and DC/AC inverters.
Biochemical changes with age in the lenses of white mice.

CHANGES with age in the relative amounts of water soluble and insoluble proteins have been studied in cattle, humans and laboratory rats. The changes apparently result from oxidation of cysteine in the soluble portion and its incorporation as cystine in the insoluble protein1.
Mapping DNAase I-susceptible sites in nucleosomes labeled at the 5′ ends

Abstract We have used γ- 32 P-ATP and polynucleotide kinase to label stoichiometrically the 5′ ends of DNA in intact isolated HeLa cell nucleosomes. DNA is not nicked or degraded during the modification reaction. We have used these modified nucleosomes to study both the distribution and the relative availability of sites within the nucleosome which are susceptible to digestion by DNAase I. The results show that the nucleosome contains a potential cleavage site every 10 nucleotides, with the exception of the site 80 nucleotides from the 5′ end. Favored cleavage sites are located 20, 40, 50, 100, 120, and 130 nucleotides from the 5′ end; sites 30 and 110 nucleotides from the 5′ end are strongly disfavored, while the potential site 80 nucleotides from the 5′ end is virtually never cleaved. These findings provide constraints for models of histone-DNA interactions within the chromatin subunit.
Female Homosexuality in the Middle East: histories and representations SAMAR HABIB

Female Homosexuality in the Middle East: histories and representations SAMAR HABIB London and New York: Routledge, 2007 Pp. viii + 195. £65.00 (hbk), £26.99 (pbk). ISBN 978 0 415 95673 4 Samar Habi...
Ectopic expression of AINTEGUMENTA in Arabidopsis plants results in increased growth of floral organs

AINTEGUMENTA (ANT) was previously shown to be involved in floral organ initiation and growth in Arabidopsis. ant flowers have fewer and smaller floral organs and possess ovules that lack integuments and a functional embryo sac. The present work shows that young floral meristems of ant plants are smaller than those in wild type. Failure to initiate the full number of organ primordia in ant flowers may result from insufficient numbers of meristematic cells. The decreased size of ant floral organs appears to be a consequence of decreased cell division within organ primordia. Ectopic expression of ANT under the control of the constitutive 35S promoter results in the development of larger floral organs. The number and shape of these organs is not altered and the size of vegetative organs is normal. Microscopic and molecular analyses indicate that the increased size of 35S::ANT sepals is the result of increased cell division, whereas the increased sizes of 35S::ANT petals, stamens, and carpels are primarily attributable to increased cell expansion. In addition, 35S::ANT ovules often exhibit increased growth of the nucellus and the funiculus. These results suggest that ANT stimulates cell growth in floral organs.
LEBU drag reduction in high Reynolds number boundary layers

Conventional and inverted, outer-layer leading-edge breakup devices (LEBUs) were water tunnel tested on an axisymmetric body over the Re number range from 380,000 to 3.8 million. Test results indicate a sharp degradation of the LEBUs' drag-reduction mechanism with increasing Re number. The most likely result of this degradation is a decoupling of the inner and outer scales at higher Re numbers; due to this decoupling, the breakup of the large structures by outer-layer devices has minimal influence on the near-wall, shear-producing scales. This suggests that smaller devices, closer to the walls, may be required for operation at elevated Re numbers.
Laying the foundation: a residency curriculum that supports informed advocacy by family physicians.

Abstract This is one of six short papers that describe additional innovations to help integrate public health into medical education; these were featured in the “Patients and Populations: Public Health in Medical Education” conference. They represent relatively new endeavors or curricular components that had not been explored in prior publications. Although evaluation data are lacking, it was felt that sharing a description of a longitudinal curriculum focused on the development of basic advocacy skills through practical activities in community assessment and engagement combined with legislative advocacy at the University of New Mexico would be of value to medical educators.
High-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma of the colon, long-term survival in advanced disease

A 72-year-old man was diagnosed with a poorly differentiated hepatic flexure mass seen on routine screening colonoscopy. He underwent a right hemicolectomy and biopsy of a liver lesion noted at laparotomy. Pathology revealed a high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma in the primary tumor and the liver lesion. Post-operative imaging revealed an isolated FDG avid liver metastases which had not been appreciated pre-operatively. He was treated with combination platinum and etoposide for extensive stage small-cell carcinoma of the colon. After 6 cycles of chemotherapy, the isolated liver lesion remained FDG avid, albeit less than baseline. Radiofrequency ablation of the avid liver lesion was performed. Further, chemotherapy was given as the lesion remained FDG avid. Ablation was repeated and a subsequent biopsy was positive. Chemotherapy resumed for a total of 10 cycles. Repeat PET scan became negative and the patient remains disease-free 7 years from an initial diagnosis of extensive stage small-cell colon cancer with a negative PET scan. Aggressive locoregional treatment is an option in patients with extensive stage small-cell carcinoma of the colon who are left with an oligometastasis after platinum-based systemic chemotherapy.
Explaining Pro-Immigrant Sentiment in the U.S.: Social Class, Cosmopolitanism, and Perceptions of Immigrants†

In the U.S., research on attitudes toward immigrants generally focuses on anti-immigrant sentiment. Yet, the 1996 General Social Survey indicates that half the population believes that immigrants favorably impact the U.S. economy and culture. Using these data, we analyze theories of both pro- and anti-immigrant sentiment. While we find some support for two theories of intergroup competition, our most important finding connects a cosmopolitan worldview with favorable perceptions of immigrants. We find that cosmopolitans – people who are highly educated, in white-collar occupations, who have lived abroad, and who reject ethnocentrism – are significantly more pro-immigrant than people without these characteristics.
Holey Films for Electron Microscopy

VARIOUS methods have been described1 for the production of holey films required either for specimen support or astigmatism-correction purposes. Some of these methods are rather involved, and all can apparently produce pseudo-holes which are often difficult to detect and therefore very misleading.
Recent progress in estimating uncertainty in geomagnetic field modeling

Abstract Recent work pertaining to estimating error and accuracies in geomagnetic field modeling is reviewed from a unified viewpoint and illustrated with examples. The formulation of a finite dimensional approximation to the underlying infinite dimensional problem is developed. Central to the formulation is an inner product and norm in the solution space through which a priori information can be brought to bear on the problem. Such information is crucial to estimation of the effects of higher degree fields at the Core-Mantle boundary (CMB) because the behavior of higher degree fields is masked in our measurements by the presence of the field from the Earth's crust. Contributions to the errors in predicting geophysical quantities based on the approximate model are separated into three categories: (1) the usual error from the measurement noise; (2) the error from unmodeled fields, i.e. from sources in the crust, ionosphere, etc.; and (3) the error from truncating to a finite dimensioned solution and predic...
Flow and thermal behavior of the top surface flux/powder layers in continuous casting molds

Steady-state finite-element models have been formulated to investigate the coupled fluid flow and thermal behavior of the top-surface flux layers in continuous casting of steel slabs. The three-dimensional (3-D) FIDAP model includes the shear stresses imposed on the flux/steel interface by flow velocities calculated in the molten steel pool. It also includes different temperature-dependent powder properties for solidification and melting. Good agreement between the 3-D model and experimental measurements was obtained. The shear forces, imposed by the steel surface motion toward the submerged entry nozzle (SEN), create a large recirculation zone in the liquid flux pool. Its depth increases with increasing casting speed, increasing liquid flux conductivity, and decreasing flux viscosity. For typical conditions, this zone contains almost 4 kg of flux, which contributes to an average residence time of about 2 minutes. Additionally, because the shear forces produced by the narrowface consumption and the steel flow oppose each other, the flow in the liquid flux layer separates at a location centered 200 mm from the narrowface wall. This flow separation depletes the liquid flux pool at this location and may contribute to generically poor feeding of the mold-strand gap there. As a further consequence, a relatively cold spot develops at the wideface mold wall near the separation point. This nonuniformity in the temperature distribution may result in nonuniform heat removal, and possibly nonuniform initial shell growth in the meniscus region along the wideface off-corner region. In this way, potential steel quality problems may be linked to flow in the liquid flux pool.
Non‐resident Tuition and Enrollment in Higher Education: Implications for Tuition Pricing

Abstract This paper provides evidence on the factors that influence the non‐resident enrollment percentage for public and private institutes of higher education (IHEs). We find a significant positive correlation between the enrollment percentage and tuition for private IHEs and no significance for public IHEs. Further investigation reveals that the highest‐priced public and private IHEs generally attract the highest percentage of non‐resident students. This suggests that the more costly IHEs, especially private, may enjoy a special cache that allows them more latitude in setting non‐resident tuition. The non‐resident enrollment percentage is not appreciably different across a wide range of tuition levels for both IHE types, indicating that these IHEs might be able to maintain their non‐resident enrollment percentage levels with marginal tuition increases.
High-Temperature and High-Pressure Steam Flow Through a Steam Turbine Bypass Valve Line

The objective of the present study is to investigate the steam flow behavior through the high-pressure turbine bypass valve. Efforts have mainly been directed at investigating the process of steam flow and property variations aforementioned bypass valve as well as to obtain correlations between the flow rate and the valve opening ratio. Modeling of the high-pressure turbulent steam flow was performed on a three-dimensional non-staggered (co-located) grid system by employing the finite volume method and by solving the three-dimensional, turbulent, compressible Navier-Stokes, and energy equations. Through this research, numerous data have been acquired and analyzed. These efforts enable us to obtain a correlation data set for the flow rate coefficient as a function of valve opening. One of the significant accomplishments is to use the model presented here for further improve a design of a turbine bypass flow valve.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
AN APPLICATION OF THE THEORY OF NEURAL COMPUTATION TO THE PREDICTION OF WORKPLACE BEHAVIOR: AN ILLUSTRATION AND ASSESSMENT OF NETWORK ANALYSIS

Data from two field studies were used to illustrate four applications of neural network analysis, a statistical information technology based on the psychological theories of learning and cognition. Overall results showed that cross-validation multivariate correlations and correct classifications were greater for the neural networks than for the regression model standards of comparison. It was concluded that sufficient evidence exists to warrant further research of the newly developing neural network paradigm for use by personnel scientists and specialists.
A CONCEPTUAL RATIONALE FOR THE DOMAIN AND ATTRIBUTES OF BIODATA ITEMS

There is considerable disagreement among researchers regarding the defining attributes of biodata items, especially in contrast to other self-report measures. This paper provides a conceptual rationale for the use of biodata in order to evaluate various proposed attributes of biodata, and to clarify similarities and differences between biodata and temperament items. It is suggested that the core attribute of biodata items is that the items pertain to historical events that may have shaped the person's behavior and identity. Other attributes advanced as antidotes to socially desirable responding and faking are that biodata items reflect external events, that they be limited to objective and first-hand recollections, that they be potentially verifiable, and that they measure discrete, unique events when appropriate. Some researchers also require that the life events being sampled be controllable and equally accessible to all respondents. Items may also need to be visibly job relevant and nonintrusive to avoid legal censure. Disagreements among researchers regarding the importance of these attributes are discussed, and implications for practice and research are proposed.
Design of low phase-noise voltage-controlled oscillator using tunable evanescent-mode cavity

In this paper, a low phase-noise voltagecontrolled oscillator using tunable evanescent-mode cavity is designed, fabricated, and measured. The oscillator is tuned by lumped element varactors placed on the top surface of a substrate-integrated evanescent-mode cavity. The tuning range of the oscillator is 783.6–976.8 MHz with peak output power of 6.97 dBm at 943.2 MHz. Over the tuning frequency the oscillator has a phase noise from −103.8 to −119.4 dBc/Hz at 100 kHz offset frequency and from −141.8 to −152.3 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset frequency. The resonator is compatible with RF MEMS tuner to yield a higher resonator Q and better phase noise performance.
Empirical mode decomposition frequency resolution improvement using the pre-emphasis and de-emphasis method

Empirical mode decomposition (EMD) is a time-frequency analysis technique that has gained popularity in recent times due to its adaptivity and applicability to non-stationary signals. Paired with the Hilbert transform it yields a timefrequency spectrum and is called the Hilbert-Huang transform (HHT). The empirical nature of EMD has resulted in a lack of theoretical analysis so far. Issues regarding its ability to resolve different frequencies have been largely ignored in the past as have been questions regarding optimum choice of some control parameters based on the signal. In this paper we propose a new pre-emphasis/de-emphasis technique to improve the frequency resolving ability of EMD for a particular configuration of tonal signals with unequal amplitudes. The dependence of the frequency resolving ability of this technique on the number of sifting iterations and stopping criterion threshold setting is pointed out.
Validation of Landsat 7 ETM+ band 6 radiometric performance

Since shortly after launch the radiometric performance of band 6 of the ETM+ instrument on Landsat 7 has been evaluated using vicarious calibration techniques for both land and water targets. This evaluation indicates the radiometric performance of band 6 has been both highly stable and accurate. Over a range corresponding to a factor of two in radiance (5 to 55 C in kinetic temperature terms) the difference between the in-situ derived radiance and the image derived radiance is on average 0.5% or less. Water targets are the easiest to use but are limited to the temperature range from 0 to about 32 C. Land targets can reach 55 C or more but are far less spatially homogeneous than water targets with respect to both local surface temperature and spectral emissivity. The techniques used and the results are described.
High glucose levels decrease proliferation of cultured human fetal cells from placenta

We used the placenta as a source of undifferentiated cells to study the effect high glucose levels can have on human fetal cell proliferation in vitro. Cells were subcultured in a modified minimum essential medium with 10% fetal bovine serum containing either 5.5 mmol/L (100 mg/dl) D-glucose (control), 11 mmol/L (200 mg/dl) D-glucose, or 22 mmol/L (400 mg/dl) D-glucose. Cells grown in mannitol-containing media were used as controls for osmolality. After 3 and 7 days' growth in different media, the labeling index was determined by autoradiographic analysis, and cell numbers were determined with a Coulter counter. The labeling indices for cells grown 3 days in 11 or 22 mmol/L D-glucose were 89% ( p p p p
Practical stabilization of exponentially unstable linear systems subject to actuator saturation nonlinearity and disturbance

This paper investigates the problem of practical stabilization for linear systems subject to actuator saturation and input additive disturbance. Attention is restricted to systems with two anti-stable modes. For such a system, a family of linear feedback laws is constructed that achieves semi-global practical stabilization on the asymptotically null controllable region. This is in the sense that, for any set χ0 in the interior of the asymptotically null controllable region, any (arbitrarily small) set χ∞ containing the origin in its interior, and any (arbitrarily large) bound on the disturbance, there is a feedback law from the family such that any trajectory of the closed-loop system enters and remains in the set χ∞ in a finite time as long as it starts from the set χ0. In proving the main results, the continuity and monotonicity of the domain of attraction for a class of second-order systems are revealed. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Satellite and Rocket Observations of Equatorial Spread-F Irregularities: A Two Dimensional Model.

Abstract Recent rocket and satellite measurements of equatorial F -region irregularities have been able to resolve wavelengths comparable to the meter-size sensitivities of the Jicamarca and Altair radar backscatter techniques. In a July 1979 rocket campaign at the Kwajalein Atoll, vertical profile measurements by ‘ in situ ’ plasma probes showed the F -region marked by a number of large scale plasma depletions, each having its own distribution of smaller scale irregularities and a trend toward a co-location of the more intense irregularities with positive gradients of larger scale features. Similar measurements on the S3-4 Ionospheric Irregularities Satellite have shown large scale depletions (1–3 orders of magnitude) with east-west asymmetries that point toward the western wall as the sight for the more intense plasma density fluctuations. The combined rocket and satellite measurements provide a two-dimensional model of macroscopic F -region depletions with small structures tending to develop more readily on the top and western boundaries. The model and associated power spectral analyses is in concert with a developing catalog of radar observations and the predictions of numerical simulations which employ the Rayleigh-Taylor instability as the primary mechanism for the generation of intermediate wavelength irregularities.
Influence of Combined Transportation Time and Temperature on Flow Properties of Self-Consolidating Concrete

AbstractThe investigation presented herein was intended to study the influence of combined transportation time and hot and cold temperatures on the flow properties of self-consolidating concretes (SCC). Seven different temperatures (43, 36, 28, 21, 14, 7, and −0.5°C) and five transportation times (10, 20, 40, 60, and 80 min) were adopted. Transportation time of 10 min and temperature of 21°C were used as the control conditions. Polycarboxylate-based high range water-reducing admixture (HRWRA) and viscosity modifying admixture (VMA) were used to produce different matrices that met the target unconfined slump flow of 635 and 711 mm and dynamic stability of stable to highly stable conditions. In general, the selected self-consolidating concrete produced and transported in extreme temperatures experienced slump flow losses in hot conditions and slump flow gains in cold environments when compared to those of the equivalent concretes produced under the control condition. Significant losses in unconfined flow ra...
Teenage pregnancy. BMI and patterns in weight gain and their effect on glucose intolerance.

The effects of pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and weight gain on glucose intolerance during pregnancy and birth weight were investigated in 366 pregnant teenagers and 2074 adult controls who delivered live term infants at the University of California Los Angeles Medical Center (US). Compared with adult controls teenagers had a significantly lower mean pre-pregnancy BMI (23.6) and a lower mean birth weight (3287 g) but a higher pregnancy weight gain (28.0 pounds). Birth weights under 3000 g were more significantly more likely when the BMI was less than 20 and weight gain was under 30 pounds. Only 7 teen mothers (1.9%) had 1 or more elevated values during the glucose tolerance test. The development of glucose intolerance was significantly related to excessive mean weight gain during pregnancy (36.3 pounds) and higher mean birth weight (3446 g).
Outbreak of Multidrug-Resistant Serratia marcescens Infection in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Background. Serratia marcescens causes healthcare‐associated infections and significant morbidity and mortality in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). We report the investigation and control of an outbreak of multidrug‐resistant (MDR) S. marcescens infection at an NICU. Methods. An outbreak investigation and a case‐control study were undertaken at a 36‐bed NICU in a tertiary care hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, for the period from October 2004 through February 2005. The outbreak investigation included case identification, review of medical records, environmental cultures, patient surveillance cultures, personnel hand cultures, and pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). The case‐control study included case identification and review of medical records. Infection control measures were implemented. Eighteen NICU neonates had cultures that grew MDR S. marcescens during the study period. The case‐control study included 16 patients with the outbreak strain or an unidentified strain of MDR S. marcescens and...
Abstract IA17: Stem cells and prostate cancer

Prostate cancer initiation and progression is associated with a myriad of genetic and epigenetic changes that drives the transformation process in specific cells of origin. Our group has developed a dissociated cell tissue regeneration system in which rodent or human epithelial tissue can be combined with supportive mesenchyme from the urogenital sinus to produce a tissue structure with glandular development. Introduction of specific oncogenic influences can drive normal tissue structure to a malignant histology with invasion and epithelial to mesenchymal transition. An efficient cell of origin from the basal layer of the gland has been defined for mouse and human tissue for this process and can produce malignant glands with luminal characteristics as well as other cellular phenotypes. Recent work has defined a set of changes in the adjacent stroma that can strongly influence the epithelium in its conversion to a cancerous state. Citation Format: Owen N. Witte. Stem cells and prostate cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Prostate Cancer Research; 2012 Feb 6-9; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(4 Suppl):Abstract nr IA17.
Complications in the functional analysis of transfected MHC genes.

Abstract Analysis of the relationship between the structure of a protein molecule and its function often exploits the techniques of gene mutation and expression in transfected cell lines. This approach has been used extensively in the study of MHC molecules for testing predictions derived from structural models. Comparison of the functional properties of mutant molecules is difficult because MHC molecules interact with both peptides and T cell receptors. Functionality is commonly determined in biological assays which are dependent on T cell recognition of specific peptide/MHC complexes and measure secondary events triggered by T cell activation. In this study four L cell lines transfected with different combinations of α and β chains from I-A k and I-A u were used as antigen-presenting cells to activate two hen egg-white lysozyme-specific T cell clones. We compared several biological assays, namely, T cell proliferation, cytokine production, and cytotoxicity. Different assays indicated varying degrees of functionality for the same MHC molecule and thus demonstrated the difficulty in unambiguous interpretation of data from complex assays. Furthermore, we detected differences among the transfected lines which appeared unrelated to the expression of the introduced MHC genes.
An anti-cherenkov photomultiplier tube

Abstract We have designed a special photomultiplier tube (PMT), with very much reduced sensitivity to Cherenkov light produced in the end window. These PMTs have been produced for us by EMI, and have been used in a modular calorimeter array. The design eliminates a “hot-spot” problem which was of intolerable magnitude in our application.
Metal-halogen exchange-initiated cyclization of iodo carbonyl compounds

Abstract The feasibility of constructing carbocycles through the metal-halogen exchange-initiated cyclization reactions of iodoketones and other carboxyl derivatives has been studied. With saturated primary iodides, cyclization predominates when deactivated ketones are employed.
Comparison of occlusal contacts in maximum intercuspation for two impression techniques

Abstract Statement of problem. At the insertion of a fixed prosthesis, occlusal interferences in maximum intercuspation are often present. Purpose. This study investigated and compared the accuracy of interocclusal relationships in maximum intercuspation for mounted casts obtained from a quadrant dual-arch impression technique and conventional full-arch impression techniques. Material and methods. Comparisons were made between an intraoral interocclusal record and interocclusal records made on mounted casts. Irreversible hydrocolloid, reversible hydrocolloid, polysulfide, polyether, and polyvinyl siloxane were used for the full-arch impression technique. For the quadrant dual-arch impression technique, rigid polyvinyl siloxane and light-body polyvinyl siloxane injection materials were used. Results. Statistical analysis revealed a statistically significant difference ( p = 0.0017) in the median values among treatment groups. All pairwise multiple comparison procedures (Student-Newman-Keuls) indicated the average error of the quadrant dual-arch records was significantly different from the average error of each group of records produced with the full-arch techniques ( p Conclusion. The quadrant dual-arch impression technique produced mounted casts with significantly more accurate maximal intercuspal relationships than mounted casts from full-arch impressions. (J Prosthet Dent 1997;78:255-9.)
Signing two-lane freeway exits with an option through lane in extreme conditions: Anatomy of drivers' behavior

Two-lane freeway exits in which the left-hand exit lane also continues as a through (option) lane are becoming increasingly common. Potential problems can arise at these exits when drivers become confused by the signing and can lead to increases in driver frustration, incidents, and congestion. These problems have not been studied in any detail, especially in circumstances in which the signs recommended in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways cannot be used. Such is the case in the underground sections of I-93 through downtown Boston, Massachusetts, where the signs can be no more than 3 ft high. To arrive at a better understanding of these problems, the Massachusetts Highway Department evaluated a number of different ways of informing drivers that the left-hand lane of a two-lane exit functioned as both an exit lane and a through lane. The entire underground sections of northbound and southbound 1-93 were simulated on a computer. Participants in an experiment sat in an ac...
The future of the planet: Technology, climate change, and oil depletion

The Triumph of Technology: The BBC Reith Lectures 2005 by Alec Broers. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2006. Pp. xi + 119. $17.99 (paperback). ISBN 0 5216 7965 6 The Science and Politics of ...
Patient Outcomes Within Schizophrenia Treatment: A Look at the Role of Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics

Compliance is a critical issue across all chronic conditions, including schizophrenia. Compliance is not an all-or-nothing phenomenon, with a continuum from taking all medications as prescribed to partial compliance to complete noncompliance. Partial compliance is a serious problem that may result in abrupt dose changes leading to unanticipated adverse effects and can demoralize the patient. Further, there is a nearly 5-fold increase in the risk of relapse in first-episode patients when antipsychotic drug treatment is discontinued. Taken together, these data indicate that it is critical to ensure continuous delivery of antipsychotic treatment. Atypical antipsychotic medications were expected to result in better adherence, primarily because of the anticipated improved efficacy and safety profile. However, atypical agents have poor adherence, irrespective of the type of atypical medication, making it difficult to predict which patients are taking their oral medications. Long-acting injectable (LAI) agents may minimize the fluctuations in peak and overall plasma levels compared with oral agents, indicating they may allow more consistent and predictable administration. Based on clinical experience in my practice, several important observations regarding LAI use in patients with schizophrenia have been identified. First, there are potential advantages to using LAIs, including assistance in understanding reasons for poor response, the possibility of eliminating daily pill ingestion, and the elimination of the abrupt loss of medication coverage. There are also several potential obstacles to the use of LAIs, including a lack of infrastructure for the delivery and disposal of syringes and the ease of use with the oral agents. Several strategies can be used to increase patient willingness to initiate and continue LAI therapy. Strategies to improve acceptance involve presenting the option with enthusiasm, ensuring proper goal setting, educating the patient that this treatment is not equivalent to emergency injections, and repeatedly recommending LAI therapy. Adherence can be improved by ensuring samples are available in the clinical setting at all times.
The photolysis of berbine N-oxides

Abstract Photolysis of trans-canadine N-oxide (3) leads to lactam 5 and formamide 7. Similarly, photolysis of trans-xylopinine N-oxide (12) supplies lactam 14 and amide 15. Oxaziridine 4 is a probable intermediate in these transformations, so that selective oxidation of the berbine nucleus at C-6 has been achieved, accompanied by fission of the N-7-C-14 bond. LAH reduction of lactam 5 gives rise to dibenzazecine 8, while similar treatment of amide 7 generates dibenzazonine 10. Alternatively, acid hydrolysis of 7 furnishes dibenzazonine 11.
Waste activated sludge conditioning by direct slurry freezing

Abstract It has been widely observed and noted that waste sludges subjected to freezing undergo a conditioning effect that greatly enhances subsequent dewatering. However, wide-spread application of freezing for conditioning purposes has never been practiced because of the high operating costs associated with conventional indirect freezing systems. Furthermore, all reported efforts involved the solid freezing of the experimental sludge. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of waste activated sludge conditioning for dewatering using a direct slurry freezing system. Liquid butane was used as the refrigerant and it was bubbled through the liquid sludge to form an ice-sludge slurry. Economic investigation included butane recovery techniques. The results of the investigation showed that the dewaterability of waste activated sludge can be greatly improved by slurry freezing with liquid butane. Slurry freezing results in better conditioning and a better quality supernatant than does solid freezing because fewer cellular solids are destroyed by the freezing pressure. The conditioning effect is also comparable to or better than conditioning by widely used processes such as heat treatment. Furthermore, recovery of butane for subsequent reuse reduces the cost of slurry freezing to less than the cost of nearly all conditioning processes in current use.
Novel route to functionalized tetraaryltetra[2,3]naphthaloporphyrins via oxidative aromatization

A novel general route to substituted meso-tetraaryltetra[2,3]naphthaloporphyrins (Ar4TNP) and meso-tetraaryloctamethoxytetra[2,3]naphthaloporphyrins (Ar4(MeO)8TNP) via oxidative aromatization of nonaromatically fused porphyrin precursors is described. Ar4(MeO)8TNPs exhibit more red-shifted absorption bands than Ar4TNPs and differ dramatically in solubility. The first X-ray crystallographic structure of tetranaphthaloporphyrin, i.e., PdAr4TNP (Ar = 4-MeO2CC6H4), revealed that the degree of nonplanar distortion of this macrocycle is only slightly higher than that of the homologous tetrabenzoporphyrins (Ar4TBP).
Task Difficulty and Noncontingent Reinforcement Schedules as Factors in Self-Reinforcement

(1971). Task Difficulty and Noncontingent Reinforcement Schedules as Factors in Self-Reinforcement. The Journal of General Psychology: Vol. 84, No. 2, pp. 323-334.
The role of electrolytes during aerosol synthesis of TiO2

Abstract Titania powders are synthesized by gas phase oxidation of TiCl 4 in an electrically heated hot wall aerosol flow reactor. Aqueous solutions of ionic additives are sprayed into the process stream and the effect of NaCl, KCl and CsCl (in the presence of AlCl 3 or SiCl 4 ) on titania particle characteristics is studied as a function of temperature, residence time, water vapor and ion concentration. Reduction of the aggregate size is obtained with alkali halides only in the presence of either AlCl 3 or SiCl 4 at 1673 K. Of all the alkali halides, CsCl is the most effective in reducing aggregate size while NaCl is the least effective. These changes are explained on the basis of complex ion formation, particle charging and the subsequent retardation of coagulation. The ionic radii of the alkali metals is too large to form solid solution with titania and hence they do not affect titania morphology and phase composition.
Transfers to a psychiatric service within a general hospital

Summary Sixty-eight transfers to a psychiatric service within a general hospital, over a 5-year period, were studied. Four categories of transfers were described: suicidal patients; acute psychotic reactions; organic conditions and psychiatric disturbance presenting as or associated with somatic disorders somatic-psychiatric). Those patients who were rapidly identified as psychiatric patients were expeditiously transferred to the psychiatric service (the suicidal group and the acute psychotic reactions). A number of other patients caused increasing staff frustration and often attendant emotional involvement, either because of diagnostic (the somatic-psychiatric group) or therapeutic (the organics) difficulties. When these patients were transferred to the psychiatric service, they had approximately the same therapeutic results as the more easily defined psychiatric problems.
Potential pathways to HIV/AIDS transmission in the Niger Delta of Nigeria: poverty, migration and commercial sex.

Abstract HIV prevalence in the Niger Delta of Nigeria is generally attributed to concurrent sexual partnerships and weak public sector health care and education systems. This paper examines the likelihood of additional factors, such as the intersection of widespread poverty, migration, and sex work, as contributory channels of HIV transmission in the region. To explore this issue, we conducted a Delphi survey with 27 experts to formulate consensus about the impact of poverty, migration, and commercial sex on AIDS in the Niger Delta. Results suggest that these factors and others have exacerbated the epidemic in the region. To stop the further spread of HIV in the region, efforts to address poverty, sex work, and multiple sexual partnerships require building a public–private partnership which involves participatory action strategies among key stakeholders.
Efficient Lentiviral Transduction of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells That Preserves Proliferation and Differentiation Capabilities

Long-term lentiviral transduction of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) greatly enhances the usefulness of these cells. However, such transduction currently requires the use of polybrene, which severely inhibits hMSC proliferation. In contrast, protamine sulfate at 100 μg/ml doubled transduction efficiencies without affecting proliferation or differentiation potential. Expression levels improved 2.2-fold with the addition of a woodchuck hepatitis post-transcriptional regulatory element. Further improvements in transduction efficiencies could be obtained by a modest increase in viral concentrations through increased viral titers or decreased transduction volumes without changing multiplicity of infection, by transducing over multiple days, or by culturing the cells in fibroblast growth factor-2. Centrifugation improved expression but had no effect on efficiency. Transgene expression was stable over 6 weeks in vitro and in vivo. Donor-to-donor and intradonor variability were observed in primary passage through passage 2 cultures, but not at passage 3. These results provide a better optimized approach for expanded use of hMSCs through genetic manipulation.