cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Search for high magnetic moment recording head material: Manganese compounds

Electronic structure calculations of magnetic properties for Mn-based alloys are performed. The full-potential linear augmented-Slater-type-orbital implementation of the local-density approximation is employed. Theoretical predictions for magnetic moments of ${\mathrm{Mn}}_{x}{\mathrm{Fe}}_{4\ensuremath{-}x}Y$ $(Y=\mathrm{N}/\mathrm{C}/\mathrm{B}/\mathrm{B}\mathrm{e})$ are in good agreement with the reported experiments. Using the energy minimum criterion, the magnetic ordering of a particular phase has been determined. Simulations suggest that lattice expansions enhance magnetic moments of Mn atoms both in face-centered-cubic and body-centered-cubic crystal lattice structures with maximum magnetization ${M}_{s}$ found to be 25 and 28 KG corresponding to a 15% and 12% increase in the lattice constant, respectively. Simulations predict that an approximately 12% increase in the magnetization ${M}_{s}$ can be achieved with ${\mathrm{Mn}}_{3}\mathrm{FeN}$ compared to that with ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{4}\mathrm{N}.$
Siderophores: Structure and Function of Microbial Iron Transport Compounds

Siderophores are common products of aerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria and of fungi. Elucidation of the molecular genetics of siderophore synthesis, and the regulation of this process by iron, has been facilitated by the fact that E. coli uses its own siderophores as well as those derived from other species, including fungi. Overproduction of the siderophore and its transport system at low iron is in this species well established to be the result of negative transcriptional repression, but the detailed mechanism may be positive in other organisms. Siderophores are transported across the double membrane envelope of E. coli via a gating mechanism linking the inner and outer membranes.
Multi-robot exploration strategies for tactical tasks in urban environments

Mobile robots are already widely used by first responders both in civilian and military operations. Our current goal is to provide the human team with all the information available from an unknown environment quickly and accurate. Also, the robots need to explore autonomous because tele-operating more than two robots is very difficult and demands one person per robot to do it. In this paper the authors describe the results of several experiments on behalf of the MAST CTA. Our exploration strategies developed for the experiments use from two to nine robots which sharing information are able to explore and map an unknown environment. Each robot has a local map of the environment and transmit the measurements information to a central computer which fusion all the data to make a global map. This computer called map coordinator send exploration goals to the robot teams in order to explore the environment in the fastest way available. The performance of our exploration strategies were evaluated in different scenarios and tested in two different mobile robot platforms.
Photofission and Photoneutron Emission in Uranium

The yields of the two reactions ${\mathrm{U}}^{238}(\ensuremath{\gamma}, n){\mathrm{U}}^{237}$ and ${\mathrm{U}}^{238}(\ensuremath{\gamma}, \mathrm{fission})$ produced by bremsstrahlung have been measured as a function of the maximum energy of the x-ray spectrum. The ratio of the number of fissions to the number of ${\mathrm{U}}^{237}$ atoms produced decreased from 0.390 at 8 Mev to 0.275 at 12 Mev and then increased to 0.465 at 22 Mev. These data are interpreted to show that for maximum x-ray energies in excess of 12 Mev, a fraction of the ${\mathrm{U}}^{237}$ atoms formed by the ($\ensuremath{\gamma}, n$) reaction are left with sufficient excitation energy that fission or secondary neutron emission can occur. The cross sections for the reactions as a function of gamma-ray energy have been calculated from the yield data.
Outcome of limb lengthening in fibular hemimelia and a functional foot.

Abstract Background The decision to recommend either reconstructive or ablative surgery to the parents of children with fibular hemimelia is difficult and debatable in the orthopaedic literature. Methods This is a retrospective study reporting our experience of the treatment of eight children (eight limbs) with fibular hemimelia with limb lengthening using Ilizarov or Taylor spatial frames. All of these children had type 1 or 2a fibular hemimelia (Achterman and Kalamchi). We used the number of rays present in the foot as a guide to decide on the treatment option. Children with more than three rays at the time of presentation were considered for limb reconstruction using Taylor spatial or Ilizarov frames. Results All patients were ambulatory and mobile with acceptable leg lengths and limb alignment at the time of last follow-up. All of them were satisfied with the outcome. Knee stiffness was a significant problem in the majority of the patients following lengthening. Conclusions We conclude that limb recon...
ac-dc coupling and polarization for charge-density waves in TaS 3

Measurements of the charge-density-wave (CDW) response in ${\mathrm{TaS}}_{3}$ indicate that low-frequency polarization phenomena play an important role in the coupled ac-dc dynamics of this system. A simple phenomenological model, based on capacitive coupling, is proposed to explain the observed suppression of the dc threshold by a large-amplitude ac field, and also a phase shift of 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} for low generated difference frequencies in small-signal ac harmonic mixing below the dc threshold.
P. aeruginosa quorum-sensing systems and virulence.

Abstract Quorum sensing is an important mechanism for the regulation of genes in many Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. In the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the absence of one or more components of the quorum-sensing system results in a significant reduction in virulence. Recent advances in the past year have demonstrated that the quorum-sensing signal molecule 3O-C12-HSL is also a potent stimulator of multiple eukaryotic cells and thus may alter the host response during P. aeruginosa infections. Therefore, via the regulation of multiple factors and the production of 3O-C12-HSL, quorum-sensing systems have a significant effect on the virulence of the bacteria and also on how the host responds to P. aeruginosa infections.
Heat Transfer Enhancement of Laminar Internal Flows Using Electrically-Induced Swirling Effect

A computational and experimental approach is conducted to enhance the convective heat transfer in fully developed laminar flow in parallel-plates configuration. Laminar internal flows are associated with unchanging Nusselt number along the channel due to the fully developed condition of the boundary layer. Inducing a swirling effect along the flow can disturb the flow field and enhance the convective heat transfer from the plates to the flow. The interaction between an electrically-induced secondary flow and the pressure-driven main flow complicates the flow field and causes a swirling effect. In this study, the electric field governing equations are solved numerically using finite volume method. In order to obtain a proper boundary condition for the charge density, an experimental setup was utilized to measure the time-averaged corona current. The distribution of electric field and charge density on the cross section of the channel is obtained and adopted to find the electric body-force at each point. The flow field computations are performed with FLUENT CFD code on a three-dimensional model using second-order upwind scheme. The secondary flow field is imposed on the cross section of the channel by corona discharge. An array of emitting and receiving flat electrodes are embedded in the parallel plates to induce a corona jet on the cross section of the channel. The axial component of velocity along with an array of corona jets gives birth to a swirling flow which can significantly enhance the convection coefficient and Nusselt number in the fully developed regime. This investigation indicated that the convective heat transfer can be enhanced up to 173% with an applied potential of 24 kV.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Bacterial diversity of siliciclastic sediments in a Thalassia testudinum meadow and the implications for Lucinisca nassula chemosymbiosis

Abstract Despite the ecological and economic importance of Thalassia testudinum (turtle grass) meadows along the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico coasts, and recognition that microbial activities are critical to plant growth and health, the bacterial diversity of these habitats has been poorly studied. Based on comparative analyses of 16S rRNA gene sequences from sediments in a T. testudinum meadow, 25 major taxonomic groups (excluding candidate divisions) were retrieved, including Alpha - Delta -, and Gamma-proteobacteria , Chloroflexi , Bacteroidetes , Acidobacteria , Spirochaetes , and Firmicutes . The distribution of bacterial groups was linked to a strongly hypoxic and sulfidic redox gradient. The diversity is potentially novel because phylogenetic affinities of sediment sequences compared to contextually annotated environmental clones from different habitats or to cultured representatives indicated approximately 41% were more closely related to each other than to sequences retrieved from these other habitats. Of all the relationships, very few (2.4%) were to cultured organisms, but 27% were to environmental clones retrieved from shallow marine shelf and coastal sediments or from mangroves, estuarine, or wetland sediments. Rare sequences were closely related to endosymbiont groups of Lucinisca nassula (Lucinidea: Bivalvia) hosts collected from the same meadow, which may indicate that the sediment is a potential reservoir for free-living symbionts. This study provides insight into the ecological and evolutionary relationships of the Thalassia –lucinid–bacteria system in tropical to sub-tropical regions.
Visualization of cellular aggregates cultured on a three dimensional collagen sponge matrix

A one-step vital stain is described for the macroscopic visualization of histotypic cell aggregates in fetal rat lung organotypic cultures. Organotypic cultures are incubated in 0.05-0.1% 2,3,5′-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) in culture medium (37°C). Living cells reduce the tetrazole to a water-insoluble red colored formazan. Cell aggregates appear as densely stained foci against the lighter background of the Gelfoam substrate. Stained cultures may be scanned macroscopically to determine the degree of reaggregation and assess cell viability. Identification of aggregates by TTC staining improves the efficiency of tissue processing for electron microscopy and does not alter the ultrastructural appearance of the cultured cells.
The development of testing as applied to school psychology

Abstract There are of course many influences on the development of testing relative to the practice of school psychology. However, there are some critical instances, both within and without the specialty of school psychology, that have altered the way we think about individual differences in cognitive and social functioning and consequently how and why we attempt to measure those differences. This article presents some issues that are believed to be historically important to the development of testing, in particular intelligence testing, and consequently to the practice of school psychology. In addition, some continuing problems with assessment are discussed, and finally some suggestions regarding the future of assessment of children's abilities are presented.
Suspected Pancreatic Cancer Presenting as Pain or Weight Loss: Analysis of Diagnostic Strategies

Comprehensive strategies for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer were evaluated with decision analysis for accuracy, cost, and invasiveness. An optimal strategy began with ultrasonography followed by a combination of computerized tomography, needle aspiration biopsy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, and laparotomy. The refined strategy established or excluded the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer with sufficient reliability for clinical decisions. This strategy had an overall sensitivity of 92% and specificity was greater than 99%. The number of invasive tests increased with the prevalence of disease in the population, but the frequency of diagnostic laparotomy was only 1–9%. The comprehensive strategy could not be significantly improved without marked increases in the utilization of invasive technology.
Monitoring fresh mortar using guided waves

A guided wave approach to characterize the evolution of fresh mortar during the first twenty-four hours of hydration is presented. Using a through-transmission system, the method measures the energy leakage of the first torsional wave mode from a circular steel bar to the surrounding mortar. The evolution of mortar properties are discussed and correlated with the attenuation of the guided wave. The study shows that the technique is useful for monitoring the microstructure development and the curing rate of varying water-cement ratios (w/c = 0.40, 0.50, and 0.60). The effects of chemical (accelerant and retardant) and mineral (silica fume and fly ash) admixtures on the guided wave energy leakage are also presented and discussed. The guided wave approach is sensitive to changes in the water-cement ratio and to the addition of admixtures. Mortar compressive strength measurements at 12, 18, and 24 hours of hydration for the different mortar mixtures are presented. A correlation relating the energy leakage of the guided wave the strength development of the mortar is discussed.
Toward compact soft x-ray lasers

We present recent work on the development of the compact ('table top') soft x-ray lasers (SXLs) using two approaches. In one approach we use low energy Nd/Glass laser (pulse duration, (tau) equals 1.5 nsec, beam energy E equals 3 - 5 J), and in the second approach we use powerful subpicosecond (PSP) laser ((tau) equals 200 fsec, E equals 0.1 - 0.3 J, maximum power density P approximately equal to 2 multiplied by 10 18 W/cm 2 ). We discus generation high gain at 18.2 nm and 13.5 nm in CVI line focussed Nd/Glass laser on a carbon target and the unexplained difficulty to obtain gain-length GL greater than 4.5 in such a configuration. The time evolution of intensities of spectral lines and their correlation with time averaged spectra are analyzed. We also present measurement of plasma refraction as a possible explanation of the limitation of GL. More recently we changed the configuration of this experiment using as a target polyethylene microcapillary with focussing Nd/Glass laser at the entrance of the microcapillary. Very encouraging results were obtained for CVI 18.2 nm line and the possibilities of generation high GL in the near future are discussed.
Baseline immune phenotypes and CD4+ T lymphocyte responses to antiretroviral therapy in younger versus older HIV-infected individuals.

Objective The purpose of the study was to determine associations between pre-antiretroviral therapy (ART) senescent CD8+ T lymphocytes and naive versus non-naive CD8+ and CD4+ T lymphocyte subpopulations and CD4+ responses after initiation of ART in younger versus older individuals.
Sequence analysis of the agaB gene encoding a new β-agarase from Vibrio sp. strain JT0107

An agarase gene (agaB) was cloned from genomic DNA of Vibrio sp. strain JT0107. Analysis of the 3200 nucleotide sequence just before the agarase 0107 gene (agaA) which existed in genomic DNA of Vibrio sp. strain JT0107 revealed a putative single open reading frame coding for 955 amino acids. Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequence of AgaB to that of agarase 0107 revealed the existence of partially highly homologous regions. A part of this gene was expressed in Escherichia coli to yield a protein with agarase activity. This is the first report of evidence by genetic analysis that at least two different kinds of agarases exist in strain JT0107.
On the theory of polymer adsorption at an interface

Exact results are given for the grand partition function of a single model chain adsorbed at an interface. The model chosen corresponds to a walk on a 5-choice, instead of a 6-choice, simple cubic lattice by disallowing step reversals. The flexibility of this model is rendered variable by assigning different weights to consecutive steps made in the same direction. The obtained results are compared to those of a previous model for Gaussian chains. Satisfactory agreement between the models allows the previously undetermined flexibility parameter to be determined. The segment density in the vicinity of the interface is obtained as a function of this parameter. Correspondence with polymer chains is established through this parameter. We conjecture that the volume fraction of segments in the diffuse layer resulting from the loops does not exceed 0.1, even when the volume fraction in the interface is unity.
Characterization of Antibiotic Peptide Pores Using Cryo-EM and Comparison to Neutron Scattering

Magainin, a 23-residue antibiotic peptide, interacts directly with the lipid bilayer leading to cell lysis in a strongly concentration-dependent fashion. Utilizing cryo-electron microscopy, we have directly observed magainin interacting with synthetic DMPC/DMPG membranes. Visual examination shows that visibly unperturbed vesicles are often found adjacent to vesicles that are lysed or porous, demonstrating that magainin disruption is a highly stochastic process. Quantitatively, power spectra of large numbers of porous vesicles can be averaged together to produce the equivalent of an electron scattering curve, which can be related to theory, simulation, and published neutron scattering experiments. We demonstrate that magainin-induced pores in lipid vesicles have a mean diameter of ∼80 A, compatible with earlier reported results in multilayer stacks. In addition to establishing a connection between experiments in multilayer stacks and vesicles, this also demonstrates that computed power spectra from windowed-out regions of cryo-EM images can be compared to neutron scattering data in a meaningful way, even though the pores of interest cannot yet be individually identified in images. Cryo-EM offers direct imaging of systems in configurations closely related to in vivo conditions, whereas neutron scattering has a greater variety of mechanisms for specific contrast variation via D2O and deuterated lipids. Combined, the two mechanisms support each other, and provide a clearer picture of such ‘soft’ systems than either could provide alone.
Design of a Low Cost, Partial Flow Dilution Tunnel With Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalance Particulate Measurement

Accurate, repeatable measurement of tailpipe emissions is an important factor in the development of internal combustion engines and testing of alternative fuels. A dilution tunnel simulates the action of exhaust mixing with atmospheric gases and prevents condensation prior to gas and particulate measurements. In this work, a micro dilution tunnel was designed for the University of Idaho Small Engine Laboratory (SEL), and experiments were conducted to establish the controllability and accuracy of the tunnel. The tunnel design implements partial flow, Constant Volume Sampling (CVS) using an ejector diluter. Real-time measurement of CO2, CO, O2, NOx, hydrocarbons, and particulate emissions are collected using the combination of a NDIR/electrochemical 5-gas analyzer and a Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalance (TEOM). Data from these instruments and the flow conditioning equipment are collected and logged by a National Instruments data acquisition system. For the desired 11:1 dilution ratio, the system should be operated at 700°F suction temperature and 35 psia motive pressure. This results in an uncertainty of 3% at the 80% confidence level. A procedure has been developed for obtaining and verifying dilution ratios between 11:1 and 15:1. The characterization and use of an ejector diluter have made it possible to create an inexpensive dilution tunnel that will be useful in studying effects of freezing chemical reactions, and analyzing emissions of diesel and two-stroke engines that typically produce elevated levels of hydrocarbons and particulates beyond the saturation range of many emissions analyzers.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Intraluminal Epidermal Growth Factor Affects Growth of N‐Methyl‐N‐nitrosourea‐initiated Rat Bladder Carcinoma

To confirm our recent finding that epidermal growth factor (EGF) appeared to contribute to the tumor-enhancing effect demonstrated by normal rat urine, we conducted 2 experiments using our heterotopically transplanted rat urinary bladder model. In experiment 1, after a single dose (0.25 mg) of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU), we intravesically administered EGF (0.05 ml of 500 ng/ml phosphate-buffered saline) once a week for 30 weeks. Instillation of EGF induced a significantly larger number of tumors than did instillation of the vehicle (P = 0.03). EGF without MNU initiation did not induce tumors. In experiment 2, 2 groups received instillation of killed Escherichia coli (5 x 10(8) cells)/0.5 ml phosphate-buffered saline once a week for 4 weeks to expand the MNU-initiated cell population. Subsequent EGF treatment significantly increased the incidence of tumors (P = 0.01). In the groups which did not receive killed E. coli, EGF treatment induced a significantly higher number of tumors than did vehicle treatment (P < 0.001). All of the tumors were low-grade, superficial transitional cell carcinomas. These observations indicate that EGF acts as a growth-stimulating factor on dormant neoplastic cells and thereby increases the number of tumors.
Online master's degree in education for healthcare professionals: early outcomes of a new program.

Background: The Online Master's Degree in Education for Healthcare Professionals program, a collaboration of the University of Cincinnati Colleges of Medicine and Education, was launched nationally in 2002. The purpose of this survey-based, descriptive study was to describe the early outcomes of this new program.Methods: Surveys were sent via email to 32 eligible students (students who have completed at least 6 of 12 required courses in the program) which included all 8 graduates.Results: Based on 21 returns (66%) participants have had 19 journal publications, 99 national presentations, 13 teaching awards, 5 promotions, and acquisition of extramural funding for educational projects totaling over $3 million.Conclusions: Based on early results, graduates of the program are productive in academic medical education. We anticipate that graduates of the program will have a significant impact on medical education and will achieve promotion and advancement at their institutions.
Economic Forces Affecting Trends in Milk Composition1

Summary In summary, certain work is cut out for the dairy industry. First, we must realize that a production and marketing problem exists and more trouble looms ahead if nothing is done. Secondly, the emphasis must be taken off fat. This, of course, cannot be done overnight, but excuses for inaction should be scrutinized carefully. In merchandising programs, particularly, protein should be pushed. Thirdly, all levels of governmental action need to be studied from the standpoint of the over-all milk industries of the United States. This includes a look at foreign production and consumption and international trade problems in milk and milk products. Some good research is in progress, but several areas are not being touched, and others only lightly. I am convinced that progress can be made in resolving some of these problems.
Cellular trafficking and photochemical internalization of cell penetrating peptide linked cargo proteins: a dual fluorescent labeling study.

Initial cellular uptake of cell penetrating peptide (CPP) linked macromolecules is usually endosomal, with passage from endosome to cytosol a major limitation to efficient delivery. To gain a better understanding of the passage of the CPP-linked proteins, we studied the uptake and localization of CPP-linked proteins that contained two different forms of fluorescent markers, GFP protein and chemically conjugated tetramethylrhodamine, in living cells. Rhodamine labeled TAT-GFP was internalized in multiple cell lines including HEK293, N18-RE-105, hippocampal slices, and human neural progenitor cells and showed predominantly endosomal localization of both fluorescent markers. Cytosolic localization of some rhodamine label was detected to suggest that some of the GFP label had exited from the endosome. However, quantification of the distribution of the rhodamine and GFP label indicated that the protein location was primarily endosomal and that the distribution of TAT-GFP was not significantly different than th...
From wanna‐be reporter to Voice of America journalist

After four busy summers studiously measuring the minute details of clouds, I spent my last summer as a graduate student in a newsroom, far away from the cockpit of a cloud-probing airplane. It was not just any newsroom but Voice of America's politically charged newsroom in Washington, D. C. Almost overnight, this California-for-lifer was living and working amid the hustle and bustle of the nation's capital. As a half researcher–half science educator and wanna-be science writer, I had long dreamt about working as a science reporter for a summer. I had spent the past 5 years as a graduate student at the University of California, Santa Cruz in the Earth and Planetary Sciences Department working on my thesis research on the microphysics of summertime marine clouds.
Micropenis Secondary to Growth Hormone Deficiency: Does Treatment with Growth Hormone Alone Result in Adequate Penile Growth?

AbstractPurpose: Congenital growth hormone deficiency is associated with aberrant androgen physiology and micropenis. We investigated whether treatment with growth hormone alone is adequate to restore normal phallic growth.Materials and Methods: In all patients the diagnosis was isolated growth hormone deficiency and micropenis, and growth hormone was the only therapy. Stretched penile length, and somatic height and weight measurements were available from diagnosis through puberty for all patients.Results: Eight patients diagnosed with isolated congenital growth hormone deficiency and micropenis were treated and evaluated. Mean z-score (number of standard deviations below mean stretched penile length) at diagnosis was −4.25 (range 3.1 to −6.6) with −2.5 representing micropenis. In adulthood mean final stretched penile length z-score was −1.73 (range −0.91 to −2.66). Seven of the 8 patients (87.5 percent) had stretched penile length within normal range.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that growth hormone ...
Stress, migration, and blood pressure in Kiribati.

Investigation into the relationship between essential hypertension and migration and modernization typically conclude that modernized, urban migrants have more elevated blood pressures with age and are more at risk from hypertension than are their traditional rural sedentary compatriots. These differences are often attributed to greater stresses on the migrating or modernizing segment of the population. In contrast, this study of rural sedentes and urban migrants in Kiribati (Gilbert Islands) indicates that hypertension and elevation of pressure with age have appeared in this modernizing population which was free of essential hypertension less than twenty years previously. Yet there are no significant differences in blood pressure or the incidence of hypertension of migrants and sedentes. This similarity of rural and urban islanders' health status is traced to the stress-relieving nature of migration and the urban experience in Kiribati.
Validation of the NSRDB-SUNY global horizontal irradiance in California

Abstract Satellite derived global horizontal solar irradiance (GHI) from the SUNY modeled dataset in the National Solar Radiation Database (NSRDB) was compared to measurements from 27 weather stations in California during the years 1998–2005. The statistics of spatial and temporal differences between the two datasets were analyzed and related to meteorological phenomena. Overall mean bias errors (MBE) of the NSRDB–SUNY indicated a GHI overprediction of 5%, which is smaller than the sensor accuracy of ground stations. However, at coastal sites, year-round systematic positive MBEs in the NSRDB–SUNY data up to 18% were observed and monthly MBEs increased up to 54% in the summer months during the morning. These differences were explained by a tendency for the NSRDB–SUNY model to overestimate GHI under cloudy conditions at the coast during summer mornings. A persistent positive evening MBE which was independent of site location and cloudiness occurred at all stations and was explained by an error in the time-shifting method applied in the NSRDB–SUNY. A correction method was derived for these two errors to improve the accuracy of the NSRDB–SUNY data in California.
Track structure effects at p-n junctions in microelectronic circuits

Abstract Accurate predictions of the soft error rates in microelectronic circuits exposed to energetic charged particles require the ability to predict charge collection at a junction as a function of the LET of the traversing particle, and the ability to predict the response of the circuit to the resulting voltage swing across the junction. Detailed modeling of charge collection will require quantitative information on the distribution of charges about the particle trajectory as a function of time from the initiation of the track until the charge is collected across the junction. Track structure models may contribute to quantitative explanations of the shape of the dependence of the soft error cross section on LET and the frequency of multiple upset events in VLSI circuits.
High incidence of acute coronary occlusions complicating percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty for angina pectoris

Abstract We report a disturbingly high early closure rate complicating 94 coronary angioplasties of native coronary arteries during a recent 5-year period. While the series is small, our findings are unusual in several respects. All patients were seen clinically and had their preangioplasty angiograms performed at the Veterans Administration Hospital by these investigators. They were then referred to 1 of 3 institutions where percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) was performed by high volume operators, the bulk of whose practice was among nonveterans (Figure 1). All the patients were men, relatively young and virtually all had proximal 1-vessel obstructions. Data analysis suggests that the high early closure rate correlates with lesion-specific angiographic risk factors.
ORIGEN2: A Versatile Computer Code for Calculating the Nuclide Compositions and Characteristics of Nuclear Materials

ORIGEN2 is a versatile point-depletion and radioactive-decay computer code for use in simulating nuclear fuel cycles and calculating the nuclide compositions and characteristics of materials contai...
Quantitation of submicrogram quantities of protein by an improved protein-dye binding assay

A quantitative assay method for protein is described which is based on the color change occurring in Coomassie Brilliant Blue G-250 when it binds to protein. This modification of two similar procedures further increases the sensitivity, simplicity, and stability of the protein-dye binding assay over those of other commonly used assays for protein.
Bisection hardly ever converges linearly

For real functions that cross the unit interval, the method of bisection converges linearly if, but only if, the point of crossing is a diadic number where the function does not vanish, or, except for finitely many digits, its binary expansion coincides with that of one third or two thirds. Otherwise, the order of convergence remains undefined. If the point of crossing is one of Borel's normal real numbers (Lebesgue's measure of all of which equals one), then the sequence of ratios of two consecutive errors accumulates simultaneously at zero, one half, and negative infinity. Thus, in every finite sequence of estimates from the bisection, the last estimate need not be more accurate than the first one.
The effect of prostate cancer screening on stage IV disease in America

Objective Some studies have found that prostate cancer (PCa) screening provides little or no change in PCa-related mortality during the 7–10 years following diagnoses. However, most men are diagnosed with PCa at low-stage disease and die of unrelated causes during this period. Men diagnosed at stage IV are at much higher risk of dying of the disease. Therefore, stage IV rates at first diagnoses may be a surrogate marker of PCa-related mortality over a time span less than 10 years. The study objective is to examine the association between PCa screening and stage IV disease rates in new cases to explore potential benefits for PCa screening.
Phage lambda's generalized recombination system. Study of the intracellular DNA pool during lytic infection.

A phage DNA transfection assay is described that permits the measurement of frequencies of recombinant DNA molecules. This method was used to investigate the time course of action of the phage-specified generalized recombination system, the Red system, during lytic infection. Two observations of interest have emerged from this study: 1. There is a distinct lag before significant numbers of recombinant molecules are detected. 2. The presence of an active recB gene product in host cells produces an early shut-off of recombination.
The Redistributive Impact of Cash Transfers

The redistributive effects of public transfers have usually been measured by comparing incomes before and after transfer benefits are counted, but ignoring labor supply reductions induced by such benefits. This study uses a simulation approach to estimate for nonaged families the decline in work hours and earnings in 1967 and 1974 due to major U.S. cash transfers. The net redistributive effect of these programs is also measured.
Micronutrient effects on cyanobacterial growth and physiology

Abstract Trace metals play crucial roles in the carbon and nitrogen metabolism of cyanobacteria. Physiological responses to metal limitation and toxicity in culture have shown that iron is important for photosynthesis and energy distribution in the cell while both iron and molybdenum are biochemically involved in nitrate reduction and nitrogen fixation. Nitrogen fixation is also relatively sensitive to copper toxicity. Consequently, factors that affect the supply rate, chemical speciation, or the recycling of trace metals can alter patterns of primary productivity and nitrogen metabolism. Overall, three trace metal dependent processes may contribute towards dominance: efficient use of limiting light, nitrogen fixation, and production of extracellular iron binding compounds.
Effects of Thermal Loading on Foil and Sheet Composites With Constituents of Differing Thermal Expansivities

A study was made to estimate the magnitudes of elastic stresses and elastic-plastic stresses and strains in sheet or foil laminar composites. Using a model tungsten/80Ni + 20Cr laminar composite and assuming cooling or heating through a temperature range of 80-2000 deg F (26.5-1093.5 deg C), calculated elastic stresses exceeded published or estimated strengths of the constituents. Elastic-plastic stress-strain solutions resulted in lower estimated stress levels but with the concomitant occurrence of sufficiently large strain ranges to suggest possible thermal fatigue problems. Limited experimental studies using tungsten/80Ni + 20Cr foil and sheet laminar composites, slowly cycled between 80 and 2000 deg F (26.5-1093.5 deg C) or rapidly cycled between 80 and 1600 deg F (26.5-871 deg C) produced varying degrees of observable structural damage in from 1 to 11 cycles depending upon temperature transition rate and laminae thickness; these particular results might not occur with other combinations of materials.
Studies in MBO Effectiveness

Management by objectives (MBO) is a popular management approach the efficacy of which has been seriously questioned recently. I have analyzed 185 studies for the effects of MBO on employee productivity and/or job satisfaction. Research support for MBO was found to be inversely related to the degree of research design sophistication. Although the five well-controlled experiments leaned toward finding MBO to be ineffective, it appears a contingency approach to MBO is more appropriate than a definitive affirmation or rejection of MBO effectiveness.
Isolating The Key Variables For Regression Models In Enterprise Software Acquisition Decisions: A Blocking Technique

Often researchers in the field of information systems face problems related to the variable selection for model building; as well as difficulties associated to their data (small sample and/or non normality). The goal of this article is to present an original statistical blocking-technique based on relative variability for screening of variables in multivariate regression models. We applied the blocking-technique and a nonparametric bootstrapping method to the data collected on the USA-South border for a research concerning enterprise software (ES) acquisition contracts. Three mutually exclusive blocks of relative variability for the response variables were formed and their corresponding regression models were built and explained. A conclusion was drawn about the decreasing tendency on the adjusted coefficient of determination (R 2 adj ) magnitudes when the blocks change from low (L) to high (H) condition of relative variability. The obtained models (via stepwise regression) exhibited significant p-values (0.0001).
Practical Significance: Ordinal Scale Data and Effect Size in Zooarchaeology

Quantitative analysis of zooarchaeological taxonomic abundances and skeletal part frequencies often relies on parametric techniques to test hypotheses. Data upon which such analyses are based are considered by some to be ‘ordinal scale at best’, meaning that non-parametric approaches may be better suited for addressing hypotheses. An important consideration is that archaeologists do not directly or randomly sample target populations of artefacts and faunal remains, which means that sampling error is not randomly generated. Thus, use of inferential statistics is potentially suspect. A solution to this problem is to rely on a weight of evidence research strategy and to limit analysis to descriptive statistics. Alternatively, if one chooses to use statistical inference, one should analyse effect size to determine practical significance of results and adopt conservative, robust inferential tests that require relatively few assumptions. Archaeologists may choose not to abandon statistical inference, but if so, they should temper how they use statistical tools. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of recurrent abdominal symptoms after Ladd procedure: clinical and radiographic correlation.

Abstract Background/purpose Obstructive symptoms in a patient post-Ladd procedure raise the question of recurrent volvulus. Our objective is to determine the incidence and the radiographical evaluation of recurrent volvulus and abdominal complications after a Ladd procedure. Methods One hundred ninety-five patients who underwent a Ladd procedure for malrotation for 10 years were retrieved from a database. Forty-eight patients were excluded (false-positive studies, heterotaxy, diaphragmatic hernia, abdominal wall defects). Of the remaining 147, 38 patients presented with abdominal symptoms. Surgical records and imaging were reviewed. Results Of 38 patients, 33 had imaging studies including abdominal radiographs (AXR) and/or upper gastrointestinal examinations. Of these 33 patients, 17 had normal or expected imaging findings on AXR and/or upper gastrointestinal. Of the 11 patients who had surgery, 8 had an AXR. Of these, only a single patient had a normal AXR. The most common post-Ladd complication found at reoperation was small bowel obstruction secondary to adhesions (5.4%). One patient (0.7%) had midgut volvulus. Conclusion Although recurrent volvulus is a feared postoperative Ladd complication, it rarely occurs. Adhesive small bowel obstruction is more common, and an AXR with clinical findings is sufficient for diagnosis.
Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in elementary school children.

Aim: To determine the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (MS) and its related components in elementary-aged school children. Methods: Three hundred and seventy-five 7-9-y-old boys (n = 182) and girls (n = 193) in the eastern Kansas area served as participants. Criteria for the MS were the presence of three or more of the following components: 1) central obesity (waist circumference ≥ 90th percentile in males and females); 2) elevated triglyceride concentrations ( ≥ 1.13 mmol/ 1); 3) low HDL-C concentrations (≤ 1.04 mmol/l in males and females); 4) elevated blood pressure (systolic and/or diastolic >90th percentile, age and gender specific); or 5) elevated fasting glucose levels (≥ 6.10 mmol/l). Results: The prevalence of the MS in this sample was 5%, and was similar across gender and race. Fifty percent of the children had no components and 15% had at least two components, with elevated blood pressure the most common component (37%). Conclusion: The MS is prevalent even in young children at rates similarly reported in adolescents.
Dust acoustic waves excited by gravity in a collisional plasma

Excitation of dust acoustic waves by gravity in a collisional plasma is analyzed. The fall of charged dust grains through the other plasma components may excite dust acoustic waves under appropriate conditions. Two examples are presented, namely an ionospheric type and a cosmic type plasma.
Strain hardening and strain softening in fault zones from foreland thrusts

The movement of thrust sheets is accomplished, in part, by deforming the rocks adjacent to thrust faults. In foreland fold-and-thrust belts, emplacement generates an array of mesoscopic faults in a thick layer along the base of a sheet. Ductile deformation of rocks in the layer occurs by displacing fault-bounded blocks relative to one another in a kind of mesoscopic “grain boundary” sliding. Analyses of data from three southern Appalachian thrust sheets indicate that this block sliding is first accompanied by strain hardening, then by strain softening, and it is accommodated by intra-block fractures, small faults, and veins. The density of accommodation features increases near thrusts, and where these features become sufficiently numerous, a layer of cataclastic rocks forms along the thrust. We describe foliated cataclasites from two thrusts, the microstructures of which indicate that the cataclasites exhibited extreme ductility, interrupted occasionally by brittle processes. Deformation of the cataclasites was accompanied by strain softening. Strain softening deformation in fault arrays near thrusts is genetically related to strain softening deformation in cataclasites. During the formation of the cataclasite, rocks in the sheet are impelled to cross a strain energy “hump,” after which they deform at either higher rates or lower stresses.
Polygyny: Did the Africans Get It Right?

This article discusses polygamy as an adaptive cultural practice for Africa. It examines the effects of polygyny on population growth and fertility for select countries. It argues that polygyny has...
Parameter estimation and error analysis of range data

Parameter estimation and error analysis techniques applicable to range data are discussed. Extracting surface parameters from noisy range data amounts to data reduction (parameter estimation) and error analysis, the most popular method for which is the least-squares method. Using least squares, it is shown how error in range data percolates upward to manifest itself in the value of each parameter that is calculated either directly or indirectly from data. In addition to estimating surface parameters, errors in the parameters themselves are estimated. The formalisms (with examples) for estimating error in a computed parameter and for combining two or more sets of parameter estimates into a single estimate are presented. >
A proposal for making Eiffel type-safe

Statically type-correct Eiffel programs may produce run-time errors because (1) attributes may be redeclared during inheritance, invalidating assignments in the superclass, (2) a formal method argument type may be restricted in violation of the contravariance of function types, and (3) two applications of a generic class are assumed to conform if the actual arguments conform. The third problem is solved by case analysis on the variance of generic parameters. Declaration by association provides a solution to the first two problems, but it suffers from additional difficulties. Type attributes, or generic parameters with default values, are suggested as a replacement for most cases of declaration by association. The special association type used to express type recursion cannot be explained using type attributes, and it appears to be a truly novel construct for typing object-oriented programs. One consequence of this construct is that Eiffel’s conformance hierarchy is a proper subset of its inheritance hierarchy. To appear in the Proceedings of the European Conference on ObjectOriented Programming, 10-14 July, 1989, and in The Computer Journal, September 1989.
Ultrasound evidence of altered lumbar connective tissue structure in human subjects with chronic low back pain

Background: Although the connective tissues forming the fascial planes of the back have been hypothesized to play a role in the pathogenesis of chronic low back pain (LBP), there have been no previous studies quantitatively evaluating connective tissue structure in this condition. The goal of this study was to perform an ultrasound-based comparison of perimuscular connective tissue structure in the lumbar region in a group of human subjects with chronic or recurrent LBP for more than 12 months, compared with a group of subjects without LBP. Methods: In each of 107 human subjects (60 with LBP and 47 without LBP), parasagittal ultrasound images were acquired bilaterally centered on a point 2 cm lateral to the midpoint of the L2-3 interspinous ligament. The outcome measures based on these images were subcutaneous and perimuscular connective tissue thickness and echogenicity measured by ultrasound. Results: There were no significant differences in age, sex, body mass index (BMI) or activity levels between LBP and No-LBP groups. Perimuscular thickness and echogenicity were not correlated with age but were positively correlated with BMI. The LBP group had ~25% greater perimuscular thickness and echogenicity compared with the No-LBP group (ANCOVA adjusted for BMI, p < 0.01 and p < 0.001 respectively). Conclusion: This is the first report of abnormal connective tissue structure in the lumbar region in a group of subjects with chronic or recurrent LBP. This finding was not attributable to differences in age, sex, BMI or activity level between groups. Possible causes include genetic factors, abnormal movement patterns and chronic inflammation.
Distributed concurrency control with limited wait-depth

Distributed wait-depth-limited (DWDL) concurrency control, a locking-based method that limits the wait-depth of blocked transactions to one, which assures that deadlocks are resolved as part of regular transaction processing is described. The performance of DWDL is compared with that of distributed two-phase locking (2PL) and the wound-wait concurrency control method through a detailed simulated. Results show that DWDL behaves similarly to 2PL for low data contention levels, but at high lock contention levels, DWDL outperforms the other methods to a significant degree. >