cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Leveraging practice-based research networks to accelerate implementation and diffusion of chronic kidney disease guidelines in primary care practices: a prospective cohort study

Background: Four practice-based research networks (PBRNs) participated in a study to determine whether networks could increase dissemination, implementation, and diffusion of evidence-based treatment guidelines for chronic kidney disease by leveraging early adopter practices. Methods: Motivated practices from four PBRNs received baseline and periodic performance feedback, academic detailing, and weekly practice facilitation for 6 months during wave I of the study. Each wave I practice then recruited two additional practices (wave II), which received performance feedback and academic detailing and participated in monthly local learning collaboratives led by the wave I clinicians. They received only monthly practice facilitation. The primary outcomes were adherence to primary care-relevant process-of-care recommendations from the National Kidney Foundation Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative Guidelines. Performance was determined retrospectively by medical records abstraction. Practice priority, change capacity, and care process content were measured before and after the interventions. Results: Following the intervention, wave I practices increased the use of ACEIs/ARBs, discontinuation of NSAIDs, testing for anemia, and testing and/or treatment for vitamin D deficiency. Most were able to recruit two additional practices for wave II, and wave II practices also increased their use of ACEIs/ARBs and testing and/or treatment of vitamin D deficiency. Conclusions: With some assistance, early adopter practices can facilitate the diffusion of evidence-based approaches to other practices. PBRNs are well-positioned to replicate this process for other evidence-based innovations.
Evaluation of 3D vs. 2D compression of medical images with set partitioning in hierarchical trees

Wavelet-based image compression is a very effective technique for medical images, giving significantly better results than the JPEG algorithm. Recent advanced wavelet techniques, such as embedded zerotree wavelet coding or set partitioning in hierarchical trees (SPIHT), have further improved compression efficiency by exploiting the natural relationship between corresponding coefficients at different scales and by progressively refining coefficient values. It is also well known that full 3-D wavelet compression of 3-D data sets is significantly more efficient than 2-D compression of individual slices, but the memory requirements are very high. We explore the extension of the SPIHT algorithm to three dimensions, and also of intermediate approaches such as the encoding of a 3-D image in 'slabs' of 16 slices at a time or simple subtraction of neighboring slices, which yield different tradeoffs between speed and memory requirements on the one hand and compression efficiency on the other for a variety of possible approaches on typical 3-D CT and MRI data sets.
Clinical and angiographic similarities in twins with coronary artery disease

Abstract The study of twins with coronary atherosclerosis provides a unique opportunity to identify features that may be genetically determined. This report describes the clinical and coronary arteriographic findings of 2 pairs of identical twins with coronary artery disease (CAD) and reviews the reports of 10 pairs previously described. 1–7
Growth and reproductive potential of the invasive exotic vine Vincetoxicum rossicum in northern New York State

The alien invasive vine Vincetoxicum rossicum (Kleopow) Barbar. is problematic in the Lower Great Lakes Basin of North America. The lack of effective control strategies exacerbates the need for a b...
Intramedullary connections of the rostral nucleus of the solitary tract in the hamster.

Abstract The rostral nucleus of the solitary tract (NST) figures prominently in the gustatory system, giving rise to ascending taste pathways that are well documented. Less is known of the local connections of the rostral NST with sites in the medulla. This study defines the intramedullary connections of the rostral NST in the hamster. Small iontophoretic injections of horseradish peroxidase (HRP), confined to the rostral NST, resulted in Golgi-like filling of axons that exited the NST or that interconnected cytoarchitectonic subdivisions within the NST complex. The NST efferent axons terminated sparsely in the trigeminal, facial and hypoglossal motor nuclei, but axons and endings were heavily distributed in the parvicellular reticular formation ventral to the NST. HRP injections centered in this part of the reticular formation resulted in heavy projections to the orofacial motor nuclei. Intranuclear connections, labelled after NST injections, linked NST subdivisions that receive primary afferent taste inputs to suvdivisions involved in (1) projections to the preoromotor reticular formation, (2) projections to swallowing motor neurons, (3) activation of preganglionic parasympathetic neurons, and (4) general viscerosensation. In general, the connections defined in the present study provide anatomical details about the substrate for gustatory-motor and gustatory-visceral interactions.
Transient Pressure and Flow Predictions for Concentrated Packed Absorbers Using a Dynamic Nonequilibrium Model

A dynamic, nonisothermal, nonequilibrium model is developed to predict detailed transient behavior during startup and transition to standby for concentrated random-packed absorbers. The model accounts for solvent evaporation and transient hydraulic behavior and is used to simulate the aqueous absorption of gaseous HCl. During startup, the simulations show a large decrease in the gas flow rate followed by a recovery due to high rates of solvent evaporation. The model predicts a spike in the solute composition in the gas during the startup transient. At low mass-transfer rates, this spike can cause unacceptable solute levels in the vent. During the transition to standby operation (where feed gas is replaced with carrier gas), there is an appreciable increase in the gas flow rate and pressure in the column. The peak transient gas flow rates are about 3 times greater than the feed rate, and the peak pressure drops are about 20 times greater than those at flooding. These spikes may be too brief to flood the column, but mechanical damage is possible. The transient also shows solute being desorbed from the bottom part of the column and re-absorbed in the upper part of the column, which causes a burp of solute in the vent gas. In less concentrated columns, the burp can result in unacceptable solute levels in the vent. These problems can be addressed by initially reducing the carrier gas flow rate. The model also applies to the use of scrubbers for the control of toxic vent emissions.
Vapor-liquid equilibrium behavior of six light gases at infinite dilution in hydrogen-dibenzofuran and hydrogen-9-methylanthracene systems

Abstract A sophisticated perturbation-chromatography apparatus has been used to study the vapor-liquid equilibrium behavior of six light gases in two hydrogen-coal-liquid model-compound systems. Infinite-dilution K values are reported for methane, ethane, propane, n -butane, carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide in (a) the hydrogen-dibenzofuran system at 373.2 and 398.2 K and up to 6 MPa, and (b) the hydrogen-9-methylanthracene system at 373.2, 398.2, 423.2, 448.2 and 473.2 K and up to 21 MPa. Henry's constants were determined for the light gases in 9-methylanthracene. Second cross-virial coefficients and vapor-phase infinite-dilution fugacity coefficients were calculated for the hydrocarbon gases in hydrogen. The results were combined with the experimental K -value measurements to obtain Henry's constants in hydrogen-9-methylanthracene mixtures of fixed liquid composition. The constants thus obtained show a significant dependence on hydrogen solubility.
Analysis of the entanglements in carbon nanotube fibers using a self-folded nanotube model

Abstract Carbon nanotube (CNT) fibers have shown superb mechanical properties, and have high potential to be used as reinforcements in multifunctional composites. CNT entanglements always exist in CNT fibers and play a crucial role in affecting their mechanical properties. In this study, the CNT entanglement is modeled as two connecting self-folded CNTs (SFCNTs). At large aspect ratios, a CNT is energetically favorable to be self-folded due to the van der Waals interactions between different parts of the CNT. The geometrical characteristics of the SFCNTs, such as the critical length for self-folding as well as the critical effective width and length, are investigated by using both an exact theoretical model and an approximate theoretical model. The tensile properties of the SFCNTs have been examined by using both the approximate theoretical model and atomistic simulations. Good agreements are achieved in the results of these two approaches.
A technique for the measurement of breakage and repair of DNA alkylated in vivo.

Abstract The alkaline elution technique has been adapted for use in the assessment of DNA damage induced in the livers and lungs of mice after administration of an alkylating agent, methylmethanesulfonate (MMS). At 4 h after administration of MMS, damage to DNA was readily demonstrable; the damage was repaired in liver by 24 h. The lung, particularly of the A/J mouse, exhibited an increased alkaline elution rate when compared to C57BL/6J, and repair was not entirely complete (as judged from the rate of alkaline elution of DNA) by 24 h. The rate of elution was dependent upon temperature. It is believed that this adaptation should have great utility in examining DNA repair in vivo.
The reproductive and heterosexual behaviours of adult patas monkeys in captivity

Abstract The reproductive, agonistic, and social interactions between the adult male and adult females of a patas monkey ( Erythrocebus patas ) harem were investigated. The occurrence of oestrus appeared to be influenced by both social and hormonal factors. Oestrus was not limited to the peri-ovulatory period, but also occurred at other times within the menstrual cycle and after conception. Mating behaviour was correlated with seasonal decreases in daylength and temperature. The male showed no clear preference for either non-pregnant or pregnant sexual partners. Female dominance rank appeared to have little influence on intrasexual competition for copulations. Of the non-reproductive behaviours studied, only two (female-to-male grooming and heterosexual sitting-close) showed significant fluctuations in frequency with changing female reproductive state. For both behaviours, non-pregnant oestrous females showed the highest frequencies.
Effect of lig-7 on strand joining in repair of damaged DNA and on cutting of intact homologous DNA (cutting in trans) in Escherichia coli.

Abstract Genetic recombination in Escherichia coli depends on the recA + gene and can be increased in frequency by certain treatments that damage DNA. In previous studies (Ross & Howard-Flanders, 1977 a , b ), E. coli (λ) cells were infected with undamaged λ phages and then with λ phages that were either undamaged, or had interstrand crosslinks produced in their DNA by treatment with psoralen and light. When the superinfecting DNA contained psoralen crosslinks, the intact DNA was cut. This cutting, referred to as cutting in trans , occurred only in DNA genetically homologous to the damaged DNA, required recA + and behaved as expected of a step in damage-induced genetic recombination. In the present studies, we investigated the effect on cutting in trans of lig -7, a thermosensitive allele of the structural gene for E. coli polynucleotide ligase and also of uvrA , which controls the excision of damaged bases from DNA. The ligase deficiency caused gaps due to the action of the uvrA + endonuclease on damaged DNA to remain open for at least 25 minutes. For low levels of damage, cutting in trans was also enhanced in the lig -7 cells at non-permissive temperatures but was not increased in wild-type cells. The enhanced cutting in trans depended upon genetic homology, as expected if it reflected elevated levels of damage-induced genetic recombination. Presumably, the unrepaired gaps in the damaged DNA made it a good substrate for the enzymes that promote cutting in trans of its homologs.
Polynomial formulations and renormalizability in quantum gravity

Non-renormalizability of quantum gravity is traced, in the “binomial” first order metric formulation, to a mismatch between the symmetries of its quadratic and cubic terms, which makes this ostensibly renormalizable system ill-defined about zero vacuum, and forces the usual expansion of the metric about a background. How it might have been is illustrated by the exception, D=2, where the theory is well-defined and hence is “off-shell” finite. In D=3, where the first order vielbein form is also quadratic plus cubic, it is explicitly shown to remain off-shell finite even about non-zero backgrounds, in contrast to the infinities expected in the metric description.
Reply to "therapeutic outcomes of pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis requiring spinal instrumentation".

We appreciate the [comments][1] by Park et al. ([1][2]) regarding our paper “Factors associated with treatment failure in vertebral osteomyelitis requiring spinal instrumentation” ([2][3]). In our study ([2][3]), treatment failure occurred in 22 of the 94 patients (23%), higher than reported in
Method to monitor the precision of milk yields recorded at individual milking stalls on a daily basis

Automated systems to record individual milk weights of cows at each milking are now common on dairy farms. These data are used by Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA) for testing purposes and by farmers to monitor herd performance. Despite the importance of these data, little effort has been made to monitor the function and reliability of milking stalls and recording equipment on a daily basis. Described is an algorithm that allows for continuous monitoring of the function of individual milking stalls. The basis of the algorithm is the comparison of milk yield of individual cows over a period of days. For each cow, milk production at a selected stall is compared with production of that same cow when milked at any other stall. These ratios are averaged across all cows milked at least once in the selected stall and once at any other stall. Ideally, the mean ratio for each stall should be 1. Stalls where the mean ratio deviates from 1 by more than 5% are assumed to be malfunctioning. This algorithm was implemented as a computer program and was used to identify 3 malfunctioning stalls out of 12 at the USDA dairy facility (Beltsville, MD). The algorithm can easily be incorporated into existing management programs or used as a separate program. In either case, routine use of this algorithm can improve the reliability of DHIA test programs and potentially reduce the incidence of new mastitis infections by enabling detection of malfunctioning milking equipment.
Risk factors for vitamin D deficiency in children with osteogenesis imperfecta.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and possible risk factors influencing the vitamin D serum levels in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). METHODS Charts of all children with OI seen at Shriners Hospitals for Children in Houston, TX, between November 2008 and June 2011 were reviewed for daily milk and soda consumption, multivitamin and vitamin D supplementation, time spent outside, use of sunscreen, amount of screen time, ambulatory status, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), parathyroid hormone levels, and history of bisphosphonate treatment. RESULTS Of the 80 children with OI, charts of 44 children (26 female) had documentation of the variables of interest. Mean level of 25OHD was 23 ng/mL (±11) (range, 7 to 58) and 35 (79.5%) patients had insufficient or deficient levels. Significant correlations with low vitamin D levels were found for older age (P<0.001), African American descent (P=0.01), BMI (P<0.001), BMI percentile (P=0.30), consumption of soda (P=0.009), and pamidronate therapy (P=0.004). Evaluated together, the studied variables accounted for a large proportion of the variability of 25OHD levels in patients with OI (P=0.004). CONCLUSIONS To optimize bone health in children with OI, health care providers need to be aware of patients' risk factors for low vitamin D levels and educate families on the modifiable risk factors of milk and soda consumption, obesity, and vitamin D supplementation. Future research is needed to address the relationship between fractures and vitamin D levels in patients with OI and on the cause and effect relationship between bisphosphonate therapy and vitamin D. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level II.
THE INFLUENCE OF OXYGEN TENSION UPON METABOLIC RATE IN INVERTEBRATES

It is shown that in several of the higher invertebrate animals, oxygen consumption is directly proportional to the oxygen tension in the sea water, over a wide range.
Nonlinear system identification using compressed sensing

This paper describes an approach to system identification based on compressive sensing and demonstrates its efficacy on a challenging classical benchmark single-input, multiple output (SIMO) mechanical system consisting of an inverted pendulum on a cart. The differential equations describing the system dynamics are to be determined from measurements of the system's input-output behavior. These equations are assumed to consist of the superposition, with unknown weights, of a small number of terms drawn from a large library of nonlinear terms. Under this assumption, compressed sensing allows the constituent library elements and their corresponding weights to be identified by decomposing a time-series signal of the system's outputs into a sparse superposition of corresponding time-series signals produced by the library components.
Magnetic properties of amorphous alloys of Fe with La, Lu, Y, and Zr

In order to study the systematics of the Fe-Fe exchange in amorphous rare-earth---Fe alloys, without the complications associated with the magnetic characteristics of the rare-earth elements, amorphous films of Fe alloyed with La, Lu, Y, and Zr have been prepared with a wide range of Fe concentrations. Magnetization and M\"ossbauer-effect measurements were made. The magnetic properties of the alloys depended critically on the choice of rare earth (or rare-earth-like element). YFe and LuFe alloys were found to have spin-glass characteristics while LaFe and ZrFe alloys were found to be ferromagnetic, but with evidence that exchange fluctuations were nearly as large as the average exchange. Thus the nature of the Fe-Fe exchange interaction depends critically upon the species of the rare earth. The most important parameter in determining the magnetic behavior of these alloys appears to be the size of the rare-earth atom, with large rare-earth atoms resulting in a smaller ratio of exchange fluctuations to exchange. The same dependence of the magnetic properties upon rare-earth size appears to be important in the case of magnetic-rare-earth atoms; however, the effect of rare-earth---Fe exchange also becomes important and these effects are discussed.
Chromosomal regions associated with segregation distortion in maize.

Segregation distortion skews the genotypic frequencies from their Mendelian expectations. Our objectives in this study were to assess the frequency of occurrence of segregation distortion in maize, identify chromosomal regions consistently associated with segregation distortion, and examine the effects of gametophytic factors on linkage mapping. We constructed a simple sequence repeat (SSR) linkage map for a LH200/LH216 F(2)Syn3 (i.e., random-mated three times) population, and compared the segregation distortion in this map with the segregation distortion in three published linkage maps. Among 1,820 codominant markers across the four mapping populations, 301 (17%) showed segregation distortion ( P < 0.05). The frequency of markers showing segregation distortion ranged from 19% in the Tx303/CO159 mapping population to 36% in the B73/Mo17 mapping population. A positive relationship was found between the number of meioses and the frequency of segregation distortion detected in a population. On a given chromosome, nearly all of the markers showing segregation distortion favored the allele from the same parent. A total of 18 chromosomal regions on the ten maize chromosomes were associated with segregation distortion. The consistent location of these chromosomal regions in four populations suggested the presence of segregation distortion regions (SDRs). Three known gametophytic factors are possible genetic causes of these SDRs. As shown in previous research, segregation distortion does not affect the estimate of map distance when only one gametophytic factor is present in an SDR.
The “G-local” Dimension of Albanian Organized Crime: Mafias, Strategic Migration and State Repression

This paper elaborates on the relation between globalization, migration, and transnational organized crime. The case selected is on ethnic Albanian organized crime and its migration to Western Europe and the United States. There are a few perspectives on the ability of organized crime to take advantage of globalization in an effort to expand their criminal markets. One view is that criminal groups, similarly to multinational corporations, are taking advantage of globalization and are opening outposts in Western cities. The opposing view is that organized crime groups are highly localized and territorial. This paper tries to answer the following questions: Are Albanian groups operating in the USA and Europe part of the same species originating from Albania and Kosovo? Are these groups coordinated by a central organization in the country of origin that sought opportunity to exploit the process of international integration? The paper concludes that the migration of Albanian organized crime may not be a strategic business choice. Therefore, rather than fitting the stereotype of hypersophisticated international organized crime bureaucracies found in news reports, this study suggests that many Albanian organized crime groups are localized and spontaneously formed. What might appear to be the product of globalizations is, in fact, the consequence of state repression or wars between rival criminal groups. The conclusions are based on a mixed-methods approach, including interviews with experts, Albanian migrants and offenders, and in-depth analysis of court cases.
Note on the correlation of the K-shell electron binding energy chemical shifts with NMR chemical shifts

Abstract The correlation of K-shell electron binding energy chemical shifts, ΔEb(ν), with NMR chemical shifts, δν, is investigated for some halomethanes for ν = 13C and F.
Work in progress — Engineering pathways study: The college-career transition

Research in engineering education has shown that academic programs are often designed based on a projected image of engineering practice. However, this image may be outdated or misaligned with today's actual professional work. To develop a more complete picture, we designed the Engineering Pathways Study (EPS). EPS extends findings from the NSF-funded Center for the Advancement of Engineering Education (CAEE), and in particular findings from CAEE's multi-method, multi-institutional Academic Pathways Study (APS) research project. Following-up with participants from APS, we are uniquely positioned to explore transitions to the workforce and the needs/experiences of early career professionals (ECP). Over a period of two years, our sequential mixed-methods design uses outcomes from in-depth interviews to develop a survey for a broader sampling. Currently in early phases of interviews and analysis, preliminary findings highlight connections and gaps between current career experiences and academic career preparation.
Systemic spread of meconium peritonitis

Meconium peritonitis is a chemical peritonitis which occurs following bowel perforation during fetal life. It is generally looked upon as benign, resulting in no long-term sequelae. We present a case of a newborn infant with meconium peritonitis who developed infarcts in several organs. At autopsy the infarcts proved to be caused by emboli as a result of intravascular dissemination of meconium. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of systemic spread of meconium peritonitis in the literature and suggests that meconium peritonitis may have more serious implications than generally thought.
Snowball: A dynamic oligopoly model with indirect network effects

Abstract Allowing for innovation dynamics in the software market, this paper studies the conditions under which standardization in the hardware market arises and persists over time. In the model, software firms repeatedly invest in quality upgrades, compete in the product market, and make exit as well as entry decisions. The results show that, in general, excess inertia does not occur. A platform becomes the standard in a market only if it is better than the competing platforms. Furthermore, low overall rates of innovation always lead to variety; conversely, the higher the speed of innovation, the more likely standardization is.
Phytostat for Continuous Culture and Automatic Sampling of Plant-Cell Suspensions

An apparatus for growing plant cells in suspension culture is described; it may be used for continuous or batch culture, and is equipped with a valve for automatic collection of samples. Aeration is by continuous bubbling of air into the culture through fritted glass. Normal culture-duplication times are from 30 to 35 hours.
MODELING THE LOCALIZED NECKING IN ANISOTROPIC SHEET METALS

Abstract Localized necking is one of the most frequently observed failure mechanisms in sheet forming processes. The forming limit diagram (FLD) characterizes the sheet metal formability, and the prediction of FLD is of significant importance to industry. In this paper, the process of deformation and localized necking is modeled to predict the FLD of anisotropic sheet metals. The sheet is assumed to have no initial geometric defects and a localized neck is assumed to develop in two stages. A Considere-type criterion is proposed to determine the critical strains for an initial neck to form. An energy-based hypothesis is proposed to quantify the defect ratio at the neck formation. The evolution of the initial neck is then considered in the second stage. It is demonstrated that, rather than the initial defects, localized geometric softening at a certain stage of deformation can be the main cause of localized necking. As a result, the forming limit curves are found to exhibit different characteristics in different regions of FLD. The predicted forming limit curve for 2036-T4 aluminum is mostly in good agreement with experimental results. The sheet thickness, the strain hardening behavior, and plastic anisotropy are found to affect the sheet metal formability. The present work provides an alternative view of localized necking in anisotropic sheet metals. More realistic yield criteria and strain hardening models can be implemented to enhance the proposed model.
Physically Gelled Room-Temperature Ionic Liquid-Based Composite Membranes for CO2/N2 Separation: Effect of Composition and Thickness on Membrane Properties and Performance

An aspartame-based, low molecular-weight organic gelator (LMOG) was used to form melt-infused and composite membranes with two different imidazolium-based room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) for CO2 separation from N2. Previous work demonstrated that LMOGs can gel RTILs at low loading levels, and this aspartame-based LMOG was selected because it has been reported to gel a large number of RTILs. The imidazolium-based RTILs were used because of their inherent good properties for CO2/light gas separations. Analysis of the resulting bulk RTIL/LMOG physical gels showed that these materials have high sol–gel transition temperatures (ca. 135 °C) suitable for flue gas applications. Gas permeabilities and burst pressure measurements of thick, melt-infused membranes revealed a trade-off between high CO2 permeabilities and good mechanical stability as a function of the LMOG loading. Defect-free, composite membranes of the gelled RTILs were successfully fabricated by choosing an appropriate porous membrane support...
Overview of randomized clinical trials of lipid intervention for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

This paper is a review of the scientific and economic (when possible) impact of 15 randomized clinical trials of lipid intervention for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. No effort has been made to be all-inclusive and certain smaller and first generation studies have been omitted. No effort has been made to offer detailed analyses of protocols; we have limited discussion to summaries of the salient features of each study presented. After stating the data, we introduce certain reflections and raise some of the more obvious questions that emerge.
Particular solutions to the problem of horizontal flow of water and air through porous media near a wetting front

Abstract Particular solutions to the problem of horizontal flow of water and air through homogeneous porous media are derived and regularity properties of the solutions are presented. It is found that a singularity occurs in the solutions at the wetting fronts. Effects of air flow on water flow are discussed.
The Cause-Deleted Index: Estimating Cause of Death Contributions to Mortality

Causes underlying mortality disparities are often determined by causal decomposition. This method is based on the decomposition of differences in mortality or life expectancy into parameters representing the contribution of underlying causes. It quantifies disparities as differences in mortality rates and does not account for the fact that many underprivileged groups are more likely to die from nearly all causes. Results are driven by the frequency of cause of death. Alternatively, the cause deleted index quantifies the role of underlying causes in mortality disparities as the change in the relative risk of dying that is related to deleting a specific cause. The consistency between the methods in estimating cause of death contributions is analyzed using 2000 U.S. mortality data and simulated mortality profiles. The two methods often produce divergent results because causal decomposition relies on the prevalence of causes of death.
Subsurface cracks under tensile and shear loading

The problem of a subsurface crack parallel and close to the surface of a semi-infinite medium was studied by dislocation modeling and finite element analysis. The loading is applied over the surface of the semi-infinite medium. For tensile loading the dislocation model gives the same result as the finite element method. For shear loading, the crack faces penetrate each other for the traction free crack surfaces. Using the ABAQUS code and the 'interface' or 'gap' elements over the crack faces, the overlap problem was avoided. It is found that one end of the crack is closed and the other is open and the Mode II stress intensity factor at the closed crack tip is larger than that at the open tip. All the stress instensity factors increase as the subsurface crack approaches the surface.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Adenosine transporters in vascular smooth muscle and endothelium: Multiple [3H]Nitrobenzylthioinosine binding sites in human umbilical vein endothelium

Cultured vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells may be useful models for studying the cardiovascular adenosine transport system and metabolism. We have quantified the nucleoside transporter elements of cultured primate vascular smooth muscle, bovine aortic endothelial, and human umbilical vein endothelial cells by radioligand binding and by using membrane preparations of these cells and the nucleoside transporter probe nitrobenzylthioinosine ([3H]NBMPR), a potent and tightly bound inhibitor of nucleoside transport. The binding was rapid, reversible, saturable, and site-specific. Scatchard analysis of the saturation data showed that [3H]NBMPR bound to high and low affinity binding sites in human umbilical vein endothelial cell membranes with apparent binding affinities (KD) of 0.093±0.01 nM 1.92±0.1 nM, and binding site densities (Bmax values) of 13.48±1.2 and 69+5.3 fmol/mg protein, respectively. In contrast, the binding to primate vascular smooth muscle and bovine aortic endothelial cell membranes occurred to an apparently high affinity single class of binding sites at which the KD was 1.4±0.3nM and 0.28±0.05nM, respectively, and which had Bmax values of 1,977±163 and 1,284±267 fmol/mg protein, respectively. Scatchard analysis of the binding inhibition by dipyridamole showed a mixed type inhibition, while NBMPR inhibited the binding competitively. Several recognized nucleoside transport inhibitors and vasodilators inhibited the binding with an order of potency similar to that observed for the inhibition of [3H]NBMPR binding to guinea pig cardiac membranes.
Individual differences in anhedonic and accumbal dopamine responses to chronic social stress and their link to cocaine self-administration in female rats

Women are twice as likely as men to develop major depressive disorder. Exposure to chronic stress can induce depression in some vulnerable individuals, while others are resistant to depressive-like symptoms after equivalent levels of chronic stress. In female rats, individual differences in saccharin intake during chronic social defeat stress may predict subsequent cocaine self-administration, and may be attributed to alterations in mesolimbic dopamine activity. Female rats were exposed to 21 days of chronic social defeat stress, during which they were evaluated for their anhedonia-like responses in the form of saccharin intake. After chronic social defeat stress, the rats were tested for behavioral cross-sensitization to cocaine and escalated cocaine self-administration in a 24-h “binge.” A separate group of animals underwent in vivo microdialysis of the nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell to assess dopamine (DA) in response to acute cocaine challenge. Cluster analysis revealed two phenotypes among the stressed female rats based on their saccharin intake while being exposed to stress, termed stress-resistant (SR, 28 %) and stress-sensitive (SS, 72 %). The amount of cocaine self-administered during the 24-h “binge” was positively correlated with preceding saccharin intake. The NAc DA response to a cocaine challenge was significantly lower in SR rats than in the SS and non-stressed control rats. No other significant differences were observed in behavioral cross-sensitization or cocaine self-administration prior to the “binge.” Female rats showed individual differences in their anhedonic-like response to chronic social defeat stress, and these differences were reliably associated with subsequent cocaine-taking behavior.
Roles of Terminology, Experience, and Energy Concepts in Student Conceptions of "Freezing" and "Boiling".

A discussion of some student conceptions of the solid–liquid and liquid–vapor phase transitions is presented. Data from open-ended, short-answer questions were collected from first-semester general chemistry students and then discussed in the context of previous studies. The responses gave insight into the various student conceptions about these phase changes. Student misunderstandings were most often related to (i) contextual difficulties with the terms freezing and boiling associated with their lack of experience with different substances, (ii) misinterpretation of physical and chemical phenomena, either from everyday experience or classroom demonstrations, and (iii) the inability to understand energy transfer processes. Specific implications for the teaching of topics related to freezing and boiling are also addressed.
The language of classifying in introductory science texts

Abstract This paper explores the syntactic, lexical, and graphical features of classifying, as they appear in two university-level introductory science texts; one in biology (Starr, 1991) and one in chemistry (Hein, 1993). It begins with a few observations on the role, or functions, of classifying. In addition, it will briefly examine the concept of classifying and its development in Western thought, especially as it bears on our analysis of introductory science texts. This section will also contain a short treatment of induction and deduction, which is central to the classifying process. It also explores the graphical representation of classifications, especially in classification trees, sentence lists, and pictures. The article also looks at several other markers and features of classifying, including: plurals, relaters, and quantifiers. It closes with a section on problems in classifying, both for learning and teaching, for both native- and non-native speakers.
Silane decorated metallic nanorods for hydrophobic applications

Abstract A novel technique to modify a metallic surface for anti-icing applications is presented. An oblique angle deposition (OAD) technique has been used to fabricate metallic nanorods of Aluminum and Tungsten on a glass substrate. A conformal coating of a silane has been applied using a molecular vapor deposition technique. The resulting surface has shown a static contact angle of 134° with the water droplet. SEM, AFM and XPS have been used to study the surface modification. This is a highly promising approach for anti-icing applications due to its scalability at a very low cost.
Selection of photocatalytic bactericidal titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles for food safety applications

Abstract The main objective of this study was to develop a systematic testing protocol for selecting bactericidal TiO 2 nanoparticles (NPs). Photocatalytic bactericidal activity of TiO 2 NPs at 1 mg/mL concentration was tested against Escherichia coli O157:H7. The effect of source of NPs (three different commercial samples referred as T1, T2 and T3), bacterial cell wash conditions (1 vs 3 wash), volume of reaction mixture (10, 20 and 30 mL) and intensity of UVA light (1 vs 2 mW/cm 2 ) on bactericidal activity has been determined. Sample T3 was found to be the most effective among the tested TiO 2 samples. Increasing the number of cell washes from 1 to 3 increased the log reduction (2.91 vs 4.57). Increasing the light intensity increased the overall log reduction (3.27 vs 4.22). Decreasing the volume of reaction mixture increased the log reduction. This study has identified the best testing protocol for evaluating TiO 2 NP bactericidal efficacy as single wash of bacterial cells with a reaction mixture volume of 20 mL and UVA light intensity of 2 mW/cm 2 . In addition, it was found that photocatalytic oxidation of organic dyes can be used a quick and easier way to screen bactericidal TiO 2 NPs prior to actual microbiological tests.
Who's pro-choice and why.

Abstract In the United States, women and men have had roughly the same attitudes on abortion for decades. This seems strange, since the costs of an unplanned conception can be much greater for women. But they may be greatest for women most at risk—for single women of reproductive age—and for their families. Results of a telephone survey in and around Ann Arbor, Michigan, show that unmarried women between menarche and menopause are more likely to express pro-choice opinions, to vote for pro-choice candidates for public office, and to spend time or money on pro-choice activities. So are their grandparents, parents, and siblings. Results of a state-by-state comparison of governors' and legislatures' positions on abortion suggest that both are more pro-choice as the proportion of women at risk goes up. Perhaps even more important, legal restrictions on abortion, requiring parental notice or consent, and reducing the availability of public funding, are more common in states with lower proportions of single, reproductive-aged women.
Screening the Psychological Laboratory: Hugo Münsterberg, Psychotechnics, and the Cinema, 1892-1916

ARGUMENT According to Hugo Munsterberg, the direct application of experimental psychology to the practical problems of education, law, industry, and art belonged by definition to the domain of psychotechnics. Whether in the form of pedagogical prescription, interrogation technique, hiring practice, or aesthetic principle, the psychotechnical method implied bringing the psychological laboratory to bear on everyday life. There were, however, significant pitfalls to leaving behind the putative purity of the early psychological laboratory in pursuit of technological utility. In the Vocation Bureau, for example, psychological instruments were often deemed too intimidating for a public unfamiliar with the inner workings of experimental science. Similarly, when psychotechnical means were employed by big business in screening job candidates, ethical red flags were raised about this new alliance between science and capital. This tension was particularly evident in Munsterberg's collaboration with the Paramount Pictures Corporation in 1916. In translating psychological tests into short experimental films, Munsterberg not only envisioned a new mass medium for the dissemination of psychotechnics, but a means by which to initiate the masses into the culture of experimental psychology.
Long-term dichogamy of 80 pecan cultivars

Abstract Data are presented on dates of pollen shed and pistil receptivity for up to 16 years for 80 pecan (Carya illinoensis (Wangenh.) C. Koch) cultivars and selections grown at Tifton, GA, USA. The data are useful for matching cultivars for optimum cross-pollination and minimum self-pollination. Pollination and pistil receptivity dates relative to the industry standard cultivar ‘Stuart’ are given so that the data should be useful at most geographical locations. Mean number of days of overlap of pistil receptivity and pollen shed ranged from 0 to 8 and varied greatly within a cultivar. Dates of pollen shed and pistil receptivity relative to ‘Stuart’ also varied greatly thus indicating that several pollinator cultivars are needed to ensure good cross-pollination every year. The data indicate that actual pollen release and pistil receptivity dates are more important in selecting pollinator cultivars than type of dichogamy.
Evaluation of bridge foundations by impulse response methods

This paper summarizes the results of a series of impulse response tests on inaccessible drilled shafts constructed at the National Geotechnical Experimentation Site (NGES) at Northwestern University. The drilled shafts are 610 to 910 mm in diameter and 12 to 27 m long, and are covered by pile caps up to 1.5 m thick. Results of tests on drilled shafts obscured by the pile caps have shown that useful information can be obtained below a 'cutoff frequency' which is defined by the propagation velocity and the geometries of the intervening structure and the deep foundation. An extension of the conventional impulse response method using multiple geophones is described which makes interpretation of responses from the foundation easier by minimizing the effects of surface waves on the processed signals. Superposing the velocity responses from each geophone allows the reflections from the deep foundation to be more easily identified.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Contentsintroductioncurrent Concepts in the Etiology and Treatment of Primary Dysmenorrhea

Primary dysmenorrhea may affect as many as 40 percent of all adult women, temporarily disabling one-tenth of them. The etiology of this condition may be related to excess production of prostaglandins by the endometrium following decline in progesterone levels consequent to corpus luteum regression. It is proposed that increased prostaglandin levels produce increased myometrial contractility and uterine ischemia and sensitization of pain fibers, resulting in pelvic pain. Administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents which block the cyclooxygenase enzyme of the arachidonic acid cascade is an effective treatment for primary dysmenorrhea, as is oral contraceptive therapy. Criteria for an ideal prostaglandin synthetase inhibitor are described.
Field Distribution Models of Spiral Coil for Misalignment Analysis in Wireless Power Transfer Systems

This paper presents design and optimization methods for spiral coils utilized for wireless power transfer in wireless medical implant applications. A theoretical model was examined for near-field distributions of spiral-type transmitter antennas in both orthogonal components. Finite-element simulations were performed to verify the theoretical radiation patterns. Receiver antenna voltages were measured at planes of interest as a means to map field distributions. Theoretical, simulation, and experimental results were conducted in free space and they agreed well. Understanding the orthogonal field components and their distributions in various distances between the worn transmitter coil outside the body and the receiver coil of implant that has a much smaller size provides a means to find the optimal location and angle to harvest maximum energy. The analysis method for near-field wireless power transmission can be utilized to determine design strategies of the transmitter spiral coil with considerations also in the amplifier circuit and physical constraints in practical scenarios to obtain maximum power and link efficiency for the implant devices. The method can be extended to investigate field distributions affected by human tissues, which construct a much more complex environment, and will be conducted in future works.
A semantic-driven synthesis flow for platform-based design

In this work, we propose a semantics-driven synthesis flow, in which the semantics and the abstraction level are determined formally by using the concept of a common modeling domain between functionality and architecture. By doing so, a formal synthesis procedure can be defined and algorithms for automatic optimal mapping derived.
Reassessment of the role of induction chemotherapy for head and neck cancer

Summary Head and neck cancers are a complex group of diseases defined by variations in histological features, anatomical location, and cause. Once the realm of surgeons and radiation oncologists, the treatment of locally advanced disease now involves medical oncologists. Major developments include primary chemoradiotherapy for unresectable disease and organ preservation, the addition of chemotherapy to adjuvant radiotherapy, improvement in surgical and radiation techniques, and biological therapies. Concomitant chemoradiotherapy consistently improves locoregional control. However, control of distant metastases is poor, resulting in an increasing proportion of deaths from systemic recurrence. Given this shift in site of recurrence, therapeutic strategies to suppress distant metastases may be the next goal for further improvement of survival. One approach that merits reassessment is the use of induction chemotherapy in the setting of locally advanced disease—both resectable and unresectable. In this review we summarise data for the use of induction chemotherapy to define better which patients will likely benefit from this approach now and which questions are important in the design of future clinical trials.