cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Role of Spinel Oxides in the Oxidation of Iron and Its Alloys

Alloying elements in iron may decrease the rate of oxidation by lowering the composition range of wustite or by eliminating it as a stable phase in the presence of the alloy and spinel phases. Additional protection may be obtained if the alloying element lowers the range of defect concentration in the spinel phase or decreases the ion mobilities. A sufficiently great decrease in mobilities of the cations may lead to anion control of the spinel growth rates. A working hypothesis to be used as a guide to diffusion studies in spinels is presented. Par leur action inhibitrice sur la largeur de la phase wustite, les elements allies au fer peuvent provoquer un abaissement de la vitesse d'oxydation; de meme, au cours du processus d'alliage et de la phase spinel en particulier, ils sont susceptibles de rendre le fer chimiquement instable. Une protection ulterieure efficace contre la corrosion ne peut des lors etre atteinte que si l'element additionne au fer contribue, ou bien a abaisser la densite en defectuosites au cours de la phase spinel, ou bien a freiner la mobilite des ions. En diminuant suffisamment fortement la mobilite des cations, on peut arriver a ce que la vitesse de croissance du spinel depende essentiellement de la mobilite de l'anion. On en deduit une hypothese de travail permettant de guider le chercheur dans l'etude des phenomenes de diffusion dans les spinels.
Numerical Simulations of BVPs and IVPs in Fiber Spinning Using Giesekus Constitutive Model in hpk Framework

This paper presents numerical simulations of 1-D boundary value problems (BVPs) and initial value problems (IVPs) in fiber spinning using Giesekus constitutive model in hpk mathematical and computational framework with variationally consistent (VC) and space-time variationally consistent (STVC) integral forms. In hpk framework, h, the characteristic length, p, the degree of local approximations, k, the order of the approximation space in space as well as space and time, are independent variables in all finite element (FE) computational processes as opposed to h and p in currently used FE processes. k, the order of the approximation space, allows higher order global differentiability local approximations in space as well as in time that are necessitated by the mathematical models and the higher order global differentiability features of the theoretical solutions. VC integral forms for the BVPs and STVC integral forms for IVPs yield unconditionally stable computational processes. It is shown that for 1-D BV...
RECONSTRUCTION OF THE FEEDING APPARATUS IN PLOEOTIA COSTATA (EUGLENOPHYTA) AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER EUGLENOID FEEDING APPARATUSES

The ultrastructure of the feeding apparatus in Ploeotia costata Farmer and Triemer was determined and compared to other euglenoid feeding apparatuses. The feeding apparatus opened subapically onto the ventral surface and extended nearly the entire length of the cell. It consisted of four parts at the anterior surface: a comb, cytostome/pocket, vanes, and supporting rods. The comb was a multilayered structure of three horizontal microtubular rows encased in cement and formed the dorsal lip of the apparatus. The cytostome/pocket was located between the comb and the supporting rods, tapered into the cell as the cytopharynx and was surrounded by five vanes. The electron-opaque vanes extended the entire length of the feeding apparatus and were lined with microtubules for most of their length. Finally, two cement supporting rods that were joined by a crosspiece at the anterior end formed the ventral lip. The rods separated briefly before merging with the vanes. As the merged rods and vanes descended into the cell, they gradually narrowed and terminated. Comparisons of the feeding apparatus with Ploeotia vitrea, Diplonema ambulator, Lentomonas applanatum, and other euglenoids have led to the conclusion that the Type II feeding apparatus is found only in Ploeotia species.
A bound on null functions for digital imaging systems with positivity constraints.

There is an upper bound for the L1 norm of the difference of two nonnegative object functions when they both produce the same data in a digital imaging system. This bound is achieved for a certain class of systems and an arbitrary nonnegative object. For the L2 norm of the difference, with the same conditions on the object functions, there is no upper bound.
Anomalous scattering and invisible bodies in the Rayleigh-Gans approximation

We show that when the Rayleigh-Gans approximation is valid, a sharp backward peak in the angular distribution always accompanies scattering cross sections that are proportional to k8. The physical significance of this result is discussed.
Diagnosis of moisture damage in asphalt pavements

One of the most common modes of premature failure of asphalt pavements is water damage. Moisture damage in hot-mix asphalt (HMA) pavements occurs when water infiltrates the pavement system, causing premature failure of hot-mix asphalt pavements, primarily through loss of adhesion between the asphalt binder and the aggregates. Loss of adhesion can lead to stripping of the asphalt film from the aggregate and raveling, where aggregates are dislodged from the pavement. The laboratory testing procedures currently available for testing HMA moisture susceptibility were primarily developed to determine the degree of resistance to moisture damage by a particular combination of asphalt and aggregate as well as compare mixes composed of different types and quantities of aggregate. These methods are all based on destructive testing. There is currently a need for innovative nondestructive testing technologies that can be used to identify and isolate the effects of water damage in mixtures. As a first step in the development of a non-destructive method to test HMA pavements, modal hammer tests were conducted on several test specimens of fine and coarse grained granite-based mixes commonly used by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). The results of the testing indicate that there is a large frequency shift in the transfer function measurements for the damaged samples compared to the undamaged samples. The results imply that modal hammer testing may be used as a method to characterize the health of HMA pavements.
Evidence of tumor heterogeneity in cervical cancers and lymph node metastases as determined by flow cytometry.

BACKGROUND: The incidence and significance of tumor heterogeneity in primary tumors and metastatic lymph nodes were investigated in Stage IB-IIA cervical cancers. METHODS: Paraffin-embedded tissues from 96 radical hysterectomy specimens were dewaxed, disaggregated, and subjected to dual parameter flow cytometry. Three-dimensional histograms were generated to delineate different tumor populations. A DNA index difference of at least +/- 0.15 was used to define tumor heterogeneity. RESULTS: Mean DNA index difference of various tumor populations was 0.29 +/- 0.13. Among 69 patients with normal lymph nodes, there were 12 patients (incidence, 17.4%) with tumor heterogeneity in the primary tumors. Of 27 patients with metastatic lymph nodes, 5 (incidence, 18.5%) had evidence of tumor heterogeneity in the primary tumor, and 18 of 47 (incidence, 38.3%) had tumor heterogeneity in metastatic lymph nodes. When using DNA index to determine clonal origin of metastatic lymph nodes, as many as 60% of the metastases could not be traced to the primary tumor. Tumor heterogeneity was associated with a 40% reduction in median survival time. However, because of the small number of patients with tumor heterogeneity, statistical analyses did not show prognostic significance. CONCLUSIONS: Tumor heterogeneity appeared to be a common characteristic of early cervical carcinoma. Additional study is needed to fully evaluate its prognostic value.
Biological Response to Bard Clamshell Septal Occluders in the Canine Heart

Background The Clamshell Septal Occluder has been used to close various congenital heart defects. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term biological response to this device after placement in the canine heart. Previous in vivo studies with device placement were limited to 60 days. Methods and Results An atrial septal defect was created in dogs by blade septostomy followed by balloon dilation. Both old and new (redesigned) devices were placed. Angiographic follow-up was performed at 1, 3, and 6 months and 1 and 2 years after device placement with groups of dogs euthanitized at the same intervals. Gross and microscopic assessment was done on the explanted devices. The implants were covered at least 50% by neointima at 1 month and covered completely by 3 months. There was no thrombus formation. Areas of focal hemorrhage were evident at 1 month and were not present at 3 months. The fibrous capsule that covered the device became more densely organized and neovascularized by 2 years. A focal foreign body reaction at the device-tissue interface persisted for 2 years. There were no arm fractures with either the old or new devices in these dogs. Conclusions The Bard Clamshell Septal Occluder is well tolerated in the canine heart for at least 2 years and elicits a normal healing process.
Scheduling stochastic jobs with increasing hazard rate on identical parallel machines

We consider a discrete time model of m identical machines operating in parallel to complete a collection of jobs. The processing times of the jobs are independent, identically distributed discrete random variables having increasing hazard rate. The jobs may have received different amounts of prior processing. A reward βt, 0 < β < 1, is acquired when a job is finished at time t. We show that a non-preemptive SEPT (Shortest Expected Processing Time) strategy maximizes the expected total reward among all possible policies. We show that SEPT strategy is still optimal for several generalizations of this problem scenario.
THERMISTOR-PNEUMOCARDIOGRAMS: PREDICTIVE VALUE IN INFANT APNEA

Controversy exists as to whether initial evaluation of the infant with apnea is predictive of future apneic episodes. To determine if thermistor-pneumocardiograms were predictive of future apnea, 53 children who presented with infantile apnea were studied and home monitored. Twenty-one (39.6%) had normal initial studies. Thirty-two (60.4%) children were selected on the basis of both initially abnormal thermistor study and at least one subsequent abnormal home pneumocardiogram. The two groups were matched for birthweight (2.76 ± .2 SEM kg vs. 2.75 ± .2 SEM kg) and GA (36.6 ± 1.1 SEM wks vs. 37.1 ± 0.7 SEM wks). Abnormalities seen on recording were: prolonged central apnea-13, excessive periodic breathing (>5%)-11, mixed apnea-4, obstructive apnea-3. All infants had home pneumocardiograms performed a 2-3 mo. intervals. In the group with normal initial studies, all subsequent pneumocardiograms were normal. The infants with abnormal initial studies had a mean of 1.7 ± .2 SEM abnormal follow-up studies (R 1-5). Of the infants with normal studies, 2/21 (9.5%) had further episodes of apnea detected by monitor at home; both were self-revived. In the babies with abnormal initial study and abnormal home pneumogram, 15/32 (46.9%) had further apnea (p< .005). Five infants (15.6%) required vigorous stimulation and three were hospitalized. Infants in the normal group were monitored until 24.8 ± 1.8 SEM wks of age compared to 33.7 ± 2.3 SEM wks (p< .005) in the group with abnormal studies. These results suggest that children with abnormal initial thermistor-pneumocardiograms who continue to show respiratory abnormalities on home pneumograms are highly likely to have significant clinical apnea. Home monitoring is warranted until all studies are normal.
Relationship between virulence and immunity as revealed in recent studies of the F1 capsule of Yersinia pestis

Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague, possesses multiple virulence determinants encoded on its three plasmids and on its chromosome. We evaluated the role of the protein capsule F1 in virulence an immunity against plague. Strains lacking F1, either those that are naturally occurring or those with genetically defined nonpolar mutations in the structural gene, retained their virulence for mice and nonhuman primates. However, both active immunization with F1, from either a recombinant vector or Y. pestis, and passive immunization with F1 monoclonal antibody protected mice from experimental infection with wild-type F1-positive organisms. These results suggest that protective immunogens like F1 need not be essential for virulence. The rare isolation of virulent F1-negative organisms from F1-immunized animals infected with F1-positive strains supports this conclusion and also suggests that, in addition to F1, an optimal vaccine against plague should include essential virulence factors as immunogens.
Expected inflation and unemployment: The IS-LM paradigm extended

This paper has led to several results. In contrast to previous writings on the subject, this analysis has allowed the onset of expected inflation to affect both the level of expected money wages and the money market. Heretofore, attention has been restricted to the money market. In the formal analysis it was shown that whether output rises or falls is independent of the “real” sector of the IS-LM paradigm — something not evident in previous discussion. Finally, the analysis and conclusions are readily translated into the case of a reduction in the expected rate of inflation when excess unemployment exists, a question of equal policy significance.
Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Scaffolds for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

The influence of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) architectures for facilitating charge transport in mesoscopic semiconductor films has been probed using a TiO2/Ru(II) trisbipyridyl complex system. Both transient absorption and emission measurements indicate that the SWCNT network in the film has no noticeable influence on the charge injection process from the excited Ru(II) trisbipyridyl complex into TiO2 particles. However, it plays an important role in improving the charge separation, as the rate of back electron transfer between the oxidized sensitizer (Ru(III)) and the injected electrons becomes slower in the presence of the SWCNT scaffold. The beneficial aspect of charge collection by SWCNT has been further explored by carrying out photoelectrochemical measurements. The dye-sensitized solar cells constructed using this SWCNT scaffold show an improvement in the photocurrent generation. However, this improvement in photocurrent generation is neutralized by a lower photovoltage as the apparent Fer...
Genomic Footprinting of Mig1p in the MAL62 Promoter BINDING IS DEPENDENT UPON CARBON SOURCE AND COMPETITIVE WITH THE Mal63p ACTIVATOR

Mig1p inhibits gene expression in glucose by binding the Cyc8p (Ssn6p)-Tup1p repressor to the promoter of glucose-repressible genes. While the binding properties of Mig1p have been studied in vitro and the ability of Mig1p-Cyc8p (Ssn6p)-Tup1p to repress has been studied in vivo, no experiments have measured the effect of a carbon source on the in vivo binding of Mig1p or the effect of bound MIg1p on activator occupancy of the upstream activation sequence (UAS). To obtain this information, we used genomic footprinting to investigate glucose repression of MAL62, a gene that is also regulated by the Mal63p activator. These experiments show that two interrelated mechanisms are involved in the glucose repression of MAL62: 1) competition between the Mal63p activator and Mig1p for DNA binding and 2) modulation of Mig1p binding by the carbon source. Mig1p affects basal MAL62 expression in the absence of Mal63p by binding to a site in the MAL62 promoter and affects Mal63p-dependent synthesis by also inhibiting the access of Mal63p to site 1 in the UASMAL. The binding of Mig1p is increased in glucose and decreased in nonrepressing sugars, but the increased binding in glucose is not due to an increase in the levels of Mig1p.
Isolation and partial characterization of a soluble oncofetal antigen from murine and human amniotic fluids

A soluble (cell-free) oncofetal antigen (OFA) was detected in murine and human amniotic fluids by immunostaining with the murine monoclonal antibody (MAb 115) produced by syngeneic immunization with mid-gestational mouse fetal cells. OFA was purified from the amniotic fluids by ammonium sulfate precipitation at 30-70% saturation, followed by successive gel chromatography of the OFA-containing fraction on Sephacryl-S300 HR, Q- and S-Sepharoses and lentil lectin agarose. The fraction eluted from the lentil lectin column gave a single band on SDS-PAGE of the same molecular weight as the membrane-bound OFA found on both fetal and tumor tissues of humans and several rodents. Both soluble and membrane-bound OFAs share several chemical characteristics, including binding to lentil lectin and wheat-germ agglutinin, molecular weight (44 kDa) and pI (6.8). Mild periodate oxidation of OFA did not affect its binding to MAb 115 in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, indicating that the reactive epitope is a peptide.
Coating particles by chemical vapor deposition in fluidized bed reactors

Abstract A technique to deposit a thin, adherent, uniformly dispersed coating onto the individual particles in a batch of granular or powdered material is described. We have been able to apply successfully a number of coatings to a variety of particulate materials using a fluidized-bed chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technique. By means of this technique we used tri-isobutylaluminum to apply adherent coatings of aluminum on powdered mica and powdered nickel. The powdered mica was also coated with titanium in a fluidized bed reactor in which titanium precursors were generated in situ by the reaction between HCl and metallic titanium. Post treatment of the titanium coated mica with ammonia produced agglomerates coated with TiN. These systems demonstrate the potential utility of the fluidized bed reactor for depositing a variety of coatings onto metallic and non-metallic dispersed materials. Preparation of such coated powders is likely to be valuable in a variety of industrial applications, such as the manufacture of composite structures.
Formation of the tetranuclear, tetrakis-terminal-imido Mn4IV(NtBu)8 cubane cluster by four-electron reductive elimination of tBuNNtBu. The role of the s-block ion in stabilization of high-oxidation state intermediates

Mn4IV(μ3-NtBu)4(NtBu)4 is obtained from a previously reported asymmetric MnIV/V–Li–(NR)(N) cluster by the removal of Li from the starting cluster by ion metathesis, which triggers reductive elimination of azo-tert-butane to give a tetranuclear heterocubane cluster.
A SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF SECTORAL VARIATIONS IN RETURNS TO EXTERNAL SCALE

This paper reports results of spatially explicit analyses of external scale effects across a variety of sectors, including manufacturing. Using data from New England counties, earnings are found to exhibit increasing returns to urbanization in every sector. Returns to sectoral localization are mixed, however, with increasing returns in one sector, constant returns in five sectors, and decreasing returns in two sectors. External scale effects are fairly confined in their spatial extent, with only retailing and services particularly marked by spillover effects from neighboring counties.
Potential contribution of sulfate production in cumulus cloud droplets to ground level particle sulfur concentrations

Abstract The relationships have been examined between the presence or absence of cumulus clouds and 3rd quarter fine particle sulfur concentrations in St Louis. An association between the presence of cumulus clouds with SO2 conversions in droplets and incrementally higher fine particle sulfur concentrations can be demonstrated. However, diurnal patterns of fine particle sulfur concentrations in the presence of cumulus clouds are not consistent with local contributions from sulfate formation in cumulus clouds. Morning fog often occurs on the same days on which cumulus clouds form later. Reactions of SO2 in fog droplets appear to make a contribution, but do not account for the major part of the increments in fine particle sulfur concentrations associated with cumulus clouds. The variations in fine particle sulfur concentrations observed can be explained if a substantial part of the sulfate formed in cumulus is transported upwards from the planetary boundary layer into the lower free troposphere. Subsequent multiday regional scale horizontal transport with concurrent gradual vertical transport of sulfate down to the surface would be consistent with the observed results.
Asthma pharmacogenetics and the development of genetic profiles for personalized medicine

Human genetics research will be critical to the development of genetic profiles for personalized or precision medicine in asthma. Genetic profiles will consist of gene variants that predict individual disease susceptibility and risk for progression, predict which pharmacologic therapies will result in a maximal therapeutic benefit, and predict whether a therapy will result in an adverse response and should be avoided in a given individual. Pharmacogenetic studies of the glucocorticoid, leukotriene, and β2-adrenergic receptor pathways have focused on candidate genes within these pathways and, in addition to a small number of genome-wide association studies, have identified genetic loci associated with therapeutic responsiveness. This review summarizes these pharmacogenetic discoveries and the future of genetic profiles for personalized medicine in asthma. The benefit of a personalized, tailored approach to health care delivery is needed in the development of expensive biologic drugs directed at a specific biologic pathway. Prior pharmacogenetic discoveries, in combination with additional variants identified in future studies, will form the basis for future genetic profiles for personalized tailored approaches to maximize therapeutic benefit for an individual asthmatic while minimizing the risk for adverse events.
Response of Cylindrical Composite Structures to Underwater Impulsive Loading

Abstract The response of cylindrical composite structures subjected to underwater impulsive loads is analyzed. The analysis focuses on the effect of varying structural attributes and material properties on load-carrying capacity, deflection, energy dissipation and damage. The structural designs studied are monolithic composite structures, and sandwich structures with foam cores of different relative densities and different radii. Underwater impulsive loads are generated using a novel experimental setup, and deflection and core compression are characterized using high-speed digital imaging. The experiments are supported by fully dynamic 3D numerical calculations which account for fluid-structure interactions and damage and failure mechanisms in the materials. For the same applied impulse, the monolithic cylindrical sections experience significant warping, delamination and cracking, while sandwich structures experience significantly lower damage. In sandwich structures, as the core density increases, the transmitted impulse and overall damage also increase. Deflection and warping in the impulsively loaded region are influenced by the radius of curvature and material orientation. Results show that cylindrical sandwich structures have superior blast-resistance than cylindrical monolithic structures of equal mass with only relatively minor increases in wall thickness. The experiments, computations and structure-performance relations offer approaches for improving the blast mitigation capabilities of cylindrical composite sections in critical parts of a ship structure like the keel, hull and pipes.
Crossing matrices and Thurston's normal form for braids

Abstract In this paper we study the relation between positive braids, their canonical normal forms and their crossing matrices. We characterize positive braids of canonical length at most 2 by their crossing matrices, but prove that for length 3 or larger this is no longer true. We characterize matrices which can be crossing matrices of braids with canonical length at most 2, answering a question by Elrifai and Morton.
Squamous cell carcinoma arising in pemphigus vulgaris during immunosuppressive therapy

A rapidly growing squamous cell carcinoma developed in an area of active pemphigus vulgaris on the cheek of a 45-year-old woman during treatment with prednisone and cyclophosphamide. This is the first reported case of this phenomenon. The roles of solar and drug carcinogenesis, autoimmunity, and immunosuppression in the pathogenesis of this tumor are discussed.
Mapping of ischemic myocardium by surface pH determinations

Abstract The myocardial surface pH technique was used to evaluate regional myocardial ischemia in 19 dogs. Significant differences in both the beating and fibrillating heart were documented between ischemic and nonischemic myocardium and, in most animals, transitional areas of ischemia were documented. In addition, a reasonable correlation, particularly in the most ischemic areas, was documented between Δ MpH and Δ ST segment by surface ECG. These results suggest that the extent of an area of acute myocardial ischemia may be defined by surface pH measurements.
Fabricating three dimensional nanostructures using two photon lithography in a single exposure step

Conformable phase masks, transparent photopolymers and two photon effects provide the basis for a simple, parallel lithographic technique that can form complex, but well defined three dimensional (3D) nanostructures in a single exposure step. This paper describes the method, presents examples of its ability to form 3D nanostructures (including free standing particles with controlled shapes) and comprehensive modeling of the associated optics. Single step, large area 3D pattern definition, sub-wavelength resolution and experimental simplicity represent features that make this method potentially useful for applications in photonics, biotechnology and other areas.
The effects of conformity, information, and confidence upon subjects' willingness to take risk following a group discussion

Abstract An attempt was made to influence the risk preferences of subjects on the Choice Dilemma Questionnaire by manipulating the content of video-recorded group discussions to which they were exposed. These group discussions differed in terms of the number of group members who espoused either risky or cautious arguments. Where all three group members argued in terms of caution there was a significant shift toward caution. There was a tendency for a shift toward risk to occur wherever at least one group member espoused risky arguments. A strong subject conformity effect was found, expressed as a linear trend for subjects to take increased risk as the proportion of subjects arguing in terms of risk increased. There was also an effect due to the level of initial riskiness of the subjects' scores over conditions. Increased certainty of judgment was found in all conditions following exposure to the taped discussion. The results were found to conflict with the risk as a value hypothesis and were interpreted within the confines of social conformity theory.
Recovery of materials impacted at high velocity

Abstract Hypervelocity impact can produce unique effects in materials, including crystal structures, microstructures, and properties. Examples include impact-driven shock waves to synthesize novel materials 1 mm and 1 μm thin shocked to pressures up to 100 GPa (1 Mbar), preferential crystallographic alignment achieved by taking account the shape and size of powder particles, and high-pressure phase transitions quenched in geological materials. Thin speciments are used to performed by the highest quench rates. Methods are described which show that the experiments can be performed by precooling or preheating specimens in the range -170° to +1000° C. Calculational results for the quartz experiments show the importance of computational simulations to determine the pressure history in the specimen.
Modulation of network behaviour by changes in variance in interneuronal properties

Interneurones are important regulators of neuronal networks. The conventional approach to interneurones is to focus on the mean values of various parameters. Here we tested the hypothesis that changes in the variance of interneuronal properties (e.g. in the degree of scattering of parameter values of individual cells around the population mean) may modify the behaviour of networks. Biophysically based multicompartmental models of principal cells and interneurones showed that changes in the variance in the electrophysiological and anatomical properties of interneurones significantly alter the input-output functions, rhythmicity and synchrony of principal cells, even if the mean values were unchanged. In most cases, increased heterogeneity in interneurones resulted in stronger inhibition of principal cell firing; however, there were parameter ranges where increased interneuronal variance decreased the inhibition of principal cells. Electrophysiological recordings showed that the variance in the resting membrane potential of CA1 stratum oriens interneurones persistently increased following experimental complex febrile seizures in developing rats, without a change in the mean resting membrane potential, indicating that lasting alterations in interneuronal heterogeneity can take place in real neuronal systems. These computational and experimental data demonstrate that modifications in interneuronal population variance influence the behaviour of neuronal networks, and suggest a physiological role for interneuronal diversity. Furthermore, the results indicate that interneuronal heterogeneity can change in neurological diseases, and raise the possibility that neuromodulators may act by regulating the variance of key parameters in interneuronal populations.
Musculoskeletal Pain, Self-reported Physical Function, and Quality of Life in the Teen-Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery (Teen-LABS) Cohort

Importance Obesity is associated with chronic musculoskeletal pain and is a risk factor for disability and osteoarthritis. Objectives To describe the prevalence, sites, and intensity of musculoskeletal pain in adolescents with severe obesity; to evaluate associations between musculoskeletal pain and self-reported physical function as well as weight-related quality of life; and to evaluate the association between musculoskeletal pain and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level. Design, Setting, and Participants Teen–Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery (Teen-LABS) is a prospective, observational study that collects standardized data on adolescents undergoing weight loss surgery at 5 US centers. We examined baseline data from this cohort between February 28, 2007, and December 30, 2011. We excluded adolescents with Blount disease and slipped capital femoral epiphyses. A total of 233 participants were included in these analyses. Main Outcomes and Measures We assessed musculoskeletal pain and pain intensity of the lower back, hips, knees, and ankles/feet using the visual analog scale, categorizing musculoskeletal pain into lower back pain, lower extremity (hips, knees, and feet/ankles combined) pain, and no pain. We assessed self-reported physical function status with the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index and assessed weight-related quality of life with the Impact of Weight on Quality of Life–Kids measure. We adjusted for sex, race, age at surgery, body mass index (BMI; calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared), and clinical depressive symptoms in regression analyses. Results Among the 233 participants, the mean (SD) age at surgery was 17.1 (1.56) years and the median BMI was 50.4. Participants were predominantly female (77%), white (73%), and non-Hispanic (93%). Among the participants, 49% had poor functional status and 76% had musculoskeletal pain. Lower back pain was prevalent (63%), followed by ankle/foot (53%), knee (49%), and hip (31%) pain; 26% had pain at all 4 sites. In adjusted analyses, compared with pain-free participants, those reporting lower extremity pain had greater odds of having poor physical function according to scores on the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (odds ratio = 2.82; 95% CI, 1.35 to 5.88; P P P Conclusions and Relevance Adolescents with severe obesity have musculoskeletal pain that limits their physical function and quality of life. Longitudinal follow-up will reveal whether weight loss surgery reverses pain and physical functional limitations and improves quality of life.
The role of 3-dimensional mapping biopsy in decision making for treatment of apparent early stage prostate cancer.

Purpose: We determined the impact of a grid based, transperineal 3-dimensional mapping biopsy on decision making for primary management of early stage prostate cancer.Materials and Methods: We prospectively performed 3-dimensional mapping biopsy on 180 consecutive men who presented to our clinic between 2006 and 2009 with early stage, organ confined prostate cancer based on transrectal ultrasound guided 10 to 12-core biopsy, and on 35 with prior negative transrectal ultrasound biopsies.Results: At presentation median patient age was 60.5 years (range 43 to 77), median prostate specific antigen was 4.8 ng/ml (range 0.5 to 72.4) and median prostate volume was 35 cc (range 9 to 95). The median number of cores acquired by transrectal ultrasound and 3-dimensional mapping biopsy was 12 and 56, and the median number of positive cores was 1 and 2, respectively. We documented Gleason score upgrade in 49 of 180 cases (27.2%) and up-stage in 82 (45.6%). The incidence of urinary retention catheter requirement of grea...
Gold prices, cost of carry, and expected inflation

Abstract How do changes in expected inflation affect gold prices? Using unexpected changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) this paper shows that surprises in the CPI do not affect gold spot prices. The results indicate that investors anticipating changes in inflation expectations should design speculation strategies in the bond markets rather than the gold markets. Additionally, investors cannot determine market inflation expectations by examining the price of gold.
Formation and Morphology of Hydrocarbon Clusters on Pt(111) Produced by the Thermal Decomposition (Coking) of Propylene under High Pressures of H2and CO Observedin Situby Scanning Tunneling Microscopy

A scanning tunneling microscope that operates inside an atmospheric pressure chemical reactor cell has been used to study the structure of a Pt(111) model catalyst surface during the thermal decomposition of propylene (coking). Carbonaceous clusters were produced by partial dehydrogenation and polymerization of the hydrocarbon. Flat (1 and 2 {Angstrom} high) clusters formed with lateral dimensions of several tens of angstroms. The clusters were found to be mobile when the degree of dehydrogenation was low but became immobile with more extensive dehydrogenation. The amount of dehydrogenation and the structure of the hydrocarbon cluster depended upon annealing temperature (in the range from 300 to 800 K) and gas environment (vacuum, CO, H{sub 2}/propylene). 29 refs., 10 figs.
An Advisory System for Pro Se Protection Order Applicants

Pro se litigants constitute a growing burden to the judiciary. Advisory systems designed to help litigants understand the available legal remedies and satisfy the substantive and procedural requirements to obtain those remedies have the potential to reduce this burden. This paper presents a four-component model of advisory systems for pro se litigants. This model was implemented in the Protection Order Advisory (POA), an advisory system for pro se Protection Order applicants. POA illustrates how existing inference, document-drafting, and interface-design techniques can be used to construct advisory systems for pro se litigants in a wide range of legal domains for which (1) determining whether a prima facie case is satisfied does not require open-textured reasoning, and (2) the documents required to initiate an action are characterized by homogeneity and simple structure.
Hybrid Optoelectronic Nonlinear Algebra Processor

A novel system for solving systems of nonlinear equations is proposed. Two different algorithms are introduced. A speed analysis of the two different algorithms is presented and compared with the speed of their digital computer counter parts. A great advantage in speed is shown for large size problems.
Studies on the organization of the brush border in intestinal epithelial cells. VI. Glucose binding to isolated intestinal brush borders and their subfractions.

Abstract A sensitive method for the measurement of specific glucose binding to isolated hamster intestinal brush borders has been developed. The method is based on the difference in binding of l -[ 14C]glucose and d -(su3H ]glucose as measured by retention of radioactivity on Millipore filters. Properties of the binding have been studied. Binding appears to be localized to brush borders. It exhibits a specificity towards a variety of test sugars which is different from the specificity of intestinal active transport. The K m of binding is 2 μM. Binding to intact brush borders shows no requirement for Na + . Binding is inhibited by Ca 2+ , Co 2+ , Fe 2+ , and Zn 2+ and activated by Mg 2+ and Mn 2+ . Binding to brush borders is highest in the distal portion of the small intestine. The distribution of binding among subfractions of the brush border has been studied. Possible interpretations of this binding are discussed.
Universal and local controls of avulsions in southeast Texas Rivers

This study addresses the relative importance of universal and local factors in river avulsions, from the perspective of the configurational complexity of the fluvial system as it relates to the potential for avulsions. Because local factors cannot be addressed without a specific context, several rivers of the southeast Texas coastal plain (Brazos, Navasota, Trinity, Neches, and Sabine Rivers) are studied based on field observations and surveys, digital elevation models, and geographical information system (GIS) analysis. Avulsions are influenced by a combination of universal factors relevant to any alluvial river, and local factors at least partly contingent on the environmental setting and history of the study rivers. The universal controls are factors that create conditions under which avulsions can occur: channel aggradation, banktop discharge, and cross-valley slope advantages. A rate of channel aggradation greater than that of floodplain accretion is an important setup factor, but superelevation (channel bed elevation greater than or equal to floodplain elevation behind the natural levee) is not required. Slope advantages are necessary, but not sufficient, for avulsions to occur. Local factors include abandoned channels on the floodplain, and basins or depressions associated with higher-discharge Pleistocene conditions. The local controls also include deflection factors that divert flow from the main channel during high discharges, and levee weaknesses. Relationships among the universal and local factors were represented as directed graphs, and the configurational complexity determined using connectance entropy. Results show that the relative importance of universal and local factors varies with the scale or scope of analysis. In the broadest context, universal factors contribute more than 75% of the connectance entropy, signifying the importance of identifying the key setup factors. Within a given aggradation or valley-filling context, however, local factors account for more than 80% of the connectance entropy, indicating that knowledge of the trigger factors and local floodplain morphology is the key to understanding and predicting avulsions. This study suggests a three-stage process for predicting avulsions. First, the universal factors can be used to identify reaches with the potential to avulse. Second, superelevation (a sufficient but not necessary condition) can be used to identify specific locations where avulsions are imminent, and (as a necessary but not sufficient condition) the absence of cross-valley slope advantages can be used to identify locations where avulsions cannot occur. The final stage—predicting avulsions at other locations within systems or reaches where the setup factors are present—requires specific consideration of local factors.
Improved upper bounds for online malleable job scheduling

In this paper, we study online algorithms that schedule malleable jobs, i.e., jobs that can be parallelized on any subset of the available $$m$$m identical machines. We study a model that accounts for the tradeoff between multiprocessor speedup and overhead time, namely, if job $$j$$j has processing requirement $$p_j$$pj and is assigned to run on $$k_j$$kj machines, then $$j$$j's execution time becomes $$p_j/k_j + (k_j -1)c$$pj/kj+(kj-1)c, where $$c$$c is a constant parameter to the problem. For $$m=2$$m=2, we present an online algorithm OCS that has a strong competitive ratio of 3/2, matching a previously established lower bound. We also present an online algorithm ASYM2 that is asymptotically $$((4-\epsilon )/(3-\epsilon ))$$((4-∈)/(3-∈))-competitive when $$m=2$$m=2, where $$0 < \epsilon \le 2$$0<∈≤2 is a parameter to the algorithm, improving upon an existing asymptotically (3/2)-competitive algorithm. Finally, we present an online algorithm OTO that is strongly $$2$$2-competitive when $$m = 3$$m=3, improving upon the previous best upper bound of $$9/4$$9/4.
Reticulocyte cytosol activator protein: effects on the stimulatory and inhibitory regulatory proteins of adenylate cyclase.

Rat reticulocytes contain a cytosol activator protein (RCAP) that augments hormone-sensitive adenylate cyclase activity in the rat reticulocyte and other systems. In a previous publication, using a highly purified preparation of RCAP, we reported that the stimulatory guanine nucleotide-binding protein (N8) was required for the actions of RCAP. We investigated this possibility by studying the actions of RCAP on cholera toxin-dependent ADP ribosylation of N8. RCAP decreased cholera toxin-dependent ADP ribosylation of the 42,000-dalton subunit of N. of reticulocyte [40.2 ± 3.7 (±SEM) to 26.5 ± 3.8 fmol/mg; n = 10; P < 0.001], S49 wild-type (33.9 ± 2.4 to 24.9 ± 2.8 fmol/mg; n = 9; P < 0.01), and UNC (25.3 ± 3.5 vs. 17.6 ± 3.1; n = 5; P < 0.02) membranes. In contrast, pertussis toxindependent ADP-ribosylation of the inhibitory guanine nucleotide binding protein, Ni in reticulocyte, S49 wild-type lymphoma, and its UNC and cye– variant membranes were all significantly augmented by RCAP. Moreover, when reticuloc...
Some interference effects occurring in the hydrogen/argon/entrained-air flame

Abstract An examination was made of the effects of various cations and anions on the determinations of calcium (4227 A) by flame emission using turbulent hydrogen/ argon/entrained-air and hydrogen/oxygen flames. The effects of height of observation and mechanisms of interference are discussed for Cs+, Rb+, F-, Br-, I-, NO3-, Cl04-, S042-, PO43-, P2O74-, acetate, oxalate, citrate, tartrate and EDTA. Ionization interferences were not detected in the hydrogen/argon/entrained-air flame, but all other types of interference were more serious with this flame than with the hydrogen/ oxygen flame. The study also suggests some methods by which the effects of the interferences may be overcome.
PIENEMANN, MANFRED, & JÕRG–U. KEßLER. (Eds.). Studying Processability Theory. Philadelphia/Amsterdam: John Benjamins, 2011. Pp. xii, 179. $49.95, paper. ISBN 978–90–2720301–4.

The article reviews the book "Studying Processability Theory" edited by Manfred Pienemann and Jorg-U Kebler.
Home-Range Size and Overlap of Sympatric Male Mule and White-Tailed Deer in Texas

ABSTRACT. Information about the ecology of sympatric male deer is limited, which may influence management strategies for these species. We estimated home-range and core-area sizes and overlap, and survival of sympatric male desert mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus eremicus) and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in west central Texas. We captured 18 males of each species, fitted them with radio-collars, and monitored them for mortality from 2000 through 2003. We calculated home ranges for 7 males of each species in 2001 and 2002. Home-range sizes of mule deer (8.8 km2) and white-tailed deer (7.4 km2) were similar. Interspecific home-range overlap was less common than intraspecific overlap. Mean annual survival was 0.76 ( = 0.04) for mule deer and 0.80 ( = 0.06) for white-tailed deer. The high degree of home-range overlap and similar survival between the 2 deer species suggest that management targeting only 1 species may be unfeasible.
Experimental difficulties in assaying a membrane-bound acyltransferase from rabbit mammary tissue

Abstract 1. 1. A critical analysis of the difficulties associated with studying the kinetics of palmityl-CoA: monopalmityl- sn -glycerol 3-phosphate palmityltransferase (lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase or LPAT [EC 2.3.1.-]) from rabbit mammary microsomes is presented. 2. 2. Problems such as non-specific substrate binding to microsomes, bovine serum albumin, and glass; monomer-micelle transition in the substrate concentration range assayed; the presence of a thioesterase [EC 3.1.2.2] enzyme in the microsomes which competes with LPAT for available palmityl-CoA; endogenous donor(s); time lag in the progress curve; product inhibition: and reduced substrate conversion are discussed. 3. 3. These are not unique to the LPAT assay system and the observations are applicable to other systems wherein the enzyme is membrane-bound and active with amphiphilic substrates.
Application of EAP materials toward a refreshable Braille display

The development of a multiline, refreshable Braille display will assist with the full inclusion and integration of blind people into society. The use of both polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) film planar bending mode actuators and silicone dielectric elastomer cylindrical tube actuators have been investigated for their potential use in a Braille cell. A liftoff process that allows for aggressive scaling of miniature bimorph actuators has been developed using standard semiconductor lithography techniques. The PVDF bimorphs have been demonstrated to provide enough displacement to raise a Braille dot using biases less than 1000V and operating at 10Hz. In addition, silicone tube actuators have also been demonstrated to achieve the necessary displacement, though requiring higher voltages. The choice of electrodes and prestrain conditions aimed at maximizing axial strain in tube actuators are discussed. Characterization techniques measuring actuation displacement and blocking forces appropriate for standard Braille cell specifications are presented. Finally, the integration of these materials into novel cell designs and the fabrication of a prototype Braille cell are discussed.
Ph-dependent selective transfer hydrogenation of α,β-unsaturated carbonyls in aqueous media utilizing half-sandwich ruthenium(II) complexes

Half-sandwich ruthenium(II) PTA complexes bearing the 1,2-dihydropentalenyl (C8H9-, Dp) and indenyl (C9H7-, Ind) ancillary ligands have been synthesized and characterized using multinuclear NMR spe...
Thin film silicon on insulator substrates and their application to integrated circuits

Thin film silicon on insulator (TFSOI) devices have been studied for years. The advantages of TFSOI devices include: a reduction in junction capacitance, potentially lower junction leakage, a simpler process, and many other well documented advantages. However, other than some military/space applications, TFSOI circuits are not currently available in commodity products. One of the reasons TFSOI circuits are not wide spread is that there has not been a reliable source of TFSOI substrates. Recently, however, several suppliers of TFSOI substrates, both SIMOX and bonded and etch-backed wafers (BESOI), have made significant improvements in their material quality and are increasing capacity to meet expected demands. In this paper, we will discuss the major materials issues and how these issues impact either the TFSOI device performance or the process integration. In addition, we will present gate oxide integrity data as well as device results from these TFSOI substrates.