cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Macromolecular structure and coal pyrolysis

Abstract A molecular level explanation for the dilatometric behavior of an hvAb coal is sought. The macromolecular network structure of bituminous coals is described with emphasis on the non-covalent interactions responsible for coals being glasses at room temperature. The existence of a glass to rubber transition in coals at 600 K detected by both DSC and NMR is described and related to the initial softening and contraction observed in the dilatometer. The relationship between the phase transition and the pyrolysis chemistry simultaneously occurring is discussed and it is concluded that it is not known whether covalent bond cleavage is a cause of the phase transition. Covalent bond cleavages are not necessary for the transition to occur. In coking coals, thermally induced cross linking begins at temperatures well above Tg and after most tars have been released from the coal. The high degree of structural anisotropy of all coals is revealed by solvent swelling. Its role in coke forming processes is unknown.
Dosimetry associated with exposure to non-ionizing radiation: very low frequency to microwaves

The interpretation of the effects in biological systems exposed to electromagnetic (EM) fields requires knowledge of the internal fields and absorbed energy. The quantification of the specific absorption rate (SAR) is called dosimetry. The SAR given in units of watts per kilogram is a complex function of the source configuration, shape and size of the exposed subjects, orientation of the subject with respect to the source, and the frequency. The average and maximum SAR in the exposed subject may vary over many orders of magnitude for a given exposure level. In order to relate observed biological effects in exposed laboratory animals to safe exposure levels for man, both the fields within the environment and SAR within the exposed tissues must be determined. The environmental fields and the SAR can often be determined from EM theory, but in most cases one must rely on instrumentation such as field survey meters for quantifying the exposure fields and electric field probes, thermocouples, thermistors, fiber optic probes, thermography, and calorimetry for quantifying the SAR in the tissues or equivalent models. A combination of techniques, each valid for a particular model over a particular frequency range, have been used to determine average and peak SARs in humans and animals exposed to plane wave radiation. Though it has been considerably more difficult to quantify these quantities for near field and partial-body exposure conditions, progress is continually being made in this area.
A three‐dimensional hybrid code simulation of the December 1984 solar wind AMPTE release

A three-dimensional hybrid code has been developed to study the interaction between small dense plasma clouds and an ambient plasma. The primary advantage of this code is a seamless interface between kinetic particles (plasma cloud) and an MHD fluid (ambient plasma). This interface provides momentum coupling between two distinct ion populations. As a preliminary test of our code, we have simulated the first 3 minutes of the December 1984 AMPTE artificial comet. The results show good agreement with observations of the magnetic field distribution as well as the lateral motion of the comet head. Examples of other applications for this code include comets, coronal mass ejections, Io's plasma torus, and plasma injection experiments.
Switches, latches, and amplifiers: common themes of G proteins and molecular motors.

N a universe where entropy is increasing, living organisms are a curious anomaly. The organization that distinguishes living organisms from their inanimate surroundings relies upon their ability to execute vectoral processes such as directed movements, ion pumping across membranes, and the assembly of macromolecules and organelle systems. Such phenomena are executed by protein machines that harness chemical energy to drive processes that would be otherwise energetically unfavorable. Two of the best studied protein machines are the ATPhydrolyzing motor proteins and the GTP-hydrolyzing G proteins. Motor proteins (kinesins, myosins, and dyneins) move along cytoskeletal filaments and are involved in generating most of the cellular and intracellular motions that are associated with living organisms. G proteins are a diverse group of molecular switches that regulate information flow in signal transduction pathways and orchestrate an orderly sequence of interactions in protein synthesis, protein translocation across membranes, and trafficking of vesicles in the endocytotic and secretory pathways. Essential to the mechanism of both classes of proteins, the NTP and NDP bound forms of the enzymes exhibit distinct conformations, which enables them to change affinity for target proteins (cytoskeletal polymers for motors and various target proteins for G proteins). Historically, the scientific investigations of motor proteins and G proteins have proceeded along separate paths. However, many of the key questions regarding the role of nucleotide hydrolysis are the same: What is the nature of the conformational switch between NTP and NDP states? How do changes in the nucleotide-binding site affect the binding interaction with target proteins? How are the rate constants governing transitions in the nucleotidase cycle set and controlled? Recent structural and kinetic studies have uncovered intriguing parallels between molecular motors (kinesin and myosin) and G proteins which may be important for understanding these questions. The premise
A pragmatic guide to building a multi-photon microscope with applications to micro-machining

Construction of a multiphoton microscope from the excitation source, scan optics, excitation optics, collection optics, and detection electronics is described. A pragmatic, do-it-yourself approach is applied, resulting in the construction of a robust inexpensive platform.
Anti-polarity in ideal BiMnO3.

The structure and properties of the possible multiferroic, BiMnO3, are calculated using the LDA+U method of density functional theory. The symmetry is found to be centrosymmetric C2/c with zero ferroelectric polarization. The stereochemically active Bi lone pairs form local dipole moments which order in an anti-polar arrangement.
Political culture and women's representation in lower state legislative chambers: 1971 and 1977

Abstract The effect of political culture on women 's political socialization emphasizes that politics is a masculine role to the detriment of female political participation in lower state legislative chambers. However, it would be extremely simplistic to assume this cultural bias has the same impact throughout the United States. This article utilizes Daniel J. Elazar's conceptualization that there are three ideal subcultures (Moralistic, Individualistic, Traditionalistic) which dominate the American states. Elazar specifies that a Moralistic subculture seems more open since its citizens and political leaders view politics to be a healthy endeavor in order to obtain the good society. Every citizen has a duty to participate in politics. States dominated by the Individualistic subculture view politics as a “dirty—if necessary—business, better left to those who are willing to soil themselves.” It is assumed that professionals can best perform in this competitive world. Finally, a Traditionalistic subculture which dominates the South emphasizes that politics is limited to maintaining the existing political patterns of authority. The characterization of what politics is and who should participate becomes extremely important since it may run counter to some female stereotypes which indicate women may be less intelligent, weaker and less competitive. Using Elazar's cultural concept as an independent, environmental variable, an analysis of variance found significant differences in women's representation between the three subcultures in 1971 and 1977. Even more important, the barriers to women's representation seem far less, longitudinally, in the Moralistic-dominated states than in the other sub cultural-dominated states.
Estimation of orientation and position of cervical vertebrae for segmentation with active shape models

Radiologists are always looking for more reliable and robust methods to help them assess, describe and classify bone structures in x-ray images. Although, in the recent years, computer-assisted techniques have proven to be useful in this regard, they still face difficult challenges such as inter-subject variability in shape and a lack of contrast in the digitized images of radiographs. These challenges have focused the attention of the computer vision research community on techniques that employ deformable models. One such technique, i.e., Active Shape Models (ASM), has received significant attention due to its ability to capture the shape variability and to deal with the poor quality of the images in a straightforward manner. However, as is often the case with iterative optimization techniques, success of the ASM search step is highly dependent on the initial positioning of the mean shape on the target image. Within the specific framework of automatic, cervical vertebra segmentation, we have developed and tested an up-front preprocessing algorithm that estimates the orientation and position of the cervical vertebrae in x-ray images and leads to a more accurate, initial placement of the mean shape. The algorithm estimates the orientation of the spine by calculating parallel-beam line integrals of the x-ray images. The position of the spine is estimated by considering the density of edges perpendicular to the line integral that gives the estimate of the orientation. The output of the algorithm is a bounding box surrounding the cervical spine area. Morphometric points placed by expert radiologists on a set of 40, digitized radiographs were used to quantify the efficacy of the estimation. This test yielded acceptable results in estimating the orientation and the locating of the cervical spine.
Empowered victims? Women’s contradictory positions in the discourse of violence prevention

Violence against women is a salient outcome of systemic gender inequality across the globe. In the US, the societal discourse of violence prevention simultaneously frames women in positions of vict...
Acute Epiglottitis in the Adult Caused by Neisseria meningitidis

Acute epiglottitis is being increasingly encountered in the adult population. While it has many similarities to its pediatric counterpart, the presentation and associated pathogens are distinct. In addition, although the recent literature has suggested that acute epiglottitis in the adult follows a benign course this is not always the case. Here we describe a case of acute, fulminant epiglottitis in an immunocompetent host, caused by Neisseria meningitidis.
SELECT: THE NEXT PROSTATE CANCER PREVENTION TRIAL

Purpose: Growing evidence implies that selenium and vitamin E may decrease the risk of prostate cancer. The Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT) is a randomized prospective double-blind study designed to determine whether selenium and vitamin E decrease the risk of prostate cancer in healthy men.Materials and Methods: The preclinical and epidemiological evidence regarding chemoprevention with selenium and vitamin E were reviewed. Secondary analyses from randomized trials of the 2 agents were included in the current analysis. Data from these analyses as well as evidence from the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial were used to develop the SELECT schema.Results: Preclinical, epidemiological and phase III data imply that selenium and vitamin E have potential efficacy for prostate cancer prevention. The experience of the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial shows the interest and dedication of healthy men to long-term studies of cancer prevention. A total of 32,400 men are planned to be randomized...
The impact of sampling density on glacier mass balance determination

To assess the impact of sampling density on the determination of a glacier's annual mass balance, we used varying densities of measurements to determine annual mass balance on Columbia Glacier, Washington and Lemon Creek Glacier, Alaska. Mass balance was determined solely from field measurements. The density of the mass balance networks ranged from 1 to 375 points km -2 . The smaller networks were subsamples of the highest measurement density network. The results on both glaciers indicate significant improvement in accuracy resulting from increasing the total number of measurements from 1 to 4 points km -2 on Lemon Creek Glacier and 12 to 46 points km -2 on Columbia Glacier. There was no significant improvement in accuracy on the smaller Columbia Glacier for utilizing more than 46 points km -2 . On Lemon Creek Glacier there was little improvement in mass balance assessment for a network greater than 4 points km -2 . On both glaciers this represented a network of 40 measurement sites.
Metal/Ligand-Induced Formation of Metallo-Supramolecular Polymers

The use of metal−ligand binding as the driving force for the self-assembly polymerizations of a ditopic ligand offers a facile route to the preparation of organic/inorganic hybrid materials. Such metallo-supramolecular polymers potentially offer the functionality of the metal ion along with the processability of a polymer. We report, herein, the preparation and investigation of a series of metallo-supramolecular polymers prepared from three different (macro)monomer units. One monomer has a penta(ethylene glycol) core while the other two consist of poly(tetrahydrofuran) cores of different molecular weights (Mn = 2000 or 4800 g mol-1). Attached to either end of these polyether chains is the terdentate ligand 2,6-bis(benzimidazolyl)-4-oxypyridine. Addition of a metal ion (e.g., Fe(II), Co(II), Zn(II), or Cd(II)), which can bind to the ligand in 1:2 ratio, to a solution of the (macro)monomer results in the self-assembly of linear supramolecular polymers. Viscosity studies demonstrate the formation of self-ass...
Image degradation by glare in radiologic display devices

No electronic devices are currently available that can display digital radiographs without loss of visual information compared to traditional transilluminated film. Light scattering within the glass faceplate of cathode-ray tube (CRT) devices causes excessive glare that reduces image contrast. This glare, along with ambient light reflection, has been recognized as a significant limitation for radiologic applications. Efforts to control the effect of glare and ambient light reflection in CRTs include the use of absorptive glass and thin film coatings. In the near future, flat panel displays (FPD) with thin emissive structures should provide very low glare, high performance devices. We have used an optical Monte Carlo simulation to evaluate the effect of glare on image quality for typical CRT and flat panel display devices. The trade-off between display brightness and image contrast is described. For CRT systems, achieving good glare ratio requires a reduction of brightness to 30-40 percent of the maximum potential brightness. For FPD systems, similar glare performance can be achieved while maintaining 80 percent of the maximum potential brightness.
Quasi-convexity and shrinkwrapping

We extend a result of Minsky to show that, for a map of a surface to a hyperbolic 3–manifold, which is 2–incompressible rel a geodesic link with a definite tube radius, the set of noncontractible simple loops with bounded length representatives is quasiconvex in the complex of curves of the surface. We also show how wide product regions can be used to find a geodesic link with a definite tube radius with respect to which a map is 2–incompressible.
The impact of potential errors in rainfall observation on the simulation of crop growth, development and yield

Abstract Precipitation is the source for almost all soil moisture available for plant extraction by crops that are grown in rainfed cropping systems. In many cases precipitation is measured using a tipping-bucket rain gauge (TBRG) or similar device. Most automated weather station (AWS) networks employ TBRG to observe rainfall, due to the need of automating the process of collecting rainfall data. However, it is known that these gages have some type of error due to aerodynamic effects, wetting losses and the actual design and operation of the tipping-bucket sensor. The data collected by AWS are frequently used as input for complex computer simulation models that predict crop yield as a function of weather and soil conditions and crop management scenarios. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of potential errors in rainfall observations on simulated growth, development and yield. The generic grain legume model cropgro and the generic cereal model ceres were used to simulate growth and development for soybean, peanut, wheat and maize under different precipitation scenarios. These crop models use daily weather data as inputs. In this study, 36 years of daily historical records from Tifton, Georgia were obtained and randomly modified with relative errors when the values for daily precipitation were greater than zero to emulate the inaccuracy of TBRG observations. Two approaches were considered: (a) rain gauges randomly underestimate (negative bias) rainfall and (b) rain gauges randomly overestimate (positive bias) rainfall. To account for the random variability of precipitation data and to avoid a trend that could affect crop growth and development, the random modifications were replicated 32 times for each individual weather year and for each inaccuracy case that was considered. In this study, the modifications in daily precipitation amounts did not impact crop phenology, but resulted in substantial changes in both the mean and the variability of simulated yield, biomass, evapotranspiration, and drainage. The underestimation, e.g. negative bias, of rainfall measurements had a larger impact on the simulated variables than an overestimation. This study showed that the accuracy of rainfall observations is critical for the simulation of yield and that the variability of the simulated outputs is directly correlated to the accuracy of model inputs. It also demonstrated that complex soil–plant–atmosphere models are sensitive to variation in precipitation and possibly other environmental inputs.
Anodizing and Coloring Aluminum Alloys

In this experiment, wrought aluminum alloys, fashioned into 3 in. × 1 in. coupons, were anodized and subsequently colored. To achieve the most attractive colors the 1100 Al alloy was selected over other wrought Al alloys. To further ensure attractive colors, an eight-step pretreatment protocol was followed. Sulfuric acid was used as the electrolyte solution in the anodizing bath, and a five-step post-treatment protocol was followed prior to coloring the anodized Al coupon. Inorganic pigments (yielding gold and Prussian blue) and electrolytic coloring (yielding burgundy red) were utilized to achieve the colored Al alloys. Using oxalic acid in place of sulfuric acid as the electrolyte solution in the anodizing bath and anodizing other wrought Al alloys, namely, the 2024, 3003, 5052, 6063, and 7075 wrought Al alloys, was also explored. This experiment was performed during two successive 3 h laboratory periods in a second-semester general chemistry course designed for undergraduate engineering students.
de Haas-van Alphen Effect and Fermi Surface in Antimony

The Fermi surface of antimony has been completely determined by the de Haas-van Alphen (dHvA) effect using the field-modulation measuring technique, modified to give strong dHvA period spectrometer action. The Fermi surface is found to consist of two sets of warped ellipsoids, the $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ set having a tilt angle of 53.0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.1\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} defined by the period maximum in the mirror plane, and the $\ensuremath{\beta}$ set having a tilt angle of 87.7\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.1\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} (angles are measured from $\ensuremath{\Gamma}T$ in the sense toward $\ensuremath{\Gamma}X$). Carrier compensation has been established with the $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ set of carriers consisting of 6 pockets and the $\ensuremath{\beta}$ set of 3 pockets. When the present results are compared with the recent band-structure calculations it is clear that the $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ carriers are the holes and the $\ensuremath{\beta}$ carriers the electrons. This is the reverse of the conventional assumption for the signs of the carriers in antimony. The deviation of each set of pockets from ellipsoids has been accurately determined From the ellipsoidal approximation, the carrier concentration was found to be ${n}_{e}=(5.54\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{19}$ electrons/${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$ and ${n}_{h}=(5.49\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.03)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{19}$ holes/${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$. This new model removes the necessity for postulating a third band of carriers and is in agreement with all the previous experimental data. Comparison of the observed spin splitting with the electron-spin-resonance data of Datars gives new information on the angular variation of the $g$ factor. Extra period branches have been observed along almost every field direction, but these have all been shown to arise from nonlinear mixing of strong dHvA period components.
Tense and verb raising in advanced L2 French

Two UG approaches to L2A propose different views of parameter resetting, depending on the capacity of interlanguage grammars to gain new values for uninterpretable functional features. Representational Deficit/Interpretability (e.g. Hawkins, 2003) maintains that parameter settings are limited to L1 values, whereas Full Access (e.g. Prevost & White, 2000) claims L2 parameter values may be gained; both assume initial transfer of L1 morphosyntactic settings. We examine verb morphosyntax of three advanced anglophone learners of L2 French, beginning with a description of the theoretical issues. We next report the study: the subjects, data collection and results. The final section discusses the data in terms of the two approaches, concluding that the results generally support FA over RD/I.
Finite element simulation of fast fracture in steel DCB specimen

Abstract Results of a numerical simulation, based on an energy consistent moving singularity dynamic finite element procedure, of fast crack propagation and arrest in a high strength steel DCB specimen are presented. The influence of material properties of high strength steel on dynamic crack propagation and arrest is investigated. The influence of the loss of constact of specimen with the loading wedge is also critically examined. The present numerical results are compared with available experimental data. It is found that the present results agree well with available experimental data, and the crack arrest toughness values obtained in the present analysis correlate well with the ratio of the maximum kinetic energy of the specimen to the input energy.
Multipoint multimedia teleconference system with adaptive synchronization

This paper discusses major issues involved in the design and implementation of a multipoint multimedia conference system, such as system architecture, conference management, session control, and intramedium and intermedia synchronization. In particular, emphasis is given to conference management and adaptive synchronization algorithms. The management of multiparticipants is based upon a distributed architecture for greater flexibility. The proposed synchronization algorithm is adaptive to network changes, eliminates the need for a global clock, and is immune to the clock frequency drift, while its realization is very simple and the involved overhead is minimal. The essence of the algorithm is partitioning the vicinity of the arrival epochs of multimedia objects into three regions and counting arrivals at each region. The function of the synchronizer is to shift the playback clock (PBC) according to the individual counter contents. The ideas proposed are implemented within a teleconference system on the Ethernet/FDDI using the TCP/UDP. Experimental results show that the proposed synchronization algorithm performs well in our network testbed environment.
Virtual reference service evaluation: Adherence to RUSA behavioral guidelines and IFLA digital reference guidelines

This study evaluates the level to which virtual (e-mail) reference services adhere to professional guidelines. These professional guidelines are set up as standards to assure service quality. However, studies of virtual reference effectiveness rarely utilize these standards to measure reference success. This study evaluates and compares the level of adherence to two sets of professional guidelines published by the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) and the American Library Association (ALA) Reference and User Services Association (RUSA). Analysis of 324 transactions from 54 libraries showed: 1) low levels of adherence to both sets of guidelines; 2) varied levels of adherence based on request types and user names on both sets of guidelines; 3) variation in institutional rank according to different sets of guidelines; 4) no correlation between user satisfaction and adherence to either set of guidelines. This study has implications for future research and practice because it provides a systematic way to analyze transactions in light of the ideal professional standards. It also provides an empirical benchmark for evaluating virtual reference services.
Enhancement of Association Rates by Nonspecific Binding to DNA and Cell Membranes

A comprehensive analytic theory is developed for the kinetics of reversible association with specific sites on DNA and receptors on cell membranes in the presence of nonspecific binding to the target surfaces. Nonspecific binding is treated as a short-range attractive potential, which is more fundamental and realistic than the surface sliding model. The presence of a surface potential around the target enhances the rate of specific association and for reversible reactions leads to deviations from single exponential relaxation.
Evidence for the synthesis of the multi-positional isomers of monounsaturated fatty acid in Methylococcus capsusatus by the anaerobic pathway

The biosynthesis of the positional isomers of the monounsaturated fatty acids of Methylococcus capsulatus (Bath) has been investigated by studying the incorporation of [2-14C]malonyl CoA into long-chain fatty acids in vitro. The major unsaturated products were Δ9 16:1 and Δ11 18:1; however, Δ8, Δ10 and Δ11 16:1, as well as, Δ10, Δ12 and Δ13 18:1 were also synthesized. The exclusion of O2 from the reaction vessel did not affect the synthesis of unsaturated fatty acids or the double bonds positions. Cerulenin inhibited the synthesis of unsaturated fatty acid more than saturated fatty acid. The use of both [1-14C] octanoate and [1-14C] decanoate as substrate resulted in the synthesis of long-chain fatty acids, however, unsaturates were only synthesized from octanoate. These results imply that the unique positional isomers of M. capsulatus are not synthesized by an aerobic mechanism.
Quartz etch challenges for 45 nm phase-shift masks

One means of extending the limits and lifetime of current lithography platforms for 45nm and beyond is the development of resolution enhancement techniques (RET) in the form of optical phase-shifting masks (PSM). By employing optical interference from 180° shifted lithography emission, PSM masks are able to enhance feature resolution at the wafer. This is particularly important for sub-wavelength features (i.e., features with critical dimensions less than the lithography wavelength) where line resolution can be severely degraded without such techniques. For these PSMs, the challenge is to provide highly uniform quartz etch performance across the entire active area of the mask for various feature sizes and local loads. Micro-loading (a.k.a. RIE lag or reactive ion etch lag) and phase angle range are key performance parameters to control. As the demands for these parameters tighten and mask costs rise, strict performance control is required for all PSM mask varieties utilized in the mask shop. In this paper we will discuss process improvements for the Applied Materials Tetra IITM chromeless phase lithography (CPL) etch application. In particular, the discussion will focus on recent process improvements in phase uniformity and RIE lag for our chrome hard mask CPL etch process. Results from modifications to the etch process are presented. Feature profiles are also discussed with examples showing near vertical sidewalls and no micro-trenching.
2,2,4,4,6,6-Hexabenzylcyclotristannatellurane, (Bn2SnTe)3. Synthesis and Structural Characterization of an Organometallic Single-Source Precursor to Phase-Pure, Polycrystalline SnTe

The title compound, (Bn2SnTe)3, Bn = CH2C6H5, was prepared in high yield by treating Bn2SnCl2 with (NH4)2Te. Details of the synthesis and characterization (1H, 13C, 119Sn, and 125Te NMR; IR, single-crystal XRD, and elemental analyses) are presented. (Bn2SnTe)3 serves as an efficient single-source precursor to phase-pure cubic SnTe under mild conditions
Why America Is Fatter and Sicker Than Ever

Today America is fatter and sicker than ever. And the outlook is grim. According to a 2010 study released by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, 3 of 4 Americans will be obese or overweight by 2020. But this dire prediction doesn't have to come true. The solution lies in understanding how we got here and making some essential lifestyle changes to reverse this disturbing trend. Although we are all well aware of the epidemic of obesity, most of us do not appreciate its extent and its impact in both human and economic terms. One striking illustration of our sorry state is evident when you look at the progression of obesity by state. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 1990 Colorado was among the thinnest states in the United States, with an obesity rate of 30%. (Figure)1 And this trend shows no sign of abating. Figure. U.S. Obesity Trends by State, 1985 to 2009. From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.1 Part of our obesity epidemic is attributable to the expression of a survival mechanism that helped our hunter-gatherer ancestors endure in the wild by encouraging fat accumulation in their bellies during times of feast. It was this belly fat that helped sustain them during the inevitable times of famine. Today this survival mechanism, called insulin resistance, leads to obesity, metabolic syndrome (prediabetes), …
Current report on the interferon program at Roswell Park Memorial Institute

An overview of the interferon program at Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI), is presented. This program encompasses three interrelated areas of research and new drug development: (a) basic research on purification and characterization of animal and human interferons (leukocyte, fibroblast, and immune); (b) large scale manufacture and preclinical testing of human fibroblast interferon (HFIF); and (c) clinical trials with HFIF to determine its safety of administration as well as antiviral, antitumor, and immunomodulatory activities in patients with neoplastic or viral disease. The antitumor effect of HFIF produced at RPMI as assessed by intralesional injection of various metastatic nodules resulted in an overall 71% local response. Phase I studies in 13 patients demonstrated that HFIF can be administered safely by the subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenous routes in doses up to 25 million units per day without any serious untoward effects. Intrathecal administration of HFIF into patients with CNS leukemia was also well tolerated. Pharmacokinetic studies indicated significant levels of HFIF in serum and cerebrospinal fluid after intravenous and intrathecal administration, respectively. Coincidental with the HFIF systemic administration during the Phase I trials, favorable responses in several laboratory, immune, and clinical parameters were observed. These results provide the rationale for conducting phase II and phase III clinical trials with HFIF produced at RPMI.
A decade of arthroscopic surgery: AANA. Presidential address.

Thank you, Larry, for a generous introduction. I have been greatly blessed in my life and the greatest of these blessings is my family. I share your kind accolades with my wife, who is the inspiration and joy of my life. I would like to ask Joyce to stand and be recognized by my colleagues. This past year will be, I 'm sure, the high point in my medical career. To serve you as president is not only an honor, but a culmination of a decade of personal involvement in arthroscopy. I am going to talk about this past decade and the next decade in just a moment, but I would first like to take this opportunity to thank those with whom I have had the privilege of associating during this presidential year. First, to our Board of Directors and officers, I offer my deep felt appreciation. These men are not only outstanding arthroscopists, but gentlemen of wisdom and vision. The decisions we have made this year will be far reaching in this young organization and I can tell you, without any doubt, that we are in good hands. To our committee chairmen and committee members the same can be said. Many, many hours have been spent, as witnessed by such changes as our new format for our fall seminar, our brochure for patient information, our policy statement on guidelines for proper practice in arthroscopy, our new journal, significant additions to our membership criteria, a solid research program with a fund that is
A new explanation for an old finding: the ductus bump

Received: 1 May 2004 Revised: 25 May 2004 Accepted: 3 June 2004 Published online: 31 July 2004 Springer-Verlag 2004 In this issue of Pediatric Radiology, Kaushik et al. [1] present an asymptomatic neonate with a 7.5-mm-diameter mediastinal mass. The mass was thought to be a ‘‘ductus bump’’ on the initial film and seemed to disappear within 3 days; over time there was calcification in the region of the ligamentum arteriosum [2]. However, what is most interesting about this child is that both CT and ultrasound showed this ‘‘ductus bump’’ to be a clot containing a ductus arteriosus aneurysm (DAA), which indeed did resolve, but not within 3 days. This case report is important because it prompts us to reconsider the various warnings in the literature concerning a DAA. Many authors have discussed the dangers of these aneurysms and in the past most were surgically removed [3–10]. Newer findings and larger studies using echocardiography show us that a DAA is relatively common (1–8.8%) in normal neonates [11]. All of the DAAs which were less than 11.2 mm in diameter disappeared although 30% closed after thrombus formation [11]. The warnings of spontaneous dissecting DAAs, Marfan’s syndrome or aneurysm of the ductal region in adults are probably an entirely different subgroup. Extensive follow-up, invasive imaging or surgery in most neonates is not advisable [12]. Follow-up ultrasound during the first 1– 2 months is the conservative approach. Those DAAs still present after 1–2 months may need treatment. Patients with larger DAAs, or those with family history of connective tissue disorder, may represent a high-risk segment in which more frequent follow-up is important. In the description of calcification of the ligamentum arteriosum by Currarino and Jackson [13], they suggested that calcification was present when the ductus arteriosus was closed. These new echocardiographic data support their 1970 hypothesis but it may be that the DAA has closed. Kaushik’s [1] report ties the ‘‘ductus bump,’’ DAA and calcification of the ligamentum arteriosum together. The concept of the ‘‘ductus bump’’ may not be viable—all of these are most probably DAAs. The approach of noninvasive observation seems quite appropriate.
The relative significance of spinal cord norepinephrine and 5-hydroxytryptamine in electrically-induced seizure in the rat.

The effects of various drug treatments on spinal cord norepinephrine (NE) and 5-hydroxy-tryptamine (5-HT) were compared to the effects of these same treatments on electrically-induced spinal cord seizure. Depletion of NE stores by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OH-DA) facilitates spinal cord seizures. Desipramine-induced protection of noradrenergic neurones against the depleting effect of 6-OH-DA affords complete protection against seizure facilitation and unmasks an anticonvulsant effect of 6-OH-DA. Depletion of spinal cord 5-HT stores by p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) and 5,7-dihydroxy-tryptamine (5,7-DHT) does not enhance spinal cord seizures. Thus, it appears that spinal cord norad-renergic but not 5-hydroxytryptaminergic neurones act as attenuators of seizure activity.
Primer: applying the new postpolypectomy surveillance guidelines in clinical practice

Colonoscopy is being increasingly used for colorectal cancer screening, which has resulted in a growing cohort of patients who have polyps that require postpolypectomy surveillance. Risk stratification enables postpolypectomy surveillance to be tailored to individual patient needs, and this is one of the fundamental points emphasized by the unified US Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer and the American Cancer Society (USMSTF-ACS) guidelines. Most patients do not require intensive surveillance; those patients who have one or two small (<1 cm) adenomas can safely undergo repeat colonoscopy after 5-10 years. Consensus guidelines that merge the recommendations of all societies are more user-friendly than individual guidelines, decrease confusion, and eliminate conflicting recommendations that are a barrier to guideline uptake. Nonetheless, studies have shown that specialists and nonspecialists overutilize colonoscopy for postpolypectomy surveillance, which places a large burden on already strained resources. Barriers to guideline implementation include factors involving the patient, physician, and health-care system. Physician education and widespread implementation of continuous quality improvement programs are required to bridge the gap between the guidelines and their clinical application.
Nasal septal deviation: A comparison of clinical and radiological evaluation

Nasal septal deviation is a common anatomic finding that may cause a subjective complaint of nasal obstruction. Adequate visualization of the nasal septum and assessment of septal deviations can be accomplished by using anterior rhinoscopy and fiberoptic nasal endoscopy. Radiologic evaluation of the septum in clinical practice is not necessary. However, a septal deviation is often present in the context of chronic rhinosinusitis, which warrants computed tomography (CT) scanning of the paranasal sinuses. The appearance of the septum radiographically may differ from the physician's assessment on physical examination. To more specifically analyze this situation, we conducted a prospective study comparing the findings on anterior rhinoscopy and nasal endoscopy with the evaluation of the nasal septum on a standard coronal paranasal sinus CT scan.
Design and rationale of safe pediatric euglycemia after cardiac surgery: a randomized controlled trial of tight glycemic control after pediatric cardiac surgery.

Objective To describe the design of a clinical trial testing the hypothesis that children randomized to tight glycemic control with intensive insulin therapy after cardiac surgery will have improved clinical outcomes compared to children randomized to conventional blood glucose management
Realization of irrational transfer functions

Presented in this brief is an approach for realizing an irrational transfer function as a linear causal discrete-time system. The approach involves finding a mapping function which transforms the given irrational transfer function into a rational one. From the mapping function are derived a pair of mapping filters. The rational transfer function is realized as a linear causal time-invariant system using well-established techniques. When this system is sandwiched between the two mapping filters, a realization of the irrational transfer function is obtained. Methods are given for implementing causal mapping filters. Several examples are included in order to illustrate the application of the approach. The first example is the realization of a causal linear phase IIR digital filter. The remaining pair of examples involve a simple generalization of two well-known rational systems: the multiple-pole filter and the digital resonator.
Contrasting Rhetorics/Contrasting Cultures: Why Contrastive Rhetoric Needs a Better Conceptualization of Culture.

Abstract This paper deals with an underdeveloped notion in the EAP sub-discipline of contrastive rhetoric: culture. It argues that a better conceptualization of contrastive rhetoric needs to include a better conceptualization of culture. After engaging with the complex question “What is culture?” the paper moves on to consider four sets of current issues regarding the concept of culture: (1) received culture versus postmodern culture versus cultural studies culture; (2) culture as product versus culture as process; (3) culture in the head versus culture in the world; and (4) big culture versus small culture. The paper then ends with a call for greater attention to the culture concept in contrastive rhetoric studies.
Parallel Algorithms for Fast Integral Equation Based Solvers

Parallelized electromagnetic solvers are now becoming more prominent as computational architectures, both multicore and distributed clusters, enable multithreaded multi-tasking, and the need for larger capacity solvers is also growing with the exponential growth in complexity of microelectronic systems being analyzed with these solvers. Several techniques are proposed for improved parallel performance of fast integral equation solvers, including a 2-step balancing scheme, and restricted and hierarchical communication.
Potential uses of interferon α2 as adjuvant therapy in cancer

Background: The purpose of this study was to provide an overview of the potential uses of adjuvant interferon (IFN) therapy for resected solid tumors at high risk for postsurgical relapse.
Adult Attachment Style and Stress as Risk Factors for Early Maternal Sensitivity and Negativity.

The current study examined the individual and joint effects of self-reported adult attachment style, psychological distress, and parenting stress on maternal caregiving behaviors at 6 and 12 months of child age. We proposed a diathesis-stress model to examine the potential deleterious effects of stress for mothers with insecure adult attachment styles. Data from 137 mothers were gathered by the longitudinal Durham Child Health and Development Study. Mothers provided self-reports using C. Hazan and P. Shaver's (1987) Adult Attachment Style measure, the Brief Symptom Inventory (L.R. Derogatis & P.M. Spencer, 1982), and the Parent Stress Inventory (R.R. Abidin, 1995); observations of parenting data were made from 10-min free-play interactions. Consistently avoidant mothers were less sensitive with their infants than were consistently secure mothers; however, this effect was limited to avoidant mothers who experienced elevated levels of psychological distress. Results suggest that the association between insecure adult attachment style and insensitive parenting behavior is moderated by concurrent psychosocial stress. Clinical implications for these findings are discussed.
Existence of small solutions to a resonant boundary value problem with large nonlinearity

Abstract We show the existence of small solutions to the nonlinear boundary value problem L y ≏ Ly + ƞy 3 ≏ y″ + p(x) y′ + q(x) y + ƞy 3 = f . The boundary conditions on y are two linearly independent expressions of the form M ( y ) = α 1 y ( a ) + α 2 y ( b ) + α 3 y ′( a ) + α 4 y ′( b ) = 0. Here η = ±1 and p , q , and ƒ are all in L 1 [ a , b ]. We assume a resonance condition. That is, L , when restricted to { y ϵ C 1 [ a , b ]: y ′ is absolutely continuous and y satisfies the boundary conditions}, has a one-dimensional null space spanned by ϑ. The case when ϑ 3 ∉ R ( L ) (the range of L ) is covered by an abstract result due to Laloux and Mawhin ( Trans. Amer. Math. Soc. 217 (1976) , 143–162). We show the existence of at least one small solution if ϑ 3 ϵ R ( L ), but another appropriate restriction on R ( L ) holds. The solutions are called small because they all lie in a small neighborhood of the origin in C 1 [ a , b ]. In fact, the estimates show that ∥ y ∥ ∞ decreases as ∥ƒ∥ 1 decreases. The main technique used is obtaining a priori bounds and applying Leray-Schauder degree arguments.
Design of Druglike Small Molecules with LYN-Specific Binding

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a very aggressive brain tumor, has a median survival of only 14 months. LYN, an important kinase involved in regulation of hematopoietic cells, is significantly overexpressed in GBM. It is believed that LYN promotes migration of cancer cells, thus advancing the malignancy. This research addresses computational design of small druglike molecules that could potentially inhibit LYN and thus stave off the cancer advancement. LYN has a very similar binding site to the polo-box domain (PBD) in Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1). Plk1 is a main regulator of mitosis. Considering the key cellular roles of both LYN and Plk1, it is important to design inhibitors that will specifically bind to LYN. In this work, physical and chemical properties of the binding sites of LYN and Plk1 were investigated and compared. Pertinent atomic distances within the LYN binding site were found to be smaller than those within the PBD of Plk1. The two sites also differed in their flexibilities. By utilizing the differences, novel molecules were designed that could potentially bind LYN with higher affinities than they could Plk1. Previously designed molecules that bonded both LYN and Plk1 were used as initial templates to design more specific inhibitors. Potential toxicities and drug-likeness of the molecules were evaluated. Molecules with no implied toxicities and optimal druglike properties were used for docking studies. Molecules that made the most stable docking configurations with LYN and with no other kinases were identified as LYN-specific. Binding energies of the stable complexes that these molecules formed with LYN were calculated. Possible utilization of the designed molecules against tumors with overexpressed LYN is discussed.
Protonation of the binuclear metal center within the active site of phosphotriesterase.

Phosphotriesterase (PTE) is a binuclear metalloenzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of organophosphates, including pesticides and chemical warfare agents, at rates approaching the diffusion control...
Impactions of the Small and Large Intestines

Impactions of the small and large intestines are frequently diagnosed as the cause of colic in horses. An impaction is an accumulation of dehydrated ingesta in a portion of the digestive tract, typically at sites where the intestinal diameter decreases. The specific pathogenesis for impactions is not fully understood, although risk factors have been identified for several types of impactions. Treatment for impactions includes withholding feed until the impaction passes, rehydrating the ingesta, and, if necessary, administering analgesic agents. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve the impaction. This article discusses clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment (both drug and surgical options), and prognosis for impactions of the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, and small and large colons in horses.