cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Society the state and abortion in East Germany 1950-1972.

The author explores the era of restrictive abortion policy in the German Democratic Republic (GDR) in the 1950s and 1960s in an effort to understand the sources of its demise in 1972. She examines the social and policy background to the legalization of abortion as well as the arguments and actions of physicians influential Communists and citizens....Abortion reform in East Germany she argues...has to be placed within the domestic framework of changing relations between a Communist state and its society and the international context of a rising appreciation of the link between abortion law and womens rights....[The author] contends that the causes course and content of abortion reform in the GDR were strikingly similar to those in Western industrial democracies despite antithetical political circumstances. The main data sources were the archives of the Ministry of Health and the Socialist Unity party which contain "reports by Communist and health officials at the national and local levels transcripts of discussions between physicians and party bureaucrats and individual pleas to state officials from women throughout the GDR who wanted an abortion." (EXCERPT)
Recognition memory for words, pictures, and words + pictures

Using the method of signal detection theory (SDT), recognition memory was measured in two groups of Ss, with one group seeing words alone and pictures alone and the other group seeing words alone and pictures + words. Both groups were run for three sessions under each of three presentation probability conditions. Recognition memory was better for pictorial stimuli in each group, but there was no improvement in recognition memory for the combined cues of word + picture over picture alone. Four measures of recognition memory, including two based on SDT and one based on high threshold theory, were highly correlated.
Chains of single-domain magnetite particles in chinook salmon,Oncorhynchus tshawytscha

Although the presence of magnetite in their tissues is correlated with the ability of different species to detect magnetic fields, proof that the magnetite is involved in magnetoreception has not yet been provided. Using the approach employed to localize and isolate magnetic particles in the yellowfin tuna, we found that single-domain magnetite occurs in chains of particles in tissue contained within the dermethmoid cartilage of adult chinook salmon,Oncorhynchus tshawytscha. The particles are present in sufficient numbers to provide the adult fish with a very sensitive magnetoreceptor system. Magnetite in the chinook can be correlated with responses to magnetic fields in a congeneric species, the sockeye salmon. Based on the presence of the chains of particles, we propose behavioral experiments that exploit the responses of sockeye salmon fry to magnetic fields to test explicit predictions of the ferromagnetic magnetoreception hypothesis.
Potential applications of nbn composites in fusion reactor magnets

This paper describes the present status and future directions of the ANL program for the potential applications of NbN composites in fusion reactor magnets.
Development of spermatozoa in the wooly opossum with special reference to the shaping of the sperm head

The spermatids of Caluromys assume an unusual T-shape due to flattening of the sperm heads in a plane perpendicular to the long axis of the cell. While the nucleus is condensing, the manchette microtubules are disposed parallel to the long axis of the cell at some distance from the nucleus. This suggests that the manchette microtubules are not primarily responsible for the ultimate shape of the condensed nucleus. Spermatids of this opossum contain a thin ring of electron dense material lateral to the nucleus which may help maintain the breadth of the nucleus, and flattening may be largely due to molding by the acrosome or closely apposed Sertoli cell. In Caluromys, as in other mammals, the dense fibers first appear as thin filaments all along the length of the flagellum and subsequently increase in diameter. The fibrous sheath first appears at a distance considerably posterior to the nucleus, leaving room for the mitochondria which will later occupy the midpiece.
Estimation of cellulose crystallinity of lignocelluloses using near-IR FT-Raman spectroscopy and comparison of the Raman and Segal-WAXS methods.

Of the recently developed univariate and multivariate near-IR FT-Raman methods for estimating cellulose crystallinity, the former method was applied to a variety of lignocelluloses: softwoods, hardwoods, wood pulps, and agricultural residues/fibers. The effect of autofluorescence on the crystallinity estimation was minimized by solvent extraction or chemical treatment or both. Additionally, when the roles of lignin and hemicellulose in the Raman crystallinity assessment were investigated, it was found that syringyl lignin containing lignocelluloses generated somewhat higher crystallinity, whereas the presence of hemicellulose reduced the crystallinity. Overall, when autofluorescence was minimized and corrections made for hemicellulose and syringyl lignin contributions, the univariate Raman method performed well and estimated cellulose crystallinity accurately. Moreover, when the Raman and Segal-WAXS methods were compared, we observed that in the absence of significant fluorescence, the Raman method was in...
A sensitive method for the determination of cytolytic activity.

Abstract A new method is described for the determination of the cytolytic activity of extremely low levels of stable as well as very labile cytotoxins. The method involves the application of the cytotoxin to a column of immunobilized erythrocytes or other suitable cells and a continuous monitoring of the column eluate for the presence of hemoglobin or other cell constituents. The cytotoxic activity of horseradish peroxidase at concentrations as low as 10 −12 , m can be measured with this technique. The column hemolytic assay is compared with a static (batch) hemolytic assay with respect to sensitivity and reproducibility. Furthermore, a method is described to determine the true rates of lysis, i.e., the number of cells lysed per minute.
Interdisciplinary collaboration in geriatrics: Advancing health for older adults

The call for interdisciplinary research, education, and practice is heightened by the recognition of the potential it holds in generating creative solutions to complex problems in health care and to improving quality and effectiveness of care. With the aging of the population and the complex issues in caring for older adults, interdisciplinary collaboration is particularly salient to the field of geriatrics. However, despite interest in this approach for several decades, adoption has been slow and dissemination is not widespread. This article provides examples of recent initiatives and presents driving and restraining forces involved in adoption of interdisciplinary approaches.
Can pemphigus be provoked by a burn

Summary.— The authors describe a case of pemphigus, confirmed histologically (acantholysis) and by immunofluorescence studies (circulating pemphigus autoantibodies in the titre of 1:1280, and in vivo bound immunoglobulins IgG, and complement in the intercellular substance of the epidermis). The symptoms developed 10 months after a burn which refused to heal and involved the site of the burn and other skin areas. The possible connection between the development of pemphigus and the burn is discussed in the light of reports of pemphigus-like antibodies in burns, which normally appear temporarily in some patients and are never bound in vivo.
Urotherapy for lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction in Children following Sexual Abuse

Abstract Purpose Management of lower urinary tract dysfunctions (LUTD) following sexual abuse in pediatric patients is challenging. Material and Methods 2 girls with LUTD following repeated sexual abuse were evaluated. The first one is a black race ethiopian girl kidnapped in her village at 8 years old and then repeated beaten and abused; the second one is an white caucasian girl , raped by her boy friend at the age of 12 years old and then forced to prostitution for 2 years. The 2 girls were saved at 13 and 14 years respectively and immediately started psycotherapy. Urinary retention was the predominant symptom in both, presenting constipation and urinary tract infection too. Results Patients were evaluated with bladder diary, renal ultrasound and no invasive urodynamic study before to start a standard urotherapy regimen, discussed by a team including urologists, urotherapists, psychologist, etc. Patients started with no-invasive Biofeedback (BFB) for 3 months with partial benefits, following a multidisciplinary re-evaluation. The first one performed other 8 BFB session plus no invasive pelvic floor physiotherapy, in the second one we decided for one cycle (12 sessions) of tibial-nerve-neuromodulation (PTNS). RESULTS showed costant decrease of post-void residual and increased frequency and voided volume. LUTD completely solved after 18 and 24 months, and at 2 and 5 years follow-up respectively patients are still free from urinary symptoms. Conclusions LUTD following sexual abuse need a multidisciplinary treatment including psycological support and no-invasive urotherapy. PTNS and BFB confirmed their efficacy and acceptance in sexually abused children too.
Marhaba, how may i help you?: effects of politeness and culture on robot acceptance and anthropomorphization

How do politeness strategies and cultural aspects affect robot acceptance and anthropomorphization across native speakers of English and Arabic? Previous work in cross-cultural HRI studies has mostly focused on Western and East Asian cultures. In contrast, Middle Eastern attitudes and perceptions of robot assistants are a barely researched topic. We investigated culture-specific determinants of robot acceptance and anthropomorphization by conducting a between-subjects study in Qatar. A total of 92 native speakers of either English or Arabic interacted with a receptionist robot in two different interaction tasks. We further manipulated the robot’s verbal behavior in experimental sub-groups to explore different politeness strategies. Our results suggest that Arab participants perceived the robot more positively and anthropomorphized it more than English speaking participants. In addition, the use of positive politeness strategies and the change of interaction task had an effect on participants’ HRI experience. Our findings complement the existing body of cross-cultural HRI research with a Middle Eastern perspective that will help to inform the design of robots intended for use in cross-cultural, multi-lingual settings.
Effect of Malamoeba locustae infection on the egg lipids of the grasshopper Melanoplus bivittatus

Abstract A comparative examination of the lipids from the eggs of normal and infected grasshoppers has been made. Attrition of fat bodies of infected females is apparent, but the total lipid content of their eggs is maintained. The relative amounts of unsaturated fatty acids, however, are different. The implication is that the female metabolism operates sacrificially in an effort to maintain the proper unsaturated fatty acid balance and/or level for viability.
Reflexive Teaching: Toward Critical Autoethnographic Practices of/in/on Pedagogy:

In this autoethnographically informed article, I propose an ethic of reflexive practice that teachers might/should engage in; such practice moves from “what I believe about teaching” to “why I believe what I believe about teaching.” Here, reflexive autoethnography serves not only as the method of my article but also as a potential method for developing reflexive pedagogical practices. Such work, I would argue, enables more critically informed pedagogical philosophies that translate importantly to actual classroom choices.
A travelling wave approach to power flow in structural networks

Abstract A structural network is an assemblage of slender one-dimensional members. Each member is demarcated, by definition, by two junctions. A junction may involve only one member (a termination) or may be an interconnection of many members. In this paper, computationally and theoretically, the dynamics of such networks are investigated. The focus of the analysis is on elastic disturbance propagation and power flow in the networks. Spatially local models are assembled into a global, frequency domain description. This global description of the response is then investigated for local and global power flow. The procedures serves to identify disturbance transmission paths and to choose and evaluate control procedures, both active and passive. The techniques are demonstrated by application to several examples.
Prevalence and factors associated with left ventricular remodeling in renal artery stenosis.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the prevalence, geometric patterns, and factors associated with left ventricular remodeling in patients with renal artery stenosis (RAS). Demographic, clinical, and echocardiographic data were assessed in 77 patients with RAS prior to endovascular stenting. The left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and relative wall thickness were calculated using American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) recommendations. Patients were classified based on LVMI and relative wall thickness into four ventricular remodeling patterns: normal geometry, concentric remodeling (CR), concentric hypertrophy (CH), and eccentric hypertrophy (EH). Logistic regression was done to investigate the determinants of the different ventricular remodeling patterns. Mean LVMI and relative wall thickness were 118 ± 40 g/m(2) and 0.45 ± 0.1. Left ventricular hypertrophy was observed in 65%. CH was the most prevalent geometric pattern of remodeling (normal, 16.9%; CR, 18.2%; CH, 40%; EH, 24.6%). Thirty (39%) patients had an abnormal LV systolic function (ejection fraction <55%), with 14 (46%) of them having eccentric hypertrophy. Independent predictor of EH was glomerular filtration rate (odds ratio [OR], 0.943; confidence interval [CI], 0.899-0.989; P = .01). Systolic elevation of blood pressure (OR, 1.030; CI, 1.003-1.058; P = .03) was associated with CH, and elevated diastolic blood pressure was associated with CR (OR, 0.927; CI, 0.867-0.992; P = .02). Patients with RAS have a high prevalence of left ventricular remodeling and LVH. Even though CH was the most prevalent pattern of left ventricular remodeling, EH was commonplace and was associated with renal dysfunction and heart failure.
Beam propagation in parabolically tapered graded-index waveguides

To a good approximation, the electromagnetic-propagation characteristics of graded-index waveguides can be written in terms of polynomial-Gaussian modes. For uniform quadratic-index waveguides the behavior of these modes is well known. However, there are sometimes practical reasons for using tapered waveguides, but detailed propagation solutions are known for only a few specific taper functions. The parabolic taper is perhaps the most important special case, and the solution-generating techniques that we generalize are used to obtain analytic solutions for this case.
Maternal obesity, folate intake, and neural tube defects in offspring.

BACKGROUND We investigated the association between maternal obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30) and the risk of a neural tube defect affected pregnancy (NTD). We also studied relationships between perinatal folate intake from food and the NTD risk by maternal BMI. METHODS Data came from a state-wide case-control study conducted between 1992 and 1997 in South Carolina including 179 women with NTD-affected pregnancies and 288 women without NTD-affected births. A majority of case mothers (77%) and controls (86%) were interviewed within 6 months after delivery or pregnancy termination. Logistic regression models were used to examine the association between maternal obesity and the NTD risk after adjusting for maternal race, age, education, smoking, alcohol/drug use, chronic conditions, and multivitamin use within six periconceptional months. Stratified analysis by maternal BMI (≥25 vs. <25) was conducted for the association between food folate and the NTD risk. RESULTS After adjustment for confounders, obese women (BMI ≥ 30) had twice higher odds of having an NTD-affected pregnancy (odds ratios [OR] = 2.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.12, 3.81) than normal weight women (BMI: 18.0–24.9). Compared to the lowest quartile of average daily folate intake from food, the upper three quartiles had lower odds of NTDs in offspring. The NTD-protective association was stronger in overweight/obese women (BMI ≥ 25) than in normal/underweight women (BMI < 25). CONCLUSIONS These results support previous studies suggesting maternal obesity as a risk factor for NTDs. Higher intakes of dietary folate were associated with decreased NTD risk that was stronger in overweight and obese women. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Are African Women Online Just Ict Consumers

/ As Africa's women struggle to enlarge their spheres of influence in political, economic and social arenas, the question is whether the Internet and other digital technologies can become agents of...
Fast, high peak capacity separations in gas chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

Peak capacity production (i.e., peak capacity per separation run time) is substantially improved for gas chromatography–time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOFMS) and applied to the fast separation of complex samples. The increase in peak capacity production is achieved by selecting appropriate experimental conditions based on theoretical modeling of on-column band broadening, and by reducing the injection pulse width. Modeling to estimate the on-column band broadening from experimental parameters provided insight for the potential of achieving GC separations in the absence of off-column band broadening, i.e., the additional band broadening not due to the on-column separation process. To optimize GC-TOFMS separations collected with a commercial instrumental platform, off-column band broadening from injection and detection needed to be significantly reduced. Specifically for injection, a commercially available thermal modulator is adapted and applied (referred to herein as thermal injection) to provide a ...
Caloplaca yuchiorum (Teloschistaceae, Lichenized Ascomycota), a new sorediate species from North America1

Abstract Caloplaca yuchiorum, a saxicolous sorediate species, is described as new to science based on collections from localities in Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas, USA.
Depression and Its Relationship to Function and Medical Status, By Dementia Status, in Nursing Home Admissions

Objective To determine rates of depression by dementia status in a statewide sample of nursing home admissions, and associations with medical comorbidity and physical functioning. Methods Trained interviewers obtained information from nursing home residents, staff, significant others, and medical records. Results A total of 22.3% were classified depressed in the nondemented status and 23.6% in the demented status. Depression status was significantly associated with more physical dependencies regardless of dementia status. In the nondemented, there was also a significant positive association with number of comorbidities. One interaction, dementia with comorbidity at the highest levels of comorbidity, was significant in looking at association with depression. Conclusion There is significant depressive symptomatology in nursing home admissions, which is also associated with difficulty in physical function and with the number of medical comorbidities in the nondemented. Application of the two measures used in this study represents a strategy to assess depression in all nursing home residents.
Five Years of Early Entrants: Predicting Successful Achievement in College

This study evaluated the achievements of 65 young entrants as beginning undergraduates in a highly selective university. The group as a whole was found to be quite successful. Compared to nonaccelerants, the early entrants tended to graduate in a shorter period of time and earn more honors at graduation. For the early entrants, starting college with a large number of Advanced Placement Program credits was found to be the best predictor of outstanding academic achievement. It seems advisable for young college entrants to have Scholastic Aptitude Test scores and content knowledge equal to or greater than that of the typical freshman at the college the student will attend.
The use of computerized axial tomography in neuroradiologic diagnosis in psychiatry.

Abstract Technology is making exponential changes in the health care delivery system. Nowhere is this more evident than in the field of neuroradiology—a field that is having increasing diagnostic importance for the practice of psychiatry. The increasing sophistication in diagnostic procedures is probably best exemplified by the technique known as computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT). Since the use of x-rays was introduced by Roentgen in 1895, there has really been no major change in the form of radiologic information. In 1972, G.N. Houndsfield,1 an engineer in England, demonstrated that more information could be obtained from soft tissue radiologic examination by shooting from multiple angles. The greatest benefit from the technique so far has been in the neurosciences. CT was initially used in examination of the head where accuracy is increased by the stationary, compact, anatomically constant nature of the brain.2 The effect in the neurosciences has been so great that now as many as one out of every four neurological patients undergo CT.3 Accordingly, there has been a change in the utilization of other neuroradiologic procedures. In particular, there has been a marked decrease in the number of pneumoencephalograms and technetium brain scans, a slight decrease in the number of EEG's, and a change in the indications for angiography.3 Of particular concern to psychiatrists should be the issues of: (1) When to use CT and when to use a radionuclide brain scan (RBS) in investigating the suspicion of organic brain disease and (2) How does CT help in the diagnosis of dementia and what is the use of CT in dementia in relation to pneumoencephalography and radionuclide cisternography?
Fast predators or fast food, the fit still survive.

'Survival of the fittest' is based in part on the notion that genetic selection allows individuals to escape predators in the wild. A recent study indicates that selection for increased aerobic capacity may afford protection from cardiovascular risk factors associated with the metabolic syndrome.
The Junctional Adhesion Molecule JAML Is a Costimulatory Receptor for Epithelial γδ T Cell Activation

Gammadelta T cells present in epithelial tissues provide a crucial first line of defense against environmental insults, including infection, trauma, and malignancy, yet the molecular events surrounding their activation remain poorly defined. Here we identify an epithelial gammadelta T cell-specific costimulatory molecule, junctional adhesion molecule-like protein (JAML). Binding of JAML to its ligand Coxsackie and adenovirus receptor (CAR) provides costimulation leading to cellular proliferation and cytokine and growth factor production. Inhibition of JAML costimulation leads to diminished gammadelta T cell activation and delayed wound closure akin to that seen in the absence of gammadelta T cells. Our results identify JAML as a crucial component of epithelial gammadelta T cell biology and have broader implications for CAR and JAML in tissue homeostasis and repair.
The experimental production and evaluation of drug-induced phototoxicity in swine

Abstract Specific-pathogen-free (SPF) white swine were given 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) and subsequently exposed to an ultraviolet light source, fluorescent blacklights (Westinghouse), or sunlight filtered through window glass. Both UV light sources elicited a phototoxic response in white swine treated with 8-MOP, which is known to possess phototoxic capabilities. A model was established in white swine treated with the phototoxic drug. The severity of the response as well as the rate of development of the response were dose dependent.
mGlu5 receptor deletion does not confer seizure protection to mice

Metabotropic glutamate mGlu5 receptors have been implicated in the regulation of seizures and have been suggested as a target against which discovery of novel anticonvulsants may be possible. However, the experimental literature is not consistent in reporting anticonvulsant efficacy of mGlu5 receptor antagonists. Additional assessment of this target was approached in the present study by comparing convulsions in wild-type (WT) and mGlu5 receptor null (knockout or KO) mice. Chemically induced seizures induced by a variety of mechanisms including pentylenetetrazole, N-methyl-d-aspartic acid (NMDA), cocaine, kainic acid, aminophylline, 4-aminopyridine, strychnine, and nicotine did not differentially increase clonic, clonic/tonic, or lethality in WT vs. mGlu5 receptor KO mice. The mGlu5 receptor antagonist 3-[(2-Methyl-1,3-thiazol-4-yl) ethynyl]-pyridine (MTEP) did not significantly prevent seizures induced by NMDA; in contrast, the uncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist, dizocilpine, significantly prevented NMDA-induced seizures and lethality in both WT and KO mice. The present findings do not support the idea that mGlu5 receptors play as important a role in seizure control as previously speculated.
The dynamics of open, foliated manifolds and a vanishing theorem for the Godbillon-Vey class

Let (M,.F) be a C3-foliated n-manifold with leaves of dimension n 1. Let gv(F) E H3(M, IR) denote the characeristic class introduced by Godbillon and Vey in [G-V]. Considerable effort has been made to discover the geometric significance of this invariant (recall Thurston’s “helical wobble” [Th], which can be interpreted via the formulas in [R-W]). In addition to celebrated examples of foliations for which gv(F) does not vanish [G-V, Th, Br], the list of foliations for which it does has been growing steadily. By work of Herman [Her] and Wallet [WI, gv(Sr) = 0 for foliated circle bundles and interval bundles over T2. This result has interesting consequences that are far from being obvious. Thus, Morita and Tsuboi have deduced the vanishing of gv(X) for closed, foliated manifolds without holonomy [M-T] and Mizutani, Morita, and Tsuboi have extended this to foliations almost without holonomy [M-M-T]. In all of the above vanishing theorems, the leaves of the foliations have polynomial growth. Other classes of foliations, with all leaves polynomial and gv(,F) = 0, were found by Nishimori [N], Sergiescu [Ser], and Tsuchiya [Ts]. In a preprint [C-C2], that became obsolete within a few months of its distribution, the present authors proved the vanishing theorem for all closed, foliated manifolds in which every leaf has polynomial growth. Indeed, we proved that, if every leaf is nonresilient [L] and if no leaf lies at infinite level, then gv(sT) = 0.
Genetic, transcriptomic, and epigenetic studies of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder

The Human Genome Project, coupled with rapidly evolving high-throughput technologies, has opened the possibility of identifying heretofore unknown biological processes underlying human disease. Because of the opaque nature of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) neuropathogenesis, the utility of such methods has gained notice among NeuroAIDS researchers. Furthermore, the merging of genetics with other research areas has also allowed for application of relatively nascent fields, such as neuroimaging genomics, and pharmacogenetics, to the context of HAND. In this review, we detail the development of genetic, transcriptomic, and epigenetic studies of HAND, beginning with early candidate gene association studies and culminating in current "omics" approaches that incorporate methods from systems biology to interpret data from multiple levels of biological functioning. Challenges with this line of investigation are discussed, including the difficulty of defining a valid phenotype for HAND. We propose that leveraging known associations between biology and pathology across multiple levels will lead to a more reliable and valid phenotype. We also discuss the difficulties of interpreting the massive and multitiered mountains of data produced by current high-throughput omics assays and explore the utility of systems biology approaches in this regard.
Female nudity in print advertising: An analysis of gender differences in arousal and Ad response

Previous research on the dimensionality of arousal indicates tension arousal is associated with negative feelings and energy arousal is associated with positive feelings. Women were found to generate more tension and negative feelings towards explicit female nudity in print ads than men. Men were more energized and positive in their feelings about such ads. The results have substantial strategic implications.
Feedback Control Design and Stability Analysis of One Dimensional Evacuation System

This paper presents design of nonlinear feedback controllers for two different models representing evacuation dynamics in two dimensions. The models presented here are based on the laws of conservation of mass and momentum. The first model is the classical one equation model for a traffic flow based on conservation of mass with a prescribed relationship between density and velocity. The other model is a two equation model in which the velocity is independent of the density. This model is based on conservation of mass and momentum. The equations of motion in both cases are described by nonlinear partial differential equations. We address the feedback control problem for both models. The objective is to synthesize a nonlinear distributed feedback controller that guarantees stability of a closed loop system. The problem of control and stability is formulated directly in the framework of partial differential equations. Sufficient conditions for Lyapunov stability for distributed control are derived
Inhalant Allergies in Children

Children with chronic or recurrent upper respiratory inflammatory disease (rhinitis) should be considered for inhalant allergies. Risk factors for inhalant allergies in children include a first-degree relative with allergies, food allergy in infancy, and atopic dermatitis. Although inhalant allergies are rare in infancy, inhalant allergies are common in older children and impair quality of life and productivity. Differentiating between viral and allergic rhinitis can be challenging in children, but the child's age, history, and risk factors can provide helpful information. Allergic rhinitis is a risk factor for asthma, and if one is present, medical consideration of the other is warranted.
Exploiting routing redundancy via structured peer-to-peer overlays

Structured peer-to-peer overlays provide a natural infrastructure for resilient routing via efficient fault detection and precomputation of backup paths. These overlays can respond to faults in a few hundred milliseconds by rapidly shifting between alternate routes. In this paper, we present two adaptive mechanisms for structured overlays and illustrate their operation in the context of Tapestry, a fault-resilient overlay from Berkeley. We also describe a transparent, protocol-independent traffic redirection mechanism that tunnels legacy application traffic through overlays. Our measurements of a Tapestry prototype show it to be a highly responsive routing service, effective at circumventing a range of failures while incurring reasonable cost in maintenance bandwidth and additional routing latency.
The effect of location, strategy, and operations technology on hospital performance

Abstract Hospitals in the US are faced with challenges in how to compete and remain viable in an increasingly competitive environment. Using data from a primary survey of hospitals and from various secondary sources, we investigate the incremental effects on hospital performance of location, strategy, and technology. We find that hospital location is significantly related to performance, but that a hospital’s choice of strategy can moderate the effect of location. Additionally, we find hospitals that invest more extensively in clinical technologies tend to be better performers regardless of location. Hospital size, measured as number of beds, captures the effects of location and technology investment in accounting for a major portion of hospital performance. While we cannot argue that larger is always better for hospitals, mergers, partnerships, and other forms of consolidation currently observed in the marketplace indicate that managers in the hospital industry understand the advantage of size.
Variable atmospheric properties derived from rocket and satellite observations

Abstract Upper air densities obtained by means of rockets and satellites in the region from 100 km to about 800 km are presented. Variations of densities from day to night become apparent around 200 ± 30 km ; the effect increases with altitude. Pressures and scale heights are derived from densities, and preliminary mean values for day and night are obtained. From the variation of scale height with altitude, regions of constant temperature and of variable molecular weight have been determined. It has been found that the mean temperature at 300 ± 50 km is approximately 1400°K. Shortly after midnight, the temperature drops to about 1010°K, and stays approximately constant above 160 ± 10 km .
CHK1 inhibition as a strategy for targeting Fanconi Anemia (FA) DNA repair pathway deficient tumors.

DNA repair deficient tumor cells have been shown to accumulate high levels of DNA damage. Consequently, these cells become hyper-dependent on DNA damage response pathways, including the CHK1-kinase-mediated response. These observations suggest that DNA repair deficient tumors should exhibit increased sensitivity to CHK1 inhibition. Here we offer experimental evidence in support of this hypothesis. Using isogenic pairs of cell lines differing only in the Fanconi Anemia (FA) DNA repair pathway, we showed that FA deficient cell lines were hypersensitive to CHK1 silencing by independent siRNAs as well as CHK1 pharmacologic inhibition by Go6976 and UCN-01. In parallel, an siRNA screen designed to identify gene silencings synthetically lethal with CHK1 inhibition identified genes required for FA pathway function. To confirm these findings in vivo, we demonstrated that whole zebrafish embryos, depleted for FANCD2 by a morpholino approach, were hypersensitive to Go6976. Silencing of FA genes led to hyper-activation of CHK1 and vice versa. Furthermore, inactivation of CHK1 in FA deficient cell lines caused increased accumulation of DNA strand and chromosomal breakages. These results suggest that the functions subserved by CHK1 and the FA pathway mutually compensate in maintaining genome integrity. As CHK1 inhibition has been under clinical trial in combination with cisplatin, we showed that the FA specific tumoricidal effect of CHK1 inhibition and cisplatin was synergistic. Taken together, these results suggest CHK1 inhibition as a strategy for targeting FA deficient tumors.
Celiac Node Failure Patterns After Definitive Chemoradiation for Esophageal Cancer in the Modern Era

Purpose The celiac lymph node axis acts as a gateway for metastatic systemic spread. The need for prophylactic celiac nodal coverage in chemoradiation therapy for esophageal cancer is controversial. Given the improved ability to evaluate lymph node status before treatment via positron emission tomography (PET) and endoscopic ultrasound, we hypothesized that prophylactic celiac node irradiation may not be needed for patients with localized esophageal carcinoma. Methods and Materials We reviewed the radiation treatment volumes for 131 patients who underwent definitive chemoradiation for esophageal cancer. Patients with celiac lymph node involvement at baseline were excluded. Median radiation dose was 50.4 Gy. The location of all celiac node failures was compared with the radiation treatment plan to determine whether the failures occurred within or outside the radiation treatment field. Results At a median follow-up time of 52.6 months (95% CI 46.1–56.7 months), 6 of 60 patients (10%) without celiac node coverage had celiac nodal failure; in 5 of these patients, the failures represented the first site of recurrence. Of the 71 patients who had celiac coverage, only 5 patients (7%) had celiac region relapse. In multivariate analyses, having a pretreatment-to-post-treatment change in standardized uptake value on PET >52% (odds ratio [OR] 0.198, p = 0.0327) and having failure in the clinical target volume (OR 10.72, p = 0.001) were associated with risk of celiac region relapse. Of those without celiac coverage, the 6 patients that later developed celiac failure had a worse median overall survival time compared with the other 54 patients who did not fail (median overall survival time: 16.5 months vs. 31.5 months, p = 0.041). Acute and late toxicities were similar in both groups. Conclusions Although celiac lymph node failures occur in approximately 1 of 10 patients, the lack of effective salvage treatments and subsequent low morbidity may justify prophylactic treatment in distal esophageal cancer patients.
Performance Evaluation of High-Density Polyethylene Culvert Pipe

A study has been performed to evaluate the field performance of existing high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe used for drainage applications on highway projects. Forty-five HDPE pipes were inspected at sites in South Carolina. The sites were statistically selected based on geographical location, pipe diameter, use, and age, and the condition of each pipe was not known before selection for inspection. Pipe performance was evaluated with respect to AASHTO and ASTM specifications, measurements of pipe deflection with a mandrel set to 5% deflection, and visual inspections using a video camera. The video camera inspections revealed circumferential cracks in 18% of the pipes, localized bulges in 20% of the pipes, and tears or punctures in 7% of the pipes. Deflections greater than 5% were observed in 20% of the pipes. Most of this observed damage was considered minor because the pipes were maintaining a relatively round shape with limited structural distress and still performing near to the original installatio...
Clinical and economic evaluation of olanzapine-fluoxetine HCl combination in the treatment of bipolar depression: a managed care approach

SummaryThis study was aimed to provide a clinical and economic assessmentfor health care organisations to make formulary decisions on Symbyax™ (olanzapine-fluoxetine HCl combination). The combination drug was shown to be efficacious in treating bipolar depression. However, more compelling evidence is needed for the long-term effect, the effect in a more general population, its comparative advantage over other treatments, its adverse effects, and its efficacy and safety in sub-populations. Results of the budget impact analysis indicated that adding the drug to the formulary would increase medication cost per member per month (PMPM) from $1.150 to $1.172 in the base case scenario. One-way sensitivity analysis showed a rough band of a $0.21 decrease to a $0.26 increase in PMPM cost, by varying one factor at a time while holding all others at base-case levels. Further research is needed for the formulary decision of adding olanzapine-fluoxetine HCI combination drug.
Approaches to cost reducing MCM-D substrate fabrication

This paper outlines strategies to cost reduce MCM-D substrate fabrication. A simplification of an existing excimer laser via generation process is outlined. The feasibility of using large panel processing equipment borrowed from the LCD industry for the processing of panel sizes up to 500 mm/spl times/500 mm is assessed in a preliminary study, and a cost model is presented. Results presented indicate that significant cost reductions can be obtained in going to LCD panel sizes for MCM-D processing provided volumes are in excess of 250 K 50 mm/spl times/50 mm substrate equivalents per year. >
Highly controllable near-surface swimming of magnetic Janus nanorods: Application to payload capture and manipulation

Directed manipulation of nanomaterials has significant implications in the field of nanorobotics, nanobiotechnology, microfluidics and directed assembly. With the goal of highly controllable nanomaterial manipulation in mind, we present a technique for the near-surface manoeuvering of magnetic nanorod swimmers and its application to controlled micromanipulation. We fabricate magnetic Janus nanorods and show that the magnetic rotation of these nanorods near a floor results in predictable translational motion. The nanorod plane of rotation is nearly parallel to the floor, the angle between rod tilt and floor being expressed by θ, where 0° < θ < 20°. Orthogonal magnetic fields control in-plane motion arbitrarily. Our model for translation incorporates symmetry breaking through increased drag at the no-slip surface boundary. Using this method we demonstrate considerable rod steerability. Additionally, we approach, capture, and manipulate a polystyrene microbead as proof of principle. We attach Janus nanorods to the surfaces of cells and utilize these rods to manipulate individual cells, proving the ability to manoeuver payloads with a wide range of sizes.
Fast Consensus Decoding over Translation Forests

The minimum Bayes risk (MBR) decoding objective improves BLEU scores for machine translation output relative to the standard Viterbi objective of maximizing model score. However, MBR targeting BLEU is prohibitively slow to optimize over k-best lists for large k. In this paper, we introduce and analyze an alternative to MBR that is equally effective at improving performance, yet is asymptotically faster --- running 80 times faster than MBR in experiments with 1000-best lists. Furthermore, our fast decoding procedure can select output sentences based on distributions over entire forests of translations, in addition to k-best lists. We evaluate our procedure on translation forests from two large-scale, state-of-the-art hierarchical machine translation systems. Our forest-based decoding objective consistently outperforms k-best list MBR, giving improvements of up to 1.0 BLEU.
Thermal Load Considerations for Detonative Combustion-Based Gas Turbine Engines

An analysis was conducted to assess methods for, and performance implications of, cooling the passages (tubes) of a pulse detonation-based combustor conceptually installed in the core of a gas turbine engine typical of regional aircraft. Temperature-limited material stress criteria were developed from common-sense engineering practice, and available material properties. Validated, one-dimensional, numerical simulations were then used to explore a variety of cooling methods and establish whether or not they met the established criteria. Simulation output data from successful schemes were averaged and used in a cycle-deck engine simulation in order to assess the impact of the cooling method on overall performance. Results were compared to both a baseline engine equipped with a constant-pressure combustor and to one equipped with an idealized detonative combustor. Major findings indicate that thermal loads in these devices are large, but potentially manageable. However, the impact on performance can be substantial. Nearly one half of the ideally possible specific fuel consumption (SFC) reduction is lost due to cooling of the tubes. Details of the analysis are described, limitations are presented, and implications are discussed.
Organizational culture and knowledge sharing at the United Nations: using an intranet to create a sense of community

This paper describes the impact that the United Nations' (UN) intranet has had on enhancing internal communications in the organization during a period of organizational change, examining in particular the role of a community of content providers. The UN's intranet, called iSeek, was revamped and redesigned in 2005, just before the launch of a major UN reform package. An Internal Communications Unit (ICU) was set up to coordinate a more participatory and dynamic approach to communications and encourage dialog at all levels. A sense of community has been fostered by the creation of a network of focal points providing content across the organization worldwide, which was reinforced during a workshop organized to develop a strategy for the intranet. This community approach has helped encourage knowledge sharing and a transition toward a more collaborative organizational culture. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neoadjuvant Phase II Studies of Modified Methotrexate, Vinblastine, Doxorubicin, and Cisplatin in Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer

TO THEEDITOR: TheclinicalefficacyofstandardMVAC(methotrexate30mg/m 2 ondays1,15,and22;vinblastine3mg/m 2 ondays 2,15,and22;doxorubicin30mg/m 2 onday2;andcisplatin70mg/m 2 on day 2 every 28 days) given preoperatively compared with surgery alone in bladder cancer was first demonstrated in a phase III clinical trial published in 2003. 1 Although there is no head-to-head comparison of neoadjuvant gemcitabine plus cisplatin (GC) to standard MVAC in phase III clinical trials, GC has been favored in the preoperative setting because of its milder toxicity profile. 2 The rationale is furtherbuttressedbythefactthatGCcomparedfavorablytostandard MVAC in the metastatic setting. 3 However, the data reported by Choueiri et al 4 and Plimack et al 5 in their respective phase II clinical trials are intriguing. Both studies showed that modified MVAC given every 2 weeks with growth factor support shortened the time to cystectomy and is both safe and effective. Although these two studies
Multiple-pulsed debris avalanche emplacement at Mount St. Helens in 1980: Evidence from numerical continuum flow simulations

Abstract The complex 1980 Mount St. Helens debris avalanche is modeled numerically as a transient biviscous fluid flow. Several approaches are considered, including two-step rheologically-distinct models for avalanche I and combined avalanches II/III, and a composite flow model consisting of retrogressive slides of identical rheology successively accreted to the main avalanche flow. For the two-step situation, flow rheologies are evaluated separately for the initial avalanche, comprising the debris avalanche block facies, and an ensuing explosive-influenced flow. Strengths (normalized by density) as high as 250 m2/s2 and apparent Newtonian viscosities as much as 275 m2/s were established for the block facies. These parameters for the explosively-influenced flow are an order of magnitude lower. The distribution of stratigraphic units within flowing model debris, compared with field distributions, suggests that the higher-strength emplacement models are appropriate for debris deposited on Johnston Ridge and in the upper parts and flanks of the North Fork Toutle River valley. In general, models for which constant rheology is assumed throughout the flow process provide lower-bound emplacement times, and excessive early velocities, as compared to the prototype event. Because model calibration is based on matching runout by trial and error, it is therefore biased toward the rheologic parameters essential to achieving that runout. These values characterize the flow in its latter stages, whereas the actual strength and viscosity may have substantially decreased as a function of displacement. Two-dimensional models predict debris accumulation about twice as thick as that observed at the foot of Mount St. Helens, where flow divergence was significant. This discrepancy is lessened with a quasi-three-dimensional modification of the flow model. Accretionary composite flow models with homogeneous rheology simulate the overriding of early avalanche debris by later debris pulses. The accretionary composite model also predicts a thick flow snout down-valley. Since this feature is not indicated in the debris deposit, the model lends support to the concept of flow separation by rheology. The two-step and accretionary composite flow models complement one another and provide model-based support for the Harry Glicken hypothesis for complex emplacement at Mount St. Helens.