cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clinical application of IUGA/ICS classification system for mesh erosion

Aims Our aim was to assess the usability of the IUGA/ICS classification system for mesh erosion in a tertiary clinical practice and to determine if assigned classification is associated with patient symptoms, treatment, and outcome. Methods We retrospectively identified women who had mesh erosion after prolapse or incontinence surgery. Each erosion was classified using the IUGA/ICS category time site (CTS) system. Associations between classification and presenting symptom (asymptomatic, pain, bleeding, voiding, or defecatory dysfunction, infection, prolapse), treatment type, and outcome were evaluated with chi-squared test, student's t-test, and univariate logistic regression. Results We identified 74 subjects with mesh erosion; only 70% were classifiable. Asymptomatic patients (n = 19) (Category A) were more likely to be managed conservatively (P = 0.001). Symptomatic patients (n = 55) (Category B) were more likely to be managed surgically (P = 0.003). Other variables had no association with treatment. No variables were associated with outcome. Presenting symptom was associated with both treatment (P = 0.005) and outcome (P = 0.03). Asymptomatic subjects were more likely to have satisfactory outcome (P = 0.03). Urinary frequency and urgency were highly correlated with surgical management (P = 0.02). Conclusions One third of mesh erosions could not be retrospectively coded using the IUGA/ICS classification. The components of the system were not predictive of treatment nor outcome with exception of the Category A (asymptomatic) and Category B (symptomatic). Asymptomatic women with mesh erosion can be successfully managed with conservative measures. Use of a classification system may be enhanced if the system is simplified by limiting the number of variables to those associated with interventions and patient outcome. Neurourol. Urodynam. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tunable polarizability and self-trapping of light in colloidal suspensions of gold nanoparticles

Aqueous suspensions containing pure gold nanoparticles and silica-gold core-shells are shown to exhibit different polarizibilities, thus allowing self-trapping of long needles of light. The different nonlinear mechanisms behind these processes are investigated.
Miniature valveless ultrasonic pumps and mixers

Abstract Miniature acousto-fluidic devices are described that operate as pumps without valves in channel widths of millimeters and below. These devices can also be configured to produce mixing in low-Reynolds-number flows. The prototypes are based on radio-frequency, ultrasonic piezoelectric transducers that exert a directed body force on the fluid via acoustic attenuation. The process is a type of acoustic streaming termed quartz wind. In microfluidics applications, this mechanism has the advantages of insensitivity to the chemical state of the fluid or walls and greatly reduced crosstalk in a multichannel system. The observed pump flow velocities are on the order of 1 mm/s in 1.6×1.6 mm 2 channels and with a calculated maximum backpressure that can be pumped against of 0.13 Pa. Due to the low backpressure, quartz wind devices are not competitive pumps for open-loop and high-impedance microfluidics systems but could find application in pumping in low-impedance planar and closed-loop systems and for mixing in reservoirs and channels.
Taxon sampling, correlated evolution, and independent contrasts.

Independent contrasts are widely used to incorporate phylogenetic information into studies of continuous traits, particularly analyses of evolutionary trait correlations, but the effects of taxon sampling on these analyses have received little attention. In this paper, simulations were used to investigate the effects of taxon sampling patterns and alternative branch length assignments on the statistical performance of correlation coefficients and sign tests; ''full- tree'' analyses based on contrasts at all nodes and ''paired-comparisons'' based only on contrasts of terminal taxon pairs were also compared. The simulations showed that random samples, with respect to the traits under consideration, provide statistically robust estimates of trait correlations. However, exact significance tests are highly dependent on appropriate branch length information; equal branch lengths maintain lower Type I error than alternative topological approaches, and adjusted critical values of the independent contrast correlation coefficient are provided for use with equal branch lengths. Nonrandom samples, with respect to univariate or bivariate trait distributions, introduce dis- crepancies between interspecific and phylogenetically structured analyses and bias estimates of underlying evolutionary correlations. Examples of nonrandom sampling processes may include community assembly processes, convergent evolution under local adaptive pressures, selection of a nonrandom sample of species from a habitat or life-history group, or investigator bias. Correlation analyses based on species pairs comparisons, while ignoring deeper relation- ships, entail significant loss of statistical power and as a result provide a conservative test of trait associations. Paired comparisons in which species differ by a large amount in one trait, a method introduced in comparative plant ecology, have appropriate Type I error rates and high statistical power, but do not correctly estimate the magnitude of trait correlations. Sign tests, based on full-tree or paired-comparison approaches, are highly reliable across a wide range of sampling scenarios, in terms of Type I error rates, but have very low power. These results provide guidance for selecting species and applying comparative methods to optimize the performance of statistical tests of trait associations.
Adenosquamous histology predicts poor outcome in low-risk stage IB1 cervical adenocarcinoma.

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to identify poor prognostic factors of low-risk stage IB1 cervical adenocarcinoma. Methods All women diagnosed with stage IB1 cervical adenocarcinoma between 1982 and 2002 were identified at our three institutions. Data were extracted from medical records. Patients were retrospectively assigned to a low- or intermediate/high-risk cohort based on the surgical-pathologic eligibility criteria of two randomized controlled trials of adjuvant therapy in early stage cervical cancer, Gynecologic Oncology Group protocols 92 and 109. Multivariate analysis was performed. Results Two hundred thirty women diagnosed with stage IB1 cervical adenocarcinoma had an overall 5-year survival of 89%. Adenosquamous cell type ( P n = 178). The 5-year disease-free survival for low-risk adenosquamous patients was 79%, compared to 96% for other histologic subtypes ( P n = 52) category (7% vs 46%; P Conclusion Adenosquamous histology is predictive of disease recurrence and decreased survival in low-risk stage IB1 cervical adenocarcinoma. This risk factor should be considered in future clinical trials of adjuvant therapy.
IMF conditionality: Conceptual problems and policy alternatives

Abstract This paper argues that the main issue damaging relations between developing countries and the International Monetary Fund is the latter's position that external disequilibria are always a consequence of excess aggregate domestic demand, caused by excessive credit expansion. As a result, Fund sponsored stabilization programs center on demand contraction through a credit crunch and may establish stricter domestic performance criteria than necessary to attain the balance-of-payments objectives. The author suggests that the IMF establish a two-tier conditionality system, which he calls the “hands-off” approach, with one tier composed exclusively of balance-of-payments or foreign exchange denominated variables, and the other of domestic currency denominated variables. The two-tier system would allow more flexibility in compliance assessment and might reduce substantially the number of breakdowns of Fund programs. A revised “hands-on” approach for the Fund is also suggested. The author critiques the recessive biases of the currently used financial analytical exercises and makes specific proposals to introduce “growth exercises” to establish the foreign credit requirements of a growth-oriented stabilization program and thus to introduce performance criteria for creditor countries and banks — a form of “reciprocal conditionality.”
Fractionation of K-562 cells on the basis of their surface properties by partitioning in two-polymer aqueous-phase systems.

The K-562 cell line is a culture of human leukemia stem cells originally derived from a patient with chronic myelogenous leukemia in blast crisis. We have subjected such cells, in the log phase of growth, to countercurrent distribution in a charge-sensitive dextran-polyethylene glycol aqueous-phase system, a method that fractionates cells on the basis of subtle differences in their surface properties, and found that: (1) The cell population is heterogeneous since it is composed of cells with different partition ratios. (2) There is a correlation between increasing cell partition ratios and increasing cell electrophoretic mobilities. (3) Cells under different parts of the distribution curve have dissimilar ratios of cells in different parts of the cell cycle, a phenomenon that may, at least partially, be the basis for the subfractionation of these cells. There is a clear tendency for cells in G0+G1+early S to decrease and for those in late S+G2+M to increase with increasing partition ratios. (4) Sialic acid is a major surface charge component of the cells as evidenced by a dramatic drop in their partition ratios after treatment with neuraminidase.
Value of positive myocardial technetium-99m-pyrophosphate scintigraphy in the noninvasive diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis

Ten consecutive patients with tissue-proven amyloidosis, seven of whom presented with congestive heart failure, were found to exhibit intense diffuse uptake of technetium-99m-pyrophosphate (Tc-99m-PYP) on cardiac radionuclide imaging. The patients exhibited echocardiographic and systolic time interval abnormalities suggesting combined restrictive and congestive cardiomyopathic changes. On M-mode echocardiograms, there was symmetrically increased thickness of the interventricular septum and left ventricular (LV) posterior wall in diastole (10 of 10), decreased fractional shortening of the LV minor axis diameter in systole (eight of nine), and decreased percent thickening of the LV minor axis diameter in systole (eight of nine) and LV posterior wall (10 of 10) in systole. Three patients demonstrated enlarged LV end-diastolic diameter. All 10 patients had abnormal PEP/LVET and eight had shortened LVETI. When combined with noninvasive tests of LV performance, positive myocardial pyrophosphate (PYP) scanning provides a new and useful adjunct in the diagnosis of amyloid heart disease.
Stepped Die Packaging

With the increase in memory needed by consumer, higher capacity memory is in greater demand. But before the next higher density memory die is available, memory chips are normally stacked to achieve the required density. The current package structures of a stacked die package is either using thick epoxy pillow embedding the bond-wires or have a dummy silicon die or polymer tape as a spacer between the stacking units. This paper focuses on the development of a novel, spacer-less stacked multi-die packaging through the use of stepped die. The package does not require silicon or polymer materials as spacer to facilitate same die stacking because each of this stepped die has an indent cut at periphery, providing the necessary clearance for all bond-wires. Critical processing challenges are investigated, including 1) dicing of stepped die; 2) die attach of stepped die; 3) cantilever wire bonding; and 4) molding pile of stacked stepped die. Live samples have been built to demonstrate the feasibility of such packaging approach and the test yield associated with stepped silicon die. In addition, the reliability of this new live stacked multi-die assembly is also being evaluated. Samples meet MST L2, T/C "B" 1000 cycles and HAST 96 hrs requirement.
Electronic Structure of the Si(111)2 × 1 Surface by Scanning-Tunneling Microscopy

The tunneling current is measured as a function of voltage, lateral position, and vertical separation between a tungsten probe tip and a Si(111)2 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} 1 surface. A rich spectrum is obtained in the ratio of differential to total conductivity, revealing the structure of the surface-state bands. The magnitude of the parallel wave vector for certain surface states is determined from the decay length of the tunneling current. Real-space images of the surface states reveal a phase reversal between those states on either side of the surface-state band gap.
Impaired endotoxin detoxification as a factor in enhanced endotoxin sensitivity of malaria infected mice.

SummaryThe influence of P. berghei infection on endotoxin susceptibility and detoxification in white mice was studied. Malaria-infected mice showed a 41-fold increase in endotoxin susceptibility. Liver and spleen homogenates from normal control animals possessed a significant endotoxin detoxification ability. In contrast, liver homogenates prepared from malaria-infected mice possessed no significant endotoxin detoxifying ability. The endotoxin detoxifying ability of splenic homogenates prepared from malaria-infected donors was, however, normal.These findings indicate that endotoxin hypersensitivity in malaria-infected mice may be due to an impairment in hepatic endotoxin detoxification. The loss of endotoxin detoxification ability by liver adds another dimension to hepatic functional alterations in malaria.
The role of the Streptococcus mutans glucosyltransferases in the sucrose‐dependent attachment to smooth surfaces: essential role of the gtfC enzyme

Previous results have indicated that the glucosyltransferase activities of mutans streptococci are required for sucrose-dependent colonization of tooth surfaces. We have constructed mutants of Streptococcus mutans GS5 that are altered in varying combinations of the three gtf genes present in this organism. A quantitative in vitro sucrose-dependent attachment system was used to demonstrate that the inactivation of the gtfC gene drastically reduced adherence to smooth surfaces. By contrast, inactivation of the gtfB gene resulted in a smaller, but significant, reduction in attachment while the gtfD mutant was only marginally affected. Furthermore, production of only the glucosyltransferase C enzyme allowed for attachment although at reduced levels compared to the wild-type organism. The results from reintroduction of single copies of each of the gtf genes into a mutant of strain GS5 lacking glucosyltransferase activity also demonstrated the crucial role of the glucosyltransferase C enzyme in colonization. These results suggest a unique role for the glucosyltransferase C enzyme in the sucrose-dependent colonization of tooth surfaces by S. mutans strains.
Personal health care of internal medicine residents

Introduction: Medical residents, as part of their job to balance the demands of their work with caring for themselves so as to be mentally, emotionally, and physically sound to stay clinically competent. While regulatory and legislative attempts at limiting medical resident work hours have materialized but have yet to attain passage, there are fairly little data looking into how residents cope up with their demands and yet attend to their own personal health. Design: Anonymous mailed survey. Subjects: Three hundred and thirty-seven residents from all internal medicine residency programs within United States. Methods: We conducted a survey in the form of a questionnaire that was sent by e-mail to the program directors of various internal medicine residency programs within the United States, and responses were collected between May 19 and June 21, 2009. Response was well appreciated with total number of participants of 337 with even demographical distribution in gender, residency year, AMG/IMG, age group. Seventy-one percent of the residents felt that they would prefer getting admitted to their own hospital for any acute medical or surgical condition. Of the 216 residents who have had received health care in the past, almost half of them chose their own hospital because of the proximity, while 45% did not choose their own hospital despite proximity. Two out of three residents missed their doctors appointments or cancelled them due to demands of medical training. Only half of the residents have a primary care physician and almost 80% of them did not have their yearly health checkup. Close to 30% held back information regarding their social and sexual history from their provider because of privacy and confidentiality concerns. Eighty percent of residents never received information about barriers that physicians may face in obtaining care for their socially embarrassing conditions. Seventy percent felt that their performance then was suboptimal because of that health condition and also felt sick but did not drop the call. Half of the residents had concerns that they might be having a psychiatric illness, but only 5% of them received a formal evaluation at their own hospital and 23 (12.4%) at an outside hospital. Conclusions: It is very important to have more studies to emphasize on resident’s physical and mental health and encourage them to have a primary care physician. There are several reasons preventing residents from getting a formal evaluation, confidentiality reasons, lack of time - schedule constraints, fear of being labeled, and social repercussions are few of them. Program directors should encourage the residents to not only care of the health of their patients but also be enthusiastic about their personal health issues for upgraded, revised patient care, and ultimately for their overall well-being. Keywords: mailed questionnaire; confidentiality; primary care; health access (Published: 26 January 2012) Citation: Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives 2011, 1 : 8864 - DOI: 10.3402/jchimp.v1i4.8864
The Developmental Stages of Paracalanus Crassirostris Dahl, 1894 (Copepoda, Calanoida)1)

[Der Copepode Paracalanus crassirostris Dahl, 1894 wurde im Labor gezuchtet. Alle Entwicklungsstadien werden illustriert. Bei 18°C dauert die vollstandige Entwicklung vom Nauplius I der ersten Generation bis zum Nauplius I der zweiten Generation 14 Tage. Nauplius und Copepodid-Stadien von P. crassirostris werden mit Entwicklungsstadien verwandter Arten verglichen., Der Copepode Paracalanus crassirostris Dahl, 1894 wurde im Labor gezuchtet. Alle Entwicklungsstadien werden illustriert. Bei 18°C dauert die vollstandige Entwicklung vom Nauplius I der ersten Generation bis zum Nauplius I der zweiten Generation 14 Tage. Nauplius und Copepodid-Stadien von P. crassirostris werden mit Entwicklungsstadien verwandter Arten verglichen.]
Altered baroreceptor function in children with systolic hypertension after coarctation repair

Abstract To determine whether altered baroreceptor function may contribute to systemic hypertension after coarctation of the aorta (C of A) repair, baroreceptor function was evaluated in 6 children with repaired C of A mild arm systolic hypertension. Data were compared with those from 7 normotensive control children with hemodynamically mild heart disease. Age at C of A repair averaged 9.9 ± 3.1 years (mean ± standard deviation [SD]). Arm systolic pressure was 143.8 ± 2.9 mm Hg in the C of A repair group, compared with 118.3 ± 9.9 for control subjects (p
Laminar condensation heat and mass transfer in the vicinity of the forward stagnation point of a spherical droplet translating in a ternary mixture: Numerical and asymptotic solutions

Abstract Numerical solutions to the nonlinear, coupled boundary-layer equations governing laminar condensation heat and mass transfer in the vicinity of the forward stagnation point of a spherical droplet translating in a saturated mixture of three components are presented. The environment surrounding the droplet is composed of a condensable (steam), a noncondensable and nonabsorbable (air), and a third component which is noncondensable but absorbable (a typical fission product in a nuclear reactor containment following a loss of coolant accident). The investigation includes the range: droplet radius (0.005–0.05 cm), ambient thermal condition (75–175°C), initial temperature of droplet (5–170°C) and noncondensable and nonabsorbable component mass fraction in the bulk (0.01–0.5). The third component is taken to be in trace amounts. Asymptotic solutions that provide bounds and checks for the fully numerical solutions have also been included. The study exhibits several interesting features. A novel feature is that, for a given thermal driving force and noncondensable gas concentration in the bulk, the dimensionless heat transfer decreases with increasing ambient saturation temperature. An important conclusion arising out of the work is that, for laminar film condensation on a freely falling droplet, the droplet size, the forced flow field velocity and the ambient thermodynamic conditions prevailing in the environment are all strongly influencing and mutually related factors that control the transfer rates. The present results show good comparison with the existing, limited experimental results.
Perceived productivity and the social rules for laptop use in work meetings

People multitask with laptops in organizational meetings and this may impact a team's productivity and group dynamics. This paper discusses the results from fieldwork at a Fortune 500 software development company and survey data from a sample of 40 information workers across the United States on the topic of technological multitasking in group meetings. Preliminary results suggest that there is a perceived loss of productivity when using laptops during meetings and that the type of meeting is the strongest determinant for when technological multitasking occurs.
A phenomenological description of viscoelastic memory in capillary flow

Polymeric extrudates have diameters generally greater than the diameter of the capillary employed. Experiments with polystyrene have shown that this swelling can be described partially as a viscoelastic memory that decays within the capillary. This process be interpreted in terms of a distribution of temperature-dependent relaxation times and the residence time in the capillary.
Hematological and serum biochemical values in free-ranging Macaca fascicularis of Mauritius : possible diabetes mellitus and correlation with nutrition

Obtained values are presented from a study of blood biochemistry and hematology of free-ranging crab-eating macaques (Macaca fascicularis) in Mauritius. Normal values are generally comparable to those previously obtained from laboratory populations of this species. Abnormal values included elevated serum glucose and triglycerides in certain individuals that suggested glucose intolerance and diabetes mellitus. A high-carbohydrate diet consisting of large proportions of sugar cane and molasses may have unmasked a genetic predisposition to diabetes in these animals.
Locus of Control and the Fundamental Dimensions of Moods

The present study examined the association between locus of control and positive and negative moods in 253 college students. Using the PANAS-X, designed by Watson and Clark, individuals scoring high on internal locus of control also scored higher across different dimensions of positive mood. Conversely, individuals scoring high on external locus of control had higher scores across different dimensions of negative mood.
The role of friction in deformation processing

Abstract One or more die faces are employed in most practical deformation processes. Where plastic deformation is essentially normal to the die face (Brinell hardness test) friction plays a negligible role. In most plastic flow processes, however, there is a shear component of deformation and friction plays a major role. The friction associated with a die face differs significantly from that for lightly loaded sliders. For example, Amontons' law for lightly loaded sliders does not hold for sliding on a die face. The material in the vicinity of a rigid die face does not obey the same rules of plastic flow as the material in bulk. Consequently it is generally incorrect to extend a slip line field solution, that may represent a first approximation in bulk, all the way to a die face. In some instances the deformation process for the material in bulk is grossly incompatible with that at the rigid boundary and a situation intermediate between the two extremes results. In still other instances an artificial die face is produced in situ in the deforming material and the initial geometry of the system is then drastically altered. In certain plastic flow processes it is possible to arrange hydrodynamic support at the die face. This will normally result in less die wear, but poorer finish if the viscosity of the hydrodynamic medium is such as to provide low friction. Other methods of controlling the magnitude of the friction on a die face include boundary lubrication, contaminated microcracks, a steep temperature gradient near the surface and vibration of the surface. The utility of plasticine as an analog modelling material in plastic flow studies is illustrated by some of the figures presented.
Placenta as a Source of Stem Cells for Regenerative Medicine

The development of effective cell transplantation therapies is currently the focus of biomedical research worldwide, and numerous cell types and sources have been explored for applications in regenerative medicine. The placenta is a unique organ of fetomaternal origin that plays an important role in fetal development, and multiple types of placenta-derived stem cells show great promise for application in regenerative medicine. This review concisely summarizes the recent proceedings on the characterization, biological properties, and applications of mesenchymal stem cells that have been isolated from various anatomic regions of the placenta and at different gestational ages. In addition, this review summarizes recent studies that have isolated amniotic epithelial cells, hematopoietic stem cells, and trophoblast stem cells from placental tissue.
The degradation of doppler sodar performance due to noise: a review

Ambient background noise is a common problem for poor Doppler sodar performance. This noise can be active or passive and broad-band or narrow-band. Active broad-band noise decreases the sounding range of the sodar by decreasing the signal-to-noise ratio. Active narrow-band noise can be interpreted as erroneous wind values. Passive noise sources are objects which reflect the transmitted acoustic pulse back to the sodar with zero Doppler shift. Use of acoustic shielding is discussed as a method of noise pollution control by isolating the side lobe energy of the transmitted acoustic pulse. At the same time, these acoustic shields are effective in blocking out active ambient background noise. Previous studies which experienced noise interference are shown as examples of problems that are frequently encountered.
Advances in paediatric pharmacotherapy

Marked differences in body composition and organ function development have been demonstrated among neonates, infants, and children versus adults. Specific dosage guidelines for the paediatric population, however, are still not available for the majority of marketed drugs. Much needs to be learned about the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, comparative efficacy and safety of drugs in infants and children. Recent developments in paediatric therapeutics include the availability of several new antibiotics for the treatment of infections including, streptococcal pharyngitis, otitis media, bacterial meningitis, herpes encephalitis, neonatal herpes, and AIDS. Corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulin have become important adjunctive treatments for certain infections. A variety of drugs are available to treat asthma but the mortality due to this disease is still increasing. The identification of a gene defect in patients with cystic fibrosis could lead to more effective treatment in the future. Ondansetron, marketed for use in adults only, shows promise as a more effective and safer antiemetic in children receiving cancer chemotherapy. Numerous drugs are not available in suitable dosage forms for paediatric use and extemporaneous formulations are required. Documentation on the stability of the reformulated drugs is therefore needed. Studies have shown that the methods used for intravenous delivery can influence the serum concentrations of drugs in infants and children. Large numbers of children could be saved worldwide solely with improved vaccination and control of diarrhoea. Despite this, it is encouraging to witness the continued advances being made in paediatric pharmacotherapy.
Computed tomographic evaluation of otosclerosis

A 33-year-old woman presented with a history of slowly progressive tinnitus and rightsided hearing loss without vertigo. Axial and coronal computed tomography (CT) scans of the temporal bones (Fig 1) reveal decreased attenuation and slight thickening of the bone just anterior to the oval window in the region of the fissula antefenestram bilaterally. A halo of decreased density encircled the cochlea. The mastoid air cells, middle ear cavity, and ossicles were otherwise unremarkable.
Anemia, Allogenic Blood Transfusion, and Immunomodulation in the Critically Ill

Anemia and allogenic RBC transfusions are exceedingly common among critically ill patients. Multiple pathologic mechanisms contribute to the genesis of anemia in these patients. Emerging risks associated with allogenic RBC transfusions including the transmission of newer infectious agents and immune modulation predisposing the patient to infections requires reevaluation of current transfusion strategies. Recent data have suggested that a restrictive transfusion practice is associated with reduced morbidity and mortality during critical illness, with the possible exception of acute coronary syndromes. In this article, we review the immune-modulatory role of allogenic RBC transfusions in critically ill patients.
Intraspecific selective survival within variably uniplicate Late Devonian brachiopods

The central fold of the Late Devonian brachiopods Cyrtospirifer monticola, Cleiothyridina devonica, Rugaltorostrum madisonense, Sinotectirostrum banffense and Trifiodorostellum dunbarense (Three Forks Formation, Central Idaho) varies intraspecifically from nearly rectimarginate or weakly developed to chevron-shaped. Frequency of central fold morphotypes through succesSjve size classes indicates selective survival in favor of variants with a strongly developed central fold, although morphotypes with the most extremely developed central fold never numerically dominate the larger size classes of any species. Differential mortality among the morphotypes can be attributed to: (1) less resistance to shell fracture by morphotypes with weakly developed uniplicae which were preferentially culled out of the population by durophagous predators, (2) less efficiency of weakly uniplicate morphotypes in the generation of nutrient-bearing eddies against the downcurrent inhalant margins. Failure of the morphotypes with the most strongly developed uniplicae to numerically dominate adult (largest) size classes is attributed to the hydrodynamic instability of such shell geometries on current-scoured substrates.
Quantum dynamics manipulation using optimal control theory in the presence of laser field noise

We discuss recent advances in optimal control theory (OCT) related to the investigation of the impact of control field noise on controllability of quantum dynamics. Two numerical methods, the gradient method and the iteration method, are paid particular attention. We analyze the problem of designing noisy control fields to maximize the vibrational transition probability in diatomic quantum systems, e.g. the HF and OH molecules. White noise is used as an additive random variable in the amplitude of the control field. It is demonstrated that the convergence is faster in the presence of noise and population transfer is increased by 0.04% for small values of noise compared to the field amplitude.
Musculoskeletal disorders in referrals for suspected cervical radiculopathy

Abstract Cannon DE, Dillingham TR, Miao H, Andary MT, Pezzin LE. Musculoskeletal disorders in referrals for suspected cervical radiculopathy. Objectives To determine (1) the prevalence of selected common musculoskeletal disorders in patients referred for electrodiagnosis when cervical radiculopathy is suspected and (2) whether these findings predict electrodiagnostic study outcome. Design Prospective study. Setting Electrodiagnostic laboratories in departments of physical medicine and rehabilitation at 5 participating institutions. Participants A total of 191 subjects undergoing electrodiagnostic evaluations for upper-limb symptoms when cervical radiculopathy was suspected. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Prevalence of certain musculoskeletal disorders (myofascial pain, shoulder impingement, lateral epicondylitis, de Quervain's tenosynovitis) and outcomes of electrodiagnostic testing (normal study, cervical radiculopathy, or another electrodiagnostically confirmed diagnosis). Results The total prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was 42%. The prevalence in those with a normal study was 69%, compared with 29% in those with cervical radiculopathy ( P P =.02). Conclusions Musculoskeletal disorders are common in patients with suspected cervical radiculopathy. Although the presence of certain musculoskeletal disorders makes having a normal electrodiagnostic evaluation significantly more likely, the high prevalence among both patients with normal studies and those with radiculopathy and other disorders limits the usefulness of this information in precisely predicting study outcome. The presence of musculoskeletal disorders should not preclude electrodiagnostic testing when otherwise indicated.
Single molecule measurements of channel proteins incorporated into biomimetic polymer membranes

Lipid bilayer membranes have been extensively utilized to examine membrane channel and pore proteins and are the subjects of study in their own right. There has been considerable recent interest in developing technologies to substitute or strengthen lipid bilayer membranes for a number of applications, including sensing or drug delivery. In particular, biomimetic amphiphilic block co-polymers have been shown to have the capacity to form membrane structures and to contain membrane proteins within them. In this work, we describe the creation of biomimetic membranes from a 5.7 nm thick tri-block co-polymer and the investigation of the effects of the polymer environment on incorporated channel proteins (α-haemolysin, OmpG, and alamethicin) with single molecule transport measurements. We found that the polymer membranes consistently have seal resistances of tens of GΩ and greater, and that the conductance of single channels is reduced by approximately 10% from that measured in diphytanoyl phosphatidylcholine lipid membranes, possibly as a result of increased cohesion of the polymer compared to lipid. The voltage gating ability and threshold voltages of voltage gated channels were also found to be very similar in the lipid and polymer environments.
Enhanced bioavailability of phosphonoformic acid by dietary phosphorus restriction.

Abstract Phosphonoformic acid (PFA, foscarnet) is a potent inhibitor of Na + -P i cotransport in intestinal and renal brush border membranes (BBM). We have studied the effect of dietary phosphorus restriction on intestinal PFA absorption and bioavailability. Rats were placed on low (0.04% P i , LPD) or normal (0.95% P i , NPD) phosphorus diets for 5 days, followed by administration of an oral bolus of [ 14 C]PFA (100 mg/kg). Of the oral PFA dose, 60 ± 4% was absorbed in LPD rats, compared with 43 ± 3% in NPD rats (P μ g/mL, respectively). [ 14 C]PFA uptake, determined in intestinal BBM vesicles (BBMV), was Na + gradient (Na + out > Na + in ) dependent. Dietary phosphorus restriction resulted in a 39.8% increase in the initial (1 min) Na + -dependent [ 14 C]PFA uptake by intestinal BBMV. We conclude that PFA absorption is enhanced by dietary phosphorus restriction.
Dynamic whole-body PET parametric imaging: I. Concept, acquisition protocol optimization and clinical application

Static whole-body PET/CT, employing the standardized uptake value (SUV), is considered the standard clinical approach to diagnosis and treatment response monitoring for a wide range of oncologic malignancies. Alternative PET protocols involving dynamic acquisition of temporal images have been implemented in the research setting, allowing quantification of tracer dynamics, an important capability for tumor characterization and treatment response monitoring. Nonetheless, dynamic protocols have been confined to single-bed-coverage limiting the axial field-of-view to ~15-20 cm, and have not been translated to the routine clinical context of whole-body PET imaging for the inspection of disseminated disease. Here, we pursue a transition to dynamic whole-body PET parametric imaging, by presenting, within a unified framework, clinically feasible multi-bed dynamic PET acquisition protocols and parametric imaging methods. We investigate solutions to address the challenges of: (i) long acquisitions, (ii) small number of dynamic frames per bed, and (iii) non-invasive quantification of kinetics in the plasma. In the present study, a novel dynamic (4D) whole-body PET acquisition protocol of ~45 min total length is presented, composed of (i) an initial 6 min dynamic PET scan (24 frames) over the heart, followed by (ii) a sequence of multi-pass multi-bed PET scans (six passes × seven bed positions, each scanned for 45 s). Standard Patlak linear graphical analysis modeling was employed, coupled with image-derived plasma input function measurements. Ordinary least squares Patlak estimation was used as the baseline regression method to quantify the physiological parameters of tracer uptake rate Ki and total blood distribution volume V on an individual voxel basis. Extensive Monte Carlo simulation studies, using a wide set of published kinetic FDG parameters and GATE and XCAT platforms, were conducted to optimize the acquisition protocol from a range of ten different clinically acceptable sampling schedules examined. The framework was also applied to six FDG PET patient studies, demonstrating clinical feasibility. Both simulated and clinical results indicated enhanced contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) for Ki images in tumor regions with notable background FDG concentration, such as the liver, where SUV performed relatively poorly. Overall, the proposed framework enables enhanced quantification of physiological parameters across the whole body. In addition, the total acquisition length can be reduced from 45 to ~35 min and still achieve improved or equivalent CNR compared to SUV, provided the true Ki contrast is sufficiently high. In the follow-up companion paper, a set of advanced linear regression schemes is presented to particularly address the presence of noise, and attempt to achieve a better trade-off between the mean-squared error and the CNR metrics, resulting in enhanced task-based imaging.
Mutational analysis of the substrate binding/catalytic domains of human M form and P form phenol sulfotransferases

Human monoamine (M) form and simple phenol (P) form phenol sulfotransferases (PSTs) are greater than 93% identical in their primary sequences and yet display distinct substrate specificities and other enzymatic properties. Through the generation and characterization of a series of chimeric PSTs, we have previously demonstrated two highly variable regions within their sequences to be responsible for determining their substrate phenotypes (Sakakibara, Y., Takami, Y., Nakayama, T., Suiko, M., and Liu, M.-C. (1998)J. Biol. Chem. 273, 6242–6247). By employing the site-directed mutagenesis technique, the present study aims to identify and quantitatively evaluate the specific amino acid residues critical to the substrate binding and catalysis in these two enzymes. Twelve mutated M-PSTs and seven mutated P-PSTs were generated, expressed, and purified. Enzymatic characterization showed that, of the twelve mutated M-PSTs, mutations at residues Asp-86, Glu-89, and Glu-146 resulted in a dramatic decrease inV max/K m with dopamine as substrate, being greater than 450 times for the D86A/E89I/E146A mutated M-PST. With p-nitrophenol as substrate, theV max/K m determined for the D86A/E89I/E146A-mutated M-PST increased more than 25 times and approached that determined for the wild-type P-PST. These results indicated that the concerted action of the three mutated residues (D86A, E89I, and E146A) is sufficient for the conversion of the substrate phenotype of M-PST to that of P-PST. Among the mutated P-PSTs, the I89E- and A146E-mutated P-PSTs displayed considerable deviations in V max/K m with dopamine or p-nitrophenol as substrate. No corresponding changes, however, were detected with the opposite compound as substrate. These results indicated that, in contrast to M-PST, mutations at Ala-86, Ile-89, and Ala-146 to the corresponding residues in M-PST are not sufficient for rendering the change of P-PST substrate phenotype to that of M-PST. For both M-PSTs and P-PSTs, mutations at Lys-48 or His-108 led to the loss of sulfotransferase activities, indicating their importance in the catalytic mechanism.
Error analysis of predicted fate of anthracene in a simulated pond

Statistical regressions that relate rates of transport processes to chemical characteristics of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were used to estimate parameters in a model that predicts the fate of a simulated anthracene spill onto the surface (25 m2) of a 12.5 m3 pond ecosystem. During 60 d following a simulated spill of 2.0 g/m2 anthracene, predicted concentration in sediments peaked at 550 μg/m2. Predicted bioaccumulation was maximal in rooted macrophytes (0.35 μg/g dry weight), followed by benthic invertebrates (0.23 μg/g dry weight) and zooplankton (0.04 μg/g dry weight). Precision of predicted concentrations depends upon precise estimation of model parameters that define maximum water solubility and that regulate photolytic degradation, volatilization, sorption and bioaccumulation of anthracene. In 200 simulations, values of 29 model parameters were chosen at random from distributions with standard deviations that ranged between 0.5 and 53% of their means. Results demonstrate greater precision in predictions of the relative distribution of anthracene among water, sediments and total biota than precision of predicted concentrations of individual pond components.
Effect of phenobarbital on a leech neuron

Abstract Sodium phonobarbital, 10 mM, caused a characteristic sequence of changes in the intracellularly recorded activity of the Retzius cells of leech segmental ganglia. An initial period of slight depolarization associated with greatly increased excitatory synaptic impingement and firing rate was followed by a 10–15 mV hyperpolarization which was interrupted every few seconds by large depolarizations surmounted by small, rapidly repeating action potentials. The hyperpolarized phase was associated with decreased input resistance; it was unaffected by substitution of propionate for chloride in the bathing fluid but was reduced and eventually abolished by elevation of external potassium from 4 to 44 mM, which procedure also reduced and finally abolished the undershoots of the action potentials. When synaptic transmission was suppressed with 20 mM magnesium sulfate, most of the excitatory events of the phenobarbital response did not appear, but the hyperpolarization developed as usual. All the above phenomena were reversible and repeatable. These data suggest that a selective and reversible increase in membrane permeability to potassium is a principal direct effect of phenobarbital on this particular neuron. The excitatory portions of the response appear to be secondary to drug-induced changes in neurons synapsing on the Retzius cell.
Liquid Crystal Guest-Host Systems

Abstract The guest-host interactions of pleochroic dyes dissolved in nematic liquid crystals has been reviewed, particularly with respect to the application in electrooptic displays. The role of the dye structure and the liquid crystal mixture is considered with respect to factors such as order parameter, absorption spectra and solubility.
The efficacy of cognition- and emotion-based “buy domestic” appeals: Conceptualization, empirical test, and managerial implications

Abstract Marketers who face strong competition from imports need to know how to best approach their domestic (home country) market. To suggest elements of strategy for such beleaguered marketers, this study presents a process model that views purchase-related behavior as help for their nation's workers whose jobs are threatened by imports. While previous studies of purchasers' willingness to buy domestic products have seldom investigated the psychological process leading to purchase, this model features both cognition- and emotion-based flows of influence. Structural equation analysis using survey data provides support for the model, showing helping behavior is positively and directly impacted by situational empathy for the workers, felt responsibility to help, and perceived salience of the issue. Helping is also positively and indirectly influenced by perceived similarity with the workers, feeling the workers deserve help, ethnocentrism, patriotism, trait empathy, and education. Implications of these findings for marketers are suggested.
Submeatal injection of polytetrafluoroethylene paste for the endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteric reflux in adults.

Summary— The injection of submeatal Teflon paste is often used for the treatment of paediatric vesicoureteric reflux (VUR). We present our results using this treatment in 7 adults and 1 female child; 11 ureters were injected with a 73% success rate. The simplicity of the procedure and the encouraging results make this a desirable treatment for adult VUR.
INCENTIVE CONTRACTS FOR MANAGERS WHO DISCOVER AND MANAGE INVESTMENT PROJECTS

We analyse how principals can select incentive contracts to induce managers to make optimal investment decisions when the managers privately observe information which is informative both about their own ability and about the value of projects. We show that there exist contracts based solely on actual returns which can implement the first-best investment decision and which entail no excess compensation to the managers. However, these contracts are unstable in competitive spot labor markets because of adverse selection. We demonstrate that the adverse selection problem can be remedied with a contract which involves precommitment of performance level by managers.
Complete assignment of the non-exchangeable proton nmr resonances of [d-(GGAATTCC)]2 using two-dimensional nuclear overhauser effect spectra.

Summary Proton two-dimensional nuclear Overhauser effect (2D NOE) spectra have been obtained for [d-(GGAATTCC)]2 at a series of mixing times. By performing the experiment at 500 MHz and obtaining pure absorption phase spectra, sufficient resolution was achieved to be able to assign all seventy of the non-exchangeable proton resonances in the self-complementary octamer duplex, including the H3, resonances which overlap with the solvent peak.
Variation of P-Wave Velocity before the Bear Valley, California, Earthquake of 24 February 1972

Residuals for P-wave traveltimes at a seismnograph station near Bear Valley, California, for small, precisely located local earthquakes at distances of 20 to 70 kilometers show a sharp increase of nearly 0.3 second about 2 months before a magnitude 5.0 earthquake that occurred within a few kilometers of the station. This indicates that velocity changes observed elsewhere premonitory to earthquakes, possibly related to dilatancy, occur along the central section of the San Andreas fault system.