cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Factors affecting hernia recurrence after Strattice mesh repair: A retrospective study

Aim The aim of the present study was to explore the factors that affect hernia recurrence after Strattice mesh repair. Patients and Methods The present study is a retrospective study of the medical records of 42 patients who underwent Strattice mesh hernia repair at Ruby Memorial Hospital, West Virginia University. Strattice mesh was employed in a variety of ventral hernia procedures, including primary ventral hernia repair, recurrent ventral incisional hernia repair, component separation (abdominal wall reconstruction), parastomal hernia repair and infected inguinal hernia repair. The main collected variables were body mass index, intraoperative hernia defect size, diabetes, wound events and steroid use. Results For 42 patients, the overall recurrence rate was 21.43 per cent. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 36.4. BMI and sex were significant risk factors for recurrence (P = 0.036, P = 0.002), respectively. The mean defect size was 97 cm2. The hernia defect size was not significantly associated with the hernia recurrence rate (P = 0.166). Of the 10 diabetics, five developed recurrence. However, diabetes was not significantly associated with the hernia recurrence rate (P = 0.726). A total of four patients (9.52 per cent) were using steroids; one developed recurrence, which was not significantly associated with the hernia recurrence rate (P = 0.20). Wound infection also was not significantly associated with recurrence (P = 0.323). Conclusions Only sex and an increase in the BMI were significantly associated with the risk of hernia recurrence. In order to decrease the modifiable risk of hernia recurrence, surgeons should counsel obese patients regarding preoperative weight loss.
Relationships of leader reward behavior with employee behavior: Fairness and morale as key mediators

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine employee perceptions of fairness and work morale as mediators of the relationship between leader reward behavior and employee behavior.Design/methodology/approach – A matrix of meta‐analytic estimates containing the focal variables (leader reward behavior, fairness, morale, and employee behavior) was constructed following a literature review of published studies. This matrix was then analyzed using structural equation modeling to test a series of nested models.Findings – Leader reward behavior is positively related to higher task performance and organizational citizenship behavior, and fewer intentions to turnover. These relationships are mediated by employees’ perceptions of fairness and work morale.Research limitations/implications – The paper extends the leadership literature by identifying two mechanisms (viz., fairness and morale) through which leader reward behavior relates to employee behavior. Possible limitations are the drawbacks associated with ...
A Comparative Study of Corneal Epithelial Cell Surfaces Utilizing the Scanning Electron Microscope

The mammalian corneal epithelium has been previously shown to have microprojections (microvilli, microplicae) which have been implicated in tear film retention in addition to other possible functions. In the present work, a comparative study of the corneal surface in several species of fish has been carried out with the scanning electron microscope in order to further probe the functional importance of these surface structures. The corneal microprojections in two elasmobranch species, the dogfish and skate (which have eyelids), are structurally very similar to one another, and resemble mammalian corneal surface microprojections. The five species of marine teleost (which do not have eyelids), on the other hand, show epithelial surface patterns consisting of long, curved surface ridges. Evidence of a material coating these ridges is presented. Individual cellular variations in surface coating material and structural patterns of the microprojections are reported. The possible roles of the corneal surface microprojections, in view of these comparative observations, are discussed. (auth)
Complete mitochondrial genome of the sheepshead minnow Cyprinodon variegatus (Cyprinodontiformes: Cyprinodontidae)

The complete mitochondrial genome of the sheepshead minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus) with the length of 16,498 bp was determined using long PCR and Sanger sequencing. The mitogenome contains 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes and a D-loop region of 831 bp in length. All protein-coding genes except NADH dehydrogenase subunit 6 (nd6) are encoded on the heavy strand (H-strand). ATG acts as the start codon for all protein-coding genes except cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (coI), which has GTG as a start codon. Fourteen tRNA genes and both rRNA genes are also encoded on the H-strand, as observed in other Actinopterygiian fishes. This complete mitogenome sequence will facilitate studies on adaptation of C. variegates to local variation in temperature, salinity and chemical pollution conditions, as well as inform studies of genetic introgression by C. variegatus into other Cyprinodon species that have imperiled protection status.
Severing corneal nerves in one eye induces sympathetic loss of immune privilege and promotes rejection of future corneal allografts placed in either eye

Less than 10% of corneal allografts undergo rejection even though HLA matching is not performed. However, second corneal transplants experience a threefold increase in rejection, which is not due to prior sensitization to histocompatibility antigens shared by the first and second transplants since corneal grafts are selected at random without histocompatibility matching. Using a mouse model of penetrating keratoplasty, we found that 50% of the initial corneal transplants survived, yet 100% of the subsequent corneal allografts (unrelated to the first graft) placed in the opposite eye underwent rejection. The severing of corneal nerves that occurs during surgery induced substance P (SP) secretion in both eyes, which disabled T regulatory cells that are required for allograft survival. Administration of an SP antagonist restored immune privilege and promoted graft survival. Thus, corneal surgery produces a sympathetic response that permanently abolishes immune privilege of subsequent corneal allografts, even those placed in the opposite eye and expressing a completely different array of foreign histocompatibility antigens from the first corneal graft.
Modeling global facility location decisions: integrating marketing and manufacturing decisions

Rapid changes in today’s global markets are forcing businesses to re‐examine and improve the ways they compete. Integration of facility location decisions in global marketing and manufacturing strategies provides an important means for firms to compete in global markets. This paper proposes that manufacturing utility can be related to marketing utility through facility location decisions. Consequently, it presents a mathematical model for global facility location that integrates marketing and manufacturing decisions in a global context. It also presents a four‐stage evolutionary model that can guide managers in making global facility location decisions.
Ribosome display enhanced by next generation sequencing: A tool to identify antibody-specific peptide ligands

Detection of antibodies in serum has many important applications. Our goal was to develop a facile general experimental approach for identifying antibody-specific peptide ligands that could be used as the reagents for antibody detection. Our emphasis was on an approach that would allow identification of peptide ligands for antibodies in serum without the need to isolate the target antibody or to know the identity of its antigen. We combined ribosome display (RD) with the analysis of peptide libraries by next generation sequencing (NGS) of their coding RNA to facilitate identification of antibody-specific peptide ligands from random sequence peptide library. We first demonstrated, using purified antibodies, that with our approach-specific peptide ligands for antibodies with simple linear epitopes, as well as peptide mimotopes for antibodies recognizing complex epitopes, were readily identified. Inclusion of NGS analysis reduced the number of RD selection rounds that were required to identify specific ligands and facilitated discrimination between specific and spurious nonspecific sequences. We then used a model of human serum spiked with a known target antibody to develop NGS-based analysis that allowed identification of specific ligands for a target antibody in the context of an overwhelming amount of unrelated immunoglobins present in serum.
The U.S.-Mexican borderlands region: a binational spatial analysis

Abstract The study addresses research questions about demographic, social, and economic characteristics of the joint U.S.-Mexico border region. The study sample consists of all of the counties and municipios in the U.S.-Mexico border region i.e. all those in the U.S. four border states (California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas), as well as those in the six Mexican border states (Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, and Tamaulipas). There are 246 counties and 273 municipios in this region. The goal of this research is to understand the broader context of the border region and to compare the results to prior studies of the border region and its cities. It examines the levels of the 16 matched characteristics at the county and municipio level in the territory of the ten border states. The methods consist of definitional matching and descriptive spatial analysis and comparisons. The findings are summarized to answer the research questions. Do socioeconomic characteristics in the border region differ between the U.S. and Mexico? Do they differ between the eastern versus western borderlands? Do characteristics differ for the major metropolitan versus non-metropolitan areas of the borderlands? Are city to city differences (north to south) similar or different to region to region differences (north to south)? This paper seeks to answer these questions, discuss the findings, compare the results to prior work, and analyze the policy and planning implications.
An investigation of the thermal degradation of poly(ethylene glycol)

Abstract The products from the thermal degradation of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) in a nitrogen atmosphere have been studied by GC/MS. The results of these studies show that PEG degrades in nitrogen by a series of competitive intermolecular and intramolecular processes. Following the homolytic cleavage of the CC or CO bonds, disproportionation and hydrogen abstraction reactions can be used to explain the observed thermal decomposition products. This proposed mechanism is compared with the existing PEG thermal decomposition literature.
Doppler domain localized generalized-likelihood-ratio detector

the entire Doppler frequency domain can be divided iiito two types of regions: one for theflat or nearly flat spectrum regions and the other for the sharply changing spectrum regions.It is well known that over the aat or nearly flat spectrum regions the conventional windowedDFT or FIR filter bank has already achieved near optimum detection performance (at lease
The First Day of Class Affects Student Motivation: An Experimental Study

Teaching experts assert that the first day of class impacts students, with potential negative effects lasting the entire term. However, no empirical research supports this supposition. We randomly assigned students to view a video of their professor either providing a positive or negative first-day experience. Students with the positive experience reported better attitudes and more positive expectations at the end of the first day. Although several differences dissipated by the end of the first week, students with the positive first-day experience reported higher motivation for the majority of the course, and their grades were significantly higher by the end of the term.
Topical fluoride varnish every 6 months is not more effective than placebo varnish at preventing dental caries in preschoolers in Brazil.

Article Title and Bibliographic Information Biannual fluoride varnish applications and caries incidence in preschoolers: a 24-month follow-up randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. Oliveira BH, Salazar M, Carvalho DM, Falcao A, Campos K, Nadanovsky P. Caries Res 2014;48(3):228-36 Reviewer Donald L. Chi, DDS, PhD Purpose/Question To determine whether topical fluoride varnish applied every 6 months is more effective than a placebo varnish at preventing dental caries in preschoolers. Source of Funding Government. Rio de Janeiro State Foundation for the Endowment of Research (FAPERJ; process E-26/102.248/2009) and the Brazilian National Research Council (CNPq; process 310807/2009). Industry: Colgate-Palmolive donated the placebo varnish, toothbrushes, and toothpaste Type of Study/Design Randomized controlled trial Level of Evidence Level 2: Limited-quality, patient-oriented evidence Strength of Recommendation Grade Not applicable
Binomial graph: a scalable and fault-tolerant logical network topology

The number of processors embedded in high performance computing platforms is growing daily to solve larger and more complex problems. The logical network topologies must also support the high degree of scalability in dynamic environments. This paper presents a scalable and fault tolerant topology called binomial graph (BMG). BMG provides desirable topological properties in terms of both scalability and fault-tolerance for high performance computing such as reasonable degree, regular graph, low diameter, symmetric graph, low cost factor, low message traffic density, optimal connectivity, low fault-diameter and strongly resilient. Several fault-tolerant routing algorithms are provided on BMG for various message types. More importantly, BMG is able to deliver broadcast messages from any node within log2(n) steps.
The correlation energy of the dangling silicon bond in a Si:H

Abstract Photothermal deflection spectroscopy measurements of the optical absorption for undoped and phosphorus doped a  Si:H films are presented. Comparision of the energy shift of the dangling bond absorption shoulder shows that the correlation energy is between 0.25 and 0.45 eV. The singly and doubly occupied dangling silicon bonds are approximately ∼1.25 eV and ∼0.9 eV from the conduction band, respectively.
The relationship of ribosomal activity to lymphoid tissue histology in Borrelia infection

Abstract An intense immunological stimulation of patas monkeys infected with Borrelia turicatae was suggested by the histological changes observed in the lymphoid tissue of the spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes. Immunologically competent cells and immunoglobulins, principally IgM, increased in the examined organs. Immobilizine and lysine directed against B. turicatae became demonstrable. The RNA content of the cells increased, principally its soluble form, indicating the role of sRNA in the immunological mechanism linked to cell-bound antibodies. The stimulated polypeptide synthesis, demonstrated by increased 14 C- l -lysine incorporation, was considered an indicator of the initiation of globulin (antibody) formation. Monomers appeared to carry with them part of the immunoglobulins present in the polysomal fraction. The process resembled the response to heterologous protein in laboratory rodents in several respects. The immunological response lasted longer than the microscopically demonstrable presence of borreliae in the animals.
Mass spectrometry of isomeric fatty acid hydroperoxides by chemical ionization via direct exposure probe

Intact isomeric methyl 9- and 13-hydroperoxy linoleates are analyzed by chemical ionization (CI) mass spectrometry using a direct exposure probe. Both isobutane and ammonia CI spectra were obtained. With isobutane CI, ions are observed for protonated fragments that are indicative of an acid catalysis mechanism similar to that observed in solution, whereas ammonia CI yields primarily adduct ions. The collisionally activated decomposition daughters of the high mass ions can be used to identify the position of the hydroperoxy group in the isomers studied.
Potential problems inherent in cell-based stable NF-κB–GFP reporter systems

The nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) family of transcription factors plays a central role in numerous physiological processes including development, cell survival, immunity, and inflammation. We generated a series of stable clonal lines in mouse embryonic fibroblasts carrying NF-κB–GFP plasmid as a reporter. These cell lines were selected by flow cytometry for their high responsiveness to tumor necrosis factor (TNFα) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS), two classic NF-κB-inducing stimuli. Although all clones were generated from the same parental cell line, they each had a distinctive pattern of response to NF-κB stimuli. While exhibiting distinct profiles with regard to the GFP reporter, analysis of endogenous NF-κB downstream targets did not always show the same variability. This suggests that in the absence of confirmation of the signaling outcomes using endogenous outputs, considerable caution must be exercised in the interpretation of data using stable reporter systems.
A stabilization policy for an economy with some unknown characteristics

Abstract A stabilization policy is developed for an economy with unknown and possibly unknowable characteristics. Uniform asymptotic stability is guaranteed for all initial states and for all admissible uncertainties. Welfare loss over the infinite horizon is bounded by a level dependent on the initial state. The policy is robust, with a simple structure. A simple example sheds some light on the fiscalist-monetarist debate.
Phenotypes of T lymphocytes in systemic lupus erythematosus: decreased cytotoxic/suppressor subpopulation is associated with deficient allogeneic cytotoxic responses rather than with concanavalin A-induced suppressor cells.

Abstract Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have decreased precursors of cytotoxic/suppressor T lymphocytes in their peripheral blood, as determined by monoclonal antibodies. To determine whether decrease of the cytotoxic or the suppressor parts (or both) of this subpopulation of T lymphocytes is being reflected by this peripheral mononuclear cell (MNC) abnormality, a series of experiments was conducted in which both the suppressive function (concanavalin A induced and spontaneous) and the generation of cytotoxic responses against alloantigens were tested. Cytotoxic responses were consistently diminished while suppressor capacity of MNC from patients with SLE (measured on several assays of normal T- and B-lymphocyte functions) was comparable to that of MNC from normal individuals. The defect in cytotoxic responses to alloantigens by MNC from SLE patients persisted following secondary stimulation in mixedleukocyte cultures; the cytotoxic responses were not amplified and remained well below the responses of normal MNC. These experiments indicate that the decreased peripheral population of cytotoxic/suppressor lymphocytes in SLE patients represents low or absent precursors of cytotoxic cells rather than of precursors of suppressor cells.
The Services-Oriented Architecture: Ecosystem Services as a Framework for Diagnosing Change in Social Ecological Systems

Computational thinking (CT) is a way to solve problems and understand complex systems that draws on concepts fundamental to computer science and is well suited to the challenges that face researchers of complex, linked social-ecological systems. This paper explores CT’s usefulness to sustainability science through the application of the services-oriented architecture (SOA). The SOA is a popular organizational framework in information technology that enables businesses to describe the services they offer, including how, where, to whom, and under what terms these services are available to consumers. It provides a straightforward, scalable, and portable way to describe and organize complex business systems, with an emphasis on system controls and component interactions rather than on the system components themselves. Here, we present the SOA as a path to a more mature ecosystem services concept, in support of integrated assessment frameworks such as the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA). With the SOA we capture important interrelationships among ecosystems, ecosystem service consumers, and ecosystem service governance authorities, particularly the effects of their interactions on the viability of ecosystem services. By standardizing the description and relationships involving ecosystem services, the SOA supports a diagnostic approach for evaluating stability and change in ecosystem service use across both space and time, when influenced by drivers of social, political, and/or ecological change, whether directional or stochastic, planned or otherwise. We present here a prototype of the SOA and illustrate its utility with an example from rural Alaskan communities.
Cerebral perfusion differences in women currently with and recovered from anorexia nervosa.

Anorexia nervosa is a serious psychiatric disorder characterized by restricted eating, a pursuit of thinness, and altered perceptions of body shape and size. Neuroimaging in anorexia nervosa has revealed morphological and functional alterations in the brain. A better understanding of physiological changes in anorexia nervosa could provide a brain-specific health marker relevant to treatment and outcomes. In this study, we applied several advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques to quantify regional and global cerebral blood flow (CBF) in 25 healthy women (HC), 23 patients currently with anorexia (AN-C) and 19 patients in long-term weight recovery following anorexia (AN-WR). Specifically, CBF was measured with pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling (pCASL) MRI and then verified by a different technique, phase contrast (PC) MRI. Venous T2 values were determined by T2 relaxation under spin tagging (TRUST) MRI, and were used to corroborate the CBF results. These novel techniques were implemented on a standard 3T MRI scanner without any exogenous tracers, and the total scan duration was less than 10 min. Voxel-wise comparison revealed that the AN-WR group showed lower CBF in bilateral temporal and frontal lobes than the AN-C group. Compared with the HC group, the AN-C group also showed higher CBF in the right temporal lobe. Whole-brain-averaged CBF was significantly decreased in the AN-WR group compared with the AN-C group, consistent with the PC-MRI results. Venous T2 values were lower in the AN-WR group than in the AN-C group, consistent with the CBF results. A review of prior work examining CBF in anorexia nervosa is included in the discussion. This study identifies several differences in the cerebral physiological alterations in anorexia nervosa, and finds specific differences relevant to the current state of the disorder.
Ordinal-Level Phylogenomics of the Arthropod Class Diplopoda (Millipedes) Based on an Analysis of 221 Nuclear Protein-Coding Loci Generated Using Next-Generation Sequence Analyses

Background The ancient and diverse, yet understudied arthropod class Diplopoda, the millipedes, has a muddled taxonomic history. Despite having a cosmopolitan distribution and a number of unique and interesting characteristics, the group has received relatively little attention; interest in millipede systematics is low compared to taxa of comparable diversity. The existing classification of the group comprises 16 orders. Past attempts to reconstruct millipede phylogenies have suffered from a paucity of characters and included too few taxa to confidently resolve relationships and make formal nomenclatural changes. Herein, we reconstruct an ordinal-level phylogeny for the class Diplopoda using the largest character set ever assembled for the group. Methods Transcriptomic sequences were obtained from exemplar taxa representing much of the diversity of millipede orders using second-generation (i.e., next-generation or high-throughput) sequencing. These data were subject to rigorous orthology selection and phylogenetic dataset optimization and then used to reconstruct phylogenies employing Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood optimality criteria. Ancestral reconstructions of sperm transfer appendage development (gonopods), presence of lateral defense secretion pores (ozopores), and presence of spinnerets were considered. The timings of major millipede lineage divergence points were estimated. Results The resulting phylogeny differed from the existing classifications in a number of fundamental ways. Our phylogeny includes a grouping that has never been described (Juliformia+Merocheta+Stemmiulida), and the ancestral reconstructions suggest caution with respect to using spinnerets as a unifying characteristic for the Nematophora. Our results are shown to have significantly stronger support than previous hypotheses given our data. Our efforts represent the first step toward obtaining a well-supported and robust phylogeny of the Diplopoda that can be used to answer many questions concerning the evolution of this ancient and diverse animal group.
Constraint to Side Flow in Plates

An experimental program was conducted to determine the increase in flow stress relative to simple uniaxial compression for 2024-0 aluminum plates subjected to symmetric quasistatic compression by steel punches and to dynamic compression using the Kolsky (split Hopkinson-bar) technique. An average constraint factor of 2 was determined experimentally for a ratio of specimen thickness to bar diameter of 0.5 for the quasi-static case. This correlated well with the value predicted theoretically. Under dynamic conditions the constraint factor at yield stress was found to be slightly lower at a value of 1.75 and appeared to be nearly independent of strain rate over the test range from 103 to 1.5 × 104 s−1 .
Multilevel-spiral inductors using VLSI interconnect technology

A multilevel-spiral (MLS) inductor structure for implementation in VLSI interconnect technology is presented. Inductances of 8.8 and 32 nH and maximum quality-factors (Q) of /spl sim/6.8 and 3.0, respectively, are achieved in a four-level metal BiCMOS technology, with four turns at each of the two or four stacked spiral coils and with an area of 226/spl times/226 /spl mu/m/sup 2/. The comparison of the MLS inductors to different single-level-spiral (SLS) control devices shows that a MLS inductor provides the same inductance at /spl sim/50% dc resistance, but the maximum Q is typically measured at a lower frequency and the self-resonance frequency is reduced due to a high inter-wire capacitance.
Making ‘Smart’ Use of a Sewer in Worcester, Massachusetts: A Cautionary Note on Smart Growth as an Economic Development Policy

Abstract This paper provides a conceptual critique of ‘smart growth’, an increasingly popular urban redevelopment strategy, as an economic development policy. It seeks to do this in two ways. First, an argument is made for how the smart growth movement is linked to more broad discourses of economic development. Second, through an urban political ecology analysis, it is suggested that smart growth, through the lens of the environment, reveals an uneven distribution of benefits among people affected by smart growth developments. This is because smart growth itself is embedded in a particular historical construction of environment. To explore these issues the author focuses on the Blackstone River and Canal, the site of a new smart growth development, in New England's third largest city of Worcester, Massachusetts. The Blackstone case presented here is exemplary in that it so clearly reflects the evolution of regional capitalist development, including the current one. Moreover, these periods, once past, are ...
Muscarinic cholinergic receptors on the endothelium of human cerebral arteries.

Summary: To characterize the muscarinic cholinergic receptors on the endothelium of human cerebral arteries, isometric tension measurement and receptor autoradiographic studies were performed. Acetylcholine (ACh) induced dose-dependent relaxation of human cerebral arteries precontracted by 10-5 M serotonin, with an EC50 of 1.9 ± 0.6 x 10-6 M (n = 7). The relaxation was abolished by 10-5 M hemoglobin. Autoradiography, using the muscarinic antagonist [3H]propylbenzilylcholine mustard, demonstrated the high density of muscarinic cholinergic receptors on the endothelial cells of human cerebral arteries, especially on the luminal surface of the endothelium. These findings suggest that ACh-induced relaxation mediated by muscarinic cholinergic receptors on the endothelium has a physiological function in human cerebral arteries.
Comment on "Seebeck Coefficient at the Curie Temperature: Specific Heat of Charge Carriers in Ferromagnets"

An alternative interpretation is offered of the thermoelectric data of Tang, Craig, and Kitchens.
Regulation of clusterin expression in mammary epithelial cells.

Mammary epithelial cells undergo changes in growth, invasion, differentiation, and dedifferentiation throughout much of adult hood, and most strikingly during pregnancy, lactation, and involution. Clusterin is a multifunctional glycoprotein that is involved in the differentiation and morphogenesis of epithelia, and that is important in the regulation of postnatal mammary gland development. However, the mechanisms that regulate clusterin expression are still poorly understood. Here, we show that clusterin is up-regulated twice during mouse mammary gland development, a first time at the end of pregnancy and a second time at the beginning of the involution. These points of clusterin up-regulation coincide with the dramatic phenotypic and functional changes occurring in the mammary gland. Using cell culture conditions that resemble the regulatory microenvironment in vivo, we determined that the factors responsible for the first up-regulation of clusterin levels can include the extracellular matrix component, laminin, and the lactogenic hormones, prolactin and hydrocortisone. On the other hand, the second and most dramatic up-regulation of clusterin can be due to the potent induction by TGF-β1, and this up-regulation by TGF-β1 is dependent on β1 integrin ligand-binding activity. Moreover, the level of expression of β-casein, a marker of mammary epithelial cell differentiation, was decreased upon treatment of cells with clusterin siRNA. Overall, these findings reveal several novel pathways for the regulation of clusterin expression during mammary gland development, and suggest that clusterin is a morphogenic factor that plays a key role during differentiation.
The selective catalytic reduction of nitric oxide by propylene over Pt/SiO2

Abstract Kinetic and in situ infrared measurements were utilized in the investigation of the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of nitric oxide (NO) by propylene (C3H6) over a Pt/SiO2 catalyst. The results of these studies indicate the presence of two kinetically distinct regions at temperatures above and below the temperature of maximum NO reduction. They further suggest that the activation of the hydrocarbon by molecular oxygen is the kinetically significant step in the low temperature region. Similar results were previously obtained with a Pt/Al2O3 catalyst, suggesting that the mechanism of the reaction is the same in both cases. The in situ infrared spectra of these two catalysts indicate the presence of surface isocyanate and cyanide groups in both cases, suggesting that one or both of these species may be involved in the reaction.
Economic Hardship, Neighborhood Context, and Parenting: Prospective Effects on Mexican–American Adolescent’s Mental Health

This study examined family and neighborhood influences relevant to low-income status to determine how they combine to predict the parenting behaviors of Mexican–American mothers and fathers. The study also examined the role of parenting as a mediator of these contextual influences on adolescent internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Study hypotheses were examined in a diverse sample of Mexican–American families in which 750 mothers and 467 fathers reported on their own levels of parental warmth and harsh parenting. Family economic hardship, neighborhood familism values, and neighborhood risk indicators were all uniquely associated with maternal and paternal warmth, and maternal warmth mediated the effects of these contextual influences on adolescent externalizing symptoms in prospective analyses. Parents’ subjective perceptions of neighborhood danger interacted with objective indicators of neighborhood disadvantage to influence maternal and paternal warmth. Neighborhood familism values had unique direct effects on adolescent externalizing symptoms in prospective analyses, after accounting for all other context and parenting effects.
Gallbladder disease and angina pectoris.

Excerpt To the Editors: The article by Ryan and colleagues (1) calls to mind the occasional occurrence of high substernal chest pain, clearly related to exercise and relieved promptly by nitroglyce...
Freezing of a water-saturated inclined packed bed of beads

Abstract An experimental investigation is reported for the problem of transient freezing of an inclined water-saturated bed of beads. The effect of the inclination angle on the temperature field, the shape of the ice-water interface, the initiation time of ice nucleation, and the volume of the frozen region are obtained for two types of beds of beads with significantly different thermal conductivities (glass and steel). The dependence of the volume of the frozen region on the inclination angle and on time is summarized in engineering correlations for both the bed of glass beads and the bed of steel beads.
Clinicopathologic features of bone metastases and outcomes in patients with primary endometrial cancer

Abstract Objective Patients with advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer often have distant metastases found within the lymph nodes, liver, and/or lung. However, there have been reported cases of primary endometrial cancer with metastasis to the bone. The objective of this study was to describe the clinical and pathologic features of endometrial cancer metastatic to bone. Methods A retrospective chart review of our clinical and pathology database was performed to identify women diagnosed with endometrial cancer metastatic to the bone between 1990 and 2007. Clinical data and outcomes were obtained from medical records. Slides were re-reviewed to confirm the diagnosis. Results Twenty-one patients with endometrial cancer metastatic to the bone were identified; in 12 patients (57%), the diagnosis was confirmed by a bone biopsy. The median age of diagnosis of primary endometrial cancer was 60years (range, 32–84). Fourteen patients (67%) had FIGO stage III/IV disease. Six patients (29%) had a bone metastasis at the time of diagnosis while 15 patients (71%) had a bone lesion as a recurrence. The median time to a diagnosis of bone metastasis recurrence was 10months (range, 3–148). The overall survival of those patients with bone metastases at primary diagnosis was 17months (95% CI: 2–32) compared to 32months (95% CI: 14–49) for those with a recurrent bone metastasis. Conclusion Although a rare event, endometrial cancer can metastasize to the bone. If a bone lesion is identified, treatment using a multimodality approach is reasonable, especially if found as an isolated recurrence.
Hope Floats: African American Women's Survival Experiences after Katrina

This article describes how 15 African American women 18 to 55 years of age coped with traumatic life events during and in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The study's main question is how did African American women cope with traumatic events during and following Hurricane Katrina? Second, we explore how the intersection of race, gender, and social class influenced their experiences. An exploratory design of primary and secondary data using grounded theory methods generates a mid-level theory about resilience, spirituality and coping among Black women in the aftermath of the storm.
THE FUR GENE FROM KLEBSIELLA PNEUMONIAE : CHARACTERIZATION, GENOMIC ORGANIZATION AND PHYLOGENETIC ANALYSIS

The Fur (ferric uptake regulator) protein controls the expression of a number of bacterial virulence determinants including those involved in iron uptake. The fur gene was cloned and characterized from Klebsiella pneumoniae. The gene is preceded by a single autoregulated promoter whose -10 region overlaps the putative Fur binding site. The autoregulated nature of the K. pneumoniae fur gene and functionality of the encoded Fur repressor were tested in Fur titration and complementation assays. A partial open reading frame upstream from the fur gene was identified as a flavodoxin (fldA) gene. An open reading frame located 50 bases downstream from the fur stop codon appears to be a truncated citA gene that, if functional, would encode only the carboxy terminus of a citrate utilization protein. The fldA-fur arrangement is also present in Escherichia coli. However, the fur-citA arrangement found in K. pneumoniae is novel. It appears that the chromosomal region downstream from the fur gene is unstable and, thus, variable even in closely related bacterial lineages. To assess of the ability of the Fur protein sequence to reflect organismal phylogeny, the Fur protein tree was compared to the tree of 16S rRNA (ribosomal RNA). The Fur dataset comprises almost an order of magnitude fewer characters than the 16S rRNA but is nonetheless able to track the phylogenetic signal reasonably well, suggesting that the fur gene, like the 16S rDNA, may not be subject to horizontal gene transfer in these bacteria.
Sampled-data modeling and digital control of resonant converters

A sampled-data model to describe the dynamics of large signals and of small perturbations away from a cyclic steady state is developed. Associated transfer functions are obtained. The application of the model is illustrated by correlating the analysis with simulation results obtained for a series resonant DC/DC power converter. A discrete-time microprocessor-based controller, designed using the aforementioned dynamic model, has been built and tested using a simulation for a series-resonant DC/DC converter set up on the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Parity Simulator. The control methods implemented are state feedback and periodic output feedback, each designed to achieve a specified set of closed-loop poles. The controller has been implemented using the Parity Simulator generalized controller. Results of the closed-loop response showed an improvement over the open-loop response. In addition, the effect of the microprocessor computation delay on the closed-loop dynamics of the converter is investigated. >
Heroin overdose among young injection drug users in San Francisco

Abstract Objectives We sought to identify prevalence and predictors of heroin-related overdose among young injection drug users (IDU). Methods A total of 795 IDU under age of 30 years were interviewed in four neighbourhoods in San Francisco, California, USA. Participants were recruited as part of a broader study of HIV, hepatitis B and C among injecting drug users in San Francisco using street outreach and snowball techniques. Independent predictors of recent heroin overdose requiring intervention were determined using regression analysis. Results Of 795 injecting drug users under age of 30 years, 22% (174/795) of participants reported a heroin overdose in the last year. In stepwise multiple logistic regression, independent predictors of recent heroin overdose were lifetime incarceration exceeding 20 months (odds ratio (OR) = 2.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.52–5.88); heroin injection in the last 3 months (OR = 4.89, 95% CI = 2.03–11.74); cocaine injection in the last 3 months (OR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.14–2.45); injection of heroin mixed with methamphetamine in the last 3 months (OR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.15–2.65); ever tested for hepatitis B or C (OR = 1.66 per year, CI = 1.09–2.54) and ever having witnessed another person overdose (OR = 2.89, 95% CI = 1.76–4.73). Conclusions Individuals with high levels of incarceration are at great risk of overdose, and prison or jail should be considered a primary intervention site. Further research on the role of cocaine and amphetamine in heroin-related overdose is indicated.
Pleasures of development engineering

In his address on the occasion of receiving the Eta Kappa Nu Award to the Outstanding Young Electrical Engineer of 1953, Dr. Abetti discusses the challenge, and compensations, of his work as a development engineer.
Comparison of polymethylmethacrylate versus expandable cage in anterior vertebral column reconstruction after posterior extracavitary corpectomy in lumbar and thoraco-lumbar metastatic spine tumors

Single-stage posterior corpectomy for the management of spinal tumors has been well described. Anterior column reconstruction has been accomplished using polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) or expandable cages (EC). The aim of this retrospective study was to compare PMMA versus ECs in anterior vertebral column reconstruction after posterior corpectomy for tumors in the lumbar and thoracolumbar spine. Between 2006 and 2009 we identified 32 patients that underwent a single-stage posterior extracavitary tumor resection and anterior reconstruction, 16 with PMMA and 16 with EC. There were no baseline differences in regards to age (mean: 58.2 years) or performance status. Differences between groups in terms of survival, estimated blood loss (EBL), kyphosis reduction (decrease in Cobb’s angle), pain, functional outcomes, and performance status were evaluated. Mean overall survival and EBL were 17 months and 1165 ml, respectively. No differences were noted between the study groups in regards to survival (p = 0.5) or EBL (p = 0.8). There was a trend for better Kyphosis reduction in favor of the EC group (10.04 vs. 5.45, p = 0.16). No difference in performance status or VAS improvements was observed (p > 0.05). Seven patients had complications that led to reoperation (5 infections). PMMA or ECs are viable options for reconstruction of the anterior vertebral column following tumor resection and corpectomy. Both approaches allow for correction of the kyphotic deformity, and stabilization of the anterior vertebral column with similar functional and performance status outcomes in the lumbar and thoracolumbar area.
Crystal chemistry and phase equilibria studies of theBaO(BaCO3)R2O3CuOsystems. IV. Crystal chemistry and subsolidus phase relationship studies of the CuO-rich region of the ternary diagrams,R =lanthanides

Abstract In theBaO(BaCO3) R2O3 CuOsystems, whereR =lanthanidesand yttrium, general trends of phase formation, solid solution formation, and phase relationships are correlated with the ionic size ofR.In air at 950°C the phase relationships in the CuO-rich region of these ternary diagrams progressively change from the La system through the Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Y, Ho systems to the Er system. First, the La system has the greatest number of ternary compounds. Second, the superconductor material,Ba2RCu3O6+x,exhibits a solid solution ofBa2−zR1+zCu3O6+xfor the first half of the lanthanide elements with a range of formation which varies with the ionic size ofR.Third, a trend is observed regarding the tie-line connections betweenBaR2CuO5, CuO, the phasesBa2−zR1+zCu3O6+x, and the binary phaseR2CuO4orR2Cu2O5.For the first half of the lanthanides, except for La, a compatibility join is found to connectR2CuO4and the tetragonal end member of theBa2−zR1+zCu3O6+xphase. In systems whereRhas a smaller ionic size,R =Euand beyond, the tie-line connection switches to join theBaR2CuO5phase and the CuO phase. ForR =Dyand beyond, the binary phaseR2CuO4is replaced by the binary phaseR2Cu2O5.
Optimization of two-dimensional spatially selective NMR pulses by simulated annealing

Abstract Two-dimensional spatial localization can be achieved with a single NMR inverting or refocusing pulse, by applying the RF pulse in the presence of a net magnetic field gradient which reorients through two dimensions during the course of the pulse. Simple rotating (“ϱ”) pulses of this type, however, have the disadvantage of producing ringing outside the central selected volume of the 2D sensitivity profile. In order to eliminate this ringing, a simulated annealing technique has been used to simultaneously optimize the RF and gradient waveforms, producing pulses which leave the NMR signal localized to a well-defined cylinder. These pulses have been implemented on a whole-body NMR system to produce restricted field-of-view images of agarose disk phantoms and of the head. Applications of optimized ϱ pulses include localization in 31 P spectroscopy and elimination of aliasing artifacts in NMR imaging.
The National Transonic Facility - A research perspective

The capabilities of the National Transonic Facility (NTF) at NASA-Langley and its impact on aerodynamics investigations are surveyed. The fan-driven, closed-circuit transonic wind tunnel has an 8.2 sq ft slotted test section. Trials can be run from Mach 0.2-1.2, pressures of 1-8.9 atm, and temperatures of -320 to 150 F using nitrogen as the working gas. Instrumentation has been developed for monitoring force, pressure, attitude, deformation, temperature, skin friction, flow transition, and flow velocity as well as visualizing flows around the models. Pressures of 15-130 psi are available, as are Re up to 120 million at Mach 1. Correlations are being made with flight data from the Shuttle, 767, X-29A, and TACT aircraft for real-world extrapolations. The NTF, when combined with computational fluid dynamics techniques, will permit testing of aerodynamically sophisticated shapes while narrowing the design goals for each model during basic research in fluid mechanics, transport, and aerodynamic phenomena.
Validation of Otoliths for Estimating Ages of Largemouth Bass to 16 Years

Abstract The use of transverse sections of sagittal otoliths has been validated for estimating the ages of largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides to age 5. However, previous research has indicated that the accuracy of this method is low for fish older than age 5. We used known-age fish of ages 0–16 to confirm that the use of otoliths is valid for estimating the ages of older largemouth bass. The estimated ages were correct for 97% of the fish. We concluded that past difficulties with using otoliths were more likely the result of preparation and reader error than of the structures depicting incorrect ages. The preparation method used in this study was simpler and faster than conventional methods of preparing thin sections and therefore should yield results that are more consistent.
Innovating Science Policy: Restructuring S&T Policy for the Twenty‐first Century1

Over the next twenty years, accelerating scientific and technical developments will spawn immense changes to society that can be both crucially beneficial and tragically destructive. This trend, principally occurring outside of government control, is both helping the United States to improve defense and economic security and producing threats to national security. To deal with these increasingly technical issues, the nation's leadership needs to be armed with considerable scientific and technological acumen. Hence, the United States should explore the creation of a national security science and technology (ST (2) understanding of the ST (3) coordination and collaboration among ST (4) control of dangerous technologies; (5) technology prioritization and acquisition processes; and (6) the dialog on enhancing the application of the products of private sector and foreign research for American national security purposes. Policies that address these issues will have to achieve the difficult balance between government and scientists’ influence over research and development (R&D). This article explores how to better deliver technical advice to high-level decision makers, as a means to better deal with emerging threats that are enabled by the rapid innovation and proliferation of scientific knowledge throughout the world.