cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Delayed Diagnosis of Traumatic Ureteral Injuries

Purpose: We review our experience with traumatic ureteral injuries missed at exploration. We also conduct meta-analysis to define factors contributing to missed injury, comparing outcomes of early vs late diagnosis.Materials and Methods: Our genitourinary trauma database was retrospectively reviewed from 1995 through 2004. A total of 40 ureteral injuries were identified including 5 with delayed diagnosis. Previously published series of ureteral trauma were then analyzed for injuries with delayed diagnosis, with data extracted and collated for meta-analysis.Results: A total of 40 patients with traumatic ureteral injuries was identified, all of whom underwent laparotomy. Five (12.5%) injuries were discovered at a mean of 6.0 ± 3.0 days after laparotomy. The number of associated injuries for early and delayed diagnosis was 3.2 and 2.6 (p = 0.25), respectively. Mean hospital stay was 19.2 vs 36.6 days (p = 0.18) for those with immediate vs delayed diagnosis, respectively. Only 2 of 5 (40%) patients achieved s...
Clinical Ascertainment of Health Outcomes Among Adults Treated for Childhood Cancer

Importance Adult survivors of childhood cancer are known to be at risk for treatment-related adverse health outcomes. A large population of survivors has not been evaluated using a comprehensive systematic clinical assessment to determine the prevalence of chronic health conditions. Objective To determine the prevalence of adverse health outcomes and the proportion associated with treatment-related exposures in a large cohort of adult survivors of childhood cancer. Design, Setting, and Participants Presence of health outcomes was ascertained using systematic exposure–based medical assessments among 1713 adult (median age, 32 [range, 18-60] years) survivors of childhood cancer (median time from diagnosis, 25 [range, 10-47] years) enrolled in the St Jude Lifetime Cohort Study since October 1, 2007, and undergoing follow-up through October 31, 2012. Main Outcomes and Measures Age-specific cumulative prevalence of adverse outcomes by organ system. Results Using clinical criteria, the crude prevalence of adverse health outcomes was highest for pulmonary (abnormal pulmonary function, 65.2% [95% CI, 60.4%-69.8%]), auditory (hearing loss, 62.1% [95% CI, 55.8%-68.2%]), endocrine or reproductive (any endocrine condition, such as hypothalamic-pituitary axis disorders and male germ cell dysfunction, 62.0% [95% CI, 59.5%-64.6%]), cardiac (any cardiac condition, such as heart valve disorders, 56.4% [95% CI, 53.5%-59.2%]), and neurocognitive (neurocognitive impairment, 48.0% [95% CI, 44.9%-51.0%]) function, whereas abnormalities involving hepatic (liver dysfunction, 13.0% [95% CI, 10.8%-15.3%]), skeletal (osteoporosis, 9.6% [95% CI, 8.0%-11.5%]), renal (kidney dysfunction, 5.0% [95% CI, 4.0%-6.3%]), and hematopoietic (abnormal blood cell counts, 3.0% [95% CI, 2.1%-3.9%]) function were less common. Among survivors at risk for adverse outcomes following specific cancer treatment modalities, the estimated cumulative prevalence at age 50 years was 21.6% (95% CI, 19.3%-23.9%) for cardiomyopathy, 83.5% (95% CI, 80.2%-86.8%) for heart valve disorder, 81.3% (95% CI, 77.6%-85.0%) for pulmonary dysfunction, 76.8% (95% CI, 73.6%-80.0%) for pituitary dysfunction, 86.5% (95% CI, 82.3%-90.7%) for hearing loss, 31.9% (95% CI, 28.0%-35.8%) for primary ovarian failure, 31.1% (95% CI, 27.3%-34.9%) for Leydig cell failure, and 40.9% (95% CI, 32.0%-49.8%) for breast cancer. At age 45 years, the estimated cumulative prevalence of any chronic health condition was 95.5% (95% CI, 94.8%-98.6%) and 80.5% (95% CI, 73.0%-86.6%) for a serious/disabling or life-threatening chronic condition. Conclusions and Relevance Among adult survivors of childhood cancer, the prevalence of adverse health outcomes was high, and a systematic risk-based medical assessment identified a substantial number of previously undiagnosed problems that are more prevalent in an older population. These findings underscore the importance of ongoing health monitoring for adults who survive childhood cancer.
Genetic Variation in Donor CTLA-4 Regulatory Region is a Strong Predictor of Outcome after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Hematologic Malignancies

Relapse remains a major cause of death after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT). Graft-versus-tumor effect is primarily mediated by donor T cells. Cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) is a critical inhibitor of T cell proliferation. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in CTLA-4 may affect immune responses. We hypothesized that CTLA-4 SNPs will be associated with disease control after allo-HCT. One hundred sixty-four adult patients with the availability of pretransplantation recipient and donor DNA samples were included in this analysis. Ten tagSNPs of the CTLA-4 gene were identified. Donor CTLA-4 SNP rs4553808 was associated with decreased relapse-free survival (RFS) (P = .019) and overall survival (OS) (P = .033). In multivariable analysis of an additive genetic model, genotype of CTLA-4 SNP rs4553808 was an independent risk factor for inferior RFS (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10-2.71, P = .017) and OS (HR = 1.84, 95% CI 1.13-3.0, P = .015). CTLA-4 SNPs can be used to identify high-risk patient subsets that may benefit from preemptive immunomodulation to decrease relapse rates and improve survival.
High resolution rainfall mapping with a regional network of polarimetric radars at S- and X-band frequencies

Since spring 2012, the Center for Collaborative Adaptive Sensing of the Atmosphere (CASA) has been transformed from a research to operational demonstration emphasis, and has started the development of Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) urban remote sensing network. Radar-based Quantitative Precipitation Estimation (QPE) is one of the major research activities in the deployment of this urban test bed. In this paper, the polarimetric rainfall algorithms have been investigated for the X-band CASA/XUTA radar and the local S-band KFWS radar. A demonstration QPE system fusing the data of X-band radars and the S-band radar has been developed. In order to validate and evaluate the dual-polarization radar rainfall products, 20 rain gauges operated by the City of Grand Prairie are used for cross comparison between the radar measurements and gauge observations. The QPE system evaluation results presented here show excellent performance of the rainfall products with low bias and normalized standard error.
Fe(III)-S(IV) aerosol generation and characterization

Abstract Fe(III)-S(IV) containing aerosols of a specific composition can be routinely generated from solutions of Fe2(SO4)3, H2SO4, and Na2SO3 or NaHSO3. The aerosols have Fe(III):S(IV) ratios of 2:1,1.6:1, and 1:1. The solutions aerosolized have S(IV) concentrations ranging from 0.005 to 0.6 M. Plots showing concentration of S(IV) in the aerosol—air mixture vs concentration of S(IV) and Fe(III) in the solution are given. Some comments are given on the preparation of Cu(II)-S(IV) complexes. Other evidence is given indicating the aerosols generated are similar to those found in industrial environments. An apparent equilibrium between Fe(III), S(IV), and SO2 is suggested by the data. Possible structural forms of the aerosol S(IV) species are postulated. The synergistic effect of Fe(III) and S(IV) on respiratory health may be more fully studied using these methods.
The Relationship of Interpersonal Attraction and Attraction to Group in a Growth Group Setting.

Abstract This study investigated the extent to which interpersonal attraction was related to attraction to group early, midway, and late in the life of growth groups.
Clinical Outcomes Associated with Pharmacist Involvement in Patients with Dyslipidemia

The burden of cardiovascular disease in America continues to be the leading cause of death and costs significantly more to treat ($US298.2 billion in 2002) than any other disease in the US healthcare system. Incontrovertible evidence links elevated levels of total and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and reduced levels of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol with an increased risk for coronary heart disease. The subsequent treatment of hyperlipidemia has been shown to dramatically decrease morbidity and mortality related to cardiovascular disease. Research continues to show that many candidates for lipid-lowering therapy are not offered therapy and many never attain recommended National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) guideline goals. Increased pharmacist involvement in the treatment of patients with hyperlipidemia may represent one way to help bridge the treatment gap that exists in these high-risk patients. Limited evidence has shown that lipid values, NCEP goal attainment, and medication compliance improve when a pharmacist contributes to patient care in dyslipidemia. However, larger randomized controlled studies need to be performed to confirm the results of previous smaller retrospective trials.
Patterns of Hematuria Referral to Urologists: Does a Gender Disparity Exist?

Objectives To examine the referral patterns of hematuria within a nonprofit healthcare organization to determine the factors that influence referral. Hematuria continues to be an important sign of urologic disease, including urothelial malignancy. An increasing awareness of gender differences in tumor stage at bladder cancer presentation has led to speculation about delayed referral and diagnosis in women. However, little is known about the referral patterns of hematuria and whether gender differences exist. Methods The insurance records were examined from 926 consecutive adult health plan participants (559 men and 367 women) with newly diagnosed hematuria from 1998 to 2002. The patterns of urologic referral were evaluated. A Cox multivariate regression model was used to examine the relationship between urologic referral and the relevant variables. Results Overall, 263 men (47%) and 102 women (28%) were referred for urologic evaluation of hematuria, with a median follow-up of 27 and 26 months, respectively. Referral was initiated by the primary care physician in 80% of the cohort. Increased urologic referral was associated with advancing age, repeated hematuria, provider type, and male gender. The adjusted hazard ratio of male referral was 1.65 (95% confidence interval 1.31-2.08) compared with female referral. Conclusions Primary care physicians practicing in a managed care setting are less likely to refer women for a urologic evaluation of new or first recurrent episodes of hematuria than to refer men in all patient age categories, except for 40-49 years. This apparent gender disparity could result in unequal access of specialty evaluation and could potentially delay the diagnosis of important urologic conditions.
Effect of arousal conditions during reinstatement treatment upon learned fear in young rats

The role of shock and epinephrine-induced arousal in the reinstatement of learned fear was investigated in young rats. Groups of 21-day-old rats received classical fear conditioning to the black compartment of a black/white avoidance box. One week later each rat received one of a number of reinstatement conditions consisting of exposure to the apparatus cues, non-contingent foot shock, or exogeneous epinephrine injections, alone or in combination. Subjects were tested for retention of spatial avoidance behavior 1 week following reinstatement. Reinstatement with epinephrine and exposure to the training contextual cues, non-contingent foot shock followed by cue exposure, and non-contingent foot shock alone were all found to be as effective as shock administered in conjunction with the cues (the same conditions as those prevailing during training). Cue exposure alone and epinephrine injections without the training cues were ineffective reinstating agents.
Resistance of different tumor cells to lysis by lymphokine activated killer cells can be mediated by distinct mechanisms.

Abstract Lymphokine activated killer (LAK) cells have been shown to exert a potent cytotoxic effect on many histologically different tumors and virally infected targets. Most normal cells but very few tumors have proven resistant to LAK lysis. The availability of two LAK resistant tumors, P815r, a murine mastocytoma, and SNUC-1, a human colon carcinoma, allowed us to study the phenomenon of LAK lysis. We examined the role of surface molecules on targets, which mediate binding to LAK cells, by cold target competition experiments and lectin dependent cellular cytotoxicity assays.The results showed that in the murine system, P815r cells do not compete for lysis of the LAK sensitive target B16 whereas other LAK sensitive murine targets compete. Alternatively, in the human system, SNUC-1 cells compete for lysis of the LAK sensitive target SNUC-4 as do other LAK sensitive human tumor cells. Furthermore, inducing binding of target and effector cells with lectin reverted the resistance of P815r but not SNUC-1 targets to lysis by LAK cells. These results imply that distinct stages of the lytic pathway might be involved in the resitance of different tumors to killing by LAK cells. The murine cell line is resistant to lysis because it cannot bind LAK cells. The human target, which does bind LAK, was insensitive to the effects of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), a lymphokine released by LAK effectors and possibly involved in their lysis. Resistance to TNF-α was not mediated by the presence of endogenous short-lived proteins in the SNUC-1 targets. The elucidation of mechanisms of resistance may provide a tool to improve current protocols of adoptive immunotherapy as well as insights as to how tumor cells are or are not killed by LAK effectors.
Real or imagined incomplete lateralization of function in females

Visual field effects for 30 normal familial right-handed females were investigated with 4-point random forms known to be recognized more accurately in the right visual field by normal familial right-handed males, and the relationship between spatial ability and various performance patterns was examined. The forms were presented 2 deg in the left or right visual field. After a 10-sec delay, the subject decided whether or not a form exposed in central vision was the same as the stimulus. Incomplete lateralization of function appeared to be supported by the finding of no field differences. An alternative explanation was discussed since visual field superiority was significantly correlated with WAIS Block Design scores scaled for age, females with relatively low scores showing a right visual field superiority and females with relatively high scores showing a left visual field superiority. The experiment was repeated with 30 familial right-handed males. A significant right visual field superiority was obtained, but visual field superiorities were not correlated with measures of visuo-spatial or verbal ability.
An incremental objective achievement model in computerized procedure execution

Abstract A procedure building block, called an objective in this paper, is developed by integrating decisions, actions, and responses to the actions. The objective is characterized as a success logic tree, which consists of 5 logic operators, Boolean checks, and actions. Operational rules of the objective are simple. Perform all available actions and checks until the success logic tree becomes true, if not specified differently. The objective has formality and the characteristics of the state-function, which make verification and validation, situation awareness, and the controls of a plant enhanced. The specification of the objective is described by a top–down approach and illustrated with examples. The goal of a procedure is achieved through executions of successive objectives. Translation from paper procedures, printout, and maintenance are also improved. A sample man–machine interface and interaction based on this model is suggested.
Ovoids from theE 8 root lattice

New families of ovoids are constructed in O8+(p) forp prime, using theE8 root lattice, generalizing a construction of Conway, Kleidman and Wilson. Using this construction, it appears likely that O8+(p) has unboundedly many ovoids asp→∞.
Leachability and decay resistance of particleboard made from acid extracted and bioremediated CCA-treated wood

Composite manufacturing appears to be one of the most suitable recycling options for chromated copper arsenate (CCA)-treated waste wood. However, in many applications it would be beneficial to remove much or all of the CCA from the wood prior to composite production. This paper evaluates the effect of remediation processes, namely oxalic acid (OA) extraction and Bacillus licheniformis fermentation, on leaching of copper, chromium, and arsenic from particleboard made from remediated wood particles and also investigates decay resistance of the particleboard. Oxalic acid extraction and bioremediation by B. licheniformis affected the chemical properties of wood particles and significantly increased leaching of elements from CCA-treated wood particles. The particleboard containing OA-extracted and bioremediated particles showed generally high leaching losses of remaining elements. Exposure of particleboards to decay fungi in soil block tests indicated that boards containing CCA-treated particles were most resistant to fungal degradation. Also, for a given board type, Gloeophyllum trabeum resulted in greater weight losses than Postia placenta and Trametes versicolor after 12-week exposure. We concluded that bioremediation of CCA-treated wood is a promising method of safely reusing treated fiber, although chemical extraction diminished the properties of composites prepared from this material.
What to do when things go wrong: recovery in complex (computer) systems

We present and analyze a range of techniques for recovering from faults in complex hardware and software systems, from classical techniques that attempt to preserve the abstraction of perfection in the presence of faults to emerging techniques that adapt application functionality to transcend faults, overcome implementation errors in both the hardware and software, and adapt to the characteristics of the underlying execution environment.
Serum immunoglobulins in healthy children and adults levels of the five classes, expressed in international units per millilitre

Serum levels of IgM, IgG, IgA, IgD, and IgE were determined in serum samples of 270 healthy Dutch children (aged 4–13 years) and of 30 healthy Dutch adults, the amounts being expressed in International Units per millilitre. Special attention is given to the IgD and IgE results, since the IgM, IgG, and IgA levels in mg per 100 ml of these sera and their implications have already been reported. In the children's sera the occurrence of relatively high IgD and IgE levels was frequently observed, whereas the adult group did not show excessive variation in this respect. The mean IgD levels found for adult males and females are 21 I.U./ml and 24 I.U./ml, respectively; the mean IgE levels for the same groups are 68 I.U./ml and 88 I.U./ml, respectively. The mean IgD and IgE levels in the children of each year group were usually higher than those of the adult group, but the difference between the mean level of each of the juvenile groups and the mean level of the adult group was not statistically significant. A statistically significant influence of sex and season on the IgD and IgE levels could not be demonstrated in this material either. Three of the 270 children's sera showed an exceptionally low IgA content. In two of these cases the serum was sampled and studied a second time after an interval of four years, when the IgA deficiency proved to be still present. The IgE levels in the sera of these healthy IgA-deficient children were normal, whereas the presence of IgD could not be demonstrated.
The evolution of phenotypes and genetic parameters under preferential mating.

This article extends and adds more realism to Lande's analytical model for evolution under mate choice by using individual-based simulations in which females sample a finite number of males and the genetic architecture of the preference and preferred trait evolves. The simulations show that the equilibrium heritabilities of the preference and preferred trait and the genetic correlation between them (rG), depend critically on aspects of the mating system (the preference function, mode of mate choice, choosiness, and number of potential mates sampled), the presence or absence of natural selection on the preferred trait, and the initial genetic parameters. Under some parameter combinations, preferential mating increased the heritability of the preferred trait, providing a possible resolution for the lek paradox. The Kirkpatrick–Barton approximation for rG proved to be biased downward, but the realized genetic correlations were also low, generally <0.2. Such low values of rG indicate that coevolution of the preference and preferred trait is likely to be very slow and subject to significant stochastic variation. Lande's model accurately predicted the incidence of runaway selection in the simulations, except where preferences were relative and the preferred trait was subject to natural selection. In these cases, runaways were over- or underestimated, depending on the number of males sampled. We conclude that rapid coevolution of preferences and preferred traits is unlikely in natural populations, but that the parameter combinations most conducive to it are most likely to occur in lekking species.
An unsupervised learning approach to content-based image retrieval

"Semantic gap" is an open challenging problem in content-based image retrieval. It rejects the discrepancy between low-level imagery features used by the retrieval algorithm and high-level concepts required by system users. This paper introduces a novel image retrieval scheme, CLUster-based rEtrieval of images by unsupervised learning (CLUE), to tackle the semantic gap problem. CLUE is built on a hypothesis that images of the same semantics tend to be clustered. It attempts to narrow the semantic gap by retrieving image clusters based on not only the feature similarity of images to the query, but also how images are similar to each other. CLUE has been tested using examples from a database of about 60,000 general-purpose images. Empirical results demonstrate the effectiveness of CLUE.
MEMS sensing and control: an aerospace perspective

Future advanced fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, launch vehicles, and spacecraft will incorporate smart microsensors to monitor flight integrity and provide flight control inputs. This paper provides an overview of Honeywell's MEMS technologies for aerospace applications of sensing and control. A unique second-generation polysilicon resonant microbeam sensor design is described. It incorporates a micron-level vacuum-encapsulated microbeam to optically sense aerodynamic parameters and to optically excite the sensor pick off: optically excited self-resonant microbeams form the basis for a new class of versatile, high- performance, low-cost MEMS sensors that uniquely combine silicon microfabrication technology with optoelectronic technology that can sense dynamic pressure, acceleration forces, acoustic emission, and many other aerospace parameters of interest. Honeywell's recent work in MEMS tuning fork gyros for inertial sensing and a MEMS free- piston engine are also described.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Continous retropleural infusion for analgesia after thoracotomy in newborn infants

Postoperative pain control in neonates is a difficult management problem. The utilization of narcotics, while effective, is often a titration problem resulting in respiratory complications, may cause gastrointestinal bleeding or give inconsistent relief, frequently requiring the addition of a sedative. Regional pain relief techniques such as epidural catheters have been extremely effective in newborns but have not been widely utilized after thoracotomy because of fears of respiratory embarrassment from diaphragmatic effects. We have used continous infusion retropleural regional anesthetic agents in ten newborns undergoing repair of tracheoesophageal fistula and esophageal atresia. The technique involves placing a 20-gauge epidural catheter (Portex) through an 18-gauge transthoracic needle (Tuohy-Schliff) above the thoracotomy incision under direct vision of the surgeon. The catheter is sutured in place with a single 6-0 plain gut suture so that the egress port of the catheter is slightly cephalad and ventral to the entered intercostal space. Closure of the chest is performed in standard fashion and the retropleural space was drained with a chest tube on 5 cm H2O suction. 1/16% bupivicaine was infused at 1.6 cc/h for analgesia. All patients were extubated in the recovery room and taken directly to the neonatal ICU. Analgesia was excellent for all infants and none required supplemental pain control for their surgical procedures. This is the first description of pleural-based anesthesia for postoperative pain control in neonates. The technique provides excellent pain control for thoracotomies in these infants and does not interfere with respiratory effort. Analgesia appears to be local and somatic and diaphragmatic function is preserved. Other anatomic areas are not affected as the analgesic phenomena is localized to the operative site. The respiratory problems associated with systemic administration of potent analgesics are avoided.
Haem‐Dependent Activation of Guanylate Cyclase and Cyclic GMP Formation by Endogenous Nitric Oxide: A Unique Transduction Mechanism for Transcellular Signaling

The interaction between nitric oxide (NO) synthesized in one cell and the haem group of cytosolic guanylate cyclase located in target cells to form NO-haem-guanylate cyclase represents a unique signal transduction mechanism that links extracellular stimuli to the synthesis of cyclic GMP in nearby target cells. Autacoids, neurotransmitters, and macrophage- and neutrophil-activating factors interact with selective extracellular receptors to trigger formation of NO from L-arginine. NO may be viewed as a second messenger. The NO diffuses into adjacent target cells and causes haem-dependent activation of guanylate cyclase, thereby stimulating cyclic GMP accumulation. Guanylate cyclase-bound haem serves as a transducer in transferring the signal from NO to guanylate cyclase. Cyclic GMP acts as a third messenger in causing vascular smooth muscle relaxation, inhibition of platelet aggregation and adhesion, and modulation of macrophage, neutrophil, and other phagocytic cell functions. The unique physical and chemical properties of NO allow it to function as an intercellular modulator within a localized environment. This intercellular or transcellular signaling mechanism involving a common signal transduction mechanism permits the rapid initiation of localized complementary cellular functions leading to increased local blood flow, inhibition of local thrombosis, and modulation of phagocytosis and cytotoxicity.
Modeling plasma-induced bandgap narrowing effects for accurate simulation of advanced silicon bipolar transistors

Abstract Existing models for plasma-induced bandgap narrowing are briefly reviewed. A simple and more general model for plasma-induced bandgap narrowing in Si devices is proposed. Different issues related to modeling of plasma-induced bandgap narrowing are discussed. Results of numerical simulation of an advanced Si bipolar transistor structure are presented. Results of the simulations are compared with experimental data. It is shown that inclusion of plasma-induced bandgap narrowing model provides a more accurate estimate of the current gain characteristics. It is also shown that this effect becomes more important for simulation at low temperatures. The reasons behind the stronger effect at low temperatures are explained.
High-Gradient Millimeter-Wave Accelerator on a Planar Dielectric Substrate

We report the first high-gradient studies of a millimeter-wave accelerator, employing for the first time a planar dielectric accelerator, powered by means of a 0.5-A, 300-MeV, 11.424-GHz drive electron beam, synchronous at the 8th harmonic, 91.392 GHz. Embedded in a ring-resonator circuit within the electron beam line vacuum, this structure was operated at $20\mathrm{MeV}/\mathrm{m}$, with a circulating power of 200 kW, for $2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{5}$ pulses, with no sign of breakdown, dielectric charging, or other deleterious high-gradient phenomena. We also present the first measurement of the quadrupolar content of an accelerating mode.
A Validity Study of the Salter Environmental Type Assessment

The Salter Environmental Type Assessment (SETA) was designed to be a commensurate measure for the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator instrument. To test its utility in the workplace, this study of the SETA was conducted with the Work Environment Scale and a sample of 202 college students. The results appeared consistent with previous research with both assessments and theoretical assumptions behind the two approaches to workplace measurement. The preliminary correlational analysis revealed multiple correlations that supported concurrent validity. To further examine the convergence between the assessments, a principal components factor analysis of the correlational results revealed three factors that accounted for 70% of the variance. Factor 1 appeared related to positive work settings (Extraversion, Intuition, and Feeling with Autonomy, Involvement, Innovation, Peer Cohesion, Supervisor Support, and inversely with Control). The second factor concerned structure in work settings (Judgment with Clarity, Task Orien...
Uniqueness and non-uniqueness of metrics with prescribed scalar and mean curvature on compact manifolds with boundary

Abstract Let ( M n , g ) be a compact manifold with boundary with n ⩾2. In this paper we discuss uniqueness and non-uniqueness of metrics in the conformal class of g having the same scalar curvature and the mean curvature of the boundary of M .
Thoracic outlet compression syndrome caused by a schwannoma of the C7 nerve root

This is the first report of a schwannoma originating from the C7 nerve root causing thoracic outlet compression syndrome. The patient was a 30-year-old woman with a 3-year history of numbness on the radial side of the left hand, left arm tiredness, nocturnal pain in the left forearm and pain in the left elbow, shoulder and neck. Conservative treatment and previous operations, including carpal tunnel release and first rib resection, provided no relief. A left scalenectomy was performed. During the removal of the anterior scalene muscle, a mass approximately 3 cm long and 1.5 cm in diameter was noted under the anterior scalene muscle involving the C7 nerve root. The tumour was encapsulated and covered with attenuated and stretched nerve fascicles. It was completely excised without disturbing the nerve fascicles. The clinical impression was schwannoma, which was confirmed on pathological examination.
Effects of false feedback about response lengths of subjects perception of an interview.

Summary Sixty-four female freshmen were interviewed about various attitudes toward their college. Halfway through the interview, three groups of subjects were told falsely by the experimenter that their responses to the questions had been significantly longer than average, of about average length, or significantly shorter than average. A fourth group of subjects was given no false feedback. Subjects with longer than average false feedback increased their response lengths significantly during the last half of the interview and rated the interview questions significantly more favorably than other subjects. Subjects with shorter than average false feedback also gave significantly longer responses during the second half of the interview, but did not differ from average false feedback and no feedback subjects in their favorability toward the interview questions. Results of the study were discussed in terms of Bem's self-perception theory.
Purification and properties of the particulate hydrogenase from the bacteroids of soybean root nodules

The uptake hydrogenase (hydrogen:ferricytochrome c3 oxidoreductase, EC 1.12.2.1) from the bacteroids of soybean root nodules infected with Rhizobium japonicum 110 has been purified and characterized. Bacteroids were prepared, then broken by sonication. The particulate enzyme was solubilized by treatment with Triton X-100 and further purified by polyethylene glycol fractionation, DEAE-cellulose and Sephadex G-100 chromatography. The specific activity has been increased 196-fold to 19.6 units/mg protein. The molecular weight is 63 300 as determined by gel filtration and 65 300 as determined by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, indicating that the enzyme is a monomer. The enzyme is O2 sensitive, with a half-life of 70 min when exposed to air. The pH optimum of the solubilized enzyme is near 5.5; the Km for H2 is 1.4 μM. Suitable electron acceptors are methylene blue, ferricyanide, 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol, and cytochrome c. Benzyl viologen is reduced slowly; methyl viologen, NAD(P)+, FAD, FMN, and O2 are not reduced. The optimum temperature for activity is 65–70°C with an activation energy of 9.2 kcal. H2 evolution by the enzyme has been demonstrated. The hydrogenase is well-suited to function in an environment where all the available H2 is generated in situ.
Mediation of Hippocampal Mossy Fiber Long-Term Potentiation by Presynaptic Ih Channels

Hippocampal mossy fiber long-term potentiation (LTP) is expressed presynaptically, but the exact mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we demonstrate the involvement of the hyperpolarization-activated cation channel (Ih) in the expression of mossy fiber LTP. Established LTP was blocked and reversed by Ih channel antagonists. Whole-cell recording from granule cells revealed that repetitive stimulation causes a calcium- and Ih-dependent long-lasting depolarization mediated by protein kinase A. Depolarization at the terminals would be expected to enhance transmitter release, whereas somatic depolarization would enhance the responsiveness of granule cells to afferent input. Thus, Ih channels play an important role in the long-lasting control of transmitter release and neuronal excitability.
Observation of a sequence of domain-like states with increasing disorder in ferroelectrics

Abstract Transmission electron microscopy studies of the (1 - x)Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-xPbTiO3 (PMN-PT (1−x)/x) and the (Pb1−yLay)(Zr0·65Ti0·35)O3 (PLZT y/65/35) crystalline solutions have been performed...
10 years of degradation trends of the SORCE SIM instrument

The Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE) is a NASA-sponsored Low-Earth-Orbit satellite mission providing measurements of incoming x-ray, ultraviolet, visible, near-infrared and total solar radiation. SORCE is currently in its 10th year of operation. The Spectral Irradiance Monitor (SIM) instrument has been providing daily solar spectrum covering the wavelength range from 240 to 2400 nm at a resolution between 0.60-33 nm using a single optical element. SIM was designed to provide an absolute accuracy of < 2% over the wavelength coverage and a goal of longterm accuracy of 0.03% per year. The exposure of the optics, detectors and electronics to the harsh space environment causes changes in their properties. With the very high accuracy goals, it is critical to keep track of these changes as precisely as possible throughout the lifetime of the mission. We will be reviewing the methods used to track and correct for SIM instrumental degradation of the optics and the detectors since the start of the mission. We will also discuss lessons learned in the design of long lived solar observing missions and how they were applied to the SIM instrument on the coming Total Solar Irradiance Sensors (TSIS) mission.
Alteration of antioxidant enzyme gene expression during cold acclimation of near isogenic wheat lines

Abstract Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are harmful to living organisms due to the potential oxidation of membranes, DNA, proteins, and carbohydrates. Freezing injury has been shown to involve the attack of ROS. Antioxidant enzymes can protect plant cells from oxidative stress imposed by freezing injury; therefore, cold acclimation may involve an increase in the expression of antioxidant enzymes. In this study, quantitative RT-PCR was used to measure the expression levels of antioxidant enzymes during cold acclimation in near-isogenic lines (NILs) of wheat, differing in the Vrn1-Fr1 chromosome region that conditions winter versus spring wheat growth habit. The antioxidant genes monitored were mitochondrial manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), chloroplastic Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase (Cu,ZnSOD), iron superoxide dismutase (FeSOD), catalase (CAT), thylakoid-bound ascorbate peroxidase (t-APX), cytosolic glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), cytosolic mono-dehydroascorbate reductase (MDAR), chloroplastic dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR). The expression levels were upregulated (MnSOD, MDAR, t-APX, DHAR, GPX, and GR), downregulated (CAT), or relatively constant (FeSOD and Cu,ZnSOD). The Vrn1-Fr1 region seemed to have a role in regulating the expression level of some of the antioxidant enzyme genes because t-APX, CAT and MnSOD expressed to significantly higher levels in the winter wheat NIL than the spring wheat NIL after 4 weeks’ cold acclimation.
Nondestructive Determination of Thickness and Elastic Modulus of Plasma Spray Coatings Using Laser Ultrasonics

Plasma sprayed coatings are widely used to protect parts from aggressive environments. In applications such as land-based gas turbines, Thermal barrier Coatings (TBCs) are utilized to protect the turbine components from very high operating or firing temperatures [1]. The TBCs are commonly applied by standard air plasma spray process, which is an open-loop operation with no feedback about the coating conditions during deposition. Unfortunately, on-line variations of the spray conditions, such as the continuous wearing of the torch hardware, can adversely affect the coating quality and create significant part-to-part variations. The standard method of evaluating coatings is destructive in nature; hence these tests cannot be performed on each produced part [2]. As a result, coated parts may not have the consistent quality and durability needed for many applications [3].
Cotransport of the Heterodimeric Small Subunit of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Ribonucleotide Reductase Between the Nucleus and the Cytoplasm

Ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) catalyzes the rate-liming step in de novo deoxyribonucleotide biosynthesis and is essential in DNA replication and repair. Cells have evolved complex mechanisms to modulate RNR activity during normal cell cycle progression and in response to genotoxic stress. A recently characterized mode of RNR regulation is DNA damage-induced RNR subunit redistribution. The RNR holoenzyme consists of a large subunit, R1, and a small subunit, R2. The Saccharomyces cerevisiae R2 is an Rnr2:Rnr4 heterodimer. Rnr2 generates a diferric–tyrosyl radical cofactor required for catalysis; Rnr4 facilitates cofactor assembly and stabilizes the resulting holo-heterodimer. Upon DNA damage, Rnr2 and Rnr4 undergo checkpoint-dependent, nucleus-to-cytoplasm redistribution, resulting in colocalization of R1 and R2. Here we present evidence that Rnr2 and Rnr4 are transported between the nucleus and the cytoplasm as one protein complex. Tagging either Rnr2 or Rnr4 with a nuclear export sequence causes cytoplasmic localization of both proteins. Moreover, mutations at the Rnr2:Rnr4 heterodimer interface can affect the localization of both proteins without disrupting the heterodimeric complex. Finally, the relocalization of Rnr4 appears to involve both active export and blockage of nuclear import. Our findings provide new insights into the mechanism of DNA damage-induced RNR subunit redistribution.
Solid-liquid separation of oxidized americium from fission product lanthanides

The separation of americium from the lanthanides and curium is a requirement if transmutation of americium is to be performed in advanced nuclear fuel cycles. Oxidation of Am 3+ to AmO2 + or AmO2 2+ may allow separation of Am from Ln and Cm in one step, since the lanthanides and curium do not have higher oxidation states as accessible. Two possible solid- liquid separation methods have been developed to address this difficult separation. Under acidic conditions using oxone or persulfate, the oxidation and retention of tracer Am in the aqueous phase has been observed with a separation factor of 11 ± 1. Most of these studies have been conducted using 237
Molecular aggregation characterized by high order autocorrelation in fluorescence correlation spectroscopy

The use of high order autocorrelation in fluorescence correlation spectroscopy for investigating aggregation in a sample that contains fluorescent molecules is described. Theoretical expressions for the fluorescence fluctuation autocorrelation functions defined by gm,n(tau) = [(delta fm(t + tau)delta fm(t] - (delta Fm(t] (delta Fn(t]]/(F)m+n, where delta F(t) is the fluorescence fluctuation at time t, (F) is the average fluorescence, and m and n are integers less than or equal to 3, are derived. Methods for determining the number densities and relative fluorescence yields of aggregates of different sizes from a series of Gm,n(0) values are outlined. The method is applied to 1,1'-dioctadecyl-3,3,3',3'-tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate suspended in solutions of water and ethyl alcohol. The technique presented may prove useful in detecting and characterizing aggregates of fluorescent-labeled biological molecules such as cell surface receptors.
Using Microscopic Simulation to Evaluate Potential Intelligent Transportation System Strategies Under Nonrecurrent Congestion

A microsimulation method is presented for evaluating the effectiveness of potential intelligent transportation system (ITS) strategies under nonrecurrent congestion. The evaluated ITS strategies include incident management, adaptive ramp metering, traveler information systems, arterial management, and a combination of those strategies. These strategies are implemented and evaluated over a road network in Irvine, California, with the microsimulation model PARAMICS. The evaluation results show that all ITS strategies have positive effects on network performance. Because of the network topology (one major freeway with two parallel arterial streets), real-time traveler information has the greatest benefits among all single ITS strategies. However, a combination of ITS strategies can further increase benefits.
Research and Implementation of A Computer-aided Diagnosis Algorithm Platform

The accuracy of medical imaging equipment examination depends on the quality of both the image acquisition and computer-aided diagnosis. Therefore the development of computer-aided diagnosis system has become the most important factor of the development of medical imaging equipment. The paper introduces a computer-aided diagnosis algorithm platform (CADAP), which includes medical image 3D visualization, image enhancement, image segmentation, region of interest detection, feature extract and classification algorithm, and it can increase researcher's productivity and efficiency to develop more CAD system. Through integrating workflow into algorithm platform, the algorithm platform whose process can be defined and reengineered by its user easily is developed based on component and multi architecture.
Progress on Linking Gender and Sustainable Energy

The field of gender and energy has been identified as critical in global sustainable energy development and is increasingly important to decision makers. The theme of women and energy was of significance at the 1998 World Renewable Energy Congress in Florence, Italy. This paper traces further developments in this field by summarizing selected programmatic initiatives, meetings, and publications over the past 18 months.
Regulation of Phospholipase C Isozymes

The phospholipases play a crucial role in generating the lipid second messengers implicated in signal transduction processes (1). These enzymes are defined and named by the position they attack on the phospholipid backbone. Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) catalyzes the hydrolysis of the fatty acid group on the middle (sn-2) position while phospholipase C (PLC) catalyzes the hydrolysis of the phosphodiester bond on the third (sn-3) position of the glycerol and phospholipase D (PLD) catalyzes the hydrolysis of the phosphodiester bond between the phosphate and the polar group (which can be choline, ethanolamine, serine, glycerol, or inositol). Figure 1 indicates the sites of the action of these enzymes.
As-if-serial exception handling semantics for Java futures

Exception handling enables programmers to specify the behavior of a program when an exceptional event occurs at runtime. Exception handling, thus, facilitates software fault tolerance and the production of reliable and robust software systems. With the recent emergence of multi-processor systems and parallel programming constructs, techniques are needed that provide exception handling support in these environments that are intuitive and easy to use. Unfortunately, extant semantics of exception handling for concurrent settings is significantly more complex to reason about than their serial counterparts. In this paper, we investigate a similarly intuitive semantics for exception handling for the future parallel programming construct in Java. Futures are used by programmers to identify potentially asynchronous computations and to introduce parallelism into sequential programs. The intent of futures is to provide some performance benefits through the use of method-level concurrency while maintaining as-if-serial semantics that novice programmers can easily understand - the semantics of a program with futures is the same as that for an equivalent serial version of the program. We extend this model to provide as-if-serial exception handling semantics. Using this model our runtime delivers exceptions to the same point it would deliver them if the program was executed sequentially. We present the design and implementation of our approach and evaluate its efficiency using an open source Java virtual machine.
Focused motor stereotypies do not require enhanced activation of neurons in striosomes.

Stereotypic motor behavior is a widespread phenomenon of many neurologic and psychiatric disorders. Studies on the mechanisms controlling motor stereotypies have focused on the role of dopamine in modulating the activity of basal ganglia neuronal circuits, and recent results demonstrated that stereotypic motor responses characteristic of psychomotor stimulant sensitization correlate with an enhanced activation of neurons located in striatal striosomes that substantially exceeds that of the surrounding matrix. The present study tested whether predominant striosomal activation is a general predictor for stereotypy. Wild-type and dopamine D2 and D3 receptor knockout mice were treated either three times with methamphetamine (METH; 3 5 mg/kg every 2 hours) or once with a full D1 agonist. Depending on the genotype, both treatments elicit the same focused stereotypy (taffy pulling). Repeated METH-treatment elicits intense stereotypy in wild-type and D3 mutants but not in D2 single and D2/D3 double mutants. The stereotypic response of wild-type and D3 mutants correlates with a predominant activation of neurons located in striosomes. No striosomal predominance is detected in METH-treated D2 single and D2/D3 double mutants. In contrast, D2 single and D2/D3 double mutants exhibited the most severe stereotypic response to D1-agonist treatment. However, this treatment did not result in enhanced striosomal activation. Thus, whereas the expression of stereotypy in response to repeated METH treatment requires D2 receptor expression, D2 receptor expression diminishes stereotypic responses to an acute dose of a D1 agonist. Enhanced striosomal activation, however, is a reliable indicator of D1- and D2-receptor coactivation but not a predictor for repetitive motor behavior in