cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Generation of functionally competent single bovine adrenal chromaffin cells from cell aggregates using the neutral protease dispase.

Abstract A simple and efficient procedure has been developed to enzymatically dissociate aggregates of bovine adrenal chromaffin cells in suspension culture into viable, responsive single cells. For dissociation, the neutral protease dispase is added directly to the culture medium for a minimum of 3 h, followed by incubation of the cells in Hank’s calcium–magnesium-free balanced salt solution at 37 °C with intermittent trituration to facilitate dispersion. This procedure generates a population of phase-bright single cells that are round in morphology, take up the dye neutral red, exclude the dye trypan blue and readily attach to tissue culture dishes coated with collagen, fibronectin or polylysine, thereby permitting applications that require plated-down conditions. When transferred to culture medium, the cells begin to reaggregate. By altering the length of time the cells are incubated in culture medium prior to attachment, the degree of reaggregation can be controlled to obtain plate-down profiles that consist of both isolated cells and cells in aggregates of varying sizes. Returning dissociated cells to suspension culture results in the reformation of large cell aggregates. Several measures of chromaffin cell function were indistinguishable for dissociated cells placed either in monolayer culture or suspension culture versus non-dissociated cells, implying that the dissociation procedure does not alter cellular responses or cause cellular damage.
Biofeedback improves functional outcome after sphincteroplasty

The primary treatment for obstetric sphincter injury is overlapping sphincteroplasty. However, despite restoration of the anatomy, only 65 percent of patients are fully continent. PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to determine if postoperative biofeedback improved continence in patients with poor functional outcomes after sphincteroplasty. METHOD: Outcomes of 28 patients who underwent electromyographic biofeedback training after sphincteroplasty for obstetric sphincter injury were reviewed. Nine patients had an accompanying levatorplasty. Average age was 34 (range, 23–57) years. Patients began biofeedback a mean of 32 (range, 2–192) months postoperatively. Before beginning biofeedback, patients completed an incontinence questionnaire, bowel diary, and scored their incontinence. At the end of treatment, they were again asked to score their incontinence and rate their improvement. Using an incontinence scale with a maximum score of 30, the average incontinence score before biofeedback was 20 (range, 13–30). Incontinent episodes per week ranged from one to nine. Sixteen patients were incontinent to solid stool. RESULTS: Overall, the average posttreatment incontinence score decreased from 20 to 3 (P< 0.0001). Average number of incontinent episodes per week decreased from 5.4 to 1.4 (P< 0.0001) Twenty-five patients (89 percent) reported improvement in their continence. All had a posttreatment incontinent score of less than three. Three patients noted no improvement. Of those, one subsequently had a colostomy, one is waiting the implant of an artificial anal sphincter, and one has sought no further treatment. There were no complications reported. CONCLUSION: Biofeedback improves functional outcome after sphincteroplasty and is a reasonable option for patients with less than optimum outcome after sphincteroplasty.
THE CLINICAL INTERPRETATION OF THE ENDOMETRIAL BIOPSY: REPORT OF THREE HUNDRED CASES1

IN A PREVIOUS STUDY (i), it was found: a), that human urine at times contains a substance or substances which affect the motility of the rabbit uterus, b), that certain variations in the effects of the urine occur during menstruation, and c), that the variations associated with essential dysmenor′ rhea are different from those associated with normal menstruation. Since the pain in essential dysmenonhea appears to be due to uterine contraction, it seemed wise to compare the effects of urine excreted during normal labor with the effects of that excreted during dysmenorrhea. Accordingly, the present study was undertaken. It consists of an investigation of the action upon uterine motility of urine excreted during late pregnancy and labor and a comparison of the results obtained with those of the previous study (i).
Heuristics and biases in cyber security dilemmas

Cyber security often depends on decisions made by human operators, who are commonly considered a major cause of security failures. We conducted 2 behavioral experiments to explore whether and how cyber security decision-making responses depend on gain–loss framing and salience of a primed recall prior experience. In Experiment I, we employed a 2 × 2 factorial design, manipulating the frame (gain vs. loss) and the presence versus absence of a prior near-miss experience. Results suggest that the experience of a near-miss significantly increased respondents’ endorsement of safer response options under a gain frame. Overall, female respondents were more likely to select a risk averse (safe) response compared with males. Experiment II followed the same general paradigm, framing all consequences in a loss frame and manipulating recall to include one of three possible prior experiences: false alarm, near-miss, or a hit involving a loss of data. Results indicate that the manipulated prior hit experience significantly increased the likelihood of respondents’ endorsement of a safer response relative to the manipulated prior near-miss experience. Conversely, the manipulated prior false-alarm experience significantly decreased respondents’ likelihood of endorsing a safer response relative to the manipulated prior near-miss experience. These results also showed a main effect for age and were moderated by respondent’s income level.
Almost Integrally Closed Domains

Abstract A domain R is called almost integrally closed if R is integrally closed in R P for each nonzero P ∈ Spec(R). Arbitrary quasilocal domains of (Krull) dimension 1 and arbitrary integrally closed domains are examples of almost integrally closed domains. There are no other examples in the contexts of Noetherian, one-dimensional or pseudo-valuation domains, as a consequence of the fact that any almost integrally closed domain that is not integrally closed has at most one height 1 prime ideal. However, a pullback example shows that a non-integrally closed domain that is almost integrally closed need not be semiquasilocal or of dimension at most 1. By analyzing the behavior of the almost integrally closed property for CPI-extensions, we obtain a characterization of the almost integrally closed locally divided domains. Applications are given to the case of G-domains. It also follows that if a divided domain R is not a field, then R is almost integrally closed if and only if some (resp., each) nonzero P ∈...
On the initiation problem for a combustion model

Abstract The initiation problem for a combustion model is studied. Global existence of the solution to the problem is established and the asymptotic behavior of the solution is studied. Specifically, we prove that the solution converges to a self-sustaining detonation wave, i.e., the minimal travelling wave, or the CJ detonation wave, followed by a rarefaction wave provided that the initial pulse is large. If the data are small, the solution decays to zero like an N-wave .
Electroluminescence from pyrromethene dyes in doped polymer hosts

Abstract We report the visible electroluminescence from an organic light emitting diode prepared by spin coating a single layer of poly( N -vinylcarbazole) molecularly doped with 2-(4-biphenyl)-5-(4- tert -butylphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole (PBD) and with low levels of pyrromethene laser dye. Using 1,3,5,7,8-pentamethyl-2,6-di- n -butylpyrromethene-difluoroborate complex (P580) and 1,3,5,7,8-pentamethylpyrromethene-difluoroborate complex (P546) in the devices produces bright colors of yellow–green and green, respectively.
Quantitative EEG and Current Source Density Analysis of Combined Antiepileptic Drugs and Dopaminergic Agents in Genetic Epilepsy: Two Case Studies.

Two adolescent females with absence epilepsy were classified, one as attention deficit and the other as bipolar disorder. Physical and cognitive exams identified hypotension, bradycardia, and cognitive dysfunction. Their initial electroencephalograms (EEGs) were considered slightly slow, but within normal limits. Quantitative EEG (QEEG) data included relative theta excess and low alpha mean frequencies. A combined treatment of antiepileptic drugs with a catecholamine agonist/reuptake inhibitor was sequentially used. Both patients’ physical and cognitive functions improved and they have remained seizure free. The clinical outcomes were correlated with statistically significant changes in QEEG measures toward normal Z-scores in both anterior and posterior regions. In addition, low resolution electromagnetic tomography (LORETA) Z-scored source correlation analyses of the initial and treated QEEG data showed normalized patterns, supporting a neuroanatomic resolution. This study presents preliminary evidence for a neurophysiologic approach to patients with absence epilepsy and comorbid disorders and may provide a method for further research.
Parent support and education for low-income families: Historical and current perspectives

Abstract In this paper, the author reviews the premises, objectives and patterns of practice that have informed parent support and education for low-income families from its roots in the nineteenth century up to the present. The review has two purposes. The first is to complement and extend existing historical perspectives on the genre, which tend to have a middle class orientation (see, for example. Brim, 1959; Schlossman, 1978a). The second is to derive lessons useful for future consideration of parent support and education as a means to address various social problems.
Elastic scattering of 4–20 MeV alpha particles by Be9

The scattering of alpha particles by Be9 has been studied in the bombarding energy range 4–20 MeV. Eight excitation functions and sixteen angular distributions were measured. Angular distributions were analysed with an optical model which included a term coupling the target spin I to the orbital angular momentum l. The optical model parameters varied smoothly with energy over the entire range, and the value of the spin-orbit parameter VSO variedfrom 1.6 to 2.7 MeV. Real well depths of about 55 MeV were used. Optical model fits without the I · 1 term were poor especially at back angles. A smooth cut-off model analysis was also attempted with little success.
The hospitality of the host: A cross-cultural examination of managerially facilitated consumer-to-consumer interactions

Abstract In the design and programming of hedonic service settings such as events, managers can facilitate positive social interactions between guests. The objective of this research is to examine the effect of managerially facilitated consumer-to-consumer interactions on Asian and Western consumer evaluations and behavioral outcomes. A field experimental methodology is employed within the cultural group tour context. Asians are found to benefit from management facilitation of social interaction at higher levels than Westerners. Implications for event managers and directions for future research are shared.
BIOMOD: an interactive computer graphics system for modeling

Many of those involved in improving the quality of life often model and simulate continuous systems as part of their work. For example, one group of investigators may model an oil refinery to learn how to produce a new fuel efficiently, while another may simulate a global weather model to determine the effect of burning large quantities of the fuel at high altitudes. An urban planning team may simulate the water flow in an estuary to discover the best location for a new sewage treatment plant or the effect of a proposed breakwater. A medical team may simulate the bodily distribution of drugs to determine optimal dosage amounts and intervals, while another team might simulate the blood-volume control system to design a more efficient artificial kidney.
Cerebrovascular responses under controlled and monitored physiological conditions in the anesthetized mouse

Control of physiological parameters such as respiration, blood pressure, and arterial blood gases has been difficult in the mouse due to the lack of technology required to monitor these parameters in small animals. Here we report that anesthetized and artificially ventilated mice can be maintained under physiological control for several hours with apparently normal cerebrovascular reactivity to hypercapnia and mechanical vibrissal stimulation. SV-129 mice were anesthetized with urethane (750 mg/kg i.p.) and alpha-chloralose (50 mg/kg i.p.), intubated, paralyzed, and artificially ventilated. Respiratory control was maintained within physiological range by reducing the inspiratory phase of the respiratory cycle to < 0.1 s and by adjusting end-tidal CO2 to give a PCO2 of 35 +/- 3 mm Hg. In these mice, mean arterial pressure (95 +/- 9 mm Hg), heart rate (545 +/- 78 beats/min), and arterial pH (7.27 +/- 0.10) could be maintained for several hours. Body temperature was kept at 36.5-37.5 degrees C. We observed stable regional CBF (rCBF) measurements (as determined by laser-Doppler flowmetry) when systemic arterial blood pressure was varied between 40 and 130 mm Hg. Hypercapnia led to a 38 +/- 15% (5% CO2) and 77 +/- 34% (10% CO2) increase in rCBF. Mechanical stimulation of contralateral vibrissae for 1 min increased rCBF by 14 +/- 4%. Changes in rCBF compare favorably with those observed previously in another rodent species, the Sprague-Dawley rat. After placement of a closed cranial window, cerebrovascular reactivity to hypercapnia and whisker stimulation was intact and well maintained during 2-h superfusion with artificial CSF.
Myosin heavy chain expression during development and following denervation of fast fibers in the red strip of the chicken pectoralis

The myosin heavy chain composition of muscle fibers that comprise the red strip of the pectoralis major was determined at different stages of development and following adult denervation. Using a library of characterized monoclonal antibodies we found that slow fibers of the red strip do not react with antibodies to any of the fast myosin heavy chains of the superficial pectoralis. Immunocytochemical analysis of the fast fibers of the adult red strip revealed that they contain the embryonic fast myosin heavy chain rather than the adult pectoral isoform found throughout the adult white pectoralis. This was confirmed using immunoblot analysis of myosin heavy chain peptide maps. We show that during development of the red strip both neonatal and adult myosin heavy chains appear transiently, but then disappear during maturation. Furthermore, while the fibers of the superficial pectoralis reexpress the neonatal isoform as a result of denervation, the fibers of the red strip reexpress the adult isoform. Our data demonstrate a new developmental program of fast myosin heavy chain expression in the chicken and suggest that the heterogeneity of myosin heavy chain expression in adult fast fibers results from repression of specific isoforms by innervation.
Some Characteristics of the Limited-Area Fine-Mesh (LFM) Model Quantitative Precipitation Forecasts (QPF) during the 1982 and 1983 Warm Seasons

Abstract The skill of the limited-area fine-mesh (LFM) model in making 24-h areal quantitative precipitation forecasts (QPF) of ⩾ 0.5 in. (12.7 mm) is evaluated and analyzed for two warm seasons; 1982 and 1983. Differences in skill between the eastern and western United States are investigated and the impact of updated initial conditions is explored. The skill in predicting precipitation from cyclonic versus mesoscale systems is also examined. It is found that the model skill changed drastically from the summers of 1982 to 1983. Skill levels for 1982 were about 25% to 35%. In 1983, they dropped to an average value of less than 10% and often to zero on a daily basis. The precipitous drop in skill appears to be the result of changes made in key model threshold parameters. These parameters include grid-resolvable saturation criterion and convective cloud base boost. The introduction of constraints on convective precipitation and the vertical advection of moisture also appear to have reduced model skill. A co...
Scanning tunneling microscope images of identifiable quantum dot diodes

Abstract We report the first high resolution images of quantum dots at identifiable locations. They were obtained using a scanning tunneling microscope guided by a novel optical viewing system.
Mechanical performance of scallop adductor muscle during swimming.

MECHANICAL performance of skeletal muscle has long been the subject of intense interest1, but the details of in vivo performance of individual skeletal muscles during normal locomotion remain largely unknown. Performance in vitro has been described with considerable precision under simplified loading conditions2. The force production and shortening velocity of most muscles, however, probably change continuously during natural movements. Therefore, modelling in vivo performance on the basis of in vitro contractile properties3 is subject to large degrees of uncertainty. Designing in vitro experiments that effectively examine the limits of mechanical performance requires increasing knowledge of precisely how muscles are used during normal movements. We report here measurements of the mechanical performance of the adductor muscle in scallops during jet-propulsion swimming. Swimming in scallops is powered solely by the striated portion of the single adductor muscle. Exploiting this simple locomotor morphology with simultaneous high-resolution measurements of pressure and flow rate, we have recorded nearly instantaneous measurements of the performance of a single skeletal muscle during normal locomotion.
Theropod hind limb disparity revisited: comments on Gatesy and Middleton (1997)

Theropod hind limb disparity revisited: comments on Gatesy and Middleton (1997) Matthew T. Carrano a b & Christian A. Sidor a a Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy , University of Chicago , 1027 East 57th Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60637 b Department of Anatomical Sciences , Health Sciences Center T-8, State University of New York at Stony Brook , Stony Brook, New York, 11794 Published online: 24 Aug 2010.
Multiwavelength spectroscopy for the detection, identification, and quantification cells

Multiwavelength spectroscopy is a rapid technique that provides quantitative information for the detection and identification of cells. A typical multiwavelength spectrum reflects the chemical composition, size, internal structure arid number of cells present in a sample. These properties constitute essential information for the identification and classification of cells. The multiwavelength spectrum is generated from the combined scattering and absorption characteristics of the sample. Light scattering theory is then used to deconvolute the spectrum for estimates ofthe critical parameters necessary for the detection and identification of cells. This approach has been used to determine the spectral fingerprint for blood cells, bacterial cells and protozoa. The characteristic set of optical properties for platelets, E. coil and Cryptosporidium have been determined as a function of wavelength and used for the quantitative interpretation ofUV-vis spectra within the context ofMie theory. The models developed using this approach provide reliable and accurate estimates for cell size, number, chemical composition and internal structure. Information on the chemical composition is further deconvoluted into quantitative estimates of nucleic acid and protein content. This type of detailed information is thell used for the discrimination of cell types. The technique is applicable to a wide range of cell types found in diverse environments. Advances in the development of miniaturized spectrometers increase the potential of this method as an excellent candidate for a rapid, reliable and efficient biosensor.
Structural aspects of amitosis: a light and electron microscope study of the isolated macronuclei of Paramecium aurelia and Tetrahymena pyriformis

Thin sections show the macronuclei of Paramecium aurelia and Tetrahymena pyriformis to contain two types of bodies. The smaller, measuring 0.1–0.2 μ in diameter, have been resolved in the light microscope by first removing the macronuclei from the cells in the presence of Mg++, then chelating that divalent cation with EDTA, resulting in expansion of the nuclear material. By staining with methyl green, Azure B, and the Feulgen procedure, the small bodies were shown to contain DNA. In whole mounts these small bodies appear to be joined to one another producing a complex network suspended in which are the larger bodies, or nucleoli. — Macronuclei from both ciliates were isolated in large quantities and purified for spreading on an air-water interface. When the nuclei burst from surface tension forces and are examined with the electron microscope, the DNA containing bodies remain attached to one another by means of 100 A fibrils. The pattern of attachment is non-linear. Occasionally individual DNA-containing bodies “loosen” revealing a coil resembling both in shape and dimensions the 250 A coil characteristic of eucaryotic chromatin. The substructure of the 250 A coil has not been directly observed. However, the frequent association of pairs of 100 A fibrils makes it likely that two such fibrils are tightly complexed in the 250 A coil. The 100 A fibril, in turn, contains two 20 A strands, each presumably a DNA double helix. — In Paramecium each small body of the macronucleus contains approximately one chromosome-equivalent of DNA. The fact that these small bodies are joined to form large structured masses of chromatin within the macronucleus indicates that the distribution of genetic material is not random. It is possible that, similar to bacteria, entire genomes segregate as units, thus accounting for successful amitotic division.
Methamphetamine self-administration attenuates hippocampal serotonergic deficits: role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor.

Preclinical studies suggest that prior treatment with escalating doses of methamphetamine (METH) attenuates the persistent deficits in hippocampal serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5HT) transporter (SERT) function resulting from a subsequent ‘binge’ METH exposure. Previous work also demonstrates that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) exposure increases SERT function. The current study investigated changes in hippocampal BDNF protein and SERT function in rats exposed to saline or METH self-administration prior to a binge exposure to METH or saline. Results revealed that METH self-administration increased hippocampal mature BDNF (mBDNF) immunoreactivity compared to saline-treated rats as assessed 24 h after the start of the last session. Further, mBDNF immunoreactivity was increased and SERT function was not altered in rats that self-administered METH prior to the binge METH exposure as assessed 24 h after the binge exposure. These results suggest that prior exposure to contingent METH increases hippocampal mBDNF, and this may contribute to attenuated deficits in SERT function.
Internal pressure loading of segmented-stiffness composite cylinders

The paper examines the displacement response of round cylinders constructed in such a fashion that the crown and keel are made of one pseudo-isotropic laminate and the sides are made of another pseudo-isotropic laminate. The terminology segmented-stiffness is given to this construction. Considered is the displacement response to internal pressure but with the restraint that the overall axial displacement is zero. Infinite-length and finite-length cylinders are studied, the former for pedagogical reasons. The distinguishing characteristic of this construction and loading is the presence of circumferential displacement. For the finite-length case, in addition to the existence of a circumferential displacement, the radial displacement varies with circumferential location. The primary parameter responsible for these features is the mismatch in the effective extensional moduli of the segments. The mismatch in Poisson's ratios and inplane shear moduli have much less influence on the problem.
Reduced glomerular filtration rate and hypercalciuria in primary struvite nephrolithiasis.

Reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and hypercalciuria in primary struvite nephrolithiasis. Struvite nephrolithiasis is caused by infection with bacteria that possess the enzyme urease, and convert urea to ammonia that raises urine pH and crystallizes with magnesium and tri valent phosphate ion. Of the 75 of our 1431 stone patients with struvite stones 52 were women. Struvite stones occurred almost exclusively in women; a minority of women and most men had mixed stones of struvite and calcium oxalate. Increased serum creatinine levels and reduced creatinine clearance were common in patients with struvite stones, not in those with mixed stones; both were rare in calcium stone disease. Men and women with mixed struvite, calcium oxalate stones were hypercalciuric, but women with struvite stones were not. Patients with mixed stones usually had initial symptoms of stone passage, and were less likely to need surgery, including nephrectomy, or to form contralateral stones. Patients with struvite stones usually presented with infection or no symptom, not passage. We conclude that struvite stones occur in two forms. The struvite stone is a disease of women, presumably occurring de novo from infection. The mixed stones occur in both sexes, presumably from secondary infection in hypercalciuric patients who begin with calcium–oxalate stone disease.
Kinetics on ideal and real surfaces

The wide applicability of the Langmuir-Hinshelwood classical kinetics to surfaces which are known to depart strongly from ideal Langmuir behavior is a well-known paradox of surface catalysis. The applicability and limitations of the classical method are illustrated by means of a simple reaction. The generality of the method is demonstrated by its applicability to ammonia synthesis with and without water vapor. The limitations are often more than compensated for by the added insight into reaction mechanism which it can provide without unded complexity. A three-step approach to surface kinetics is suggested and discussed.
Experiences in Long-Term Evaluation of Mercury Emission Monitoring Systems

Six mercury continuous emission monitoring (CEM) systems provided by two leading mercury (Hg) CEM system manufacturers were tested at five coal combustion utilities. The linearity, response time, day-to-day stability, efficiency of the Hg speciation modules, and ease of use were evaluated by following procedures specified in the Code of Federal Regulation Title 40 Part 75 (40 CFR Part 75). Mercury monitoring results from Hg CEM systems were compared to an EPA-recognized reference method. A sorbent trap sampling system was also evaluated in this study to compare the relative accuracy to the reference method as well as to Hg CEM systems. A conceptual protocol proposed by U.S. EPA (Method 30A) for using an Hg CEM system as the reference method for the Hg relative accuracy (RA) test was also followed to evaluate the workability of the protocol. This paper discusses the operational experience obtained from these field studies and the remaining challenges to overcome while using Hg CEM systems and the sorbent trap method for continuous Hg emission monitoring. 3 refs., 5 figs., 11 tabs.
Actigraphy: Analyzing patient movement

BACKGROUND: Actigraphic data during simulated participant movements were evaluated to differentiate among patient behavior states. METHODS: Arm and leg actigraphic data were collected on 30 volunteers who simulated 3 behavioral states (calm, restless, agitated) for 10 minutes; counts of observed participant movements (head, torso, extremities) were documented. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 34.7 years, and 60% were female. Average movement was significantly different among the states (P < .0001; calm [mean = .48], restless [mean = 2.16], agitated [mean = 3.75]). Mean actigraphic measures were significantly different among states for both arm (P < .0001; calm [mean = 6.8], restless [mean = 28.5], agitated [mean = 52.6]) and leg (P < .0001; calm [mean = 3.5], restless [mean = 18.7], agitated [mean = 37.7]). CONCLUSION: Distinct levels of behavioral states were successfully simulated. Actigraphic data can provide an objective indicator of patient activity over a variety of behavioral states, and these data may offer a standard for comparison among these states. (Heart Lung 2011;40:e52–e59.) P atient movement, especially restlessness and agitation in the critically ill, may result from a variety of physiologic (eg, hypoxemia, ischemia, inadequate pain control) and psychologic conditions (eg, anxiety, fear, disorientation). In extreme forms, patient movement can lead to removal of lifesaving devices and tubes or even harm to patients and healthcare providers. Studies have shown that a majority of intensive care unit (ICU) patients exhibit agitation at some time during their ICU stay, with as many as 71% of patients exhibiting agitated behavior in more than half (58%) of their patient days. 1,2 Agitated behavior was described as severe or dangerous in 46% of these patients during 30% of patient-days. 1
Cost-effectiveness v patient preference in the choice of treatment for distal ureteral calculi: a literature-based decision analysis.

Ureteroscopy (URS) and extracorporeal Shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) battle for supremacy in the management of distal ureteral calculi. In order to clarify issues surrounding this controversy, we created a decision tree modeling URS or SWL with literature-based probabilities and used as endpoints both cost and patient preferences. Ureteroscopy was more successful than single-session or multiple-session SWL, 92.1% v 74.3% or 84.5%, and had a lower retreutment/complication rate. Although initial SWL was only slightly more expensive than URS, $4,420 v $4,337, the difference increased when the additional costs of complications and retreatment were calculated, $6,745 v $5,555. Using values for an "average" patient, SWL was preferred to URS in terms of patient satisfaction. The most important factors distinguishing between URS and SWL were the success of treatment, the cost of initial therapy, and patient attitudes toward unplanned ancillary procedures and retreatment. Although no alteration of success rates and c...
Rationing problems in bipartite networks

The standard theory of rationing problems is extended to the bipartite context. The focus is on consistency, a compelling rationality property of fair division methods in the standard setting.
On the computational complexity of dynamic graph problems

Abstract A common way to evaluate the time complexity of an algorithm is to use asymptotic worst-case analysis and to express the cost of the computation as a function of the size of the input. However, for an incremental algorithm this kind of analysis is sometimes not very informative. (By an “incremental algorithm”, we mean an algorithm for a dynamic problem.) When the cost of the computation is expressed as a function of the size of the (current) input, several incremental algorithms that have been proposed run in time asymptotically no better, in the worst-case, than the time required to perform the computation from scratch. Unfortunately, this kind of information is not very helpful if one wishes to compare different incremental algorithms for a given problem. This paper explores a different way to analyze incremental algorithms. Rather than express the cost of an incremental computation as a function of the size of the current input, we measure the cost in terms of the sum of the sizes of the changes in the input and the output. The change in approach allows us to develop a more informative theory of computational complexity for dynamic problems. An incremental algorithm is said to be bounded if the time taken by the algorithm to perform an update can be bounded by some function of the sum of the sizes of the changes in the input and the output. A dynamic problem is said to be unbounded with respect to a model of computation if it has no bounded incremental algorithm within that model of computation. The paper presents new upper-bound results as well as new lower-bound results with respect to a class of algorithms called the locally persistent algorithms. Our results, together with some previously known ones, shed light on the organization of the complexity hierarchy that exists when dynamic problems are classified according to their incremental complexity with respect to locally persistent algorithms. In particular, these results separate the classes of polynomially bounded problems, inherently exponentially bounded problems, and unbounded problems.
Novel insights into the relationship between diabetes and osteoporosis

Only three decades ago adipose tissue was considered inert, with little relationship to insulin resistance. Similarly, bone has long been thought of purely in its structural context. In the last decade, emerging evidence has revealed important endocrine roles for both bone and adipose tissue. The interaction between these two tissues is remarkable. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells give rise to both osteoblasts and adipocytes. Leptin and adiponectin, two adipokines secreted by fat tissue, control energy homeostasis, but also have complex actions on the skeleton. In turn, the activities of bone cells are not limited to their bone remodelling activities but also to modulation of adipose cell sensitivity and insulin secretion. This review will discuss these new insights linking bone remodelling to the control of fat metabolism and the association between diabetes mellitus and osteoporosis.
Superconducting properties of grain boundaries in dense, fine grained YBa2Cu3Ox

Abstract YBa2Cu3Ox samples have been produced in the form of uniform spheres 50 to 100 μm in diameter. The grain size within the spheres may be varied by appropriate annealing over the range of 1–2 μm up to the sphere diameter. The superconducting properties of fine grained spheres (1.7 and 2.0 μm) have been investigated using low field DC magnetization measurements. The critical current of the grain boundary was found to be significantly larger for the 1.7 μm material than the 2 μm material.
An investigation of departure from nucleate boiling (DNB) in a crossed-rod matrix with normal flow of freon-113 coolant

Abstract While the boundary layer behavior dictates the heat transfer of a single-phase flow, the bubble layer dominates the boiling heat transfer of a low void fraction two-phase flow. The bubble layer is a highly viscous layer of crowded bubbles flowing parallel to the heating surface. In a subcooled or low quality boiling flow, the bubble layer locates between the main liquid stream and the heated wall. It shields the wall from the incoming cooling liquid so that the wall can be overheated and reach the heat flux density causing Departure from Nucleate Boiling (DNB). Increase in the DNB heat flux of the rod bundle in a PWR core can be achieved by breaking the bubble layer. One way to break the bubble layer is to introduce the coolant flow normal to the fuel rods. Normal flow may induce vibration of the rod banks. However, flow-induced vibration is absent in a crossed-rod matrix when two adjacent banks of rods are in contact at a 90 degree angle. However, this may cause concern to the reactor designer, because the rod-contact point produces a hot spot which might cause a premature DNB. This paper reports the DNB heat fluxes measured in freon flow normal to a crossed-rod matrix having all rods heated. The result is that the DNB heat flux at the rod-contact point is much higher than that in flow parallel to the rod bundles.
The growth and decay of a frozen layer in forced flow

The problem of the unsteady behavior of a frozen layer in a liquid flowing past a cold thick (plane) wall is studied analytically. The integral (profile) method is utilized, which takes full account of the movement of the phase conversion front and transient heat conduction within the wall. The growth of the frozen layer comes to a stop when the conduction heat flux into the wall balances convection from the liquid. At this instant, the frozen layer will begin to melt; it ultimately disappears when melting is complete. Numerical predictions of the maximum frozen layer thickness, the time the frozen layer passes through the maximum, and the total lifetime of the layer are obtained displaying the principal effects of two governing dimensionless parameters.
Scalar mixing in direct numerical simulations of temporally evolving plane jet flames with skeletal CO/H2 kinetics ☆

Direct numerical simulations of three-dimensional turbulent temporally evolving plane CO/H2 jet flames are performed with detailed chemistry at Reynolds numbers of up to 9000 and with up to 500 million grid points. The effect of Reynolds number on turbulent mixing properties and flame structure is quantified for low Damkohler number flames. These flames exhibit strong flame–turbulence interactions resulting in local extinction followed by re-ignition. The probability density of the stoichiometric scalar dissipation rate is found to be nearly log-normal with some negative skewness. Conditional statistics of the hydroxyl radical reveal increasing levels of extinction and longer re-ignition times with increasing Reynolds number. The mechanical-to-scalar mixing time scale ratio, a key quantity in transported probability density function (pdf) modeling, is investigated for both conserved and reacting scalars. The conserved scalar timescale ratio is found to be consistent with prior studies. For reacting scalars, the effects of molecular diffusivity and chemical reaction on the timescale ratio are quantified.
The Physiocratic Theory of Economic Policy

The conventionally accepted interpretation of the Physiocratic theory of economic policy1 is that of laissez-faire. While partial dissents have been registered, the laissez-faire view has persisted substantially unchallenged. The purpose of this article is to restate the theory of economic policy to which Physiocratic doctrine can be meaningfully and operationally reduced, including a delineation of the role of laissez-faire.
Do tomatoes love basil but hate brussels sprouts? Competition and land-use efficiency of popularly recommended and discouraged crop mixtures in biointensive agriculture systems.

Biointensive agriculture (BIA) is a suite of small-scale agricultural practices that include the use of high-density mixed plantings. It has been promoted to gardeners and resource-limited farmers as a sustainable organic vegetable production method that makes efficient use of land, water, and other resources. Certain crop mixtures are popularly recommended for use in BIA systems (e.g., tomato, Lycopersicon esculentum Mill., and basil, Osimum basilicum L.); others are discouraged (e.g., tomato and Brussels sprout, Brassica oleracea L.). Rain-fed BIA gardens were planted in 2001 and 2002 to compare land-use efficiency of pure stands and two-crop mixtures of tomato, basil, and Brussels sprout. Brussels sprout was the most competitive crop among the three tested, accounting for at least two-thirds of the land equivalence ratio (LER) in mixtures; basil was the least competitive component crop, accounting for less than one-third of LER. Mixtures made more efficient use of land than pure stands only in 2002, wh...
Skeleton-Based Compression of 3-D Tele-Immersion Data

Due to technology advances, reconstructing three-dimensional representations of physical environments in real time using cheap and non-professional cameras and PCs becomes possible. These advances will make 3-D tele-immersive environments available for everyone in the near future. However, the amount of data captured, by a Tele-Immersion (TI) system can be very large. Compression is needed to ensure real-time transmission of the data. Due to this real-time requirement, compressing TI data can be a challenging task and no current techniques can effectively address this issue. In this paper, we propose a skeleton-based compression. The main idea of this approach is to take advantage of prior knowledge of objects, e.g., human figures, in the physical environments and to represent their motions using just a few parameters. The proposed compression method provides tunable and high compression ratios (from 50:1 to 5000:1) with reasonable reconstruction quality, Moreover, the proposed method can estimate motions from the noisy data captured by our TI system in real time.
Redox chemistry in excessively ion-exchanged Cu/Na-ZSM-5

TPR/TPD and FTIR are used to characterize “excessively ion-exchanged” Cu/Na-ZSM-5. After calcination in O2 at 773 K at least two copper-oxygen species are present in addition to Cu2+ ions; these have been identified as CuO and [Cu-O-Cu]2+. Reduction in H2 transforms all these into Cu0 below 773 K. [Cu-O-Cu]2+ is autoreduced to Cu+ during outgassing. Reoxidation of Cu0 by zeolite protons to Cu+ is observed above 723 K in He or Ar; in the presence of CO this process is considerably enhanced and observed at much lower temperature, because CO is strongly adsorbed on Cu+. At 293 K CO adsorption causes reversible changes in the FTIR spectra.
TIP-Touch Inventory for Preschoolers:

Tactile defensiveness can have adverse effects upon the perceptual and emotional development of children, therefore early identification is crucial. A quantifiable method of evaluation in preschool-aged children, however, is lacking. The current pilot study will serve as a foundation for subsequent refinement and validation of a rating scale, the Touch Inventory for Preschoolers (TIP), measuring tactile defensiveness in preschool-aged children. The steps in developing the rating scale are summarized. The scale was pilot tested using 25 black preschool children from the Howard University Preschool Center. The scales were administered individually to the teachers by one of five occupational therapy students, and all scales were administered over a two week period. Provisional psychometric characteristics of the scale are presented and discussed. The results suggest that quantitative evaluation of tactile defensiveness in preschool-aged children appears feasible; thus, continued development and refinement of...
Magnetization curve for a one-dimensional interacting fermi system with magnetic impurities

Abstract A model of a one-dimensional metal with an attractive electron-electron and an antiferromagnetic electron-impurity interaction is studied. The gap in the triplet excitation spectrum and the shape of the magnetization curve near the onset of the magnetic moment are calculated by the Bethe Ansatz.
Sound Barrier Applications of Recycled Plastics

An innovative noise wall design that uses recycled plastic and takes advantage of multilayering to increase stiffness and sound effectiveness is proposed and analyzed. Prototypes of the proposed design were constructed and tested for sound transmission to determine their effectiveness and show the desirability of a multilayered approach. The results show that, acoustically, the transmission loss of the proposed design is as effective as traditional designs. Furthermore, finite element analyses as well as an analytical model developed specifically for recycled plastics indicate that, structurally, the proposed design can increase spans between posts resulting in a design that is potentially more economical than current designs. Results of material tests conducted in support of the analytical model and noise wall development are also discussed.
Abducens nerve palsy from an occult high flow carotid cavernous fistula.

A 37-year-old man with a one-year history of hypertension noted pulsatile tinnitus and binocular horizontal diplopia. On examination he had left abduction weakness without proptosis or orbital cong...
Fifty percent nitrous oxide does not increase the risk of venous air embolism in neurosurgical patients operated upon in the sitting position

Although nitrous oxide (N2O) should theoretically increase the severity of venous air embolism (VAE), data confirming this hazard in clinical situations are not available. The effect of 50% N2O on the incidence and severity of VAE and on the emergence time from anesthesia was evaluated in 300 neurosurgical patients operated upon while in the sitting position. Of these, 110 patients underwent craniectomy for posterior fossa pathology and 190 patients underwent cervical spine surgery (CSS). Patients were randomized to receive either 50% N2O in oxygen (O2) (N2O group) or O2 (no-N2O group) as part of an isoflurane-fentanyl-based anesthetic. In patients in the N2O group, N2O administration was discontinued immediately upon Doppler-detection of VAE and was reinstituted in not less than 30 min after resolution of the episode. The incidence of Doppler-detected VAE was significantly greater in the craniectomy group than the CSS group (43% vs. 7%, respectively; P less than 0.001). N2O had no effect on the incidence of VAE or the severity of VAE as judged by the magnitude of the reduction in blood pressure during hemodynamically significant episodes of VAE, the volume of gas aspirated from the right atrial catheter during episodes of VAE, or the magnitude of the decrease in end-tidal carbon dioxide tension during episodes of VAE. Hemodynamically significant episodes of VAE (i.e., episodes associated with a reduction in systolic blood pressure of greater than or equal to 15 mmHg) occurred in 17 of the 61 patients experiencing VAE (28%) and was not different between the N2O and no-N2O groups. Similarly, hemodynamically significant episodes of VAE (n = 18) accounted for 15% of all episodes of VAE (n = 118) and was not different between the N2O and no-N2O groups. Emergence time was not significantly different between the N2O and no-N2O groups, with mean times of 2 +/- 6 and 3 +/- 7 min (+/- SD), respectively. Emergence time was significantly longer in the craniectomy group than in the CSS group (5 vs. 1 min, respectively; P less than 0.001). Within the craniectomy group, the incidence of Doppler-detected VAE was significantly less in patients with previous surgery at the operative site (21%) compared to patients without previous surgery at the operative site (47%). Postoperatively, no complications could be related to the use of N2O or directly attributed to the occurrence of VAE.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Reliability and redundancy apportionment using crisp and fuzzy multiobjective optimization approaches

Abstract The reliability of a multistage system with several components in each stage can be improved either by using more reliable components, or by adding redundant components in parallel in any stage. In many practical situations where reliability enhancement is involved, the decision making is complicated because of the presence of several mutually conflicting goals. For example, in the reliability based design of a system, the designer may be required to maximize the reliability and minimize the cost, weight or volume. This work considers the problem of reliability allocation for multistage systems with components having time-dependent reliability. Two multiobjective optimization techniques are presented, coupled with heuristic procedures, to solve the mixed integer nonlinear programming problems. A generalization of the problem in the presence of vague information results in an ill-structured reliability apportionment problem. The solution of such multiobjective problems is also presented in the present work using the techniques of fuzzy optimization.