cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Endovascular vs open repair for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm

Objective Endovascular repair (EVAR) of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) has become first-line therapy at our institution and is performed under a standardized protocol. We compare perioperative mortality, midterm survival, and morbidity after EVAR and open surgical repair (OSR). Methods Records were retrospectively reviewed from May 2000 to September 2010 for repair of infrarenal rAAAs. Primary end points included perioperative mortality and midterm survival. Secondary end points included acute limb ischemia, length of stay, ventilator-dependent respiratory failure, myocardial infarction, renal failure, abdominal compartment syndrome, and secondary intervention. Statistical analysis was performed using the t -test, χ 2 test, the Fisher exact test, and logistic regression calculations. Midterm survival was assessed with Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard models. Results Seventy-four infrarenal rAAAs were repaired, 19 by EVAR and 55 by OSR. Despite increased age and comorbidity in the EVAR patients, perioperative mortality was 15.7% for EVAR, which was significantly lower than the 49% for OSR (odds ratio, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.05-0.74; P = .008). Midterm survival also favored EVAR (hazard ratio, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.21-0.77; P = .028, adjusted for age and sex). Mean follow-up was 20 months, and 1-year survival was 60% for EVAR vs 45% for OSR. Mean length of stay for patients surviving >1 day was 10 days for EVAR and 21 days for OSR ( P = .004). Ventilator-dependent respiratory failure was 5% in the EVAR group vs 42% for OSR (odds ratio, 0.08; 95% CI, 0.01-0.62; P = .001). Conclusions EVAR of rAAA has a superior perioperative survival advantage and decreased morbidity vs OSR. Although not statistically significant, overall survival favors EVAR. We recommend that EVAR be considered as the first-line treatment of rAAAs and practiced as the standard of care.
Enzyme activities in regenerating epithelium during wound healing. III. β-galactosidase and β-glucosidase☆

Abstract Considerable activities of β-galactosidase and β-glucosidase were found in normal epidermis. Alterations in these enzyme activities were not prominent during wound healing. However, significant gradients of both glycosidases were found in various segments of the regenerating epithelium during Days 2 and 3 postinjury. Progressively increasing gradients of β-glucosidase activity and progressively decreasing gradients of β-glucosidase activity were demonstrated from the marginal epithelium to the advancing epithelial tip. The migrating epithelial tip exhibited approximately a 50% increase in β-galactosidase activity and a 50% decrease in β-glucosidase activity.
Removal of a lateral disc herniation with malleable endoscopic forceps: technical note.

OBJECTIVE: The use of seeing endoscopic malleable pituitary forceps in the removal of a lateral herniated lumbar disc is evaluated. METHODS: A malleable pituitary forceps with an attached endoscope was used to explore the neuroforamina and remove laterally herniated disc fragments without a lateral approach or disruption of the facet joint. RESULTS: In the described case, endoscopic forceps provided easy localization and removal of the disc fragments. CONCLUSION: Because this instrument was used successfully in this case, further evaluation of the use of the endoscopic pituitary forceps should be made.
Home support for emergent literacy: Follow-up of a community-based implementation of dialogic reading

Abstract This study tested if parents taught to use an interactive (“dialogic”) reading style to promote early vocabulary skills continued to read this way as their children grew older. Approximately half the 78 participants received instruction in dialogic reading when their child was age 2 or 3 years, the other half had no prior instruction. Parent–child reading evaluated more than 2 years after instruction showed significant group differences in parents' use of dialogic reading techniques. Analysis controlling for maternal education, child's age, and frequency of family reading found parents with prior instruction used on average 90% more dialogic reading behaviors than parents without instruction. Use of dialogic reading behaviors was associated with more active participation of the child in the reading session. Evidence of the ability to change parents' reading style through brief instruction is strong. Similar efforts could help parents play a further role in children's emergent literacy development.
A chest trauma scoring system to predict outcomes.

Background Rib fractures (RIBFX) are a common injury and are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Using a previously published RIBFX scoring system, we sought to validate the system by applying it to a larger patient population. We hypothesized that the RIBFX scoring system reliably predicts morbidity and mortality in patients with chest wall injury at the time of initial evaluation. Methods A 3-year, registry-based, retrospective study involving 1,361 trauma patients was performed. Patients were divided into two groups with a Chest Trauma Score (CTS) Results Patients with a CTS of 5 or more were (P ≤ .05) older (61 vs 50 years), had greater Injury Severity Scores (21.6 vs 16.2), and had a greater prevalence of pneumonia (10.1 vs 3.5%), tracheostomy (7.4 vs 2.9%), and mortality (9.0 vs 2.2%). Patients with CTS ≥ 5 had nearly 4-fold increased odds of mortality (odds ratio 3.99, 95% confidence interval 1.92–8.31, P = .001) compared with those who had CTS Conclusion A CTS of at least 5 is associated with worse patient outcomes. Increased vigilance is needed with trauma patients who present with RIBFX and a CTS ≥ 5 at initial presentation. This simple RIBFX scoring system may improve early identification of vulnerable patients and expedite therapeutic interventions.
Idiopathic priapism treated with inhalation of amyl nitrite

Presented is a case of idiopathic priapism that was successfully treated with inhalation of amyl nitrite. Routine treatment measures had failed. The same patient presented on several other occasions in a similar fashion. Each time amyl nitrite was successful. An investigation for diseases known to be associated with priapism proved negative. Due to the frequency of recurrences, definitive surgical management was offered. The patient refused and has been lost to follow up.
The Relationship between Susceptibility to Retinoic Acid Treatment and Protein Kinase Cα Expression in Murine Melanoma Cell Lines

Abstract Retinoic acid (RA)-induced differentiation of B16 mouse melanoma cells is accompanied by a large increase in the amount of PKCα protein. Overexpression of PKCα in these cells results in a more differentiated phenotype. To determine if these findings had general applicability to murine melanomas, we investigated the relationship between sensitivity to RA and induction of PKCα in three different murine melanoma cell lines. RA inhibited the anchorage-dependent growth of all three cell lines, with JB/MS being the most sensitive, S91 intermediate, and RPMI the least affected. RA also inhibited soft agar colony formation in JB/MS, but had little effect on RPMI. All cell lines expressed PKCα, but not β or γ. RA induced a large concentration-dependent increase in PKCα protein in JB/MS (6- to 10-fold), a smaller increase in S91 (2- to 3-fold), and very little induction of PKCα in RPMI. Previously we had observed that the amount of PKCα increased with the density of B16 cells in culture. We found that this density-dependent increase in PKCα occurred in three out of four melanoma cell lines examined. These results suggest that PKCα plays an important role in RA-induced murine melanoma cell differentiation.
Cross-Architectural Study of Custom Reconfigurable Devices Using Crowdsourcing

Coarse grained reconfigurable architectures (CGRAs) are promising due to the ability to highly customize such architectures to an application domain. However, good tools and good algorithms to map benchmarks onto these architectures are needed to support design space exploration for CGRAs. In particular, the mapping problem has been difficult to solve in a satisfying and general way. In this paper, we present an architectural design flow using crowd sourcing to provide mappings of benchmarks onto new architectures. We show that the crowd can provide high quality, reliable mappings, outperforming our custom Simulated Annealing algorithm in 37 of 42 trials. We further show that the crowd can provide other types of feedback that are difficult to obtain from an automatic mapping algorithm. Our proof of concept cross-architectural study concludes that a mesh architecture with 8Way connectivity outperforms the other interconnection options tested. A stripe architecture with dedicated vertical routes (StripeDR) performs competitively as well.
HIV infection in refugees: a case–control analysis of refugees in Rhode Island

Summary Objectives The number of HIV-infected refugees entering the USA is increasing. There is little data describing the HIV-infected refugee population and the challenges encountered when caring for them. We performed a retrospective case–control analysis of HIV-infected refugees in order to characterize their co-morbidities, baseline HIV characteristics, and longitudinal care compared to HIV-infected non-refugees. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed of HIV-infected refugees and non-refugees who were matched for gender, age, and time of establishment of initial HIV care. Results The refugee population studied was largely from West Africa. Refugees were more likely than non-refugees to have heterosexual risk for HIV infection, latent tuberculosis infection, and active hepatitis B. Refugees were less likely than non-refugees to have a history of substance use, start antiretrovirals, and be enrolled in a clinical study. The baseline CD4 counts and HIV plasma viral loads were similar between the two groups. Conclusions Clinicians caring for West African HIV-infected refugees should be knowledgeable about likely co-morbidities and the impact of cultural differences on HIV care. Further studies are needed to develop culturally competent HIV treatment, education, and prevention programs for refugees who are beginning a new life in the USA.
Test–retest discourse performance of individuals with mild cognitive impairment

Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an evolving, intermediate diagnostic category between normal cognitive ageing and dementia in which individuals demonstrate cognitive performance that is impaired beyond that expected in normal cognitive ageing or among those with similar educational backgrounds. MCI may convert to dementia; however, the time‐course to conversion is unknown. Aims: The purpose of the current research was to investigate whether, in a group of previously tested individuals with MCI, decrements in complex discourse production would be evident as early as 6 months following initial assessment. Methods & Procedures: Eight individuals with MCI were reassessed at a 6‐month follow‐up using a complex discourse production task previously shown to differentiate these individuals with MCI from normal controls. Outcomes & Results: The hypothesis that performance scores at 6‐month follow‐up would be lower than initial scores in individuals with MCI was not supported. No evidence emerged of ...
Purification and characterization of dimethylallyl tryptophan synthase from Claviceps purpurea.

Abstract Dimethylallyl tryptophan synthase (DMAT synthase) catalyzes the alkylation of l -tryptophan by dimethylallyl diphosphate to form 4-(γ,γ-dimethylallyl)- l -tryptophan. The enzyme from mycelia of Claviceps purpurea was purified approximately 125-fold to apparent homogeneity by chromatography on n-butyl Sepharose, Q Sepharose, phenyl Sepharose, and Protein Pak as judged by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Analysis by gel filtration chromatography and SDS-PAGE indicated that DMAT synthase is an α2 dimer with a molecular mass of 105 kDa. The purified enzyme was active in metal-free buffer containing EDTA. However, activity was enhanced upon addition of divalent calcium or magnesium ions to the buffer. Values for KM and Vmax were determined in the metal-free EDTA buffer (KMDMAPP, 14 μM; KML-tryptophan, 40 μM; Vmax, 215 nmol min−1 mg−1), 4 m m CaCl2 (KMDMAPP, 8.0 μM; KML-truptophan, 17 μM; Vmax, 504 nmol min−1 mg−1), and 4 m m MgCl2 (KMDMAPP, 8.0 μM; KML-tryptophan, 12 μM; Vmax, 455 nmol min−1 mg−1). The product was isolated and characterized by 1H NMR, uv, and FAB mass spectrometry.
Virtual geographies: The new worlds of cyberspace

This article embarks on an exploration of what recent technical and popular discourses have called “the new world of cyberspace.” Employing a cultural studies approach, it investigates the legacy, logic, and consequences of this appellation that appear to connect cyberspace to the Columbian voyages of discovery and the larger network of European expansionism. It therefore engages in a critical investigation of the colonial logic implied by this seemingly innocent taxonomy, examines its deployment in and significance for current research, and inquires about its position in the future of discourses written in and about cyberspace.
Management of the Bladder During Surgical Treatment of Enterovesical Fistulas from Benign Bowel Disease

Background Management of the bladder in enterovesical fistulas from benign bowel disease is not well described in the literature and there is no clear consensus. Study Design A retrospective chart review was done of all patients with benign bowel disease and an enterovesical fistula who underwent definitive surgical management between January 1993 and December 2005. Patients were excluded if they had any history of abdominal cancer or pelvic radiation. Surgical management protocol for enterovesical fistulas included a period of perioperative bowel rest, surgical exploration, separation of the fistulized bowel from the bladder, resection of the diseased bowel segment, and Foley catheter placement for 1 week. Results Seventy-four patients were eligible for the study. The average patient age was 54.3 years (range 19 to 88 years old). Twenty-six women and 48 men underwent celiotomy and segmental resection of the offending bowel and bowel side of the fistula. The bladder side of the fistula was managed by Foley catheter alone in 68% and by surgical repair in 32%. Fifty-two patients had diverticulitis (70.3%) and 22 had Crohn's disease (29.7%). Mean followup was 26.4 months, and median followup was 6.45 months. One patient developed a colocutaneous and vesicocutaneous fistula after celiotomy. The remaining bladder defects healed within 1 week. Conclusions Successful surgical management of most enterovesical fistulas from diverticulitis or Crohn's disease requires only resection of the diseased bowel, with minimal need for repair or resection of the bladder side of the fistula. Indwelling Foley catheter placement alone is typically sufficient for bladder healing. Only when there are overt defects into the bladder should formal repair be undertaken.
Spontaneous baryogenesis in warm inflation

We discuss spontaneous baryogenesis in the warm inflation scenario. In contrast with standard inflation models, radiation always exists in the warm inflation scenario, and the inflaton must be directly coupled to it. Also, the transition to the post-inflationary radiation dominated phase is smooth and the entropy is not significantly increased at the end of the period of inflation. In addition, after the period of warm inflation ends, the inflaton does not oscillate coherently but slowly rolls. We show that as a consequence of these features of warm inflation, the scenario can well accommodate the spontaneous baryogenesis mechanism, provided that the decoupling temperature ${T}_{D}$ of the baryon or the $B\ensuremath{-}L$ violating interactions is higher than the temperature of radiation during the late stages of inflation.
Cellular Neural Networks can Mimic Small-World Networks

Small-world phenomenon can occur in coupled dynamical systems which are highly clustered at a local level and yet strongly coupled at the global level. We show that cellular neural networks (CNN's) can exhibit "small-world phenomenon". We generalize the "characteristic path length" from previous works on "small-world phenomenon" into a "characteristic coupling strength" for measuring the average coupling strength of the outputs of CNN's. We also provide a simplified algorithm for calculating the "characteristic coupling strength" with a reasonable amount of computing time. We define a "clustering coefficient" and show how it can be calculated by a horizontal "hole detection" CNN, followed by a vertical "hole detection" CNN. Evolutions of the game-of-life CNN with different initial conditions are used to illustrate the emergence of a "small-world phenomenon". Our results show that the well-known game-of-life CNN is not a small-world network. However, generalized CNN life games whose individuals have strong...
Estimation of a Common Mean and Weighted Means Statistics

Abstract Measurements made by several laboratories may exhibit nonnegligible between-laboratory variability, as well as different within-laboratory variances. Also, the number of measurements made at each laboratory often differ. Questions of fundamental importance in the analysis of such data are how to form a best consensus mean, and what uncertainty to attach to this estimate. An estimation equation approach due to Mandel and Paule is often used at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), particularly when certifying standard reference materials. Primary goals of this article are to study the theoretical properties of this method, and to compare it with some alternative methods, in particular to the maximum likelihood estimator (MLE). Toward this end, we show that the Mandel-Paule solution can be interpreted as a simplified version of the maximum likelihood method. A class of weighted means statistics is investigated for situations where the number of laboratories is large. This class...
flake material prepared by mechanical chopping of rapidly quenched metallic ribbon

Abstract Ductile metallic ribbons prepared by melt spinning can be easily cut into flakes suitable for P M processing by a mechanical chopper designed to tear off ribbon flakes by combining a rotating blade and a bed knife. Details of the design features are described.
Absorption coefficient of β–SiC grown by chemical vapor deposition

The absorption coefficient of β–SiC is measured by the transmission technique. β–SiC films are grown on Si substrates by chemical vapor deposition using a buffer layer between β–SiC and the substrate. The absorption coefficient value ranges from 10 to 5.5 × 104 cm−1 in the energy range between 2.42 and 4.4 eV. The bandgap of β–SiC films investigated in this study ranges between 2.13 and 2.32 eV.
Chemotherapy of squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva: A review

Abstract A review of published experience with chemotherapy for the treatment of recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva found data for nine different drugs used as single agents. Only 75 patients have been treated. Bleomycin produced responses in 19 out of 31 patients, adriamycin in 4 out of 6 patients, and methotrexate in 2 out of 5 patients. Seven patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva were treated with five different combination chemotherapy regimens. Responses only occurred with regimens which contained bleomycin and methotrexate.
Challenging Privileged College Students' Othering Language in Community Service Learning

In a previous article for the “Engagement on Campus” column in the Journal of College and Character, the authors described the weaker sense of community experienced by students of color and student...
Energy driven design-choices for skid-steering robotic vehicles

In the area research on unmanned robotic vehicles, there is a need for systematic analysis of locomotion and energy dynamics, which would enable an efficient design of the vehicle. This research builds upon the earlier research by the authors and develops techniques to derive efficient design parameters for skid steering vehicle in order to achieve optimal performance by minimizing the energy losses/consumption. Two major constituent components of energy losses/consumption of the vehicle are - losses in skid steer turning, and losses in rolling. Our focus is on skid steering, we present a detailed analysis of skid steering for different turning modes; elastic mode steering, half-slip steering, skid turns, low radius turns, and zero radius turns. Each of the energy loss components is modeled from physics in terms of the design variables. The effect of design variables on the total energy losses/consumption is then studied using simulated data for different types of surfaces i.e. hard surfaces and muddy surfaces. Finally, we make suggestions about efficient vehicle design choices in terms of the design variables.
Does starch taste like polycose

Rats are capable of tasting or detecting maltooligosaccharides (e.g., Polycose) and starch in water, two substances that are bland to humans. Because both substances are glucose polymers, it has been suggested that they may be detected by the same mechanism. The present experiments examined whether rats conditioned to avoid one of these substances also avoid the other. Rats were injected with lithium chloride after being allowed to drink a 3% corn starch suspension. These rats subsequently avoided corn, potato, rice, and waxy maize (high-amylopectin) starch but did not avoid 0.1-3% Polycose Rats treated with lithium chloride after ingesting 3% Polycose avoided 3% and 0.5% Polycose, but they did not avoid 3% corn starch, 6% corn starch, or 3% waxy maize starch. These results indicate that rats can discriminate between starch and Polycose (maltooligosaccharides). It therefore seems likely that Polycose and starch have different sensory qualities.
Risks of packed red blood cell transfusion in patients undergoing cardiac surgery

Packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion is common in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Evidence has accumulated demonstrating that such patients can tolerate relatively low hemoglobins, and an extensive body of literature has developed demonstrating that patients undergoing such surgery who receive PRBC are at risk for several adverse outcomes including increased mortality, atrial fibrillation, and more postoperative infections, as well as numerous other complications. The PubMed database was searched for the English language literature on the topic of PRBC transfusion and outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, as well as alternatives to this intervention. Data were reviewed to assess the impact of transfusion in patients undergoing cardiac surgery on mortality, cardiac, infectious, and pulmonary, as well as a variety of miscellaneous complications. Patients receiving PRBC were consistently identified as being at higher risk for complications in all categories. The limited prospective data were consistent with the retrospective data, which comprised most of the literature. The preponderance of the literature suggests that patients undergoing cardiac surgery can tolerate lower hemoglobin/hematocrit values than traditionally appreciated. Most published data also indicate that PRBC transfusion should be reserved for patients with an identifiable clinical/physiologic indication fir this intervention, consistent with recent specialty society guidelines.
Ethical beliefs and behaviors in applied sport psychology: The AAASP ethics survey

Abstract AAASP members (N = 508) were surveyed to obtain preliminary data on ethical beliefs and behaviors specific to the practice of applied sport psychology. Completed surveys were received from 165 individuals. On the structured response portion of the survey, there were few differences in ethical beliefs and behaviors as a function of gender, professional/student status, and academic discipline. Nevertheless, a large number of controversial behaviors (N = 24) and difficult judgments (N = 8) were identified. Results of the open-ended portion of the survey indicated that most of the questionable ethical practices cited by respondents corresponded to violations of American Psychological Association (APA) Ethical Standards. The findings lend initial support for AAASP to adopt the APA Ethical Standards and suggest the need for ethics training specific to applied sport psychology.
Thermal Infrared Multipath Reflection from Breaking Waves Observed at Large Incidence Angles

The infrared signature of breaking waves at large incidence angles was investigated using laboratory experiments and a radiometric model. Infrared imagery of the water surface at incidence angles greater than 70 ° shows multipath reflections for both spilling and plunging waves generated using a programmable wave maker. For the spilling breakers, the multipath signature was initially distinct from the breaking wave front roller signature but then merged to create a single large bright distributed target. For the plunging breakers, the roller and multipath signatures overlapped from the inception of breaking. The radiance of the multipath reflection was higher than the surrounding water for simulated cold sky conditions and lower for a simulated warm sky. A specular double-reflection model successfully predicted the presence of multipath reflection but the magnitude was sensitive to small uncertainties in geometry, wave slope, and input temperatures. The results show that multipath reflection from breaking waves is characteristic of large incidence angle infrared measurements and increases the area and magnitude of the infrared signature of breaking waves compared to the background.
Zinc sulfide Schottky barrier ultra-violet detectors

Abstract Zinc sulfide Schottky barrier photodiodes have been fabricated and evaluated as u.v. detectors. The absolute quantum efficiency of the Schottky barriers formed by the evaporation of silver, gold, or chromium on polished n-type zinc sulfide was measured for radiation between 3500 and 1800 A. these detectors have negligible response to wavelengths longer than 3500 A which correspond to energies less than the band gap of the zinc sulfide. Chromium and gold on zinc sulfide resulted in barriers with maximum quantum efficiencies greater than 50 per cent at 3250 A, while the quantum efficiencies were greater than 20 per cent at 1800 A. Still higher quantum efficiencies, 70 per cent, were measured for silver-zinc sulfide barriers due to the transmission “window” in silver near 3225 A. Calculations of the fraction of the radiation, incident on the silver, which enters the zinc sulfide have been compared with measured quantum efficiencies of these diodes. This comparison indicated that, within experimental error, all the carriers generated within the zinc sulfide contribute to the photocurrent.
Being in and out of Africa: The Impact of Duality of Ethiopianism

This article critically examines how the duality inherent in the concept of Ethiopianism shifts back and forth between claims of a “Semitic” identity when appealing to the White, Christian, ethnocentric, occidental hegemonic power center and claims of an African identity when cultivating the support of sub-Saharan Africans and the African diaspora while, at the same time, ruthlessly suppressing the history and culture of non-Semitic Africans of the various colonized peoples, such as Oromos. Successive Ethiopian state elites have used their Blackness to mobilize other Africans and the African diaspora for their political projects by confusing original Africa, Ethiopia, or the Black world with contemporary Ethiopia (former Abyssinia) and at the same time have allied with Euro-American powers and practiced racism, state terrorism, genocide, and continued subjugation on the indigenous Africans who are, today, struggling for self-determination and multinational democracy. Exposing the racist discourse of Ethio...
Quantitative Evaluation of Long-Term Parkinson Tremor

Because of wide temporal fluctuations in the severity of Parkinson tremor, long-term observation is required to objectively assess the effects of therapy. This study was conducted to design a system for long-term recording of tremor in the digits or wrist, to examine the stochastic properties of tremor, and to develop a means for temporally compressing the data for rapid clinical interpretation. Forty patients were studied. A telemetry system was used for data acquistion to allow the patients freedom of movement during the recording session. Recording length ranged from ?to 6 h with a mean of 2 h. The data were found to be self-stationary in the wide sense over 1-min epochs. The statistical properties varied with time in individual subjects and there was little uniformity among different subjects. Cross-correlation and cross-spectral density analyses indicated that tremor at corresponding sites in contralateral limbs is relatively independent. Graphs of percent on time, mean frequency, and mean amplitude for contiguous 3-5-min epochs were found most suitable for clinical purposes.
The role of venous peristalsis in the farm circulation of octopus dofleini

Abstract 1. 1. Evidence is presented which suggests that venous peristalsis is the normal means in Octopus dofleini by which blood is transported from areas of low hydrostatic pressure in the capillaries of the arm muscle to areas of higher pressure in the large veins. 2. 2. Differential pressure records show that maximum pressure (and therefore probably also flow rate) in one vessel occurs during the minimal pressure periods of the following downstream vessel. 3. 3. Simultaneous pressure records from different combinations of arm veins showed only a moderate degree of synchronous activity.
Electrochemical impedance study on the low temperature of Li-ion batteries

Cycling performance of Li-ion cells was studied by using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Results showed that total resistance (Rcell) of the Li-ion cells is mainly composed of bulk resistance (Rb), solid-state interface resistance ( Rsei) and charge-transfer resistance (Rct). During cycling, the Rb and Rsei remain unchanged while the Rct displays two minima in the same voltage regions where the major peaks of differential capacities are present. The Rct can be linked to kinetics of the cell electrochemical reaction. In response to the temperature change, the Rb and Rsei vary in a very similar manner, while the Rct shows significant difference. In the fully charged and discharged states as well as at the low temperatures (≤20 ◦ C), the Rcell of the Li-ion cells is predominated by the Rct. Using the term of the Rct, we explained two low temperature phenomena of the Li-ion battery: (1) charging of a fully discharged cell is much more difficult than discharging of a fully charged cell, and (2) both the power (operating voltage) and energy (delivered capacity) are substantially reduced. © 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Scale dependence of reflection and transmission coefficients

Well logs show that heterogeneities occur at many different depth scales. This study examines the effects of these heterogeneities on the propagation of seismic waves, and specifically the dependence of reflection and transmission on the spatial scale content of the medium. Wavelet transformations are used to filter certain spatial scales from an acoustic sonic log. The scale‐filtered logs are used to construct layerstack models for which reflection and transmission seismograms are computed. The modified logs are also used to calculate frequency dependent reflection and transmission coefficients as functions of scale content. It is observed that features shorter than one‐fourth of the dominant wavelength have little effect on the reflection and transmission of seismic waves. Features larger than the dominant wavelength affect arrival times of individual packets within the wavetrain, but often these features hardly alter the overall appearance of individual wave packets. Reflection and transmission coda ar...
Distribution and Abundance of Waterbirds Near Shore in Southeast Alaska, 1997–2002

Abstract The 25,000 km of shoreline in southeast Alaska was surveyed for waterbirds by fixed-wing aircraft in summer and winter during the period 1997 to 2002. A ground/boat survey double sampled 20% of the summer habitat and 5% of the winter habitat to adjust and enhance the air survey. The most abundant species during the summer surveys, with visibility correction factors applied, were gulls (Larus spp.; 306,200, CV = 0.004), scoters (Melanitta spp.; 185,700, CV = 0.004), and Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus; 34,640, CV = 0.03). The most abundant species observed during the winter surveys were goldeneyes (Bucephala islandica and B. clangula; 121,920, CV = 0.01), gulls (105,000, CV = 0.01), Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos; 98,090, CV = 0.01), scoters (77,300, CV = 0.01), Harlequin Duck (54,540, CV = 0.02), Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola; 46,840, CV = 0.03), and mergansers (Mergus spp.; 39,940, CV = 0.02). The variance estimates did not include uncertainty about the visibility correction factors. We o...
Analysis of non-radial interneuron migration dynamics and its disruption in Lis1+/- mice

Cell migration is an integral process in neural development. Analyses of radial cell migration (RCM) have revealed three modes of migration and specific defects in migration in various mouse mutants. In contrast, the dynamics of non-radial cell migration (NRCM) are incompletely understood. To investigate the dynamics of NRCM, we utilized a slice culture assay coupled with time-lapse videomicroscopy. This analysis revealed that non-radially migrating cells have a complex pattern of extending and retracting one or multiple processes while the nucleus advances concurrently or independently. These data indicate that the process of interneuron migration is unique to that seen for any mode of RCM. Non-radially migrating neurons moved for an average of 0.85 μm/min and paused for approximately 14% of the time observed. Given the novel morphology of NRCM, we hypothesized that specific aspects of migration would be defective with mutations in known cell migration genes, as described for RCM. This was tested by examining the dynamics of migration in the Lis1 mutant mouse; a well-defined cell migration mutant with known defects in NRCM. In contrast to wild-type cells, the rate of nuclear movement was significantly reduced in Lis1+/− interneurons, whereas the rate of active leading edge movement was similar. Morphologically, the leading process was significantly longer and the number of branches reduced in Lis1+/− mice. Together, these data indicate that the NRCM defect in Lis1+/− mice affects specific cellular processes. These data provide insight into NRCM and practical methods for future studies on the role(s) of specific genes in interneuron migration. J. Comp. Neurol. 496:847–858, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Mesh‐independent convergence of the modified inexact Newton method for a second order non‐linear problem

In this paper, we consider an inexact Newton method applied to a second order nonlinear problem with higher order nonlinearities. We provide conditions under which the method has a mesh-independent rate of convergence. To do this, we are required to first, set up the problem on a scale of Hilbert spaces and second, to devise a special iterative technique which converges in a higher than first order Sobolev norm. We show that the linear (Jacobian) system solved in Newton's method can be replaced with one iterative step provided that the initial nonlinear iterate is accurate enough. The closeness criteria can be taken independent of the mesh size. Finally, the results of numerical experiments are given to support the theory.
Structural and Biochemical Mechanisms for the Specificity of Hormone Binding and Coactivator Assembly by Mineralocorticoid Receptor

Mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) controls sodium homeostasis and blood pressure through hormone binding and coactivator recruitment. Here, we report a 1.95 A crystal structure of the MR ligand binding domain containing a single C808S mutation bound to corticosterone and the fourth LXXLL motif of steroid receptor coactivator-1 (SRC1-4). Through a combination of biochemical and structural analyses, we demonstrate that SRC1-4 is the most potent MR binding motif and mutations that disrupt the MR/SRC1-4 interactions abolish the ability of the full-length SRC1 to coactivate MR. The structure also reveals a compact steroid binding pocket with a unique topology that is primarily defined by key residues of helices 6 and 7. Mutations swapping a single residue at position 848 from helix H7 between MR and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) switch their hormone specificity. Together, these findings provide critical insights into the molecular basis of hormone binding and coactivator recognition by MR and related steroid receptors.
Building the pediatric radiology department of the future

Healthcare environments are frequently cold and unwelcoming; diagnostic imaging equipment is usually intimidating to children and their families; staff environments often make it harder, rather than easier, to take care of patients. The Pediatric Radiology Department of the Future will incorporate research and insights in healthcare architecture and design to improve the family experience and optimize ergonomics and workflow to enhance the ability of the professional staff to take care of its patients.
Predictors of Referral to Cardiac Rehabilitation and Cardiac Exercise Self-Efficacy

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) has known benefits after myocardial infarction (MI) or coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). Yet, only a small percentage of patients are referred for outpatient CR after hospital discharge. This study investigates patient characteristics related to referral to CR and cardiac exercise self-efficacy, a salient predictor of health behavior change and maintenance. Two hundred nineteen patients enrolled in the study. Of the 185 patients who were CR candidates, 74 were referred to CR. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify variables related to CR referral. Results indicate that patient characteristics of having had fewer MIs or CABGs, having attended CR in the past, and being less physically active during leisure time are related to an increased likelihood of being referred to CR. Multiple regression analysis indicates that leisure physical activity is a predictor of cardiac exercise self-efficacy. Implications for nurses who recruit patients for CR are discussed.
Heat shock protein 70 gene expression in equine blastocysts after exposure of oocytes to high temperatures in vitro or in vivo after exercise of donor mares

Heat above homeothermy can be detrimental to embryonic development, and cells may produce heat shock proteins to try to mitigate these effects. The authors examined the developmental competence of equine oocytes after a single heat exposure (42 °C, 2 or 4 h) during early or late stages of in vitro maturation. Rates of nuclear maturation, cleavage after intracytoplasmic sperm injection, and advanced embryonic development (morula or blastocyst) were compared to those for unexposed controls. Concentrations of heat shock protein 70 (HSPA1A) mRNA were determined by real-time RT-PCR in resulting blastocysts, and were compared to those for embryos derived in vivo from control or exercised mares. Exposure of oocytes to heat at the onset of in vitro maturation did not affect any measured end point. However, exposure to 42 °C late in maturation culture reduced rates of oocyte nuclear maturation for both the 2 h (43/105 (43%) compared to control 70/103 (68%); P < 0.01), and 4 h (47/106 (44%) compared to control 60/103 (59%); P < 0.05) groups. Additionally, late heat exposure reduced development to morulae and blastocyst stages after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI; 18/89 (20%) compared to control 43/128 (34%); P < 0.05). Seven days after oocyte heat exposure, resultant blastocysts had a higher abundance of HSPA1A gene transcripts, relative to those for 18S rRNA. In vitro-produced embryos and lower-quality in vivo-produced embryos had significantly higher relative HSPA1A mRNA (lower 18S rRNA) concentrations than did higher-quality in vivo-produced embryos. The authors concluded that equine oocytes were sensitive to heat during late in vitro maturation, and responded to thermal shock with an increased ratio of HSPA1A:18S gene expression that was measurable in the resulting blastocyst. Embryos produced in vitro (including controls) had increased levels of HSPA1A mRNA relative to 18S rRNA compared to in vivo-produced embryos, suggesting a response to environmental insult.
Microwave Complex Permeability and Permittivity Measurements of Commercially Available Nano-Ferrites

The dielectric permittivity and magnetic permeability of nano-sized magnetic powders are studied for a wide microwave frequency range from 2 to 40 GHz. These powders are studied for their potential application as soft microwave absorbers in wireless systems as well as for use in the manufacture of small magnetic recording tape, transformers and circulators. A newly developed and precise transmission-reflection based waveguide technique has been used to carry out measurements across the eight frequency bands. These materials have been accurately characterized for the first time across this frequency range. In this paper, we present equations for simultaneous calculation of permittivity and permeability across a wide frequency band using the vector network analyzer. To account for variable sample thickness in the in-waveguide measurements, the algorithm for transmission and reflection calculations has been modified. The results show that the dielectric permittivity depends on the particle size and density of the sample used for measurement.
Occupation and Suicide Among Women

During the 1970s suicide literature suggested that suicide rates for women were becoming similar to those for men (as measured by a decreasing ratio of men to women rates). Recent suicide literature, however, suggests that there is an increasing sex ratio except for women between 35 and 64. The lower age limit at which there continues to be less difference between the sexes (as measured by a decreasing ratio of men to women rates) coincides with the time when there is increased labor force participation among women. The quality of labor force environments of women is seen as a possible correlate of suicide. This paper describes an epidemiological examination of suicide statistics of 623 women in four U. S. states for the years 1975-1979, who had been employed in highly traditional, moderately traditional, and nontraditional occupations. Women, in general, had higher suicide rates in moderately traditional occupations. Rates were lowest in highly traditional occupations. Race-specific analyses showed that ...
Method The Tail that Wants to Wag the Dog

Kenneth Hansen’s methodological disciplining of Fox and Miller’s warrants for discourse is a worthy aspiration, but at what point do we hand over too much to method? This implicit and sometimes exp...
DNA microarray application in ecotoxicology: experimental design, microarray scanning, and factors affecting transcriptional profiles in a small fish species.

The research presented here is part of a larger study of the molecular mode of action of endocrine-disrupting chemicals targeting the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis in zebrafish (Danio rerio). It addresses several issues critical to microarray application in aquatic ecotoxicology: experimental design, microarray scanning, gene expression intensity distribution, and the effect of experimental parameters on the zebrafish transcriptome. Expression profiles from various tissues of individual zebrafish exposed to 17α-ethinylestradiol (30 ng/L), fadrozole (25 μg/L), or 17β-trenbolone (3.0 μg/L) for 48 or 96 h were examined with the Agilent Oligo Microarray (G2518A). As a flexible and efficient alternative to the designs commonly used in microarray studies, an unbalanced incomplete block design was found to be well suited for this work, as evidenced by high data reproducibility, low microarray-to-microarray variability, and little gene-specific dye bias. Random scanner noise had little effect on data reproducibility. A low-level, slightly variable Cyanine 3 (Cy3) contaminant was revealed by hyperspectral imaging, suggesting fluorescence contamination as a potential contributor to the large variance associated with weakly expressed genes. Expression intensities of zebrafish genes were skewed toward the lower end of their distribution range, and more weakly expressed genes tended to have larger variances. Tissue type, followed in descending order by gender, chemical treatment, and exposure duration, had the greatest effect on the overall gene expression profiles, a finding potentially critical to experimental design optimization. Overall, congruence was excellent between quantitative polymerase chain reaction results and microarray profiles of 13 genes examined across a subset of 20 pairs of ovarian samples. These findings will help to improve applications of microarrays in future ecotoxicological studies.
Projection, Decomposition, and Adaption of Learning Spaces

In Chapter 13 we described learning sequences, a powerful tool for the computer representation of learning spaces, and we showed how to use learning sequences as the basis for computer algorithms that efficiently perform the state generation necessary for knowledge assessment in a learning space.
A parallel architecture for GFA modeling in video coding

As new emerging multimedia applications demand constant bit rate improvements, it is becoming clear that H.264/AVC technology will not be able to meet these demands in spite of the 40-50% gain in bitrate over H.26X. Recently, a novel video coding scheme based on the generalized finite automata (GFA) modeling of video sequences in the bitplane wavelet domain has been proposed to address this problem. Unfortunately, this scheme requires a computing workload that is difficult to support with software implementations capable of meeting the performance requirements of target applications. This paper applies transformation techniques on the GFA algorithm to map it to high performance architectures. These techniques are used to derive and implement an optimal 2D architecture based on specific performance parameters. Implementation experiments show that a single row of this architecture can match 1,536 to 11,627,906 quadrants per second depending on the size of the matched quadrant.
Lithium therapy for human immunodeficiency virus type 1-associated neurocognitive impairment.

The objective of this study was to assess lithium safety and tolerability and to explore its impact on cognition, function, and neuroimaging biomarkers in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected subjects with cognitive impairment. Fifteen cognitively impaired HIV-infected subjects were enrolled in this 10-week open-label study of lithium 300 mg twice daily. Neuroimaging was performed at baseline and following 10 weeks of treatment and included magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and functional MRI (fMRI). Thirteen of the 14 subjects (93%) that complied with the study visits were able to complete the study on lithium and 11 out of 13 (79%) completed the study at the originally assigned dose of 300 mg twice daily. There were no significant changes in CD4+ lymphocyte cell count and plasma HIV RNA. Cognitive performance and depressive mood did not improve significantly after the 10-week lithium treatment; however, neuroimaging revealed a decrease in the glutamate+glutamine (Glx) peak in the frontal gray matter, increased fractional anisotropy, and decreased mean diffusivity in several brain areas, and changes in brain activation patterns, suggestive of improvement. These results suggest that lithium can be used safely in HIV-infected individuals with cognitive impairment. Furthermore, the neuroimaging results suggest that lithium may improve HIV-associated central nervous system (CNS) injury; thus, further investigations of lithium as an adjunctive treatment for HIV-associated cognitive impairment are warranted.