cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Refractory cervical esophagogastric anastomotic strictures: Management and outcomes

Objective For recalcitrant cervical esophagogastric anastomotic strictures after transhiatal esophagectomy, a protocol of self-dilatation was developed at the University of Michigan Medical Center, as previously described. This study was undertaken to determine the outcomes of this treatment. Methods Self-dilatation was required in 158 (7.6%) of 2075 patients with cervical esophagogastric anastomotic strictures after transhiatal esophagectomy. An esophageal-specific survey evaluated the frequency and duration of dilatation, swallowing function, and satisfaction with treatment. The relationship among anastomotic leak, subsequent stricture, and the need for self-dilatation was assessed. A validated survey tool, the Short Form 36-item, version 2, was used to assess quality of life. Results At the time of this study, 78 of 158 patients were alive; 34 (43%) participated in the esophageal-specific survey. Median duration of self-dilatation was 10 years. The majority were satisfied with their ability to eat. No adverse events were reported. All patients said they would use self-dilatation therapy again under similar circumstances. Of these patients, 20 (59%) responded to the Short Form 36-item, version 2. Compared with the general population, 55% and 70% of participants scored at or above the norm for physical health and mental health status, respectively. Patients who required self-dilatation were twice as likely to have a history of cervical esophagogastric anastomotic leak as those who did not require this therapy (P = .0002). Conclusions Refractory cervical esophagogastric anastomotic strictures are best managed initially with frequent outpatient dilatations, then transitioning to self-dilatation. Home use of Maloney dilators is a safe, well-tolerated, convenient, and cost-effective way to maintain comfortable swallowing. The effectiveness of self-dilatation therapy is reflected in this cohort’s good quality of life and level of functioning.
Economic Self-Sufficiency Among Divorced Women: Impact of Depression, Abuse, and Efficacy

Understanding how to promote economic self-sufficiency, or the ability to sustain oneself financially, has important implications for programs that help support divorced and separated women and for government agencies hoping to reduce reliance on government aid. The following analysis focuses specifically on divorced and separated women utilizing services from agencies geared toward helping people with financial, career, and other forms of assistance. This study identifies factors that promote or hinder economic self-sufficiency among divorced women. Regression analysis indicates that age, economic self-efficacy, abuse, and difficulty living on income are important indicators of economic self-sufficiency.
A Serendipitous Application of Supercavitation Theory to the Water-Running Basilisk Lizard

The classic study of the water entry of a body has applications ranging from hydroballistics to behavior of basilisk lizards. The availability of Russian supercavitation theory in recent years has allowed for an even greater understanding, and was used to develop a model to predict the dynamic size, shape, and pressure of a naturally or artificially produced underwater cavity. This model combines supercavitation theory, rigid body dynamics, and hydrodynamic theory into a comprehensive model capable of determining the motional behavior of underwater objects. This model was used as the basis for modeling the vertical water entry of solid objects into a free water surface. Results from simulation of water entry of various-sized thin disks compared favorably with published experimental data from the technical literature. Additional simulated data support a disk radius dependence on a relative object depth at cavity closure that was not previously recognized. Cavity closure times are also presented.
Anti-Hu antibody in a neuroblastoma-associated paraneoplastic syndrome

A 20-month-old infant with Turner syndrome presented with opsoclonus-myoclonus and tonic pupils in association with an abdominal neuroblastoma. Despite complete removal of the tumor, the child developed progressive hearing loss, areflexia, and seizures. Immunohistochemical and Western blot studies of serum and cerebrospinal fluid revealed the presence of anti-Hu antineuronal antibody, which cross-reacted with areas of the patient's tumor. Treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin coincided with the resolution of opsoclonus-myoclonus and the cessation of new neurologic symptoms. This case provides direct support for the autoimmune basis of paraneoplastic symptoms associated with neuroblastoma and suggests that treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin may be of value.
Counting form factors using the Isgur-Wise symmetry

Light hadronic helicity and parity provide a simple way to identify the independent form factors that enter in semileptonic, exclusive decays in the Isgur-Wise (heavy flavor) limit.
A Particle Image Velocimetry Study of the Penn State 50cc Left Ventricular Assist Device: The Impact of Varying Heart Rate

Approximately 5.7 million Americans are afflicted with heart failure, with a reported 670,000 new diagnoses each year [1]. Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) function as a bridge to transplant therapy for advanced staged heart failure patients awaiting a donor heart. A pulsatile 50cc LVAD, Figure 1, is currently under development for cardiac support of patients with limited chest cavity size. Although the 50cc LVAD is functional in assisting a failing ventricle, complications such as thrombus formation may limit long term usage.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Organization of a community of tadpoles in rain forest streams in Borneo

Samples of 29 distinct larval forms of anurans were collected in streams flowing through primary rain forest at Nanga Tekalit, Sarawak, at three periods spaced over 22 years. This assemblage of tadpoles lives in torrents, riffles, shingle areas, open pools, leaf drifts, protected side pools, potholes in rocky banks, bank seepages, and pools of small intermittent streams. Positive associations of species in types of microhabitats and co-occurrence within sites lead to recognition of four taxonomically heterogeneous groups: one concentrated in leaf drifts; one using riffles, shingle areas, and open pools; one concentrated in potholes; and one using side pools and potholes. Most pairs of larval forms having strong negative association are characterized by differences in morphology and feeding behaviour; they show little evidence of competitive relations. Between-sites variation in species composition differs among the types of microhabitats, leaf drifts showing the least amount of variation. Species composition within a site shows less change over intervals of 1–5 days than over intervals of 13–18 days. Variation in species composition is greater between sites than within sites over intervals of 9–31 days. Organization in this community seems to be effected by three factors: reproductive behaviour of adults and morphological and behavioural adaptations of tadpoles.
911–31 Cardiac Surgery Results in Changes of Atrial Refractoriness that may Explain Vulnerability to Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation

To test the hypothesis that vulnerability to atrial arrhythmias following cardiac surgery may result from shortening of atrial wavelength (WL), the product of conduction velocity (CV) and refractory period, electrophysiologic parameters were measured in 26 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting, using temporary atrial epicardial pacing electrodes placed intraoperatively. Atrial programmed stimulation was performed before and after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and daily when possible while electrodes were intact. After CPB, effective and functional refractory periods (ERR,FRP), measured from 2 atrial sites and at 2 paced cycle lengths (PEL), paradoxically prolonged. After CPB the 8 patients that subsequently developed postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) had even longer mean ERP (PCL 400, 230 ± 42 v 202 ± 35, p = 0.04) and FRP (PCL 400, 296 ± 44 v 262 ± 27, p = 0.02) measurements than pts who did not develop AF. Immediately after CPB conduction velocity shortened but no overall change in wavelength indices (WL = CV × ERPI was noted. By postoperative day 1 (POD 1) conduction velocity returned to baseline values and no consistent differences in ERP or FRP dispersion or wavelength indices were subsequently detected. However, refractory periods became shorter than preCPB values by POD 1 with unchanged or shortening of refractory periods noted on subsequent POD 2 – 4. PreCPB PostCPB PODl POD2 POD3 POD4 ERP 600 225 ± 39 235 ± 47 * 206 ± 34 * 223 ± 36 215 ± 24 195 ± 42 ERP 400 195 ± 32 210 ± 40 * 195 ± 33 202 ± 32 197 ± 28 206 ± 26 FRP 600 285 ± 42 297 ± 46 * 258 ± 37 * 268 ± 29 * 263 ± 19 * 253 ± 20 * FRP 400 262 ± 37 272 ± 37 * 250 ± 30 * 249 ± 33 253 ± 21 250 ± 23 * CV 400 90 ± 31 82 ± 27 * 95 ± 37 102 ± 33 100 ± 49 79 ± 17 WL 18 ± 6 18 ± 6 19 ± 8 21 ± 9 * 21 ± 13 16 ± 4 * p l 0,05 paired t-test comparisons to PreCPB values In conclusion, atrial refractoriness transiently Increases immediately after cardiac surgery with subsequent shortening by POD 1. This may help to explain the delayed peak incidence of and vulnerability to postoperative atrial fibrillation.
Hemicellulose fractions of some hays and straws.

Abstract Chlorite holocelluloses were prepared from two hays (alfalfa and red clover) and four straws (barley, buckwheat, oat, and wheat). By means of alkaline solvents of increasing alkalinity, four hemicellulose fractions were extracted from each of the six holocelluloses. The hemicellulose fractions were analyzed and the ratios of molecules of pentose units per molecule of uronic acid anhydride were determined. The ratio of pentose to uronic acid anhydride molecules increased as the alkalinity of the solvent increased. The fractions secured were mixtures and their over-all composition varied from one plant source to another. The uronic acid anhydride and pentose content of the hemicellulose fractions showed comparative variations within plant families but not between plants of different families. Buckwheat hemicelluloses fill an intermediate position between those of the legumes and the grasses in uronic acid anhydride content, pentose content, pentose/uronic acid anhydride ratios, and changes in these values from one hemicellulose fraction to another.
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) manipulates immune response

Background Most surface epithelial precancers do not progress to advanced HNSCC, suggesting that host factors, such as the immune system, may interfere with HNSCC progression. HNSCC is believed to be immunosuppressive, although the mechanisms of HNSCC–immune system interactions are poorly understood. Dendritic cells (DC) play a central regulatory role in antitumor immunity. DC differentiate from monocytes and other precursors, and depending upon DC ability to mature they induce immunity or tolerance. Hypotheses Manipulation of host response is important for HNSCC progression. HNSCC factors regulate DC and DC precursor phenotype and activity. Study design In vitro cocultures and migration-function assays using HNSCC lines, normal monocytes, and DC were analyzed by flow cytometry and ELISA for cell phenotypes and cytokine production. Immunohistochemical evaluation was made of oral HNSCC specimens for DC, monocyte, and macrophage populations. Results In vitro, HNSCC lines produce cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Langerhans cell chemoattractant macrophage inflammatory protein-3α (MIP-3α), etc., as detected by ELISA. High IL-6–producing HNSCC further synergize with monocytes in IL-6 production, which correlates with monocyte differentiation into macrophages and leads to great synergism in VEGF production. In 2-chamber migration-function assays using DC and HNSCC introduced into separate chambers, high HNSCC MIP-3α production correlates with high DC numbers in HNSCC chambers, suggesting DC are recruited to HNSCC. However, DC maturation appears impaired. In cocultures, HNSCC support and expand specific DC populations. Monocyte, macrophage, and DC populations in HNSCC specimens are also evaluated. Conclusions HNSCC factors manipulate DC and DC precursor differentiation, migration, and function, which may support cancer progression.
On the Autonomy of Psychology in Psychology/Religion Courses: An Optimistic View

These teachers of an interdisciplinary psychology/religion course disagree with Vande Kemp and they affirm the autonomy of each of the two fields.
ATP synthase subunit c storage in the polymorphonucleocytes of late infantile and juvenile batten patients

Abstract In late infantile and juvenile forms of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, commonly known as Batten disease (BD), ATP synthase subunit c accumulates in the lysosomes of neural cells. By using polyclonal antibodies, raised against bovine liver subunit c and an image analysis system for the quantification of antibody-linked alkaline phosphatase reaction, we have demonstrated that polymorphonucleocytes (PMN) from a late infantile and a juvenile BD patient stored several-fold more subunit c as compared to normal PMN.
DYNAMICAL PROPERTIES OF LÉVY PROCESSES IN LIE GROUPS

Let ϕt be a Levy process in a semisimple Lie group G of noncompact type regarded as a stochastic flow on a homogeneous space of G, called a G-flow. We will determine the Lyapunov exponents and the stable manifolds of ϕt, and the stationary points of an associated vector field. As examples, SL(d,R)-flows and SO(1,d)-flows on SO(d) and Sd - 1 are discussed in details.
Three dimensional DNA structures in computing.

Abstract We show that 3-dimensional graph structures can be used for solving computational problems with DNA molecules. Vertex building blocks consisting of k-armed (k=3 or 4) branched junction molecules are used to form graphs. We present procedures for the 3-SAT and 3-vertex-colorability problems. Construction of one graph structure (in many copies) is sufficient to determine the solution to the problem. In our proposed procedure for 3-SAT, the number of steps required is equal to the number of variables in the formula. For the 3-vertex-colorability problem, the procedure requires a constant number of steps regardless of the size of the graph.
Modeling and control of a packed distillation column using artificial neural networks

Abstract Artificial neural networks, because they are nets of basis functions, can provide good empirical models of complex nonlinear processes that are useful for many purposes including process control. The modelling of a packed distillation column described here provides an interesting example of complex modeling because the column exhibits a change in the sign of the gain under various operating conditions. We show how artificial neural networks can model the column, and demonstrate that the network model is as good or better than a simplified first principles model when used for model predictive control.
Localization of regions of troponin I important in deactivation of cardiac myofilaments by acidic pH

Abstract G. Li, A. F. Martin and R. J. Solaro. Localization of Regions of Troponin I Important in Deactivation of Cardiac Myofilaments by Acidic pH. Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology (2001) 33 , 0000–0000. Ca 2+ -activation of cardiac muscle myofilaments is more sensitive to depression by acidic pH than is the case with skeletal myofilaments. We tested the hypothesis that this difference is related to specific regions of the TnI (troponin I) isoforms in these muscles. We exchanged native Tn complex in detergent-extracted fiber bundles from mouse ventricles with Tn containing various combinations of fast (fsTnI) or slow skeletal (ssTnI) complexed with either cardiac TnC (cTnC) or fsTnC, and with cTnC complexed with the following chimeras: (1) fsTnI N-terminal region (fN) plus cTnI inhibitory peptide (cIp) and cTnI C-terminal region (cC); and (2) cTnI N-terminal region (cN)-cIp-fsTnI C-terminal region (fC). We determined the change in half maximal Ca 2+ (ΔEC 50 ) for tension activation at pH 7.0 and pH 6.5. Similar ΔEC 50 values were obtained for unextracted controls (5.53±0.30 μ m), for preparations containing cTnI-cTnC (5.74±0.40 μ m), and preparations exchanged with cTnI-fsTnC (5.63±0.40 μ m). However, replacement of cTnI with fsTnI significantly decreased ΔEC 50 to 3.95±0.17 μ m. Replacement of cTnI with ssTnI also significantly depressed ΔEC 50 to 2.07±0.15 μ m. Results of studies using the chimeras demonstrated that the C-terminal domains of cTnI and fsTnI are responsible for these differences. This conclusion also fits with data from experiments in which we measured Ca 2+ -binding to the regulatory site of cTnC in binary complexes containing cTnC with cTnI, fsTnI, or the chimeras. Our results localize a region of TnI important in effects of acidosis on cardiac myofilaments and extend our earlier data indicating that C-terminal regions of cTnI outside the Ip are critical for activation by Ca. 2+
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme and the Tumor Microenvironment: Mechanisms Beyond Angiogenesis

The renin angiotensin system (RAS) is a network of enzymes and peptides that coalesce primarily on the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) to induce cell proliferation, angiogenesis, fibrosis, an...
Biophysical profile in predicting acute ascending infection in preterm rupture of membranes before 32 weeks.

Abstract Objective: To assess the performance of the biophysical profile (BPP) and its components within 24 hours of delivery in predicting histopathologic evidence of severe acute placental inflammation in women with premature rupture of membranes (PROM) before 32 weeks’ gestation. Methods: We examined placentas from a series of consecutive, nonanomalous, live-born, singleton infants delivered before 32 weeks’ gestation after PROM. In 166 cases, biophysical profiles (BPP) were done within 24 hours of birth. Histologic evidence of acute inflammation was assessed in the maternal (amnion) and fetal (chorionic and umbilical cord vessels) compartments, and scored on a severity scale of 0–4 by a single pathologist masked to clinical data. The presence and severity of acute inflammation was related to BPP results and its individual components. Results: The overall prevalence of severe acute inflammation, ie, a score of 3 or 4, was 59% (98 of 166). In 30 (18%) cases it was present in the amnion, in 49 (30%) cases in chorionic or umbilical cord vessels, and in 19 (11%) cases in maternal and fetal compartments. There was no association between abnormal BPP score and presence or absence of severe acute placental inflammation (48% versus 46%, P = .7). Our study had a 90% power to detect a 0.26 difference between them. When rates of abnormal BPP scores were compared in cases with different degrees of acute inflammation in the maternal, fetal, or both compartments, no association was found. When the individual components of the BPP were analyzed in relation to site and severity of acute inflammation, no association was detected. Conclusion: We did not find evidence of a dose-response relationship between acute placental inflammation and BPP score or its individual components in cases of PROM with infants delivered before 32 weeks. Mediators other than infection might affect BPP in preterm PROM.
PSOROPTIC MANGE IN A WAPITI

In northern Idaho, a 10-year old wapiti (Cervus canadensis nelsoni) died showing signs of ataxia and alopecia. Examination of dermis revealed infestation with Psoroptes equi var. cervinus.
Plasma membrane cholesterol modulates cellular vacuolation induced by the Helicobacter pylori vacuolating cytotoxin.

The Helicobacter pylori vacuolating cytotoxin (VacA) induces the degenerative vacuolation of mammalian cells both in vitro and in vivo. Here, we demonstrate that plasma membrane cholesterol is essential for vacuolation of mammalian cells by VacA. Vacuole biogenesis in multiple cell lines was completely blocked when cholesterol was extracted selectively from the plasma membrane by using β-cyclodextrins. Moreover, increasing plasma membrane cholesterol levels strongly potentiated VacA-induced vacuolation. In contrast, inhibiting de novo biosynthesis of cholesterol with lovastatin or compactin had no detectable effect on vacuolation. While depletion of plasma membrane cholesterol has been shown to interfere with both clathrin-mediated endocytosis and caveola-dependent endocytosis, neither of these two internalization pathways was found to be essential for vacuolation of cells by VacA. Depleting plasma membrane cholesterol attenuated the entry of VacA into HeLa cells. In addition, β-cyclodextrin reagents blocked vacuolation of cells that were either preloaded with VacA or had VacA directly expressed within the cytosol. Collectively, our results suggest that plasma membrane cholesterol is important for both the intoxication mechanism of VacA and subsequent vacuole biogenesis.
Honor and Virtue Mexican Parenting in the Transnational Context

Recently, scholars have described the emotional consequences of transnational motherhood on families. Research, however, has neglected to address the lives of migrant fathers and how they compare to those of migrant mothers. This article fills the gap by analyzing the experiences of Mexican transnational mothers and fathers residing in New Jersey. Ethnographic data and interviews show that parents behave in similar ways when internationally separated from children. However, their migration patterns and emotional responses to separation differ. I show that these differences are tied to Mexican gender ideology in which women’s maternal roles are sacralized, whereas fathers’ roles are tied to financial provision. Although the contemporary Mexican transnational family structure challenges gender norms, the analysis of how parents understand their family roles when separated from their children proves gender ideals to be highly durable in the transnational context.
Eye surface area and dosage rates for spray vaccination.

Abstract Spray application of Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) vaccines is a labor- and time-saving means of mass vaccination of layer chickens. Recent assessment of spray characteristics of nozzles commonly used to apply MG vaccine in layer chicken operations has shown that the amount of respirable droplets (<5 µm) is negligible. Topical application of vaccine onto the eye surface has been suggested as a route of vaccination, but no estimates of vaccine load delivered via spray application were found in the literature. Estimates of eye surface area were developed using digital imaging; 24 layer pullets were used for analysis, and the mean eye surface area, corrected for corneal curvature, was found to be 0.609 cm2. This surface area was then used to estimate vaccine load for commercially available live MG vaccine sprayed through popular nozzles. Less than 3000 colony-forming units can be expected for direct deposition onto the surface of an eye.
Clusters of ant colonies and robust criticality in a tropical agroecosystem

It is natural to assume that patchiness in an ecosystem must reflect an underlying property of the habitat. Yet there are several lines of evidence to suggest that intrinsic biological dynamics can produce pattern even in an ecosystem that is homogeneous for the organisms involved. Outside of the laboratory, it is difficult to convincingly demonstrate large-scale pattern formation from biological interactions, mainly because it is close to impossible to exclude habitat variables. Vandermeer et al. have used the artificiality of shade trees planted in a coffee plantation to get around this problem, and demonstrate significant patterning of a particular species of ant, Azteca instabilis, that nests in those trees. Ant population density is controlled by natural enemies, mainly a parasitic fly, but the distribution of ant nest clusters follows a strong spatial pattern despite habitat homogeneity. This paper describes and models a striking example of non-random ecological patterning over large spatial scales apparently caused by the interaction between a common species of tropical arboreal ant and one of its natural enemies under spatially homogeneous conditions. Although sometimes difficult to measure at large scales, spatial pattern is important in natural biological spaces as a determinant of key ecological properties such as species diversity, stability, resiliency and others1,2,3,4,5,6. Here we demonstrate, at a large spatial scale, that a common species of tropical arboreal ant forms clusters of nests through a combination of local satellite colony formation and density-dependent control by natural enemies, mainly a parasitic fly. Cluster sizes fall off as a power law consistent with a so-called robust critical state7. This endogenous cluster formation at a critical state is a unique example of an insect population forming a non-random pattern at a large spatial scale. Furthermore, because the species is a keystone of a larger network that contributes to the ecosystem function of pest control, this is an example of how spatial dynamics at a large scale can affect ecosystem service at a local level.
Meeting the challenge ahead

Our obligation as the professional group most concerned with communications systems is to help stimulate the organization of the necessary efforts, the circulation of the existing information, the definition of the problems that must be solved, and the anticipation of the equipment needs. As a necessary step in this direction we call for contributions to the organization of special issues of the TRANSACTIONS on areas of special concern. Three areas have been singled out for immediate work: Problems of Space Communication, Problems of Digital Data Transmission, and Problems of Communications Nets. Suggestions for organization of these issues and contributions in these areas are earnestly solicited. In order to secure an adequate "backbone" for each issue, special review papers are invited and will be sought from likely contributors. Coordination will be effected through the advance publication of outlines of the desired issues in this editorial section of the TRANSACTIONS. An important parting remark is in order. These special issues will not replace regular issues of the TRANSACTIONS. In order to keep up with our fundamental obligation to publish timely contributions that do not fall in these special areas, we shall publish the "special issues" as major sections of regular issues.
Effects of common illnesses on infants' energy intakes from breast milk and other foods during longitudinal community-based studies in Huascar (Lima), Peru

To assess the effects of common infections on dietary intake, 131 Peruvian infants were observed longitudinally. Home surveillance for illness symptoms was completed thrice weekly, and food and breast-milk consumption was measured during 1615 full-day observations. Mean (+/- SD) energy intakes on symptom-free days were 557 +/- 128 kcal/d (92.4 +/- 26.5 kcal.kg-1.d-1) for infants aged less than 181 d and 638 +/- 193 kcal/d (77.7 +/- 25.7 kcal.kg-1.d-1) for infants aged greater than 180 d. Statistical models controlling for infant age, season of the year, and individual showed significant 5-6% decreases in total energy intake during diarrhea or fever. There were no changes with illness in the frequency of breast-feeding, total suckling time, or amount of breast-milk energy consumed. By contrast, energy intake from non-breast-milk sources decreased by 20-30% during diarrhea and fever, and the small decrements in total energy consumption during illness were explained entirely by reduced consumption of non-breast-milk foods.
Staged construction modeling of steel pipes buried in controlled low-strength material using 3D nonlinear finite-element analysis

AbstractSeveral complexities are inherent in numerical simulation of staged construction modeling of large-diameter steel pressure pipes. A comprehensive robust three-dimensional (3D) nonlinear finite-element analysis model was developed and verified using three experimental field tests conducted at the Rolling Hills Booster Pump Station, Fort Worth, Texas, to simulate the behavior of buried steel pipes during staged construction installation. Controlled low-strength material (CLSM) was used as the embedment material, and the depth of the CLSM embedment and the trench width varied. The developed numerical model includes three possible nonlinearities, including geometric, material, and contact nonlinear algorithms. A large deformation algorithm was considered in the finite-element model and its associated analysis using a total Lagrangian formulation. The contact between each soil layer, soil-to-trench wall, and soil to pipe was carefully implemented. The lateral effect of compaction was identified in prev...
A Compact 5GHz Standing-Wave Resonator-based VCO in 0.13/spl mu/m CMOS

A novel on-chip capacitively-loaded, transmission-line-standing-wave resonator is employed in a low phase noise VCO, to achieve a measured phase noise of-117dBc/Hz at a 1MHz offset. The prototype 5 GHz VCO, implemented in 0.13 mum CMOS, dissipates 3 mW from a 1.2 V supply, and occupies a compact die area of 0.11mm2.
Normalized data base structure: a brief tutorial

Casual and other users of large formatted data bases need a simple tabular (relational) view of the data rather than a network or tree-structured view. This paper illustrates the removal of repeating groups, hierarchic and plex structures, and cross-referencing structures. Finally, the simplification of data base relations by normalization is discussed.
Mechanical properties of an epoxy modeled using particle dynamics, as parameterized through molecular modeling

The current paper applies both molecular modeling and mesoscale modeling to determine modulus and defect formation in epoxy and epoxy-copper interfaces. The results will show that molecular modeling may be applied directly to parameterize the bead properties used in the mesoscale model, which scale to the physical properties.
Qualireg, A Qualitative Regression Method

Circumstances can produce themselves under which no cardinal data are available (see Ancot and Paelinck, 1990). To allow drawing inferences about at least the direction of influence of certain potentially explanatory variables, only available as ordinal data (“rankings”), methods should be developed to treat that problem. The method described here—QUALIREG—resulted from work on a qualitative multi-criteria method—QUALIFLEX, originated by Paelinck (1976)—which is detailed first, after which the logic of QUALIREG will be introduced.
Cybercrime and Cybersecurity Issues in the BRICS Economies

Cybercrime and cybersecurity issues in the BRICS countries have important global implications, both politically and economically. All of the fast-growing BRICS economies are members of the Group of Twenty. These economies’ cybersecurity frameworks have strong similarities and striking differences. This editorial provides a comparison of BRICS economies’ approaches to cybersecurity.
The validity of spot urine samples for low-level occupational mercury exposure assessment and relationship to porphyrin and creatinine excretion rates.

Hg and porphyrin levels in single void urine specimens (spot samples) were compared with calculated 24-hr urine levels in 35 (20 [correction of 25] male and 15 female) practicing dentists who had been occupationally exposed to low levels of elemental Hg. The study aimed to: 1) determine the individual variability for Hg and porphyrin concentrations in spot samples over a 24-hr period; 2) test for the presence of diurnal variation in urinary Hg and porphyrin concentrations; and 3) determine the time of day at which a spot sample would give a Hg concentration closest to the 24-hr average concentration. Results confirmed previous reports of a first-order diurnal pattern with a mid-morning peak for Hg concentration (P < .001). A second-order model best described creatinine excretion (P = .0089), with peaks at about 5:00 and 19:00. The use of creatinine adjustment for Hg concentration significantly reduced the intraindividual variation around the diurnal curve. No diurnal patterns were found for any of the porphyrins examined. We recommend that, for small clinical studies using urinary Hg concentration, 24-hr sampling would be ideal, but that for mass screenings and cross-sectional studies, spot samples may be useful because they correlate fairly well with 24-hr averages (creatinine adjusted, r = 0.61; unadjusted, r = 0.74). Because of the existence of diurnal variation, for all cases using serial sampling attention should be paid to time of day.
Lack of evidence for neurogenic renal vasodilatation in anesthetized dogs.

SummaryCarotid baroreceptor reflex induced decreases in renal sympathetic nerve activity result in only minimal renal vasodilatation which is unaffected by renal cholinergic blockade with atropine.Renal cholinergic blockade with atropine does not diminish the renal vasodilation responses to decreases in renal perfusion pressure. Renal adrenergic blockade did not unmask a renal vasodilator response to direct electrical renal nerve stimulation. These findings indicate that the neurogenic contribution to renal vasodilatation is small in comparison to the neurogenic contribution to renal vasoconstriction. Evidence for participation of renal cholinergic neural pathways in renal vasodilatation was not found.
International Market Analysis

Market researchers analyzing underdeveloped countries’ markets have limited data sources at their disposal. There are many of these markets, but their total potential is relatively small. A need ex...
Protection of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate against toxicity of acetaldehyde to hepatocytes.

AbstractMethods were evaluated for annulling the cytotoxicity of acetaldehyde (AcH) for isolated autologous liver cells, obtained by percutaneous liver biopsy, from cases of alcoholic hepatitis. Hepatocytes so obtained were more susceptible to the cytotoxicity of AcH than hepatocytes from normal liver, viral hepatitis, alcoholic fatty liver, and stable alcoholic cirrhosis. Benzylamine (an aldehyde buffer) and pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP) counteracted the cytotoxicity of AcH in vitro; pyridoxol did not. AcH cytotoxicity was seen in liver cells from vitamin B6deficient alcoholics with alcoholic hepatitis but was reversed when the B6 deficiency was corrected by intramuscular administration of flushing doses of pyridoxol (150 mg daily). We suggest that in vitro, benzylamine neutralizes AcH toxicity through a Schiff-base condensation with AcH, whereas pyridoxal 5′-phosphate protects against AcH toxicity in vitro and in vivo by probably forming a Schiff base with cellular amino acids, blocking further condensat...
Quality of life for patients with body dysmorphic disorder.

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a relatively common, distressing, and impairing disorder. Quality of life in BDD, however, has not been investigated. In this study, 62 consecutive outpatients with BDD were evaluated with the self-report Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and other scales. SF-36 scores were descriptively compared to published norms for several populations. Physical health-related quality of life scores were generally worse than general U.S. population norms and better than norms for outpatients with a medical illness or depression. However, in all mental health domains, BDD subjects' scores were notably worse than norms for the general U.S. population and for patients with depression, diabetes, or a recent myocardial infarction. More severe BDD symptoms and greater delusionality were associated with poorer mental health-related quality of life. These results indicate that patients with BDD have notably poor mental health status and mental health-related quality of life.
Vocal Music Therapy for Chronic Pain Management in Inner-City African Americans: A Mixed Methods Feasibility Study

Background: To date, research on music for pain management has focused primarily on listening to prerecorded music for acute pain. Research is needed on the impact of active music therapy interventions on chronic pain management. Objective: The aim of this mixed methods research study was to determine feasibility and estimates of effect of vocal music therapy for chronic pain management. Methods: Fifty-five inner-city adults, predominantly African Americans, with chronic pain were randomized to an 8-week vocal music therapy treatment group or waitlist control group. Consent and attrition rates, treatment compliance, and instrument appropriateness/burden were tracked. Physical functioning (pain interference and general activities), self-efficacy, emotional functioning, pain intensity, pain coping, and participant perception of change were measured at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Focus groups were conducted at the 12-week follow-up. Results: The consent rate was 77%. The attrition rate was 27% at follow-up. We established acceptability of the intervention. Large effect sizes were obtained for self-efficacy at weeks 8 and 12; a moderate effect size was found for pain interference at week 8; no improvements were found for general activities and emotional functioning. Moderate effect sizes were obtained for pain intensity and small effect sizes for coping, albeit not statistically significant. Qualitative findings suggested that the treatment resulted in enhanced self-management, motivation, empowerment, a sense of belonging, and reduced isolation. Conclusions: This study suggests that vocal music therapy may be effective in building essential stepping-stones for effective chronic pain management, namely enhanced self-efficacy, motivation, empowerment, and social engagement.
Verbal memory is impaired among HIV+ female, but not HIV+ male cocaine users

Aims: The experimental administration of drugs is critical for the identification of safe and effective pharmacotherapies to treat substance-use disorders. However, ethical codes dictate that drugs administered in research settings should not (1) exacerbate current drug use or (2) precipitate new drug use outside the laboratory. Laboratory drug administration does not increase drug use at one to six months following study completion. Drug use immediately following discharge has not been assessed. We hypothesized that experimental drug administration would not change naturalistic drug use in the first three weeks following completion of an inpatient research protocol. Methods: Data from four inpatient studies in which cocaine or methamphetamine was administered alone and in combination with a candidate putative pharmacotherapy were included in this retrospective analysis. Participants were non-treatment-seeking, current stimulant users (N=19). Drug urine specimens and selfreported drug use three weeks prior to admission and following discharge were compared using Wilcoxon sign-ranked tests. Results: Urine specimens and self-reported drug use were not significantly different in the three weeks following discharge relative to the three weeks prior to admission (p’s > 0.05). Conclusions:Experimental administrationof stimulantsdidnot exacerbate subsequent drug use or precipitate new use outside the laboratory in this sample. This analysis is the first to report that drug use is not altered in the first three weeks following discharge, whenperceived risk for increased use is highest. The impact of drug administration on drug use in natural settings should be verified empirically to self-monitor research protocols. Financial support: NIDA R01 DA025032; R01 DA 032254; R21 DA035481; T32 DA035200 (CRR); R01 DA033364 (JAL); NCATS TL1 TR000115 (KRM).
On the Corporate Governance of the listed Corporation Owned by the State

Recently, with the arrival of YinGuangxia event,Lantian stock event and so on, corporate governance, especially in the listed corporations owned by the state is getting more and more popular among the accounting, lawing and economics. Based on the problems existing in the listed corporations in our country, some suggestions of changing the current problems and improving the effect of the corporate governance of listed corporations are made.
Performance of Chinese Hybrid Rice Grown in Some Tropical Countries

The extension and production of hybrid rice outside China was outlined.The performance of Chinese rice hybrids in the trials,demonstrations and large-scale productions for many years grown in the three countries in tropical regions including the Philippines,Myanmar and Guinea was introduced.It is concluded that the Chinese hybrid rice can not only grow well but also yield much higher than the local conventional inbred rice in these tropical countries.
Renal Liposarcoma: Case Report

AbstractA case of renal liposarcoma is described. The clinical presentation, angiographic findings and treatment are discussed.
Regulation of the Cardiac L-Type Calcium Channel by the Cyclic Nucleotide Cross-Talk Signaling Network

Regulation of L-type Calcium (Ca2+) channel (LCC) gating is critical to shaping the cardiac action potential (AP) and excitation-contraction coupling (ECC), the process by which electrical excitation leads to mechanical contraction of cardiac myocytes. The cyclic nucleotide (cN) cross-talk signaling network, which encompasses the β-adrenergic and the Nitric Oxide (NO)/cGMP/Protein Kinase G (PKG) pathways and their interaction through distinctively-regulated phosphodiesterase isoenzymes (PDEs), regulates LCC current via Protein Kinase A (PKA)- and PKG-mediated phosphorylation. Due to tightly-coupled biochemical reactions, it remains to be clarified how LCC gating is ultimately regulated by this signaling network. In addition, the large number of potential ECC-related phosphorylation targets of PKA and PKG makes it difficult to quantify and isolate the effect of LCC regulation. We have developed a multi-scale, biophysically-detailed computational model of LCC regulation by the cN signaling network based on a wide range of experimental data. Changes in LCC current properties arising from interaction with PKA and PKG are modeled by redistributing the number of channels among four gating modes, corresponding to the four channel phosphorylation states: non-, PKA-, PKG-, and PKA-and-PKG- phosphorylated. The model exhibits experimentally observed single LCC gating characteristics, as well as whole-cell LCC current. Simulations predict how LCC gating modes are redistributed in response to a variety of simulation protocols. Results distinguish LCC regulation exerted between two mechanisms which are difficult to resolve by experimentation alone: 1) LCC interaction with activated PKA and PKG and 2) regulation of PKA and PKG activation as a result of cN cross-talk. Consequently, the model reveals underlying mechanisms that explain LCC current observations under various stimulation scenarios of the signaling network. These results provide insights into how cN signals are integrated via LCC regulation.
Design of higher order repetitive controller for non minimum phase plants

We propose a procedure which can be used to design stable higher order repetitive controller for non minimum phase plants. The procedure is based on a stability theorem and a novel weight selection criterion for the internal model. The theorem shows that the stability of higher order repetitive controller depends on compensator gain, compensator phase and the weights of the internal model. The proposed procedure is applied to design a higher order repetitive controller for non minimum phase two level grid connected converter. Simulation results show that the designed higher order repetitive controller outperforms the conventional repetitive controller under variation in grid frequency.
Preclinical Animal Testing Requirements and Considerations

The first section of this chapter will focus on general principles that investigators should consider when initiating preclinical studies to support early phase clinical trials. A significant time and cost savings in the overall development process can be achieved by performing these preclinical studies in accordance with these general principles. In other words, poorly documented and conducted studies often times need to be repeated which is a significant waste of time and resources. The following sections of this chapter are written to emphasize the importance of a preclinical study conducted using good scientific judgment, appropriate study design, and proper documentation to ensure scientific merit and value in demonstrating support for further MSC product development.
Meaning-making in religious education: a critical discourse analysis of RE departments’ web pages

AbstractThis paper explores what some have described as a ‘crisis in meaning’ in religious education (RE). One region, Northern Ireland, is chosen as a focus for exploring the question of meaning-making as it provides an example of ‘agreed ambiguity’ – where a common syllabus for RE is believed to be ascribed different meanings by different schools. The web pages of RE departments were used as a data source, and a critical discourse analysis method was employed to investigate how a sample of departments construct meaning in RE. The findings identify three dominant discourses in relation to RE in the sample: Christian Community, Cultural Hegemony and Personal Quest. It is noted that when giving meaning to RE, schools show commonality and difference across three key areas: ‘stake and interest’; ‘pupil agency’; and ‘dealing with difference’. In conclusion, it is noted that, where freedom is given to schools to construct meaning in RE, it is possible to sustain a common curriculum across schools with very dif...
Study of the predictive capability of modular multilevel converter simulation models under parametric and model form uncertainty

The deviation of real system behavior from the predictions made from modeling and simulation is inevitable due to variations in different model input parameters as well as inaccurate modeling. The potential sources of uncertainty in modular multilevel converters (MMCs) is significant in medium- and high-voltage applications where each arm consists of several power electronics building blocks (PEBBs) connected in series. Therefore, assessing the predictive proficiency of the model, in the presence of various uncertainties, is critical in gaining confidence in modeling and simulation results. This paper investigates the predictive capability of MMC simulation models when adding more PEBBs. The relationship between the total uncertainty in modeling and simulation, and the number of PEBBs in each arm is presented for different model outputs. The results reveal an interesting feature of MMC — despite the fact that the number of potential sources of uncertainty increases by adding more PEBBs in each arm, the total uncertainty in the prediction of a system response quantity remains the same or decreases, depending on the selected model output response.