cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tracking UWB monocycles in IEEE 802.15 multipath channels

This paper analyzes the variance of the timing error at the output of the timing error detector as a result of multipath effects. While G. Fock, et. al., (2001) and others have examined similar channel impairments on spread spectrum CDMA systems employing rake receiver with early-late timing detector, it is not known how severe multipath will affect UWB tracking loop. An UWB system transmitting impulses generally has considerably larger bandwidth and operates at higher frequencies mandated by FCC. Also, UWB impulse system utilizes short duration monocycles separated in time by the frame period unlike conventional continuous time signal. Thus, it has the advantage of being able to resolve more closely spaced multipaths than most other existing spread spectrum systems. Indeed, our analysis shows that, assuming clusters are well separated, and for channel parameters reported in J. Foerster et al., (2002), the self-interference due to rays in the same cluster may not be 'harmful' for most applications.
Practice facilitation and academic detailing improves colorectal cancer screening rates in safety net primary care clinics

Objective SUNY Upstate Medical University entered a contract with Health Research, Inc. and the New York State Department of Health to implement an intervention using academic detailing and practice facilitation to increase colorectal cancer screening rates within primary care practices, and to assess the outcomes and barriers to intervention success. The project was conducted within a large multiorganizational framework, led by the Studying-ActingLearning-Teaching Network (SALT-Net, SUNY Upstate Medical University) in partnership with the Upstate New York Network (UNYNET -University at Buffalo) and the Greater Rochester PBRN (GR-PBRN -University of Rochester Medical Center), under the auspices of the Upstate New York Translational Research Network (UNYTE).
A personal journey with bioactive lipids

The concept of lipids acting as signaling and regulatory molecules is now taken for granted. However 3–4 decades ago, this was a rather unthinkable proposition even though the “writing was on the wall” since at least the 1950s. Here, I summarize briefly key historical landmarks in the evolution of the field of bioactive lipids and then describe studies from my group over 3 decades, focusing on the contemporaneous development of understanding of bioactive sphingolipids. Lipid-based signaling modules. A stimulus (e.g., in the form of a receptor ligand) provides the Input whereas a regulated enzyme is the transducer of the input. There are at least 30 distinct enzymes (products of distinct genes) involved in regulating the levels of the key bioactive sphingolipids. The lipid product, through interaction with distinct targets, provides the Output in this simplest formulation of lipid-mediated signaling. The diversity of bioactive sphingolipids, especially with the 2 dozen enzymes involved in ceramide generation and the more than 100 distinct ceramides, provides for unprecedented specialization and richness of sphingolipid-mediated cell regulation.
A Prospective Comparison of Methods for Determining if Cardiovascular Disease is a Predictor of Mortality in Dialysis Patients

A random sample of 464 dialysis patients was surveyed between December 1990 and June 1991 to compare methods for determining the relationship between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality. The following three methods were used to identify the prevalence of CVD: standard epidemiologic questionnaires, recall by the patient, and a review of the medical record. The 1-year mortality rate during this prospective study (average follow-up, 17.5 months) was 19%. The measure of prevalent CVD found to be the best predictor of the risk of mortality was the review of the medical record. Specifically, after controlling for the effects on mortality of age, sex, race, cause of renal failure, serum albumin level, and performance status (determined by the Karnofsky score), a patient with a history of angina pectoris documented in the medical record had a relative risk (95% confidence interval) of mortality of 1.8 (1.1 to 2.8), and a patient with peripheral vascular disease recorded in the medical record had a relative risk of 1.6 (1.0 to 2.4). Estimates of CVD obtained from either the questionnaires or patient recall resulted in associations between CVD and mortality that were substantially weaker than those for the medical record. We conclude that at present the medical record is the best source of information for estimating the presence of CVD as a mortality risk factor in dialysis patients. We recommend inclusion of a medical record history of CVD as a mortality case-mix factor when comparing dialysis populations.
The use of an investigational radiopharmaceutical in neuroblastoma: a nursing perspective.

Children with advanced-stage neuroblastoma usually have a poor prognosis. While conventional treatment with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation may provide some palliation, long-term survival is rare. A number of investigational therapies are being performed nationwide in an attempt to improve the prognosis for children with neuroblastoma. One such treatment is the use of {sup 131}I-metaiodobenzylguanidine. This article will review the pathophysiology of neuroblastoma, give an overview of this investigational treatment, and discuss the nursing care associated with radioactive treatment.
Morpholine Amide Solvent: A New Inert

A new solvent for agricultural formulation use is described. The solvent, an amide derived from a short chain fatty acid and morpholine, has many desirable physical and chemical properties. In addition to the physical and chemical properties, this paper will present the theoretical Hansen solubility parameters, and present data on solubility of selected agricultural chemicals in the solvent. Briefly, TSCA and FIFRA regulatory requirements for the solvent are covered.
Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy-alcohol septal ablation vs. myectomy: a meta-analysis

Aims Our purpose is to conduct a meta-analysis of all published studies comparing alcohol septal ablation (ASA) and myectomy (MM) for drug refractory hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). Alcohol septal ablation is a less invasive alternative to MM for relief of symptoms in patients with drug refractory HOCM. Methods and results An extensive search of PubMed identified five non-randomized studies comparing ASA and MM. Of 351 patients studied, 183 underwent ASA and 168 underwent MM. Patients undergoing ASA were older (mean age 54.4 ± 6.3 vs. 45.0 ± 4.4 years, P = 0.02). All patients were in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II–IV. Baseline left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) gradient was comparable (81.4 ± 14.3 mmHg in ASA vs. 77.4 ± 15.5 mmHg in MM, P = 0.2). Although resting LVOT gradient after septal reduction therapy in both groups was <20 mmHg at follow-up, patients undergoing MM had lower LVOT gradient (18.2 ± 6.7 vs. 10.8 ± 6.3 mmHg, P < 0.001). Patients in both groups had comparable improvement in NYHA class (1.5 ± 0.3 in ASA vs. 1.3 ± 0.2, P = 0.2) at follow-up. A higher percentage of patients undergoing ASA required permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation for complete heart block (18.4 ± 7.9 vs. 3.3 ± 3.9%, P = 0.04). There was no significant in-hospital mortality difference between the two groups. Conclusion Alcohol septal ablation and MM provide significant reduction in LVOT gradient and NYHA functional class on mid-term follow-up. A higher percentage of patients required PPM after ASA. Randomized trials are needed to confirm current findings.
Photoconductor surface modeling for defect compensation based on printed images

Manufacturing imperfections of photoconductor (PC) drums in electrophotographic (EP) printers cause low- frequency artifacts that could produce objectionable non-uniformities in the final printouts. In this paper, we propose a technique to detect and quantify PC artifacts. Furthermore, we spatially model the PC drum surface for dynamic compensation of drum artifacts. After scanning printed pages of flat field areas, we apply a wavelet- based filtering technique to the scanned images to isolate the PC-related artifacts from other printing artifacts, based on the frequency, range, and direction of the PC defects. Prior knowledge of the PC circumference determines the printed area at each revolution of the drum for separate analysis. Applied to the filtered images, the expectation maximization (EM) algorithm models the PC defects as a mixture of Gaussians. We use the estimated parameters of the Gaussians to measure the severity of the defect. In addition, a 2-D polynomial fitting approach characterizes the spatial artifacts of the drum, by analyzing multiple revolutions of printed output. The experimental results show a high correlation of the modeled artifacts from different revolutions of a drum. This allows for generating a defect-compensating profile of the defective drum.
A new estimate of the Holocene lowstand level of Lake Titicaca, central Andes, and implications for tropical palaeohydrology.

New evidence from piston cores and high-resolution seismic reflection data shows that water levels in Lake Titicaca were as much as 100 m below the present level during the early to mid-Holocene (between .6 and 3.8 14C kyr BP). Climatological and modelling studies indicate that Lake Titicaca rainfall depends on convective activity in upwind Amazonia; the lake-level data therefore suggest a drier Amazon Basin during this time. This view is bolstered by an excellent match between the Titicaca lake-level curve and decreased methane concentrations in Greenland ice, previously ascribed to drying of low-latitude wetlands (Blunier et al., 1995). The postglacial history of Lake Titicaca fits a global pattern of lake-level change in the tropics, characterized by opposite phasing between the Southern and Northern Hemispheres. This pattern is most likely the result of orbital controls over the intensity of summer insolation.
What factors drive IPO aftermarket risk

The prospectus of every initial public offering (IPO) provides a lengthy list of factors that exposes investors to risk when investing in an IPO. However, this list is not useful for distinguishing among IPOs for investors who plan to hold IPO shares in the aftermarket. We attempt to identify observable factors that determine the level of aftermarket risk following IPOs. We find that aftermarket risk is higher for firms that experienced a higher level of underpricing (an ex ante measure of risk) at the time of the IPO. Thus, underpricing not only reflects the uncertainty at the time of the offering, but also is a useful indicator of aftermarket risk. We also find that firms using more reputable investment bank underwriters exhibit a higher level of aftermarket risk, which is contrary to the results found by some studies that used underpricing at the time of the offering as a measure of risk. In addition, we find that aftermarket risk is higher for firms backed by venture capital. We attribute our unique f...
Analysis of the role of waste minimisation clubs in reducing industrial water demand in the UK

As a result of the UK Government's waste policy, which increasingly encourages sustainable development, and the realisation that water in the UK cannot be treated as an unlimited resource, there is growing interest in reducing the demand for water by industry. A series of industrial waste minimisation clubs have been set up within the country. This paper identifies the effectiveness of these clubs in reducing the demand for water. An overview of some of the clubs show how there is a major discrepancy between potential and implemented water savings, whilst a more detailed analysis of three specific examples show how water demand and cost to the company can be reduced, with the project paying for itself within around 1 year. It appears that companies are able to reduce water consumption by approximately 30%. If this level of saving was taken up by the entire industrial sector in England and Wales, water consumption could be reduced by approximately 1500 Ml/day. This reduction would be more significant in regions of lower rainfall, for example East Anglia and Southeast England.
Economic prosperity, biodiversity conservation, and the environmental Kuznets curve

Many conservationists contend that economic growth and biodiversity conservation are incompatible goals. Some economists contest this viewpoint, arguing that wealthier countries have the luxury of investing more heavily in efforts to conserve biodiversity. Under this assumption, we expect a U-shaped relationship between per capita wealth and proportion of species conserved. We test this environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) using estimates of per capita income and deforestation rates (index of biodiversity threat) for 35 tropical countries. A prior analysis [Dietz, S., Adger, W.N., 2003. Economic growth, biodiversity loss and conservation effort. Journal of Environmental Management, 68:23–35] using conventional regression techniques failed to provide any support for the parabolic relationship predicted by the EKC hypothesis. Here, we introduce the use of quantile regression and spatial filtering to reanalyze this data, addressing issues of heteroskedasticity and spatial autocorrelation. We note that preliminary analysis using these methods provides some initial evidence for an EKC. However, a series of panel analyses with country-specific dummy variables eliminated or even reversed much of this support. A closer examination of conservation practices and environmental indicators within the countries, particularly those countries that drove our initial support, suggests that wealth is not a reliable indicator of improved conservation practice. Our findings indicate that an EKC for biodiversity is overly simplistic and further exploration is required to fully understand the mechanisms by which income affects biodiversity.
A comparison of two sources of phytase in liquid and dry forms in broilers

Abstract Research with corn-soybean meal diets was conducted to compare phytase sources in commercial broilers. A Ca to nonphytate P (nPP) ratio of 2.5:1 was maintained in all diets. Experiments 1 and 2 were conducted from d 4 to 13 (experiment 1) or d 9 to 23 post-hatching (experiment 2) in batteries. The 10 treatments used in both experiment were: Diets 1 to 4 = 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, or 0.35% nPP; Diets 5 to 7 = diet 1 plus 100, 200, or 300 phytase units/kg of diet from Natuphos (NAT); and Diets 8 to 10 = diet 1 plus 100, 200, or 300 phytase units/ kg of diet from Ronozyme (RON). As nPP levels increased, daily gain (ADG), feed intake (ADFI), gain:feed, and toe and tibia ash percentage were linearly increased (P
Development and Performance of a Controllable Autoloading Needle-Free Jet Injector

A jet injector platform technology that provides improved performance over existing jet injectors through the use of a controllable linear Lorentz-force actuator and software-based control system has been developed. Injectors designed on this platform are capable of delivering injections using arbitrary pressure pulse shaping. Pulse shaping has been shown to allow a wide degree of control over the depth to which the injection is delivered. A software-based injector control system improves repeatability and allows for automatic reloading of the injector, a task that would be difficult to implement using existing jet injector platforms. A design for a prototype autoloading controllable jet injector (cJI) based on this platform is detailed. The injection capability of this cJI was evaluated both in-vitro and in-vivo using a tissue analog, excised porcine tissue, and ovine tissue. An analysis of the cJI's performance indicates that this design is capable of delivering a controllable volume of fluid to a controllable depth based entirely on the parameter's input into the control software.
Reducing Fat in Milk and Dairy Products by Processing

Abstract Technology exists today for producing most dairy products with lower fat percentages, but the extent to which fat can be reduced is determined principally by effects of composition changes on product acceptability, regulatory standards, and economic considerations. Fat has a marked influence on consumer acceptance of some products. Depending on the product, the most important quality characteristics contributed by fat may be flavor, color, richness, mouth-feel, smoothness, softness, and others. Attempts to merchandise lowfat substitutes for butter have met with little success. Prospects for producing cheeses with reduced fat are promising. The composition of the fat in dairy products can be modified by fractionation, by blending with vegetable oils, by substituting vegetable oil for milk fat, and by feeding cows protected lipid supplements. Competition from products in which vegetable oils replace milk fat (for example, margarine or butter) influences consumption of milk fat. There is interest in using blends of milk fat and vegetable oils to stem the incursion of imitation and substitute products into traditional markets for dairy foods.
Vitamin K stimulation of sphingolipid synthesis.

Abstract The addition of vitamin K to a culture of Bacteroides melaninogenicus grown in a vitamin K free medium stimulated synthesis of the phosphosphingolipids but not other phospholipids such as phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylserine. This stimulation of synthesis of the phosphosphingolipids occurs soon after the addition of the vitamin to the culture and before an increase in general cell metabolism as indicated by an increase in growth rate of the vitamin K supplemented culture.
The relationship between fatty acid structure and the positional distribution of esterified fatty acids in phosphatidyl glycerol from Mycoplasma laidlawii B.

Abstract 1. 1. The distribution of a number of fatty acids between the 1- and 2-positions of phosphatidyl glycerol from Mycoplasma laidlawii B has been investigated. The fatty acid composition of the phosphatidyl glycerol was systematically altered so that the positional distribution values determined here are accurate reflections of the relative positional affinities of the individual fatty acids examined. 2. 2. The positional distribution of any given fatty acid constituent was independent of the amount of that acid in the phosphatidyl glycerol, provided that the fatty acid in question was not present in sufficient quantity to saturate the preferred position. 3. 3. Within any single class of fatty acids, the positional specificity was markedly dependent on the chain length of the fatty acid. The smaller the total number of carbon atoms, the lesser was the affinity for the 1-position. 4. 4. Positional distribution was also dependent on the structural characteristics of the fatty acids. The following is the order of the fatty acid classes arranged according to a decreasing affinity for the 1-position: straight-chain saturated > branched-chain saturated > trans -monounsaturated > cis -monounsaturated > cyclopropane > cis -diunsaturated.
Relief of Polarity in E. coli by “ suA ”

The “suppressor A” allele facilitates the survival of the untranslated mRNA immediately distal to nonsense codons in the tryptophan operon of E. coli. This may be associated with lack of an endonuclease which is thought to degrade the exposed mRNA.
Accuracy of men's recall of their partner's time to pregnancy.

Background: Occupational studies of fertility often rely on men's report of time to pregnancy (TTP). We assessed accuracy of men's report of TTP compared with TTP derived from data from their female partners. Methods: Men from the Dieckmann diethylstilbestrol cohort were interviewed to assess fertility. Men were asked TTP for their most recent pregnancies. Their female partner was subsequently interviewed separately; TTP derived from her data was used as the gold standard. Our analysis was based on 202 couples. Results: Men's report was identical to the women's-derived TTP in 32% of couples; 74% differed by no more than 2 cycles. Men tended to underestimate TTP (mean difference = -1.2 cycles). Weighted kappa was 0.5 overall and varied by the man's education, the number of pregnancies he had fathered, his stated confidence in reporting, his exposure to diethylstilbestrol, pregnancy planning, and whether he was still married to the index partner. Conclusions: Overall accuracy of men's report of TTP was reasonably good, particularly for men who had fathered only one pregnancy.
Reliable and efficient system-on-chip design

To increase processor performance, the microprocessor industry is scaling feature sizes into the deep submicron and sub-100-nanometer regime. The recent emergence of noise and the dramatic increase in process variations have raised serious questions about using nanometer process technologies to design reliable, low-power, high-performance computing systems. The design and electronic design automation communities must work closely with the process engineering community to address these problems. Specifically, researchers must explore the tradeoffs between reliability and energy efficiency at the device, circuit, architectural, algorithmic, and system levels.
Production of hydrocarbon compounds by endophytic fungi Gliocladium species grown on cellulose

Endophytic fungi belonging to the genus Gliocladium are able to degrade plant cellulose and synthesize complex hydrocarbons under microaerophilic conditions. These fungi could thus be used to produce biofuels from cellulosics without the need for hydrolytic pretreatments. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-solid-phase micro-extraction (GC-MS-SPME) of head space gases from Gliocladium cultures demonstrated the production of C(6)-C(19) hydrocarbons including hexane, benzene, heptane, 3,4-dimethyl hexane, 1-octene, m-xylene, 3-methyl nonane, dodecane, tridecane, hexadecane and nonadecane directly from the cellulosic biomass. Hydrocarbon production was 100-fold higher in co-cultures of Gliocladium and Escherichia coli than in pure Gliocladium cultures. The dry mycelia weight is stable at stationary period in co-culture condition which may lead to synthesize more hydrocarbons. These fungi could potentially be developed into cost-effective biocatalysts for production of biofuels.
The Presence of Lead in Toothpaste

Surface enamel was found to have a high lead content. It was conjectured that a source of this element might be the dentifrice and, thus, a number of commonly used dentifrices were analyzed for lead. Lead was detected in all the samples examined. In some brands, significant quantities of lead were detected in the toothpaste immediately adjacent to the container walls. In these samples, high concentrations of lead also were detected in toothpaste squeezed from almost-empty containers. These results suggest that containers are a source of lead in dentifrice.
Syn- andanti-phenylacetaldehyde oxime two novel testosterone-dependent mammalian metabolites

Domestic guinea pigs having high levels of circulating testosterone (i.e., males and castrate males receiving testosterone propionate injections) excrete in their urine equal amounts of both thesyn andanti isomers of phenylacetaldehyde oxime, while those guinea pigs having low testosterone titers (i.e., females, castrate males, and juveniles) excrete neither. These aldoximes were also detected in the urine of wild male guinea pigs. Radiolabeling studies in the domestic guinea pigs strongly suggest that these aldoximes are derived from phenylalanine. To our knowledge this is the first observation and isolation of phenylacetaldehyde oxime from a mammalian source. The significance of these components in phenylalanine metabolism as well as in guinea pig chemical communication is discussed.
Deficiency of ADAP/Fyb/SLAP-130 destabilizes SKAP55 in Jurkat T cells.

ADAP (adhesion and degranulation-promoting adaptor protein) and SKAP55 (Src kinase-associated phosphoprotein of 55 kDa) are T cell adaptors that mediate inside-out signaling from the T cell antigen receptor to integrins, giving rise to increased integrin affinity/avidity and formation of the immunological synapse between the T cell and the antigen-presenting cell. These two proteins are tightly and constitutively associated with one another, and their ability to interact is required for inside-out signaling. Here we show in an ADAP-deficient Jurkat T cell line that the co-dependence of ADAP and SKAP55 extends beyond their functional and physical interactions and show that SKAP55 protein is unstable in the absence of ADAP. Restoration of ADAP to the ADAP-deficient Jurkat T cell line restores SKAP55 expression by causing a 5-fold decrease in the rate of SKAP55 proteolysis. Inactivation of the Src homology 3 domain of SKAP55, which mediates the association between SKAP55 with ADAP, blocks the protective effect of ADAP. The half-life of SKAP55, in the absence of ADAP, is ~15–20 min, increasing to 90 min in the presence of ADAP. This is a remarkably rapid rate of turnover for a signaling protein and suggests the possibility that stimuli that signal for the stabilization of SKAP55 may play an important role in T cell adhesion and conjugate formation.
A meta-analysis of the relation between patient adult attachment style and the working alliance

This meta-analysis synthesizes research on the relation between patient adult attachment style and patient-rated working alliance. A random-effects model was used to calculate the mean weighted product-moment correlation (r) for 24 studies (12 published in peer-reviewed journals and 12 unpublished doctoral dissertations) of individual outpatient therapy with adults. The mean weighted r for attachment avoidance and alliance was -.137, p<.001, and the mean weighted r for attachment anxiety and alliance was -.121, p<.001. These findings suggest that therapists should attend to attachment in order to foster alliance and have additional implications for theory and future research.
The use of ion beam techniques in the analysis of catalysts

Abstract This paper describes the application of Rutherford backscattering in the analysis of copper chromite and bismuth molybdate catalysts. The performance of copper chromite catalysts in the production of fatty alcohols was found to be influenced by the presence of BaO in the catalysts as analyzed by RBS, PIXE and the O16(d, p)O17 nuclear reaction. In the case of bismuth molybdate, the thermal decomposition of the catalyst was studied by RBS and the nuclear reaction for oxygen. Samples annealed in oxygen or vacuum at temperatures of 400°C tended to decompose into a 2:1 compound which probably is more stable and responsible for the catalytic behavior.
Recurrent dermatomal vesicular skin lesions: a clue to diagnosis of herpes simplex virus 2 meningitis.

Wereport the first case, to our knowledge, of a patient with a history of recurrent zosteriform (dermatomal vesicular) skin eruptions and concurrent aseptic meningitis. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) DNA in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) proved that aseptic meningitis was caused by HSV-2.
Anti-folate resistance in leukemia: treatment with “high-dose” methotrexate and citrovorum factor

Folate antagonists have been a keystone of anti-leukemic therapy since 1948 when Farber (15) first reported the efficacy ofaminopterin therapyin acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) Since that time, aminopterin has been replaced by amethopterin (methotrexate) both as a single agent and in the combination chemotherapy of ALL. As therapy has become more effective, a greater number of children are surviving five or more years from the onset of their illness (48). With improved survival, a longer period exists during which relapses, both hematologic and otherwise, may occur. Each relapse necessitates re-induction and, sooner or later, agents or combinations of agents to which the tumor was initially sensitive are no longer effective in producing a remission. In such refractory patients new drugs or drug combinations are tried with the hope that a new treatment will be more effective. This approach is based on the notion that the tumor has developed "resistance" to a particular drug or drug combination. Resistance may be "absolute" and therefore render that agent (alone or in combintion) totally useless for that tumor, or it may be "relative" in that tumor resistance may be overcome by higher doses of the drug(s) in question (3). I t is with the latter type of resistance and a chemotherapy program designed to overcome it, that this paper is concerned.
Eco-labeling motorcoach operators in the North American travel tour industry: analyzing the role of tour operators

Tourist transportation is a major contributor of emissions and environmental pollutants. Eco-labels can encourage more sustainable tourism by informing consumers’ purchasing decisions, while utilizing market forces to initiate environmental responsibility among competing firms. The Green Coach Certification pilot eco-label program was introduced to the motorcoach industry in 2009 as part of a university research program. Although the literature addresses relationships between end-user consumers and eco-labels, little research has been published on mid-supply chain actors and tourism eco-labels. Tour operators are intermediaries between end-users and motorcoach operators and are important potential consumers of eco-labeled transportation services. To understand the role of tour companies as both consumers and providers of green services and eco-labeled products, a survey was administered to North American tour operators. Results demonstrate tour operator interest in a tourism transportation eco-label; howe...
Hyaline globules in renal cell carcinomas and oncocytomas

Hyaline globules (extracellular collections of amorphous material) are identified in 10 of 59 renal cell carcinomas (RCC) and in 2 of 9 oncocytomas. Immunohistochemical characterization of these PAS-positive structures revealed the presence of basement membrane material in most cases. Collagen type IV and laminin were the predominant constituents, whereas fibronectin was detected only occasionally. Electron microscopic examination of the globules showed concentric multilayered accumulations of basement membrane material. No such structures were recognized in 8 renal pelvic transitional cell carcinomas nor in 2 metanephric adenomas. RCC associated hyaline globules were always negative for alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), amyloid A, cytokeratin, vimentin, or lysozyme. These features differ from those of the hyaline globules previously described in other malignant neoplasms, notably AAT-positive hyaline globules in ovarian tumors, and AFP-positive globules in yolk sac tumors. Identification and immunohistochemical characterization of hyaline globules in metastases may be helpful in determining the origin of occult primary tumors.
The use of a behavior rehearsal procedure for teaching job-interviewing skills to psychiatric patients

Three formerly hospitalized but vocationally employable psychiatric patients received job interview training through a behavior rehearsal procedure. For each subject, job-interviewing skill components (such as providing positive information about background, asking questions, gesturing, expressing enthusiasm) were sequentially introduced in multiple baseline fashion. Upon the introduction of training, each component increased substantially. Pre- to post-training changes in interviews with actual personnel managers were also assessed which reflected improvement in two of the three subjects. Subsequent ratings by a second personnel manager provided confirmation and social validation of the procedure.
INTERPERSONAL PERCEPTION OF THE VALUES FREEDOM AND EQUALITY

-Investigation of the perceptions of 57 conservative and 57 liberal undergraduate students using the Rokeach Value Survey and the Interpersonal Perception Method was undertaken. The results indicated disagreement between conservatives and liberals about the relative positions of the values Freedom and Equality in a rank order. Furthermore, both groups understand and are aware of each other's position regarding the freedom value but are aware that they misunderstand each other's position on the equality value.
THE MODE OF REPRODUCTION IN TRANSITION: A Marxist-Feminist Analysis of the Effects of Reproductive Technologies

There is an abundant and growing feminist literature examining the implications of reproductive technologies that separate genetic, physiological, and social motherhood. The literature explains the development of these technologies in terms of the motivations of men (scientists, doctors, lawyers, “pharmacrats,”“technodocs,” etc.), stressing the victimization of women by the medical and legal institutions and the commodification of these technologies. This article examines these technologies from a Marxist-Feminist perspective, locating their sources in the overall development of the forces of production; that is, in structural changes irreducible to their microfoundations. In the process of changing the biological conditions of intergenerational social reproduction, these technologies have established the material basis for the structural separation between the mode of procreation (open to public scrutiny, medical intervention, and state supervision) and the mode of social and physical reproduction (which...
Dopamine D3 and D2 Receptor Mechanisms in the Abuse-Related Behavioral Effects of Cocaine: Studies with Preferential Antagonists in Squirrel Monkeys

Dopamine (DA) D3 and D2 receptor mechanisms are implicated in cocaine's abuse-related behavioral effects, but the relative contribution of the two receptor subtypes is only partially characterized. This study investigated the role of D3 and D2 subtype mechanisms by determining the degree to which the D3-preferring antagonist PG01037 [N-{4-[4-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)-piperazin- 1-yl]-trans-but-2-enyl}-4-pyridine-2-yl-benzamide HCl] and the D2-preferring antagonist L-741626 [3-[4-(4-chlorophenyl)-4- hydroxypiperidin-1-yl]methyl-1H-indole] attenuated several behavioral effects of cocaine in squirrel monkeys. Quantitative observational studies established doses of each antagonist that did not produce untoward effects, which were used in subsequent comparisons. In addition, the ability of the D3-preferring agonist PD128907 [(R-(+)-trans-3,4a,10b-tetrahydro-4-propyl-2H,5H-[1]benzopyrano[4,3-b]-1,4-oxazin-9-ol)] and the D2-preferring agonist sumanirole [(R)-5,6-dihydro-5-(methylamino)-4H- imidazo[4,5,1-ij]quinolin-2(1H)-one(Z)-2-butenedioate] to reproduce cocaine's discriminative stimulus (DS) and priming effects were compared. In monkeys trained to discriminate cocaine from vehicle, both DA antagonists attenuated and both DA agonists partially reproduced cocaine's DS effects. PG01037 also selectively attenuated the cocaine-like DS effects of PD128907, whereas L-741626 attenuated the cocaine-like DS effects of both agonists. In self-administration studies, L-741626 nonselectively reduced cocaine- and food-maintained responding, whereas PG01037 was ineffective against either reinforcer. In studies involving reinstatement of extinguished cocaine seeking, both antagonists attenuated cocaine-induced reinstatement of responding, and both agonists induced at least partial reinstatement of cocaine seeking. L-741626 also attenuated sumanirole-induced, but not PD128907-induced, reinstatement of responding, whereas PG01037 was ineffective against either DA agonist. The results are consistent with a role for D3 and D2 receptor mechanisms in cocaine's DS effects and cocaine-induced reinstatement of drug seeking, but provide no evidence for a major role of D3 receptors in the direct reinforcing effects of cocaine.
Fourier-transform spectroscopy using holographic imaging without computing and with stationary interferometers

Fourier-transform spectroscopy using holographic imaging without computing and with stationary interferometers
Motor projections to the basis pontis in rhesus monkey.

Motor corticopontine studies suggest that the pons is topographically organized, but details remain unresolved. We used physiological mapping in rhesus monkey to define subregions in precentral motor cortex (M1), injected isotope tracers into M1 and the supplementary motor area (SMA), and studied projections to the basis pontis. Labeled fibers descend in the internal capsule (SMA in anterior limb and genu; M1 in posterior limb) and traverse the midsection of the cerebral peduncle, where SMA fibers are medial, and face, arm, and leg fibers are progressively lateral. Each motor region has unique terminations in the ipsilateral basis pontis and nucleus reticularis tegmenti pontis. Projections are topographically organized, preferentially in the caudal half of the pons, situated in close proximity to traversing corticofugal fibers. In nuclei that receive multiple inputs, terminations appear to interdigitate. Projections from the SMA-face region are most medial and include the median pontine nucleus. M1-face projections are also medial but are lateral to those from SMA-face. Hand projections are in medially placed curved lamellae in mid- and caudal pons. Dorsal trunk projections are in medial and ventral locations. Ventral trunk/hip projections encircle the peduncle in the caudal pons. Foot projections are heaviest caudally in laterally placed, curved lamellae. These results have relevance for anatomical clinical correlations in the human basis pontis. Furthermore, the dichotomy of motor-predominant caudal pons projections to cerebellar anterior lobe, contrasted with associative-predominant rostral pons projections to cerebellar posterior lobe, is consistent with new hypotheses regarding the cerebellar contribution to motor activity and cognitive processing. J. Comp. Neurol. 478:248–268, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Morphologic studies on IUD-induced metrorrhagia I. Endometrial changes and clinical correlations

Morphologic studies on human hysterectomy specimens indicate the IUD elicits a vascular reaction which is most pronounced in the endometrium adjacent to the device. This reaction includes increased vascularity, congestion and increased permeability, and degeneration with defect formation. In addition, there is poor hemostatic responsiveness to vascular permeability and damage. The reaction leads to interstitial hemorrhage which undoubtedly causes metrorrhagia. A likely cause for initial vascular damage is mechanical stress transmitted by the IUD through the endometrium to its vascular network. Vascular reaction and poor hemostatic responsiveness may be perpetuated during each cycle by the products released from endothelial cell degeneration and necrosis. Bleeding is one of the most frequent complications leading to discontinuation of an otherwise effective form of long-term contraception and family spacing. Therefore, its solution could be of crucial importance to world-wide population control. Our findings suggest that better understanding of the mechanism of IUD-induced metrorrhagia should result from closer study of the endometrium adjacent to that which is compressed by the IUD.
Anomalous Acoustic Signals Recorded by the CERI Seismic Network

Previous studies have shown a variety of atmospheric disturbances ( e.g. , sonic booms, meteoroid falls, thunder, and explosions) can be detected by a seismograph if the acoustic pressure wave energy is sufficiently strong. Kanamori et al . (1991) and Cates and Sturtevant (2002) used the seismic network in southern California to study sonic booms generated by the space shuttle and aircraft. Ishihara et al . (2003) used seismic data from a dense seismographic array in the northeastern region of Honshu Island, Japan, to determine the trajectory of a meteoroid. Kappus and Vernon (1991) analyzed the acoustic signature of thunder from a seismic instrument located at Kislovodsk, USSR. Atmospheric shock waves generated by sonic booms, meteoroid falls, and explosions have been observed in the Center for Earthquake Research and Information (CERI) Cooperative Seismic Network (Johnston 1987; Langston 2004). On 28 January 2004 at 01:58 UTC, 11 short-period and nine broadband CERI network stations (figure 1) recorded high signal-to-noise ratio signals generated by an unknown source (figure 2). A preliminary analysis of the waveforms and slow velocity across the network suggested that these signals were not generated by an earthquake but by an acoustic source. CERI also received several calls from the public in southern Missouri reporting large booming noises around the time when the event was recorded by the CERI network (G. Patterson, personal communication, 2005). One of these reports was from a medical worker in a two-story building in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. She reported that everyone on the second floor felt a hard jarring shake and heard a loud explosion, but few felt it on the first floor. The seismic signals have durations of 30 to 70 s with distinct later arrivals. For example, see stations PARM and WADM shown on figure 2. Figure 1. Location map showing the 20 …
Circular sequential k-out-of-n congestion system

A circular sequential k-out-of-n congestion (CSknC) model is presented. This model finds use in reliable systems to prevent single-point failure, such as (k,n) secret key sharing systems. The model assumes that each of the n servers has a known congestion probability. These n servers are arranged in a circle, and are connected sequentially. A server is connected successfully if it is not congested. Previously connected servers are blocked from reconnecting. Congested servers have to be reconnected until k servers are connected successfully. We present the recursive, and marginal formulas for the probability of success, as well as the average number of connection attempts needed with k successfully connected servers. The optimal arrangement of servers is specified to minimize the average number of connection attempts. These formulas can be used to rearrange the servers adaptively when the initial congestion probabilities are not known. Compared to the circular CknG systems, the CSknC systems are shown to have a higher success probability, and require less connection attempts with k successfully connected servers.
On the direct programming of CNC milling equipment

Abstract This paper discusses the use of expert software which directly programs Computer Numerical Control (CNC) milling equipment from engineering style Computer-Aided-Design (CAD) drawings. Currently available software provides only semi-automatic programming based upon strict drawing format, user selected tools and user supplied tool path information. Direct Programming System (DPS) derives part feature, tool selection, and tool path from “loosely” specified CAD drawings without direct user control. Other CNC programming methods are error prone and are slow to produce accurate CNC programs. The new technology eliminates programming error and completes processing in seconds rather than hours or days, thus providing for a true Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) environment. DPS is in use on various 2D and 3D milling environments as well as on several types of small or personal computers and CAD systems. Additional systems and environments can be supported. DPS is designed to operate efficiently with AutoDesk, Inc.'s AutoCAD and Hewlett Packard 9000/320 ME-10 (HP-UX) based drawings. An additional implementation is running on SCO XENIX/386. This paper presents technology and productivity improvements for various classes of DPS systems available today. Examples of actual use, productivity improvements and product dependencies are discussed and illustrated.
Modeling of quantum effects in ultrasmall FD-SOI MOSFETs with effective potentials and three-dimensional Monte Carlo

In this work, the effective potential is employed to account for the quantum mechanical effects of charge setback and elevated ground-state energy in the inversion layer of fully depleted (FD) SOI MOSFETs. We use the effective potential along with a three-dimensional Poisson solver and a Monte Carlo transport kernel to illustrate these quantum mechanical effects on the output characteristics of the transistor. It is demonstrated that the inclusion of such effects has a significant influence on the threshold voltage, carrier energy, and drive current of the device.
Matrix metalloproteinase-2 plays a critical role in overload induced skeletal muscle hypertrophy.

Background: extracellular matrix (ECM) components are instrumental in maintaining homeostasis and muscle fiber functional integrity. Skeletal muscle hypertrophy is associated with ECM remodeling. Specifically, recent studies have reported the involvement of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in muscle ECM remodeling. However, the functional role of MMPs in muscle hypertrophy remains largely unknown. Methods: in this study, we examined the role of MMP-2 in skeletal muscle hypertrophy using a previously validated method where the plantaris muscle of mice were subjected to mechanical overload due to the surgical removal of synergist muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus). Results: following two weeks of overload, we observed a significant increase in MMP-2 activity and up-regulation of ECM components and remodeling enzymes in the plantaris muscles of wild-type mice. However, MMP-2 knockout mice developed significantly less hypertrophy and ECM remodeling in response to overload compared to their wild-type littermates. Investigation of protein synthesis rate and Akt/mTOR signaling revealed no difference between wild-type and MMP-2 knockout mice, suggesting that a difference in hypertrophy was independent of protein synthesis. Conclusion: taken together, our results suggest that MMP-2 is a key mediator of ECM remodeling in the setting of skeletal muscle hypertrophy.
Adding Na/K citrate to standard hydration reduced CIN in patients having coronary angiography

Source Citation Markota D, Markota I, Starcevic B, et al. Prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy with Na/K citrate. Eur Heart J. 2013;Jan 24. [Epub ahead of print.] 23349296
Time domain support operator method on unstructured grids

Nowadays, much effort on FDTD is to push the Yee grid onto a nonorthogonal, nonsmooth, and unstructured grid. Among the techniques used, the support operator method (SOM) is attractive because the discrete operators derived preserve the fundamental properties of their original continuum models (Hyman, J.M. and Shashkov, M., Comp. Math. Appl., vol.33, no.4, p.81-104, 1997; Appl. Num. Math., vol.25, p.413-42, 1997). In SOM, a discrete approximation is defined for a first order differential operator that satisfies the appropriate integral identity. This initial discrete operator, called the natural operator, then supports the construction of other discrete operators, using discrete formulations of the identities for differential operators. SOM has been applied to solve Maxwell-Heaviside equations in structured grids (Hyman and Shashkov, Los Alamos National Lab., Report LA-UR-98-1032; Proc. 4th Int. Conf. on Math. and Num. Aspects of Wave Propag., 1998). We extend it to all unstructured quadrilateral grids, and give the stability analysis of this method.
Lewis Acid/Lewis Base Effects in Corrosion and Polymer Adhesion at Aluminum Surfaces

Lewis acid/Lewis base (electron acceptor/electron donor) interactions are important in the breakdown of oxide films on aluminum by chloride ions and in the adhesion of organic polymers onto oxide-covered aluminum surfacesThis paper considers the pitting of aluminum by Cl - (a Lewis base) in terms of the acid-base nature of the oxide film. Topics addressed are the adsorption of Cl on oxide films on aluminum, the effect of pH on the pitting potential of aluminum, and the pitting potential of various pure metals or surface-modified aluminum. Lewis acid/Lewis base interactions are also important in the adhesion of polymers to oxide-covered metal surfaces, as shown by experimental adhesion tests. The adhesion strength of a basic polymer poly(methyl methacrylate) was greatest on the most acidic oxide films. The adhesion strength of an acidic polymer (a commercially available pressure-sensitive adhesive) was the greatest on the most basic oxide films.