cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A case-series—Peritoneal pockets and endometriosis: Rudimentary duplications of the Müllerian system*

Abstract A study of 4 adolescent and 50 adult females with pelvic peritoneal pockets who presented with pelvic pain or infertility is reviewed. Histologic evidence of endometriosis was demonstrated in 60% of 54 patients with peritoneal pockets in the pouch of Douglas, in 71% with posterior broad ligament pockets, and in 80% with combined lesions. Thirty-three percent (18/54) had coexisting congenital anomalies of the primary mullerian and/or metanephric systems. A broad surface of mullerian tissue may form on the genital ridge. Rotation and fusion of the primary mullerian ducts to form the fallopian tubes, uterus, and upper vagina may result in the incorporation of mullerian tissue into the pouch of Douglas and the broad ligaments. After birth, this secondary mullerian tissue is thought to atrophy leaving peritoneal pockets with mullerian remnants. The dormant remnants could then be stimulated by ovarian hormones at menarche causing pelvic pain and infertility.
Is it safe to perform laparoscopic ventral hernia repair with mesh in elderly patients

Background Ventral hernia is a common surgical condition occurring most often as a complication following abdominal surgery. Laparoscopic repair of a ventral hernia has been shown to be safe with low rates of complications, shortened length of stay, and low rates of early recurrence as compared to open surgery. Few studies have documented long-term outcomes of laparoscopic repair in elderly patients. The aim of this study is to report the long-term outcomes of laparoscopic ventral hernia repair with mesh in elderly patients.
Anticonvulsant Effects of Dihydropyridine Ca2+ Antagonists in Electrocortical Shock Seizures

The dihydropyridine calcium antagonists nimodipine (NMD), PN200-110, and nicardipine were compared with phenytoin (PHT) as potential anticonvulsants in electrocortical shock (ECS)-induced seizures in the white New Zealand rabbit. Before treatment, seizure duration ranged from 43.8 +/- 5.1 to 49.6 +/- 5.2 s with an ECS stimulus of 10-V, 100-Hz, 0.1-ms pulses for 5 s. Each drug was administered into the right internal intracarotid artery 2 min before the ECS. A cumulative nimodipine dose of 440 micrograms/kg decreased seizure discharge to 6.6 +/- 5.0 s (p less than 0.001), whereas a total dose of 1.0 mg/kg PN200-110 was required to achieve a similar effect. Nicardipine was ineffective. A cumulative dose of 7 mg/kg phenytoin was required to suppress seizure discharge. These results indicate that Ca2+ channels modulated by dihydropyridines play a facilitating role in ECS-induced seizures. We propose that the anticonvulsant effects of nimodipine and PN200-110 are due to inhibition of neuronal calcium L-channels. Dihydropyridine Ca2+ antagonists that penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and bind to neuronal tissue may emerge as a novel class of anticonvulsants.
Optical activity of selenium: A nearly first-principles calculation.

For optical activity, we have derived a band-theoretic formula and evaluated it within the self-energy-corrected local-density-approximation approach using a plane-wave basis. For optically uniaxial, trigonal selenium, we compute (i) \ensuremath{\rho}, the optical rotatory power for propagation along the optic axis, (ii) ${\mathit{g}}_{11}$, a gyration tensor component, (iii) ${\mathit{d}}_{11}$ for second-harmonic generation, and (iv) ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\varepsilon}}}_{\mathit{e}}$ and ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\varepsilon}}}_{\mathit{o}}$, the two dielectric constants. These comprehensive results are the first reported in the literature for any crystal, and they agree with some, but not all, available measurements which are often not consistent with each other.
Calibration of 3-axis Magnetometers

Abstract Calibration of all 3 axes of a 3D magnetometer in cases where the true field strength is unknown involves an elaborate test set-up and rotation of the unit about all three axes so as to cover a sphere/ellipsoid. This paper presents an alternate method for calibrating all three axis of a magnetometer, i.e. estimating bias and scale factors for all axes, using a simpler 2 step procedure. The proposed technique exploits the relation between the body axis rates and the Euler angles to define a limited rotation and an associated optimization problem to determine the calibration parameters.
Assessing ethanol's actions in the suprachiasmatic circadian clock using in vivo and in vitro approaches

Research over the past decade has demonstrated substantial interactions between the circadian system and the processes through which alcohol affects behavior and physiology. Here we summarize the results of our collaborative efforts focused on this intersection. Using a combination of in vivo and in vitro approaches, we have shown that ethanol affects many aspects of the mammalian circadian system, both acutely as well as after chronic administration. Conversely, we have shown circadian influences on ethanol consumption. Importantly, we are beginning to delve into the cellular mechanisms associated with these effects. We are also starting to form a picture of the neuroanatomical bases for many of these actions. Finally, we put our current findings into perspective by suggesting new avenues of inquiry for our future efforts.
Let me check that for you: Symptom accommodation in romantic partners of adults with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is typically considered from the perspective of the individual, yet symptoms often occur within an interpersonal context. Family members often engage in accommodation, assisting patients with rituals in order to alleviate anxiety, prevent conflict, or "help out" with time-consuming compulsive behaviors. Prior research has primarily examined accommodation in parents of children with OCD or in adult caregiver relationships, where caregivers can include various family members (e.g., parents, romantic partners). The current study examined accommodation behaviors in romantic partners of adults with OCD. As part of a treatment study, 20 couples were assessed for accommodation behaviors, OCD symptoms, and relationship functioning before and after 16-sessions of cognitive-behavioral treatment. Accommodation was associated with the patient's OCD symptoms at pre-treatment, and negatively associated with the partners', but not the patients', self-reported relationship satisfaction. Post-treatment partner accommodation was also associated with poorer response to treatment. The implications of these findings are discussed within an interpersonal framework, and the benefits of including partners in the treatment of OCD are described.
Dependence on PI3K/Akt signaling for malignant rhabdoid tumor cell survival

Purpose Malignant rhabdoid tumors (MRT), although rare, are one of the most aggressive pediatric malignancies. Loss of INI1, a tumor suppressor gene and member of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex, is a recurrent genetic characteristic of these tumors and an important diagnostic marker. We have previously demonstrated a novel interaction between the serine/threonine kinase Akt and INI1, as well as other SWI/SNF subunits. This, coupled with experiments in the literature suggesting that the PI3K/Akt pathway is dysregulated in MRT cells, caused us to investigate the activation and importance of this pathway in this tumor type.
MAGNETOELASTIC ANOMALY IN GADOLINIUM.

Magnetoelastic energy considerations are used to explain the occurrence of anomalous dips in the velocity of sound in gadolinium below ${T}_{c}$. A molecular-field treatment gives reasonable quantitative agreement with the elastic-constant experiments of Long, Wazzan, and Stern and the magnetization curve as determined from neutron diffraction.
Ultrasonographically guided peripheral intravenous cannulation in emergency department patients with difficult intravenous access: a randomized trial.

Study objective We seek to compare ultrasonographically guided peripheral intravenous access to a non–ultrasonographically guided method in a randomized trial of emergency department patients with difficult intravenous access. Methods A prospective cohort of patients with difficult intravenous access was established. Patients were randomized to 2 groups: (1) intravenous access obtained through an ultrasonographically guided technique or (2) intravenous access obtained through non–ultrasonographically guided methods. Outcomes measured were number of attempts after enrollment, time to cannulation from enrollment, and patient satisfaction. Groups were compared with nonparametric analysis. Results Fifty-nine patients were randomized. Twenty-eight patients were randomized to the ultrasonography group and 31 to the no ultrasonography group. A median of 2 further intravenous attempts was required in each group before successful cannulation, corresponding to a difference of 0 attempts (95% confidence interval [CI] 0 to 1 attempts). Time to cannulation showed a median of 39 minutes in the ultrasonography group compared with 26 minutes for the no ultrasonography group, giving a median increase of 13 minutes for the ultrasonographically guided group (95% CI –5 to 28 minutes). Patients in the ultrasonography group had a median Likert satisfaction score of 8 compared with 7 for the no ultrasonography group, giving a median increase of 1 on this scale in the ultrasonography group (95% CI 0 to 2). Conclusion Ultrasonographically guided peripheral intravenous cannulation did not decrease the number of attempts or the time to successful catheterization, nor did it improve patient satisfaction compared with the group that did not use ultrasonography. Superiority of ultrasonographically guided peripheral intravenous cannulation is not supported by this study.
Reconstruction of the nonequilibrium spin glass order parameter in relaxor ferroelectric lead magnesium niobate

Abstract We performed a reconstruction for the order parameter of nonequilibrium spin glass state of PbMg 1/3 Nb 2/3 O 3 based on the dielectric response theory in relaxor ferroelectrics, which takes into account the competition between local glass like freezing and the critical slowing down of the dynamics in highly polarizable materials. The resultant values for the degree of local freezing rather small even at temperatures where the field-cooled permittivity exceeds the frequency dependent permittivity by an order of magnitude. This observation indicates the significant role of the critical slowing down (accompanied the glass freezing) in the system dynamics.
Recognition Memory and Modality Judgments: A Comparison of Retrieval Dynamics

Abstract The response–signal method was used to compare speed–accuracy trade-off retrieval curves in the recognition-memory and modality-judgment tasks. In both tasks, words were studied either auditorily or visually, and were tested visually. Recognition accuracy for auditorily and visually studied words rose above chance at about the same point in the retrieval episode, and modality-judgment accuracy rose above chance significantly later. In two experiments, words were studied either one or three times in the same modality. Repetition shortened the minimal retrieval time for the modality-judgment task and slowed the rate of approach to asymptote. Neither effect was seen in retrieval curves for recognition. A two-process model is proposed which assumes that recognition is based on global familiarity, while modality judgments are mediated by the sequential recall of individual traces.
Targeting CD133 antigen in cancer.

Background: Much attention has been focused on CD133 as a marker of cancer cells with stem-cell-like ability. In the cancer stem cells (CSCs) model, only a small proportion of tumour cells are able to self-renew extensively, while the bulk of cells proceed to differentiate into committed heterogeneous clones. On the basis of the involvement of CSCs in tumourigenesis and treatment resistance, it is conceivable that only eradication of CSCs can lead to a cancer cure. Objective: To highlight the most recent evidence about the role of CD133 as a marker of CSCs in human tumours, and the therapeutic perspectives associated with its specific targeting. Methods: A literature search through Medline to locate published full articles using the following key words for selection: ‘CD133 and cancer targeting’, ‘CD133 and chemo resistance’, and ‘CD133 and molecular pathways’. Only studies in English are considered. Results/Conclusions: The role of CD133 as a marker of CSCs has been documented in several human neoplasms;...
Anteroventral third ventricle periventricular tissue contributes to cardiac baroreflex responses.

SUMMARY 1. The studies reviewed in the present paper demonstrate that the anteroventral third ventricle (AV3V) region contains tissue that can modify cardiac baroreflex sensitivity in response to circulating angiotensin (Ang)II and hyperosmolality. 2. The response to hyperosmolality appears to be mediated by noradrenergic receptors. Although the role of noradrenergic receptors in the AV3V region in modification of baroreflex-induced responses to AngII has not been directly tested, this neurotransmitter is a good candidate for control of heart rate because noradrenaline in the AV3V region is critical for mediating other responses to AngII. 3. Results from studies indicate that the AV3V region is part of a central nervous system circuit involved in modulation of cardiac baroreflex sensitivity by circulating substances, possibly acting at the organum vasculosum lamina terminalis. 4. The findings extend the role of the AV3V periventricular tissue as a central site integrating autonomic nervous system function by demonstrating that this brain area contributes to cardiac function, in addition to its well-characterized role in sympathetic nervous system regulation of blood pressure and mechanisms of fluid and electrolyte regulation.
Zonal Temperature-Anomaly Maps of Indian Ocean Surface Waters: Modern and Ice-Age Patterns

Maps of sea surface temperature anomalies in the Indian Ocean in modern and ice-age times reveal striking changes in its surface circulation. During the last glacial maximum (18,000 years before the present), the Indian Ocean had colder average zonal surface temperatures, a cooler and less extensive Agulhas Current, a distinct eastern boundary current, and decreased upwelling and a weaker southwest monsoon in its northwestern region.
Non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and coronary artery calcium progression in a multiethnic US population.

Non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDLc) is an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease risk, with elevated levels signifying an increased risk beyond low-density lipoprotein. Previous data have shown inconsistent association of lipid subfractions with progression of coronary artery calcium (CAC), a surrogate marker of incident cardiovascular disease. We sought to evaluate the association between non-HDLc and development (incident) and progression of CAC in a cohort of multiethnic asymptomatic subjects. The cohort (n = 5,705) was derived from the limited access data set of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis obtained from the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to derive the association between non-HDLc and incident CAC (n = 2,927) and non-HDLc and progression of CAC (n = 2,778). In the population without CAC at baseline, non-HDLc, especially >190 mg/dl, was independently associated with incident CAC (relative risk 1.40, 95% confidence interval 1.09 to 1.79, p = 0.008) after adjustments with age, gender, race, systolic blood pressure, antihypertension medication use, smoking, diabetes, lipid-lowering therapy use, follow-up duration, and waist-hip ratio. Similarly, among those with CAC at baseline, non-HDLc levels >190 mg/dl were associated with significant CAC progression in the overall population (β 16.4, 95% confidence interval −5.63 to 27.2, p = 0.003) after adjustments. In conclusion, non-HDLc levels, especially >190 mg/dl, are consistently associated with increased risk of CAC progression. Our results suggest that among lipid fractions, non-HDLc may be best suited for the prediction of future CAC progression.
Explicitly Correlated Coupled Cluster Calculations for Molecules Containing Group 11 (Cu, Ag, Au) and 12 (Zn, Cd, Hg) Elements: Optimized Complementary Auxiliary Basis Sets for Valence and Core–Valence Basis Sets

Compact auxiliary basis sets matched to the standard aug-cc-pVnZ-PP and aug-cc-pwCVnZ-PP orbital basis sets have been developed for the coinage metals (Cu, Ag, Au) and group 12 elements (Zn, Cd, Hg) for use in the resolution of the identity (RI) approximation in explicitly correlated F12 calculations. The CCSD(T)-F12b method has been utilized with these auxiliary basis sets to carry out molecular benchmark calculations on homonuclear coinage metal diatomics (Cu2, Ag2, Au2), as well as mono- (CuF, AgF, AuF) and difluorides (CuF2, AgF2, AuF2). The resulting equilibrium geometries, harmonic vibrational frequencies, and atomization energies demonstrate that CCSD(T)-F12b calculations using double-ζ-quality basis sets produce results comparable in accuracy to conventional CCSD(T) quadruple-ζ calculations, while F12b with triple-ζ-quality sets yields results close to 5-ζ, which is near the conventional complete basis set (CBS) limit estimates. Analogous trends are observed for the group 12 monofluorides (ZnF, Cd...
Generation and validation of canine single chain variable fragment phage display libraries

Single chain variable region fragments (scFvs) are composed of an immunoglobulin (Ig) variable heavy (VH) and variable light (VL) chain joined by a flexible serine-glycine linker. They represent the smallest antibody fragments that maintain antigen specificity and they hold significant potential for therapeutic antigen targeting in vivo. Here we report on the design and validation of a series of degenerate primers that amplify the recombined variable regions of canine Ig heavy and light chain genes from lymphocyte cDNA. We show that these VH and VL amplicons can be randomly combined by a flexible linker using splicing by overlap extension PCR to form scFv constructs that can be expressed on the surface of M13 bacteriophage. To demonstrate that scFvs with specificity for previously encountered antigens are contained within these scFv phage display libraries we used simple panning procedures to isolate canine parvovirus (CPV) specific scFvs from a library made from the splenocytes of a dog immunized against CPV. These studies reveal the feasibility of this approach for generating diverse canine scFv libraries and pave the way toward future studies to isolate canine antigen-specific scFv of interest that may be tested as targeting agents for the treatment of infectious, inflammatory and neoplastic diseases in the dog.
Challenges to traditional concepts of sovereignty

There are many forces abroad in the world that challenge established models and practices of state sovereignty. These include globalization and internalization, the emergence of new polities such as the European Union, the reconfiguration of world trade into gigantic trading blocs, the rise of the communications global village, destatism and privatization, regionalism, the merger mania among megacorporations, global environmental problems, and so forth. In addition, there are countries that exist but do not function, and those that function and, strictly speaking, do not exist. What context awaits future public servants as they prepare to make their greatest post-graduation impact around eight years from acquiring their degree? This article examines trends and looks at the coming context of public service. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proving a Negative: Rousseau and Madison’s Fear of Factionalism as Interpreted by Berlin’s Two Concepts of Liberty

Often, the discussion that is first and foremost in the classical liberal tradition is the tension between the protection of the individual from the state and the protection of the state from individualism. Given this tension, this paper examines both Rousseau’s and Madison’s fear of factionalism as a potentially destructive social force and seeks to demonstrate that although both Rousseau and Madison come, seemingly, to the same conclusion on factionalism, each starts from a different concept of liberty and ultimately diverge on why factionalism is destructive. This divergence can be explicated in light of Isaiah Berlin’s concept of negative and positive liberty and the ultimate goal of state formation in both the American and French traditions. This early protection from factionalism has led to very different democracies that endeavor to protect and promote different conceptions of the intended ends of society. In the modern political landscape each have ultimately encountered their own set of endemic problems from populist and radically self-interested forces. The idea that the United States was founded on a strong affirmation of negative liberty has often been discussed by authors such as Charles Taylor (1991), David Abraham (1996), and Micheal Walzer (1998). As will be discussed further, in The Federalist Papers 10, Madison outlines the fear that social forces left unchecked, can lead to a form of factionalism with the potential to subvert property rights and to impose religious ideology on the citizens of the United States. The Federalist Papers 10 thus advocates for a republican form of government to “cool the passions” of those who would infringe upon the rights of the individual. Republicanism, for Madison, creates a buffer between those who in a direct democracy may make poor decisions, and the educated elite who understand the true interests of the citizen and the nation. On the other end of the spectrum Rousseau who also fears factionalism, advocates for a direct democracy that would lead to the discernment of the general will of the people and thus the true good that would be in the interest of the society as a whole. This advocacy of what is good for society based on some notion of reason that is not just instrumental, leads to a collectivism that is best defined as positive liberty. Rousseau’s fear of factions is based on a refutation of egoist self-interest while Madison’s protests rest on a fear of collectivist social forces. Both authors come to the same conclusion on creating a buffer or an impediment in democratic societies that would prevent the individualizing or communalizing forces of society from changing the basic structure each author prescribes. Far from being decided, this debate between self-interest, factionalism, negative and positive liberty, the social good and the individual still lingers on across the world.
3D MRI of non-Gaussian 3He gas diffusion in the rat lung

Abstract In 3 He magnetic resonance images of pulmonary air spaces, the confining architecture of the parenchymal tissue results in a non-Gaussian distribution of signal phase that non-exponentially attenuates image intensity as diffusion weighting is increased. Here, two approaches previously used for the analysis of non-Gaussian effects in the lung are compared and related using diffusion-weighted 3 He MR images of mechanically ventilated rats. One approach is model-based and was presented by Yablonskiy et al., while the other approach utilizes the second order decay contribution that is predicted from the cumulant expansion theorem. Total lung coverage is achieved using a hybrid 3D pulse sequence that combines conventional phase encoding with sparse radial sampling for efficient gas usage. This enables the acquisition of nine 3D images using a total of only ∼1 L of hyperpolarized 3 He gas. Diffusion weighting ranges from 0 s/cm 2 to 40 s/cm 2 . Results show that the non-Gaussian effects of 3 He gas diffusion in healthy rat lungs are directly attributed to the anisotropic geometry of lung microstructure as predicted by the Yablonskiy model, and that quantitative analysis over the entire lung can be reliably repeated in time-course studies of the same animal.
Thinking strategically about ASEM: The subsidiarity question

Abstract Aficionados of arcane European Union politics will know the importance of the term ‘subsidiarity’, for it relates to perhaps the most fundamental question facing any federal enterprise. Subsidiarity is supposed to be simple ‐ the notion that issues should be handled at the most effective level of authority ‐ but the devil is in the debate about what is ‘most effective’. The notion of subsidiarity, in all its complexity, is in fact most appropriate for those considering the shape of the agenda for the next Asia‐Europe Meeting (ASEM) in London in 1998. With the proliferation of meetings and organizations devoted to the next ASEM agenda, the time has come to pose and begin to answer the subsidiarity question. That question for ASEM would ask, ‘what is best done at the ASEM level’, as opposed to at a global, other regional, national, or even corporate, local or individual level? If officials and analysts feel that such a question is too tough for the ASEM process, perhaps they would be happier with a...
Staggered oxide C 4 D structure with clocked source repeater

CCDs show promise for high density serial storage. A novel 2-phase C4D shift register is described in which the charge storage barrier is produced by a staggered oxide structure
A Curriculum Format to Meet the AICPA 150-Hour Requirement

Abstract In February 1988, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) reported the results of a vote that is bound to reignite the controversy over 150-hour (5-year) programs. An overwhelming majority of the AICPA members voted that persons applying for membership after the year 2000 must have completed 150 hours of education (73% of the members voted; 83% voted in favor of the requirement). The vote is significant in that the institute has now essentially mandated a national postbaccalaureate education. Legislatures have responded to the AICPA's call by enacting or introducing legislation to enact the 150-hour requirement in 29 states. The first graduates affected by this change will be entering higher education within 4 years. Hence, it is imperative that alternative methods of implementing the new requirements be explored now. This article presents an innovative educational program that helps alleviate three of the major criticisms of 150-hour programs. Specifically, the proposed al...
The search for asterisks: Compromised statistical tests and flawed theories

This paper discusses repeated tests and the resultant reporting of statistical significance when it is actually not present. These errors interact with professional norms such as biases against both replication studies and ‘non-results’ to undermine the efficacy of our base of empirically tested theory. This raises serious issues for the future of strategic management research. Suggestions are made for dealing with these issues substantively and in terms of professional norms. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spatial-anisotropy and polarized-atomic-fluorescence measurements following molecular photodissociation

A study has been made of the photodissociation of the molecules NaI, TlI, Hg${\mathrm{Br}}_{2}$, and Pb${\mathrm{Br}}_{2}$ by polarized 193-nm ArF laser light. A significant degree of polarized fluorescence was measured from excited photoproducts Tl and HgBr. No polarization was observed in the Na and Pb fluorescence, while the Hg polarization was small. For Tl the spatial anisotropy of the dissociated atoms was also measured by atomic absorption, yielding an asymmetry parameter value of $\ensuremath{\beta}=1.2$. The best current explanation for the polarized Hg and Tl emission is that fine-structure and hyperfine-structure magnetic substates, respectively, are preferentially populated by the dissociation process.
Severe radiation therapy-related soft tissue toxicity in a patient with porphyria cutanea tarda: a literature review.

Background Some porphyrias are associated with cutaneous phototoxicity due to photoactivation of porphyrins, but whether ionizing radiation can have an additive effect is not clear. We report a case of severe radiation therapy-related toxicity in a patient with porphyria cutanea tarda and review the literature.
First Report of Black Swallow-Wort as an Alternate Host of the Two-Needle Pine Stem Rust Pathogen, Cronartium flaccidum, in France.

Stem rust disease, caused by Cronartium flaccidum (Alb. & Schwein.) G. Winter, is among the most destructive diseases of the two-needle hard pine in the Northern Hemisphere, including Scots pine but also several Mediterranean pines in southern Europe (2,3). This heteroecious rust has numerous alternate herbaceous hosts spanning different plant families, thereby contributing to epidemic outbreaks when environmental conditions for infection are optimal (2,3). The main alternate host in Europe is the white swallow-wort, Vincetoxicum hirundinaria Medik, a herbaceous perennial in the milkweed family (Asclepiadaceae). At the southwestern edge of its distribution, V. hirundinaria co-occurs with the black swallow-wort, V. nigrum (L.) Moench and cases of misidentification between the two species are not uncommon. Little to no disease occurs to V. nigrum likely because phenanthroindolizidine alkaloid antimicrobial compounds are produced in the weed. In 1918, occurrence of C. flaccidum was reported in Spain and Port...
On static and dynamic partitioning behavior of large-scale P2P networks

In this paper, we analyze the problem of network disconnection in the context of large-scale P2P networks and understand how both static and dynamic patterns of node failure affect the resilience of such graphs. We start by applying classical results from random graph theory to show that a large variety of deterministic and random P2P graphs almost surely (i.e., with probability 1-o(1)) remain connected under random failure if and only if they have no isolated nodes. This simple, yet powerful, result subsequently allows us to derive in closed-form the probability that a P2P network develops isolated nodes, and therefore partitions, under both types of node failure. We finish the paper by demonstrating that our models match simulations very well and that dynamic P2P systems are extremely resilient under node churn as long as the neighbor replacement delay is much smaller than the average user lifetime.
REDUCING SELF‐INJURY AND CORRESPONDING SELF‐RESTRAINT THROUGH THE STRATEGIC USE OF PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

We examined the use of protective clothing to reduce a retarded male's face-punching and leg-kicking and two corresponding forms of self-restraint--arm and leg self-restraint. The resident was observed each day in three sessions of randomly ordered conditions (one condition per session): without any protective clothing, with a padded helmet, and with a padded helmet and padded slippers. Use of the padded helmet substantially reduced face-punching and arm self-restraint. The addition of padded slippers reduced leg-kicking and leg self-restraint. These results suggest a practical and effective means of controlling self-injury and self-restraint. They are also consistent with the possibility that the resident's arm restraint was maintained in part by escape or avoidance of face-punching and that his leg restraint was maintained in part by escape or avoidance of leg-kicking.
Sarcomere alignment is regulated by myocyte shape

Cardiac organogenesis and pathogenesis are both characterized by changes in myocyte shape, cytoskeletal architecture, and the extracellular matrix (ECM). However, the mechanisms by which the ECM influences myocyte shape and myofibrillar patterning are unknown. We hypothesized that geometric cues in the ECM align sarcomeres by directing the actin network orientation. To test our hypothesis, we cultured neonatal rat ventricular myocytes on islands of micro-patterned ECM to measure how they remodeled their cytoskeleton in response to extracellular cues. Myocytes spread and assumed the shape of circular and rectangular islands and reorganized their cytoskeletons and myofibrillar arrays with respect to the ECM boundary conditions. Circular myocytes did not assemble predictable actin networks nor organized sarcomere arrays. In contrast, myocytes cultured on rectangular ECM patterns with aspect ratios ranging from 1:1 to 7:1 aligned their sarcomeres in predictable and repeatable patterns based on highly localized focal adhesion complexes. Examination of averaged alpha-actinin images revealed invariant sarcomeric registration irrespective of myocyte aspect ratio. Since the sarcomere sub-units possess a fixed length, this observation indicates that cytoskeleton configuration is length-limited by the extracellular boundary conditions. These results indicate that modification of the extracellular microenvironment induces dynamic reconfiguring of the myocyte shape and intracellular architecture. Furthermore, geometric boundaries such as corners induce localized myofibrillar anisotropy that becomes global as the myocyte aspect ratio increases.
Differential Life History Trait Associations of Aphids with Nonpersistent Viruses in Cucurbits

The diversity of vectors and fleeting nature of virus acquisition and transmission renders nonpersistent viruses a challenge to manage. We assessed the importance of noncolonizing versus colonizing vectors with a 2-yr survey of aphids and nonpersistent viruses on commercial pumpkin farms. We quantified aphid alightment using pan traps, while testing leaf samples with multiplex RT-PCR targeting cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV), watermelon mosaic virus (WMV), and papaya ringspot virus (PRSV). Overall, we identified 53 aphid species (3,899 individuals), from which the melon aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover, a pumpkin-colonizing species, predominated (76 and 37% of samples in 2010 and 2011, respectively). CMV and ZYMV were not detected, but WMV and PRSV were prevalent, both regionally (WMV: 28/29 fields, PRSV: 21/29 fields) and within fields (infection rates = 69 and 55% for WMV in 2010 and 2011; 28 and 25% for PRSV in 2010 and 2011). However, early-season samples showed extremely low infection levels, suggesting cucurbit viruses are not seed-transmitted and implicating aphid activity as a causal factor driving virus spread. Interestingly, neither noncolonizer and colonizer alightment nor total aphid alightment were good predictors of virus presence, but community analyses revealed species-specific relationships. For example, cowpea aphid (Aphis craccivora Koch) and spotted alfalfa aphid (Therioaphis trifolii Monell f. maculata) were associated with PRSV infection, whereas the oleander aphid (Aphis nerii Bover de Fonscolombe) was associated with WMV spread within fields. These outcomes highlight the need for tailored management plans targeting key vectors of nonpersistent viruses in agricultural systems.
A Case for a Knowledge-Based Active Set Strategy

A strategy for selecting active constraints in a design optimization program is proposed. The strategy differs from previous ones in that it suggests a combination of local and global knowledge. This knowledge may be analytical in nature, such as the one provided by monotonicity analysis. But it may also be provided by an expert. The strategy is proposed as a first attempt toward development of knowledge-based iteration procedures for optimization.
Liveness-enforcing supervision for resource allocation systems with uncontrollable behavior and forbidden states

Although liveness enforcing supervision (LES) of sequential resource allocation systems (RAS) is currently a well-established problem in the Discrete Event System literature, all prior work on it has addressed the underlying LES synthesis problem under the assumption that the system behavior is totally controllable. The work presented in this paper seeks to develop correct and scaleable LES for RAS that present uncontrollability with respect to: 1) the timing of some requested resource allocations, i.e., these allocations will take place as long as the requested resources are available and/or 2) the routing of certain job instances that, after some processing stages, might request special treatment or rework. In addition, the last part of the paper addresses the accommodation in the original LES synthesis problem of externally imposed logical constraints, that constitute "forbidden state" specifications and possess a linear characterization with respect to the system resource allocation state. All problems are addressed in the context of Conjunctive/Disjunctive (CD)-RAS, that constitutes one of the broadest RAS classes. investigated in the literature, allowing for arbitrarily structured resource allocations associated with the various process stages, and process routing flexibility.
Top-Charm Associated Production in High Energy e + e − Collisions ∗

The possibility of exploring the flavor changing neutral current $tcZ/tc\ensuremath{\gamma}$ couplings in the production vertex for the reaction ${e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}t\overline{c}+\overline{t}c$ is examined. Using a model independent parametrization for the effective Lagrangian to describe the most general three-point interactions, production cross sections are found to be relatively small at CERN LEP II, but potentially sizable at higher energy ${e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ colliders. The kinematic characteristics of the signal are studied and a set of cuts are devised for clean separation of the signal from background. The resulting sensitivity to anomalous flavor changing coupling at LEP II with an integrated luminosity of $4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}500{\mathrm{pb}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ is found to be comparable to their present indirect constraints from loop processes, while at higher energy colliders with 0.5\char21{}1 TeV center-of-mass energy and 50\char21{}200 ${\mathrm{fb}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ luminosity, one expects to reach a sensitivity at or below the percentage level.
Dimorphisms in the Membrane-Spanning Domain of EPCR Impact Systemic Coagulation

The role of vascular coagulation receptors, particularly modest changes in the levels of these proteins in terms of controlling downstream coagulation factor activation, remains largely unknown. The study reported by Ireland and colleagues in this issue of Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology 1 demonstrates that a moderately common dimorphism in the endothelial cell protein C receptor (EPCR) influences the levels of markers of ongoing coagulation (Figure). Several of the key components, thrombomodulin and the EPCR, are subject to downregulation by inflammatory mediators that could play a role potentially in local thrombotic events. EPCR is an important regulatory factor in that it binds protein C and activated protein C,2 augments protein C activation by the thrombin-thrombomodulin complex,3 facilitates activated protein C cytoprotective activity,4 binds factor VII and VIIa,5–6 and leads to the internalization and degradation of both factor VII and protein C.7 In addition, the EPCR gene has a relatively common dimorphism in which there is a Ser to …
Aperture feed for a spherical reflector

The problem of designing a feed system for illuminating a spherical reflector is examined. A method is proposed for specifying the required field distribution over the aperture of the feed system, and the primary illumination and gain resulting from this distribution are derived. The results indicate that a significantly smaller feed aperture can be employed than would be indicated by conventional ray tracing methods. Specific numerical results are obtained by taking the Arecibo antenna as an example, for which a calculated aperture efficiency of 67.5 percent is possible with approximately a 38-foot-diameter aperture feed.
Recursive weighted median filters admitting negative weights and their optimization

A recursive weighted median (RWM) filter structure admitting negative weights is introduced. Much like the sample median is analogous to the sample mean, the proposed class of RWM filters is analogous to the class of infinite impulse response (IIR) linear filters. RWM filters provide advantages over linear IIR filters, offering near perfect "stopband" characteristics and robustness against noise. Unlike linear IIR filters, RWM filters are always stable under the bounded-input bounded-output criterion, regardless of the values taken by the feedback filter weights. RWM filters also offer a number of advantages over their nonrecursive counterparts, including a significant reduction in computational complexity, increased robustness to noise, and the ability to model "resonant" or vibratory behavior. A novel "recursive decoupling" adaptive optimization algorithm for the design of this class of recursive WM filters is also introduced. Several properties of RWM filters are presented, and a number of simulations are included to illustrate the advantages of RWM filters over their nonrecursive counterparts and IIR linear filters.
Endoscopic sinus surgery for mucoceles: a viable alternative.

This paper presents our preliminary experience with 18 mucoceles in which endoscopic sinus surgery was attempted. Five patients had preoperative proptosis and diplopia, three had Pott's puffy tumor and five had erosion of the posterior table of the frontal sinus
Eye movements and visual memory: Detecting changes to saccade targets in scenes

Saccade-contingent change detection provides a powerful tool for investigating scene representation and scene memory. In the present study, critical objects presented within color images of naturalistic scenes were changed during a saccade toward or away from the target. During the saccade, the critical object was changed to another object type, to a visually different token of the same object type, or was deleted from the scene. There were three main results. First, the deletion of a saccade target was special: Detection performance for saccade target deletions was very good, and this level of performance did not decline with the amplitude of the saccade. In contrast, detection of type and token changes at the saccade target, and of all changes including deletions at a location that had just been fixated but was not the saccade target, decreased as the amplitude of the saccade increased. Second, detection performance for type and token changes, both when the changing object was the target of the saccade and when the object had just been fixated but was not the saccade target, was well above chance. Third, mean gaze durations were reliably elevated for those trials in which the change was not overtly detected.
Electrical contacts of metals to carbon-nanotubes for applications to electrical coupling between miniaturized moving parts and sensors

Aligned carbon nanotubes were grown on electrodes by means of thermal chemical vapor deposition in mixtures of argon and acetylene using iron catalyst. These flexible, strong, and electrically conductive carbon nanotubes were used to couple electrical current between movable electrodes. Electrical contact resistance as a function of current loading, contact orientation, and distance between counter electrodes was measured. Methods of fabricating the carbon nanotube coated electrodes and potential applications to electrical coupling for moving parts in micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), position sensitive sensors, and pressure sensors are discussed.
“Objective” Methods and “Subjective” Experiences

Current psychiatric research and practice emphasize measurement of operationalized variables, quantification, and rigorous hypothesis testing. The fact that mental states can be subjectively experienced and that thoughts can refer to things and events outside the mind suggests that such objectifying methods alone may not provide a complete approach to mental life. Other complementary but systematic methods can be described which stress that (1) words are often natural expressions, not labels, of experiences; (2) usefulness, not agreement with observation, can sometimes validate psychological expressions; (3) some data can only be gathered by interactive involvement, not dispassionate observation; (4) a goal of inquiry can be interpretatio n, not hypothesis testing; and (5) understanding may require a holistic approach which expands rather than constricts the realm of relevant data.
Mathematical Explanation in Biology

Biology has proved to be a rich source of examples in which mathematics plays a role in explaining some physical phenomena. In this paper, two examples from evolutionary biology, one involving periodical cicadas and one involving bee honeycomb, are examined in detail. I discuss the use of such examples to defend platonism about mathematical objects, and then go on to distinguish several different varieties of mathematical explanation in biology. I also connect these discussions to issues concerning generality in biological explanation, and to the question of how to pick out which mathematical properties are explanatorily relevant.
Occupation as a Social Determinant of Health

Occupation is discussed as a social determinant of health and as an initial condition in life that affects later health outcomes. Occupation has received little attention in this light. Several reasons are posited regarding why occupation could be related to health including systematic differences in income, health insurance coverage, health habits by occupation, job characteristics, and relative prestige. Examination of the impact of occupation early in life on health later in life helps to address issues of simultaneity between occupation and current health. Using data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID) we estimate the impact of broad categories of occupation on two measures of health: self-reported fair/poor health and ever suffering a heart attack. Estimates suggest that first, and last, occupation affect health but that the impact varies by health measure and the set of control variables. Some of the impact of occupation is diminished when controlling for alternative sets of relevant factors including income, education, and initial health status. There is some evidence of an inverse social gradient by occupation for self-rated poor health. A better understanding of how occupation affects health could aid in developing private and public policies to improve health.
Quantitative histochemistry of biogenic amines: A simple microspectrofluorometer

Abstract The fluorescence histochemical method for demonstration of biogenic monoamines may be increased in usefulness and specificity through the use of a microspectrofluorometer (MSF). An earlier model which used interference filters (MSF-1) and the present model with quartz prism monochromators (MSF-11) are described. Simplicity and economy were stressed in the assembly of these instruments, and various features in their design are discussed, as well as proposed improvements to gain greater sensitivity and resolution. Excitation and emission spectra are reported for the formaldehyde derivatives of norepinephrine, 5-hydroxytryptamine, and histamine at room temperature and 93° K. Scanning microfluorometry for semiquantitative study of number and fluorescence intensity of adrenergic nerve terminals is described, and the improved resolution and sensitivity of the method when applied to plastic-embedded material is compared with paraffin embedment.
Using Concept Maps to Engage Adult Learners in Critical Analysis

An understanding of learning theories can help adult educators become more effective practitioners and meet the needs of the learners they serve. Adult educators who understand how individuals lear...