cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Induction of endothelial cell expression of the plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 gene by thrombosis in vivo.

BACKGROUNDWe have shown previously that products from activated platelets can augment synthesis of plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) in cultured endothelial and hepatoma (Hep G2) cells in vitro and increase plasma PAI-1 activity in vivo in rabbits. Accordingly, the effects of activation of platelets associated with thrombosis and thrombolysis in vivo on plasma PAI-1 activity and expression of the PAI-1 gene in endothelium, liver, and other organs were characterized.METHODS AND RESULTSEndothelial injury giving rise to platelet-rich thrombi was induced with electrical stimulation in carotid arteries in rabbits. Clot lysis and recanalization were induced subsequently with intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) and verified with Doppler flow probes. Plasma PAI-1 activity (mean +/- SD) increased from 6 +/- 2 arbitrary units (AU)/ml to 129 +/- 48 AU/ml (n = 15) within several hours after recanalization. When t-PA had failed to induce recanalization, the increase was much less (from 7 ...
MARQS: retrieving sketches learned from a single example using a dual-classifier

Mouse and keyboard interfaces handle traditional text-based queries, and standard search engines provide for effective text-based search. However, everyday documents are filled with not only text, but photos, cartoons, diagrams, and sketches. These images can often be easier to recall than the surrounding text. In an effort to make human computer interaction handle more forms of human-human interaction, sketching has recently become an important means of interacting with computer systems. We propose extending the traditional monomodal model of text-based search to include the capabilities of sketch-based search. Our goal is to create a sketch-based search that can find documents from a single query sketch. We imagine an important use for this technology would be to allow users to search a computerized laboratory notebook for a previously drawn sketch. Because such as sketch will have initially been drawn only a single time, it is important that the search-by-sketch system (1) recognize a wide range of shapes that are not necessarily geometric nor drawn in the same way each time, (2) recognize a query example from only one initial training example, and (3) learn from successful queries to improve accuracy over time. We present here such an algorithm. To test the algorithm, we implemented a proof-of-concept-system: MARQS, a system that uses sketches to query existing media albums. Preliminary results show that the system yielded an average search rank of 1.51, indicating that the correct sketch is presented as either the top or second search result on average.
REMARKS ON THE CHOICE OF A STIFF ORDINARY DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION SOLVER

This paper discusses several aspects of the solution of fluid-flow problems. A model problem is described which captures several of the salient characteristics of such problems. The model problem is derived from the one-dimensional Euler equations. It corresponds to the subcooled liquid region of a three-region reactor steam-generator model. The defining partial differential equations are discretized spatially using the method of pseudo-characteristics. The resulting system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) is then solved by the method of lines using each of several available ODE solvers. In addition to demonstrating that fluid-flow problems can be solved effectively using adaptive mathematical software, the results also illustrate the typical performance of each solver as well as the relative merits of special solver features (e.g. automatic method switching and exploitation of problem sparsity or bandedness). The model problem is also modified and used to illustrate several commonly observed characteristics of fluid-flow models. The results illustrate the potential effect on solver performance of characteristics such as inaccurate water property calculations. Consequently, they explain apparent anomalies often attributed incorrectly to poor solver design and algorithmic implementation. The results also support the choice of the sparse ODE solver LSODES for the solution of fluid-flow problems.
The comparative physiology of fetal nutrition

I should like to thank the American Gynecological and Obstetrical Society for giving me this opportunity to review certain aspects of our research with you. In choosing the material to be presented, I selected those studies which bear on the following matters: (1) the strengths of using a comparative physiologic approach in attempting to understand human fetal metabolism; and (2) the metabolic dissection of the maternal, placental, and fetal compartments which is now feasible in perinatal physiology and which opens up a new and exciting era in metabolic studies. I must recognize, of course. that I am reviewing studies done collaboratively in the laboratories of the Division of Perinatal Medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine over the last 18 years. This collaboration has been primarily with my two colleagues, Dr. Giacomo Meschia, who spoke to this Society a few years ago on our cardiovascular studies, and Dr. Makowski, the current President of the Society. In addition, this research program has served as a training base for many obstetric and pediatric fellows, many of whom are continuing their research on these and related questions. To approach the question of how one interprets data collected in different species, 1 should like to emphasize that the unique characteristics of each species as it applies to mammalian development are not obstacles to be overcome in our search for a “model” of human biology. The sheep, rhesus monkey, and rabbit are never “models” of human biology, but by understanding how each species solves the metabolic problems posed by pregnancy, we can evolve concepts which apply to human biology. The importance of such concepts should be judged in the general context 01 developmental biology, as well as by their applicability to the biology of man. For example, Table I presents some of the factors which vary in different species and have a very direct
Effects of processing on the rheology of thixotropic suspensions.

Abstract A study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of processing by various types of commercially available dispersion equipment under different conditions of operation on certain rheological parameters of thixotropic suspensions. Two suspending agents, bentonite U. S. P. and Veegum HV were used in the evaluation procedure and four types of dispersion equipment were used, a marine-type impeller mixer, a homogenizer, a colloid mill, and a high shear mixer. The rheological parameters were obtained from flow curves that were automatically plotted by means of a completely instrumented Ferranti-Shirley cone-plate viscometer. The type of dispersion equipment employed and the operating conditions used were related to the rheological parameters of the suspension systems. The rheological parameters evaluated were thixotropic index, yield value, spur value, and plastic viscosity.
Effect of separate presentation of the elements on within-compound learning in autoshaping

Five experiments used an autoshaping procedure with pigeon subjects to explore the consequences of separate-element presentation for within-compound associations. When a keylight compound had initially been reinforced, separate presentation of one element reduced responding to the other. This was true whether that separate-element presentation was itself reinforced or nonreinforced. That suggests that the detrimental effect of separate-element presentation results from an effect on the within-compound association, rather than one on the association of either element with the US. When the compound had initially been nonreinforced, a moderate level of reinforcement of one element resulted in responding to the other element. However, more extensive reinforcement reduced that responding. Moreover, an attempt to reverse the adverse consequences of extensive separate-element presentation by further exposure to the compound was not successful. These results comment on the associative mechanisms underlying performance in sensory preconditioning and related paradigms.
DEPICTING TEACHERS' ROLES IN SOCIAL RECONSTRUCTION IN THE SOCIAL FRONTIER, 1934–1943

According to the dominant historiographical narrative, the social reconstructionists were a homogeneous group with a shared social, political, economic, and educational agenda. However, the pages of the journal The Social Frontier are replete with evidence that they were not in agreement on significant issues, especially when it came to the proper role of teachers in reform efforts. In fact, a close look reveals that the social reconstructionists presented multiple, overlapping, and often conflicting theories and strategies to advance the reconstruction of society, while explicating different roles for teachers therein. When teachers are placed at the center of the investigation, their factionalism, which has been discussed previously by C.A. Bowers and James Giarelli in their studies of the journal, is conspicuously apparent. Analysis of the different conceptions of teachers presented in The Social Frontier (subsequently titled Frontiers of Democracy) reveals that collectively, the social reconstructionists engaged in “more than one struggle”; and individually, they held views that were influenced by personal priorities and responses to the Depression, the spread of Communism and Fascism, the start of war in Europe and Asia, and, eventually, the involvement of the United States in World War II.
Robotic vs. conventional laparoscopic gastric banding: a comparison of 407 cases

The current indications for using a robotic technique in bariatric surgery remain unclear. The objective of this study was to quantify the safety and potential benefits of this novel technology as compared to the conventional laparoscopic approach. A retrospective database of patients who underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) between December 2006 and June 2009 was examined. During this period 407 consecutive patients underwent LAGB: 287 robotically and 120 conventionally. Patient demographics, operative complications, operating times, and clinical outcomes were examined. The patients in the robotic and conventional cohorts did not vary significantly in demographics. The prevalence of preoperative comorbidities was similar between the two groups. The rates of intraoperative and postoperative complications did not differ significantly between the two approaches. The length of postoperative hospital stay (1.3 ± 0.6 days for both approaches) and the operating time (91.5 ± 21.1 vs. 92.1 ± 30.9 min for robotic and conventional, respectively) did not differ significantly between the two approaches. However, for patients with a preoperative BMI ≥50 kg/m2 (n = 89, 64 robotic and 25 conventional), the operating time was significantly shorter using the robotic approach (91.3 ± 19.7 min for robotic vs. 101.3 ± 23.7 min for conventional, p = 0.04). In this series, robotic and conventional approaches were similar in complication rates, operating time, and length of postoperative hospital stay. However, for patients with a preoperative BMI ≥50 kg/m2, the operating time is significantly shorter using the robotic approach despite the adoption of this new technique. These data suggest that the robotic approach is at least as safe as the conventional laparoscopic approach in LAGB, and that the robotic approach should be considered for gastric banding candidates with BMI ≥50 kg/m2.
The role of fetal biometry in accurate prediction of gestational age: Is combination of parameters better?

IS COMBINATION OF PARAMETERS BETTER? MARTIN CHAVEZ, CANDE ANANTH, JOHN SMULIAN, LAMI YEO, ANTHONY VINTZILEOS, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School/Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, New Brunswick, New Jersey OBJECTIVE: To construct robust statistical models based on commonly utilized fetal biometric parameters for accurate prediction of gestational age (GA). STUDY DESIGN: Nomograms of gestational age based on fetal biometric parameters were constructed utilizing cross-sectional data from our antenatal testing unit (August 1993 to June 2003). Nomograms for predicting GA were constructed based on transcerebellar diameter (TCD), head circumference, biparietal diameter, abdominal circumference, and femur length measurements. Depending on what parameter was measured, there were between 24,000 to 50,000 well-dated singleton fetuses. These nomograms were developed using regression techniques by modeling the mean and variance separately. The models comprised of single biometric parameters as well as combination of parameters. The adequateness of these models was assessed using change in the proportion of variance explained (R). The performance of each nomogram in predicting GA was assessed in a separate validation data set (August 2003 to July 2005) comprised of approximately 10,000 ultrasound scans of well-dated singleton fetuses. RESULTS: We constructed several regression models using robust statistical models for predicting GA. The proportion of variance (R) in GA based on models with single parameter ranged between 97.1% based on the head circumference to 98% based on TCD. When multiple parameters were included in the model, the gain in R was both non-significant (PO0.05), and did not improve prediction. Based on models with a single parameter, prediction of GA within G3 days was feasible in 90-94% of pregnancies. The model based on TCD predicted GA within G3 days in 97% of pregnancies. CONCLUSION: Our sophisticated, innovative, and robust statistical models based on a single fetal biometric parameter provides accurate prediction of gestational age. More complex models do not appear to yield improved prediction in gestational age, suggesting that simple, parsimonious models using TCD only will suffice in accurate pregnancy dating.
Epi-detected hybrid coherent Raman micro-spectroscopy

We demonstrate efficient epi-detected coherent Raman micro-spectroscopy using a simple laser system based on a femtosecond mode-locked oscillator. In our experiment, the non-resonant background is eliminated by using a hybrid technique, which combines laser pulse shaping and timing with frequency-resolved detection, and is based on the different temporal behavior of parametric and nonparametric processes. We perform careful analysis to make sure the coherent Raman-resonant signal is generated in the backward direction, and not forward-generated and then back-scattered. This demonstration may have important implications for coherent Raman microscopy.
On the generation of trigger pulses synchronous with the accelerating r.f.-field of a linear L-Band accelerator

Abstract The paper describes the generation of independent trigger signals sychronous with the microwave accelerating field of a linear electron accelerator, in order to trigger the beam injector and a recording device. These trigger signals are generated by directly prescaling and counting the accelerating r.f.-power of a pulsed and free-running magnetron oscillator (L-Band). Details of the circuitry are given and a time jitter between the two trigger pulses of about 20 ps is demonstrated.
SIR: inter-program concurrency support for SR programs

This paper presents synchronizing interoperable resources (SIR). SIR extends to multi-program environments the concurrent communication mechanisms in the SR concurrent programming language. This paper discusses design and implementation issues including implicit binding, a mechanism for providing seamless concurrent communication. It also examines some performance results of SIR as well as presenting qualitative analysis. This paper also compares SIR with CORBA and other systems that provide interoperability.
Infant Development Under Conditions of Restricted Practice and of Minimum Social Stimulation: A Preliminary Report

* Received in the Editorial Office on January 12, 1938. 1 This paper was read before the Infant Behavior Section of the American Psychological Association at Hanover, N. H., Sept. 2, 1936.
Reductions in cost and cesarean rate by routine use of external cephalic version: a decision analysis.

Objective To describe currently accepted methods for managing the term breech pregnancy, and to predict the delivery outcomes and costs of each method. Methods Literature review was used to derive four options for the peripartum management of the term breech pregnancy. Using decision-analysis techniques, we calculated the predicted delivery outcomes and costs associated with each option. Results Applying external cephalic version to all term breech pregnancies without contraindications to labor or version, and allowing a trial of labor for eligible women who fail version, results in a 25% cesarean rate, at a cost of $8071 per case. Delivering unsuccessful versions by scheduled cesarean results in a 32% cesarean rate, at a cost of $8276 per case. In contrast, a strategy not using external version but allowing a trial of labor for those mothers who meet eligibility criteria results in a 63% cesarean rate, at a cost of $8755 per case. Routinely scheduling a cesarean when a breech is identified at term results in an 89% cesarean rate, at a cost of $9544 per case. Conclusions Although the liberal use of vaginal delivery for term breech pregnancies has been suggested as one way of lowering the cesarean rate, the addition of routine external cephalic version to the management strategy will result in more vaginal deliveries and lower costs than strategies that allow vaginal delivery but do not include an attempted cephalic version. Routine cesarean without attempted external cephalic version results in excessive operative deliveries.
Model experiments on mottle formation simulating field conditions

Abstract Creation of soil mottles in four artificial cores with vertically continuous cylindrical pores was accomplished under two different moisture regimes, simulating naturally occurring conditions. Two cores remained permanently unsaturated at a moisture tension of only 7 cm while two others were periodically saturated (three weeks) and drained (one week). Different mottle patterns were produced in each set of cores as a result of the moisture regimes. Mottles in the unsaturated cores were predominantly ped mangans, whereas channel neoalbans and quasimangans were found in the saturated cores. These mottle types correlated well with mottles and moisture regimes in the field. A s semiquantitative analysis using a scanning electron microscope confirmed the visually estimated mottle composition and was used to determine relative movement of iron and manganese in the cores. The latter could be explained by considering the results of in situ redox measurements.
Notes on a Catastrophe: A Feedback Analysis of Snowball Earth

Abstract The language of feedbacks is ubiquitous in contemporary earth sciences, and the framework of feedback analysis is a powerful tool for diagnosing the relative strengths of the myriad mutual interactions that occur in complex dynamical systems. The ice albedo feedback is widely taught as the classic example of a climate feedback. Moreover, its potential to initiate a collapse to a completely glaciated snowball earth is widely taught as the classic example of a climate “tipping point.” A feedback analysis of the snowball earth phenomenon in simple, zonal mean energy balance models clearly reveals the physics of the snowball instability and its dependence on climate parameters. The analysis can also be used to illustrate some fundamental properties of climate feedbacks: how feedback strength changes as a function of mean climate state; how small changes in individual feedbacks can cause large changes in the system sensitivity; and last, how the strength and even the sign of the feedback is dependent ...
Chebyshev interpolation with approximate nodes of unrestricted multiplicity

Etude de l'interpolation polynomiale d'ordre superieur des fonctions regulieres sur un intervalle fini. Etablissement d'une estimation asymptotique liant les proprietes de differentiabilite de la fonction interpolee a une condition sur la distribution asymptotique des nœuds qui elimine le phenomene de Runge
The distribution of the determinant of correlation matrix useful in principal component analysis

The null distribution of the determinant of the sample correlation matrix useful for testing the hypothesis against the alternative , where ] denotes the population correlation matrix, in multivariate normal samples is obtained in series forms and percentage points computed for p = 3(1)8, α = 0.05 and 0.01 and various values of sample size, large as well as small. Comparison is also made with the approximate values using Box's series.
Flight Experiment To Measure Contamination Enhancement By Spacecraft Charging

The ML12 experiment was launched on January 30, 1979, on the United States Air Force (USAF) Space Test Program P78-2 spacecraft, which is sometimes called SCATHA. It was designed to determine if spacecraft charging contributes significantly to the rate that contaminants arrive at exterior spacecraft surfaces, and to establish some of the characteristics and effects of these contaminants. Two sensor types are used in the experiment. One type is a combination retarding potential analyzer (RPA) and temperature controlled quartz crystal microbalance (TQCM). With it, distinction can be made between charged and uncharged arriving molecules, and information can be obtained concerning the temperature dependence of contaminant adsorption and desorption rates. The other sensor type is a tray of calorimetrically mounted thermal control coating (TCC) samples. Samples of different spacecraft surface materials are exposed to arriving contaminants, and the solar absorptances (as) of these materials are continuously measured. The two RPA/TQCMs are both accumulating mass, but the accumulation rates and characteristics of the mass differ, probably because of the locations of the RPA/TQCMs on the spacecraft. Of the 16 TCC samples, two quartz fabric samples showed .01 to .05 increases in as during the first 50 days on orbit.
Obesity impairs vascular relaxation in human subjects: hyperglycemia exaggerates adrenergic vasoconstriction arterial dysfunction in obesity and diabetes.

Abstract Objectives Arterial dysfunction occurs in obesity and diabetes. However, there is uncertainty about the relative contribution of endothelial dysfunction, smooth muscle dysfunction, or adrenergic hyperresponsiveness. Methods and Results We examined forearm resistance vessel responses to intra-arterial vasoactive agents in matched subjects on no antihyperglycemic medications classified as (1) Type 2 diabetes, (2) impaired fasting glucose (IFG), (3) obese, and (4) nonobese. Responses to both acetylcholine and nitroprusside were impaired in obese, IFG, and diabetic subjects compared to nonobese. However, diabetic and IFG subjects had no further impairment than normoglycemic obese subjects. Gender-specific data revealed that obese, IFG, and diabetic males compared to nonobese males demonstrated impaired responses to nitroprusside. However, among females, obese, IFG, and diabetic subjects demonstrated impaired acetylcholine-mediated responses. Multivariate analyses revealed that gender and adiposity, but not glycemia, were strongly related to acetylcholine and nitroprusside responses. Vasoconstriction to norepinephrine was greater in subjects with diabetes and IFG compared to nondiabetic obese controls. Conclusions Microvascular vasodilator function is impaired in obesity, with little further impairment in IFG and Type 2 diabetes. Females appear more sensitive to the deleterious effect of obesity on endothelium-mediated resistance vessel function, and males to smooth muscle-mediated function. There is a specific increase in adrenergic vasoconstrictor responses in IFG and Type 2 diabetes independent of obesity.
Scattering phenomena in PT-symmetric optical systems

We study the general scattering properties of balanced gain/loss (PT-symmetric) optical structures, without restriction to the paraxial approximation. The scattering eigenstates exhibit a PT-symmetry breaking transition, with experimentally accessible consequences.
Carrier relaxation dynamics and photoluminescence efficiency in semiconductor quantum dots

Summary form only given. Due to the discrete structure of energy levels and an enhanced surface-to-volume ratio, energy relaxation and recombination dynamics in colloidal quantum dots (QDs) are significantly different from those in bulk materials. Energy relaxation leads to a fast establishment of quasi-equilibrium populations of electron and hole quantized states (sub-ps time scale). Depopulation of these states occurs via a variety of radiative and nonradiative mechanisms. The competition between these mechanisms determines the efficiency of the QD phololuminescence (PL). The most important processes competing with radiative recombination are carrier trapping at defect states and Auger recombination. At low pump intensities (less than one excitation per dot on average), the role of Auger effects is negligible and nonradiative carrier losses are dominated by surface trapping. We study the effect of surface/interface states on carrier dynamics and PL efficiency for strongly confined CdSe QDs (radius R=1-4 nm) with a range of surface properties. Our data indicate that significant changes in the PL quantum yield observed in samples with different surface passivations are primarily due to changes in hole relaxation.
The evolution of computerized treatment planning for brachytherapy: American contributions.

Purpose: To outline the evolution of computerized brachytherapy treatment planning in the United States through a review of technological developments and clinical practice refinements. Material and methods: A literature review was performed and interviews were conducted with six participants in the development of computerized treatment planning for brachytherapy. Results: Computerized brachytherapy treatment planning software was initially developed in the Physics De­ partments of New York’s Memorial Hospital (by Nelson, Meurk and Balter), and Houston’s M. D. Anderson Hospital (by Stovall and Shalek). These public-domain programs could be used by institutions with adequate computational resources; other clinics had access to them via Memorial’s and Anderson’s teletype-based computational services. Commercial brachytherapy treatment planning programs designed to run on smaller computers (Prowess, ROCS, MMS), were developed in the late 1980s and early 1990s. These systems brought interactive dosimetry into the clinic and surgical theatre. Conclusions: Brachytherapy treatment planning has evolved from systems of rigid implant rules to individualized pre- and intra-operative treatment plans, and post-operative dosimetric assessments. Brachytherapy dose distributions were initially calculated on public domain programs on large regionally located computers. With the progression of computer miniaturization and increase in processor speeds, proprietary software was commercially developed for microcomputers that offered increased functionality and integration with clinical practice. J Contemp Brachytherapy 2014; 6, 2: 185–190 DOI: 10.5114/jcb.2014.43131
Internal Friction of Ion-Exchanged Li2O.Al2O3.2SiO2 Glass

Fibers of Li2O.Al2O3.2SiO2 glass were ion-exchanged for 1 to 300 min in an NaNO3 bath at 366°C. The internal friction and the Li and Na concentration profiles were measured. As Na progressively replaced Li, the alkali internal friction peak became smaller while a new peak (mixed-alkali peak) appeared and increased in magnitude. These changes in internal friction are similar to those that occur when a second alkali is added to glasses prepared by conventional melting. The magnitudes of both internal friction peaks in the ion-exchanged glass depended on the overall composition of the glass; that of the alkali peak depended on the composition of the unexchanged glass core, whereas that of the mixed-alkali peak depended on the composition of the exchanged layer on the glass surface. When the exchanged surface layer was dissolved, the original alkali peak was restored, and the mixed-alkali peak disappeared. Changing the alkali distribution did not affect the mixed-alkali peak much; however, it caused the alkali peak to shift to higher temperatures and become smaller. The height of the alkali peak can be used to determine the maximum depth of penetration of the second alkali.
Enhancement of intra-tissue refractive index shaping (IRIS) of the cornea by two-photon absorption

Nanojoule femtosecond laser pulses were used to modify the refractive index of living corneas. By doping with Sodium Fluorescein to increase two-photon absorption, laser scanning speed could be greatly increased while inducing large RI modifications.
Token Test performances by learning disabled and achieving adolescents.

SummaryToken Test performances by 32 learning disabled and 20 achieving adolescents were investigated and compared. Results indicated that the development of language processing abilities continues into adolescence, but that learning disabled subjects to not attain maturity at the same age as achieving subjects. A sub-group of learning disabled adolescents was characterized by language processing deficits involving reduced memory for critical elements and difficulty in performing the logical operations necessary to process linguistic concepts, suggesting reduced simultaneous analysis and synthesis. The findings indicate that the Token Test may be a useful tool, when used in its complete form, for the diagnosis of subtle receptive language disorders in learning disabled adolescents.
Merged two-stage power converterarchitecture with softcharging switched-capacitor energy transfer

This paper presents a two-stage architecture that combines a large step-down switched-capacitor transformation stage with a high-bandwidth magnetic regulation stage. The proposed design is particularly well-suited for an integrated CMOS process, as it makes use of the available on-die device characteristics. In such a process, the two-stage architecture presented offers high efficiency, high power density, and high- bandwidth regulation. We show that by merging the switched-capacitor stage and the regulation stage in a specific manner, further performance improvements can be attained. When the fast-switching regulation stage is used to provide soft charging of the switched-capacitor stage, a substantial improvement in performance is possible. An experimental prototype, implemented using discrete components, validates the approach.
Urethroplasty following total phallic reconstruction.

AbstractPurpose: Total phallic reconstruction is often complicated by recalcitrant strictures particularly at the native-to-neourethral anastomosis, which may ultimately require definitive repair. Presumably these strictures form as a result of relative ischemia at the anastomosis of tissues of native urethra to fasciocutaneous tube flap, which is exacerbated by kinking at the neophallus base. The traditional approaches to urethroplasty, such as end-to-end anastomosis, and penile or preputial skin grafts and flaps, are not available for this population. Therefore, extragenital grafts and flaps become important for managing repair of urethral strictures in the neophallus. In addition, an unusual recipient bed of fat and fascia complicates the repair of these strictures. We review our experience with 15 patients who underwent penile reconstruction.Materials and Methods: A total of 15 patients 17 to 50 years old had a radial forearm flap except 1 who had a fibula based flap. Nine urethroplasties were perform...
Adaptive force-based impedance control

Presents two simple and computationally efficient schemes for force tracking using impedance control. The schemes generate the reference position trajectory required to produce a desired contact force despite lack of knowledge of the environmental stiffness and location. The first scheme uses direct adaptive control to generate the reference position online as a function of the force tracking-error. The second scheme utilizes an indirect adaptive strategy in which the environmental parameters are estimated online, and the required reference position is computed based on these estimates. Simulation studies are presented for a 7-DOF Robotics Research arm using full arm dynamics and demonstrate that the adaptive schemes are able to compensate for uncertainties in both the environmental stiffness and location, so that the end-effector applies the desired contact force while exhibiting the specified impedance dynamics.
Nitrosyl hemoglobin formation in vivo after intravenous administration of a hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier in endotoxemic rats

Interaction of hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) with nitric oxide (NO) of endothelium or macrophage origin has been implicated in the observed vasoconstriction of some HBOC infusion. Definitive evidence supporting this interaction, in-vivo, has not been reported. We report here a confirmed in-vivo formation of nitrosyl Hb (HbNO), a product of Hb and NO reaction, in endotoxemic rats following intravenous administration of a HBOC. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were rendered endotoxemic by intravenous injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 10mg/Kg), and five hours later HBOC (1.2gHb/Kg) was infused. Changes in blood pressure (BP) and HbNO levels were followed. HBOC infusion immediately reversed the hypotension of endotoxemia. In addition, HBOC infusion caused plasma HbNO formation determined by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. This is direct evidence of NO reaction with infused Hb. In conclusion, HBOC interacts in-vivo with NO directly in a model with increased NO. Whether this effect is prese...
Otolaryngologic clinical patterns in pediatric infectious mononucleosis

Abstract Purpose: Classic infectious mononucleosis (IM) is uncommon in children; therefore, the incidence of severe pharyngotonsillitis complicating the infection is not well established. This study was undertaken to better define the management of complications with special emphasis on the use of parenteral steroids and the role and timing of surgical management. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of all cases of IM encountered between January 1989 through December 1993 was undertaken. Results: There were 109 patients admitted with IM. Sixty patients (55%) were admitted for severe pharyngotonsillitis. Twenty-nine patients in this subgroup were felt to have symptoms of severe upper airway obstruction and were treated with parenteral steroids. Surgical intervention was required in three patients. Conclusion: The study shows a higher incidence of admissions for severe pharyngotonsillitis complicating IM than reported in the adult literature. It suggests that routine use of parenteral steroids is indicated in cases of severe upper airway obstruction and may decrease the need for suraical intervention.
Stepwise assembly of the human replicative polymerase holoenzyme

In most organisms, clamp loaders catalyze both the loading of sliding clamps onto DNA and their removal. How these opposing activities are regulated during assembly of the DNA polymerase holoenzyme remains unknown. By utilizing FRET to monitor protein-DNA interactions, we examined assembly of the human holoenzyme. The results indicate that assembly proceeds in a stepwise manner. The clamp loader (RFC) loads a sliding clamp (PCNA) onto a primer/template junction but remains transiently bound to the DNA. Unable to slide away, PCNA re-engages with RFC and is unloaded. In the presence of polymerase (polδ), loaded PCNA is captured from DNA-bound RFC which subsequently dissociates, leaving behind the holoenzyme. These studies suggest that the unloading activity of RFC maximizes the utilization of PCNA by inhibiting the build-up of free PCNA on DNA in the absence of polymerase and recycling limited PCNA to keep up with ongoing replication. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.00278.001.
Red blood cell transfusion–related necrotizing enterocolitis in very-low-birthweight infants: a near-infrared spectroscopy investigation

Background Recent evidence suggests that antecedent packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusions increase the risk for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), the most common gastrointestinal emergency encountered by very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. The underlying mechanism for this association is unknown. Altered oxygenation of the mesenteric vasculature during PRBC transfusion has been hypothesized to contribute to NEC development and was investigated in this study.
Promoter and regulon analysis of nitrogen assimilation factor, σ54, reveal alternative strategy for E. coli MG1655 flagellar biosynthesis

Bacteria core RNA polymerase (RNAP) must associate with a σ factor to recognize promoter sequences. Promoters recognized by the σ54 (or σN) associated RNA polymerase are unique in having conserved positions around −24 and −12 nucleotides upstream from the transcriptional start site. Using DNA microarrays representing the entire Escherichia coli genome and promoter validation approaches, we identify 40 in vivo targets of σ54, the nitrogen assimilation σ factor, and estimate that there are 70 σ54 promoters in total. Immunoprecipitation assays have been performed to further evaluate the efficiency of our approaches. In addition, promoter consensus binding search and primer extension assay helped us to identify a new σ54 promoter carried by insB-5 in the upstream of flhDC operon. The involvement of σ54 in flagellar biosynthesis in sequenced E. coli strain MG1655 indicates a fluid gene regulation phenomenon carried by some mobile elements in bacteria genome.
The Utility of Prenatal Ultrasound as a Screening Tool for Upper Extremity Congenital Anomalies

Purpose To quantify the detection rate and accuracy of prenatal ultrasound in patients with congenital upper extremity anomalies. Methods A total of 100 patients with congenital upper extremity reduction or duplication anomalies were enrolled prospectively in this investigation at the initial visit to our congenital hand clinic. Demographic and pregnancy-related data were collected along with prenatal diagnoses. We recorded all ultrasound-identified upper extremity anomalies as reported by the parents. Finally, we compared the prenatal diagnosis with the final congenital hand clinic diagnosis. Results The first ultrasound was performed at a mean 11 weeks’ gestation, and patients underwent an average of 8 prenatal ultrasounds (range, 1–40 prenatal ultrasounds). Sixty patients underwent standard ultrasound and 40 had a 3-dimensional ultrasound as well. Of the 100 patients, 31 had an upper extremity anomaly by ultrasound. Of the 31 prenatal ultrasound diagnoses, 18 were confirmed as accurate during evaluation in the congenital hand clinic. Three-dimensional ultrasound was more sensitive for the detection of upper extremity anomalies. Conclusions The overall detection rate and accuracy of ultrasonography for upper extremity anomalies were low despite advancements in imaging technology. Type of study/level of evidence Diagnostic II.
Alcohol, Height, and Adiposity in Relation to Estrogen and Prolactin Levels in Postmenopausal Women

Background : Alcohol use, height, and postmenopausal adiposity have each been positively associated with postmenopausal breast cancer risk in most epidemiologic studies. The mechanism underlying these associations is unclear, although an effect of these factors on hormone levels has been hypothesized. Few previous studies have evaluated the relationship of either alcohol consumption or height with plasma hormone levels. A positive association between adiposity and plasma estrogen levels in postmenopausal women has been reported consistently. Purpose : Using archived frozen plasma samples and corresponding data from participants in the Nurses' Health Study, we determined plasma hormone levels and assessed these levels in relation to alcohol consumption, height, and adiposity among postmenopausal women. Methods : Blood samples were collected from a subset of participants in the Nurses' Health Study in 1989 and 1990, then stored in liquid nitrogen. Hormone concentrations in 217 archived plasma samples (from healthy postmenopausal women) were analyzed in 1993. Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated to assess the linear association between alcohol consumption during the previous year (mean daily intake in grams per day ascertained from semiquantitative food-frequency questionnaires completed in 1990 or 1991), height, and adiposity (as measured by body mass index [BMI] in kg/m 2 , with weight reported at time of blood collection), and plasma hormone levels. Two-sided P values were also calculated. Results : After controlling for age, height, smoking status, and BMI, alcohol consumption was positively associated with estrone sulfate concentrations (r =.17 ; P =.02) ; no statistically significant association was noted for the other plasma hormones measured. Mean plasma estrone sulfate levels were 159 pg/mL in women who reported no alcohol use versus 211 pg/mL in women consuming 30 g or more of alcohol per day. After adjusting for the other covariates, we observed a strong positive correlation between BMI and plasma estrogens (r ranging from.37 for estrone and estrone sulfate to.63 for bioavailable estradiol, with all P values ≤.01 ; prolactin was the only hormone unassociated with BMI, r = -.01). Height was unrelated to either plasma estrogens or prolactin. Conclusions : BMI and alcohol use were positively associated with postmenopausal plasma estrogen and estrone sulfate levels, respectively. Implications : The association of alcohol consumption and postmenopausal obesity with subsequent breast cancer risk might be mediated, at least in part, through an influence on postmenopausal plasma estrogen levels. Additional studies are needed to further quantify the relationship between alcohol consumption and plasma hormone levels and to elucidate the physiologic basis for this association.
Empirical and theoretical evidence of economic chaos

Empirical and theoretical investigations of chaotic phenomena in macroeconomic systems are presented. Basic issues and techniques in t esting economic aggregate movements are discussed. Evidence of low dimensional strange attractors is found in several empirical monetary aggregates. A continuous time deterministic model with delayed feedback is proposed to describe the monetary growth. Phase transition from periodic to chaotic motion occurs in the model. The model offers an explanation of the multiperiodicity and irregularity in business cycles and of the low-dimensionality of chaotic monetary attractors. Implications in monetary control policy and a new approach to forecasting business cycles are suggested.
Managing AIDS in Africa: HRM challenges in Tanzania

The impact of the AIDS epidemic in developing countries, and in Africa in particular, is now a matter of great concern to policy makers, managers, and academics on a global scale. The magnitude of the potentially disastrous effects of the disease has severe implications for management in organizations, and, in particular, for HRM. The AIDS epidemic is imposing, and will continue to impose, in the foreseeable future, a significant burden on the way people are managed. Little has been written on HRM in Africa, and the present literature on AIDS and HRM in Western societies is inappropriate and insufficient in relation to African organizations. Fifteen organizations in Tanzania took part in this study, which is probably the first of its kind, to produce a picture of current developments and approaches in managing people under the threat of AIDS.
Distributed online localization in sensor networks using a moving target

We describe a novel method for node localization in a sensor network where there are a fraction of reference nodes with known locations. For application-specific sensor networks, we argue that it makes sense to treat localization through online distributed learning and integrate it with an application task such as target tracking. We propose distributed online algorithm in which sensor nodes use geometric constraints induced by both radio connectivity and sensing to decrease the uncertainty of their position. The sensing constraints, which are caused by a commonly sensed moving target, are usually tighter than connectivity based constraints and lead to a decrease in average localization error over time. Different sensing models, such as radial binary detection and distance-bound estimation, are considered. First, we demonstrate our approach by studying a simple scenario in which a moving beacon broadcasts its own coordinates to the nodes in its vicinity. We then generalize this to the case when instead of a beacon, there is a moving target with a-priori unknown coordinates. The algorithms presented are fully distributed and assume only local information exchange between neighboring nodes. Our results indicate that the proposed method can be used to significantly enhance the accuracy in position estimation, even when the fraction of reference nodes is small. We compare the efficiency of the distributed algorithms to the case when node positions are estimated using centralized (convex) programming. Finally, simulations using the TinyOS-Nido platform are used to study the performance in more realistic scenarios.
Transgenic increases in seed oil content are associated with the differential expression of novel Brassica-specific transcripts

Seed oil accumulates primarily as triacylglycerol (TAG). While the biochemical pathway for TAG biosynthesis is known, its regulation remains unclear. Previous research identified microsomal diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1, EC 2.3.1.20) as controlling a rate-limiting step in the TAG biosynthesis pathway. Of note, overexpression of DGAT1 results in substantial increases in oil content and seed size. To further analyze the global consequences of manipulating DGAT1 levels during seed development, a concerted transcriptome and metabolome analysis of transgenic B. napus prototypes was performed. Using a targeted Brassica cDNA microarray, about 200 genes were differentially expressed in two independent transgenic lines analyzed. Interestingly, 24–33% of the targets showing significant changes have no matching gene in Arabidopsis although these represent only 5% of the targets on the microarray. Further analysis of some of these novel transcripts indicated that several are inducible by ABA in microspore-derived embryos. Of the 200 Arabidopsis genes implicated in lipid biology present on the microarray, 36 were found to be differentially regulated in DGAT transgenic lines. Furthermore, kinetic reverse transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (k-PCR) analysis revealed up-regulation of genes encoding enzymes of the Kennedy pathway involved in assembly of TAGs. Hormone profiling indicated that levels of auxins and cytokinins varied between transgenic lines and untransformed controls, while differences in the pool sizes of ABA and catabolites were only observed at later stages of development. Our results indicate that the increased TAG accumulation observed in transgenic DGAT1 plants is associated with modest transcriptional and hormonal changes during seed development that are not limited to the TAG biosynthesis pathway. These might be associated with feedback or feed-forward effects due to altered levels of DGAT1 activity. The fact that a large fraction of significant amplicons have no matching genes in Arabidopsis compromised our ability to draw concrete inferences from the data at this stage, but has led to the identification of novel genes of potential interest.