cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimization of the characteristic values of Hill's equation subject to a p-norm constraint on the potential

Abstract The problem of maximizing or minimizing a given characteristic value of Hill's equation, − u ″ + q ( t ) u = λu , where the periodic potential q ( t ) is subjected to a p -norm constraint is considered. Let the characteristic values be enumerated by λ 0 λ ′ 1 ⩽ λ ′ 2 λ 1 ⩽ λ 2 λ ′ 3 ⩽ λ ′ 4 λ 3 ⩽ …. The characteristic values of even (respectively, odd) index are shown to be nondegenerate when maximized (resp., minimized) and the optimizing potentials are characterized. Except for the problem of minimizing λ 0 , all other optimization problems lead to degenerate characteristic values. Further results on minimization of λ 0 and maximization of λ ′ 1 are given. It is also shown that the optimizing potentials when degeneracy occurs are not always constant. The results obtained provide upper and lower bounds for the characteristic values of any Hill's equation. In addition, given a bound or bounds on one or more characteristic values of a Hill's equation with unknown potential q one can infer bounds on the various p -norms of q .
Cooperative Surveillance and Pursuit Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Unattended Ground Sensors

This paper considers the problem of path planning for a team of unmanned aerial vehicles performing surveillance near a friendly base. The unmanned aerial vehicles do not possess sensors with automated target recognition capability and, thus, rely on communicating with unattended ground sensors placed on roads to detect and image potential intruders. The problem is motivated by persistent intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and base defense missions. The problem is formulated and shown to be intractable. A heuristic algorithm to coordinate the unmanned aerial vehicles during surveillance and pursuit is presented. Revisit deadlines are used to schedule the vehicles' paths nominally. The algorithm uses detections from the sensors to predict intruders' locations and selects the vehicles' paths by minimizing a linear combination of missed deadlines and the probability of not intercepting intruders. An analysis of the algorithm's completeness and complexity is then provided. The effectiveness of the heuristic is illustrated through simulations in a variety of scenarios.
Functional outcome after blade plate reconstruction of distal tibia metaphyseal nonunions: a study of 11 cases.

Objectives To present the functional outcome of a cohort of 11 patients prospectively followed before and after blade plate reconstruction of a distal tibia metaphyseal nonunion. Design Prospective case series. Setting University hospital tertiary referral center. Patients Eleven patients with an average age of 48 years. Average duration of nonunion was 11 months. Patients had undergone an average of 3.1 procedures before the index surgery. Three patients had prior deep infections, and one patient had an active infection. Intervention A precontoured 4.5-mm cannulated blade plate was applied to the medial tibial surface through a posteromedial approach. Autograft was added in eight patients to fill bone voids. Main outcome measures AOFAS scores were assigned to each patient preoperatively and at most recent follow-up. Results All patients healed their nonunions after the index surgery. Average time to radiographic union was 16 weeks. Average time to full weight bearing was 12 weeks. AOFAS scores improved in all patients from an average preoperative score of 29 to an average postoperative score of 89. The only complication was a deep infection, which was treated successfully with one irrigation and debridement and 6 weeks of intravenous antibiotics. Conclusion Blade plate reconstruction of distal tibia metaphyseal nonunion is a safe and reliable method that results in a high union and low complication rate.
PRENATAL AND EARLY POSTNATAL ONTOGENESIS OF THE HUMAN MOTOR CORTEX: A GOLGI STUDY. I. THE SEQUENTIAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE CORTICAL LAYERS

Summary A Golgi study of the prenatal and early postnatal development of the human motor cortex is presented. Observations made in this study justify the following conclusions. (A) The arrival of afferent fibers to the cortex precedes the organization of the primpordial cortical matter into a recognizable laminated structure. (B) Layer I is the first level of the cortex to develop and to achieve maturity. Its development and maturation are related to and seem to follow the early arrival of afferent fibers (tangential fibers) to this level of the cortex. These afferent fibers, with the Cajal-Retzius cells, form the first distinct neuronal chain to be found in cortical ontogenesis. There is evidence which supports the concept that this neuronal chain persists throughout life in the motor cortex. (C) The formation and organization of the cortical layers and the development and maturation of the efferent neurons are related to the arrival of afferent fibers to the cortex. The arrival of the different afferent fibers follows a distinct sequence in cortical ontogenesis. (D) The development and maturation of the interneurons of the motor cortex parallel that of the efferent neurons with which they establish intracortical neuronal chains. (E) The human motor cortex is characterized by the postnatal reduction and eventual disapperance of layer IV. This is a developmental peculiarity of this area (area 4) of the cortex. It is caused by the marked postnatal growth of the pyramidal cells of lower layer III and layer V invade the territory of layer IV to such an extent that this level of the cortex can no longer be recognized (agranular cortex). (F) The human motor cortex is characterized also by the marked development of pyramidal and basket cells in layers II, III and V. These two types of cells form intracortical chains organized into vertical neuronal systems.
Adrenocortical failure in panhypopituitarism.

ABSTRACT Six patients with panhypopituitarism and adrenocortical hormone unresponsiveness to intravenously administered ACTH are presented. In comparison to 14 patients whose urine 17-ketogenic steroid excretion followed a well-described stepwise increase with daily intravenous ACTH infusions, these patients showed no significant change for as long as 5 days. The clinical history and an adequate aldosterone and sodium response to a low sodium diet were evidence against associated primary adrenal insufficiency. The urinary steroid excretion response to infused ACTH may fail to distinguish primary from secondary adrenocortical failure.
Childhood risk factors for thin body preoccupation and social pressure to be thin.

ABSTRACT Objective Thin body preoccupation and social pressure to be thin (TBPSP) in adolescence are risk factors for the development of full and partial bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. This study examined precursors of these potent risk factors. Method A prospective study followed 134 children from birth to 11.0 years and their parents. Recruitment began in January 1990 and ended in March 1991. The study was completed in December 2002. Results Two moderators identified different groups at risk for the development of TBPSP. A father with high body dissatisfaction characterized the largest group in which TBPSP was elevated for girls who were concerned about and attempted to modify their weight and for children with fathers who had a high drive for thinness. A child at risk for overweight characterized the second smaller group. Parental behaviors such as overcontrol of their child's eating, together with later pressure from parents and peers to be thin, were related to higher levels of TBPSP. Conclusions Different pathways lead to the development of eating disorder psychopathology. These results suggest that prevention programs for eating disorders should begin in early childhood, possibly involving parental education and behavior change, and that different prevention programs may be required for different pathways. J. Am. Acad. Child Adolesc. Psychiatry , 2007;46(2):171-178.
A Review of the Significance, Indications, Techniques, and Outcomes of Revision Lumbar Laminectomy Surgery

Revision lumbar laminectomy surgery accounts for a significant number of surgical procedures each year. Increasing rates of revision surgery within the lumbar spine have been reported. The significance and etiologies of revision lumbar surgery are reviewed. Techniques in avoiding and dealing with epidural scar tissue are discussed. The relevant outcomes following revision laminectomy are reviewed. Strategies of avoiding revision surgery and associated complications are presented.
Morphology and size of ribosomal cistrons in two plant species: Acetabularia mediterranea and Chlamydomonas reinhardi☆

Active ribosomal cistrons from Acetabularia mediterranea and Chlamydomonas reinhardi, observed with the electron microscope, showed the arrangement of genes and spacer regions typical of animal systems. The length of the transcribed DNA suggests that either most of the original transcript is conserved during processing into rRNA, or that length measurements of DNA-RNA polymerase complexes give a low estimate of the size of the RNA transcript.
Experimental studies on the usage possibilities of the holmium laser in cataract surgery

The authors present initial investigations of used holmium laser during experimental cataract surgery. The investigations were performed 'in vitro' and 'in vivo.' The presented results of the experiments show that structure of the lens can be emulsified with the use of the holmium laser.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Eradication of Nonnative Brook Trout with Electrofishing and Antimycin-A and the Response of a Remnant Bull Trout Population

Abstract A remnant population of native Bull Trout Salvelinus confluentus was threatened with extirpation by competition and hybridization with introduced Brook Trout S. fontinalis in Sun Creek, a second-order headwater stream in Crater Lake National Park, Oregon. Between 1992 and 2005, artificial barriers were installed to exclude nonnative fish, and multiple applications of electrofishing and the piscicide antimycin-A were used to remove Brook Trout from 14.6 km of stream. Several novel methods were employed, including diver-directed and trap-net electrofishing and the use of a portable raceway to hold Bull Trout during piscicide treatments. Electrofishing likely eradicated Brook Trout from a small headwater section of the stream but required more effort (54 person-days/km) than antimycin treatments (17 person-days/km) in the same reach to ensure eradication. For eradication of Brook Trout from larger downstream reaches, antimycin treatments applied in consecutive years were more successful than multipl...
Reported Speech and Reported Mental States in Mentoring Meetings: Exploring Novice Teacher Identities

In this study, we addressed the identity work performed by directly reported speech versus directly reported mental states (e.g., thoughts, feelings, attitudes, and emotions) in situated discourse. Drawing on a corpus of talk produced by novice language teachers during mentoring sessions, the analysis indicates that teachers' direct reports of their own speech tend to foreground their accomplishments and developing expertise, whereas direct reports of their mental states tend to highlight uncertainty, gaps in knowledge, or negative feelings and emotions. In other words, these two types of reported discourse constitute vehicles for different modes of self-presentation in the educational context of this investigation.
A Pilot University-Industry Master's Training Program

In a December 1976 open letter to members of the American Agricultural Economics Association (AAEA), the Industry Advisory Committee of the AAEA stated: "In the experience of industry employers, today's graduate student in agricultural economics is well trained in research techniques, but often lacks training needed to relate and communicate the results in the decision-making process" (p. 1). Business games, cases, and other methods may help prepare students for business careers but are not as effective as programs in which the student spends time in a business environment. Many agricultural economics departments have operated trainee programs for undergraduates. The role they can serve in students' programs and the benefits to the parties involved have been documented (Snodgrass). Few similar programs have been operated at the graduate level. Yet the benefits would appear to be at least as great for graduate students as for undergraduates. To test the applicability of the concept, a pilot master's program has been operated for the last two years by the University of Missouri and Farmland Industries. The objectives of the program are different for Farmland and for the University. Farmland's reasons for becoming involved with the program include "The difficulty in finding college people with an interest or training that would lead to work with cooperatives" and "To get a qualified person to study specific co-op problems and suggest possible solutions" (Farmland Industries 1977, p. 11). The University's objectives are to provide an opportunity for students with a career interest in agribusiness to gain experience in business operations, to improve working relations with industry firms with the University benefiting through identification of curriculum changes needed for better preparation of students for careers in agribusiness, and identification of research proposals that are relevant to industry problems. This note describes and appraises the program.
The sporulated oocysts of Eimeria illinoisensis n. sp. and of other species of Eimeria of the ox.

SYNOPSIS. The sporulated oocysts of 12 species of Eimeria occurring in the ox Bos taurus in the United States are described and differentiated. They are E. alabamensis, E. auburnensis, E. bovis, E. brasiliensis, E. bukidnonensis, E. canadensis, E. cylindrica, E. ellipsoidalis, E. illinoisensis n. sp., E. subspherica, E. wyomingensis and E. zuernii. Two other species, not yet found in North America, which are recognized as valid are E. pellita and E. thianethi. The sporulated oocysts of E. illinoisensis n. sp. are ellipsoidal or slightly ovoid, 24–29 by 19–22 μ with a mean of 26.3 by 20.7 μ; their sporocysts are 13–16 by 6–7 μ with a mean of 15.3 by 6.5 μ. This species was found in 3 cattle from one farm in Illinois.
AMMONIUM, NITRATE, PHOSPHATE, AND INORGANIC CARBON UPTAKE IN AN OLIGOTROPHIC LAKE: SEASONAL VARIATIONS AMONG LIGHT RESPONSE VARIABLES1

The dependence of substrate saturated uptake of 15NH4+, 15NO3−, 32PO43−, and 14CO2 on photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD or photsynthetically active radiation, 400–700 nm) was characterized seasonally in oligotrophic Flathead Lake, Montana. PO43− uptake was not dependent upon PPFD at any time of the year, whereas NH4+, NO3−, and CO2 uptake were consistently dependent on PPFD over all seasons. Maximal rates of NH4+, NO3− and CO2 uptake usually occurred near 40% of surface PPFD, which corresponded to about 5 m in the lake; inhibition was evident at PPFD levels greater than 40%. NH4+, NO3− and PO43− were incorporated in the dark at measurable rates most of the year, whereas dark CO2 uptake was always near 0 relative to light uptake. CO2 and NO3− uptake were more strongly influenced by PPFD than was NH43− uptake. The PPFD dependence of PO43−, NH4+, NO3− and CO2 uptake may affect algal growth and nutrient status by influencing the balance in diel and seasonal C:N:P uptake ratios.
Expressive Group Therapy With At-Risk African American Adolescent Girls

ABSTRACT In a study conducted by M.T. Tuason, A. Marcetic, S. Roberts, K. Stuart, and J. Rearick (in press), it was revealed that minority urban female adolescents ages 11 to 18 harbored more pain and anger and were at higher risk for deviant behaviors compared to children of other age groups within the same socioeconomic class. The current study is a group intervention and a systematic way to evaluate the outcome of expressive group therapy with African American female adolescents. Group members were drawn from the Refuge, an after-school program located in a southeastern city of the United States, and took part in expressive activities intended to expose them to new experiences and to increase their confidence in and awareness of their strengths and talents. Qualitative results revealed that expressive group therapy helped the adolescents with emotional exploration, increasing their self-esteem, and decreasing their anxiety. Moreover, qualitative results indicated that conflict among participants must b...
Preischemic perfusion of hypertrophied myocardium with perfluorocarbons

The increased susceptibility of hypertrophied myocardium to ischemic injury is well known. Hypertrophied hearts possess lower preischemic high energy phosphate stores and develop ischemic contracture following a shorter ischemic interval than normal hearts. The purpose of this study was to determine the ability of preischemic, arrested perfusion of the hypertrophied rat heart with oxygenated, glucose-containing perfluorocarbon cardioplegia (FC-43) to restore myocardial ATP stores to normal and prolong the duration of global ischemia prior to contracture initiation. Hearts from normal (NL) rats and hypertrophied hearts from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were subjected to 2 or 15 min of preischemic, arrested perfusion with FC-43 utilizing a modified Langendorff preparation. ATP was determined via HPLC and time to initiation of ischemic contracture was measured. Two minutes of FC-43 perfusion restored ATP in the SHR group to normal levels (P = NS compared to normal controls) and prolonged the time to initiation of ischemic contracture by 107%. Perfluorocarbons, with their unique oxygen-carrying properties, may be an ideal vehicle for intervention designed to enhance the tolerance of hypertrophied hearts to ischemia.
Anxiogenic effects of noreleagnine a water soluble beta-carboline in rats

Abstract We tested noreleagnine, a beta-carboline which unlike other beta-carbolines remains in aqueous solution at physiological pH, as well as chlordiazepoxide, a traditional benzodiazepine, and their interaction with the benzodiazepine receptor antagonist RO 15-1788 in a modified approach schedule with two levels of conflict. Noreleagnine displayed pro-conflict activity characteristic of beta-carbolines and chlordiazepoxide elicited an anti-conflict effect, both of which were blocked by pretreatment with RO 15-1788. We believe this to be the first clear demonstration that noreleagnine has an anxiogenic effect and that this effect is mediated by its action on benzodiazepine receptors.
Effect on Knee Stability if Full Hyperextension is Restored Immediately After Autogenous Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

We sought to determine if knee stability after autog enous bone-patellar tendon-bone anterior cruciate liga ment reconstruction was adversely affected by obtain ing immediate full hyperextension. We selected patients based on degree of knee hyperextension. Group 1 (46 men and 51 women), with an average of 10° (range, 8° to 15°) hyperextension, was compared with the ran domly selected control Group 2 (70 men and 27 women), which had an average of 2° (range, 0° to 5°) hyperextension. The operative knee in both groups, which underwent similar reconstruction of the injured knee, achieved full passive extension equal to the non- involved knee during the immediate postoperative course. The average KT-1000 arthrometer manual maximum side-to-side differences were 2.4 mm for Group 1 and 2.1 mm for Group 2 (P = 0.13). Seventy- nine patients in Group 1 had KT-1000 arthrometer dif ferences of ≤3 mm as compared with 85 patients in Group 2. Fourteen patients in Group 1 had KT-1000 arthrometer differences of 4 or 5 mm a...
Personal narratives in aphasia: Coherence in the context of use

Background: Discourse functionality is a primary goal of aphasia assessment and intervention. People who have aphasia often display a paradoxical functionality in their production of discourse, despite their aphasic impairment. A variety of linguistic and non-linguistic resources are orchestrated to produce coherent discourse. One discourse genre, the personal story, is ubiquitous and fills important intrapersonal and interpersonal functions. Aims: The primary objective is to provide a framework for the structure and function of personal stories, to guide future clinical discourse research towards development of practical clinical assessment of discourse functionality in people who have aphasia. Main Contribution: Characteristics of personal stories in their context of use are discussed for their contributions to overall discourse coherence. Examples of coherent and incoherent personal stories narrated by people who have aphasia illustrate interactions among coherence-building resources. The influence of ...
The formation of the granuloma in tuberculosis infection

The development of the granuloma and its subsequent degeneration and necrosis, is the hallmark of infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. These structures probably evolved as primitive particle responses, but in mammals they are facilitated by the emerging acquired immune response, in which cytokines and chemokines help control their formation and integrity. In this brief review we discuss the pathology of these lesions in the two most widely used animal models (mice and guinea pigs). In addition, we argue against the idea that there is a balance between host immunity and bacterial survival, and that the latter possess mechanisms that control this, as some currently believe, and moreover discuss newer information regarding the ability of bacilli to persist in these structures long enough to eventually escape and become retransmitted.
Influence of adrenergic receptor stimulation on glucose metabolism during starvation in man: effects on circulating levels of insulin growth hormone and free fatty acids.

Abstract Three days of starvation in 23 healthy, non-diabetic volunteers produced a “diabetic-like” state characterized by ketonuria, glucose intolerance, and diminished insulin secretion in response to i.v. glucose. The serum concentration of growth hormone and free fatty acids, and the urinary excretion of free catecholamines were also elevated. Free plasma cortisol remained unchanged. To investigate the influence of adrnergic receptor stimulation on these metabolic alterations, fasting subjects were divided into three groups, 40 min before an i.v. glucose tolerance test (IVGTT). One group received a saline infusion and served as controls. A second group (α-adrenergic blockade) received an infusion of phentolamine beginning 40 min before and lasting throughout the fasting IVGTT; the third group received phentolamine and propranolol (total adrenergic blockade). All subjects were glucose intolerant after fasting, and by comparison with the prefasting IVGTT, it was found that adrenergic blockade had no effect on the change in glucose tolerance after starvation. Control subjects exhibited a 45% ( p p p > .30). Alpha adrenergic blockade returned growth hormone levels to prefasting values in three subjects, and total blockade partially restored the free fatty acid concentration to prefasting levels. These results indicate that sympathetic tone, as reflected by catecholamine excretion, is increased during starvation and may play a role in the regulation of insulin, growth hormone, and free fatty acid release; that acute reversal of insulin deficiency after fasting does not restore normal glucose tolerance; and that peripheral insulin antagonism due to growth hormone and free fatty acids does not appear to be a major cause of glucose intolerance during starvation.
Molecular Dynamics of Crack Growth in Nickel and Nickel-Aluminum Bi-Metallic Interface System Under Cyclic Loading

Molecular dynamics simulations using embedded atom method inter-atomic potential were used to study crack propagation under cyclic loading in a Ni single crystal and a Ni-Al bi-metallic system. The crack in Ni-Al initiates and propagates from Ni towards the Ni-Al interface. The cyclic loading was applied in a strain controlled manner with constant amplitude of maximum strains (emax ) applied to the two systems. The crack growth and propagation mechanism of a crack propagating in Ni were compared with the crack growth and propagation of a surface crack in Ni-Al at two different values of emax . Our results suggest that depending on the maximum value of the applied strain (emax ), the crack propagates either by fatigue cleavage of the atomic bonds in the crack plane or by void nucleation in the regions near the crack tip. The creation of voids slows down crack growth in both the Ni and Ni-Al at higher value of emax . A comparison of crack growth under tensile and cyclic loading (emax , 0.046) suggest that plastic deformation around crack tip dominate crack propagation during tensile loading that result in slower crack growth (due to early nucleation of dislocations at the crack tip), when compared to crack growth under cyclic loading.© 2011 ASME
Arterial occlusion in the left upper extremity of a mongoloid idiot with congenital heart disease (tetralogy of fallot)

Abstract The case of a mongoloid infant with congenital heart disease (tetralogy of Fallot) is reported because of the development of an unusual complication, namely, a thrombosis involving the patent ductus arteriosus, the ascending aorta, the left common carotid artery, and the left subclavian, axillary, and brachial arteries. No similar condition, excepting thrombosis of the ductus Botalli, has been reported in the literature.
Vertical distribution of trace fossils in a turbidite sequence, Upper Devonian, New York State

Abstract Detailed study of quarry exposures of Rock Stream Formation (Upper Devonian) near Ithaca, New York, reveal three associations of trace fossils with a vertically consistent shale and turbidite sand lithology of proximal slope environment. A Paleodictyon association, similar to Seilacher's Nereites assemblage, is overlain in vertical section by members of Seilacher's Skolithos assemblage and facies-breaking forms. The Pteridichnites association is ubiquitous in distribution. Study of preserved physical and biogenic aspects of the environment suggest that the vertical change in the ichnogeneric assemblage is related to food resources and oxygen availability. Other factors usually limiting the distribution of trace-making organisms such as substrate consistency, texture, and energy regimes, were essentially the same throughout the paleoenvironment represented in vertical section. Stratigraphic studies show that marine regression was occurring in the shallower water paleoenvironments that were equivalent to rocks of this study. The non-sedimentological factors that accompanied the regression affect the proximal-slope areas before, and stratigraphically below, a change in sediment type recorded the regression. Organisms adapted to these inconspiciously different conditions left notably dissimilar traces in the preserved record.
The new invincibles: HIV screening among older adults in the U.S.

Background Thirteen percent of the U.S. population is ages 65 and older, a number projected to reach 20% by 2030. By 2015, 50% of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-infected individuals in the U.S. are expected to be ages 50 and older. Current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines recommend “opt-out” HIV screening for individuals ages 13–64. The purpose of this study was to assess the occurrence and barriers to HIV screening in older adults, and to evaluate the rationale for expanding routine HIV screening to this population. Methods The study used 2009 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data. A total of 12,366 (unweighted) adults, ages 50 and older, participated in the adult section of the NHIS and answered questions on the HIV/AIDS, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, and Tuberculosis components. Associations between HIV screening, socio-demographic variables, and knowledge of HIV-related disease were examined using logistic regression models. Results The HIV screening rate within this population was 25.4%. Race had no statistically significant effect. Low risk perception of HIV exposure (84.1%) accounted for low likelihood of planned screening (3.5%) within 12 months post survey. A routine medical check-up was the single most common reason for HIV screening (37.6%), with only about half (52.7%) of the tests suggested by a health care provider. Conclusion It is imperative that practices and policies are developed and implemented to increase HIV awareness and screening in the older adult population. Increased health care provider awareness of the importance of HIV screening, especially for those 65 and older, is critical. Health policies and clinical guidelines should be revised to promote and support screening of all adults.
In vitro activity of available antimicrobial coated Foley catheters against Escherichia coli, including strains resistant to extended spectrum cephalosporins

Purpose: We determined the activity, comparative potency and effect durability of commercially available, antimicrobial coated Foley catheters against Escherichia coli isolates, including extended spectrum cephalosporin resistant strains.Materials and Methods: We used an inhibition zone assay (diffusible inhibition) and an adherence assay (diffusible and contact dependent inhibition) to assess the inhibitory effect of 3 currently marketed antimicrobial coated catheters, including 2 coated with silver and 1 coated with nitrofurazone, and corresponding silicone catheters against 9 E. coli strains, including 7 extended spectrum cephalosporin resistant and 2 extended spectrum cephalosporin susceptible strains, and a Pseudomonas aeruginosa reference strain.Results: In each assay the nitrofurazone coated catheter showed the greatest and most durable (through day 5) inhibitory activity. This was comparable for extended spectrum cephalosporin resistant and extended spectrum cephalosporin susceptible E. coli strai...
Temporal association of interferon-alpha and p27 core antigen levels in sera of simian immunodeficiency virus infected monkeys.

We report the temporal association of interferon (IFN) and p27 core antigen production during experimental simian immunodeficiency virus Delta B670 (SIV) infection in rhesus monkeys. Peak serum IFN-alpha levels (10(2.8-5.0)U/ml) occurred 10 days post infection (p.i.) and peak p27 levels (3.1-34.4 ng/ml) occurred 10-14 days p.i. Acid-stable IFN-alpha (10(1.6-2.5)U/ml) was detected 3-5 days before p27 in sera from three monkeys and was detected with p27 (0.06-3.06 ng/ml) in four monkeys during the primary infection. Serum IFN-alpha and p27 levels became undetectable 24-40 days p.i. Two monkeys remained asymptomatic for SIV after the primary p27 antigenaemia, three monkeys had recrudescent (3-4 months p.i.) acid stable interferonaemias (10(1-2.5)U/ml) with p27 antigenaemias (0.06-2.7 ng/ml) that persisted until death, and two monkeys had acute SIV infections (died < or = 7 months p.i.) with persistent acid-stable interferonaemia (10(1.6-2.5)U/ml) and p27 antigenaemia (6-9 ng/ml). Our results indicate that the detection of acid-stable IFN-alpha in serum is closely associated with detection of p27 (P = 0.0001) and suggest that detection of acid-stable IFN-alpha and p27 core antigen is indicative of active SIV infection.
Understanding the Challenges in Order to Increase the Educational Outcomes for At Risk African American Males in Out-of-Home Placements: Residential Group Homes and Foster Care

This article explores the challenges related to increasing educational outcomes for African American males who are in out-of-home placements such as group homes and foster care, and the adverse effects of such placement on schooling. Strategies and interventions are presented to assist teachers and school administrators in mitigating the risk factors for this population.
Mixtures of varying coefficient models for longitudinal data with discrete or continuous nonignorable dropout

The analysis of longitudinal repeated measures data is frequently complicated by missing data due to informative dropout. We describe a mixture model for joint distribution for longitudinal repeated measures, where the dropout distribution may be continuous and the dependence between response and dropout is semiparametric. Specifically, we assume that responses follow a varying coefficient random effects model conditional on dropout time, where the regression coefficients depend on dropout time through unspecified nonparametric functions that are estimated using step functions when dropout time is discrete (e.g., for panel data) and using smoothing splines when dropout time is continuous. Inference under the proposed semiparametric model is hence more robust than the parametric conditional linear model. The unconditional distribution of the repeated measures is a mixture over the dropout distribution. We show that estimation in the semiparametric varying coefficient mixture model can proceed by fitting a parametric mixed effects model and can be carried out on standard software platforms such as SAS. The model is used to analyze data from a recent AIDS clinical trial and its performance is evaluated using simulations.
Two-dimensional quantum gravity in Minkowski space

We study exactly soluble models of gravity in two-dimensional Minkowski space. It is argued that an interpretation of these models as causal unitary quantum mechanics is possible only if we work in a Fock space of two-dimensional universes. The argument is general and should be valid for any generally covariant Minkowski field theory which contains the metric as a dynamical variable. It depends only on global time reparametrization invariance. We conjecture that the local time reparametrization invariance of theories of extended objects actually requires that the second quantized theory of such objects be an interacting Universal Field Theory, i.e. that it must contain wormhole processes.
Why unipolarity doesn't matter (much)

This article first argues that states have not balanced against US unipolar power because the potential balancers do not view the United States as a major threat, because they believe it has benign security-seeking motives, at least with regard to other major powers. This explanation runs counter to the Brooks–Wohlforth argument, which holds that states are not balancing because the magnitude of the United States’ power advantage makes balancing essentially infeasible. The second part of the paper challenges the conventional wisdom on the benefits of unipolarity, arguing that the benefits the United States derives from unipolarity are generally overrated. More specifically, US security need not be significantly reduced by growth in China's economy that supports a return to bipolarity.
Stress and diffusion in stored Pu ZPPR fuel from alpha generation

Abstract ZPPR (Zero Power Physics Reactor) is a research reactor that has been used to investigate breeder reactor fuel designs. The reactor has been dismantled but its fuel is still stored there. Of concern are its plutonium containing metal fuel elements which are enclosed in stainless steel cladding with gas space filled with helium–argon gas and welded air tight. The fuel elements which are 5.08 cm by 0.508 cm up to 20.32 cm long (2 in × 0.2 in × 8 in) were manufactured in 1968. A few of these fuel elements have failed releasing contamination raising concern about the general state of the large number of other fuel elements. Inspection of the large number of fuel elements could lead to contamination release so analytical studies have been conducted to estimate the probability of failed fuel elements. This paper investigates the possible fuel failures due to generation of helium in the metal fuel from the decay of Pu and its possible damage to the fuel cladding from metal fuel expansion or from diffusion of helium into the fuel gas space. This paper (1) calculates the initial gas loading in a fuel element and its internal free volume after it has been brought into the atmosphere at ZPPR, (2) shows that the amount of helium generated by decay of Pu over 46 years since manufacture is significantly greater than this initial loading, (3) determines the amount of fuel swelling if the helium stays fixed in the fuel plate and estimates the amount of helium which diffuses out of the fuel plate into the fuel plenum assuming the helium does not remain fixed in the fuel plate but can diffuse to the plenum and possibly through the cladding. Since the literature is not clear as to which possibility occurs, as with Schroedinger’s cat, both possibilities are analyzed. The paper concludes that (1) if the gas generated is fixed in the fuel, then the fuel swelling it can cause would not cause any fuel failure and (2) if the helium does diffuse out of the fuel (in accordance diffusivities estimated from the literature), then it is unlikely that fuel element bulging will occur.
High aspect ratio micromachining of glass by electrochemical discharge machining (ECDM)

Abstract Micromachining of glass is essential for several microfluidic components, micro-pumps, micro-accelerometers, micro-reactors, micro-fuel cells and several biomedical devices. Unique properties such as high chemical resistance, thermal stability and transparency give glass scope for additional applications. However, poor machinability of glass is a major constraint, especially in high aspect ratio applications of glass in microsystem technology. Micro electrochemical discharge machining (micro ECDM) is an emerging nontraditional fabrication method capable of micromachining ceramic materials like glass. While surface features less than 100 μm have been successfully machined on glass, machining high aspect features is a challenge. Machining accuracy at high depths is severely affected due to overcut and tool wear. In this paper, high aspect ratio microtools fabricated in-house have been used for deep microhole drilling on glass using low electrolyte concentration. An aspect ratio of 11 has been achieved. The results show that lower electrolyte concentration reduced overcut by 22%, thus increasing the aspect ratio of the micro holes. Lowering the electrolyte concentration also reduced the tool wear and hole taper by 39% and 18% respectively.
Correlations of Media Habits Across Time, Generations, and Media Modalities

This study investigates media uses and preferences across two generations and across television and video games. Path analyses using data from 335 families show that the number of hours of television viewed by the first generation (parents at age 30) positively predicts the amount of television use by their offspring in the second generation 18 years later, as well as their own amount of television viewing at that time. The analyses also show that the amount of video game playing among offspring is significantly related to their own as well as their parents' concurrent TV use. While there is no similar longitudinal correlation between a preference for violent television by parents at age 30 and that of their offspring 18 years later, parents' violent television preferences at age 48 are positively correlated with their offspring's concurrent preference for violent television content. Additionally, the violent television preferences of offspring are positively correlated with their own preferences for viol...
COMPUTERS AND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS

Published experiences dealing with the use of data processing equipment in conjunction with classification systems, particularly the UDC, are reviewed. Earlier conclusions, generalized from experience with punched card equipment, were too pessimistic. Difficulties in handling UDC notation in computer systems and methods for overcoming them are discussed. Ways in which computers can aid in studying, improving, and using classification systems are discussed. Experience at Meteorological and Geoastrophysical Abstracts is cited.
P3-07-32: The Role of Axillary Ultrasound in the Detection of Metastases from Primary Breast Cancers.

Background: The value of ultrasound (US) in the preoperative evaluation of axillary nodes has yet to be completely clarified. Preliminary experience with this technique in our institution was examined. Methods: Patients with a radiographic or palpable abnormality of the breast had simultaneous breast and axillary US. The exams were performed by dedicated breast radiologists using a 12 MHz linear array transducer (HDI 5000: Philips Ultrasound). Results were reviewed for all patients with invasive cancers who were cN0 and had definitive surgical procedures between June 2006 and May 2008. Criteria for abnormal lymph nodes were loss of reniform shape, focal or diffuse cortical thickening, or eccentric/replaced fatty hilum. US-guided biopsies were done using a 16g spring-loaded core biopsy device (16g MD TECH SuperCore). Patients with positive axillary node biopsies bypassed sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) and had axillary dissection, whereas those with sonographically normal nodes or benign/non-diagnostic biopsy results had SLNB at the time of definitive surgery. Results: Of 128 patients diagnosed with invasive cancer, 23 (18%) had abnormal axillary US at the time of initial diagnosis. Biopsies were performed in 18 of the 23, of which 12 (67%) were malignant and 6 (33%) were benign. Ultrasounds were negative in 105 (82%) patients. SLNB was done in 110 patients: 103 with negative US; 4 patients with abnormal US but negative axillary biopsies; 2 patients with abnormal US but no core biopsies; and 1 patient with a positive US biopsy. SLNB was negative in 91 (83%) patients and positive in 19 (17%). The node-positive status was N1a in 14 patients and N1mic in 5. Axillary dissection was done in 32 (25%) of 128 patients, comprised of 11 patients with US-guided positive biopsies, 12 with positive sentinel nodes, 2 with US-guided negative biopsies, 2 with negative ultrasounds, 3 with unbiospied abnormal ultrasounds, and 2 with a false-negative SLNB. For determining axillary metastases with US, sensitivity was 16/31 (52%), specificity was 90/97 (93%), positive predictive value was 16/23 (69%), and negative predictive value was 90/105 (86%). Conclusions: US examination was a valuable method of evaluating the axilla in newly diagnosed breast cancers. Of 32 patients having an axillary dissection, abnormal US eliminated the need for SLNB in 17 (53%). Patients with US-guided positive nodes were submitted to axillary dissection without SLNB. Therefore, we were unable to determine how often US identified an abnormal non-sentinel node, thus upstaging the axilla relative to SLNB alone. This question should be the topic of further clinical study. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-07-32.
The Role of Pulmonary Resection in Small Cell Lung Cancer

OBJECTIVE To analyze the outcome of surgical resection for patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC). PATIENTS AND METHODS We identified all patients who underwent thoracotomy for SCLC at our institution from January 1985 to July 2002. All patients were staged using the American Joint Committee on Cancer TNM system. RESULTS The median age of the 77 patients (44 men and 33 women) was 65 years (range, 35-85 years). Operations performed included thoracotomy with biopsy of hilar mass in 10 patients, wedge excision in 30 (6 with talc pleurodesis), segmentectomy in 4, lobectomy in 28, bilobectomy in 3, and pneumonectomy in 2. Mediastinal lymphadenectomy was performed in 50 patients and lymph node sampling in 19. Postoperative therapy included chemotherapy alone in 20 patients, radiation therapy in 3, and combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy in 40. Median tumor diameter was 4 cm (range, 1.0-10.0 cm). Postsurgical tumor stage was IA in 7 patients, IB in 11, IIA in 8, IIB in 7, IIIA in 30, IIIB in 10, and IV in 4. A total of 19 patients (25%) had complications: atrial arrhythmia in 7 patients, pneumonia in 6, prolonged air leak in 3, and myocardial infarction, postoperative bleeding, and cerebrovascular accident in 1 each. Operative mortality was 3% (2/77). Follow-up ranged from 4 days to 170 months (median, 19 months). At last follow-up, 20 patients were alive. The estimated overall 5-year survival was 27% when excluding the 10 patients who underwent a biopsy without additional surgery. Five-year survival for stage I and II combined (n=33) was 38% compared with only 16% for stage III and IV combined (n=34) ( P =.02). Overall median survival was 24 months; median survival for patients who underwent curative surgery was 25 months compared with 16 months for those who had a palliative procedure ( P =.34). CONCLUSION Pulmonary resection in patients with stage I or stage II SCLC is safe with low mortality and morbidity. Curative resection is associated with long-term survival in early stage SCLC in some patients and should be considered in selected patients.
Body movement and verbal encoding in the congenitally blind.

The purpose of the study was to examine the prevalence of object- and body-focused hand movements of the congenitally blind individuals engaged in an encoding task and to determine the relation of these movements to verbal performance. Ten Ss participated in a 5-min. videotaped monologue. The video portion was coded for hand movements using Freedman's categories of analysis. The audio portion was scored for grammatical complexity according to a system developed by Steingart and Freedman. It was found that: (1) Blind Ss engaged only in body-focused movements; object-focused movements were almost completely absent. (2) Blind Ss displayed significantly greater amounts of body-focused (primarily finger-to-hand) movements than a group of sighted Ss observed in a previous study. (3) There was a correlation of .51 between finger-to-hand movements and verbal fluency and a correlation of –.53 between body-touching and verbal fluency. (4) Ss with a prevalence of finger-to-hand movements showed significantly greater...
Discovering Dispatching Rules Using Data Mining

This paper introduces a novel methodology for generating scheduling rules using a data-driven approach. We show how to use data mining to discover previously unknown dispatching rules by applying the learning algorithms directly to production data. This approach involves preprocessing of historic scheduling data into an appropriate data file, discovery of key scheduling concepts, and representation of the data mining results in a way that enables its use for job scheduling. We also consider how by using this new approach unexpected knowledge and insights can be obtained, in a manner that would not be possible if an explicit model of the system or the basic scheduling rules had to be obtained beforehand. All of our results are illustrated via numerical examples and experiments on simulated data.
Sense and Nonsense in the Conservative Critique of Obamacare

It would be difficult to overestimate the significance of the health care reform debate in the United States. To the extent that the Affordable Care Act (H.R. 3590) actually seeks to take over one-...
Photoluminescence of fullerene-doped copolymers of methyl methacrylate during laser irradiation

Photoluminescence (PL) intensities of C60-doped poly(methyl methacrylate-co-ethyl acrylate) (P(MMA-co-EA)) and poly(methyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid) (P(MMA-co-MAA)), increase gradually during laser irradiation in air. Concomitantly, their PL peaks are broadened and blue-shifted. C70-doped copolymers exhibit a rapid increase in PL intensity soon after the start of laser irradiation, but the PL intensities then decrease to a minimum upon further irradiation. After that, their PL intensities increase again, similar to that of C60-doped copolymers. By analyzing UV-visible spectra, these increases in PL are attributed to the formation of some fullerene oxide-copolymer complex by laser induced photochemical oxidation reactions.