cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Motivational Intent in the Sexual Assault of Children

This study analyzes 74 preadult victims' accounts of sexual assault and 137 convicted child offenders' accounts of sexual assault. Two types of child assault were identified: sex-pressure, which was achieved by offender enticement and/or entrapment of the child into sexual activity; and sex-force, where the victim was forced to submit to the assault through exploitation, intimidation, and/or aggression. Life issues of dominance, power, authority, control, aggression, and sadism were present in varying degrees of intensity in the assault.
An Examination of the Frequency and Mean Conditions Surrounding Frontal Incursions into the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea

Abstract Maps of mean monthly frequency and duration of frontal incursions into the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea are presented for the 1965–72 period. The transition from the low-frequency regime of summer to the high-frequency regime of winter is quite sharp in the fall, occurring between September and October. A more gradual decrease in activity occurs in spring. During the cooler months, relative maxima in frequency exist over the western Gulf of Mexico and east of Florida, while an arch-shaped region of maximum duration extends northeastward from the Yucatan Peninsula into the central Gulf and then southeastward along the north coast of the Greater Antilles with a second maximum in the central Caribbean. The frequency and degree of penetration of cold fronts are directly related to topographic features and the position, strength and amplitude of the mid-latitude circulation. Time-sections centered around the time of frontal passage are used to present mean data for three regions. Tropical stations...
Cyclosporin A Inhibits Creatine Uptake by Altering Surface Expression of the Creatine Transporter

Abstract The immunosuppressive drug cyclosporin A (CsA) inhibited the hCRT-1 cDNA-induced creatine uptake inXenopus oocytes and the endogenous creatine uptake in cultured C2C12 muscle cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. FK506, another potent immunosuppressant, was unable to mimic the effect of CsA suggesting that the inhibitory effect of CsA was specific. To delineate the mechanism underlying, we investigated the effect of CsA on theK m and V max of creatine transport and also on the cell surface distribution of the creatine transporter. Although CsA treatment did not affect theK m (20–24 μm) for creatine, it significantly decreased the V max of creatine uptake in both oocytes and muscle cells. CsA treatment reduced the cell surface expression level of the creatine transporter in the muscle cells by ∼60% without significantly altering its total expression level, and the reduction in the cell surface expression paralleled the decrease in creatine uptake. Taken together, our results suggest that CsA inhibited creatine uptake by altering the surface abundance of the creatine transporter. We propose that CsA impairs the targeting of the creatine transporter by inhibiting the function of an associated cyclophilin, resulting in an apparent loss in surface expression of the creatine transporter. Our results also suggest that prolonged exposure to CsA may result in chronically creatine-depleted muscle, which may be a cause for the development of CsA-associated clinical myopathies in organ transplant patients.
The case against (-)-catechin involvement in allelopathy of Centaurea stoebe (spotted knapweed)

Proving allelopathic chemical interference is a daunting endeavor, in that production and movement of a phytotoxin from a donor plant to a receiving plant must be demonstrated in the substrate in which the plants grow, which is usually a complex soil matrix. The soil levels or soil flux levels of the compound generated by the donor must be proven to be sufficient to adversely affect the receiving plant. Reports of (-)-catechin to be the novel weapon used by Centaurea stoebe (spotted knapweed) to invade new territories are not supported by the paper featured in this Addendum, nor by papers produced by two other laboratories. These papers find that (-)-catechin levels in soil in which C. stoebe grows are orders of magnitude below levels that cause only minor growth effects on reported sensitive species. Furthermore, the claim that (-)-catechin acts as a phytotoxin through causing oxidative damage is refuted by the fact that the molecule is a strong antioxidant and is quickly degraded by extracellular root enzymes.
Comparative dry-matter content of varieties of Irish potatoes grown in Louisiana.

A study was made to determine the dry-matter content of 10 commercial varieties of Irish potatoes at Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1944 and 1945.
Forsaking all others? The effects of same‐sex partnership laws on risky sex*

One conjectured benefit of a marriage-like legal status for same-sex couples is a reduction in the incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STI). In this study, I discuss how such a policy might influence risky sexual behaviour and STI rates. I also present reduced-form empirical evidence on whether same-sex partnership laws have reduced STI rates, using country-level panel data from Europe. The results suggest that these laws led to statistically significant reductions in syphilis but not in infections that are not sexually transmitted. However, their effects on the incidence of gonorrhoea and HIV were also smaller and statistically imprecise.
An anthropologist’s reflections on defining quality in education research

In the USA there is a contemporary discourse of crisis about the state of education and a parallel discourse that lays a large portion of the blame onto the poor quality of educational research. The solution offered is ‘scientific research’. This article presents critiques of the core assumptions of the scientific research as secure argument. These assumptions include: a misleading metaphorical conflation of education and medicine; an equating of ‘scientific’ with ‘empirical’ or ‘rigorous’; a linear understanding of the relationship of research to practice; a parochialism that ignores research from other countries; a confusion of research quality with utility; and a naive belief in progress—‘better living (and learning) through science’. Ironically, science‐based practice is put forth as the solution to what ails education in the USA in the absence of scientific evidence that such an approach to educational reform is effective.
Why was democracy lost in Russia's regions? Lessons from Nizhnii Novgorod

Abstract The phenomenon of crony capitalism has been explored primarily with reference to its impact on economic growth. This study investigates the political implications of crony capitalism and, specifically, the interaction between political competition and crony capitalism. Based on a case study of a political trajectory in one of the regions of the Russian Federation, I argue that under crony capitalism political competition can undermine the legitimacy of state authorities and such democratic institution as the electoral mechanism. Played out in public during the electoral campaigns unrestricted political competition uncovers the predatory nature of crony elites engaged in struggle for power and wealth and increases public perceptions of corruption.
Spatial heterogeneity of mercury bioaccumulation by walleye in Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake and the upper Columbia River, Washington

Abstract We examined mercury concentration in muscle of walleye Stizostedion vitreum from three reaches in Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake, a reservoir on the Columbia River, and from the upper Columbia River, an area contaminated by wastes from metal mining and associated processing activities. Our objectives were to describe the relation between size and age of walleyes and tissue concentrations of mercury and to compare mercury concentrations within a single reservoir system among spatially segregated cohorts. Overall, mercury concentrations in walleye muscle ranged from 0.11 to 0.44 mg/kg (wet weight) and were positively correlated with age, weight, and length of the fish. Mercury concentrations in walleyes varied spatially within the system; the highest concentrations were in fish from the lower and middle reaches of the reservoir. Condition factor of age-2+ fish was inversely related to tissue concentration of mercury and was lower in fish from the lower and middle reaches than in fish from the upper rea...
Inclusion cyst and graft contraction in Tutoplast human cadeveric pericardium following Peyronie's grafting: A previously unreported complication

Tutoplast human cadaveric pericardium has been utilized safely and successfully in numerous series of tunica albuginea grafting for Peyronie's curvature without reported rejection, cyst formation, or foreign body reaction. We describe a previously unreported complication of inclusion cyst formation and graft contraction in a 40-year-old white male following Tutoplast human cadaveric pericardial graft surgical correction of Peyronie's curvature. The complication was successfully treated with surgical graft excision and replacement with autologous temporalis fascia.
A large single-center experience with treatment of patients with crotalid envenomations: outcomes with and evolution of antivenin therapy.

Background: Antivenin (crotalid) polyvalent (ACP; Antivenin Crotalidae Polyvalent; Wyeth, Melville, NY) is associated with frequent allergic reactions. Allergic reactions are fewer with ovine Fab antivenin (FabAV). This study describes the management of crotalid envenomations in patients treated with FabAV or ACP, and without antivenin. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of crotalid envenomations over 10 years. Demographic data, hematologic profiles, details of antivenin administration, and in-hospital morbidity and mortality were collected. Results: There were no mortalities and a single amputation. Fewer fasciotomies were performed in the FabAV (9%) group versus the ACP group (24%). Mean hospital stay was 3.4 days. No allergic reactions were associated with FabAV. Fourteen of 211 reactions were associated with ACP (P <.001). Coagulopathy was frequent. Conclusions: FabAV represents an improvement in management of crotalid envenomations because of reduced allergic reactions. Serious morbidity and mortality is rare. Coagulopathy is frequent but bleeding is not. Limb salvage is high. Surgical debridement and ACP are contraindicated when FabAV is available.
Rat Strains Differ in Susceptibility to Maternal and Fetal Infection with Mycoplasma pulmonis

Problem: Vaginally infected Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats are more susceptible to adverse pregnancy outcomes than Wistar (WIS) rats. We postulated that SD rats have enhanced hematogenous spread of Mycoplasma pulmonis to fetal tissues. Method of study: WIS and SD dams were infected intravenously with 107, 106, and 105 colony-forming units of M. pulmonis at gestation day 14. Dams and six randomly selected fetuses were cultured at days 15, 16, 17, and 18 of gestation. Results: In the high-dose group, 100% of fetuses were colonized regardless of rat strain. Significantly higher numbers of M. pulmonis were isolated from placenta (low dose, P < 0.0001; medium dose, P < 0.024; high dose, P < 0.0001), amniotic fluid (low dose, P < 0.003; medium dose, P < 0.017), and fetuses (low dose, P < 0.0011) of SD rats. Spread of M. pulmonis to the amniotic fluid and fetus occurred 1 day earlier in SD rats. Conclusions: The difference in susceptibility between the two rat strains cannot be explained by hematogenous spread alone. The relative resistance to adverse pregnancy outcomes in WIS rats may be a function of a more robust innate immune system. These rat strains may represent an animal model to address host resistance factors to intrauterine infection.
Analysis of Interview and Focus Group Data for Characterizing Environments

This paper describes a novel use of interview and focus group data to generate and substantiate hypotheses about a complex environment. In addition, it shows how MacSHAPA, a tool developed for analyzing sequential data, is a useful tool for analyzing these data. Although interviews and focus groups have been used extensively in social science and marketing, there are few examples documenting the use of these techniques in user-centered design. Furthermore, MacSHAPA has not been used to perform content analysis on interview and focus group data. In this paper, interviews and focus groups were collected as part of a larger study to understand human factors issues in quick service restaurant chains. These data were analyzed using MacSHAPA to perform content analysis. The results generated hypotheses that were validated by other data collection activities, and substantiated hypotheses that were derived by other analyses. The shortcomings and tradeoffs of using this analysis method for a human factors investig...
Social Vulnerability to Toxic Risk

SUMMARY A model of social vulnerability to toxic risk from fugitive chemical releases is tested in 8 southeastern U.S. states. Using structural equation modeling techniques, population density emerged as the critical factor driving exposure to toxic risk. Results indicate that: social vulnerability varies across types and sources of toxic risk; social factors, such as race, that increase risk in some circumstances may buffer risk in others; and that toxic risk has both social justice and social welfare components. Practice and research implications include the importance of community planning and economic models that enhance environmental quality and health along with economic security.
Foreign Body Reaction to Anorganic Bovine Bone and Autogenous Bone With Platelet‐Rich Plasma in Guided Bone Regeneration

Background: Guided bone regeneration is frequently performed to augment deficient alveolar ridges. Although many materials may be used for these procedures, the outcome is usually predictable. In this report, we present an unusual reaction to a frequently used commercially available xenograft material.Methods: A 36-year-old African American male was referred for restoration of edentulous space #8. Examination confirmed a ridge inadequate for implant placement without augmentation. A staged approach was chosen, with augmentation by a mixture of autogenous bone and anorganic bovine bone with platelet-rich plasma and a bioabsorbable collagen membrane. Healing was uneventful, although after 4 months, upon flap reflection, no regenerated hard tissue was found. The tissue at the site was submitted for histology, and the site was regrafted with an allograft/xenograft mixture and covered by a bioabsorbable collagen membrane. Wound healing was uneventful, and a histologic core was obtained at implant placement 5 m...
Assessment of social skills of native American preschoolers: Teachers' and parents' ratings

Abstract The overall goal of this investigation was (a) to provide a cross-cultural understanding of young children's social behavior and adults' expectations for behavior and (b) to advance knowledge of interrater correlations for the Social Skills Rating System. The sample consisted of 50 Native American subjects and a matched sample (by age and gender) of 50 white subjects from Head Start programs in the U.S. Midwest. The results indicated that white preschoolers exhibited social skills more frequently according to the ratings of their teachers and parents, than did Native American preschoolers. In addition, low correlations were found between ratings of the importance of social behaviors by teachers of Native American and teachers of white preschoolers and between parents of Native American and parents of white preschoolers. Parents and teachers showed a moderate agreement in their ratings of the frequency of expression of social skills by Native American preschoolers, and in their ratings of the importance of social skills across the Assertion subdomain. This was unlike findings for ratings by the white parents and teachers of frequency of expression and importance of social skills, which exhibited low agreement. Explanations for these findings included cultural similarity, setting, and race commonalities within the Native American sample. The implications of this study for the assessment of preschoolers are provided and future areas to research are outlined.
Large-scale genetic differentiation of Pagrus pagrus in the Atlantic

Red porgy Pagrus pagrus from the north-eastern, north-western and south-western Atlantic were found to be genetically distinct as determined by mitochondrial DNA analysis. There were no shared composite restriction fragment haplotypes, and nucleotide sequence differences averaged 2% among these locations.
Continuity and Realizability of Sequence Transformations

In this paper we study some relations between the continuity of sequence transformations and their realizability by logic nets. The main results discussed include: the Curtis-Hedlund-Lyndon theorem which states that, if a sequence transformation is continuous and unitary (commutative with the shift transformation), then it can be realized by a net without feedback, and, the extension of this theorem to the finitary case. We find that unitary transformations are realized by definite automata, and finitary transformations are realized by indefinite automata. The term ``automata'' is used here in a modification of its usual sense, and we explore the relation between the conventional and modified notions. Many of the concepts and more significant mathematical results in this report can be found in another context in works by Hedlund and others. What may be new and of interest to computer scientists, we believe, is their application to the theory of sequential circuits.
Static and dynamic light scattering of poly-(α-methyl styrene) in toluene in the dilute region

The scattered intensity function S(q, c) and the intermediate scattering function S(q, c, τ) of poly-(α-methyl styrene) (Mω = 5.71 × 105, 1.17 × 106, and 2.96 × 106) in toluene in the dilute concentration region were measured as functions of concentration and scattering vector q. In infinitely dilute solution, the intensity function S(q, 0) agrees well with the Debye function for u 1, S(q, c, τ) is nonexponential, and when analyzed with a discrete inversion method, yields a bimodal distribution of decay rates. Both components are well represented as single exponential decays. D0 can be obtained from the slower component. The decay rate of the faster component is a continuous function of u and approaches q2 dependence at high u.
Chemical meningitis: A rare presentation of Rathke’s cleft cyst

Rathke's cleft cysts (RCC) are usually benign, sellar and/or suprasellar lesions originating from the remnants of Rathke's pouch. Rarely, RCC can present with chemical meningitis, sellar abscess, lymphocytic hypophysitis, or intracystic hemorrhage. We describe an unusual presentation of RCC in which the patient presented with a clinical picture of chemical meningitis consisting of meningeal irritation, inflammatory cerebrospinal fluid profile, and enhancing pituitary and hypothalamic lesions, in addition to involvement of the optic tracts and optic nerve.
An approach for predicting and describing patient outcome using multicriteria decision analysis and decision rules

Patient outcome in brain trauma patients is affected by a multiplicity of factors, beginning with ambulatory transportation and routing, to the grade of the receiving facility and treatment therein, and finally the treatment and monitoring in definitive care (the brain trauma intensive care unit). Factors and events in each of these phases can be modeled as a multicriteria problem, where the objective is to optimize patient outcome; moreover, a more comprehensive model can embody the interactions of all three phases. This study focuses on modeling the factors that affect patient outcome in definitive care and on expressing these in machine readable format so that we can better describe or predict patient outcome using data mining tools. We use multicriteria decision analysis and decision rules for knowledge representation. Preliminary results suggest that the incorporation of a priori knowledge does help better predict or describe patient outcome when using decision tree induction.
The antinociceptive effects of epidural opiates in the cat: studies of the pharmacology and the effects of lipophilicity in spinal analgesia.

Abstract In cats implanted chronically with catheters in the lumbar epidural space, the pharmacology of the analgesia of 4 opiates, which varied widely in their physicochemical properties, was studied. Results revealed the following order of epidural analgesic potency as indicated by suppression of the spinally mediate skin twitch reflex: lofentanyl>morphine> l -methadone>meperidine> d -methadone. With the doses used in these experiments the duration of action was: morphine > lofentanyl > l -methadone = meperidine. In addition, antagonism of these effects by systemic naloxone and the development of tolerance after daily epidural administration of morphine were demonstrated. These data, jointly, indicate a specific receptor mechanism of action. We suggest that this animal model may be useful for the evaluation of new opiates and non-opiates to be given via the epidural route.
Does Adiponectin Upregulation Attenuate the Severity of Acute Pancreatitis in Obesity

Introduction Obesity is an independent risk factor for severe acute pancreatitis, though the mechanisms underlying this association are unknown. The powerful anti-inflammatory adipokine adiponectin is decreased in obesity. We recently showed that the severity of pancreatitis in obese mice is inversely related to circulating adiponectin levels, and therefore hypothesized that adiponectin upregulation would attenuate the severity of pancreatitis in obese mice.
How do people tap when walking? An empirical investigation of nomadic data entry

When mobile devices are used on the move, a user's limited visual resources are split between interacting with the mobile devices and maintaining awareness of the surrounding environment. In this study, we examined stylus-based tapping operations on a PDA under three mobility situations: seated, walking on a treadmill, and walking through an obstacle course. The results revealed that Fitts' Law continues to be effective even under the most challenging obstacle course condition. While target selection times did not differ between the various mobility conditions, overall task completion times, error rates, and several measures of workload differed significantly. Diminished performance under the obstacle course condition was attributed to increased demands on attention associated with navigating through the obstacle course. Results showed that the participants in the obstacle course condition were able to tap on a 6.4mm-diameter target with 90% accuracy, but they reduced their walking speed by 36% and perceived an increased workload. Extending earlier research, we found that treadmill-based conditions were able to generate representative data for task selection times, but accuracy differed significantly from the more realistic obstacle course condition.
On the theory of two-photon n → π * transitions

Abstract It is shown that two-photon spectroscopy uniquely determines n → π * transitions in linear molecules. The transition amplitude is the sum of two distinct parts.
The Cross-Category Effect Mere Social Categorization Is Sufficient to Elicit an Own-Group Bias in Face Recognition

Although the cross-race effect (CRE) is a well-established phenomenon, both perceptual-expertise and social-categorization models have been proposed to explain the effect. The two studies reported here investigated the extent to which categorizing other people as in-group versus out-group members is sufficient to elicit a pattern of face recognition analogous to that of the CRE, even when perceptual expertise with the stimuli is held constant. In Study 1, targets were categorized as members of real-life in-groups and out-groups (based on university affiliation), whereas in Study 2, targets were categorized into experimentally created minimal groups. In both studies, recognition performance was better for targets categorized as in-group members, despite the fact that perceptual expertise was equivalent for in-group and out-group faces. These results suggest that social-cognitive mechanisms of in-group and out-group categorization are sufficient to elicit performance differences for in-group and out-group face recognition.
Cortisol production rate in adolescent males in different stages of sexual maturation.

Cortisol production rates (CPR's) and urinary 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (17-OHCS) were estimated in 16 adolescent males, of whom 5 were selected from Stage 1 (early), 5 from Stage 3 (mid-) and 6 from Stage 5 (late) of sexual maturation. Both CPR and 17-OHCS were significantly increased in Stage 5 males when compared to the Stage 1 and Stage 3 subjects. In addition, significant positive correlations between CPR and 17-OHCS were observed when both estimations were compared with 3 indices of growth: 1) surface area, 2) weight and 3) urinary creatinine excretion, of the 16 subjects. No differences between the 3 groups were detected in the pattern of excretion of cortisol metabolites when comparison was made of radioactivity recovered in an unconjugated ethyl acetate extract, a β-glucuronidase liberated chloroform extract, and another ethyl acetate extract after the chloroform extraction.
TH‐C‐201C‐02: Impact of Image Acquisition Mode and Reconstruction Parameters on Target Volume Definition Using PET‐Thresholded‐Based Segmentation

Purpose: Although PET‐threshold‐based tumor segmentation has been investigated extensively for target definition in radiotherapy the sensitivity of this method to quantitative imaging uncertainties is often neglected. This work investigates the impact of image acquisition and reconstruction parameters on tumor volumes defined by PET‐threshold‐based segmentation. Method and Materials: Fifteen patients underwent PET/CT on a GE Discovery VCT scanner 60 minutes post injection of 10mCi of [18F]‐FDG. Scans were acquired in both 2D and 3D mode. For each acquisition the grid size post‐reconstruction filter and the number of iterations in the reconstruction algorithm were varied within typical clinical settings. Ten different reconstructed images were created for each patient. Lesions were segmented using thresholds of 40% and 70% of the maximum standardized uptake value and the corresponding segmented volumes (V 40 and V 70 respectively) were calculated. The range of the segmented volume differences was determined for all images with respect to the image generated using our default reconstruction parameters. Results:PET acquisition and reconstruction parameters caused extensive changes in V 40 and V 70 . For 3D acquisition the volume difference ranged between −5% to 90% for V 40 and −10% to 140% for V 70 . For 2D acquisition the volume difference ranged between −10 to 75% for V 40 and −50% to 104% for V 70 . The maximum difference in segmented tumor volumes observed in the same patient exceeded 150%. Dissimilarities in contour‐shape were observed on all images for 40% and 70% thresholds. Conclusion: A startling degree of variability was observed in PET‐thresholded tumors when different acquisition modes and reconstruction parameters were used. These variations alone can lead to volumetric errors greater than 100%. Variability in the target volume due to reconstruction parameters and acquisition modes must be addressed before PET‐threshold‐based segmentation can be used for target definition in radiotherapy.
Influence of alginate cross-linking method on neurite response to microencapsulated neurotrophin-producing fibroblasts

Transplantation of cells genetically modified to produce neurotrophins is a promising spinal cord repair strategy. Previously we showed that fibroblasts engineered to produce brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Fb/BDNF) microencapsulated in alginate survive, continue to grow and express bioactive BDNF. We here compared the effects of different alginate crosslinkers on dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurite growth using alginate-encapsulated Fb/BDNF. Aqueous sodium alginate (±Fb/BDNF) was contacted with different calcium salts, and used as substrate for DRG growth. Length, number and orientation of neurites were measured. Chloride or carbonate salts promoted significantly more neurite growth than sulphate, with or without Fb/BDNF, although encapsulated Fb/BDNF stimulated significantly more neurite growth than cell-free. An Fb/BDNF-derived neurotrophin concentration gradient directionally guided DRG neurite growth. This positive effect of alginate-encapsulated Fb/BDNF on neurite growth/guidance shows promise for ...
Electric power requirement in California for large-scale production of hydrogen fuel

Abstract Substitution of hydrogen for fossil fuels in motor vehicles will require a significant growth of electric energy consumption, especially in high growth rate states such as California. A major concern is the magnitude of the additional electric power capacity necessary to build a large-scale hydrogen fuel industry in California to accommodate the fuel demand of a 30-million vehicle fleet. Electrolysis of water may be the only practical means to produce hydrogen in sufficient quantity without use of fossil fuels for so large a vehicle fleet. A dynamic model was used to estimate the increasing annual electric energy requirement to sustain long-term growth of adequate hydrogen fuel production in two time sequences. The first extrapolates historic data on population, vehicle, and energy statistics from California State agencies to the year 2010 when a fuel-cell engine vehicle industry could begin to expand rapidly. The second time sequence uses the 2010 values as the initial conditions to examine a range of growth scenarios to the year 2050 when a significant fraction of the total California vehicle fleet could be operated with hydrogen fuel. The results of the model calculations show that even with improved energy consumption efficiency of electrolytic production facilities, the additional electric energy demand to sustain replacement growth of hydrogen fuel in the fleet will require installation of additional generating capacity.
Vascular anastomosis using controlled phase transitions in poloxamer gels

Vascular anastomosis is the cornerstone of vascular, cardiovascular and transplant surgery. Most anastomoses are performed with sutures, which are technically challenging and can lead to failure from intimal hyperplasia and foreign body reaction. Numerous alternatives to sutures have been proposed, but none has proven superior, particularly in small or atherosclerotic vessels. We have developed a new method of sutureless and atraumatic vascular anastomosis that uses US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved thermoreversible tri-block polymers to temporarily maintain an open lumen for precise approximation with commercially available glues. We performed end-to-end anastomoses five times more rapidly than we performed hand-sewn controls, and vessels that were too small (<1.0 mm) to sew were successfully reconstructed with this sutureless approach. Imaging of reconstructed rat aorta confirmed equivalent patency, flow and burst strength, and histological analysis demonstrated decreased inflammation and fibrosis at up to 2 years after the procedure. This new technology has potential for improving efficiency and outcomes in the surgical treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Multilevel structure in behaviour and in the brain: a model of Fuster's hierarchy

A basic question, intimately tied to the problem of action selection, is that of how actions are assembled into organized sequences. Theories of routine sequential behaviour have long acknowledged that it must rely not only on environmental cues but also on some internal representation of temporal or task context. It is assumed, in most theories, that such internal representations must be organized into a strict hierarchy, mirroring the hierarchical structure of naturalistic sequential behaviour. This article reviews an alternative computational account, which asserts that the representations underlying naturalistic sequential behaviour need not, and arguably cannot, assume a strictly hierarchical form. One apparent liability of this theory is that it seems to contradict neuroscientific evidence indicating that different levels of sequential structure in behaviour are represented at different levels in a hierarchy of cortical areas. New simulations, reported here, show not only that the original computational account can be reconciled with this alignment between behavioural and neural organization, but also that it gives rise to a novel explanation for how this alignment might develop through learning.
Deletion analysis of Ad5 E1a transcriptional control region: impact on tumor-selective expression of E1a and E1b

The regulatory sequences upstream of E1a, the first viral protein expressed upon infection of cells with adenovirus, have binding sites for multiple transcription factors including two binding sites for E2f and five binding sites for Pea3. We evaluated the impact of deletions, which remove one or more of these transcription factor-binding sites on the expression of E1a in a panel of tumor cells and non-transformed cells. We demonstrated that specific deletions in the E1a enhancer markedly reduced the expression of E1a in growth-arrested cells while having a minimal impact on the expression of E1a in a panel of tumor cells. In particular, deletion of a 50-bp region located from -305 to -255 upstream of the E1a initiation site resulted in marked reduction of E1a and E1b expression and cytolytic activity in growth-arrested cells, while retaining near wild-type of expression of E1a and E1b and cytolytic activity in tumor cells. This deletion removed two Pea3 sites and one E2f site. The characteristics of this vector, TAV-255, was compared with dl1520 (Onyx-015) and demonstrated restricted cytolytic activity in growth-arrested cells similar to dl1520 and superior cytolytic activity in a panel of tumor cell lines. In this current study, we demonstrate that TAV-255, an E1a enhancer deletion vector, possesses tumor selective expression of both E1a and E1b along with potent tumor-selective oncolytic activity.
Patterned corneal collagen crosslinking for astigmatism: Computational modeling study

RESULTS: Pretreatment anterior corneal astigmatism ranged from 1.22 to 3.92 diopters (D) in a series that included regular and irregular astigmatic patterns. All simulated treatment patterns oriented on the flat axis resulted in mean reductions in corneal astigmatism and depended on the pattern geometry. The linear bow-tie pattern produced a greater mean reduction in astigmatism (1.08 D G 0.13 [SD]; range 0.74 to 1.23 D) than other patterns tested under an assumed 2-times increase in corneal stiffness, and it had a nonlinear relationship to the degree of stiffening. The mean astigmatic effect did not change significantly with a fiber- or depthdependent model, but it did affect the coupling ratio.
Pumped divertors and limiters for tokamaks

Extended pulse experiments and fusion reactors will require plasma exhaust, specifically helium exhaust, in order to achieve long, stable pulses or steady-state burning. In addition, impurity control is required to minimize the value of nτETi needed to achieve full plasma performance. It is shown that high density, lower temperature plasma burn conditions, such as are predicted for high field tokamaks, place less severe requirements on exhaust efficiency for helium. Modular and toroidal belt pumped limiters have demonstrated exhaust efficiencies of greater than 10 to 20% for hydrogen and deuterium in ohmic, neutral beam and ICRF discharges. Recent experiments in TEXTOR have explored the details of helium transport and exhaust in mixed deuterium-helium plasmas. To control impurity introduction, pumped divertors may be essential and major experiments are planned for the JET and DIII-D tokamaks. Pumped divertors can exhaust plasma and reduce the heat flux to target plates. Analysis indicates that friction can restrain impurities generated in the divertor chamber from escaping the divertor plasma channel if high density, low temperature conditions are achieved near the divertor plate. Going further in this direction, experimental simulations in the linear experiment, PISCES, of the gaseous divertor concept, suggested for the ITER reactor, have demonstrated greatly enhanced radial plasma losses (by comparison with Bohm losses) in the channel and a large, 100 fold reduction in the heat flux to the end (divertor) plate. The results are encouraging with regard to handling the high heat fluxes in reactors. The exhaust of helium may, however, be limited by diffusion rates in the core, especially in H-mode plasmas.
A survey of antennas for ultra-wideband applications

The usage of ultra-wideband (UWB) technology is growing in many communication systems such as radar systems, communication and measurement systems and imaging systems mainly because unlike the other wireless technologies UWB is not restricted to using a narrow waveband and it has high speed data rate. The large transmission bandwidth makes UWB-based electronic device resistive to interferences and gives immunity against getting detected. Typical operational frequency range of the UWB devices varies from few 100s MHz to 10 GHz. However, the most popular UWB devices are designed to operate between 1-3 GHz. This paper presents an overview of different types of commercially available antennas suitable for UWB applications. The paper begins with the basics of understanding of antennas properties. Next, it discusses the main antenna characteristics like: radiation pattern (directional or omni-directional), gain, bandwidth, size, etc for different UWB applications and explains criterions for quantitative and qualitative performance measure of the antennas. The antennas covered in this paper include: TEM Horn, Folded horn, Dipole, Planner Fat Dipole, Cross Dipole, Rolled Dipole, UWB dielectric, Bowtie, Wire Bowtie, etc. This paper describes the pros and cons of each antenna and highlights the application areas of each antenna. Lastly, this paper summaries the important characteristics of the antennas and presents several promising directions for future enhancement of UWB antenna systems.
Deformation of the quantum mechanical phase space with bosonic or fermionic coordinates

We describe the one-parameter deformation of the phase space of a quantum mechanical system and show that this twisted phase space is covariant under the action of the symplectic quantum group. The...
Bouncing back in the World Series

Sequences of wins and losses for each of the 86 World Series played since 1903 were analyzed for dependence between successive games. It was found that the probability of a win following a loss was significantly greater than the probability of a win following a win. It was also found that the average number of runs of wins and losses per series was greater than would be expected if games were independent. Results supported a “bounce back” phenomenon, a tendency contrary to the notion that momentum is a major factor in such competition.
A novel slice preparation to study medullary oromotor and autonomic circuits in vitro

Background The medulla is capable of controlling and modulating ingestive behavior and gastrointestinal function. These two functions, which are critical to maintaining homeostasis, are governed by an interconnected group of nuclei dispersed throughout the medulla. As such, in vitro experiments to study the neurophysiologic details of these connections have been limited by spatial constraints of conventional slice preparations.
A New Look at Stigmatization in and of Organizations

Although stigma has been studied extensively in psychology and sociology, there has been little research on stigmatization in organizational settings. This special topic forum, which includes four articles, builds on previous social science research and expands its coverage both to individuals within organizations and to organizations themselves. As we note here, these four articles provide an opportunity to examine not only the harm caused by stigma but its potential benefits as well.
The Ways of Religious Coping Scale: Reliability, Validity, and Scale Development:

Ample evidence suggests stress can have serious effects on both physical and mental health. This has motivated researchers to investigate which coping strategies lead to more adaptive responses. One such strategy receiving an increasing amount of attention is religious coping. However, the measurement of religious coping needs further development. The present study reports the development and preliminary reliability and validity studies of the Ways of Religious Coping Scale (WORCS). This scale is a self-report instrument for assessing the degree and kind of religious cognitions and behaviors people use to cope with stress. Results indicate the WORCS is psychometrically sound and may be a useful tool for future research in the area of religious coping.
A critical evaluation of a procedure for measurement of serum bile acids by radioimmunioassay.

A radioimmunoassay for the quantitative determination of cholic acid conjugates has been developed. Antisera were raised in rabbits injected with cholylglycine coupled by amide linkage to bovine serum albumin. The antibodies reported in this communication were not found to be mono-specific in the strictest sense. This assay is relatively simple, rapid, sensitive, reliable, and most importantly, specific for bile acids; the specificity of each antibody, however, must be thoroughly characterized at the dilution in routine use. The range of normal values for cholic acid conjugates in serum was found to be 0.1--1.6 micronmol/l (mean: 0.62, +/- S.D.: 0.4).
Atom transfer radical polymerization of ionic liquid 2‐(1‐butylimidazolium‐3‐yl)ethyl methacrylate tetrafluoroborate

Polymeric forms of ionic liquids may have many potential applications because of their high thermal stability and ionic nature. They are generally synthesized by conventional free-radical polymerization. Here we report a living/controlled free-radical polymerization of an ionic liquid monomer, 2-(1-butylimidazolium-3-yl)ethyl methacrylate tetrafluoroborate (BIMT), via atom transfer radical polymerization. Copper bromide/bromide based initiator systems polymerized BIMT very quickly with little control because of fast activation but slow deactivation. With copper chloride as the catalyst and trichloroacetate, CCl 4 , or ethyl a-chlorophenylacetate as the initiator, BIMT was polymerized at 60 °C in acetonitrile with first-order kinetics with respect to the monomer concentration. The molecular weight was linearly dependent on the conversion. The monomer concentration strongly affected the polymerization: a low monomer concentration caused the polymerization to be incomplete, probably because of catalyst disproportionation in polar solvents. The addition of a small amount of pyridine suppressed such disproportionation, but a further increase in the amount of pyridine greatly slowed the polymerization.
Lensless on-chip color imaging using nano-structured surfaces and compressive decoding

By modulating the diffraction pattern of a multi-color object using a nano-structured substrate, we demonstrate lensfree color imaging on a chip. This on-chip imaging modality could be important to create compact lensfree fluorescent microscopes.
The effects of changing atmospheric oxygen concentrations and background radiation levels on radiogenic dna damage rates

Both background radiation levels and atmospheric oxygen concentrations have changed dramatically over the history of life on earth. Because oxygen has a strong modifying influence on radiogenic mutation rates, these factors must be considered jointly to determine changes in radiogenic mutation rates over time. Using accepted models that describe how both of these parameters have changed through time, we find that radiogenic mutation rates in organisms have fluctuated between about 1.5 to 2.5 times current levels through most of the history of life. The results of this study have interesting implications that may impact our understanding of how modern organisms respond to radiation damage and of models that use molecular clocks to date species divergence times. It is also possible that changing oxygen levels have served to buffer mutation rate changes that result from changes in background radiation levels over time.
THE EFFECT OF ATROPINE ON LARYNGEAL SPASM BEFORE AND DURING CYCLOPROPANE INHALATION IN CATS ANAESTHETIZED WITH URETHANE

The effect of atropine on the response of the vocal cords to stimulation with bursts of ether was studied in cats inhaling cyclopropane. It was found that there was only a slight decrease in the severity of laryngeal spasm in most of the animals despite the administration of large doses of atropine. It is suggested that, except for its antisialogogue properties, routine pre-anaesthetic doses of atropine probably have little or no prophylactic effect on the incidence and severity of laryngeal spasm
Ten years of medical informatics

The discussions of the Tenth Anniversary of the Symposium on Computer Applications in Medical Care (SCAMC) are summarized. Eight different subject areas are addressed: Medical informatics and medical education; Decision making, medical artificial intelligence, modelling and simulations; Image processing, 3-D graphics, and computer networks; Reimbursement policy, legal and regulatory issues; Encoding and representation of medical meaning; Ambulatory medical records systems; Hospital information systems; and Software environments for developing medical information systems. The activities of the 10th SCAMC consisted of Tutorials, Panel Discussions, a Plenary Session, Scientific Demonstrations, and an International Student Paper Competition in Medical Informatics.
Catalytic antibodies--a new direction in enzyme design.

Article synthese traitant des mecanismes de bases et de protocoles possibles pour modifier chimiquement des antigenes par l'utilisation d'une nouvelle classe de molecules: les anticorps a activite catalytique. Les applications de ces Alzymes en biotechnologie et genie proteique sont discutees
Analyzing the Instrumental Use of Relations in the Context of Social Structure

Employing a variation of the Small World technique for tracing social relations in the context of a larger social structure, the instrumental uses of social relations are examined in terms of the prestige and types of relations characteristic of participants m the search process. The results show that successful chains tend to involve participants of higher occupational prestige as the chains progress before "dipping" down toward the target prestige level at the last link. Also, the successful chains tend to utilize weak and infrequent social relations rather than strong and frequent social relations.