cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Is Overdiagnosed

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) refers to disorders attributed to compromise of the neurovascular structures—subclavian/axillary artery and vein, distal cervical roots, brachial plexus fibers—traversing the thoracic outlet. 1 Thoracic outlet syndrome can be subdivided into four distinct subgroups, depending on the particular structure affected, because seldom is more than one involved simultaneously. 2 These subgroups are arterial vascular, venous vascular, true (or classic) neurologic, and disputed neurologic. 3 The first three types are noncontroversial. Because of space limitations the vascular types cannot be discussed in detail; detailed descriptions of them are available. 3-6 They share several common features with the true neurologic type (true N-TOS), including characteristic symptom profile, obvious clinical findings, confirmatory results of laboratory studies, worldwide recognition as an entity, and low incidence. For example, true N-TOS is a rare lesion that occurs unilaterally and primarily affects adult women. Caused by the distal C-8/T-1 roots or proximal lower trunk
Inhibition of Apoptosis by Hyperbaric Oxygen in a Rat Focal Cerebral Ischemic Model

The hypothesis was tested that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) reduced brain infarction by preventing apoptotic death in ischemic cortex in a rat model of focal cerebral ischemia. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) and subsequently were exposed to HBO (2.5 atmospheres absolute) for 2 h, at 6 h after reperfusion. Rats were killed and brain samples were collected at 24, 48, 72 h, and 7 days after reperfusion. Neurologic deficits, infarction area, and apoptotic changes were evaluated by clinical scores, 2,3,7-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining, caspase-3 expression, DNA fragmentation assay, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated 2'-deoxyuridine 5'-triphosphate-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL)-hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) costaining. In MCAO/R without HBO treatment animals, DNA fragmentation was observed in injured cortex at 24, 48, and 72 h but not in samples at 7 days after reperfusion. Double labeling of brain slides with NeuN and caspase-3 demonstrated neurons in the injured cortex labeled with caspase-3. TUNEL+H&E costaining revealed morphologic apoptotic changes at 24, 48, and 72 h after reperfusion. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy abolished DNA fragmentation and reduced the number of TUNEL-positive cells. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy reduced infarct area and improved neurologic scores at 7 days after reperfusion. One of the molecular mechanisms of HBO-induced brain protection is to prevent apoptosis, and this effect of HBO might preserve more brain tissues and promote neurologic functional recovery.
Libraries, Low-Income People, and Social Exclusion

This article suggests that libraries can improve services to low-income persons by helping to minimize social exclusion. The author points out the significance of negative perceptions affecting the way that professional librarians approach those who face social exclusion for many different reasons. He suggests the need to move beyond categorical problem solving to a more comprehensive sense of community development as a way to positively affect the lives of low income families and individuals.
Caffeine inhibits cell transformation by 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide

SOMATIC mutation has been considered a likely initiating step in chemical carcinogenesis1–3, chiefly because of the close correlation between the mutagenic and carcinogenic activity of various chemicals4–6. Study of cells from patients with disease predisposing to a high incidence of cancer, such as xeroderma pigmentosum and Fanconi's anaemia, has suggested that defective DNA repair is correlated with this predisposition to malignant transformation. When cells are transformed by 3-methylcholanthrene7, 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4NQO)8, or X irradiation9–11, division is necessary soon after treatment to fix the transformation: if treated cells are unable to grow the transformation is not fixed. These results could be explained if DNA damage induced by a carcinogen is converted into a stable and replicable structural change only by means of DNA replication before the intervention of error-free repair mechanisms. The model of mutagenesis12–14 based on evidence obtained with micro-organisms suggests that errors introduced by an error-prone postreplication repair mechanism are the principal source of mutation. Furthermore, caffeine inhibits “postreplication repair” (presumably an error-prone mechanism) but not excision repair (presumably error-free) in rodent cells15–19. I now report that caffeine reduces the transformation frequency of mouse cells treated with 4NQO. This supports the somatic mutation theory of cell transformation.
The BCR-ABL Story: Bench to Bedside and Back

The twenty-first century is beginning with a sharp turn in the field of cancer therapy. Molecular targeted therapies against specific oncogenic events are now possible. The BCR-ABL story represents a notable example of how research from the fields of cytogenetics, retroviral oncology, protein phosphorylation, and small molecule chemical inhibitors can lead to the development of a successful molecular targeted therapy. Imatinib mesylate (Gleevec, STI571, or CP57148B) is a direct inhibitor of ABL (ABL1), ARG (ABL2), KIT, and PDGFR tyrosine kinases. This drug has had a major impact on the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) as well as other blood neoplasias and solid tumors with etiologies based on activation of these tyrosine kinases. Analysis of CML patients resistant to BCR-ABL suppression by Imatinib mesylate coupled with the crystallographic structure of ABL complexed to this inhibitor have shown how structural mutations in ABL can circumvent an otherwise potent anticancer drug. The successes and limitations of Imatinib mesylate hold general lessons for the development of alternative molecular targeted therapies in oncology.
The role of iron-sulfur clusters in in vivo hydroxyl radical production.

The in vivo production of HO- requires iron ions, H2O2 and O2- or other oxidants but probably does not occur through the Haber-Weiss reaction. Instead oxidants, such as O2-, increase free iron by releasing Fe(II) from the iron-sulfur clusters of dehydratases and by interfering with the iron-sulfur clusters reassembly. Fe(II) then reduces H2O2, and in turn Fe(III) and the oxidized cluster are re-reduced by cellular reductants such as NADPH and glutathione. In this way, SOD cooperates with cellular reductants in keeping the iron-sulfur clusters intact and the rate of HO- production to a minimum.O2- and other oxidants can release iron from Fe(II)-containing enzymes as well as copper from thionein. The released Fe(III) and Cu(II) are then reduced to Fe(II) and Cu(I) and can then participate in the Fenton reaction.In mammalian cells oxidants are able to convert cytosolic aconitase into active IRE-BP, which increases the “free” iron concentration intracellularly both by decreasing the biosynthesis of ferritin a...
Dual role of the exocyst in AMPA receptor targeting and insertion into the postsynaptic membrane

Intracellular membrane trafficking of glutamate receptors at excitatory synapses is critical for synaptic function. However, little is known about the specialized trafficking events occurring at the postsynaptic membrane. We have found that two components of the exocyst complex, Sec8 and Exo70, separately control synaptic targeting and insertion of AMPA-type glutamate receptors. Sec8 controls the directional movement of receptors towards synapses through PDZ-dependent interactions. In contrast, Exo70 mediates receptor insertion at the postsynaptic membrane, but it does not participate in receptor targeting. Thus, interference with Exo70 function accumulates AMPA receptors inside the spine, forming a complex physically associated, but not yet fused with the postsynaptic membrane. Electron microscopic analysis of these complexes indicates that Exo70 mediates AMPA receptor insertion directly within the postsynaptic density, rather than at extrasynaptic membranes. Therefore, we propose a molecular and anatomical model that dissects AMPA receptor sorting and synaptic delivery within the spine, and uncovers new functions of the exocyst at the postsynaptic membrane.
Synthesis of transparent fluorocarbon elastomers: Effect of crosslinker type and electron beam irradiation level on physical and mechanical behavior

Saturated fluorocarbon elastomers are very resistant to chemical reactions, including those of a crosslinking nature. In order to study proper methods of preparing these materials, Viton GLT was mixed with various levels of trimethylol propane trimethacrylate, TMPTM, and triallyl isocyanurate, Diak No. 7. After molding, the materials were subjected to electron beam irradiation. The glass transition, rubbery modulus, viscoelastic behavior, and equilibrium swelling were used to characterize the materials as a function of crosslinker and irradiation level. In general, the modulus and gel fraction increased with both crosslinker content and irradiation level. Mixtures of both crosslinking monomers produced an unexpected synergism, yielding higher tensile strength, and earlier onset of gelation.
The importance of the serologically detectable histocompatibility antigens in the induction and effector step of cell-mediated lysis.

The induction and effector steps of T cell-mediated cytotoxicity (CMC) have been studied using a mouse tumor cell line and its variant, which is deficient in serologically defined (SD) H-2 antigens. In allogeneic mice the SD+ cell line induces CMC, while the SD− cell line does not. However, both cell lines can be lysed by xenogeneic rat lymphocytes. Antiserum specific for rat T cells was used to demonstrate that CMC of both targets is partially due to T cells. In allogeneic or syngeneic mouse systems the SD− cells coupled with the 2,4,6-trinitrophenyl (TNP) residue can neither induce CMC nor serve as targets for CMC, while TNP-coupled SD+ cells can serve both as immunogen and as targets. Thus allogeneic or syngeneic mouse T cells do not interact with the TNP group on targets lacking H-2 SD antigens. However, mouse T killer cells sensitized to TNP-coupled cells may lyse TNP-coupled targets carrying different H-2 haplotypes. These experiments show that the induction and effector steps of CMC executed by mouse T cells, using TNP-coupled cells as immunogen or targets, need not necessarily demonstrate restriction with regard to a certain genetically defined H-2 haplotype. The presence of cell surface H-2 SD antigens is, however, absolutely necessary for the induction and effector steps of CMC by mouse T cells. Using cold target inhibition assays, it was not possible to demonstrate recognition of the TNP moiety on TNP-coupled SD+ cells.
Molecular Control of Bacterial Death and Lysis

Summary: Although the phenomenon of bacterial cell death and lysis has been studied for over 100 years, the contribution of these important processes to bacterial physiology and development has only recently been recognized. Contemporary study of cell death and lysis in a number of different bacteria has revealed that these processes, once thought of as being passive and unregulated, are actually governed by highly complex regulatory systems. An emerging paradigm in this field suggests that, analogous to programmed cell death in eukaryotes, regulated cell death and lysis in bacteria play an important role in both developmental processes, such as competence and biofilm development, and the elimination of damaged cells, such as those irreversibly injured by environmental or antibiotic stress. Further study in this exciting field of bacterial research may provide new insight into the potential evolutionary link between control of cell death in bacteria and programmed cell death (apoptosis) in eukaryotes.
Analysis and Multi-Dimensional Modeling of Lithium-Air Batteries

Author(s): Wang, Y; Cho, SC | Abstract: This study contributes to: 1) a multi-dimensional model framework of lithium-air (Li-air) battery, 2) incorporation of mechanisms of insoluble precipitates' impacts, and 3) analysis and discussion on oxygen supply channel for Li-air battery. The model consists of a set of partial differential equations of species and charge conservation, in conjunction with the electrochemical reaction kinetics, and takes into account the two major mechanisms of voltage loss caused by insoluble discharge products: namely, electrode passivation and increased oxygen transport resistance. Two-dimensional (2-D) simulation indicates that the pore space in the cathode electrode is not fully utilized for Li compounds storage, particularly under high discharging current. For selected battery designs, considerable variation of quantities is observed only in the thickness direction. Through analysis, we evaluate the oxygen concentration drop along an oxygen supply channel and relate it to the Damkohler (Da) number, and further explore potential cases that yield oxygen starvation.
UV Curable Coatings for Improved Gas Barrier Properties of Poly(ethylene terephthalate)

Abstract A new high-barrier coating based on methyl (α-hydroxymethyl)acrylate (MHMA) for poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) was developed along with the process for preform dipping and cure prior to blow molding into bottles. The UV curable coating gives excellent gas barrier improvement when coated onto PET biaxially oriented thin films. Blown bottle side walls from coated PET preforms also show 2–3 times improvement over uncoated side walls. The effect of photoinitiator concentration, initiator types, and temperature on photopolymerization kinetics of MHMA was investigated. Once the photoinitiator, Irgacure 819 ® , concentration became larger than 1 mol%, a decrease in rate of propagation was observed. The conversion also decreased with higher initiator concentration. Irgacure 819 ® reduced the auto-acceleration peak and reached maximum rates of polymerization much faster than Irgacure 651 ® . It also gave a slightly higher conversion. Overall conversion for combinations of these photoinitiators was high, above 80%. Real-time FTIR (RT-FTIR) studies of copolymerization of MHMA and methyl methacrylate (MMA) showed that conversion was fairly high up to 25 mol% MMA. However, once MMA feed ratio exceeded 10 mol%, a decrease in barrier performance was observed.
An Improved Matching Algorithm for Developing a Consistent Knowledge Model across Enterprises Using SRS and SWRL

This paper highlights an end-to-end framework and process methodology for developing a consistent knowledge model across enterprises. We demonstrate an improved matching algorithm i.e. the Semantic Relatedness Scores (SRS) and the Semantic Web Rule Language (SWRL) and how they can be coupled together to achieve better reliability and precision in matching heterogeneous data schemas. We introduce a process methodology support this. The goal here is to develop a consistent knowledge model across enterprises that are more precise and reliable. We have also implemented a multi-agent system (MAS) prototype based on the service oriented architecture (SOA) for proof-of-concept. Finally we demonstrate how our approach is represented in the Zachman Framework.
Array analysis of gene expression in connexin-43 null astrocytes

Connexin-43 (Cx43) is the most abundant gap junction protein in brain, where it is found primarily between astrocytes. Although the morphology of astrocytes from Cx43-null (knockout, KO) mice is si...
The Role of Implicit Argumentation in Nominal SRL

Nominals frequently surface without overtly expressed arguments. In order to measure the potential benefit of nominal SRL for downstream processes, such nominals must be accounted for. In this paper, we show that a state-of-the-art nominal SRL system with an overall argument F1 of 0.76 suffers a performance loss of more than 9% when nominals with implicit arguments are included in the evaluation. We then develop a system that takes implicit argumentation into account, improving overall performance by nearly 5%. Our results indicate that the degree of implicit argumentation varies widely across nominals, making automated detection of implicit argumentation an important step for nominal SRL.
A Functional Time Warping Approach to Modeling and Monitoring Truncated Degradation Signals

Degradation signals are sensor-based signals that are correlated with degradation processes of engineering components. In this article, we present a flexible modeling framework for characterizing degradation signals that can only be observed up to a prespecified failure threshold. The underlying assumption of this framework is that the engineering components degrade according to a similar trend, referred to as the common shape function, but at different degradation rates. Under this assumption, the degradation signals of different components are synchronized using a random time warping process that transforms the common trend function into degradation processes that progress at varying rates. Our primary objective is to obtain real-time predictions for the residual lifetime of components deployed in the field. In the initial step, the historical degradation signals are used to recover the distribution of the degradation processes under the assumptions of the proposed time warping model. Next, the distribu...
The Risks of Using Nuclear Energy Sources in Space: Some Lay Activists’Perceptions

A combination of directive and nondirective techniques was used to study the mental models of 30 lay activists regarding the risks of nuclear energy sources in space. Respondentsâperceptions were compared with an âexpert modelâ of the processes generating and controlling these risks, in terms of both the substance of their beliefs and several statistical measures of their performance. These analyses revealed a complex pattern of strengths and weaknesses. Their details are used to derive recommendations for formulating messages about these risks.
Commissioning the MIT-Bates South Hall Ring

The South Hall Ring at the MIT-Bates Linear Accelerator Center is a 1 GeV electron ring for nuclear physics experiments. It is designed to operate in two modes: as a pulse stretcher to deliver high duty factor beams to external targets, and as a storage ring for internal target experiments. To date we have injected beam into the ring using one and two-turn injection, stored beam with a lifetime of several minutes, and achieved early results performing half-integer resonant extraction from the ring in pulse stretcher mode. Experience in commissioning the ring is presented. Future plans for extraction, improved storage and backgrounds, and spin control and measurement in the ring, are also discussed.
Microwave complex permittivity measurement of biological medium for stem cell culture

The complex permittivity of a biological medium used for stem cell culture has been measured from 1 GHz to 20 GHz for the first time. Results for the medium are presented here in comparison with those of distilled water. The determination of spectra for the real and imaginary parts of complex dielectric permittivity of the biological medium will help us further to understand the mechanism of absorption of stem cells to the microwave exposure and eliminate unwanted effects such as thermal effects that may mislead the interpretation of results.
Parallel Data Compression for Hyperspectral Imagery

The high dimensionality of hyperspectral imagery challenges image processing and analysis. It has been shown that hyperspectral compression can be achieved by principal component analysis (PCA) for spectral decorrelation followed by the JPEG2000-based coding. This approach, referred to as PCA+JPEG2000, provides superior rate-distortion performance and can preserve useful data information. However, its main disadvantage is high computational complexity in the PCA process which entails the calculation of the data covariance matrix and its eigenvectors. Parallel processing is an appropriate approach to relieve the computation burden of such a PCA-based compression. In this paper, several parallel PCA implementations are proposed and their processing speed and resulting compression performance are investigated.
Counting Your Customers: Who-Are They and What Will They Do Next?

This article is concerned with counting and identifying those customers who are still active. The issue is important in at least three settings: monitoring the size and growth rate of a firm's ongoing customer base, evaluating a new product's success based on the pattern of trial and repeat purchases, and targeting a subgroup of customers for advertising and promotions. We develop a model based on the number and timing of the customers' previous transactions. This approach allows computation of the probability that any particular customer is still active. Several numerical examples are used to illustrate applications of the model.
Use of Modal Sensitivity to Operating Conditions for Damping Control in Power Systems

Small signal stability is an inherent characteristic of dynamic systems such as power systems. Pole positioning through power system stabilizers (PSS) is often used for improving damping in power systems. A well-designed PSS can be very effective in damping oscillations, especially local oscillations. However, designing PSSs for inter-area oscillations has been a very challenging task due to time-varying operating conditions affecting the oscillations. This paper explores the sensitivity relationship between oscillations and operating conditions, and employs the relationship to derive recommendations for operator's actions to adjust operating conditions for improving damping. Low damping is usually considered to be a result of heavy power transfer in long distance, while specific locations also have significant impact on damping of oscillations. Therefore, it is important to consider locations in deriving recommendations. This paper proposes the concept of relative modal sensitivity and presents its application in deriving recommendations for operator's action in damping control.
Retrieving aerosol in a cloudy environment: aerosol product availability as a function of spatial resolution

Abstract. The challenge of using satellite observations to retrieve aerosol properties in a cloudy environment is to prevent contamination of the aerosol signal from clouds, while maintaining sufficient aerosol product yield to satisfy specific applications. We investigate aerosol retrieval availability at different instrument pixel resolutions using the standard MODIS aerosol cloud mask applied to MODIS data and supplemented with a new GOES-R cloud mask applied to GOES data for a domain covering North America and surrounding oceans. Aerosol product availability is not the same as the cloud free fraction and takes into account the techniques used in the MODIS algorithm to avoid clouds, reduce noise and maintain sufficient numbers of aerosol retrievals. The inherent spatial resolution of each instrument, 0.5×0.5 km for MODIS and 1×1 km for GOES, is systematically degraded to 1×1, 2×2, 1×4, 4×4 and 8×8 km resolutions and then analyzed as to how that degradation would affect the availability of an aerosol retrieval, assuming an aerosol product resolution at 8×8 km. The analysis is repeated, separately, for near-nadir pixels and those at larger view angles to investigate the effect of pixel growth at oblique angles on aerosol retrieval availability. The results show that as nominal pixel size increases, availability decreases until at 8×8 km 70% to 85% of the retrievals available at 0.5 km, nadir, have been lost. The effect at oblique angles is to further decrease availability over land but increase availability over ocean, because sun glint is found at near-nadir view angles. Finer resolution sensors (i.e., 1×1, 2×2 or even 1×4 km) will retrieve aerosols in partly cloudy scenes significantly more often than sensors with nadir views of 4×4 km or coarser. Large differences in the results of the two cloud masks designed for MODIS aerosol and GOES cloud products strongly reinforce that cloud masks must be developed with specific purposes in mind and that a generic cloud mask applied to an independent aerosol retrieval will likely fail.
Tradeshow Managers: A Study of Technology Innovation and Time Poverty

Technology adoption in the tourism industry has been widely reported. Tradeshows, which play a vital part in the tourism econ- omy, have not been investigated to the same extent. This study focuses on tradeshow managers' use of technology, particularly the Internet. Using Rogers' Innovation-Diffusion Theory model, the present research queried the managers of the Tradeshow 200 (the 200 largest tradeshows in the United States) to assess their feelings about technology innova- tions. Tradeshow managers were also asked about Time Poverty Issues as identified by Forsythe and Bailey. Technology usage has become infused into the jobs of show managers. At the same time, correlations between technology adoption and feelings of time poverty were dis- covered. (Article copies available for a fee from The Haworth Document Deliv- ery Service: 1-800-HAWORTH. E-mail address: Website: © 2003 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.)
A MOORED PROFILING INSTRUMENT

Abstract The specifications and performance of a moored vertical profiling instrument, designed to acquire near-full-ocean-depth profile time series data at high vertical resolution, are described. The 0.8-m-diameter by 0.4-m-wide device utilizes a traction drive to propel itself along a standard mooring wire at a speed of ∼0.3 m s−1. The average power required to profile at this speed is 1–2 W; the present sensor suite and controller draw about 1.5 W. Based on these figures, the instrument’s battery capacity will support approximately 1 million meters of profiling. Instrument actions are regulated by an onboard microcontroller, allowing complex dive programs to be carried out. Oceanographic and engineering data are recorded internally on a hard disk interfaced to the controller. The measurement suite thus far deployed includes a CTD for deriving ocean temperature and salinity profiles, and an acoustic current meter that returns ocean velocity profile data. Addition of other oceanographic sensors is antic...
On the Numerical Calculation of Nonlinear Residual Equations

In recent years, nonlinear ‘residual’ forms of the Navier-Stokes equations have been proposed for theoretical and computational analysis of unsteady flow and noise. In this approach, the flow variables are split into a user-specified base flow and the remaining residual flow. The ‘residual’ equations that govern the nonlinear evolution of the residual flow are obtained by removing the chosen base flow from the unsteady Navier-Stokes equations. Because there is no restriction on the choice of the base flow, the time-averaged mean flow is composed of contributions from the base and the residual flow components. In this work, the zero-average form of the residual equations is presented, in which the time-averaged mean flow is the base flow and the residual flow must have a zero mean. A new Zero-average Source Term (ZEST) strategy for numerically converging the residual flow to a zero mean is demonstrated.
Field-Theory Foundations of Topological Insulators

Abstract In this chapter we provide an overview of the topological field theory approach to topological insulators. We start by reviewing the topological field theory description of integer quantum Hall states, which also illustrates the general features of topological field theory approach. Then we reviewed the topological field theory approach of three-dimensional topological insulators and its physical consequences. In the last part of this section we discuss the generalizations of topological field theory approach to generic dimensions and other topological states of matter.
The Effect of Clomiphene Citrate in Male Infertility

18 infertile men were studied in order to determine the effect of clomiphene citrate on oligospermia. Total gonadotropins were determined as were follicular stimulating and luteinizing hormone levels. Urinary 17-ketosteroids were assayed and fractionization done by gas-liquid chromatography. Testosterone glucuonide was likewise determined by gas-liquid chromatography. Multiple semen analyses were performed on specimens collected in the clinic after a period of abstinence of 3 days. Administration of clomiphene to oligospermic male subjects resulted in marked testicular stimulation. Augmented urinary gonadotropins were observed in 10 of 11 subjects. 2 patients with congenital absence of gonadotropins failed to respond to the drug. A case of delayed puberty had a moderate response. Augmented sperm counts irregularly sustained and unaccompanied by increased motility were observed in 10 of 13 subjects. 3 subjects had a marked decrease in sperm counts which subsequently returned to normal. 2 subjects with maturation arrest of spermatogenesis failed to respond with sperm maturation. Increased urinary 17-ketosteroids were observed in 6 of 7 subjects with normal gonadotropins. In 3 of 4 subjects 1 of whom had maturation arrest of spermatogenesis and elevated gonadtropins a marked increase in urinary testosterone glucuronide occurred. Side effects were minimal. However fertility remained absent in all cases.
Accelerated Mortgage Process: An Analytical Evaluation

traditional mortgage 1 process is a simple contract between the mortgage provider (mortgager) and the mortgage holder (mortgagee). Contract, in general, is initiated upon “closing” of the real estate sale, and the payments are scheduled monthly; with the first payment is due at the first day of the first month after the closing date. The most common traditional mortgage in the US is a 30-year fixed rate loan. Others are 20, 15, or 10 year fixed-rate ones or flexible rate loans with several different maturities.
Crop Responses to Azospirillum Inoculation

Following the first reports of an Azospirillum—plant association over the last decade, there has been considerable interest in the use of Azospirillum species as nitrogen-fixing bacteria in association with the roots of monocotyledonous plants, particularly grasses and grain crops. The original thesis was that Azospirillum (synonym Spirillum) invades cortical cells, forming a “primitive symbiotic association” which was suspected of fixing N2 (Dobereiner and Day, 1976). Despite a substantial body of literature, there is still a lack of clarity concerning the mechanisms that result in improved growth and performance of the host plant, or why lack of response is often observed in the field. This is not altogether surprising because this phenomenon is complex and quite variable.
An Alternative Instructional Method for Teaching Doctoral Seminars: An Examination of Issues and Arguments

An alternative model, team teaching mini-seminars, is introduced as an innovative approach for teaching marketing seminars at the doctoral level. This model is currently in use at the University of Colorado at Boulder. A number of pedagogical and administrative issues associated with implementing this alternative doctoral seminar instructional model are discussed.
Mechanical Properties of Amorphous Al85Ni10La5 Alloy by Indentations

Indentation techniques have been carried out to study the mechanical behavior of amorphous Al85Ni10La5 alloy powders produced by inert gas atomization. The present work reveals that this amorphous alloy undergoes a three-stage crystallization process in the temperature range of 250°C ~ 390°C, with a glass transition temperature of approximately 259°C. In this study, the influence of devitrification on mechanical response was investigated via indentation of the Al85Ni10La5 alloy powders annealed at various temperatures, for instance, at temperatures well below or close to glass transition (235°C, 245°C, 250°C), and well above glass transition (283°C). Moreover, the microstructure evolution and the formation of nanoscale crystallites were studied using TEM and XRD. The influence of devitrification on the indentation response was characterized, paying particular attention to shear band formation and variations in hardness. The hardening behavior was analyzed on the basis of a rule-of-mixtures approach by treating the partially crystallized alloy as a nanocomposite.
Investigating construct validity of the Cyber - Peer Experiences Questionnaire

Abstract. Cyberaggression and cybervictimization have gained momentum as a research focus given associated mental health sequelae. To date, however, there remains little consensus on the conceptualization and measurement of these constructs. The purpose of this study was to explore construct validity evidence for the Cyber-Peer Experiences Questionnaire (C-PEQ), a novel measure that assesses experiences of cyberaggression and cybervictimization. Undergraduate participants (n = 735) completed an online survey including the C-PEQ and other theoretically related instruments. Confirmatory factor analysis did not provide support for the hypothesized two-factor model [MLM χ2(125) = 293.58, RMSEA = .06, CFI = .87, SRMR = .06]. The C-PEQ displayed evidence for internal consistency reliability. Evidence for convergent validity with theoretically similar constructs was mixed. Specific areas of model misspecification included items 1 and 2 on both subscales (altering social media friend lists). Future research may e...
Bactericidal Effect of Ultraviolet Rays on Microorganisms on Restaurant Glass-Ware

SummaryA sampling procedure, which was developed in order to examine more completely the interior of a drinking glass, proved quite satisfactory and it was used extensively in this investigation.The Steril-Ray Cabinet, employing 4 Sterilamps, was tested while in actual operation at a soda fountain. Dry clean glasses showed but slight bacteriological improvement as the result of being exposed in this cabinet. It should be noted that these were already of low bacterial content without being exposed. Wet clean glasses showed a very marked improvement as the result of being exposed. However complete sterilization did not result in every case.The experimental evidence obtained in this investigation indicates that almost sterile surfaces are produced when clean drinking glasses are irradiated with the ultraviolet light produced by the Sterilamp.
Lack of a functional methionine sulfoxide reductase (MsrB) increases oxacillin and H2O2 stress resistance and enhances pigmentation in Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus produces 3 MsrA enzymes (MsrA1, MsrA2, and MsrA3) and 1 MsrB enzyme. The genes encoding MsrA1 and MsrB are the first and second genes of a 4-gene operon in S. aureus. In a previous study, MsrA1-deficient S. aureus cells showed increased sensitivity to oxidative stress conditions in spite of a higher production of MsrB. In this study, an msrB mutant of S. aureus was created by site-directed mutagenesis that left the first gene of this locus, msrA1, intact. Studies with this mutant suggest that a deletion of MsrB increases resistance of S. aureus to H2O2 and oxacillin and that the mutant cells produce a higher level of carotenoids relative to wild-type S. aureus cells.
More on quadratic convergence in interval arithmetic

Necessary and sufficient conditions are given for “quadratic convergence” in interval arithmetic.
Reformation Measures Analysis of Distribution Lines Based on Priority Sorting

Reformation of distribution lines is a focus in power companies.However,in the real execution of the reformation,companies are prone to lay emphasis only on one aspect of the proble ms,therefore unable to achieve the comprehensive and integrated optimization as required in the planning.To address this problem,this paper proposes a method of priority sorting in the reformation,deciding upon the order of the reformation projects through analysis of the indexes of distribution lines to be transformed and comparison of the economical benefits of the transformation projects.An actualc ase is applied to test the method as proposed and improvement measures are raised.It is believed that the paper could play a certain role in guiding the reformation of distribution lines.
Current status of wrist arthrodesis and wrist arthroplasty

A variety of techniques are available for reconstruction of the wrist. The efficacy of wrist arthroplasty, however, is met with narrowed indications and does not enjoy the success that total joint replacement in other joints, such as the hip and knee, has enjoyed. With design improvements during the last decade, good short-term results from total wrist arthroplasty can be expected in the low-demand patient with rheumatoid arthritis. Wrist arthrodesis, either pancarpal or limited, is considered the primary surgical alternative in patients with most arthritic conditions of the wrist. The pancarpal arthrodesis is a predictable, durable alternative to a variety of post-traumatic, degenerative, or neoplastic conditions of the wrist; however, some authors report that complications may be prevalent. This procedure also may be modified and applied to the destroyed rheumatoid wrist. Overall, selection of fixation mode depends on bone quality. In an attempt to preserve motion, various limited arthrodeses of the carpus have been described. Although technically demanding, successful results may be expected, especially in conditions of carpal instability. With the current wide array of surgical alternatives, the surgeon must consider each case carefully and select the procedure that best applies to each particular situation. Furthermore, it is extremely important that the surgeon educate the patient on the limitations of each procedure.
Biopharmaceutical Industry's Biophysical Toolbox

Abstract Biophysical characterization of a protein drug to acquire information about its higher order structure (HOS) is a challenging task. Over the years, many biophysical tools have been developed and improved in an attempt to extract as much information in this area as possible. However, only a very few of these biophysical tools are capable of directly providing detailed information at the atomic level. While these tools are extremely useful in academic research and in the research departments of biopharmaceutical companies, they have attributes that make them unsuitable for use in the process development sector of the biopharmaceutical industry. Hence an alternative approach for assessing information about the HOS of a biopharmaceutical in the process development area has been employed. The basis of the strategy utilized in this approach is to use indirect information about the HOS of drug molecules acquired from measurements that characterize their biophysical properties. Using a range of different but much simpler biophysical tools, more practical methods for assessing HOS information can be realized, albeit at a much lower resolution, which better satisfies the working environment needs of the biopharmaceutical industry's process development area. In this chapter, we take a brief survey look at these biophysical tools and their varying capabilities.
Adaptive Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer.

Objective:To investigate the effects of adaptive radiotherapy on dosimetric, clinical, and toxicity outcomes for patients with head and neck cancer undergoing chemoradiotherapy with intensity-modul...
Tibial Plafond (Pilon) Fracture

Various common injuries in the foot and ankle are investigated in this section. Significant attention is paid not only to proper diagnostic examination and imaging, but also to optimal nonoperative and operative treatment options to manage these conditions.
Resonances in Hamiltonian Systems

In this chapter we consider resonances in multi-degree-of-freedom Hamiltonian systems. The resonances are assumed to occur either among the eigenvalues of an elliptic equilibrium (Section 4.1) or among the frequencies of an invariant torus (Sections 4.3 and 4.5). In all cases, slow manifolds or partially slow manifolds exist in local normal forms computed near the resonant object. For resonant equilibria, fast transients among slow manifolds turn out to be responsible for resonance energy transfer, while for invariant tori, irregular motion across resonances can be shown to exist. We examine these phenomena in more detail in a model of the classical water molecule (Section 4.2) and in two concrete examples of rigid body systems (Sections 4.4 and 4.5). The first of the latter examples involves tori of elliptic stability type, while the second one deals with elliptic—hyperbolic tori.
Dividing by Zero—and Other Mathematical Fallacies

In this paper I shall discuss a fallacy involving dividing by zero. And then I shall more briefly discuss fallacies involving misdrawn diagrams, and a fallacy involving mathematical induction. I discuss these particular fallacies because each of them seems at first—and seemed to me myself at one time—to be a counterexample to a theory of mine. The One Fallacy Theory says that every real fallacy is a fallacy of equivocation, of playing on some sort of ambiguity. But these particular fallacies do not seem to involve ambiguity, and yet do seem to be real fallacies.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Congenital Sensorineural Hearing Loss

The aim of this report is to review current literature regarding the work-up and management of congenital sensorineural hearing loss. Diagnostic evaluation of a newborn with sensorineural hearing loss begins with a complete audiologic evaluation and comprehensive history and physical exam. This review presents a diagnostic algorithm for the work-up of congenital hearing loss, focusing on the three following modalities: cytomegalovirus testing, genetic evaluation, and imaging. Newborn hearing loss is a common problem and may be attributed to genetic and non-genetic factors. Complete diagnostic evaluation and treatment are essential for preventing delays in language development. Treatment consists of early intervention services and consideration of hearing aid amplification and cochlear implantation.
Recoverable FCFS Mutual Exclusion with Wait-Free Recovery.

Traditional mutual exclusion locks are not resilient to failures: if there is a power outage, the memory is wiped out. Thus, when the system comes back on, the lock will have to be restored to the initial state, i.e., all processes are rolled back to the Remainder section and all variables are reset to their initial values. Recently, Golab and Ramaraju showed that we can improve this state of the art by exploiting the Non-Volatile RAM (NVRAM). They designed algorithms that, by maintaining shared variables in NVRAM, allow processes to recover from crashes on their own without a need for a global reset, even though a crash can wipe out the local memory of a process. We present a Recoverable Mutual Exclusion algorithm using the commonly supported CAS primitive. The main features of our algorithm are that it satisfies FCFS, it ensures that each process recovers in a wait-free manner, and in the absence of failures, it guarantees a worst-case Remote Memory Reference (RMR) complexity of O(lg n) on both Cache Coherent (CC) and Distributed Shared Memory (DSM) machines, where n is the number of processes for which the algorithm is designed. This bound matches the Omega(lg n) RMR lower bound by Attiya, Hendler, and Woelfel for Mutual Exclusion algorithms that use comparison primitives.
Deportation as a sacrament of the state: the religious instruction of contracted chaplains in U.S. detention facilities

In family detention, religious practice does not stand alone as a faith free-zone, but rather unfolds within what Nestor Rodriguez and Cristian Paredes call ‘coercive bureaucracy’ that from its acc...
Police-Social Work Cooperation: Problems and Issues:

An innovative program which diverts people from the justice system toward social service delivery is described. Through a cooperative effort with the police, social work's competence in interdiscip...
EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF ECCENTRIC LONGITUDINAL IMPACT OF BARS

Abstract —The experimental results of the combined longitudinal and bending stresses in a cylindrical bar are herein reported. The bar was subjected to eccentric longitudinal impact. All impacts were produced mechanically; the duration was about 950 μsec. For each of the 6 specified eccentricities, strain-time records were obtained at 18 gage stations along the bar. To correlate the experimental results, numerical information on the propagation of elastic stress wave is also presented. For the longitudinal component, it stems from a series solution in accord with Love's modified wave equation; for the bending component in the extended range, it was derived from a solution based on the Bernoulli–Euler theory.
New Approaches to the Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer

The development of novel therapeutic strategies for pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAC) has traditionally been considered particularly challenging for clinical and laboratory investigators due to its aggressive underlying biology and inherent resistance to currently available therapies. More recently, however, advances have been made in the identification of promising therapeutic targets for intervention, along with several key insights into the complex sequence of genetic alterations involved in the evolution of PAC from premalignant precursor lesion to malignant cells with metastatic potential. FOLFIRINOX (5-fluorouracil/leucovorin/irinotecan/oxaliplatin) has recently been identified as a combination cytotoxic therapy associated with a significant survival benefit over single-agent gemcitabine in good performance status patients with advanced disease; it is hoped that a similar benefit will be seen in planned trials of FOLFIRINOX as perioperative therapy. The success of immune therapy with the anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 antibody ipilimumab in advanced melanoma has spurred interest in the development of vaccines and immune therapies for other solid tumors. Certainly, the concept of harnessing the power of the immune system for cancer treatment is an attractive concept to patients and clinicians alike. Herein we discuss recent advances in the development of novel therapeutic approaches to PAC, focusing in particular on recent developments in immune and vaccine therapy.
CHAPTER 1 – In Vivo–in Vitro Correlations: An Example from Vesicular Monoamine Transporters

Positron emission tomography (PET) holds great promise as a noninvasive means to examine the biochemistry of the human body. This chapter provides examples of how in vivo and in vitro correlations can be used to identify good candidate radioligands for human imaging with PET. In the development and evaluation of new radiotracers for in vivo imaging using PET, researchers often make use of correlations between in vitro and in vivo measures of binding affinities and regional organ distributions of radioligand binding in animals. Using examples drawn from a series of radioligands for the vesicular monoamine transporter, the value of such correlations in choosing candidate radioligands is discussed in the chapter. In vitro binding affinities are useful in initial selection of candidate radioligands, but other factors such as nonspecific binding and metabolism may be of equivalent importance. Correlations between in vitro and in vivo distributions of radioligand binding sites, if correctly drawn, can provide useful insights into radiotracer selection. Such comparisons of in vitro and in vivo properties of new compounds are thus important components of an overall program to design, synthesize, and validate a new radiotracer for in vivo imaging applications.