cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Premedication of patients undergoing dental procedures causing bacteremia after total joint arthroplasty.

Abstract Introduction More than 1 million total joint replacements, mostly hip and knee, are performed each year in the United States, and the number is increasing. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons has issued a new information statement that dramatically changes the need for premedication with antibiotics before dental appointments. Methods The prior advisory statements, jointly released in 1997 and 2003 by the American Dental Association and American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, recommended premedication for only 2 years after the surgical placement of the implant(s) for patients undergoing total arthroplasty and/or for immune-compromised patients. The current information statement indicates that those patients with total joint replacement should be premedicated for any dental procedure with a risk of causing bacteremia for the lifetime of the patient. Results There is no well-documented, convincing published evidence with modern molecular methods of species identification in which the reported species was specific to a dental procedure in the orofacial region to the subsequently infected total joint replacement. Conclusions Further discussions between orthopedic surgeons, general medical practitioners, and dental practitioners should be encouraged to reach a mutual consensus on this controversial issue to provide the best protection for patients receiving dental treatment potentially resulting in transient bacteremia. Moreover, difficult randomized controlled trials must be conducted to determine the best treatment to minimize infections of total joint replacements and reduce morbidity and mortality.
CLINICAL AND GENETIC CHARACTERIZATION OF PHEOCHROMOCYTOMA IN VON HIPPEL-LINDAU FAMILIES: COMPARISON WITH SPORADIC PHEOCHROMOCYTOMA GIVES INSIGHT INTO NATURAL HISTORY OF PHEOCHROMOCYTOMA

AbstractPurpose: Families with von Hippel-Lindau disease have variable risk of pheochromocytoma. Patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease and pheochromocytoma identified by screening can have no characteristic signs or symptoms. Families with von Hippel-Lindau disease were screened and followed to describe the natural history of von Hippel-Lindau pheochromocytoma, and to correlate these findings with von Hippel-Lindau germline mutation.Materials and Methods: Between 1988 and 1997, 246 individuals with von Hippel-Lindau disease were identified (von Hippel-Lindau group). Between August 1990 and June 1997, 26 consecutive patients with sporadic pheochromocytoma were evaluated (sporadic group).Results: A total of 64 patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease had manifestations of pheochromocytoma, including 33 newly diagnosed during screening at the National Institutes of Health and 31 previously treated (93 adrenal and 13 extra-adrenal pheochromocytomas). Germline von Hippel-Lindau gene missense mutation was asso...
High performance aromatic polyimide fibers, 3. A polyimide synthesized from 3,3′,4,4′‐biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride and 2,2′‐dimethyl‐4,4′‐diaminobiphenyl

A new high molecular weight aromatic polyimide has been synthesized from 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (BPDA) and 2,2′-dimethyl-4,4′-diaminobiphenyl (DMB) in p-chlorophenol at elevated temperature. BPDA-DMB fibers have been spun by a dry-jet wet spinning method. The fibers were elongated and annealed at elevated temperatures above 400°C to achieve excellent mechanical properties. In seven times drawn fibers, the BPDA-DMB molecule packs into a triclinic unit cell with dimensions of a = 2,10(2) nm, b = 1,523(8) nm, c = 4,12(7) nm, α = 61,2(6)°, β = 50,7(7)°, and γ = 78,9(6)° with the number of chain repeating units per unit cell (Z) is sixteen. After annealing at elevated temperatures, the fibers produce a small modification of the unit cell [a = 2,048(6) nm, b = 1,529(5) nm, c = 4,00(2) nm, α = 62,1(3)°, β = 52,2(3)° and γ = 79,6(3)°]. By increasing the draw ratio, both the crystallinity and crystal orientation increase. The BPDA-DMB fibers possess a decomposition temperature of 530°C in nitrogen and 500°C in air at a 5% weight loss when the heating rate is 10°C/min. After extensive drawing, BPDA-DMB fibers exhibit a tensile strength of 3,3 GPa and a tensile modulus of over 130 GPa. Dynamic mechanical behavior of the fibers show both α (glass transition) and β (sub-glass transition) relaxations above room temperature. The nature of the sub-glass transition behavior is described as a noncooperative motion attributed to the diamine portion of the molecule. The activation energy for this relaxation in as-spun fibers is 109 kJ/mol and increases to 144 kJ/mol by increasing the draw ratio. This β relaxation is found to be crystallinity dependent. The α transition is also suppressed by crystallinity which increases with draw ratio.
A sample purification method for rugged and high-performance DNA sequencing by capillary electrophoresis using replaceable polymer solutions. A. Development of the cleanup protocol.

A method for the cleanup of Sanger DNA sequencing reaction products for capillary electrophoresis analysis with replaceable polymer solutions has been developed. A poly(ether sulfone) ultrafiltration membrane pretreated with linear polyacrylamide was first used to remove template DNA from the sequencing samples. Then, gel filtration in a spin column format (two columns per sample) was employed to decrease the concentration of salts below 10 μM in the sample solution. The method was very reproducible and increased the injected amount of the sequencing fragments 10−50-fold compared to traditional cleanup protocols. Using M13mp18 as template, the resulting cleaned-up single DNA sequencing fragments could routinely be separated to more than 1000 bases with a base-calling accuracy of at least 99% for 800 bases. The method is simple and universal and can be easily automated. In the following paper, a systematic study to determine quantitatively the effects of the sample solution components such as high-mobility...
Adaptation: the complexity of climate justice

The effects of climate change on vulnerable communities raise ethical concerns about who should help them cope and how. Research suggests that fair and beneficial solutions are possible, but they always come with risks.
The characterization of single structure diamond heater and temperature sensor

Abstract Heat generation and temperature sensing, essential for most heater applications, were achieved by using a single diamond resistor. Chemical vapor-deposited p-type diamond resistors were fabricated on polycrystalline diamond substrates and oxidized Si wafers using diamond film technology compatible with integrated circuit processing. The resistivity-temperature relationship of diamond thermistors was characterized in the temperature range of 300–1000 K. The maximum heating temperature and power density of 950 K and 93 W cm −2 , respectively, were achieved for heating application. The average difference between the temperatures determined by self-sensing of diamond thin film heaters and the temperatures measured by thermocouples was in the range of 1.05–3.6%. Due to its high thermal conductivity, the substrate temperature was isothermal, as indicated by two-dimensional optical thermometry.
Growth hormone, arginine and exercise

Purpose of reviewTo describe the effect of an acute bout of exercise on growth hormone responses and to discuss the effect of L-arginine supplementation on growth hormone responses.Recent findingsRecent studies have shown that resting growth hormone responses increase with oral ingestion of L-argini
p53 and cancer therapy: a double-edged sword.

When misexpression of the Myc oncoprotein was found to produce enhanced susceptibility to apoptosis (1), it suggested that disabling death may be a fundamental component of neoplastic transformation. It also raised the hope that rekindling such death susceptibility may revert the cancer cell to a hypersensitive state amenable to cure. One of the chief regulators of apoptosis in malignancy is p53, also thought to be the most commonly mutated gene in human cancer.
BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN CONGRESS AND THE SUPREME COURT: INTEREST GROUPS AND THE EROSION OF THE AMERICAN RULE GOVERNING AWARDS OF ATTORNEYS' FEES

prevailing parties were not entitled to recover their costs or attorneys' fees when they successfully advanced their claims on the merits. In 1964 this situation changed dramatically; passage of Title II of the Civil Rights Act coupled with a subsequent expansive Supreme Court interpretation of that provision, quickly led to erosion of the rule. In this paper we attempt to examine the demise of this longstanding public policy and the consequences of this change. The importance of such an analysis lies in the fact that (1) it is an issue that never has been studied by political scientists, and (2) it is an issue of paramount interest to all of the parties involved in this controversy: interest groups, Congress, and the courts. Interest groups litigating in the public interest depend on attorneys' fees awards for a substantial proportion of their operating expenses. Congress was especially concerned with implementation of civil rights laws and with appeasing affected "friendly" groups, and the Supreme Court, which was innundated with public interest lawsuits, quickly came to view attorneys' fees provisions as impediments to the orderly administration of justice. To facilitate an examination of this issue our paper is divided into two sections. In the first, we trace the evolution of the American rule. In the second, we demonstrate how the issue of attorneys' fees supports elements contained in various theories of pressure group politics. Seen in this light, fee shifting provides one issue by which to bridge several accepted notions of interest group activity. THE EVOLUTION OF THE AMERICAN RULE
Value added to health by pharmacists.

Abstract The aim of the study was to discover to whom the pharmacy profession adds value and how it describes and documents that value, to inform other health care professionals of that value, and to present a method of review. Definitions of `values' and `value' were used to develop this methodology. Three ranking terms (benefit, demand, satisfaction) and three whom-value-serves labels (individual, institution, society) were chosen. Whom-value-serves label(s) were assigned to each article within the core matrix. The search years were 1984 to 1995. The articles were analyzed using the Matrix Method™. From this matrix template, further in-depth analyses were completed. Of 86 articles on the core matrix, one-fourth were published in medically-related journals. An article could have more than one whom-value-serves label. As a percentage of total whom-value-serves designations the `institution' labels were prominent. Within the `individual' labels, patient and pharmacist groups were identified equally. The `society' label had no strong emphasis. The core matrix articles revealed the pharmacy profession adds value to hospital/retail organizations and the profession. It describes value in terms of cost containment, provision of services, and quality of care. Our intent is to inform health care professionals that our conceptual framework and methodology will be useful.
Mechanical properties of bulk metallic glasses

Abstract The mechanical properties of bulk metallic glasses, including their superior strength and hardness, and excellent corrosion and wear resistance, combined with their general inability to undergo homogeneous plastic deformation have been a subject of fascination for scientists and engineers. The scientific interest stems from the unconventional deformation and failure initiation mechanisms in this class of materials in which the typical carriers of plastic flow (dislocations) are absent. Metallic glasses undergo highly localized, heterogeneous deformation by formation of shear bands, a particular mode of deformation of interest for certain applications, but which also causes them to fail catastrophically due to uninhibited shear band propagation. Varying degrees of brittle and plastic failure creating intricate fracture patterns are observed in metallic glasses, quite different from those observed in crystalline solids. The tension–compression anisotropy, strain-rate sensitivity, thermal stability, stress-induced crystallization and polyamorphism transformations, are some of the attributes that have sparked engineering studies on bulk metallic glasses. Understanding of the glass-forming ability and the deformation and failure mechanisms of bulk metallic glasses, has given insight into alloy compositions and intrinsically-forming or extrinsically-added reinforcement phases for creating composite structures, to attain the combination of high strength, tensile ductility, and fracture toughness needed for use in advanced structural applications. The relative ease of fabricating metallic glasses into bulk forms, combined with their unique mechanical properties, has made these materials attractive options for possible applications in aerospace, naval, sports equipment, luxury goods, armor and anti-armor systems, electronic packaging, and biomedical devices.
Solid-Projectile Helical Electromagnetic Launcher With Variable Gradient Stator and Magnetically Levitated Armature

The design and operation of 40- and 70-mm-bore solid-projectile helical electromagnetic launchers is presented and discussed. The 70-mm launcher demonstrates the first reported magnetically levitated zero hoop-stress armature and is tested in both constant- and variable-gradient stators. The theory of variable-gradient launcher operation is presented and shows that a properly designed variable-gradient launcher has efficiency independent of velocity but dependent on a new parameter called the launcher impedance constant. The variable-gradient launcher can also behave as an ideal launcher operating at 100% of its maximum theoretical efficiency independent of velocity if the ratio of the system resistance and impedance constant meets other conditions. This investigation also introduces the concept of launcher impedance and shows that variable-gradient launchers with high impedance are desirable in terms of efficiency.
Optimal sampling interval to estimate heart rate at rest and during exercise in atrial fibrillation

Abstract To investigate the ideal sampling interval for the estimation of heart rate (HR) at rest and during exercise in atrial fibrillation (AF), maximal exercise testing with continuous electrocardiographic acquisition was performed in 10 patients with chronic AF (mean age 66 ± 4 years) and 10 subjects in normal sinus rhythm (mean age 31 ± 6 years). Measurements of HR were obtained at 9 different sampling intervals (1, 2, 3, 6, 10, 15, 20, 30 and 60 seconds) at rest and 7 different sampling intervals (1, 2, 3, 6, 10, 15 and 20 seconds) during the last 30 seconds of each minute during exercise. The HR obtained from each interval was compared with true HR (determined by a 4-minute sample at rest and by the last 30 seconds of each minute during exercise). Among patients with AF, large differences were observed between the HR obtained and true HR, both at rest and during exercise, using small sampling intervals. The mean of these differences ranged between 16 ± 11 beats/min (range 14 to 22) using 1-second sampling intervals and 2.2 ± 2.0 beats/min (range 1.6 to 4.4) using 20-second sampling intervals during progressive exercise. Variability of the HR obtained from a given random sample was also high when short sampling intervals were used among patients with AF. These observations were contrasted by subjects in normal sinus rhythm, among whom neither variability nor measurement error were influenced remarkably by changing the sampling interval or increasing HR.
Newtonian drop impact with a solid surface

The spreading of Newtonian liquid drops after impact with a solid surface is reproted for a range of liquid and surface proeprties, drop diameters, and impact velocities. Results for liquid viscosities up to 300 mPa.s are given. For a given drop diameter and velocity, a range of liquid viscosities result in splashing even for smooth surfaces. The maximum spread radius, made dimensionless with the drop radius, is correlated as Rmax* = 0.61(Re2Oh)0.166, where Re and Oh are the Reynolds and Ohnesorge numbers. respectively. A model is proposed to account for inertial, viscous, and surface tension forces on the maximum spread radius. Good agreement is found between the model and experimental data from several sources.
An Empirical Analysis of the Regular Classroom Teacher's Role in Implementing IEPs Training Implications

The training implications of a study of the regular class teacher's role in implementing individual education programs (IEPs) are discussed. The analytic scheme of the study was based on role theory and was conducted in three phases (a student records review, a teacher survey, and a follow-up interview). Statistical independence of ratings was examined according to six mututally exclusive categories (program type, geography/ population, grade level, skill level, experience, and training). Although a majority of records and interviews indicated that regular class teachers were implementing a variety of modifications of their regular programs to implement IEPS, only a minority of the modifications were actually written into the records, raising several policy issues related to serving special education students. The regular class teachers in this study were struggling to cope with increased demands related to serving special education students, had substantial discretion as to how they actually worked with ...
Jennie Gerhardt, Domestic Narrative, and Democratic Architecture: Mapping Nineteenth-Century Women’s Labor Culture

This town of ours labors under one peculiar disadvantage: it is the only great city in the world to which all of its citizens have come for the one common, avowed object of making money. There you ...
A tighter variant of Jensen's lower bound for stochastic programs and separable approximations to recourse functions

Abstract In this paper, we propose a new method to compute lower bounds on the optimal objective value of a stochastic program and show how this method can be used to construct separable approximations to the recourse functions. We show that our method yields tighter lower bounds than Jensen’s lower bound and it requires a reasonable amount of computational effort even for large problems. The fundamental idea behind our method is to relax certain constraints by associating dual multipliers with them. This yields a smaller stochastic program that is easier to solve. We particularly focus on the special case where we relax all but one of the constraints. In this case, the recourse functions of the smaller stochastic program are one dimensional functions. We use these one dimensional recourse functions to construct separable approximations to the original recourse functions. Computational experiments indicate that our lower bounds can significantly improve Jensen’s lower bound and our recourse function approximations can provide good solutions.
A route to aldehydes and ketones by a four-electron decarboxylative oxidation utilizing pyridine N-oxide

Abstract : A 4-electron decarboxylative oxidation is reported. A probable reaction mechanism for the case of phenylacetic acid is presented which involves the nucleophilic rather than electrophilic attack of the alpha position of a carboxylic acid. The results of reactions of anhydrides and acids with pyridine N-oxide are given in a table.
Interference due to pain following spinal cord injury: important predictors and impact on quality of life.

Abstract Two studies were designed to examine important predictors of pain following spinal cord injury (SCI), and the impact of pain on self-reported quality of life (QOL). Pain was defined as ‘interference in day-to-day activities secondary to pain’. In order to determine risk factors associated with the development of pain interference, Study 1 examined the predictive validity of multiple demographic, medical, and QOL variables at year 1 post-SCI to self-reported pain interference 2 years post-injury. Results showed that middle age (30–59-year-olds), lower self-reported mental health, and pain interference at 1 year post-SCI were the most important unique predictors of pain interference 2 years post-SCI. In Study 2, participants were separated into four groups; (1) those pain-free at years 1 and 2, (2) those pain-free at year 1 and in pain at year 2, (3) those in pain at year 1 and pain-free at year 2, and (4) those in pain at years 1 and 2. Results showed that only those experiencing a change in pain interference status reported a change in QOL. More specifically, those developing pain interference (group 2) from year 1 to year 2 reported decreased life satisfaction, physical health, and mental health, whereas, those with resolving pain interference from year 1 to year 2 reported an increase in these same domains. Unexpectedly, change in pain interference status was unrelated to change in self-reported handicap. Implications and future directions are discussed.
POLYTERTIARY PHOSPHINES AND ARSINES II: Systematics of Polytertiary Phosphines and their Metal Complexes

Abstract The geometries of possible polytertiary phosphine networks containing trivalent phosphorus atoms and bridging groups are shown to be completely analogous to the geometries of acyclic planar networks of linked sp 2 carbon atoms.2 The bridging groups between pairs of phosphorus atoms in such polytertiary phosphines may be classified into the following three types on the basis of coordination properties: (1) Bridges which allow the two bridged phosphorus atoms to bond both to a single metal atom but not to different metal atoms (type 1); (2) Bridges which allow the two bridged phosphorus atoms to bond to two different metal atoms but not both to a single metal atom (type 2); and (3) Bridges which allow the two bridged phosphorus atoms to bond either to two different metal atoms or both to a single metal atom (type 3). The numbers of possible polytertiary phosphines with up to six phosphorus atoms and various combinations of these three types of bridges are determined. The modes of coordination of th...
Patterns of ontogeny in human evolution: Evidence from dental development

An understanding of the patterns of maturation that characterize earlier hominines would markedly increase our understanding of human evolution. Earlier reports suggesting that the australopithecines had a pattern of growth and development similar to that of modern humans have been challenged in recent years by a variety of studies. These studies have focused on dental enamel microstructure in attempts to characterize the time frame of enamel calcification. When the latter are combined with data on root development and the sequence of dental calcification and eruption, a picture emerges that attempts to characterize modern human, early hominine, and ape dental maturation.
Allocation and residence time of current photosynthetic products in a boreal forest using a low-level14C pulse-chase label

Much of our understanding about how carbon (C) is allocated in plants comes from radiocarbon (14C) pulse-chase labeling experiments. However, the large amounts of 14C required for decay-counting mean that these studies have been restricted for the most part to mesocosm or controlled laboratory experiments. Using the enhanced sensitivity for 14C detection available with accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS), we tested the utility of a low-level 14C pulse-chase labeling technique for quantifying C allocation patterns and the contributions of different plant components to total ecosystem respiration in a black spruce forest stand in central Manitoba, Canada. All aspects of the field experiment used 14C at levels well below regulated health standards, without significantly altering atmospheric CO2 concentrations. Over 30 days following the label application in late summer (August and September), we monitored the temporal and spatial allocation patterns of labeled photosynthetic products by measuring the amount and 14C content of CO2 respired from different ecosystem components. The mean residence times (MRT) for labeled photosynthetic products to be respired in the understory (feather mosses), canopy (black spruce), and rhizosphere (black spruce roots and associated microbes) were <1, 6, and 15 days, respectively. Respiration from the canopy and understory showed significantly greater influence of labeled photosynthates than excised root and intact rhizosphere respiration. After 30 days, ∼65% of the label assimilated had been respired by the canopy, ∼20% by the rhizosphere, and ∼9% by the understory, with ∼6% unaccounted for and perhaps remaining in tissues. Maximum 14C values in root and rhizosphere respiration were reached 4 days after label application. The label was still detectable in root, rhizosphere and canopy respiration after 30 days; these levels of remaining label would not have been detectible had a 13C label been applied. Our results support previous studies indicating that a substantial portion of the C fueling rhizosphere respiration in the growing season may be derived from stored C pools rather than recent photosynthetic products. © 2007 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
Observer theory for distributed-parameter systems

This paper examines the problem of the approximate reconstruction of the unknown state variables in distributed-parameter systems. New results on the observer theory for important classes of linear and non-linear operator, partial differential, and partial differential-integral equations in describing distributed-parameter systems are presented. The specific developments employ the recent results on Lyapunov stability theory, along with the theory of linear and non-linear semigroup operators, and their infinitesimal generators. The questions of observability, stability of the state reconstruction error dynamics associated with the proposed observer structure are discussed. The theoretical results are illustrated with some applications to problems of the kinetic lumping of complex distributed-parameter chemical reaction systems, as well as the observer design for linear and non-linear distributed-parameter diffusion systems.
Unstable angina during pregnancy in two patients with premature coronary atherosclerosis and aortic stenosis in association with familial hypercholesterolemia

Obstructive atherosclerotic coronary artery disease is uncommon in women during childbearing age, and the occurrence of myocardial ischemia during pregnancy has therefore been anecdotal. Two young patients with premature coronary artery disease in association with familial hypercholestrolemia had unstable angina in the second trimester of pregnancy. Workup revealed coronary artery disease and aortic stenosis. One patient opted for abortion at the twentieth week of gestation, and the other decided to continue pregnancy and was delivered by cesarean at 28 weeks' gestation. Coronary artery bypass grafting was performed after pregnancy in both patients. In addition, one of the patients underwent aortic valve replacement, and other had replacement of the narrowed ascending aorta with uneventful recovery. Our report describes an uncommon presentation of unstable angina during pregnancy in 2 young women with premature coronary artery disease and aortic valvular and supravalvular stenosis as a result of familial hypercholesterolemia. The management of these conditions during pregnancy is influenced by the effects of available therapeutic modalities on both maternal and fetal outcome.
Benzoyl Peroxide Acts as a Promoter of Radiation-Induced Malignant Transformation in Vitro

The experiments reported here demonstrate that benzoyl peroxide (BP) can promote radiation induced transformation in vitro. BP is shown to be capable of generating free radicals, determined by the kinetics of hydroxylation as measured by fluorescence of coumarin-3-carboxylic acid. Although the mechanisms involved in the BP enhancement of radiation transformation are unknown, we hypothesize that lipid peroxidation produced by benzoyl radicals in the vicinity of membrane associated unsaturated lipids could contribute to the promotion of transformation in vitro.
An ABC Transporter Plays a Developmental Aggregation Role in Myxococcus xanthus

Myxococcus xanthus is a gram-negative bacterium which has a complex life cycle. Autochemotaxis, a process whereby cells release a self-generated signaling molecule, may be the principal mechanism facilitating directed motility in both the vegetative swarming and developmental aggregation stages of this life cycle. The process requires the Frz signal transduction system, including FrzZ, a protein which is composed of two domains, both showing homology to the enteric chemotaxis response regulator CheY. The first domain of FrzZ (FrzZ1), when expressed as bait in the yeast two-hybrid system and screened against a library, was shown to potentially interact with the C-terminal portion of a protein encoding an ATP-binding cassette (AbcA). The activation domain-AbcA fusion protein did not interact with the second domain of FrzZ (FrzZ2) or with two other M. xanthus response regulator-containing proteins presented as bait, suggesting that the FrzZ1-AbcA interaction may be specific. Cloning and sequencing of the upstream region of the abcA gene showed the ATP-binding cassette to be linked to a large hydrophobic, potentially membrane-spanning domain. This domain organization is characteristic of a subgroup of ABC transporters which perform export functions. Cloning and sequencing downstream of abcA indicated that the ABC transporter is at the start of an operon containing three open reading frames. An insertion mutation in the abcA gene resulted in cells displaying the frizzy aggregation phenotype, providing additional evidence that FrzZ and AbcA may be part of the same signal transduction pathway. Cells with mutations in genes downstream of abcA showed no developmental defects. Analysis of the proposed exporter role of AbcA in cell mixing experiments showed that the ABC transporter mutant could be rescued by extracellular complementation. We speculate that the AbcA protein may be involved in the export of a molecule required for the autochemotactic process.
Object segmentation and binding within a biologically-based neural network model of depth-from-occlusion

The problems of object segmentation and binding are addressed within a biologically based network model capable of determining depth from occlusion. In particular, the authors discuss two subprocesses most relevant to segmentation and binding: contour binding and figure direction. They propose that these two subprocesses have intrinsic constraints that allow several underdetermined problems in occlusion processing and object segmentation to be uniquely solved. Simulations that demonstrate the role these subprocesses play in discriminating objects and stratifying them in depth are reported. The network is tested on illusory stimuli, with the network's response indicating the existence of robust psychological properties in the system. >
The relationships and diversification of Ordovician and Silurian chilidiopsoidean brachiopods

Within the brachiopod Suborder Orthotetidina, only members of the Superfamily Chilidiopsoidea are of Ordovician and Silurian ages, and the earliest (Eocramatia and Gacella) are Middle Ordovician (Darriwilian). Their ancestry is obscure; it may have lain either within the Orthida, since the Chilidiopsoidea all have impunctate shells, or within the Strophomenoidea, since many chilidiopsoids have a supra-apical pedicle foramen. Gacella is the only chilidiopsoid externally similar to the related Superfamily Triplesioidea. There are now four families in the Chilidiopsoidea, with two genera in the Eocramatiidae, nine in the Chilidiopsidae, a single Silurian genus within the Areostrophiidae and only Gacella within the Gacellidae, which is upgraded from subfamilial to familial status here. Within the Chilidiopsidae, although Valdaria has a distinctive shape, the remainder (Chilidiopsis, Coolinia, Fardenia, Krizistrophia, Magicostrophia, Morinorhynchus and Saughina) have been confused or synonymized by previous au...
A BAC-based transgenic mouse specifically expresses an inducible Cre in the urothelium

Cre-loxp mediated conditional knockout strategy has played critical roles for revealing functions of many genes essential for development, as well as the causal relationships between gene mutations and diseases in the postnatal adult mice. One key factor of this strategy is the availability of mice with tissue- or cell type-specific Cre expression. However, the success of the traditional molecular cloning approach to generate mice with tissue specific Cre expression often depends on luck. Here we provide a better alternative by using bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC)-based recombineering to insert iCreERT2 cDNA at the ATG start of the Upk2 gene. The BAC-based transgenic mice express the inducible Cre specifically in the urothelium as demonstrated by mRNA expression and staining for LacZ expression after crossing with a Rosa26 reporter mouse. Taking into consideration the size of the gene of interest and neighboring genes included in a BAC, this method should be widely applicable for generation of mice with tissue specific gene expression or deletions in a more specific manner than previously reported.
Acquired Myelodysplasia or Myelodysplastic Syndrome: Clearing the Fog

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are clonal myeloid disorders characterized by progressive peripheral blood cytopenias associated with ineffective myelopoiesis. They are typically considered neoplasms because of frequent genetic aberrations and patient-limited survival with progression to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or death related to the consequences of bone marrow failure including infection, hemorrhage, and iron overload. A progression to AML has always been recognized among the myeloproliferative disorders (MPD) but occurs only rarely among those with essential thrombocythemia (ET). Yet, the World Health Organization (WHO) has chosen to apply the designation myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), for all MPD but has not similarly recommended that all MDS become the myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDN). This apparent dichotomy may reflect the extremely diverse nature of MDS. Moreover, the term MDS is occasionally inappropriately applied to hematologic disorders associated with acquired morphologic myelodysplastic features which may rather represent potentially reversible hematological responses to immune-mediated factors, nutritional deficiency states, and disordered myelopoietic responses to various pharmaceutical, herbal, or other potentially myelotoxic compounds. We emphasize the clinical settings, and the histopathologic features, of such AMD that should trigger a search for a reversible underlying condition that may be nonneoplastic and not MDS.
Ryanodine Receptor Phosphorylation and Heart Failure Phasing Out S2808 and “Criminalizing” S2814

By the time the heart reaches the pathological state clinically recognized as heart failure (HF), it has undergone profound and often irreversible alterations in structure and function at the molecular, cellular, and organ level. Although the etiologies of HF are diverse (hypertension, myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, valvular insufficiency, mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins, etc), some alterations are commonly found in most forms of HF, and they may account for the maladaptive structural remodeling and systolic dysfunction that characterize this syndrome. At the cellular level, there are well-documented changes in ionic channel density and function (electric remodeling), increased ROS production, mitochondrial dysfunction, imbalanced energy intake and consumption, genetic reprogramming, altered excitation-contraction coupling, and, in general, dysregulation of a multitude of other processes and pathways that are essential for proper cardiac function.1 Combined, this myriad of alterations leads to loss in contractility and ejection fraction, ventricular wall remodeling, increased vascular resistance, and dysregulated fluid homeostasis. In this issue of Circulation Research , Respress et al2 report that preventing phosphorylation of cardiac ryanodine receptors (RyR2) at a single residue, S2814, is sufficient to avert many of these alterations and improve cardiac function in HF. The results presented follow a string of papers that touch on the delicate and controversial subject of ryanodine receptor phosphorylation and HF. They offer a new twist to a contentious story and attempt to reconcile many apparently contradicting results, but key issues remain. Article, see p 1474 ### Calcium Leak in HF Although, as mentioned above, the etiologies of HF are diverse, it appears that suppressing the dysfunction of a select group of biological and molecular signaling pathways may substantially improve or even reverse the cardiac deterioration observed in HF. For example, correcting the characteristically depressed sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) calcium content of failing cardiomyocytes is a target of HF gene therapy.3 …
Genetics of factors affecting the life history of Drosophila melanogaster. III. Egg insertion behavior.

A genetic analysis of two laboratory strains ofDrosophila melanogaster that displayed opposite oviposition tendencies with respect to egg insertion behavior was performed. In general, the insertion characteristic appears to be dominant over the noninsertion characteristic and is controlled by a polygenic system associated mostly with chromosomes 2 and 3. The result of this study indicate that these genes may be concentrated at the distal end of chromosome 2L and at the distal end of chromosome 3R, and their presence on both of these chromosome regions is needed to approach the full egg insertion effect, suggesting the presence of interaction among genes in these two regions.
How extreme does extreme programming have to be? Adapting XP practices to large-scale projects

The need to develop software at Internet speed and accommodate changes during the entire software development life cycle has made lightweight or agile development methodologies like extreme programming popular. However, such methodologies have been considered to be beneficial for small and medium sized projects, with small teams. In this paper, based on a case study in an organization that develops large-scale, complex software using a modified form of extreme programming, we highlight the key differences between agile principles proposed in prior literature and the agile practices that are suitable for large-scale, complex software development. Based on these differences, we propose general guidelines on tailoring agile development methodologies to make them suitable for the development of large, complex software systems.
Nanomechanics and morphology of salivary pellicle

Acquired salivary pellicle is a thin protein-rich film formed by the adsorption of saliva onto teeth. It plays important roles in lubrication during mastication and protecting the teeth from chemical attack. Pellicle can become colonized by bacteria to form dental plaque which can lead to dental caries if the bacteria are acidogenic. Abrasive polishing with a dentrifice is used periodically to remove the pellicle from teeth. Pellicle can interact with dietary polyphenolic compounds (tannins) to create extrinsic stains on the tooth surface. The staining can modify the pellicle’s mechanical properties and change its morphology resulting in a “squeaky” feeling when the tongue is rubbed over the teeth. Atomic force microscopy imaging and nanoscale mechanical measurements show that unstained pellicle has a dense undulating morphology and is a surprisingly stiff, viscoelastic solid. In contrast, tannin-stained pellicle has fewer but larger surface undulations and exhibits substantial viscous creep.
Location of the Antarctic Polar Front from AMSR-E Satellite Sea Surface Temperature Measurements

Abstract The location of the Southern Ocean polar front (PF) is mapped from the first 3 yr of remotely sensed Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for the Earth Observing System (AMSR-E) sea surface temperature (SST) measurements. In agreement with previous studies, the mean path of the Antarctic PF and its standard deviation are strongly influenced by bottom topography. However, the mean PF path diverges slightly from previous studies in several regions where there is high mesoscale variability. Although the SST and SST gradient at the PF show spatially coherent seasonal variations, with the highest temperature and the lowest temperature gradient during summer, the seasonal variations in the location of the PF are not spatially coherent. The temporal mean SST at the PF corresponds well to the mean PF path: the temperature is high in the Atlantic and Indian Ocean sections and is low in the Pacific Ocean section where the PF has a more southerly position. The relationship of the wind field with the Antar...
The Alcoholism Denial Assessment Tool (ADAT) A Study of Interrater Reliability

The purpose of this study was to develop and test a tool for assessing alcoholic denial. The primary author devised the Alcoholism Denial Assessment Tool (ADAT) based on 2 years of experience. The tool was tested for interrater reliability using chart data of 42 recently discharged alcoholism patients. The test for significance of a proportion, using z scores, indicated significance at the .001 level. Item analysis showed strong interrater reliability on all but 1 of the 16 tool items. The ADAT provides nurses with a practical assessment tool that can be used daily to monitor progress. Recognition that a patient is in denial can allow meaningful and appropriately planned treatment.
Advanced Surface Laminar Circuit Packaging with low Coefficient of Thermal Expansion and high wiring density

Flip-chip bonding on organic sequential build-up substrate technology has been an essential part of semiconductor packaging. In the quest for an ever higher semiconductor performance there has been a rapid increasing need for a finer pitch area array flip-chip joints. However, the pitch has been limited by the packaging technology. Advanced Surface Laminar Circuit (Adv-SLC) packaging technology has been developed to satisfy the requirements for the most advanced semiconductor devices. Adv-SLC is a build-up substrate featuring a low Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE) of 3 ppm/°C, a fine pattern of 8 µm in line width and spacing, plated through-holes of 100 µm in pitch and micro-vias of 25 °m in diameter. These features accommodate the density of a chip I/O of 104 cm−2, which is about ten times greater than that achieved in current organic packaging, and enables significant size reduction of semiconductor chips and the associated packages. The low CTE significantly reduces the strain in the solder joints during the reflow process and ensures the solder joint reliability. The CTE can be expanded to 5 ppm/°C by adjusting the volume ratio of the resin in the core. This paper describes recent progress in the development of Adv-SLC packaging technology.
Future of the web and search

No one doubts that we have only scratched the surface of what is possible with the Web. The day is coming fast when the Web will become almost a virtual mind reader. Your intent, interests, and needs will be instantly perceived and the information you want will be promptly delivered -- whether you ask for it directly or not -- based on a deep understanding of the meaning of words in your query, knowledge of your preferences and patterns, what others have done before you, your location, and more. In this talk, I will share some of my thoughts about where the Web is heading and how search will be transformed to align to this new Web, laying out some specifics behind Microsoft's vision to empower people with knowledge.
Union Political Action and Opinion Polls in a Democratic Society

The use of public opinion polls as a basis for the formulation of public policy has again come to the fore amidst the current controversy ooncerning the role of labor unions in the political life of American society. The principal purpose of this paper is to document the authors' belief that such a use of polls requires a high degree jof skillful and cautious interpretation, and that any legislative decisions based primarily on the philosophy underlying the usual type of polling technique may contain many potential pitfalls. Our belief is not a new one, and has been stated by other students of the problem. However, the limitations of the polling approach to public policy have not been explored before in the case of union members' attitudes toward political activity by their unions and the use of their dues for such activity.
The Effect of the Air Core on the Flow Field within Hydrocyclones

It is essential for a hydrocyclone to keep a stable folw field during its operation. In the paper,the unstable air core and its effect on the flow field in conventional hydrocyclones have been analysed and some new conclusions made. The research shows that the constant change of the air core size and the frequent oscillation of the air core position, yielded mainly by the turbulent feed pressure and the variable effective cone angle and much reinforced by the compressibility and fluidness of the air core, strengthen the turbulence of the three—dimensional velocity,disturb the regular distribution of the classified particles and cut down the separation efficiency in hydrocyclones. Then a new kind of hydrocyclone with no air core is reported.
Fluorescent Microspheres as Point Sources: A Localization Study.

The localization of fluorescent microspheres is often employed for drift correction and image registration in single molecule microscopy, and is commonly carried out by fitting a point spread function to the image of the given microsphere. The mismatch between the point spread function and the image of the microsphere, however, calls into question the suitability of this localization approach. To investigate this issue, we subject both simulated and experimental microsphere image data to a maximum likelihood estimator that localizes a microsphere by fitting an Airy pattern to its image, and assess the suitability of the approach by evaluating the ability of the estimator to recover the true location of the microsphere with the best possible accuracy as determined based on the Cramer-Rao lower bound. Assessing against criteria based on the standard errors of the mean and the variance for an ideal estimator of the microsphere’s location, we find that microspheres up to 100 nm in diameter can in general be localized using a fixed width Airy pattern, and that microspheres as large as 1 μm in diameter can in general be localized using a floated width Airy pattern.
Penetration of Cuticles by Plant Pathogens

Many fungal pathogens gain entrance into their hosts by direct penetration of the cuticle. Thus, the plant cuticle is the first barrier to be overcome by many plant-pathogenic fungi.
Evaluation of developmental metrics for utilization in a pediatric advanced automatic crash notification algorithm

ABSTRACTObjective: Appropriate treatment at designated trauma centers (TCs) improves outcomes among injured children after motor vehicle crashes (MVCs). Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN) has shown promise in improving triage to appropriate TCs. Pediatric-specific AACN algorithms have not yet been created. To create such an algorithm, it will be necessary to include some metric of development (age, height, or weight) as a covariate in the injury risk algorithm. This study sought to determine which marker of development should serve as a covariate in such an algorithm and to quantify injury risk at different levels of this metric.Methods: A retrospective review of occupants age < 19 years within the MVC data set NASS-CDS 2000–2011 was performed. R2 values of logistic regression models using age, height, or weight to predict 18 key injury types were compared to determine which metric should be used as a covariate in a pediatric AACN algorithm. Clinical judgment, literature review, and chi-square a...