cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Health managers' attitudes toward robotics and artificial computer intelligence: an empirical investigation

An empirical investigation of the perceived role of robotics and artificial computer intelligence in the future of health care reveals factors favoring a positive attitude by health administrators. The study employed a two-part survey administered in late 1989 and early 1990 to health care managers in hospitals and nursing homes. Part One of the survey asked about the participant, his or her work habits and work environment. Part Two obtained a psychological profile of rationality vs. intuition in problem solving. Through bivariate and multivariate post hoc statistical tests, we discovered the following variables which significantly determined attitudes toward robotics and artificial computer intelligence: sex; number of employees supervised; perceptions of waste and inefficiency in the workplace; perceptions of time-consuming personnel problems; perceived need to make more efficient use of time, money, and facilities; and perceived favorable climate for innovation. Among the factors which did not have an effect on attitudes toward advanced technology were three measures of rationality vs. intuition in problem solving.
Targeting Early Deaths Following Pancreaticoduodenectomy to Improve Survival

There is increasing focus on disease-specific outcomes. This study was undertaken to analyze early mortality after pancreaticoduodenectomy as part of a strategy to improve long-term outcome. One thousand thirty-one patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy from 1992 to 2010 were studied. Median data are reported. Fifty-eight (5.6 %) patients died within 90 days after pancreaticoduodenectomy. All patients had at least one significant comorbidity, commonly cardiorespiratory in nature (76 %). Sixty percent of patients had depressed serum albumin levels, and 43 % were jaundiced. The American Society of Anesthesiologists class was: 17 % class II, 72 % class III, and 10 % class IV. Seventy-four percent had malignant disease. Twenty-two percent of patients underwent a major vascular resection at the time of pancreaticoduodenectomy. Causes of death were vascular/bleeding related (26 %), cardiorespiratory causes (17 %), multiorgan failure (12 %), leak/perforation (10 %), cancer progression (9 %), infection (7 %), or indeterminate (19 %). Death within 90 days after pancreaticoduodenectomy is uncommon, occurs in relatively older deconditioned patients, and is generally not causally related to underlying malignancy. Early death is generally associated with vascular or bleeding complications. Strategies to minimize early death should focus on careful patient selection and prompt recognition and management of herald bleeding or vascular thrombosis, as it can often result in perioperative death following pancreaticoduodenectomy.
Transient pupillary dilation following local papaverine application in intracranial aneurysm surgery

Isolated cases of transient pupillary changes after local intracisternal papaverine administration during aneurysm surgery have been reported. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with this phenomenon. We assessed a total of 103 consecutive patients who underwent craniotomy for cerebral aneurysm clipping for the presence of postoperative pupillary dilation (mydriasis) after intracisternal papaverine administration. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were conducted to evaluate the association of mydriasis with patient age, sex, duration of surgery, and aneurysm location. We observed either ipsilateral or bilateral pupillary dilation in the immediate postoperative period in nine out of 103 patients (8.7%). This phenomenon was not associated with patient age or sex. There was a trend towards positive correlation with aneurysms located at the anterior communicating artery (odds ratio 3.76, p=0.10), and a negative correlation with the duration of surgery (odds ratio 0.57, p=0.08). All pupillary dilation resolved within several hours, and the onset and resolution were consistent with the half-life of papaverine. To our knowledge, this represents the largest study of posteropative pupillary changes due to papaverine. The current findings are consistent with the small number of prior case reports of transient pupillary changes after papaverine administration and appear to reflect the local anesthetic action of papaverine on the oculomotor nerve.
Use of Short Stems for Total Hip Arthroplasy: Is It a Napoleonic Solution?

The use of short stems is becoming more popular with the increased interest in less invasive approaches for total hip arthroplasty. The curved short stem and broach can be inserted along a curved track, avoiding the abductor attachments. They also have the potential of being more bone conserving, allowing a higher neck retention, maintenance of the medial greater trochanter, and preferential stress transfer to the proximal femur. Experience with the first 300 Fitmore stems used for total hip arthroplasty is reported. No stems have been revised for aseptic loosening.
On the Inhibition of Histone Deacetylase 8

Histone deacetylases are key regulators of gene expression and have recently emerged as important therapeutic targets for cancer and a growing number of non-malignant diseases. Many widely studied inhibitors of HDACs such as SAHA are thought to have low selectivity within or between the human HDAC isoform classes. Using an isoform-selective assay, we have shown that a number of the known inhibitors have in fact a low activity against HDAC8. Based on the wealth of structural information available for human HDAC8, we use a combination of docking and molecular dynamics simulations to determine the structural origin of the experimental results. A close relationship is found between the activity and the high surface malleability of HDAC8. These results provide a rationale for the recently described 'linkerless' HDAC8 selective inhibitors and design criteria for HDAC8 selective inhibitors.
Antecedents of specialty food store loyalty

Specialty food stores have experienced strong growth in the US in the past decade. Research on food retailing, however, has typically focused on large chains rather than specialty retailers. This paper reports on a study that investigated factors influencing specialty food store loyalty. Data were collected through a survey of 495 specialty store consumers in 10 US cities where a national specialty food retailer (i.e., Whole Foods) was present. Findings indicate that specialty store loyalty is influenced by satisfaction through trust and commitment. Price, when compared to service, product quality, and product assortment, was a less important determinant of satisfaction. Specialty store loyalty is most strongly influenced by commitment. The results of this study suggest that specialty food retailers should enhance customer satisfaction by focusing more on product quality, service quality, and product assortment rather than price. Retailers should emphasize building customer trust and commitment.
Purification and characterization of rat liver microsomal fatty acid ethyl and 2-chloroethyl ester synthase and their relationship with carboxylesterase (pI 6.1)

Previous studies have shown that fatty acid ethyl ester synthase (FAEES) which catalyzes the formation of ethyl or 2-chloroethyl esters of long-chain fatty acids is localized in the microsomal fraction of rat liver. A recent study suggests that rat adipose tissue FAEES is similar to rat liver microsomal carboxylesterase (CE) [Tsujita and Okuda (1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 23489−23494]. Since the interrelationships among FAEES, 2-chloroethyl ester synthase (FACEES), and cholesterol esterase (ChE) are also not clear at present, we purified and characterized FAEES and FACEES from rat hepatic microsomes and studied their functional and structural relationships with CE and ChE. The results of these studies showed that CE, FAEES, and FACEES activities copurified during each step of purification. Although gel-filtration column chromatography of DEAE−Sephacel purified microsomal protein resolved into two peaks with an estimated molecular weight of 180 (major) and 60 kDa (minor), this paper describes characterizatio...
CITIZEN-BASED CRIME CONTROL ACTIVITY AND VICTIMIZATION RISKS: AN EXAMINATION OF DISPLACEMENT AND FREE-RIDER EFFECTS*

A common criticism of crime control activities is that such efforts simply redistribute crime to more vulnerable locales and persons rather than prevent it. This displacement effect has been widely assumed but rarely evaluated in previous studies. Using a sample of 5,302 Seattle residents who live on 600 city blocks, this study examines the crime-reduction benefits of safety precautions and whether either displacement or a “free-rider” effect best characterizes how the target-hardening activities of immediate neighbors influence risks of burglary, property theft, and vandalism. The results of this study indicate that only individuals' risks of burglary victimization were significantly reduced by protective action. Contrary to both displacement and free-rider hypotheses, individuals' risks and aggregate rates of victimization were largely unaffected by the protective actions of neighbors. The paper concludes with a discussion of these findings and their implications for public policy on crime prevention.
Filtration rates of mosquito larvae in suspensions of latex microspheres and yeast cells

Filtration rates of fourth instars of Aedes aegypti L., Anopheles albimanus Wiedemann, Anopheles quadrimaculatus Say and Culex quinquefasciatus Say (Diptera: Culicidae) were determined by quantifying removal rates of suspended latex microspheres or yeast cells. Average filtration rates were 33–34 μl/larva/h (An. quadrimaculatus), 49–55 (An. albimanus), 490–590 (C. quinquefasciatus) or 590–690 μl/larva/h (Ae. aegypti) for larvae exposed to latex beads suspended in phagostimulant yeast extract solutions. In suspensions of yeast cells, filtration rates of Ae. aegypti and C. quinquefasciatus were not significantly different from filtration rates in latex bead suspensions. Larval density, ranging from 0.3 to 2.4 individuals/ml in tests with Ae. aegypti and C. quinquefasciatus and up to 4.8 larvae/ml in tests with Anopheles, did not influence filtration rates. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Filtrierraten von Stechmuckenlarven in Suspensionen von Hefezellen und Latexpartikeln Die Filtrierraten von Viertlarven der Stechmuckenarten Aedes aegypti, Anopheles albimanus, Anopheles quadrimaculatus und Culex quinquefasciatus wurden in Laborversuchen bestimmt. Dabei wurde die Filtrierrate definiert als ein Wasservolumen, welches pro Stunde von einer Larve von den Testpartikeln (Hefezellen oder Latexkugeln mit einem Durchmesser von 2 μm) befreit wurde. Nach Exposition der Larven in Dichten zwischen 0.15 und 2.4 Larven/ml (Ae. aegypti und C. quinquefasciatus), oder zwischen 0.6 und 4.8 Larven/ml (Anopheles) wurde der Partikelgehalt der Suspensionen in einem elektronischen Partikelzahler bestimmt. Die Filtrierraten wurden uber die Verringerung der Partikeldichte mit zunehmender Larvendichte entsprechend einer in der Literatur angegebenen Formel berechnet. Suspensionen von Hefezellen wurden von Ae. aegypti Larven mit einer Leistung von 680±220 μl/Larve/h gefiltert. Bei Larven von C. quinquefasciatus wurden Filtrierraten von 600±120 μl/Larve/h gemessen. Die Filtrierraten beider Arten waren unabhangig von der Larvendichte. In Suspensionen von Latexpartikeln (zur Phago-stimulation der Larven wurden diese Partikel in Losungen von Hefeextrakt angeboten) wurden die folgenden Filtrierraten festgestellt: An. quadrimaculatus: 33–34, An. albimanus: 49–55, C. quinquefasciatus: 490–590, und Ae. aegypti: 590–690 μl/Larve/h. Die Larvendichte hatte auch hier keinen Einfluss auf die Filtrierrate. Hefezellen und Latexpartikel wurden von Ae. aegypti und C. quinquefasciatus mit statistisch nicht signifikant verschiedenen Filtrierraten aufgenommen. Die Filtrierraten der Anopheles Larven waren um mehr als eine Zehnerpotenz kleiner als die Filtrierraten von Culex und Aedes, und auch untereinander signifikant verschieden. Der Einfluss der Filtrierraktivitat von Stechmuckenlarven auf das Seston der Brutgewasser wird diskutiert.
Self-psychology and feminism: an integration and expansion.

In 1959, Heinz Kohut, already a highly renowned psychoanalyst, wrote an article entitled "Introspection, Empathy, and Psychoanalysis" that raised issues that would result in significant controversy within the psychoanalytic community. Though not yet laying out clearly the basic tenets of what would come to be called self-psychology, in this article Kohut began to explore some of the very basic processes that were to become central to his theory. Specifically, he addressed narcissism and object love within human development, and empathy within the therapeutic relationship. During the time Kohut began to formulate the theory and practice of selg psychology, another revolutionary movement once again gained momentum among the women of the United States and many other countries. Women such as Betty Friedan (1963), Germaine Greer (1970), and Kate Millett (1970) began writing for and about women, and their writings ushered in a new era of American history. Strong shifts in the social structure were to take place in the following decades, marked by a fresh look at values considered stereotypically feminine, or within the realm of women. Specifically, human relatedness and within it empathy, warmth, affection, and nurturance, was moved into the foreground as an important, positive, and growth-promoting characteristic of human behavior and striving. The theoretical ideas of both the women's movement and Kohut demonstrated a move toward analytic humanism that took place despite (or perhaps because of) the decade of the "me" generation, or culture of narcissism (Lasch, 1979), in the United States. The new value systems proposed by feminists and self-psychologists perhaps best described as a search for a better society that can provide for basic human needs, such as nurturance and security. These two concepts, nurturance and security, are intimately related to Kohut's formulations of two essential interpersonal processes and self-structures, namely, mirroring and idealization.
Biallelic methylation and silencing of paternally expressed gene 3 (PEG3) in gynecologic cancer cell lines

Abstract Objective. To measure mRNA expression levels of paternally expressed gene 3 ( PEG3 ) in gynecologic cancer cell lines and to determine if DNA methylation is involved in the control of PEG3 expression. Methods. PEG3 mRNA levels were measured with real-time PCR from 28 gynecologic cancer cell lines and compared to normal tissues. PEG3 mRNA expression was correlated to promoter methylation levels measured by real-time methylation-specific PCR. Polymorphism-specific restriction digestion was employed to analyze PEG3 allele distribution. Results. While expressed in normal gynecologic tissues, PEG3 is silenced in all endometrial and cervical cancer cell lines studied. In the eight ovarian cancer cell lines, five were found to be PEG3 negative, the remaining three express low levels of PEG3 mRNA. In contrast, loss of maternal imprinting and relatively high PEG3 expression levels were detected in all four choriocarcinomas cell lines studied. No cell line confirmed to contain two copies of PEG3 expressed PEG3 mRNA, suggesting that PEG3 downregulation is not due to genetic deletion. PEG3 mRNA expression was, however, quantitatively correlated to its promoter methylation status. Treatment of PEG3 negative cells with DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5′-aza-deoxycytidine led to partial promoter demethylation and biallelic reactivation of PEG3 transcription, confirming the methylation-mediated mechanism for PEG3 silencing. Conclusion. PEG3 silencing is associated with DNA hypermethylation but not gene deletion in cell lines tested. These results suggest that loss of PEG3 expression may be a frequent event in gynecologic cancers. Given the known role of PEG3 in p53-mediated apoptosis, it is possible that PEG3 functions as a tumor suppressor.
Exploring Gender Mainstreaming in the European Union

Through a review of the literature on the conceptualization of gender mainstreaming, this article offers an analytical framework for the development of a gender-based equal employment treatment policy in the European Union. European Commission reports and European Union legal instruments are analyzed through identifying specific configuration of positions (policy framing) and recognizing the regulatory mechanisms present in the implementation of an equal treatment policy, specifically in the area of employment. Finally, descriptive statistics on the, status of women in terms of pay and key positions held are presented as an estimation of the EU's efforts towards gender mainstreaming strategies.
N,N′‐Bis(2‐acetylphenyl)ethanediamide

Two new polymorphs of N,N′-bis­(2-acetyl­phen­yl)ethane­diamide, C18H16N2O4, are reported, one crystallizing in the space group P21/n, in the present paper, and one in P\overline{1} [Brewer, Jasinski, Butcher & Scheidt, (2007). Acta Cryst. E63, o4889]. In both structures, the 2-acetyl group is twisted slightly away from the plane of the benzene ring. In the present paper, this polymorph crystallizes with one-half of the mol­ecule in the asymmetric unit, as the mol­ecule lies on an inversion centre located at the centroid of the ethanamide system. The mol­ecule adopts a trans ethanediamide (oxanilide) configuration, whereby the amide H atoms are bifurcated intra­molecular hydrogen-bonding donors to oxamide and acetyl O atoms. The crystal packing is stabilized by inter­molecular C—H⋯Cg packing inter­actions.
LATTICE INSTABILITIES, ISOTOPE EFFECT, AND HIGH-TC SUPERCONDUCTIVITY IN LA2-XBAXCUO4

Unlike ${\mathrm{La}}_{2\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Sr}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{CuO}}_{4}$, ${\mathrm{La}}_{2\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Ba}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{CuO}}_{4}$, x\ensuremath{\sim}${\mathit{x}}_{\mathrm{cr}}$=0.12, undergoes a structural change to a low-temperature tetragonal (LTT) phase below 60 K, and this transformation is known to suppress ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$ drastically. We present self-consistent local-density-functional calculations for this system that indicate the ${\mathrm{CuO}}_{6}$ octahedrons are unstable to an X-point tilt in any direction, thereby leading to strongly anharmonic X-point vibrations. The LTT phase is most favored energetically, consistent with experiment. The effect of the LTT distortion on the electronic structure accounts for the suppression of ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$ in the LTT phase, and for the enhanced isotope effect at x=${\mathit{x}}_{\mathrm{cr}}$.
Electron density modeling and reconstruction of infinite periodic minimal surfaces (IPMS) based phases in lipid-water systems. I. Modeling IPMS-based phases

This is the first of two papers dealing with the structural solution of physical systems based on infinite periodic minimal surfaces (IPMS), such as surfactant, lipid-water, and block copolymer systems. In the first paper, the mathematics of minimal surfaces is briefly reviewed and details of the construction of the associate D, P, and G IPMS are described. Electron density models of lipid-water systems based on these IPMS are then constructed. The resulting models are then Fourier transformed to calculate the amplitudes of the first few Fourier terms. These amplitudes are then used to reconstruct the electron density which is examined and discussed. The subsequent paper will utilize the modeling results to aid in solving the structure of several real physical systems based on the D surface.
Role of polymer segment-particle surface interactions in controlling nanoparticle dispersions in concentrated polymer solutions.

The microstructure of particles suspended in concentrated polymer solutions is examined with small-angle X-ray scattering and small-angle neutron scattering. Of interest are changes to long wavelength particle density fluctuations in ternary mixtures of silica nanoparticles suspended in concentrated solutions of poly(ethylene glycol). The results are understood in terms of application of the pseudo-two-component polymer reference interaction site model (PRISM) theory modified to account for solvent addition via effective contact strength of interfacial attraction, epc, in an implicit manner. The combined experimental–theoretical study emphasizes the complex interactions between solvent, polymer, and particle surface that control particle miscibility but also demonstrate that these factors can all be understood in terms of variations of epc.
Quantum tunneling enabled self-assembly of hydrogen atoms on Cu(111).

Atomic and molecular self-assembly are key phenomena that underpin many important technologies. Typically, thermally enabled diffusion allows a system to sample many areas of configurational space, and ordered assemblies evolve that optimize interactions between species. Herein we describe a system in which the diffusion is quantum tunneling in nature and report the self-assembly of H atoms on a Cu(111) surface into complex arrays based on local clustering followed by larger scale islanding of these clusters. By scanning tunneling microscope tip-induced scrambling of H atom assemblies, we are able to watch the atomic scale details of H atom self-assembly in real time. The ordered arrangements we observe are complex and very different from those formed by H on other metals that occur in much simpler geometries. We contrast the diffusion and assembly of H with D, which has a much slower tunneling rate and is not able to form the large islands observed with H over equivalent time scales. Using density functi...
The Relative Performance of Five Computer Program Packages which Perform Factorial Univariate Analysis of Covariance

This study was designed to provide indepth analytic comparisons of five commonly available packaged computer programs which perform factorial univariate analysis of covariance. The five packages : Statistical Analysis System (SAS), DATATEXT, Biomedical Computer Programs (BMDO3V and BMDO12V), and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) were compared by running each program using the same set of data. Comparative data were then tabulated according to the following criteria: (1) Manual Usability, (2) Data Processing Features, and (3) Statistical Analysis Characteristics. SAS was felt to be the best overall package based on ease of set-up, accuracy, analytic completeness, and readability. However, each program had certain features which might make it more desirable for a given analysis situation.
Can i wash it?: the effect of washing conductive materials usedin making textile based wearable electronic interfaces.

We explore the wash-ability of conductive materials used in creating traces and touch sensors in wearable electronic textiles. We perform a wash test measuring change in resistivity after each of 10 cycles of washing for conductive traces constructed using two types of conductive thread, conductive ink, and combinations of thread and ink.
Multifunctional and spatially controlled bioconjugation to melt coextruded nanofibers

Polymeric fibers have drawn recent interest for uses in biomedical technologies that span drug delivery, regenerative medicine, and wound-healing patches, amongst others. We have recently reported a new class of fibrous biomaterials fabricated using coextrusion and a photochemical modification procedure to introduce functional groups onto the fibers. In this report, we extend our methodology to control surface modification density, describe methods to synthesize multifunctional fibers, and provide methods to spatially control functional group modification. Several different functional fibers are reported for bioconjugation, including propargyl, alkene, alkoxyamine, and ketone modified fibers. The modification scheme allows for control over surface density and provides a handle for downstream functionalization with appropriate bioconjugation chemistries. Through the use of multiple orthogonal chemistries, fiber chemistry could be differentially controlled to append multiple modifications. Spatial control on the fiber surface was also realized, leading to reverse gradients of small molecule dyes. One application is demonstrated for pH-responsive drug delivery of an anti-cancer therapeutics. Finally, the introduction of orthogonal chemical modifications onto these fibers allowed for modification with multiple cell-responsive peptides providing a substrate for osteoblast differentiation.
Effects of Child Gender and Symptom Type on Referrals for ADHD by Elementary School Teachers

In this study, the authors investigated the effects of child gender and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptom type on elementary school teachers' referral decisions. Participants (N = 199) read a profile of a fictional child's academic record and rated the likelihood of referring the child for an evaluation.The profiles varied by the child's gender and the type of symptoms the child was exhibiting (inattention, hyperactivity, or hyperactivity plus aggression). Results indicated that teachers were more likely to refer boys than girls, regardless of symptom type, but that the largest gender difference in referrals was for children who exhibited hyperactivity without inattention or aggression. These results suggest that differences in teacher perceptions of boys' and girls' behaviors may contribute to gender differences in ADHD referrals.
A process-led approach to modeling land change in agricultural landscapes: a case study from Madagascar

Abstract This study develops a model to predict pattern from process, providing a counterpoint to land-change studies that interpret process from pattern. This less-represented approach to land-change analysis uses theory to guide the characterization of land-cover patterns and to shape more directly the process–pattern relationships explored. The study presents a land-change model explicitly structured by a human–environment theory—the induced-intensification thesis of agricultural change. It uses the thesis to characterize the range of management strategies adopted by farmers in the Andapa region of Madagascar as they respond to rising land pressure. The study then identifies the particular land-cover consequences of each of these strategies. These farmer-level process–pattern linkages form the basis of an aggregate village-level land-change model, which predicts the land-cover outcomes of different dominant trajectories of agricultural change. The process-led model is found to be robust, successfully reproducing village-level landscape outcomes for most land-cover classes. Yet, the model also reveals that the dominant village-level process (the strategy followed by most farmers) does not necessarily create the spatially dominant land-cover outcome. This breakdown in the village-level process–pattern linkage occurs because of the well known, but often over-looked, methodological problem of the ecological fallacy. Aggregate variables reveal relationships at broader levels that do not necessarily parallel relationships found at the individual level. This study considers different types of aggregation effects, and clarifies why this case study is particularly susceptible to the adverse implications of the ecological fallacy. Despite these methodological issues, a process-led approach proves to be a valuable means to incorporate theory more explicitly into land-change models than achieved in pattern-led studies.
Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate in College Students With ADHD:

Objective: To evaluate stimulant medication on symptoms and functioning for college students with ADHD using double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design. Method: Participants included 24 col...
Applying simulation and expert systems to the control of advanced manufacturing facilities

Abstract A decision support environment which combines the concepts of visual interactive simulation and expert systems technologies is described. The resulting system, referred to as a Real Time Interactive Control System (RETICS), has evolved through a feasibility study aimed at applying real-time simulation techniques and expert systems to the control of manufacturing material logistics. Following a description of the principles behind the concept, the discussion considers the various implementation options offered by the system. This begins with an off-line advisory tool, and extends through to a fully integrated subsystem within the overall architecture of an automated manufacturing system.
Evaluation of machining methods for trabecular metal implants in a rabbit intramedullary osseointegration model.

Implant success is dependent in part on the interaction of the implant with the surrounding tissues. Porous tantalum implants (Trabecular Metal™, TM) have been shown to have excellent osseointegration. Machining this material to complex shapes with close tolerances is difficult because of its open structure and the ductile nature of metallic tantalum. Conventional machining results in occlusion of most of the surface porosity by the smearing of soft metal. This study compared TM samples finished by three processing techniques: conventional machining, electrical discharge machining, and nonmachined, “as-prepared.” The TM samples were studied in a rabbit distal femoral intramedullary osseointegration model and in cell culture. We assessed the effects of these machining methods at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after implant placement. The finishing technique had a profound effect on the physical presentation of the implant interface: conventional machining reduced surface porosity to 30% compared to bulk porosities in the 70% range. Bone ongrowth was similar in all groups, while bone ingrowth was significantly greater in the nonmachined samples. The resulting mechanical properties of the bone implant-interface were similar in all three groups, with only interface stiffness and interface shear modulus being significantly higher in the machined samples. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2007
Spectral and statistical properties of strongly driven atoms coupled to frequency-dependent photon reservoirs.

Interesting new aspects of atomic behavior in the presence of strong driving fields appear when the driven atom resides not in free space, but in a region (such as an optical cavity) that displays a frequency-dependent photon-mode density. Under such conditions, it is found that a strong driving field can modify the spontaneous decay properties of an atom, and thereby give rise to interesting new features in the spectrum of strong-field resonance fluorescence. It is also found that a high level of dressed-state polarization can be maintained in a sample of resonantly or nonresonantly driven atoms by appropriate tuning of an enclosing cavity. Furthermore, for appropriate laser and cavity tunings, it is found that the atomic states become highly squeezed. In the course of analyzing these effects, a set of modified Bloch equations is derived that explicitly accounts for the finite response time associated with a frequency-dependent photon-mode density.
The surgical implications of chronic granulomatous disease

Background Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) of childhood is a rare congenital abnormality of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase system. Affected neutrophils and macrophages have an ineffective respiratory burst and cannot destroy certain phagocytized bacteria and fungi. CGD patients usually present with recurrent pyogenic and fungal infections. Catalase-positive bacteria are frequently involved, since they metabolize the hydrogen peroxide they produce, making it unavailable for augmentation of microbicidal activity in CGD neutrophils. Afflicted patients also have a tendency to form granulomas, which can lead to obstruction of the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts. Methods Charts of 10 patients with CGD were reviewed for age at diagnosis, surgical procedures, complications of these procedures, and medical treatment. Results Eight of the 10 children were male. The average age at first presentation was 18 months (range 2 days to 9.8 years). Each child developed a mean of 9.9 infections and an average of 1.4 infections per year. All required surgical procedures, with an average of 2.9 procedures each. Five children had operative procedures for infections that preceded the diagnosis of CGD. The procedures performed most frequently were incision and drainage of soft-tissue abscesses (7) or perirectal abscess (3), thoracentesis (3), and bronchoscopy (3). Three children had poor wound healing following surgery. Two developed partial gastric outlet obstruction which resolved with antibiotic therapy. One developed granulomatous cystitis with obstruction which responded to antibiotics. Conclusions Since patients with undiagnosed CGD may present with surgical problems, surgeons need to be familiar with this condition. The diagnosis should be suspected in children who have recurrent or unusual infections or unexplained problems with wound healing.
The Application of High-Modulus Fibers to Ballistic Protection

Abstract A new family of experimental organic fibers (X-500) produced by the Monsanto Research Corporation has been evaluated ballistically. The development of this family of fibers made available for the first time a series of organic fibers with moduli and heac resistance more nearly comparable to inorganic fibers such as glass. Tensile analysis of three material types tested in yarn form at conventional loading rates showed physical properties ranging from typically brittle (10.1 g, den tenacity, 2.4% extension, and 550 g, den modulus) to moderately ductile (5.4 g, den tenacity, 15.4% extension, and 135 g/den modulus). The three samples were evaluated ballistically in fabric, felt, and laminate form. The most ductile sample (Type III) showed considerable promise with a ballistic resistance significantly greater than normal for a material of such modest tensile strength. Tensile recovery tests on this Type-III material showed a large amount of permanent set compared to most commercially available yarns....
On the dynamics of localization and fragmentation: V. Response of polymer coated Al 6061-O tubes

In this series of papers, we investigate the mechanics and physics of localization and fragmentation in ductile materials. The behavior of ductile metals at strain rates of about 4,000–15,000 per second is considered. The expanding ring experiment is used as the vehicle for examining the material behavior in this range of strain rates. In Parts I–III, we examined the response of rings with cross-sectional aspect ratios in the range of 1–10, exhibiting a transition from diffuse necking to sheet-mode localization. In Part IV, we reported on experimental observations of high strain-rate expansion of Al 6061-O tubes. In the present paper, we investigate the effect of polymer coatings on Al 6061-O tubes; specifically, polyurea and polycarbonate coatings are investigated as coating materials. It is demonstrated that there are two effects of the polymer coating on the overall deformation of the Al 6061-O tube specimens. First, the additional mass of the coating material results in an inertial effect; therefore, thicker coatings result in a slower overall expansion and hence for a limited impulse loading, less overall straining of the metallic specimen. Second, the flow resistance of the polymer dissipates additional energy and can prevent failure in the metallic specimen. This effect is much more pronounced in polycarbonate, the material with a larger strength. Finally, it is demonstrated that the polymer coating does not significantly influence the dynamic forming limit of the metallic material.
Tips for communicating with a patient from another culture

Communication is more than just talk. Follow this practical guide to communicate well with your patients, whether you speak the same language or not.
The Effect of Anemia and Blood Transfusions on Mortality in Closed Head Injury Patients

Background The purpose of this study was to determine if anemia in isolated head trauma patients results in a higher mortality rate that would justify a more liberal use of blood transfusions. Methods A retrospective review of isolated blunt head trauma patients was performed between January 2001 and December 2006. Comparisons were made between survivors and nonsurvivors regarding demographics, laboratory values, transfusions received, and lengths of stay. Results There were 788 patients with 735 survivors who were significantly younger (46.3 y ± 21.5 survivors versus 68.9 y ± 18.8 nonsurvivors, P versus 23.2 ± 4.7 nonsurvivors, P versus 4.7 ± 0.5 nonsurvivors, P n = 53). The survivors also had shorter lengths of stay (days) [(ICU: 2.4 ± 4.2 versus 5.6 ± 11.7, P = 0.03), (hospital: 6.3 ± 9.8 versus 7.8 ± 14.8, P = 0.02)]. Multivariate logistic regression showed age (OR 1.063, CI 1.042–1.084), ISS (OR 1.376, CI 1.270–1.491), minimum hemoglobin (OR 0.855, CI 0.732–1.000), and total blood products transfused (OR 1.073, CI 1.008–1.142) to be independent predictors of mortality with an ROC of 0.942. Outcome was independent of the operative procedures, hematocrit and packed red blood cells transfused at 24, 48, and 72 h. Hemoglobin levels of 8 mg/dL ( P = 0.01). Conclusions This study supports the need to balance mild anemia with judicious blood product use in the head trauma patient. Given the risk with blood product use, each transfusion should be carefully considered and the patient re-evaluated regularly to determine the need for further intervention.
Extinction of active avoidance as a measure of passive avoidance in hippocampectomized rats

Rats with large, aspiration lesions of the hippocampus, neocortical lesions, or normal controls were first trained to actively avoid (AA) shock in a one-way shockbox, and later to passively avoid (PA) the previously safe compartment following one forced extinction trial Both hippocampectomized and cortically lesioned Ss displayed deficits in AA. Although no statistical differences were found across groups during PA testing, the possibility of a PA deficit was considered.
Optimal partitioning for classification and regression trees

An iterative algorithm that finds a locally optimal partition for an arbitrary loss function, in time linear in N for each iteration is presented. The algorithm is a K-means-like clustering algorithm that uses as its distance measure a generalization of Kullback's information divergence. Moreover, it is proven that the globally optimal partition must satisfy a nearest neighbour condition using divergence as the distance measure. These results generalize similar results of L. Breiman et al. (1984) to an arbitrary number of classes or regression variables and to an arbitrary number of bills. Experimental results on a text-to-speech example are provided and additional applications of the algorithm, including the design of variable combinations, surrogate splits, composite nodes, and decision graphs, are suggested. >
Oxidation of the Benzyl Radical: Mechanism, Thermochemistry, and Kinetics for the Reactions of Benzyl Hydroperoxide

Oxidation of the benzyl radical plays a key role in the autoignition, combustion, and atmospheric degradation of toluene and other alkylated aromatic hydrocarbons. Under relevant autoignition conditions of moderate temperature and high pressure, and in the atmosphere, benzyl reacts with O2 to form the benzylperoxy radical, and the further oxidation reactions of this radical are not yet fully characterized. In this contribution, we further develop the reaction chemistry, thermodynamics, and kinetics of benzyl radical oxidation, highlighting the important role of benzyl hydroperoxide and the benzoxyl (benzyloxyl) radical. The benzylperoxy + H reaction mechanism is studied using computational chemistry and statistical reaction rate theory. High-pressure limit rate constants in the barrierless benzylperoxy + H association are obtained from variational transition state theory calculations, with internal rotor contributions. The benzylperoxy + H reaction is seen to produce an activated benzyl hydroperoxide addu...
MODELING SOLUTE TRANSPORT IN MICELLAR LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY

To better understand the causes of reduced efficiencies in micellar liquid chromatography (MLC), a mathematical model that includes both solute–stationary phase and solute–micelle interactions has been developed. Solute mass transfer between mobile and stationary phases and kinetic limitations within the stationary phase are incorporated in the model equations. Equilibrium is assumed between the micelles and the surfactant monomer in the bulk solvent of the mobile phase as well as for the solute distributed between the micelles and the mobile phase solvent. It is also assumed that only free surfactant is found in the pores of the alkyl-bonded phase since the micelles are larger than the typical stationary phase pore sizes. The increase in mobile phase dispersion due to partitioning of the solute between the micelle and the bulk solvent is incorporated in this model. Solution of the solute mass balance equations developed for the mobile phase, the pores of the silica gel, and the surface of the stationary ...
Web-based multi-player games to encourage flexibility and social interaction in high-functioning children with autism spectrum disorder

In this Demo we demonstrate work in progress on the Flexibility Learning on the Web (FLOW) project. This project centers on developing interactive, multi-player, cooperative web-based games and activities to reduce rigidity and enhance social interaction in children with high-functioning autism and Aspergers. These games and activities are targeted at primary-school aged children
The thermoelastic behavior of cylindrical plant tissues

Abstract 1. (1) The cell walls of rubber-like elastic plant tissues exhibit anomalous thermoelastic behavior (validity of the Gough-Joule effect). These cell walls contain hydrated cellulose. The cell walls of metal-like elastic plant tissues exhibit normal thermoelastic behavior. These cell walls contain cellulose which is not hydrated. 2. (2) The thermoelastic behavior of cylindrical plant tissues gives information about the submicroscopic structure in the average secondary cell wall. The average deviation of cellulose molecules in this wall from the direction of the axis of the cylindrical tissue is large in the case of rubber-like elastic cylindrical plant tissues, and small in the case of metallike elastic cylindrical plant tissues. 3. (3) Relaxed muscles and hydrated cellulose exhibit anomalous thermoelastic behavior. Activated muscles and cellulose exhibit normal thermoelastic behavior.
The impact of standards competition on consumers: effectiveness of product information and advertising formats

Abstract Compared with other markets, those with competing technological standards exhibit certain fundamental characteristics that make a consumer's decision to adopt a new product more risky and more complex. This article examines how standards competition affects consumer behavior, an issue that has been relatively neglected by previous research in this area. The results show that consumers depend on different types of information in their adoption decisions and respond differently to advertising. Specifically, the authors find that standards competition motivates consumers to pay more attention to information that is comparative in nature. Thus, information about the relative (absolute) performance of a product has a stronger (weaker) impact on a product's share in markets with standards competition (Study 1). Standards competition also moderates the effectiveness of different advertising formats: It strengthens the effect of comparative advertisements but weakens the effect of noncomparative advertis...
Falsely Low Serum hCG Level in a Patient With Hydatidiform Mole Caused by the "High-Dose Hook Effect"

Case Presentation A 34-year-old women came to the emergency room complaining of shortness of breath and vaginal bleeding. According to the date of her last menstrual period, she was in her 14th week of pregnancy. She had had 3 previous normal pregnancies and 1 elective abortion. Physical examination revealed a small amount of vaginal bleeding and a 20-week-sized uterus, which was confirmed by an ultrasonographic scan. Other sonographic findings included intrauterine echogenic material and the absence of a fetal heartbeat. Given these findings, the diagnosis of molar pregnancy was made. The patient also had clinical signs consistent with thyrotoxicosis: general thin appearance, mild anxiety, elevated heart rate, elevated respiratory rate, mildly elevated blood pressure, moderate systolic murmur, and increased deep tendon reflexes. The patient was admitted to the hospital for surgical evacuation of the molar pregnancy. On admission, routine laboratory tests of the patient’s blood revealed mild anemia and normal electrolyte levels. Evacuation of the molar pregnancy was performed the second day of hospitalization. One hour after surgery, the first serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) level was 778 mIU/mL (778 IU/L), as measured by the hCG Bayer Immuno 1 immunoassay. When the second serum hCG level was performed 13 hours after surgery, the printout showed no number and was flagged with “>,” indicating that the concentration was greater than the highest standard and that the sample needed to be diluted. After doing serial dilutions of the second sample, the actual hCG level was found to be 819,000 mIU/mL (819,000 IU/L). Recognizing the jump in hCG from 778 mIU/mL to 819,000 mIU/mL to be unusual for 2 consecutive samples drawn 12 hours apart, the technologist suspected the “high-dose hook effect” and performed serial dilutions on the first sample—which revealed an actual hCG level of 1,811,700 mIU/mL (1,811,700 IU/L). On followup, the serum hCG level decreased, displaying a normal regression curve (Table 1). The pathology report of the evacuated tissue was “complete hydatidiform mole.”
THE USE OF INTEGRALS IN THE SOLUTION OF NONLINEAR EQUATIONS IN N DIMENSIONS

Abstract : The author considers the problem of solving the nonlinear equation F(x) = 0, where F: D (arrow) B sub 2, D is an open convex subset of B sub 1 and B sub 1, B sub 2 are Banach spaces, dim(B sub 1) = dim(B sub 2) = N, 1 = or < N = or < + infinity.
The Dysphoria of Heroin Addiction

ABSTRACTLevels of dysphoria and opioid dependence were assessed in 54 male patients with heroin addiction applying for drug treatment. During a period of naturalistic heroin use, symptom measures of dysphoria and of spontaneous opioid withdrawal reported by these patients were highly correlated. Upon admission to treatment, levels of dysphoria and opioid withdrawal were assessed before and after a pharmacological challenge with either 0.4 mg naloxone or placebo. Signs and symptoms of opioid withdrawal and symptoms of dysphoria increased in patients following naloxone, but not placebo administration. Naloxone-induced changes in symptoms of dysphoria were correlated with changes in opioid withdrawal as assessed by both subjective and objective measures. These findings suggest that dysphoric mood states in heroin addicts may be, in part, pharmacological sequalae of their drug dependence. Dysphoria due to opioid withdrawal may contribute to the initiation and maintenance of heroin use, and to the high rates o...