cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
GRAVITATIONAL BAG EFFECTS ON KALUZA KLEIN AND STRING EXCITATIONS

Gravitational Bags are spherically symmetric solutions of higher-dimensional Kaluza Klein (K – K) theories, where the compact dimensions become very large near the center of the geometry, although they are small elsewhere. The K – K excitations therefore become very light when located near the center of this geometry and this appears to affect drastically the naive tower of the masses spectrum of K – K theories. In the context of string theories, string excitations can be enclosed by Gravitational Bags, making them not only lighter, but also localized, as observed by somebody, that does not probe the central regions. Strings, however, can still have divergent sizes, as quantum mechanics seems to demand, since the extra dimensions blow up at the center of the geometry. From a projected 4-D point of view, very massive string bits may lie inside their Schwarzschild radii, as pointed out by Casher, Gravitational Bags however are horizon free objects, so no conflict with macroscopic causality arises if the string excitations are enclosed by Gravitational Bags.
The spinning rotor gauge: measurements of viscosity, velocity slip coefficients, and tangential momentum accommodation coefficients for N2 and CH4

Abstract A selection of experimental measurements for N 2 and CH 4 made with a spinning rotor gauge (SRG) employing 4.00 mm and 4.50 mm diameter spherical steel rotors are reported. The experiments covered the continuum and slip regimes for both polyatomic gases. Theoretical results from a previous paper on the SRG are used to extract values of the viscosity, the velocity slip coefficient, and the tangential momentum accommodation coefficient from the experimentally obtained data for each of the gases. The measured viscosities are in excellent agreement with existing literature values. The question of whether there is an angular dependence (via the motor head alignment) in the measurements that was raised in our previous work [Tekasakul et al., JVSTA, 1996, 14 , 2946] is addressed.
A Heavy Metal Biotrap for Wastewater Remediation Using Poly-γ-Glutamic Acid

Poly-gamma-glutamic acid (gamma-PGA) obtained from Bacillus licheniformis ATCC 9945 was evaluated as a potential biosorbent material for use in the removal of heavy metals from aqueous solution. Copper (Cu(2+)) was chosen as the model heavy metal used in these studies since it is extensively used by electroplating and other industries, has been the model for many other similar studies, and can be easily assayed through a number of convenient methods. Cu(2+)-gamma-PGA binding parameters under varying conditions of pH, temperature, ionic strength, and in the presence of other heavy metal ions were determined for the purified biopolymer using a specially designed dialysis apparatus. Applying the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model showed that gamma-PGA had a copper capacity approaching 77.9 mg/g and a binding constant of 32 mg/L (0.5 mM) at pH 4.0 and 25 degrees C. Cu(2+)-gamma-PGA adsorption was relatively temperature independent between 7 and 40 degrees C, while an increase in ionic strength led to a decrease in metal ion binding. Cd(2+) and Zn(2+) ions compete with Cu(2+) for binding sites on the gamma-PGA biopolymer. Metal uptake by gamma-PGA was further tested using a tangential flow filtration apparatus in a diafiltration mode in which metal was continually processed through a dilute solution of gamma-PGA without allowing for equilibrium to be established. The circulating polymer solution was able to complex metal as well as successfully prevent passage of unbound copper ions present in solution through the membrane. Using 500 mL of a 0.2% gamma-PGA solution, up to 97% of a 50 mg/L copper sulfate solution processed at a flow rate of 115 mL/min was retained by the polymer. For a 10 mg/L solution of Cu(2+) as copper sulfate, filtrate concentrations of Cu(2+) never rose above 0.6 mg/L while processing 2.5 L of dilute copper sulfate.
EFFECT OF ACID DIP ON THE SHELF LIFE OF COLESLAW

The effect of acid treatments on coleslaw in relation to its shelf life was studied. The results indicated that citric acid, ascorbic acid, malic acid, and their combinations with 200 ppm potassium metabisulfite could slightly improve the keeping quality (mainly color) and concomitantly decrease polyphenol oxidase activity of coleslaw. There were no changes in pH and total acidity.
A new swept-frequency technique for matching feedline lengths

In order to match the electrical lengths of feedlines for a 2.5-km HF array, an extremely convenient and sensitive swept-frequency technique has been developed for feedline comparison. Implementation of this technique is described and its sensitivity to a 3-in difference in the lengths of two 4800-ft feedlines is experimentally demonstrated.
Life cycle cost-benefit model for road weather information systems

To ensure safer driving conditions on highways, state highway agencies are exploring the use of new technologies that will improve the flow of information about hazardous road conditions. These technologies are called Road Weather Information Systems (RWIS). The objective of this paper is to provide a systematic methodology for highway agencies to evaluate the costs and benefits associated with implementing RWIS. This objective was achieved through the development of a life cycle cost-benefit model for RWIS. This analysis tool provides highway agency decision makers with a methodology through which different RWIS implementation alternatives can be evaluated from economic, qualitative, and environmental perspectives. A case study demonstrating the use of the RWIS cost-benefit model also is included. The purpose of the case study is to evaluate whether or not it is cost-beneficial to implement an RWIS on Interstate 20 near Abilene, Texas. The model determined that it was cost-beneficial to implement this sy...
Enabling information sharing within organizations

Organizations which have invested heavily in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, intranets and Enterprise Information Portals (EIP) with standardized workflows, data definitions and a common data repository, have provided the technlogical capability to their workgroups to share information at the enterprise level. However, the responsibility of populating the repository with relevant and high quality data required for customized data analyses is spread across workgroups associated with specific business processes. In an information interdependent setting, factors such as short-term organizational focus and the lack of uniformity in information management skills across workgroups can act as impediments to information sharing. Using an analytical model of information exchange between two workgroups, we study the impact of measures (e.g., creating a perception of continuity and persistence in interactions, benefit sharing, etc.) on the performance of the workgroups and the organization. The model considers a setting we describe as information complementarity, where the payoff to a workgroup depends not only on the quality of its own information, but also on that of the information provided by other workgroups. We show how a long-term vision combined with homogeneity in information management capabilities across workgroups can lead to organizationally desirable levels of information exchange, and how benefit sharing can either help or hurt individual and organizational information exchange outcomes under different circumstances. Our analysis highlights the need for appropriate organizational enablers to realize the benefits of enterprise systems and related applications.
Expression of proto-oncogenes in normal and papovavirus-transformed or-infected rat fibroblasts

Dot blot hybridization was used to determine the transcript levels of 10 cellular oncogenes in Fischer rat fibroblasts transformed or infected in tissue culture by polyoma virus or SV40. The level of these messages was compared to that determined for nontransformed, noninfected control cells. The analysis includes the oncogenes myc, sis, mos, erbB, erbA, Ha-ras, Ki-ras, src, fps, and abl. For all the oncogenes tested, except for mos, detectable expression was observed in all cell lines studied including the normal control cells; when normal and transformed or infected cells were compared, no significant difference in transcript level was found for any of the oncogenes except one. A slight elevation of sis message was observed for some transformants. The results of this study apply to six polyoma and seven SV40 transformants which were chosen with the purpose of analyzing transformants displaying a variety of properties. Thus, the polyoma-transformed cell lines varied in their expression of the transformed phenotype as judged by anchorage-independent growth and cell morphology, in their coding capacity for and expression of early gene products, and included two classes of rat fibroblasts transformed by ts-a mutants: those with a temperature-insensitive transformed phenotype, and those with a temperature-sensitive phenotype, A-type and N-type, respectively. Concerning the latter two types, no differences in oncogene expression were observed between cells grown at low and those grown at high temperatures, or between the two groups of cells at either temperature.
Minsky Goes to Buffalo—and Takes on the Economics Establishment

This essay is based on remarks presented by the author at The Fourth Bi-Annual Cross-Border Post Keynesian Conference, Buffalo State College, on October 9, 2009. It addresses the economic challenges facing Buffalo, New York, and countless other American cities, especially in the Northeast and Midwest; draws on the writings of Hyman Minsky to offer an interpretation of what many now call the Great Recession, which began in late 2007; and challenges the image of Minsky presented by mainstream economists and journalists, with special attention to a recent lecture by Paul Krugman. The essay closes by returning to Buffalo, where—as Minsky anticipated in the 1990s—the economic fate of working families depends largely on the outcome of a national struggle over the shape of future U.S. economic transformation.
Synthesis and cationic photopolymerization of monomers based on nopol

Starting with nopol [(R)-(-)-2-(2'-hydroxyethyl)-6,6-dimethyl-8-oxatricyclo-[3.1.1.1 2,3 ]octane, I] as a substrate, two new, interesting monomers, allyl nopol ether epoxide III and nopol 1-propenyl ether epoxide IV, were prepared. The photoinitiated cationic polymerizations of these two monomers as well as several other model compounds were studied using real-time infrared spectroscopy. Surprisingly, the rates of epoxide ring-opening polymerization of both monomers were enhanced as compared to those of the model compounds. Two different mechanisms which involve the free radical induced decomposition of the diaryliodonium salt photoinitiator were proposed to explain the rate acceleration effects.
Private Property Rights and Selective Private Forest Conservation: Could a Nordic Hybrid Policy Address a United States Problem?

Political and legal conflicts between the need for targeted private forest conservation and the continued assurance of private property rights in the U.S. presents a seemingly intractable resource management problem. Scandinavian use of habitat protection areas on private forests offers an additional tool that may be suitable for solving the historical and on-going tension found within U.S. efforts to reconcile desires to maintain lands in a forested condition while also respecting private property rights. This article presents a comparative cross-sectional policy analysis of Sweden, Finland, and the U.S., supported with a supplemental case example from the Commonwealth of Virginia. Similarities in all three countries among forest ownership patterns, use of public subsidies, and changing attitudes towards conservation are generally encouraging. Additionally, Virginia’s current consideration and development of state-wide forest policies focused on forestland and open space conservation suggests both a need and an opportunity to systematically assess the applicability of the Nordic forest reserve approach to local private forest conservation. Future research at a high-resolution, and specifically at the state level, should focus on the social and political factors that would ultimately determine the viability of a forest reserve program.
Influence of zeolite particle size on selectivity during fluid catalytic cracking

Abstract NaY zeolites of varying average particle size were synthesized and incorporated into fluid cracking catalysts. Scanning Electron Micrographs showed that these zeolites exhibited agglomeration and intergrowths. Hence, external surface area measured by N2 adsorption t plot was used to calculate effective particle size. Effective particle size of these zeolite samples ranged from 0.06 to 0.65 μm. The t plot micropore volume was determined to be the appropriate method of characterization of crystallinity of these zeolites. Cracking of West Texas Heavy Gas oil is limited by zeolitic diffusion at 500°C for a zeolite with 0.65 μm effective particle size. Hence, the catalyst containing smaller particle zeolite exhibited improved activity and selectivity to intermediate cracked products like gasoline and light cycle oil. Selectivity differences can be explained by considering the effect of diffusion resistance on the rate constants for cracking of gas oil and gasoline.
Elder RNs: Learning from their experiences

Abstract A grounded theory study of elderly registered nurses was conducted to explore perceptions about the nursing profession in light of the nursing shortage. The participants ranged in age from 65 to 90 and came from a variety of educational and nursing backgrounds. As they spoke of their perceptions, participants shared their personal stories regarding the reasons they went to nursing school, ways they feel they made a difference in others' lives because they were nurses, and their views as elderly patients of nursing today. Their narratives describe barriers to nursing education and nurses and patients in the 1920s through 1960s and the changes that have occurred in nursing and medicine. ( Geriatr Nurs 2002;23:244–9)
L’après-communisme et le déclin du syndicalisme à l’Est : leçons de Pologne et d’ailleurs

Resume Depuis 1989, les syndicats ont connu en Europe de l’Est, sur presque tous les plans, un net recul. Ce declin tient non seulement aux reformes economiques mais aussi a des facteurs plus subjectifs : les reactions suscitees par l’heritage de la periode communiste et l’animosite des travailleurs qualifies vis-a-vis des travailleurs non qualifies, qui ont nourri aupres des syndicalistes eux-memes un certain scepticisme quant a la valeur du syndicalisme. Depuis le tournant du siecle, toutefois, cinq facteurs favorisent un certain renouveau : les imperatifs de survie de la bureaucratie syndicale, l’entree dans l’Union europeenne (UE), l’emergence d’une solidarite syndicale transfrontaliere, l’arrivee d’une nouvelle generation de travailleurs et la fin de l’apres-communisme dans l’entreprise, ou, suite au licenciement des travailleurs surnumeraires, les syndicats ne se sont plus trouves tenus de defendre le personnel non qualifie. Ce renouveau syndical se heurte cependant encore a trois obstacles, de nature ideologique (la mefiance persistante vis-a-vis des syndicats), organisationnelle (la plethore des petites entreprises) et structurelle (la situation dans l’economie mondialisee). Le taux de syndicalisation devrait rester peu eleve, avec l’emergence dans le secteur manufacturier de quelques syndicats plus puissants, a l’allure plus elitiste et plus masculine, avec une moindre conscience de classe que dans le passe ; ailleurs, et tout particulierement dans le secteur public, le syndicalisme devrait vegeter. Un tel schema ne favorise pas une democratie liberale stable.
Patient Respect and Satisfaction in the Oncology Setting

The current study assessed how patients’ respect for and perceived respect from their oncologist and health care team were related to their satisfaction with the oncologist and team. A second objective was to adapt measures developed for social sciences research to a medical setting. Some 81 oncology patients completed a questionnaire containing demographics and six brief measures of patients’ attitudes and perceptions of respect and satisfaction. Patients’ respect for their oncologist was related strongly to both their perceptions of how they were respected by their oncologist and their satisfaction with the oncologist. Correlations for the health care team were similar. Respectful behaviors toward patients are important in creating a comprehensive community of care for oncology patients and loved ones.
Synthesis of hepatotoxic agents in germfree and conventional mice which had been fed NaNO 2 and dimethylamine.

SummaryIn vivo production of toxic agent(s) was demonstrated in GF and conventional mice by feeding them subtoxic doses of NaNO2 and dimethylamine. Two effects were demonstrated in the mice: acute deaths in some of them within 24 hr after administration of the two drugs; and extensive necrosis in the livers of survivors which were examined 3 days later. GF CFW mice were more sensitive to the toxic effects of NaNO2 than conventional CFW mice, and conventional and GF Swiss-Webster mice. The microbial flora has been excluded as having a role in the in vivo synthesis of this toxic agent (s), which we assume to be nitro-soamine.
Benign subdural collections of infancy.

During the past two years we studied six infants with subdural collections of fluid. All patients had macrocrania and excessive transillumination of the head. Rapid head growth was common but five patients were otherwise asymptomatic. Subdural taps performed on five children confirmed the presence of abnormal fluid over the cerebral convexities. Subdural fluid in four patients was compatible with effusion and in another with a hematoma. Computerized tomographic evaluation of all infants showed ventricular enlargement, wide cerebral sulci, decreased density in the anterior temporal regions, large sylvian cisterns, prominent interhemispheric fissures, and decreased density over the cerebral convexities. The CT findings resembled cerebral atrophy but psychomotor development and neurologic examinations have been normal. Presented in part at the International Symposium of Neuroradiology, Weisbaden, Germany, June 6–10, 1978.
Why Do Hip Arthroscopy Procedures Fail

Background Despite the successes of hip arthroscopy, clinical failures do occur, and identifying risk factors for failure may facilitate refinement of surgical indications and treatment. Knowledge regarding the reasons for treatment failures may also improve surgical decision making.
On the utility of positive and negative feedback in a paired-associate learning task

This study offers a neurophysiological examination of the relationship between feedback processing and learning. A two-choice paired-associate learning task borrowed and modified from Tricomi and Fiez [Tricomi, E., & Fiez, J. A. Feedback signals in the caudate reflect goal achievement on a declarative memory task. Neuroimage, 41, 1154-1167, 2008] was employed to examine the mediofrontal electrophysiological brain activity associated with the processing of performance feedback in a learning task and to elucidate the extent to which the processing of the initial informative feedback is related to learning outcomes. Twenty participants were tasked with learning to correctly pair 60 novel objects with their names by choosing on a trial-by-trial basis between two possible names and receiving feedback about the accuracy of their selection. The novel objects were presented in three blocks of trials rounds, each of which presented the same set of 60 objects once. The rounds allowed the separation of the initial informative feedback in Round 1 from the other feedback stimuli in Rounds 2 and 3. The results indicated differences in the processing of initial informative and proceeding feedback stimuli. More specifically, the difference appeared to be driven by the change in the processing of positive feedback. Moreover, very first positive feedback provided in association with a particular new object was found associated with learning outcomes. The results imply that signs of successful and unsuccessful learning may be detected as early as the initial positive feedback provided in a learning task. The results suggest that the process giving rise to the feedback-related negativity is sensitive to the utility of the feedback and that the processing of the first informative positive feedback is associated with learning outcomes.
Outcomes of the Chrisman-Snook and Modified-Broström Procedures for Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability A Prospective, Randomized Comparison

We prospectively and randomly compared the outcomes of the Chrisman-Snook and modified-Brostrom procedures for chronic lateral ankle instability in 40 patients. Both operations provided good or excellent stability in more than 80% of the patients. However, the modified-Brostrom procedure resulted in higher Sefton scores than the Chrisman-Snook procedure. In addition, a statistically significant greater proportion of complications occurred in patients treated with the Chrisman-Snook procedure.
Activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling pathway is associated with neuronal degeneration in MoMuLV-ts1-induced spongiform encephalomyelopathy.

Activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling pathway is associated with neuronal degeneration in MoMuLV- ts 1-induced spongiform encephalomyelopathy
Incidence of reflux in young children undergoing adenoidectomy.

Objective To compare the incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in children under 2 years of age who have symptomatic adenoid hypertrophy requiring surgical removal or who have otitis media with effusion requiring ventilation tube insertion without adenoidectomy. Study Design Retrospective chart review. Setting An academic pediatric otolaryngology unit. Patients All children under age 2 undergoing adenoidectomy (Ad group) between January 1998 and May 2000 were compared with children in the same age range having ventilation tube insertion without adenoidectomy (VT group). Main Outcome Measures Whether a diagnosis of GERD was made, how it was made, GERD treatment, and resolution of symptoms were compared. Results There were 95 children in the Ad group and 99 in the VT group. GERD incidence was significantly higher in the Ad group where it was 42% versus 7% in the VT group (P <.001). In the Ad group, 88% of children age 1 or less had GERD, and 32% of those older than 1 had GERD diagnosed. In the VT group, 14% of patients age 1 or less and 2% of those older than 1 had a diagnosis of GERD. Conclusions Children under age 2 with symptomatic adenoid enlargement requiring adenoidectomy have a significantly higher incidence of GERD than children in the same age group presenting with otitis media requiring ventilation tube insertion.
Automatic setup planning: current state-of-the-art and future perspective

Process planning has long been regarded as the key to achieving seamless integration between design and manufacturing. While there have been great successes in automating portions of the process planning task such as operation sequencing and cutter path optimisation, other areas such as automatic setup generation still remain elusive. This paper defines and elucidates setup planning by systematically decomposing this complex subject into tasks, constraints and the ultimate goal. Within the defined scope, this paper further reviews and analyses various automatic setup planning methods reported in the literature. A critical knowledge gap is identified, namely, the absence of a definition of setup plan optimality. A decision-aid-orientated perspective is then proposed to be applied in a technology hub-based supplier alliance environment.
Generalized gradient algorithm for trajectory optimization

The generalized gradient algorithm presented and verified as a basis for the solution of trajectory optimization problems improves the performance index while reducing path equality constraints, and terminal equality constraints. The algorithm is conveniently divided into two phases, of which the first, 'feasibility' phase yields a solution satisfying both path and terminal constraints, while the second, 'optimization' phase uses the results of the first phase as initial guesses.
Pose estimation and machining efficiency of an endoscopic grinding tool

In this research, a method was developed for estimating the amount of material removed in an endoscopic grinding process. A model was formulated for the estimation of the pose (position and orientation) and force on a modified PENTAX ES-3801 endoscope, based on geometric analysis of the endoscope bending section and input from an LVDT position sensor and load cell placed in line with the driving cable of the endoscope. The experimental and theoretical results showed that the pose and force of the flexible bending section can be predicted and monitored when subjected to varying machining loads. In most conditions, the estimated force, position, and orientation error were less than 0.5 N, 2.0 mm, and 3.0°, respectively. For estimation of material removal in grinding, the effective energy spent on removing material, energy wasted by chatter, and energy wasted by the transmission shaft had to be calculated. Grinding experiments were carried out on aluminum workpiece, and the amount of material removal was estimated and measured for comparison. The results suggested that it is possible to estimate the amount of material removed by a non-rigid machine tool with the method described.
The nature of fourth graders' understandings of electric circuits

The purpose of this study was to interpret the nature of fourth graders' understandings of electric circuits. The qualitative study was guided by constructivist theory and utilized two small groups of four children each. Each child was interviewed prior to and after, as well as observed throughout, the instructional unit on simple electric circuits. The interviews centered around three different electric circuit tasks: predictions and explanations of eight electric circuit problems: the completion and explanation of three electric circuit drawings; and the identification of an electric current diagram, which was based on Osborne's (1983) work. The findings for these children suggested that: (1) the nature of children's understandings of electric circuits is dependent upon the interplay between their understandings of circuit connections and understandings of electric current; (2) prior to instruction children's understandings of electric circuits were scientifically inaccurate and tended to emphasize understandings of circuit connections; (3) children held multiple understandings of electric current prior to instruction, whereas following instruction most children held a single understanding of electric current, albeit scientifically inaccurate; and (4) after instruction children demonstrated a more accurate technical understanding of electric circuits, but only one child demonstrated a scientific understanding of electric current. Based on these findings, conclusions about knowledge restructuring are presented, as well as implications for teaching, assessment, and research. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Systems biology of embryonic morphogens

A network of secreted proteins that interact with each other in the extracellular space regulates embryonic morphogenesis. Mathematical modeling offers an excellent opportunity to understand how morphogens signal and self-regenerate pattern.
Chromosomal locations of eleven Elytrigia elongata (= Agropyron elongatum ) isozyme structural genes

The zymogram phenotypes of 11 enzymes were determined for 22 Triticum aestivum cv. Chinese Spring-Elytrigia elongata disomic and ditelosomic chromosome addition lines. Eleven isozyme structural genes were located in specific arms of six E. elongata chromosomes, as follows: Gpi-E1 in 1ES, Est-E1 in 3ES, Got-E3 in 3EL, Adh-E1 and Lpx-E1 in 4ES, Adh-E2 and Lpx-E2 in 5EL, Amp-E1 in 6Eα, Adh-E3 and Got-E2 in 6Eβ, and Ep-E1 in 7EL. The E. elongata chromosomes present in five disomic addition lines have previously been designated 1E, 2E, 4E, 6E, and 7E to indicate their homoeology with Chinese Spring chromosomes. The results of this study support these designations. The development of disomic putative 3E and 5E addition lines is reported. The added chromosomes designated IV, V, and VI that are present in three of the seven original disomic T. aestivum-E. elongata addition lines are translocated. Evidence that VL and VIL are opposite arms of 2E and that IV is partially homoeologous to 3E has been published. The results reported in this paper indicate that IVS = 3ES, IVL = 7EL, VS = 3ES, and VIS = 5ES and are consistent with VL and VIL being opposite arms of 2E. The synteny relationships of the 11 E. elongata isozyme genes identified in this study are fully consistent with those of homoeologous T. aestivum cv. Chinese Spring genes and thus provide evidence that the gene synteny groups which these two species inherited from their common ancestor are conserved. This study further documents the valuable role that studies of isozyme genes can play in the isolation, characterization, and maintenance of alien chromosomes, telosomes, and chromosomal segments in wheat strains.
Treatment of an adolescent with school phobia.

In the past decade psychotherapists have generally come to accept school phobia in young children as an acute disturbance with a favorable prognosis. In adolescents, however, school phobia has usually been considered one aspect of chronic, deeply imbedded problems that have an unfavorable prognosis, especially if the return to school is delayed. This paper has two objectives: 1. To demonstrate that an adolescent who develops school phobia may have a very adequate ego. Accordingly, intensive psychotherapy may result in marked symptomatic improvement and significant personality change even if there is a long delay in his return to school. As with all other symptoms, a careful evaluation of the adequacy of the ego, the family interaction, and the environment is necessary before establishing the prognosis and deciding what sort of therapeutic intervention should be attempted. 2. To present a detailed discussion relating the treatment of an adolescent boy with school phobia to the general information available in the literature about the condition.
Removal of Transobturator Midurethral Sling for Refractory Thigh Pain

Polypropylene midurethral slings have become the most common surgical procedure for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence. The efficacy has been well established through prospective and systematic evaluation. Transobturator midurethral slings have demonstrated comparable efficacy relative to the retropubic approach with the potential to minimize the morbidity associated with retropubic needle passage. We present a case of recalcitrant medial thigh pain after transobturator midurethral sling placement that ultimately required medial thigh/transobturator exploration and sling excision.
Comparison of the protective effects of amifostine and dexrazoxane against the toxicity of doxorubicin in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Purpose: To compare the protective effects of amifostine and dexrazoxane against the chronic toxicity induced by doxorubicin in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Methods: The animals were pretreated with amifostine (200 mg/kg, i.p.), dexrazoxane (25 mg/kg, i.p.) or saline 30 min before the administration of doxorubicin (1 mg/kg, i.v.), once-weekly for 12 weeks. Control animals received similar amounts of amifostine or saline. The SHR underwent necropsy examination 1 week after the last dosing, and cardiac, renal, and gastrointestinal lesions were graded semiquantitatively. Results: Amifostine and dexrazoxane provided equal degrees of protection against the renal toxicity of doxorubicin. However, dexrazoxane was more cardioprotective than amifostine, and prevented the mortality induced by doxorubicin. This mortality was not decreased by pretreatment with amifostine. The loss of body weight caused by doxorubicin was actually worsened by coadministration of amifostine. Conclusions: Compared to dexrazoxane, amifostine provided a comparable degree of protection against the nephrotoxicity of doxorubicin, but was less cardioprotective and did not prevent the mortality and loss of body weight produced by doxorubicin. These differences may be related to the fact that amifostine may act as a scavenger of reactive oxygen species, whereas dexrazoxane may prevent their formation.
A Custom Coupling Device of Total Knee and Ipsilateral Total Hip Arthroplasties After Distal Femoral Fracture

The treatment of periprosthetic femoral fractures around long-stemmed hip implants is an orthopedic challenge, which may be complicated by the presence or need for a total knee arthroplasty. Treatment of this fracture when the proximal implant is well fixed and a distal implant is required poses ongoing challenges. Traditional plating and allograft struts have produced variable results, particularly in osteoporotic bone, where incidence of nonunion is greater. Thus, we report a custom interlocking device, which couples the stem of the fixed proximal implant to a new stemmed total knee prosthesis, resulting in the expedited restoration of functionality and fracture union.
Fitting hyperplanes by minimizing orthogonal deviations

Hyperplanes withm + 1 parameters are fitted by minimizing the sum of weighted orthogonal deviations to a set ofN points. There is no inverse regression incompatibility. For unweighted orthogonall 1-fits essentially the same number of points are on either side of an optimal hyperplane. The criterion function is neither convex, nor concave, nor even differentiable. The main result is that each orthogonall p -fit interpolates at leastm + 1 points, for 0 <p ≤ 1. This enables the combinatorial strategy of systematically trying all possible hyperplanes which interpolatem + 1 data points.
Efficacy of Tower Medfly Eclosion Systems

A 16-repetition experiment was conducted to evaluate the performance of the “tower” system for eclosion of sterile medflies, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann). This system has now replaced the PARC system previously used in Florida S.I.T. programs. In addition to testing the efficacy of these eclosion systems, as compared to the PARC system, quality control was also monitored and evaluated. No significant differences were found between either system in regards to C. capitata yield, weight or flight ability (p=0.05). Based on these comparative trials, the tower eclosion system appears to be an efficient alternative to the PARC system.
A transversion mutation hypothesis for chemical carcinogenesis by N2-substitution of guanine in DNA

Abstract Several carcinogenic aromatic amines and polycyclic hydrocarbons react covalently with the exocyclic amino group (N 2 ) of guanine in DNA. In this study, space-filling molecular models of DNA containing N 2 -guanyl adducts of 2-acetylaminofluorene (AAF) or benzo[ a ]pyrene (BP) were constructed. From these models and from available physico-chemical data, it is suggested that the N 2 adducts may be easily converted from the normal anti to a syn conformation (base/deoxyribose). This confuguration causes minimal distortion of the DNA model with only a 2–3 A shift in the helical axis of symmetry. Such an alteration may account for the persistence of these adducts in DNA and for the frameshift mutations induced by these carcinogens. Additionally, the syn N 2 -guanyl configuration places the N-7 and O 6 atoms of the modified syn guanine in the base pairing region such that, during replication, mispairing with N-1 and N 2 of an opposite guanine may occur. This would then represent a carcinogen-induced transversion mutation and may lead to neoplastic transformation.
The effect of the carboxy-terminal lysine of urokinase on the catalysis of plasminogen activation.

Abstract When single-chain pro-UK is activated by plasmin or kallikrein, the Lys 158 -Ile 159 bond is cleaved, leaving a C-terminal lysine on the A-chain (Lys-UK). Two-chain, high molecular weight urokinase (UK) purified from urine, however, has been shown to contain a phenylalanine residue as the C-terminal of the A-chain (Phe-UK). Since C-terminal lysine residues have a strong binding affinity for plasminogen that may promote its activation, we undertook kinetic studies comparing plasminogen activation by Lys-and Phe-UK. A two-stage method was employed in order to minimize factors known to interfere with plasminogen activation and plasmin determination. The Lys-UK was prepared by plasmin activation of pro-UK purified from human fetal kidney cell culture medium. The Phe-UK was prepared by carboxypeptidase B (CpB) treatment of Lys-UK. Removal of the C-terminal lysine of Lys-UK by CpB produced small but significant increases in the Michaelis constants for the activation of both Glu- and Lys-plasminogen. The apparent Michaelis constants for Glu-plasminogen activation by Lys- and Phe-UK were 3.7 μM ± .36 μM and 5.9 μM ± .70 μM, respectively and the Michaelis constants for Lys-plasminogen activation by Lys- and Phe-UK were 5.4 μM ± .72 μM and 15.2 μM ± 1.4 μM, respectively. The catalytic efficiency ( k cat / K m ) of Lys-UK was approximately 2-fold greater than that of Phe-UK for the activation of either Glu- or Lys-plasminogen. When the fibrinolytic activities of Lys- and Phe-UK were compared in a plasma milieu, no significant differences were detected. In conclusion, the findings indicate that the C-terminal lysine on the A-chain of UK significantly promotes the catalysis of plasminogen in a purified system. However, the higher catalytic efficiency of Lys-UK was not found to induce significant acceleration of clot lysis at pharmacological concentrations in plasma.
Geo‐CVD 2014

Deborah Weiser, a graduate student at UCLA, represented the Seismological Society of America at the 2014 Geosciences Congressional Visits Day (Geo‐CVD), 16–17 September 2014, in Washington, D.C. Weiser’s experience was made possible through a the 2014 Geo‐CVD Student Travel Grant, and her account is published below. SSA is grateful to James Lewkowicz of Weston Geophysical Corp. for generous support of Geosciences Congressional Visits Day during 2013–2014. SSA has established the Student Travel Fund for Geosciences Congressional Visits Day thanks to an initial donation from SSA Government Relations Committee Co‐chair Woody Savage. SSA members are invited to contribute to the Geo‐CVD Support Fund to ensure that students have future opportunities to participate in this experience. The Geo‐CVD Travel Grant is open to graduate students who are interested in the intersection of geoscience and public policy. Watch the SSA web site for information about how and when to apply for the 2015 grant. As a UCLA graduate student studying induced seismicity in California, it is easy to lose sight of what goes on in Washington, D.C., specifically with regard to science funding. After participating in the 2014 Geosciences Congressional Visits Day (Geo‐CVD), thanks to generous funding from SSA, I received a firsthand view of our complicated legislative process and how one person actually can make a difference. > The most critical component of our training covered how to have a congressional meeting. First and foremost, always go into a meeting with an “ask.” Geo‐CVD spans two days, the first of which …
Dynamics of thick domain walls

The dynamics of thick domain walls are studied in the context of the classical field theory for a real scalar field. We treat, by numerically solving the equation of motion for the scalar field, the collision of two plane-symmetric walls as well as the collapse of walls that have spherical and cylindrical symmetry. Walls in both sine-Gordon and ${\ensuremath{\varphi}}^{4}$ theories are considered. We illustrate the striking and at times surprising differences between thin and thick walls. We also discuss the formation of black holes during spherical collapse.
Agroeconomic Analyses of Drip Irrigation for Sugarbeet Production

Sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.) is a major cash crop in Wyoming where overuse of water and agrochemicals is a concern in furrowirrigated areas. Drip irrigation, an alternative technology, is not well developed for row crops within the state. Therefore, our objective was to evaluate the economic feasibility of implementing drip irrigation practice for sugarbeet production. Capital budgeting analyses, including net present value (NPV) and rate of return (ROR), were used for 10 to 40 ha. Sensitivity analyses were conducted with drip system size and life span, interest rate, water price, and weed control cost. Sugarbeet and sugar yields were higher under drip irrigation than furrow irrigation at P = 0.05. The drip system investment cost decreased with increasing size. Total variable costs for drip irrigation were lower than those for furrow irrigation. Sugarbeet returns were $2080 and $2310 ha -1 for furrow and drip irrigation practices, respectively. Higher returns and shorter payback time were observed for large conversion areas. The sensitivity was more pronounced with small-scale farming. Increasing interest rates caused delays in positive return and profit and contributed to larger differences in payback time between drip system sizes. For all conversion sizes, ROR increased with system lifetime. Higher profitability was observed for areas with increased water prices and weed control costs. The overall findings indicated that sugarbeet production under drip irrigation would be most profitable for a 40-ha area with payback periods ranging from 7 to 10 yr.
Maximally disordered distillable quantum states

We explore classical to quantum transition of correlations by studying the quantum states located just outside of the classically correlated-states-only neighborhood of the maximally mixed state [the largest separable ball (LSB)]. We show that a natural candidate for such states raises the possibility of a layered transition, i.e., an annular region comprising only classical and the classical-like bound entangled states, followed by free or distillable entanglement. Surprisingly, we find the transition to be abrupt for bipartite systems: distillable states emerge arbitrarily close to the LSB. For multipartite systems, white the radius of the LSB remains unknown, we determine the radius of the largest undistillable ball. Our results also provide an upper bound on how noisy shared entangled states can be for executing quantum information processing protocols.
Touching on somatosensory specializations in mammals

Specialized species often reveal general principles of brain organization and provide systems for analysis of sensory function. Subterranean species dependent on touch have particularly large somatosensory areas with modular cortical representations of sensory surfaces. Some species have added cortical areas to processing networks, have developed tactile foveas and have superior colliculi primarily devoted to somatosensation rather than vision. Recent studies reveal surprisingly large cortical representations of oral structures in primates and mole-rats. Cortical modules represent a range of different sensory surfaces in rodents, star-nosed moles and primates, indicating that similar developmental mechanisms operate in diverse species. Finally, manipulation of patterning genes in mice suggests evolutionary mechanisms for producing the specialized corticies of subterranean species.
The Role of Firm Size and Performance Pay in Determining Employee Job Satisfaction Brief: Firm Size, Performance Pay, and Job Satisfaction

Abstract. Job satisfaction reflects the on-the-job utility of workers and has been found to influence both the behavior of workers and the productivity of firms. Performance pay remains popular and widely used to increase worker productivity and more generally align the objectives of workers and firms. Yet, its impact on job satisfaction is ambiguous. Whereas the increased earnings increase job satisfaction, the increased effort and risk decreases job satisfaction. This paper finds empirical evidence that on net performance pay increases job satisfaction but does so largely among union workers and males in larger firms.
Bold, smart, dangerous and evil: Perceived correlates of core psychopathic traits among jury panel members

Relatively few studies have investigated how laypersons perceive psychopathy, what factors they believe to be commonly associated with this disorder, or what rater personality characteristics might predict perceived psychopathic traits of the target person. An ethnically diverse sample of 285 US community members attending jury duty reviewed a case vignette regarding a capital murder trial and then rated (1) their perceptions of the defendant's psychopathic characteristics loosely based on trait indicators from the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised; (2) other characteristics of the defendant that might be associated with psychopathy (e.g. intelligence, violence potential); and (3) their own personality, using a very brief measure of Five Factor traits. Multivariate regression analyses indicated that participant ratings of psychopathy pertaining to the defendant were strongly associated with ratings on measures of his perceived boldness (i.e. social dominance and fearlessness), intelligence, violence potential, and perceptions that he was 'evil'. Big Five personality characteristics of the layperson raters, however, were only modestly associated with their ratings of psychopathy for the defendant. We review these results in terms of the potential stigmatization of individuals labelled as 'psychopaths' in forensic settings.
Franck-Condon factors for band systems of molecular hydrogen. I.

Abstract Franck-Condon factors are reported for the ( B 1 Σ + u - X 1 Σ + g ), ( I 1 Π g - B 1 Σ + u ) and ( d 3 Π u - a 3 Σ + g ) band systems of molecular hydrogen. In each electronic state, wavefunctions were computed for all vibrational levels up to the dissociation limit by numerical solutions of the radial Schrodinger equation in which the potential energy function was entered in tabular form at equally spaced intervals of 0·01 A in the range of nuclear separations r = 0–25 A. In the X and B states the potential curves were obtained by interpolation and extrapolation of Rydberg-Klein-Rees (RKR) potential data; in the I, a and d states the potential curves were constructed from the Morse formula. The resulting sets of Franck-Condon factors are given for all allowed bands of each system. It is shown that the row and column sums in these matrices do not and should not all equal unity.
Automatic selection of transaxial axis for reorientation of myocardial SPECT tomograms

Reorientation of transaxial SPECT myocardial tomograms into short and vertical long axis tomograms currently requires manual selection of the transaxial reference plane and manual determination of the left ventricle's long axis orientation in that plane. To reduce the time required for this procedure and promote objectivity, an algorithm was developed to automatically determine these parameters, using an approach that models the transaxial section of the myocardium as an ellipse. Automatically determined values for the reference plane and the long axis orientation in 14 normal and 11 abnormal patients in dual isotope, Tl-201 rest and Tc-Sestamibi stress, were compared with those obtained manually, with good correlation (r=0.91, p >
Retinal translocation: rationale and results.

1979–1980 Internship, University of South Alabama Medical Center 1980–1983 Residency in Ophthalmology, The Johns Hopkins University 1983–1984 Clinical Associate, Duke University Eye Center 1984 Associate, Duke University Eye Center 1984–1990 Assistant Professor, Duke University Department of Ophthalmology 1990–1992 Assistant Professor, Duke University Department of Ophthalmology 1991–1992 Joint Appointment, Duke University Department of Cell Biology 1992–Present Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, The Johns Hopkins University 1992–Present Co-Director, Vitreoretinal Surgery, Department of Ophthalmology, The Johns Hopkins University 1992–Present Director, Microsurgery Advanced Design Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, The Johns Hopkins University Eugene de Juan, Jr., MD