cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fast Solvers for Molecular Science and Engineering

In this review, we illustrate EDA's potential for high-impact contributions in biodesign using a case study. Fast integral-equation solvers are used widely to analyze electromagnetic fields in circuits and packaging and can be leveraged to understand and design the electrostatic interactions between biological molecules. Fast simulations of Maxwell's equations enable accurate prediction of system behavior prior to fabrication, and are therefore essential tools for rapid design cycles. To name just one use, fast solvers are critical for timing analysis, i.e., understanding how parasitic interactions between on-chip interconnects delay signal propagation. High-speed circuits possess millions of transistors and interconnects, making fast, accurate simulation an economic necessity to avoid costly product delays and failures.
Chronic natural killer cell lymphocytosis : a descriptive clinical study

We review the clinical manifestations and long-term outlook of patients with chronic natural killer (NK) cell lymphocytosis. After reviewing more than 1,500 peripheral blood lymphoid flow cytometry reports and molecular genetics data from patients with suspected large granular lymphocyte (LGL) proliferation, we identified 10 patients (median age at diagnosis, 60 years; range, 35 to 76 years; male:female ratio, 3:2) with persistent (greater than 6 months) increase in phenotypically determined NK cells (CD3-CD16+). Southern blot analysis performed on 9 patients showed no clonal T-cell receptor gene rearrangements. Disease duration was measured from time of initial recognition of LGL or NK cell excess (greater than 40% of the lymphocyte fraction). Clinical data from these 10 patients were compared with those from 68 patients with T-cell LGL (T-LGL) leukemia. Currently, all patients are alive (median disease duration, 5 years; range, 0.8 to 8 years). Associated disease manifestations included pure red blood cell aplasia, recurrent neutropenia, recurrent neutropenic sepsis, and vasculitic syndromes, all of which were responsive to immunosuppressive therapy. No patient had palpable lymphadenopathy or splenomegaly. Compared with the patients with T-LGL leukemia, patients with chronic NK cell leukemia has similar lymphocyte counts, associated conditions, treatment responses, and survival but had less neutropenia and anemia.
Physical properties and subunits of Dina dubia erythrocruorin

The erythrocruorin of the freshwater leech Dina dubia possessed an s20,w of 61 S and exhibited a slightly sigmoid oxygenation curve with n ⋍ 1.6 and P50 = 2.4 mm at pH 7.4. A minimum mol. wt of 23 000 ± 2100 per heme group was determined from the iron and heme contents, 0.22 ± 0.02 and 2.92 ± 0.35 weight %. The subunit composition of this erythrocruorin was investigated using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and gel filtration in sodium dodecyl sulfate at neutral pH and gel filtration at pH 9. Sodium dodecyl sulfate electrophoresis of Dina erythrocruorin revealed the presence of five subunits (1–5) with mol. wts of about 13 000, 21 000, 23 000, 25 000 and 31 000, respectively. When the erythrocruorin was reduced with mercaptoethanol prior to dodecyl sulfate electrophoresis, three subunits (I–III) were observed, two possessing molecular weights in the range 12 000–14 000 (I and II) and one possessing a molecular weight of about 28 000. One of the subunits I, II, was provided by the dissociation of the 31 000 subunit. Subunit III (28 000) consisted of subunits 2, 3, and 4. It is likely that not all of the polypeptide chains constituting Dina erythrocruorin are associated each with a heme group.
From a howling wilderness to howling safaris: science, policy and red wolves in the American South.

This article details the complex natural and cultural history of red wolf (Canis rufus) restoration in the American South. The decisions and methods utilized in the red wolf’s recovery after 1960 were unprecedented and creative but not geographically limited. The federal red wolf recovery experiment highlights the debate over what constitutes a species in a dynamic world, and the practical challenges and unexpected results in endangered species management in peopled landscapes. This wildlife restoration story illustrates not only the “hands-on” management role humans played, and continue to play, but also reveals cultural assumptions about what constitutes a “wild” wolf and about the necessity of wilderness. The red wolf recovery project provides constructive lessons for future species restoration involving flora and fauna on public and private land, and demonstrates human and animal engagement in the making of nature and culture.
Acute viral gastroenteritis

Abstract Two virus-like particles have been found to be associated with acute viral gastroenteritis. One, a 270-nm parvovirus-like particle (the Norwalk agent), was visualized and recognized by immune electron microscopy in an infectious stool filtrate derived from a community outbreak of nonbacterial gastroenteritis. It appears to be one of the etiologic agents of a usually self-limited form of gastroenteritis which commonly occurs in community outbreaks. The other, a 70-nm reovirus-like particle, has been observed by electron microscopy in specimens from infants and children with severe diarrhea in many parts of the world. The reovirus-like particle may emerge as a major etiologic agent of diarrhea of infants and young children.
Early Brain Injury, an Evolving Frontier in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Research

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), predominantly caused by a ruptured aneurysm, is a devastating neurological disease that has a morbidity and mortality rate higher than 50%. Most of the traditional in vivo research has focused on the pathophysiological or morphological changes of large-arteries after intracisternal blood injection. This was due to a widely held assumption that delayed vasospasm following SAH was the major cause of delayed cerebral ischemia and poor outcome. However, the results of the CONSCIOUS-1 trial implicated some other pathophysiological factors, independent of angiographic vasospasm, in contributing to the poor clinical outcome. The term early brain injury (EBI) has been coined and describes the immediate injury to the brain after SAH, before onset of delayed vasospasm. During the EBI period, a ruptured aneurysm brings on many physiological derangements such as increasing intracranial pressure (ICP), decreased cerebral blood flow (CBF), and global cerebral ischemia. These events initiate secondary injuries such as blood-brain barrier disruption, inflammation, and oxidative cascades that all ultimately lead to cell death. Given the fact that the reversal of vasospasm does not appear to improve patient outcome, it could be argued that the treatment of EBI may successfully attenuate some of the devastating secondary injuries and improve the outcome of patients with SAH. In this review, we provide an overview of the major advances in EBI after SAH research.
Estimation of hydrocarbon biodegradation rates in gasoline-contaminated sediment from measured respiration rates

An open microcosm method for quantifying microbial respiration and estimating biodegradation rates of hydrocarbons in gasoline-contaminated sediment samples has been developed and validated. Stainless-steel bioreactors are filled with soil or sediment samples, and the vapor-phase composition (concentrations of oxygen (O2), nitrogen (N2), carbon dioxide (CO2), and selected hydrocarbons) is monitored over time. Replacement gas is added as the vapor sample is taken, and selection of the replacement gas composition facilitates real-time decision-making regarding environmental conditions within the bioreactor. This capability allows for maintenance of field conditions over time, which is not possible in closed microcosms. Reaction rates of CO2 and O2 are calculated from the vapor-phase composition time series. Rates of hydrocarbon biodegradation are either measured directly from the hydrocarbon mass balance, or estimated from CO2 and O2 reaction rates and assumed reaction stoichiometries. Open microcosm experiments using sediments spiked with toluene and p-xylene were conducted to validate the stoichiometric assumptions. Respiration rates calculated from O2 consumption and from CO2 production provide estimates of toluene and p-xylene degradation rates within about ±50% of measured values when complete mineralization stoichiometry is assumed. Measured values ranged from 851.1 to 965.1 g m−3 year−1 for toluene, and 407.2–942.3 g m−3 year−1 for p-xylene. Contaminated sediment samples from a gasoline-spill site were used in a second set of microcosm experiments. Here, reaction rates of O2 and CO2 were measured and used to estimate hydrocarbon respiration rates. Total hydrocarbon reaction rates ranged from 49.0 g m−3 year−1 in uncontaminated (background) to 1040.4 g m−3 year−1 for highly contaminated sediment, based on CO2 production data. These rate estimates were similar to those obtained independently from in situ CO2 vertical gradient and flux determinations at the field site. In these experiments, aerobic conditions were maintained in the microcosms by using air as the replacement gas, thus preserving the ambient aerobic environment of the subsurface near the capillary zone. This would not be possible with closed microcosms.
Testosterone binding in the chick oviduct.

Abstract A novel androgen receptor was observed in estrogen-stimulated chick oviducts but not in unstimulated oviducts. This binding component showed a preference for androgens and could therefore be distinguished from oviduct receptors for estadiol and progesterone. Testosterone was tightly bound having a dissociation constant (Kd) of 2.7 × 10 −10 M. Sucrose gradient centrifugation, under low ionic strength conditions, showed testosterone to be bound as an 85 complex. These binding properties, plus the estrogen dependency of this component, suggest its role as a biological receptor for androgens.
Localization of proteoheparan sulfate in rat aorta.

This study describes the distribution of heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) within the rat aorta using immunocytochemical (biotin-avidin-peroxidase) and immunoelectron microscopy (125I-autoradiography). Heparan sulfate proteoglycan was isolated from a basement membrane producing mouse EHS sarcoma (Hassell et al. 1980) and used to generate antisera in rabbits. Light microscopic observations revealed intense immunostaining of the intima and media of normal aorta, adventitial vasa vasorum, and aortic intimal fibromuscular thickenings induced by experimental injury (balloon de-endothelialization). Immunoelectron microscopy using 125I labeled antibodies to HSPG revealed that proteoheparan sulfate was localized to the amorphous layer of basement membrane below aortic and capillary endothelium. In addition, labeled anti-HSPG could be localized to the external lamina surrounding the smooth muscle cells in the hyperplastic intima. These studies reveal that antibodies prepared against a proteoheparan sulfate isolated from a basement membrane producting EHS sarcoma cross react with basement membrane structures within the aortic wall. Furthermore, these results demonstrate that the basement membranes beneath aortic and capillary endothelium and the external lamina surrounding aortic smooth muscle cells contain a heparan sulfate proteoglycan that is antigenically similar.
The effects of item feedback and examinee control on test performance and anxiety in a computer-administered test

Abstract This study investigated the usefulness of computer-administered tests in the reduction of test anxiety. Two testing methods were used: (a) providing immediate item feedback and (b) allowing examinees to control the order of item administration. The results did not support the use of item feedback in reducing test anxiety. In some cases, item feedback was found to significantly increase test anxiety and decrease test performance. Similar results were found for examinee control, where test anxiety was found to be as high, and in some cases, significantly higher than that found with a fixed order of item administration.
Integrating Aging and Civic Engagement into the Curriculum

This conceptual paper is based on interdisciplinary work the authors have participated in as part of the renewed push for civic engagement, the various forms it takes, and the multiple constituencies involved in its promotion. We focus on what theoretical and empirical content could be incorporated into courses on aging so that students can be prepared to critically think about, understand, and analyze both practice and policy aspects of civic engagement and aging. We provide three learning cases that can be used as classroom exercises, suggest sample assignments, and examine implications of engagement for older adults. We append a sample syllabus that can be used as a framework to convey this content in an elective course or as a module of a social gerontology course. The call for civic engagement is being heard throughout the United States across sectors and across population groups. In this article, we begin with background information on the renewed push for civic engagement, the various forms it take...
Experimental Verification of Subcritical Whirl Bifurcation of a Rotor Supported on a Fluid Film Bearing

The paper presents the results of the experiments that were conducted on a short fluid film bearing with a simple single disk rotor. The behavior of the journal was analyzed as a function of the rotor system parameters such as the load, speed, and imbalance mass. It was verified that the journal bearing can lose stability through either a subcritical or a supercritical bifurcation. In the supercritical bifurcation, the expected gradual increase in the amplitude of the limit cycle was observed, while in the subcritical bifurcation there was a sudden jump to a large limit cycle. In the case ofa subcritical bifurcation, it was also observed that the journal bearing became unstable below the rotor threshold speed of instability, following a small perturbation applied to the rotor. Demarcations were made for the stable regions of operation (regions where the rotor is stable below the threshold speed of instability) for the journal bearing based on the obtained experimental results. Experiments were also performed to analyze the effects of imbalance of the rotor on the threshold speed of instability. It was observed that the flexible unbalanced rotor had a lower threshold speed of instability. The limitations of the linear theory of fluid film bearings in predicting these phenomena are discussed.
Drift‐cyclotron instability with trapped particle effects in a linear multiple mirror

A drift‐cyclotron instability is observed at low magnetic field strengths in a linear multiple mirror. It is characterized by a frequency which decreases with increasing magnetic field strength, propagation in the direction of the electron diamagnetic current, and an azimuthal mode number of 2. The mode is observed when the ion‐cyclotron frequency is less than the ion diamagnetic frequency. The frequency is Doppler‐shifted by an E×B drift. Effects of particles trapped in the mirror cells alter the characteristics of the instability. The frequency decreases slightly and the fluctuation level increases with increasing mirror ratio for mirror ratios less than 1.1, but then levels off at higher mirror ratios. The drift wave is analyzed by a linear theory which treats finite ion gyroradius, an electron temperature gradient, and trapped electrons. The theory predicts three unstable modes, only one of which is consistent with all of the above measurements. This instability is a Doppler‐shifted drift‐cyclotron instability modified by trapped particle effects.
Electrical and mechanical relaxation in CaF2 doped with NaF

Abstract A loss peak caused by addition of NaF to CaF2 was studied by dielectric loss and internal friction methods. The observed relaxation times of the sodium ion-fluorine vacancy dipole in electrical and mechanical fields are given by equations (1) and (2). T elec. = 7.25 × 10 −15 exp 0·53 kT (1) Tx mech. = 3.29 × 10 −15 exp 0·53 kT (2) It is proposed that the dipole relaxation occurs by fluorine vacancy jumps in the 〈100〉 direction of the first coordination shell of the sodium impurity. A possible explanation of the observed peak broadening as a function of dipole concentration is offered.
Multiple and bicriteria scheduling : A literature survey

Abstract Real life scheduling problems require the decision maker to consider a number of criteria before arriving at any decision. A solution which is optimal with respect to a given criterion might be a poor candidate for some other. The trade-offs involved in considering several different criteria provide useful insights to the decision maker. Thus considering problems with more than one criterion is more releBANt in the context of real life scheduling problems. Surprisingly, research in this important field has been scarce when compared to research in single criterion scheduling. In this paper, we provide a detailed literature survey of multiple and bicriteria problems in scheduling. We also provide a broad classification scheme for scheduling problems.
Understanding and mitigating refresh overheads in high-density DDR4 DRAM systems

Recent DRAM specifications exhibit increasing refresh latencies. A refresh command blocks a full rank, decreasing available parallelism in the memory subsystem significantly, thus decreasing performance. Fine Granularity Refresh (FGR) is a feature recently announced as part of JEDEC's DDR4 DRAM specification that attempts to tackle this problem by creating a range of refresh options that provide a trade-off between refresh latency and frequency.In this paper, we first conduct an analysis of DDR4 DRAM's FGR feature, and show that there is no one-size-fits-all option across a variety of applications. We then present Adaptive Refresh (AR), a simple yet effective mechanism that dynamically chooses the best FGR mode for each application and phase within the application.When looking at the refresh problem more closely, we identify in high-density DRAM systems a phenomenon that we call command queue seizure, whereby the memory controller's command queue seizes up temporarily because it is full with commands to a rank that is being refreshed. To attack this problem, we propose two complementary mechanisms called Delayed Command Expansion (DCE) and Preemptive Command Drain (PCD).Our results show that AR does exploit DDR4's FGR effectively. However, once our proposed DCE and PCD mechanisms are added, DDR4's FGR becomes redundant in most cases, except in a few highly memory-sensitive applications, where the use of AR does provide some additional benefit. In all, our simulations show that the proposed mechanisms yield 8% (14%) mean speedup with respect to traditional refresh, at normal (extended) DRAM operating temperatures, for a set of diverse parallel applications.
Comparison of peer assessment ratings (PAR) from 1-phase and 2-phase treatment protocols for class II malocclusions

The purpose of this study was to compare the dentoalveolar outcomes after 1-phase and 2-phase orthodontic treatment of Class II malocclusions. Class II subjects (n = 208) were randomized to 1-phase or 2-phase treatment with either bionator or headgear/biteplate. The peer assessment rating (PAR) was calculated from pretreatment, prephase 2, and final study models. Chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, and Wilcoxon rank sum tests were used to evaluate the differences among treatment groups, sexes, races, pretreatment, mandibular plane angle, severity, and compliance. Spearman rank correlation coefficients were used to examine relationships between PAR at different times. The dropout rate of 24.6% did not adversely affect the ability to detect differences of clinical importance or impact treatment groups disproportionately. There were no significant differences with respect to initial PAR or final PAR among the 3 treatment protocols. The 2 early treatment groups had lower PAR scores than the 1-phase group before phase 2 (P =.0001). Lower PAR scores were achieved at both the beginning and end of phase 2 in girls (P =.03; P =.02, respectively). There were differences in the pre-phase-2 and post-phase-2 PAR scores based on initial severity (P =.0006; P =.02, respectively), with greater improvement in the patients whose malocclusions were less severe initially. Mandibular plane angle had no effect on pre-phase-2 or post-phase-2 PAR scores. These results do not support the hypothesis that different dentoalveolar outcomes are obtained between 2-phase and 1-phase treatment of Class II malocclusions.
Design and synthesis of a sterically hindered pyridine and its encapsulation of silver(I) cation.

The design and synthesis of a sterically hindered pyridine, 2,6-dimesitylpyridine, and its complexation of silver(I) salts is presented. X-ray crystal structural analysis of the light-stable bis(2,6-dimesityl)pyridine/silver(I) triflate complex clearly shows that the two pyridine ligands are mutually perpendicular, and the flanking mesityl groups thus effectively encapsulate the silver cation.
On optimum quantization

The problem of minimizing mean-square quantization error is considered and simple closed form approximations based on the work of Max and Roe are derived for the quantization error and entropy of signals quantized by the optimum fixed- N quantizer. These approximations are then used to show that, when N is moderately large, it is better to use equl-interval quantizing than the optimum fixed- N quantizer if the signal is to be subsetiuently buffered and transmitted at a fixed bit rate. Finally, the problem of optimum quantizing in the presence of buffering is examined, and the numerical results presented for Gaussian signals indicate that equllevel quantizing yields nearly optimum results.
Fermi surface of Cr 1 − x V x across the quantum critical point

We have measured de Haas\char21{}van Alphen oscillations of ${\text{Cr}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\text{V}}_{x}$, $0\ensuremath{\le}x\ensuremath{\le}0.05$, at high fields for samples on both sides of the quantum critical point at ${x}_{c}=0.035$. For all samples we observe only those oscillations associated with a single small hole band with magnetic breakdown orbits of the reconstructed Fermi surface evident for $xl{x}_{c}$. The absence of oscillations from Fermi surface sheets most responsible for the spin density wave (SDW) in Cr for $xg{x}_{c}$ is further evidence for strong fluctuation scattering of these charge carriers well into the paramagnetic regime. We find no significant mass enhancement of the carriers in the single observed band at any $x$. An anomalous field dependence of the de Haas\char21{}van Alphen signal for our $x=0.035$ crystal at particular orientations of the magnetic field is identified as due to magnetic breakdown that we speculate results from a field-induced SDW transition at high fields.
Synthetic diamond-based position-sensitive photoconductive detector development for the Advanced Photon Source

A novel X-ray beam-position detection device that we call a position-sensitive photoconductive detector (PSPCD) is designed to have synthetic diamond as its substrate material. We proved that it is feasible to use synthetic diamond to make a hard X-ray position-sensitive detector based on the photoconductivity principle and that it acts as a solid-state ion chamber. Experiments on different PSPCD samples using synthetic diamond with a high-heat-flux white undulator beam, as well as with monochromatic hard X-ray beams, have been performed at the Advanced Photon Source. Recent test results with the PSPCD in the quadrant configuration as an X-ray beam-position monitor and in a multipixel array as an X-ray beam profiler are presented in this paper.
Substrate volume and stress gradient concepts in mechanical adhesion: analysis of single straight sections

The primary objective of this study was to optimize the geometry and volume of the substrate in lap, butt, and scarf adhesive joints under various loading and boundary conditions by finite element analysis. The finite element models are validated by evaluating for convergence and by calculating theoretical values using the strength of materials and applied elasticity. The results of this study are significant in optimizing mechanical adhesion because any real joint surface may contain a combination of the above model joints on a smaller scale. Studying the behavior of these basic models will help in optimizing the topography of surfaces to be bonded. As a novel approach for design purposes, new parameters involving stress times joint volume and stress divided by joint volume as well as stress gradients are considered. Finite element meshes of the basic lap, butt, and four scarf joints (30°, 45°, 60°, 75°) having 25.4 mm adhesive length are completed. Upon validation of these models, they arc subjected to ...
Beginning A Patient-Centered Approach in the Design of A Diabetes Prevention Program

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify patient preferences for different components of a local diabetes prevention program that would improve reach. A secondary purpose was to determine if patient characteristics were related to program preferences. Methods: Participants were identified through electronic medical records from two family medicine clinics in Virginia. Participants completed a mailed survey addressing demographics, economic status, risk factors for diabetes, and preferences regarding diabetes prevention interventions—delivery mode, program length, and duration. Results: Twenty-nine percent of eligible participants responded (n = 142); 83% of participants were at risk for diabetes and 82% had a household income <$20,000. When presented with the choice between a class-based vs. a technology-based program, 83% preferred a technology-based program. Whites were less likely to choose the technology-based program, with no significant differences based on age, education, income, or gender. Conclusions: Contrary to beliefs that lower income individuals may not use technology-based interventions, lower socioeconomic patients indicated a preference for a technology- and telephone-supported diabetes prevention program over in-person class approaches. Findings provide formative data to support the design of a patient-centered, technology-enhanced diabetes prevention program in a real-world setting, thereby increasing potential participation and reach.
A new regularization of the restricted three-body problem and an application

A new regularizing transformation for the three-dimensional restricted three-body problem is constructed. It is explicitly derived and is equivalent to a simple rational map. Geometrically it is equivalent to a rotation of the 3-sphere. Unlike the KS map it is dimension preserving and is valid inn dimensions. This regularizing map is applied to the restricted problem in order to prove the existence of a family of periodic orbits which continue from a family of collision orbits.
Quality assessment of economic analyses in pediatric urology.

Objective To describe and evaluate economic analyses or economic evaluations in pediatric urologic literature, including study types such as cost-effectiveness analysis, which are increasingly common in the medical literature. Methods We performed a systematic literature review of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases (1990-2011) to identify economic analyses of pediatric urologic topics. Studies were evaluated using published quality metrics. We examined the analysis type, data sources, perspective, methodology, sensitivity analyses, and the reporting of methods, results, limitations, and conclusions. Results We identified 2945 nonduplicated studies, 60 of which met inclusion criteria. Economic analyses of pediatric urologic topics increased in number during the study period, from 1 study (2%) in 1990 to 7 (12%) in 2010 ( P Conclusion Although economic analyses are increasing in the pediatric urologic literature, there is a need for standardization in methods and reporting. Future investigations should attempt to follow standardized reporting guidelines and should pay particular attention to reporting of methods and results, including a comprehensive discussion of limitations.
Diffusional growth of overpressured fission-gas bubbles on grain boundaries

Abstract A cellular model for pore growth, originally developed to predict the rate of void growth on grain boundaries in an analysis of creep failure, has been modified to investigate the growth of overpressured intergranular fission-gas bubbles in nuclear fuels. The model has been implemented in a simple finite-difference computer calculation to predict the kinetics of intergranular bubble growth in UO 2 . Calculations have been carried out for size adjustment (a) during rapid heating, (b) during rapid cooling, and (c) following coalescence, all for grain-boundary bubbles initially at equilibrium. The results of these calculations demonstrate, respectively: (a) the onset of rapid growth, corresponding to a swelling threshold; (b) the quenching of larger bubbles from high temperature; and (c) the time scale associated with size adjustment. The manner in which this time scale depends on bubble size and temperature is of particular interest in the analysis of transient fission-gas release and swelling
Transparent in situ data transformations in ADIOS

Though an abundance of novel "data transformation" technologies have been developed (such as compression, level-of-detail, layout optimization, and indexing), there remains a notable gap in the adoption of such services by scientific applications. In response, we develop an in situ data transformation framework in the ADIOS I/O middleware with a "plugin" interface, thus greatly simplifying both the deployment and use of data transform services in scientific applications. Our approach ensures user-transparency, runtime-configurability, compatibility with existing I/O optimizations, and the potential for exploiting read-optimizing transforms (such as level-of-detail) to achieve I/O reduction.We demonstrate use of our framework with the QLG simulation at up to 8,192 cores on the leadership-class Titan supercomputer, showing negligible overhead. We also explore the read performance implications of data transforms with respect to parameters such as chunk size, access pattern, and the "opacity" of different transform methods including compression and level-of-detail.
Utilizing the Tumor-Node-Metastasis Staging for Prostate Cancer: The Sixth Edition, 2002†

The Sixth Edition of the tumor-node-metastasis staging system for prostate cancer attempts to provide a helpful staging paradigm for clinicians. Accurate staging is critical not only for managing individual patients, but also for ascertaining trends in disease pattern in a large population of patients with prostate cancer. Several modifications have been made in an attempt to improve the cohesiveness and uniformity of patient evaluation and to aid in future meaningful clinical research. As data are accumulated and analysis continues, ongoing critical evaluation of this staging system will undoubtedly incorporate new evidence-based factors and bring about future refinements to prostate cancer staging.
CRYOSURGERY OF THE PROSTATE: Techniques and Pitfalls

The preliminary data on prostate cryosurgery encompass reports only on local recurrence rates. The procedure is too new to report any survival figures. For localized organ-confined disease, the initial reports at 1 year of positive biopsies following cryosurgery range from 8% to 33%. With clinical stage C disease, a review of the literature also shows a range of 16% to 33% for local recurrence at one year. The largest series of patients treated after failure from radiation therapy is from the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, which reports a positive biopsy rate of 29% at 6 months. Reports of major complications have included a 2% to 5% incidence of rectourethral fistulas, a 7% to 15% incidence of urinary retention requiring a secondary TURP or prolonged catheter drainage, 2% to 7% incidence of stress incontinence, and a 50% to 80% incidence of impotence. While these overall results may not be optimal to many, they do give us optimism. It is important to recognize that knowledge of the cryosurgical technique is evolving rapidly, and present modifications are not reflected yet in our results. Because hypothermia is a modality proven to cause lethal injury to cancer cells, it would be unfortunate if clinicians dismissed this modality without rigorous review of the surgical technique. The detailed methodology described in this article expedites the learning curve of practicing cryosurgeons and helps to standardize the way cryosurgery is performed.
Dynamics of the global water cycle of Biosphere 2

We investigate water usage and movement throughout the major reservoirs of Biosphere 2, Oracle AZ, over a period of 2 months. The data analyzed show reservoir turnover times ranging from hours to several years and the existence of three major water sub-cycles. A ‘fast pool’, or 60% of the available water used daily in Biosphere 2, is recycled within a month through the air-handler’s condensation system, as a consequence of plant and soil evapotranspiration; a ‘medium pool’, or 30% of available water, moves through the soil profile as drainage and is recycled within a year; while a ‘slow pool,’ or the remaining 10%, moves through the Biosphere 2 ocean and takes several years to turnover. We develop a simple model of the Biosphere 2 water cycle and discuss its utility in estimating global and single-biome ecosystem processes within this facility. © 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
MicroRNAs with a role in gene regulation and in human diseases

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short 20–22 nucleotide non-coding RNA sequences. Recently identified, these are novel regulators of gene expression at translational level as well as transcriptional level. Alteration in miRNAs level has been observed in a number of human diseases and studies have been conducted on the effect of altered expression level of miRNAs on the development and progression of different diseases. The miRNAs can be used as molecular biomarkers in a number of diseases. Also, miRNAs are promising in providing a new platform for molecular therapeutics of previously incurable diseases. This review will focus on the introduction, recent advances in the field of miRNA and its importance in some human disorders.
Restoration by the rac locus of recombinant forming ability in recB - and recC - merozygotes of Escherichia coli K-12.

The recombinant forming ability of recB− or recC− strains of E. coli K12 is almost totally recovered in merozygotes which are heterozygous for a genetic locus denoted rac which is located five minutes clockwise from trp on the genetic map. This transient recovery phenomenon only occurs when the donor strain is rac+ (wild type) and the recipient strain is rac-. The recombinants derived from such crosses all have the normal phenotype characteristic of recB− (or recC−) strains, and they are almost always rac-. The results imply that the rac+ locus (or loci) is zygotically expressed and excised from the chromosome in a manner which is analogous to the zygotic induction of a prophage.
Opening Plugged Tympanostomy Tubes

Objective: To determine the most effective solvents for dissolving plugged tympanostomy tubes. Study Design: In vitro laboratory study. Methods: Twelve solvents (including ototopical antibiotics and water) were applied to fluoroplastic tympanostomy tubes (n = 260) plugged with dried mucoid middle ear effusion in an ear canal-tympanic membrane model. Time to clearance of the tympanostomy tubes was both visually and tympanometrically determined. Results: Vinegar (P = .0030) and hyaluronidase solutions (P = .0030) were significantly better solvents than water. Conclusion: Vinegar and hyaluronidase solutions are more likely to clear plugged tympanostomy tubes than water and ototopical antibiotics, but vinegar is the preferred solution because of its known relative safety for use in the ear.
Effects of length of forest fallow on fertility dynamics in a Mexican ultisol.

Changes with time in the fertility of a Mexican ultisol were evaluated from analyses of soil samples from fields representing 50 years of pineapple slash-and-burn agriculture. Sixteen fields with similar soil profile charactersitics representing eight ages of forest fallow were sampled. The fields, within an area of 5 km2 of nearly level tropical forest, had been cleared by hand, initially intercropped with corn and manioc, followed with 3 to 4 y of pineapple, and then abandoned.
SOME OBSERVATIONS ON THE PERMEABILITY OF MITOCHONDRIA TO SUCROSE

In experiments carried out with sucrose-isolated rat liver mitochondria, C14-sucrose seems to penetrate most of the mitochondrial space rapidly, whereas it seems to penetrate the remainder relatively slowly. However, taking into account the wide size distribution found in isolated preparations, these rates have been found consistent with the kinetics expected from the assumption of a single compartment per mitochondrion. These data cannot be readily interpreted on the basis of two mitochondrial spaces, one highly permeable, and another relatively impermeable to sucrose.
Chemisorption effects on polarization of radiation from inelastic ion-surface scattering

Abstract Ar+ ions were excited by scattering from an aluminium reference surface at near grazing incidence under uhv conditions. The relative circular polarization Stokes parameter S I of the decay radiation from the 4p′ 2F 7 2 level at 461 nm was measured, giving S I = 30–40% in the 60–80 keV energy range. These results are comparable to those for a stainless steel reference surface, for which polarization changes due to chemisorption were observed. Measurements do not show a significant change in the polarization fraction when N2 and H2 gases are chemisorbed on the aluminum surface, but O2 gas produces a large increase in the transition intensity, and a significant reduction in S I . The orientation of this level may be the result of multiple collisions followed by electron transfer.
Myxomatous Degeneration of the Lumbar Intervertebral Disc

Sixteen patients were operated on for lumbar pain and pain radiating into the sciatic nerve distribution. In all 16, when the anulus fibrosus was incised, soft, gray disc material extruded under pressure like toothpaste being squeezed from a tube. This syndrome of myxomatous degeneration is a distinct entity, different from classical fibrotic disc degeneration or herniated nucleus pulposus. Surgical removal associated with partial facetectomy produced excellent results. The concept of incompetence of the anulus fibrosis is discussed.
Egr2-dependent gene expression profiling and ChIP-Seq reveal novel biologic targets in T cell anergy

T cell anergy is one of the mechanisms contributing to peripheral tolerance, particularly in the context of progressively growing tumors and in tolerogenic treatments promoting allograft acceptance. We recently reported that early growth response gene 2 (Egr2) is a critical transcription factor for the induction of anergy in vitro and in vivo, which was identified based on its ability to regulate the expression of inhibitory signaling molecules diacylglycerol kinase (DGK)-α and -ζ. We reasoned that other transcriptional targets of Egr2 might encode additional factors important for T cell anergy and immune regulation. Thus, we conducted two sets of genome-wide screens: gene expression profiling of wild type versus Egr2-deleted T cells treated under anergizing conditions, and a ChIP-Seq analysis to identify genes that bind Egr2 in anergic cells. Merging of these data sets revealed 49 targets that are directly regulated by Egr2. Among these are inhibitory signaling molecules previously reported to contribute to T cell anergy, but unexpectedly, also cell surface molecules and secreted factors, including lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (Lag3), Class-I-MHC-restricted T cell associated molecule (Crtam), Semaphorin 7A (Sema7A), and chemokine CCL1. These observations suggest that anergic T cells might not simply be functionally inert, and may have additional functional properties oriented towards other cellular components of the immune system.
Recent North American progress in electrical impedance tomography

Recent progress in electrical impedance tomography in North America is reviewed. It emphasises recent progress on the hardware system, measurement method, and reconstruction algorithm. It also describes two new EIT applications.
Optimal Synthesis of Compliant Mechanisms Using Subdivision and Commercial FEA

The field of distributed-compliance mechanisms has seen significant work in developing suitable topology optimization tools for their design. These optimal design tools have grown out of the techniques of structural optimization. This paper will build on the previous work in topology optimization and compliant mechanism design by proposing an alternative design space parameterization through control points and adding another step to the process, that of subdivision. The control points assist a specific design to be represented as a solid model during the optimization process. The process of subdivision creates an additional number of control points that help smooth the surface (for example a C2 continuous surface depending on the method of subdivision chosen) creating a manufacturable design free of traditional numerical instabilities. Note that these additional control points do not add to the number of design parameters. This alternative parameterization and description as a solid model effectively and completely separates the design variables from the analysis variables during the optimization procedure. The motivation behind this work is to avoid several of the numerical instabilities that occur in topology optimization and to create an automated design tool from task definition to functional prototype created on a CNC or rapid-prototype machine. This paper will describe the complaint mechanism design process including subdivision and will demonstrate the procedure on several common examples.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Hypothesis testing for two-group incomplete-data growth curve problems

Using simulation techniques, the null distribution properties of seven hypothesis testing procedures and a comparison of their powers are investigated for incomplete-data small-sample growth curve situations. The testing procedures are a combination of two growth curve models (the Potthoff and Roy model for complete data and Kleinbaum's extention to incomplete data) and three estimation techniques (two involving means of existing observations and the other using the EM algorithm) plus an analysis of a subset of complete data. All of the seven tests use the Kleinbaum Wald statistic, but different tests use different information. The hypotheses of identical and parallel growth curves are tested under the assumptions of multivariate normality and a linear polynomial mean growth curve for each of two groups. Good approximate null distributions are found for all procedures and one procedure is identified as empirically most powerful for the situations investigated.
The international monetary system in the last and next 20 years

The last two decades have seen far-reaching changes in the structure of the international monetary system. Europe moved from the European Monetary System to the euro. China adopted a dollar peg and then moved to a basket, band and crawl in 2005. Emerging markets passed through a series of crises, leading some to adopt regimes of greater exchange rate flexibility and others to rethink the pace of capital account liberalization. Interpreting these developments is no easy task: some observers conclude that recent trends are confirmation of the ‘bipolar view’ that intermediate exchange rate arrangements are disappearing, while members of the ‘fear of floating school’ conclude precisely the opposite. We show that the two views can be reconciled if one distinguishes countries by their stage of economic and financial development. Among the advanced countries, intermediate regimes have essentially disappeared; this supports the bipolar view for the group of countries for which it was first developed. Within this subgroup, the dominant movement has been toward hard pegs, reflecting monetary unification in Europe. While emerging markets have also seen a decline in the prevalence of intermediate arrangements, these regimes still account for more than a third of the relevant subsample. Here the majority of the evacuees have moved to floats rather than fixes, reflecting the absence of EMU-like arrangements in other parts of the world. Among developing countries, the prevalence of intermediate regimes has again declined, but less dramatically. Where these regimes accounted for two-thirds of the developing country subsample in 1990, they account for a bit more than half of that subsample today. As with emerging markets, the majority of those abandoning the middle have moved to floats rather than hard pegs. The gradual nature of these trends does not suggest that intermediate regimes will disappear outside the advanced countries anytime soon. — Barry Eichengreen and Raul Razo-Garcia
Variability-aware duty cycle scheduling in long running embedded sensing systems

Instance and temperature-dependent leakage power variability is already a significant issue in contemporary embedded processors, and one which is expected to increase in importance with scaling of semiconductor technology. We measure and characterize this leakage power variability in current microprocessors, and show that variability aware duty cycle scheduling produces 7.1× improvement in sensing quality for a desired lifetime. In contrast, pessimistic estimations of power consumption leave 61% of the energy untapped, and datasheet power specifications fail to meet required lifetimes by 14%. Finally, we introduce a duty cycle abstraction for TinyOS that allows applications to explicitly specify lifetime and minimum duty cycle requirements for individual tasks, and dynamically adjusts duty cycle rates so that overall quality of service is maximized in the presence of power variability.
The effect of interference between anisotropic scattering entities on the light scattering from polymer films. I. Case of no impingement

Equations are developed for describing the effect of interspherulitic interference on the scattering of light by anisotropic spherulites. These are used to account for the variation in VV and HH scattered intensity during the course of spherulitic crystallization. The scattering depends upon the number of spherulites, their size, their anisotropy, the difference between one of their polarizabilities and that of the surroundings, and the radial distribution function of spherulite centers.
Self-Oriented Sentence Completion Responses and Reported Personal Biographical Data.

AbstractThe relationship of responses on a self-oriented sentence completion blank and personal adjustment, as inferred from reported personal biographical data, was examined, The McKinney Sentence Completion Blank (MSCB) and a personal biographical data questionnaire were administered to 160 college students. A Self Actualizing response pattern on the MSCB was found to reflect reported personal biographical data characteristic of unselected, emotionally “healthy” students, while a Defensive response pattern was positively related to biographical data characteristic of students with emotional problems. The Immobilized Affect response pattern did not appear to reflect immobilization in the traditional sense. Implications for counseling and for self concept research were discussed.