cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multidrug Resistant Bacteriuria Before Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Predicts for Postoperative Infectious Complications

Abstract Background and Purpose: Multidrug resistant (MDR) uropathogens are increasing in prevalence and may contribute to significant morbidity after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). We investigate the presence of MDR bacteriuria and occurrence of postoperative infectious complications in patients who underwent PCNL at our institution. Methods: Retrospective review was performed of 81 patients undergoing PCNL by a single surgeon (RLS) between 2009 and 2013. Patient demographics, comorbidities, stone parameters on imaging, and microbial data were compiled. MDR organisms were defined as resistant to three or more of the American Urological Association Best Practice Statement antimicrobial classes for PCNL. Postoperative complications were graded by Clavien score and European Association of Urology infection grade. Univariate comparisons were analyzed between patients with and without a postoperative infectious complication. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine significant predict...
Characterization of leukemic and normal white blood cells by Curie-point pyrolysis—mass spectrometry: II. Biochemical interpretation of some of the differences in the pyrolysis patterns

Abstract Differences found in nucleotide and lipid related mass peaks in the Curie-point pyrolysis—mass spectra of leukemic and normal white blood cells were further investigated using several different pyrolysis-mass spectrometric (Py—MS) modes. Time-resolved pyrolysis profiles of mass peaks 114 and 116 in the white blood cell spectra were found to match the time profiles of the corresponding peaks in the pyrolysis—mass spectra of RNA and DNA respectively. Visual comparison of spectra from standard samples of RNA, DNA, lecithin and cholesterol with the white blood cell spectra further defined the mass peaks contributed by these compounds. Direct probe MS of low-volatile pyrolysis condensates from white blood cells and standard compounds demonstrated the presence of characteristic mass peaks representing nucleic acid components, e.g. bases and nucleoside fragments, as well as of phospholipids and cholesterol. The strong changes observed in the relative abundance of these components between leukemic and normal white blood cells paralleled changes seen in the Curie-point pyrolysis—mass spectra. Finally, the use of collision induced dissociation. MS (MS/MS) enabled confirmation of the identity of individual compounds, e.g. thymine, in white blood cells pyrolyzates. This finding appears to indicate the possibility of direct measurement of DNA content of whole cells by Py-MS/MS techniques.
Fuzzy cognitive maps, signal flow graphs, and qualitative circuit analysis

Fuzzy cognitive maps (FCMs) represent a means of fuzzy causal knowledge processing, using the net rather than the traditional tree knowledge representation. The FCM approach allows various knowledge bases to be combined. Similarities between the FCMs and signal flow graphs (SFGs) are pointed out and the inference process used in FCMs is compared in parallel with a fixed point iterative solution of the equations describing the SFG. Then, applications to qualitative circuit analysis are discussed for a class of feedback amplifiers and general active RLC circuits, using a combination of the SFG and FCM concepts. Several examples are given. >
FLORA: Implementing an Efficient DOOD System Using a Tabling Logic Engine

This paper reports on the design and implementation of FLORA -- a powerful DOOD system that incorporates the features of F-logic, HiLog, and Transaction Logic. FLORA is implemented by translation into XSB, a tabling logic engine that is known for its efficiency and is the only known system that extends the power of Prolog with an equivalent of the Magic Sets style optimization, the well-founded semantics for negation, and many other important features. We discuss the features of XSB that help our effort as well as the areas where it falls short of what is needed. We then describe our solutions and optimization techniques that address these problems and make FLORA much more efficient than other known DOOD systems based on F-logic.
Parametric timing estimation with Newton–Gregory formulae: Research Articles

This paper presents a novel method for parametric worst-case execution time (WCET) estimation of loops. The method determines a parametric bound on the iteration space size of loops with both affine and non-affine loop bounds in an efficient manner using a formulation based on Newton–Gregory interpolating polynomials. Parametric WCET formulae are used to support dynamic scheduling decisions at runtime, where the WCET of a scheduled task might not be known statically. To determine worst-case execution time estimates of scientific and multimedia codes, which spent most of the execution time on executing loop iterations, efficient and accurate symbolic loop WCET estimation methods must be capable of analyzing loops with symbolic bounds, non-rectangular loops, zero-trip loops, loops with multiple critical paths, and loops with non-unit strides. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recent Results on Extragalactic Cosmic X-Ray Sources from Rocket and Balloon Flights

Two experiments carried out recently at M.I.T. gave results which bear on the problems of extragalactic X-ray sources. One of these is the work of a group under the direction of Hale Bradt (Bradt et al., 1967), who used an attitude-controlled Aerobee rocket to scan a portion of the sky which included the radio galaxy M 87 (Virgo A). Among their detectors were two banks of argon-filled, 2 mil beryllium window proportional counters, each with an effective area of 350 cm2 and a mechanical collimator giving a 2°×20° FWHM field of view. The fields of view were crossed Open image in new window Fig. 1. Counting rates counters A and B during a scan of the region near M 87. so that their long directions made an angle of 60° with one another. Aspect was determined to within 5 min of arc by star photography.
Effect of Directional Array Size on the Measurement of Airframe Noise Components

A study was conducted to examine the effects of overall size of directional (or phased) arrays on the measurement of aeroacoustic components. An airframe model was mounted in the potential core of an open-jet windtunnel, with the directional arrays located outside the flow in an anechoic environment. Two array systems were used; one with a solid measurement angle that encompasses 31.6 degrees of source directivity and a smaller one that encompasses 7.2 degrees. The arrays, and sub-arrays of various sizes, measured noise from a calibrator source and flap edge model setups. In these cases, noise was emitted from relatively small, but finite size source regions, with intense levels compared to other sources. Although the larger arrays revealed much more source region detail, the measured source levels were substantially reduced due to finer resolution compared to that of the smaller arrays. To better understand the measurements quantitatively, an analytical model was used to define the basic relationships between array to source region sizes and measured output level. Also, the effect of noise scattering by shear layer turbulence was examined using the present data and those of previous studies. Taken together, the two effects were sufficient to explain spectral level differences between arrays of different sizes. An important result of this study is that total (integrated) noise source levels are retrievable and the levels are independent of the array size as long as certain experimental and processing criteria are met. The criteria for both open and closed tunnels are discussed. The success of special purpose diagonal-removal processing in obtaining integrated results is apparently dependent in part on source distribution. Also discussed is the fact that extended sources are subject to substantial measurement error, especially for large arrays.
A comparison of direct measurement and model simulation of total flux of volatile organic compounds from the subsurface to the atmosphere under natural field conditions

[1] Accurate quantification of natural attenuation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in groundwater requires an accounting of all VOC mass-loss processes, including volatilization into soil gas with ultimate transport to land surface and the atmosphere. This paper compares two methods of estimating VOC flux to the atmosphere. The first method measures VOC flux at land surface using a vertical flux chamber (VFC). The VFC has been shown in a previous laboratory study to reliably measure organic vapor fluxes from soil to the atmosphere that are caused by either gas phase diffusion or a combination of advection plus diffusion [Tillman, 2003]. The second method simulates VOC flux using a transient, one-dimensional gas flow and transport model incorporating the effects of gas phase diffusion, equilibrium air-water partitioning of organic vapors, and unsaturated zone airflow caused by atmospheric pressure changes (i.e., barometric pumping). Flux chamber measurements were made concurrently with field data measurements required for the flow and transport model at a trichloroethene (TCE)-contaminated field site. The two methods of VOC flux estimation provided comparable results in nine sets of field comparisons with the flux chamber estimating a lower flux during most of the time periods. Sensitivity analyses of model input parameters produce upper and lower bounds on best estimate flux simulations. Average VFC measurements fall within these upper and lower bounds of combined parameter values for all nine comparison events. The ease of use, lack of a priori site knowledge and accuracy of the VFC compared with the data-intensive flow and transport model suggests that direct measurement of VOC flux from the subsurface to the atmosphere at contaminated sites could become routine practice, providing important information to decision makers about the progress of monitored natural attenuation.
Critical amino acid residues for ligand binding are clustered in a predicted beta-turn of the third N-terminal repeat in the integrin alpha 4 and alpha 5 subunits.

Abstract Integrin alpha 4 beta 1 is a receptor for vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 and fibronectin (CS-1). The alpha 4 beta 1-ligand interaction is involved in the pathogenesis of diseases and is, therefore, a therapeutic target. Here, we identified critical residues of alpha 4 for ligand binding using alanine-scanning mutagenesis of the previously localized putative ligand binding sites (residues 108-268). Among 43 mutations tested, mutations of Tyr187, Trp188 and Gly190 significantly inhibited cell adhesion to both VCAM-1 and CS-1. This inhibition was not due to any gross structural changes of alpha 4 beta 1. These critical residues are clustered in a predicted beta-turn structure (residues 181-190) of the third N-terminal repeat in alpha 4. The repeat does not contain divalent cation binding motifs. Notably, the mutations within the corresponding region of alpha 5 significantly reduced fibronectin-alpha 5 beta 1 interaction. These findings suggest that the predicted beta-turn structure could be ubiquitously involved in ligand binding of non-I domain integrins.
Measurements of plutonium, 237Np, and 137Cs in the BCR 482 lichen reference material

Select anthropogenic radionuclides were measured in lichen reference material, BCR 482. This material was originally collected in Axalp, Switzerland in 1991 and is composed of the epiphytic lichen Pseudevernia furfuracea. Samples from three separate bottles of BCR 482 were analyzed for uranium, neptunium, and plutonium isotopes by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and analyzed for 137Cs by gamma-ray spectrometry. The isotopic composition of the radionuclides measured in BCR 482 suggests contributions from both global fallout resulting from historical nuclear weapons testing and more volatile materials released following the Chernobyl accident.
Sierra Crest graben-vent system: A Walker Lane pull apart within the ancestral Cascades arc

We show here that transtensional rifting along the eastern boundary of the Sierra Nevada microplate (Walker Lane rift) began by ca. 12 Ma in the central Sierra Nevada (USA), within the ancestral Cascades arc, triggering voluminous high-K intermediate volcanism (Stanislaus Group). Flood andesite (i.e., unusually large-volume effusive eruptions of intermediate composition) lavas erupted from fault-controlled fissures within a series of grabens that we refer to as the Sierra Crest graben-vent system. This graben-vent system includes the following. 1. The north-northwest–south-southeast Sierra Crest graben proper consists of a single 28-km-long, 8–10-km-wide full graben that is along the modern Sierra Nevada crest between Sonora Pass and Ebbetts Pass (largely in the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness). This contains fissure vents for the high-K intermediate lavas. 2. A series of north-northwest-south-southeast half-grabens on the western margin of the full graben, which progressively disrupted an ancient Nevadaplano paleochannel that contains the type section of Stanislaus Group (Red Peak–Bald Peak area). These Miocene half-grabens are as much as 15 km west of the modern Sierra Nevada crest, and vented high-K lavas from point sources. 3. Series of northeast-southwest grabens define a major transfer zone along the northeast side of the Sierra Crest graben. These extend as much as ∼30 km from the modern range crest down the modern Sierra Nevada range front, in a zone ∼30 km wide, and vented high-K lavas and tuffs of the Stanislaus Group from point sources. Range-front north-south and northeast-southwest faults to the south of that, along the southeast side of the Sierra Crest graben, did not vent volcanic rocks (although they ponded them); those will be described elsewhere. We present evidence for a dextral component of slip on the north-northwest–south-southeast normal faults, and a sinistral component of slip on the northeast-southwest normal faults. The onset of transtension immediately preceded the high-K volcanism (within the analytical error of 40 Ar/ 39 Ar dates), and triggered the deposition of a debris avalanche deposit with a preserved volume of ∼50 km 3 . The grabens are mainly filled with high-K lava flows, ponded to thicknesses of as much as 400 m; this effusive volcanism culminated in the development of the Little Walker caldera over a relatively small part of the field. Trachydacite outflow ignimbrites from the caldera also became ponded in the larger graben-vent complex, where they interfingered with high-K lavas vented there, and escaped the graben-vent complex on its west margin to flow westward down two paleochannels to the western foothills. The Sierra Crest graben-vent system is spectacularly well exposed at the perfect structural level for viewing the controls of synvolcanic faults on the siting and styles of feeders, vents, and graben fills under a transtensional strain regime in an arc volcanic field.
Modeling equatorial ionospheric electric fields

Abstract This paper gives a brief overview of the processes responsible for the equatorial electric field, and reviews relevant modeling work of these processes, with emphases on basic aspects and recent progress. Modeling studies have been able to explain most of the observed features of equatorial electric fields, although some uncertainties remain. The strong anisotropy of the conductivity and the presence of an east-west electric field lead to a strong vertical polarization electric field in the lower ionosphere at the magnetic equator, whose magnitude can be limited by plasma irregularities. Local winds influence the structure of the equatorial polarization field in both the E and F regions. The evening pre-reversal enhancement of the eastward electric field has been modeled by considering a combination of effects due to the presence of a strong eastward wind in the F region and to east-west gradients of the conductivity, current, and wind. Models of coupled thermosphere-ionosphere dynamics and electrodynamics have demonstrated the importance of mutual-coupling effects. The low-latitude east-west electric field arises mainly from the global ionospheric wind dynamo and from the magnetospheric dynamo, but models of these dynamos and of their coupling have not yet attained accurate predictive capability.
Creativity in the Wild: Improving Creative Reasoning through Immersion in Natural Settings

Adults and children are spending more time interacting with media and technology and less time participating in activities in nature. This life-style change clearly has ramifications for our physical well-being, but what impact does this change have on cognition? Higher order cognitive functions including selective attention, problem solving, inhibition, and multi-tasking are all heavily utilized in our modern technology-rich society. Attention Restoration Theory (ART) suggests that exposure to nature can restore prefrontal cortex-mediated executive processes such as these. Consistent with ART, research indicates that exposure to natural settings seems to replenish some, lower-level modules of the executive attentional system. However, the impact of nature on higher-level tasks such as creative problem solving has not been explored. Here we show that four days of immersion in nature, and the corresponding disconnection from multi-media and technology, increases performance on a creativity, problem-solving task by a full 50% in a group of naive hikers. Our results demonstrate that there is a cognitive advantage to be realized if we spend time immersed in a natural setting. We anticipate that this advantage comes from an increase in exposure to natural stimuli that are both emotionally positive and low-arousing and a corresponding decrease in exposure to attention demanding technology, which regularly requires that we attend to sudden events, switch amongst tasks, maintain task goals, and inhibit irrelevant actions or cognitions. A limitation of the current research is the inability to determine if the effects are due to an increased exposure to nature, a decreased exposure to technology, or to other factors associated with spending three days immersed in nature.
Formation of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis biofilms on multiple surfaces on Caenorhabditis elegans

A liquid-based assay was used to evaluate the ability of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis to form a bacterial biofilm on the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. After 3 days of incubation in the liquid assay a biofilm was clearly visible by light microscopy on both the head and vulva region of the worms. At times, the biofilm formation on the vulva appeared to prevent the laying of eggs by the adult hermaphrodite; the eggs would later hatch inside of the worm. One possible explanation for the biofilm formation observed on the vulva may be the increased motion of the cuticle surrounding the vulva when the worm is immersed in a liquid culture. This is the first report of biofilm formation on the vulva of C. elegans.
Prospective randomized trial to assess effects of continuing hormone therapy on cerebral function in postmenopausal women at risk for dementia.

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of estrogen-based hormone therapy (HT) on regional cerebral metabolism in postmenopausal women (mean age = 58, SD = 5) at risk for development of dementia. The prospective clinical trial design included pre- and post-intervention neuroimaging of women randomized to continue (HT+) or discontinue (HT−) therapy following an average of 10 years of use. The primary outcome measure was change in brain metabolism during the subsequent two years, as assessed with fluorodeoxyglucose-18 positron emission tomography (FDG-PET). Longitudinal FDG-PET data were available for 45 study completers. Results showed that women randomized to continue HT experienced relative preservation of frontal and parietal cortical metabolism, compared with women randomized to discontinue HT. Women who discontinued 17-β estradiol (17βE)-based HT, as well as women who continued conjugated equine estrogen (CEE)-based HT, exhibited significant decline in metabolism of the precuneus/posterior cingulate cortical (PCC) area. Significant decline in PCC metabolism was additionally seen in women taking concurrent progestins (with either 17βE or CEE). Together, these findings suggest that among postmenopausal subjects at risk for developing dementia, regional cerebral cortical metabolism is relatively preserved for at least two years in women randomized to continue HT, compared with women randomized to discontinue HT. In addition, continuing unopposed 17βE therapy is associated specifically with preservation of metabolism in PCC, known to undergo the most significant decline in the earliest stages of Alzheimer's disease.
Electrophoretic separation of three dehydrogenases from various tissues of the Atlantic blue crab, Callinectes sapidus

Abstract 1. 1. Three enzymes from Callinectes sapidus were examined to determine whether they occur in multiple molecular forms, which are different in different tissues. 2. 2. Lactate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.27) occurred as one band of activity and 6-phosphoglyconate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.44) occurred as two bands of activity in all tissues tested. 3. 3. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.49) occurred as four bands of activity with different bands being found in different tissues. 4. 4. No differences were seen between the banding patterns of enzymes from premolt and intermolt crabs.
Forcing in Proof Theory

Paul Cohen's method of forcing, together with Saul Kripke's related semantics for modal and intuitionistic logic, has had profound effects on a number of branches of mathematical logic, from set theory and model theory to constructive and categorical logic. Here, I argue that forcing also has a place in traditional Hilbert-style proof theory, where the goal is to formalize portions of ordinary mathematics in restricted axiomatic theories, and study those theories in constructive or syntactic terms. I will discuss the aspects of forcing that are useful in this respect, and some sample applications. The latter include ways of obtaining conservation results for classical and intuitionistic theories, interpreting classical theories in constructive ones, and constructivizing model-theoretic arguments.
Heterologous expression of wild type and deglycosylated human sex steroid-binding protein (SBP or SHBG) in the yeast, Pichia pastoris. Characterization of the recombinant proteins.

Abstract Wild type, partially and fully-deglycosylated human sex steroid-binding protein (SBP or SHBG) cDNAs lacking the native eucaryotic signal sequence were cloned into a yeast expression vector containing the Saccharomyces cerevisiae α-factor for extracellular secretion. Following transformation into Pichia pastoris, the wild type and all constructed mutants were successfully expressed. The levels were lower for the deglycosylated mutants indicating that oligosaccharide side chains may play a role in SBP secretion. Under fermentation conditions, the wild type protein was expressed at a level of 4 mg/l while the fully-deglycosylated mutant T7A/N351Q/N367Q was expressed at about 1.5 mg/l. The latter was purified from several fermentation runs and was found to be completely deglycosylated, electrophoretically homogeneous and fully active. The aminoterminus was found to have the sequence NH2QSAHDPPAV- indicating that cleavage of the α-factor occurred at the A+7–Q+8 peptide bond. The molecular mass of the subunit was determined to be 39,717.8 Da, which is in complete agreement with the amino acid sequence of the T7A/N351Q/N367/Q mutant. The equilibrium constants for the dissociation of 5α-dihydrotestosterone and steroid binding specificity were found to be identical to that of the human plasma protein indicating that the missing N-terminal segment NH2-LRPVLPT and the removal of oligosaccharide side chains do not affect the stability and active conformation of the protein. In conclusion, the data presented reveal that the SBP mutant T7A/N351Q/N367/Q is the protein of choice for solving the three-dimensional structure.
The influence of solutes on flow stress plateaus, with emphasis on back stresses and the development of unified constitutive equations

Abstract To study the plateaus and peaks in the temperature dependence of the flow stress commonly observed in solid solution alloys, the flow stress of pure aluminum and three binary Al-Mg alloys has been measured at temperatures between 77 and 750 K and nonelastic strains between 0.02 and 20%. Both athermal and thermally activated processes were found to contribute to the observed behavior. Plateaus in the stress vs temperature response are largely due to the effects of solutes on the evolution of back stresses, an athermal process. Peaks in the stress-temperature response of the substitutional Al-Mg alloys are caused by the interaction of mobile solutes with dislocations, a thermally activated process which increases the effectiveness of the substructure as a barrier to dislocation motion. Based on these results. a physically plausible and simple method of incorporating solute strengthening within unified physical-phenomenological constitutive equations is outlined.
First night effect and reverse first night effect in older adults with primary insomnia: does anxiety play a role?

Abstract Objective : The main objective was to examine first night effect (FNE) and reverse first night effect (RFNE) in older insomniacs and the role played by anxiety in these processes. Background : RFNE has been documented in a middle-aged sample of insomniacs, but little research has been done on RFNE or FNE in older insomniacs. Also, a relationship between anxiety and FNE has not been established. Methods : Participants were 77 older adults with primary insomnia (57 females, 20 males). Two consecutive nights of polysomnography (PSG) were conducted, and the state form of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was completed each night. Sleep diaries were completed the morning after each (PSG) and for 2 weeks at home. Results : Most participants exhibited a FNE (57%) rather than a RFNE (26%). State anxiety was elevated on PSG night 1 relative to PSG night 2 in the FNE group but not the RFNE group, and the FNE group reported greater home total sleep time. Among FNE participants, self-reported total sleep and sleep efficiency were significantly higher on PSG night 2 than at home. Conclusions : Most older insomniacs show a FNE, but a portion exhibit a RFNE. Elevated anxiety on PSG night 1 may play a role in FNE.
Characterization of glycine-extracted calf thymus deoxyribonucleoproteins

Abstract 1. 1. Calf (Bos bovinus) thymus deoxyribonucleoproteins are isolated by a glycine extraction procedure, and characterized in terms of homogeneity, conformation and composition. 2. 2. The results show that the extracted deoxyribonucleoprotein is a homogeneous, high molecular weight complex of basic protein and deoxyribonucleic acid.
Some common misconceptions concerning hormone experiments with excised plant tissue

Abstract The failure to take into account the likely persistent effects of previous exposure to endogenous hormones on cell metabolism and ultrastructure in experiments involving the treatment of presoaked excised tissues with exogenous hormones has caused considerable confusion in the interpretation of data in the hormone literature. To study the effect of an exogenous hormone treatment on excised tissue, it is important to know whether this hormone was endogenously present before excision and to determine precisely the nature and persistance of its effects on the tissue at the time of exogenous treatment. It is also important to know the effects of presoaking in water on the concentration of the endogenous hormone. These considerations are critical in comparing latent periods for responses to hormones in various tissues.
Climate-induced feedbacks for the global cycles of methane and nitrous oxide

Recent experiments have shown that the concentrations of methane dipped to between 300 and 350 ppbv during the ice ages some 20,000 and 150,000 years ago. Our data, spanning more recent times, show a proportionate decrease of methane (38 ± 19 ppbv) and also a decrease of nitrous oxide (about 6 ± 4 ppbv) during the little ice age between 1450 and 1750 AD. We believe that these decreases are a measure of the response of emissions from the earth's soils, oceans, and wetlands to global climatic change. In the future, as the earth warms from increasing levels of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and other trace gases, these feedbacks may produce more and more methane and nitrous oxide. Melting of the upper layers of permafrost in the high arctic could add still more methane and nitrous oxide to the atmosphere. The combination of the response of wetlands and permafrost may add as much or more methane and nitrous oxide to the atmosphere as expected from the increasing anthropogenic sources. Since adding methane is about 20 times more effective in increasing global temperatures as adding equal amounts of carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide is perhaps more than 200 times as effective, even small increases in the emissions of these gases could be amplified into large effects on the earth's temperature and climate. The global warming that has apparently occurred over the past century may already have produced about 20% of the increase of nitrous oxide between the pre-industrial times and the present. DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0889.1989.tb00141.x
Training and the generalist's vision in the history of science.

Abstract Commentators have often complained about specialization in the history of science. This essay discusses recent intellectual trends within our discipline in the light of significant changes in graduate training: both a relatively recent consensus as to the types of sources that are appropriate to analyze in a dissertation and the tremendous growth in the number of new dissertations completed each year in our field. It suggests that this kind of focus on pedagogical concerns provides useful analytic tools for historians investigating other fields in various times and places.
Evaluation of the hypertensive phase after insertion of the Ahmed Glaucoma Valve.

Abstract Purpose To investigate the postoperative hypertensive phase (HP) in patients undergoing glaucoma drainage implant surgery. Design Interventional case series. Methods A retrospective chart review of 156 consecutive eyes (139 patients) who underwent placement of an Ahmed Glaucoma Valve (AGV) with a follow-up of ≥3 months was performed. Main outcome measures were occurrence and resolution of the HP and intraocular pressure (IOP) control. The HP was defined as IOP > 21 mm Hg during the first 3 months after surgery. Resolution of the HP was defined as an IOP Results An HP was observed in 88 eyes (56%). It occurred after a mean of 5.0 weeks (median, 4 weeks; range, 1–13 weeks) with an average (± standard deviation) peak IOP of 30.1 (± 7.5) mm Hg. Resolution of the HP occurred in 19 of 68 eyes (28%) with available data. Eyes with an HP had a higher mean IOP and needed more medications 6 to 12 months after surgery than eyes without an HP (17.2 ± 5.6 vs 14.3 ± 5.8 mm Hg; P = .012 and 1.7 ± 1.2 vs 0.3 ± 0.6 medications; P Conclusion A hypertensive phase occurs frequently after implantation of the AGV. However, it resolves in only a minority of eyes. The majority of eyes with an HP have no significant improvement of IOP control and continue to require the same number of glaucoma medications as they did during the HP.
Current-driven nitrate migration out of groundwater by using a bioelectrochemical system

A bioelectrochemical system (BES) was designed to remove nitrate from groundwater with multiple barriers to prevent intrusion of undesired ions from its anolyte. Electric current was demonstrated to be a key force to transport nitrate ions, and OH− ions were identified as a major competitor with nitrate for anion migration. The balanced mass between the lost nitrate from groundwater and the accumulated nitrate in the concentrating chamber suggested that nitrate removal was mostly due to physical migration, rather than biological reduction. Despite several challenges, the results encourage the further investigation and development of this BES for in situ nitrate remediation from groundwater.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment for pediatric posttraumatic stress disorder: Protocol and application in school and community settings

This paper describes a multimodality trauma treatment protocol (MMTT) for children and adolescents with PTSD. Based upon empirically validated cognitive-behavioral methods of treating PTSD in adults and anxiety and aggression in children, MMTT was developed as a group intervention administered in schools to treat children and adolescents exposed to single-incident trauma resulting in PTSD. In this paper, the protocol development and outcome data are described, followed by a detailed overview of the protocol. Attention is given to clinical implications for both school and community mental health center application of the protocol.
A Simple Technique for Measuring Wetting Front Depths for Selected Soils

The depth of the wetting front within a soil sample in infiltration measurements, especially in soils that develop cracks on drying, is difficult to ascertain simply and nondestructively. A technique was developed to determine wetting front locations on prepared soil beds, with a miniature penetrometer probe of the needle type, immediately following a simulated rainfall event. The method involves placing a 0.5-kg weight atop a miniature penetrometer probe and measuring the penetration depth of the probe relative to a known datum. Five texturally different soils were tested under similar laboratory conditions to evaluate this method. The penetrometer-based method provided accurate estimates of the wetting front position in laboratory simulated rainfall infiltration studies for clay, silty clay, and sandy clay soils that differed from visually observed depths by <1 mm. For the silt loam soils, however, this method underestimated mean wetting front depths by as much as 4 mm, with a standard deviation of 1.6 mm and 95% confidence limits of ±2.5 mm. The penetrometer method was especially useful for detailed characterization of wetting front depths in soils where wetting was highly variable or irregular (e.g., cracking clay soils).
Vulnerable people, precarious housing, and regional resilience: an exploratory analysis

This article has two purposes. First, it explores the ideas of vulnerability, precariousness, and resilience as they apply to people, housing, neighborhoods, and metropolitan areas. People might be more vulnerable to shocks or strains, we propose, if they are members of racial/ethnic minorities, recent immigrants, non-high school graduates, are children or over 75 years old, disabled, recent veterans, living in poverty, or living in single-parent households. Housing may be more precarious, we propose, when it is rented, multi-family, manufactured, crowded, or subject to overpayment. The article goes on to document the relationships between potential personal or household vulnerability and potentially precarious housing conditions. Microdata from the 2005–2007 American Community Survey suggest that an important minority of people have multiple vulnerabilities; these vulnerabilities associate with residence in precarious housing. We suggest that policy be directed toward precarious situations most likely to...
Estrogen receptor stereochemistry: ligand binding and hormonal responsiveness

Abstract Estrogen stimulation of the uterus produces a spectrum of biochemical responses that are customarily linked together. This report is an overview of a series of studies by our laboratory investigating the role of different ligand structures in eliciting hormonal responses. Diethylstilbestrol (DES) and certain structural analogs, indenestrol A (IA), indenestrol B (IB), and pseudo-DES, were used as probes to segregate various genomic responses previously considered interrelated, most notably the events of specific protein synthesis and DNA synthesis. These compounds have weak uterotrophic activity; however, they interact with high affinity specifically with mouse uterine estrogen receptors (ERs). All of them produce stoichiometrically similar amounts of ER complex in the nucleus. Indenestrol A and IB possess a single chiral carbon atom and exist as a mixture of enantiomers (ENTs). Competitive binding assays of pure ENTs and cytosolic ERs demonstrated a stereochemical chiral preference for the IA isomer but not IB. This preference was also evident from nuclear ER occupancy experiments. Biologic activity of the IA ENTs also demonstrated differences as seen by receptor binding. Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity was stimulated 600% by DES and partially by IA (rac). All of the ODC activity produced by IA (rac) was due to the IA(C3)-S ENT. Uterine DNA synthesis was measured after treatment with the IA compounds. Indenestrol A (rac) increased DNA synthesis to 40% of the level seen with DES. The weak ENTs showed no activity and the active ENTs were weaker than the IA racemic. These compounds should be useful probes for studying the individual responses involved in estrogen-induced uterine growth. The data also indicate that induction of some biologic responses, such as ODC, progesterone receptor, and DNA synthesis are not coupled. Therefore, stimulation of a certain uterine response may depend on the structure of the particular ligand receptor complex formed, and its interaction may be regulated by specificity at the genomic acceptor site.
Ceramides perturb the structure of phosphatidylcholine bilayers and modulate the activity of phospholipase A2.

The effects of a series of ceramide analogs with acyl chain lengths of 2, 6, 8 and 16 on the structure of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) bilayers and cobra venom phospholipase A2 (PL-A2) activity were studied using 2H-NMR and specific enzymatic assays. C2-ceramide did not induce a significant effect on the structure of DPPC bilayers and did not alter PL-A2 activity. C6- and C8-ceramides increased the ordering of the DPPC acyl chains, correlating with the inhibition of PL-A2 activity which was probably due to the increased lateral surface pressure. The long-chain C16-ceramide induced lateral phase separation of the bilayers into gel and liquid crystalline domains and activated PL-A2, as does natural ceramide (Huang et al. 1996). Taken together, the results strongly suggest a correlation between membrane defects induced by ceramide analogs and their effects on phospholipase A2 activity. Furthermore, the effects of short-chain ceramides on PL-A2 are different from those of natural ceramide, indicating that the cell-permeable short-chain ceramide analogs, widely used to study the sphingomyelin-dependent cellular signal transduction pathway, may not completely mimic the natural product.
A laboratory model of a convectively driven ocean

Abstract Many large-scale flows in the ocean are driven by an imposed horizontal density gradient and the resulting circulation is strongly influenced by the Earth's rotation. Some of the essential features of such flows have been incorporated into a laboratory model by differentially heating and cooling the vertical end walls of a shallow rectangular cavity rotating about a vertical axis. Buoyancy driven boundary currents produced by the heating and cooling were unstable and the resulting eddy structures eventually dominated the system. A broad mean flow, perpendicular to the side walls, developed in the central region of the cavity. The resultant steady-state flow had a barotropic component consisting of two large-scale gyres of cyclonic and anticyclonic senses. In this paper, the evolution of the flow towards its final steady state is described. Measurements of the time-scales for the establishment of stratification in the cavity, point to the existence of two dynamical density adjustment modes.
The ‘PLUG’ odyssey: Adventures in experimental fetal tracheal occlusion☆☆☆

Abstract In animal experiments, it has been shown that tracheal occlusion counteracts the pulmonary hypoplasia associated with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Successful clinical implementation requires a reliable, reversible, and atraumatic technique of occluding the fetal trachea. With this clinical goal in mind, the authors evaluated the following three methods of tracheal occlusion in a fetal lamb CDH model: (1) an occluded foam-cuffed endotracheal tube, (2) a foam-cuffed endotracheal tube with a magnetically controlled flow valve, and (3) a tracheal insert constructed of a water-impermeable, expandable, polymeric foam, which is placed by a translaryngeal approach. The foam-cuffed endo-tracheal tube did not provide consistently reliable fetal tracheal occlusion. Although the magnetically triggered flow valve functioned well, it was not necessary to open the valve in utero (to prevent overdistension of the lungs), and the presence of the valve contributed to several occlusive failures. In contrast, the foam insert was easy to position and to remove from the trachea, while providing reliable tracheal occlusion for several weeks with consequent enlarged fetal lungs, increased lung fluid volumes, complete reduction of abdominal viscera, and improved pulmonary gas exchange after birth. Bronchoscopic evaluation of the foam-occluded neonatal tracheas showed little or no tracheal damage, which was confirmed during necropsy by gross and histological examination. Translaryngeal placement of a compressible, water-impermeable polymeric foam appears to be a simple and safe technique to achieve fetal tracheal occlusion.
Proving the correctness of regular deterministic programs: A unifying survey using dynamic logic

Abstract The simple set WL of deterministic while programs is defined and a number of known methods for proving the correctness of these programs are surveyed. Emphasis is placed on the tradeoff existing between data-directed and syntax-directed methods, and on providing, especially for the latter, a uniform description enabling comparison and assessment. Among the works considered are the Floyd/Hoare invariant assertion method for partial correctness, Floyd's well-founded sets method for termination, Dijkstra's notion of weakest precondition, the Burstall/Manna and Waldinger intermittent assertion method and more. Also, a brief comparison is carried out between three logics of programs: dynamic logic, algorithmic logic and programming logic.
64 Slice multi-detector row cardiac CT

Cardiac imaging is feasible with multi-detector row (MDCT) scanners. Coronary arterial anatomy and both non-calcified and calcified plaques are depicted at CT coronary angiography. Vessel wall pathology and luminal diameter are depicted, and secondary myocardial changes may also be seen. Diagnostic capacity has increased with technological advancement, and preliminary investigations confirm the utility of 64-MDCT in low- and intermediate-risk patients who present to the emergency department with acute chest pain. The clinical indications, 64-MDCT technique, and MDCT findings in coronary artery disease are reviewed.
Esterification of cholesterol by epidermis.

Abstract A previously described mechanism for esterification of sterols in epidermis has been further investigated. Specific activity for esterification of cholesterol by homoge nates of guinea pig epidermis appears greatest in the particulate fraction. The activity is stimulated by ATP, CoA and low concentrations of fatty acid complexed to albumin as well as by acyl-CoA. It is inhibited by taurocholate and is sensitive to the concentration of free fatty acid. The data suggest that esterification of cholesterol in epidermis is mediated by a mechanism similar to that in liver microsomes e.g. a fatty acyl-CoA-cholesterol transferase.
Do Positive Feelings Hurt? Disaggregating Positive and Negative Components of Intergenerational Ambivalence

Ambivalence has become an important conceptual development in the study of parent–adult child relations, with evidence highlighting that intergenerational relationships are characterized by a mix of positive and negative components. Recent studies have shown that ambivalence has detrimental consequences for both parents' and adult children's psychological well-being. The underlying assumption of this line of research is that psychological distress results from holding simultaneous positive and negative feelings toward a parent or child. The authors question this assumption and explore alternative interpretations by disaggregating the positive and negative dimensions commonly used to create indirect measures of intergenerational ambivalence. Data for the analyses were collected from 254 older mothers and a randomly selected adult child from each of the families. The findings suggest that the negative component is primarily responsible for the association between indirect measures of ambivalence and psychological well-being. Implications of these findings for the study of intergenerational ambivalence are discussed.
A SURVEY OF COURSES IN FREEOOM OF SPEECH

(1986). A SURVEY OF COURSES IN FREEOOM OF SPEECH. Free Speech Yearbook: Vol. 25, No. 1, pp. 105-109.
Small cell carcinoma of prostate associated with myasthenic (eaton-lambert) syndrome

Abstract A fifty-eight-year-old white man was diagnosed as having an adenocarcinoma of the prostate (grade III by the U. T. M. D. Anderson Hospital grading system). Five years after the initial diagnosis and three months after signs and symptoms of the myasthenic syndrome of Eaton-Lambert (MSEL), he was found to have a small cell carcinoma of the prostate. Histologic examination showed adenocarcinoma merging into a small cell carcinoma component of intermediate cell type. Immunostaining was positive for neuroendocrine markers—namely, neuron-specific enolase and serotonin-and was limited to the small cell carcinoma component. This is the first report of a patient with small cell carcinoma of the prostate presenting with MSEL. Our findings support prior observations of a strong propensity for small cell carcinoma to be associated with paraneoplastic syndromes, regardless of the initial location of the tumor.
Heuristic functions for static task allocation

This paper introduces two new static task scheduling algorithms. The first algorithm, called Heavy Node First (HNF), is based on a local analysis of program graph nodes at each level. The second method called Weighted Length (WL), considers a more global view of the program graph, taking into account the weight of the successor subgraph for each node. The two schemes are compared against the classical Critical Path Method (CP/M). For a given Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) of n nodes representing a program, it is shown that the time complexity of the HNF, CP/M, and WL algorithms are o(nlog (n)), o(n2), and o(n2) respectively. The worst case performance of the three algorithms is analytically evaluated and their average case performance is evaluated through a simulation study. Considering the program execution time and the complexity of the heuristic algorithms, it is shown that HNF is a very promising approach.
No One Home: Brazilian Selves Remade in Japan

No One Home: Brazilian Selves Remade in Japan. Daniel Touro Linger. Stanford: Stanford University Press, 2001. xiii. 342 pp., maps,photographs, glossary, references, index,