cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Criminalisation, modernisation, and globalisation: the US and international perspectives on domestic violence

The growth of modernisation in a society is intimately connected to the growth of legal evolutions related to criminalisation. While modernisation expands the boundaries of tolerance in an open society, it also expands the boundaries of crime and criminalisation. As modernisation expands on a global scale, the process of redefining crime, criminalisation, and victimisation also occurs on a global scale. In the modern societies of the West, the advance of modern law and justice and the progress of the notions of human rights have expanded the boundaries of freedom. They have also expanded the boundaries of criminalisation in a number of social, cultural, political, and economic domains. One of the major areas of criminalisation that has rapidly expanded with modernisation and globalisation, particularly in the West, is domestic violence. During the last 30 years, a series of laws have evolved in these societies that criminalise a wide variety of behaviours related to domestic violence. A comparative study ...
Microfabricated Multiphase Reactors for the Selective Direct Fluorination of Aromatics

We describe a microchemical reactor built by silicon processing and metal deposition techniques that enables efficient and safe direct fluorination of toluene, a highly exothermic process difficult to implement conventionally on a macroscopic scale. Gas and liquid reagents were contacted cocurrently at room temperature in the microfabricated reactor, and gas−liquid distribution patterns were characterized. A flow regime map, containing slug and annular-dry flows, was obtained for liquid velocities relevant to gas−liquid reactions in microchemical systems. During annular-dry flow operation, the substrate conversion and product distribution were studied as a function of the operating conditions: toluene concentration, fluorine-to-toluene molar ratio, solvent type, and quenching conditions. Among the solvents tested, including acetonitrile, methanol, 1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane, and octafluorotoluene, the highest selectivities toward ring fluorination were obtained in acetonitrile. At toluene conv...
An update on the serodiagnosis of canine Lyme borreliosis.

The first report of canine Lyme borreliosis was published in 1984, and since that time there have been numerous reports. Clinical manifestations have varied, and serology is often used to make the diagnosis. This review is designed to inform veterinary clinicians about the current serologic tests and their limitations. In endemic areas, the fact that up to 50% of the canine population can be asymptomatic, yet seropositive, suggests that positive antibody titers do not necessarily indicate the presence of disease. Instead, the presence of a positive antibody titer should be considered evidence of exposure to the agent. Many dogs apparently are exposed to the agent of Lyme borreliosis but do not come down with the disease. Immunoblots are not able to distinguish between infection versus exposure. Newer diagnostic tests, such as antigen assays, are being evaluated. However, the fact that spirochetes have been isolated from 8% of asymptomatic dogs living in an endemic area is evidence that these tests will also need to be cautiously interpreted. Our inability to characterize the relationship between clinical signs and serology has hampered our understanding of canine Lyme disease. Presently, the diagnosis should be one of exclusion. A diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis should be considered confirmed only when other diseases are completely ruled out. (Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 1990; 4:167–171)
Some new developments in the understanding of oropharyngeal and postingestional controls of meal size

This review focuses on new developments in the understanding of how oropharyngeal and postingestional stimulation control the ingestive behavior of the rat ingesting liquids. With the development of the computer-controlled lickometer it is now possible to measure and analyze in fine detail the impact these two variables have on the rat's licking behavior. Because variations in this behavior are responsible for variations in intake this methodology is beginning to provide a clearer picture of how oropharyngeal and postingestional stimulation control ingestive behavior and interact to control meal size. These developments should in turn ultimately provide the basis for better understanding of how the motor systems of the brain control the behavior that supplies the body with its nutrients.
Stereotactic Procedures for Lesions of the Pineal Region

During the 7-year period between June 1985 and May 1992, 34 patients with pineal lesions underwent 66 stereotactic procedures (37 biopsies, 19 third ventriculostomies, 6 cyst aspirations, 3 instillations of 32P into cysts, and 1 insertion of an Ommaya reservoir into a cyst) at the Mayo Clinic. Nine patients subsequently also underwent 10 open resections of lesions of the pineal region. In the 34 study patients, the pathologic entities were 9 gliomas (5 astrocytomas, 2 ependymomas, and 2 oligodendrogliomas), 9 germ cell tumors (7 germinomas, 1 entodermal sinus tumor, and 1 malignant teratoma), 8 pineal parenchymal tumors (3 pinealomas, 3 pinealoblastomas, 1 mixed pinealoma-pinealoblastoma, and 1 intermediate differentiation pineal tumor), 4 other malignant tumors (2 undifferentiated carcinomas, 1 malignant melanoma, and 1 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma), 2 meningiomas, and 2 nonneoplastic lesions (1 glial cyst and 1 inflammatory lesion). No mortality or permanent morbidity was associated with the 66 stereotactic procedures; 2 patients had temporary complications—1 neurologic (transient diplopia) and 1 nonneurologic (pulmonary embolism). Diagnostic tissue was obtained in 33 of the 34 patients. An algorithm for the diagnosis and management of patients with lesions of the pineal region is presented. We conclude that stereotactic biopsy of pineal lesions can be performed safely, has a high diagnostic yield, and facilitates rational planning of treatment.
Physical energy for drug delivery; poration, concentration and activation

Techniques for controlling the rate and duration of drug delivery, while targeting specific locations of the body for treatment, to deliver the cargo (drugs or DNA) to particular parts of the body by what are becoming called "smart drug carriers" have gained increased attention during recent years. Using such smart carriers, researchers have also been investigating a number of physical energy forces including: magnetic fields, ultrasound, electric fields, temperature gradients, photoactivation or photorelease mechanisms, and mechanical forces to enhance drug delivery within the targeted cells or tissues and also to activate the drugs using a similar or a different type of external trigger. This review aims to cover a number of such physical energy modalities. Various advanced techniques such as magnetoporation, electroporation, iontophoresis, sonoporation/mechnoporation, phonophoresis, optoporation and thermoporation will be covered in the review. Special emphasis will be placed on photodynamic therapy owing to the experience of the authors' laboratory in this area, but other types of drug cargo and DNA vectors will also be covered. Photothermal therapy and theranostics will also be discussed.
Electron-optical properties of atomic fields

We present a unified discussion and illustrations of the electron-optical aspects of electron penetration into, or escape from, the inner region of atoms. Both processes may focus or defocus the amplitudes of wavefunctions and shift their phases, as manifested in countless phenomena ranging from level shifts to $\ensuremath{\beta}$-decay rates. A background survey begins by discussing the Fermi-Segr\`e formula for hyperfine splittings and emphasizes the interplay of hydrogenic and WKB approximations. The Phase-Amplitude Method, which determines amplitude ratios and phase shifts directly, proves useful for interpreting the systematics of these parameters along the Periodic System. We present results of survey calculations, carried through the Periodic System using Hartree-Slater potential fields, of: (a) $\frac{{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{l}(0)}{{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{l}(\ensuremath{\infty})}$, the ratio of the wavefunction's amplitude at $r=0$ to that outside the atom; (b) ${\ensuremath{\delta}}_{l}(E=0)$ and ${\frac{d{\ensuremath{\delta}}_{l}}{\mathrm{dE}}|}_{E=0}$, the phase shift and its energy derivative at $E=0$, and (c) the changes in ${\ensuremath{\delta}}_{l}(E=0)$ and $\frac{{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{l}(0)}{{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{l}(\ensuremath{\infty})}$ induced by either a unit perturbation localized near $r=0$ or a relativistic correction. Thus we provide a broad mapping of certain fundamental parameters based on rather crude but realistic calculations. These results are meant to serve as a bench mark in surveying problems and in checking new results, while standard methods are preferable for working out specific applications accurately.
Outage probability of cellular mobile radio systems with selective co‐channel interference cancellation receiver in overloaded array environments

This article outlines a general numerical procedure for computing the probability of outage of a cellular mobile radio system that is equipped with a smart antenna to suppress a few strongest co-channel interferers (CCI) out of a total of NI active interferers by adaptive null-steering. Aside from the interference-limited case, refined outage criterion that either treat receiver noise as CCI or consider a minimum detectable receiver signal threshold are studied. Exact closed-form expressions for both the basic and refined outage criterion are also derived by assuming that all the CCI signals are subject to Nakagami-m fading with a positive integer fading severity index. Selected numerical examples are provided to illustrate the application of the theory which includes the investigation into the effects of fade distribution of the CCI signals and traffic loading on the outage probability, and also the study of spectrum utilization efficiency improvement using a selective co-channel interference nulling (cancellation) technique. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
(5SR,10SR,15SR)-Trimethyl 5H,10H,15H-diindeno­[1,2-a:1′,2′-c]fluorene-5,10,15-tricarboxyl­ate 0.167-hydrate

The title compound, C33H24O6·0.17H2O, which is commonly known as (SR,SR,SR)-trimethyl 1,10,19-truxentricarboxyl­ate, crystallizes as a hydrate with the water mol­ecule encapsulated between three ester groups by O—H⋯O hydrogen bonding to two of them. The water mol­ecule site is not fully occupied in the crystal studied, with a refined site occupancy of 0.167 (5). The 27-atom ring system is approximately planar, with a maximum deviation of 0.148 (1) A, and the three ester substituents are all on the same side of this plane.
Electron degradation and yields of initial products. IX. Subexcitation electrons in a mixture of molecular oxygen and molecular nitrogen

The behavior of subexcitation electrons in gaseous mixtures of O{sub 2} and N{sub 2} is studied by using the Spencer-Fano theory and its simplified continuous-slowing-down approximation. Because of its strong resonance around 2 eV, N{sub 2} is overwhelmingly dominant over O{sub 2} in energy-loss processes. Addition of N{sub 2} to O{sub 2}, even a few percent, causes significant changes in some yields of O{sub 2}. In particular, yields for electron attachment and rotational excitation for O{sub 2} show a strong nonlinearity as a function of composition, while all yields of N{sub 2} depend linearly on composition.
Comparison of clinical methods with isotope dilution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for the new standard reference material 955c lead in caprine blood

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed Standard Reference Material (SRM) 955c, a new caprine-based, four-level blood standard with certified blood lead levels (BLLs) ranging from 0.4 µg/dL (0.02 µmol/L) Pb to 45 µg/dL (2.2 µmol/L) Pb. Certified values are based on ID-ICP-MS. Strict control and accurate measurement of the procedure blank were necessary to minimize uncertainty for the lowest level (Level 1) and obtain a relative expanded uncertainty (k = 2) of 2.6%. Level 1 is intended to represent a baseline BLL and provides a means to define detection levels and validate methods developed to measure lead at background environmental levels in blood. Level 2 is near 10 µg/dL (0.48 µmol/L), the current threshold defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for public health action and clinical follow up. The standard has been developed in collaboration with the Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, which provided measurements based on GFAAS and ICP-MS. Results from these clinical methods are statistically compared to the Isotope Dilution (ID) values. The Level 1 SRM 955c standard is below the detection limit of the GFAAS method, but comparison of Level 1 results for the ICP-MS method with the ID-ICP-MS values shows no evidence of statistically significant disagreement, suggesting that the ICP-MS method appears capable of measuring BLLs at background concentrations. Comparison of both GFAAS and ICP-MS results with the ID ICP-MS values for the Level 2 through Level 4 SRM 955c standards similarly shows no statistically significant disagreement between methods at these elevated blood Pb levels. In addition to the SRM 955c data, long-term method performance data are presented for SRM 955b Lead in Bovine Blood and for SRM 966 Toxic Elements in Bovine Blood. The clinical methods performed well within CLIA guidelines for these materials; however, a small negative bias for the ICP-MS value relative to the certified value for SRM 966 requires further investigation.
Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides) off Southern Labrador and Northeastern Newfoundland (Northwest Atlantic) feed primarily on capelin (Mallotus villosus)

Abstract Stomachs were collected from 10 300 Greenland halibut ( Reinhardtius hippoglossoides ) caught during the autumns of 1981, 1982 and 1984 on the continental shelf and upper slope off southern Labrador and northeastern Newfoundland (northwest Atlantic). Examination revealed strong similarity among years in the percentage of stomachs which were empty (42 to 48%), the average degree of stomach fullness, and the prey spectrum. Small ( Mallotus villosus ), and large (> 69 cm) individuals preyed on a variety of demersal fish, particularly redfish ( Sebastes sp.) and Greenland halibut. An abrupt change in diet at about 64 to 69 cm was related to changes in both feeding habit and geographic distribution. The quantity of capelin in the stomachs was greatest on Hamilton Bank and on or near the coastal shelf off southern Labrador and northeastern Newfoundland. Medium-sized Greenland halibut were not highly aggregated in those areas where they were most successful in finding capelin. Preliminary estimates of daily and annual prey consumption indicate that Greenland halibut is an important predator of capelin.
Metabolic and nutritional implications of valproic acid

Abstract Identifying drug-nutrient interactions is a significant concern to practitioners. Valproic acid, an antiepileptic drug, is frequently associated with hyperammonemia, and infrequently associated with fatal hepatotoxicity. Drug-nutrient interactions may contribute to the development of these effects, specifically carnitine, vitamin E and selenium. Currently, the literature suggests that carnitine supplementation may be a viable consideration for individuals on valproic acid therapy.
Enhancement of radiative transfer in the upper mantle by OH− in minerals

Abstract Diffusion of heat by radiation in the mantle has previously been associated with absorption of light by Fe 2+ . The near-IR absorptions of structurally incorporated OH − provide another mechanism to convert the energy of photons into lattice vibrations. The effective diffusive radiative thermal conductivity due to protonation ( k rdf,wet ) may be important within the mantle because low absorption strengths, as expected for trace to minor OH − contents, allow light to travel long distances in the medium. Available calibrations of band strength with OH − content are used to develop a formula for k rdf,wet as a function of temperature, grain size, and hydroxyl concentration that is generally applicable to mantle phases. These results are compared to new data on the phonon contribution for olivine and to calculations of Fe 2+ radiative transfer. As T increases, k rdf,wet increases. As OH − content increases, k rdf,wet initially increases, reaches a maximum near 100–1000 ppm hydroxyl content as H 2 O, and then decreases at higher concentrations. A similar dependence on grain size exists, with the maximum k rdf,wet near d ∼ 1 cm. Grain sizes and OH − contents of hydrous upper mantle samples foster radiative transport via protonation. For example, at 1500 K, sub-cm grain sizes with ∼10–100 ppm H 2 O, provide k rdf,wet that is ∼1/4 of k rdf arising from the combined effect of overtones and Fe 2+ transitions, and ∼1/8 of the lattice contribution to k of olivine. Given that OH − concentrations vary among mantle minerals, the above results suggest that mantle heat flow is heterogeneous and anisotropic. The dependence of both k rdf and viscosity on grain size and hydration suggests that the dynamical behavior in or near subducting slabs will be complex.
Hydrodynamic Tesla Wheel Flume for model and prototype testing

The Ocean Engineering department at Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech) has developed a Hydrodynamic Tesla Wheel Flume that is scheduled to be deployed for testing of models and prototypes. Using flow analysis, the researchers at Florida Tech developed the system to create a steady laminar flow simulating the natural flow of fluid around a moving vehicle/vessel. The following design parameters were implemented: the apparatus must be 1) semi-portable, 2) cost efficient (inexpensive), and most importantly 3) have an effective and accurate laminar flow. The design and implementation met all requirements and the flume is ready for deployment as an efficient and effective alternative to current testing facilities.
Chern-Simons theory and Kauffman polynomials

We report on a study of the expectation values of Wilson loops in D=3 Chern-Simons theory. The general skein relations (of higher orders) are derived for these expectation values. We show that the skein relations for the Wilson loops carrying the fundamental representations of the simple Lie algebras SO(n) and Sp(n) are sufficient to determine invariants for all knots and links and that the resulting link invariants agree with Kauffman polynomials. The polynomial for an unknotted circle is identified to the formal characters of the fundamental representations of these Lie algebras.
The use of quantitative genetics for estimating the non-inherited and inherited contributions to metastasis formation

The contribution of both non-inherited (stochastic, random, environmental, and other non-inherited influences) and inherited factors (genetic and inherited epigenetic factors) to the variability of spontaneous lung metastasis formation in over 100 metastatic lines from each of three murine tumors was measured. The contribution of inherited and genetic sources of variability to metastasis formation was significantly greater than 0 in all cases, but only in the lines of sarcoma SANH was it the major influence on metastatic variability. In the sarcoma SA4020 and hepatocarcinoma HCA-l lines, non-inherited factors accounted for the majority of the variation in spontaneous lung metastasis formation. A similar situation was also observed in the variability of the tumors with respect to the diameter doubling time. In conclusion, both non-inherited and genetic/inherited factors significantly influenced the formation of spontaneous metastases in the tumors examined. The significance of this finding for the cloning of metastatic genes is discussed.
Regeneration of shoots from cell suspension-derived protoplasts ofAllium cepa.

Callus from pre-selected regenerating lines ofAllium cepa andA. fistulosum were used to initiate cell suspensions. Small clusters of callus selected for greater friability were placed into BDS liquid medium containing 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 6-benzylaminopurine (BA), and were subcultured biweekly. Rapidly growing, finely dispersed lines were used for protoplast isolation. The highest yields came from 3–4 month old cell suspension lines. Protoplasts were cultured in modified K8P liquid medium. Microcalli recovery depended on the number of weeks the cell suspension had been in culture with highest recovery from 4–5 month old cell suspensions. Microcalli were moved to semisolid media when they were approximately 2 mm in diameter. After 4–6 weeks, embryogenic calli thus recovered were moved to variations of standard onion regeneration media containing picloram and BA. Elongating shoots were obtained from up to 88 % of the microcalli of one line, and 40–50 % of the shoots were further multiplied in culture.
From parental involvement to children's mathematical performance: The role of mathematics anxiety.

This study examined whether children's mathematics anxiety serves as an underlying pathway between parental involvement and children's mathematics achievement. Participants included 78 low-income, ethnic minority parents and their children residing in a large urban center in the northeastern United States. Parents completed a short survey tapping several domains of parental involvement, and children were assessed on mathematics anxiety, whole number arithmetic, word problems, and algebraic reasoning. Research Findings: The results indicated that parents influence children's mathematics achievement by reducing mathematics anxiety, particularly for more difficult kinds of mathematics. Specifically, the mediation analyses demonstrated that parental home support and expectations influenced children's performance on word problems and algebraic reasoning by reducing children's mathematics anxiety. Mathematics anxiety did not mediate the relationship between home support and expectations and whole number arithme...
Negotiations with library materials vendors: preparation and tips

Negotiations with library materials vendors can have a significant impact on a library’s success in terms of service to its users and effective use of its financial resources. As such, it is important to review key points to consider in negotiations with vendors. These negotiation points have increased dramatically within the past ten years as vendors have developed new services well beyond just obtaining the material as quickly and as inexpensively as possible. This article describes how to prepare for negotiations (including what materials and service issues to address) primarily for the firm order relationship, but many of the principles also apply to all methods of acquisition. It also reviews the major negotiation points for the library to consider in making decisions regarding vendor choice and services.
The Cytobrush Plus cell collector in oral cytology

The Cytobrush Plus cell collector (cytobrush) was compared with the wooden tongue depressor during oral exfoliative cytology. The degree of patient discomfort, the convenience to the clinician, and the quantity and distribution of epithelial cells collected were evaluated. Two-factor analysis of variance and parametric and nonparametric analyses were performed. Because of the favorable findings revealed in this study, we recommend that the cytobrush be considered for use when obtaining diagnostic cytologic smears from the oral mucosa.
Strongly paired fermions: Cold atoms and neutron matter

Experiments with cold Fermi atoms can be tuned to probe strongly-interacting fluids that are very similar to the low-density neutron matter found in the crusts of neutron stars. In contrast to traditional superfluids and superconductors, matter in this regime is very strongly paired, with gaps of the order of the Fermi energy. We compute the $T=0$ equation of state and pairing gap for cold atoms and low-density neutron matter as a function of the Fermi momentum times the scattering length. Results of quantum Monte Carlo calculations show that the equations of state are very similar. The neutron matter pairing gap at low densities is found to be very large but, except at the smallest densities, significantly suppressed relative to cold atoms because of the finite effective range in the neutron-neutron interaction.
The effect of lithium on thyroid iodine release in patients with primary affective disorder

Thyroid iodine release measured by the double isotope method of Nicoloff was studied in patients with manic-depressive illness before, during and after treatment with lithium carbonate. The urinary 125I/131I isotope ratio was measured following administration of Na125I and 131I-thyroxine. In three of four subjects, lithium caused a transient decrease in diurnal variation and a temporary reduction in the normal increase of the 125I/131I ratio during the first week of therapy or after a lithium dose increase. In addition, in two of three subjects, a rebound increase in the isotope ratio occurred following cessation of lithium administration. These changes most likely represent a direct inhibitory effect of lithium on the thyroid iodine release process.
Bayesian Approaches to Joint Cure-Rate and Longitudinal Models with Applications to Cancer Vaccine Trials

Complex issues arise when investigating the association between longitudinal immunologic measures and time to an event, such as time to relapse, in cancer vaccine trials. Unlike many clinical trials, we may encounter patients who are cured and no longer susceptible to the time-to-event endpoint. If there are cured patients in the population, there is a plateau in the survival function, S(t), after sufficient follow-up. If we want to determine the association between the longitudinal measure and the time-to-event in the presence of cure, existing methods for jointly modeling longitudinal and survival data would be inappropriate, since they do not account for the plateau in the survival function. The nature of the longitudinal data in cancer vaccine trials is also unique, as many patients may not exhibit an immune response to vaccination at varying time points throughout the trial. We present a new joint model for longitudinal and survival data that accounts both for the possibility that a subject is cured and for the unique nature of the longitudinal data. An example is presented from a cancer vaccine clinical trial.
Risk-sensitive allocation in seasonal dynamics of fat and protein reserves in a long-lived mammal

Summary 1. Body reserves of numerous taxa follow seasonal rhythms that are a function of temporal patterns in food availability and life-history events; however, tests of the theory underlying the allocation of somatic reserves for long-lived organisms are rare, especially for free-ranging mammals. We evaluated the hypothesis that allocation of somatic reserves to survival (i.e., metabolic processes) and reproduction should be sensitive to current nutritional state relative to seasonal thresholds in those reserves. 2. Our goal was to reveal the linkages between nutrition and life-history traits to understand how long-lived, iteroparous organisms balance the allocation of somatic reserves to reproduction, while retaining reserves as insurance for survival in unpredictable environments. Our evaluation was based on seasonal dynamics in fat (measured as ingesta-free body fat; IFBFat) and protein reserves (measured as ingesta-free, fat-free body mass; IFFFBMass) of 136 female mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) over 8 years. 3. Although mean changes in fat and protein reserves were positive over summer and negative over winter, accretion and catabolism of those reserves was not consistent among individuals. Over winter, both lipid and protein stores available in autumn were catabolized in proportion to their availability above a post-winter threshold (58% IFBFat, 33 kg IFFFBMass); however, lean body tissue was spared at the expense of lipid reserves. 4. Female deer mostly synthesized lean body tissue over summer and committed post-winter fat reserves to reproduction relative to their availability above an autumn threshold (>86% IFBFat), which was lowered by 28 percentage points (pp) for each additional young recruited. Mothers reduced their autumn fat threshold to secure current reproductive investment and, thereby, endured a cost of reproduction at the expense of fat accumulation. 5. Allocation of somatic reserves occurred in a risk-sensitive framework; females allocated reserves relative to their availability above seasonal thresholds. In contrast to current notions of summer accretion and winter catabolism of body reserves, some individuals deposited reserves over winter and catabolized reserves over summer, mainly because regulation of individual condition was state-dependent. Consequently, behaviour and life-history strategies may be as much a function of nutritional contributions of the previous season as of the current one.
A site involving the “hybrid” and PSI homology domains of GPIIIa (β3-integrin subunit) is a common target for antibodies associated with quinine-induced immune thrombocytopenia

Drug-dependent antibodies (DDAbs) can cause the precipitous destruction of platelets if a patient is exposed to the drug for which the antibodies are specific. The molecular character of the epitopes recognized is poorly understood, and the mechanism by which drugs promote tight binding of these antibodies to platelet glycoproteins without linking covalently to protein or antibody is not yet known. We studied a group of quinine-dependent antibodies that react with human glycoprotein IIIa (GPIIIa; β3-integrin subunit) but fail to recognize rat GPIIIa, despite close homology between the 2 proteins. By characterizing reactions of these antibodies with human/rat GPIIIa chimeras and selected GPIIIa mutants, we found that each of 3 quinine-dependent antibodies requires a 17-amino acid sequence in the newly recognized “hybrid” and PSI homology domains of GPIIIa for drug-dependent binding. Disulfide bonds are required to stabilize the target epitope. Monoclonal antibody AP3, which blocks the binding of these DDAbs to GPIIIa, was found to require a more limited stretch of the same peptide for its reaction with the glycoprotein. The findings suggest this region of GPIIIa may be a favored target for quinine-dependent antibodies and may provide a basis for further studies to elucidate the molecular basis of glycoprotein–drug–antibody interaction.
Pulmonary emboli from a platelet-rich thrombus attached to a pacemaker electrode.

A patient with recurrent, fatal pulmonary emboli originating from thrombus attached to a permanently-implanted pacemaker electrode is described. While most throm-boemboli are composed predominantly of fibrin and erythrocytes. histologic and immunologic studies showed this thrombus to be rich in platelets. A possible therapeutic approach to this rare situation is discussed.
A probabilistic model for simulating the effect of airborne dust on ground-based LIDAR

Field and laboratory measurements of Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) sensor interactions with dust have been performed for two types of common ground-based LIDAR sensors. A strong correlation (R2 > 0.95) between the probability for a return from the dust and the optical depth of the dust was found in the analysis. Based on the experimental correlation, a probabilistic model for LIDAR interactions with dust was developed and verified in field experiments. Finally, the model was integrated into a high-fidelity ray-tracing simulation of LIDAR systems.
Chaotic properties of the interacting boson model

Abstract We study classically and quantum mechanically the chaotic properties of low-lying collective states of nuclei by using the interacting boson model. Classical and quantal diagrams are constructed for several measures of chaos in a general parameter space of the hamiltonian known as Casten's triangle. Strong correlations are found between the classical and quantal results. A new nearly regular region is discovered.
High-dose perioperative corticosteroids in steroid-treated patients undergoing major colorectal surgery: necessary or overkill?

Abstract Background Steroid-treated patients undergoing major colorectal surgery are routinely treated with high-dose steroids (HDS) to prevent perioperative adrenal insufficiency and cardiovascular collapse. However, there is no evidence to support this practice. Methods A retrospective analysis of 97 consecutive steroid-treated patients with inflammatory bowel disease who underwent major colorectal surgery was performed. The incidence of hemodynamic instability and surgical outcomes were compared in patients treated with perioperative low-dose steroids (LDS) versus HDS. Results Forty-three patients were treated with HDS, and 54 patients received LDS. There was no significant difference in hemodynamic instability between HDS-treated (74%) and LDS-treated (78%) patients. No patients required rescue HDS for adrenal insufficiency. Conclusions Steroid-treated patients with inflammatory bowel disease undergoing major colorectal surgery appear to have no clinically significant hemodynamic instability when managed with LDS versus HDS. A prospective study assessing perioperative steroid dosing in patients with inflammatory bowel disease is in progress.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae Gis2 interacts with the translation machinery and is orthogonal to myotonic dystrophy type 2 protein ZNF9.

Abstract The myotonic dystrophy type 2 protein ZNF9/CNBP is a small nucleic acid binding protein proposed to act as a regulator of transcription and translation. The precise functions and activity of this protein are poorly understood. Previous studies suggested that ZNF9 regulates translation and facilitates the process of cap-independent translation through interactions with mRNA and the translating ribosome. To help determine the role played by ZNF9 in the activation of translation initiation, we combined genetic and biochemical analysis of the putative ZNF9 ortholog GIS2, in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Purification of the Gis2p protein followed by mass spectrometry based-proteomic analysis identified a large number of co-purifying ribosomal subunits and translation factors, strongly suggesting that Gis2p interacts with the protein translation machinery. Polysome profiling and ribosome isolation experiments confirm that Gis2p physically interacts with the translating ribosome. Interestingly, expression of yeast Gis2p in HEK293T cells activates cap-independent translation driven by the 5′UTR of the ODC gene. These data suggest that Gis2 is functionally orthologous to ZNF9 and acts as a cap-independent translation factor.
On mutually-exclusive roles and separation of duty

Separation of Duty (SoD) is widely considered to be a fundamental principle in computer security. A Static SoD (SSoD) policy states that in order to have all permissions necessary to complete a sensitive task, the cooperation of at least a certain number of users is required. In Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), Statically Mutually Exclusive Role (SMER) constraints are used to enforce SSoD policies. In this paper, we pose and answer fundamental questions related to the use of SMER constraints to enforce SSoD policies. We show that directly enforcing SSoD policies is intractable (coNP-complete), while checking whether an RBAC state satisfies a set of SMER constraints is efficient. Also, we show that verifying whether a given set of SMER constraints enforces an SSoD policy is intractable (coNP-complete) and discuss why this intractability result should not lead us to conclude that SMER constraints are not an appropriate mechanism for enforcing SSoD policies.We show also how to generate SMER constraints that are as accurate as possible for enforcing an SSoD policy.
System-level study of OFDM and CDMA with adaptive modulation/coding for a 5 MHz channel

In this paper, the downlink performance of OFDM and CDMA cellular systems is investigated for deployment scenarios similar to those envisioned by the 3GPP. In particular, the system-level performance characteristics are studied for packet data oriented systems with adaptive modulation and coding (AMC), operating on a 5 MHz channel with one-cell frequency reuse. For the CDMA case, both Rake and MMSE receivers are considered. Three link adaptation scenarios are considered: ideal (fast) time-only adaptation, slow link adaptation (based on average C/(I+N)), and ideal time-frequency adaptation (only for OFDM). Performance is evaluated using indicators such as total throughput and data rate profile, for five propagation environments (pedestrian A and B, Vehicular A and B, and GSM typical urban) and for single antenna systems as well as space-time transmit diversity (STTD) systems. Results show a significant performance benefit for fast link adaptation in all systems, and also indicate that OFDM provides a performance benefit that depends on the channel delay spread.
Synthesis and Control of High Resolution Facial Expressions for Visual Interactions

The synthesis of facial expression with control of intensity and personal styles is important in intelligent and affective human-computer interaction, especially in face-to-face interaction between human and intelligent agent. We present a facial expression animation system that facilitates control of expressiveness and style. We learn a decomposable generative model for the nonlinear deformation of facial expressions by analyzing the mapping space between low dimensional embedded representation and high resolution tracking data. Bilinear analysis of the mapping space provides a compact representation of the nonlinear generative model for facial expressions. The decomposition allows synthesis of new facial expressions by control of geometry and expression style. The generative model provides control of expressiveness preserving nonlinear deformation in the expressions with simple parameters and allows synthesis of stylized facial geometry. In addition, we can directly extract the MPEG-4 Facial Animation Parameters (FAPs) from the synthesized data, which allows using any animation engine that supports FAPs to animate new synthesized expressions.
Multisensor towed array detection system for UXO detection

The multisensor towed array detection system (MTADS) was designed to be an efficient, sensitive tool for the detection and characterization of buried unexploded ordnance. It comprises arrays of total-field magnetometers and time-domain electromagnetic induction (EMI) sensors, associated navigation and data acquisition hardware, and a custom data analysis system. The MTADS has conducted eleven demonstrations and surveys. The system has shown the ability to detect ordnance at its likely self-penetration depths with a probability of detection of 0.95 or better The model-derived positions and depths of the detected ordnance items are generally well within the physical size of the targets, making remediation much quicker and less costly than with standard techniques. Data sets corresponding to many of the MTADS surveys are available to others in the field.
The American Experience with Managed Care

Over tge past 50 years, there have been a series of attempts to change the system of mental health care in the United States. The first large movement was deinstitutionalization, which began in 1955 and proceeded in carnest in the late 1960’s and 1970’s. It was followed by a series of economic initiatives that affected all of health care in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. Now, mental health care is being over-whelmingly dominated by a new system of administration and financing called managed care.
Negative-Book-Value Firms and Their Valuation

SYNOPSIS: We document a phenomenon that, along with the increasing trend of negative earnings, the frequency and the magnitude of negative book value of equity have also grown substantially over time. Although negative-book-value firms are commonly perceived as financially distressed, we find that the majority of these firms survive for a long time, and that many continue to report negative book value for several years. Over the most recent decade of our 30-year test period, 1976–2005, we find that based on per-dollar of assets, the market, on average, prices negative-book-value firms higher than positive-book-value firms. In addition, we discover that the correlation between market value and book value for negative-book-value firms is negative. Searching for explanations of these phenomena, we examine R&D expenditures of negative-book-value firms. Our results indicate that R&D, especially R&D accumulated over time, not only contributes to the increasing trend of negative-book-value incidences, but also p...
Forward and backward leaky wave radiation with large effective aperture from an electronically tunable textured surface

A resonant texture allows the impedance of a metal surface to be changed from an electric conductor to a magnetic conductor, or any boundary condition in between. Varactor diodes incorporated into the structure allow electronic control the reflection phase and the surface wave properties. This tunable textured surface is used as an electronically steerable leaky wave antenna, by coupling energy into a leaky wave band, and tuning the surface to change the radiation angle. With a simple optimization algorithm, the beam can be electronically scanned over a wide range in both the forward and backward directions. Because the surface geometry provides multiple degrees of freedom per half wavelength, it allows independent control of the magnitude and phase of the surface wave radiation, so the antenna can be programmed to have a large effective aperture over the entire scan range. Radiation in the backward direction can also be understood in terms of a backward band, which can be measured directly from the surface reflection properties.
Challenges in Linear Accelerator Radiotherapy for Chordomas and Chondrosarcomas of the Skull Base: Focus on Complications

Purpose: Intracranial chordomas and chondrosarcomas are histologically low-grade, locally invasive tumors that infiltrate the skull base. Currently, consensus therapy includes surgical resection and adjuvant radiotherapy. Radiation delivery is typically limited by the proximity of these tumors to critical skull base structures. Methods: This is a retrospective review of 13 cases of chordomas and 2 cases of chondroid chondrosarcomas of the skull based treated with linear accelerator stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT, n = 10) or stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS, n = 5). The average time to the most recent follow-up visit was 4.5 years. The tumor characteristics, treatment details, and outcomes were recorded. Each radiation plan was reviewed, and the dosage received by the brainstem, optic apparatus, and pituitary was calculated. Results: Of the 10 patients treated with SRT, 6 were found to have unchanged or decreased tumor size as determined from radiographic follow-up. Of the 5 patients treated with SRS, 3 were found to have stable or unchanged tumors at follow-up. The complications included 1 SRT patient who developed endocrinopathy, 2 patients (1 treated with SRS and the other with SRT), who developed cranial neuropathy, and 1 SRS patient who developed visual deficits. Additionally, 1 patient who received both SRS and SRTmore » within 2 years for recurrence experienced transient medial temporal lobe radiation changes that resolved. Conclusions: Where proton beam therapy is unavailable, linear accelerator-based SRT or radiosurgery remains a safe option for adjuvant therapy of chordomas and chondrosarcomas of the skull base. The exposure of the optic apparatus, pituitary stalk, and brainstem must be considered during planning to minimize complications. If the optic apparatus is included in the 80% isodose line, it might be best to fractionate therapy. Exposure of the pituitary stalk should be kept to <30 Gy to minimize endocrine dysfunction. Brainstem exposure should be limited to <60 Gy in fractions.« less
THE CHANGING MANAGEMENT OF URETEROVAGINAL FISTULAS

A retrospective review of 20 ureterovaginal fistulas in 19 patients treated within the last 20 years was done. All fistulas developed after gynecological procedures. The ureterovaginal fistulas resolved in all 7 patients in whom a self-retaining internal stent was placed in either a retrograde (5) or antegrade (2) manner for a minimum of 4 to 8 weeks. In contrast to the literature, it is concluded that modern endourological treatment will result in resolution of a ureterovaginal fistula if passage of a suitable internal stent is feasible. Every effort should be made to treat a ureterovaginal fistula endourologically rather than resort to an open operation. Keu WORDS: ureter, wounds and injuries, fistula, endoscopy Ureterovaginal fistulas are a serious sequela of unrecognized ureteral injuries. Obstetrical and gynecological operations are responsible for producing the majority of ureterovaginal fistulas and the risk of a fistula is noted to be greater following radiation therapy. 1-5 Open repair of ureterovaginal fistulas has been advocated because of the development of stenosis and stricture formation in a large percentage of these injured ureter^.^.^ Traditionally, most ureterovaginal fistulas have been repaired by ureteroneo~ystostomy.~ However, with the development of newer endourological techniques, there is an increasing likelihood that these complicated ureteral injuries may be treated with less invasive endourological methods. Recently, we successfully treated a number of patients with ureterovaginal fistulas via endourological procedures. We reviewed our experience to determine the merits of endourology in the management of ureterovaginal fistula. MATERIALS AND METHODS From 1972 to 1992 we treated 20 ureterovaginal fistulas in 19 women at our hospitals. The records and radiographic studies of these women were retrospectively reviewed to determine if there is a role for endourology in the management of ureterovaginal fistula. Newer, more aggressive endourological techniques were introduced in the early 1980s. RESULTS
Anatomical and physiological studies of bigheaded carps demonstrate that the epibranchial organ functions as a pharyngeal taste organ

The epibranchial organ (EO) is an enigmatic tubular organ found in the pharyngeal cavity of many filter-feeding fishes. We investigated whether it might function as a taste organ that mediates aggregation and ingestion of planktonic food within the buccal cavity. The EO and associated structures of bighead and silver carps, two successful and invasive planktivorous fishes, were examined using histological and electrophysiological techniques. Both species possess finely structured gill rakers that extend directly via a series of protrusions into each of the four blind canals which are organized as the muscular EO, suggesting that the gill rakers and EO probably function in an integrated manner. Both the interior and exterior surfaces of the EOs of both species are covered with high densities of taste buds and solitary chemosensory cells (SCCs) as well as mucous cells. Conversely, taste buds are scarce in both the buccal cavities and external portions of the head and mouth of both species. Electrophysiological recordings from a caudal branch of the vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) found to innervate the EO showed it to be sensitive to chemicals found in a planktonic diet. l-Amino acids accounted for some, but not all of the neural activity. We conclude that taste buds and SCCs located on the EO and gill rakers probably serve to chemically detect food particles, which the EO then aggregates by mucus secretion before eventually expelling them onto the floor of the pharynx for ingestion. This specialized, pharyngeal chemosensory structure may explain the feeding success of these, and perhaps other planktivorous, filter-feeding fishes.