cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Complications of intracranial pressure monitoring in children with head trauma

Object. Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring has become routine in the management of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Many surgeons prefer to use external ventricular drains (EVDs) over fiberoptic monitors to measure ICP because of the added benefit of cerebrospinal fluid drainage. The purpose of this study was to examine a consecutive series of children with TBI and compare the incidence of complications after placement of an EVD, a fiberoptic intraparencyhmal monitor, or both. Methods. A retrospective chart review was conducted to identify children with TBI who met the criteria for insertion of an ICP monitor. All patients underwent head CT scanning on admission and after placement of an ICP monitor. During a 5-year period 80 children met the criteria for inclusion in the study. Eighteen children (22.5%) underwent EVD placement only, 18 (22.5%) underwent placement of a fiberoptic device only, and 44 (55%) received both. A total of 62 fiberoptic devices (48%) were inserted, and 68 EVDs (52%) were placed. Overall, there was a fourfold increased risk of complications in children who received an EVD compared with those in whom a fiberoptic monitor was placed (p = 0.004). Hemorrhagic complications were detected in 12 (17.6%) of 62 patients who received an EVD compared with four (6.5%) of 62 patients who received a fiberoptic monitor (p = 0.025). Six (8.8%) of 68 EVDs were malpositioned and required replacement; in three (50%) of these cases a hemorrhagic complication occurred. Only one infection was noted in a patient with an EVD (1.5%). Conclusions. In this retrospective cohort of pediatric patients with TBI, complication rates were significantly higher in those receiving EVDs than in those in whom fiberoptic monitors were placed. Although the majority of these complications did not entail clinical sequelae, surgeons should be aware of the different complication rates when choosing the most appropriate device for each patient.
Learning and memory is preserved after induced asanguineous hyperkalemic hypothermic arrest in a swine model of traumatic exsanguination

Background. Induced asanguineous hypothermic metabolic arrest (suspended animation) could provide valuable time to repair major vascular injuries if safely induced in patients with trauma. We report a novel method of doing this in a swine model of uncontrolled lethal hemorrhage (ULH) that resulted in preservation of learning ability and memory. Methods. Yorkshire swine (100 to 125 lb) underwent ULH before rapid intra-aortic infusion of a hypothermic (4°C), hyperkalemic (70 mEq/L) organ preservation solution by a left thoracotomy. Cooling continued until core temperature reached 10°C, and this was maintained for 60 minutes using low-flow cardiopulmonary bypass. Vascular injuries were repaired during this state of suspended animation, which was then reversed, and the animals were observed for 6 weeks. Cognitive functions were tested by training animals to retrieve food from color-coded boxes. Postoperatively, the ability to remember this task and a 75-point objective neurologic scale were used to test neurologic function. In experiment I, ULH was caused by lacerating thoracic aorta (n = 9). Five preoperatively untrained animals were trained to perform the task and compared with control animals (n = 15), and 4 preoperatively trained animals were tested for memory retention postoperatively. In experiment II, ULH was induced by creating an iliac artery and vein injury (n = 15). Animals were kept in shock for 15, 30, and 60 minutes before the induction of hypothermia. Results. In experiment I, surviving animals (7/9) were neurologically intact, and their capacity to learn new skills was no different than for control animals. All pretrained animals demonstrated complete memory retention. In experiment II, survival with 15, 30, and 60 minutes of shock were 80%, 60%, and 80%, respectively. All animals (except 1) in the 60-minute group were neurologically intact and displayed normal learning capacity. Conclusions. Induction of hypothermic metabolic arrest (by thoracotomy) for repair of complex traumatic injuries is feasible with preservation of normal neurologic function, even after extended periods of shock from an intra-abdominal source of uncontrolled hemorrhage. (Surgery 2002;132:278-88.)
The effect of oxygen on the matrix chemistry of diphenylcarbene

Obtention de benzophenone. Mecanisme faisant intervenir l'ylure carbonyle oxyde. Obtention d'ethers et d'alcools dont la structure depend de l'alcool utilise pour la reaction
Diagnostic bias in community mental health

Mental health professionals and nonprofessionals observed an interview with a healthy man after hearing a renowned mental health professional, acting as a confederate, characterize him as psychotic. Both professional and nonprofessional subjects then tended to diagnose the healthy man as mentally ill, even though his behavior was healthy by multiple criteria. The biasing effect of prestige suggestion upon diagnosis is discussed in terms of the efficacy of psychiatric diagnosis to community mental health.
The effects of phase on high-resolution frequency estimators

Several different ways in which the initial phase differences between two closely spaced sinusoids manifests itself, e.g., in the singular values of the data matrix, the angles between signal vectors, and the Cramer-Rao bound, are described. A closed-form expression for the singular values of the data matrices used in subspace-based algorithms and an expression for the angle between the signal components are presented. Based on these expressions, conjectures are made regarding the effect of the relative phase difference between signal components on the resolving ability of subspace-based techniques. The behavior of the Cramer-Rao bound for the two-complex-sinusoid case is examined as a function of phase difference. Predictions are made as to the effect of this behavior on expected algorithm performance as a function of the phase difference. Empirical results that validate the prediction are provided. >
Synthesis and Properties of Zeolites from Coal Fly Ash

Previous attempts to use fly ash as a soil amendment have had limited success because of its low nutrient value, low cation exchange capacity (CEC), and elevated levels of toxic trace elements. However, treating fly ash with NaOH or KOH at an elevated temperature converts the ash into zeolite minerals and solubilizes the toxic trace elements, which are removed in the base solution. The CEC of the untreated fly ash was <100 mmolC kg-1 but increased to over 3000 mmolC kg-1 when heated for 3 days at 100 °C in 3 M NaOH. The dominant zeolites formed at 100 °C in NaOH were zeolite Na-Pl and zeolite P-C, and at temperatures of 150−250 °C, the mineralogy changed to zeolite X and pectolite. In KOH at 100 °C, zeolite K-G (potassium chabazite) was formed. The fly ash zeolites had a high affinity for K+, Ca2+, and NH4+, although attempts to use the treated ash to remove NH4+ and heavy metals from wastewater and electroplating wastes were only partially successful. Potential uses of the treated ash were limited due to...
Effects of radiation-induced segregation and preferential sputtering on the sputtering rate of alloys

Changes in the surface composition and in the sputtering rate of binary alloys were calculated using a kinetic model that includes the effects of radiation-induced segregation and preferential sputtering. Numerical solutions were obtained for two dilute Ni-based model alloys, Ni--Cu and Ni--Mo, under 5-keV Ar/sup +/ ion bombardment as functions of sputtering time, temperature, and initial alloy composition. In the temperature range 200 to 850/sup 0/C, the sputtering rate is initially affected by strong radiation-induced segregation. As the bombardment time increases, preferential sputtering becomes dominant; the surface composition and hence, the sputtering rate, approach the steady-state values determined entirely by the sputtering coefficients of the alloy components. Below 200 and above 850/sup 0/C, the sputtering rate is controlled by preferential sputtering only because radiation-induced segregation is insignificant in these temperature regimes.
Campus religious life in America: Revitalization and renewal

What role does organized religion play in the life of the American campus? Among both scholarly and popular observers, the university has long been regarded as secular territory. Contrary to the .cphsecularization thesis, the history of campus religion is not a declension narrative. This essay provides an overview of the student religious landscape in America, focusing most of its attention on schools that are not affiliated with a religious tradition. It identifies six signs of religious vitality on campus: 1) the expansion of evangelicalism; 2) the revitalization of Catholic student organizations; 3) the reinvention of campus Judaism; 4) the growth of new immigrant and alternative religions; 5) the beginnings of renewal in mainline Protestant campus ministries; 6) the embrace of spirituality by student affairs professionals. Noting several recent studies on education and religiosity, it concludes that college is not especially damaging to religious commitment.
Bacteria--plant cell surface interactions: active immobilization of saprophytic bacteria in plant leaves.

Fibrillar structures, originating from the plant cell wall in the intercellular spaces of leaves of ;Red Kidney' bean, Phaseolus vulgaris L., engulfed a saprophytic bacterium, Pseudomonas putida, after its initial attachment to the host walls. Phytopathogenic bacteria, Pseudomonas phaseolicola and Pseudomonas tomato, did not adhere to the plant cell wall nor were they encapsulated. Bean lectins may be involved in the attachment and encapsulation processes.
Design, planning, scheduling, and control problems of flexible manufacturing systems

The design and use of flexible manufacturing systems (FMSs) involve some intricate operations research problems.FMS design problems include, for example, determining the appropriate number of machine tools of each type, the capacity of the material handling system, and the size of buffers.FMS planning problems include the determination of which parts should be simultaneously machined, the optimal partition of machine tools into groups, allocations of pallets and fixtures to part types, and the assignment of operations and associated cutting tools among the limited-capacity tool magazines of the machine tools.FMS scheduling problems include determining the optimal input sequence of parts and an optimal sequence at each machine tool given the current part mix.FMS control problems are those concerned with, for example, monitoring the system to be sure that requirements and due dates are being met and that unreliability problems are taken care of. This paper defines and describes these FMS problems in detail for OR/MS researchers to work on.
Consumption of sweet foods and breast cancer risk: a case-control study of women on Long Island, New York.

Several epidemiologic studies have reported a positive association between breast cancer risk and high intake of sweets, which may be due to an insulin-related mechanism. We investigated this association in a population-based case–control study of 1,434 cases and 1,440 controls from Long Island, NY. Shortly after diagnosis, subjects were interviewed in-person to assess potential breast cancer risk factors, and self-completed a modified Block food frequency questionnaire, which included 11 items pertaining to consumption of sweets (sweet beverages, added sugars, and various desserts) in the previous year. Using unconditional logistic regression models, we estimated the association between consumption of sweets and breast cancer. Consumption of a food grouping that included dessert foods, sweet beverages, and added sugars was positively associated with breast cancer risk [adjusted odds ratio (OR) comparing the highest to the lowest quartile: 1.27, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.00–1.61]. The OR was slightly higher when only dessert foods were considered (OR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.23–1.96). The association with desserts was stronger among pre-menopausal women (OR: 2.00, 95% CI: 1.32–3.04) than post-menopausal women (OR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.07–1.83), although the interaction with menopause was not statistically significant. Our study indicates that frequent consumption of sweets, particularly desserts, may be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. These results are consistent with other studies that implicate insulin-related factors in breast carcinogenesis.
The Temperature Dependence of Band Maxima Molar Absorptivities of the Carbon-Bromine Stretching Modes in n-Butyl Bromide in the Liquid Phase

In the determination of energy differences of conformers in the fluid states by infrared spectroscopy it is nearly always assumed that the ratio of the molar absorptivities at the band maxima of two separate absorption bands is independent of temperature. This assumption has been tested by fitting the data obtained from n-butyl bromide to a mathematical model which can be iterated to convergence on a value of the energy difference between the trans and gauche isomers. The data utilized are the C-Br stretching modes of the two conformers at about 655 and 567 cm−1, respectively. It is shown that the assumption of temperature independence of the ratios of the molar absorptivities at the peak maxima is a good one, although both values are individually temperature dependent.
Calcium transport by bovine skeletal-muscle mitochondria and its relationship to post-mortem muscle

Abstract A study was made of factors thought to affect calcium retention by highly purified skeletal-muscle mitochondria. Substrate-supported (oxygen-dependent) and ATP-supported Ca 2+ uptake were both examined. The effects of high concentrations of inorganic phosphate, inhibition of adenine nucleotide translocation and other influences on ATPase activity were also investigated. Results indicate that calcium is not released during anoxia if ATP is available to the mitochondrial ATPase. The data are discussed in relation to mitochondrial calcium transport in general, and its significance in post-mortem muscle.
Contact angles in controlled atmospheres: Some theoretical considerations

Abstract Contact angle measurements in controlled atmospheres must take into account the effect of residual gas molecules in the less-than-perfect vacuum that is encountered experimentally and of the gas molecules formed by vaporization of the liquid component. The possibility of measuring the contact angle of a non-vaporizing liquid has been considered. In an experiment with a low-melting lead bismuth alloy on glass, the contact angle at 142°C was 136°. Calculations based on the Fowkes theory of dispersion forces indicate that the contact angle should not exceed 141°. In contrast to the reasonable agreement with the Fowkes theory, the observed angle is lower than would be expected from the Yarnold-Mason theory as it would apply to a competition between residual gas molecules and metal atoms for the solid surface and the effect of this competition on the contact angle. Finally, the theory of works of adhesion and cohesion is applied to the known variability of the hydrophilicity of graphite surfaces. The known reactivity of adsorbed water with graphite makes it impossible to apply an exact theory, but a limiting value of 53 % hydrophilic surface is indicated for graphite at room temperature. Limits of contact angles of 0° are indicated by the physical meaning of contact angle. If one considers surface energies only, the limits must be placed at 0° (and γ lv cos θ = γ LV ) and 180°. However, considerations based on dispersion forces indicate that γ LV cos θ > γ LV should be observable experimentally and contact angles approaching 180° should be impossible of physical existence at equilibrium.
Magnetotransport properties of polycrystalline and epitaxial chromium dioxide nanowires

Temperature dependent magnetotransport measurements were performed on polycrystalline and epitaxial chromium dioxide (CrO2) nanowires fabricated using the selective-area growth technique. Polycrystalline nanowires showed a negative temperature coefficient of resistivity at low temperatures because of strong grain boundary scattering. The magnetoresistance (MR) value exhibited a width dependence, reaching a maximum of 20% for a 150nm wide wire. In contrast, the MR response of single crystal CrO2 wires was mainly determined by magnetocrystalline and shape anisotropy.
Activity-dependent plasticity in the visual systems of frogs and fish

The retinotectal system of lower vertebrates has provided considerable insight into the cellular mechanisms underlying the development and maintenance of orderly visual projections to the brain. This review will briefly summarize some of the data on the activity-dependent components of these mechanisms and incorporate the data into a model for selective synapse stabilization of coactive synapses. The model, based on the Hebbian synapse, is similar to models of long-term potentiation (LTP) of synaptic transmission, which are thought to account for the increased synaptic efficacy observed after associative conditioning paradigms. However, more recent data from two studies, one using confocal microscope analysis of migrating retinal arbors in vivo and the other investigating the requirement for protein kinase activity in map formation, point to a possible divergence in the cellular events underlying synapse stabilization in the developing visual system of the frog and LTP in the mammalian hippocampus.
The urinary excretion of interstitial-cell and follicle-stimulating hormone activity by women with diseases of the reproductive system.

Changes in the day-to-day excretion of ICSH have been determined qualitatively over periods of six to 122 days in 11 young women with diseases of the reproductive tract by means of a technique which depends upon the repair of ventral prostatic atrophy in the hypophyscctomized immature male rat. Changes in the excretion of FSH were estimated from concomitant changes in testicular weight. The quantitative relations between the day-to-day variations in rat ventral prostate and testis weight were examined by computing regression equations expressing the logarithmic change in prostatic weight per unit of change in testicular weight. It was found that: 1) Recognizable differences existed between these patients and normally menstruating women with respect to the excretion levels of both ICSH and FSH activity. 2) Erratic fluctuations were characteristic of the individual patterns of ICSH and FSH excretion in all of the subjects. Only in the 2 patients with the Stein-Leventhal syndrome who ovulated during postoper...
What patients want: relevant health information technology for diabetes self-management

Health information technology has great potential to promote efficiency in patient care and increase patient-provider communication, and patient engagement in their treatment. This paper explored qualitatively what patients with type 2 diabetes want from electronic resources that are designed to support their diabetes self-management. Data were collected via interviews and focus groups from managed care patients who had completed participation in either a web-based (MyPath) or in-person group-based (iViva Bien!) longitudinal diabetes self-management study. Content analysis identified common themes that highlighted participant interest in virtual and electronic programs to support diabetes self-management goals, and their desired content and features. Eighteen iViva Bien! participants completed telephone interviews and 30 MyPath participants attended seven focus groups in 2010-2011. All participants expressed a preference for face-to-face contact; however, most participants were also interested in using technology as a tool to support daily diabetes self-management decisions and to receive tailored information. Choice of technology, personalized instruction on how to use program features, and the ability to exchange information with their healthcare team were desired by all participants. Participants were divided on whether virtual social support networks should be closed to friends and family, should include other program members (peers), or should be open to anyone with diabetes. Participants aged 65 and older stressed the desire for technical support. What patients wanted from technology is real-time assistance with daily behavioral decision-making, ability to share information with their healthcare team, connections with others for support, and choice.
Modeling Coupled Chemical and Isotopic Equilibration Rates

Abstract We present a model for coupled chemical and isotopic equilibration rates based on Transition State Theory (TST) type rate laws and apply it to Ca isotope kinetic fractionation in natural systems. The model, in contrast to the steady state model proposed by DePaolo (2011), explicitly considers isotopic equilibration in the absence of bulk chemical disequilibrium by making use of a solid-solution model for the precipitating (and potentially) dissolving mineral phase. The model is applied to the subsequent isotopic equilibration of the isotopically light bulk or surface layer on calcite formed as a result of kinetic Ca fractionation associated with precipitation. The model is then applied to Ca isotopic re-equilibration at marine Site 984 in the mid-Atlantic using the Ca isotope data of Turchyn and DePaolo (2011) based on a modification of the reactive transport model presented in Maher et al. (2006). The simulations with the new model CrunchTope demonstrate that it is impossible to match the observed Ca isotope profiles at Site 984 using the same rate constants as were used to describe calcite precipitation. To match the isotopic data requires re-equilibration rate constants that are about 4 orders of magnitude smaller than those for bulk precipitation using a linear TST rate law.
Linguist, Informant and Units

Author's summary.— This article describes the experiences of the author, a linguist, in teaching Hungarian and Finnish in the AST program of Indiana University, using both native speakers and the Basic Course.
Primary amenorrhea-oligomenorrhea due to prolactinomas in adolescent and adult girls

Abstract Prolactinomas were diagnosed in four patients with primary amenorrhea and five patients with primary oligomenorrhea. The patients were 18–27 years old with a mean of 22 years. All patients had normal pubarche and thelarche with galactorrhea in only one patient. Serum prolactin levels were higher in patients with primary amenorrhea than those with primary oligomenorrhea (146–1770 ng/mL, 41.4–317 ng/mL, respectively). Baseline serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), human growth hormone (HGH), and cortisol were normal. Four patients showed deficient HGH and cortisol response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia, and three patients showed normal response. All patients showed normal TSH response to TRH stimulation. The response of LH and FSH was normal in four of five patients. All patients showed deficient prolactin response to TRH stimulation. The use of bromocriptine was effective in normalizing serum prolactin levels in six patients. Two patients failed to respond to bromocriptine, suggesting some degree of unresponsiveness of these tumors associated with primary amenorrhea.
Sri Lanka in 2004: Enduring Political Decay and a Failing Peace Process

With a newly formed leftist alliance headed by President Kumaratunga seizing power, and with the separatist Tamil rebels factionalized, Sri Lanka9s peace talks remained suspended. And with the president seeking to change the Constitution to extend her tenure as head of state and the opposition vowing to topple her government, the island appears poised to experience even more instability and chaos.
Quinine Hypersensitivity Simulating Sepsis

Little is known about the onset and presymptomatic phase of Graves’ disease. Although it may be characterized by vague symptoms of insidious onset, this case demonstrates that the onset can actually be abrupt. Furthermore, an asymptomatic preclinical phase—which in our patient was associated with tachycardia and increased calorie requirements— can last for more than a month. This case illustrates that the onset of Graves’ disease can be abrupt and have a lengthy presymptomatic phase that may delay diagnosis.
Quantitative, comprehensive, analytical model for magnetic reconnection in Hall magnetohydrodynamics.

Dissipation-independent, or ``fast'', magnetic reconnection has been observed computationally in Hall magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) and predicted analytically in electron MHD. However, a quantitative analytical theory of reconnection valid for arbitrary ion inertial lengths, ${d}_{i}$, has been lacking and is proposed here for the first time. The theory describes a two-dimensional reconnection diffusion region, provides expressions for reconnection rates, and derives a formal criterion for fast reconnection in terms of dissipation parameters and ${d}_{i}$. It also confirms the electron MHD prediction that both open and elongated diffusion regions allow fast reconnection, and reveals strong dependence of the reconnection rates on ${d}_{i}$.
Utilization of College Students to Improve Inner-City School Children's Academic Behavior.

Abstract A program using college students as tutor/counselors with low-achieving, inner-city, junior high school students is described and evaluated. The college students, who were primarily ethnic minorities, played a multifaceted role as tutors, counselors, and role models of academic achievement. The evaluation assessed program effects across groups (program versus control), two schools and two program administrations, using analysis of covariance. Results supported positive program impact in the students using teacher ratings of classwork effort, quality, and attitude, and in the students' self-reported attitudes toward education, educational aspirations, and expectations.
New printing demand meter

THE NEW PRINTING DEMAND METER illustrated in Fig. 1 was designed to provide the needed long life meter which could more accurately measure and permanently record electrical demand information. Accuracy compatible to that of the watt-hour meter, which acts as the primary sensing device and impulse generator for the printing demand meter, is a design feature of the new printing demand meter.
PlaceMaker Method: Planning "Walkability" by Mapping Place Identity

Technological development, globalization and the changes in interpersonal and intergenerational relations, and their attendant needs, have transformed the places making up a territory. New types of places have arisen while the use of existing spaces has been modified. The sustainability of a place depends on a series of factors which contribute to the quality of life, sense of place and recognition of identity. An activity such as walking, which in itself is obviously ‘sustainable’, can become non-sustainable if the context in which it is carried out does not meet the conditions for an adequate quality of life. This work proposes the analytical method of PlaceMaker and the relative complex map to identify and represent the urban elements in contemporary cities and support sustainable urban identity design. The method's potential for areas with a predominantly pedestrian vocation is illustrated by means of a case study: the Ramblas in Barcelona.
Detection of MgNC in CRL 618: Tracing metal chemistry with asymptotic giant branch evolution

The MgNC radical has been detected toward the circumstellar shell of CRL 618, the first metal-bearing molecule (in the chemist's sense) observed in this proto-planetary nebula. Five rotational transitions of this 2Σ species were measured using the Arizona Radio Observatory (ARO) 12 m and IRAM 30 m telescopes, several which clearly display the characteristic spin-rotation structure. Searches for NaCN, NaCl, AlF, and AlCl in CRL 618, in contrast, proved negative. The line profiles of MgNC in this source, measured at the 30 m, were somewhat U-shaped and showed no evidence of high-velocity wings, indicating that this radical arises from the remnant asymptotic giant branch (AGB) wind. The column density of MgNC in CRL 618 is Ntot = 2.4 × 1012 cm-2, corresponding to a fractional abundance, relative to H2, of f ~ 5.3 × 10-9. The upper limits for the sodium and aluminum species are typically f < 10-9 to 10-8. The MgNC abundance in CRL 618 is comparable to those measured in CRL 2688 and IRC +10216; the upper limits for the sodium and aluminum compounds are at least a factor of 10 lower in CRL 618 relative to abundances in IRC +10216, but similar to those in CRL 2688. These data suggest that metal-bearing molecules produced by LTE chemistry (NaCl, AlCl, AlF) are destroyed by the events associated with the second stage of AGB mass loss, while radicals such as MgNC survive in the outer envelope for a significant time in the proto-planetary nebula phase.
(Perceived) interactivity: does interactivity increase enjoyment and creative identity in artistic spaces?

The HCI community often operates under the assumption that interactivity enhances the user experience. In this study we are particularly interested in whether interactivity enhances an artistic experience by either promoting or constraining an audience's enjoyment and creative identity. The goal of the study was to test two research questions in an experimental context: 1.) How does interactive art impact user satisfaction, and 2.) How does interactive art shape the self-concept of the user as creative? Participants interacted with the system in the Interaction"(34 pairs) or"No Interaction (37 pairs) condition. Findings reveal that perceptions of interactivity correlate with user satisfaction, but do not influence user identity.
Limit theorems for correlated Bernoulli random variables

In this paper we study limit theorems for a class of correlated Bernoulli processes. We obtain the strong law of large numbers, central limit theorem and the law of the iterated logarithm for the partial sums of the Bernoulli random variables.
Response rates for providing a blood specimen for HIV testing in a population-based survey of young adults in Zimbabwe

To determine differences among persons who provided blood specimens for HIV testing compared with those who did not among those interviewed for the population-based Zimbabwe Young Adult Survey (YAS). Chi-square analysis of weighted data to compare demographic and behavioral data of persons interviewed who provided specimens for anonymous testing with those who did not. Prevalence estimation to determine the impact if persons not providing specimens had higher prevalence rates than those who did. Comparing those who provided specimens with those who did not, there was no significant difference by age, residence, education, marital status, perceived risk, sexual experience or number of sex partners for women. A significant difference by sexual experience was found for men. Prevalence estimates did not change substantially when prevalence was assumed to be two times higher for persons not providing specimens. When comparing persons who provided specimens for HIV testing with those who did not, few significant differences were found. If those who did not provide specimens had prevalence rates twice that of those who did, overall prevalence would not be substantially affected. Refusal to provide blood specimens does not appear to have contributed to an underestimation of HIV prevalence.
Health Care-Associated Infections in Surgical Patients Undergoing Elective Surgery: Are Alcohol Use Disorders a Risk Factor?

Background Health care-associated infections (HAI) result in 100,000 deaths/year. Alcohol use disorders (AUD) increase the risk of community-acquired infections and HAI. Small studies have shown that AUD increase the risk of HAI and surgical site infections (SSI). We sought to determine the risk of HAI and SSI in surgical patients undergoing elective inpatient joint replacement, coronary artery bypass grafting, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, colectomy, and hernia repair. Study Design The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was analyzed (years 2007 and 2008). HAI were defined as health care-associated pneumonia, sepsis, SSI, and urinary tract infection. Primary outcomes were risk of HAI and SSI in patients with AUD. Secondary outcomes were mortality and hospital length of stay in patients with HAI and SSI, alpha=10 −6 . Results There were 1,275,034 inpatient admissions analyzed; 38,335 (3.0%) cases of HAI were documented, and 5,756 (0.5%) cases of SSI were identified. AUD was diagnosed in 11,640 (0.9%) of cases. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that AUD was an independent predictor of developing HAI: odds ratio (OR) 1.70, p −6 , and this risk was independent of type of surgery. By multivariable analysis, the risk of SSI in patients with AUD was also higher: OR 2.73, p −6 . Hospital mortality in patients with HAI or SSI was not affected by AUD. However, hospital length of stay was longer in patients with HAI who had AUD (multivariable analysis 2.4 days longer, p −6 ). Among patients with SSI, those with AUD did not have longer hospital length of stay. Conclusions Patients with AUD who undergo a variety of elective operations have an increased risk of infectious postoperative morbidity.
Control of bacterial alkaline phosphatase synthesis and variation in an Escherichia coli K-12 phoR mutant by adenyl cyclase, the cyclic AMP receptor protein, and the phoM operon.

Mutant phoR cells show a clonal variation phenotype with respect to bacterial alkaline phosphatase (BAP) synthesis. BAP clonal variation is characterized by an alternation between a Bap+ and Bap- phenotype. The switching is regulated by the phoM operon and the presence of glucose; the pho-510 mutant form of the phoM operon abolishes both BAP clonal variation and the effect of glucose (B.L. Wanner, J. Bacteriol. 169:900-903, 1987). In this paper we show that a mutation of the adenyl cyclase (cya) and the cyclic AMP receptor protein (crp) gene also abolish BAP clonal variation; either simultaneously reduces the amount of BAP made in phoR mutants. Also, the pho-510 mutation is epistatic; it increases BAP synthesis in delta cya phoR and delta crp phoR mutants. These data are consistent with the wild-type phoM operon having a negative, as well as a positive, regulatory role in gene expression. Furthermore, the data suggest that adenyl cyclase and Crp indirectly regulate BAP synthesis in a phoR mutant via an interaction with the phoM operon or its gene products. However, phoM operon expression was unaffected when tested with phoM operon lacZ transcriptional fusions. In addition, the switching Bap phenotype was not associated with an alternation in phoM operon expression.
High Stakes Trigger the Use of Multiple Memories to Enhance the Control of Attention

We can more precisely tune attention to highly rewarding objects than other objects in our environment, but how our brains do this is unknown. After a few trials of searching for the same object, subjects' electrical brain activity indicated that they handed off the memory representations used to control attention from working memory to long-term memory. However, when a large reward was possible, the neural signature of working memory returned as subjects recruited working memory to supplement the cognitive control afforded by the representations accumulated in long-term memory. The amplitude of this neural signature of working memory predicted the magnitude of the subsequent behavioral reward-based attention effects across tasks and individuals, showing the ubiquity of this cognitive reaction to high-stakes situations.
Adrenal Schwannoma: A Rare Type of Adrenal Incidentaloma

Adrenal schwannoma is a rare type of adrenal incidentaloma, an adrenal lesion found incidentally, usually on imaging or autopsy. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are tools used to evaluate adrenal lesions. The diagnosis of adrenal schwannoma, however, cannot be made on imaging alone. Surgical resection is the primary means of management of adrenal schwannomas, as it is not possible to distinguish the schwannoma from malignant entities simply based on imaging. Histopathologic features of adrenal schwannomas are similar to those of schwannomas found at other sites. Conventional schwannomas, consisting of alternating Antoni A and Antoni B areas as well as Verocay bodies, have distinct microscopic features and can be readily distinguished from other entities. Cellular schwannomas, on the other hand, consist only of intersecting fascicles of spindle cells or Antoni A areas, resulting in a wide differential diagnosis. Ancillary studies such as immunohistochemical analysis and electron microsco...
Biologically inspired statistical matched filter receiver

How could human vision system differentiate a small misalignment of two short lines up to 1/10-th of photoreceptor size (better than the Nyquist rate) when the retina is moving constantly? Over the last twenty years, detection theory has played essential role in explaining this hyper-acuity phenomenon. These principles may be useful for us to develop new communication systems. In this paper, we investigate the optimal detection theory for a retinal-like device. We model the fixational eye movement and point spread as a two-dimensional first-order Markov process. Due to the movement and point spread, a single dot stimulus will produce a center-surround opponent reception field at the output of photoreceptor. We develop an optimal statistic matched filter receiver to detect the presence of the moving dot. We show that the movement and spread are essential to the eye hyper-acuity function. Our detector can differentiate a small mismatch (just 10% of the size of photoreceptor) between two short lines. The mean values of output from photoreceptor do not contribute to the optimal receiver. However, without the mean values, the ON-center and work OFF-center pathways are essential to differentiate a black object in a white background from a white object in a black background.
Female Board Presence and the Likelihood of Financial Restatement

SYNOPSIS: This paper investigates the impact of one form of board diversity on the incidence of financial restatement. More specifically, we hypothesize that there is a negative relation between female board presence (defined as whether or not a board has at least one female director) and the likelihood of a financial restatement. Our hypothesis is consistent with a female board presence contributing to the board's ability to maintain an attitude of mental independence, diminishing the extent of groupthink and enhancing the ability of the board to monitor financial reporting. Utilizing the U.S. General Accounting Office (U.S. GAO 2002) report on restatements, we construct a matched-pair sample of 278 annual (187 quarterly) restatement and 278 annual (187 quarterly) control firms. After controlling for other restatement-related factors, we find a significant association between the presence of at least one woman on the board and a lower likelihood of restatement. Our results continue to hold in annual rest...
Domestic Discontent and the External Use of Force

Although the diversionary theory of international conflict is intuitively plausible and is supported by much anecdotal evidence, quantitative tests generally have failed to establish a systemic lin...
Magnetoelastic wireless sensing of tissue growth for self-expanding biliary stents

Tissue growth in biliary stents causes a loss of patency after only 2-12 months in 50% of cases, leading to complications such as jaundice or cholangitis. We report micro-machined resonant magnetoelastic sensors for monitoring tissue growth on biliary stents and an appropriate transmit/receive coil configuration for these sensors. An 8 mm diameter stainless steel mesh that was used as a self-expanding stent had a 33% recovery expansion in the absence of loading. Paraffin mass loads up to 251 mg simulated tissue growth on 37.5x2 mm2, 28 mum thick sensors. A resonant frequency shift from 57.85 kHz to 22.35 kHz was observed. Varying the local viscosity over the range of healthy and diseased bile gave a shift of 1 kHz. The sensor response without mounting in the stent was negligibly different.
A BiCMOS implementation of MOSIS fabricated circuit elements

Attempts to address the issue of layout and characterization of bipolar transistors and base diffused resistors fabricated in a MOSIS 2- mu m, n-well, low-noise CMOS analog process. The results obtained from a test chip were used to implement a BiCMOS driver with the capability of driving a large capacitance at high speed. The effectiveness of this design is proven by a circuit simulator as well as evaluations on prototypes fabricated. >
Regulation of progesterone receptor gene expression and growth in the rat uterus: modulation of estrogen actions by progesterone and sex steroid hormone antagonists.

Although the rat uterus has often been used as a model to study estrogen action, relatively little is known of the mechanism(s) by which estrogen regulates uterine progesterone receptor (PR) levels in this species. In the present study, we used immature ovariectomized rats to examine the regulation of PR gene expression and growth in the uterus by estradiol (E2) as well as hormonal modulators of E2 action, namely progesterone (P), the antiestrogen LY117018 (LY), and the antiprogestin RU486. Northern blot analyses revealed eight PR mRNA species ranging in size from 3.3-14 kilobases, with the most abundant being 7.1 kilobases. E2 treatment caused rapid time- and dose-dependent increases in the steady state levels of PR mRNA, which peaked at 24 h (6-fold increase) and declined thereafter. All eight PR mRNA transcripts increased proportionally in response to E2. Immunoblot analyses indicated that these changes were accompanied by increases in PR protein (6-fold increase by 48 h), which continued to accumulate...
A targeted apoB38.9 mutation in mice is associated with reduced hepatic cholesterol synthesis and enhanced lipid peroxidation

Familial hypobetalipoproteinemia (FHBL) due to truncation-specifying mutations of apolipoprotein B (apoB), which impair hepatic lipid export in very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) particles, is ass...
Ultrastructural Localization of Glycolytic Enzymes on Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Vesicles

SUMMARY We have previously obtained indirect evidence that sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) vesicles from cardiac and skeletal muscle contain the complete chain of glycolytic enzymes from aldolase to pyruvate kinase. To investigate directly whether pyruvate kinase and other glycolytic enzymes are anatomically associated with the SR, electron microscopic immunogold labeling studies were carried out in isolated SR vesicles using specific primary antibodies against selected glycolytic enzymes and Ca 2 1 -ATPase, and appropriate secondary antibodies labeled with 6-nm or 12-nm gold particles. Pyruvate kinase was broadly dispersed on the cytoplasmic side of the SR membrane of both cardiac and skeletal muscle vesicles. With 6-nm gold particles, the density of binding to pyruvate kinase was 2522 6 445 and 4171 6 1379 particles/ m m 2 for cardiac and skeletal muscle SR, respectively. Binding densities to Ca 2 1 -ATPase were similar (2550 6 639 particles/ m m 2 for cardiac SR, 3877 6 408 particles/ m m 2 for skeletal muscle SR). Immunogold labeling of ultrathin sections indicated that pyruvate kinase was attached to the SR membrane and located immediately adjacent to the Ca 2 1 -ATPase. Aldolase and glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase were also found to be attached to the cytoplasmic side of SR vesicles and located in close proximity to Ca 2 1 -ATPase. These results provide the first ultrastructural evidence that glycolytic enzymes are anatomically associated with SR membranes and located near the SR Ca 2 1 -ATPase. The results further support the hypothesis that ATP generated by SR-associated glycolytic enzymes is coupled to SR Ca 2 1 active transport. (J Histochem Cytochem 46:419‐427, 1998)
Regulatory Role of mir-203 in Prostate Cancer Progression and Metastasis

Purpose: Advanced metastatic prostate cancer (PCa) is a fatal disease, with only palliative therapeutic options. Though almost 80% of cases of metastatic PCa present bone metastasis, our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms that govern this metastatic dissemination remains fragmentary. The main objective of the present study was to identify microRNA (miRNA) genes that regulate metastatic PCa. Experimental Design: miRNA expression profiling was done in human prostate cell lines to identify dysregulated miRNA components of advanced PCa. miR-203 expression was assessed in prostate carcinoma cell lines and clinical specimens by real-time PCR and in situ hybridization. To assess the biological significance of miR-203, miR-203 was reexpressed in bone metastatic PCa cell lines followed by i n vitro and in vivo functional assays. Results: miR-203 expression is specifically attenuated in bone metastatic PCa suggesting a fundamental antimetastatic role for this miRNA. Reintroduction of miR-203 in bone metastatic PCa cell lines suppresses metastasis via inhibition of several critical steps of the metastatic cascade including epithelial-mesenchymal transition, invasion, and motility. Ectopic miR-203 significantly attenuated the development of metastasis in a bone metastatic model of PCa. Importantly, miR-203 regulates a cohort of pro-metastatic genes including ZEB2, Bmi, survivin, and bone-specific effectors including Runx2, a master regulator of bone metastasis. Conclusions: miR-203 is an “antimetastatic” miRNA in PCa that acts at multiple steps of the PCa metastatic cascade via repression of a cohort of prometastatic targets. miR-203 may be an attractive target for therapeutic intervention in advanced PCa. Clin Cancer Res; 17(16); 5287–98. ©2011 AACR .
Fast Quaternion Attitude Estimation from Two Vector Measurements

Many spacecraft attitude determination methods use exactly two vector measurements. The two vectors are typically the unit vector to the Sun and the Earth's magnetic field vector for coarse "sun-mag" attitude determination or unit vectors to two stars tracked by two star trackers for fine attitude determination. Existing closed-form attitude estimates based on Wahba's optimality criterion for two arbitrarily weighted observations are somewhat slow to evaluate. This paper presents two new fast quaternion attitude estimation algorithms using two vector observations, one optimal and one suboptimal. The suboptimal method gives the same estimate as the TRIAD algorithm, at reduced computational cost. Simulations show that the TRIAD estimate is almost as accurate as the optimal estimate in representative test scenarios.
Robust Reinforcement Learning Control Using Integral Quadratic Constraints for Recurrent Neural Networks

The applicability of machine learning techniques for feedback control systems is limited by a lack of stability guarantees. Robust control theory offers a framework for analyzing the stability of feedback control loops, but for the integral quadratic constraint (IQC) framework used here, all components are required to be represented as linear, time-invariant systems plus uncertainties with, for IQCs used here, bounded gain. In this paper, the stability of a control loop including a recurrent neural network (NN) is analyzed by replacing the nonlinear and time-varying components of the NN with IQCs on their gain. As a result, a range of the NN's weights is found within which stability is guaranteed. An algorithm is demonstrated for training the recurrent NN using reinforcement learning and guaranteeing stability while learning.
Fronts, domain walls and pulses in a generalized Ginzburg-Landau equation

We discuss the existence and non-existence of front, domain wall and pulse type traveling wave solutions of a Ginzburg-Landau equation with cubic terms containing spatial derivatives and a fifth order term, in both subcritical and supercritical cases. Our results appear to be the first rigorous existence and non-existence proofs for the full equation with all possible terms derived from second order perturbation theory present.