cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Method of Stationary Phase and Applications to Geometry and Analysis on Lie Groups

Publisher Summary Many problems arise in optics and electromagnetic theory, number theory, probability theory, and quantum physics leads to questions involving integrals of rapidly oscillating functions, especially the asymptotic behavior of these integrals as the frequency parameter becomes large. The methods used in these are invariably what are known as the method of stationary phase that goes back to Stokes and Kelvin. It is equally the case, although less widely known, that oscillatory integrals and their asymptotics play an important role in many more modern parts of mathematics, such as topology of manifolds, geometry and analysis on homogeneous and locally homogeneous spaces, differential equations on complex manifolds, and so on. This chapter provides a brief introduction to oscillatory integrals and the method of stationary phase, and explain how it relates to the various areas of mathematics.
Parent and Adolescent Positive and Negative Disability-Related Events and Their Relation to Adjustment

This project merged Felner’s transitional events model with the social model of disability to develop profiles of life events specific to the experiences of parents with acquired physical disability and their adolescent children and examined the relations between these events, severity of disability, and psychological adjustment. Parents and adolescents reported significantly more positive than negative disability-related events. Frequency of parents’ negative events correlated significantly with multiple measures of self-reported adjustment, their reports of adolescents’ internalizing and externalizing problems, and adolescents’ self-reports of adjustment. Frequency of adolescents’ negative disability-related events correlated significantly with self-reported depression and lower self-esteem. Several correlations between parental rating of severity of disability and number of physical limitations with their and their children’s adjustment were significant. Implications for understanding the daily effects of parental physical disability on civilian and military parents and their children are discussed, and recommendations for research on disability in military families are suggested.
Abstract 301: A New Model of Murine Stasis Pulmonary Thromboembolism in vivo With Assessment by Noninvasive Multimodal Molecular-Structural Imaging

Objective: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life-threatening cardiovascular disease that urgently requires improved diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic options. Here we established and investigated ...
Race, Poverty, and Mental Health Drive Colorectal Cancer Screening Disparities in the Veterans Health Administration.

Introduction:Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common but largely preventable malignancy. Screening is recommended for all adults aged 50–75 years; however, screening rates are low nationally and vary by patient factors and across health care systems. It is currently unknown whether there are inequities
Paramodular forms of level 16 and supercuspidal representations

This work bridges the abstract representation theory of GSp(4) with recent computational techniques. We construct four examples of paramodular newforms whose associated automorphic representations have local representations at p=2 that are supercuspidal. We classify all relevant irreducible, admissible, supercuspidal representations of GSp(4,ℚ2), and show that our examples occur at the lowest possible paramodular level, 16. The required theoretical and computational techniques include paramodular newform theory, Jacobi restriction, bootstrapping and Borcherds products.
Acceptable experimentation?: Investigating reasons for same-sex infidelity and women's anticipated responses to a male partner's hypothetical same-sex infidelity

Abstract The present investigation explored how individuals in heterosexual relationships process and respond to a romantic partner's imagined infidelity with someone of the same sex. Study 1 entailed a qualitative analysis of individuals’ reported reasons for their own or a friend's same-sex infidelity, revealing that individuals engage in same-sex infidelity for unique motives, such as for experimentation. Study 2 focused specifically on female participants and tested whether the motivation for infidelity (e.g., vengeance, experimentation, jealousy) predicted differences in participants’ expectations of how they would respond to the infidelity. The findings revealed that women were the most likely to report that they would confront the situation, continue the relationship, and show benevolence when experimentation was the underlying reason for the infidelity. These findings and their implications for understanding women's reactions to their male partners’ same-sex infidelity are discussed.
Ultrasound findings in urinary calculi caused by melamine

Objective To analyze the ultrasound findings of urinary calculi caused by melamine. Methods The urinary system of totally 5337 children were examined with high frequency convex ultrasound probe,the characteristics of the images were analysed. CT plain scan method was used when ultrasound result was in difficulty. Results There were 360 cases with calculus in the 5337 children. In the 360 cases, unilateral calculus was in 92 cases, bilateral calculus in 48, bladder stone in 3, urethra stone in 1, kidney calcium deposition in 2, suspicion stone in 214 cases, urinary obstruction in 28 of them. The size of the stones ranged from 3 mm×2 mm to stag-horn calculus. Conclusions The urinary calculi caused by melamine is sandy stone. Ultrasound result is equivocal in the disease, CT plain scan can be a method of choice. High frequency convex probe provides more clear images, more evident adminstrative levels of anatomise than general abdominal probe does. It is beneficial for diagnosing and differential diagnosing of these diseases. Key words: Ultrasonography; Urinary calculi; Melamine
Simulation of aggregate behavior in low confinement geotechnical applications

Abstract Isotropic compression and drained axisymmetric triaxial compression tests were performed on six structural backfill aggregates commonly used in the construction of geosynthetic-reinforced soil (GRS) systems to characterize their shear behavior. The behavior of these aggregates was then simulated using the Single Hardening Model (SHM) for frictional materials. The confining pressures that were tested and analyzed in the current study (e.g., 34 to 413 kPa) are generally consistent with those encountered with various GRS applications. The pressures at the bottom end of this range are relatively low for typical geotechnical engineering testing and simulation approaches. Certain modifications to the SHM were required in order to more accurately simulate the volume change response that occurs under drained loading conditions at these lower confining pressures. The model simulation results showed good agreement with the results from the triaxial compression tests. These findings are important, as accurately simulating the volumetric response during shear is very important for GRS systems because, although initially compacted, such systems are subjected to relatively low confining pressures during service conditions.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Dexamethasone as a Prophylactic Treatment for Subglottic Stenosis in a Rabbit Model.

Objective:Iatrogenic injury is a common cause of subglottic stenosis (SGS). We investigated the role of pre-injury dexamethasone as a preventive treatment for iatrogenic subglottic stenosis.Methods...
Frequency and prognostic value of mutations associated with the homologous recombination DNA repair pathway in a large pan cancer cohort

PARP inhibitors have shown remarkable efficacy in the clinical management of several BRCA-mutated tumors. This approach is based on the long-standing hypothesis that PARP inhibition will impair the repair of single stranded breaks, causing synthetic lethality in tumors with loss of high-fidelity double-strand break homologous recombination. While this is now well accepted and has been the basis of several successful clinical trials, emerging evidence strongly suggests that mutation to several additional genes involved in homologous recombination may also have predictive value for PARP inhibitors. While this notion is supported by early clinical evidence, the mutation frequencies of these and other functionally related genes are largely unknown, particularly in cancers not classically associated with homologous recombination deficiency. We therefore evaluated the mutation status of 22 genes associated with the homologous recombination DNA repair pathway or PARP inhibitor sensitivity, first in a pan-cancer cohort of 55,586 patients, followed by a more focused analysis in The Cancer Genome Atlas cohort of 12,153 patients. In both groups we observed high rates of mutations in a variety of HR-associated genes largely unexplored in the setting of PARP inhibition, many of which were associated also with poor clinical outcomes. We then extended our study to determine which mutations have a known oncogenic role, as well as similar to known oncogenic mutations that may have a similar phenotype. Finally, we explored the individual cancer histologies in which these genomic alterations are most frequent. We concluded that the rates of deleterious mutations affecting genes associated with the homologous recombination pathway may be underrepresented in a wide range of human cancers, and several of these genes warrant further and more focused investigation, particularly in the setting of PARP inhibition and HR deficiency.
The Future of Japanese Diaspora Archaeology in the United States

The emergence of the archaeology of the Japanese diaspora in the United States as a discrete area of investigation over the past 15 years presents a timely intervention into how xenophobia has contoured the lives of migrants. It is not merely an area of study detached from contemporary politics, but rather a subfield that is forcing archaeologists to engage with the public in novel ways. This work requires scholarly collaboration that puts the interest of descendant communities at the forefront of academic investigation. This work also involves managing archaeological data in a systematic fashion and making data accessible online.
Single Event Latchup Results for COTS Devices Used on SmallSat Missions

We present single event latchup (SEL) results for a variety of microelectronic devices frequently designated for SmallSat missions. The data presented is only a small representation of all the SEL tests performed in 2019.
Rapid implementation of a cohort for the study of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection/COVID-19

BACKGROUNDAs the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues and millions remain vulnerable to infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), attention has turned to characterizing post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC). METHODSFrom April 21 to December 31, 2020, we assembled a cohort of consecutive volunteers who a) had documented history of SARS-CoV-2 RNA-positivity; b) were [≥] 2 weeks past onset of COVID-19 symptoms or, if asymptomatic, first test for SARS-CoV-2; and c) were able to travel to our site in San Francisco. Participants learned about the study by being identified on medical center-based registries and being notified or by responding to advertisements. At 4-month intervals, we asked participants about physical symptoms that were new or worse compared to the period prior to COVID-19, mental health symptoms and quality of life. We described 4 time periods: 1) acute illness (0-3 weeks), 2) early recovery (3-10 weeks), 3) late recovery 1 (12-20 weeks), and 4) late recovery 2 (28-36 weeks). Blood and oral specimens were collected at each visit. RESULTSWe have, to date, enrolled 179 adults. During acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, 10 had been asymptomatic, 125 symptomatic but not hospitalized, and 44 symptomatic and hospitalized. In the acute phase, the most common symptoms were fatigue, fever, myalgia, cough and anosmia/dysgeusia. During the post-acute phase, fatigue, shortness of breath, concentration problems, headaches, trouble sleeping and anosmia/dysgeusia were the most commonly reported symptoms, but a variety of others were endorsed by at least some participants. Some experienced symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress, as well as difficulties with ambulation and performance of usual activities. The median visual analogue scale value rating of general health was lower at 4 and 8 months (80, interquartile range [IQR]: 70-90; and 80, IQR 75-90) compared to prior to COVID-19 (85; IQR 75-90). Biospecimens were collected at nearly 600 participant-visits. CONCLUSIONAmong a cohort of participants enrolled in the post-acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection, we found many with persistent physical symptoms through 8 months following onset of COVID-19 with an impact on self-rated overall health. The presence of participants with and without symptoms and ample biological specimens will facilitate study of PASC pathogenesis. Similar evaluations in a population-representative sample will be needed to estimate the population-level prevalence of PASC.
Guided Wave Monitoring of Nano-Fe3O4 Reinforced Thermoplastic Adhesive in Manufacturing of Reversible Composite Lap-Joints using Targeted Electromagnetic Heating

Abstract Targeted heating of nano-Fe3O4 reinforced thermoplastics using electromagnetic (EM) radiations allows for rapid dis-assembly and re-assembly of bonded structural joints. Alternate EM field causes local heating of the dispersed ferromagnetic nanoparticles (FMNP), thereby melting the surrounding thermoplastic. However, it is essential to accurately measure the temperature of the adhesive since overheating may cause degradation and underheating may introduce inefficient bonding. This paper presents an ultrasonic guided wave (GW) technique for monitoring the adhesive state and provides feedback to control the electromagnetic process. Experiments were performed on single lap-shear joints FMNP reinforced thermoplastics and non-conductive glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) adherends. GW were made to propagate across the bond-line of the joint by actuating and sensing them using miniature piezoelectric wafers. Dispersion relations and dynamic wave propagation were obtained using finite element (FE) modeling. Fundamental longitudinal mode L0 at 35 kHz was found optimal for bond process monitoring. Mapping between the FE-simulated transmission coefficient of L0 and actual temperature of the thermoplastic adhesive was established using the dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) test data. Real-time GW measurements were used as a feedback in the discrete control of the induction heater to provide optimal bonding. The developed ultrasonic technique was successfully validated by a high resolution, optical frequency domain reflectometer (OFDR) based fiber-optic temperature sensor which was embedded inside the adhesive bond-line. Experiments demonstrated good agreement between GW measurements and OFDR system. Overall, the results indicate the potential of GW technique for in-situ monitoring and controlled bonding of reversible lap-joints using electromagnetic heating.
Techno-economic analysis of hydroprocessed renewable jet fuel production from pennycress oilseed

Abstract Commercial production of jet fuel from biobased feedstocks is still encumbering, mainly due to their high production cost and competition with food resources. Pennycress oilseed is a potential jet fuel feedstock which can be supplied at a lower price compared to similar oilseeds, such as soybean and canola. However, the techno-economics of pennycress-based jet fuel production needs to be evaluated. The objective of this study was to assess the technical feasibility and costs of hydroprocessed renewable jet fuel (HRJ) production from pennycress. The production capacity was considered to be 18.9 million L/yr (5 million gal/yr). The analysis considered pennycress grain handling and conditioning, oil extraction and conversion to HRJ and byproducts, i.e., LPG, naphtha and green diesel, through hydroprocessing technology, as well as pennycress meal processing as boiler fuel and wastewater treatment. Total investment for establishing the HRJ biorefinery at the selected capacity was estimated to be 90.8 million USD. Minimum selling price (MSP) of HRJ was estimated to be 1.2 USD/L, which was comparable to the MSP of HRJ from similar oilseeds, including soybean and canola. It could also be further reduced by supplying pennycress grain at a lower price, increasing the oil content and increasing the production capacity of the biorefinery. The outcomes of this research would help establish the performance targets needed to reach the economic viability of HRJ production from pennycress at the commercial scale.
BAG6 Prevents the Aggregation of Neurodegeneration-Associated Fragments of TDP43

Neurodegeneration is associated with the aggregation of proteins bearing solvent-exposed hydrophobicity. The accumulation of such proteins results from their proteolytic cleavage and/or misfolding as well as defects in protein quality control mechanisms that otherwise scrutinize and eliminate aberrant proteins. Here, we found that the Bcl-2 associated athanogene 6 (BAG6), a component of a multi-subunit molecular chaperone complex, functions as a sensor of proteolytic fragments bearing solvent-exposed hydrophobicity and prevents their intracellular aggregation. Specifically, we show that BAG6 maintains the solubility of disease-associated C-terminal fragments of the TAR DNA‐binding protein 43 (TDP43) and prevents their oligomerization. In addition, BAG6 facilitates the ubiquitylation of TDP43 fragments by recruiting the Ub-ligase, Ring finger protein 126 (RNF126). Authenticating its role in preventing aggregation, we found that TDP43 proteolytic fragments form intracellular aggregates in the absence of BAG6. Finally, we found that BAG6 effects are not limited to proteolytic fragments of TDP43 and likely play a general role in preventing intracellular aggregation associated with neurodegeneration.
Repetition and Memory1

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the research on the effects of repetition conducted in the laboratory. Repetition is one of the most powerful variables affecting memory. The chapter discusses experiments called the “method of memory judgments.” In this technique, a list of items is presented, and the subject is then presented with each test item and asked to judge from memory some aspect of its presentation in the list. Judgments of recency, frequency, exposure duration, list membership, input modality, spacing, and serial position have all been used, singly and in combination. Judgments reveal much more about the richness of information encoded in memory than can be inferred from more traditional recall and recognition measures. Memory judgments have been particularly revealing where effects of repetition on memory are concerned. The chapter examines how frequency or number of occurrences is represented in memory. It reviews research on effects on memory of the spacing of repetitions and presents evidence on the role of repetitions as retrieval cues.
OLE DB: a component DBMS architecture

The article describes an effort at Microsoft whose primary goal is to enable applications to have uniform access to data stored in diverse DBMS and non DBMS information containers. Applications continue to take advantage of the benefits of database technology such as declarative queries, transactional access, and security without having to transfer data from its place of origin to a DBMS. Our approach consists of defining an open, extensible collection of interfaces that factor and encapsulate orthogonal, independently reusable portions of DBMS functionality. These interfaces define the boundaries of DBMS components arch as record containers, and query processors that enable uniform, transactional access to data among such components. The proposed interfaces extend Microsoft's OLE Component Object Model (COM) with database functionality, hence these interfaces are collectively referred to as OLE DB. The OLE DB functional areas include data access and updates (rowsets), query processing, catalog information, notifications, transactions, security, and distribution. The article presents an overview of the OLE DB approach and its areas of componentization.
Russia's Security Policy in Asia in Times of Economic Uncertainty

The paper examines the impact of the global economic crisis on the development of Russia’s security policy in Asia. In the final years of Vladimir Putin's presidency (2007-08), the Russian leadership made a dramatic reassessment of major global trends, sources of power, security threats, and the roles of key actors in the changing international environment. On the doctrinal level, the contours of the Kremlin’s new eastern policy has been consistent during the tenure of Dmitri Medvedev, Putin’s successor in the Kremlin. Three major developments predetermined the strengthening of the “Asian component” of Russian foreign and security strategy. Firstly, Russia’s “new globalist” approach to world politics which links national interest to the restoration of Russia’s global competitiveness and a great power status. Secondly, the imperative of modernization which requires Russia’s imminent integration into the global economic space filled with multiple geoeconomic risks and security threats. Thirdly, domestic political issues in the spheres of political control, administrative efficiency and development, critical for the interpretation of national security priorities by ruling political and business elites, especially prior to the new electoral cycle in 2011-12. The paper overviews these three groups of factors, demonstrating their impact on the Kremlin leadership and its policies aimed at Russia’s adjustment to the dynamic Asian security environment. The paper maintains that the recent global economic downturn has sharpened Moscow’s strife toward a decisive role in global affairs, aggravated its concerns of slow modernization and domestic socio-political situation. As a result, the Russian leadership is trying to reshape its foreign and security policy in Asia originally guided by the “East-West” dilemma toward a more comprehensive, proactive strategy oriented to maximizing gains from a deeper integration into the world system, and getting an access to financial and material resources including those of Asia, to eventually restore Russia’s relative influence, regionally and globally. The Asian vector of Russian foreign and security policy activism is considered to be even more important for effective management of complex domestic problems in times of economic turbulence. Moscow’s China policy remains the key component of the new Russian strategy. Driven by financial needs and the imperative of modernization, Moscow has made unprecedented steps toward a closer cooperation with Beijing which may potentially result in Russia’s irreversible gravitation to the China’s orbit and thus weaken Russia’s chances to craft the multipolar order in Eurasia. The paper concludes that, under the current circumstances, Moscow will hardly reconcile its accommodation to the emerging Sino-centered international order in the Greater East Asia with its own integrative efforts to create its exclusive zone of influence in the region. Russia will have to subsume its great power ambitious and security interests to Beijing’s grand strategy of creating a new, China-centered regional order in Asia.
The Effect of Cooperatives on Quality-Enhancing Innovation

This paper develops game-theoretic models of heterogeneous consumers to analyse the effect of cooperatives on quality-enhancing product innovation activity, the pricing of food products and the welfare of the groups involved, in the context of a mixed duopoly where an open-membership consumer co-op competes with an investor-owned firm in markets for horizontally differentiated products. Analytical results show that the involvement of the member welfare-maximising co-op in innovation activity can change the nature of product differentiation and the structure of the market, and be quality and welfare enhancing by increasing innovation activity and reducing the prices of food products. The effects of co-operative involvement are shown to depend on the degree of consumer heterogeneity and the size of innovation costs.
Variable length sequencing with two lengths

Certain tasks, like accessing pages on the World Wide Web, require duration that varies over time. This poses the following Variable Length Sequencing Problem, or VLSP-L. Let [i, j) denote {i, i+1, ..., j- 1}. The problem is given by a set of jobs J and the time-dependent length function λ : J ×[0, n) → L. A sequencing function σ :J →[0, n) assigns to each job j a time interval Τσ(j) when this job is executed; if σ(j) = t then Τσ(j) = [t, t+λ(j, t)). The sequencing is valid if these time intervals are disjoint. Our objective is to minimize the makespan, i. e. the maximum ending of an assign time interval. Recently it was shown VLSP-[0, n) is NP-hard and that VLSP-{1, 2} can be solved efficiently. For a more general case of VLSP-{1, k} an 2 - 1/k approximation was shown. This paper shows that for k ≥ 3 VLSP-{1, k} is MAX-SNP hard, and that we can approximate it with ratio 2 - 4/(k + 3).
Correlation of the potencies of tetracyclines in vitro with a d-ring substituent index.

Inhibitory and inactivation potencies of tetracyclines toward nonsynchronous and synchronous cultures, respectively, of Escherichia coli can be correlated with the same substituent index for groups placed on the D-ring. The implication gained from this pair of correlations is that the bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects of tetracyclines are controlled by a conmmon electronic factor. Similarly, aim equivalent electronic index and the lipophilic index π may be used to correlate the inhibitory potencies of a series of chloramphenicols, whose mode of action is similar to but at a site different from that of the tetracyclines.
A bioecological view of interracial/same-race couple conflict

Purpose – The purpose if this study is to examine differences in conflict management strategies, relational satisfaction and social support of individuals in same-race and interracial relationships. Additionally, the authors examined associations between self-reported and observed measures of conflict management strategies. Design/methodology/approach – The current study used Bronfenbrenner’s (2005) bioecological theory as an organizing framework. Twenty individuals in interracial and same-race relationships were recruited from a large Northeastern US university. Self-report and observational measures of conflict management strategies were obtained as were individuals’ self-reported levels of relational satisfaction and social support. Findings – Results indicated a few differences in conflict management strategies between individuals in same-race and interracial dyads and no differences in social support or satisfaction. Observational measures of conflict management were largely uncorrelated with their c...
Diffraction-Limited Photogeneration and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles

Visible-light-induced photogeneration of silver nanoparticles in a diffraction-limited focal region is demonstrated. The photochemical growth depends quadratically on illumination intensity indicative of a multiphoton generation process, with the identity of the silver nanoparticles confirmed by UV/vis absorption spectroscopy. Mie simulations of the absorption spectrum reveal a size distribution dominated by Ag particles with radii in the range of a few nanometers. Spectrally resolved laser excitation and emission studies demonstrate that the likely luminescence source is surface-enhanced Raman scattering from silver nanoparticles, with spectral jumps occurring on a time scale comparable to that of fluctuations in the total luminescence intensity. Possible routes for the photogeneration process as well as identity of the Raman-active species are discussed. Such diffraction-limited photoproduction methods for luminescent silver nanoparticles offer novel routes toward optical data storage and nanometer-scal...
Pediatric presentation of a large intrathoracic mass

A 4-year-old girl presented with a 3-month history of shortness of breath with exertion and chest pain for 1 day. There were no other associated symptoms. The patient had no significant past medical history. The patient had presented to an outside institution 2 months previously and was diagnosed with reactive airway disease. On physical exam, vital signs showed mild tachycardia, tachypnea, and normal oxygen saturations. The patient was anxious. Her voice was non-hoarse. The patient’s chest was slightly prominent and there were slightly distant heart sounds. The remainder of the physical exam was normal. Labs were unremarkable. Chest X-ray showed a markedly widened mediastinum and cardiomegaly (Fig. 1). Computed tomography of the chest confirmed a large calcified anterior mediastinal mass with mass effect on the distal trachea and a moderate pericardial effusion. The presence of calcified density components led to the diagnosis of teratoma. The initial diagnosis of reactive airway disease in this 4-year-old with no history of atopy or previous airway disease should lead to further investigation. A chest X-ray may have allowed for the correct diagnosis early in the presentation. Mediastinal tumors are classified as posterior, middle, superior, and anterior. Tumors specifically of the anterior region consist of teratomas, dermoid cysts, and hemangiomas. Anterior and superior mediastinal tumors require admission. Concern and special attention should be paid to airway management. If intubation is required, advanced airway techniques may need to be utilized. Bronchoscopic intubation may be necessary especially if there is compromise of the airway. “Adminis
A minimal 3-connectedness result for matroids

Abstract In this paper we prove the following theorem: Let M be a 3-connected matroid other than the cycle matroid of a wheel of rank greater than three. Let C be a circuit of M . If every deletion of a pair of elements of C disconnects M , then every pair of elements of C is in a triad. A result of Oxley and the author, which characterizes the duals of Sylvester matroids, is an immediate consequence of this theorem. It also follows that if such a matroid M is graphic, then C is a 3-edge cycle.
Late Recurrence of Clear Cell Adenocarcinoma of the Vagina and Cervix: A Report of Three Cases

Three patients with clear cell adenocarcinomas who developed recurrent disease after a prolonged disease-free interval are presented. The first patient developed a recurrence in the lung 7 years and 3 months after wide local excision and pelvic radiotherapy for clear cell adenocarcinoma of the vagina. She then underwent thoracotomy and chemotherapy and has remained free of disease for more than 13 years after treatment of the recurrence. The second patient with clear cell adenocarcinoma of the vagina developed recurrent disease at the apex of the vagina 5 years after radical hysterectomy, bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy, and partial vaginectomy. She then underwent exploratory laparotomy, partial vaginectomy, and vaginal irradiation and has been free of disease in follow-up for 6 months. The third patient underwent radical hysterectomy, bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy, and total vaginectomy for clear cell adenocarcinoma of the cervix that also involved two-thirds of the vagina. Four years and 6 months after this operation, she underwent an exploratory laparotomy, with complete resection of recurrent disease in the abdomen in continuity with a left nephrectomy. Following surgery, she was treated with abdominal and pelvic radiotherapy and chemotherapy and remained clinically free of disease for 1 year, but subsequently developed an unresectable pelvic mass. Despite further chemotherapy, she died 5 years and 10 months after the initial diagnosis.
MAGNETITE SURFACE AREA TITRATION USING NITRIC OXIDE, II. PRETREATMENT EFFECTS AND SILICA-SUPPORTED SAMPLES

The use of NO adsorption for determination of Fe3O4 surface areas has been examined and extended, from earlier work on unsupported samples, to silica-supported Fe3O4. Gravimetric studies confirm earlier suggestions that the irreversible NO adsorption uptake on unsupported Fe3O4 is dependent upon sample pretreatment. Long (ca. 24 h) vacuum treatment at 650 K leads to increased apparent NO adsorption uptakes due to reduction of the surface. Magnetite particle size estimates were made using irreversible NO adsorption uptakes on silica-supported Fe3O4 samples that had received a “standard” 1 h vacuum pretreatment at 650 K. These estimates agreed well with average particle sizes calculated using x-ray line-broadening and magnetization measurements, indicating that NO adsorption can, in fact, be used to measure magnetite surface areas on silica-supported samples.
Magnetic resonance studies of trapping centers in high-/spl kappa/ dielectric films on silicon

The electrical properties of high dielectric constant materials being considered for replacements of SiO/sub 2/ in metal-oxide semiconductor (MOS) field effect transistors are dominated by point defects. These point defects play important roles in determining the response of these films in almost any imaginable reliability problem. A fundamental understanding of these defects may help to alleviate the problems which they can cause. The best known methods for determining the structure of electrically active defects in MOS materials and devices are conventional electron spin resonance (ESR) and electrically detected magnetic resonance (EDMR). In this paper, we review the limited ESR and EDMR work performed to date on high-/spl kappa/ materials. A discussion of magnetic resonance techniques as well as a brief overview of the extensively studied Si/SiO/sub 2/ system is also included.
Effects of mecamylamine on nicotine-induced conditioned hyperactivity and sensitization in differentially reared rats

Rats reared in an enriched condition (EC) display less sensitization to nicotine than rats reared in an impoverished condition (IC). However, it is unknown what effect differential rearing has on nicotine-induced conditioned hyperactivity. The present study determined whether differential rearing affects nicotine-induced conditioned hyperactivity. This study also examined the effects of mecamylamine on conditioned hyperactivity and sensitization. EC, IC, and social condition (SC) rats were reared from 21 to 51 days of age before receiving repeated nicotine injections (.4 mg/kg) prior to 1-h locomotor sessions. Following the conditioned-hyperactivity test, rats received additional training sessions followed by a drug-free rest period before the sensitization test. Mecamylamine (1.0 mg/kg) was administered prior to the conditioned-hyperactivity test and sensitization test. Nicotine treatment resulted in sensitization and conditioned hyperactivity in all differential rearing groups. EC rats displayed less locomotor activity in response to nicotine than both IC and SC rats. Pretreatment with mecamylamine blocked the expression of conditioned hyperactivity only in EC and SC rats and attenuated sensitization in all three rearing groups. These findings suggest that environmental enrichment may alter nicotinic acetylcholine receptors during development and may be a protective factor in the initiation and relapse of smoking behavior.
The association between religiosity and subjective well-being: the unique contribution of religious service attendance and the mediating role of perceived religious social support

People who frequently attend religious services tend to enjoy higher subjective well-being compared to people who attend less often. Research to date, however, has yet to resolve two key questions: (1) what level of insight does attendance at religious services actually provide above other predictors of well-being, and (2) what are the mechanisms that help to explain their positive association? To begin addressing these questions, this study first tests for the unique contribution of service attendance in predicting life satisfaction, an indicator of well-being, beyond the effects of other well-established predictors. This study then examines if perceptions of social support from religion mediate the association between attendance and life satisfaction. Among an Irish undergraduate sample of service-attending Christians (N=206), attendance at religious services predicted a small but unique proportion of variance in life satisfaction after controlling for other known predictors. Further, perceived religiou...
Quantum chemical quantification of weakly polar interaction energies in the TC5b miniprotein.

The tertiary structure of the TC5b miniprotein is stabilized by inter-residue interactions of the Trp-cage, which is composed of a Tyr and several Pro residues surrounding a central Trp residue. The interactions include Ar−Ar (aromatic side-chain−aromatic side-chain), Ar−NH (aromatic side-chain−backbone amide), and CH−π (aromatic side-chain−aliphatic hydrogen) interactions. In the present work, the strength of the weakly polar interactions found in the TC5b miniprotein was quantified using all of the available 38 NMR structures (1L2Y) from the Protein Data Bank with DFT quantum chemical calculations at the BHandHLYP/cc-pVTZ level of theory and molecular fragmentation with capping of the partial structures. The energies of interaction between the individual residues of the Trp-cage range between −5.85 ± 1.41 and −21.30 ± 0.88 kcal mol-1, leading to a significant total structural stabilization energy of −52.13 ± 2.56 kcal mol-1 of which about 50% is from the weakly polar interactions. Furthermore, the stren...
Moderate hypothermia reduces blood-brain barrier disruption following traumatic brain injury in the rat

The effects of moderate hypothermia on blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability and the acute hypertensive response after moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI) in rats were examined. TBI produced increased vascular permeability to endogenous serum albumin (IgG) in normothermic rats (37.5°C) throughout the dorsal cortical gray and white matter as well as in the underlying hippocampi as visualized by immunocytochemical techniques. Vascular permeability was greatly reduced in hypothermic rats cooled to 30°C (brain temperature) prior to injury. In hypothermic rats, albumin immunoreactivity was confined to the gray-white interface between cortex and hippocampi with no involvement of the overlying cortices and greatly reduced involvement of the underlying hippocampi. The acute hypertensive response in normothermic rats peaked at 10 s after TBI (187.3 mm Hg) and returned to baseline within 50 s. In contrast, the peak acute hypertensive response was significantly (P<0.05) reduced in hypothermic rats (154.8 mm Hg, 10 s after TBI) and returned to baseline at 30 s after injury. These results demonstrate that moderate hypothermia greatly reduces endogenous vascular protein-tracer passage into and perhaps through the brain. This reduction may, in part, be related to hypothermia-induced modulation of the systemic blood pressure response to TBI.
Laparoscopic needle-retrieval device for improving quality of care in minimally invasive surgery.

Background Loss of a needle during laparoscopic surgery is a rare but potentially serious adverse event that can cause prolonged operative time and patient harm. Standard recovery techniques currently include instrument count, standard visual search, and plain abdominal x-rays. We developed a laparoscopic instrument to speed the retrieval of lost needles in the abdomen and pelvis. Study Design We performed in vivo testing of a novel articulating laparoscopic magnet in a porcine model. Three experienced surgeons and 3 inexperienced surgeons conducted 116 needle-retrieval trials with the device and 58 trials with a standard visual approach. Surgeons were blind to the locations of randomly placed surgical needles within the abdominal cavity. Time to recovery was measured and capped at 15 minutes. Analysis was performed using univariate and multivariable methods. Results The magnetic device was able to retrieve needles significantly faster than the standard approach (2.9 ± 4.0 minutes vs 8.0 ± 6.0 minutes; p Conclusions Recovery of lost surgical needles during porcine laparoscopic surgery is safe and feasible with a simple articulating magnetic device. Our initial in vivo experience suggests that recovery is markedly faster using the magnetic device than the standard approach, even in the hands of experienced laparoscopic surgeons. This device will be particularly useful as minimally invasive robotic and single-site surgical techniques are adopted and, in the future, it should be integrated into the standard protocol for locating lost needles during surgery.
Selective inhibition of leukemia cell proliferation by BCR-ABL antisense oligodeoxynucleotides

To determine the role of the BCR-ABL gene in the proliferation of blast cells of patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia, leukemia blast cells were exposed to synthetic 18-mer oligodeoxynucleotides complementary to two identified BCR-ABL junctions. Leukemia colony formation was suppressed, whereas granulocyte-macrophage colony formation from normal marrow progenitors was unaffected. When equal proportions of normal marrow progenitors and blast cells were mixed, exposed to the oligodeoxynucleotides, and assayed for residual colony formation, the majority of residual cells were normal. These findings demonstrate the requirement for a functional BCR-ABL gene in maintaining the leukemic phenotype and the feasibility of gene-targeted selective killing of neoplastic cells.
Persistent non-specific FDG uptake on PET imaging following hip arthroplasty

Hip arthroplasty is a common surgical procedure, but the diagnosis of infection associated with hip arthroplasty remains challenging. Fluorine-18 fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) has been shown to be a promising imaging modality in settings where infection is suspected. However, inflammatory reaction to surgery can result in increased FDG uptake at various anatomic locations, which may erroneously be interpreted as sites of infection. The purpose of this study was to assess the patterns and time course of FDG accumulation following total hip replacement over an extended period of time. Firstly, in a prospective study nine patients with total hip replacement were investigated to determine the patterns of FDG uptake over time. Three FDG-PET scans were performed in each patient at about 3, 6 and 12 months post arthroplasty. Secondly, in a retrospective analysis, the medical and surgical history and FDG-PET imaging results of 710 patients who had undergone whole-body scans for the evaluation of possible malignant disorders were reviewed. The history of arthroplasty and FDG-PET findings in the hip region were reviewed for this study. Patients with symptomatic arthroplasties or related complaints during FDG-PET scanning were excluded from the analysis. During the entire study period, all nine patients enrolled in the prospective study were demonstrated to have increased FDG uptake around the femoral head or neck portion of the prosthesis that extended to the soft tissues surrounding the femur. Among the patients reviewed in the retrospective study, 18 patients with a history of 21 hip arthroplasties who were asymptomatic at the time of FDG-PET scan met the criteria for inclusion. The time interval between the hip arthroplasty and the FDG-PET study ranged from 3 months to 288 months (mean±SD: 80.4±86.2 months). In 81% (17 of 21) of these prostheses, increased FDG uptake could be noted around the femoral head or neck portion of the prosthesis. The average time interval between arthroplasty and FDG-PET scan in these patients was 71.3 months. In only four prostheses (19%, 4 of 21) was no abnormally increased FDG uptake seen around the prostheses or adjacent sites. The average time interval in these patients was 114.8 months. It is concluded that following hip arthroplasty, non-specifically increased FDG uptake around the head or neck of the prosthesis persists for many years, even in patients without any complications. Therefore, to minimize the number of false-positive results for infection with PET studies obtained to evaluate a painful hip prosthesis, caution should be exercised when interpreting FDG uptake around the head or neck portion of the prosthesis.
Statistical Evaluation of CFD Predictions of Measured Mixing Properties of Hydrogen and Methane for Lean Premixed Combustion

Hydrogen is a fuel of interest to the combustion community research as a promising sustainable alternative fuel to replace fossil fuels. The combustion of hydrogen produces only emission of water vapor and NOx . To alleviate the NOx emission, lean combustion has been proposed and utilized in last three decades for natural gas. Therefore, evaluation of mixing properties of both methane and hydrogen in lean combustion technology such as premixers is crucial for design purposes. Increased capability of computational systems has allowed tools such as computational fluid dynamics to be regularly used for purpose of design screening. In the present work, systematic evaluation of different CFD approaches is accomplished for axial injection of fuel into non swirling air. The study has been undertaken for both methane and hydrogen. Different Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) turbulence models including k–e and RSM, which are relatively attractive as being computationally efficient, are evaluated. Further, the sensitivity of RANS models to different turbulent Schmidt number (Sct ), as an important parameter in mass transport analysis, has been investigated. To evaluate the numerical results, fuel concentration is measured in different locations downstream of the injection point. This is accomplished by means of flame ionization detector (FID). Finally, a comprehensive comparison has been made between numerical and experimental results to identify the best numerical approach. To provide quantitative assessment, the simulations follow a statistically design matrix which allows analysis of variance to be used to identify the preferred simulation strategies. The results suggest high sensitivity of numerical results to different Sct and relatively low sensitivity to turbulence models. However, this general trend is the opposite for radial fuel injection.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Impact of a neuroscience intensive care unit on neurosurgical patient outcomes and cost of care: evidence-based support for an intensivist-directed specialty ICU model of care.

Summary: Analysis of patient data from a new neuroscience intensive care unit (NSICU) permitted evaluation of whether such a specialty ICU favorably altered clinical outcomes in critically ill neuroscience patients, and whether such a care model produced an efficient use of resources. A retrospective review was performed to compare (1) the clinical outcomes, as defined by percent mortality and disposition at discharge, between patients with a primary diagnosis of intracerebral hemorrhage treated in 1995 in medical or surgical ICUs and those treated in the same medical facility in an NSICU in 1997; and (2) the efficiency of care, as defined by length of ICU stay, total cost of care, and specific resource use, between patients treated in the NSICU and national benchmark standards for general ICUs during the 1997 fiscal year (FY). In the latter, extracted patient population data on neurosurgery patients requiring ICU treatment during FY 1997 were used with the following adjacent-disease related group (A-DRG)-coded diseases: craniotomy with and without coma or intracerebral hemorrhage, and skull fracture with and without coma lasting longer than 1 hour. Outcome measures of percent mortality and disposition at discharge in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage were significantly improved (P < .05), compared with those in a similar cohort treated 2 years earlier in a general ICU setting. Also, patients treated in the NSICU had shorter hospital stays (P < .01) and lower total costs of care (P < .01) than a national benchmark. The data suggest that a neuroscience specialty ICU arena staffed by specialty-trained intensivists and nurses is beneficial.