cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hemisphere and Gender Differences in Mental Rotation

Abstract Hemisphere and gender differences in mental rotation for tachistoscopically presented stimuli were assessed in 40 right-handed university students. Twenty male and 20 female subjects each were individually administered (via computer) a mental rotation task which included 10 stimulus presentations at each of eight angular disorientations (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°, 180°, 225°, 270°, and 315°) in each visual half-field (VHF) for a total of 160 trials. Analyses of variance performed on reaction time and accuracy data revealed only a main effect for orientation. A typical mental rotation function for both the left VHF and she right VHF for both genders resulted; however, no gender × visual field interaction was found. Lack of hemisphere and gender differences provide further evidence questioning the interpretation of right-hemisphere male superiority for spatial tasks. Investigation into factors such as task complexity, stimulus familiarity, and task demands may lend further insight into hemisphere and gender differences in mental rotation.
EUS guidance in gastric pacemaker implantation

Background: EUS provides excellent imaging of the gastric wall. The utility of EUS imaging in guiding the placement of a gastric pacemaker was investigated. Methods: Fourteen patients underwent gastric pacemaker implantation for refractory gastroparesis at laparotomy. Placement of the lead into the muscle layer of the antrum of the stomach was imaged by intraoperative surface ultrasonography in the first 8 patients and by EUS in the subsequent 6 patients. Results: Surface US examination of the lead placement revealed reverberation artifacts. The images were uniformly unsatisfactory and the position of the lead in the gastric wall could not be visualized in any patient. In contrast, the lead was clearly and easily identified by EUS as a bright linear echo in the gastric wall. This was observed uniformly in all of the patients evaluated by EUS. Compared with surface US, EUS provided better images of the gastric lead placement as well as less abdominal distension and thus easier closure of the incision. Conclusions: EUS is useful in confirming the accurate placement of pacemaker leads within the muscular coat of the stomach.
Item response theory analysis of the modified Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire in a population-based study.

STUDY DESIGN This is a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional population-based survey. OBJECTIVE Shorten the modified 23-item Roland (mRoland) scale using item response theory (IRT) methods and describe where in the functional disability range each scale is the most precise. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA The Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire is recommended for a functional disability outcome measure in patients with low back pain (LBP). One commonly used version is the Roland. It is unknown where in the functional disability range the Roland measures. METHODS One candidate individual with LBP in randomly selected households was interviewed, identifying 694 adults with chronic LBP. To justify the use of a unidimensional 2-parameter logistic IRT model, we performed both exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. RESULTS Exploratory factor analysis revealed one dominant eigenvalue. Confirmatory factor analysis results indicate that the 1-factor model fit well. IRT analysis revealed variability in the slopes, in the range from 1.07 to 3.10. The marginal reliability, an IRT-based analog to coefficient α, was 0.88. The mRoland produces reliable scores (i.e., with a standard error <0.3) from 1.4 standard deviations below the mean to roughly 0.2 above the mean. CONCLUSION The mRoland measures one construct. The mRoland seems to be an excellent tool for measuring just-below-average levels of functional disability. The mRoland measures high levels of functional disability with relatively poor reliability and may be more appropriate for a less-disabled population with LBP. We demonstrate that the mRoland can be shortened to 11 items with minimal loss of information. We show that there are different ways to go about selecting the set of 11 items that yield short forms with different strengths. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3.
Unsymmetric free vibrations of orthotropic sandwich shells of revolution.

Free vibrations, either axisymmetric or imsymmetric, of shells of revolution are analyzed numerically. The shell may be homogeneous or sandwich, and either isotropic or orthotropic materials may be used for facings and core. Love's first-approximation shell theory, with transverse-shear deformation and sandwich effects added, is used, and all components of translational and rotatory inertia are included. A Rayleigh-Ritz technique, with three terms for each modal function, is employed. Doubly curved shells of revolution are approximated by a finite number of truncated-conical-shell elements. Computer results for homogeneous conical-frustum shells compare favorably with published experimental results. Effect of core orthotropy is studied for the axisymmetric modes of a sandwich truncated conical shell with a hexagonal-cell honeycomb core. Unsymmetric modes are investigated for a sandwich shell in the form of a truncated paraboloid of revolution with moderate meridional curvature and orthotropic facings typical of glass-fiber reinforced-plastic laminates.
SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF A COPPER COMPLEX OF ET2N(N2O2)- STABILIZED WITH RESPECT TO NO RELEASE IN AQUEOUS SOLUTION

A novel mononuclear copper complex of the “NONOate” [Et2N(N2O2)]- has been prepared and its X-ray crystal structure determined (shown). Comparison of rate constants for NO evolution from the comple...
Cutmark systematics: Analyzing morphometrics and spatial patterning at Palangana

Abstract Cutmarks have played an important role in addressing whether our hominid ancestors were hunters or scavengers, describing ritual modification of human bone, defining the origin of metallurgy, and highlighting the diversity of prehistoric butchering behavior. The widespread occurrence of cutmarks on animal bones and their variability allows archaeologists to use this kind of evidence to address a broad range of questions. One goal in examining cutmark diversity is to identify diagnostic cutmarks of prehistoric butchering, processing, and consuming behaviors. Linking cutmarks to specific activities allows us to test fine-grained hypotheses concerning the nature of an archaeological site, and to do this a systematic method for addressing variability in both the appearance and anatomical position of cutmarks is essential. An analysis of caribou bones collected by Lewis Binford from the Palangana site in Alaska is used to build and test a diagnostic cutmark classification using their morphometric and spatial properties. This case study demonstrates that cutmarks can be used to simultaneously address large-scale anthropological questions and reveal intra-site behavioral variability in the archaeological record.
Subclinical Renal Injury Induced by Transient Cyclosporine Exposure is Associated with Salt‐Sensitive Hypertension

Cyclosporine use is highly associated with the development of salt-sensitive hypertension. We hypothesized that subtle renal injury induced by cyclosporine could lead to salt sensitivity. Cyclosporine nephropathy was induced by treatment for 4 weeks with cyclosporine (15 mg/kg/day) on a low sodium (0.05%) diet, followed by stopping cyclosporine and placement on a high sodium (4%) diet for 4 additional weeks. Control groups included a group treated with cyclosporine (15 mg/kg/day) on a normal salt diet in which nephropathy does not develop, and a vehicle-treated group. A fourth group received half-dose of cyclosporine (8 mg/kg/day) on a low sodium diet, which results in mild nephropathy. Biopsies were obtained at the end of the cyclosporine administration (4 week) and at sacrifice (8 week), and blood pressure and renal function were measured. Rats treated with cyclosporine for 4 weeks on a low sodium diet developed classic features of tubulointerstitial disease and arteriolopathy; these changes were absent in the cyclosporine/normal salt group and in the vehicle group. At 4 weeks, all groups were switched to a high salt diet; only the rats with nephropathy developed hypertension. The degree of hypertension correlated closely with the degree of tubulointerstitial injury (r = 0.85) and with the severity of the arteriolopathy (r = 0.9) (p < 0.0.1). Importantly, renal function (creatinine clearance) was normal in all groups at 8 weeks, documenting that the hypertension could not be attributed to cyclosporine-mediated alterations in glomerular filtration rate (GFR). One mechanism by which cyclosporine induces hypertension is the induction of subtle renal microvascular and tubulointerstitial disease. This mechanism is not dependent on GFR and may persist even after the cyclosporine is discontinued.
Endovascular treatment of acute thrombotic occlusion of the cervical internal carotid artery associated with embolic occlusion of the middle cerebral artery: case report.

A 68-year-old man with acute, total thrombotic occlusion of the right cervical internal carotid artery, associated with embolic occlusion of the ipsilateral middle cerebral artery, was treated by the endovascular approach, i.e., intra-arterial fibrinolysis and balloon angioplasty. Endovascular treatment for a totally occluded internal carotid artery is indicated in the very early stage where there is no thrombus or a short thrombus that can be evacuated. Fibrinolysis of the associated embolus in the middle cerebral artery, if any, can be done in the same session, enabling an early restoration of the blood flow.
Formulation of many-body theory for composite particles

We present a formalism for the description of many-particle systems when the particles are themselves composites of several elementary constituents. We investigate specifically the case of composites made up of two fermions, the method being easily extended to more general composites. The formalism, although its development is guided by the knowledge that there are fermion constituents in the composites, is given entirely in the composite language and requires no reference to these underlying fermions. Thus, the procedure maintains all required symmetries at every step. Composite field operators satisfying all symmetries are defined, these fields obeying neither Bose nor Fermi commutation rules, but more complicated ones. The many-composite dynamics is studied via the Green's functions formed from composite operator products. A Hartree-Fock-like approximation is introduced and leads to the generation of composite wave functions describing the distortion of the composite internal states by the presence of other composites in the system.
Eocene deep-sea communities in localized limestones formed by subduction-related methane seeps, southwestern Washington

Densely populated communities of soft-bottom-dwelling taxa similar to those found today along subduction zones off the coasts of Japan and Oregon have been discovered in very localized deep-water limestones of late middle to late Eocene age along the southwestern margin of Washington. Subduction was prevalent in this area during this time, and compressive forces squeezed subsurface methanerich waters onto the ocean floor, where opportunistic bivalves (especially Modiolus , Calyptogena , and Thyasira ), vestimentiferan? tube worms, serpufid tube worms, siliceous sponges, very small limpets, trochid and turbinid archaeogastropods, and other macrobenthos colonized. These assemblages are the earliest recorded biologic communities formed in response to methane seeps in subduction zones.
Cutaneous defense mechanisms by antimicrobial peptides

The skin actively contributes to host defense by mounting an innate immune response that includes the production of antimicrobial peptides. These peptides, which include but are not limited to the cathelicidin and defensin gene families, provide rapid, broad-spectrum defense against infection by acting as natural antibiotics and by participating in host cell processes involved in immune defense. This review discusses the biology and clinical relevance of antimicrobial peptides expressed in the skin. The importance of the epithelial contribution to host immunity is evident, as alterations in antimicrobial peptide expression have been associated with various pathologic processes.
Video intelligence workshop (VI-2010)

Abstract Rapidly growing mobile and online videos have enriched our digital lives. They also create great challenges to our computing and networking technologies, ranging from video indexing, analysis, retrieval, to synthesis. We found that a significant gap still remains between low-level features and high-level semantics. The objective of this Workshop is to explore the state-of-the-art of video analytics and future directions. We intend to bring researchers from a broad range of backgrounds to discover computational theories and models behind the real-world video applications. We especially want to explore novel approaches toward semantic video understanding. These invited presentations include video search, video biometrics, video summarization, video forensics, three-dimensional face recognition, general saccadic motion, and tracking and cropping in video processing. The VI-2010 web site is at: http://www.cmu.edu/vis/iccs-vi-2010.html
The divorce process : toward a typology of marital dissolution

The purpose of the present study was to describe the process of marital dissolution. This description entailed collecting information about the process itself and then typologizing divorces on the basis of their trajectories to dissolution. One hundred and seven divorced individuals were interviewed. Three types of marital dissolution-rapid, gradual, and extended-were identified using cluster analysis. No significant differences were found between participants from different types on relationship dimensions. However, types were significantly different by the participant's attributions of critical events during the divorce process. Implications for future research are suggested.
Patched1 Regulates Hedgehog Signaling at the Primary Cilium

Primary cilia are essential for transduction of the Hedgehog (Hh) signal in mammals. We investigated the role of primary cilia in regulation of Patched1 (Ptc1), the receptor for Sonic Hedgehog (Shh). Ptc1 localized to cilia and inhibited Smoothened (Smo) by preventing its accumulation within cilia. When Shh bound to Ptc1, Ptc1 left the cilia, leading to accumulation of Smo and activation of signaling. Thus, primary cilia sense Shh and transduce signals that play critical roles in development, carcinogenesis, and stem cell function.
A Quadratic Curve Equating Method to Equate the First Three Moments in Equipercentile Equating

A quadratic curve test equating method for equating different test forms under a random-groups data collec tion design is proposed. This new method extends the linear equating method by adding a quadratic term to the linear function and equating the first three central moments (mean, standard deviation, and skewness) of the test forms. Procedures for implementing the method and related issues are described and discussed. The quadratic curve method was evaluated using real test data and simulated data in terms of model fit and equating error, and was compared to linear equating, and unsmoothed and smoothed equipercentile equat ing. It was found that the quadratic curve method fit most of the real test data examined and that when the model fit the population, this method could perform at least as well as, or often even better than, the other equating methods studied.
The Episcopal Election of 1430 in Trier and Nicholas of Cusa

Gregor Heimburg, the bitter critic of the papacy and of Nicholas of Cusa, is said to have taunted Cusanus, saying that because Cusanus was defeated in a lawsuit in Mainz, he turned from the practice of law to theology.1 Heimburg, a utriusque iuris doctor who rendered his legal services to both secular and ecclesiastical princes, was certainly versed in the legal literature of his time. But, as we shall see below, history does not seem to bear out his insinuation that disappointment and failure in the field of law led Cusanus to take up theology as his career. It is probably of little importance to ask whether Cusanus would have continued to work as a lawyer had he won the case in Mainz. We must note, however, that Cusanus is so well known as a theologian, cardinal, philosopher, and even as a scientist that we are apt to forget his early career as a canon lawyer in the service of the archdiocese of Trier. It is only recently that due attention began to be paid to the legal activities of Cusanus.2 The purpose of this paper is to throw light not only on his education and activities as a canon lawyer, but also on the role which he played in the disputed episcopal election of 1430 in the archdiocese of Trier.
Role of homology in site-specific recombination of bacteriophage lambda: evidence against joining of cohesive ends

Bacteriophage lambda integration and excision take place at specific loci called attachment sites. Earlier work has shown that efficient recombination requires the identical sequence to be present in both attachment sites throughout the seven-base-pair region between the points of strand exchange. A plausible model for the role of homology postulates that Int, the site-specific recombinase, makes double-strand breaks at attachment sites such that each broken end has a short single-strand protrusion. Recombination would then depend upon the capacity of these protrusions to form Watson-Crick helices--i.e., to anneal--a process that might require perfect complementarity between the cohesive ends. To test this model, we have studied Int-promoted crosses in which one attachment site is a heteroduplex. Specifically, we constructed sites in which the seven-base-pair region between the points of strand exchange contains one or more noncomplementary pairs. The double-strand break and annealing mechanism predicts that crosses with these heteroduplex sites should yield one completed recombinant and one broken site. We find that such nonreciprocal recombination is uncommon and that the typical outcome of crosses involving a heteroduplex site is a reciprocal recombinant in which both products are resealed. Moreover, the occasional appearance of nonreciprocal products can be explained by our finding that Int can cleave heteroduplex attachment sites after recombination is completed. Taken together, our data strongly indicate that bacteriophage lambda recombination does not proceed by the homology-dependent annealing of cohesive ends; acceptable alternatives for the role of homology are discussed.
Intracranial microvascular free flaps.

Large acquired intracranial defects can result from trauma or surgery. When reoperation is required because of infection or tumor recurrence, management of the intracranial dead space can be challenging. By providing well-vascularized bulky tissue, intracranial microvascular free flaps offer potential solutions to these life-threatening complications. A multi-institutional retrospective chart and radiographic review was performed of all patients who underwent microvascular free-flap surgery for salvage treatment of postoperative intracranial infections between 1998 and 2006. A total of six patients were identified with large intracranial defects and postoperative intracranial infections. Four patients had parenchymal resections for tumor or seizure and two patients had posttraumatic encephalomalacia. All patients underwent operative debridement and intracranial free-flap reconstruction using the latissimus dorsi muscle ( N = 2), rectus abdominis muscle ( N = 2), or omentum ( N = 2). All patients had titanium ( N = 4) or Medpor ( N = 2) cranioplasties. We concluded that surgery or trauma can result in significant intracranial dead space. Treatment of postoperative intracranial infection can be challenging. Vascularized free tissue transfer not only fills the void, but also provides a delivery system for immune cells, antibodies, and systemically administered antibiotics. The early use of this technique when intracranial dead space and infection coexist is beneficial.
Disadvantaged Minorities’ Use of the Internet to Expand Their Social Networks

An essential argument of the social diversification hypothesis is that disadvantaged groups use the Internet rather than face-to-face communication to broaden social networks, whereas advantaged groups use the Internet to reinforce existing network ties. Previous research in this area has not accounted for both online and off-line communication, has only been examined with cross-sectional data, and has primarily been studied in Israel. To address these gaps with a U.S. data set, 2,669 conversations were analyzed over 6-day periods using ecological momentary assessment (EMA). Indeed, unlike participants from racially or educationally advantaged groups, participants who were from a racially marginalized group or lacked college training were more likely to broaden social networks online rather than face-to-face with interracial and weak tie exchanges. This proof of concept of social diversification theory across cultures is the first to use real-time, within-person measures of both race and tie strength.
Predicting continence following radical prostatectomy

Stress urinary incontinence is a recognized complication following radical prostatectomy. Fortunately, in the hands of experienced surgeons, the overwhelming majority of men ultimately regain urinary continence following the procedure. Most men regain urinary continence 3 to 12 months after the prostatectomy. We have developed and validated a continence index that is administered at the time of catheter removal after radical prostatectomy. This index identifies those men who rapidly regain continence and men who will have permanent incontinence after prostatectomy. The study population was stratified into tertile groups based on the continence scores. At 3 months, 96%, 82%, and 68% of men in the highest, mid, and lowest tertile groups reported using no pads or one small pad. Based on these observations, we recommend initiating biofeedback immediately postoperatively in men with continence scores of 14 or less. At 1 year, 100%, 98%, and 87% of the men in the highest, mid, and lowest tertile group reported using no pads or only one small pad. Men who have continence scores greater than 14 can be assured that they will regain urinary continence within 1 year. To our knowledge, this index is the only validated instrument that predicts the return of urinary continence after radical prostatectomy.
Deoxycytidine Deaminase-Deficient Escherichia coli Strains Display Acute Sensitivity to Cytidine, Adenosine, and Guanosine and Increased Sensitivity to a Range of Antibiotics, Including Vancomycin

We show here that deoxycytidine deaminase (DCD)-deficient mutants of Escherichia coli are hypersensitive to killing by exogenous cytidine, adenosine, or guanosine, whereas wild-type cells are not. This hypersensitivity is reversed by exogenous thymidine. The mechanism likely involves the allosteric regulation of ribonucleotide reductase and severe limitations of the dTTP pools, resulting in thymineless death, the phenomenon of cell death due to thymidine starvation. We also report here that DCD-deficient mutants of E. coli are more sensitive to a series of different antibiotics, including vancomycin, and we show synergistic killing with the combination of vancomycin and cytidine. One possibility is that a very low, subinhibitory concentration of vancomycin enters Gram-negative cells and that this concentration is potentiated by chromosomal lesions resulting from the thymineless state. A second possibility is that the metabolic imbalance resulting from DCD deficiency affects the assembly of the outer membrane, which normally presents a barrier to drugs such as vancomycin. We consider these findings with regard to ideas of rendering Gram-negative bacteria sensitive to drugs such as vancomycin.
Active imaging update and its dual use applications

The uses of all classes of space systems both military and commercial are rapidly increasing. In turn the surveillance of these systems and their activities are becoming of increasing importance to the uses of these systems. Unfortunately, the present surveillance infrastructure is not keeping pace with the demand for information and new infrastructure and capabilities are needed. As a result new technologies are being developed to support the need. These technologies can be used by both the military and commercial use and thus 'dual-use technologies' have come into reality. The background conditions, current research directions, and their dual use applications are briefly examined.
Thermosensitive Hydrogel as a Tgf-β1 Gene Delivery Vehicle Enhances Diabetic Wound Healing

Purpose. To accelerate diabetic wound healing with TGF-β1 gene delivery system using a thermosensitive hydrogel made of a triblock copolymer, PEG-PLGA-PEG.
Theoretical framework for mapping pulse shapes in semiconductor radiation detectors

Abstract An efficient method for calculating of charge pulses produced by semiconductor detectors is presented. The method is based on a quasi-steady-state model for semiconductor detector operation. A complete description of the model and underlying assumptions is given. Mapping of charge pulses is accomplished by solving an adjoint carrier continuity equation. The solution of the adjoint equation yields Green's function, a time- and position-dependent map that contains all possible charge pulses that can be produced by the detector for charge generated at discrete locations (e.g., by gamma-ray interactions). Because the map is generated by solving a single, time-dependent problem, the potential for reduction in computational effort over direct mapping methods is significant, particularly for detectors with complex electrode structures. In this paper, the adjoint equation is presented and the mapping method is validated for a benchmark problem.
Community Assessments Using Map and Geographic Data

ABSTRACT Geographic information systems (GIS) and maps are an area of expanding use in the social services. Many researchers who begin working on neighborhood assessments find that the types of information they need include the infrastructure of a neighborhood (e.g., civil design and transportation), census, and socioeconomic data, mapped to the block level. They turn to the librarian for help in obtaining the data and the maps. This paper provides an overview of the type of information that may be used in a neighborhood or community assessment and how some of this information can be effectively handled using a geographic information system.
Convective Mass Transfer Effects on the Intracellular Calcium Response of Endothelial Cells

Endothelial cells, which line the vasculature, respond to specific agonists such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) by elevating cytosolic calcium levels and increasing production of the vasoactive compounds, prostacyclin and endothelial derived relaxing factor (EDRF). Endothelial cells express ecto-enzymes which metabolize ATP. If the activity of these enzymes is sufficiently high, then the concentration of ATP near the endothelial cell surface can be substantially lower than the bulk concentration. The ATP concentration is determined by a balance between the convection of fresh ATP from upstream and the degradation of ATP by the endothelial cells. In this report, we present a parallel plate flow system for measurement of cytosolic calcium levels ([Ca2+]i) of individual bovine aortic endothelial cells with the calcium sensitive fluorescent dye, fura-2. The cells respond to increases in the flow rate by increasing [Ca2+]i if there is ATP present in the perfusing buffer, but not in the absence of ATP. The amount of agonist in the perfusing fluid near the endothelial cell surface is estimated by solving the governing differential equation for the concentration profile of ATP in the parallel plate flow geometry. The solution indicates that one mechanism endothelial cells may use to detect changes in the flow rate is to respond to the change in the local concentration of agonist.
Placement algorithm for multiplier-based FPGA circuits

FPGA placement algorithms have stricter location constraints compared to normal ASIC placers. For large circuits, designers often start by using a best local solution and iterate until a reasonable global solution is attained, with optimization criteria such as minimum delay, area and power. This paper presents a modified greedy algorithm for placing Xilinx FPGA blocks, specifically designed for large multipliers. The solution decreases die utilization by aligning pipeline registers in an optimal way with respect to DSP48 blocks, hence decreasing delay, routing interconnect and consequently total power consumption of the design. Placement of long-integer multipliers with the proposed algorithm can result in delay reduction of up to 20%.
A complex Polycomb issue: the two faces of EZH2 in cancer

In the April 1, 2012, issue of Genes & Development, Simon and colleagues (pp. 651-656) demonstrated that the disruption of Ezh2 in mice is sufficient to cause T-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). Moreover, in concert with concurrent studies, the authors revealed that similar mechanisms are involved in human T-ALL. These data contrast with previous findings showing that increased EZH2 activity promotes cancer.
On regression method to obtain emission parameters of building materials

Diffusion coefficient and partition coefficient are two critical parameters that describe the emission characteristics of building materials. These parameters could be obtained from least-square regression by fitting the model predictions with the experimental data obtained by widely used small chamber tests. The chamber data quality is important to the reliability of the regression results. In this paper, we study the influence of measurement errors of chamber data as well as data abundance on the regression results of model parameters. The cases studied include one degree, two degrees, and three degrees of freedom. As expected, the more variables to be determined by regression, the larger uncertainties the parameter regression results have. Results also show that prediction of partition coefficient is more likely dependent on the data abundance. The results of this study could be useful for guiding further regression work and establishing the requirements of chamber tests.
TNF-α neutralization decreases nuclear factor-κB activation and apoptosis during renal obstruction

Background Obstruction of the upper urinary tract is an important cause of progressive renal injury in children. While tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and nuclear factor κB (NFκB) have independently been implicated in the pathophysiology of this process, TNF-α’s role in obstruction-induced NFκB activation has not previously been investigated. Materials and methods To study this, male Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to 3 days of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) versus sham operation. Twenty-four hours prior to surgery and 2 days after, rats received either a vehicle or a pegylated form of soluble TNF receptor type 1 (PEG-sTNFR1). The kidneys were harvested 3 days postoperatively, and tissue samples were analyzed for TNF-α expression (ELISA), NFκB activation (EMSA, immunohistochemistry), IκB degradation (Western blot), angiotensinogen expression (Western blot), and apoptosis (TUNEL). Results Renal cortical TNF-α levels, NFκB activation, IκB degradation, angiotensinogen expression, and apoptotic cell death were significantly increased in response to obstruction. In contrast, TNF-α neutralization significantly reduced obstruction-induced TNF-α production, NFκB activation, IκB degradation, angiotensinogen expression, and renal tubular cell apoptosis. Conclusion TNF-α’s potent pro-inflammatory and cytotoxic effect during renal obstruction is directed through NFκB activation via increased IκB-α phosphorylation. As the role of TNF-α and NFκB in renal obstruction are further defined, the development of therapeutic strategies that limit or prevent obstruction-induced renal injury may be realized.
Pulsation research during the IMS

After describing the development status of the field of magnetic pulsations in 1975, before the initiation of the International Magnetospheric Study (IMS), attention is given to the IMS's novel observational results and an attempt is made to identify the most effective research methods employed. It is found that the most fruitful work involved small-scale collaboration between a few individuals or a few groups possessing complementary data sets. Consideration is restricted to research on the long period pulsations which can be broadly classified as field line resonances. Recommendations are made for future research efforts.
The symmetry angle: A novel, robust method of quantifying asymmetry

Quantification of asymmetry is a common objective in both research and clinical settings. The most common method for quantification of asymmetry of discrete variables is calculation of the symmetry index. Essentially a measure of the percent difference between sides, the symmetry index requires the choice of a reference value. This is a limitation as the choice of value is not always clear, and can lead to inconsistent results and artificially inflated values. Therefore, the purposes of the current study were to examine the limitations of the symmetry index in depth, define a new method of quantifying symmetry that is robust to those limitations (the symmetry angle), and compute the correlations between the two measures. The results showed that, when using the symmetry index, the interpretation of asymmetry can be highly affected by the choice of reference value. The symmetry angle does not require the choice of a reference value. Therefore, it is not prone to the same limitations. While symmetry angle values tend to be smaller than symmetry index values, the measures are very highly correlated. This suggests that the symmetry angle is a good substitute for the symmetry index. Future studies of asymmetry may benefit from the use of the symmetry angle, as it is equally effective for identifying intra-limb differences as the symmetry index, but is not prone to problems due to normalization and provides a standard scale (±100%) to interpret results.
Trace detection of environmental contaminants by laser photofragmentation/fragment detection spectrometry

Trace concentrations of NO/sub 2/, other nitro-compounds, R-NO/sub 2/, and brominated species are detected by one color, laser-induced photofragmentation/fragment detection spectrometry. Laser radiation near 226 nm is used to both photolyze the nitrocompound and to facilitate the detection of the characteristic NO fragment by 1+1 resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) via its A/sup 2//spl Sigma//sup +/-X/sup 2/II (0,0) transitions. Similarly, laser radiation at 260.63 nm is used to fragment the target brominated compound and excite the characteristic Br atom photofragment via its two-photon 4p/sup 4/5p/sup 4/D/sub 3/2//sup o//spl larr/4p/sup 5 2/P/sub 3/2//sup o/ transition. Detection of Br is accomplished by 2+1 REMPI, and by laser-induced fluorescence and stimulated emission via the 4p/sup 4/5p /sup 4/D/sub 3/2//sup o//spl rarr/4p/sup 4/5s /sup 4/P/sub 5/2,3/2/ transitions at 844 and 751.5 nm. The analytical merits of the technique are evaluated and discussed, and the limits of detection for various compounds reported.
Test-Retest Reliability and Validity Studies of the Skills Confidence Inventory

The present study investigated the test-retest reliability and construct validity of the Skills Confidence Inventory (SCI; Betz, Borgen, & Harmon, 1996), a measure of self-efficacy expectations with respect to the six Holland (1985a) themes. In a sample of 113 college students, 67 men and 46 women, test-retest reliability over a 3-week interval ranged from .83 (Realistic confidence) to .87 (Social confidence). In a sample of 345 students, 164 men and 181 women, evidence for the construct validity of the SCI was found. Results of a confirmatory factor analysis suggested a fair fit of the data to the six-factor structure of Holland's theory.
Trends and challenges to ESD and Latch-up designs for nanometer CMOS technologies

With the rapid scaling of CMOS technologies into the nanometer arena, ESD and Latch-up are becoming reliability threats more complex than ever. This paper will systematically address all the challenges related to robust ESD and Latch-up designs as technology scales. The paper will be divided into three distinct parts. In the first part, the intrinsic technology ESD and Latchup scaling characteristics will be reviewed. Particular emphasis will be devoted to nMOS and pMOS scaling, thin-oxide reliability, ESD diodes, metal lines and Latch-up process sensitivity. In the second part, new circuit requirements and their impact on ESD and Latch-up designs will be presented. The challenges associated to the recently introduced power management techniques, ultra low capacitance applications and SoC design will be discussed. Finally, in the third part, unexpected ESD and Latch-up issues such as premature pMOS triggering, unwarranted stress from the HBM tester relay leading to false HBM evaluation, adjacent signal pins interaction and Latch-up will be presented.
Pooled Testing for HIV Screening: Capturing the Dilution Effect

We study pooled or group testing as a cost-effective alternative for screening donated blood products sera for HIV; rather than test each sample individually, this method combines various samples into a pool, and then tests the pool. A group testing policy specifies an initial pool size, and based on the HIV test result, either releases all samples in the pool for transfusion, discards all samples in the pool, or divides the pool into subpools for further testing. We develop a hierarchical statistical model that relates the HIV test output to the antibody concentration in the pool, thereby capturing the effect of pooling together different samples. The model is validated using data from a variety of field studies. The model is embedded into a dynamic programming algorithm that derives a group testing policy to minimize the expected cost due to false negatives, false positives, and testing. Because the implementation of the dynamic programming algorithm is cumbersome, a simplified version of the model is used to develop near optimal heuristic policies. A simulation study shows that significant cost savings can be achieved without compromising the accuracy of the test. However, the efficacy of group testing depends upon the use of a classification rule that is, discard the samples in the pool, transfuse them or test them further that is dependent on pool size, a characteristic that is lacking in currently implemented pooled testing procedures.
Work–Life Balance in Academic Medicine: Narratives of Physician-Researchers and Their Mentors

BACKGROUND Leaders in academic medicine are often selected from the ranks of physician-researchers, whose demanding careers involve multiple professional commitments that must also be balanced with demands at home.
Mathematics Achievement and Anxiety and Their Relation to Internalizing and Externalizing Behaviors

Although behavioral difficulties are well documented in reading disabilities, little is known about the relationship between math ability and internalizing and externalizing behaviors. Here, we use standardized measures to investigate the relation among early math ability, math anxiety, and internalizing and externalizing behaviors in a group of 366 second and third graders. Math achievement was significantly correlated with attentional difficulties and social problems but not with internalizing symptoms. The relation between math achievement and externalizing behavioral problems was stronger in girls than in boys. Math achievement was not correlated with trait anxiety but was negatively correlated with math anxiety. Critically, math anxiety differed significantly between children classified as math learning disabled (MLD), low achieving (LA), and typically developing (TD), with math anxiety significantly higher in the MLD and LA groups compared to the TD group. Our findings suggest that, even in nonclinical samples, math difficulties at the earliest stages of formal math learning are associated with attentional difficulties and domain-specific anxiety. These findings underscore the need for further examination of the shared cognitive, neural, and genetic influences underlying problem solving and nonverbal learning difficulties and accompanying internalizing and externalizing behaviors.
Impact of TimeSlips, a Creative Expression Intervention Program, on Nursing Home Residents With Dementia and their Caregivers

Purpose: Creative expression (CE) programs are emerging interventions to improve the quality of care and life of persons with dementia (PWDs) in long-term care settings. However, limited empirical evidence exists to support the effectiveness of these programs. Here, we report the fi ndings from an assessment of the impact of TimeSlips (TS), a group storytelling program that encourages CE among PWDs and those who care for them. Design and Methods: Instruction in TS was provided through a 10-week onsite training. An observational study using an experimental design was conducted in 20 nursing home facilities in 2 states, 10 of which were randomly selected to implement TS. Two weeks after the implementation of TS at the intervention sites, we conducted 4 days of direct observation, using a time-sampling approach, of residents and staff in each facility. Using surveys, we also assessed staff job satisfaction, attitudes toward residents, and burnout. Results: Compared with residents in the control facilities, those in the TS facilities were more engaged and more alert. In TS facilities, there were more frequent staff – resident interactions, social interactions, and social engagement. Also, staff who participated in the TS program had more positive views of residents with dementia and devalued residents less than did the control group staff. There were no differences in staff job satisfaction and burnout among staff in the TS and non-TS facilities. Implications: Implementing the TS program in nursing facilities improves the care environment for PWDs. However, additional studies are needed to offer further insights into the mechanisms by which TS improves both staff and resident outcomes.
FOLSOM: A FAST AND MEMORY-EFFICIENT PHRASE-BASED APPROACH TO STATISTICAL MACHINE TRANSLATION

In this work, we propose a novel framework for performing phrase-based statistical machine translation using weighted finite-state transducers (WFST's) that is significantly faster than existing frameworks while also being memory-efficient. In particular, we represent the entire translation model with a single WFST that is statically optimized, in contrast to previous work that represents the translation model as multiple WFST's that must be composed on the fly. We describe a new search algorithm that conveniently and efficiently combines multiple knowledge sources during decoding. The proposed approach is particularly suitable for converged real-time speech translation on scalable computing devices. We were able to develop a SMT system that can translate more than 3000 words/second while still retaining excellent accuracy.
Phase I trial of concomitant vinorelbine, cisplatin, and pelvic irradiation in cervical carcinoma and other advanced pelvic malignancies

Objective. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility and toxicity of concomitant vinorelbine, paclitaxel, and pelvic radiation therapy (RT) in patients with advanced cervical cancer and other pelvic malignancies. Methods. Eligible patients included those with large or locally advanced cervical cancer. In addition, patients with other ad- vanced gynecologic malignancies were eligible. In part I, vinorel- bine was administered as a single agent during pelvic RT at a starting dose of 10 mg/m 2 /week with subsequent cohorts being 2 /week were well tolerated, with the primary toxicity being hematologic. RT was delayed in only 1 patient due to acute hematologic toxicity. In contrast, the combination of paclitaxel, vinorelbine, and pelvic RT was not well tolerated. Five of 6 patients (83%) experienced grade >2 leukopenia, with 2 patients missing >1 cycle of chemotherapy. Moreover, RT was delayed for 1 week in 2 of 6 patients (33%). Conclusions. Concomitant pelvic RT and vinorelbine with doses to 25 mg/m 2 /week is well tolerated. The addition of paclitaxel to this combination is associated with significant hematologic toxicity and is thus not a feasible approach. © 2001 Academic Press
Balloon occlusion of segmental hepatic arteries. Control of biopsy-induced hemobilia.

LIVER biopsy, both percutaneous and during laparotomy or laparoscopy, has become a widely used diagnostic technique. The complications include bile peritonitis, bleeding, and communications between the vascular and biliary systems, which may result in hemobilia. Therapy for hemobilia usually requires hepatic artery ligation or hepatic lobe resection; the attendant risks are high. Walter et al 1 recently reported angiographic control of biopsy-induced hemobilia using absorbable gelatin sponge (Gelfoam) emboli. Two additional reports 2,3 were made in which this same technique was used. We present an alternate technique using a balloon catheter to temporarily occlude a hepatic artery branch and control biopsy-induced hemobilia. Report of a Case A 50-year-old woman had abdominal pain and epigastric fullness. A biopsy specimen of an axillary lymph node showed poorly differentiated nodular lymphocytic lymphoma. Her condition was staged IVA with an abnormal lymphangiogram; bone marrow and percutaneous liver biopsy specimens also showed lymphoma. She received
REVIEW: Methods to measure forage and diet particle size in the dairy cow1

ABSTRACT Dairy cows require adequate fiber for proper rumen function and production of milk, fat, and protein. However, cattle not only have a chemical fiber requirement but also a physical fiber requirement. An important consideration regarding forage particle size is the method used to measure particle size distribution. Many systems currently exist to measure particle size, and even more methods exist to use particle size data to calculate physically effective fiber in rations. However, because there is not a standard method for the dairy industry or dairy researchers, several different systems are currently being used, and their data are sometimes used interchangeably though their results may not be comparable. Many of the systems attempting to estimate physically effective fiber are based on the theory that there is a critical size threshold for particles leaving the rumen, and that particles above this threshold are effective because they stimulate chewing to promote particle size reduction and rumen escape. Various methods used to measure and interpret forage and diet particle size in dairy diets will be discussed.