cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Middle Cerebral Artery Bifurcation Aneurysms: When and How to Treat Asymptomatic Unruptured Aneurysms.

Management of unruptured asymptomatic cerebral aneurysms is one of the most highly controversial and most discussed topics in vascular neurosurgery. The increasing availability and use of imaging modalities, including computed tomography with and without angiography, magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance angiography, and digital subtraction angiography, has resulted in an increased number of diagnosed unruptured aneurysms. This trend has led more patients to ask if their vascular lesion should be treated and if so when should such treatment be done. The current medical literature shows conflicting data regarding the natural history of unruptured cerebral aneurysms and the risks associated with their management. In 2003, the International Study of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms (ISUIA) (11) showed that aneurysms in the anterior circulation measuring <7 mm had a 5-year cumulative risk of rupture of 0% in patients with no history of subarachnoid hemorrhage and that aneurysms measuring 7e12 mm had a 5-year cumulative risk of 2.6%, making the risk associated with any treatment modality
Bond Graphs: The Right Choice for Educating Students in Modeling Continuous-Time Physical Systems

This paper describes a modeling technique that, better than alternative approaches, teaches the student to develop from the start valid models of physical continuous- time processes. Several exampl...
Information sought and information provided: an empirical study of user/expert dialogues

Transcripts of computer-mail users seeking advice from an expert were studied to investigate the complementary claims that people often do not know what information they need to obtain in order to achieve their goals, and consequently, that experts must identify inappropriate queries and infer and respond to the goals behind them. This paper reports on one facet of the transcript analysis, namely, the identification of the types of relation that hold between the action that an advice-seeker asks about and the action that an expert tells him how to perform. Three such relations between actions are identified: generates, enables, and is-alternative-to. The claim is made that a cooperative advice-providing system, such as a help system or an expert system, must be able to compute these relations between actions.
Synthesis and Characterization of Platinum(II) and Platinum(IV) Complexes Containing R-(-)-Cyclohexylethylamine

Abstract A series of new platinum(II) and platinum(IV) complexes containing R-(-)-cyclohexylethylamine (R-CHEA) of the type cis-Pt11(R-CHEA)2X2 (where X = C1 or I), cis–Pt11(R-CHEA)2X′ (where X′ = l,1-cyclobutanedicarboxylate or oxalate), and PtIV(R-CHEA)2Cl2X′2 (where X″ = OH, Cl, OCOCF3, OCOCCl3, OCOCH3 or OCOCH2CH3) has been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis and by IR, 13C, and 195Pt NMR spectroscopy.
RNA IN CYTOPLASMIC AND NUCLEAR FRACTIONS OF CELLULAR SLIME MOLD AMEBAS

A method is described for the rapid separation of cellular slime mold (Dictyostelium discoideum) cells into nuclear and cytoplasmic fractions. Sucrose density sedimentation profiles of radioactivity from cells that had been grown for long or short periods in the presence of uridine-3H indicate very low levels of cross-contamination between the fractions. The nuclear fraction contains few, if any, ribosomes. In exponentially growing cells, at least 80% of the ribosomes were associated in polysomal complexes. No loss of counts from pre-labeled rRNA was observed during 2 generations (24 hr) of logarithmic growth and, within the polysomal complexes, the distributions of the preformed material and of rRNA synthesized during the 2 generations were identical. In stationary phase cells that had entered the developmental program leading to fruiting body construction, the rRNA turned over rapidly so that by the end of development at least 75% of the ribosomes fabricated during exponential growth had disappeared and had been replaced by new ones synthesized during the morphogenetic sequence. The preformed ribosomes disappeared preferentially from the monosomal contingent; the newly synthesized ribosomes appeared exclusively in the polysomal contingent and did not appear as monosomes in appreciable numbers for at least 6 hr. The possible significance of this wholesale replacement of ribosomes is discussed.
MACHINE LEARNING FROM NOISY INFORMATION.

A METHOD of approach is described here in connexion with international telegraph (Morse) code, but not much change is necessary with other systems of substitution ciphers1. At this stage no reference is made to a vocabulary or to the syntactic and semantic context2.
A patient-specific predictive model increases preoperative templating accuracy in hip arthroplasty

Application of digital radiography during preoperative templating has shown potential to reduce complications in total hip arthroplasty. In this study, we aimed to further improve digital templating by using a predictive model built on patients' specific data. The model was significant in improving the accuracy of templating within ±1 size of acetabular component (χ(2)(1, N=468)=19.314, P<0.0001, Φ=0.604, and odds-ratio: 7.750 (95% CI 2.740-30.220)). We successfully achieved a 99% accuracy within ±2 of templated size. Additionally, patient demographics, such as height and weight, have shown significant effects on the predictive model. The outcome of this study may help reducing the costs of health care in the long term by minimizing implant inventory costs.
Water Requirements of Gerbils and Kangaroo Rats in the Laboratory

Both gerbils (Meriones unquiculates) and kangaroo rats (Dipodymus ordii) consumed free water (0.088 and 0.107 cc./gm. body weight/day; respectively) at reliable daily rates irrespective of two food types. When drinking water was withheld, sunflower seeds retarded body weight loss more than Lab Blox but Ss were dead or near death by the 19th day when weights were down approximately 30%.
An analysis of consumer reactions to green strategies

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of three green strategies on key consumer metrics. More specifically, it aims to measure consumers' purchase intentions of new green, recycled/refurbished products, green company processes and a non‐green product/process.Design/methodology/approach – Between subjects 2×2×4 experimental design with two levels of price (high and low), two levels of brand name (known and unknown) and four levels of green strategies.Findings – Purchase intentions for green product and process strategies are significantly higher than non‐green approaches. However, post‐hoc analysis shows no significant advantage of one green strategy over another. Price and brand name do not have significant interactive effects with green strategies.Practical implications – Although it is essential that companies develop green strategies for the eco consumer it is not important what specific strategy is selected i.e. going green is the key. Also, despite the continued growth in t...
Quenching of initial ac susceptibility in single-domain Ni nanobars

The ac susceptibility measurement probes the dynamic properties of a magnetic material, which is believed to consist of magnetization rotation and domain wall motion contributions. Here we report the observation of a complete quenching of the initial ac susceptibility for a single-domain Ni nanobar array, when the ac field is aligned with the long axis of the bars. The vanishing of the susceptibility in one direction is a unique nanoscale phenomena, allowing an unambiguous determination of the magnetic state of the nanostructure and a clean separation of different contributions to its dynamic properties. For example, an unambiguous determination of the temperature-dependent surface anisotropy energy is obtained when the field is applied perpendicular to the long axis, even when the size of the nanobar is still large and the surface anisotropy does not dominate the magnetic energy.
Pyrolysis of Aromatic Carboxylic Acid Salts: Does Decarboxylation Play a Role in Cross-Linking Reactions?

The pyrolysis of sodium benzoate, potassium benzoate, and calcium benzoate has been investigated between 435 and 500 °C as models for carboxylic acid salts in low-rank coals to determine if the decarboxylation of benzoate salts can contribute to cross-linking reactions during the thermal processing of low-rank coals. Decarboxylation was the dominant reaction pathway for all three salts. However, char formation (leading to poor mass balance) was also observed in all cases. The reaction proceeds via an anionic pathway, where the initial decarboxylation of benzoate salt leads to the formation of a phenyl anion as the key intermediate. Proton abstraction by the phenyl anion from another molecule of benzoate leads to the formation of benzene and benzoate dianion, which can react with CO2 to form a di-salt of phthalic acid (i.e., the Henkel reaction). Both benzene and phthalate account for >95% of the total products in the pyrolysis of sodium and potassium benzoates. The minor products diphenylmethane, benzophe...
Microsurgical management of pediatric intracranial aneurysms

Pediatric aneuryms are rare and have characteristics that distinguish them from their adult counterparts. There is a greater capacity for pediatric aneurysms to arise de novo and progress rapidly. Saccular aneurysms are rarer; fusiform/giant aneurysms are more common. Hemorrhage is less common at presentation than are symptoms that result from mass effect. These patients also present with comorbidities that are unique to children and these conditions may influence treatment selection between minimally invasive procedures and microsurgery. Life expectancy is typically measured in decades for this population and thus treatment durability is of considerable importance. Our retrospective review indicated that complete aneurysm obliteration occurred in 93% of microsurgery patients versus 79% of endovascular patients. Although functional outcomes were similar for both treatment modalities, the need for additional treatment was over four times more likely in children receiving endovascular therapy. The need for continued follow-up cannot be overstated for this patient group, therefore, nor can the collaborative efforts of both surgeons and interventionalists to design the most appropriate treatment approach.
Selective type III phosphodiesterase inhibition prevents elevated compartment pressure after ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Background A new synthetic cyclic adenosine monophosphate phosphodiesterase inhibitor, cilostazol, has been shown to inhibit platelet aggregation and act synergistically with endogenous prostaglandin I2 to enhance smooth-muscle cell vasodilitation. The effect of cilostazol in ischemia/reperfusion injury-induced compartment syndrome was investigated. Methods Sixteen rabbits underwent femoral artery occlusion after ligation of branches from the terminal aorta to the femoral artery. After 7 hours of ischemia, reperfusion was established with heparinized polyethylene shunts. Experimental animals (n = 8) received cilostazol (3.0 mg/kg) and control animals (n = 8) received normal saline as an intravenous infusion 10 minutes before shunt placement. During reperfusion, anterior compartment pressure was continuously monitored in the left lower extremity, and femoral artery blood flow was measured by laser Doppler fluorometry. To quantitate skeletal muscle oxidative metabolism and viability, triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) reduction (micrograms of TTC per milligram of protein) of tibialis anterior muscle from the right lower extremity was measured at femoral artery occlusion, 7 hours of ischemia, and 2 hours of reperfusion. To assess tissue edema, dry/wet weight ratios were also determined at these intervals. Data were expressed as means +/- SE. Comparisons within groups were performed by analysis of variance, and comparisons between groups with two-tailed unpaired t tests. Results At 2 hours of reperfusion, the difference between controls and cilostazol-treated animals was extremely significant (p = 0.0008). Preischemia and 2-hour reperfusion TTC and dry/wet weight ratios were not significantly different within or between experimental groups, nor was femoral artery blood flow during reperfusion. Conclusion Cilostazol inhibits the increase in compartment pressure central to the development of the compartment syndrome. The mechanism appears to be independent of altered tissue permeability or oxidative metabolism.
Effects of physical training on several glycolytic enzymes in rat heart.

Abstract In response to a program of daily swimming for 16 weeks, the activities of pyruvate kinase and lactate dehydrogenase increased significantly in the hearts of young male rats. The isozyme composition in M of cardiac lactate dehydrogenase increased from 28.5 to 32.7% in the trained animals. Phosphofructokinase activity and glycogen content were unchanged. The hearts of the exercising animals were 28% heavier than those of sedentary paired weight controls.
Perioperative external pneumatic calf compression as thromboembolism prophylaxis in gynecologic oncology: Report of a randomized controlled trial

Postoperative venous thromboembolic complications are a major problem for the gynecologic oncologist. External pneumatic calf compression (EPC), when applied intraoperatively and left on the patient's legs for 5 days postoperatively, has been previously demonstrated to significantly reduce the incidence of venous thromboembolic complications in patients undergoing surgery for pelvic malignancies. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether a short perioperative course of EPC is also effective in preventing venous thromboembolic complications. One hundred ninety-four patients participated in a randomized controlled trial of perioperative external pneumatic calf compression. 125I-labeled fibrinogen scanning and impedance plethysmography were used as prospective surveillance methods in both groups. Venous thromboembolic complications were diagnosed in 12.4% of control group patients and in 18.6% of EPC group patients. External pneumatic calf compression when used only in the perioperative period appears to be of no benefit in reducing the incidence of postoperative venous thromboembolic complications.
Improvement of detection limits in Flow Injection Analysis

When using a conventional UV/VIS-Spectrophotometer with a large sample compartment as a detector for FIA, flow cells with longer pathlengths can be applied. Despite of a unavoidable band broadening a significant improvement of detection limit can be achieved compared to standard cells. Band broadening is compensated by slight modifications of the manifold, so that the dispersion is in the same range for long path cells and standard flow cells. With a 5 cm flow cell phosphate can be detected down to 0.005 mg/l P.
Testing the Validity of the Griffin/Keogh Model For Movement Confidence by Analyzing Self-Report Playground Involvement Decisions of Elementary School Children

Abstract In this study, the interaction of such factors as competence, potential for enjoyment, and potential for harm as postulated in the Model for Movement Confidence was studied by analyzing responses of 250 fifth-grade children in the Omaha Public Schools to a Playground Movement Confidence Inventory (PMCI). The PMCI was designed to assess movement confidence and the bases for performance decisions. Multiple discriminant analyses and analytical cross-validation were used to determine an index of discriminatory power, stability of the instrument, and a validity coefficient for scale classification power. All three model factors were found to influence the confidence of children in performing the playground tasks in the inventory. The PMCI successfully classified 85.16% of total cases representing a .5726 proportional reduction in error over chance. The factor analysis model accounted for 54% of the total variance with 90% of this variance explained by the competency subscale. The enjoyment and harm su...
Application Of Mathematical Morphology To Handwritten ZIP Code Recognition

This paper describes applications of mathematical morphology to a system for recognizing handwritten ZIP Codes. It discusses morphological techniques used for preprocessing address block images, locating address block lines, splitting touching characters, and identifying handwritten numerals. These techniques combine mathematical morphology, hierarchical matching of object models to symbolic image representations, and a strategy of propagating multiple hypotheses. The various submodules of the system have been trained on over two thousand real address block images and tested on one thousand representative images. On the one thousand test images, the system correctly located 82.5 percent, correctly identified 45.6 percent, and incorrectly classified only 0.8% of the ZIP Codes. This system performance level could lead to a significant cost savings in mail piece sorting.
Differential patterns of response to doxycycline and transforming growth factor β1 in the down-regulation of collagenases in osteoarthritic and normal human chondrocytes

Objective To investigate the ability of doxycycline, transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1), and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) to modulate collagenase synthesis in osteoarthritic (OA) chondrocytes. Methods Levels of fibroblast collagenase (matrix metalloproteinase 1 [MMP-1]), neutrophil collagenase (MMP-8), and collagenase 3 (MMP-13) proteins and messenger RNA (mRNA) were measured in chondrocytes isolated from involved and uninvolved areas of OA cartilage and from normal human chondrocytes, after treatment with doxycycline, TGFβ1, and PMA. Results Chondrocytes isolated from cartilage immediately adjacent to the OA lesion had, on average, 1.8–3.9-fold higher basal levels of MMP mRNA. These cells down-regulated collagenase proteins and mRNA upon incubation with TGFβ1. In contrast, chondrocytes from areas located more distant from the macroscopic lesion increased MMP-13 mRNA, while MMP-1 and MMP-8 decreased after stimulation with TGFβ1. Discoordinate regulation was observed after stimulation with PMA, with an increase in MMP-1 and MMP-8 but a decrease in MMP-13. Incubation of OA chondrocytes with doxycycline (1–10 μg/ml), at pharmacologically achievable levels, decreased levels of mRNA of all 3 collagenases, but not G3PDH. In addition, doxycycline inhibited the increase in mRNA for these enzymes in normal chondrocytes stimulated with tumor necrosis factor α. Conclusion These findings suggest that regulation of MMP-1, MMP-8, and MMP-13 in OA chondrocytes, although mediated by differing pathways, can be decreased by treatment with doxycycline at low concentrations. Our data provide a rationale for the use of doxycycline in the treatment of OA.
Phase-space symmetries of a relativistic plasma.

Relativistic plasmas phase space symmetries in Minkowski space, noting variance of plasma interaction with electromagnetic field
Characterization of Transition States in Dichloro (1,4,7-Triazacyclononane) Copper (II)-Catalyzed Activated Phosphate Diester Hydrolysis

The reaction mechanism for Cu[9]aneN3Cl2-catalyzed hydrolysis of ethyl 4-nitrophenyl phosphate was probed using kinetic isotope effects and isotope exchange experiments. The solvent deuterium isotope effect (Dk = 1.14), combined with the absence of 18O incorporation into 4-nitrophenol, suggests that hydrolysis proceeds through intramolecular attack of the metal-coordinated hydroxide at the phosphorus center. The secondary 15N isotope effect (15k = 1.0013 ± 0.0002) implies that loss of the leaving group occurs at the rate-limiting step with approximately 50% bond cleavage in the transition state. This study is one of the first applications of the secondary 15N isotope effect to simple metal-promoted hydrolysis reactions, and the result is consistent with concerted bond formation and cleavage. A mechanism consistent with the isotope studies is presented.
An Unexpected Link Between Notch Signaling and ROS in Restricting the Differentiation of Hematopoietic Progenitors in Drosophila

A fundamental question in hematopoietic development is how multipotent progenitors achieve precise identities, while the progenitors themselves maintain quiescence. In Drosophila melanogaster larvae, multipotent hematopoietic progenitors support the production of three lineages, exhibit quiescence in response to cues from a niche, and from their differentiated progeny. Infection by parasitic wasps alters the course of hematopoiesis. Here we address the role of Notch (N) signaling in lamellocyte differentiation in response to wasp infection. We show that Notch activity is moderately high and ubiquitous in all cells of the lymph gland lobes, with crystal cells exhibiting the highest levels. Wasp infection reduces Notch activity, which results in fewer crystal cells and more lamellocytes. Robust lamellocyte differentiation is induced even in N mutants. Using RNA interference knockdown of N, Serrate, and neuralized (neur), and twin clone analysis of a N null allele, we show that all three genes inhibit lamellocyte differentiation. However, unlike its cell-autonomous function in crystal cell development, Notch's inhibitory influence on lamellocyte differentiation is not cell autonomous. High levels of reactive oxygen species in the lymph gland lobes, but not in the niche, accompany N(RNAi)-induced lamellocyte differentiation and lobe dispersal. Our results define a novel dual role for Notch signaling in maintaining competence for basal hematopoiesis: while crystal cell development is encouraged, lamellocytic fate remains repressed. Repression of Notch signaling in fly hematopoiesis is important for host defense against natural parasitic wasp infections. These findings can serve as a model to understand how reactive oxygen species and Notch signals are integrated and interpreted in vivo.
Enhanced formic acid oxidation on Cu–Pd nanoparticles

Abstract Developing catalysts with high activity and high resistance to surface poisoning remains a challenge in direct formic acid fuel cell research. In this work, copper–palladium nanoparticles were formed through a galvanic replacement process. After electrochemically selective dissolution of surface Cu, Pd-enriched Cu–Pd nanoparticles were formed. These particles exhibit much higher formic acid oxidation activities than that on pure Pd nanoparticles, and they are much more resistant to the surface poisoning. Possible mechanisms of catalytic activity enhancement are briefly discussed.
Assessing Sarcomere Structure Changes in Whole Muscle

The biomechanical functions of striated muscles are maintained by the repeating sarcomere units. We conducted several experiments to demonstrate that optical scattering properties measured in whole muscles are correlated with the underneath sarcomere structure changes.
Robotic minimally invasive cell transplantation for heart failure

Cardiac cell transplantation offers new opportunities as a potent therapeutic tool to improve left ventricular (LV) function and reverse postinfarction remodeling in ischemic heart disease. Skeletal myoblasts (SKMBs) engraft within infarcted myocardium, form myotubes, induce angiogenesis, and improve both diastolic and systolic LV function. 1 Bone marrow‐derived mononuclear cells (BM-MNCs) likewise engraft, increase angiogenesis, and improve myocardial perfusion. 2 Both cell types have moved to clinical testing, and preclinical studies suggest that they could have synergistic functional benefits that argue for combined transplantation. 3,4 Intramyocardial injections are currently performed either percutaneously through an endoventricular or transvenous approach or surgically through a thoracotomy or sternotomy. We recently reported a video-assisted thoracoscopic technique to reduce invasiveness and perioperative risk of surgical cell delivery that was tested in uninjured swine hearts. 5 In the setting of heart failure (HF), mechanical manipulation of the left ventricle both by means of stabilization and cell injection must be minimized to prevent hemodynamic compromise, arrhythmia, and ventricular perforation. Robotically assisted cardiac surgery combines the advantages of minimal invasiveness and thoracoscopic access but adds a 3-dimensional view and 7 degrees of freedom that requires less cardiac manipulation than with the 2-dimensional view and limited freedom of motion of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. 6 We therefore propose a robot-assisted, beating-heart cell transplantation technique for use in severe HF to increase safety, optimize targeting, and reduce procedural time.
Status of Guidance and Counseling in the Elementary School

This study investigated some aspects of elementary school guidance and counseling in the 50 states and the 4 American territories. Specifically, such matters as the number of counselors employed, their professional background, certification, and state standards were examined. Results of this study were as follows: 3,837 counselors are now working in elementary schools in 48 states; the majority of these counselors are former elementary school teachers. Over 70 per cent are supported in part by federal funds. To date, 14 states have developed certification requirements for elementary counselors that are discernibly different from secondary certification. For the most part, state standards for elementary school guidance lack specificity; in some cases such standards are non-existent
Thickness constraints on the icy shells of the galilean satellites from a comparison of crater shapes

A thin outer ice shell on Jupiter's large moon Europa would imply easy exchange between the surface and any organic or biotic material in its putative subsurface ocean. The thickness of the outer ice shell is poorly constrained, however, with model-dependent estimates ranging from a few kilometers of depths of impact craters on Europa, Ganymede and Callisto that reveal two anomalous transitions in crater shape with diameter. The first transition is probably related to temperature-dependent ductility of the crust at shallow depths (7-8 km on Europa). The second transition is attributed to the influence of subsurface oceans on all three satellites, which constrains Europa's icy shell to be at least 19 km thick. The icy lithospheres of Ganymede and Callisto are equally ice-rich, but Europa's icy shell has a thermal structure about 0.25-0.5 times the thickness of Ganymede's or Callisto's shells, depending on epoch. The appearances of the craters on Europa are inconsistent with thin-ice-shell models and indicate that exchange of oceanic and surface material could be difficult.
Effectiveness of a steam-vacuum sanitizer for reducing Escherichia coli O157:H7 inoculated to beef carcass surface tissue

A steam-vacuum sanitizer reduced aerobic plate counts associated with bovine faecal contamination from 5.5 log10 cfu cm-2 to 3.0 +/- 0.21 log10 cfu cm-2 on beef carcass short plates. The same beef carcass short plates inoculated with 7.6 +/- 0.09 log10 cfu cm-2 Escherichia coli O157:H7 in faeces, yielded an average residual level of E. coli O157:H7 of 2.1 +/- 0.21 log10 cfu cm-2, after steam-vacuum treatments. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of a steam-vacuum sanitizer for removing E. coli O157:H7 from beef carcasses.
Factors Affecting Older African American Women's Decisions to Join the PLCO Cancer Screening Trial

Purpose The purpose of this study is to describe the factors associated with the decisions of older African American women to join the PLCO (Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian) Cancer Screening Trial when recruited. Methods African American women between ages 55 and 74 years who were never diagnosed with a PLCO cancer were eligible for our study. Two methods of recruitment were used. First, mailings were sent to a random sample of women describing the PLCO followed by a telephone call to determine interest in the PLCO. If women were not interested in PLCO but consented to participate in our study, they were interviewed immediately. Second, we followed up with African American women who responded to mass mailings sent out before the start of our study by the Pittsburgh PLCO office. Women completed an interview about their cancer and clinical trial knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. The responses of women who joined the PLCO Trial are contrasted with the responses of women who did not join. R...
Corrections for the effects of accidental coincidences, Compton scatter, and object size in positron emission mammography (PEM) imaging

Positron emission mammography (PEM) has begun to show promise as an effective method for the detection of breast lesions. Due to its utilization of tumor-avid radiopharmaceuticals labeled with positron-emitting radionuclides, this technique may be especially useful in imaging of women with radiodense or fibrocystic breasts. While the use of these radiotracers affords PEM unique capabilities, it also introduces some limitations. Specifically, acceptance of accidental and Compton-scattered coincidence events can decrease lesion detectability. The authors studied the effect of accidental coincidence events on PEM images produced by the presence of /sup 18/F-Fluorodeoxyglucose in the organs of a subject using an anthropomorphic phantom. A delayed-coincidence technique was tested as a method for correcting PEM images for the occurrence of accidental events. Also, a Compton scatter correction algorithm designed specifically for PEM was developed and tested using a compressed breast phantom. Finally, the effect of object size on image counts and a correction for this effect were explored. The imager used in this study consisted of two PEM detector heads mounted 20 cm apart on a Lorad biopsy apparatus. The results demonstrated that a majority of the accidental coincidence events (/spl sim/80%) detected by this system were produced by radiotracer uptake in the adipose and muscle tissue of the torso. The presence of accidental coincidence events was shown to reduce lesion detectability. Much of this effect was eliminated by correction of the images utilizing estimates of accidental-coincidence contamination acquired with delayed coincidence circuitry built into the PEM system. The Compton scatter fraction for this system was /spl sim/14%. Utilization of a new scatter correction algorithm reduced the scatter fraction to /spl sim/1.5%. Finally, reduction of count recovery due to object size was measured and a correction to the data applied. Application of correction techniques for accidental coincidences, Compton scatter, and count loss due to image size increased target-to-background contrast ratios to approximately the maximum level theoretically achievable with this PEM system.
Error propagation from OSL calibration standards: Analytical solution and experimental validation

OSL (Open-Short-Load) calibration is the commonly used technique for one-port RF reflection/impedance measurement. Generally, the calibration standards are assumed to be ?perfect? or traceable to ?perfect standards?. With no doubts, the imperfections on calibration standards or process of traceability will create a second-level error for measurement. Recent attempts focus on predicting the second-level error with numerical simulations. However, direct analytical expression and experimental validation have not been demonstrated yet. In this paper, analytical solution to error propagation from OSL calibration standards is derived with introducing small perturbations to these standards and using first-order approximations. It leads to sensitivity analysis for OSL calibration with imperfect standards. In order to validate the analysis, a female-to-male adapter is adopted as an error source for OSL calibration standards. By comparing the reflection measurements for the cases of calibration with/without the adapter, the analytical solution is validated experimentally.
A Probability Model for Random Fiber Breakages: Part I. Theory

For a given fiber group of any particular length from a given fiber population, two fundamental questions in connection with random breakages of fibers are set forth about the probability of a fibe...
Processor allocation in faulty hypercube multiprocessors

The processor allocation problem in hypercubes is to recognize and locate a free subcube that can accommodate a request for a subcube of a specified size for an incoming task. A new approach for this processor allocation problem in faulty hypercubes is presented. A new concept is introduced, i.e., the growth factor, to select a subcube for allocation, which in turn utilizes the notion of overlap-syndrome to quantify the overlap among free subcubes. The authors' technique has full subcube recognition ability and thus recognizes more subcubes as compared to buddy, Gray code and its variants. The advantages of their approach over some existing approaches are described. >
Aids in Hydrothermal Experimentation: II, Methods of Making Mixtures for Both “Dry” and “Wet” Phase Equilibrium Studies

Various methods for the preparation of mixtures for phase equilibrium studies are described. Especial attention has been paid to compositions which cannot be preserved in a glass structure.
Biological parametric mapping: A statistical toolbox for multimodality brain image analysis

In recent years, multiple brain MR imaging modalities have emerged; however, analysis methodologies have mainly remained modality-specific. In addition, when comparing across imaging modalities, most researchers have been forced to rely on simple region-of-interest type analyses, which do not allow the voxel-by-voxel comparisons necessary to answer more sophisticated neuroscience questions. To overcome these limitations, we developed a toolbox for multimodal image analysis called biological parametric mapping (BPM), based on a voxel-wise use of the general linear model. The BPM toolbox incorporates information obtained from other modalities as regressors in a voxel-wise analysis, thereby permitting investigation of more sophisticated hypotheses. The BPM toolbox has been developed in Matlab with a user-friendly interface for performing analyses, including voxel-wise multimodal correlation, ANCOVA, and multiple regression. It has a high degree of integration with the SPM (statistical parametric mapping) software relying on it for visualization and statistical inference. Furthermore, statistical inference for a correlation field, rather than a widely used T-field, has been implemented in the correlation analysis for more accurate results. An example with in vivo data is presented, demonstrating the potential of the BPM methodology as a tool for multimodal image analysis.
How Successful Open Source Projects Work, and How and Why to Introduce Students to the Open Source World

Open source software is becoming a key driver of the software industry, with key industry players continuing to invest more heavily in open source projects. One of the limiting factors in the continued expansion of open source development is the lack of software engineers with experience in open source methodologies. Open source projects provide unique opportunities for less experienced software engineers to gain experience solving real-world problems. In this workshop, we will explore the defining characteristics of successful open source projects, and we will discuss whether open source projects and methods should be introduced to the classroom, and if so, how.
Treatment of acute methylmercury ingestion by hemodialysis with N-acetylcysteine (Mucomyst) infusion and 2,3-dimercaptopropane sulfonate.

AbstractA case of acute methylmercury ingestion was treated sequentially with oral D-penicillamine, hemodialysis during N-acetylcysteine (NAC) infusion, and 2,3-dimercaptopropane sulfonate (DMPS) an experimental oral agent. Urinary organic mercury elimination rate increased almost 40-fold during and 84-fold after hemodialysis with NAC infusion, compared with elimination during initial D-penicillamine therapy. Mean clearance during hemodialysis was only 13 ml/min with an
The Structure of the TLR5-Flagellin Complex: A New Mode of Pathogen Detection, Conserved Receptor Dimerization for Signaling

Knowledge about how Toll-like receptors (TLRs) recognize pathogenic ligands is critical to understanding how these receptors are activated and to designing therapeutic compounds that target this family of receptors for inflammatory diseases. The crystal structure of TLR5 in complex with its bacterial ligand flagellin revealed that the ligand-binding mode for TLR5 is distinct from that of previously characterized TLRs. Nevertheless, like other TLRs, TLR5 forms a dimer in response to ligand binding. This work contributes to our current knowledge of TLR function and further demonstrates the ability of TLRs to couple versatile ligand recognition to a conserved receptor signaling mechanism.
Post-GWAS Analyses

The term post-GWAS analyses here refers to two somewhat distinct general topics; first are a compendium of analyses that are typically performed after one or more GWAS studies of a particular disease have been completed. These analyses include pooled or meta-analysis used in order to combine results of two or more studies, typically with the help of the of large-scale SNP imputation as discussed in Chap. 6. Additional analyses include replication of results often found first in Europeans, in studies of other racial/ethnic groups. Discussion of this topic is broadened to include what has been called multiethnic fine mapping. Adjustment for local ancestry in studies of admixed groups, as an aid to fine mapping within a single group is discussed as well. Heritability estimation using GWAS data is also considered.
A comparison of ship and satellite measurements of cloud properties with global climate model simulations in the southeast Pacific stratus deck

Abstract. Here, liquid water path (LWP), cloud fraction, cloud top height, and cloud base height retrieved by a suite of A-train satellite instruments (the CPR aboard CloudSat, CALIOP aboard CALIPSO, and MODIS aboard Aqua) are compared to ship observations from research cruises made in 2001 and 2003–2007 into the stratus/stratocumulus deck over the southeast Pacific Ocean. It is found that CloudSat radar-only LWP is generally too high over this region and the CloudSat/CALIPSO cloud bases are too low. This results in a relationship (LWP~h9) between CloudSat LWP and CALIPSO cloud thickness (h) that is very different from the adiabatic relationship (LWP~h2) from in situ observations. Such biases can be reduced if LWPs suspected to be contaminated by precipitation are eliminated, as determined by the maximum radar reflectivity Zmax>−15 dBZ in the apparent lower half of the cloud, and if cloud bases are determined based upon the adiabatically-determined cloud thickness (h~LWP1/2). Furthermore, comparing results from a global model (CAM3.1) to ship observations reveals that, while the simulated LWP is quite reasonable, the model cloud is too thick and too low, allowing the model to have LWPs that are almost independent of h. This model can also obtain a reasonable diurnal cycle in LWP and cloud fraction at a location roughly in the centre of this region (20° S, 85° W) but has an opposite diurnal cycle to those observed aboard ship at a location closer to the coast (20° S, 75° W). The diurnal cycle at the latter location is slightly improved in the newest version of the model (CAM4). However, the simulated clouds remain too thick and too low, as cloud bases are usually at or near the surface.
Aromatic stabilization of functionalized corannulene cations

The first comprehensive theoretical investigation of aromaticity in functionalized corannulene cations of general formula [CH3–C20H10]+ was accomplished. The experimentally known system [CH3-hub-C20H10]+ was augmented by two other possible isomers, namely, rim- and spoke-ones. Changes in aromaticity, when going from neutral corannulene to its functionalized cations, were monitored with the help of descriptors of different nature such as structure-based HOMA, topological PDI and FLU, and magnetic NICS. A highly efficient tool for analysis and visualization of delocalization and conjugation named ACID was also utilized. In the final step, a complete set of 1H and 13C chemical shifts was calculated and compared with the available experimental data. Conservation of aromaticity of 6-membered rings along with vanishing anti-aromatic character of central 5-membered rings was found to be the main reason for the exceptional stability of the hub-isomer. At the same time, functionalization of the corannulene moiety at the rim- or spoke-site resulted in dramatic elimination of aromaticity of 6-membered rings, whereas anti-aromatic character of the central ring remained. Altogether, it led to much lower stability of these isomers in comparison with that of the hub-one.
The self-regulation of attitudes, intentions, and behavior

We argue that attitudes and subjective norms are not sufficient determinants of intentions and that intentions are not a sufficient impetus for action, as maintained by leading theories of attitude. To deepen attitude theory, we address the role of cognitive and emotional self-regulatory mechanisms. The attitude-intention link is hypothesized to depend on conative processes and on certain coping responses directed at the emotional significance of evaluative appraisals
Visualizing the Geometry of Lissajous Knots

A student research project is an open-ended question or set of questions that is intended to give undergraduate students experience doing "junior"mathematical research. Readers are invited to share especially interesting and fruitful examples of such projects in this section. Describe the project in a form appropriate for presentation to the student investigator (normally no more than five double-spaced pages). Include appropriate references. On a separate page list the project title, the mathematical concepts involved in its investigation, and your affiliation. Send all proposais to Irl C. Bivens. To further assist the editor in the evaluation of a project, provide a separate assessment of its difficulty and any information available about actual experience with the project. While untried projects are welcome, it should be clear that students can make genuine progress in their research.
Oxidative Stress in Caenorhabditis elegans: Protective Effects of Spartin

Troyer syndrome is caused by a mutation in the SPG20 gene, which results in complete loss of expression of the protein spartin. We generated a genetic model of Troyer syndrome in worms to explore the locomotor consequences of a null mutation of the Caenorhabditis elegans SPG20 orthologue, F57B10.9, also known as spg-20. Spg-20 mutants showed decreased length, crawling speed, and thrashing frequency, and had a shorter lifespan than wild-type animals. These results suggest an age-dependent decline in motor function in mutant animals. The drug paraquat was used to induce oxidative stress for 4 days in the animals. We measured survival rate and examined locomotion by measuring crawling speed and thrashing frequency. After 4 days of paraquat exposure, 77% of wild-type animals survived, but only 38% of spg-20 mutant animals survived. Conversely, animals overexpressing spg-20 had a survival rate of 95%. We also tested lifespan after a 1 hour exposure to sodium azide. After a 24 hour recovery period, 87% of wild type animals survived, 57% of spg-20 mutant animals survived, and 82% of animals overexpressing spg-20 survived. In the behavioral assays, spg-20 mutant animals showed a significant decrease in both crawling speed and thrashing frequency compared with wild-type animals. Importantly, the locomotor phenotype for both crawling and thrashing was rescued in animals overexpressing spg-20. The animals overexpressing spg-20 had crawling speeds and thrashing frequencies similar to those of wild-type animals. These data suggest that the protein F57B10.9/SPG-20 might have a protective role against oxidative stress.
Customer Mistreatment: A Review of Conceptualizations and a Multilevel Theoretical Model

Abstract In this chapter, we summarize and build on the current state of the customer mistreatment literature in an effort to further future research on this topic. First, we detail the four primary conceptualizations of customer mistreatment. Second, we present a multilevel model of customer mistreatment, which distinguishes between the unfolding processes at the individual employee level and the service encounter level. In particular, we consider the antecedents and outcomes unique to each level of analysis as well as mediators and moderators. Finally, we discuss important methodological concerns and recommendations for future research.
Can We Survive Our Origins? Readings in Rene Girard’s Theory of Violence and the Sacred, edited by Pierpaolo Antonello and Paul Gifford, East Lansing: Michigan State University Press, 2015, xliii + 343 pp. ISBN 978-61186-149-5, US$29.95 (paperback)

In 2007, French literary critic Rene Girard published a book, Achever Clausewitz. In the form of a dialogue with colleague Benoit Chantre, Girard presented an original interpretation of Carl von Cl...
Pain and social processes for hospice cancer patients: An integrative review.

Abstract Purpose Hospice cancer patients experience poorly-controlled pain in spite of widely-disseminated evidence-based guidelines for use by hospice care practitioners. Pain management occurs in the context of the interdisciplinary team, centered on a caring triad in the home: the person with pain, their caregiver, and their nurse. This review: 1) Summarizes what is known about differing ways that members of the hospice caring triad (patients, caregivers, and nurses) interpret and respond to cancer pain, in order to develop a cancer pain social processes theoretical framework, 2) Identifies gaps in understanding of hospice cancer pain social processes, and 3) Identifies framework concepts for research-based clinical practice with potential to improve pain outcomes. Methods Our integrative review of the literature resulted in the identification and synthesis of 21 unique studies of cancer pain social processes, which were categorized according to a social processes framework and hospice caring triad member roles, using a social processes concepts matrix. Results Pain meanings, goals, and related responses vary for persons with pain, caregivers, and nurses. Studies have explored individual social processes concepts or triad member roles. Studies identify the need for pain meaning to be included in hospice pain management plans. Conclusions To our knowledge, no single study has generated a framework for hospice cancer pain social processes addressing and incorporating the roles of all three caring triad members. Therefore, comprehensive hospice cancer pain clinical evaluation and interventions plans may be missing key elements of pain management, especially for persons with ongoing poorly controlled pain.
Performative ePortfolio: A learning tool in technical and professional communication class

This article proposes to implement an idea of "performative eportfolio" into our technical and professional communication class, with a focus on helping students construct their ethos through integrating writing, speaking, and reflection.
Microwave-assisted NO reduction by methane over Co-ZSM-5 zeolites

The microwave-assisted reduction of NO by methane in the presence of oxygen over Co-NaZSM-5, and H-ZSM-5 catalysts was studied. We demonstrated that microwave radiation at 2.45 GHz significantly enhances the catalytic conversion of NO to N2. High conversions (>70%) of NO were achieved over both Co-NaZSM-5 and Co-HZSM-5 zeolite catalysts at temperatures 250–400 oC. Under similar conditions, thermal runs failed to show significant conversion of either NO or methane.