cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interpolative reasoning in fuzzy logic and neural network theory

Summary form only given. Interpolative reasoning plays a key role in both fuzzy logic and neural network theory. The basic approaches to interpolative reasoning in both fuzzy logic and neural networks were surveyed, and their differences and similarities were analyzed. An important issue in interpolative reasoning in fuzzy logic relates to the solution of a system of fuzzy algebraic equations. Various approaches to this problem, including fuzzy Lagrangian interpolation and the use of FA-Prolog, were described and analyzed. Among other issues discussed were the compression of a system of fuzzy if-then rules and the induction of rules from observations. >
Endoscopic Endonasal Approach for Removal of Tuberculum Sellae Meningiomas.

Abstract Tuberculum sellae meningiomas are challenging lesions; their critical location and often insidious growth rate enables significant distortion of the superjacent optic apparatus before the patient notices any visual impairment. This article describes the technical nuances, selection criteria and complication avoidance strategies for the endonasal resection of tuberculum sellae meningiomas. A stepwise description of the surgical technique is presented; indications, adjuvant technologies, pitfalls and the relevant anatomy are also reviewed. Tuberculum sellae meningiomas may be safely and effectively resected through the endonasal route; invasion of the optic canals does not represent a limitation.
Self-consistent spin polarized energy band structure and magnetism in ZrZn2 and TiBe2

Abstract Results of self-consistent spin-polarized semirelativistic linear muffin-tin orbital energy band studies of TiBe 2 and ZrZn 2 are reported. The calculated magnetic moments, spin magnetization densities and neutron magnetic form factors - and their comparison with experiment - are used to discuss itinerant ferromagnetism in ZrZn 2 and TiBe 1.8 Cu 0.2 .
Platelet transfusion in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

Background Platelet (PLT) transfusion has been considered contraindicated in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). However, adverse clinical outcomes and death in patients with TTP after receiving PLT transfusion were based on case reports prior to routine use of plasma exchange (PEX) therapy. PLT transfusions are often required by the interventional radiologist before the insertion of a central venous catheter. In this study, we evaluate whether PLT transfusions are harmful in patients with TTP undergoing PEX. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the records of consecutive patients with the clinical diagnosis of TTP who received PEX at our institution between January 2004 and September 2014. An adverse event was defined as any complication including seizures, cerebrovascular accident, bleeding, thrombosis, myocardial infarction or death for any reason within 30 days from the PLT transfusion. Analyses were performed on only patients with ADAMTS13 activity <10%. Results Our cohort included 110 patients with the clinical diagnosis of TTP. Fifty-five patients had ADAMTS13-deficient TTP, 23 of whom received PLT at some point during disease course. The patients who received PLT transfusion were not different from those who did not in terms of age, gender, race, haematocrit, PLT count, creatinine, LDH and complications. The three patients who received PLT and died had malignancy and complicated disease course. None of them died from a thrombotic event. Conclusion All deaths in the transfused group happened in very ill patients that had alternative causes of death. PLT transfusions in patients with TTP do not appear harmful in regard to thrombotic complications.
Corticosterone metabolism and effects on angiotensin II receptors in vascular smooth muscle.

Abstract It has been postulated that mineralocorticoids can bind to corticosteroid receptors in the kidney, because glucocorticoids are metabolized to inactive compounds. The present study was performed to delineate glucocorticoid metabolism by rat vascular tissue and to determine the activity of these metabolites. Vascular segments converted 25% to 30% of corticosterone (compound B), the major glucocorticoid in the rat, to 11-dehydrocorticosterone (compound A) but not to aldosterone or 6β-hydroxycorticosterone. In cultured vascular smooth muscle cells, 10% of compound B was converted to compound A, whereas >60% of compound A was converted to compound B. The 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase inhibitor carbenoxolone (1 μmol/L) completely blocked conversion in both directions. Whereas 6β-hydroxycorticosterone did not upregulate angiotensin II receptor binding (a marker for corticosteroid action in vascular smooth muscle), compound A caused concentration-dependent upregulation. Compound A was almost (75%) as effective and as potent as compound B in upregulating angiotensin II binding. Upregulation elicited by exposure to compound A persisted in the presence of 1 μmol/L carbenoxolone, which completely prevented the conversion of compound A to compound B. Compound A, even in the presence of carbenoxolone, effected other glucocorticoid actions by inhibiting cell growth and potentiating angiotensin II–stimulated inositol phosphate formation. In summary, compound B and compound A are interconverted in vascular tissue, and the latter displays significant glucocorticoid action. The concentration excess of compound B in the circulation and the activity of its metabolite compound A will make it difficult for mineralocorticoids to gain access to corticosteroid receptors in the vasculature.
A Test of a Model with Reciprocal Effects Between Religiosity and Various Forms of Delinquency Using 2-Stage Least Squares Regression

ABSTRACT This was a study of 1,093 adolescents from six different public high schools, where the same integrated theoretical model of control and social learning theories fit the data on alcohol use, heavy alcohol consumption, use of marijuana, criminal behavior, sexual exploration, and suicidal thoughts. It was observed that the model explained significantly more variance in some of these forms of delinquency than in others, indicating only equivocal support for the deviance syndrome argument in the literature. This study also found that religiosity was a significant influence only on criminal behavior, whereas the feedback eifect of delinquency on religiosity was significant for all forms of delinquent behavior studied. The importance of this particular finding was discussed in relation to previous studies, since almost all prior research has used statistics that do not consider reciprocal eifects. In the present study, the reciprocal effects between religiosity and various forms of delinquency were ana...
On the productivity of specialized Masters programs

Several recent studies indicate that the rates of return to graduate programs, especially Master's programs, are relatively low. This study is an effort to determine whether the emerging specialized Master's programs among them that in Urban Planning suffer the same low social and private rates of return. A methodology is developed which permits the estimation of the rates of return to these new programs (which have not existed long enough to provide life-earning profile data for participants or cohorts). The empirical research in this study indicates that some specialized Master's programs have quite high social and private rates of return.
Feedback equivalence of constant linear systems

Abstract Two constant linear systems are said to be feedback equivalent if one can be transformed into the other via an element of the “feedback group”, which acts by state space feedback and by change of basis in the state and input spaces. Let C n,m be the space of n -dimensional completely reachable systems with m -dimensional input (pairs of matrices, n × n and n × m ). The action of the feedback group partitions the space C n,m into finitely many orbits (equivalence classes), and the closure of each orbit is a union of orbits. If one views orbit closure as ‘deformation’, then orbit closure may be considered in terms of perturbations or system failure. In this paper we determine: (1) a classification of the orbits, and (2) the orbits contained in the closure of a given orbit. Both of these problems have been solved previously (see [1,4,6,3]); here we present simple proofs and point out a connection between this problem and the analogous problem for nilpotent matrices.
vab-8 Is a Key Regulator of Posteriorly Directed Migrations in C. elegans and Encodes a Novel Protein with Kinesin Motor Similarity

Nervous system assembly requires the directed migrations of cells and axon growth cones along the dorsoventral and anteroposterior axes. Although guidance mechanisms for dorsoventral migrations are conserved from nematodes to mammals, mechanisms for anteroposterior migrations are unknown. In C. elegans, the gene vab-8, which specifically functions in posteriorly directed migrations, encodes two isoforms of a novel intracellular protein that act cell-autonomously in different migrations. VAB-8L, which contains a domain similar to kinesin-like motors, functions in all vab-8-dependent axon growth cone migrations. VAB-8S, which lacks this N-terminal domain, functions in a subset of vab-8-dependent cell migrations. Continuous expression of VAB-8L in the ALM mechanosensory neuron, which normally requires vab-8 early in its development for posteriorly directed cell migration, redirects its anteriorly projecting axon posteriorly. We propose that regulation of vab-8 activity is a mechanism for controlling the direction of cell and axon growth cone migrations.
Influence of structural disorder and defects on Hc in quenched thin Pb and In films and the effect of the choice of Hc

Abstract Large changes in critical field values are observed for quenched thin In and Pb films. The values obtained for Pb are compared with the results obtained by Luders with deformed Pb wires. The importance of the right choice of H c is pointed out.
Recurrent perimitral flutter due to vein of Marshall epicardial connections bypassing the mitral isthmus: response to ethanol infusion.

A 68-year-old man with hypertension, dyslipidemia, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sick sinus syndrome status post dual chamber pacemaker, and a history of 2 pulmonary vein isolation ablations for persistent atrial fibrillation was evaluated in our institution for recurrent atrial flutter. He underwent a complete electrophysiology study. A duodecapolar catheter was used, so that the distal 10 poles were inside the coronary sinus (CS) and the proximal were in the right atrium. The underlying rhythm was atrial flutter with a cycle length of 350 ms and ostial-to-distal activations in the CS. Responses to entrainment were consistent with a left atrial origin. After a trans-septal puncture, a 3-dimensional map of the left atrium was performed using the NavX system (St Jude Medical, St Paul, MN) and a circular duodecapolar catheter, which was consistent with counterclockwise perimitral flutter (PMF). However, the entire cycle length was not present in the mitral annulus (Figure A and B …
Spacetime and Imagetext

Abstract Absolute, true, and mathematical time, of itself, and from its own nature, flows equably without relation to anything external. … Absolute space, in its own nature, without relation to anything external, remains always similar and immovable. – Newton, Scholium on Absolute Space and Time It remains true that succession of time is the province of the poet just as space is that of the painter. – Lessing, Laocoon
Career Paths of Distance Education Librarians: A Profile of Current Practitioners Subscribed to the OFFCAMP Listserv

ABSTRACT A growing number of institutions are offering courses and degrees via distance education; however, distance education librarianship is a relatively new and often less defined field of librarianship. This paper will present the results of a survey to discover career paths leading to distance education librarianship. Based on a survey of subscribers to the OFFCAMP listserv, it asked questions such as: Is there a “typical” career path? Does previous or continuing work in other library units benefit a distance education librarian? What are the most important qualifications for a distance education librarian? Profiles of the education and experience of distance education librarians were analyzed for commonalities. The study concluded that distance education librarians come to their positions from a variety of experience, not always in libraries, but predominantly from library public service departments. A typical career path for distance education librarians is not evident at this time.
Theoretical and Experimental Study of Development of Two-Dimensional Steady and Unsteady Wakes Within Curved Channels

Development of steady and periodic unsteady wake flows downstream of stationary and rotating cylindrical rods within a curved channel under zero longitudinal pressure gradient is theoretically and experimentally investigated. Wake quantities such as the mean velocity and turbulent fluctuations in longitudinal and lateral directions, as well as the turbulent shear stress, are measured. For the nondimensionalized velocity defect, affine profiles are observed throughout the flow regime. Based on these observations and using the transformed equations of motion and continuity, a theoretical frame work is established that generally describes the two-dimensional curvilinear wake flow. To confirm the theory, development of steady and periodic unsteady wakes in the above curved channel are experimentally investigated. The detailed comparison between the measurement and the theory indicates that the complex steady and unsteady wake flows are very well predicted.
Why the Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland Is Not Consociational

Segregationists and integrationists both support the power-sharing, Good Friday Agreement (1998) in Northern Ireland but for very different reasons. Consociationalists are segregationists who support the Good Friday Agreement (GFA) because they believe that conflict is best managed through the segregation of the communal groups and their consolidation into the pillars on which elites can build a settlement. Integrationists, on the other hand, support the GFA because they believe that power-sharing will lead to the integration of the communal groups and that will consolidate peace in Northern Ireland. The Good Friday Agreement, it is argued, is an integrationist form of power-sharing. It bears some superficial resemblance to consociationalism because integrationist power-sharing bears a superficial resemblance to segregationist power-sharing. But it is the conservative theory behind consociationalism's prescriptions that make those prescriptions consociational not just the prescriptions themselves. The thinking behind the Agreement is far more democratic, integrationist and ambitious than consociationalists prescribe.
Perceptions of challenge: the role of catastrophe theory in piano learning

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the perceptions of private piano instructors on the role of challenge in teaching and learning the piano and to examine the potential application of catastrophe theory in understanding the role and outcomes of such challenges. A 23-item electronic questionnaire was administered to collect quantitative and qualitative data related to perceptions of music teaching and learning. Respondents included (n = 804) piano instructors affiliated with Music Teachers National Association. Results of a correlation analysis indicate an interaction between years of teaching experience and the potential for a non-linear advancement in music learning. The analysis suggests that catastrophe theory may indeed be applicable to music education. Implications from this research contribute to our knowledge of the role of challenge in student retention and our understanding of curricular development in the advancement of music learning.
Hyper-Rayleigh scattering as a method for probing collagen transformations in solutions

Hyper-Rayleigh scattering is used to measure the nonlinear optical properties of collagen type I in acetic acid solution. We find that the first hyperpolarizability unexpectedly drops with the increase of the concentration of collagen in solution. Circular dichroism absorption spectroscopy and UV absorption measurements indicate that the helical conformation remains stable, and the changes of nonlinear optical properties of collagen molecules are, most probably, due to the formation of some supramolelcular structures of collagen in solution.
A Novel Technique for Modeling Radiation Effects in Solar Cells Utilizing SILVACO® Virtual Wafer Fabrication Software

A novel technique for modeling advanced solar cells using Silvacoreg virtual wafer fabrication software has been previously introduced. Over the past three years the new modeling approach has been extended to cover modeling of advanced multijunction cells, design and optimizations of these devices, as well as design of new quad-junction cells. In this paper, the ATLAS device simulator from Silvaco International has been demonstrated to have the potential for predicting the effects of electron radiation in solar cells by modeling material defects. A gallium arsenide solar cell was simulated in ATLAS and compared to an actual cell with radiation defects identified using deep level transient spectroscopy techniques. The cell data were compared for various fluence levels of 1 MeV electron radiation and the results have shown an average of only five percent difference between experimental and simulated cell output characteristics. These results demonstrate that ATLAS software can be a viable tool for predicting solar cell degradation due to electron radiation.
A Reevaluation of the Role of the Heterotrimeric G Protein in Coupling Light Responses in Arabidopsis

Previous studies implicated the involvement of a heterotrimeric G protein in red (R) and far-red (FR) light signal transduction, but these studies utilized pharmacological or gain-of-function approaches and, therefore, are indirect tests. Here, we reexamine the role of the single canonical heterotrimeric G protein in R and FR control of hypocotyl growth using a loss-of-function approach. Single- and double-null mutants for the GPA1, AGB1 genes encoding the alpha and beta subunit of the heterotrimeric G protein, respectively, have wild-type sensitivity to R and FR. Ectopic overexpression of wild type and a constitutive active form of the alpha subunit and of the wild-type beta subunit had no effect that can be unequivocally attributed to altered R and FR responsiveness. These results preclude a direct role for the heterotrimeric G complex in R and FR transduction in Arabidopsis leading to growth control in the hypocotyl.
Legal aid and defence support at the UN International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia

In 1993, the United Nations Security Council, in response to the atrocities that engulfed the former Yugoslavia, decided to create the world's first truly international criminal court – the UN International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). This was a great experiment in accountability and a truly visionary step by the Security Council. This article will discuss some of the rules and policies applicable to legal aid and defence support at the ICTY as well as their evolution and the challenges encountered along the way.
Modeling the Mileage Accumulation Process with Random Effects

This article proposes a non stationary Gamma process with power-law shape function to model mileage accumulated processes in presence of heterogeneity in the sample paths. This heterogeneity is assumed to be charged to both the parameters of the shape function and is modeled through a bivariate distribution. Maximum likelihood estimates of the parameters indexing the bivariate distribution and of the scale parameter of the Gamma process, are obtained. The Monte Carlo sampling method is used to estimate the unconditional density function and the unconditional cumulative distribution function of the mileage accumulated by the population of vehicles up to a given age.
Self-Assessment Procedure XXIII: programming languages

This is the 23rd Self-Assessment Procedure.1 The purpose of this procedure is to let its readers test their knowledge of some of the more important features of significant programming languages. The features of imperative languages like Fortran, Algol 60, PL/I, Pascal, Modula-2, C, and Ada considered are data types, data structures, control structures, program units, scope of names, and parameter passing. Some of the corresponding features of functional languages like Lisp, logic programming languages like Prolog, and ohject-oriented programming languages like C++ and Smalltalk, are reviewed. Finally brief consideration is given to syntax and semantics, chiefly by reference to the Backus-Naur form, BNF. The features of programming languages affect all aspects of programming, including the ease of writing and maintaining programs, the reliahility of software, and the efficiency and portability of programs. Knowledge of programming language concepts and constructs is of importance to software developers, programmers, and designers of programming languages and compilers. The topic of this procedure should be of interest to any computer science student or practitioner who wishes to test his or her knowledge and learn more about one of the most important and broad areas in the computer field. The language used most often in the questions is Pascal, with Ada, Lisp, and Prolog also featured prominently. A glossary is included which defines some of the terms used in the procedure. The questions are either multiple-choice or short answer. Some of the multiple-choice questions allow for more than one correct answer.
U.S. Export and import data for books

L'A. fournit des statistiques sur les exportations et importations americaines pour les livres. Entre 1989 et 2002, l'ecart entre le volume des exportations et celui, moindre, des importations se reduit. Les chiffres pour les 6 premiers mois de 2003 indiquent les marches d'exports en expansion et les petits marches a surveiller, par categorie, ainsi que les tendances des exportations et des importations par quantite et par valeur en dollars.
Light-activation of the Archaerhodopsin H+-pump reverses age-dependent loss of vertebrate regeneration: sparking system-level controls in vivo

Optogenetics, the regulation of proteins by light, has revolutionized the study of excitable cells, and generated strong interest in the therapeutic potential of this technology for regulating action potentials in neural and muscle cells. However, it is currently unknown whether light-activated channels and pumps will allow control of resting potential in embryonic or regenerating cells in vivo. Abnormalities in ion currents of non-excitable cells are known to play key roles in the etiology of birth defects and cancer. Moreover, changes in transmembrane resting potential initiate Xenopus tadpole tail regeneration, including regrowth of a functioning spinal cord, in tails that have been inhibited by natural inactivity of the endogenous H+-V-ATPase pump. However, existing pharmacological and genetic methods allow neither non-invasive control of bioelectric parameters in vivo nor the ability to abrogate signaling at defined time points. Here, we show that light activation of a H+-pump can prevent developmental defects and induce regeneration by hyperpolarizing transmembrane potentials. Specifically, light-dependent, Archaerhodopsin-based, H+-flux hyperpolarized cells in vivo and thus rescued Xenopus embryos from the craniofacial and patterning abnormalities caused by molecular blockade of endogenous H+-flux. Furthermore, light stimulation of Arch for only 2 days after amputation restored regenerative capacity to inhibited tails, inducing cell proliferation, tissue innervation, and upregulation of notch1 and msx1, essential genes in two well-known endogenous regenerative pathways. Electroneutral pH change, induced by expression of the sodium proton exchanger, NHE3, did not rescue regeneration, implicating the hyperpolarizing activity of Archaerhodopsin as the causal factor. The data reveal that hyperpolarization is required only during the first 48 hours post-injury, and that expression in the spinal cord is not necessary for the effect to occur. Our study shows that complex, coordinated sets of stable bioelectric events that alter body patterning—prevention of birth defects and induction of regeneration—can be elicited by the temporal modulation of a single ion current. Furthermore, as optogenetic reagents can be used to achieve that manipulation, the potential for this technology to impact clinical approaches for preventive, therapeutic, and regenerative medicine is extraordinary. We expect this first critical step will lead to an unprecedented expansion of optogenetics in biomedical research and in the probing of novel and fundamental biophysical determinants of growth and form.
InAs/AlGaSb heterojunction tunnel field-effect transistor with tunnelling in-line with the gate field

The first fabrication of a III-V tunnel field-effect transistor (TFET) with tunneling directed perpendicular to the gate is reported. This new transistor geometry utilizes an InAs/Al0.45Ga0.55Sb staggered-gap tunnel junction intended for high on current and steep subthreshold swing. The first measurements of the transistor transport properties at room temperature and -50 °C are provided. Tunneling transport is confirmed by the observation of negative differential resistance in the tunnel junction in the forward bias polarity. Transistor on-current of 21 μA/μm at 0.3 V and subthreshold swing of 830 mV/decade is found. The large subthreshold swing is consistent with the large density of interface traps at the oxide/semiconductor interface (© 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A phenomenological model for surface deposition kinetics during plasma and sputter deposition of amorphous hydrogenated silicon

The surface processes during the plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition and reactive sputter deposition of amorphous hydrogenated silicon (a‐Si:H) are investigated by use of a phenomenological model. The model consists of an accounting, in rate equation form, of adsorption of radicals from the plasma onto the surface, surface diffusion, incorporation into the lattice, interconnection of bonds in the lattice, and burial of species on the surface, thereby constituting film growth. By accounting for the coordination partners of Si atoms in the film, the atomic fraction of hydrogen in the film is computed for the lattice and for hydrogen in polymeric or isolated configurations. Results from the model are discussed while parametrizing the probability for hydrogen elimination during incorporation and the probability for saturation of dangling bonds by gas phase species. We find that the mode of hydrogen elimination during incorporation distinguishes films grown dominantly from SiH2 or SiH3 radicals. Characte...
International Technology Transfer Patterns in a Traditional Industry

This paper examines the factors influencing the speed of transfer of 40 textile machinery innovations between the United States and leading foreign competitors. Statistical analysis is based on detailed data identifying the first U.S. and foreign producers to introduce innovations, and indicating the timing of their introductions. Empirical relationships suggest that the speed of international transfer has been greater as time has passed and as commercial transactions between industrialized nations have increased. The speed has been slower when the innovating domestic firm was technologically non-dominant and the imitating foreign firm was technologically dominant.
Heat Transfer at an Evaporating Front in Porous Media

Evaporating fronts propagate through porous media during drying processes, underground coal gasification, geothermal energy production from hot dry rock, and around nuclear waste repositories. Present work will focus on the one-dimensional heat transfer at the interface between vapor saturated porous matrix and water saturated porous region and evaluate the conditions for which various approximations yield an accurate representation of front velocity. An implicit finite difference scheme is utilized to simulate the propagation of an evaporating front in a porous medium saturated with water and undergoing the phase change process. The assumption of local thermal equilibrium (LTE) which results in a one-equation model and a simple two-equation model that does not assume LTE are examined by comparison with a quasi-analytic numerical model. We consider the case for low Reynolds number, hence Nusselt number is assumed constant. Results illustrate that the one-equation model does not yield accurate results even if the length scale for diffusion in the solid phase is relatively small. The one-equation model predicts faster front propagation than the two-equation model. It is illustrated that the one-equation model yields satisfactory results only when thermophysical properties characterized by the volume weighted ratio of thermal diffusivities is reduced to an order of magnitude less than those for the applications of interest. In addition, consistent with the established “rule of thumb”, for Biot < 0.1, the traditional two-equation model which makes the lumped capacitance assumption for the solid phase compares well with a two-equation model that more accurately predicts the time dependent diffusion in the solid phase using Duhamel’s theorem.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Childhood and adolescent milk intake and adult bone health

Abstract The assumption that milk and calcium intakes during childhood and adolescence might affect bone health in adulthood is long standing. Two types of evidence are reviewed that address this potential association. The first is from randomized calcium and milk supplementation trials in children, which demonstrate that ≥ 1 year of supplementation with calcium or milk products results in an increase in bone mass and/or density. Some studies have found that the bone benefit persisted 1–3.5 years after supplementation ceased. Most (8 out of 10) retrospective studies of White women have found a positive relationship between recalled milk intake during childhood and adolescence and bone mass or density at some skeletal site in adulthood. Fewer studies have examined the relation between childhood and adolescent milk intake and fractures in adulthood; two studies found an association and two did not. The one study among Black women found no association between childhood and adolescent milk intake and adult bone density. Overall, there is a moderate level of evidence indicating a relationship between childhood and adolescent milk intake and adult bone health. Additional research is needed among non-Whites and males, and where fracture is used as the bone health outcome.
Three-dimensional vortex simulation of rollup and entrainment in a shear layer

Abstract The transport element method is extended to three dimensions to study the evolution of scalar fields in a flow with high vorticity concentration. The numerical scheme is based on following Lagrangian computational elements employed in the transport of vorticity and local scalar gradients. The formulation of the numerical scheme is first presented as a direct generalization of the three-dimensional vortex element method. The numerical algorithms required to implement this scheme are then developed. Problems associated with severe distortion of the flow map due to the growth of perturbations are shown to cause difficulties including loss of numerical accuracy and resolution. Means to overcome this problem are discussed and are shown to yield accurate solutions. Two grid-based on two grid-free methods for the computation of vorticity stretching are implemented. The accuracy of the methods is discussed in the light of numerical results which reveal the need for a careful treatment of the discrete form of the vorticity transport equation. The methods are applied to study the evolution of an initially two-dimensional shear layer, perturbed in the streamwise and spanwise directions. Attention is focused on the role of the spanwise instability in enhancing the rate of scalar entrainment into the large-scale structures which form as the streamwise instability develops. Two mechanisms, associated with the onset of three-dimensional instability, are responsible for this enhancement: vorticity intensification within the large eddy core due to spanwise stretching which delays its collapse; and generation of transverse entrainment currents towards the eddy core due to the formation of streamwise vortex structures within the core and along the braids between neighboring cores. Preferential entrainment is detected along the spanwise direction due to the streamwise vorticity.
Wandering Catheter Through Pulmonary Vasculature

Introduction Embolization of central catheter fragments is a rare but well-documented complication of indwelling vascular devices. We describe a unique case of a catheter fragment migrating through the pulmonary vasculature after indwelling reservoir catheter removal in a 42 year-old female with metastatic breast cancer. The catheter fragment was initially visualized in the right upper lobe pulmonary artery two years after removal. One year later, it was seen in the right middle lobe PA. Two years later, it had migrated to the right lower lobe PA, where it remained for at least three months before the patient was lost to follow-up. The patient remained clinically asymptomatic from the catheter fragment throughout this time. Although there have been numerous case reports published regarding catheter embolization, to our knowledge, migration within the pulmonary vasculature has not been described. This is an interesting illustration of the hemodynamics of pulmonary blood flow and transient retrograde flow in the lungs.
Seizures of Fronto‐Orbital Origin: A Proven Case

Distinguishing characteristics of seizures of frontal origin have not been clearly delineated. We describe a case of seizures of proven fronto-orbital origin to provide further definition of characteristics of seizures arising in that lobe. A 36-year-old man had medically intractable seizures since age 8 years. Clinically the seizures were stereotyped, with cessation of activity followed by turning of head and body to the right and then by struggling, kicking, and vocalizations indicating fear. Total seizure duration was approximately 30 s, with an apparent abrupt return of consciousness. The interictal scalp EEGs were similar to those of primary generalized epilepsy, with bisynchronous though asymmetric epileptiform activity anteriorly. Ictal scalp recordings were not localizing. Recordings from bilateral frontal and temporal subdural electrodes showed an electrical focus in the right fronto-orbital region which was confirmed by electrocorticography (ECoG) at the time of craniotomy. The right fronto-orbital cortex was resected and on pathologic examination showed gliotic tissue and intracytoplasmic neuronal inclusions of periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)-positive granules consistent with lipofuscinosis. The patient has remained seizure-free for 6 years after operation.
Frozen autogenous mandibular stent-graft for immediate reconstruction in oral cancer surgery**

Summary The severe psychologic trauma and functional loss that follow “Andy Gump” type of resection for oral cancer can be prevented by immediate reconstruction. This is a preliminary report on the use of an autogenous frozen mandibular stent-graft in six patients over the past two years. It has been necessary to remove this replaced mandibular segment in two patients. New bone growth replacing the graft preparation was demonstrated in a reresected mandible in a patient with residual tumor. Persistent infection necessitated removal of the other unsuccessfully implanted mandibular segment. The immediate results of this procedure indicate that the frozen autogenous mandible serves as a very satisfactory stent. Evaluation of this preparation as a satisfactory graft and its ultimate value in reconstruction for oral cancer await long-term evaluation.
Metallic reflection of the TCNQ molecular crystal

Abstract The polarized specular reflection spectra for the a - and b -axis directions of the TCNQ single crystal have been obtained from 18kK to 37kK. Metallic reflection is observed in this region along with a large crystal shift and factor group splitting. The molecular transition is assigned as 1 B 1u ← 1 A g . No evidence for other electronic transitions is found for the region studied.
A 27-bp region of the inducible nitric oxide synthase promoter regulates expression in glial cells.

The expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2) in glial cells is inhibited by neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine (NE) which elevate cAMP levels. We examined the molecular basis for this effect using a 2.2-kb fragment of the rat NOS2 promoter transfected into rat C6 glioma cells. Promoter activation (up to six-fold) by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon-γ (IFNγ) was reduced by NE, which alone had no effect. However, a promoter construct extending to bp −130 and containing the proximal nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) binding site was minimally activated by LPS and cytokines, but activated up to three-fold by NE. Deletion analysis identified a 27-bp region (bp −187 to −160) as critical for mediating this suppressive effect. This region also enhanced promoter activation by LPS and cytokines, and prevented activation by NE alone. Gel shift analysis revealed constitutive binding to this region, and induction by NE of additional complexes which could be blocked by an antibody against CREB. NE also increased levels of the IκBα protein which could contribute to its suppressive effects. These results identify a critical role for this 27-bp region in regulation of NOS2 promoter activation and suppression by cAMP.
Frequency of postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing laparoscopic foregut surgery.

Background Wrap disruption or intrathoracic herniat ion of a fundoplication is a dreaded complication of laparoscopic foregut surgery. This problem may often be related to postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of PONV and its management in patients undergoing laparoscopic foregut procedures.
Are there Age-Related Differences in Problem Solving on the World Wide Web?

The present study investigated the Web-based problem solving strategies of 16 younger and 16 older experienced Web users. Participants searched for answers to 8 search tasks varying in complexity. Three questions were addressed in this study: (1) Are there age-related differences in success?, (2) If differences in success emerge, are these age-related differences quantitative (e.g., number of strategies)?, or (3) Are these age-related differences qualitative (e.g., type of strategies)?. Overall, younger adults were more successful finding the correct answer to the search tasks. However, this was not due to the number of strategies used, but instead was related to the type of strategy used. Older adults were more likely to use a top-down strategy (i.e., system tool) to find an answer to the search tasks. In general, unsuccessful searchers used significantly more top-down strategies than successful searchers. The implications for these findings are discussed.
Prevention of pneumococcal infection in a patient with normal immunoglobulin levels but impaired polysaccharide antibody production.

Background Patients with normal immunoglobulin levels may have an impaired response to immunization with pneumococcal vaccine and increased susceptibility to infection with encapsulated organisms. In children, but not adults, immunoglobulin replacement has been shown to be effective in reducing the infection rate. Objective To reduce the incidence of infection in an adult with impaired response to pneumococcal vaccine but normal serum IgG levels. Methods Intravenous IgG, 350 mg/kg, was given every 4 weeks. Results The patient, who was hospitalized 3 times in 3 years with respiratory tract infections and who had documented infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae , did not require antibiotic therapy for more than 15 months while undergoing intravenous immunoglobulin replacement therapy. Conclusion Adults with impaired response to vaccination with polyvalent pneumococcal vaccine and normal IgG levels may benefit from replacement therapy.
Rural suicide rates and availability of health care providers

Suicide rates are higher in rural than in urban areas in the United States. One explanation that is frequently offered is scarcity of health and mental health treatment providers in rural areas. The current study tested whether number of providers per capita would explain differences in urban and rural suicide rates within the counties of California, using data from 1993-2001. Results indicate suicide rates were higher in more rural counties, entirely due to higher rural rates among European Americans. Findings also confirmed that there were fewer physicians and mental health care providers per capita in rural areas. Nonetheless, number of providers per capita was not related to suicide rates and thus could not explain the rural-urban differential in suicide rates.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE IRISH? THE TRANSFORMATION OF POLITICAL IDENTITY IN IRELAND

This article offers a theoretical explanation of the transformation of national identity in the Republic of Ireland. Because of fundamental changes in the nature of Irish society, the post-colonial nationalism of the de Valera era has given way to a much more cosmopolitan sense of self. Initially after independence, Irish nationalists strove to recreate an authentic Gaelic world as they idealized it. Ultimately, this conception of Irish national identity was challenged by the forces of urbanization, industrialization, secularization, and more cosmopolitan values emanating from the rest of Europe. Census and survey data provide empirical evidence that changes in the social bases of Irish nationalist identity has indeed transformed a historic ethno-nationalism into a more secular and potentially less divisive basis of political identification.
Spontaneous cell polarization: undermining determinism

It is widely observed that eukaryotic cells can polarize spontaneously in the absence of pre-established asymmetric cues. This phenomenon indicates that the principle of self-organization may be central to the establishment of cell polarity. Modelling work, as well as recent experimental data from several organisms, suggests that a combination of local positive feedback loops and global inhibitors could result in robust cell symmetry breaking through amplification of minute, stochastic variations.
Profiling of diferulates (plant cell wall cross-linkers) using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Recalcitrance of grasses to enzymatic digestion arises to a significant degree from a complex array of phenolic crosslinks between cell wall polysaccharide chains that inhibit their conversion to biofuels and lower their nutritive value for animal feed applications. Polysaccharide esters of ferulic acid are abundant in plant cell walls. Crosslinks between polysaccharides are formed through oxidative dehydrodimerization of ferulates, producing dehydrodiferulates (henceforth termed diferulates). Such ferulates and diferulates further crosslink plant cell walls by radical coupling cross-reactions during lignification. Although cell wall digestibility can be improved by cell wall metabolic engineering, or post-harvest by various pretreatment processes, a more comprehensive understanding of the role and impact of ferulate crosslinking on polysaccharide hydrolysis would be accelerated by availability of analytical methods that can distinguish the various diferulates released during biomass pretreatments, many of which are isomers. In this report, we present an ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC/MS/MS) strategy for comprehensive separation and identification of diferulate isomers. Collision-induced dissociation (CID) mass spectra of [M + H]+ ions distinguished various isomers without requiring derivatization. Characteristic product ions for 8-O-4-, 8-8-non-cyclic, 8-8-cyclic, 8-5-cyclic, 8-5-non-cyclic, and 5-5-linked isomers were identified. All diferulates were identified either as di-acids in extracts of NaOH-hydrolyzed corn stover, or as a diverse group of diferulate mono- and di-amides in extracts of Ammonia Fiber Expansion (AFEX™)-treated corn stover. This approach allows for direct analysis of released diferulates with minimal sample preparation, and can serve as the foundation for high-throughput profiling and correlating pretreatment conditions with biomass digestibility in biorefineries producing biofuels and biochemicals.
Mesenchymal Stromal Cells form Vascular Tubes when Placed in Fibrin Sealant and Accelerate Wound Healing in Vivo

Non-healing, chronic wounds are a growing public health problem and may stem from insufficient angiogenesis in affected sites. Here, we have developed a fibrin formulation that allows adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (ADSCs) to form tubular structures in vitro. The tubular structures express markers of endothelium, including CD31 and VE-Cadherin, as well as the pericyte marker NG2. The ability for the MSCs to form tubular structures within the fibrin gels was directly dependent on the stoichiometric ratios of thrombin and fibrinogen and the resulting gel concentration, as well as on the presence of bFGF. Fibrin gel formulations that varied in stiffness were tested. ADSCs that are embedded in a stiff fibrin formulation express VE-cadherin and CD31 as shown by PCR, FACS and immunostaining. Confocal imaging analysis demonstrated that tubular structures formed, containing visible lumens, in the stiff fibrin gels in vitro. There was also a difference in the amounts of bFGF secreted by ADSCs grown in the stiffer gels as compared to softer gels. Additionally, hAT-MSCs gave rise to perfusable vessels that were VE-cadherin positive after subcutaneous injection into mice, whereas the softer fibrin formulation containing ADSCs did not. The application of ADSCs delivered in the stiff fibrin gels allowed for the wounds to heal more quickly, as assessed by wound size, amount of granulation tissue and collagen content. Interestingly, following 5 days of healing, the ADSCs remained within the fibrin gel and did not integrate into the granulation tissue of healing wounds in vivo. These data show that ADSCs are able to form tubular structures within fibrin gels, and may also contribute to faster wound healing, as compared with no treatment or to wounds treated with fibrin gels devoid of ADSCs.
Job risk and employee substance use: the influence of personal background and work environment factors

Previous studies have noted that employees who work in jobs with physical risk report more substance use than employees working in nonrisky jobs. This study examined the extent to which this relati...