cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Live-In Nursery within a Women's Prison.

ABSTRACT This paper examines a live-in nursery program for women inmates in Nebraska. Only three known programs exist in the United States. Measurement standards were determined and tested to establish a known base line for future evaluations to help determine the effectiveness of the nursery program in Nebraska. The cost impact on prisons and profiles of those inmates in such programs are presented. States considering methods to reduce misconduct reports and possible recidivism rates should consider implementation of live-in nurseries within correctional institutions.
Ischemic mitral regurgitation: impact of the left ventricle and mitral valve in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction.

Background Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a common complication of ischemic heart disease, and its presence portends adverse outcomes. As the exact mechanisms of ischemic MR are not well defined, we characterized left ventricular global geometry, regional function, and regional myocardial scarring, in addition to mitral valve apparatus geometry, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of ischemic heart disease patients with left ventricular dysfunction and varying degrees of ischemic MR. Methods Sixty patients with varying degrees of MR (none, mild, moderate, and severe) determined by echocardiography and referred for MRI assessment of ischemic heart disease were included. Left ventricular geometric, functional, and scar measurements in addition to mitral valve geometric measurements were evaluated. Results Clinical characteristics found to be significant predictors of degree of MR included severity of coronary artery disease ( p p p p p r 2 = 0.31). Mitral annular dilatation in the anterior-posterior direction ( p p r 2 = 0.57). Conclusions Mitral tenting in combination with regional left ventricular myocardial scarring are important mechanisms to the development of ischemic MR. Surgical annuloplasty addresses mitral tenting, but has little impact on the effect of regional scarring. Moderate-to-severe ischemic MR develops in patients with regional scarring of the anterior-lateral and inferior-posterior regions, and new surgical developments should take this into account.
Patient-reported pain and impaired sleep quality in adult patients with cystic fibrosis ☆

Abstract Background Sleep impairment has been described in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Pain is a known cause of sleep disturbance and as pain is commonly reported in patients with CF, we sought to find an association between impaired sleep quality and pain. Methods Fifty adult CF patients completed surveys of pain and sleep quality. The results were analyzed with additional clinical data including age, sex, nutritional status, and lung function. Results Thirty-two patients (64%) reported recent pain and 33 patients (66%) reported abnormal sleep quality. The patients with pain report worse sleep quality than those without pain ( p =0.006). There was a strong correlation between impaired sleep quality and pain ( p Conclusions We found that pain and poor sleep quality are reported in a majority of adult CF patients and there is a strong correlation between the two. This will have important clinical implications in the evaluation and treatment of adult patients.
HPV vaccine facts: can't see the forest through the trees.

The English language and many other languages, I imagine, are filled with hundreds of colorful cliches that sometimes work their way into our thinking and are treated almost like fact. As a basic scientist developing vaccines, the thought that a mere metaphor or expression, characterized by overuse, could be considered on equal footing as that which has undergone scientific rigor and is therefore proven fact, is hard to stomach. Although I am a bit hesitant to open a can of worms, it does seem worthwhile point out a few cliches which have been passed around in reference to the HPV vaccines which, let's call a spade a spade, are not necessarily fact. It is often difficult to discuss science in a way that is clear to the lay population and thus literary imagery is a powerful tool used to level the playing field.
Is Volume of Distribution at Steady State a Meaningful Kinetic Variable

Pharmacokinetic volumes of distribution (Vd) are commonly calculated either by the steady-state method (Vdss) or the area method (Vdarea). Vdss is traditionally perceived as the least biased and most reliable indicator of the extent of distribution, but Vdss in fact has far greater practical and theoretical limitation than does Vdarea. After single doses or multiple discrete doses of a drug, Vdarea correctly relates plasma concentration to amount of drug in the body at all times after distribution equilibrium is attained. Vdss, on the other hand, is a correct proportionality constant only during continuous intravenous infusion or at a single instant in time after discrete dosing. Furthermore, calculated values of Vdss are strongly dependent on the precise configuration of the initial distributional phase of the plasma concentration curve, which may be difficult or impossible to delineate because of variance arising from methodologic artefacts or unexplained causes. Such variance can lead to large nonphysiologic within- and between-individual variability in Vdss. Vdarea, on the other hand, is relatively independent or artefactual changes in the initial distribution profile. Finally, experimental observations indicate that elimination depends physiologically on distribution in the absence of changes in clearance, not the reverse. The relation of distribution and elimination holds whether the steady-state method or the area method is used to calculate Vd. Thus, Vdarea is a more reliable and generally valid descriptor of the extent of drug distribution than is Vdss.
Pericoronal squamous odontogenic tumor associated with an impacted mandibular third molar: a case report.

The squamous odontogenic tumor (SOT) is a rare benign odontogenic tumor first described by Pullon et al. This lesion is thought to arise from the epithelial rests of Malassez. Rests of Malassez represent remnants of Hertwig’s epithelial root sheath, an epithelial membrane that helps to guide root formation. While these epithelial rests may be found anywhere within the periodontal ligament, they are most numerous on the lateral root surface. Therefore, the typical radiographic presentation is a triangular radiolucent defect involving the lateral root surface of erupted teeth. This is the first known report of a squamous odontogenic tumor in a pericoronal location associated with an impacted tooth.
A technique for repeated superfusion or withdrawal of fluid from the exposed cerebral cortex of a conscious animal

Abstract A method for collecting substances released from the dorsal or lateral aspects of the chronically exposed cerebral cortex has been described for use with unanesthetized animals such as the monkey or cat. A stainless steel reservoir was designed to (a) permit superfusion or withdrawal of fluid from the same site; (b) protect against exogenous infection; (c) reduce the possibility of leakage; and, (d) to enable the animal to be used for repeated experiments and thus serve as its own control during behavioral and physiological changes. The exposed surface of the cerebral cortex can be superfused within the reservoir for a given interval by means of an infusion-withdrawal pump. Alternatively, fluid already present in the reservoir and in contact with the exposed cerebral cortex can be withdrawn by a syringe. Chemical or biological assays then are carried out in order to identify the neurohumoral substances present in the superfusate or collected fluid.
Optical characterization of 1-GHz silicon-based optical modulator

In this paper the optical characterization of a novel, metal-oxide-silicon (MOS) capacitor-based, high speed, silicon optical modulator is presented. By using a capacitor based rather than the conventional p-i-n junction based architecture to modulate the free carrier density inside the waveguide, we show the realization of a fast, 2.5-GHz, optical modulator.
Interim Response to a Mail Questionnaire: Impacts on Variable Relationships*

Nagging doubts continue on the utility of the mail questionnaire, although advances in this technique provide response rates of 70 percent or higher. Return bias, a factor in attacks on the mail qu...
Automated problem solving for the behavioral sciences

In view of the obvious advantages of computers for the behavioral sciences, the question is raised as to how to make more effective use of computing capabilities. One idea is to require that fledgling behavioral scientists receive brief training in flowcharting and algorithm generation rather than a full course in computing skills. Such training would be an important adjunct for those who would go on for further instruction, especially in view of current deficiencies in many computer courses. One recurrent deficiency lies in the lack of specific guidelines for conceptualizing problems for computer implementation. Such guidelines are developed here, along with other suggestions designed to attenuate the difficulty in conceptualization.
Philosophical anthropology: Revolt against the division of intellectual labor

From the first, philosophical anthropology has been linked with the modern human sciences.1 Wilhelm Dilthey (1976), a central figure in philosophical anthropology, was also a prominent historian. Georg Simmel (1918), a forceful spur to this philosophy, was, of course, one of the shapers of theoretical sociology. It is less widely known that Max Scheler (1961, 1980), the founding father of philosophical an? thropology, played a formative role in the birth of the sociology of knowledge. The tie between this philosophical discipline and the hu? man sciences was twofold. (1) The human sciences from the outset developed different and even incompatible conceptions of human
Measuring Computer Style: The Frequency and Distribution of Computer Keyboard Behaviors:

Although computer use is a risk factor for musculoskeletal disorders, there is currently no valid and reliable method to measure computer keyboarding style in the workplace. This paper provides the frequencies and distribution of items of the Keyboard Personal Computer Style instrument (K-PeCS), a 20 item criterion-based observational instrument that can be used in the workplace to document computer keyboard workstyle. The K-PeCS was used to rate the computer keyboarding style of 21 computer users in their workplace. The resulting frequency and distribution suggest that the K-PeCS documents a variety of postures and behaviors that occur during computer keyboarding tasks, and that the criterion selected are reasonably well-distributed amongst this sample of computer keyboard users. The K-PeCS, therefore, is adequately capturing the varied aspects of computer keyboarding style.
How risky is it to use e-cigarettes?: Smokers' beliefs about their health risks from using novel and traditional tobacco products

We sought to understand smokers’ perceived likelihood of health problems from using cigarettes and four non-cigarette tobacco products (NCTPs: e-cigarettes, snus, dissolvable tobacco, and smokeless tobacco). A US national sample of 6,607 adult smokers completed an online survey in March 2013. Participants viewed e-cigarette use as less likely to cause lung cancer, oral cancer, or heart disease compared to smoking regular cigarettes (all p < .001). This finding was robust for all demographic groups. Participants viewed using NCTPs other than e-cigarettes as more likely to cause oral cancer than smoking cigarettes but less likely to cause lung cancer. The dramatic increase in e-cigarette use may be due in part to the belief that they are less risky to use than cigarettes, unlike the other NCTPs. Future research should examine trajectories in perceived likelihood of harm from e-cigarette use and whether they affect regular and electronic cigarette use.
Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking in the United States

By now, most social workers are familiar with the issue of human trafficking. However, many are likely unfamiliar with research indicating that youths constitute the most vulnerable group in the United States for becoming victims of sex trafficking and that most women in prostitution actually entered as minors. Some experts are now referring to the sex trafficking of U.S. children and youths as "domestic minor sex trafficking," or DMST. This article seeks to acquaint readers with what is currently known regarding the extent of DMST, who is at risk for becoming a victim, and implications for the social work profession in addressing this tragedy.
Ge/SiGe Quantum-confined Stark modulators on silicon

In this paper, we describe the development of efficient quantum-confined Stark effect in type-I strain-balanced Ge/SiGe multi-quantum-wells (MQWs) on relaxed SiGe-on-Si. The Ge/SiGe QCSE described here with high absorption coefficient, high contrast ratio, low power dissipation and ultra-high speed operation will enable integration of efficient silicon-based Ge electro-absorption modulators with a standard CMOS fabrication process, leading to high-density, high-speed on-chip photonic interconnects
Emergence and Flight Activity of Salt-Marsh Horse Flies and Deer Flies

Bionomics of 4 common Tabanidae (Diptera) was studied by use of emergence traps, Manitoba fly traps, and insect sweep-net collections. Emergence locations and sex ratios are presented. Female Tabanus nigrovittatus Macquart predominated on a New Jersey salt marsh near an upland area, apparently being concentrated by southeast breezes. The tall, dense, marsh-upland border vegetation apparently presented a geographical barrier to flight farther inland and formed an environmental trap at some locations. Aggregation to geographically pronounced locations occurred on the marsh. Many female Chrysops atlanticus Pechuman sought a blood meal on the marsh during the period of adult emergence, but those seeking blood shifted entirely from the marsh to the upland, about 150 yards from the marsh edge soon after adults had ceased emerging.
Anomalous spectral scaling of light emission rates in low-dimensional metallic nanostructures

The strength of light emission near metallic nanostructures can scale anomalously with frequency and dimensionality. We find that light-matter interactions in plasmonic systems confined in two dimensions (e.g., near metal nanowires) strengthen with decreasing frequency owing to strong mode confinement away from the surface-plasmon frequency. The anomalous scaling also applies to the modulation speed of plasmonic light sources, including lasers, with modulation bandwidths growing at lower carrier frequencies. This allows developing optical devices that exhibit simultaneously femtosecond response times at the nanometer scale, even at longer wavelengths into the mid-IR, limited only by nonlocal effects and reversible light-matter coupling.
Study of the effect of static/dynamic Coulomb friction variation at the tape-head interface of a spacecraft tape recorder by non-linear time response simulation

NASA's Voyager 1977 mission to Jupiter-Saturn utilizes a magnetic digital tape recorder (DTR) on each of the two flyby spacecrafts. It has been experimentally determined that about 97% of the total output torque of the drive motor of the Voyager DTR's is required to overcome the static/dynamic Coulomb friction at the tape-head interface while the remaining 3% of the torque is utilized to overcome other bearing and aerodynamic frictions. Needless to say, the accuracy of the analytical simulation of the DTR servo depends to a very great extent on the fidelity with which the analytical model of the highly non-linear and piece-wise continuous static-dynamic Coulomb friction represents real life. In order to demonstrate the power and flexibility of graphic interactive simulation in time domain, three aspects of a realistic Coulomb friction model (viz., the static component, the dynamic component and the general shape) were interactively adjusted with a view to determining the sensitivity of the system behavior to such perturbations. A number of stable system configurations were arrived at, which had significantly different static/dynamlc components of Coulomb friction than current (nominal) design values.
Is the Womb Barren? A Located Study of Spiritual Tourism in Sedona, Arizona, and Its Possible Effects on Eco-consciousness

Ancient people considered Sedona, Arizona, the womb of Earth. This is only part of the story of Sedona that has made it a spiritual tourist destination. Some estimate that well over one million New Age pilgrim-tourists travel there annually to experience the vortices, or energy spots, in the Earth’s womb. These visitors will find different spiritual practitioners in Sedona, but they will find at least one common thread. The red rocks of Sedona hold great mystical power – a power that is explained with an eclectic mix of New Age metaphysics and modern science. Using field data from in-depth interviews, text analysis and participant observation, I will detail the content and contours of the scientific-spiritual worldview embedded in Sedona’s landscape and embodied by its pilgrim-tourists. Also, I will address possibilities for eco-consciousness embodied in the lived experience of this worldview.
Pairing correlations in a trapped one-dimensional Fermi gas

We use a BCS-type variational wave function to study attractively interacting quasi-one-dimensional fermionic atomic gases, motivated by cold-atom experiments that access the one-dimensional regime using an anisotropic harmonic trapping potential (with trapping frequencies ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{x}={\ensuremath{\omega}}_{y}\ensuremath{\gg}{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{z}$) that confines the gas to a cigar-shaped geometry. To handle the presence of the trap along the $z$ direction, we construct our variational wave function from the harmonic oscillator Hermite functions, which are the eigenstates of the single-particle problem. Using an analytic determination of the effective interaction among harmonic oscillator states along with a numerical solution of the resulting variational equations, we make specific experimental predictions for how pairing correlations would be revealed in experimental probes, such as the local density and the momentum correlation function.
The concentration dependence of viscosities in dilute solutions

Abstract At very low concentrations, at which the solute molecules either retain their identity and original shape or form low-order aggregates, the concentration dependence of the reduced specific viscosity η sp c results from two factors, hydrodynamic interaction, and aggregation. An expression for the latter and a simplified description of the former, which apply to the coefficient a2 (Eq. [1]), are presented. On the basis of the complete theory previously given, the effect of particle shape and solvent on the coefficient k1 (Eq. [2]) is discussed.
Scintigraphic diagnosis of pleuroperitoneal communication in cirrhosis secondary to polycythemia vera.

Hepatic dysfunction is responsible for 1 % to 2% of all pleural effusions. Alcoholic cirrhosis is the most common cause. Polycythemia vera is a rare cause of cirrhosis. It is most likely caused by hepatic vein thrombosis but can also result from extramedullary hematopoiesis. A pleural effusion secondary to cirrhosis caused by polycythemia vera has not been reported before. The authors describe a patient with cirrhosis secondary to polycythemia vera who was severely dyspneic secondary to a large right pleural effusion. A Tc-99m sulfur colloid ascites study was requested to determine whether a significant peritoneopleural communication existed that might be treated by surgical intervention.
Avoiding Evaluation Errors: Fairness in Appraising Employee Performance.

What are some of the most common types of rating errors and how might they be avoided? Research and prac tice suggest that rating errors are uni versal, but they can be minimized if administrators are aware of them.
Valvuloarterial impedance, but not aortic stenosis severity, predicts syncope in patients with aortic stenosis.

Background— The presence of syncope in patients with aortic valve stenosis (AS) predicts a grave prognosis. However, the evaluation of AS severity has been limited to valve-specific factors such as aortic valve area and mean transaortic pressure gradient. Recently, valvuloarterial impedance (Zva) was proposed for the estimation of global left ventricular afterload. Therefore, because predictors of syncope in patients with AS have not been investigated in recent years, we assessed the effect of clinical characteristics and echocardiographic parameters, including Zva, on syncope in patients with AS. Methods and Results— We retrospectively studied 451 patients with moderate and severe AS without low left ventricular ejection fraction (<40%). Patients with syncope (n=79; 18%) had higher Zva (5.1±0.9 versus 4.4±0.9 mm Hg/mL per m2; P <0.001) than those without (n=372; 82%). However, no significant differences existed in the mean transaortic pressure gradient ( P =0.076) or the aortic valve area ( P =0.160) between the 2 groups. In the multivariable analysis, only Zva was an independent predictor of syncope in patients with AS (odds ratio, 2.02; 95% confidence interval, 1.54–2.64; P <0.001). However, systolic blood pressure, relative wall thickness, the early transmitral flow velocity to peak early diastolic mitral annular velocity ratio, and mean transaortic pressure gradient were not identified as independent predictors. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified Zva ≥4.7 mm Hg/mL per m2 as the cutoff value associated with syncope in patients with AS. Conclusions— Our study suggests that high Zva, but not conventional parameters of AS, identifies AS patients with an increased risk of syncope.
The Dynamics of Collective Bargaining Development of a Communication Model

The dynamic nature of collective bargaining becomes apparent when explained in terms of communication theory. In this paper the authors develop a four- phase communication model to describe the various relationships between labor and management.
Introduced clupeids in a southern reservoir: more evidence for system-specific reproductive styles

Latitudinal trends in reproductive characteristics are evident for some species of Clupeidae. However, selection for life history styles may operate at the population level. The reproductive cycles of alewifeAlosa pseudoharengus and threadfin shadDorosoma petenense in Dale Hollow Reservoir, Tennessee, were monitored over two spawning seasons on the basis of a gonadosomatic index (GSI). Inshore movements normally associated with spawning migrations were monitored using gill nets in spring 1989. GSI values peaked for both species at least one month earlier in 1989 than in 1988 due to warmer water temperatures earlier in the year. Highest GSI values for female alewife occurred each year when surface water temperatures were about 20° C; threadfin shad GSI values peaked at temperatures of 22°–26° C. Trends in male GSI values in both species were similar to those in females. Alewives were not abundant in warm (> 22° C), shallow water after 1 May 1989, but alewife GSI values remained high after this date, suggesting that elevated inshore temperatures limited alewife reproduction. All aspects of alewife reproduction were comparable to other populations of alewife but did not follow latitudinal trends. Threadfin shad reproductive characteristics were similar to other published accounts. We suggest that thermal regimes and reservoir trophic status are important factors for clupeid reproduction and population-level analysis is suggested when considering reproductive styles. Further, our ability to predict the ecology of introduced species in freshwater systems is impaired when species considered have not coevolved or evolved in marine environments.
Alterations in composition of field- and laboratory-developed estuarine benthic communities exposed to di-n-butyl phthalate

Abstract Macrobenthic animal communities developed in sand-filled aquaria in the laboratory and in the field were exposed to three concentrations of the plasticizer, di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), and effects on community structure were assessed. Laboratory communities were colonized by planktonic larvae in unfiltered sea water; field communities, by naturally occurring animals. After 8 wk of colonization, laboratory and field communities (removed to the laboratory) were exposed to DBP for 2 wk. The numbers of individuals and species of animals in aquaria receiving 3.7 mg DBP/l (laboratory-colonized) or 3.8 mg DBP/l (field-colonized) were significantly less than those in control aquaria or in aquaria that received lower concentrations of the plasticizer. Affected phyla in laboratory or field faunal assemblages were chordates, mollusks, arthropods, and annelids. Amphipods, Corophium acherusicum, collected only from laboratory communities, also were significantly fewer in communities exposed to 0.34 mg DBP/l. Density of individuals and numbers of species were not affected by 0.04 mg DBP/l.
Measurements of 8B Solar Neutrinos – Results and Prospects from SNO and SuperKamiokande

Measurements of 8 B solar neutrinos at the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory (SNO) and at SuperKamiokande (SK) result in a model independent proof that electron neutrinos born in the Sun undergo active flavor transformation. Large mixing angle, matter enhanced neutrino oscillations are responsible for this flavor transformation and the total flux of 8 B solar neutrinos measured is in agreement with standard solar model predictions. The long-standing solar neutrino problem is resolved. In this paper the salient results from measurements of 8 B solar neutrinos at SNO and SK are summarized, including recent analyses looking for potential temporal variations in the solar neutrino fluxes and a new limit on the hep solar neutrino flux. The field of solar neutrino physics has entered a new era of precision with measurements aimed at the elucidation of fundamental neutrino properties and our basic understanding of how the Sun shines. Future goals and prospects of the SNO and SK experiments are discussed.
Does deviant pornography use follow a Guttman-like progression?

Abstract This study investigated whether deviant pornography use followed a Guttman-like progression in that a person transitions from being a nondeviant to deviant pornography user. In order to observe this progression, 630 respondents from Survey Sampling International’s (SSI) panel Internet sample completed an online survey assessing adult-only, bestiality, and child pornography consumption. Respondents’ “age of onset” for adult pornography use was measured to determine if desensitization occurred in that individuals who engaged in adult pornography at a younger age were more likely to transition into deviant pornography use. Two hundred and 54 respondents reported the use of nondeviant adult pornography, 54 reported using animal pornography, and 33 reported using child pornography. The child pornography users were more likely to consume both adult and animal pornography, rather than just solely consuming child pornography. Results suggested deviant pornography use followed a Guttman-like progression in that individuals with a younger “age of onset” for adult pornography use were more likely to engage in deviant pornography (bestiality or child) compared to those with a later “age of onset”. Limitations and future research suggestions are discussed.
Unsteady separated boundary layer in a transonic diffuser flow with self-excited oscillations

A numerical investigation of two-dimensional unsteady boundary layer in a transonic diffuser flow with self-excited oscillations and strong flow separation by solving the compressible, Reynolds-averaged, thin-layer Navier-Stokes equations with two-equations turbulence model is described. Three different meshes with constant streamwise mesh distribution and varying vertical mesh distribution were used. Results obtained indicate that a refinement of mesh studied here has minimal effect on the mean boundary layer flow but significantly increases the amplitude of oscillation of all flow variables. Comparisons of unsteady wall pressure, velocity profile, terminal shock, and separation pocket among computations and with experiment are presented.
Phase behavior of the liquid crystal 8CB in a silica aerogel.

Light scattering and precision calorimetry show that the nematic ordering of octylcyanobiphenyl (8CB) filling the connected network of pores of a silica aerogel does not occur via the first-order phase transition characteristic of the bulk. Rather, ordering is continuous with an orientational correlation length never increasing beyond the aerogel pore size. The heat-capacity anomly of the second-order nematic--smectic-A phase transition seen in the bulk is absent or greatly broadened in the aerogel.
Logical Processing for Integer Programming

This paper reviews tools which have great potential for reducing the difficulty of solving IP (and also MIP) problems, if well implemented in solvers. Recent experiments with Branch and Bound solvers, in connection with “Short Start Features”, have shown that implementations need and can still be improved. Concepts which are likely to be specially important for (0,1) MIP are pointed out.
Letter to the Editor-The Distribution of Stock Price Differences: Gaussian After All?

In this paper the distribution of stock price differences is studied. Starting from Bachelier's hypothesis regarding the independence of stock price changes a model based on price differences taken across transactions, rather than differences obtained across time periods, is investigated. Using this model the distributions of price changes for a sample of 10 stocks were studied. In contrast to the fat tailed, excessively peaked distributions obtained by differencing across time periods, the distributions obtained by differencing across transactions did not have an excessive number of extreme events, although the center classes continued to be overcrowded. As the number of transactions over which the price differences were taken increased from 1 to n where n is equal to the largest number of transactions over which the price has remained unchanged, the distribution of the ΔP's approached the normal distribution. Thus we conclude that stock price changes are not independent across single transactions, and that stock prices should be differenced across blocks of transactions, rather than time intervals.
Benign pneumoperitoneum associated with pneumomediastinum and pneumoretroperitoneum in ambulatory outpatients

Perforation of a hollow viscus and other dangerous etiologies must always be considered in the evaluation of free peritoneal air. Pneumoperitoneum in the presence of pneumoretroperitoneum and pneumomediastinum, however, often results from air tracking from a pathologic source outside of the abdomen along the mesentery into the peritoneum. This syndrome is relatively benign, and should be considered when there are multiple sites of extraluminal air in order to minimize the risk of unnecessary exploratory laparotomy. Two cases of benign pneumoperitoneum associated with pneumomediastinum and pneumoretroperitoneum are presented.
NURBS based molecular force calculation

The progress of nanotechnology has made it possible to make miniature electromechanical devices of sub-micrometer scale. This means that we will be in need of design packages that can model the physical properties of objects and their interactions involved down in nanometer scale. Toward this goal, our aim in this paper is to develop a computing procedure for determining molecular interaction forces, i.e. van der Waals force, between objects of arbitrary geometry.Currently there are two types of approaches for calculating van der Waals force. The first type is analytical where analytical force equations are derived for interactions between simple geometries such as spheres and half-spaces. The second type is numerical where volume integrals or surface integrals are conducted over discretized object domains where the object boundaries are approximated by simple mesh geometries.This paper presents a numerical approach that uses non-uniform rational B-spline (NURBS) based surface integrals. The integrals are done on the parametric domains of the NURBS surfaces and Gaussian quadrature points lie exactly on the object surfaces. Salient features of this approach include: 1) Orders of magnitude in accuracy improvement is achieved over other numerical approaches; The fundamental reason for such accuracy improvement is that molecular interaction force is very sensitive to surface geometry since it falls off at the rate of inverse power of 6 ~ 7. Any geometric approximation in object discretization would lead to significant bias in the calculation result. 2) Molecular interactions between arbitrary-shaped objects can be represented and evaluated since the NURBS model can represent exactly common analytical geometries such as spheres in nano-particles and cylinders in nano-rods, and complex geometries such as corrugated sample surfaces.We demonstrate its general shape applicability by calculating van der Waals force between complex geometries such as micro-gears. Further, we give error bounds for NURBS based numerical simulation and develop an adaptive subdivision scheme to improve both calculation accuracy and efficiency.
Carcinomatous Meningitis Complicating Cervical Cancer: A Clinicopathologic Study and Literature Review

Patients with gynecologic malignancies may develop metastases throughout the neuraxis. Cervix-related carcinomatous meningitis is a distinctly unusual clinical event with only two previous cases reported in the English medical literature. We review clinical, radiographic, and pathologic findings of a woman with advanced adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix, whose course was complicated by leptomeningeal metastases. Carcinomatous meningitis occurs in the setting of rapidly advancing systemic disease and represents a terminal complication of cervical cancer.
The meaning of stereotypes

The author discusses the nature of stereotypes and their relationship to prejudice and discriminatory behavior. Mr. Rinehart is a fellow in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at The Ohio State University.
What Comes after the Survey? A Practical Application of the Synchronized Survey Model in Community Development.

Abstract A practical application of Dillman's [1977a; 1977b] “synchronized survey model” is outlined within a community case study context. A step‐by‐step approach to integrating preference survey data with other sources of data in the development of a comprehensive land use plan is presented. Consideration is also given to some problems and trade‐offs with which the researcher must deal when fitting a research process into the practical constraints of community development.
Deutsch: Na klar! An Introductory German Course. 5th ed. by DI DONATO, ROBERT, MONICA D. CLYDE, & JAQUELINE VANSANT. Workbook to AccompanyDeutsch: Na klar! An Introductory German Course. 5th ed. by BRIGGS, JEANNE.

The article reviews the books "Deutsch: Na klar! An Introductory German Course," 5th ed., by Robert Di Donato, Monica D. Clyde and Jacqueline Vansant and "Workbook to Accompany Deutsch: Na klar! An Introductory German Course," 5th ed., by Jeanne Briggs.
Photon echo “decay” in LaF3 : Pr3+ as a modulation process☆

Abstract The variation of photon echo intensity in LaF 3 : Pr 3+ measured as a function of pulse separation for short times is shown to be a consequence of echo modulation as caused by isolated non-interacting Pr 3+ ions.
Rights for autonomous artificial agents

The growing role of artificial agents necessitates modifying legal frameworks to better address human interests.
Rate Shaping Estimation and Control of a Piezoelectric Fuel Injector

Fuel injection rate shaping is one way to improve fuel efficiency and reduce harmful emissions in IC engines. Piezoelectrically actuated fuel injectors have a particularly fast response, which makes them capable of rate shaping operation. In this paper, a model-based closed-loop controller is designed to control the fuel injection rate passing through the nozzle of a piezoelectric fuel injector, by compensating for the injector’s nonlinear behavior. The performance of this controller is verified with simulation results.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Gold(I) phosphine mediated selective inhibition of lymphoid tyrosine phosphatase

Selective protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) inhibition is often difficult to achieve owing to the high degree of similarity of the catalytic domains of this family of enzymes. Selective inhibitors of the lymphoid specific tyrosine phosphatase, LYP, are of great interest due to the involvement of LYP in several autoimmune disorders. This manuscript describes a study into the mechanistic details of selective LYP inhibition by a Au(I)-phosphine complex. The complex, [Au((CH2CH2CN)2PPh)Cl], selectively inhibits LYP activity both in vitro and in cells, but does not inhibit other T-cell derived PTPs including the highly homologous PTP-PEST. The mode of inhibition was probed by investigating inhibition of LYP, the LYP mutant C129/231S, and PTP-PEST. Inhibition of LYP and PTP-PEST was competitive, while the LYP double mutant appeared mixed. Wild-type LYP was inhibited more potently than LYP C129/231S, indicating an important role for at least one of these residues in Au(I) binding. Coordination of Au(I) by both the active site cysteine residue as well as either Cys129 or 231 is suggested as a potential mechanism for LYP selective inhibition.
Optical coherence tomography of the cochlea in the porcine model.

Objectives/Hypothesis: To demonstrate the feasibility of optical coherence tomography in microstructural imaging of the porcine cochlea. Study Design: Ex vivo, porcine model. Methods: Optical coherence tomographic images of the porcine cochlea were obtained by thinning the bone from the basal turn of the cochlea leaving the endosteum intact. The images were compared with the corresponding histological sections. Results: In the areas of thinned bone, images were obtained of the stria vascularis, Reissner's membrane, basilar membrane, tectorial membrane, scala media, scala tympani, and scala vestibuli. The bone was too thick for adequate light penetration in the areas where it was not thinned. Good histological correlation was obtained. Conclusions: Cochlear and vestibular microanatomic structures of the pig cochlea were clearly identified with histological confirmation, suggesting the potential application of this noninvasive imaging modality for in vivo imaging of the human cochlea.
Oxidative stress modulates osteoblastic differentiation of vascular and bone cells.

Oxidative stress may regulate cellular function in multiple pathological conditions, including atherosclerosis. One feature of the atherosclerotic plaque is calcium mineral deposition, which appears to result from the differentiation of vascular osteoblastic cells, calcifying vascular cells (CVC). To determine the role of oxidative stress in regulating the activity of CVC, we treated these cells with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or xanthine/xanthine oxidase (XXO) and assessed their effects on intracellular oxidative stress, differentiation, and mineralization. These agents increased intracellular oxidative stress as determined by 2,7 dichlorofluorescein fluorescence, and enhanced osteoblastic differentiation of vascular cells, based on alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization. In contrast, H2O2 and XXO resulted in inhibition of differentiation markers in bone osteoblastic cells, MC3T3-E1, and marrow stromal cells, M2-10B4, while increasing oxidative stress. In addition, minimally oxidized low-density lipoprotein (MM-LDL), previously shown to enhance vascular cell and inhibit bone cell differentiation, also increased intracellular oxidative stress in the three cell types. These effects of XXO and MM-LDL were counteracted by the antioxidants Trolox and pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate. These results suggest that oxidative stress modulates differentiation of vascular and bone cells oppositely, which may explain the parallel buildup and loss of calcification, seen in vascular calcification and osteoporosis, respectively.
Malignant mesenchymoma of the mandible

Abstract A malignant mesenchymoma of the mandible, composed of elements of a fibrosarcoma and an apparent rhabdomyosarcoma, is reported. A discussion of the possible relationship to giant-cell tumors is presented.
Mutations in Rab3a alter circadian period and homeostatic response to sleep loss in the mouse.

Mutations in Rab3a alter circadian period and homeostatic response to sleep loss in the mouse
The measurement of criminal dangerousness as a personality construct: further validation of a research index

The validity of an index measuring criminal dangerousness was further evaluated by determining whether it could discriminate among prisoners committing violent crimes at three levels of severity. The index score was a multiplicative product of an antisocially score and an IQ score, with high antisocially and low IQ reflecting greater dangerousness. Comparison of index scores for men committing murder (most severe); robbery and rape (intermediate severity); and assault, child molestation, and manslaughter (least severe) revealed a significant monotonic increase in dangerousness scores as increasingly severe crimes were considered. Several recommendations for the measurement of criminal dangerousness were offered.
Specific and non-specific binding of long-chain fatty acids to firefly luciferase: cutoff at octanoate.

Abstract Firefly luciferase emits a burst of light when the substrates luciferin and ATP are mixed in the presence of oxygen. We (I. Ueda, A. Suzuki, Biophys. J. 75 (1998) 1052–1057) reported that long-chain fatty acids are specific inhibitors of firefly luciferase in competition with luciferin in μM ranges. They increased the thermal transition temperature. In contrast, 1-alkanols of the same carbon chain length inhibited the enzyme non-competitively in mM ranges and decreased the transition temperature. The present study showed that the action of fatty acids switched from specific to non-specific when the carbon chain length was reduced below C8 (octanoate). The fatty acids longer than C10 inhibited the enzyme in μM ranges whereas those shorter than C8 required mM ranges to inhibit it. The longer fatty acids increased whereas shorter fatty acids decreased the transition temperature. The Hill coefficients of longer chain bindings were less than one whereas those of shorter chain were more than one. The shorter fatty acids interacted with the enzyme cooperatively at multiple sites. Binding of the longer fatty acids is limited. Fatty acids longer than C10 are high-affinity specific binders and followed Koshland’s induced-fit model. Those shorter than C8 are low-affinity non-specific denaturants and followed Eyring’s rate process model. These results contradict the general consensus that the size of the receptor cavity discriminates specific binders.
The first quantitative report of ventilation rate during in-hospital resuscitation of older children and adolescents

Aim During adult cardiac arrest, rescuers frequently provide ventilations at rates exceeding those recommended by the American Heart Association (AHA). Excessive ventilation is associated with worse clinical outcome after adult cardiac arrest. This study is the first to characterize ventilation rate adherence to AHA guidelines during in-hospital pediatric cardiac arrest resuscitation.
Innate Response Activator B Cells Protect Against Microbial Sepsis

Recognition and clearance of a bacterial infection are a fundamental properties of innate immunity. Here, we describe an effector B cell population that protects against microbial sepsis. Innate response activator (IRA) B cells are phenotypically and functionally distinct, develop and diverge from B1a B cells, depend on pattern-recognition receptors, and produce granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor. Specific deletion of IRA B cell activity impairs bacterial clearance, elicits a cytokine storm, and precipitates septic shock. These observations enrich our understanding of innate immunity, position IRA B cells as gatekeepers of bacterial infection, and identify new treatment avenues for infectious diseases.
Determination of Rare Earth Elements in Aluminum by Inductively Coupled Plasma-atomic Emission Spectroscopy

Inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy is evaluated for the determination of 14 rare earth elements in aluminum. Spectral line interference, limit of detection, and background equivalent concentration values are evaluated, and quantitative recovery is obtained from aluminum samples spiked with rare earth elements. The procedure is simple and suitable for routine process control analysis.
The solubility behaviour of No. 2 fuel oil in sea water

Abstract The solubility of No. 2 fuel oil in sea water is studied using gas chromatographic techniques. Evidence is presented for the existence of accommodated (particulate or droplet), solubilized (colloidal micelles) and soluble hydrocarbon components in fuel oil-sea water mixtures.
Abstract 1140: C/ebp beta repressesArfinduction by tgf-beta2

Arf is a bona fide tumor suppressor that regulates cell proliferation through p53-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Recent studies show that Arf also has physiological functions in addition to tumor repression. Our group reported that the Arf promoter is strictly controlled during development and Tgf-beta2 is required for Arf promoter activation at several sites in the developing mouse. In a cell culture-based model, Arf induction by Tgf-beta depends on Smads 2/3 and p38 MAPK. But the transcription factors influenced by these signaling pathways are not yet clear. Using a candidate-gene approach, we have identified C/ebp beta as a negative Arf regulator, modified by Tgf-beta 2. The ability of Tgf-beta2 to increase p19 Arf expression in wild-type mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs) and Arf promoter activity in Arf lacZ/lacZ MEFs correlated with repression of C/ebp beta. Pre-incubation of MEFs with SB431542, a Tgf-beta type I receptor inhibitor, blocked C/ebp beta repression and Arf induction. Retrovirus-mediated ectopic C/ebp beta blocked Arf induction by Tgf-beta2 in Arf lacZ/lacZ and wild-type MEFs. Similarly, RNAi-driven knock-down of C/ebp beta augmented Arf promoter activation by Tgf-beta2. Chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed that C/ebp beta binding to the Arf promoter after Arf promoter is initially activated by Tgf-beta2, and the binding dropped at 48 hours, when Arf expression was significantly induced. In summary, our results indicate that C/ebp beta is modified by and contributes to Arf regulation by Tgf-beta2. In contrast, the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 did not influence C/ebp beta levels but still interfered with Arf induction. We are currently exploring the importance of C/ebp beta in Arf regulation by other signals and in other cell types, and investigating its importance in vivo in the developing mouse. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1140. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-1140
Optimal taxation in a monetary economy with financial intrmediaries

Abstract The problem of optimal taxation when the government must levy distorting taxes to meet its revenue needs is considered for a monetary economy with financial intermediaries. In contrast to most other studies of optimal taxation in a monetary economy, money is treated as an intermediate good which is held because doing so economizes on the scarce resources that must be devoted to the exchange process. Attention is focused on the roles of the inflation tax, reserve requirements, and deposit taxes. The key result is that revenue considerations do not justify taxing cash and deposits. That is, the optimal tax structure calls for adopting the optimum quantity of money rule and setting deposit taxes to zero. When the optimal tax structure is in place, reserve requirements turn out to be irrelevant from both the fiscal and welfare perspectives.