cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Laparoscopic colectomy with intracorporeal anastomosis using endostaplers: Surgical technique description

Background and Objectives: Published evidence suggests that colorectal laparoscopic surgery is similar to conventional open surgery in terms of oncological safety. Here, we describe our experience performing a laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with an intracorporeal anastomosis using endostaplers (LRH-IAE). Methods: A retrospective review of patients who underwent LRH-IAE from February 2008 to May 2012 was performed. Demographic, intraoperative, and postoperative data were collected. Key end-points included open conversion rates, adequacy of oncologic resection, and 30-day morbidity and mortality. Results: A total of 27 LRH-IAE procedures were performed during the study period. Median patient age was 74 years, with 12 females and 15 males. Most common indications for surgery included colonic mass (74.1%, n = 20) and incomplete polypectomy (14.8%, n = 4). The median American Society of Anesthesiologists score was 3 (interquartile range [IQR]: 2–3) and median operative time was 312 min (IQR: 200–420 min). There were no conversions to open laparotomy. Surgical margins were negative in all patients, with a median of 17 lymph nodes examined per specimen. Nine patients experienced postoperative morbidity, including cardiac (7.4%, n = 2), pulmonary (18.5%, n = 5), and abdominal (22.2%, n = 6) complications. Abdominal complications included ileus (3.7%, n = 1), perforated viscus/leak (7.4%, n = 2), anastomotic stricture (3.8%, n = 1), and an incisional hernia (7.4%, n = 2). All-cause 30-day mortality was 11.1% (3/27). The median length of stay was 5 days (range: 3–42 days). Conclusion: This report shows that LRH-IAE in high-risk surgical population is characterized by an acceptable risk-benefit profile. LRH-IAE offers the advantages of less tissue manipulation and adheres to established oncological principles. The following core competencies are addressed in this article: Medical knowledge and patient care.
MLS for Internet Security Protocols

The domain name system is a tree-hierarchical naming system for services that can be accessed over the Internet. At the top of the inverted DNS tree (see Fig. 4.1) is the root. Below the root are generic top level domains (gTLD) like com, org, net, edu, etc., and country-code top level domains (ccTLD) like br, ca, etc. A leaf named b.cs.univ.edu in the DNS tree is a server-host in a branch cs.univ.edu, which stems from a thicker branch univ.edu, which stems from an even thicker branch .edu, stemming from the root of the DNS tree.
Identity, Affect, Alliance: Thinking Whiteness Transnationally

I interrogate affective investments in whiteness, both in antiracist movements and in their white-supremacist counterparts. Questioning the definition of whiteness as either race or ethnicity, I point out the affective aspects of both whiteness and racialization at large. Turning to queer of Color critique, I underline the affective dimensions of racial belonging that have to be deconstructed to effectively combat white supremacy.
Molecular etiological characteristics of the gastroenteritis outbreak associated with norovirus infection in Guangyuan city, Sichuan province

Objective To investigate the genotype and genetic characteristics of the pathogens associated with the epidemic outbreak of acute gastroenteritis(AGE) in Guangyuan city, Sichuan province. Methods Eighteen stool samples and 15 anal swab samples from 4 AGE outbreaks were collected from Feb 2017 to May 2017. Norovirus (NoV) nucleic acid was detected by Real-time PCR method , and the positive samples were amplified by conventional reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and nucleotide sequencing. Results Four AGE outbreaks were all caused by NoV. And 20 (60.6%) samples were positive for NoV GⅡ. Gene sequence comparison and phylogenetic analysis showed that 4 AGE outbreaks were all caused by GⅡ.P16/GⅡ.2 NoV. All the strains of GⅡ.P16/GⅡ.2 NoV shared high homology in nucleotides. One of the outbreaks was caused by GⅡ.P16/GⅡ.2 and GⅡ.P7/GⅡ.14 NoV co-infection. Conclusions The 4 outbreaks of AGE in Guangyuan city, Sichuan province were major caused by GⅡ.P16/GⅡ.2 NoV, meanwhile GⅡ.P16/GⅡ.2 and GⅡ.P7/GⅡ.14 NoV co-infection existed. Key words: Norovirus; Gastroenteritis; Outbreak; Phylogenetic analysis
Providing menu and shopping toolkits to improve food access and security during a pandemic

In response to COVID-19 stay-safe-at-home orders, the University of Minnesota Extension created and disseminated menu and shopping list toolkits for use by consumers and emergency food supply organi­zations. The menus were developed to use items commonly available from food pantries and small rural grocery stores. The menu and shopping toolkits have been useful to provide to consumers who are shelter­ing in place during the pandemic and may be useful to consumers and emergency food providers during other emergencies such as natural and human-made disasters that may limit access to food.
Resting State Functional MRI in Neonates with Prenatal Opioid Exposure: Analysis of Thalamocortical Functional Connectivity

Background/Objective: Prenatal opioid exposure (POE) is a growing public health issue that can result in premature birth, Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. However, the neural basis for these findings remains relatively unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the neural correlates of POE based on neonatal thalamocortical functional connectivity using resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). Methods: In this prospective, IRB-approved study, nineteen neonates with POE and twenty opioid naive (ON) controls underwent non-invasive MRI during natural sleep at mean post-menstrual age (PMA) of 44.7 ± 2.6 and 44.6 ± 2.6 weeks respectively. MR imaging included anatomic T2-weighted images and rs-fMRI. General Linear Model (GLM) seed-based whole brain functional connectivity analysis was performed for each subject, with the right and left thalamus as distinct seed regions. Unpaired mixed-effects group analyses between POE and ON groups were conducted for each seed region corrected for PMA and sex. Results: Thalamic connectivity to cortical and subcortical structures differed in the POE group compared to the ON control group. The POE group exhibited higher functional connectivity to deep gray structures, frontal, medial prefrontal, parietal, occipital, and anterior temporal cortices compared to controls. The POE group exhibited lower connectivity to the nuclei accumbentes, bilateral caudate nuclei, posterior cingulate gyri, superior frontal gyri, insular, and dorsolateral prefrontal cortices. Conclusion and Potential Impact: Overall, these novel results suggest the presence of opioid exposure-related alterations in thalamic functional connectivity. Given that the thalamus plays a crucial role in early brain development, the described alterations in thalamocortical and thalamic-subcortical connectivity may have implications in stratifying risk and informing treatment for the adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes associated with POE. Future studies should explore the relationship between POE-associated disruptions in thalamic connectivity and developmental outcomes.
Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the parotid gland: Twenty-year experience in treatment and outcomes.

Background Parotid gland mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) has published five-year cancer-specific survival (CSS) rates of 77%-97%, with variance related to grade. Methods Patients receiving primary surgery for parotid gland MEC from 1995 to 2014 at a tertiary medical center underwent clinical review, histopathologic review, and cytogenetic analysis. Survival outcomes were evaluated. Results Among 58 patients, T/N/M classification was as follows: T1 in 35 patients, T2 in 14, T4a in 9, N0 in 53, N1 in 2, N2b in 3. Histologic grade was low in 27, intermediate in 17, and high in 12 patients with 98% MAML2 positivity. All patients underwent parotidectomy, and seven patients received adjuvant radiation therapy. CSS was 100% at 5 years and 94.1% at 10 and 15 years. Two patients experienced locoregional recurrence. Conclusions Treatment with adequate surgical resection and adjuvant radiation therapy for high-grade or advanced-stage tumors yields excellent survival, independent of clinical stage or pathologic grade.
Expenditure Elasticity and Inequality Over the Business Cycle

I analyze a new channel through which real labor income inequality can vary over the business cycle arising from heterogeneity in the households exposure to different sectors in their consumption and labor choices. This heterogeneous exposure has two sources of origin both are empirically documented in this paper. First, low income households consume less from sectors with high expenditure elasticity and are therefore less exposed to fluctuations in their prices. Second, low income households tend to work more in service occupations that are used most intensely in sectors with high expenditure elasticity and are therefore more exposed to labor demand fluctuation in these sectors. While the mechanism is relevant to any shock that increases income, I focus my analysis on monetary policy shocks that are reliably identified using high frequency data. In my analysis I establish that as a response to a monetary policy shock the aggregate value added share of sectors with high expenditure elasticity increases. This implies an increase in: (1) the relative prices of goods or services in these sectors (2) the relative income share of employees in these sectors. Both effects result in an increase in the relative real wage of low income households that are less exposed to the increase in prices while more exposed to the increase in wages. I use a TANK model with non-homothetic preferences and sector heterogeneity to quantify the effects of this mechanism and evaluate how it has change over time with changes in sectoral and occupational composition.
Gamma ray bursts of black hole universe

Slightly modifying the standard big bang theory, Zhang recently developed a new cosmological model called black hole universe, which has only a single postulate but is consistent with Mach’s principle, governed by Einstein’s general theory of relativity, and able to explain existing observations of the universe. In the previous studies, we have explained the origin, structure, evolution, expansion, cosmic microwave background radiation, quasar, and acceleration of black hole universe, which grew from a star-like black hole with several solar masses through a supermassive black hole with billions of solar masses to the present state with hundred billion-trillions of solar masses by accreting ambient matter and merging with other black holes. This study investigates gamma ray bursts of black hole universe and provides an alternative explanation for the energy and spectrum measurements of gamma ray bursts according to the black hole universe model. The results indicate that gamma ray bursts can be understood as emissions of dynamic star-like black holes. A black hole, when it accretes its star or merges with another black hole, becomes dynamic. A dynamic black hole has a broken event horizon and thus cannot hold the inside hot (or high-frequency) blackbody radiation, which flows or leaks out and produces a GRB. A star when it collapses into its core black hole produces a long GRB and releases the gravitational potential energy of the star as gamma rays. A black hole that merges with another black hole produces a short GRB and releases a part of their blackbody radiation as gamma rays. The amount of energy obtained from the emissions of dynamic star-like black holes are consistent with the measurements of energy from GRBs. The GRB energy spectra derived from this new emission mechanism are also consistent with the measurements.
Cytosine β-D-Arabino-Furanoside (Ara-C), a DNA synthesis inhibitor, modulates p12DOC-1 expression and inhibits colorectal epithelial cell proliferation in human colorectal cancer with microsatellite instability.

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 45, 2004 2038 Introduction: Recent studies have shown that 5-Fluorouracil-based adjuvant chemotherapy benefits patients with microsatellite stable (MSS) colorectal cancer (CRC), but not tumors exhibiting high frequency microsatellite instability (MSI) 1. We have previously demonstrated that decreased expression of p12DOC-1, the growth suppressor, is associated with colorectal epithelial proliferation and apoptosis arrest in human CRC with MSI 2. The purpose of this study was to test whether any of a set of known chemotherapeutic agents was capable of modulating p12DOC-1 expression in CRC cell lines with MSI. Material and Methods: p12DOC-1 expression in MSI CRC was studied using a Cancer Cell Line Profiling (CCLP) Array (Clontech) containing 702 complex cDNA samples from 26 different human cancer cell lines. The array cell lines were treated with a broad range of agents known to affect cell growth, differentiation and apoptosis. The profiling array was hybridized with a p12DOC-1 probe labeled with p32-dCTP. The intensity signal was assessed by Scion Image software. The array results were confirmed utilizing real-time RT-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Cell cycle and apoptosis were also assessed by Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting assay in treated and untreated CRC cell lines. Results: Cytosine β -D-Arabino-Furanoside (Ara-C) was found to increase p12DOC-1 expression in 2 of 3 MSI CRC cell lines using the CCLP array. These results were also confirmed by real-time RT-PCR in 3 of 3 MSI CRC cell lines. When treated with Ara-C, these same 3 cell lines also demonstrated significantly decreased S phase and significantly increased apoptosis. There was no change in the p12DOC-1 expression, cell cycle S-phase or the apoptosis profile in the MSS CRC control cell line after treatment with Ara-C. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that the CCLP array provides a novel method for studying chemotherapy-induced alterations in differential gene expression. Our results also show that Ara-C modulates p12DOC-1 expression, inhibits colon epithelial cell proliferation and increases apoptosis in MSI CRC suggesting that Ara-C may play a unique therapeutic role in this disease. References: 1)Ribic CM, Sargent DJ, et al. Microsatellite-instability status as a predictor of benefit from fluorouracil-based adjuvant chemotherapy for colon cancer. NEJM. 349 July: 247-257, 2003. 2) Yuan ZQ, Kent TS, Weber TK. Differential expression of DOC-1 in microsatellite-unstable human colorectal cancer. Oncogene. 22: 6304-10, 2003.
Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in Neurons

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, like GABA and serotonin receptors, are members of the superfamily of ligand-gated ion channels, all of which play a key role in synaptic transmission throughout the nervous system. Keywords: ligand-gated channel; nicotine; nicotine receptor; neurotransmitter; calcium permeability; central nervous system; peripheral nervous system
Infusing Lesbigay Research into the Counseling Research Classroom

Despite research findings that lesbigays value, want, and use counseling services, some counselors report they are not adequately prepared to work with the lesbigay population. Lesbigay students have reported biases and discrimination in their programs. Research has found that some mental health professionals engage in a number of harmful practices when working with lesbigay clients. These findings challenge counselor education programs to find better ways of infusing lesbigay issues into their curricula. This article discusses how lesbigay issues might be infused into the counseling research classroom in ways that provide students the opportunity to think critically; learn about research design and ethics; expand their levels of tolerance; develop a deeper appreciation of the work involved in doing research; and see the power of research to change the course of history.
Non-Richter’s Transformation CLL in the CNS: A Case Series (P7.018)

BACKGROUND: Central Nervous System (CNS) manifestation of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) without Richter’s transformation (RT) is a rare and poorly understood entity. We describe two patients with distinctive presentations, neuroimaging and pathology - one with multifocal demyelinating CNS lesions on biopsy and another with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) like encephalitis. DESIGN/METHODS: A retrospective chart review of two index patients was performed to collect clinical presentation and relevant data from laboratory studies, magnetic resonance image (MRI), lumbar puncture (LP), flow cytometry (serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)) and autopsy. RESULTS: A 62 year-old gentleman with CLL was admitted for rapidly progressive right hemiparesis, aphasia, diplopia and dysphagia. Serial MRI brain revealed multiple supratentorial and infratentorial white matter (WM) lesions. He had an elevated white blood cell (WBC) count of 24.4x10 3 . LP showed 137 WBCs (52% neutrophils, 29% lymphoctyes) and clusters of ependymal cells. Lymph node biopsy showed abnormal B-cell population which was CD19+, CD20+, CD5+, CD23+, consistent with CLL without RT. However, brain biopsy showed a demyelinating process, but no evidence of lymphoma. He clinically declined and expired. Brain autopsy showed CLL involving cerebral blood vessels and multiple macrophage-rich lesions consistent with demyelination. A 68 year-old woman with CLL presented with rapidly progressive encephalopathy of unclear etiology. Serum flow cytometry revealed abnormal B-cell population which was CD5+, CD10-, CD19+, CD20+ (dim), CD22+, CD23+, CD38- and HLA-DR+, consistent with CLL. MRI brain contrast study showed abnormal signal in the bilateral mesial temporal lobes and periventricular and subcortical WM concerning for CJD. Despite coverage for viral and bacterial encephalitidies, she clinically declined and expired. Autopsy revealed extensive lymphocytic infiltrate and necrosis with CD3+, CD5+ and CD20+ consistent with CLL without RT. CONCLUSIONS: We contribute two index patients with varied clinical presentations, distinctive neuroimaging and unique pathology of non-RT CLL within the CNS. This further expands the heterogeneity of this rare disease. Disclosure: Dr. Thavapalan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kenyon has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mizrahi has nothing to disclose.
Long-Memory Processes, the Allan Variance and Wavelets

Abstract Long term memory has frequently been observed in physical time series. Statistical theory for long-memory stochastic processes is radically different from the standard time series analysis, which assumes short term memory. The Allan variance is a particular measure of variability developed for long-memory processes. This variance can be interpreted as a Haar wavelet coefficient variance, suggesting an approach towards assessing the variability of general wavelet classes. The theory is applied to a ‘time’ series of vertical ocean shear measurements for which some drawbacks with the Haar wavelet are observed.
Corticotropin releasing factor impairs sustained attention in male and female rats

Stressful life events and stress-related psychiatric disorders impair sustained attention, the ability to monitor rare and unpredictable stimulus events over prolonged periods of time. Despite the link between stress and attentional disruptions, the neurobiological basis for stress regulation of attention systems remains underexplored. Here we examined whether corticotropin releasing factor (CRF), which orchestrates stress responses and is hypersecreted in patients with stress-related psychiatric disorders, impairs sustained attention. To this end, male and female rats received central infusions of CRF prior to testing on an operant sustained attention task (SAT), where rats were trained to discriminate signaled from non-signaled events. CRF caused a dose-dependent decrease in SAT performance in both male and female rats. Females were more impaired than males following a moderate dose of CRF, particularly during the middle part of the session. This sex difference was moderated by ovarian hormones. Females in the estrous cycle stage characterized by lower ovarian hormones had a greater CRF-induced attentional impairment than males and females in other cycle stages. Collectively, these studies highlight CRF as a critical stress-related factor that can regulate attentional performance. As sustained attention subserves other cognitive processes, these studies suggest that mitigating high levels of CRF in patients with stress-related psychiatric disorders may ameliorate their cognitive deficits.
The effect of freestream turbulence on the transport of particles in the vicinity of a blunt flow obstacle

Abstract This paper describes the effects of intermediate and large freestream levels of turbulence (intensity and integral length scale) on the dispersion of fine particles in the near wake regions of long flat plates placed normal to the freestream. The work is particularly relevant to the transport of airborne contaminants in complex flows, especially like those encountered in many ambient and occupational atmospheric environments. An experiment was designed based on the release of fine aerosol particles upstream of the obstacle and the measurement of the concentration decay for the entrained aerosol in the near wake region after the source generation has been suddenly interrupted. Five grids were employed for generating specific levels of freestream turbulence characterized by the parameter, Λ f (defined as l f k 1/2 f /UD , where l f and k f are the length scale and the kinetic energy of the free stream turbulence, and U and D are the freestream velocity and the plate width, respectively). The investigation covered the ranges 1500⩽ Re ⩽11,000 and 0.0015⩽ Λ f ⩽0.071. The dimensionless residence time, H (defined as τU/D , where τ is the time constant for the observed decay of the aerosol concentration in the near wake cavity), appeared to be independent of the freestream turbulence for values of Λ f between 0.0015 and 0.013, for which the average H -value was about 7.2±1.5. For larger freestream turbulence, corresponding to Λ f greater than 0.018, H increased up to about 10. A visualization procedure was used to capture some of the qualitative features of the dispersion process for aerosols in the near wake regions of the plates and provide some support for the physical mechanisms suggested by this work. In particular, by comparing the results with those of other studies, we note the marked contrast in the effects of the freestream turbulence for aerosol flows about two- and three-dimensional bodies, respectively.
Decay of the velocity autocorrelation function for the periodic Lorentz gas

Abstract Numerical calculations of the velocity autocorrelation function for the triangular periodic Lorentz gas are presented. Our results indicate exponential decay in the bounded horizon case and algebraic decay for the unbounded horizon case.
The C- and N-Terminal Residues of Synthetic Heptapeptide Ion Channels Influence Transport Efficacy Through Phospholipid Bilayers.

The synthetic peptide, R2N-COCH2OCH2CO-Gly-Gly-Gly-Pro-Gly-Gly-Gly-OR′, was shown to be selective for Cl− over K+ when R is n-octadecyl and R′ is benzyl. Nineteen heptapeptides have now been prepared in which the N-terminal and C-terminal residues have been varied. All of the N-terminal residues are dialkyl but the C-terminal chains are esters, 2° amides, or 3° amides. The compounds having varied N-terminal anchors and C-terminal benzyl groups are as follows: 1, R = n-propyl; 2, R = n-hexyl; 3, R = n-octyl; 4, R = n-decyl; 5, R = n-dodecyl; 6, R = n-tetradecyl; 7, R = n-hexadecyl; 8, R = n-octadecyl. Compounds 9–19 have R = n-octadecyl and C-terminal residues as follows: 9, OR′ = OCH2CH3; 10, OR′ = OCH(CH3)2; 11, OR′ = O(CH2)6CH3; 12, OR′ = OCH2–c-C6H11; 13, OR′ = O(CH2)9CH3; 14, OR′ = O(CH2)17CH3; 15, NR′2 = N[(CH2)6CH3]2; 16, NHR′ = NH(CH2)9CH3; 17, NR′2 = N[(CH2)9CH3]2; 18, NHR′ = NH(CH2)17CH3; 19, NR′2 = N[(CH2)17CH3]2. The highest anion transport activities were observed as follows. For the benzyl esters whose N-terminal residues were varied, i.e.1–8, compound 3 was most active. For the C18 anchored esters 10–14, n-heptyl ester 11 was most active. For the C18 anchored, C-terminal amides 15–19, di-n-decylamide 17 was most active. It was concluded that both the C-and N-terminal anchors were important for channel function in the bilayer but that activity was lost unless only one of the two anchoring groups was dominant.
The scope of the LeChatelier Principle

Abstract LeChatelier [Comptes Rendus 99 (1884) 786; Ann. Mines 13 (2) (1888) 157] showed that a physical system's “adjustment” to a disturbance to its equilibrium tended to be smaller as constraints were added to the adjustment process. Samuelson [Foundations of Economic Analysis, Harvard University Press, Cambridge, 1947] applied this result to economics in the context of the comparative statics of the actions of individual agents characterized as the solutions to optimization problems; and later (1960), extended the application of the Principle to a stable, multi-market equilibrium and the case of all commodities gross substitutes [e.g., L. Metzler, Stability of multiple markets: the hicks conditions. Econometrica 13 (1945) 277–292]. Refinements and alternative routes of derivation have appeared in the literature since then, e.g., Silberberg [The LeChatelier Principle as a corollary to a generalized envelope theorem, J. Econ. Theory 3 (1971) 146–155; A revision of comparative statics methodology in economics, or, how to do comparative statics on the back of an envelope, J. Econ. Theory 7 (1974) 159–172], Milgrom and Roberts [The LeChatelier Principle, Am. Econ. Rev. 86 (1996) 173–179], W. Suen, E. Silberberg, P. Tseng [The LeChatelier Principle: the long and the short of it, Econ. Theory 16 (2000) 471–476], and Chavas [A global analysis of constrained behavior: the LeChatelier Principle ‘in the large’, South. Econ. J. 72 (3) (2006) 627–644]. In this paper, we expand the scope of the Principle in various ways keyed to Samuelson's proposed means of testing comparative statics results (optimization, stability, and qualitative analysis). In the optimization framework, we show that the converse LeChatelier Principle also can be found in constrained optimization problems and for not initially “conjugate” sensitivities. We then show how the Principle and its converse can be found through the qualitative analysis of any linear system. In these terms, the Principle and its converse also may be found in the same system at the same time with respect to the imposition of the same constraint. Based upon this, we expand the cases for which the Principle can be found based upon the stability hypothesis.
Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) action in mouse thyrotropic tumor cells in culture: evidence against a role for adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate as a mediator of TRH-stimulated thyrotropin release.

It has been suggested that TRH stimulation of TSH release is mediated by the adenylate cyclase-cAMP system. To determine whether cAMP is a necessary intracellular messenger for TRH stimulation of TSH release, we have performed etailed studies of the TRH effect employing a nearly homogeneous population of mouse thyrotropic tumor cells in culture. Dibutyryl cAMP, methylisobutylxanthine, and cholera toxin caused an increase in TSH release which was additive to that of TRH. TRH stimulated TSH release in a dose-dependent fashion; half-maximal stimulation occurred at approximately 0.6 nM but had no effect on total intracellular cAMP levels measured in the presence or absence of methylisobutylxanthine. There was no correlation between total intracellular cAMP levels and TSH release after 1 h. Moreover, there was no effect of TRH on protein kinase-bound or total intracellular cAMP levels at 1, 5, or 60 min of incubation. Lastly, TRH had no effect on adenylate cyclase activity in homogenates of thyrotropic cells n...
A Questionnaire Measure of Individual Differences in Dominance-Submissiveness:

Reliability and validity data are reported for a questionnaire measure of individual differences in dominance-submissiveness. The measure was based on an initial set of 457 items which was subsequently augmented by an additional 62 rewritten and new items. The initial pool of items, which was carefully constructed to assure broad generality, contained 64 content groups representing various aspects of dominance-submissiveness. The final 48-item dominance-submissiveness questionnaire, which was balanced for response bias, had high internal consistency (Kuder-Richardson formula 20 coefficient was equal to .95). It was independent of social desirability (correlated .08 with the Crowne and Marlowe social desirability scale). As the scale also satisfied the requirements of low correlations with measures of trait pleasure ( r = .14) and arousability (r = -.10), it can thus be used with these two measures for a three-dimensional characterization of temperament. Correlations with other available measures of domina...
Ridge segmentation, faulting and crustal thickness in the Atlantic Ocean

THE Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR) between the Kane and Atlantis fracture zones consists of segments 20–85 km in length1; bull's-eye patterns in the mantle Bouguer gravity anomaly field2 centred on several segments associated with narrow rift valleys3 have been interpreted as centres of strong mantle upwelling and thick crust. Here I present a map of normal faults inferred from ∼5 × 104 km2of Sea Beam bathymetry4 along the MAR between 28° N and the Atlantis fracture zone. Faults are mapped both on- and off-ridge using a criterion that distinguishes them from volcanic topography. Abyssal hill lineations seem to form at the rift valley walls through the growth of the normal faults; towards ridge segment ends these faults are more widely spaced, with larger throws than those at segment centres, and often define the boundaries of the gravity bull's-eyes. These two different faulting styles, which probably reflect changes in lithospheric strength, are preserved into the rift mountains. Large-throw faults are highly correlated with the mantle Bouguer highs, suggesting that amagmatic extension on the large faults contributes to the crustal thinning inferred towards the segment ends.
Effects of restricted recharge in an urban karst system.

Urban karst systems are typically considered more vulnerable to contamination and excess storm discharge because of potential source areas, increased sediment loading, and focusing of water from impervious surfaces. However, urban hydrology can lead to unexpected patterns, such as pirating of recharge into man-made storm systems. Valley Creek Basin in southeastern Pennsylvania, presents such an urban karst system. Four springs were monitored for suspended sediment, water chemistry, and storm response for an 18-month period. The baseflow suspended sediment concentrations were low, less than 4.0 mg/l. Furthermore, trace metal analysis of baseflow water samples and spring mouth sediment showed only low concentrations. The response to storms within the system was rapid, on the order of 1–3 h. The maximum water stage increases at the urban springs were typically less than 15 cm, with springs from more commercialized areas showing <2 cm increase. A nearby retention basin, in contrast, had water level rises of 100 cm, suggesting that pirating of recharge into stormwater systems occurs. Thus, the concept of an urban karst system as a contaminant conduit is not the only one that applies. In Valley Creek Basin, reduced infiltration due to paving led to smaller storm response and less contaminant input, and the smaller capture area due to diversion of stormwater led to short flow paths and rapid storm response. Although contaminant levels have not increased due to urbanization, the springs may be at risk for future contamination. Short flow paths may reduce flushing, which means that the system will not cleanse itself if contamination occurs.
Abstract: Analyzing Patterns in Large-Scale Graphs Using MapReduce in Hadoop

Analyzing patterns in large-scale graphs, such as social networks (e.g. Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter) has many applications including community identification, blog analysis, intrusion and spamming detections. Currently, it is impossible to process information in large-scale graphs with millions even billions of edges with a single computer. In this paper, we take advantage of MapReduce, a programming model for processing large datasets, to detect important graph patterns using open source Hadoop on Amazon EC2. The aim of this paper is to show how MapReduce cloud computing with the application of graph pattern detection scales on real world data. We implement Cohen's MapReduce graph algorithms to enumerate patterns including triangles, rectangles, trusses and barycentric clusters using real world data taken from Snap Stanford. In addition, we create a visualization algorithm to visualize the detected graph patterns. The performance of MapReduce graph algorithms has been discussed too.
Design of a generic fuzzy controller for electrohydraulic steering

Fuzzy control, unlike most mathematical model based control systems, can mimic a human operator's way of thinking in controlling a plant. The ability of a fuzzy system to mimic a human operator's thought process makes it possible to design a generic controller for multiple plants utilizing the same basic decision-making logic. This paper presents a design method for generic fuzzy steering controller for similar types of wheeled vehicles. Test results proved that a well-designed generic fuzzy steering controller could be directly applied to different types and/or models of analogous vehicles with limited recalibration.
An investigation of thermal release of carbon-14 from PWR Zircaloy spent fuel cladding

Abstract An investigation to study the thermally-activated release of carbon-14 from irradiated PWR Zircaloy spent fuel cladding to potential repository environments for the Yucca Mountain Site Characterization Project was performed. Experimental parameters included release temperature, atmosphere and oxide thickness. Thirteen experiments measuring carbon-14 release from irradiated Zircaloy-4 cladding samples with thin pretransition and thicker posttransition oxide films were completed. Experiments were performed in air at 373, 473, 548, and 623 K, for up to 24 h and in argon at 623 K for 8 h. The data were examined using classical diffusion models, diffusion from a semiinfinite plane and diffusion from a finite thickness plane. Diffusion coefficients were calculated at each of the four temperatures in air and for both the pre- and posttransition oxide cladding. The diffusion coefficients measured ranged from 1 × 10−19 to 8 × 10−14 m2/s with activation energies from 78–103 kJ/mol in the temperature range of 373–623 K. The data indicate that carbon-14 is released primarily from the oxide layer on these cladding samples.
Lessons learned about slow discontinuous conduction from models of impulse propagation

Abstract Propagation of excitation in the heart involves action potential generation by cardiac cells and its propagation in the multicellular tissue. Action potential conduction is the outcome of complex interactions between cellular processes (membrane ion channels and transporters), electrical communication between cells, and the macroscopic architecture of cardiac tissue. This high level of complexity and non linearity requires computer modeling in order to elucidate mechanisms and explain experimentally obeserved behaviors. This article reviews studies that we have conducted in 1-dimensional models that contain both, cellular ionic processes and intercellular communication through gap junctions. We have defined and computed a quatitative measure of the robustness of conduction, the safety factor, as a function of gap junction coupling and showed that reduced coupling can support very slow and very safe conduction. Such conduction is highly discontinuous and is supported by the L-type calcium current. We also show that gap junction coupling and the associated load has a strong effect on spatial repolarization gradients in cardiac tissue.
Training experiences and usage intentions: a field study of a graphical user interface

Abstract User perceptions about the attributes of an information system have been found to be good predictors of system utilization intentions. This paper explores the effects of an important intervention, user training, on the development of user perceptions about a target system. The theoretical model underlying the study postulates that two other classes of variables-situational and individual-moderate the relationship between training and user perceptions. Predicted usage behavior, measured through intended use of the system in the future, is, in turn, predicated upon perceptions of the system. We present the results of a field study of 230 users conducted to examine the impacts of training on the development of user perceptions about a graphical user interface, Microsoft Windows, and the relationship between user perceptions and system use. Two different types of training experiences, formal training and self training, were investigated. Results show that user perceptions are reasonable predictors of usage intentions, and that training experiences moderated by several individual variables play an important role in the development of user perceptions. Recommendations for the design of user training programs as well as for future research are offered.
P.19.5 Development of an alphascreen-based substrate ubiquitination assay to identify inhibitors of the muscle ubiquitin ligase MuRF1

MuRF-1 (Muscle Ring Finger protein-1) is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that is thought to play key role in muscle atrophy. MuRF-1 levels are increased in multiple animal models of muscle atrophy and it has the ability to ubiquitinate myofibrillar proteins and target them for proteasomal degradation. Mice that lack MuRF-1 are protected from muscle wasting during starvation, sciatic nerve denervation and hindlimb suspension. Lack of MuRF-1 has also been shown to prevent the loss in muscle function induced by TNF-alpha treatment in mice. As such, inhibitors of MuRF-1 activity are expected to preserve muscle mass and function in muscle wasting situations. In order to identify inhibitors of MuRF1, we have developed an alphascreen-based substrate ubiquitination assay that is amenable for screening compounds in a high throughput mode. The assay utilizes flag-tagged Troponin I as a substrate for MuRF-1. In the presence of E1 and E2 ubiquitinating enzymes and biotinylated ubiquitin, MuRF-1 adds on ubiquitin moieties to Troponin I. The ubiquitinated Troponin I is then detected by the addition of streptavidin-coated donor beads and anti-flag antibody coated acceptor beads that are then brought in close proximity by ubiquitinated Troponin I. Stimulation with laser light facilitates energy transfer between the donor and acceptor beads that results in a fluorescent signal. Inhibitors of MuRF-1 activity result in a dose-dependent decrease in the alphascreen signal. Actives that come out from this screen can be confirmed using a Troponin I ubiquitination ELISA that uses an anti-ubiquitin antibody. The alphascreen assay was also modified in certain ways to eliminate compounds that act upstream of MuRF-1 (by assessing E2 auto-ubiquitination) and to weed out compounds that inhibit MuRF-2 and MuRF-3. Use of these assays is expected to facilitate the identification of selective inhibitors of MuRF-1 for doing pharmacological proof of concept studies in animal models of muscle wasting.
Processible poly(arylene ether ketones) that can be crosslinked to high-performance networks

High molecular weight copolymers containing 2,5-bis(4-fluorobenzoyl)benzocyclobutene (BFBCB),1,4-bis(4-fluorobenzoyl)benzene (BFB), and 4,4-isopropylidenediphenol have been synthesized by solution polycondensation. Soluble, amorphous polymers were obtained and no evidence of cross-linking occurred during the polumerization reaction, provided that the temperature was maintained below 150°C. The polymers can be cross-linked well above their T g by brief treatment in nitrogen at 400°C. The resulting networks are insoluble in all solvents. No significant mass loss accompanies the cross-linking reaction
Tetrahedral mesh generation from volumetric binary and grayscale images

We report a general purpose mesh generator for creating finite-element surface or volumetric mesh from 31) binary or gray-scale medical images. This toolbox incorporates a number of existing free mesh processing utilities and enables researchers to perform a range of mesh processing tasks for image-based mesh generation, including raw image processing, surface mesh extraction, surface re-sampling, and multi-scale/adaptive tetrahedral mesh generation. We also implemented robust algorithms for meshing open-surfaces and sub-region labeling. Atomic meshing utilities for each processing step can be accessed with simple interfaces, which can be streamlined or executed independently. The toolbox is compatible with Matlab or GNU Octave. We demonstrate the applications of this toolbox for meshing a range of challenging geometries including complex vessel network, human brain and breast.
Characteristic classes of Kuga fiber varieties of quaternion type

A Kuga fiber variety is a fiber variety over an arithmetic variety whose fibers are isomorphic to a polarized abelian variety. We determine the Chern classes of Kuga fiber varieties associated to quaternion algebras.
Giant magnetoresistance, charge‐ordering, and related aspects of manganates and other oxide systems

Giant magnetoresistance, and spin-, charge-, and orbital-ordering are some of the properties displayed by manganates that make these materials of interest in magnetic recording, sensor, and actuator technology. New and significant results on the giant magnetoresistance found in films as well as polycrystalline and single-crystal samples of rare earth manganates are reviewed along with related aspects. The unique features of these systems and the as-yet unsolved problems are highlighted. Charge-ordering as opposed to spin-ordering is also discussed and suggestions for future directions are given.
tRNA maturation: RNA polymerization without a nucleic acid template

The CCA-adding enzyme, which builds and repairs the 3' terminal CCA sequence of tRNA, is the only RNA polymerase that can synthesize a defined nucleotide sequence without using a nucleic acid template. New cocrystal structures tell us how this remarkable enzyme works.
Encrusting corals on a latest Ordovician to earliest Silurian rocky shore, southwest Hudson Bay, Manitoba, Canada

Paleozoic tabulate corals are generally thought to have been free standing, a flattened disc-shaped to dome-shaped morphology providing a degree of stability in shallow-water, high-energy environments. The ability to encrust has previously been suggested by patterns of competitive overgrowth in certain species. Definite proof of encrustation by favositid corals is exhibited in an extraordinary example of an ancient rocky shore exposed for 350 m on Hudson Bay near Churchill, Manitoba. Carbonate strata attributed to the Upper Ordovician Port Nelson or Lower Silurian Severn River Formations locally transgress a massive Precambrian quartzite. An ancient shoreface is clearly marked by large, smoothly eroded boulders of the dark quartzite, commonly 2–10 m in diameter. The boulders are buried in coarse carbonate debris, but corals up to 20 cm in diameter are found cemented directly onto the surface of some boulders. Deep pitting of many boulders to a depth of 2–3 cm was contemporaneous and may have been promoted by unpreserved encrusters such as sponges or anemones.
Utilization of Radiology Services in the United States: Levels and Trends in Modalities, Regions, and Populations

PURPOSE: To assess the most recent available data for levels and trends in utilization of radiology procedures across populations, modalities, and geographic areas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Aggregated claims data from Medicare enrollees for all radiology procedures and from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), a nationally representative survey of almost 25 000 Americans, for some radiology procedures, were used to calculate population-based utilization for the relevant age groups. Limited private insurer data also were obtained. All radiology utilization was measured and reported, irrespective of provider specialty. Average levels and percentiles of utilization were measured according to modality, and average annual rates of increase in utilization were compared across modalities, data sources, and regions. Rates of increase in utilization according to modality and state were compared for correlation with state characteristics and initial utilization levels. RESULTS: In 2001, 4176 diagnostic and 27...
Maintaining Approximate Minimum Steiner Tree and k-center for Mobile Agents in a Sensor Network

We study the problem of maintaining group communication between $m$ mobile agents, tracked and helped by $n$ static networked sensors. We develop algorithms to maintain a $O(\lg n)$-approximation to the minimum Steiner tree of the mobile agents such that the maintenance message cost is on average $O(\lg n)$ per each hop an agent moves. The key idea is to extract a `hierarchical well-separated tree (HST)' on the sensor nodes such that the tree distance approximates the sensor network hop distance by a factor of $O(\lg n)$. We then prove that maintaining the subtree of the mobile agents on the HST uses logarithmic messages per hop movement. With the HST we can also maintain $O(\lg n)$ approximate $k$-center for the mobile agents with the same message cost. Both the minimum Steiner tree and the $k$-center problems are NP-hard and our algorithms are the first efficient algorithms for maintaining approximate solutions in a distributed setting.
Introduction to the barbed sutures supplement: the expanding applications of barbed sutures.

In 1881, Alexander Graham Bell invented what arguably could be called the first metal detector. President James Garfield had been shot. His doctors needed to locate the bullet that was lodged in his chest, but the president already had lost a significant amount of blood. Doctors therefore were reluctant to perform manual exploration. Bell's invention seemed the best hope. What no one realized at the time was that the metal springs in the mattress upon which the president lay would render Bell's metal detector ineffective. Garfield ultimately died from his wounds. The metal detector endured. Through the work of later inventors, it evolved into a device serving a variety of important functions, most notably helping to ensure our safety in public places.1 Many useful inventions originally intended for one purpose end up better serving another. In plastic surgery, such has been the evolution of barbed sutures. In the 1990s, lifting of the brows, midface, and neck using barbed sutures, usually applied subcutaneously with a threading technique, was widely promoted as a safer, quicker, and less invasive alternative to traditional surgical procedures. However, for many surgeons and their patients, both the short- and longer-term results were disappointing. Complications and other adverse events were common. Some problems were undoubtedly technique related, as practitioners with various backgrounds and little hands-on training with barbed sutures aggressively promoted themselves as experts and performed procedures without the requisite experience. Nevertheless, interest in these threading techniques for suspension of facial tissues waned considerably in the plastic surgery community. Subsequently, however, expanded applications for barbed suture technology have evolved. Sutures are essential in almost every procedure that we perform. The choice of suture depends on several variables, including the anatomic site, desired suture characteristics, and surgeon preference. In my practice, barbed sutures have come to play an …