cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Screening for lung cancer: too much for too little?

Research suggests that CT scans are not a cost-effective method of screening for lung cancer. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
History and Background

The solar wind plays an important and unifying role in modern space research, commanding attention as much for its relevance to many solar, geophysical, and astronomical phenomena as for its intrinsic physical interest. In the light of this role, it may be difficult to recall that the very existence of this continuous flow of solar material through interplanetary space, as well as a particular model of its origin in the hydrodynamic expansion of the solar corona, was hotly debated less than fifteen years ago. The universal acceptance now accorded these concepts was achieved only after the advent of in situ interplanetary observations in the early 1960’s. Although our focus in this volume will be on recent observations, interpretations, and models of solar wind phenomena, a brief review of earlier developments will serve both to place the recent work in perspective and to introduce some of the physical background basic to the subsequent discussion.
Age-stratified Patterns of Thymic Involution on Multidetector CT

Purpose:The aim of this study was to better assess the prevalence and appearance of thymic tissue in adults stratified by age using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in order to prevent misinterpretation of normal thymic tissue as pathology.Materials and Methods:This study examined the CT app
Demographic predictors of missed follow up among solid tumor patients treated at a large multi-site academic institution.

e18675Background: After treatment for cancer regular follow up may detect early recurrence that can lead to better salvage therapy outcomes. However, little is known about how many patients miss fo...
DREAMS, EMBODIED IMAGINATION AND THE CREATIVE MIND: A PILOT STUDY

This pilot study is the first attempt to investigate the use of embodied imagination in the creative process. Embodied imagination is an emerging method for working with dreams and the imagination that employs two fundamental processes: First, embodied imagination takes place in a hybrid state of awareness including both wake-like and dream-like experience. Second, embodied imagination focuses on direct engagement with dream images. Seven participants, currently engaged in a creative project, were guided in a two-step embodied imagination process. The first session focused on a memory of feeling blocked in the creative process and the second session focused on a dream that had emerged between sessions. This process was found to be an effective support for the creative process. During the second session an electroencephalograph was employed to determine whether participants entered into an awakened mind state during the embodied imagination process. Awakened mind is hypothesized to be a more creative form of waking awareness characterized by a specific relative amplitude relationship between brain wave frequencies. During the embodied imagination session participants were found to enter awakened mind and were able to re-enter awakened mind after the session when re-engaging the “composite”, a somatically anchored network of experiences generated during the embodied imagination session. Santrauka Sis bandomasis tyrimas – tai pirmosios pastangos isnagrinėti, kaip kūrybos procese pasitelkiama įkūnyta vaizduotė. Įkūnyta vaizduotė – tai besiformuojantis metodas dirbti su sapnais ir vaizduote, kuri įveiklina du fundamentalius procesus. Pirma, įkūnyta vaizduotė yra misrios sąmoningumo būklės, apimancios patyrimus, panasius tiek į būdravimą, tiek į sapną, dalis. Antra, įkūnyta vaizduotė yra tiesiogiai susijusi su sapnų vaizdiniais. Septyni dalyviai, kurie siuo metu dalyvauja kūrybiniame projekte, vadovavo dviejų etapų įkūnytos vaizduotės procesui. Pirmosios sesijos metu buvo susitelkta į jausmo, užsifiksavusio kūrybos procese, atsiminimą, o antrosios sesijos metu – į sapną, iskilusį laikotarpiu tarp dviejų sesijų. Buvo nustatyta, kad sis procesas – tai veiksminga paspirtis kūrybos procesui. Antrosios sesijos metu buvo pasinaudota elektroencefalografu, siekiant nustatyti, ar, vykstant įkūnytos vaizduotės procesui, dalyviai tapo pabudusios sąmonės būklės. Keliama hipotezė, kad pabudusi sąmonė – tai kūrybiskesnė bundancio sąmoningumo, kuriam būdingas specifinio santykinio masto santykis tarp pasikartojancių smegenų bangų, forma. Buvo nustatyta, kad įkūnytos vaizduotės sesijos metu dalyviai tapo pabudusio proto būklės ir gebėjo vėl panirti į tokią būkle pasibaigus sesijai, is naujo įsijungdami į „sudėtinį“, somatiskai įtvirtintą patyrimų tinklą, susikūrusį įkūnytos vaizduotės sesijos metu. Reiksminiai žodžiai: pabudusi sąmonė, kūrybiskumas, sapnai, įkūnyta vaizduotė.
Bacterial Deoxyribonucleic Acid Is Often Present in Failed Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstructions.

Purpose To determine whether bacterial DNA will be detectable by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in torn graft tissue at the time of revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Methods A total of 31 consecutive revision ACLR cases from 1 center from 2014-2016 were recruited. No patients had clinical signs of infection on presentation. Torn graft tissue was obtained in revision cases and subjected to clinical culture and PCR analysis with a universal bacterial primer. Fluorescence microscopy was used to confirm the presence of a biofilm. We obtained negative control samples of water open to air on the field and excess primary ACLR graft tissue, as well as torn native ligament, to evaluate for PCR positivity due to environmental contamination. Results Clinical cultures were positive (coagulase-negative Staphylococcus) in 1 revision case (3%, 1 of 31). Bacterial DNA was detectable in most revision ACLR cases (87.0%, 27 of 31), and there was a low rate of PCR positivity in negative control samples of water open to air (0%, 0 of 3), excess primary ACLR graft tissue after passage (20%, 1 of 5), or native torn ligament (20%, 1 of 5). Bacterial biofilm presence on failed graft tissue as well as monofilament suture was visually confirmed with fluorescence microscopy. Conclusions Bacterial DNA is frequently present in failed ACLR grafts, with high rates of DNA detection by PCR but low culture positivity. Level of Evidence Level IV, case series.
Antibody Dependent Enhancement of Acinetobacter baumannii Infection in a Mouse Pneumonia Model

Acinetobacter baumannii has become a pathogen of increasing medical importance because of the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains and the high rate of mortality of infected patients. Promising animal study results have been reported recently with active and passive immunization against A. baumannii virulence factors. In the present study, a monoclonal IgG3 antibody, 8E3, was developed with specificity for the K2 capsular polysaccharide of A. baumannii, and its therapeutic potential was assessed. 8E3 enhanced macrophage-mediated bactericidal activity against the A. baumannii clinical strain AB899. However, 8E3 treatment (passive immunization) of AB899-infected mice led to a substantial increase in mortality and to substantial increases in bacterial load in blood, lung, and in splenic samples. In vitro investigations showed a large binding capacity in the supernatant of bacterial cultures, suggesting that shed capsule components act as a binding sink for 8E3. Investigations of 8E3 pharmacokinetics in mice demonstrated that unbound concentrations of the antibody dropped below detection limits within 24 hours after a 200 mg/kg dose. However, total concentrations of antibody declined slowly, with an apparent terminal half-life (t1/2) of 6.7–8.0 days, suggesting that the vast majority of 8E3 in blood is bound (e.g., with soluble capsule components in blood). We hypothesize that high concentrations of 8E3-capsule immune complexes act to inhibit bacterial clearance in vivo. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of antibody-dependent enhancement of A. baumannii infection, and these observations highlight the complexity of antibody-based therapy for A. baumannii infections.
Reactive and Regulatory Temperament: Longitudinal Associations with Internalizing and Externalizing Symptoms through Childhood

Previous studies of the relationship between temperament and psychopathology have been limited by focusing on main effects of temperament on psychopathology, reliance solely on maternal reports of child temperament, and predominately using cross-sectional designs. This study extended this work by focusing on interactions between reactive (positive emotionality/PE; negative emotionality/NE) and regulatory (effortful control) dimensions of temperament, using laboratory observations of temperament, and focusing on longitudinal prediction of internalizing and externalizing behavior problems. 536 children (46.1% Female, 92.4% White) were followed in a prospective, longitudinal study of the relationship between temperament and psychopathology. Temperament was assessed using laboratory observations when children were at age 3. Mothers and fathers reported on internalizing and externalizing symptoms in their children at ages 3, 6, and 9. Multilevel modeling analyses examined associations between the interaction of temperament traits and patterns of change in internalizing and externalizing psychopathology. Interactions between reactive PE traits (Sociability, Exuberance), but not NE traits (Dysphoria, Fear), and regulatory temperament (Disinhibition) were associated with the slope of maternal-reported internalizing and paternal-reported externalizing symptoms such that youth low in PE traits and high in effortful control experienced a greater decline in symptoms over time. In conclusion, among children with lower levels of PE traits, strong regulatory abilities are associated with greater reductions in internalizing and externalizing symptoms over time. These models highlight the complex interaction between reactive and regulatory temperament and expand current understanding of temperamental risk for psychopathology.
Resolving Integration Issues from Bump Metal Processing

Bump processing is a very common, cost-effective packaging technique which requires thick (>1 µm) AlCu top metal deposition. Use of this thicker metal has led to numerous process integration and defect inspection challenges. Several problems lurk at the edges of the multidimensional process window for this thick metal module. They include inducing soft shorts through metal spires or metal residuals, enhancing copper precipitates, and the anomalies generated from these precipitates. These anomalies lead to challenges obtaining useful defect inspection data and also adverse effects post fab bump processing [1]. Bump photo processing often experiences severe alignment problems due to inability to discern alignment marks. The primary cause for alignment fails is the copper precipitate anomalies. There are additional variables discussed as well in deposition and etch processes.In this paper, we detail this multi-variable fab integration problem initiated by challenges with thick metallization processing and outline the ways to minimize the negative effects.
Adaptive Reweighted Variance Estimation for Monte Carlo Eigenvalue Simulations

Monte Carlo (MC) simulation is used to solve the eigenvalue form of the Boltzmann transport equation to estimate various parameters such as fuel pin flux distributions that are crucial for the safe...
Technical Perspective for: MATLANG: Matrix Operations and Their Expressive Power

The main processing paradigm in data management is bulk processing. As introduced by Codd in the early 70's, under this paradigm relations are processed in bulk, one operator at a time. When applied to relations, this paradigm leads to relational algebra, and its variants, relational calculus, and SQL. Over the years, data management was faced with the challenge of extending bulk processing operators to new kinds of data, and/or new kinds of queries: nested relations, semistructured data, recursive queries. Each such extension requires significant systems development, which should be accompanied, in fact preceded, by a careful study of the expressive power of the new language. Is it as expressive, more expressive, or less expressive than relational algebra? The answer to this question has profound implications on the ability of data processing engines to optimize, compute, distribute, reuse queries in that language. For example, extending relational algebra with nested relations does not increase its expressive power, while extending it with fixpoint does, explaining why modern query engines have an easier time supporting JSON than recursion.
A Review of Artificial Intelligence Adoptions in the Media Industry

Artificial intelligence is a transformational technology of the digital age and an increasingly critical business mindset for companies, especially for those in the media sector with a growing arra...
Role of Notch Signaling in Bone Remodeling and Skeletal Diseases

Abstract Notch 1 through 4 are transmembrane receptors that are activated following interactions with ligands of the Jagged and Delta-like families. Notch plays a critical role in the differentiation and function of cells of the osteoblast and osteoclast lineages in skeletal development and bone remodeling. Although Notch receptors share structural properties, each receptor carries out specific cellular functions. Gene mutations altering Notch signaling are associated with congenital disorders presenting with craniofacial and skeletal manifestations. Notch plays a role in fracture healing, osteosarcoma and bone metastasis. In conclusion, Notch signaling is a novel pathway that regulates skeletal homeostasis in health and disease.
Intercellular viral spread and intracellular transposition of Drosophila gypsy

Abstract It has become increasingly clear that retrotransposons (RTEs) are more widely expressed in somatic tissues than previously appreciated. RTE expression has been implicated in a myriad of biological processes ranging from normal development and aging, to age related diseases such as cancer and neurodegeneration. Long Terminal Repeat (LTR)-retrotransposons are evolutionary ancestors to, and share many features with, exogenous retroviruses. In fact, many organisms contain endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) that derive from an exogenous retrovirus that have integrated into the germ line. These ERVs are inherited in Mendelian fashion like RTEs, and some retain the ability to transmit between cells like viruses, while others develop the ability to act as RTEs. The process of evolutionary transition between LTR-RTE and retroviruses is thought to involve multiple steps by which the element loses or gains the ability to transmit copies between cells versus the ability to replicate intracellularly. But, typically, these two modes of transmission are incompatible because they require assembly in different sub-cellular compartments. Like murine IAP/IAP-E elements, the gypsy family of retroelements in arthropods appear to sit along this evolutionary transition. The fact that gypsy elements have been found to actively mobilize in neurons and glial cells during normal aging and in models of neurodegeneration raises the question of whether their replication in somatic cells occurs via intracellular retrotransposition, intercellular viral spread, or some combination of the two. These modes of replication in somatic tissues would have quite different biological implications. Here, we demonstrate that Drosophila gypsy is capable of both cell-associated and cell-free viral transmission between cultured S2 cells of somatic origin. Further, we demonstrate that the ability of gypsy to move between cells is dependent upon a functional copy of its viral envelope protein. This argues that the gypsy element has transitioned from an RTE into a functional endogenous retrovirus with the acquisition of its envelope gene. On the other hand, we also find that intracellular retrotransposition of the same genomic copy of gypsy can occur in the absence of the Env protein. Thus, gypsy exhibits both intracellular retrotransposition and intercellular viral transmission as modes of replicating its genome.
Latent Profile Analysis of Personality Dimensions Among Juvenile Offenders: Relevance for Predicting Offending Seriousness:

There is a burgeoning base of research identifying personality as a predictor of offending. However, research has focused on personality dimensions, rather than full personality profiles as predict...
Food and Health in the 21st Century

The true advantage of a burgeoning field such as global health lies, above all, in its tremendous versatility. This unique trait permits widespread interdisciplinary and cross-curricular interaction in the study of public health, connecting perspectives in economics, public policy, human rights, geopolitics, biological sciences and anthropology, to name just a few. In Volume 3, Issue I of The Journal of Global Health, we have chosen to spotlight a topic that, in its ubiquity and simplicity, manages to span each of these various disciplines with tremendous implications for public health: food.
Real-time in situ prediction of ocean currents

Abstract The prediction of ocean currents is essential for the path planning and control of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles. Regional physics-based forecast models provide valid predictions but are too computationally expensive for real-time prediction necessary for AUV navigation. While vehicle sensors can measure the spatial evolution of currents, temporal prediction remains an open problem as existing data-driven models with real-time capabilities have only been shown to work at locations where data have been used to develop the model. We propose in this paper two predictive tools using deep learning techniques, a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) Recurrent Neural Network and a Transformer, to perform real-time in-situ prediction of ocean currents at any location. A data set from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is split in two distinct sets to train and test the models. We show that the LSTM and the Transformer have an averaged Normalized Root Mean Squared Error respectively of 0.10 and 0.11 over all test sites with a standard deviation respectively of 0.024 and 0.031. Comparisons with Harmonic Method predictions at various locations in the territorial sea of the United States show that both models provide state-of-the-art accuracy without having been trained with data from these sites.
Dielectric Relaxation, Aging and Recovery in High-K MIM Capacitors

High-K metal-insulator-metal capacitors are used in many high-performance applications that require both excellent energy storage and minimal energy loss. Often the increase in dielectric permittivity is coupled with an increase in dielectric relaxation or absorption. Additionally, scaling demands that the devices often be used at higher fields, leading to the need to characterize the impact of voltage stress. In this work, the impact of temperature and constant voltage stress on dielectric relaxation in Al 2 O 3 MIM capacitors is studied using measurements of the complex permittivity as a function of frequency and time with a measure-stress-measure program. We observe both the degradation of loss parameters extracted from these spectra and the slow recovery over time. We postulate the existence of a potential threshold of temperature acceleration, and a state of permanent irreversible degradation.
Reducing Substance Use and Improving Mental Health Among Construction Workers: An Interview With Chris Trahan Cain.

Construction workers, their unions, and the construction industry face important challenges in addressing substance use disorders and mental health issues. To examine these issues further, we spoke...
The Memory Model

In this chapter we develop the memory model, a dynamical system neural network model which simulates memory retrieval. The time evolution of a trajectory of such a system is mathematical recognition, meaning convergence to one of several attractors referred to as mathematical memories. The attractors are prespecified constant trajectories or limit cycles. Thus mathematical recognition amounts to convergence from an input vector in n-dimensional space to one of the memories represented as an n-vector with components ±1.
U.S. agricultural trade with Mexico: what is the role of trade assistance with our southern neighbor?

Abstract This study examined the effects of exchange rates, economic growth, trade liberalization, and export assistance programs on U.S. agricultural exports to Mexico. The Commodity Credit Corporation's GSM-102 Export Credit Guarantee Program reduces the risk associated with export financing and payment. The impact of the export credit guarantee program on U.S. agricultural exports to Mexico was estimated in an import demand model using quarterly data from 1980 to 1996. The results indicate that for every $1 of export credit guarantees, Mexican imports of U.S. farm products increased $0.30. Real income growth in Mexico, however, was the most important factor in the expansion of U.S. exports. Trade liberalization under NAFTA also increased U.S. exports to Mexico.
Disk Instabilities in the Black Hole Binaries

I will briefly review recent progress in our understanding of the global propagation of accretion disk instabilities operating in interacting binary systems in which the accreting star is a ~ 10 M⊙ black hole. A detailed discussion of this work can be found in Cannizzo, Chen & Livio (1995).
The good of the few: Reciprocal acts and the provision of a public bad

Abstract People trade favors when doing so increases efficiency. Will they when it reduces efficiency, such as in political logrolling? We introduce the “Stakeholder Public Bad” game, in which common fund contributions increase one person's earnings (the “Stakeholder”) while reducing others’ earnings and overall efficiency. The Stakeholder position rotates through all group members or just alternates among two people (making it easier to form a coalition). High Stakeholder rewards provide a lever for reciprocity: if someone contributes when another is Stakeholder, he may be rewarded with a gift when he becomes Stakeholder. Reciprocity is only possible when agents know others’ roles and actions, so information provision may be pro- or anti-social. In a laboratory experiment, we combine a rotating or alternating asymmetry in payoffs with varying levels of information provision to examine pro- and anti-social reciprocity. We find that subjects in the Stakeholder role willingly sacrifice social welfare. We also see both anti-social and pro-social favor trading, particularly when coalition-forming is easier. Favor trading does not change the mean level of public bad provision. People who trade favors tend to be less risk averse.
Homelessness, Housing and Mental Illness

This book provides an overview of questions, conceptual models, research, and research methods pertaining to the pervasive problem of homelessness in America.“What do consumers of mental health ser...
Efficient Models of Multi‐body Dynamics

Spacecraft can be large and flexible, with articulated elements. Multi-body models of these dynamics are often used in space structure design and analysis. This chapter presents multi-body dynamics in a new form, as a matrix differential equation, rather than the traditional vector differential equation. The model has a constant mass matrix, and the equations are non-minimal. A specific focus of this chapter is tensegrity systems. A tensegrity system requires prestress for stabilization of the configuration of rigid bodies and tensile members. This chapter provides an efficient model for both static and dynamic behavior of such systems, specialized for the case when the rigid bodies are axisymmetric rods. Keywords: tensegrity; multibody dynamics; structure design; dynamics software; simulation of dynamic systems; tendon controlled structures; prestressable structures; deployable structures
σ-polynomials and graph coloring

Abstract A new class of graph polynomials is defined. Tight bounds on the coefficients of the polynomials are given, and the exact polynomials for several classes of graphs are derived. The relationship of these polynomials to chromatic polynomials and graph coloring is discussed.
Numerical modeling of turbulent flow in a composite porous/fluid duct utilizing a two-layer k–ε model to account for interface roughness

Abstract This paper is aimed at investigating the effect of roughness of the porous/fluid interface on turbulent convection heat transfer in composite porous/fluid ducts. It is expected that in many cases the effect of interface roughness on convection may be more significant than the effect of possible flow turbulization in the porous region. The analysis of appropriate dimensionless parameters shows that in many practical situations even if the flow in the clear fluid region is turbulent, the flow in the porous region remains laminar. The problem is thus reduced to matching the turbulent flow solution in the clear fluid region with the laminar flow solution in the porous region at the rough interface. It is shown that roughness of the porous/fluid interface significantly impacts turbulent flow in the clear fluid region as well as overall heat transfer in the duct.
Why No Trade-off between "Guns and Butter"? Armed Forces and Social Spending in the Advanced Industrial Democracies, 1960-1993

Studies of nations' military efforts and social well‐being are a staple of sociology, economics, and political science, but have produced ambiguous results. This article argues that the standard measure of military efforts—defense spending—inadequately captures the social and political impact of military preparedness. It instead suggests that military personnel policies impact social welfare efforts to the degree that they alter citizens' relationships to labor markets, directly provide social welfare benefits to military personnel, or create discursive obstacles to other groups seeking benefits. The results indicate that net of military spending, nations with relatively large armed forces make smaller social welfare efforts, while nations with conscription tend to spend more generously.
Ring-like damage morphologies produced by continuous-wave laser irradiation

The surface damage morphologies produced by continuous-wave laser irradiation of coated optics were measured and analyzed. A few laser damage morphologies were observed to be bull’s-eye patterns. It is noted that the bull’s-eye pattern has some similarities to Bessel distributions of the form found in solutions of basic heat transfer or surface acoustic wave problems, which may indicate a relationship. If these morphologies are truly thermal phenomenon, then the Bessel ring diameter would be a function of thermal diffusivity. This might indicate that the ring diameter could be used to assess the resistance of a film to laser damage.
Student perceptions about interprofessional education after an elective course

A growing body of evidence indicates interprofessional collaborative practice improves patient care. With this in mind, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center formally committed to expanding interprofessional education (IPE) initiatives. Thirty-eight self-selected students enrolled in an IPE elective course during the fall of 2012. Students completed the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) pre- and post-course and also completed a post-course survey. Results indicated a significant change in the roles and responsibilities scale of the RIPLS. Analysis of the data from the post-course survey demonstrated students were able to identify key terms of an IPE definition, as related to their learning experience. In addition, themes of communication, learning/increased knowledge, and collaboration/contribution of other health care professionals were noted across all questions in the post-course survey. Based on the results of this study, an elective course is a promising educational opportunity to increase awareness and knowledge of IPE within academic medical centers.
Convenient Preparation of Sodium and Potassium Phenyl Selenides. Reduction of the Selenium-Selenium Bond by Sodium Hydride and Potassium Hydride

Abstract Sodium and potassium phenyl selenides are conveniently prepared by brief reflux of diphenyl diselenide with sodium hydride and potassium hydride, respectively.
Laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy. Results of a multicenter trial.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine if laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy represents a viable alternative to the conventional repair and to assess whether a prospective randomized controlled trial comparing both procedures is warranted. METHODS: Three types of laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphies (transabdominal preperitoneal [TAPP], intraperitoneal onlay mesh [IPOM], and totally extraperitoneal [EXTRA]) were studied in a phase II design. Twenty-one investigators from 19 institutions participated. Approval from the local human research committee was required at each institution before patients could be enrolled. RESULTS: There were 686 patients with 869 hernias; 366 (42.1%) were direct, 414 (47.6%) were indirect, 22 (2.5%) were femoral, and 67 (7.7%) were combination hernias. The TAPP procedure was used for 562 hernias, the IPOM was used for 217 hernias, and the EXTRA was used for 87 hernias. Sixty-one patients had additional abdominal procedures performed at the time of laparoscopy without any adverse affects on their herniorrhaphies. The overall recurrence rate was 4.5%, with a minimum follow-up of 15 months. Complications were divided into the following three groups: 1) those related to laparoscopy, 2) those related to the patient, and 3) those related to the herniorrhaphy. Complications related to the laparoscopy occurred in 5.4% of patients; bleeding or abdominal wall hematomas occurred 31 times, (two patients required transfusion); one patient had bowel perforation, which was sutured laparoscopically; a bladder injury required laparotomy for management. Patient complications occurred in 6.7%. The majority involved the urinary tract (5.8%). Two patients required secondary abdominal procedures for adhesions, one for pain in the right lower quadrant and the other for adhesive small bowel obstruction. Postoperative myocardial infarction on day 5 resulted in the only operative mortality, for a rate of 0.1%. Complications related to the herniorrhaphy itself occurred in 17.1%. Most of these were minor, consisting of transient groin pain (3.5%), seroma (3.5%), transient leg pain (3.3%), hematoma (1.5%), or transient cord or testicular problems (0.9%). The incidence of leg pain decreased dramatically as surgeons became more familiar with the anatomy of the nerve supply to the groin when viewed laparoscopically. Ninety-three percent of patients were discharged within 24 hours of their operations. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic inguinal herniorrhaphy is an effective method to correct an inguinal hernia. It can be offered safely to patients undergoing other abdominal procedures. The TAPP, IPOM, and EXTRA procedures appear to be equally effective. A controlled randomized trial is needed to compare this procedure with conventional inguinal herniorrhaphy.
Uncertainties in determining microbial biomass C using the chloroform fumigation-extraction method

tested the accuracy of the chloroform fumigation-extraction method, which is commonly used to determine soil biomass C concentrations. Accurate and precise determination of total microbial biomass is important in order to characterize soil properties and to develop predictive metal transport models for soils. Two natural soils, and individual soil components, including silica sand, montmorillonite, kaolinite, a humic acid, and Bacillus subtilis bacterial cells, were fumigated for 24 h. Following the fumigation, C from fumigated and unfumigated samples was extracted using a 0.5 M K2SO4 solution. The difference between the C content in the fumigated and unfumigated samples ideally represents C due to biomass because the fumigation procedure should lyse cells and release biomass C. We observed increased C release upon fumigation for bacteria-only samples, confirming the ability of fumigation to lyse cells. There was no difference in extracted C concentration between fumigated and unfumigated samples of silica sand and of humic acid, confirming that the fumigation process does not introduce additional organic C to samples of these soil components. However, the fumigated clay samples both showed increased C release relative to the unfumigated controls, indicating that significant concentrations of the fumigant, chloroform, adsorbed onto the clay minerals studied here. Additionally, we found significant chloroform remaining in the extracts from two fumigated natural soils. Attempts to remove the chloroform from the soils or soil components prior to extraction by increasing the evacuation time, or to remove chloroform in the extracts by sparging them vigorously with nitrogen gas, both failed. This research reveals that chloroform gas may adsorb significantly to clays and the clay fraction of natural soils. Thus, the fumigation-extraction method must be corrected to account for the added chloroform C and accurately assess the concentration of biomass C in soils that contain significant concentrations of clays. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Immunoglobulin levels in psychotic patients

Abstract Immunoglobulin levels were measured in 77 male patients with chronic mental illness at a Veterans Administration Hospital. Immunoglobuim G (IgG) levels were found to be significantly elevated in acutely schizophrenic patients. The levels peaked at about 12 years’ duration of the disease and they dropped with increased phenothiazine dosages. The author concludes that immunoglobulin levels seem related to the course of psychosis and suggests that further study be done to determine their diagnostic value.
Individual Differences in Response to Verbal Reinforcement: A Preliminary Report

The present research project is concerned with the identification of factors responsible for individual variation in response to verbal reinforcemenr in human Ss. In this exploratory study Ss were 33 male patients at the N. J. State Diagnostic Center; they ranged in age from 13 to 17 yr. None was seriously disturbed and all were of normal intelligence. Ss were given the Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale (CMAS) (Casrenada, McCandless, 8: Palermo, 1956) rather than the Taylor scale to compensate for their lower levels of reading ability. There were 15 high-anxious Ss (Mean CMAS score: 27, range: 21-37), and 15 low-anxious Ss (Mean CMAS score: 12, range: 5-19). The task was a standard verbal reinforcement situation where S was given 100 trials with 3 X 5-in. cards, each with a past tense verb and 4 pronouns. Trials 1-20 established the operant level of sentences beginning with "I," Trials 21-80 provided reinforcements of "Good" and "That's Good" for "1" sentences, and Trials 81-100 were "punishment" trials in which E now said "Very poor" or "That's not a good sentence at all" following "I" sentences. The results showed no differences between anxiety groups during any of the 5 20-trial blocks, but reinforcemenr trial means for both groups were significantly higher than operant level means. During the extinction or punishment trials, both groups' level of response returned to operant level. Of particular interest, however, was the panern of unusual responders in both anxiety groups, since approximately a third of the Ss in each group functioned "abnormally" with respect to the verbal reinforcer. The verbal reward did not alter the operant level of response of a few of these Ss, while for others "Good" appeared to operate as a negative reinforcer in that level of response dropped abruptly following the first 1 or 2 post-operant reinforcements. In this regard at least, our results seem to be in agreement with those of Levin and Simmons ( 1962 ).
Inhibition of pathological retinal angiogenesis by the integrin αvβ3 antagonist tetraiodothyroacetic acid (tetrac).

Retinal angiogenesis is a major cause of blindness in ischemic retinopathies including diabetic retinopathy and retinopathy of prematurity. Integrin αvβ3 is a promising therapeutic target for ocular angiogenesis, modulating the pro-angiogenic actions of multiple growth factors. In this study, we sought to determine the effects of the integrin αvβ3 antagonist tetra-iodothyroacetic acid (tetrac) on the angiogenic actions of VEGF and erythropoietin (EPO) in cultured human retinal endothelial cells. In addition, we investigated the effect of tetrac and a nanoparticulate formulation of tetrac on retinal angiogenesis in vivo, in the mouse oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model. Tetrac inhibitory activity was evaluated in human retinal endothelial cells treated with VEGF and/or EPO. Endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation were assessed, in addition to phosphorylation of ERK1/2. For the studies of the oxygen-induced retinopathy model, C57BL/6 mice were exposed to 75% oxygen from postnatal day (P)7 to P12, and then returned to room air. Tetrac and tetrac-nanoparticle (tetrac-NP) were administered at P12 and P15 by either intraperitoneal or intravitreal injection. Retinal neovascularization was quantitated at P18. Tetrac significantly inhibited pro-angiogenic effects of VEGF and/or EPO on retinal endothelial cells, indicating that the angiogenic effects of both growth factors are dependent on integrin αvβ3. Retinal neovascularization in the OIR model was significantly inhibited by both tetrac and tetrac-NP. These results indicate that the integrin αvβ3 antagonist, tetrac, is an effective inhibitor of retinal angiogenesis. The ability of tetrac to inhibit the pro-angiogenic effect of both VEGF and EPO on retinal endothelial cells suggests that tetrac (and antagonism of integrin αvβ3) is a viable therapeutic strategy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
Progress in Microwave High-Power Devices

This paper describes the recent progress of the microwave high-power devices in Japan, especially forcussing on GaAs power FETs. The fabrication process of power GaAs FET chips, and the internally matched power FETs covering from C- to Ka-band are described. New compound semiconductor devices such as InP MISFETs and HEMTs are also forcussed.
Mechanical compliance of photolithographically defined vertically aligned carbon nanotube turf

We describe the micro-mechanical properties of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs) fabricated using a photolithographically patterned iron catalyst prepared using sol–gel techniques. The carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were grown via chemical vapor deposition. The relative mechanical stiffness of the resultant structure was measured using nanoindentation based techniques and is shown to be related to the number of contact sites between tubes. Elastic deformation occurs during compression at large strains, however energy is dissipated during deformation, likely through tube–tube interactions. The effective elastic modulii are depth dependent, due to the compression of pre-buckled geometries. The effective elastic modulii range between 0.03 and 0.08 GPa for a low number of contact sites and 0.1 and 0.3 GPa for a high number of contact sites.
Some considerations concerning radiation transport in the OI 1304 triplet in the upper atmosphere.

Radiation transport in optically thick medium where natural wings of lines are important and 1304 OI triplet in upper atmosphere
Separation of milk proteins into fractions rich in casein or whey proteins by cross flow filtration

Abstract Partially defatted skim milk was separated into casein-rich and whey protein-rich fractions using ceramic membranes. Among the membrane pore sizes tested, the 0.05 μm membrane retained all the caseins and allowed only the β-lactoglobulin, α-lactalbumin and smaller molecular weight components to pass through. Permeate flux was primarily affected by cross flow velocity while transmembrane pressure had little effect. The optimal operating conditions for this separation were 5.4 m s -1 and 138 kPa at 50°C. The permeate showed excellent foam forming properties at a protein content of 0.31%. The foaming ability of the permeate was further evaluated by first dialyzing it and then concentrating to 5% protein content. The overrun value for the concentrated permeate was >1000 which is comparable to the values cited for egg white and better than those cited for products made form cheese whey. The gelation property of the dialyzed and concentrated permeate was also very good.
Recovery of cobalt from spent copper leach solution using continuous ion exchange

Abstract Significant amounts of cobalt are present in readily accessible spent copper leach solutions. The Bureau of Mines investigated the feasibility of extracting cobalt from one of these solutions in a multiple-compartment ionexchange (MCIX) column. The effects of aqueous flow rate, resin flow rate, column height, and compartment height on cobalt extraction were determined. Cobalt extractions of 92% or higher were achieved at solution flow rates of up to 5.5 gpm/ft 2 (13.4 m 3 /h m 2 ) of column cross-sectional area and an aqueous-to-resin flow ratio of 40:1. Overall cobalt extraction increased as the column height increased, but cobalt extraction per unit of height was more efficient in 2.4 and 3.7 m columns that in a 5.5 m column. Solvent extraction procedures were utilized to purify and concentrate the MCIX column eluates and produce a cobalt sulfate solution containing 70 to 80 g/L Co. Metallic cathodes, containing over 99% Co, were electrowon from this solution. Nickel, zinc, and copper byproducts were also recovered during processing of the ion-exchange eluates. Estimated total capital cost for a commercial-scale plant processing 10,000 gpm (2,270 m3/h) of a spent leach solution containing 26 mg/L Co was $23.1 million (U.S.). With credits for zinc, nickel, and copper byproducts, the estimated net operating cost was $5.10/lb ($11.24/kg) of cobalt.
Ultraviolet photometry from the orbiting astronomical observatory. XXV. Diffuse galactic light in the 1500--4200 A region and the scattering properties of interstellar dust grains

New measurements of the ultraviolet surface brightness of the night sky in 71 fields in the galactic longitude range 65degree< or =l/sub i//sub i/< or =145degree are presented. The data were obtained with the Orbiting Astronomical Observatory (OAO-2) at nine wavelengths between 1500 A and 4200 A and have been corrected for the contributions due to zodiacal light and integrated starlight. The residual brightnesses were analyzed with radiative transfer models for the diffuse galactic light which incorporate a z-dependent source function. The results qualitatively confirm earlier findings for this wavelength region, yielding a wavelength dependent albedo of the interstellar grains of approximately ..cap alpha..=0.7 +- 0.1 longward of lambda3000, ..cap alpha..=0.35 +- 0.05 around the pronounced minimum near lambda2200, and ..cap alpha..=0.6 +- 0.05 at lambda1550. The true absorption nature of the bump in the interstellar extinction curve near lambda2200, as well as the increase of the albedo shortward of lambda2000 are thus reconfirmed. The phase function asymmetry factor is found to lie between g=0.6 and g=0.9 for the entire wavelength range, indicating the interstellar grains are strongly forward scattering. (AIP)
Quantitative analysis of structure and bandgap changes in graphene oxide nanoribbons during thermal annealing

Graphene oxide nanoribbons (GONRs) are wide bandgap semiconductors that can be reduced to metallic graphene nanoribbons. The transformation of GONRs from their semiconductive to the metallic state ...
Successful preservation of canine small intestine by freezing.

Abstract Five of fourteen canine intestinal autografts frozen at −196°C for 7 days were surviving 2 wk after reimplantation. The mucosal epithelium sloughed immediately, but repopulated from surviving crypt cells over the ensuing 3–5 days. Absorptive and peristaltic functions were present at 2 wk after reimplantation.
Effects of Reactor Exposure on Boron-Lined and BF3 Proportional Counters

The results of reactor exposure on the characteristics of several types of boron-lined and BF3-filled proportional counters are presented, and the important design and application criteria that lead to Improved performance of counters after long reactor exposure are discussed.
Statistical estimates for generalized splines

In this paper it is shown that the generalized smoothing spline obtained by solving an optimal control problem for a linear control system converges to a deterministic curve even when the data points are perturbed by random noise. We furthermore show that such a spline acts as a filter for white noise. Examples are constructed that support the practical usefulness of the method as well as gives some hints as to the speed of convergence.
Hearing loss in children with congenital heart disease: a preliminary report

Life expectancy for children with serious congenital heart defects has dramatically increased in recent years due to advances in medical and surgical care. Anatomic studies of temporal bones in patients with non-syndromic congenital heart disease have demonstrated a high incidence of middle and inner ear anomalies. Systematic study of auditory function in these patients has not been reported. Fifty children with serious congenital heart disease have been evaluated with otologic examination and auditory brainstem-evoked response (ABR) testing. The patients ranged in age from 3 days to 17 years-8 months. Eight patients had hearing loss and normal otologic examinations, 14 patients had hearing loss and associated otitis media with effusion, and 28 patients had normal hearing by ABR testing. These results show a high incidence (16%) of hearing loss not associated with otitis media with effusion in the study population. We suggest that children with serious congenital heart disease are at high risk for hearing loss. This patient group will benefit from early identification, and appropriate medical and audiologic management.