cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Accuracy of percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography in predicting the location and nature of major bile duct injuries.

Abstract Purpose To determine the ability of percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) to predict accurately the anatomic location and nature of major bile duct injuries, to examine the contribution of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and PTC to the diagnosis of injuries to the low-inserting right posterior segmental ducts, and to compare the ability of radiologists and gastroenterologists to detect injuries to the low-inserting right posterior segmental duct. Materials and Methods PTC images and operative reports of 78 consecutive patients who underwent surgical repair of major bile duct injuries at the authors' institution were retrospectively reviewed. The location of injury was assessed according to the Bismuth classification. Images were also evaluated for the presence of a biliary stricture, biliary leak, or both. Imaging observations were compared with findings obtained during surgical biliary reconstruction. Results PTC correctly predicted the anatomic location of injuries in 85% of patients. Incorrect Bismuth type was assigned in 12 patients. Seven of the errors (58%) originated from the inability to distinguish injuries at the confluence of the lobar ducts from injuries involving the cephalad 2 cm of the common hepatic duct. Injuries to the right posterior segmental duct were detected more often on ERCP images by gastroenterologists than by diagnostic radiologists. In four patients (5%), biliary strictures were masked on PTC by the presence of a concomitant leak. Conclusions PTC accurately depicts the location and nature of major bile duct injuries in most patients.
Interactions of Chromatin Context, Binding Site Sequence Content, and Sequence Evolution in Stress-Induced p53 Occupancy and Transactivation

Cellular stresses activate the tumor suppressor p53 protein leading to selective binding to DNA response elements (REs) and gene transactivation from a large pool of potential p53 REs (p53REs). To elucidate how p53RE sequences and local chromatin context interact to affect p53 binding and gene transactivation, we mapped genome-wide binding localizations of p53 and H3K4me3 in untreated and doxorubicin (DXR)-treated human lymphoblastoid cells. We examined the relationships among p53 occupancy, gene expression, H3K4me3, chromatin accessibility (DNase 1 hypersensitivity, DHS), ENCODE chromatin states, p53RE sequence, and evolutionary conservation. We observed that the inducible expression of p53-regulated genes was associated with the steady-state chromatin status of the cell. Most highly inducible p53-regulated genes were suppressed at baseline and marked by repressive histone modifications or displayed CTCF binding. Comparison of p53RE sequences residing in different chromatin contexts demonstrated that weaker p53REs resided in open promoters, while stronger p53REs were located within enhancers and repressed chromatin. p53 occupancy was strongly correlated with similarity of the target DNA sequences to the p53RE consensus, but surprisingly, inversely correlated with pre-existing nucleosome accessibility (DHS) and evolutionary conservation at the p53RE. Occupancy by p53 of REs that overlapped transposable element (TE) repeats was significantly higher (p<10−7) and correlated with stronger p53RE sequences (p<10−110) relative to nonTE-associated p53REs, particularly for MLT1H, LTR10B, and Mer61 TEs. However, binding at these elements was generally not associated with transactivation of adjacent genes. Occupied p53REs located in L2-like TEs were unique in displaying highly negative PhyloP scores (predicted fast-evolving) and being associated with altered H3K4me3 and DHS levels. These results underscore the systematic interaction between chromatin status and p53RE context in the induced transactivation response. This p53 regulated response appears to have been tuned via evolutionary processes that may have led to repression and/or utilization of p53REs originating from primate-specific transposon elements.
A biochemical concept of cellular production of paramyxoviruses.

Top of pageAbstract Summary: Previous analysis in vitro of the interaction between some paramyxoviruses and the chicken emhryo has indicated that the cell most productive (MP) of virus is the heart cell whereas the liver cell is least productive (LP). More superior production of virus results from more efficient release of virions, whereas the kinetics of viral attachment and penetration and the production of interferon are similar for both types of cell. Since plasma membrane lipids may represent the structural key to enveloping and release of paramyxovirions, the lipid composition of MP and LP cells and purified plasma membranes was investigated. The plasma membranes of heart cells contain a high molar ratio of cholesterol to phospholipid (1.66 vs. 0.55), more phosphatidylcthanolnminc (34.8% vs. 24.0% of total phospholipid), and less phosphatidylcholine (39.7% vs. 55.0% of total phospholipid) than the plasma membranes of liver cells. The fatty acids of heart and liver cellular plasma membranes are similar. The glycosphingolipid components of heart and liver cells are also the same, as is the content of gangliosides (6.18 μg vs. 6.49 μg neuraminic acid/mg protein) in these cells, hut the heart cell contains one-fifth as much total cerebroside (34.3 mg vs. 174.3 μg cerebroside/mg protein), indicating a greater ganglioside to neutral glycolipid ratio for the heart cell. Comparison of these data with the monkey/hamster (MP/LP) renal cell-parainfluenza SV5 virus system of Klenk and Choppin suggests that essential molecular determinants of superior cellular production of paramyxoviruses are the relative concentration of phosphatidylethanolamine and the molar ratio of cholesterol to phospholipid in the plasma membrane. Speculation: The lipid composition of plasma membranes determines the capacity of host cells to assemble, envelop, and release para mysoviruse Consequently, certain organs may be characterized as high or low virus producers.
Laparoscopic versus Open Liver Resection: A Matched-Pair Case Control Study

Background Laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) has become an increasingly popular operation; however, its theoretical benefits remain unproven. The aim of this study was to conduct a comparative outcome study between LLR and matched-pair open liver resections (OLR).
Impact of government subsidies on market penetration of synthetic fuels

Abstract This paper assesses the impacts of various levels of government subsidies on the degree of US dependency on imported energy for the period 1977–2001 and on the reduction of energy bills under the ‘base case’, ‘conservation’, and ‘most likely’ scenarios using the Gulf/SRI US energy model. If the US government subsidizes synfuel production by 50 cents/MMBtu (106 Btu), total synthetic fuel production and market penetration could be 15·1–16·9 quads (1015 Btu) in 2001 against 8·3–9·8 quads given no subsidy. This will result in a reduction of oil and gas imports by 3·8–4·3 quads by 2001. The analyses indicate that during the period 1977–2001, for every 1 MMBtu desired reduction in imported oil, each MMBtu of synfuel produced should be subsidized by $1.50–1.88.
Metapopulations: an arena for local speciation

Speciation in many groups of plants and animals is thought to occur in single, isolated populations. Recent investigations of metapopulation longevity and genetic structure indicate that metapopulations have demographic and genetic properties which may be more conducive for local speciation than properties of single populations. It is argued that metapopulations may persist longer than single populations, that the former may retain genetic variation more readily, and that the former offers more opportunity for genomic reorganization.
ACCNT—A Metallic-CNT-Tolerant Design Methodology for Carbon-Nanotube VLSI: Concepts and Experimental Demonstration

We demonstrate ACCNT (pronounced as ldquoaccentrdquo), a solution to the metallic-nanotube problem that does not require any metallic-nanotube removal of any kind. ACCNT uses asymmetrically correlated carbon nanotubes to achieve metallic-nanotube tolerance, delivering high on-off ratios (104-106) while preserving the current drive. In addition, this metallic-nanotube tolerance can be engineered arbitrarily close to 100%. We present the ACCNT concepts in detail, verifying the concepts and underlying assumptions via experimental results. We further demonstrate inverters using ACCNT and ACCNT scalability to a wafer scale. ACCNT marks the first demonstration of a VLSI-compatible metallic-nanotube-tolerant design methodology.
Sojourns and extremes of a stochastic process defined as a random linear combination of arbitrary functions

Let X t be a real stochastic process of the form (X,f(t)) , where X is a random vector in R n with an orthogonally invariant distribution, and f(t),0 ≤ t ≤ 1, assumes values in R n. Put x 0 = sup , finite or infinite. For real u < x 0, let L u be the sojourn time of X t, 0 ≤ t ≤ 1, above u . The main results are limit theorems for the distribution of L u and for P(max t Xt ≥ u), for u ↑ x0 . The hypotheses are stated in terms of the conditions on the tail of the distribution of which are used in extreme value theory for i.i.d. random variables.
Secrecy and Parent-Child Communication During Middle Childhood: Associations with Parental Knowledge and Child Adjustment

Objective. This study examines the reciprocal associations among child secrecy, parent-child communication, parental knowledge of children's activities, and child social adjustment in elementary school children. Design. Third and fourth graders (N = 203) completed questionnaires about secrecy, parent-child communication, and parental knowledge; classroom teachers completed measures of child adjustment. The procedure was repeated one year later. Results. Children's secrecy was negatively associated with parental knowledge one year later, and lower parent-child communication predicted increased secrecy over time. Children who reported greater parental knowledge were viewed by teachers as more socially competent one year later; conversely, children who reported more secrecy were later rated as less socially competent and more oppositional and aggressive. Finally, children who were initially rated as less socially competent and more relationally aggressive reported more communication one year later. Conclusio...
Design and modeling of a flexible test bed for use in control system analysis and verification

This paper describes a test bed specifically designed for studying the effects of nonlinear friction, backlash, and drive train flexibility on structurally flexible electro-mechanical systems, and for developing control algorithms that will compensate for nonlinear friction, backlash, and drive train flexibility in structurally flexible electro-mechanical systems. The test bed has a modular and adjustable design. Friction, backlash, and flexibility can all be varied or disabled. A mathematical model of the dynamics of the test bed is also described. This model includes stiction, Coulomb friction, backlash and drive train, and link flexibility. The model is verified via comparisons of model-predicted and experimental responses.
Overexpression of HMGA1 promotes anoikis resistance and constitutive Akt activation in pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells

HMGA1 proteins are architectural transcription factors that are overexpressed by pancreatic adenocarcinomas. Roles of HMGA1 in mediating the malignant phenotype of this cancer are poorly understood. We tested the hypothesis that overexpression of HMGA1 promotes resistance to anoikis (apoptosis induced by anchorage deprivation) in pancreatic cancer cells. HMGA1 cDNA was stably transfected into MiaPaCa2 human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells (which have low baseline expression levels of HMGA1). Cells were grown in suspension on PolyHEMA-coated plates and their susceptibility to anoikis was assayed using flow cytometry. Overexpression of HMGA1 was associated with marked reductions in susceptibility to anoikis in concert with increases in Akt phosphorylation (Ser473) and in Akt kinase activity and with reductions in caspase 3 activation. Inhibition of phosphoinositidyl-3 (PI3-K)/Akt pathway with either the small molecule inhibitor LY294002 or dominant-negative Akt resulted in reversal of anoikis resistance induced by HMGA1 overexpression. Further, RNA interference-mediated HMGA1 silencing in MiaPaCa2 and BxPC3 (a human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell line with high baseline levels of HMGA1 expression) cells resulted in significant increases in susceptibility to anoikis. Our findings suggest HMGA1 promotes anoikis resistance through a PI3-K/Akt-dependent mechanism. Given the putative associations between anoikis resistance and metastatic potential, HMGA1 represents a potential therapeutic target in pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
Countergradient vorticity Flux Generated in Continental Boundary Currents

Abstract It is suggested that the inshore shear of continental boundary flows like the Florida Current can be accounted for by a countergradient vorticity flux, rather than by lateral diffusion to the shore. Two simple barotropic models with cross-stream and downstream topographic variations illustrate the point. In the first case, a broad jet with piecewise uniform vorticity accelerates through a slowly converging strait, eventually becoming locally critical (in the hydraulic sense) and then undergoing a transition to a different downstream state in which the maximum inshore vorticity is increased. The topographic conditions for this to occur are determined by a nonlinear long-wave theory. In the second model, the computed flow around an idealized cape illustrates the role of lee waves in generating mean downstream vorticity. For large-amplitude capes a nonlinear long-wave theory shows that a downstream transition (similar to the strait problem) can occur as well as upstream “blocking.”
Hydrolysis of phosphate esters and anhydrides: role of metal ions

Etude de l'hydrolyse de triphosphate et diphosphosphate par V≡O 3+ . Reactions de tn 2 Co(OH)(OH 2 ) 2+ avec ADP et NAD et avec des triphosphates chelates
SU-FF-T-357: Clinical Implementation of the OneDosePlusTM MOSFET Detector for in Vivo Dose Measurement

Purpose: To demonstrate the clinical implementation of the OneDosePlus™ MOSFETdetector for in vivo dose measurement. Method and Materials: The ratio of the mean dose reported by OneDosePlus™ MOSFETs placed on the surface of a 90 cm × 30 cm × 9 cm water‐equivalent plastic phantom to the mean dose measured by an ionization chamber placed at d max within the phantom, was determined as a function of (i) gantry angle and detector orientation, (ii) square‐field size, (iii) SSD, (iv) wedge angle, (v) monitor units, and (vi) dose rate, over clinically relevant ranges, and separately for the 6 MV and 15 MV beams of our clinical linear accelerator. A least‐squares straight‐line fit was performed to the response ratio as a function of each of these parameters in turn, and normalized to the ratio evaluated under reference conditions ((i) 0°, (ii) 10 cm, (iii) 100 cm, (iv) 0°, (v) 100, (vi) 400 MU min−1). From these, a formalism was derived to predict the dose reading by OneDosePlus™ and its uncertainty for arbitrary treatment fields for comparison with the treatment planning system prediction. Results: At 6 MV (15 MV), in order to achieve agreement with the ionization chamber, corrections of <3.5% (<11.5%) to the reported OneDosePlus™ dose are required at 0° gantry angle across the full clinical range of all other variables, increasing rapidly as the gantry rotates beyond 50° to 27.5% (22.1%) at 80°. For non‐zero gantry angles, OneDosePlus™ was found to exhibit a stronger angular dependence when its contacts pointed towards the linac head. Conclusion: The OneDosePlus™ MOSFET is well‐suited to in vivo dose measurement, providing a highly convenient alternative to TLDs and diodes. Provided that appropriate corrections are made, verification of the expected dose should be possible to within 3.3% (6 MV) and 3.7% (15 MV) for arbitrary treatment fields.
The Arabidopsis Stem Cell Factor POLTERGEIST Is Membrane Localized and Phospholipid Stimulated

Stem cell maintenance and differentiation are tightly regulated in multicellular organisms. In plants, proper control of the stem cell populations is critical for extensive postembryonic organogenesis. The Arabidopsis thaliana protein phosphatase type 2C proteins POLTERGEIST (POL) and PLL1 are essential for maintenance of both the root and shoot stem cells. Specifically, POL and PLL1 are required for proper specification of key asymmetric cell divisions during stem cell initiation and maintenance. POL and PLL1 are known to be integral components of the CLE/WOX signaling pathways, but the location and mechanisms by which POL and PLL1 are regulated within these pathways are unclear. Here, we show that POL and PLL1 are dual-acylated plasma membrane proteins whose membrane localization is required for proper function. Furthermore, this localization places POL and PLL1 in proximity of the upstream plasma membrane receptors that regulate their activity. Additionally, we find that POL and PLL1 directly bind to multiple lipids and that POL is catalytically activated by phosphatidylinositol (4) phosphate [PI(4)P] in vitro. Based on these results, we propose that the upstream receptors in the CLE/WOX signaling pathways may function to either limit PI(4)P availability or antagonize PI(4)P stimulation of POL/PLL1. Significantly, the findings presented here suggest that phospholipids play an important role in promoting stem cell specification.
The effects of ethylene concentration in controlled atmosphere storage of tomatoes

SUMMARY Previous studies have demonstrated that mature green tomatoes can be stored for up to 10 wk at 12. 5°C, 93–95% r.h. in a controlled atmosphere (CA) containing 5% CO2, 5% O2 and 90% N2, and will then ripen satisfactorily in air at 20°C. The effects of different concentrations of ethylene between <0.1 and 30 μl/litre in this storage atmosphere on ripening changes and fruit quality after 5 wk CA storage and a further 8 or 9 days ripening in air were investigated using cv. Sonatine glasshouse tomatoes. Maintaining ethylene concentrations in the storage atmosphere to.1 plllitre resulted in poor and uneven ripening of the tomatoes after storage, and increased their susceptibility to infection by Botrytis cinerea and Penicillium spp. Fruit previously stored in atmospheres containing 5 to 30 μl/litre ethylene were significantly softer after ripening than tomatoes stored in lower ethylene concentrations. Overall, the best results in terms of fruit quality (colour, firmness) and a low incidence of fungal infection were achieved with 1–3 μl/litre ethylene. The practical problems in achieving and maintaining optimum conditions, including the correct ethylene level, in CA storage of tomatoes are also discussed.
Advanced-Fuel Heat Flux, Power Density, and Direct Conversion Issues

Several key areas are fundamentally different for D-T and advance-fuel fusion reactors. Although the physics constraints are generally more stringent for advanced fuels, the engineering advantages can dominate when assessing a concept. Assuming that the necessary physics performance can be demonstrated, several alternate fusion configurations would make attractive advanced-fuel fusion power plants. This paper focuses on three areas: surface heat flux, power density, and direct conversion. 12 refs., 4 figs., 1 tab.
Microbiota Talks Cholera out of the Gut

In a recent Nature paper, Hsiao et al., 2014 examine microbiota contribution during and after cholera and identify commensals correlated with healing and reconstitution of the microbial community. One particular species may use intercellular communication to stymie Vibrio cholerae pathogenesis, indicating how the microbiota can restrict pathogens.
An electrophysiological study of the visual projection to the superior colliculus of the rat.

The topographical relations of the visual field with the superior colliculus of the rat was investigated using constant small visual stimuli and recording the electrical response of aggregate unit activity with fine tip metal microelectrodes. A precise essentially linear projection onto the contralateral colliculus was demonstrated after appropriate corrections for brain curvature were performed. The general pattern and arrangement of the retinotopic projection is similar to that found in infra-mammalian vertebrates. An ipsilateral projection appears to be absent. The phasic properties and rhythmic discharge patterns of single units in the coliculus were studied with stationary and moving luminous stimuli.
A Very Large Cargo Aircraft Design Project

For many years it has been the College of Aeronautics' philosophy that the best way to teach aircraft design is to actually do it. To this end the Aircraft Design MSc students perform an annual group design project based on types of aircraft that are of current interest.
Effect of fetal presentation on the amniotic fluid index

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether the amniotic fluid index differs according to whether a fetus is in breech or cephalic presentation. Study Design: Between January 1995 and April 1996 the amniotic fluid index was measured both immediately before and after attempted external cephalic version. Amniotic fluid indexes were measured by a senior obstetric resident or attending physician. Preprocedure amniotic fluid indexes and change in amniotic fluid index after successful and failed external cephalic version were compared with unpaired and paired Student t tests, respectively. P Results: Thirty consecutive women between 36 and 40 weeks' gestation with breech presentations were evaluated before undergoing an attempt at external cephalic version. The preprocedure amniotic fluid index was not different ( P = .61) between women who had success (12.1 cm) and failure (11.4 cm) of attempts at external cephalic version. Successful external cephalic version was associated with a statistically significant increase ( P Conclusion: Successful version from a breech to a cephalic presentation resulted in a significant increase in the amniotic fluid index. This should be considered when a breech presentation with a low normal amniotic fluid index is evaluated. Presentation of the fetus should be considered in evaluating amniotic fluid index distribution curves. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1999;181:1222-4.)
Evaluating Preference for Graphic Feedback on Correct versus Incorrect Performance.

The current study evaluated preferences of undergraduate students for graphic feedback on percentage of incorrect performance versus feedback on percentage of correct performance. A total of 108 participants were enrolled in the study and received graphic feedback on performance on 12 online quizzes. One half of participants received graphic feedback on percentage of correct performance on the first four online quizzes and then received feedback on percentage of incorrect performance on the following four quizzes. The order was reversed for the other half of participants. Participants were then asked whether their feedback on the final four quizzes should depict percentage of correct or incorrect performance. Participants who completed the study overwhelmingly preferred feedback on correct performance. The type of feedback students received for the first four quizzes did not affect subsequent quiz performance, and feedback preference was not related to performance on quizzes.
Decision Rules and Transactions, Organizations and Markets

Organizations and markets are defined as sets of people who are connected together by the logical orders of decision rule and transaction respectively. Super organizations are defined as sets of organizations connected by decision rules. The logical order is the basis of an arrangement of people or organizations. These concepts are developed in an unambiguous manner, and used to produce analytically useful definitions of pure and hybrid classes. The concepts are shown to be of value in the analysis of organizations and markets. The concept of the decision rule is used to define static organization structures, and to define dynamic task processes in them. Generalizations about organizations and markets are developed and put together to get new ones. Two classification schemes in the literature are simplified by a redefinition of their classes in terms of decision rules only. This not only integrates two seemingly different schemes, but it illustrates how useful the concept of the decision rule could be in analyzing and generalizing about organizations, other arrangements of persons, and arrangements of arrangements of persons.
SU-FF-T-352: Output Verification and Clinical Implementation of Leipzig Applicators for Treating Small Skin Lesions by HDR-Brachytherapy Using Multiple Dosimetry Systems

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to provide a guide to commissioning the Nucletron Lepzig Applicators in a clinical setup for treating small surface lesions using HDR brachytherapy.Method and Materials: Recently we have acquired a set of six Leipzig Applicators (3 Horizontal applicators with inner diameters 1 cm, 2 cm and 3 cm and 3 Vertical with same diameter sizes) for our microselectron‐HDR V2 afterloader. Initially we have measureddose rates for 3 Horizontal applicators using Standard Imaging Exradin A10 parallel plate ion chamber and films (gafchromic and EDR2). Since the sensitive area of this ion chamber is comparable to the effective field area for the smaller 1 cm diameter applicators we felt the necessity to verify the dose rates using gafchromic films as well as EDR2 film. We have also used MOSFET and a micro parallel plate chamber (Exradin A14P, provided by Standard Imaging) and small cylindrical chambers (Exradin A1SL,and A14SL) for independent verification of our measurements.Results: To implement these applicators for clinical use we measured surface dose rates and depth dose rates for each applicators using variety of dosimetry. We subsequently developed an Excel Spreadsheet program to compute dwell time for a given prescription and to print a plan report documentation for the treatment.Conclusion: In this presentation we compare our data with published data and describe the details of clinical implementation of these applicators.
Looking in through outdoor: a socio-cultural and historical perspective on the evolution of advertising humour

This study examines the evolving acceptance and use of humour in advertising over the past century. Sociologists point to humour as an expression of the macro-societal mood. Consistent with this thesis, we analyse two data sets of outdoor advertisements that span over 100 years. We use a socio-cultural and historical perspective to understand the underlying drivers and changes in humour use at both the macro-cultural level and at the micro-industry level in the US. The results reveal the contextual interplay that led to changes in the acceptance of humorous advertisements as well as the evolution of humour styles and elements.
Mucosal epithelial barrier repair to maintain pig health

Abstract Mucosal barrier function is critical to prevent translocation of microorganisms and their toxins. The intestinal barrier is made up of a single layer of columnar epithelium that can be readily breached by enteric infections, but has a tremendous capacity to repair. Thus, mucosal epithelial repair is one of the most critical elements of maintaining an intact barrier. In the small intestine, villous contraction is the initial phase of repair. Subsequent events include crawling of healthy epithelium adjacent to the wound, referred to as restitution. However, restoration of a continuous layer of epithelium is insufficient to restore barrier function. Recent ex vivo studies of porcine small intestine have revealed the importance of closure of the interepithelial tight junctions and the paracellular space. The critical role of tight junction closure is underscored by the prominent contribution of the paracellular space to measures of barrier function such as transepithelial electrical resistance. The net result of reparative mechanisms is remarkably rapid closure of mucosal wounds in porcine tissues to prevent the onset of sepsis.
Police Corruption and Psychological Testing: A Strategy for Pre-Employment Screening

The prediction, control, and prevention of police corruption represent pervasive and enduring problems. Researchers have suggested that intervention at the preemployment screening stage may be the best solution. However, investigators have acknowledged that existing assessment practices are flawed. This article proposes a strategy for the preemployment screening of law enforcement personnel. In particular, it examines the utility of the Inwald Personality Inventory and the Revised-NEO Personality Inventory in relation to assessing antisocial behavioral tendencies and conscientious personality traits, respectively, and argues that their combined use, appropriately administered in a testing situation, represents a reliable and valid predictor of good job performance. The article speculatively comments on this strategy for purposes of psychological testing, future research in the field, and law enforcement administration practices.
Stability and Change in Internal Working Models of Friendship: Associations with Multiple Domains of Urban Adolescent Functioning

We examined the role of stability and change in low-achieving urban African American adolescents' internal working models of their close friendships across multiple domains of functioning. We compared three groups of youth defined by their attachment orientation based on two ratings one year apart: (i) stable-secure (secure both years); (ii) stable-insecure (insecure both years); and (iii) changing orientation. We assessed psychological well-being, participation in problem behaviors, negative peer influences, school attitudes, and sexual behavior, hypothesizing that adolescents reporting stable secure internal working models of friendship would show the highest levels of functioning across all domains, followed by adolescents reporting instability in their friendships and adolescents reporting stable insecure orientations. Internal working models of friendship were assessed using a modified version of Hazan and Shaver's (1987) Adult Attachment Classifications. Across all domains, adolescents with stable s...
Autocorrelation structure of forecast errors from time-series models: Alternative assessments of the causes of post-earnings announcement drift

Abstract This paper demonstrates that the evidence supporting the hypothesis that post-earnings announcement drift (PEAD) is caused by investors’ failure to incorporate the implications of current earnings for future earnings is (also) consistent with researchers’ over-differencing an already stationary time-series. Specifically, we show the evidence is driven by a subset of firms where over-differencing of quarterly earnings in estimating earnings surprises is most likely to have occurred. Given the persistence of the PEAD over time, our alternative explanation suggests that the prior research investigating the causes for the PEAD overestimates investors’ naivete.
HTLV-I/II seropositivity and death from AIDS among HIV-1 seropositive intravenous drug users

In a prospective study of street-recruited intravenous drug users (IVDUs) in Miami, Florida, USA, 107 (46.5%) of 230 IVDUs were infected with HIV-1. Of these HIV-1 seropositive individuals, 23 were also infected with human T-lymphotropic virus type I or II (HTLV-I/II). To test the hypothesis that HTLV-I/II infection has an effect on the survival of HIV-1 seropositive IVDUs, various baseline clinical and laboratory HIV-1 related indices in HTLV-I/II positive and negative groups were compared. Life table analysis and Cox's proportional hazards model were used to estimate the potential effect of HTLV-I/II infection on the survival patterns of people infected with HIV-1. IVDUs infected with both viruses were three times more likely to die from AIDS during follow-up than were those infected with HIV-1 only. This finding suggests that HTLV-I/II seropositivity may adversely affect the clinical outcome of HIV-1 seropositive patients.
Structural Modeling and Site-Directed Mutagenesis of the Actinorhodin β-Ketoacyl-Acyl Carrier Protein Synthase

A three-dimensional model of the Streptomyces coelicolor actinorhodin beta-ketoacyl synthase (Act KS) was constructed based on the X-ray crystal structure of the related Escherichia coli fatty acid synthase condensing enzyme beta-ketoacyl synthase II, revealing a similar catalytic active site organization in these two enzymes. The model was assessed by site-directed mutagenesis of five conserved amino acid residues in Act KS that are in close proximity to the Cys169 active site. Three substitutions completely abrogated polyketide biosynthesis, while two replacements resulted in significant reduction in polyketide production. (3)H-cerulenin labeling of the various Act KS mutant proteins demonstrated that none of the amino acid replacements affected the formation of the active site nucleophile.
Joining Technologies for Automotive Lithium-Ion Battery Manufacturing: A Review

Automotive battery packs for electric vehicles (EV), hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) typically consist of a large number of battery cells. These cells must be assembled together with robust mechanical and electrical joints. Joining of battery cells presents several challenges such as welding of highly conductive and dissimilar materials, multiple sheets joining, and varying material thickness combinations. In addition, different cell types and pack configurations have implications for battery joining methods. This paper provides a comprehensive review of joining technologies and processes for automotive lithium-ion battery manufacturing. It details the advantages and disadvantages of the joining technologies as related to battery manufacturing, including resistance welding, laser welding, ultrasonic welding and mechanical joining, and discusses corresponding manufacturing issues. Joining processes for electrode-to-tab, tab-to-tab (tab-to-bus bar), and module-to-module assembly are discussed with respect to cell types and pack configuration.Copyright © 2010 by ASME and General Motors
INFLATION, PROGRESSIVITY, AND STATE INCOME TAX REVENUES

The combination of progressive income tax structures and inflation has led to significant increases in state income tax revenues. While the federal government has de facto indexed the federal personal income tax, states have generated large relative and absolute increases in their income tax revenues. This paper shows that the ratio of income tax revenues to personal income has grown significantly more in states with progressive income tax structures than those with proportional tax structures. Almost half of such increases may be attributed to inflation. The increase in the relative share of income tax as a source of state revenues has recently run into resistance in some states which have installed income tax indexation measures. This may suggest that the marginal cost of raising revenue through inflation, relative to other means (taxes), is reaching its limits.
Proportional-Integral-Derivative-Controlled Numerical Model for the Programmable Multizone Furnace

This article presents a two-dimensiona l axisymmetric combined conduction and radiation model for the prototype of the programmable multizone furnace, which is under design at NASA Lewis Research Center. The actual furnace is intended for growing high-quality semiconductor crystals and performing other materials processing experiments in space. A novel feature of the model is a control algorithm that automatically adjusts the power in any number of independently controlled heaters to establish the desired sample temperatures during the numerical simulations. The control algorithm eliminates the need for numerous trial and error runs previously required to obtain the same results. The finite element code, FIDAP, was modified to directly incorporate the control algorithm. This algorithm, which presently uses proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control, and the associated heat transfer model are briefly discussed. Together, they have been used to predict the heater power distributions for a variety of furnace configurations and desired temperature profiles. Examples are included to demonstrate the effectiveness of the PID-controlled model in establishing isothermal, Bridgman, and other complicated temperature profiles in the sample. An example is also given to show how the algorithm can be used to change the desired profile with time according to a prescribed temperature-time evolution. Nomenclature A = surface area C = specific heat D = derivative coefficient E = error between actual and set point temperature F = matrix containing boundary condition information FkJ = view factor between two surfaces k and j h = heat transfer coefficient / = integral coefficient K = global system matrix containing conductivity information /Cth = thermal conductivity, scalar L = heater wire length M = matrix containing density and specific heat information
Illness Intrusiveness Mediates the Relationship between Heart Failure Severity and Depression in Older Adults

Depression frequently co-occurs in heart failure (HF) patients, causing significant interference and negative health outcomes. This case-controlled study explored the construct of illness intrusiveness and examined its relationship to HF severity and depression. Older veterans (n = 104) with an HF diagnosis completed a one-time assessment that included demographics, depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale), the Illness Intrusiveness Rating Scale (IIRS), and HF quality of life and functional abilities (Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire [KCCQ]). Analyses included exploratory correlations between IIRS and KCCQ items, a confirmatory factor analysis (IIRS), and formal mediational analyses. Results indicated that the IIRS had adequate internal consistency and concurrent validity, with support for its established three-factor model. Regression analyses indicated that illness intrusiveness mediated HF illness severity and depression. In conclusion, illness intrusiveness may be a better indicator of...
Driver interference and risk in semiautonomous braking under uncertainty

Emergency maneuvering systems can take control of a vehicle in high-risk situations caused by distracted, fatigued, or careless drivers, which can reduce the frequency and severity of collisions. But in order to override the user's control the vehicle must reason with uncertain information: sensing provides noisy and partial input, vehicle dynamics models are never perfectly calibrated, and other agents (vehicles, pedestrians) may behave unpredictably. In the context of collision imminent braking (CIB), we explore the tradeoffs between risk and interference with normal driving behavior that are inherent in the presence of uncertainty. Specifically, control policies that take a conservative approach to uncertainty are more likely to brake unnecessarily. We compare several control policies on different scenarios using Monte-Carlo hardware-in-the-loop simulations in order to quantify their behavioral characteristics in terms of collision risk and driver interference. We demonstrate that a relatively high degree of safety can be achieved at a relatively low degree of interference, but “idealized” behavior is unattainable in the presence of uncertainty.
Carbon-stabilized iron nanoparticles for environmental remediation

Ferromagnetic carbon-coated Fe nanoparticles (core size of 15 nm, saturated magnetization of Ms = 218 emu g−1 and coercivity of Hc = 62 Oe), fabricated at a mild temperature, demonstrate a strong ability to effectively remove more than 95 wt% of Cr(VI) in waste water via carbon shell physical adsorption, which is much higher than the commercially available Fe NPs.
Subcarrier and bit allocation for real-time services in multiuser OFDM systems

We consider the problem of resource allocation (in terms of subcarrier, bit and corresponding power) for QoS provisioning to real-time services in multiuser OFDM systems. A novel dynamic subcarrier and bit allocation algorithm is proposed for real-time services in multiuser OFDM systems. The proposed algorithm takes advantage of the instantaneous channel gain in subcarrier and bit allocation properly without relying on the nonlinear optimization technique, which is usually used in subcarrier and bit allocation when the instantaneous channel gain is considered. Therefore it avoids the corresponding computational complexity of the nonlinear optimization. The performance of the proposed algorithm is compared to other existing algorithms.
WELFARE REFORM IN WISCONSIN The Local Role

The article suggests a new model for the implementation of social programs based on welfare reform in Wisconsin. Existing models tend to be top-down or bottom-up, but in Wisconsin the leading count...
Radiation dose to organs and tissues from mammography: Monte Carlo and phantom study.

Purpose: To prospectively determine the radiation dose to the organs of the body during standard bilateral two-view mammography by using Monte Carlo simulations and a phantom. Materials and Methods: A modified version of the Cristy mathematic anthropomorphic phantom was implemented in the Geant4 Monte Carlo tool kit to simulate the conditions present in screen-film and digital mammography. The breast was simulated with compression in both the craniocaudal and the mediolateral oblique views. X-rays were tracked from the source until their absorption in the body or in the detector or their exit from the simulation limits, with recording of all the intermediate interactions in the body. The simulation was performed with x-rays of energy ranging from 6 to 35 keV to obtain results for clinically relevant spectra. The ratio of dose to an organ in the body per unit glandular dose to the breast, denoted the relative organ dose (ROD), was computed. The effect of using a body protective shield was also investigated...
Same Admission Cardiac Catheterization and Cardiac Surgery: Is There an Increased Incidence of Acute Kidney Injury?

Background Acute kidney injury (AKI) is predictive of increased long-term mortality after cardiac surgery. Patients often undergo surgery after cardiac catheterization during the same admission for reasons of instability and threatening anatomy as well as nonurgent reasons such as patient convenience. We hypothesized that patients undergoing cardiac catheterization and cardiac surgery during the same admission are more likely to develop AKI after cardiac surgery than patients for whom surgery is performed on a later admission. Methods We prospectively enrolled 668 nonemergent adult cardiac surgical cases. Patients having heart catheterization were divided into two groups: cardiac catheterization followed by cardiac surgery during the same hospital admission (same admission) or catheterization followed by surgery during a later admission (later admission). The AKI was defined by an increase in serum creatinine from baseline by 50% or greater or 0.3 (mg/dL) or greater. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression and propensity-matched analyses were conducted. Results The incidence of AKI was significantly higher in the patients who had same admission cardiac catheterization and surgery (50.2%) compared with patients who had surgery on a later admission (33.7%, p = 0.009). The adjusted odds ratio for surgery on a later admission was 1.54 (95% confidence interval: 1.11 to 2.13) suggesting a 54% increased risk of AKI. Propensity-matched results were similar with 1.58 (95% confidence interval: 1.13 to 2.22). Conclusions When cardiac catheterization and cardiac surgery occur during the same hospitalization, there is an increased risk for postoperative AKI. After cardiac catheterization, discharge and readmission for nonurgent surgery should be considered as such an approach might reduce the risk of AKI.
Writing a Mixed Methods Report in Social Work Research.

This article briefly chronicles the development of mixed methods research and its use in social work. We then move onto a discussion of terms and designs, reasons for (and for not) using mixed meth...
Characteristics of the acute rise of atrial natriuretic factor during ventricular pacing.

Background: Previous studies have shown that peripheral venous levels of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) are elevated during ventricular pacing as a result of asynchrony of atrial and ventricular contraction. However, the pattern by which ANF rises following institution of ventricular pacing has not been fully established and its physiologic consequences are unclear. Methods: Eight ambulatory patients in stable condition with dual-chamber pacemakers were studied. The pacemaker was reprogrammed from the dual-chamber to the ventricular pacing mode for 3 h, during which serial measurements were made of BP, heart rate and rhythm, levels of ANF, and plasma renin activity (PRA). Results: ANF levels rose markedly but slowly following the onset of ventricular pacing, reaching levels as high as 694% of control. The rise occurred over the course of 120 min, at which time the average value for the group plateaued at 82.5 22.1 fmol/mL (mean SEM) vs 25.3 4.5 fmol/mL at control (p < 0.01); there was, however, marked variability in individual responses. By contrast, levels of PRA remained remarkably stable. Average BP changes were small, although there was a trend in the later part of the study for systolic pressure to decrease. Conclusions: ANF levels rise markedly but gradually after institution of ventricular pacing and, hence, acute pacing studies must account for this delay in their design. The physiologic importance of the rise in ANF should be evaluated further since the rise in peptide levels may be associated with a decrease in systolic BP. (CHEST 2002; 121:1942–1946)
Characterization of optofluidic ARROW rejection filter devices

We experimentally demonstrate wavelength filtering of integrated solid- and liquid-core antiresonant reflecting optical waveguide devices with a range of 8-54 dB rejection and 2-29 nm stopbands.