cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Antifibrinolytic agents reduce blood loss during pediatric vertebral column resection procedures.

STUDY DESIGN Retrospective multicenter review. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of intraoperative antifibrinolytic (AF) agents on blood loss associated with vertebral column resection (VCR) procedures for pediatric patients. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA VCR procedures may be associated with substantial blood loss. METHODS A multicenter review of 147 patients (aged <21 yr) who underwent VCR as part of their spinal deformity correction was conducted. Estimated blood loss (EBL) was calculated as percentage of blood volume (BV) (EBL/BV × 100), which was normalized on the basis of the number of vertebral levels removed (%BV/level). The use of AF agents was noted (tranexamic acid [TXA], aminocaproic acid, aprotinin, none) and based on surgeons' choice. EBL was compared using analysis of covariance (controlling for deformity magnitude) (P < 0.05). RESULTS Average preoperative major deformity (kyphosis or scoliosis) was 97° ± 31°. The average number of levels excised was 1.6 (range, 1-5). Total EBL averaged 1317 mL (range, 50-6026 mL). Eleven patients were excluded: 7 with incomplete data and 4 who received aminocaproic acid (too few to compare). This resulted in 136 cases; 64 with no AF, 42 received TXA, and 30 received aprotinin. Overall %BV/level EBL was 41% ± 39% (range, 6%-162%) and was significantly higher in the no-AF group (52% ± 37%) than the TXA (30% ± 34%; P < 0.01) and aprotinin (32% ± 24%; P < 0.05) groups. The effect of the AFs varied by site. CONCLUSION EBL associated with VCR was highly variable and in many cases exceeded the patient's BV. AF agents were not routinely used and we had insufficient data to assess the efficacy of aminocaproic acid. Both aprotinin and TXA resulted in less EBL than when no AF was used; however, the effect of the reduction varied by site. Aprotinin has since been removed from the market. When normalized to patient size and levels excised, the use of TXA resulted in a reduction in intraoperative EBL.
Science and Practice: Reconsidering the Pepinskys

Two issues from the Pepinskys' Counseling: Theory and Practice (1954)—the scientist-practitioner model of counseling and the use of scientific thinking in counseling practice—are examined in light of their current implications for the counseling profession.
N-acyl Derivatives of Bis-(4-aminophenyl) Disulfide and its Thiolsulfinate

Bis-(4-aminophenyl)-sulfone and several N,N'-diacyl derivatives have shown appreciable activity as antimalarials. With the assumption that a molecule more readily cleaved to a p-aminophenyl sulfur or oxidized sulfur anion, as a potential anti-PAB substance, might be a more effective antimalarial, a series of N,N',-diacyl derivatives of bis-(4-aminophenyl) disulfide was synthesized. Oxidation with peroxide followed by acylation gave the corresponding thiolsulfinates. Antimalarial activity was found for bis-(4-p-acetamidobenzenesulfonamidophenyl) disulfide and N,N′-bis-(α-aminoacyl) derivatives of bis-(4-aminophenyl)-sulfone.
Thermal conductivity of Tl2Ba2Ca2Cu3O10 ceramics from 300 K down to 0.1 K

Abstract Thermal conductivity, ϰ, of two ceramic samples of Tl 2 Ba 2 Ca 2 Cu 3 O 10 has been measured over a temperature range from 300 K down to 0.1 K. At high temperatures, the data show features similar to the thermal conductivity of Y-Ba-Cu-O and Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O ceramics in both the magnitude and the temperature dependence. Specifically, a sudden increase in the thermal conductivity is observed at the onset of a superconducting transition near 120 K culminating in a pronounced maximum of ϰ around 75 K and an eventual rapid decrease of the thermal conductivity at lower temperatures. From 5 K down to 0.1 K we observe the thermal conductivity to decrease with an average power law exponent between 2.4 and 2.5. Such a temperature dependence is comparable with that for sintered Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O samples, but differs from the quadratic variation typical for Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O single crystals and the T -linear asymptotic behavior characteristic of Y-Ba-Cu-O and La-Sr-Cu-O ceramics.
Temperature and vertical velocity fluctuations in strong convection

An experimental study of the structure of thermal convection in the lower atmosphere is presented. The measurements were undertaken with the primary purpose of comparing the statistics of convective motion occurring in the lower atmosphere under conditions of light winds and strong surface heating with the laboratory heated plate results of Townsend and also with the predictions of the similarity theory of free convection. Temperature and vertical velocity fluctuations were measured above a desert dry lake bed in Southern California using a light aircraft as an instrument platform. Modern data acquisition methods were used which allowed high speed data sampling and rapid computer processing of several million data points. Negative Richardson numbers at 1·5 m of the order of 2 or more were typical of the midday hours. The temperature traces obtained during horizontal aircraft traverses had the typical intermittent structure previously noted both in the atmosphere and in the laboratory by other investigators. Individual warm pulses often had an asymmetric appearance in that the upwind edge tended to be the warmest. This was noted to hold even for the lightest wind conditions included in these data (1 ms−1 at 4 m). Although the observed intermittency of the temperature field agreed qualitatively with Townsend's description of the laboratory case, the variation with height of the r.m.s. temperature and vertical velocity fluctuations agreed with the predictions of the similarity theory of free convection. It is concluded that the light wind case in the atmosphere differs considerably from the laboratory case with no mean motion. Since winds appreciably lighter than those occurring during this study are quite rare for lapse conditions in the atmosphere, it is suggested that there may always be a fundamental difference between atmospheric measurements and those made for the classical heated plate experiments. These data are also used to construct a preliminary kinetic energy budget for various heights above the lake bed. The results indicate that the flux divergence of turbulent kinetic energy is a large term in the budget under the conditions of these measurements.
Encapsulation and release of menthol. Part 1: The influence of OSAn modification of carriers on the encapsulation of L-menthol by spray drying

The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of octenyl succinic anhydride (OSAn) substitution level of carbohydrate encapsulation matrices on the retention and physical characteristics of spray-dried l-menthol microcapsules. It was found that as OSAn substitution of carbohydrates increased, total and surface menthol appeared to increase and decrease, respectively. The particle size of the finished spray-dried powder was influenced by spray dryer infeed solids concentration, with higher solids leading to larger particle size. Microcapsule density did not appear to be affected by OSAn substitution or carrier type. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Explanations of Group Economic Outcomes Determinants and Consequences

Previous studies of group economic voting have not examined how citizens explain group economic problems and how those causal explanations might affect the role of group economic conditions and the consequent formation of citizens' political preferences. This research addresses three questions: (a) How do citizens explain group economic predicaments? (b) Are there meaningful, systematic variations in the explanations offered by citizens for both individual and group economic problems that coincide with our understanding of differing group schemas, societal values, and economic predicaments? (c) Do citizens' explanations of group problems determine the effect that assessments of group economic predicaments have on political preferences? The research presented here indicates citizens are more likely to cite political or social factors to explain group economic problems. Members of disadvantaged groups are more likely to cite political explanations. Assessments of group economic well-being that are explained...
Importance of MAPK pathways for microglial pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β production

Abstract In Alzheimer’s disease (AD), chronically activated glia contribute to neuronal dysfunction through production of neuroinflammatory molecules like interleukin (IL)-1β. As a first step to address the signaling pathways important for pro-inflammatory cytokine induction, and whether different activators use distinct pathways, we tested the involvement of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways in microglial IL-1β production. Microglial cultures stimulated with lipopolysaccharide, S100B, or beta-amyloid showed rapid activation of three different MAPKs (p38, ERK1/2, and JNK) and a later increase in IL-1β levels, consistent with a possible mechanistic relationship between MAPK and IL-1β. To more directly test this possibility, we stimulated microglia in the presence of selective MAPK inhibitors, and found that inhibition of each of the three MAPK pathways inhibited IL-1β production in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, the relative importance of each MAPK to IL-1β production depended on the activating stimulus. These data demonstrate that MAPK pathways are important for microglial IL-1β production, and suggest that different glial activators use distinct sets of signaling pathways to induce the same disease-relevant end-point in microglia.
Homogamous assortative mating among Puerto Rican families: Intergenerational processes and the migration experience

Homogamous assortative mating is examined in the context of intergenerational processes and the migration experience in two generations of Puerto Rican families in New York City: mothers and fathers in a parent generation (100 pairs) and their married child and the child's spouse in the child generation (100 pairs). The variables used to examine intergenerational processes and to assess homogamy are age, education, and the degree of acceptance of two Puerto Rican cultural values-familism and fatalism. The findings indicate clear and pervasive intergenerational differences and discontinuities but homogamous marital patterns in each generation. The sociocultural dislocations resulting from the migration experience from Puerto Rico to New York City do not impede the restitution of marital homogamy in the host society with respect to either general or culture specific variables.
Epithelial ovarian carcinoma: current evidences and future perspectives in the first-line setting

Epithelial ovarian carcinoma is still the most common cause of death from gynaecological cancer in USA and western Europe. The optimal therapy of epithelial ovarian carcinoma requires participation of a multidisciplinary team — from diagnosis through the entire natural history of each individual patient. Only 20–30% of patients are diagnosed at the initial stage, when appropriate staging surgery in combination with adjuvant chemotherapy for high-risk patients can be curative. Treating patients with advanced disease consists of a staging surgery with maximum cytoreductive effort, followed by chemotherapy with a combination of taxane and carboplatin. Unfortunately, the majority of patients with advanced disease will relapse and become candidates for therapy that comprises individualised chemotherapy, and surgery in selected cases. For this reason, there is still a need for new treatments and strategies in the first-line setting.
Evanescent-Wave Coupling Of Fluorescence Into Guided Modes: FDTD Analysis

An important consideration in the analysis of optical waveguide sensors (such as the fiberoptic fluorescent immunosensor) is the amount of total emitted fluorescence from the surface-bound proteins which is trapped and guided by the waveguiding structure of the sensor. In this paper we use a new Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) numerical technique to analyze the percentage of total fluorescence from surface dipoles which is coupled into the guided mode via the mode's evanescent tail.
Exploring functional connectivity in fMRI via clustering

In this paper we investigate the use of data driven clustering methods for functional connectivity analysis in fMRI. In particular, we consider the K-Means and Spectral Clustering algorithms as alternatives to the commonly used Seed-Based Analysis. To enable clustering of the entire brain volume, we use the Nystrom Method to approximate the necessary spectral decompositions. We apply K-Means, Spectral Clustering and Seed-Based Analysis to resting-state fMRI data collected from 45 healthy young adults. Without placing any a priori constraints, both clustering methods yield partitions that are associated with brain systems previously identified via Seed-Based Analysis. Our empirical results suggest that clustering provides a valuable tool for functional connectivity analysis.
SENSORY EVALUATION OF CANNED MEAT-BASED FOODS SUPPLEMENTED WITH DRIED DISTILLERS GRAIN FLOUR

Dried distillers grain (DDG) flour was evaluated as an ingredient in canned meat-based foods — beef stew, chili no beans, and hot dog sauce. DDG can be supplemented up to 2.0% in beef stew, chili no beans, and hot dog sauce without significant changes in organoleptic characteristics such as appearance, flavor, mouthfeel, and overall acceptability. DDG may be used as a thickening agent along with modified starch in beef stew. In chili no beans and hot dog sauce, DDG can partially or completely replace texturized vegetable protein, soy or wheat flour.
C-Glycosylxanthones in the Fern Genus Athyrium

The C-glycossylxanthones, mangiferin and isomangigerin, have been detected in three species of Athyrium but appeared to be absent in 55 other species. The compounds appear to be of little value as taxonomic characters in the genus Athyrium or the subfamily Athyioideae.
Sézary syndrome: a study of 176 patients at Mayo Clinic.

Background Sezary syndrome (SS), a leukemic variant of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, is characterized by erythroderma and by atypical lymphocytes (Sezary cells) in peripheral blood. Although numerous studies have examined the range of disease in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, a relative paucity of data exists to describe the long-term outcome of patients with SS. Objective We sought to study long-term survival and prognostic factors of patients with SS. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted to identify patients with SS seen at Mayo Clinic from 1976 to 2010. Cox proportional hazards regression models, adjusted for age, were fit to evaluate factors associated with overall survival. Results In total, 176 patients were identified with a clinicopathologic diagnosis of SS. Overall survival was 86.1% and 42.3% at 1 and 5 years, respectively, after diagnosis (median survival, 4.0 years). After adjustment for age, potential predictors of worse survival included lactate dehydrogenase level at presentation (hazard ratio [HR] 1.71; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18-2.47 per doubling), prior diagnosis of mycosis fungoides (HR 2.68; 95% CI 1.44-4.98), and the presence of T-cell receptor gene rearrangements in skin (HR 2.59; 95% CI 1.38-4.87) and in blood (HR 2.05; 95% CI 1.00-4.21). Limitations This study is retrospective and represents a single academic center population. Conclusions To our knowledge, this research evaluated the largest population of patients with SS studied to date. It shows that overall survival continues to be poor, with a median survival of 4.0 years after diagnosis.
Contribution of pineal and retinae to the circadian rhythms of circulating melatonin in pigeons

Melatonin levels in the plasma of homing pigeons were measured by radioimmunoassay. In a 12∶12 LD cycle a robust daily rhythm of plasma melatonin was found in intact birds. This rhythm is significantly reduced in amplitude after pinealectomy, and disappears completely after the pinealectomized animals have been bilaterally enucleated. The results indicate that in the pigeon 70% of the nighttime peak of blood-borne melatonin comes from the pineal gland, while 17% comes from the retina. In addition, there is a relatively large amount (13%) of non-rhythmic melatonin of unidentified origin. The melatonin rhythm appears to be circadian in nature, since melatonin levels begin to fall before lights-on in LD, and rhythmicity persists in intact and pinealectomized birds for at least two cycles in DD. In conjunction with earlier studies, the present results are consistent with the hypothesis that melatonin serves as mediator of circadian information in the pigeon.
Using the securities and exchange commission's “plain English” guidelines to improve accounting students’ writing skills

Abstract In response to the strong emphasis that the accounting profession places on writing skills, we tested whether sustained application of the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) “Plain English” guidelines to student papers increases their readability and, by implication, improves the editing skills of student writers. We emphasized the SEC guidelines on three writing assignments in each of three courses offered at Wayne State University. To measure readability, we used Micro Power & Light Co.'s Readability Calculations program to determine the Flesch and Fog indices for all graded assignments. For the most part, we found that teaching and requiring use of the SEC guidelines significantly improved the readability of students’ papers. Faculty members at other programs may wish to consider using similar processes to improve students’ writing skills.
Selectively grown quantum well active layer in a photonic crystal optical microcavity

Photonic crystal microcavity devices containing InGaAs active layers grown on GaAs substrates have demonstrated poor performance largely because of rapid, non-radiative recombination at the air-InGaAs interface formed during the fabrication of the photonic crystal slab. We have used selective area epitaxial regrowth of the quantum well active layer to localize it to the defect of the photonic crystal structure. The fabrication process is described and the potential application to resonant photonic crystal devices is discussed.
Bayesian network models for error detection in radiotherapy plans

The purpose of this study is to design and develop a probabilistic network for detecting errors in radiotherapy plans for use at the time of initial plan verification. Our group has initiated a multi-pronged approach to reduce these errors. We report on our development of Bayesian models of radiotherapy plans. Bayesian networks consist of joint probability distributions that define the probability of one event, given some set of other known information. Using the networks, we find the probability of obtaining certain radiotherapy parameters, given a set of initial clinical information. A low probability in a propagated network then corresponds to potential errors to be flagged for investigation. To build our networks we first interviewed medical physicists and other domain experts to identify the relevant radiotherapy concepts and their associated interdependencies and to construct a network topology. Next, to populate the network’s conditional probability tables, we used the Hugin Expert software to learn parameter distributions from a subset of de-identified data derived from a radiation oncology based clinical information database system. These data represent 4990 unique prescription cases over a 5 year period. Under test case scenarios with approximately 1.5% introduced error rates, network performance produced areas under the ROC curve of 0.88, 0.98, and 0.89 for the lung, brain and female breast cancer error detection networks, respectively. Comparison of the brain network to human experts performance (AUC of 0.90 ± 0.01) shows the Bayes network model performs better than domain experts under the same test conditions. Our results demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of comprehensive probabilistic models as part of decision support systems for improved detection of errors in initial radiotherapy plan verification procedures.
Optimization and evaluation of varied line spacing plane grating monochromators for third-generation synchrotron radiation sources

Abstract Grazing incidence objective Monk-Gillieson type varied line spacing plane grating monochromators with a magnification of ∼ 1 10 have been designed by means of the hybrid method that takes advantages of both the ray-tracing and analytic methods. The resolving power of two monochromators thus designed was assessed experimentally at a bending magnet of the Advanced Light Source, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and found to be ∼6000 and >10000 both at 401 eV. These values were well agreed with those estimated by ray tracing that takes into account the slope errors of the optical components. The effect of the thermal deformation of the optical components on the resolving power was simulated. Also discussed are the versatility of the designed monochromators and an improved design with a wide wavelength scanning range of 0.5–10 nm.
Understanding the thermal efficiency of heat engines: a graphical approach

This paper presents a comparative study of the thermal efficiencies of mechanical heat engines by using a graphical approach based on the pressure–volume (P–V) diagram. Three types of idealized thermodynamic cycles—the Otto, the Diesel and the Brayton—are compared in pairs. Given the same temperature range within which the engines operate, the Brayton cycle is shown to have the highest efficiency. The effect of the compression ratio on the efficiency is also demonstrated. As the use of algebra and calculus is kept at a minimal level, the differences in the thermal efficiencies are illustrated in an intuitive and straightforward manner, making this approach suitable for teaching thermodynamics and related energy issues for a wide audience base.
Ruthenium Bis-diimine Complexes with a Chelating Thioether Ligand: Delineating 1,10-Phenanthrolinyl and 2,2′-Bipyridyl Ligand Substituent Effects

Despite the high π-acidity of thioether donors, ruthenium(II) complexes with a bidentate 1,2-bis(phenylthio)ethane (dpte) ligand and two chelating diimine ligands (i.e., Ru(diimine)2(dpte)2+) exhibit room-temperature fluid solution emission originating from a lowest MLCT excited state (diimine = 2,2′-bipyridine, 5,5′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine 4,4′-di-tert-butyl-2,2′-bipyridine, 1,10-phenanthroline, 5-methyl-1,10-phenanthroline, 5-chloro-1,10-phenanthroline, 5-bromo-1,10-phenanthroline, 5-nitro-1,10-phenanthroline, 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline, and 3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline). Crystal structures show that the complexes form 2 of the 12 possible conformational/configurational isomers, as well as nonstatistical distributions of geometric isomers; there also are short intramolecular π–π interactions between the diimine ligands and dpte phenyl groups. The photoinduced solvolysis product, [Ru(diimine)2(CH3CN)2](PF6)2, for one complex in acetonitrile also was characterized by single-crystal X-ray...
GROUP DELAY AND THE TIME‐LAG RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN STOCHASTIC PROCESSES

. A time-lag interpretation is given for the group delay between continuous-time weakly-stationary stochastic processes, and a corresponding time-lag relationship between stochastic processes is revealed. The group delay for discrete-time processes and its relationship to time leakage are also discussed.
Structural characterization of CdSe/ZnS core–shell quantum dots (QDs) using TEM/STEM observation

CdSe/ZnS core–shell structured nano-crystal quantum dots (QDs) are ideal candidates for light-emission applications due to their high quantum efficiency, narrow-band, and particle-size-tunable photoluminescence. In particular, their small size results in the quantum confinement of semiconductor nano-crystals, which widens their energy gaps. In general, structural analyses of QDs using a transmission electron microscope (TEM) are very important due to the significantly small size of QDs. We were able to obtain structural information of CdSe/ZnS core–shell QDs using nano-beam diffraction by controlling the nano-probe of the dark field scanning TEM (DF-STEM) mode and strain analysis with high-resolution TEM (HRTEM)/STEM images. Furthermore, we could clearly distinguish the interface between the CdSe core and the ZnS shell from the strain analysis with the HRTEM/STEM images.
Energy Stress Regulates Hippo-YAP Signaling Involving AMPK-Mediated Regulation of Angiomotin-like 1 Protein

Hippo signaling is a tumor-suppressor pathway involved in organ size control and tumorigenesis through the inhibition of YAP and TAZ. Here, we show that energy stress induces YAP cytoplasmic retention and S127 phosphorylation and inhibits YAP transcriptional activity and YAP-dependent transformation. These effects require the central metabolic sensor AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and the upstream Hippo pathway components Lats1/Lats2 and angiomotin-like 1 (AMOTL1). Furthermore, we show that AMPK directly phosphorylates S793 of AMOTL1. AMPK activation stabilizes and increases AMOTL1 steady-state protein levels, contributing to YAP inhibition. The phosphorylation-deficient S793Ala mutant of AMOTL1 showed a shorter half-life and conferred resistance to energy-stress-induced YAP inhibition. Our findings link energy sensing to the Hippo-YAP pathway and suggest that YAP may integrate spatial (contact inhibition), mechanical, and metabolic signals to control cellular proliferation and survival.
Crescent sign on magnetic resonance angiography revealing incomplete stent apposition: correlation with diffusion-weighted changes in stent-mediated coil embolization of aneurysms

Object Few data are available on how closely stents appose the luminal vessel wall in stent-mediated coil embolization of intracranial aneurysms and on the effect of incomplete stent apposition on procedural thromboembolic complications. Methods Postprocedural 3-T MR diffusion-weighted imaging and time-of-flight angiography were obtained in 58 patients undergoing stent-mediated coil embolization of aneurysms using the Enterprise closed-cell and Neuroform open-cell self-expanding intracranial microstents. Results A distinctive semilunar signal pattern, identified using 3-T MR angiography, represented flow outside the confines of the stent struts in patients in whom Enterprise but not Neuroform devices were used. This pattern, designated as the crescent sign, was confirmed to correspond to incomplete stent apposition by use of high-resolution angiographic flat-panel CT scanning revealing flow ingress into and egress out of the isolated luminal wedge. The presence of the crescent sign was seen in 18 of 33 En...
A sensitive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) against the major EBV-associated antigens. I. Correlation between ELISA and immunofluorescence titers using purified antigens

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for the major Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) associated antigens. The ELISA assay was based on purified protein components of virus-capsid antigen (VCA), early antigen (EA), membrane antigen (MA) and the nuclear antigen (EBNA). These antigens, except EBNA, were purified on immunoaffinity columns containing monoclonal antibodies, while EBNA was purified by biochemical methods. Screening of 69 human sera including 26 sera from individuals with infectious mononucleosis against these antigens in ELISA showed a good correlation with immunofluorescence titers against the major groups of EBV associated antigens. The results indicated that the ELISA technique using purified EBV proteins could be useful for detecting and monitoring antibody responses to different EBV proteins in patients with EBV-associated diseases.
Comparison of the mini-open versus laparoscopic approach for anterior lumbar interbody fusion: a retrospective review.

OBJECTIVE The anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) procedure has become an accepted fusion technique for treating patients with degenerative disorders of the lumbar spine. Many consider laparoscopic ALIF to be the least invasive approach. A modification of the open laparotomy--the "mini-open" approach--is an attractive alternative. In this retrospective review, a comparison of these two ALIF approaches is presented. METHODS We conducted a retrospective review of 98 patients who underwent ALIF procedures between 1996 and 2001 in which either a mini-open or a laparoscopic approach was used. Patient demographics, intraoperative parameters, length of hospitalization, and technique-related complications associated with the use of these two approaches were compared. The subset of patients who underwent L5-S1 ALIF procedures was analyzed separately. Statistical analysis was conducted with chi2 and Student's paired t tests. RESULTS Between 1996 and 2001, a total of 98 patients underwent ALIF. A laparoscopic approach was used in 47 of these patients, and the mini-open technique was used in the other 51 patients. Operative preparation and procedure time were longer with the use of a laparoscopic approach, and significantly greater during L5-S1 ALIF procedures (P < 0.05). A marginal but significant increase in length of stay was observed after mini-open ALIF procedures (P < 0.05). The immediate postoperative complication rate was greater after mini-open ALIF procedures, 17.6 versus 4.3% (P < 0.05); however, the rate of retrograde ejaculation was higher in the laparoscopic group, 45 versus 6% (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Both the laparoscopic and mini-open techniques are effective approaches to use when performing ALIF procedures. On the basis of the data obtained in this retrospective review, the laparoscopic approach does not seem to have a definitive advantage over the mini-open exposure, particularly in an L5-S1 ALIF procedure. In our opinion, the mini-open approach possesses a number of theoretical advantages; however, the individual surgeon's preference ultimately is likely to be the dictating factor.
Security Education Using Second Life

Institutions of higher education, government agencies, and private organizations have been making sustained efforts to teach some information security skills more efficiently. In these efforts to improve security education, the dominant pedagogical approach has been to use security exercises in a lab setting.
Temperature gradients in lightweight aggregate concrete box-girder bridges

Currently, very few field-measured temperature data exist for actual bridge structures, particularly for large lightweight aggregate concrete box-girder bridges. In this paper, temperature data from an instrumented long-span single-cell box-girder bridge are presented. Measured positive and negative temperature gradients are compared with that prescribed by the US bridge design codes. Temperature gradients were observed to exceed the current specifications in a short measurement period. Measured temperature, which is expressed in terms of the difference between high and low temperatures, was found to track well with the empirical predictive equations proposed in the literature.
The vibrational spectra of iodoacetic acid and sodium iodoacetate

Abstract The complete vibrational spectra of iodoacetic acid and sodium iodoacetate have been recorded. A tentative vibrational assignment for both molecules is proposed based on these spectra, the infrared spectra of iodoacetic acid-d1, and previous results with other halogenated acetic acids. The spectra of iodoacetic acid can best be interpreted in terms of a hydrogen bonded dimer structure in the liquid and most common solid state. The two monomer units are sufficiently strongly coupled so that “pseudo” C2h selection rules are followed. There is no evidence for the existence of more than one rotational isomer at room temperature or below and the data are most consistent with a structure in which the iodine atom is trans, or nearly trans, to the carbon-oxygen single bond of the acid.
An economic model for air cargo overbooking under stochastic capacity

Overbooking is the practice of intentionally selling more cargo than the available capacity in order to minimize spoilage and/or oversale. Overbooking becomes more complicated when the available capacity is not known with certainty. In this paper, a cost model is presented for optimal overbooking of air cargo under uncertain capacity. Expressions are derived for calculating overbooking levels for discrete and continuous probability distributions of capacity. The model is illustrated with numerical examples.
Compact Directive Ultra-Wideband Rectangular Waveguide Based Antenna for Radar and Communication Applications

A new directive ultra-wideband antenna based on rectangular waveguide aperture antennas is presented. Conventional rectangular aperture antennas are limited by the single mode operation of the waveguide as well as relatively long and narrowband resonant feeds. To overcome these limitations, we developed a new rectangular waveguide antenna feeding structure that can establish an aperture field distribution very similar to that of the fundamental waveguide mode with a relatively short waveguide section and over two octaves of bandwidth. The overall antenna size is 0.55 λm × 0.27λm × 0.18 λm where λm is wavelength at the minimum operating frequency. Due to the planar aperture of the antenna, a polarizer could be added to the antenna to ensure good cross-polarization performance with fabrication tolerances. The proposed feed requires a balun structure, and thus an integrated balun design is presented. It is found that a standard balun would interact with the antenna structure and thus a modified design was implemented. The antenna was fabricated and measured. The antenna had VSWR <; 2.5 from 1.08 to 4.9 GHz and the measured gain showed almost constant aperture gain which increases from 5.3 dBi at the low frequency end to 11 dBi at the high frequency edge.
The Annual Meetings of National Associations and the Inference for Convention Marketing

Abstract This study examined the characteristics of national associations' annual meetings in addition to the venue selection decision. Data were collected from randomly selected associations out of the National Trade and Professional Associations of the United States Directory of 1998 through self-administered surveys. The findings are two-tiered. The first finding is a descriptive analysis of the survey data that provides a profile of the annual meeting market of national associations. The second tier draws inferences from the data about relationships between the scale of events and the other characteristics of the events. Implications of the results of this study may help convention center marketing managers to market more effectively.
An Omnidirectional, Direct Singularity Drive System and its Inverse Kinematic Model

This paper presents an omnidirectional drive system. The design presented here involves a spinning hemispherical wheel mounted on a gimbal. The wheel operates at its singularity point when in the “neutral” or static position. As the gimbal is tilted, the wheel provides a thrust vector to the vehicle. The tilt determines the effective radius of the wheel, which in turn determines the amount of power that can be transmitted for motion. The paper presents the design and kinematic and inverse kinematics analysis of a singularity drive mechanism.Vehicles can have single or multiple singularity drive mechanisms to achieve increasing levels of maneuverability. From a control standpoint, each singularity drive is kinematically decoupled from other drives on the same vehicle. Vehicles with one, two and three singularity drive mechanisms are introduced and some experimental results are presented.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Kinetic anisotropy and dendritic growth in electrochemical deposition.

It is shown that kinetic anisotropy stabilizes dendritic growth in electrochemical deposition of copper, and that in its absence the growth tips are unstable to splitting. The degree of anisotropy in the interfacial dynamics, which may be controlled through the chemistry of the electrolyte solution, was determined by the measurement of open-circuit potentials of single-crystal electrodes under nonequilibrium conditions. The experiments provide direct evidence that microscopic interfacial anisotropy in depositional growth stabilizes the dendritic morphology.
Multi-class pattern classification using neural networks

Multi-class pattern classification has many applications including text document classification, speech recognition, object recognition, etc. Multi-class pattern classification using neural networks is not a trivial extension from two-class neural networks. This paper presents a comprehensive and competitive study in multi-class neural learning with focuses on issues including neural network architecture, encoding schemes, training methodology and training time complexity. Our study includes multi-class pattern classification using either a system of multiple neural networks or a single neural network, and modeling pattern classes using one-against-all, one-against-one, one-against-higher-order, and P-against-Q. We also discuss implementations of these approaches and analyze training time complexity associated with each approach. We evaluate six different neural network system architectures for multi-class pattern classification along the dimensions of imbalanced data, large number of pattern classes, large vs. small training data through experiments conducted on well-known benchmark data.
Bioassay of procoagulant albumin in human plasma

Abstract Procoagulant albumin (P-Al) is present in normal human plasma and increases monocyte and endothelial cell expression of tissue factor activity. To develop a bioassay for P-Al, we partially purified plasma from healthy volunteers and several patient groups using BaCl 2 and (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 precipitation. The samples were assayed for tissue factor (TF) inducing activity, expressed as a percentage increase compared to a serum-free media control. Over six months, the assay was reproducible in stored samples and in serial samples from normal volunteers. The plasma P-Al activities of 35 volunteers averaged 141 ± 8.2% (SEM). There was no diurnal variation. There was no difference in the P-Al activity after a 12 hour fast and 2 hours after a large meal in 4 healthy volunteers. There was no increase in activity (r = 0.16) with the subject's age. The average activity from 16 poorly-controlled diabetics was 131 ± 11% (SEM). No alteration in activity was seen with samples from patients with uremia, liver dysfunction, hemophilia, thrombotic events, or adenocarcinoma. These results indicate that P-Al activity can be bioassayed in individual patient samples; however, pathologic states associated with abnormal P-Al-induced tissue factor activity presently remain unidentified.
The extracellular matrix, interstitial fluid and ions as a mechanical signal transducer in articular cartilage

Abstract Objective: (1) Provide an overview of the biomechanical factors that are required to analyze and interpret biological data from explant experiments; (2) Present a description of some of the mechano-electrochemical events which occur in cartilage explants during loading. Design: A thorough and provocative discussion on the effects of loading on articular cartilage will be presented. Five simplest loading cases are considered: hydrostatic pressure, osmotic pressure, permeation (pressure loading), confined compression and unconfined compression. Details of how such surface loadings are converted or transduced by the extracellular matrix (ECM) to pressure, fluid, solute and ion flows, deformation and electrical fields are discussed. Results: Similarities and differences in these quantities for the five types of loading are specifically noted. For example, it is noted that there is no practical mechanical loading condition that can be achieved in the laboratory to produce effects that are equal to the effects of osmotic pressure loading within the ECM. Some counter-intuitive effects from these loadings are also described. Further, the significance of flow-induced compression of the ECM is emphasized, since this frictional drag effect is likely to be one of the major effects of fluid flow through the porous-permeable ECM. Streaming potentials arising from the flow of ions past the fixed charges of the ECM are discussed in relation to the flow-induced compaction effect as well. Conclusion: Understanding the differences among these explant loading cases is important; it will help to provide greater insights to the mechano-electrochemical events which mediate metabolic responses of chondrocytes in explant loading experiments.
Authenticity on the Ground: Engaging the Past in a California Ghost Town

This qualitative study explores how the concept of authenticity is constructed, experienced and employed by visitors and staff in the provocative landscape of the ghost town of Bodie, California. Bodie State Historic Park, once a booming gold-mining town, now greets some two hundred thousand tourists annually and is widely applauded for its authenticity. In this paper, I explore the meaning of this term in its ghost-town context: while boom-town Bodie was a bustling commercial center, ghost-town Bodie appears abandoned and devoid of commercial activity. Thus, authenticity in a ghost town is not tied to the accuracy with which it represents its past. Yet a version of Bodie's past is what both visitors and staff experience: they employ Bodie's authenticity to engage with the mythic West, a romanticized version of the Anglo-American past that upholds dominant contemporary Anglo-American values. Bodie's false-fronted facades and ramshackle miners' cabins call forth these images, familiar to visitors from movi...
Influence of reaction conditions on MS values and physical properties of waxy maize starch derivatized by reaction with propylene oxide

Abstract Waxy maize starch was hydroxypropylated under different swelling conditions (pH, temperature, salt type, salt concentration) to determine the effect of reaction conditions on the extent of modification. MS, pasting temperatures, and paste characteristics of the products were determined. pH had the greatest effect on the extent of reaction. MS values increased as the pH was raised from 10.7 to 11.7. In most cases, samples hydroxypropylated in the presence of NaCl had lower or equal MS values as compared to those reacted in the presence of Na2SO4, and reactions carried out in the presence of NaCl were more sensitive to changes in pH than were those conducted in the presence of Na2SO4. The lower MS values for samples reacted in the presence of NaCl was most notable at the lowest pH value. Temperature had less effect on reaction efficiency. No substantial differences were found in pasting temperature or peak viscosity. Under conditions that promoted greatest swelling, viz. highest pH (11.7) and highest temperature used (54 °C), some granules reacted in the presence of NaCl gelatinized, i.e. NaCl failed to prevent pasting. Therefore, it was confirmed that Na2SO4 better protects against gelatinization than does NaCl. The concentration of Na2SO4 (0.395 vs. 0.527 m) only slightly affected MS values.
Tolerance to hepatitis B antigen: a hypothesis for its termination with 'immune-RNA'.

Abstract Immunologic tolerance to hepatitis B antigen, evidenced by a lack of specific cellular and humoral immune response to HBsAg, produces a chronic carrier state which serves as an epidemiologic reservoir for the transmission of viral hepatitis type B. It is proposed that cell-mediated immunity transferred with immune-RNA may serve to terminate immunologic tolerance to hepatitis B antigen and abolish the carrier state. The efficacy and safety of ‘immune-RNA’ administration to chronic carriers can be validated by leukocyte migration inhibition techniques in vitro and in HBsAg positive chimpanzees in vivo .
Pattern-Recognition Approach to Neuropathy and Neuronopathy

Neuropathic disorders encompass those that affect the neuron's cell body or neuronopathies, those affecting the peripheral process, or peripheral neuropathies. The peripheral neuropathies can be broadly subdivided into the myelinopathies and axonopathies, conditions which can be hereditary or acquired. Each of these disorders has distinct clinical features that enable neurologists to recognize the various patterns of presentation. Once a particular pattern is established, further laboratory studies can be performed to support the clinical impression.
β-Endorphin alters a viral induced central nervous system disease in normal mice but not in nude mice

A single intracerebroventricular injection of 100 ng of beta-endorphin altered the course of the central nervous system (CNS) infection of a temperature-sensitive mutant of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), tsG31-KS5. When mice were administered beta-endorphin and then 24 h later infected intracerebrally with tsG31-KS5 VSV, 70% of the animals died within 8 days of infection. In comparison, less than 10% of the animals had died after 21 days when infected with tsG31-KS5 VSV alone. When mice were injected with beta-endorphin and tsG31-KS5 VSV simultaneously, or with beta-endorphin 21 days after infection, the more aggressive clinical disease was not observed. Superficially, the more lethal disease induced by beta-endorphin appeared to be a result of a mild hypothermia caused by the neuropeptide. beta-Endorphin, however, did not influence the disease in nude (nu/nu) mice even though their core temperatures were reduced to an extent similar to that of BALB/c (+/+) mice, implicating the involvement of T lymphocytes in the alteration of the course of infection in normal mice.
Using the gravity equation to differentiate among alternative theories of trade

The simple gravity equation explains a great deal about the data on bilateral trade flows and is consistent with several theoretical models of trade. We argue that alternative theories nev- ertheless predict subtle differences in key parameter values, depending on whether goods are homogeneous or differentiated and whether or not there are barriers to entry. Our empirical work for differentiated goods delivers results consistent with the theoretical predictions of the monopolistic-competition model, or a reciprocal-dumping model with free entry. Homo- geneous goods are described by a model with national (Armington) product differentiation or
Comparative studies on blood-stream and culture forms of Trypanosoma lewisi— II. Biochemical composition

Abstract 1. 1. The non-protein nitrogen and RNA content per milligram dry weight and per trypanosome of both the blood-stream and culture forms is higher at 4 days than at any other time during cultivation or infection. 2. 2. The percentage protein per milligram of dry weight of the blood-stream forms increases during the course of the infection, but it decreases during the growth of the culture forms. 3. 3. The 4-day blood-stream form has a lower protein content per trypanosome than 7- and 12-day blood-stream or 4-, 6- and 10-day culture forms. 4. 4. Variation in the dry weight of trypanosomes occur both with the blood-stream and culture forms. 5. 5. Variations in neural lipid, phospholipid and cholesterol content per trypanosome appear to exist in both forms. 6. 6. The amounts of RNA and protein, but not DNA, per trypanosome for the culture forms of Trypanosoma lewisi and Trypanosoma cruzi are similar.