cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Emergent properties of mitotic chromosomes

As a cell prepares to divide, its genetic material changes dramatically in both form and function. During interphase, a dynamic interplay between DNA compartmentalization and transcription functions to program cell identity. During mitosis, this purpose is put on hold and instead chromosomes function to facilitate their accurate segregation to daughter cells. Chromatin loops are rearranged, stacked, and compressed to form X-shaped chromosomes that are neatly aligned at the center of the mitotic spindle and ready to withstand the forces of anaphase. Many factors that contribute to mitotic chromosome assembly have now been identified, but how the plethora of molecular mechanisms operate in concert to give rise to the distinct form and physical properties of mitotic chromosomes at the cellular scale remains under active investigation. In this review, we discuss recent work that addresses a major challenge for the field: How to connect the molecular-level activities to large-scale changes in whole-chromosome architecture that determine mitotic chromosome size, shape, and function.
Chapter Twenty-Seven – Norovirus

This chapter discusses Norovirus basic microbiology, natural history of the organism, clinical features and epidemiology of waterborne outbreaks, including transmission, distribution and persistence in the environment, removal by treatment and waterborne outbreaks. Clinical symptoms of norovirus are generally mild and self-limiting: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and fever that last for 1–3 days. Mortality is rare and has occurred mainly in people with pre-existing conditions and the elderly. Transmission is faecal–oral, either person-to-person or through a common source such as water or food. Aerosolization from vomitus is a source of infection as well. Secondary spread can be high in noroviruses. An infectious dose of 10 PCR-detectable units through oral ingestion has been shown. The lack of a robust cell culture technique has limited the amount of information on the presence of infective noroviruses in the environment. Using molecular methods, noroviruses have been identified in sewage, effluent, river and sea water.
Luminescence of Lanthanide Complexes with Perfluorinated Alkoxide Ligands.

Four groups of rare-earth complexes, comprising 11 new compounds, with fluorinated O-donor ligands ([K(THF)6][Ln(OC4F9)4(THF)2] (1-Ln; Ln = Ce, Nd), [K](THF)x[Ln(OC4F9)4(THF)y] (2-Ln; Ln = Eu, Gd, Dy), [K(THF)2][Ln(pinF)2(THF)3] (3-Ln; Ln = Ce, Nd), and [K(THF)2][Ln(pinF)2(THF)2] (4-Ln; Ln = Eu, Gd, Dy, Y) have been synthesized and characterized. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction data were collected for all compounds except 2-Ln. Species 1-Ln, 3-Ln, and 4-Ln are uncommon examples of six-coordinate (Eu, Gd, Dy, and Y) and seven-coordinate (Ce and Nd) LnIII centers in all-O-donor environments. Species 1-Ln, 2-Ln, 3-Ln, and 4-Ln are all luminescent (except where Ln = Gd and Y), with the solid-state emission of 1-Ce being exceptionally blue-shifted for a Ce complex. The emission spectra of the six Nd, Eu, and Dy complexes do not show large differences based on the ligand and are generally consistent with the well-known free-ion spectra. Time-dependent density functional theory results show that 1-Ce and 3-Ce undergo allowed 5f → 4d excitations, consistent with luminescence lifetime measurements in the nanosecond range. Eu-containing 2-Eu and 4-Eu, however, were found to have luminescence lifetimes in the millisecond range, indicating phosphorescence rather than fluorescence. The performance of a pair of multireference models for prediction of the Ln = Nd, Eu, and Dy absorption spectra was assessed. It was found that spectroscopy-oriented configuration interaction as applied to a simplified model in which the free-ion lanthanide was embedded in ligand-centered Lowdin point charges performed as well (Nd) or better (Eu and Dy) than canonical NEVPT2 calculations, when the ligand orbitals were included in the treatment.
More than one pandemic: how New York City community members fight against coronavirus and systematic oppression

Social workers and community organizers were amongst the first to respond to Black and Brown communities during the emergence COVID-19. The quick and strategic actions taken by Social workers and c...
Music Teachers’ Perceptions of General Music as a Required Middle Level Course

In most middle level schools, the curriculum includes a range of elective courses, often called exploratory courses. General music is one of the many exploratory courses commonly offered in middle ...
Classification of small ruminant lentivirus subtype A2, subgroups 1 and 2 based on whole genome comparisons and complex recombination patterns

Background: Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs) cause a multisystemic chronic wasting disease in sheep across much of the world. SRLV subtype A2 is prevalent in North America and further classified into multiple subgroups based on variation in the group antigens gene (gag) and envelope (env) genes. In sheep, the ovine transmembrane protein 154 (TMEM154) gene is associated with SRLV susceptibility. Ewes with at least one copy of TMEM154 encoding a full-length protein with glutamate at position 35 (E35; haplotypes 2 and 3), are highly susceptible to SRLV infection while ewes with any combination of TMEM154 haplotypes which encodes lysine (K35; haplotype 1), or truncated proteins (haplotypes 4 and 6) are several times less so. A2 subgroups 1 and 2 are associated with host TMEM154 genotypes; subgroup 1 with the K35/K35 genotype and subgroup 2 with the E35/E35 genotype. Methods: Sequence variation within and among full-length assemblies of SRLV subtype A2 subgroups 1 and 2 was analyzed to identify genome-scale recombination patterns and subgroup-specific variants. Results: Consensus viral genomes were assembled from 23 infected sheep, including animals of assorted TMEM154 genotypes comprised of haplotypes 1, 2, or 3. Viral genome analysis identified viral subgroups 1 and 2 among the samples, and revealed additional sub-structure within subgroup 2 based on models predicting complex patterns of recombination between the two subgroups in several genomes. Animals with evidence of dual subgroup infection also possessed the most diverse quasi-species and the most highly recombined consensus genomes. After accounting for recombination, 413 subgroup diagnostic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified. Conclusions: The viral subgroup framework developed to classify SRLV consensus genomes along a continuum of recombination suggests that animals with the TMEM154 E35/K35 genotype may represent a reservoir for producing viral genomes representing recombination between A2 subgroups 1 and 2.
“To See You Made Humble”: Agency and Ethos in The Stanley Parable

This chapter examines Galactic Cafe’s The Stanley Parable (2013) (TSP) and explores how the game encourages players to reflect on their role as an ethical subject in the gameworld. TSP encourages this reflection by giving players the opportunity to make choices which, from the players’ perspective, run counter to the game’s expectations, thereby creating a direct relationship between seeming player agency and the ethos of the game overall. Using Sicart’s theory of the ethics of games, and Foucault’s theory of the docile body, this piece considers how this relationship between player agency and ethos may serve as the primary tool that players use to critique the ethos of any given gameworld, not just in TSP. Understanding how player agency can be used as a tool for exploring the ethos of video games may lead to a more nuanced understanding of how ethical rules and values can be negotiated between player, avatar, and designer.
Everything Worthy of Observation: The 1826 New York State Travel Journal of Alexander Stewart Scott: Excelsior Editions, edited by Paul G. Schneider, Jr., Albany, State University of New York Press, 2019, xi + 183 pp., $95 (cloth), $31.95 (paperback), ISBN 978-1-4384-7515-8/

This critical edition of an 1826 travel diary begins with one of those quotidian miracles in the life of a working historian. Discovered in the New York State Library in 2015 by a graduate student,...
Suppressing non-radiative generation and recombination in LEDs, PVs, and photodiode detectors via inhomogeneous doping around the depletion region co-located with a heterojunction

We present a design principle for photonically-active double-heterojunction (DHJ) diodes that utilizes spatial control over the distribution of dopant impurities in the growth direction to suppress non-radiative Shockley-Read-Hall (SRH) carrier generation and recombination processes. These non-radiative processes constitute major parasitics in numerous devices, including light-emitting diodes (LEDs), photovoltaics (PVs), and photo-diode detectors (PDs). The design principle is general to all diodes with carrier-confining heterojunctions and is agnostic to material system. As a result, devices based on semiconductors in Group IV (e.g. SiGe), III-V (e.g. GaN, AlGaAs, GaInAsP, GaInAsSb), II-VI (e.g. MgZnCdTe, ZnCdSeS), and others can theoretically benefit from it. To illustrate the principle, here we will model LEDs, PVs, and PDs in the InP-lattice-matched GaInAsP material system. We show that LEDs’ Internal Quantum Efficiency (IQE) is raised, with a major impact at low forward bias voltages. The modeling presented here shows that, because thermophotonic refrigerator LEDs operate at these voltages, the design principle could prove to be a major step toward realizing the Kelvinscale and larger temperature reductions that have remained experimentally elusive to date. Next, we show that redesigned PVs exhibit higher open-circuit voltage and efficiency, with significant improvement in cells with the high defect densities typical of lattice mismatched III-V cells grown on inexpensive Silicon substrates. Finally, we show that PDs exhibit improvements in dark current during reverse bias operation and shunt resistance during photovoltaic operation, quantities that can impact the noise floor of receivers in optical communication systems and thus the overall power consumption of photonic links.
Oblique-incidence Sagnac interferometric scanning microscope for studying magneto-optic effects of materials at low temperatures.

We describe an oblique-incidence zero-area Sagnac interferometric microscope for studying spatial and temperature dependence of magneto-optic (MO) effects in samples under cryogenic conditions. The microscope is capable of independently measuring Kerr effects from three Cartesian components of a magnetization and thus can be used to map out the magnetization vector across the sample. For illustration, we present MO Kerr effect images of magnetic domains at 77 K of a LaCrGe3 crystal terminated with an a–c plane (the plane that contains the lattice a-axis and c-axis). We further present measurements of magnetization in these domains from 90 to 77 K during zero-field cooling and field cooling in an external magnetic field from 20 to 150 Oe. The inherently high sensitivity and the capability of detecting a magnetization without external modulation makes such a Sagnac interferometric microscope particularly useful for studying magnetic effects in novel materials at low temperatures.
Does the Type of MRI Sequence Influence Perceived Quality and Measurement Consistency in Investigations of the Anatomy of the Velopharynx

Purpose:The purpose of this study was to evaluate perceived image quality, confidence in identifying key velopharyngeal landmarks, and reliability of making velopharyngeal measures between 3-dimens...
Clinical reviewDiagnosis of gastrointestinal graft-versus-host disease

Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation is becoming increasingly performed for a variety of disorders but primarily for hematological malignancies. Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), which often involves the GI tract, is one of the most common complications of this type of transplantation. The diagnosis of GI GVHD can be difficult to establish because of the nonspecific nature of associated symptoms, few diagnostic endoscopic findings, and potential difficulty in making a histological diagnosis. In this review, we summarize current concepts and controversies regarding the diagnostic evaluation for GI GVHD.
Pythagorean Neutrosophic Soft Sets and Their Application to Decision-Making Scenario

Pythagorean Neutrosophic set is a fresh idea that combines Pythagorean fuzzy set and Neutrosophic set having dependent components Membership \((\alpha )\) and non-membership \((\sigma )\) and independent component Indeterminacy \((\beta )\) satisfying the condition \(0\le \alpha ^{2}+\beta ^{2}+\sigma ^{2} \le 2\). The main goal of this study is to extend this concept to soft sets and define a new concept of Pythagorean Neutrosophic soft sets. This concept has been given a few definitions and operations, as well as some properties. An illustration is provided to demonstrate a novel decision-making technique based on Pythagorean neutrosophic soft sets.
Particularization of the Sequence of Spacetime/intrinsic Spacetime Geometries and Associated Sequence of Theories in a Metric Force Field to the Gravitational Field.

The two stages of evolution of spacetime/intrinsic spacetime and the associated spacetime /intrinsic spacetime geometries in a long range metric force field, isolated in previous papers, are particularized to the gravitational field. The theory of relativity on flat four-dimensional spacetime (E3, ct) and the intrinsic theory relativity on the underlying flat two-dimensional intrinsic spacetime (φρ, φcφt), due to the presence of a metric force field, as well as the absolute intrinsic metric theory (of the metric force field) on curved �two-dimensional� absolute intrinsic spacetime (φρ^, φc^φt^), which evolve at the second (and final) stage of evolution of spacetime/intrinsic spacetime in a long range metric force field, developed in the previous papers, become the theory of gravitational relativity (TGR) on the flat four-dimensional relativistic spacetime, the intrinsic theory of gravitational relativity (φTGR) on the underlying flat two-dimensional relativistic intrinsic spacetime and the metric theory of absolute intrinsic gravity (φMAG) on the curved �two-dimensional� absolute intrinsic spacetime in a gravitational field. The basic aspects of these co-existing theories in every gravitational field are developed.
Discontinuous Finite Element Methods for Coupled Surface–Subsurface Flow and Transport Problems

A numerical method is proposed to solve the coupled flow and transport problems in adjacent surface and subsurface regions. The flow problem is characterized by the Navier–Stokes (or Stokes) equations coupled by Darcy equations. In the subsurface, the diffusion coefficient of the transport equation depends on the velocity field in a nonlinear manner. The interior penalty discontinuous Galerkin method is used for the spatial discretization, and the backward Euler technique for the time integration. Convergence of the scheme is theoretically derived. Numerical examples show the robustness of the method for heterogeneous and fractured porous media.
Cryptanalysis of ADFGVX encipherment systems

The ADFGX cryptographic system, invented by Fritz Nebel, was introduced by Germany during World War I on March 5, 1918. The names ADFGX and ADFGVX for the successor system refer to the use of only five (and later six) letters A, D, F, G, (V,) X in the ciphertext alphabet. Kahn [KA] suggests that these letters were chosen because differences in Morse International symbols.
Marginal Rate of Substitution

This article describes the economic concept of marginal rate of substitution and its relation to consumer utility within the indifference curve model of consumer behavior. It describes, through example, its measurement and how this measure indicates the degree to which two consumer goods are substitutes. Keywords: utility; indifference curves; substitute goods
Studies on gene control regions. VII. Effect of 5-bromuracil-substituted lac operators on the lac operator-lac repressor interaction.

Abstract Seventeen site-specific 5-bromouracil analogs of lac operator DNA were prepared by a combination of chemical and enzymatic procedures. The dissociation kinetics of these analogs with wild-type (SQ) and tight-binding (QX86) repressers were determined. At some sites the 5-bromouracil analog essentially doubled the dissociation half-life whereas at other sites the dissociation half-life was only half that of the unmodified operator. These changes in dissociation half-life were used to map partially regions of the lac operator that are in contact with lac represser. Furthermore, these changes were observed to be symmetric in the outer regions of the operator. An increase (or decrease) in binding at one site was also observed at the symmetrically related site. These observations suggest a symmetry of interaction between the outer symmetric operator sequences and the lac repressor at some sites. The results from experiments measuring dissociation kinetics also suggest the following: (1) the lac operator spans at least 21 base-pairs; (2) QX86 and SQ repressors interact differently with lac operator at many operator sites; (3) the dissociation of several 5-bromouracil analogs from repressors exhibits no ionic strength dependence; (4) changes in binding free energy brought about by individual 5-bromouracil substitutions are not additive when compared to changes observed for multiple-site substituted operators.
AGREEMENT BETWEEN T2 AND HASTE SEQUENCES IN THE EVALUATION OF THORACOLUMBAR INTERVERTEBRAL DISC DISEASE IN DOGS

The purpose of this study was to compare half-Fourier-acquisition single-shot turbo spin-echo (HASTE) and T2-weighted (T2-W) sequences in dogs with thoracolumbar disc extrusion. MRI studies in 60 dogs (767 individual intervertebral disc spaces) were evaluated. Agreement between T2-W and HASTE sequences was assessed for two criteria: presence of an extradural lesion and treatment recommendation. There was moderate agreement between T2-W and HASTE sequences as to presence of an extradural lesion (kappa = 0.575). HASTE was in agreement in 96.1% of the sites where no extradural lesion was identified on T2-W images, but only in 58.1% of the sites where extradural lesions were identified on T2-W images. There was also moderate agreement between T2-W and HASTE sequences as to treatment recommendations (kappa = 0.476). HASTE was in agreement in 98.4% of the sites where a lesion was considered nonsurgical on T2 but only 82.1% of sites a lesion was considered surgical on T2. In 1.0% of sites considered not surgical and in 9.8% of sites considered equivocal based on T2-W images, a surgical lesion was identified on HASTE. Acquisition of a HASTE sequence in addition to conventional sequences may be beneficial in determining the severity of spinal cord compression in some cases when evaluating the canine spine.
A Review of “Introductory Concepts in Information Science”

The author makes it quite clear that this book, the second edition of her 2000 volume, is not meant to be comprehensive or complete. It is an “introduction” to the concepts of information and infor...
ADDITIVE EFFECTS OF MULTIPLE SEGREGATION DISTORTER (SD) CHROMOSOMES ON SPERM DYSFUNCTION IN DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER

A portion of the Segregation distorter (SD) chromosome, including both the Sd and E(SD) loci, has been moved by insertional translocation from SD Roma into Y(L ). This Dp(2;Y)SD chromosome shows a negligible reduction in its ability to cause dysfunction of Rsp( s)-bearing sperm when compared to the parent SD chromosome, suggesting that SD can still act effectively, even when removed from its normal second chromosome milieu, and that its activity level does not depend on pairing with a normal autosomal homologue. Male genotypes have been constructed using this Dp(2;Y)SD along with a standard SD chromosome (either SD Roma or R( SD-36)-1(bw)) and a third chromosome suppressor of SD (TM6) in all possible three-way combinations. The observed level of SD-mediated dysfunction in each case is most compatible with a model that assumes that all SD elements act additively (in terms of M, the probit transformation of the probability of sperm dysfunction), rather than multiplicatively. The additive action of SD elements contrasts with the independent response to SD activity exhibited by multiple Rsp(s) copies.
Construction of Forehand Drive, Backhand Drive, and Service Tennis Tests

Abstract The purpose of the study was to develop a battery of tennis skills tests in a manner that would serve as a model for test construction. A series of 12 procedures was outlined and followed in the construction of forehand drive, backhand drive, and service tests of accuracy in placement for novice tennis players, referred to as the TTA (Tennis Tests of Achievement). The planning and formulation of the TTA were based on: (a) knowledge of tennis authorities including recommended drive and service teaching progressions and methods of practice; (b) strengths and deficiencies in existing tennis skills tests; and (c) results of pilot procedures relating to the nature of the tests. A circular target was created to provide an objective method of measuring accuracy in drive and service placement. Male volunteers (N = 64) at the beginning level of tennis ability participated in an appraisal of the tests. Reliability coefficients, ascertained by the test-retest method, were .80 for the service test, .67 for f...
Partition sums for non-local thermodynamic equilibrium applications

Abstract Internal partition functions are calculated for nine molecules, which are abundant in the terrestrial atmosphere and are important in non-local thermodynamic equilibrium processes. Calculations are performed for the most abundant isotopomer and for several molecules for lesser abundant isotopomers as well. The temperature range considered in the study is for applications in the terrestrial atmosphere from 100 to 450 K . The resulting rotational and vibrational partition functions are each fit separately to a polynomial expression, which is third order in temperature. The methods of calculation of the partition functions, the convergence, and the quality of the fits for each isotopomer are discussed.
Environmental Degradation of Gas Turbine Materials in Steam

Steam has been proposed as an efficient cooling medium for the hot section components in the advanced gas turbines replacing compressed air for more efficient cooling allowing the turbine to operate at higher efficiency. To evaluate the effect of steam on oxidation and corrosion of hot section materials, three superalloys (X-45, Inconel-617 and IN-738LC) were exposed to steam at 840°C. Steam environments used were (a) steam generated from deionized water, (b) steam generated from deionized water with 5ppm each of NaCl and Na2SO4 and (c) steam generated from deionized water with 50 ppm each of NaCl and Na2SO4. The respective exposure times were 3900, 2950, and 1450 hours. IN-738LC showed severe internal oxidation in steam. In contaminated steam the hot corrosion damage was maximum in Inconel-617. X-45 showed less oxidation damage than IN-738LC and less hot corrosion than Inconel-617.Copyright © 1997 by ASME
Periosteal bone formation stimulated by externally induced bending strains

The rat tibia four-point bending model is a new mechanical loading model in which force is applied through external pads to the rat lower limb. The advantages of the model are controlled force application to a well-defined bone, noninvasive external loading, and the addition of loads to normal daily activity. A disadvantage of the model is that the pads create local pressure on the leg at the contact sites. This study examined the differences in tibial response to bending strains and to local pressure under the pads. A total of 30 adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into three external loading groups: bending, cyclic pressure, and static pressure. The right leg of each rat was externally loaded to create either bending or local pressure without bending; the left leg served as a control. Strains on the lateral surface averaged 1200 mu epsilon in compression during bending load application and < 200 mu epsilon in compression during pressure loading. Histomorphometric data were collected from three regions: the maximal bending region, under the loading pads, and outside the maximal bending region. In the maximal bending region, bending loads created greater mineral apposition rate (MAR) on the lateral surface and greater MAR and formation surface on the medial surface of loaded than control tibiae. The region under the bending pad was exposed to similar bending strains and showed the same pattern of increased MAR as sections from the maximal bending region. Cyclic pressure had no effect on periosteal MAR or formation surface. Static pressure increased MAR only on the lateral tibial surface. Bending stimulates bone formation in regions with the highest bending strains. Similar forces applied only in the form of pressure loading do not stimulate tibial formation either at the contact site or between loading pads. These results suggest that externally applied forces of moderate magnitude stimulate bone formation primarily as a result of increased bending strains, not local pressure at the contact site.
Synthesis and properties of dermorphin and an analog of β-endorphin containing the dermorphin sequence

Dermorphin (I) and [D-Ala2, Phe3, Gly4, Tyr5, Pro6]-beta c-EP (II) have been synthesized by the solid-phase method (beta c-EP, camel beta-endorphin). Positions 1 through 7 of II correspond to the sequence of I. Relative potencies of synthetic peptides in the mouse tail-flick test for analgesia by the intracerebroventricular route were: human beta-endorphin, 100; camel beta-endorphin, 164; I, 450; II, 440. The dermorphin was about 670 times more potent than morphine in the assay. Peptide II represents a rare instance where the enkephalin moiety of beta-endorphin has been altered to produce a more potent analgesic.
Oral trefoil peptides protect against ethanol- and indomethacin-induced gastric injury in rats

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The trefoil factors, a family of proteins abundantly expressed in gastrointestinal mucous cells, protect the epithelium in vitro. This study determines the effects of exogenously administered trefoil peptides on experimental injury in rats in vivo. METHODS: Gastric injury was induced by either intragastric absolute ethanol (1.0 mL) or subcutaneous indomethacin (20 mg/kg). Recombinant human spasmolytic polypeptide (rHSP) or rat intestinal trefoil factor (ITF) were administered at different doses and time points before or after injury. Vehicle or bovine serum albumin was used as control. The pH of the stomach contents was assessed when the rats were killed. Gastric injury was blindly evaluated macroscopically and histologically. Serum levels of rHSP and ITF were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Oral rHSP and ITF markedly protected against both ethanol- and indomethacin-induced gastric injury (P < 0.005 at doses of 1-15 mg/rat) when given up to 2 hours before injury; no protection was noted by intraperitoneal rHSP against ethanol injury. Intraperitoneal rHSP protected against indomethacin-induced injury only at the maximal dose given (15 mg). Neither rHSP nor ITF altered gastric pH. Protection was not associated with systemic absorption of trefoil peptides. CONCLUSIONS: Topical trefoil peptides protect the gastric mucosa against ethanol- and indomethacin-induced gastric injuries. These peptides contribute to surface mucosal defense. (Gastroenterology 1996 Feb;110(2):489-97)
Predictors of cancer progression in T1a prostate adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND The biologic behavior of T1a prostate adenocarcinoma is variable. A critical issue in the management of patients with T1a prostate adenocarcinoma is to distinguish those who will develop cancer progression from those who will not. Predictive factors that identify those at high risk of cancer progression are needed to stratify patients for treatment. In the current study the authors attempted to identify such predictors of cancer progression in a large series of untreated patients with lengthy follow-up. METHODS The authors studied 102 patients who were diagnosed with T1a prostate adenocarcinoma (incidental tumor involving ≤ 5% of the resected prostatic tissue) at the time they underwent transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) at the Mayo Clinic between 1960–1970. None of these patients were treated. Patient ages ranged from 48–91 years (mean ± standard deviation, 69 ± 7 years). The average weight of the resected prostate tissue was 24 ±18 g (range, 3–115 g; median, 18 g). Tumor volume was measured by the grid method. Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify factors associated with cancer progression. Survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS Five-year and 10-year progression free survival rates were 93% and 87%, respectively. During the mean follow-up of 9.5 ± 6.8 years (range, 0.3–31 years; median, 9.0 years), 14 patients developed clinical cancer progression, including 5 patients with systemic progression (1 with distant metastases and 4 who died of prostate adenocarcinoma). The interval from diagnosis to clinical cancer progression ranged from 1–23 years (mean, 7.3 years). The amount of resected prostate tissue (TURP weight) was associated with progression (P = 0.04). Patients with a TURP weight ≥ 30 g had 100% progression free survival at 10 years compared with a progression free survival rate of 73% in patients with a TURP weight < 12 g. Gleason score, tumor volume, number of chips involved by tumor, number of tumor foci, and the presence of high grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia were not significant in predicting cancer progression. There was a trend toward a worse prognosis with the increasing number of chips involved by cancer (P = 0.16). Patients with < 3 chips involved by cancer had a 88% 10-year progression free survival rate compared with 73% in patients with ≥ 3 chips involved by cancer. CONCLUSIONS The clinical course of T1a prostate adenocarcinoma is variable. If left untreated, a small but significant proportion of patients are at risk for disease progression and death. However, the current study found that patients with a TURP weight ≥ 30 g have an excellent prognosis and can be managed conservatively. Cancer 1999;85:1300–4. © 1999 American Cancer Society.
Thermal-Induced Vaporization of Organic Materials

A model for the rapid vaporization into a vacuum of graphite and graphitized char is presented. The model examines the effect on the carbon vaporization rate due to pyrolytic gases released from the decomposition of organic resins. The carbon mass flux is computed from the consideration of the gas kinetics of multiple noninteracting carbon species and a single pyrolytic gas species. A" simplified approximation is presented that gives the carbon mass flux if the vaporizing surface temperature and the pyrolytic gas flux are known.
A comparative study of 3 surgical methods for hysterectomy with staging for endometrial cancer: robotic assistance, laparoscopy, laparotomy

Objective The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes in women who underwent endometrial cancer staging by different surgical techniques. Study Design Three hundred twenty-two women underwent endometrial cancer staging: 138 by laparotomy (TAH); 81 by laparoscopy (TLH) and 103 by robotic technique (TRH). Results The TRH cohort had a higher body mass index than the TLH cohort ( P = .0008). Lymph node yield was highest for TRH ( P P P P P Conclusion TRH with staging is feasible and preferable over TAH and may be preferable over TLH in women with endometrial cancer. Further study is necessary to determine long-term oncologic outcomes.
Sterilization and Disinfection in the Operating Room

Experts estimate that 8,205 deaths are associated with surgical-site infections each year in the United States. Infections also increase the length of stay, add to costs, and trigger lawsuits. The perioperative nurse must minimize patient risk for developing a surgical-site infection by implementing instrument processing recommendations and standards relevant to the operating room. This article reviews guidelines related to sterilization and disinfection of surgical instruments.
Broken SU(4) ⊗ SU(4) symmetry and η-X mixing

Abstract Starting with chiral SU(4) ⊗ SU(4) symmetry of strong interactions, we discuss the implications of explicit symmetry breaking terms that transform as the (4,4∗) ⊗ (4∗,4) representation. In particular, the η-X mixing problem is studied.
Probing hydrogen in ZnO nanorods using solid-state H1 nuclear magnetic resonance

A low-temperature reflux method was developed to synthesize large quantities of well-dispersed freestanding ZnO nanorods, which enabled the direct observation and characterization of hydrogen by solid-state H1 magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. In contrast to nano/micrometer particles of ZnO, a surprisingly sharp H1 NMR resonance was maintained in ZnO nanorods that were heated to 500°C, suggesting the existence of unusually stable hydrogen. Quantitative H1 NMR measurements indicate that about 0.1% on a molar basis of these hydrogen species resides in the lattice of ZnO nanorods. This work has demonstrated that H1 NMR is a powerful technique for probing hydrogen in ZnO nanorods.
A guide to adult vaccines

Abstract As healthcare policy changes, a greater emphasis is being placed on preventive measures and on outpatient care. Today's psychiatrist must have a complete understanding of the medical and psychiatric aspects of their patients to work with a biopsychosocial model. In addition, for many psychiatric patients the psychiatrist may be the only physician coordinating their care. Therefore, preventive health services can be part of psychiatry services. Vaccinations represent an important part of any preventive care program. This paper provides a practical review on common immunizations for adults. It examines current difficulties in immunizing adults, and some recommendations for the future are provided. Common vaccine preventable illnesses are reviewed, including the morbidity and mortality associated with these illnesses. The indications, contraindications, and common adverse reactions of vaccines for these illnesses also are reviewed.
Large-eddy simulation of flow over a surface-mounted prism using a high-order finite-difference scheme

Large eddy simulation (LES) of the flow field over a surface-mounted prism under two different conditions, namely smooth and turbulent inflows, are carried out. A higher-order scheme, in which artificial dissipation is controllable, is used. The simulations are validated through comparison with experimental measurements. The results present new physical aspects and details regarding the development of the primary separation flow on the upwind face of the prism, the development of the horseshoe vortex flow, the primary and secondary separations of the reversed flow on the roof, and finally the locations of the highest suction pressures (in the mean) on the roof and the sides of the prism with respect to the secondary separation lines. The effects of the incident turbulence are determined by pointing out differences in the flow topologies between the two incident flow cases. Based on the validation with the experimental results, the compact upwind difference fifth-order scheme, used here, is recommended for performing LESs of complex flows.
Multi-resolution filter banks for enhanced SAR imaging

SAR finds applications in many of NASA's earth science fields such as deformation, ecosystem structure, and dynamics of ice, snow and cold land processes, and surface water and ocean topography. Traditionally, standard methods such as Fast-Fourier Transform (FFT) and Inverse Fast-Fourier Transform (IFFT) have been used to extract images from SAR radar data. Due to non-parametric features of these methods and their resolution limitations and observation time dependence, use of spectral estimation and signal pre- and post-processing techniques based on wavelets to process SAR radar data has been proposed. Multi-resolution wavelet transforms and advanced spectral estimation techniques have proven to offer efficient solutions to this problem. This paper discusses innovative wavelet-based filter banks designed to enhance the analysis of super resolution Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images using parametric spectral methods and signal classification algorithms.
Management of refractory overactive bladder in children by transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation: A controlled study.

Summary Objective To assess the objective efficacy of transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation in children presenting with overactive bladder resistant to well conducted treatment. Download : Download high-res image (63KB) Download : Download full-size image Material and method This was a randomized, double-blind, controlled study on 20 children with OAB. All patients were previously treated with anticholinergic drugs associated with detrusor rehabilitation, diet advice, bladder-voiding hygiene and constipation treatment, with poor clinical results. Patients were randomized into two groups: -Group A: treatment with PTNS (n = 11). -Group B: sham treatment (n = 9). The program lasted 12 consecutive weeks with two 30-minutes sessions a week. Each patient underwent pre-stimulation urodynamic testing to validate bladder overactivity followed by a post-stimulation testing. Pre- and post-stimulation urodynamic parameters were compared in order to objectively evaluate the treatment’s efficacy. The patients noted their incontinence episodes for 7 consecutive days in a diary before the beginning of the program, in the middle and at the end of it: this led to computing an incontinence score (score ranged from 0 to 13, from good to poor). The difference between the pre-stimulation and post-stimulation score enabled to express clinical results in terms of poor (less than a 3-point decrease), medium (a 3 to 5-point decrease), good (6 to 8-point decrease), very good (final score ranged between 0 and 3). Children were questioned regarding their impression of being stimulated or not. Results In Group A, there were five very good clinical results (45%), one medium (10%) and five poor results (45%). In group B, nine very good results (66%) and three poor results (33%) were noted. Regarding urodynamic testing, volume voided during urgency (184 mL to 265 mL), maximal cystomanometry volume (215 mL to 274 mL) and volume at the onset of the first overactive detrusor contraction (ODC) (48 mL to 174 mL) were significantly increased in Group A (p = 0.002, p = 0.024 and p = 0.001) and maximal bladder pressure during ODC had decreased (61 to 46) (p = 0.042). 85% children in group A thought they were being stimulated vs. 70% in group B. Volume voided during urgency (mL) Maximum pressure during overactive detrusor contraction Volume at the first overactive detrusor contraction (mL) Group A: Initial mean 184 61 48 Treated with PTNS Final mean 265 46 174 Group B: Initial mean 184 56 61 Placebo Final mean 181 67 80 Conclusion Even though we noticed urodynamics improvements in group A, which objectively supports the efficacy of TCTPNS, clinical results remained the same between the two groups. In spite of the small size of our sample, this underlines the placebo effect of any type management in this pediatric population. Studying precisely the maximal useful voltage and duration of stimulation should then be relevant in order to yield maximal benefits from this easy-to-use procedure.
Raman scattering in germanium-silicon alloys under hydrostatic pressure.

The pressure dependence of vibrational Raman scattering in polycrystalline ${\mathrm{Ge}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Si}}_{\mathit{x}}$ alloys is studied up to \ensuremath{\sim}100 kbar across the compositional range, and the mode Gr\"uneisen parameters \ensuremath{\gamma} for the Si-Si, Ge-Ge, and Ge-Si optical phonons are determined from the Raman shifts. ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{\mathrm{Si}\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{Si}}$ increases with the Ge fraction of the alloy and ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{\mathrm{Ge}\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{Ge}}$ increases with the Si fraction. The dependence of the Raman shift on x and pressure is described by a modified cellular isodisplacement model of optical phonons. In particular, the predicted dependence of the Ge-Si mode frequency on alloy composition at ambient pressure is found to agree much better with experiment when the variation of the average Ge-Si bond length with alloy composition is included in this model.
Effects of interfacial debonding on the rate-dependent response of metal matrix composites

Abstract The effect of interface damage on the rate-dependent constitutive behavior of particle reinforced metal matrix composites (MMCs) is investigated. The constitutive behavior of the matrix–reinforcement interface is characterized by a cohesive zone model, and the effects of interface strength and separation energy on MMC constitutive behavior are examined over a wide strain rate range (10 −3 –10 4 s −1 ). The consequences of interface failure on the overall constitutive behavior of the composite are discussed in conjunction with the influences of reinforcement volume fraction, strain rate, particle shape and aspect ratio. The computational results are compared with experimental data obtained on the quasistatic and high-rate response of MMCs subjected to compression and tension, with good correlation.
Edgeworth expansion for the kaplan-meier estimato

The Edgeworth expansion for U-statistics established by Bickel, Gotze, and van Zwet is combined with the von Mises expansion to derive an Edgeworth expansion with remainder for the Kaplan-Meier (KM) estimator. We show that the Edgeworth expansion of the KM estimator has the form: , where Φ is the standard normal distribution function, φ is the standard normal density function, and is the asymptotic third cumulant of the KM estimator.
Stadium size, ticket allotments and home field advantage in college football

Abstract This study builds on a conceptual framework that explores of the relationship between relative fan attendance, stadium size and home field advantage in college football. We extend the conceptual model by providing empirical estimates of the impact that various ticket allotment arrangements and home stadium size have on the probability of winning in college football. The Auburn–Alabama rivalry (the “Iron Bowl”) provides a unique case given that the series has been played both at a neutral site with an equal division of tickets, as well as on a home-and-home basis with an uneven ticket split and nonuniform stadium capacities.
Pancreatic stent insertion: consequences of failure and results of a modified technique to maximize success.

Abstract Background Increasingly, pancreatic stents are being placed to prevent post-ERCP pancreatitis. However, guidewire and stent placement may fail if the duct is small or tortuous, potentially exacerbating the risk. This study assessed the impact of unsuccessful pancreatic stent placement on complications and the efficacy of a modified technique for stent insertion when pancreatic ductal anatomy makes stent insertion technically difficult. Methods Technical variables and 30-day complications of consecutive therapeutic ERCPs, including attempted major papilla pancreatic stent insertion were prospectively studied. Success rates for pancreatic stent placement were compared for a 1-year period during which conventional deep guidewire insertion was used and another 1-year period in which a modified technique was used as needed in patients with ductal anatomy that made stent placement technically difficult. In the modified technique, a short (2-3 cm) small diameter (3F-5F) stent was placed over a 0.018-in nitinol-tipped guidewire, passed as little as 1 to 2 cm beyond the pancreatic sphincter. Results In 225 high-risk therapeutic ERCPs, pancreatitis occurred after the procedure in two of 3 (66.7%) patients in whom pancreatic stent insertion failed vs. 32 of 222 (14.4%) patients with successful insertion ( p =0.06). Severe pancreatitis occurred only after unsuccessful stent insertion. Significant multivariate risk factors for post-ERCP pancreatitis were unsuccessful pancreatic stent insertion (odds ratio 16.1: 95% CI[1.3, 200]), sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (odds ratio 3.2: 95% CI[1.4, 7.5]), and prior post-ERCP pancreatitis (odds ratio 3.2: 95% CI[1.4, 7.1]). The following were not risk factors: performance of pancreatic, biliary, or needle-knife pre-cut sphincterotomy; number of pancreatic contrast injections; and difficult cannulation. Stent placement was unsuccessful in 3 (3.2%) of 93 attempts during the 1-year period in which a conventional technique was used vs. none of 132 attempts in a subsequent year in which the modified technique was used. Conclusions Failed attempts at pancreatic stent placement are associated with an extremely high risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis. Success can be consistently achieved by use of a modified technique.
Medical procedures, complications, and outcomes for patients with spinal cord injury: a multicenter investigation comparing African Americans and whites

Abstract Meade MA, Cifu DX, Seel RT, McKinley WO, Kreutzer JS. Medical procedures, complications, and outcomes for patients with spinal cord injury: a multicenter investigation comparing African Americans and whites. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2004;85:368–75. Objective To examine the role of race on rehabilitation outcomes for a matched sample of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Design African Americans and whites with SCI were matched based on age group, level and completeness of injury, and sponsor of care to retrospectively analyze the impact of race. Setting Eighteen medical centers in the federally sponsored Model Spinal Cord Injury Systems project. Participants A total of 628 adults with SCI. Interventions Not applicable. Main outcome measures Medical procedures and complications; American Spinal Injury Association motor index, and FIMT instrument scores at admission and discharge; and discharge dispositions. Results Analysis revealed race-related differences in spinal surgeries, laparotomies, traction during acute care, and method of bladder management at discharge. In most cases, these were explained by cause of injury rather than direct affects of race. No differences were found with regard to medical complications functional outcomes, or discharge disposition. Conclusions Although differences exist in the medical procedures given to African Americans and whites with SCI, they are generally accounted for by cause of injury rather than the direct affects of race.
A METHOD FOR THE PALLADIUM-CATALYZED ALLYLIC OXIDATION OF OLEFINS

Abstract Olefins are converted into allylic acetates by treatment in acetic acid with a catalytic amount of palladium bis(trifluoroacetate) and one equivalent of benzoquinone as oxidant. The reaction is selective for oxidation of a terminal methyl group of geranylacetone.
Web-Based Practice and Feedback Improve Tax Students’ Written Communication Skills

Abstract To prepare students for successful accounting careers, educators must be involved in developing students’ written communication skills. This article provides evidence that web-based lessons and self-tests appearing at www.gsu.edu/~accerl and dealing with three sentence structure issues significantly improve written communication skills. Our study involves control and treatment groups in a pre- versus post-treatment design. The authors measure passive voice, punctuation, and wordiness through in-class quizzes and writing assignments. Prior research has shown that a combined approach of lectures addressing writing skills within accounting classes, writing consultants, and detailed grading of assignments improve students’ written communication skills. However, this combined approach involves significant in-class time, departmental funds, and professor time. In contrast, this study shows that improved writing can occur without the substantial institutional resources these prior approaches required.