cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Police Officer Burnout: A Partial Replication of Maslach's Burnout Inventory

This study examined police officer burnout and the relationship between emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment on the job. Special attention was given to personal characteristics such as sex, age, religion, marital status, educational level, length of time in a particular job assignment, length of time in law enforcement, and race. To gather data for the study, the Maslach Burnout Inventory was administered to 452 sworn police officers in four departments policing cities with populations ranging from 65,000 to 240,000. There was a strong correlation when emotional exhaustion and depersonalization were correlated individually with personal accomplishment. In addition, these variables in tandem were highly significant when regressed with personal accomplishment via the multiple regression statistical technique. High emotional exhaustion and depersonalization scores meant low personal accomplishment scores. Relationships were also found with some demographic characteristics, emo...
Establishing software development process control: technical objectives, operational requirements, and the foundational framework

This paper proposes a foundational framework for establishing control over the software development process. Critical objectives stressed include (a) the complementary integration of maintenance and development activities, (b) the identification and definition of a (semi-) automated data collection and analysis process which employs quality indicators that are definitively linked to the existence of process and product attributes, and (c) the formulation and use of control methods that are designed to work within the defined automated process and to provide decision support capabilities. The significance and necessity of these objectives are established through an examination of the Abstraction Refinement Model, the Objectives/Principles/Attributes Framework and the Software Quality Indicator concept.
Time-frequency analysis of non-stationary harmonic sounds

An approach to the analysis of nonstationary harmonic sounds accompanied by other possibly nonstationary sounds is introduced. In this approach, one first computes the magnitude square of the short-time Fourier transform (MSQ-STFT) with exponential frequency sampling. A technique based on principal components analysis is then applied to the MSQ-STFT of the signal data. Under a broadly applicable set of conditions, this analysis produces a time-frequency distribution in which components of the interfering sounds are suppressed relative to the components of the harmonic sound of interest. Experimental results on real sounds and synthetic signals are presented to illustrate the practical success of this approach. >
A New Method for Solving Triangular Systems on Distributed Memory Message-Passing Multiprocessors

Efficient triangular solvers for use on message passing multiprocessors are required, in several contexts, under the assumption that the matrix is distributed by columns (or rows) in a wrap fashion. In this paper we describe a new efficient parallel triangular solver for this problem. This new algorithm is based on the previous method of Li and Coleman [1986] but is considerably more efficient when $\frac{n}{p}$ is relatively modest, where $p$ is the number of processors and $n$ is the problem dimension. A useful theoretical analysis is provided as well as extensive numerical results obtained on an Intel iPSC with $p \leq 128$.
SEPARATION OF TRANS-CURIUM ELEMENTS FROM LARGE QUANTITIES OF CURIUM, BY LIQUID-LIQUID EXTRACTION

Abstract A solvent extraction procedure, using 100 per cent normal tributyl phosphate and 12 M HCl for the separation of trans -curium elements from large quantities of curium, is described. The method, tested on pure curium and californium, was then applied successfully to the separation of curium and californium from material resulting from the reprocessing of an irradiated plutonium sample. The following results were obtained for the processing: (92 ± 11) per cent of the californium was recovered containing (0·74 ± 0·05) per cent of the original curium and (100 ± 7) per cent of the curium was recovered containing an undetectable amount of the original californium.
Poverty, inequality and economic growth: Rural Punjab, 1960/61 ‐1970/1971

The paper reports some of the findings of an empirical study for Punjab state in India of changes in poverty and inequality over the decade of the sixties. The period was one that saw rapid technological progress in the region, especially in the rural sector to which the study is addressed. Poverty is measured by the percentage of the population living below a poverty line constructed specifically for the region using linear programming techniques. The study is based on primary data collected from the consumer expenditure and land‐holding surveys of the National Sample Survey. All results are subjected to tests of statistical significance.
Optimizing liposome-mediated gene transfer in primary rat septo-hippocampal cell cultures

Abstract Although liposomes have been widely employed to transfect DNA into a variety of cell types, no previous studies have systematically examined conditions producing optimal liposomal-mediated transfection of DNA into central nervous system (CNS) cells. Thus, we used the β-galactosidase (β-gal) reporter gene to examine factors influencing the efficiency of liposome-mediated gene transfection in CNS cell cultures. Our results indicate that without increasing the amounts of DNA, increased liposome concentrations within certain limits enhanced transfection efficiency. However, higher liposome levels could produce cell lysis. Without increasing liposome concentrations, increased amounts of DNA did not improve transfection efficiency. Employing the optimal concentration (1 μg DNA/3 μl liposomes/well), β-gal gene expression was sustained for at least two weeks after transfection in primary septo-hippocampal cultures.
Examination of the Mechanisms Underlying Effectiveness of the Turtle Technique

A significant number of young children exhibit challenging behaviors in preschool settings. A tiered framework of intervention has documented effectiveness in elementary and secondary schools, and ...
How many memory systems? Evidence from aging

The present research tested Tulving's (1985) ternary memory theory. Young (ages 19-32) and older (ages 63-80) adults were given procedural, semantic, and episodic memory tasks. Repetition, lag, and codability were manipulated in a picture-naming task, followed by incidental memory tests. Relative to young adults, older adults exhibited lower levels of recall and recognition, but these episodic measures increased similarly as a function of lag and repetition in both age groups. No age-related deficits emerged in either semantic memory (vocabulary, latency slopes, naming errors, and tip-of-the-tongue responses) or procedural memory (repetition priming magnitude and rate of decline). In addition to the age by memory task dissociations, the manipulation of codability produced slower naming latencies and more naming errors (semantic memory), yet promoted better recall and recognition (episodic memory). Finally, a factor analysis of 11 memory measures revealed three distinct factors, providing additional support for a tripartite memory model.
Reticulum-cell sarcoma of the mandible.

Abstract We have presented the case of a 41-year-old Negro woman with a reticulum-cell sarcoma of the mandible. The patient was initially treated with supravoltage radiation and then underwent a wide resection. Delayed reconstruction with multiple-stage tubes is now in progress.
728-6 Identification of Significant Left-to-Right Intracardiac Shunts by Velocity-Encoded, Phase-Difference, Cine Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Comparison with Oximetry and Indocyanine Green Dye

Left-to-right intracardiac shunts with pulmonary (Qp)to systemic (Qs) flow ratios of g1.5: 1 are considered significant. Accordingly, this study was doneto assess if velocity-encoded, phase-difference cine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could reliably determine whether or not patients had Qp/Qs ratios of g1.5: 1. Twenty patients underwent MRI examinations followed within 1to 2 hours by cardiac catheterization. To measure flow, velocity-encoded, phase difference MRI sequences were positioned perpendicula rly across the proximal aorta and pulmonary artery (PA). These scans were 10 mm slices with 256 × 256 matrices, had fields of view ranging from 32 to 45 cm (yielding voxel sizes of 1 × 10 × 1.3–1.7 mm), a flip angle of 40’, a repetition time of 19.5 msec, and an echo time of 11 msec. Phase encoding grouping sizes of 2 or 3 were used to acquire multiple phase encoding steps for each frame during each cardiac cycle, thereby reducing scan times. All scans were performed with prospective ECG and respiratory gating. Qp and Qs were calculated by multiplying the heart rate by the sum of the flow for all frames of the cardiac cycle in the PA and aorta, respectively. During catheterization, hydrogen appearance times were used to determine the presence of a left-to-right intracardiac shunt (detects shunts with Qp/Qs ≥ 1.01:1). and oximetry and indicator dilution techniques were used to quantitate the magnitude of shunting. Of the 20 patients, 11 had evidence of left-to-right shunting by hydrogen appearance times. Compared to catheterization, MRI correctly identified the 9 patients without intracardiac shunts and the 3 patients (2 PFO and 1 ASD) with insignificant shunts (Qp/Qs l 1.5:1), as well as the 8 patients (6 ASD, 1 VSD, 1 PDA) with significant intracardiac shunts (Qp/Qs g 1.5:1). In conclusion, velocity-encoded, phase-difference, cine magnetic resonance imaging can reliably determine the presence or absence of a significant left-to-right intracardiac shunt.
Evidence for increased seizure susceptibility in rats exposed to cocaine in utero

Abstract Clinical observations indicate that cocaine use during pregnancy is a major health concern in the United States and may result in seizure-like behavior in the offspring. In the present study, we investigated whether prenatal cocaine exposure altered seizure thresholds measured in Sprague–Dawley rats, 60–90 days postnatal. In vitro postnatal studies, focusing on hippocampal tissue, revealed a reduced threshold for both electrical stimulation- and potassium-induced epileptiform discharges in slices from cocaine-exposed animals. Modest elevation of extracellular potassium concentration from 3 to 6 mM KCl elicited spontaneous epileptiform discharges in the majority of slices from cocaine-exposed animals (13/20) but rarely in slices from saline-exposed animals (2/18). In vivo studies on awake, freely behaving adult rats indicated a significant reduction in thresholds for both flurothyl- and kainic acid-induced seizures in cocaine-exposed animals. Video-EEG monitoring during administration of kainic acid revealed reduced latencies to first `electrographic seizure' and first `electrographic seizure with behavior' in rats exposed to cocaine in utero compared to saline-treated controls. These studies provide strong experimental evidence that adult animals exposed to cocaine during gestation are at high risk for the development of seizure activity.
Self-enabling T cells.

In this issue of Blood , Pospori and colleagues demonstrate that T cells genetically modified to express a receptor specific for a self-peptide derived from the tumor antigen Wilms Tumor 1 are not deleted in the thymus and undergo activation in the periphery, thus acquiring functionality without
Understanding Specific Effects of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure on Brain Structure in Young Adults

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) is associated with various adverse effects on human brain and behavior. Recently, neuroimaging studies have begun to identify PAE effects on specific brain structures. Investigation of such specific PAE effects is important for understanding the teratogenic mechanism of PAE on human brain, which is critical for differentiating PAE from other disorders. In this structural MRI study with young adults, PAE effects on the volumes of automatically segmented cortical and subcortical regions of interest (ROIs) were evaluated both through a group difference approach and a parametric approach. In the group difference approach (comparing among two PAE and a control groups), a disproportionate PAE effect was found in several occipital and temporal regions. This result is inconsistent with previous studies with child samples. Moreover, a gender difference in PAE effect was shown in some cortical ROIs. These findings suggest that sampling and gender may be important factors for interpreting specific PAE effects on human brain. With the parametric approach, it was demonstrated that the higher the PAE level, the smaller the entire brain, the lower the IQ. Several cortical and subcortical ROIs also exhibited a negative correlation between the PAE level and ROI volume. Furthermore, our data showed that the PAE effect on the brain could not be interpreted by the PAE effect on general physical growth until the young adult age. This study provides valuable insight into specific effects of PAE on human brain and suggests important implications for future studies in this field.
A mechanism of maintenance of typical atrial flutter: Computer modeling study

length (CL) of repetitive beats from that ectopic focus. Results: PV ectopic foci, coupled with sinus activity, produced spatial dispersion of repolarization. For certain CL,CI combinations, such repolarization dispersion caused unidirectional block and reentry. Specifically, for 170 CL 210 ms (a range for which discordant alternans occurs in a model atrial fiber) and 330 CI 470 ms, AFL was initiated with as few as 2 PV ectopic beats. Location of conduction block and reentry shifted as a function of CI: right atrium (330 CI 390 ms), inter-atrial region (410 CI 430 ms), or left atrium (430 CI 470 ms). For this CI range, different circuits were found: a) tricuspid annulus (TA) clockwise; b) TA counter-clockwise; c) superior/inferior vena cava; d) inter-atrial region including Bachmann’s bundle, atrial septum, fossa ovalis and coronary sinus; e) mitral annulus; f) PVs. Through a “fibrillatory conduction process”, in which rapid electrical impulses emanating from flutter circuits interact with functional and/or anatomic obstacles throughout the atria leading to fragmentation and wavelet formation, about 1/3 of AFL spontaneously converted to AF (conversion time: 570 300 ms), which were characterized by 3-5 wavelets simultaneously meandering in both atria. Conclusions: AFL and AF can be initiated by PV ectopic foci in a realistic 3D atrial model. Atrial reentry initiation resulted from unidirectional conduction block due to dynamic, foci-induced spatial dispersion of repolarization. Conduction block location and flutter circuit was dependent on CI. AFL often converted to AF through fibrillatory conduction.
ISF: A Visual Formalism for Specifying Interconnection Styles for Software Design

We have developed a framework for specifying high-level software designs. The core of the framework is a very simple visual notation. This notation enables designers to document designs as labelled rectangles and directed edges. In addition to the notation, our framework features a supporting formalism, called ISF (Interconnection Style Formalism). This formalism enables designers to customize the simple design notation by specifying the type of entities, relations, legal configurations of entities and relations, as well as scoping rules of the custom notation. In this paper we present the formal definition of ISF and use ISF to specify two custom design notations. We also describe how ISF specifications, using deductive database technology, are used to generate supporting tools for these custom notations.
Impact of aerobic training on cardiovascular reactivity to and recovery from challenge.

Objective—To test the hypothesis that aerobic but not strength training would lead to attenuated reactivity to and more rapid recovery from cognitive and orthostatic challenge and that deconditioning would reverse this effect. Methods—We conducted a randomized controlled trial (RCT) contrasting the effects of aerobic vs. strength training on HR, 4 indices of RR interval variability (RRV), and blood pressure (BP) reactivity to and recovery from psychological and orthostatic challenge in 149 healthy, young, sedentary adults. Subjects were randomized to 12-week aerobic or strength training programs and studied before and after training and again after 4 weeks of sedentary deconditioning. The data were analyzed by performing a Group (aerobic vs. strength) by Session (study entry, post-training, and deconditioning), by Period (baseline, speech, Stroop, math, tilt) 3-way ANOVA with prespecified contrasts of the effect of group assignment on reactivity and recovery.
Effects of ditch management patterns on Odonata at Wicken Fen, Cambridgeshire, UK

Patterns of adult and larval Odonata distribution in relation to ditch management cycles were studied at Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve. The ditches are strikingly different in terms of their utilisation by Odonata. Newly excavated sites with little shading from bankside vegetation are favoured by territorial males and ovipositing females; densely reeded sites are rarely used by adults. However, ditches with abundant submerged and floating macrophytic growth support more larvae than newly excavated or deeply shaded sites with poor plant development. Rotational clearance of ditches allows good displays of adult Odonata and breeding success to be achieved simultaneously on a reserve. Management implications for the conservation of Odonata are discussed.
Embeddings of root systems II: Permutation root systems

Abstract This paper studies a class of embeddings of “permutation” root systems, with properties abstracting those of examples of embeddings of linear root systems over commutative rings, as considered in the first paper in this series. The root system of one Coxeter group W (regarded as a permutation representation) is realized with its roots as sets of roots of another Coxeter group W ′ , with action induced by an embedding of W in (a completion of) W ′ .
Analysis of Shear and Thermal History During Co‐Rotating Twin‐Screw Extrusion

A computation procedure was developed for calculating contributions of frictional and viscous heat generation during co-rotating twin-screw extrusion. Application of energy balance to experimental data (mechanical energy input, feed rate, feed moisture, screw speed, die pressure, barrel wall and dough temperature profiles) indicated how conditions affected fill, filled length, shear and thermal energy inputs to the foods. Kneading blocks increased degree of fill in partially filled sections, and dissipated 4–6 times more viscous heat than conveying elements in completely filled sections. Energy input profiles along extruder screw axis clearly demonstrated how heat generation from shear and heat transfer between extruder and foods influenced total energy input.
CONTEMPORARY SURVIVAL RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF RADIATION THERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH NODE NEGATIVE SEMINAL VESICLE INVASION FOLLOWING RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY

ABSTRACT Purpose: Seminal vesicle invasion (SVI) in a radical prostatectomy (RRP) specimen is associated with a guarded prognosis. We evaluated patients with SVI treated in the pre-prostate specific antigen (PSA) (1983 to 1991) and PSA (1992 to 2003) eras. Materials and Methods: Of patients with prostate cancer treated with RRP from January 1983 through March 2002, 220 with SVI were evaluated, including 67 in the pre-PSA era and 153 in the PSA era. Postoperative PSA greater than 0.2 ng/ml was considered biochemical evidence of cancer progression. Survival rates were compared using Kaplan-Meier estimates to calculate progression-free, cancer specific and all cause survival. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were used to correlate variables with disease progression. Results: The incidence of SVI in the PSA era was lower than in the pre-PSA era (6.0% vs 10.2%, p=0.001). To date 124 patients (56%) have had evidence of cancer progression. The 4 and 7-year progression-free, cancer specific and all cause survival rates were significantly higher in men with SVI in the PSA era (p = 0.02). PSA at diagnosis, cancerous surgical margins and higher Gleason score were significantly associated with progression. Neither adjuvant nor salvage radiotherapy appeared to confer a significant progression-free survival benefit. Conclusions: The incidence of SVI has decreased in the PSA era. Progression-free, cancer specific and all cause survival rates following RRP in patients with SVI have improved in the PSA era. This may reflect earlier detection in this pathological tumor stage and more favorable prognostic factors associated with PSA screening. Adjuvant radiotherapy does not appear to confer any therapeutic benefit. Salvage radiotherapy can lead to durable PSA regressions in a small percent of men, although no long-term survival advantage can be proved.
Sex difference and estrous cycle: expression of prolactin receptor mRNA in rat brain.

The short and long forms of prolactin receptor (PRL-R) mRNA have been detected in the female rat brain. The present study aimed to investigate: (1) if the PRL-R mRNA is expressed in the male rat brain; (2) if expression levels in the female brain vary during the estrous cycle. All animals were sacrificed between 12:00 and 14:00 h. Radioactive RNase protection assay was used to measure mRNA levels. The results showed that both forms of PRL-R mRNA were expressed to varying degrees in the choroid plexus (ChP), preoptic area (POA), mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH), cerebral cortex (CTX) and pons-medulla PON) in both male and female rats. The average amount of both forms of PRL-R mRNA in the ChP, POA, MBH of cycling females was significantly higher than in the male rat. Among cycling female rats, the expression levels of both forms of PRL-R mRNA in the ChP, POA and MBH during proestrous were significantly greater than during diestrous or estrous. In proestrous females, the ChP expressed the highest levels of mRNA whereas the CTX contained the lowest. The ratios of short:long form mRNA were not significantly changed according to sex, estrous stage or brain regions although a slightly higher amount of the short form was observed. The detection of PRL-R mRNA in the male rat implicates that PRL may be involved in regulation of brain function in the male subject. The higher levels of PRL-R mRNA in female rats on proestrous suggest that PRL-R may be regulated by PRL or steroid hormones that show a surge on this day.
Progressivity in the financing of decentralized government health programs: a decomposition.

In many countries health services and/or health insurance are delivered but also partly financed by subnational entities that vary in their fiscal or financial capacity, e.g. local governments and social health insurance schemes. The central government typically mandates a specific (or at least minimum) level of benefit or expenditure per intended beneficiary, and sets rules about enrollment and coverage. It also typically contributes to the cost of the program, partly because the resources of subnational entities may be insufficient, on average, to meet the expenditure requirements, but partly for equity reasons. These two problems are typically addressed through tax-transfer schemes. In practice, there is considerable institutional heterogeneity across countries in the mix of vertical and horizontal schemes, and the way each works. In this Note, we show how the progressivity of health outlays by subnational entities can be decomposed into contributions from vertical and horizontal schemes, and how each of these can be further decomposed into contributions from taxes and transfers. We suggest that, in addition to providing a foundation for future empirical work, the decomposition provides some insights into the reasons for different institutional choices, and into the way vertical and horizontal tax-transfer schemes operate in practice. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
State of the science of maternal-infant bonding: a principle-based concept analysis.

Abstract Objective to provide a principle-based analysis of the concept of maternal–infant bonding. Design principle-based method of concept analysis for which the data set included 44 articles published in the last decade from Pubmed, CINAHL, and PyschINFO/PsychARTICLES. Setting literature inclusion criteria were English language, articles published in the last decade, peer-reviewed journal articles and commentary on published work, and human populations. Measurement and findings after a brief review of the history of maternal–infant bonding, a principle-based concept analysis was completed to examine the state of the science with regard to this concept. The concept was critically examined according to the clarity of definition (epistemological principle), applicability of the concept (pragmatic principle), consistency in use and meaning (linguistic principle), and differentiation of the concept from related concepts (logical principle). Analysis of the concept revealed: (1) Maternal–infant bonding describes maternal feelings and emotions towards her infant. Evidence that the concept encompasses behavioural or biological components was limited. (2) The concept is clearly operationalised in the affective domain. (3) Maternal–infant bonding is linguistically confused with attachment, although the boundaries between the concepts are clearly delineated. Key conclusion despite widespread use of the concept, maternal–infant bonding is at times superficially developed and subject to confusion with related concepts. Concept clarification is warranted. A theoretical definition of the concept of maternal–infant bonding was developed to aid in the clarification, but more research is necessary to further clarify and advance the concept. Implications for practice nurse midwives and other practitioners should use the theoretical definition of maternal–infant bonding as a preliminary guide to identification and understanding of the concept in clinical practice.
SU‐FF‐T‐678: Commissioning the 3D‐Line MicroMLC Controller in the Pinnacle TPS

Purpose: To prepare and commission a parametric Collapsed Cone Convolution Superposition model in the Pinnacle Treatment Planning System in order to accurately describe the output of an Elekta Precise series Linear Accelerator fitted with the 3D‐Line micro MLC controller at two clinical photon energies of 6MV and 10MV. The model is intended to be used for clinical treatment planning purposes for Stereotactic RadioSurgury, Fractionated SRS, and IMAT/VMAT. Method and Materials: Data was collected using an Exradin A16 0.007cc microChamber in a 3D water phantom. Scans of the In‐plane and Cross‐plane dose profiles at Dmax, 5, 10, and 15cm, and depth dose curves, were acquired for field sizes from 0.581×0.581 cm2 to the maximum open field size, and two rectangular fields; all at 90cm and 100cm SSD. The data were used, along with custom optimization sequence, to adjust model parameters in the TPS. Output factor measurements were made with an ADCL traceable Electrometer and the microchamber, with a final cross calibration from open field mMLC to 10×10cm2 using a 0.1cc Farmer Chamber, all at 10cm depth. Results: Comparison between the measurements and the model output for the measured field geometries indicates good agreement at field edges, and for depth dose curves, with larger error apparent at the smallest field sizes. The output factors computed for the model were within 6% for all field sizes, indicating no large discrepancies with the model. Monitor unit comparisons for several field sizes also demonstrated agreement with the previously commissioned Ergo TPS. Conclusion: These results demonstrate the feasibility of commissioning the 3D‐Line mMLC in a TPS other than the Ergo TPS, which provides for the opportunity to maintain a single TPS in sites using Pinnacle. Future research will directly compare plans generated in both Pinnacle, and Ergo, to delivered machine fluence measurements.
Thermodynamic properties of orthopyroxenes and clinopyroxenes based on the ideal two-site model

Abstract As a consequence of the strong preference of Ca2+ ions for M2 sites in clinopyroxenes, the Fe 2+ Mg 2+ ratios in clinopyroxenes in equilibrium with a given orthopyroxene are very sensitive to Ca2+ content. This places in doubt the use of the Fe2+-Mg2+ exchange equilibria between clino and orthopyroxenes as a ‘thermometer’ and means that the Ca2+ content of clinopyroxenes must be accurately known for meaningful thermodynamic analyses. All available data on Fe2+-Mg2+ exchange equilibria between M1 and M2 sites in orthopyroxenes and between olivine and orthopyroxene phases have been reanalyzed and can be fit to the ideal two-site model of Mueller with only two free energy parameters. The standard free energy for exchange between M1 and M2 sites, ΔGE°, which is consistent with all the data from 900–1300°C is 3.6 kcal/gfw, the same value as was deduced by Virgo and Hafner from Mossbauer data for the range 600–1000°C. The free energy change, ΔGT°, for the reaction Fe 2 SiO 4 + 2 MgSiO 3 ⇄ Mg 2 SiO 4 + 2 FeSiO 3 is 1.65 kcal/gfw. From this, the standard free energy of formation of ferrosilite from wustite and β-cristoballite deduced at 900°C is −1.8 kcal/gfw. The ideal two-site model is not consistent with measured activity coefficients in orthopyroxenes or in olivines indicating significant cancellation of activity coefficient ratios in the ion-exchange equilibria.
Receiver operating characteristic curves of symptom scores in the diagnosis of interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome.

Abstract Study Objective Chronic pelvic pain is often a manifestation of interstitial cystitis (IC), for which several symptom scoring measures exist. However, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for these scores have not been described, even though such analysis could identify an optimal noninvasive test and suggest diagnostic test thresholds. The objective of this study was to develop ROC curves for IC symptom scores based on the standard of pain relief after cystoscopy with hydrodistention (HD). Design This is a retrospective analysis of IC symptom index (ICSI) and visual analog scale (VAS) bladder pain (VASb) scores recorded at initial patient visit. Patients underwent a diagnostic algorithm leading to selected HD. The ROC curves were calculated based on the presence of diagnostic criteria for IC found at HD (Canadian Task Force classification III). Setting A multidisciplinary chronic pelvic pain referral center. Patients A total of 277 women with chronic pelvic pain were evaluated. The mean duration of pain was 54 months; mean pelvic pain VAS score was 7.5. Those proved to have IC had a VASb score of 7 and an ICSI score of 11. Interventions Initial symptom score tabulation followed by a symptom-based diagnostic algorithm consisting of alkalinized lidocaine instillation with HD offered to responders. Measurements and Main Results The ROC curve for the VASb was shifted to the upper left compared with the ICSI, which was closer to the diagonal. Area under the curve was significantly greater for VASb (0.860) than ICSI (0.773) (p = .045). The maximum diagnostic accuracy for the ICSI was at a value of 14 or more (0.88) and for the VASb at a value of 7 or more (0.94). Conclusion The most accurate symptom score for detecting IC based on this analysis was the VASb with a threshold of 7. Although the ICSI may have use, in this setting it is not as useful as the VAS for identifying patients who eventually prove to have IC.
Competition between the Kondo effect and exchange interactions in the system CeSi x

Precision electrical resistivity measurements on twelve alloys in the series ${\mathrm{CeSi}}_{\mathrm{x}}$ (1.60\ensuremath{\le}x\ensuremath{\le}1.90) reflect the smooth progression from a magnetically ordered dense Kondo system (x\ensuremath{\le}1.85) to compositions where the conventional single-impurity Kondo effect dominates the exchange interaction, resulting in a ground state which is not magnetically ordered. The variations of the Kondo temperature and the magnetic ordering temperature are determined as a function of Si content and found to agree well with the theoretical Kondo-lattice model.
Mining top-k closed co-location patterns

In this paper, we present a problem to discover compact co-location patterns without minimum prevalence threshold. A spatial co-location is a set of spatial events being frequently observed together in nearby geographic space. A common framework for mining spatial co-location patterns employs a level-wised search method (like Apriori) to discover co-location patterns, and generates numerous redundant patterns since all of the 2l subsets of each length l event set the algorithms discover are included in the result set. In addition, most works of spatial co-location mining require the specification of a minimum prevalent threshold to find interesting co-location patterns. However, it is difficult for users to decide an appropriate threshold value without prior knowledge of their task-specific spatial data. To solve these problems, we propose a problem to mine top-k closed co-location patterns, where k is the desired number of patterns, and develop an algorithm to efficiently find the interesting patterns. The experiment result shows that the proposed algorithm is effective in computation.
Regulatory learning in failed thrift auctions

Abstract We use a sample of failed thrift auctions to examine if regulators learn from early transactions and improve their performance in later transactions. Our findings suggest that experience at failure resolution does not by itself lead to improved regulatory performance. Evidence of regulatory learning is restricted to dealings with repeat acquirers; in cases where an acquiring firm makes abnormal gains, regulators are able to restructure the auction process and eliminate such gains in subsequent acquisitions made by the same acquirers.
SBArt4 — Breeding abstract animations in realtime

SBART was developed in early 1990's as one of the derivatives from Artificial Evolution by Karl Sims. It has a functionality to create a movie from a bred image through post-processing. The innovation of graphics processing unit (GPU) in these years improved the calculation performance to be fast enough to realize breeding animations in realtime on the personal computer. SBArt4 utilizes the advantage of GPU by compiling each expression in genotype into a type of OpenGL shading language. Even when it renders each frame of the animation in realtime, it achieves enough speed for users to evaluate the product of an abstract animation immediately. Though there were a number of problems because of architectural difference between CPU and GPU, almost compatible functionalities with the previous version have been implemented including reference to an external image and integer-based bitwise operation. Through experimental executions on some different hardware configurations, it was certified that it runs fast enough on recent consumer machines though some older machines are not powerful enough.
Four-thiouracil content of chicken liver mitochondrial transfer ribonucleic acid.

Abstract Transfer RNA isolated from both chicken liver and mouse tumor mitochondria contains 4-thiouracil residues. The nucleoside identification is based on the absorption spectra of the tRNA and on its reaction with (14C) methylamine. The concentration of the residue in chicken liver mitochondrial tRNA is similar to that found in E. coli tRNA.
Growing evidence that HPV infection is associated with an increase in HIV acquisition: exploring the issue of HPV vaccination

The systematic review and meta-analysis by Lissouba and colleagues adds to mounting data showing a strong association between genital human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and the risk of HIV acquisition, with an estimated summary odds ratio of 2.0 (95% confidence interval 1.6 to 2.5) for HIV acquisition associated with any-HPV infection. The strongest reported estimates are specific to clearance of HPV infection, suggesting that the association between HPV and HIV acquisition may not be fully attributable to confounding by other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or co-transmission.1 ,2 …
Identification of mutations in the human PATCHED gene in sporadic basal cell carcinomas and in patients with the basal cell nevus syndrome

Mutations in PATCHED (PTC), the human homolog of the Drosophila patched gene, have been identified in most exons of the gene in patients with the basal cell nevus syndrome and in sporadic basal cell carcinomas. We have screened the 23 PTC exons for mutations using single strand conformation polymorphism analysis of DNA from 86 basal cell nevus syndrome probands, 26 sporadic basal cell carcinomas, and seven basal cell nevus syndrome-associated basal cell carcinomas. This screen identified mutations located in eight exons in 13 of the basal cell nevus syndrome patients and in three of the tumors. The most common mutations were frameshifts resulting in premature chain termination. These results provide further evidence for the crucial role of PTC as a tumor suppressor in human keratinocytes.
Assessing intermediate left main coronary lesions using intravascular ultrasound.

Background Angiographic assessment of a left main coronary artery stenosis (LMCS) is often difficult and unreliable. We aimed to evaluate the severity of ambiguous LMCSs by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and to clarify how frequently significant stenosis occurs in the "real world". Methods We retrospectively found 115 consecutive patients in our clinical IVUS database with a de novo, angiographically ambiguous, intermediate LMCS who underwent IVUS evaluation. Quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) and IVUS analyses were performed. We define a significant LMCS as a diameter stenosis >50% by QCA and a minimal lumen area 2 by IVUS. Results Ostial, mid, and distal LMCSs were seen in 44 (38.3%), 6 (5.2%), and 65 (56.5%) lesions. Overall, IVUS minimal lumen area and plaque burden measured 6.8 ± 2.6 mm 2 and 63% ± 14%. A significant LMCS was seen in 51 (44.3%) lesions by IVUS but in only 15 (13.0%) lesions by QCA. In particular, only 36.4% of ostial lesions had a significant IVUS stenosis, and minimal lumen diameter by QCA was less well correlated with IVUS in ostial lesions than in other lesion locations. Conclusions This real-world IVUS analysis showed that less than half of intermediate LMCSs had significant stenoses by IVUS assessment, especially for lesions located at the left main ostium. Such patients deserve IVUS assessment or physiologic assessment before blindly proceeding to revascularization.
Student empowerment in a survey course

The author, assigned to teach a new survey course based on guest lecturers, employs some meta-academic strategies to promote student learning.
Vulnerable neurovasculature with a posterior approach to the scapula.

Anatomic studies have described areas where there is no direct threat of inadvertent suprascapular nerve injury; however, these studies did not describe danger zones during open reduction and internal fixation of the fractured scapula. We therefore sought to define the topographic distribution in which these vulnerable structures most commonly are found, thus establishing danger zones. Twenty-four nonpaired cadaveric specimens were dissected. The infraspinatus and teres minor musculature were elevated off the posterior scapula body to reveal critical areas where the suprascapular neurovasculature and circumflex scapular artery were vulnerable to injury. We established radial coordinates to determine this relation to osseous landmarks. The mean distance from the spinoglenoid notch to the inferior border of the danger zone was 2.4 cm (range, 1.2–3.8 cm). The mean distance from the medial extent of the scapular spine to the medial border of the danger zone was 4.3 cm (range, 3.0–6.7 cm). The entry of the ascending branch of the circumflex scapular artery was located at the lateral border 5.6 cm (range, 4.5–7.0 cm) inferior to the spinoglenoid notch. These danger zones can aid the surgeon in determining the risk for suprascapular nerve injury, specifically with scapula fractures involving the spinoglenoid notch and/or lateral border.
LEARNING FACTOR IN ANAGRAM SOLVING

The role of immediate learning to solve anagrams in lists of items of varying difficulty was studied. Observed learning was small (N = 30); men scored somewhat higher than women. Correlations among difficulty levels were lower than expected. The study only partially replicates one by Sargent.
Blue cone electroretinogram amplitudes are related to dopamine function in cocaine-dependent patients

The objective of the study was to examine the relationship between an index of central dopamine function and electroretinographic (ERG) blue cone amplitudes in cocaine-dependent patients. Thus, 17 recently abstinent cocaine-dependent patients had an ERG performed. They also had a lumbar puncture for determination of cerebrospinal (CSF) concentrations of the dopamine metabolite homovanillic acid (HVA). It was found that patients who had reduced ERG blue cone b-wave amplitudes (<0.5 μV) had significantly lower concentrations of CSF HVA than patients who had ERG blue cone b-wave amplitudes greater than 0.5 μV. There was also a significant positive correlation between ERG blue cone amplitudes and CSF HVA concentrations. These results suggest the possibility that ERG blue cone amplitudes may be a neurobiologic marker related to central dopamine function in cocaine-dependent patients.
Groundwater Quality Beneath Irrigated Vegetable Fields in a North-Central U.S. Sand Plain

The dramatic expansion of irrigated agriculture since about 1970 in the north-central USA has been accompanied by NO 3 and pesticide pollution of groundwater. The expansion has been concentrated in areas with sandy soils and shallow water tables, such as the Wisconsin central sand plain. In some parts of this sand plain, most wells contain detectable pesticide residues and NO 3 -N concentrations that exceed the 10 mg L -1 U.S. drinking water maximum contaminant level (MCL). To evaluate the effects on groundwater quality of this agricultural system, we monitored solutes 23 times during a 2-yr period in the upper 3 m of the aquifer beneath and immediately upgradient of four irrigated vegetable fields. Groundwater beneath fields had significantly greater concentrations of most solutes and lower pH than upgradient groundwater. Especially pronounced were Ca, Cl, K, Mg, and NO 3 differences, with concentrations 5 to 26 times greater under fields. Nitrate N concentrations averaged 21 mg L -1 under fields, compared with 1 mg L -1 upgradient. Pesticide residues were ubiquitous beneath fields, and generally persisted for many months after application. Pesticide concentrations often exceeded Wisconsin preventive-action limits (PALs), but seldom exceeded federal MCLs. Even when agricultural management approximated best management practice (BMP) recommendations, the NO 3 concentration beneath these fields approached double the MCL, indicating a need for new approaches to control agricultural groundwater pollution.
Enhanced secretion of heterologous proteins from yeast by overexpression of ribosomal subunit RPP0.

Previously, we have shown that single-gene overexpression of five yeast genes ( CCW12, CWP2, ERO1, RPP0, and SED1) promoted increased secretion levels of several single-chain antibody fragments and single-chain T-cell receptors from Saccharomycescerevisiae (Wentz, A. E.; Shusta, E. V. Appl.Environ.Microbiol.2007, 73, (4), 1189–1198). In this study, several proteins possessing different protein folds were secreted from yeast overexpressing each of the five genes to determine the generality of the secretion enhancers. Only one gene encoding a ribosomal subunit ( RPP0) enhanced secretion levels for multiple proteins: a single-chain antibody (the 4–4–20 anti-fluorescein scFv) and green fluorescent protein (GFP). Protein induction time-course experiments revealed increased secretion with RPP0 overexpression for 4–4–20 as early as 40 h post-induction. Effects on GFP secretion levels were not evident until late induction times where overexpression of RPP0 limited post-secretion protein loss, but absolute yields did not exceed those observed at earlier induction times. The effects of RPP0 overexpression on secreted protein yields did not appear to directly involve ribosome function, but instead RPP0 overexpression indirectly regulated acidification of the yeast medium by preventing upregulation of the yeast plasma membrane H+-ATPase gene, PMA1. Combining RPP0 overexpression with nutrient supplementation stimulated additional protein secretion for the 4–4–20 scFv with higher per cell secretion that corresponded to 6-fold increases in volumetric yield.
Abortion law and practice in China: an overview with comparisons to the United States.

This article utilizes legal documents, policy statements and ethnographic data to compare abortion law and practice in China and the United States. It outlines Chinese abortion law from ancient to modern times, identifies categories of reasons for aborting, and describes both folk remedies and the most common methods of modern medicine for inducing abortion. The contemporary incidence of abortion is discussed in the context of official family planning policy; evidence is presented to suggest that while modern methods are far safer than traditional remedies, the use of abortion as a major form of birth control has had an impact on women's health. The interference of the state in women's reproductive life is put in historical/cultural context and compared to U.S. views of women's reproductive rights. Differences in conception of abortion rights are attributed to contrasting historical relationships between the state and the individual and religiously and legally based theories of human rights, including fetal personhood and right to life.
Lymphaticovenular bypass for lymphedema management in breast cancer patients: a prospective study.

Background:Lymphedema is a common and debilitating condition. Management options for lymphedema are limited and controversial. The purpose of this prospective study was to provide a preliminary analysis of lymphaticovenular bypass for the treatment of upper limb lymphedema in breast cancer patients.
Incidental fetal hydronephrosis: Clinical implication

Maternal ultrasonography performed after twenty weeks of gestation is able accurately to identify and diagnose fetal hydronephrosis. We believe this finding should serve to alert the obstetrician as well as the pediatrician to potential complications which may arise at the time of delivery or immediately thereafter. Urologic evaluation and definitive surgical repair may then be performed when indicated.