cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
No Differences in Hip Joint Space Measurements Between Weightbearing or Supine Anteroposterior Pelvic Radiographs

Purpose To to assess whether there are any significant differences in hip joint space width (JSW) between weight-bearing versus supine pelvic radiographs. Methods Standing and supine anteroposterior pelvic radiographs of 86 patients (146 hips) were included. Sample size was sufficiently powered to assess for equivalence between standing and supine films for JSW measurements made at the medial, lateral, and central aspects of the sourcil line. Measurements were made by 2 independent reviewers blinded to patient positioning. Each reviewer repeated a subset of the measurements to assess intra-rater reproducibility. Mean differences in joint space measurements between standing and supine radiographs were reported for each point of the sourcil. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for inter and intra-rater reliability were also calculated. Results There were no significant differences between JSW measurements made on standing and supine pelvic radiographs (P = .468). Furthermore, equivalence testing demonstrated statistical equivalence between standing and supine JSW measurements made based on an equivalence threshold of ±0.5 mm. Inter-rater reliability demonstrated good agreement with an overall ICC of 0.775 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.734-0.809). Intra-rater reliability also demonstrated good agreement with ICCs of 0.84 (95% CI 0.758-0.889) and 0.798 (95% CI 0.721-0.851) for the 2 reviewers, respectively. Conclusions JSW measurements on standing and supine pelvic radiographs were not significantly different, and their inter-rater agreement and intra-rater reproducibility demonstrated good reliability and repeatability. Therefore, either may be used to assess JSW, including measurements that may impact treatment decisions for hip arthroscopy. Level of Evidence Level III; retrospective comparative study
Burnout Phenotypes Among U.S. General Surgery Residents.

OBJECTIVE Although well-established metrics exist to measure workplace burnout, researchers disagree about how to categorize individuals based on assessed symptoms. Using a person-centered approach, this study identifies classes of burnout symptomatology in a large sample of general surgery residents in the United States. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS A survey was administered following the 2018 American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination (ABSITE) to study wellness among U.S. general surgery residents. Latent class models identified distinct classes of residents based on their responses to the emotional exhaustion and depersonalization questions of the modified abbreviated Maslach Burnout Inventory (aMBI). Classes were assigned representative names, and the characteristics of their members and residency programs were compared. RESULTS The survey was completed by 7415 surgery residents from 263 residency programs nationwide (99.3% response rate). Five burnout classes were found: Burned Out (unfavorable score on all six items, 9.8% of total), Fully Engaged (favorable score on all six items, 23.1%), Fatigued (favorable on all items except frequent fatigue, 32.2%), Overextended (frequent fatigue and burnout from work, 16.7%), and Disengaged (weekly symptoms of fatigue and callousness, 18.1%). Within the more symptomatic classes (Burned Out, Overextended, and Disengaged), men manifested more depersonalization symptoms, whereas women reported more emotional exhaustion symptoms. Burned Out residents were characterized by reports of mistreatment (abuse, sexual harassment, and gender-, racial-, or pregnancy and/or childcare-based discrimination), duty hour violations, dissatisfaction with duty hour regulations or time for rest, and low ABSITE scores. CONCLUSIONS Burnout is multifaceted, with complex and variable presentations. Latent class modeling categorizes general surgery residents based on their burnout symptomatology. Organizations should tailor their efforts to address the unique manifestations of each class as well as shared drivers.
Urban Air Mobility: Factors Affecting Vertiport Capacity

This study aims at analyzing critical factors impacting vertiport capacity in urban areas. Urban Air Mobility (UAM) or Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) is a concept transportation mode being designed for intracity transport of passengers and cargo utilizing autonomous electric vehicles capable of Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) from dense and congested areas. The vertiports are expected to be placed on rooftops in Central Business Districts (CBD), limiting vertiports' size and suggesting high infrastructure costs. Therefore, vertiport capacity analysis is critical for an efficient UAM network as operations could be tailored for maximum efficiency. This analysis uses the vertiport designs developed for a previous study using current guidelines for heliports by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The minimum area of all designs was estimated for single and dual taxi-lanes configurations.From a preliminary geospatial analysis of San Francisco CBD, the rooftops' sizes are less likely to accommodate vertiports with more than three landing pads, even with tailored modifications. Therefore, this capacity analysis only considers vertiports with 1, 2, and 3 landing pads. A Discrete Event Simulation (DES) model is developed in MATLAB to simulate UAM operations and determine vertiport capacity. A high-demand vertiport in San Francisco Financial District is selected to understand the impact of unidirectional flows on a vertiport’s passenger serving capacity. The analysis focuses on the utilization of various elements of vertiport, as they comprise the overall efficiency of the vertiport operations. Moreover, vertiport capacity sensitivity against elements such as the charging rate, service times at landing pads, and parking stalls are included in the findings.
How accurate are patient-specific osteotomy guides and fixation plates in orthognathic surgery?

Abstract Purpose This study evaluates the accuracy of orthognathic surgical movements completed with patient-specific osteotomy guides and fixation plates and provides an example of the use of volumetric analysis to evaluate post-surgical results. Materials and methods Utilizing three-dimensional (3D) overlay and anthropometric points, the pre-operative virtual surgical plan (VSP) was compared to the post-operative computed tomography (CT) scan. The average deviation in the movements between each patient's scans was calculated; additionally, volumetric analysis consisted of overlapping the virtually planned jaws with the surgically obtained maxilla and mandible, allowing accuracy to be calculated as a percentage and provide visualization of where errors occurred. Results 9 orthognathic surgeries were completed using patient-specific guides and plates. In the anterior-posterior and left-right planes, the maxilla was under-corrected 0.79 mm and 0.01 mm respectively, whereas it was over-corrected in the superior-inferior plane by 0.15 mm; this corresponded with an average maxillary volume overlap of 82.59%. In the left-right and superior-inferior planes, the mandible was under-corrected 1.40 mm and 0.36 mm respectively, whereas it was over-corrected in the left-right plane by 0.10 mm; this corresponded with an average mandibular volume overlap of 77.52%. The volume overlap difference between the maxilla and mandible was not significant. Conclusion Patient-specific guides and plates in orthognathic surgery can achieve acceptable results when measured by traditional cephalometric point analysis. Our protocol demonstrates the use of pre- and post-surgical CT scans to compare and evaluate surgical outcome as a percentage of positional volumetric accuracy as well as pinpoint the sources of error.
Hip Joint Kinematic Covariation During Gait Before and 1-Year After Hip Arthroscopic Surgery for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome.

The primary aim of this study was to determine if the three-dimensional (3D) hip joint motion coordination during gait changes after arthroscopic surgery for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS). Three-dimensional hip joint kinematic data were collected with a 12-camera motion capture system. Five trials of level walking were collected preoperatively (PRE) and at 1-year postoperatively (POST) in 8 patients diagnosed with FAIS and at a single time point in 8 healthy controls. Planar covariation analysis was performed to quantify the 3D hip joint motion coordination strategy during gait. Independent sample’s t-test were used to determine differences between the FAIS group at the preoperative time point (PRE) and healthy controls. Paired samples t-tests were used to determine differences between the PRE and POST time points within the FAIS group. The %VAF by PC 1 for the FAIS group at the PRE time point was significantly less than that of healthy controls (PRE: 77.2 ± 8.7% vs. Control: 96.1 ± 2.8%; p = .0001), and the % VAF of the second PC (PC2) was significantly greater (PRE: 22.8 (8.7) %; Control: 3.9 (2.8) %; p = .0001). No differences in %VAF were found between the PRE and POST time points within the FAIS group for PC1 (PRE: 77.2 (8.7) % vs. POST: 79.3 (11.1) %; p = .472) or PC2 (PRE: 22.7 (8.7) %; POST: 20.7 (11.1) %; p = .472). Significant differences in the plane specific contribution to the 3D motion coordination strategy were found between the FAIS patients at the PRE and POST time points for the sagittal plane (PRE: 5.6 (2.7) vs. POST: 0.91 (6.1); p = 0.012) and frontal plane (PRE: -10.4 (2.2) and -1.5 (6.3); p = 0.005). Patients with FAIS demonstrated a more complex coordination strategy of 3D hip joint motion than controls and this strategy remains unchanged after hip arthroscopic surgery despite changes in the plane specific contribution to this strategy. These findings indicate that motor control impairments in FAIS patients do exist and seem to persist for at least one year after hip arthroscopic surgery.
Effects of acute temperature increases on House sparrow (Passer domesticus) pectoralis muscle myonuclear domain

With rapid climate change, heat wave episodes have become more intense and more frequent. This poses a significant threat to animals, and forces them to manage these physiologically challenging conditions by adapting and/or moving. As an invasive species with a large niche breadth, House sparrows (Passer domesticus) exhibit high phenotypic flexibility that caters to seasonal changes in function and metabolism. For example, their pectoral muscle complex exhibits size and mass plasticity with winter and summer acclimation. Here, we investigated the effects of acute whole-organism heat stress to 43°C on cellular-level changes in House sparrow pectoralis muscle myonuclear domain (MND), the volumetric portion each nucleus is responsible for, that have gone overlooked in the current literature. House sparrows were separated into a control group, a heat-shocked group subjected to thermal stress at 43°C for 24 h, and a recovery group that was returned to room temperature for 24 h after experiencing the same temperature treatment. Here, we found that heat-shocked and recovery groups demonstrated a decrease in number of nuclei per millimeter of fiber and increase in MND, when compared with the control. We also found a significant positive correlation between fiber diameter and MND in the recovery group, suggesting the possibility that nuclei number constrains the extent of muscle fiber size. Together, these results show that acute heat shock alters House sparrow pectoralis muscle cellular physiology in a rigid way that could prove detrimental to long-term muscle integrity and performance.
Real-Time Assessment of Residents’ Perceptions of Inappropriate Neurology Consults (P2.9-007)

Objective: We investigated perceptions of inappropriate neurology consults between neurology residents (NR) and consulting practitioners (CP) immediately following the consult interaction. Background: Our previous research demonstrated discordant knowledge expectations between neurology and medicine residents, potentially influencing consultation appropriateness. Design/Methods: Student investigators were embedded in the Mount Sinai neurology consult service for four weeks in May/June 2018. For each consecutive neurology consult (n=69), the NR’s real-time attitudes toward the consult were evaluated with a questionnaire using Likert scales. A similar survey was immediately administered to the CP who called the consult. Response scores for each attribute were dichotomized and data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U tests in SPSS. Results: Consults were called by 19 departments, most commonly the ED, Medicine, OB, Oncology, and Rehab; the most common consults were seizure, altered mental status, headache, weakness, and dizziness. NRs rated 38% of consults as less appropriate than CPs (p=0.084). When NRs perceived a consult as inappropriate, they felt more resistant (r=−0.79). NRs felt more resistant when they thought that the CP could have cared for the patient without the consult (r=0.79). NRs felt high resistance for 22% of consults, but expressed high resistance for 7.2%. CPs rated the resistance they received from NRs as high for only 3.1% of consults. NRs rated consults as significantly less urgent than CPs (p=0.03). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that NRs have different perceptions of consult inappropriateness and urgency than CPs. Despite these discordances, NRs expressed much less resistance towards inappropriate consults than they felt. This delta can be considered a measure of professionalism in interdisciplinary care. Our data support the development of educational interventions to help CPs gauge the urgency and appropriateness of a neurology consult, improving the consult process and furthering patient care. Additional analyses will evaluate demographic, disease-state, and medicolegal contributors to perceived consult inappropriateness. Disclosure: Dr. Gentile has nothing to disclose. Dr. Loebel has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sanky has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for Associate Editor for AHEAD, the University of Michigan School of Social Work’s research magazine. Dr. Krieger has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with Acorda, Bayer, Biogen, Celgene, EMD Serono, Genentech, Genzyme, Mallinckrodt, MedDay, Novartis, Teva, and TG Therapeutics.
Science Fiction Film: The Science Fiction Film as Fantastic Text: THX 1138

In an essay comparing our utopian projections to the broader category of ideology, Paul Ricoeur observes some fundamental similarities. He begins on a somewhat negative note, suggesting that we consider both utopian thinking and ideology “as deviant attitudes toward social reality,” and utopianism especially as a kind of “escapism,” concealing “under its traits of futurism the nostalgia for some paradise lost.” In so doing he addresses a common criticism of most utopian thinking, echoed as well in the work of Fredric Jameson: the notion that our visions of utopias – or dystopias, for that matter – ultimately risk producing a problematic relationship to our world because of their “eclipse of praxis,” that is, the way such fantastic constructions, much like any culture's dominant ideology, too often distract us from what might be done here and now. Nonetheless, he certainly does not dismiss utopian schemes, but suggests that this “nostalgia” is useful when properly approached, the desire for escape or alternative structures a beneficial “pathology” if it can help us to interrogate the prevailing conditions of our culture. While he lays this knotty relationship of escapism and interrogation at the door of a vague function that he terms the “cultural imagination,” the very irresolution of this issue points to another, deeper difficulty with which Ricoeur and other commentators on the utopian imagination typically struggle.
Cohen-Macaulay Modules for Graded Cohen-Macaulay Rings and their Completions

Let ℤ denote the integers and \(R = \coprod\nolimits_{i \in \mathbb{Z}} {{R_i}} \) a ℤ-graded commutative ring with R 0 = k a field, R i = (0) when i {\text{0}}} {{R_i}} \). When R is Cohen-Macaulay, we shall study the relationship between R and \(\hat R\), especially with respect to almost split sequences for Cohen-Macaulay modules. Existence theorems for almost split sequences were first proved in the complete case [1,2,6], and then in the graded case by imitating the method [7]. We here show that there is a more direct connection between the complete case and graded case, by deducing the existence theorem for R from that of \(\hat R\). An interesting feature of this approach is that it shows at the same time that almost split sequences for R stay almost split under completion.
Structure and function of gamma M macroglobulins.

Publisher Summary This chapter provides a critical evaluation of the various procedures employed to extract antigens and to characterize them chemically and physically. The various biological activities of the histocompatibility antigens and their use in assay systems for antigen and antibody detection and quantitation are also described in the chapter. One of the most active areas of immunologic research involves the participation and interactions of various cell types in the immune response. The recognition of the requirement for cell interaction in the antibody response can make the problem complicated related to the interpretation of much experimental data. Excellent yields of purified rat γM macroglobulin are reported by Fisher and Canning using sucrose density gradients in the BIV zonal centrifuge. This method allows for large batch processing and may be particularly useful for the isolation of γM from small animal sources. A very wide range of sedimentation constants for each of the components is reported in studies of large numbers of macroglobulinemic sera (as opposed to isolated macroglobulins).
SOCIAL DYNAMICS IN ONLINE CULTURAL FIELDS

In spite of a long literature on online communities and electronic networks, little theoretical work has been done on understanding a recent online phenomenon: "user-generated content" (UGC) platforms. This paper proposes an analytical lens for the study of social dynamics on UGC platforms. Drawing on Bourdieu's concepts of field and capital, we introduce the notion of online cultural field and investigate which characteristics of agents and their contribution behavior produce status distinctions in these fields. These characteristics are then placed in a framework which attempts to address how capital is produced, reproduced and transformed in online cultural fields and how these processes help us understand the evolution of these fields. We briefly review how we will follow this theoretical model with an empirical investigation.
Domain organization, genomic structure, evolution, and regulation of expression of the aggrecan gene family.

Proteoglycans are complex macromolecules, consisting of a polypeptide backbone to which are covalently attached one or more glycosaminoglycan chains. Molecular cloning has allowed identification of the genes encoding the core proteins of various proteoglycans, leading to a better understanding of the diversity of proteoglycan structure and function, as well as to the evolution of a classification of proteoglycans on the basis of emerging gene families that encode the different core proteins. One such family includes several proteoglycans that have been grouped with aggrecan, the large aggregating chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan of cartilage, based on a high number of sequence similarities within the N-and C-terminal domains. Thus far these proteoglycans include versican, neurocan, and brevican. It is now apparent that these proteins, as a group, are truly a gene family with shared structural motifs on the protein and nucleotide (mRNA) levels, and with nearly identical genomic organizations. Clearly a common ancestral origin is indicated for the members of the aggrecan family of proteoglycans. However, differing patterns of amplification and divergence have also occurred within certain exons across species and family members, leading to the class-characteristic protein motifs in the central carbohydrate-rich region exclusively. Thus the overall domain organization strongly suggests that sequence conservation in the terminal globular domains underlies common functions, whereas differences in the central portions of the genes account for functional specialization among the members of this gene family.
Modular Architecture for Real-Time Astronomical Image Processing with FPGAs

This paper describes the implementation of a two-dimensional, real-time centroiding algorithm using reconfigurable Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA's). A centroiding computation is used to calculate the highest image light density location to sub-pixel resolution for bright point source events. The method is of interest mainly in astronomical applications. In order to achieve this computation in real-time, a solution which realizes high parallelism, pipelinability, and modularity is essential. Recent improvements in FPGA architecture allow for a new approach to realizing fast, wide and complex arithmetic functions thereby targeting these devices for real time imaging applications. A prototype has, therefore, been developed exploiting the high density, high speed and flexibility of FPGA's. The resulting prototype is able to perform centroiding on a 5×5 pixel array on data coming from an electronic imaging detector at a throughput rate of 10Mevents/s.
John Kenneth Galbraith and original institutional economics

Thorstein Veblen is the acknowledged founder of the original (old) institutional economics (OIE). Later contributors include John R. Commons, Clarence Ayres, Walton Hamilton, Rexford Tugwell, and, ...
Processing high-speed intelligence feeds in real-time

Intelligence organizations face the daunting task of collecting all relevant pieces of information and to draw conclusions about potential threats in a timely manner. Typical information sources range from news tickers, financial transaction logs and message logs to satellite images and speech recordings. This wealth of data is continuously updated and arrives in high-speed data streams; it needs to be analyzed both in real-time (e.g., to estimate the importance of the information and to generate early threat alerts) and offline by sophisticated data mining tools. This work focuses on the real-time aspects of processing these massive streams of intelligence data. We also show how real-time and data mining components can interact effectively.
Toxicity of Chemotherapeutic Agents

Effective chemotherapeutic agents are limited in their clinical use by the effects they produce on normal cells. The ratio of the doses at which therapeutic effect and toxicity occur is referred to as the therapeutic index. Ideally, one would like to have at his disposal drugs that have a higher therapeutic index, i.e., maximum therapeutic benefit with virtually no toxicity. But since this ideal situation has not been achieved, we must remain cognizant of the various toxicities of the chemotherapeutic drugs so that these agents can be used as effectively as possible. Each drug has unique antitumor properties and, as would be expected, unique toxicities. Some toxicity is acute, some delayed, but it is always present. This chapter is a review of these toxicities.
Treatment and prevention of respiratory syncytial virus lower respiratory tract infection. Long-term effects on respiratory outcomes.

The association between respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis and asthma has been established for more than 30 yr. However, the question of causality remains unanswered: Does severe RSV lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) cause long-term pulmonary morbidity or do factors that predispose a child to wheeze later in life also predispose the child to severe RSV LRTI? In several human studies (1–4), obstructive airway disease appears to occur up to 10 yr after an initial RSV infection. The Tucson Children’s Respiratory Study showed an effect at 10 yr (5) but not by 13 yr (6). Hall and coworkers prospectively monitored 29 children who were hospitalized during infancy for RSV LRTI for 8 yr (7). Six children continued to have lower respiratory tract disease and six (21%) had persistently low oxyhemoglobin levels (Sa O2 ) at follow-up. Sigurs and colleagues found that children who had experienced RSV LRTI were more likely to have asthma and recurrent wheeze for 7 yr (4). Weber and colleagues (8) determined in Gambia that RSV LRTI predisposed children to recurrent wheeze, but only for 2 yr; after 3 yr, there was no significant difference between RSV-infected children and control children with respect to wheezing episodes. Many of the patients in the Tucson study had only RSV upper respiratory tract infections and none were hospitalized (5, 6). Patients in the study by Sigurs and coworkers (4), Hall and colleagues (7), and those in the Gambia study (8) had severe RSV disease. The reason for the observed varying degree and length of long-term sequelae may lie in the differing degrees of severity of illness studied (mild versus severe), or differences in location (developed versus developing countries), or ecological differences in sensitizing allergens (desert versus temperate versus tropical), or other undetermined factors. It remains to be determined whether severe RSV LRTI causes the pulmonary sequelae observed in longitudinal studies (i.e., a causeand-effect relationship) or whether inherent genetic or structural abnormalities that predispose a child to wheeze later in life also predispose the child to severe RSV LRTI. If causality exists, reducing severe RSV LRTI would reduce subsequent wheezing; if causality does not exist, reducing severe RSV LRTI would have no effect on subsequent wheezing. This is, therefore, a key clinical issue, which has been addressed in three sets of studies: antiviral therapy for RSV LRTI, antiinflammatory therapy for RSV LRTI, and prevention of RSV LRTI.
Incorporation of Fenofibrate Nanoparticles Prepared by Melt Emulsification into Polymeric Films

The aims of this study are to develop polymeric films loaded with nanoparticles of fenofibrate (FNB), a poorly water-soluble drug, prepared via melt emulsification (ME) and study the short-term physical stability of the ME-based suspensions, with the ultimate goal of enhancing FNB dissolution. FNB particles in water were heated above the melting point to form an oil-in-water emulsion, whose cooling turned FNB droplets into solidified FNB nanoparticles. The resulting FNB suspensions, along with a suspension of as-received FNB, were mixed with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)–glycerin solution to prepare film precursor suspensions, which were then casted and dried into films. The effects of the presence of Pluronic F68 (PF68) as stabilizer and the sonication during the cooling step on the physical stability of the suspensions were investigated. For films, drug content, redispersibility, and drug release in a USP IV dissolution test were studied. The results show that cooling the FNB–PF68 emulsion in the presence of sonication produced suspensions with acceptable 7-day physical stability, whereas cooling the same without sonication led to severe particle aggregation within 20 min. The film redispersion in water led to effective recovery of FNB nanoparticles only when PF68 and sonication during the cooling step were used. Good drug content uniformity and enhanced FNB dissolution were obtained from the films containing FNB nanoparticles stabilized with PF68, but the impact of sonication on the FNB dissolution was not discernible. Overall, feasibility of films carrying ME-based drug nanoparticles for enhanced dissolution has been demonstrated.
Current-controlled synchronous rectification

This paper presents several strategies for implementing a current-controlled synchronous rectifier. One approach utilizes a current-sensing transformer in series with the rectifying MOSFET to derive the required gating signals. The second method uses the mirror current of a current-sensing MOSFET. Experimental results obtained with current-driven rectifiers in a center-tapped, full-wave configuration are presented. >
Science, politics, and computers

This address briefly traces post-1940 U.S. science policy from the science policy agenda set forth by Vannevar Bush in 1945 through the recent congressional task force on science policy. Although there are many factors influencing science policy, the focus here is on presidential influence. The effects of U.S. science policy on science are traced by looking at funding patterns in general, as well as at those for behavioral science. The influence of politics on the ability of scientists to freely communicate scientific information is examined. Finally, the role of politics in scientists’ access to computing resources is explored. Presented here is a side of science not often seen by those at the bench.
Cobalt Polycythemia. II. Relative Effects of Oral and Subcutaneous Administration of Cobaltous Chloride

SummaryThe relative effect of parenteral versus oral administration of cobaltous chloride on erythrocyte and hemoglobin formation in rats has been determined. Daily subcutaneous iujection of 2.5 mg/kg of body weight, over a period of 6 weeks, resulted in an increase of more than 30% in the number of erythrocytes per cu mm and in grams of hemoglobin per 100 ml of blood. To produce a similar effect from oral administration of cobaltous chloride, within the same period of time. 40 mg/kg of body weight was required. These dosaqes are without significant toxic effects. Rats which received 10 mg cobaltous chloride/kg daily, subcutaneously, averaged 24% weight loss by the end of 6 weeks. Rats which received 40 mg/kg body weight, subcutaneously, did not survive beyond 8 days.
Active networking services for wired/wireless networks

An active networking architecture provides the infrastructure for applications to inject user programs into the nodes of the network. This enables customization of the network nodes so that application-specific services can be downloaded into the network in the form of new protocols. We look at the different kinds of services that applications require from the network. We study these services to identify common characteristics so that services can be grouped into classes of protocols. We argue that this study permits us to develop a methodology that helps in rapidly designing and deploying new protocols.
Guidelines for Product Evolution Using Effort Flow Analysis: Results of an Empirical Study

The results of an empirical product study aimed at deducing product evolution design guidelines are presented. The derived design guidelines support a directed product evolution methodology known as effort flow analysis. Effort flow analysis provides a systematic framework for identifying component combination opportunities leading to either rigidbody or compliant mechanisms in the domain of mechanical effort transmissions. Design guidelines, effort flow analysis, and the empirical study are discussed. A classified list of the derived guidelines is presented along with analysis of a sample product group from the study.
An approximate closed-form expression for the electron-scattering-induced interaction between magnetic flux lines and grain boundaries

An approximate closed-form result for the interaction of an isolated magnetic flux line in a type-II superconductor with a grain boundary, due to the scattering of electrons by the boundary, is presented here. The grain boundary need not be infinitely thin, but can include a distribution of scattering centers nearby. The resulting expressions are more suitable for computer simulations of flux pinning and their interpretation is more physically transparent than previous results; they are used here to discuss pinning by nonideal boundaries.
Immunohistochemical localization of transforming growth factor-alpha and transforming growth factor-beta during early human fetal prostate development.

AbstractPurpose: We investigated the role of peptide growth factors and androgens in the developing human prostate.Materials and Methods: We performed immunohistochemical staining of prostate tissue sections from human fetuses 9.5, 11.5, 13, 16.5, 18 and 20 weeks in gestation.Results: The temporal and spatial expression of these growth factors was related to the gestational androgen surge. Before the androgen surge (9.5 to 11.5 weeks) transforming growth factor (TGF)-alpha, TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 3 but not TGF-beta 2 were present in the mesenchyme. The epithelium exhibited no detectable staining for any of the growth factors. During the androgen peak (13 to 16.5 weeks) TGF-beta 1 decreased and TGF-beta 2 increased in the mesenchyme, and TGF-alpha, TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 3 increased in the epithelium. With declining androgen levels TGF-alpha, TGF-beta 2 and TGF-beta 3 remained unchanged but TGF-beta 1 increased in the mesenchyme with no change in the tested peptide growth factor levels in the epithelium....
Synthetic-aperture GPR imaging with pulse-echo and step-frequency FMCW systems

The objective of this paper is to examine the structure of the image reconstruction algorithm for synthetic-aperture GPR systems operating with pulse-echo and step-FMCW illumination schemes. The main structure of the image formation algorithms is based on the framework of the backward propagation image formation technique. Mathematical modeling, theoretical analysis, and results from full-scale experiments are included.
Osteoblast adhesion of breast cancer cells with scanned image microscopy

Breast cancer frequently metastasizes, or spreads, to the bone. Upon colonizing bone tissue, the cancer cells stimulate osteoclasts (cells that break bone down), resulting in large lesions in the bone. It seems that breast cancer cells also affect osteoblasts (cells that build new bone), in addition to osteoclasts. To test this hypothesis, conditioned medium was collected from a bone-metastatic breast cancer cell line, MDA-MB-231, and then cultured with an immature osteoblast cell line, MC3T3-E1. To characterize cell adhesion, MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts were examined with a mechanical scanning acoustic reflection microscope (SAM). The cells were cultured with or without MDA-MB-231 conditioned medium for 2 days, and then assayed microscopically. The SAM indicated that MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts were firmly attached to their plastic substrate. However, MC3T3-E1 cells cultured with MDA-MB-231 conditioned medium displayed both an abnormal shape and poor adhesion at the substrate interface. These data taken together suggest that MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells alter MC3T3-E1 adhesion. Using optical microscopic techniques, we were not able to observe these differences until the cells were quite confluent after 7 days of culture. However, using the SAM, we were able to detect these changes within 2 days of culture with MDA-MB-231 conditioned medium.
The Composition of Surface Layers Formed in a Lubricated Cam/Tappet Contact

The frictional behavior of two oils was measured in a cam/tappet friction apparatus using a direct acting bucket tappet geometry. One oil contained a soluble molybdenum friction modifier. The films consisted of varying amounts of inorganic phosphates, sulfates and sulfides with zinc, magnesium, and possibly molybdenum as cations. MoS 2 , expected because additives containing molybdenum and sulfur were present, was not detected
Intrauterine contraception: evaluation of clinician practice patterns in Kaiser Permanente Northern California.

Abstract Background Despite the medical evidence, few women of reproductive age in the United States use intrauterine contraception (IUC) in comparison with women worldwide. To reduce cost as a barrier, Kaiser Permanente removed the cost to the patient for IUC throughout California in 2002. The goal of this study was to evaluate whether providing evidence-based information about IUC would result in changes in the knowledge, attitudes and practice patterns of clinicians and in greater IUC utilization as compared with removing cost alone. Study Design A comprehensive education intervention was conducted in half of Kaiser Permanente Northern California ob-gyn departments. To make comparisons between the intervention and comparison sites, we surveyed clinicians in both groups before and after the intervention about their IUC knowledge, attitudes as well as practice patterns and collected utilization data for 27 months. Results Statistically significant changes in attitudes and practice patterns were reported by the intervention group as compared with the usual care comparison group. By the end of the study, change in IUC utilization was significantly greater in the intervention group (utilization rate=9.57/1000) as compared with the comparison group (utilization rate=7.35/1000) (p=.02). Conclusion A multifaceted approach to providing evidence-based clinician and patient education resulted in statistically significant reported changes in attitudes and practice patterns and in greater IUC utilization as compared with usual practice.
Constraint effect in deformation of copper interconnect lines subjected to cyclic Joule heating

Temperature distributions and von Mises strains produced by cyclic Joule heating of damascene copper interconnect structures of varying geometries were calculated by finite element analysis. Constraining the top surface of the lines with rigid dielectric increased the temperature range required to produce a given strain range, relative to unconstrained lines. Much narrower lines required much higher temperatures to reach this same range of strain. Electrical tests to failure of actual structures were conducted. Scanning electron microscope images of unconstrained damascene copper lines after testing showed significant topographic features that have been associated in previous reports with mechanical fatigue. None of the constrained lines – including those cycled at ranges of total strain similar to those of the unconstrained lines – exhibited these features, but they did have large voids. Present and previously reported observations suggest that both cyclic plastic deformation and void formation can contr...
Testosterone-Induced Inhibition of the LH and FSH Responses to Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Occurs Slowly

To quantitate the inhibitory effect of a prolonged increase in serum testosterone concentration on the serum LH and FSH concentrations in men, testosterone enanthate was administered every seven days for eight doses to 12 normal men and to seven men with primary hypogonadism. Serum testosterone and estradiol concentrations were measured on days 0 to 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49 to 56, and 84. Serum LH and FSH concentrations, both basal and in response to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), were measured on days 0, 7, 14, 28, 56, and 84. In six normal men who received 50 mg of testosterone enanthate every seven days, the mean (±SE) serum testosterone concentration increased from 572 ± 98 ng/dl on day 0 to an average of 768 ± 87 ng/dl on days 1 to 7 (P < 0.05), and was maintained at an average of 810 ± 137 ng/dl on days 50 to 56. Serum estradiol concentrations did not change during the time of testosterone administration. The mean (±SE) LH response area following GnRH decreased from 6670 ± 753 mlU-min/ml on...
PROSTATE SPECIFIC ANTIGEN LEVELS IN YOUNG ADULTHOOD PREDICT PROSTATE CANCER RISK: RESULTS FROM A COHORT OF BLACK AND WHITE AMERICANS

ABSTRACTPurpose: Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is a serine protease produced by normal and malignant prostate epithelial cells. Serum PSA increases with age, due largely to age related increases in the prevalence of benign prostatic disease. Little is known about PSA distribution in young adulthood, when benign and malignant prostatic diseases are rare, or about how PSA within the normal range in youth relates to subsequent prostate cancer risk.Materials and Methods: We evaluated serum PSA and subsequent prostate cancer occurrence in a cohort of young black and white American men with a median age at blood draw of 34 years, who in 1959 to 1966 participated as the fathers of newborns enrolled in the Child Health and Development Study, and who were followed for several decades for prostate cancer. We examined associations between PSA in young adulthood and subsequent prostate cancer risk using a nested case-control design based on 119 black and 206 white cases with 2 control men matched to each case on ra...
Traffic noise reduction by means of surface wave exclusion above parallel grooves in the roadside

Abstract A new method to reduce traffic noise by means of an ‘invisible’ wall has been investigated both theoretically and experimentally. A formula was derived for the frequency dependent impedance of an infinite structure of parallel ribs on an impedance boundary. From the definition of surface waves it followed that these waves can only exist for certain combinations of frequencies, heights of ribs and phases of the complex reflection coefficient of the underlying surface. Upon making this surface softer, more low frequency sound is absorbed. Outdoor experiments above an array of 16 or 21 low brick walls showed a considerable absorption of sound. Attenuations occurred up to 20 dB in the one-third octave bands from 125 to 400 Hz and amplifications up to 12 dB in the range of 400–1000 Hz. It was possible to explain these measurements qualitatively by the theory of surface waves. The wall structure caused an insertion loss of approximately 4 dB(A) in the total sound pressure level of the A-weighted one-third octave bands from 100 to 12,500 Hz.
On the use of quaternions and Euler–Rodrigues symmetric parameters with moments and moment potentials

Abstract This paper contains a comprehensive discussion of the use of Euler–Rodrigues symmetric (or Euler symmetric) parameters to parameterize a potential energy function. By exploiting the equivalence of these parameters to unit quaternions, several representations for moments derivable from moment potentials are established. These representations are applied to a system of two rigid bodies connected by an elastic element, and the issue of identification of the potential energy function using moment measurements. It is also shown how the representations can be used to prescribe constraint moments, and how they illuminate the stiffness matrices associated with certain moment potentials.
Truncating Hyperbolic Densities

We prove covering theorems for analytic functions by using a truncation method for hyperbolic densities.
Bioactive glass for bone replacement in craniomaxillofacial reconstruction.

Considerable investigation has been done to design alloplasts suitable for bone replacement in humans. During the last 10 years there has been increased use of biomaterials for bone replacement, particularly in facial reconstruction.1–3 Reasons for this include the increasing availability and ready usage of biomaterials, the long “shelf-life” of biomaterials, their increasing efficacy and safety, and their cost-effectiveness in reducing operating time. Failure of most implants originates at the interface between the biomaterial and its host tissue.4 This problem makes surface activity of the alloplast critical in evaluating its suitability for bone replacement, particularly if the area to be reconstructed will be subject to stressloading. Bioactive implants provide one potential solution to the problem of interface failure.4 A bioactive material is defined as one that elicits a specific biological response at the interface of the material that results in the formation of a bond between the tissues and the material.5 This process prevents formation of a fibrous capsule surrounding the implant by the adhesion of repairing tissues. Hench and colleagues6 reported the first bioactive material in 1971. This four-component glass was 45 percent silica dioxide, 45 percent sodium oxide, 5 percent calcium oxide, and 5 percent phosphate, and was first marketed as 45S5 Bioglass (USBiomaterials Corp., Alachua, Fla.). Since its introduction in 1971, 45SF Bioglass has subsequently been released as PerioGlas (Block Drug Co., Jersey City, N.J.), for periodontal bone regeneration, and NovaBone (Porex Surgical, Inc., Newnan, Ga.), for craniomaxillofacial applications.
Hindered rotation in thioureas: Steric effects and conformations

The temperature dependent spectra of several mono-, di- and trialkylthioureas have been recorded. Free energy barriers to internal rotation about the CN bonds have been calculated. In thioureas that were unsymmetrically substituted, free energy barriers were found to be different for each CN bond with the more substituted amino group exhibiting the higher barrier. The monosubstituted thioureas showed different rotational barriers for the NH2 groups of the cis and trans isomers, respectively. The free energy barriers for the trans isomers were found to be substituent dependent and substantiate the reassignment of the high and low field substituent signals to the trans and cis isomers, respectively. The spectrum of 1-methyl-3-t-butylthiourea indicates restricted rotation of the t-butyl group at temperatures below 200 K.
Analysis of adherence, biofilm formation and cytotoxicity suggests a greater virulence potential of Gardnerella vaginalis relative to other bacterial-vaginosis-associated anaerobes

Worldwide, bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal disorder in women of childbearing age. BV is characterized by a dramatic shift in the vaginal microflora, involving a relative decrease in lactobacilli, and a proliferation of anaerobes. In most cases of BV, the predominant bacterial species found is Gardnerella vaginalis. However, pure cultures of G. vaginalis do not always result in BV, and asymptomatic women are sometimes colonized with low numbers of G. vaginalis. Thus, there is controversy about whether G. vaginalis is an opportunistic pathogen and the causative agent of many cases of BV, or whether BV is a polymicrobial condition caused by the collective effects of an altered microbial flora. Recent studies of the biofilm-forming potential and cytotoxic activity of G. vaginalis have renewed interest in the virulence potential of this organism. In an effort to tease apart the aetiology of this disorder, we utilized in vitro assays to compare three virulence properties of G. vaginalis relative to other BV-associated anaerobes. We designed a viable assay to analyse bacterial adherence to vaginal epithelial cells, we compared biofilm-producing capacities, and we assessed cytotoxic activity. Of the BV-associated anaerobes tested, only G. vaginalis demonstrated all three virulence properties combined. This study suggests that G. vaginalis is more virulent than other BV-associated anaerobes, and that many of the bacterial species frequently isolated from BV may be relatively avirulent opportunists that colonize the vagina after G. vaginalis has initiated an infection.