cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Selective CO oxidation in a hydrogen-rich stream over Au/γ-Al2O3 catalysts

Abstract The selective oxidation of CO in a stream rich in H 2 was investigated over a series of Au/γ-Al 2 O 3 catalysts. It was found that the presence of Mg citrate in the preparation solution had a significant effect on the properties of the catalyst. Catalysts prepared without citrate contained larger Au particles, were less active catalytically, and were less selective for CO oxidation. Although the experimental uncertainties were large, there appeared to be an optimal average Au particle size of about 5–10 nm for best activity and selectivity. At 100°C, about 50% selectivity was obtained over the more selective catalysts, which depended only weakly on either O 2 or CO conversion.
Cutaneous keratocyst in naevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome

Summary We report a patient with naevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS) who developed cutaneous cysts on her digits. Histological examination of one of the cysts showed a festooned lining epithelium maturing without a granular cell layer, similar to that of the jaw keratocyst characteristic of this syndrome. This type of cutaneous keratocyst has been reported only once previously, in two patients with NBCCS.
TRAINING EFFECTIVENESS MEASURES AND SCORING SCHEMES: A COMPARISON

This paper examines a new criterion measure, comprised of scripted situations, for training effectiveness and compares two scoring schemes–one based on expert judgments and one based on empirical weights. It was believed that a measure based on job-related scenarios would be more sensitive to detecting change due to training than would more traditional training criteria, such as behavior and performance rating scales. Results of the study support this notion. For a sample of 67 teachers, significant training effects were found only for the new training effectiveness measure; there were no significant differences found for traditional behavior and performance measures. The comparison of expert versus empirical scoring indicated that empirical scoring produced significant results, while scoring based on expert judgment did not. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Compaction in Sandstones--Influence on Reservoir Quality: ABSTRACT

Primary porosity that is lost during burial through cementation by carbonate, evaporite, and some clay minerals can be regenerated during the stage of secondary porosity development that is typical of most basins. However, primary porosity that is lost through compaction is forever lost and cannot be regenerated. Thus, it is desirable to be able to predict the amount of porosity loss expected in sandstones buried to given depths. During progressive burial, terrigenous sandstones compact by (1) packing readjustments without changes in grain shape, (2) ductile deformation of clayey and micaceous grains, chiefly rip-up-clasts, fecal pellets, and fragments of shale, mudstone, slate, and schist, (3) bending of flexible micas, (4) pressure solution, and (5) fracturing of feldspar, quartz, and chert grains. Process 1 generally results in a 7-10% porosity loss and is independent of sandstone composition; processes 2, 3, and 4 are strongly dependent on framework composition and each by itself is responsible for producing tight sandstones; and process 5 is generally not important. Process 3 was modeled by Rittenhouse, who showed that sandstones with 35% ductile grains can compact to produce tight sandstones. Pressure solution becomes important at depths greater than 8,000 ft (2,400 m). Pressure solution at quartz grain contacts is enhanced where thick illite or chlorite clay coats develop and is most common in quartz-rich sandstones that lack much quartz cement. Quartz dissolved from grains generally exits the formation instead of being precipitated as cement. Stylolites develop at mica-rich and clay-rich laminae and develop conspicuous vertical permeability barriers. Wholesale dissolution of quartz grains leaves a residue of clay, micas, organic matter, and feldspar. End_of_Article - Last_Page 505------------
The efficacy of methylprednisolone in the treatment of hyperemesis gravidarum: a randomized double-blind controlled study

Abstract Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of methylprednisolone (MPS) versus placebo (PCO) in pregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). Methods: All pregnant women admitted with a diagnosis of HG were candidates for the study. Twenty-five patients were randomized by the pharmacy, 14 to the MPS group and 11 to the look-alike PCO group. Both groups received 12 tablets daily for 3 days, then a 10-day taper, decreasing 1 tablet daily. MPS patients received 4-mg MPS tablets. Recurrence of emesis during tapering was treated by restarting the 12 tablets daily, with a new taper. Results: All demographics and clinical variables for the 25 patients were similar. Median weight loss at enrollment was 6 and 10 pounds (MPS and PCO, respectively, P = NS). In both groups the mean weeks when vomiting started and mean weeks at enrollment were 7 and 10, respectively. Recurrence of vomiting after randomization occurred in 4 (29%) and 8 (73%), MPS and PCO, respectively, P = 0.05. Readmission for repeat treatment occurred in 1 (7%) and 4 (36%), MPS and PCO, respectively, P = 0.07. Thirteen MPS patients (93%) and 10 PCO patients (91%) tolerated the medication, P = NS. Other outcome variables were similar. Conclusions: A short course of MPS in patients with hyperemesis gravidarum decreases the likelihood of a recurrence of vomiting.
Large eddy simulation of a turbulent nonpremixed piloted methane jet flame (Sandia Flame D)

Abstract Large eddy simulation (LES) is conducted of the Sandia Flame D [Proc. Combust. Inst. 27 (1998) 1087, Sandia National Laboratories (2004)], which is a turbulent piloted nonpremixed methane jet flame. The subgrid scale (SGS) closure is based on the scalar filtered mass density function (SFMDF) methodology [J. Fluid Mech. 401 (1999) 85]. The SFMDF is basically the mass weighted probability density function (PDF) of the SGS scalar quantities [Turbulent Flows (2000)]. For this flame (which exhibits little local extinction), a simple flamelet model is used to relate the instantaneous composition to the mixture fraction. The modelled SFMDF transport equation is solved by a hybrid finite-difference/Monte Carlo scheme. This is the first LES of a realistic turbulent flame using the transported PDF method as the SGS closure. The results via this method capture important features of the flame as observed experimentally.
Assessment of adolescent mother‐infant attachment

Findings from repeated observations of first‐time adolescent mothers indicate that these mothers did adapt to the role of mother. Broussard's NPI and deChateau's OMIB were two instruments used, along with questionnaires. Recommendations for nursing interventions are included.
Separation of miRNA and its methylation products by capillary electrophoresis

Methylation is a crucial step in plant microRNA biogenesis. To improve our understanding of the methylation process and its regulation, a rapid and convenient high-throughput method should be sought to help with the study of reaction kinetics and assist the search for chemical inhibitors of the methyltransferase, HEN1. In this short communication, we report a pioneering work that used capillary electrophoresis (CE) to separate the miRNA and its methylation product. Capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) with UV-absorption detection and a reduced running temperature achieved good separation of miR173/miR173* and miR173-m/miR173*-m with a detection limit of around 1 microM. To enhance detection sensitivity, capillary gel electrophoresis (CGE) coupled with laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) detection was also tested, and base-line separation of nanomolar duplex RNA samples was achieved using 4% polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as the sieving matrix and SYBR Green II RNA gel stain for on-column labeling. Although further study is needed to investigate if the separation is sequence dependent, our study demonstrated, for the first time, that CE could be an effective and rapid method in monitoring the miRNA methylation process.
Effect of NOS inhibition on rat gastric matrix metalloproteinase production during endotoxemia.

UNLABELLED Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) degrade the extracellular matrix and contribute to LPS-induced gastric injury. MMPs are closely modulated by their activators, membrane type-MMP (MT-MMPs) and their endogenous inhibitors, the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). As LPS-induced gastric injury is mediated in part by iNOS, and NO modulates MMP production in vitro, we hypothesized that NOS inhibition would similarly modulate LPS-induced gastric MMP production. Therefore, the purpose of these studies was to compare the effects of selective and nonselective NOS inhibition on LPS-induced gastric MMP production. METHODS Sprague-Dawley rats were given either the nonselective NOS inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME; 5 mg/kg, s.c.), a selective iNOS inhibitor, aminoguanidine (45 mg/kg, i.p.) or L-N-iminoethyl-lysine (L-NIL; 10 mg/kg, i.p.), or vehicle 15 min before saline or LPS (20 mg/kg, i.p.) and killed 24 h after LPS administration. Stomachs were assessed for macroscopic injury (computed planimetry), and gastric mucosal MMP production was assessed by gelatin zymography, in situ zymography, and Western analysis for MMP-2, MT1-MMP, and TIMP-2. (n > or = 4/group; ANOVA). RESULTS Aminoguanidine treatment decreased LPS-induced macroscopic gastric injury as well as MMP-2 and MT1-MMP protein production while having no effect on TIMP-2 protein levels. L-NIL similarly attenuated the induction of MMP-2 and MT1-MMP by LPS. L-NAME failed to attenuate LPS induced gastric injury or MT1-MMP protein induction and increased MMP-2 levels. L-NAME similarly had no effect on gastric TIMP-2 production. CONCLUSIONS Selective iNOS inhibition decreases gastric MMP-2 activity after LPS administration, whereas nonselective inhibition increases MMP-2 levels. The ability of selective iNOS inhibition to ameliorate LPS-induced gastric injury may be due in part to its inhibition of active MMP-2 production, whereas nonselective NOS inhibitors increase MMP-2 levels and maintain gastric injury after LPS administration.
Synthesis and noncovalent DNA-binding properties of thiazole derivatives related to leinamycin

A series of compounds related to the macrocyclic portion of the DNA-damaging antitumor agent leinamycin were prepared as tools to characterize noncovalent DNA binding by this natural product. Acyclic (Z,E)-dienes were assembled via a Sonogashira coupling followed by partial hydrogenation. A Stille coupling was used in the cyclization step leading to a macrocyclic thiazole-diene analogue. Results obtained using the synthetic analogues reported here indicate that the extended p-system on the 'left-hand side' of leinamycin is required for noncovalent association of the natural product with duplex DNA. 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Susceptibility of signal transducer and activator of transcription-1-deficient mice to pulmonary fibrogenesis

The signal transducer and activator of transcription (Stat)-1 mediates growth arrest and apoptosis. We postulated that lung fibrosis characterized by excessive proliferation of lung fibroblasts would be enhanced in Stat1-deficient (Stat1-/-) mice. Two weeks after bleomycin aspiration (3 U/kg), Stat1-/- mice exhibited a more severe fibroproliferative response and significantly elevated total lung collagen compared to wild-type mice. Growth factors [epidermal growth factor (EGF) or platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)] enhanced [3H]thymidine uptake in lung fibroblasts isolated from Stat1-/- mice compared to wild-type mice. Interferon (IFN)-gamma, which signals growth arrest via Stat1, inhibited EGF- or PDGF-stimulated mitogenesis in wild-type fibroblasts but enhanced [3H]thymidine uptake in Stat1-/- fibroblasts. Moreover, IFN-gamma treatment in the absence of growth factors induced a concentration-dependent increase in [3H]thymidine uptake in Stat1-/- but not wild-type fibroblasts. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK-1/2) phosphorylation in response to PDGF or EGF did not differ among Stat1-/- and wild-type fibroblasts. However, Stat3 phosphorylation induced by PDGF, EGF, or IFN-gamma increased twofold in Stat1-/- fibroblasts compared to wild-type fibroblasts. Our findings indicate that Stat1-/- mice are more susceptible to bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis than wild-type mice due to 1) enhanced fibroblast proliferation in response to growth factors (EGF and PDGF), 2) stimulation of fibroblast growth by a Stat1-independent IFN-gamma signaling pathway, and 3) increased activation of Stat3.
Negligible Influence of Spatial Autocorrelation in the Assessment of Fire Effects in a Mixed Conifer Forest

Fire is an important feature of many forest ecosystems, although the quantification of its effects is compromised by the large scale at which fire occurs and its inherent unpredictability. A recurring problem is the use of subsamples collected within individual burns, potentially resulting in spatially autocorrelated data. Using subsamples from six different fires (and three unburned control areas) we show little evidence for strong spatial autocorrelation either before or after burning for eight measures of forest conditions (both fuels and vegetation). Additionally, including a term for spatially autocorrelated errors provided little improvement for simple linear models contrasting the effects of early versus late season burning. While the effects of spatial autocorrelation should always be examined, it may not always greatly influence assessments of fire effects. If high patch scale variability is common in Sierra Nevada mixed conifer forests, even following more than a century of fire exclusion, treatments designed to encourage further heterogeneity in forest conditions prior to the reintroduction of fire will likely be unnecessary.
Upper Cretaceous and Tertiary stratigraphy of the Denver Basin, Colorado

The Laramide synorogenic strata of the Denver Basin record the uplift and denudation of the central and southern Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. Synorogenic sedimentation took place in two distinct pulses, the first spanning the Cretaceous–Tertiary boundary and extending into the early Paleocene. The second occurred during the latest Paleocene and early Eocene. Facies patterns reflect proximal to distal fluvial environments. Progressive unconformities mark the western side of the basin, and lignite beds and ponded deposits characterize the distal part of the first pulse. The second pulse preserves a more uniform fluvial succession characterized by alternating arkosic channel sandstones and olive-brown overbank deposits. The lateral and vertical facies changes found in these strata have engendered a complex history of nomenclature. By considering the units as a pair of unconformity-bounded sequences called the D1 sequence and the D2 sequence, a simpler pattern emerges that allows regional facies variability to be understood on a basin-wide scale. Two complete cores are used to calibrate geophysical logs from oil and water wells, providing a subsurface database that is correlated to outcrops. This allows the creation of cross sections that permit isolated outcrops and fossil occurrences to be correlated into an integrated basin-wide framework. The paleontologic record is used together with radiometric dating and magnetostratigraphy to define the time span during which sediment accumulated. The episodic accumulation of sediment is interpreted to reflect episodic displacement along the thrust faults bounding the Front Range. The first episode of sedimentation, defined as the D1 sequence, is interpreted to represent uplift of that part of the Front Range bounded by the Golden and Rampart Range faults. During this period of sedimentation, andesitic volcanic rock that covered much of the Front Range was stripped from the uplift and deposited in the D1 sequence. The second episode of sedimentation, the D2 sequence, is interpreted to involve sediment eroded from the mountains west of the Colorado Springs area, perhaps as a result of uplift of the Pikes Peak area by the Ute Pass fault. Depositional patterns in the basin are a logical response to differential uplift and variations in fluvial geomorphology. Understanding these systems can help quantify depositional patterns and subsurface distribution of bedrock aquifers.
Outcome of 1000 liver cancer patients evaluated at the UPMC Liver Cancer Center.

We evaluated 1000 consecutive patients with liver tumors at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Liver Cancer Center over the 4-year period from August 2000 to August 2004. Of the 1000 patients seen, 573 had primary liver cancer and 427 had metastatic cancer to the liver. The mean age of the patients evaluated was 62.2 years, and 61% were male. Treatment consisted of a liver surgical procedure (resection or radiofrequency ablation) in 369 cases (36.9%), hepatic intra-arterial regional therapy (transarterial chemoembolization or 90yttrium microspheres) in 524 cases (52.4%), systemic chemotherapy in 35 cases (3.5%), and palliative care in 72 patients (7.2%). For treated patients, median survival was 884 days for those undergoing resection/radiofrequency ablation, compared to 295 days with regional therapy. These data indicate that over 90% of patients with liver cancer evaluated at a tertiary referral center can be offered some form of therapy. Survival rates are superior with a liver resection or ablation procedure, which is likely consistent with selection bias. Hepatocellular carcinoma was the most common tumor seen due to referral pattern and screening of hepatitis patients at a major liver transplant center. The most common reason for offering palliative care was hepatic insufficiency usually associated with cirrhosis.
The Impact of Technology on the Future of Health/Illness Education

The impact of technological advancement and societal pressure for comprehensive, cost effective health care are two current trends which will determine the future of health/illness education. This article predicts a future of health/illness education based on these trends. The issues of depersonalization, cost, privacy, and control involved in the use of computers in health care are identified and discussed
Clinical Effects of Inhaled Corticosteroids: Results of a Questionnaire Survey of Asthma Specialists

Background Inhaled corticosteroids are recognized as the mainstay of prophylactic anti-inflammatory therapy in patients with persistent asthma. In large multiclinic trials, the clinical adverse event profiles have been not significantly different than patients treated with placebo or other medications; however, in small studies evaluating very sensitive in vitro measurements of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis there have been adverse laboratory events noted with moderate and high doses of inhaled steroids. Objective To survey asthma specialists in North America with regard to their personal clinical experience of adverse events with the use of inhaled corticosteorids. Methods Two hundred thirteen physicians specializing in the treatment of asthma responded to questionnaires asking their experiences with specific adverse clinical events that have the potential to occur after the use of inhaled corticosteroids (see appendix A for questionnaire). Results There was a 67% response rate for the questionnaire. Eighty percent of the respondents were allergists/immunologists and 20% were pulmonologists. The average length of time they had been in practice was 16 years. In general, side effects from inhaled steroids were seen very infrequently in the hands of these physicians in spite of the fact that they were primarily secondary or tertiary referral physicians for the treatment of asthma. The local oropharyngeal adverse events were seen 48% of the time on an occasional basis but only 3% of the time on a frequent basis. When spacers were used, the oropharyngeal symptoms were reduced significantly. Skin changes such as bruising or thin skin were seen frequently 6% of the time and occasionally 24% of the time. In general, these skin changes were found in elderly or middle-aged individuals. Weight gain was very unusually seen, as were adverse effects on bone (osteoporosis, fractures, growth problems, etc). Hypothalamic pituitary axis abnormalities were seen quite infrequently and primarily in patients who had also received oral corticosteroids. Conclusions This study shows that inhaled corticosteroids are generally safe in the treatment of asthma and are rarely associated with systemic side effects, as detected in routine clinical practice.
Self-Assembled Monolayers on Au(111): Structure, Energetics, and Mechanism of Reconstruction Lifting

Density-functional theory calculations are used to compare competing structural models for SH molecules on Au(111) and to explain the effect of the adsorbed molecules on the energetics of surface reconstruction. Our results indicate that dumbbells, formed by binding two SH molecules to an adatom, are energetically stable structures at low and intermediate coverages, while the recently proposed c(4 × 2) structure with partial occupancies for adatom and vacancy sites [A. Cossaro et al., Science2008, 321, 943] is preferred at full coverage. Lifting of the Au(111) herringbone reconstruction is attributed to reduction of surface stress due to outward in-plane relaxations of surface Au atoms under the adsorbed species. The smallest reduction of surface stress per molecule occurs when SH molecules are adsorbed in the form of dumbbells, while isolated adatoms and SH molecules have similar effects on the surface stress and reconstruction energy. SH molecules are predicted to energetically favor the fcc region of t...
State-Space Modeling of Transmission Line Dynamics Via Nonlinear Optimization

A frequency domain system identification program has been interfaced to the Electromagnetic Transients Program at BPA for constructing detailed dynamic models of transmission lines and cables. This paper develops the modeling strategies involved, and presents initial benchmark comparisons with field tests. These include a duplication of transposition-point reflections produced in a double-circuit line during energization of one circuit with the other grounded at the sending end.
Effective use of non-blocking data structures in a deduplication application

Efficient multicore programming demands fundamental data structures that support a high degree of concurrency. Existing research on non-blocking data structures promises to satisfy such demands by providing progress guarantees that allow a significant increase in parallelism while avoiding the safety hazards of lock-based synchronizations. It is well-acknowledged that the use of non-blocking containers can bring significant performance benefits to applications where the shared data experience heavy contention. However, the practical implications of integrating these data structures in real-world applications are not well-understood. In this paper, we study the effective use of non-blocking data structures in a data deduplication application which performs a large number of concurrent compression operations on a data stream using the pipeline parallel processing model. We present our experience of manually refactoring the application from using conventional lock-based synchronization mechanisms to using a wait-free hash map and a set of lock-free queues to boost the degree of concurrency of the application. Our experimental study explores the performance trade-offs of parallelization mechanisms that rely on a) traditional blocking techniques, b) fine-grained mutual exclusion, and c) lock-free and wait-free synchronization.
Effects of 17β-estradiol treatment invivo on the amino acid incorporating capacity of reconstituted ribosomes from guinea pig uterus

Summary The effect of 17β-estradiol treatment in vivo on the subunits of guinea pig uterine ribosomes was studied in a cell free protein synthesizing system. The increased synthesizing capacity of ribosomes from treated animals appears to reside principally in the 60S subunit. Gel electrophoresis of protein derived from the subunits revealed the presence of an additional band among proteins associated with the 60S subunits of treated animals.
What Might This Be? Rediscovering the Rorschach as a Tool for Personnel Selection in Organizations

In this article, I review the empirical status of the Rorschach as it relates to potential use of the instrument in personnel selection procedures. As part of this review, I outline developing trends in personnel selection practices, discuss the Rorschach literature relevant to organizational performance, and weigh the benefits and drawbacks of using the instrument in this capacity. Based on this analysis, I argue that the Rorschach may represent a unique and potentially valuable tool for assessing personality as part of comprehensive personnel selection procedures. I conclude with a proposed trajectory for Rorschach research intended to better determine the instrument's viability in organizational settings.
Needlestick prevention devices: a pointed discussion.

Institutions and employees in the healthcare industry recently have been flooded with a variety of new preventive devices, with the promise of reducing the risk of needlestick accidents. With the known risk of occupational human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and the greater risk of morbidity and mortality of occupational hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, it is hard not to get swept away by the tsunami of “safer devices.” The ultimate question of course, is whether these new or improved products actually contribute to the reduction of accidents and diminish the transmission of these diseases. With the demand for safer working conditions in the context of the HIV epidemic and in times of shrinking budgets, the safest and most cost-effective devices must be determined. Although the Occupational Safety and Health Administrations (OSHA) final ruling on occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens may not directly address the issue of needlestick prevention devices, institutions should be prepared to justify their practices and selection of equipment, given its emphasis on engineering and work practices that states “Engineering and work practice controls shall be used to eliminate or minimize employee exposure.”
Effects of temperature and ration on gametogenesis and growth in the tropical mussel Perna perna (L.).

Abstract Juvenile mussels, Perna perna , were cultured at four combinations of temperature and ration for six weeks. Greatest growth and gonadal development occurred among mussels fed a high ration at 21°C. There was rapid somatic growth among mussels fed a high ration at 28°C, but gonadal development was inhibited. Overall growth was slow in mussels fed a low ration regardless of temperature, but there was considerable gonadal development at 21° C. It was concluded that gametogenesis in Perna perna is generally inhibited by high temperature. A review of relevant literature indicated that our results cannot be generalized for all tropical bivalves.
Secretory phospholipase A2 is required to produce histologic changes associated with gastroduodenal reflux in a murine model

Objective The earliest response of esophageal mucosa to gastric reflux is the development of oxidative damage and inflammation. These processes contribute to the development of metaplasia known as Barrett's esophagus, as well as the progression to malignancy. Secretory phospholipase A 2 is a mediator of inflammation with levels that are increased in Barrett's metaplasia and carcinoma when compared with levels in normal samples. Our goal is to determine the role of secretory phospholipase A 2 in the development of reflux-associated changes in the esophageal mucosa. Methods Secretory phospholipase A 2 –deficient mice (C57BL/6, n=5) and mice known to express high levels of secretory phospholipase A 2 (BALB/c, n=5) underwent side-to-side surgical anastomosis of the first portion of the duodenum and gastroesophageal junction, allowing exposure of esophageal mucosa to duodenal and gastric contents duodeno-gastroesophageal anastomosis. Control animals (n = 5) of each strain underwent laparotomy with esophagotomy and repair. Tissue was frozen in embedding medium. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and Ki67 and secretory phospholipase A 2 immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate esophageal tissue and its response to duodeno-gastroesophageal anastomosis. Results Immunofluorescent staining confirmed the absence of secretory phospholipase A 2 in C57BL/6 mice and its presence in BALB/c mice. Hematoxylin and eosin staining demonstrated significant thickening of the esophageal mucosa in response to gastroesophageal reflux in the presence of secretory phospholipase A 2 . Mice known to express high levels of secretory phospholipase A 2 also demonstrated increased numbers of proliferating cells. Secretory phospholipase A 2 –deficient mice were immune to the early changes induced by mixed reflux. Conclusions The presence of secretory phospholipase A 2 appears necessary for early histologic changes produced by exposure of the esophagus to gastroduodenal contents. This enzyme is identified as a promising target for evaluation of mechanisms of carcinogenesis and chemoprevention of esophageal carcinoma.
Patterns of Religious Coping among Bereaved College Students

Contemporary research has suggested that bereavement is a paramount issue in college populations, a group which has historically been underrepresented in grief research (Balk. in Death studies 25:67–84, 2001; Balk et al. in Death Studies 34:459–468, 2010). Indeed, there has been a call to generate new research on grief with specific populations and age groups (Center for the Advancement of Health. in Death Studies 28:568–575, 2004). Religion is often described as a primary way that individuals cope with bereavement in particular (Frantz et al. in Pastor Psychol 44(3):151–163, 1996) and has been shown to effect college student reactions to stress in general (Merrill et al. in Mental Health, Religion & Culture 12(5):501–511, 2009). The RCOPE (Pargament et al. in J Clin Psychol 56(4):519–543, 2000, J Health Psychol 9:713–730, 2004) is a frequently used measure of religious coping, but has not been evaluated with a bereaved undergraduate population. Given that emerging adulthood is a critical developmental phase of religious identity (Fowler. in New Directions for Child Development 3(52):27–45, 1991), the current study examined the factor structure of the RCOPE within a sample of bereaved college students. An exploratory factor analysis was performed, which approximated the factor structure proposed by Pargament et al. (J Clin Psychol 56(4):519–543, 2000). However, a high correlation between the positive and negative religious coping subscales (r = 0.71) detracted from the predictive utility of Pargament et al.′s (2000) two overarching subscales. Therefore, an exploratory factor analysis with an orthogonal rotation was used to identify two uncorrelated subscales (adaptive religious coping and maladaptive religious coping). This new two-factor, 39-item version of the RCOPE was found to demonstrate good internal consistency (α > 0.8) as well as convergent and discriminant validity. The interaction between religious coping strategies and core beliefs about the predictability of the world is explored, and directions for future research and clinical practice are suggested.
Global Cross-Talk of Genes of the Mosquito Aedes aegypti in Response to Dengue Virus Infection

Background The mosquito Aedes aegypti is the primary vector of dengue virus (DENV) infection in humans, and DENV is the most important arbovirus across most of the subtropics and tropics worldwide. The early time periods after infection with DENV define critical cellular processes that determine ultimate success or failure of the virus to establish infection in the mosquito.
Preference for Presidentialism: Postcommunist Regime Change in Russia and the NIS

The recent wave of democratic transitions has stimulated scholarly interest in a previously undeveloped area of study: comparative presidentialism. Comparative presidentialism seeks to define variant types of presidentialism that have emerged from transition processes, to identify the conditions that shape institutional choice and to understand more clearly the causal relationship between institutional choice and democratic regime outcomes. Using the postcommunist transitions, this paper contributes to the emerging comparative presidentialism literature by suggesting a revision to the argument that presidentialism leads to failed democratic transitions. The paper focuses attention away from the institutional rules of the game and toward the actors who actually make the institutional choice. Three postcommunist cases, distinguished by their different regime outcomes, are compared: Russia, Uzbekistan, and Estonia.
Partial reinforcement in the turtle

Abstract Two matched groups of young turtles, Pseudemys scripta elegans, were trained in a simple runway, one with partial and the other with consistent reinforcement, following which both were extinguished. The two groups did not differ significantly in resistance to extinction. This finding constitutes further evidence against the hypothesis that the paradoxical effect of partial reinforcement which is found in higher animals is a perfectly general one, to be understood in terms of the simplest principles of learning.
Fluid dynamics models and their applications in transportation and pricing

Abstract Fluid dynamics models provide a powerful deterministic technique to approximate stochasticity in a variety of application areas. In this paper, we study two classes of fluid models, investigate their relationship as well as some of their applications. This analysis allows us to provide analytical models of travel times as they arise in dynamically evolving environments, such as transportation networks as well as supply chains. In particular, using the laws of hydrodynamic theory, we first propose and examine a general second-order fluid model. We consider a first-order approximation of this model and show how it is helpful in analyzing the dynamic traffic equilibrium problem. Furthermore, we present an alternate class of fluid models that are traditionally used in the context of dynamic traffic assignment. By interpreting travel times as price/inventory–sojourn-time relationships, we are also able to connect this approach with a tractable fluid model in the context of dynamic pricing and inventory management.
Multiple sensor fusion for long-range surveillance: design and performance issues

This paper provides a description and detailed review of a multiple hypothesis tracking system, which handles data from two radars, and a number of other sources. An efficient method for processing detections from two (time-offset) radars, and integrating them in the multiple hypothesis framework is described. The implications of such a methodology on the tracking filter also are discussed. The paper then explains the algorithm employed for fusion of automatic dependent surveillance reports into the system, and concludes with a demonstration of some sample results.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
WE‐D‐201C‐01: Advanced Ultrasound Imaging in Interventional Medicine

Minimally invasive ultrasound‐guided ablative procedures are a promising therapeutic option in many patients with primary livercancer or isolated hepatic metastases. However, the effectiveness of thermal ablation is currently limited by the lack of precision in the ablation probe placement at the tumor site, and the inability to monitor the progress and document success of the thermal lesion. In this presentation, we will introduce an integrated platform that can utilize 3D ultrasound imaging for both guidance and monitoring of ablative therapies. We will present a rapid US‐based approach to monitor ablative therapy based on elasticityimaging. Also, we will highlight new applications for elasticityimaging in guiding interventions, including multi‐modality registration, and visualization. Learning Objectives: 1. Understand the limitations of current ablative monitoring methods. 2. Review solutions based on ultrasound technology. 3. Understand the potential advantages/disadvantages and future applications of elasticityimaging in monitoring and guiding ablative therapies.
A novel assay of biofilm antifungal activity reveals that amphotericin B and caspofungin lyse Candida albicans cells in biofilms

The ability of Candida albicans to form drug-resistant biofilms is an important factor in its contribution to human disease. Assays to identify and characterize molecules with activity against fungal biofilms are crucial for the development of drugs with improved anti-biofilm activity. Here we report the application of an adenylate kinase (AK)-based cytotoxicity assay of fungal cell lysis to the characterization of agents active against C. albicans biofilms. We have developed three protocols for the AK assay. The first measures AK activity in the supernatants of biofilms treated with antifungal drugs and can be performed in parallel with a standard 2,3-bis-(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulphophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-caboxanilide-based biofilm susceptibility assay; a second, more sensitive protocol measures the AK activity present within the biofilm matrix; and a third procedure allows the direct visualization of lytic activity toward biofilms formed on catheter material. Amphotericin B and caspofungin, the two most effective anti-biofilm drugs currently used to treat fungal infections, both directly lyse planktonic C. albicans cells in vitro, leading to the release of AK into the culture medium. These studies serve to validate the AK-based lysis assay as a useful addition to the methods for the characterization of antifungal agents active toward biofilms and provide insights into the mode of action of amphotericin B and caspofungin against C. albicans biofilms.
M.C.D./M.C.P.L. saturation theory with application to molecules in D ∞h and its subgroups

The M.C.D. of a system with a paramagnetic ground state will deviate from simple H/T dependence at sufficiently high field and/or low temperature, and this deviation is referred to as a saturation effect. A detailed theoretical discussion of this phenomenon is presented, and specific application is made to molecules in point group D ∞h and in its subgroups down through C 3. A single general formula is found to apply in all cases to an allowed electronic transition between two ‘isolated’ electronic states. The properties and applications of this formula are described in some detail. The formula is then generalized to apply to saturation behaviour for the corresponding emission phenomenon, magnetic circularly polarized luminescence (M.C.P.L.), where the additional effect of photoselection must be considered. A saturation analysis in M.C.D. is also presented for one special case of accidental degeneracy, that for a 2P3/2 ‘atomic’ ground state in a linear molecule. Various experimental considerations in satur...
The ring of endomorphisms of a finite dimensional module

LetS denote the ring of endomorphisms of a finite dimensional moduleM R. Necessary and sufficient conditions for a nil subring ofS to be nilpotent are given. We place conditions onM R so that every nil subring ofS will be nilpotent.
Temperature dependence of the nuclear quadrupole interactions at Ti sites in ferroelectric PbTiO3 and in ilmenite and perovskite CdTiO3: Evidence for order-disorder phenomena.

Perturbed angular correlation (PAC) spectroscopy was used to measure electric-field gradients (EFG's) at Ti sites in the tetragonally distorted perovskite ${\mathrm{PbTiO}}_{3}$, which is ferroelectric, and in the orthorhombically distorted perovskite ${\mathrm{CdTiO}}_{3}$, and the ilmenite ${\mathrm{CdTiO}}_{3}$, which are not ferroelectric. The PAC probe $^{181}\mathrm{Hf}$${/}^{181}$Ta was substituted into Ti sites in these phases at concentrations of approximately 1% of the Ti concentrations. Nuclear quadrupole interactions were measured from 77 to 730 K for the ${\mathrm{PbTiO}}_{3}$ phase and from 77 to \ensuremath{\sim}1260 K for the ${\mathrm{CdTiO}}_{3}$ phases. The perturbation functions for ${\mathrm{PbTiO}}_{3}$ are characterized by high frequencies that show near-axial symmetry and that decrease rapidly at temperatures near the ferroelectric-to-paraelectric transition temperature ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$. Also, they are characterized by extensive line broadening that increases at temperatures near ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$.The perturbation functions for the perovskite ${\mathrm{CdTiO}}_{3}$ are characterized by low frequencies that show much asymmetry \ensuremath{\eta}\ensuremath{\simeq}0.4 and by little line broadening, and the associated EFG decreases linearly with temperature. For the ilmenite ${\mathrm{CdTiO}}_{3}$, the perturbation functions are characterized by moderate frequencies that show near-axial symmetry and by very little line broadening, and the associated EFG decreases with the three-halves power of the temperature. For both of the ${\mathrm{CdTiO}}_{3}$ phases, the asymmetries derived from the measured frequencies are consistent with the crystal-structure symmetries, and the line shapes could be attributed to static inhomogeneities. For the ferroelectric ${\mathrm{PbTiO}}_{3}$ phase, the measured frequencies are consistent with the tetragonal crystal structure. But, the line shapes of the perturbation functions measured at temperatures near ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$ could not be explained by purely static inhomogeneities. Instead, in contrast to the ${\mathrm{CdTiO}}_{3}$ phases, the line broadening at these temperatures was attributed primarily to a dynamic spin-relaxation mechanism.This particular interpretation supports an order-disorder model of the ferroelectric phenomenon.
Democratic Citizenship and the Hypocrisy of Leaders

Are democratic citizens misguided in concerning themselves with the personal hypocrisy of their political leaders? I here suggest that they are not. I begin by considering what I term the ordinary language definition of hypocrisy—“failing to practice what one preaches”—and applying it to contemporary cases. I next respond to oft-articulated arguments to the effect that popular concern with leader hypocrisy is petty, perfectionist, and even dangerous. I instead suggest (a) that popular allegations of hypocrisy stimulate democratic discourse about “weighty” political matters, (b) that these allegations undermine rather than promote the politics of perfectionism and (c) that “mudslinging” on the part of the ruled is a mostly welcome response to “hands-dirtying” on the part of political rulers.
Building a Global Bookshelf: In Recognition of the United Nations Literacy Decade 2003–2012

This guest editorial promotes the United Nations Literacy Decade of 2003–2012 as it is implemented in preschools and primary schools to develop global literacy competencies in young children through a project entitled, Building a Global Bookshelf.
Efficiency estimation in a profit maximising model using flexible production function

Abstract This paper uses a flexible (translog) production function to estimate efficiency of 227 farms from West Bengal, India. We consider estimation of technical and allocative inefficiencies using a profit maximising framework which accommodates both endogenous and exogenous inputs. The maximum likelihood method of estimation developed in this paper is based on the production function and the first-order conditions of profit maximisation. Farm-specific technical and allocative inefficiencies are also estimated. Empirical results show that the mean level of technical efficiency is 75.46% while the best farm is 85.87% efficient (technically). So far as allocative efficiency is concerned the majority of the farms are found to be under-users of the endogenous inputs, viz., fertiliser, manure, human and bullock labour.
Demonstration of a cyclic pyrophosphate intermediate in the enzymatic conversion of neryl pyrophosphate to borneol

Abstract A soluble enzyme preparation obtained from young sage (Salvia officinalis) leaves catalyzes the conversion of neryl pyrophosphate to (+)-borneol and the oxidation of (+)-borneol to (+)-camphor. Attempts to purify the borneol synthetase activity by gel permeation column chromatography resulted in the apparent loss of catalytic capability; however, subsequent recombination of column fractions demonstrated that two separable enzymatic activities were required for the conversion of neryl pyrophosphate to borneol. Several lines of evidence indicated that a water-soluble, dialyzable intermediate was involved in this transformation. The intermediate was isolated and subsequently identified as bornyl pyrophosphate by direct chromatographic analysis and by the preparation of derivatives and chromatographic analysis of both the hydrogenolysis (LiAlH4) and enzymatic hydrolysis products of bornyl pyrophosphate. The results presented indicate that borneol is derived by cyclization of neryl pyrophosphate to bornyl pyrophosphate, followed by hydrolysis. This is the first demonstration of a cyclic pyrophosphorylated intermediate in the biosynthesis of bicyclic monoterpenes.
The Role of Surgery in the Management of Recurrent or Persistent Non-seminomatous Germ Cell Tumors

Abstract Objective To review the management of patients with non-seminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCTs) with persistent or recurrent disease following primary or secondary therapy, with particular attention devoted to the role of surgery. Methods A non-structured review of the literature until January 2007 was performed using the PubMed database. Results The management of persistent or recurrent disease among patients with NSGCT depends on stage at presentation and relapse, serum tumor marker levels at relapse, prior therapy, and timing of relapse. Clinical stage I patients who relapse following active surveillance are usually treated with induction chemotherapy. Likewise, patients who relapse following primary retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) are treated with induction chemotherapy based on the systemic pattern of recurrence. Advanced cases with residual radiographic disease >1 cm and normal tumor markers following induction chemotherapy are generally recommended for postchemotherapy surgical resection, whereas those with persistently elevated markers undergo salvage chemotherapy. Select patients with resectable disease and elevated serum tumor markers may be appropriate candidates for surgery. Based on intrinsic chemoresistance, the treatment of patients with advanced disease who relapse >2 yr (late relapse) following successful chemotherapy is primarily surgery. Conclusion Patients with NSGCTs with persistent disease or recurrence within 2 yr of initial therapy remain highly curable. The prognosis of patients with late relapse is compromised based on tumor chemoresistance. The role of surgery in the management of recurrent disease is primarily limited to the postchemotherapy setting; however, in the context of late relapse it often represents the primary treatment.
Codes - Protecting Data Against Errors and Loss

This chapter discusses coding algorithms that add extra bits to data in order to protect it against errors and loss. The highlight is a quite recent finding that coding algorithms can be used to increase the capacity of a network. This trick is called networking coding and it is a hot research area today.