cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mandibular reconstruction with the fibula osteocutaneous free flap

The fibula osteocutaneous free flap is effective for managing most mandibular defects. Debate over several technical aspects of the flap dissection continues to take place in the literature, specifically with regard to skin island viability and donor leg morbidity. In our experience, the fibula flap is harvested based solely on the septal perforators without incorporating portions of the soleus muscle. Flap bulk is minimized whereas donor leg function is maximized. Therefore, the overall dissection can proceed expeditiously, with extreme care necessary only in the deep posterior compartment at the level of the peroneal vessels. Optimal skin island viability can be ensured by harvesting a long segment of skin along the same axis as the underlying fibula to include the maximum number of perforators. This provides enough soft tissue and pedicle length to reconstruct virtually any size defect. Subsequently, a subperiosteal bone dissection to remove unneeded proximal fibula preserves the vascularity of the remaining skin and bone. Adherence to these and other principles outlined in this article should consistently ensure flap success with minimal morbidity.
A Convenient Method for the Synthesis of Zirconocene Hydrido Chloride, Isobutyl Hydride, and Dihydride Complexes Using tert-Butyl Lithium

Preparation of zirconocene hydrido chloride complexes has been accomplished via addition of 1 equiv of tert-butyllithium to the corresponding zirconocene dichlorides. In this manner, both Cp*Cp‘ ‘Zr(H)Cl and Cp‘ ‘2Zr(H)Cl (Cp* = C5Me5, Cp‘ ‘ = 1,3-(SiMe3)2C5H3) were prepared in high yield. Further addition of tBuLi to Cp*Cp‘ ‘Zr(H)Cl affords the isobutyl hydride complex Cp*Cp‘ ‘Zr(CH2CHMe2)(H), which upon addition of 1 atm of dihydrogen undergoes rapid hydrogenolysis yielding the monomeric dihydride Cp*Cp‘ ‘ZrH2. In the absence of dihydrogen, the zirconocene dihydride undergoes reversible C−H activation of a cyclopentadienyl trimethylsilyl group, affording the “tuck-in” derivative Cp*(η5-1-SiMe3C5H3-3-(η1-SiMe2CH2))ZrH. Addition of 2 equiv of tBuLi to the ansa-zirconocene iPr2Si(η5-3-SiMe3C5H3)(η5-3,4-(SiMe3)2C5H2)ZrCl2 results in the corresponding zirconocene isobutyl hydride complex, which upon exposure to H2 affords the dimeric dihydride [iPr2Si(η5-3-SiMe3C5H3)(η5-3,4-(SiMe3)2C5H2)ZrH2]2. In a similar ...
Estimation and compensation of Doppler effect in UAC OFDM systems

Doppler effect causes loss of orthogonality in Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), which in turn may severely degrade receiver performance. In high data rate underwater acoustic communication (UAC) systems, the effect of Doppler varies considerably over OFDM band. This research presents an algorithm to avoid and/or to compensate the effect of varying Doppler shift over OFDM sub-carriers in order to maintain orthogonality and/or to compensate loss of orthogonality.
Virus-like particles in a positive case of canine parvovirus enteritis

Abstract Virus-like particles measuring approximately 110 nm in diameter were found, along with parvoviruses, in a fecal specimen of a parvovirus-infected dog. Under the electron microscope, the outer component of the particles was found to be composed of what appeared to be numerous fine spikes or a solid coat perforated by many regular small slits. The inner ‘core’ of the particle had an irregular border, measured approximately 60 nm in diameter and was occasionally eccentrically located.
Evidence suggesting involvement of a unique human sperm steroid receptor/Cl- channel complex in the progesterone-initiated acrosome reaction.

Abstract Progesterone (4-pregnen-3-20-dione) initiates the acrosome reaction (AR) of human sperm in vitro. Anesthetic progestins (e.g., progesterone) potentiate λ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) activation of neuronal GABAA receptor/Cl- channel complexes (GBRCs), and some can activate neuronal GBRCs in the absence of GABA. Here, we study whether human sperm acrosome reaction initiation by progesterone and several other progestins involves steroid interaction with a sperm GBRC. Anesthetically active 3α-OH isomers of two progesterone metabolites, as well as the synthetic 3α-OH anesthetic steroid Alphaxalone, their 3β-OH isomers (inactive as anesthetics), or progesterone, were added to capacitated human sperm. The 3α-OH isomers initiated the AR, and the 3β-OH isomers were without effect. Moreover, the 3α-OH isomers were less effective than progesterone, a progestin that does not activate neuronal GBRCs in the absence of GABA. Also, alphaxalone, a very potent activator of neuronal GBRCs, was the least active of the progestins tested. GABA was not detected in human sperm. Preincubation of capacitated sperm with GBRC Cl- channel blockers dramatically reduced the progesterone-initiated AR, and sperm were unable to undergo the progesterone-initiated AR in Cl--deficient medium. AR initiation by the calcium ionophore ionomycin was not inhibited in Cl--deficient medium or by GBRC Cl- channel blockers. Indirect immunofluorescence, using a monoclonal antibody to the bovine cerebral cortex GABAA receptor α-subunit, localized immunoreactivity in live and fixed sperm as a fluorescent band in the sperm plasma membrane overlying or near the narrow equatorial segment region of the acrosome. Immunoblotting using this antibody detected two major bands with apparent molecular weights of 50 kDa (as reported in other cell types) and 75 kDa (not reported in other cells). Our data suggest that (1) progesterone exerts its effect on capacitated human sperm at least partially by interaction with a unique sperm steroid receptor/Cl- channel complex resembling a neuronal GBRC but apparently possessing a different sensitivity to progestins; and that (2) this interaction results in an increased Cl- flux essential to AR initiation.
Toward A Definition of Organizational Politics

In this article the authors examine political behavior in organizations and attempt to define the concept of organizational politics. They note that certain criteria have to be met in order for behavior to be considered political such as intention and a desire to influence outcomes. The process is made up of two phases; the first of which is focused on strategy and planning while the second is designed to implement those strategies. Throughout the process feedback is provided in order to restructure either phase as is deemed necessary.
Terrorist retaliation? An analysis of terrorist attacks following the targeted killing of top-tier al Qaeda leadership

One controversial counterterrorism method employed by the United States is the targeted killing of terrorist leadership. Much has been written on this topic, but little of it is based on empirical research. Building on that existing empirical work, this study examined the attacks of al Qaeda and al Qaeda-related terrorist groups before and after the targeted killing of four of its top-tier leaders (Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, Abu Ayub al-Masri, Osama bin Laden, and Anwar al-Awlaki). Using data obtained from the Global Terrorism Database, the frequency, severity, type, and success of over 300 terrorist attacks were analysed with the primary goal of determining if there was any evidence of retaliation from these terrorist groups in the two months following the killing of one of their leaders. The results of the statistical analyses gave no indication of such retaliation. There were no significant changes in the type or target of attacks, no change in the frequency of attacks, and, in one regression model, evidenc...
Nonlinear uncertainty propagation for perturbed two-body orbits

The main objective of this paper is to present the development of the computational methodology, based on the Gaussian mixture model, that enables accurate propagation of the probability density function through the mathematical models for orbit propagation. The key idea is to approximate the density function associated with orbit states by a sum of Gaussian kernels. The unscented transformation is used to propagate each Gaussian kernel locally through nonlinear orbit dynamical models. Furthermore, a convex optimization problem is formulated by forcing the Gaussian mixture model approximation to satisfy the Kolmogorov equation at every time instant to solve for the amplitudes of Gaussian kernels. Finally, a Bayesian framework is used on the Gaussian mixture model to assimilate observational data with model forecasts. This methodology effectively decouples a large uncertainty propagation problem into many small problems. A major advantage of the proposed approach is that it does not require the knowledge o...
Covert investigations in the workplace

Mention a covert investigation and Hollywood images of James Bond or cloak-and-dagger operations come to mind. In reality, covert investigations are far less glamorous—and have become routine in many large business organizations. But you still must proceed carefully. A slipshod investigation can result in major lawsuits, serious injury, or even death. The author discusses covert investigations, explains when you need a professional investigator, and offers some general guidelines. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Social Indexicality in French Pronominal Address

This article examines the socially significant meanings generated through the use of the French second-person singular pronominal address forms, tu and vous. The enduring complexity of this address system derives from the coexistence of two orders of indexical relations, which link particular patterns of pronominal usage with various contextual dimensions. Speakers' strategic use of pronominal forms and beliefs about the uses and users of language are emphasized as crucial to understanding the logic and evolution of such systems.
The effect of organic cosolvent on the aggregation stability of an aqueous polystyrene latex dispersion

Abstract The aggregation stability of polystyrene latex as a function of 1-propanol concentration in the presence of an electrolyte and a surfactant was assessed via the zeta potential and the critical coagulation concentration of the electrolyte. The zeta potential exhibited a maximum as a function of 1-propanol concentration in all cases, regardless of whether barium perchlorate or ammonium perchlorate was the background electrolyte, or in the presence or absence of sodium dodecyl sulfate or cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide surfactant. The critical coagulation concentration (CCC) of the background electrolyte also showed a maximum in all cases for which it was measured. Several explanations for the observed stability behavior were considered. The counterion displacement mechanism suggested by Vincent [B Vincent, Adv. Colloid Interface Sci., 42 (1992) 279–302] may be operative, although experimental evidence regarding the occurrence of specific adsorption does not always support this mechanism. Changes in the conformation of the hairy layer were not responsible for the anomalous behavior, as demonstrated by hydrodynamic size measurements. A mechanism is suggested whereby the change in the double-layer dielectric constant as a function of 1-propanol concentration is responsible for the anomalous maximum observed in the zeta potential and the CCC.
Ultrastructure and inferred calcification of the mature and developing nacre in bivalve mollusks.

Electron microscope studies of the mature nacreous layers fromBrachidontes recurvus (Rafinesque) andElliptio complanatus (Dillwyn) confirm the existence of tabular aragonite polygons interleaved with a perforate organic matrix. No evidence was found to support the concept of original component blocks orintracrystalline organic matriess. Replica studies of the immature, developing nacre reveal hollow “crystals”, thin “crusts”, subunits, and an abrupt transition to the mature shell material. A tentative explanation of some of the important features of the nacreous shell structure is offered.
Nephrotoxicity of immunosuppressive drugs: Long-term consequences and challenges for the future

The calcineurin inhibitors cyclosporin A (CsA) and tacrolimus (FK506) are associated with dose- and efficacy-limiting adverse events, including nephrotoxicity, which may diminish their overall benefits for long-term graft survival. Nephrotoxicity is difficult to distinguish from chronic allograft rejection and is a particular problem in the setting of renal transplantation. Minimizing immunosuppressant-induced nephrotoxicity could improve long-term renal allograft survival. However, to obtain significant long-term improvement in renal allograft outcomes, it may be necessary to adopt new immunosuppressive regimens that rely less on calcineurin inhibitors. Recipients of other transplanted organs, as well as patients with autoimmune diseases who require immunosuppressant therapy, could also benefit from this change in immunosuppressive drug strategy because their healthy, native kidneys are particularly susceptible to the nephrotoxic effects of CsA and FK506. CsA- and FK506-sparing regimens, which use reduced doses of CsA and FK506 in combination with other nonnephrotoxic immunosuppressants, may be the best current option for reducing nephrotoxicity. The chemical immunosuppressant mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) has been used as part of CsA- and FK506-sparing regimens that provide improved renal function while maintaining adequate immunosuppression. Such regimens should reduce patient morbidity and mortality. Also, because immunosuppressant-induced nephrotoxicity has been associated with significant financial costs, CsA- and FK506-sparing regimens should result in substantial savings in health care costs.
Feedback control in flashing ratchets

A flashing ratchet uses a time-dependent, spatially periodic, asymmetric potential to rectify thermal motion of Brownian particles. Here we review approaches to improve the particle flux in this type of Brownian motor by feedback strategies that switch the potential based on the instantaneous particle distribution. We review strategies that are based on the force experienced by the particles, and introduce a new feedback strategy that is based on the expected displacement that can be achieved. Langevin dynamics simulations show that this maximum net displacement strategy performs better than force-based strategies in the limit of very small particle numbers and not too high temperatures. We also review the effects of time delay and noisy channels on feedback control, and perform a feasibility analysis of an experimental system that can realize feedback control using a computer-controlled, scanning-line optical trap and suspended microspheres.
Multi-instantons at high energies: Premature unitarization and supercritical behavior.

We investigate the role of multi-instantons at high energies in weakly coupled theories. We perform an explicit computation of their effect and we find that they become as important as the one-instanton contribution at energies where the latter is still exponentially small ("premature unitarization"). The computation relies on various simplifying assumptions, and we discuss them. We argue, however, that premature unitarization is a phenomenon of a very general nature, which should survive our simplifying assumptions. It this is the case, there exists a critical energy where a change of regime is forced, and the dilute-instanton-gas approximation totally collapses. Possible scenarios in the critical and supercritical domain are discussed at the qualitative level.
Superferric Cold Iron Quadrupole Magnets for FRIB Fragment Separator

The Facility for Rare Isotope Beams under construction at Michigan State University, a new national user facility funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science will provide exotic rare isotope beams at energies of at least 200 MeV/u at a beam power of 400 kW. After the production target in the hot cell of the FRIB fragment separator there are seven quadrupole singlets that operate in a high-radiation environment. The designs of these large bore (up to 0.6 m), superferric quadrupoles with gradients as high as 13.3 T/m and effective lengths of 650 and 800 mm are presented. The current design is “warm iron” magnets with nominal yoke lengths of 650 and 730 mm and pole radii of 200 and 300 mm. The coil design is based on wet wound epoxy impregnated radiation tolerant Polyimide insulated conductor that provides ample current and temperature margins. This paper presents the detailed magnet design including coil forces, coil restraint system, coil properties, conductor stability, quench analysis and full mechanical details.
Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and computerized axial tomography findings.

UMMARY Computerized axial tomography (CAT) in 38 patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome showed normal findings in 20 patients and abnormalities in 18; diffuse cerebral atrophy (8) was the most common abnormality. These findings are not basically different from those recently reported by Gastaut and Gastaut (1976). Emphasis is laid upon age and possible increase of diffuse abnormalities with advancing age. The observation of 2 cases with cerebellar atrophy is also discussed. RESUME Chez 38 patients avec syndrome de Lennox-Gastaut, le CAT etait normal chez 20 sujets et anormal chez les autres. &L'atrophie cerebrale diffuse etait le plus frequente (8 cas) anomalie. Ces donnees sont analogues a celles recemment rapportees par Gastaut et Gastaut (1976). On souligne l'importance de Page qui comporte l'augmentation possible des anomalies diffuses. Deux cas avec atrophie c6rebelleuse sont discutes. RESUMEN La tomografia axial computarizada (CAT) en 38 enfermos con un sindrome de Lennox-Gastaut mostro resultados normales en 20 y anormalidades en 18 pacientes. La atrofia cerebral difusa (8) fue el hallazgo mas frecuente. Estos resultados son similares a los que Gastaut y Gastaut han publicado recientemente (1976). Se hace enfasis en el hecho de que, con la edad, puedan aumentar las anormalidades. Tambien se discuten 2 casos con atrofia cerebelosa. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Die computerisierte axiale Tomographic (CAT) zeigte bei 38 Patienten mit Lennox-Gastaut-Syndrom 20 mal Normalbefunde und 18 mal Abnormitaten. Die diffuse cerebrale Atrophie (8 mal) wurde am haufigsten gefunden. Diese Ergebnisse sind ahnlich denen die kilrzlich von Gastaut und Gastaut publiziert wurden (1976). Es wird auf die Besonderheiten des Alters hingewiesen und die mogliche Zunahme diffuser Abnormitaten mit fortschreitendem Alter. Die 2 Beob-achtungen mit cerebellarer Atrophie werden dis-kutiert.
Spectral Method of Blind Carrier Tracking for OFDM

We propose an adaptive, low-complexity, blind carrier tracking algorithm that takes advantage of the in-band ripple of the orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) power spectral density (PSD). With the aid of a comb filter, the proposed algorithm tracks the location of the ripple peaks and provides an estimate of the carrier offset. Analytical results are presented that predict the expected performance and show the consistency and robustness of the proposed algorithm in environments characterized by time-varying carrier offsets and frequency-selective fading channels. Computer simulations that corroborate the theoretical analysis are also presented.
APE: fast and secure active networking architecture for active packet editing

This paper proposes an architecture for active network nodes, called Active Packet Editing (APE). The design of APE focuses on accelerating the functions that are essential to active network operation, such as packet classification and NAT. The twofold architecture of APE combines a software active packet processor with an efficient packet editor based on flexible hardware. Based on preset rules (pattern, action), the packet editor classifies and modifies, to a limited extent, packets that pass through the node. Upon the receipt of active packets, the software active packet processor dynamically configures the packet editor. To prevent interference among active applications, and thus ensure security, cryptographic techniques are used to distribute a flow specific key string, which is used to authenticate succeeding packets in the same flow. We are developing a prototype APE node.
Active learning from demonstration for robust autonomous navigation

Building robust and reliable autonomous navigation systems that generalize across environments and operating scenarios remains a core challenge in robotics. Machine learning has proven a significant aid in this task; in recent years learning from demonstration has become especially popular, leading to improved systems while requiring less expert tuning and interaction. However, these approaches still place a burden on the expert, specifically to choose the best demonstrations to provide. This work proposes two approaches for active learning from demonstration, in which the learning system requests specific demonstrations from the expert. The approaches identify examples for which expert demonstration is predicted to provide useful information on concepts which are either novel or uncertain to the current system. Experimental results demonstrate both improved generalization performance and reduced expert interaction when using these approaches.
Server recovery using naturally replicated state: a case study

This paper describes design and preliminary measurements of a file server recovery scheme that uses naturally replicated state among clients. This scheme, implemented in the Calypso file system, is truly transparent to the user and avoids the overhead of explicit replication. A three-phase protocol reconstructs the server state either on a backup node (if disks are multi-ported) or on the rebooted server node. Measurements show that the recovery time is about 21 seconds for a busy 10-node cluster. However, the time to rebuild the distributed state is only about 1.5 seconds, and most of the recovery time is spent in replaying the write-ahead log of the underlying file system. Fortunately, the log redo time is bounded by the log size.
Alteration of Oriented Deposition of Cellulose Microfibrils by Mutation of a Katanin-Like Microtubule-Severing Protein

It has long been hypothesized that cortical microtubules (MTs) control the orientation of cellulose microfibril deposition, but no mutants with alterations of MT orientation have been shown to affect this process. We have shown previously that in Arabidopsis, the fra2 mutation causes aberrant cortical MT orientation and reduced cell elongation, and the gene responsible for the fra2 mutation encodes a katanin-like protein. In this study, using field emission scanning electron microscopy, we found that the fra2 mutation altered the normal orientation of cellulose microfibrils in walls of expanding cells. Although cellulose microfibrils in walls of wild-type cells were oriented transversely along the elongation axis, cellulose microfibrils in walls of fra2 cells often formed bands and ran in different directions. The fra2 mutation also caused aberrant deposition of cellulose microfibrils in secondary walls of fiber cells. The aberrant orientation of cellulose microfibrils was shown to be correlated with disorganized cortical MTs in several cell types examined. In addition, the thickness of both primary and secondary cell walls was reduced significantly in the fra2 mutant. These results indicate that the katanin-like protein is essential for oriented cellulose microfibril deposition and normal cell wall biosynthesis. We further demonstrated that the Arabidopsis katanin-like protein possessed MT-severing activity in vitro; thus, it is an ortholog of animal katanin. We propose that the aberrant MT orientation caused by the mutation of katanin results in the distorted deposition of cellulose microfibrils, which in turn leads to a defect in cell elongation. These findings strongly support the hypothesis that cortical MTs regulate the oriented deposition of cellulose microfibrils that determines the direction of cell elongation.
Optical dipole model for photodetection in the near field

Near-field photodetection optical microscopy (NPOM) is a scanning probe technique that has been developed to perform nanometer-scale optical intensity mapping and spectroscopy. In NPOM a nanometer-scale photodiode detector absorbs power directly as it is scanned in the near field of an illuminated sample surface. A model of photodetection in the near and intermediate fields is presented. A brief review of far-field absorption is given for comparison. Far-field absorption measurements measure the imaginary part of the polarizability to first order. In contrast, photodetection in the near field measures the real part of the polarizability. Other aspects of near-field photodetection are also examined, including contrast mechanisms and lateral resolution. NPOM measurements performed on isolated 300-nm spheres show good agreement with the theory.
Explaining the Effect of Education on Health A Field Study in Ghana

Higher education (or more years of formal schooling) is widely associated with better health, but the underlying causes of this association are unclear. In this study, we tested our schooling-decision-making model, which posits that formal education fosters intellectual ability, which in turn provides individuals with enduring competencies to support better health-related behaviors. Using data from a field study on formal education in 181 adults in rural Ghana, we examined health-protective behaviors related to HIV/AIDS infection, a critical health issue in Ghana. As expected, individuals with more education practiced more protective health behaviors. Our structural equation modeling analysis showed that cognitive abilities, numeracy, and decision-making abilities increased with exposure to schooling, and that these enhanced abilities (and not HIV/AIDS knowledge) mediated the effects of education on health-protective behavior. Research and policy implications for HIV prevention efforts in sub-Saharan Africa are discussed.
Connexins and Impulse Propagation in the Mouse Heart

Connexins and Propagation. Gap junction channels are essential for normal cardiac impulse propagation. Three gap Junction proteins, known as connexins, are expressed in the heart: Cx40, Cx43, and Cx45. Each of these proteins forms channels with unique biophysical and electrophysiologic properties, as well as spatial distribution of expression throughout the heart. However, the specific functional role of the individual connexins in normal and abnormal propagation is unknown. The availability of genetically engineered mouse models, together with new developments in optical mapping technology, makes it possible to integrate knowledge about molecular mechanisms of intercellular communication and its regulation with our growing understanding of the microscopic and global dynamics of electrical impulse propagation during normal and abnormal cardiac rhythms. This article reviews knowledge on the mechanisms of cardiac impulse propagation, with particular focus on the role of cardiac connexins in electrical communication between cells. It summarizes results of recent studies on the electrophysiologic consequences of defects in the functional expression of specific gap junction channels in mice lacking either the Cx43 or Cx40 gene. It also reviews data obtained in a transgenic mouse model in which cell loss and remodeling of gap junction distribution leads to increased susceptibility to arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Overall, the results demonstrate that these are potentially powerful strategies for studying fundamental mechanisms of cardiac electrical activity and for testing the hypothesis that certain cardiac arrhythmias involve gap junction or other membrane channel dysfunction. These new approaches, which permit one to manipulate electrical wave propagation at the molecular level, should provide new insight into the detailed mechanisms of initiation, maintenance, and termination of cardiac arrhythmias, and may lead to more effective means to treat arrhythmias and prevent sudden cardiac death.
Towards Electrostatic Force-Feedback for Reducing Thermally-Induced Vibrations of MEMS

We propose using electrostatic force-feedback to counter thermally-induced structural vibrations in micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS). Noise, coming from many different sources, often negatively affects the performance of N/MEMS by decreasing the precision for sensors and position controllers. As dimensions become small, mechanical stiffness decreases and the amplitude due to temperature increases, thereby making thermal vibrations become more significant. Thermal noise is most often regarded as the ultimate limit of sensor precision. This limit in precision impedes progress in discovery, the development of standards, and the development of novel NEMS devices. Hence, practical methods to reduce thermal noise are greatly needed. Prior methods to reduce thermal vibration include cooling and increasing flexure stiffness. However, the cooling increases the overall size of the system as well as operating power. And increasing the flexure stiffness can come at the cost of reduced performance. Electrostatic position feedback has been used in accelerometers and gyroscopes to protect against shock and improve performance, but we appear to be the first to propose that the method be applied to reduce vibration from noise by using velocity controlled force-feedback. Our study includes analytical models with parasitics that we verify through simulation. Using transient analysis, we show the vibrational effects of white thermal noise upon a MEMS, and we show greatly reduced vibration due to the inclusion of a simple electrostatic feedback system.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Parasympathetic and sympathetic responses to the strange situation in infants and mothers from avoidant and securely attached dyads

Vagal reactivity and salivary a-amylase (sAA) were assessed in infants (M age ¼13.55 months) and their mothers during the Strange Situation Paradigm (SSP) to investigate differences in physiological responses in a sample of insecure-avoidant and securely-attached dyads (N ¼132). Infants classified as insecure-avoidant had significantly higher vagal withdrawal during the SSP and higher sAA overall, suggesting that the avoidant attachment pattern is associated with a greater allostatic load. During separation episodes of the SSP, all mothers showed significant vagal withdrawal, suggesting greater attempts at regulation. During the last reunion, typically the most stressful episode for infants, mothers of secure infants showed greater vagal withdrawal than mothers of insecure- avoidant infants, suggesting greater attempts by these mothers at interactive repair. Results for mothers and infants supported the allostatic load theory. 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 50: 361-376, 2008.
Selective writeback: exploiting transient values for energy-efficiency and performance

Today's superscalar microprocessors use large, heavily-ported physical register files (RFs) to increase the instruction throughput. The high complexity and power dissipation of such RFs mainly stem from the need to maintain each and every result for a large number of cycles after the result generation. We observed that a significant fraction (about 45%) of the result values are delivered to their consumers via the bypass network (consumed "on-the-fly") and are never read out from the destination registers. In this paper, we first formulate conditions for identifying such transient values and describe their micro-architectural implementation; then we propose a technique to avoid the writeback of such transient values into the RF. With 64-entry integer and floating point register files, our technique achieves an 11% performance improvement and 29% reduction in the RF energy consumption compared to the baseline machine with the same number of registers. Furthermore, for the same performance target, the Selective Writeback scheme results in a 38% reduction in the energy consumption of the RF compared to the baseline machine.
'Objective' determination of coupling constants and conformational equilibria by solvent variation: a re-evaluation.

An ‘objective’ method for determining conformational equilibria in substituted ethanes, proposed by Abraham et al., has been evaluated by computational methods. Abraham's method involves measuring vicinal couplings, such as ^3J(H,H) and ^3J(H,F), between methine and methylene protons with methine, methylene protons and fluorine in a range of solvents, on the assumption that the underlying coupling constants of the individual conformers are constant, but the fractions of each conformer in each solvent are different and unknown. Abraham posited that this would produce an ‘over-determined’ data set with more equations than unknowns would. Abraham's procedure is re-evaluated, and it is demonstrated that the type of system being considered here, where there are more equations than unknowns, is not necessarily over-determined. A computer equation solver and Monte Carlo-type procedures were employed to demonstrate that multiple numerical solutions exist for a representative ‘over-determined’ data set provided by Abraham. A statistical method was also developed to determine precisely which parameter sets constitute plausible solutions.
A Hybrid Approach to Improving Semantic Extraction of News Video

In this paper we describe a hybrid approach to improving semantic extraction from news video. Experiments show the value of careful parameter tuning, exploiting multiple feature sets and multilingual linguistic resources, applying text retrieval approaches for image features, and establishing synergy between multiple concepts through undirected graphical models. No single approach provides a consistently better result for every concept detection, which suggests that extracting video semantics should exploit multiple resources and techniques rather than a single approach.
Use of a low profile ultrasound transducer for coronary sinus cannulation: a pilot study.

Background. Cardiac resynchronization therapy with biventricular pacing has been shown to be beneficial in improving heart failure in patients with prolonged QRS duration (≥120 ms) and low ejection fraction (≤35%). Unsuccessful cannulation of the coronary sinus (CS) has been reported in up to 10% of cases. The feasibility of the transthoracic continuous cardiac imaging for coronary sinus cannulation has not been previously demonstrated. Methods and Results. We developed a 2.5-MHz hemi-spherical continuous cardiac imaging transducer (CONTISON), mounted in an external housing, to permit steering in 360°. The transducer was attached to the chest wall using an adhesive ring. The CS was easily imaged by echocardiography by placing the transducer just medial to the apex and tilting it dorsally. The feasibility study was done in 11 patients. CS ostium and body were imaged in all patients. Cannulation was successfully achieved in nine patients with a mean cannulation time of 1 minute 16 seconds. In two patients, poor image quality precluded adequate visualization of CS. Fluoroscopy was not used for cannulation. Conclusion. We demonstrated the feasibility of using the CONTISON echography transducer for the guidance CS cannulation. This technique could expedite CS cannulation and reduce radiation exposure. Further studies comparing ultrasound versus fluoroscopy for CS cannulation appear warranted. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 38:426–429, 2010
Proliferative and apoptotic responses in cancers with special reference to oral cancers

The study of signal transduction pathways for mechanisms of apoptosis and proliferation has significantly advanced our understanding of human cancer, subsequently leading to more effective treatments. Discoveries of growth factors and oncogenes, especially those that function through phosphorylation on tyrosine residues, have greatly benefited our appreciation of the biology of cancer. The regulation of proliferation and apoptosis through phosphorylation via tyrosine kinases and phosphatases is discussed, as well as the contributions of other systems, such as serine and threonine kinases and phosphatases. Receptors with seven-transmembrane domains, steroid hormones, genes, and "death domains" will also be discussed. This review attempts to compare the regulation of the growth of normal tissues and cancers with an effort to highlight the current knowledge of these factors in the growth regulation of oral/oropharyngeal cancers. Despite the strides made in our understanding of growth regulation in human cancers, the study of oral/oropharyngeal cancer specifically lags behind. More research must be done to further our understanding of oral cancer biology, if we are to develop better, more effective treatment protocols.
ON THE ROLE OF COVARYING FUNCTIONS IN STIMULUS CLASS FORMATION AND TRANSFER OF FUNCTION

This experiment investigated whether directly trained covarying functions are necessary for stimulus class formation and transfer of function in humans. Initial class training was designed to establish two respondent-based stimulus classes by pairing two visual stimuli with shock and two other visual stimuli with no shock. Next, two operant discrimination functions were trained to one stimulus of each putative class. The no-shock group received the same training and testing in all phases, except no stimuli were ever paired with shock. The data indicated that skin conductance response conditioning did not occur for the shock groups or for the no-shock group. Tests showed transfer of the established discriminative functions, however, only for the shock groups, indicating the formation of two stimulus classes only for those participants who received respondent class training. The results suggest that transfer of function does not depend on first covarying the stimulus class functions.
Frequency and Histopathologic Basis of Hepatic Surface Nodularity in Patients with Fulminant Hepatic Failure

Purpose: To determine the frequency and histopathologic basis of hepatic surface nodularity at imaging in patients with fulminant hepatic failure. Materials and Methods: The committee on human research approved this HIPAA-compliant study and waived written informed consent. Thirty-five consecutive patients {24 female [mean age, 38 years ± 19 (standard deviation); range, 1–67 years] and 11 male [mean age, 29 years ± 22; range, 2–61 years]} with a mean age of 35 years ± 20 (range, 1–67 years) who underwent liver transplantation for fulminant hepatic failure at our institution during a 5-year period were retrospectively identified. Pretransplant ultrasonographic (n = 38; three patients each had two studies) and computed tomographic (n = 2) studies were retrospectively and independently reviewed for hepatic surface nodularity. Liver explant histopathologic findings (n = 33; slides unavailable in two patients) were reviewed for cirrhosis and for the combination of alternating foci of confluent regenerative nod...
Impact of suppression of ethylene action or biosynthesis on flavor metabolites in apple (Malus domestica Borkh) fruits.

To understand the role of ethylene in regulating the overall flavor of apple fruits, ethylene production or action was reduced using transgenic apple trees suppressed for ACC-synthase or ACC-oxidase enzyme activity or by the addition of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), an ethylene action inhibitor. Flavor components were differentially regulated in response to the suppression of both ethylene biosynthesis and action. Headspace analysis of aroma production, an ethylene-associated event, showed a reduction in ester and alcohol production in the ethylene-suppressed lines and in the apples treated with 1 μL L-1 1-MCP for 20 h at 20 °C. However, no major differences were observed in the concentrations of aldehyde volatiles. Other flavor metabolites that showed an ethylene-dependent pattern were organic acids and sugars. Malic acid degradation was significantly reduced under ethylene-suppressed conditions, showing a recovery after the fruit was exposed to ethylene. Sucrose and fructose concentrations were influenc...
Encoding novel face-name associations: a functional MRI study.

The process of forming new associations between previously unrelated items of information, such as a name and a face, likely requires the integration of activity within multiple brain regions. The hippocampus and related structures in the medial temporal lobe are thought to be particularly critical in binding together items of information. We studied eight healthy young subjects with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during the encoding of novel face-name associations compared to viewing repeated face-name pairs. A consistent pattern of activation was observed in the hippocampus, pulvinar nucleus of the thalamus, fusiform and dorsolateral prefrontal cortices across individual subjects. The location of the activation within the hippocampus was more anterior than previously reported in studies using similar novel vs. repeated paradigms with stimuli that did not specifically require relational processing among unrelated items. These data suggest that the process of forming new face-name associations is supported by a distributed network of brain regions, and provide additional evidence for the essential role of the hippocampus in associative memory processes.
Parker Flex-Tip and Standard-Tip Endotracheal Tubes: A Comparison During Nasotracheal Intubation

The placement of endotracheal tubes in the airway, particularly through the nose, can cause trauma. Their design might be an important etiologic factor, but they have changed little since their introduction. Recently Parker Medical (Bridgewater, Conn) introduced the Parker Flex-Tip (PFT) tube, suggesting that it causes less trauma. This study aimed to compare the PFT endotracheal tube to a side-beveled, standard-tip endotracheal tube (ETT) for nasotracheal intubation (Figures 1 and 2). Forty consecutive oral surgery patients requiring nasotracheal intubation were randomized to receive either a standard ETT or the PFT tube. Intubations were recorded using a fiber-optic camera positioned proximal to the Murphy eye of the tube. This allowed visualization of the path and action of the tube tip as it traversed the nasal, pharyngeal, laryngeal, and tracheal airway regions. Video recordings made during intubation and extubation were evaluated for bleeding, trauma, and intubation time. Both bleeding and trauma were recorded using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and by 3 different evaluators. The PFT received significantly better VAS values than the standard tubes from all 3 raters (P < 0.05) in both the extent of trauma and bleeding. Since the intubations were purposefully conducted slowly for photographic reasons, neither tube displayed a time advantage. This study suggests that the PFT tube design may be safer by causing less trauma and bleeding than standard tube designs for nasotracheal intubation.
Fast graph-based medical image segmentation with expert guided statistical information

In radiotherapy treatment planning, delineation of normal organs at risk in images is one of the most time-consuming tasks carried out routinely by human experts. Previously we proposed a speedy semi-automatic segmentation method based on a statistical graphical model, Conditional Random Field (CRF,) from which an energy function is defined to obtain Maximum-a-posteriori (MAP) estimation of the segmentation via a fast graph cut algorithm. The probabilistic regional and boundary terms in the energy function are estimated from the training samples collected locally from the the human expert via interactive tool or a training database. In this paper, we present a simple acceleration technique that dramatically improves the speed without sacrificing the accuracy of the segmentation. In the context of slice-by-slice medical image segmentation, we accelerate the process by partially reusing the graph constructed from a previous segmented slice based on the likeness of two consecutive images. Experiment results in 5 liver cases show differences between the manually segmented volumes and our estimated volumes were less than 5%. The differences are within the normal variation of manual segmentation from inter- and intra-observers. Accelerated segmentations show no degradation in terms of accuracy compared to full segmentations. The computation time per slice is within 300 millisecond CPU time for full segmentation and 110 millisecond for accelerated segmentation. The semi-automatic segmentation method proposed achieves similar segmentation done by human expert in significantly lesser time while preserving the human oversight required during the treatment planning process.
Dynamics Of Stock Market Return Volatility: Evidence From The Daily Data Of India And Japan

This paper studies the dynamics of stock market return volatility of India and Japan. The TGARCH-M model is implemented. These markets are impacted asymmetrically by bad news and good news. The return volatility persists in both countries.
Toxicology in the US Department of Defense (DoD)

This article is a revision of the previous edition article by Ruth Custance, volume 1, pp 495–498, © 2005, Elsevier Inc.
Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Repair of Supratrigonal Vesicovaginal Fistulae with Peritoneal Flap Inlay

Vesicovaginal fistulae have always been a highly problematic complication. Nowadays, most cases are complications after hysterectomy or obstetric surgery, whereas obstructed labour is the main aetiology in underdeveloped countries. The localisations and dimensions of the fistulae are very different dependent on their aetiology. Obstructed labour leads to necrosis of the anterior vaginal wall and consequently to a lower, urethrovaginal, vesicovaginal or combined fistula. After hysterectomy, we know that fistulae occur in about 1/1,800 cases. At a rate of 600,000 hysterectomies in the United States in 2003, we can assume approximately 330 fistulae had to be treated in that year. This makes it not only a social but also an economic issue. These fistulae are usually found to be supratrigonal and sometimes located high on the bladder dome. This fact makes it very demanding or even impossible to operate transvaginally. They occur after inadvertent lesion of the bladder or ureters, operation-site infection or tumourous diseases. The success rate of either repair is between 75 and 97 % depending on the method and complexity. Smaller fistulae can be treated by transurethral drainage and sometimes by transurethral coagulation of the bladder wall, depending on their aetiology. However, the long-term results are not very impressive (7–12.5 %). A valuable alternative to conservative treatment is the use of fibrin glue. In case of failure, the operative access is still available.
Clinical responsibility and the psychologist.

(1969). Clinical Responsibility and the Psychologist. Psychiatry: Vol. 32, No. 2, pp. 165-173.
Severity of neonatal hyperoxia determines structural and functional changes in developing mouse airway

Wheezing is a major long-term respiratory morbidity in preterm infants with and without bronchopulmonary dysplasia. We hypothesized that mild vs. severe hyperoxic exposure in neonatal mice differentially affects airway smooth muscle hypertrophy and resultant airway reactivity. Newborn mice were exposed to 7 days of mild (40% oxygen) or severe (70% oxygen) hyperoxia vs. room air controls. Respiratory system resistance (Rrs), compliance (Crs), and airway reactivity were measured 14 days after oxygen exposure ended under ketamine/xylazine anesthesia. Baseline Rrs increased and Crs decreased in both treatment groups. Methacholine challenge dose dependently increased Rrs and decreased Crs in 40% oxygen-exposed mice, whereas Rrs and Crs responses were similar between 70% oxygen-exposed and normoxic controls. Airway smooth muscle thickness was increased in 40%- but not 70%-exposed mice, whereas collagen increased and both alveolar number and radial alveolar counts decreased after 40% and 70% oxygen. These data indicate that severity of hyperoxia may differentially affect structural and functional changes in the developing mouse airway that contribute to longer-term hyperreactivity. These findings may be important to our understanding of the complex role of neonatal supplemental oxygen therapy in postnatal development of airway responsiveness.