cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neighborhood characteristics and auto theft: An empirical research from the social disorganization perspective

Despite the prevalence of auto theft and associated economic loss, the offense is relatively underexplored in the literature. The current study examines auto theft in the context of social disorganization theory. Using 2000 US Census data and 2005 Houston Police Department incident reports, auto theft rates across census tracts are compared on four dimensions of neighborhood social disorganization. Multivariate analysis indicates support for social disorganization theory; concentrated disadvantage, residential stability and racial heterogeneity had a significant effect on auto theft rates. In contrast, neighborhood immigration did not affect auto theft rates. The limitations of the study and policy implications are discussed.
Refolding of Thermally Denatured Bacteriorhodopsin in Purple Membrane

The change in protein conformational structure and retinal chromophore binding state have been examined by using in situ UV−vis, FTIR, and CD spectroscopies during the thermal denaturation and refolding processes in bacteriorhodopsin (bR) of purple membrane (PM), in its native trimeric and in Triton X-100 solubilized monomeric form. For the trimeric bR, it is found that heating bR through its premelting transition (T > 78 °C, Tm‘) does not cause any permanent damage in the protein secondary structure, and a reversible refolding occurs when it cools back to room temperature. For the monomeric bR, it is found that it is less thermally stable than the trimer. There is a significant change in its protein secondary structure and a complete dissociation of retinal occurs irreversibly at a temperature as low as 66 °C. In addition, it is found that heating the trimeric bR through its main molten state (T > 96 °C, Tm) changes the protein secondary structure so that bR does not refold fully into its original second...
Oral Lesions Associated with Dietary Deficiencies in Monkeys

Lesions, associated with the presence of the fusospirochetal group, of the gingival and the periodontal tissues are usually classified into three groups (a) simple gingivitis (b) ulceromembranous gingivitis and (c) pyorrhea alveolaris. Such a classification is mainly dependent upon severity of symptomatology and pathology and implies no qualitative difference in etiology; the opinion of most observers being that the differences noted are definitely quantitative in character. Ever since the original publications of Miller,1 Plaut,2 and Vincent3 many workers have confirmed the presence and the quantitative increase of the members of the fusospirochetal group in these lesions. Experimental infections in various animals have resulted from the artificial implantation of the entire flora or at times certain members of the group.4 The problem is complicated by the universal observation that the fusospi-
Temperature-dependent responses to a developmental gradient in theDrosophila wing

The mutant hairy (h) increases the number of sensillae on theDrosophila wing. This allows us to quantify a gradient that determines the type of sense organ that forms along the third long vein. Temperature significantly shifts the positional responses to this underlying gradient.
Conjecture: Can Continuous Regeneration Lead to Immortality? Studies in the MRL Mouse

A particular mouse strain, the MRL mouse, has been shown to have unique healing properties that show normal replacement of tissue without scarring. The serendipitous discovery that the MRL mouse has a profound capacity for regeneration in some ways rivaling the classic newt and axolotl species raises the possibility that humans, too, may have an innate regenerative ability. We propose this mouse as a model for continuous regeneration with possible life-extending properties. We will use the classical "immortal" organism, the hydra, for comparison and examine those key phenotypes that contribute to their immortality as they are expressed in the MRL mouse versus control mouse strains. The phenotypes to be examined include the rate of proliferation and the rate of cell death, which leads to a continual turnover in cells without an increase in mass.
THE ROLE OF UNICELLS IN THE POLYMORPHIC SCENEDESMUS ARMATUS (CHLOROPHYCEAE)1

The UTEX 2193 strain of Scenedesmus armatus (Chod.) Chod, when cultured in any of several media (whether natural or artificial, concentrated or dilute) produced a variety of colonial morphologies as well as a unicell population. Morphological expression was related to culture ape. When the initial cell density was just a feu1 hundred cells per mL. the culture first produced a unicell population, then spiny colonies, and as stationary phase was approached, spine-less colonies. Two classes of spiny colonies were detected. Type I colonies had elongate cells with the terminal cells shorter than median cells. Spines were longer than cell length. The wider, oval, grainy cells of Type II colonies were uniform m length. Spines were shorter and thicker than those on Type I colonies. Only Type I colonies produced unicells: the latter appeared as two morphs. The smaller unicell was obovoid with four delicate spines: the larger had ovate cells bearing four thicker spines. Control of unicell development in all media was achieved by carefully monitoring colony type and cell number used for the inoculum. A unicellular population developed in batch culture in defined media, both concentrated and dilute, when the initial cell density (either Type I or Type II colonies) was low (below 1000 cells-mL−1), as well as in synchronous cultures. With higher initial cell densities, e.g. 2 × 104 cells·mL−1, the inoculum had to contain Type I colonies to produce unicells. Unicells were also produced in water from Agronomy Pond, where the strain originated. We discuss the role of unicell populations in the distribution of Scenedesmus.
Brain temperature and limits on transcranial cooling in humans: quantitative modeling results

Selective brain cooling (SBC) of varying strengths has been demonstrated in a number of mammals and appears to play a role in systemic thermoregulation. Although primates lack obvious specialization for SBC, the possibility of brain cooling in humans has been debated for many years. This paper reports on the use of mathematical modeling to explore whether surface cooling can control effectively the temperature of the human cerebrum. The brain was modeled as a hemisphere with a volume of 1.33 1 and overlying layers of cerebrospinal fluid, skull, and scalp. Each component was assigned appropriate dimensions, physical properties and physiological characteristics that were determined from the literature. The effects of blood flow and of thermal conduction were modeled using the steady-state form of the bio-heat equation. Input parameters included core (arterial) temperature: normal (37 degrees C) or hyperthermic (40 degrees C), air temperature: warm (30 degrees C) or hot (40 degrees C), and sweat evaporation rate: 0, 0.25, or 0.50 l x m(-2) x h(-1). The resulting skin temperatures of the model ranged from 31.8 degrees C to 40.2 degrees C, values which are consistent with data obtained from the literature. Cerebral temperatures were generally insensitive to surface conditions (air temperature and evaporation rate), which affected only the most superficial level of the cerebrum (< or =1.5 mm) The remaining parenchymal temperatures were 0.2-0.3 degrees C above arterial temperatures, regardless of surface conditions. This held true even for the worst-case conditions combining core hyperthermia in a hot environment with zero evaporative cooling. Modeling showed that the low surface-to-volume ratio, low tissue conductivity, and high rate of cerebral perfusion combine to minimize the potential impact of surface cooling, whether by transcranial venous flow or by conduction through intervening layers to the skin or mucosal surfaces. The dense capillary network in the brain assures that its temperature closely follows arterial temperature and is controlled through systemic thermoregulation independent of head surface temperature. A review of the literature reveals several independent lines of evidence which support these findings and indicate the absence of functionally significant transcranial venous flow in either direction. Given the fact that humans sometimes work under conditions which produce face and scalp temperatures that are above core temperature, a transcranial thermal link would not necessarily protect the brain, but might instead increase its vulnerability to environmentally induced thermal injury.
A radical index for the determination of the chemical kinetic contribution to diffusion flame extinction of large hydrocarbon fuels

Abstract The extinction limits of diffusion flames have been measured experimentally and computed numerically for fuels of three different molecular structures pertinent to surrogate fuel formulation: n-alkanes, alkyl benzenes, and iso-octane. The focus of this study is to isolate the thermal and mass transport effects from chemical kinetic contributions to diffusion flame extinction, allowing for a universal correlation of extinction limit to molecular structure. A scaling analysis has been performed and reveals that the thermal and mass transport effects on the extinction limit can be normalized by consideration of the enthalpy flux to the flame via the diffusion process. The transport-weighted enthalpy is defined as the product of the enthalpy of combustion per unit mole of fuel and the inverse of the square root of fuel molecular weight. The chemical kinetic contribution provided by the specific fuel chemistry has thus been elucidated for tested individual component and multi-component surrogate fuels. A chemical kinetic flux analysis for n-decane flames shows that the production/consumption rates of the hydroxyl (OH) radical govern the heat release rate in these flames and therefore play significant roles in defining the extinction limit. The rate of OH formation has been defined by considering the OH concentration, flame thickness, and flow strain rate. A fuel-specific radical index has been introduced as a concept to represent and quantify the kinetic contribution to the extinction limit owing to the fuel-specific chemistry. A relative radical index scale, centered on the radical index of a series of n-alkanes which are observed and fundamentally explained to be common, is established. A universal correlation of the observed extinction limits of all tested fuels has been obtained through a combined metric of radical index and transport-weighted enthalpy. Finally, evidence as to the validity of the fundamental arguments presented is provided by the success of the universal correlation in predicting the extinction limits of the multi-component mixtures typical of surrogate fuels.
Statistical unicodification of African languages

Many languages in Africa are written using Latin-based scripts, but often with extra diacritics (e.g. dots below in Igbo: $${\d i}, {\d o}, {\d u}$$ ) or modifications to the letters themselves (e.g. open vowels "e" and "o" in Lingala: ?, ?). While it is possible to render these characters accurately in Unicode, oftentimes keyboard input methods are not easily accessible or are cumbersome to use, and so the vast majority of electronic texts in many African languages are written in plain ASCII. We call the process of converting an ASCII text to its proper Unicode form unicodification. This paper describes an open-source package which performs automatic unicodification, implementing a variant of an algorithm described in previous work of De Pauw, Wagacha, and de Schryver. We have trained models for more than 100 languages using web data, and have evaluated each language using a range of feature sets.
Performance under massed or spaced extinction following different sequences of varied reward training

Rats were run in a straight alley to test an unusual prediction by sequential theory to the effect that a varied reward group trained with an SL reward sequence would tend to be more resistant than an LS group under massed extinction, but less resistant under spaced extinction. A significant interaction between sequence and type of extinction was obtained. Also, a random varied reward group exhibited the greatest resistance under either extinction condition.
Effect of sialagogue on bleeding on probing in Sjögren's syndrome.

Background: Bleeding on probing (BOP) is a frequent observation in patients with Sjogren's syndrome and a sialagogue is routinely prescribed for these patients. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of sialagogue (muscarinic cholinergic agonists) on BOP in patients with Sjogren's syndrome. Materials and Methods: This observational study included 57 subjects. Study population was divided into two groups: Subjects on sialagogue (n = 32) and subjects not on sialagogue due to their side-effects (non-sialagogue, n = 25). The number of sites with BOP was recorded on all teeth. Results: The subjects on sialagogue had a significantly lower mean (standard error) number of sites with BOP 22.97 (2.65) as compared with the non-sialagogue group 46.59 (6.20), P Conclusion: In this observational study treatment with sialagogue may prevent BOP in patients with Sjogren's syndrome.
Interrelationship of phytoalexin production and disease resistance in selected peanut genotypes.

In peanuts, a mechanism of resistance to fungal infection is reportedly due to the synthesis of stilbene phytoalexins, which are antibiotic, low molecular weight metabolites. The phytoalexin-associated response of different peanut genotypes to exogenous invasion in the field has not been investigated and may be useful for breeding resistant peanut cultivars. Five peanut genotypes, Georgia Green, Tifton 8, C-99R, GK-7 High Oleic, and MARC I, which differ in resistance to major peanut diseases, were investigated for their ability to produce phytoalexins under field conditions in South Georgia in 2001 and 2002. Five known peanut phytoalexins, trans-resveratrol, trans-arachidin-1, trans-arachidin-2, trans-arachidin-3, and trans-3‘-isopentadienyl-3,5,4‘-trihydroxystilbene, were quantitated. The phytoalexins were measured in peanuts of different pod maturity (yellow, orange, brown, and black) with or without insect pod damage (externally scarified or penetrated). Kernels from insect-damaged pods of C-99R and Ti...
A correlation-consistent basis set for Fe

A series of correlation-consistent basis sets are developed for Fe. Our best computed 5F–5D separation in the Fe atom is in excellent agreement with experiment. Our best estimate for the FeCO D 0 value is in good agreement with experiment. The 5Σ−–3Σ− separation in FeCO has an error of 3.6 kcal/mol; while the origin of this error is not clear, it is probably not due to the basis set.
Modeling winter circulation under landfast ice : the interaction of winds with landfast ice

[1] Idealized models and a simple vertically averaged vorticity equation illustrate the effects of an upwelling favorable wind and a spatially variable landfast ice cover on the circulation beneath landfast ice. For the case of no along-shore variations in ice, upwelling favorable winds seaward of the ice edge result in vortex squashing beneath the landfast ice leading to (1) large decreases in coastal and ice edge sea levels, (2) cross-shore sea level slopes and weak (<∼.05 m s−1) under-ice currents flowing upwind, (3) strong downwind ice edge jets, and (4) offshore transport in the under-ice and bottom boundary layers of the landfast ice zone. The upwind under-ice current accelerates quickly within 2–4 days and then slows as cross-shore transport gradually decreases the cross-shore sea level slope. Near the ice edge, bottom boundary layer convergence produces ice edge upwelling. Cross-ice edge exchanges occur in the surface and above the bottom boundary layer and reduce the under-ice shelf volume by 15% in 10 days. Under-ice along-shore pressure gradients established by along- and cross-shore variations in ice width and/or under-ice friction alter this basic circulation pattern. For a landfast ice zone of finite width and length, upwelling-favorable winds blowing seaward of and transverse to the ice boundaries induce downwind flow beneath the ice and generate vorticity waves that propagate along-shore in the Kelvin wave direction. Our results imply that landfast ice dynamics, not included explicitly herein, can effectively convert the long-wavelength forcing of the wind into shorter-scale ocean motions beneath the landfast ice.
Characterization of Multipotent Adult Progenitor Cells, a Subpopulation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Mesenchymal stem cells were isolated and a subpopulation of cells--multipotent adult progenitor cells--were identified that have the potential for multilineage differentiation. Their ability to engraft and differentiate in vivo is under investigation.
Temptation and Authority: Sapiential Narratives in Q

In 1987 John Kloppenborg suggested that the account of the Temptations of Jesus was added last to the earlier strata of "Q" materials in order to ascribe to them the legitimacy stemming from a "tested" wisdom teacher. The arguments offered to support that view, however, are not entirely persuasive. It is argued here instead that the Temptations of Jesus found in Q/Luke 4:1-13, par. Matt 4:1-11 should be viewed as the opening narrative of the earliest, sapiential stratum of Q. Criticism is also offered of Kloppenborg's arguments concerning the Centurion's Son episode in Q/Luke 7:1-10, par. Matt 8:5-13; this, too, should rather be viewed as a narrative part of that earliest Q material. The parallel supporting the interpretation of the Temptation account and the alternation of paradigmatic narrative scenes with sapiential sayings collections is the Wisdom of Solomon, indicating the continued influence of the wisdom tradition upon early Christianity and its literary forms.
Synthesis and Activity of a New Catalyst for Hydroprocessing: Tungsten Phosphide

A tungsten phosphide, WP, hydrotreating catalyst was prepared by temperature-programmed reduction of an X-ray amorphous tungsten phosphate at a heating rate of 0.0167 K s−1 and a 2-h soak at the final temperature of 938 K. Characterization of intermediates quenched at different temperatures revealed a single crystalline reaction product whose specific CO uptake and BET surface areas passed through a maximum of 12 μmol g−1 and 15 m2 g−1, respectively, at 873 K. Heating rate variation measurements gave an apparent first-order activation energy of 148 kJ mol−1 for the reduction. Tungsten phosphide was catalytically active in the hydrodenitrogenation and hydrodesulfurization reactions of a simulated light oil consisting of 20 wt% tetralin, 76 wt% tetradecane, 2000 wppm N as quinoline, 3000 wppm S as dibenzothiophene, and 500 wppm O as benzofuran. Measurements were made in an upflow fixed-bed reactor operated at 3.1 MPa and 643 K and gave conversion levels at steady state for the WP catalyst of 58% HDN and 67% HDS. These conversions were superior to those found for WC, W2N, and WS2 tested under the same conditions.
Localization and functional studies of pendrin in the mouse inner ear provide insight about the etiology of deafness in pendred syndrome.

Immunolocalization studies of mouse cochlea and vestibular end-organ were performed to study the expression pattern of pendrin, the protein encoded by the Pendred syndrome gene (PDS), in the inner ear. The protein was restricted to the areas composed of specialized epithelial cells thought to play a key role in regulating the composition and resorption of endolymph. In the cochlea, pendrin was abundant in the apical membrane of cells in the spiral prominence and outer sulcus cells (along with their root processes). In the vestibular end-organ, pendrin was found in the transitional cells of the cristae ampullaris, utriculi, and sacculi as well as in the apical membrane of cells in the endolymphatic sac. Pds-knockout (Pds−/−) mice were found to lack pendrin immunoreactivity in all of these locations. Histological studies revealed that the stria vascularis in Pds−/− mice was only two-thirds the thickness seen in wild-type mice, with the strial marginal cells showing irregular shapes and sizes. Functional studies were also performed to examine the role of pendrin in endolymph homeostasis. Using double-barreled electrodes placed in both the cochlea and the utricle, the endocochlear potential and endolymph potassium concentration were measured in wild-type and Pds−/− mice. Consistent with the altered strial morphology, the endocochlear potential in Pds−/− mice was near zero and did not change during anoxia. On the other hand, the endolymphatic potassium concentration in Pds−/− mice was near normal in the cochlea and utricle. Together, these results suggest that pendrin serves a key role in the functioning of the basal and/or intermediate cells of the stria vascularis to maintain the endocochlear potential, but not in the potassium secretory function of the marginal cells.
A model of natural selection based on a theory of guessing games

Abstract By examining organisms, one can make inferences about the things to which they are adapted; i.e. organisms carry information about their environments. During evolution, they have accumulated this information from the agents exerting selection, just as players in a guessing game accumulate information from the referee. A “Darwinian guessing game” is defined, as a model of natural selection; an important feature is that the player can retain no records except his best previous guesses. It appears that to win such a game the player must represent his guesses digitally, suggesting that digital representation of organisms by their genetic material is a necessary condition of any evolutionary system. Complications due to indecision by the referee compel the player to use devices analogous to large populations and recombination, relating the model to classical population genetics. The fact that the referee does not act on guesses (genotypes) but on transformations of them (phenotypes) relates the model to developmental genetics by suggesting that only certain kinds of genotype-phenotype “dictionaries” can be permitted if such indirect selection is to work. The fact that several “right answers” may exist, defined as “right” by their mutual interrelationships, relates the model to community ecology. A quantity analogous to “adaptedness”, not analogous to any quantity used in classical population genetics, which can continue to change in the same direction almost indefinitely, enters discussion of Darwinian games and permits long-term aspects of evolution to be discussed mathematically.
THE PROMPT EFFECTS OF SUPERNOVAE

Conflicting theories on the mechanisms of supernova production are examined. Supernova as sources of other phenomena such as comic rays, gamma rays, x-rays, and electromagnetic pulses are considered. 32 references. (BJG)
Transverse-velocity-fluctuation autocorrelation function of holes in silicon: The effect of valence-band anisotropy.

Qualitative behavior is reported for the transverse-velocity-fluctuation autocorrelation function ${\mathit{C}}_{\mathit{t}}$ for holes in silicon. Results of high-field Monte Carlo transport calculations show a negative minimum, or ``undershoot'' in ${\mathit{C}}_{\mathit{t}}$. Previously considered to occur only for the longitudinal-velocity-fluctuation autocorrelation function ${\mathit{C}}_{\mathit{l}}$, the undershooting is shown to depend upon both the orientation of the electric field and the degree of anisotropy of the valence band. This potentially holds consequences for the nature of the very-high-frequency transverse noise and diffusion characteristics of holes in any material with a warped band structure.
An novel approach for the design of Bus Management Agent Clusters for power system control and protection

In this paper, we propose a multi-agent methodology (MAM) for power system monitoring and protection. The uniqueness of the proposed architecture is the ability of MAM to evolve in the wake of an attack of malicious intent by mutation and thus always monitoring a power system bus remotely. Also, the architecture interacts with the mutated agents using a voting methodology thus alleviating the effect of agent malfunction in the presence of an attack. This architecture also enables interagent communication which makes a collaborative framework and increases the degree of fault tolerance. This architecture is tested on a two-area, five-machine, and 8 bus power network for abnormal condition detection, generator bus isolation, and also for restoring power to the area which is affected by the bus isolation. Simulation studies indicate that the proposed methodology is capable of not only detecting the power grid attack but it can also continuously monitor and isolate the generator bus even in the presence of sustained attack as the agents are regenerated.
Attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy (ATR-IR) as an in situ technique for dissolution studies.

Dissolution studies are critical tests for measuring the performance of a drug product. We have developed a novel technique using in situ ATR-IR spectroscopy to monitor dissolutions of pharmaceutical drug products. The accuracy of this technique is ±3% relative to HPLC using salicylic acid calibrator tablets and acetaminophen OTC tablets. This novel approach also gives the research laboratory the capability of analyzing individual ingredients in multiple tablets; for example, individual components of salicylic acid and acetaminophen tablets are easily distinguished. In addition, the individual ingredients of a multi-component tablet containing acetylsalicylic acid and acetaminophen are readily distinguished. The ATR-IR system was found to have good sensitivity and can analyze samples as low as 0.03 mg/ml. With improved sensitivity, this is a promising method for monitoring dissolution of pharmaceutical tablets with an excellent in situ capability for distinguishing individual components.
Governance and land use decision-making in Russian cities and regions

Abstract Using results of an elite survey from the late 1990s, this study examines various arguments to explain the roots of the slow pace of land marketisation in Russia. These include three arguments that focus in turn on structural impediments, resource generation opportunities provided by land ownership, and domineering local governments. The study also analyses two other explanations of spatial differences: the impact of local economic and demographic structure and urban governance. Findings offer some support for each of the dominant approaches but little evidence to support the importance of local economic structure. However, an analysis of governance and social practices are found to be useful in highlighting the relationship between beliefs, practices, and land allocation.
Determination of estradiol2- and 16-alpha-hydroxylase activities in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells in culture using radiometric analysis

Using a radiometric assay the effects of estradiol upon the activity of estradiol 2- and 16 alpha-hydroxylases in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells in culture were studied. After 5 days of treatment and 36 h of withdrawal, incubation in the presence of either 2- or 16 alpha-tritiated substrate was carried out. Estradiol (10 nM) significantly increased 16 alpha-hydroxylase activity (21%, P less than 0.01), while no effects on 2-hydroxylase activity was observed. Treatment for 6 weeks caused a major increase in 16 alpha-hydroxylation (65%, P less than 0.001) and a significant reduction in 2-hydroxylation (21%, P less than 0.05). These effects were not observed in estrogen receptor-negative MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells. Our observations suggest that these two metabolic pathways in MCF-7 cells are independently regulated and that this regulation is affected via the estrogen receptor.
Quantification of the graphical details of collagen fibrils in transmission electron micrographs.

A novel 2D image analysis technique is demonstrated. Using the digitized images of articular cartilage from transmission electron microscopy (TEM), this technique performs a localized ‘vector’ analysis at each region that is large enough to include several or tens of collagen fibrils but small enough to provide a fine resolution for the whole tissue. For each small and localized region, the morphology of the collagen fibrils can be characterized by three quantities essential to the nature of the tissue: the concentration of the fibrils, the overall orientation of the fibrils, and the anisotropy of the fibrils. This technique is capable of providing new insight to the existing technology by assigning quantitative attributes to the qualitative graphics. The assigned quantities are sensitive to the fine structure of the collagen matrix and meaningful in the architectural nature of the collagen matrix. These quantities could provide a critical linkage between the ultrastructure of the tissue and the macroscopic behaviours of the material. In addition, coarse-graining the microscopic resolution of EM without compromising the essential features of the tissue's structure provides a direct view of the tissue's morphology and permits direct correlations and comparisons among interdisciplinary techniques.
Hemodialysis-associated subclavian vein stenosis

Hemodialysis-associated subclavian vein stenosis. This study was undertaken to evaluate hemodialysis-associated subclavian vein stenosis (SVS) and to clarify treatment of this condition. Forty-seven patients underwent upper arm venography to evaluate fistula dysfunction. Subclavian vein stenosis was documented in 12. Eleven of 12 had elevated venous dialysis pressure (196 ± 8.9mm Hg), and six had arm edema. All 12 had previously undergone subclavian cannulation on the side of the fistula. Thirty-five patients showed no evidence of subclavian vein stenosis. Twelve of these 35 patients (mean venous dialysis pressure 113 ± 2.3mm Hg) had undergone previous subclavian cannulation on the side of the fistula. The mean age of the fistula at the time of venogram in patients with subclavian vein stenosis was 17.0 months versus 5.8 months in patients with ipsilateral subclavian cannulation without subclavian vein stenosis. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) was performed on 11 of 12 patients with SVS lowering venous dialysis pressure and restoring patency to the fistula in 100%. Lesions recurred in two of 11 patients and were successfully retreated with PTA. We conclude that SVS is a common dialysis problem that is amenable to treatment with PTA. Elevated venous dialysis pressures are a sensitive indicator of this condition.
Effects of mutations at threonine-654 on the insoluble glucan synthesized by Leuconostoc mesenteroides NRRL B-1118 glucansucrase

Twelve different amino acids were each substituted for threonine-654 in a cloned glucansucrase from Leuconostoc mesenteroides NRRL B-1118. Both the native and the cloned enzyme with threonine at position 654 produced a water-insoluble glucan containing approximately 44 mol% 1,3-disubstituted α-D-glucopyranosyl units and 29 mol% 1,6-disubstituted α-D-glucopyranosyl units. Several substitutions yielded an enzyme that produced an increased percentage of 1,3-disubstituted α-D-glucopyranosyl units, with corresponding decreases in 1,6-disubstituted α-D-glucopyranosyl units. Only one substitution, tyrosine, resulted in a significant increase in the percentage of 1,6-disubstituted α-D-glucopyranosyl units, with a concomitant increase in glucan yield. The mutated enzymes that produced the highest levels of 1,3-disubstituted α-D-glucopyranosyl units were also significantly activated by the addition of dextran, but glucan yields were also lower in these mutants.
Common and unusual craniofacial manifestations of metastatic neuroblastoma

Although neuroblastoma is a common childhood malignancy, which frequently metastasizes, involvement of the facial bones and paranasal sinuses are uncommonly reported in the literature. However, over the last several years, we have encountered an increasing number of cases of metastatic neuroblastoma to the central nervous system and head and neck. This article will review the common and uncommon imaging manifestations of metastatic neuroblastoma, with emphasis on the orbits, maxillofacial bones, and paranasal sinuses.
Surgery results in exaggerated and persistent cognitive decline in a rat model of the Metabolic Syndrome

Background: Postoperative cognitive decline can be reproduced in animal models. In a well-validated rat model of the Metabolic Syndrome, we sought to investigate whether surgery induced a more severe and persistent form of cognitive decline similar to that noted in preliminary clinical studies. Methods: In rats that had been selectively bred for low and high exercise endurance, the low capacity runners (LCR) exhibited features of Metabolic Syndrome (obesity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and hypertension). Tibial fracture surgery was performed under isoflurane anesthesia in LCR and high capacity runner (HCR) rats and cognitive function was assessed postoperatively in a trace-fear conditioning paradigm and Morris Water Maze; non-operated rats were exposed to anesthesia and analgesia (sham). Group sizes were n = 6. Results: On postoperative D7, LCR rats had shorter freezing times than postoperative HCR rats. Five months postoperatively, LCR rats had a flatter learning trajectory and took longer to locate the submerged platform than postoperative HCR rats; dwell-time in the target quadrant in a probe trial was shorter in the postoperative LCR compared to HCR rats. LCR and HCR sham rats did not differ in any test. Conclusion: Postoperatively, LCR rats diverged from HCR rats exhibiting a greater decline in memory, acutely, with persistent learning and memory decline, remotely; this could not be attributed to changes in locomotor or swimming performance. This Metabolic Syndrome animal model of surgery-induced cognitive decline corroborates, with high fidelity, preliminary findings of postoperative cognitive dysfunction in Metabolic Syndrome patients.
Inositol trisphosphate-induced calcium release in brain microsomes.

The effects of different ionic media on Ca2+ uptake and release in isolated brain microsomes were investigated. KCl (100 mM) provided the best medium for Ca2+ uptake in the presence of ATP. The effect of myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) on Ca2+ release was examined and was maximum at 0.2 μM. IP3-induced Ca2+ release was dependenton extramicrosomal free Ca2+ concentration with maximal release at 5.0 μM free Ca2+. Replacement of KCl by sucrose or NaCl did not show any response to IP3. Electron microscopy showed that the microsomal fraction consisted of characteristic endoplasmic reticulum-derived vesicular profiles and were free of mitochondria or plasma membrane contamination. Our results support the concept that the endoplasmic reticulum is the target for IP3-induced mobilization of Ca2+ in the cell.
Factors predicting PTSD, depression, and dissociative severity in female treatment-seeking childhood sexual abuse survivors.

Abstract Objective: Two main questions were asked: (1) what abuse characteristics relate to PTSD, depressive, and dissociative severity in adult survivors of child sexual abuse (CSA); and (2) what abuse characteristics influence the severity of dissociation during CSA. Method: 89 female CSA survivors’ current symptoms of PTSD, depression, and dissociation were assessed with standardized measures. Additionally, abuse characteristics (e.g., age of onset, peritraumatic dissociation) were assessed with a structured interview. Results: Correlational analyses indicated that peritraumatic dissociation was most strongly related to all three types of symptom severity. Additional posthoc correlational analyses revealed that women who experienced penile penetration, believed someone/thing else would be killed, and/or were injured as a result of the abuse exhibited more severe peritraumatic dissociation. Regression analyses indicated that peritraumatic dissociation was the only variable to significantly predict symptom severity across symptom type or disorder. Furthermore, different abuse characteristics predicted adult symptom severity and peritraumatic dissociation. Conclusions: The relation between peritraumatic dissociation and adult symptomatology was most intriguing and has two main clinical implications: (1) teaching engagement strategies to some CSA survivors in hopes of containing dissociative symptoms immediately following the abuse and (2) the inclusion of exposure-based interventions in the treatment of some adult CSA survivors where indicated.
Privacy risk versus socialness in the decision to use mobile location-based applications

The adoption and use of mobile location-based applications (LBAs) (e.g. Loopt, Gowalla, Foursquare, Facebook Places, My Town) are far behind industry expectations. Drawing on social exchange theory, we present a theoretical framework to examine the cost-benefit tradeoffs considered by potential users of mobile LBAs. A research model is proposed and tested using data collected from a sample of 222 respondents. Our study offers two explanations for why users would release location information: 1) the application's controls reduce privacy risk beliefs, and 2) the application provides opportunities for socialness. Understanding the motivations and concerns of different types of users and developing LBAs to meet those specific needs is both a challenge and a condition for the growth of the location-based market.
Fluxional nature of gas-phase clusters

Abstract In this short note fluxional properties of gas clusters were analyzed based on evidence from the recent literature. The significance of statistical fluctuations along with problems arising from the structural nonrigidity of small clusters were discussed.
Medial collateral ligament injuries of the knee: current treatment concepts

The medial collateral ligament is one of the most commonly injured ligaments of the knee. Most injuries result from a valgus force on the knee. The increased participation in football, ice hockey, and skiing has all contributed to the increased frequency of MCL injuries. Prophylactic knee bracing in contact sports may prevent injury; however, performance may suffer. The majority of patients who sustain an MCL injury will achieve their pre-injury activity level with non-operative treatment alone; however, those with combined ligamentous injuries may require acute operative care. Accurate characterization of each aspect of the injury will help to determine the optimum treatment plan.
Do patients use decision and communication aids as prompted when meeting with breast cancer specialists

Background Our breast cancer clinic promotes patient use of decision and communication aids (DAs/CAs) through two mechanisms: coaching and prompting. From January through September 2010, we provided services to 462 of 1106 new visitors (42%). Of those 462 visitors, 267 (58%) received coaching. For the remainder (195 or 42%), the best we could do was prompt them to self-administer the DA and CAs. Objective We wanted to learn whether patients prompted to use DAs/CAs did so. Methods We surveyed prompted patients after their visits. We asked how much of each DA they reviewed, whether they listed questions, made notes and audio-recorded their consultations. We tallied frequencies and explored associations using logistic regression. Results Of the 195 prompted patients, 82 responded to surveys (42%). Nearly all (66/73 or 90%) reported reviewing some or all of the booklets and 52/73 (71%) reported viewing some or all of the DVDs. While 63/78 (81%) responded that they wrote a question list, only 14/61 (23%) said they showed it to their doctor. Two-thirds (51/77 or 66%) said someone took notes, but only 16/79 (20%) reported making audio recordings. Discussion More patients reported following prompts to use DAs than CAs. Few reported showing question lists to physicians or recording their visits. Our exploratory analyses surfaced associations between using CAs and race/ethnicity or education that merit further investigation. Conclusion Prompting patients assures better use of decision than communication aids. Clinicians may need to take a more active role to ensure patients receive adequate notes and recordings.
Dynamic fracture (spalling) of metals

Abstract The fundamental mechanical aspects of dynamic fracture in metals are presented, with emphasis on spalling produced by the interactions of shock and reflected tensile waves. The major research efforts conducted in this area are reviewed; the process has been successfully described as a sequence of nucleation—growth—coalescence of voids or cracks. Quantitative models predicting the extent of damage have been successfully compared with experimental observations, by incorporating them into computer codes. A number of metallurgical aspects of importance are discussed: failure initiation sites, crack propagation paths, strain-rate-dependent ductile to brittle transition, grain size effect, intergranular versus transgranular spalling. Of particular importance in iron and steels is the change in spall morphology when the 13 GPa stress is exceeded. This change is documented and interpreted in terms of the α(BCC)→ϵ(HCP) phase transformation undergone at that pressure. Micromechanical models describing the growth of voids in terms of dislocation motion are discussed. Areas requiring additional research effort are identified.
Hemoglobin polymorphism in adult cutthroat trout, Salmo clarkii

Hemoglobin polymorphism was detected in a population of adult cutthroat trout by employing starch gel electrophoresis. Variation occurred only in the cathodally migrating hemoglobins. Six electrophoretic patterns were assumed to be present; however, the existence of a greater degree of complexity has not been ruled out. Eight of the 93 adult cutthroat trout sampled displayed a hemoglobin electrophoretic pattern identical to that obtained from adult rainbow trout.
Transplant coronary artery disease: histopathologic correlations with angiographic morphology.

Accelerated coronary artery disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among cardiac transplant recipients. Ten patients who died or underwent retransplantation within 2 months of coronary angiography had direct correlation of angiographic (normal discrete lesions, diffuse concentric narrowing) with histologic appearance of coronary arteries. Of the 26 angiographi-cally normal segments, 73% showed mild to moderate fibrous intimai thickening by light microscopy. The remainder had intermediate lesions or atheromatous plaques. Discrete stenoses usually corresponded to lipid-rich intermediate or atheromatous disease. In contrast, angiographically diffuse, concentrically narrowed lesions usually were areas of severe fibrous intimai thickening. Fresh or organizing thrombus was most often associated with discrete lesions and accounted for all complete occlusions. Histologic and angiographic comparisons of the degree of luminal narrowing showed generally good correlation for high grade stenoses. Lesions graded as having
Transversus abdominis muscle release: a novel approach to posterior component separation during complex abdominal wall reconstruction.

Abstract Background Several modifications of the classic retromuscular Stoppa technique to facilitate dissection beyond the lateral border of the rectus sheath recently were reported. We describe a novel technique of transversus abdominis muscle release (TAR) for posterior component separation during major abdominal wall reconstructions. Methods Retrospective review of consecutive patients undergoing TAR. Briefly, the retromuscular space is developed laterally to the edge of the rectus sheath. The posterior rectus sheath is incised 0.5–1 cm underlying medial to the linea semilunaris to expose the medial edge of the transversus abdominis muscle. The muscle then is divided, allowing entrance to the space anterior to the transversalis fascia. The posterior rectus fascia then is advanced medially. The mesh is placed as a sublay and the linea alba is restored ventral to the mesh. Results Between December 2006 and December 2009, we have used this technique successfully in 42 patients with massive ventral defects. Thirty-two (76.2%) patients had recurrent hernias. The average mesh size used was 1,201 ± 820 cm2 (range, 600–2,700). Ten (23.8%) patients developed various wound complications requiring reoperation/debridement in 3 patients. At a median follow-up period of 26.1 months, there have been 2 (4.7%) recurrences. Conclusions Our novel technique for posterior component separation was associated with a low perioperative morbidity and a low recurrence rate. Overall, transversus abdominis muscle release may be an important addition to the armamentarium of surgeons undertaking major abdominal wall reconstructions.
Of Bombers and Bivalves: North American Cenomanian Occurrence of the Rudist Durania sp. (Bivalvia: Radiolitidae) in the Upper Cretaceous Greenhorn Limestone of Southeastern Colorado

A colonial monospecific cluster of rudist bivalves from the lowermost Bridge Creek Limestone Member, Greenhorn Limestone (Upper Cenomanian) are attributable to Durania cf. D. cornupastoris. This discovery marks only the eighth recorded pre-Coniacian occurrence of rudist bivalves in the Cretaceous Western Interior and the only Cenomanian record of rudist Durania in North America. Discovered in 2011, the specimen was unearthed by historic aerial bombing during World War II. The appearance of rudist bivalves at mid-latitudes coincident with marked change in marine sediments likely represents the onset of mid-Cretaceous global warming.
The semiclassical limit of a quantum Fermi accelerator

A classical Fermi accelerator model (FAM) is known to show chaotic behavior. The FAM is defined by a free particle bouncing elastically from two rigid walls, one fixed and the other oscillating periodically in time. The central aim of this paper is to connect the quantum and the classical solutions to the FAM in the semiclassical limit. This goal is accomplished using a finite inverted parametric oscillator (FIPO), confined to a box withfixed walls, as an alternative representation of the FAM. In the FIPO representation, an explicit correspondence between classical and quantum limits is accomplished using a Husimi representation of the quasienergy eigenfunctions.
Specificity of translation for N-alkyl amino acids.

We examine the specificity of translation for various primary and secondary amino acid analogues. A synthetase-free, pure, E. coli translation system is used to prevent competing reactions, and three different tRNA adaptor:codon pairs are used to control for tRNA- and codon-specific effects. Surprisingly, N-butyl amino acids fail to incorporate, N-methyl amino acid incorporation efficiencies are dependent on the tRNA adaptor, yet hydroxyPro, Pro, Phe, and Ala incorporate near quantitatively from all adaptors. This suggests that Pro is a privileged N-alkyl amino acid for incorporation by the translation apparatus and establishes that very efficient N-methyl amino acid incorporation is possible if matched with an optimal tRNA adaptor. Results support exploration of Pro analogues and N-methyl amino acids as substrates for engineering ribosomal synthesis of genetically selectable libraries of protease-resistant, N-alkyl peptide ligands.