cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Delayed presentation of urethrocutaneous fistulae after hypospadias repair.

Abstract Background Delayed urethrocutaneous fistula (UCF) presentation after hypospadias repair is rarely reported. The aim of this study is to report our experience with delayed UCF presenting more than 5 years after hypospadias repair. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent UCF repair (CPT codes 54,340 and 54,344) at our institution between 1997 and 2017. Delayed UCF presentation was defined as a single normal urinary stream after initial hypospadias repair and subsequent presentation of a UCF/s urinary stream more than 5 years after initial hypospadias or UCF repair. Demographic and clinical data were reviewed after approval from our institutional review committee. Results We identified 12 patients with delayed UCF. The mean age at hypospadias repair was 12.3 months (Range 6–32). The mean time to delayed UCF presentation was 11.5 years (Range 7.1–15.8). Four patients with delayed UCF (33.3%) required additional surgery for UCF recurrence with a mean time to recurrence of 2.2 years (Range Conclusions Delayed UCF presentation can occur more than 15 years after initial repair. Pubertal penile skin changes and increased genital awareness in older children may be contributing factors as all but one presented at age 10 years or older. Level of evidence III
34.3 An 8.2mm 3 Implantable Neurostimulator with Magnetoelectric Power and Data Transfer

Modulating the electrical activity in the nervous system has shown great potential for neuroscience research and clinical therapies. To reduce risks of infection and restrictions in subject mobility, neuromodulators must be miniaturized and untethered. Safe and reliable wireless power transfer and data delivery with the required size and power constraints is still one of the fundamental challenges in developing miniature neural interfaces. A few wireless neural implants powered by RF, inductive coupling [1]–[3], ultrasound [4], and optics [5] have been reported; however, existing solutions cannot simultaneously achieve implant miniaturization, system portability, functional flexibility, and subject mobility, while avoiding tissue heating due to body absorption of high-frequency EM waves [6], attenuation of mechanical waves crossing different mediums [7], limited penetration depth of light [5], or lack of controllability with magnetothermal nanoparticles [8]. In comparison, magnetoelectric (ME) transducers, which convert low-frequency (100kHz to 10MHz) AC magnetic fields into electrical energy via mechanical coupling between magnetostrictive and piezoelectric films (Fig. 34.3.1, top), are promising for powering biomedical implants by offering all the desired properties summarized in Fig. 34.3.1. At resonance, lead zirconate titanate (PZT)/Metglas-based ME films generate high output voltage $(> 7\mathrm{V}_{\mathrm{pp}})$ with low resistive source impedance (~8000), under a magnetic field of less than 1mT, making it suitable for efficient energy harvesting. In this paper, we present MagNI (Magnetoelectric Neural Implant), the first untethered and programmable neural implant exploiting ME effects, which integrates a 1.5mm2 180nm CMOS SoC, an in-house built 4mmx2mm ME film, a single energy storage capacitor, and on-board electrodes onto a flexible polyimide substrate. It features: (1) a miniature physical dimension of 8.2mm3 and 28mg with only two discrete components added to the SoC (2) adaptive system control and data transfer mechanisms robust under source amplitude variations (1V variation tolerance and 0.2V modulation depth), (3) a best-in-class 90% chip efficiency due to its low static power down to 23.7µW, and (4) the capability to perform fully programmable bi-phasic current stimulation covering 0.05 to 1.5mA amplitude, 64 to $512\mu \mathrm{s}$ pulse width, and 0 to 200Hz frequency ranges, suitable for a variety of clinical targets such as the spinal cord, the vagus nerve and the brain. The concept of a spinal cord stimulating system enabled by MagNI with a battery powered magnetic transmitter assembled on a wearable belt is shown in Fig. 34.3.1 (bottom left).
Harmonization of results among laboratories

Abstract Harmonization is achieving equivalent results, within clinically meaningful limits, among different measurement procedures for the same laboratory test. Standardization means equivalent results are achieved by having calibration of measurement procedures traceable to a reference measurement procedure (RMP) or certified reference material (CRM). The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published standards for metrological traceability of results for patient samples through an unbroken chain of calibrations to CRMs and RMPs. The Joint Committee for Traceability in Laboratory Medicine lists CRMs, RMPs, and calibration laboratories that conform to the ISO requirements. Commutability of matrix-based CRMs with patient samples is an essential property for their successful use in a calibration hierarchy. ISO has published a new standard for applying a harmonization protocol to achieve metrological traceability when there is no suitable CRM or RMP. Laboratories can verify calibration traceability by comparing patient sample results with a RMP, using a commutable matrix-based CRM or participating in an external quality assessment program that uses commutable samples.
Monitoring Simulated Worlds in Indigenous Strategy Games

Though all video games require the player to observe the game state, the strategy genre relies on an experience of managing rule-based simulations that model real-world material systems. Designing for this experience produces a mode of interactive vision that structures gameplay as management: gamic monitoring. This article aims to develop a theory of gamic monitoring and explore its features through settler and Indigenous strategy, simulation, and resource management games. Games scholarship has yet to fully account for recent developments in Indigenous video games or how they relate to mainstream genres. Four comparative examples demonstrate how Indigenous games speak to settler-style gameplay, particularly its dynamics of monitoring and managing populations and resources. Due to their divergent frameworks for action, Indigenous strategy games intervene in mainstream genre conventions by shifting informatic play toward relational procedures of observation and decision-making. They express a paradigm of reciprocal interaction through how they mediate and critique codified game systems. Because Indigenous strategy games reconfigure resources and political engagement according to distinct models of managing the game state, they remain useful for further research in developing alternate models of strategy gameplay.
Urban Stress Indirectly Influences Psychological Symptoms through Its Association with Distress Tolerance and Perceived Social Support among Adults Experiencing Homelessness.

Traditionally, intrapersonal characteristics (distress tolerance) and interpersonal characteristics (social support) have been studied separately rather than simultaneously. In the current study, we address this gap by simultaneously examining these characteristics as potential indirect associations linking established urban stress–depression and urban stress–Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) relationships. Adults experiencing homelessness were recruited from six homeless shelters in Oklahoma City (n = 567). Participants self-reported urban life stress (Urban Life Stress Scale), distress tolerance (Distress Tolerance Scale), social support (Interpersonal Support Evaluation List 12), major depressive disorder (Patient Health Questionnaire-8), and PTSD symptoms (Primary Care Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder screener). Covariate-adjusted structural equation models indicated a significant indirect effect of distress tolerance on the urban stress–depression (b = 0.101, 95% CI = 0.061, 0.147) and urban stress–PTSD (b = 0.065, 95% CI = 0.023, 0.112) relationships. Additionally, a significant indirect effect of social support on the urban stress–depression (b = 0.091, 95% CI = 0.053, 0.133) and urban stress-PTSD relationships (b = 0.043, 95% CI = 0.006, 0.082) was evident. Further, both the urban stress–depression (b = 0.022, 95% CI = 0.011, 0.037) and urban stress–PTSD relationships (b = 0.014, 95% CI = 0.005, 0.026) were associated indirectly through social support to distress tolerance. Interventions that aim to increase social support may also increase distress tolerance skills and indirectly reduce depressive and PTSD symptoms in the context of urban stress among adults experiencing homelessness.
Basonuclin: A Zinc Finger Protein of Epithelial Cells and Reproductive Germ Cells

Basonuclin is a C2H2 zinc finger protein first discovered in the keratinocytes of stratified squamous epithelia and in certain keratinocytes of the hair follicles. It was later detected in the reproductive germ cells of the testis and ovary and in the cells of the ocular lens epithelium. The only known function of basonuclin is that of a transcription factor in the synthesis of ribosomal RNA, but the interesting question remains why this function of basonuclin should be required by a small but diverse group of epithelial cell types. The recent discovery of a second basonuclin with strong resemblances in structure and function to the first, but with some important differences in cellular distribution and in evolutionary behavior, adds to the interest of basonuclin as a regulatory protein of epithelial cell types.
Seymour Fracture in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Report.

In this report, the authors present the case of a child who sustained a specific type of mallet finger injury known as a Seymour fracture. This is an important injury to recognize in the emergency department as it is associated with significant morbidity if not treated appropriately. This is especially of concern in children, where the tissue can get trapped in the growth plate. Children also face a high risk of deformity due to growth arrest. Management includes thorough washout, reduction of displacement, and antibiotics and tetanus prophylaxis if there is an open fracture.
Preoperative Patient Factors and Postoperative Complications as Risk Factors for New-Onset Depression Following Total Hip Arthroplasty.

Abstract Background Depression is known to be a risk factor for complication following primary total hip arthroplasty (THA), but little is known about new-onset depression (NOD) following THA. The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence of NOD and identify risk factors for its occurrence after THA. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study of the Truven MarketScan database. Patients undergoing primary THA were identified and separated into cohorts based on the presence or not of NOD. Patients with preoperative depression or a diagnosis of fracture were excluded. Patient demographic and comorbid data were queried, and postoperative complications were collected. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis was then performed to assess the association of NOD with patient-specific factors and postoperative complications. Results In total, 111,838 patients undergoing THA were identified and 2517 (2.25%) patients had NOD in the first postoperative year. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that preoperative opioid use, female gender, higher Elixhauser comorbidity index, preoperative anxiety disorder, drug or alcohol use disorder, and preoperative smoking were associated with the occurrence of NOD (P ≤ .001). The following postoperative complications were associated with increased odds of NOD: prosthetic joint infection (odds ratio [OR] 1.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.42-2.34, P Conclusions NOD is common following THA and there are multiple patient-specific factors and postoperative complications which increase the odds of its occurrence. Providers should use this information to identify at-risk patients so that pre-emptive prevention strategies may be employed.
Milk microbiome assessed through 165 rRNA sequencing during antimicrobial treatment of mastitis

There is increasing concern regarding the use of antimicrobials in food animals and the possible implications in human health, such as antibiotic resistance in pathogens, highlighting the importance of judicious use of antimicrobials in production animals. Specific aims were to: 1) evaluate the effect of antibiotics on cure of clinical mastitis; 2) use high throughput sequencing to assess the microbiome of milk samples from a mastitic quarter and compare it to the microbiome of ipsilateral healthy quarter of cows diagnosed with clinical mastitis caused by either a Gram-negative pathogen or with no bacterial growth on conventional aerobic culture; and 3) evaluate the over-time effect of prolonged antibiotic therapy on the microbiome profile of mastitic milk.
Eastern Catholicism and the Reunion of the Churches in Vladimir Soloviev’s Political Ecclesiology

The Russian religious philosopher Vladimir Soloviev (1853–1900) is one of the pioneers of modern Orthodox-Catholic ecumenical theology. His writings on church reunion and his practice of intercommunion have led to longstanding debate about his own ecclesiastical affiliation, his legacy having been claimed by both Orthodox and Eastern Catholics. This chapter examines Soloviev’s theology of Orthodox-Catholic reunion in connection with his broader philosophical notions of “Divine-Humanity” (bogochelovechestvo) and “all-unity” (vseedinstvo), arguing that Soloviev’s controversial practice of intercommunion is rooted in the radicalness of his ecumenical proposal: the restoration of a universal “Orthodox-Catholic” Church that liberates both the Eastern and Western churches from their one-sidedness. It is shown that Soloviev’s understanding of the universal Church is rooted in his political theology and his defense of human dignity. On this political-theological basis, Soloviev lays the foundation for an Eastern Christian theology that bridges the Orthodox and Catholic traditions.
Handbook of Stimuli-Responsive Materials

Preface SYNTHETIC AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL ASPECTS OF ADVANCED STIMULI-RESPONSIVE POLYMERS Introduction Controlled Free Radical Polymerization of Stimuli-Responsive Polymers Synthesis of Stimuli-Responsive Colloidal Dispersions Summary BIOLOGICAL- AND FIELD-RESPONSIVE POLYMERS: EXPANDING POTENTIAL IN SMART MATERIALS Introduction Biologically Responsive Polymer Systems Field-Responsive Polymers Conclusions SELF-OSCILLATING GELS AS STIMULI-RESPONSIVE MATERIALS Introduction Methodology Results and Discussions Conclusions SELF-REPAIRING POLYMERIC MATERIALS Introduction Damage and Repair Mechanisms in Polymers Summary STIMULI-DRIVEN ASSEMBLY OF CHROMOGENIC DYE MOLECULES: A VERSATILE APPROACH FOR THE DESIGN OF RESPONSIVE POLYMERS Introduction Excimer-Forming Sensor Molecules Fluorescent Mechanochromic Sensors Thermochromic Sensors Chemical Sensing with Excimer-Forming Dyes Summary and Outlook SWITCHABLE SURFACE APPROACHES Introduction Electroactive Materials Photoresponsive Materials pH-Responsive Materials Thermoresponsive Materials Switchable Surfaces Based on Supramolecular Shuttles Switchable Surfaces Comprising DNA and Peptide Monolayers Summary LAYER-BY-LAYER SELF-ASSEMBLED MULTILAYER STIMULI-RESPONSIVE POLYMERIC FILMS Introduction Fabrication of Multilayer Polymer Coatings Response of Multilayer Polymer Coatings to External Stimuli Conclusion and Outlook PHOTOREFRACTIVE POLYMERS Introduction The Photorefractive Effect in Polymers The Two-Beam Coupling Effect High-Performance Photorefractive Polymers Experimental Techniques Conclusions PHOTOCHROMIC RESONSES IN POLYMER MATRICES Introduction Photochromic Polymeric Systems Photochromic Systems Outlook of Photochromic Materials COVALENT BONDING OF FUNCTIONAL COATINGS ON CONDUCTIVE MATERIALS: THE ELECTROCHEMICAL APPROACH Introduction Electrodeposited Coatings Electrografted Coatings Compounds Requiring an Anodic Process Compounds Requiring a Cathodic Process Conclusions
Stack Pressure and Critical Current Density in Li-metal Cells: The Role of Mechanical Deformation

Abstract Lithium-ion batteries constructed with an oxide electrolyte are a subset of solid-state batteries. The ceramics are hard and brittle which poses contact issues related to the metal-electrolyte interface. Recent experiments have shown that the electrochemical current of lithium across the interface can have significant spatial variability. For example, high local flux can nucleate voids at the interface, causing the cell to fail at low values of critical current density. Application of stack pressure compensates for the spatially non-uniform electrochemical current with mechanical currents of lithium, such that the sum of the mechanical and electrical currents, across the entire interface becomes uniform. Two scenarios for compensating mechanical currents are presented. In one case, called Type I, compression creep normal to the interface plane produces greater flow of lithium into high conductivity regions and less so to the low conductivity regimes, thereby equalizing the sum of electrical (with a negative sign) and mechanical (with a positive sign) currents. In Type II, stack pressure causes lithium to be transported by diffusion, parallel to the interface from regions of low, to regions of high electrochemical current to ensure that the lithium interface moves like a rigid body. The time dependent deformation in the lithium layer is matched with the current density to derive equations for the critical current density as a function of the stack pressure. Experimental data, though limited, when compared to these predictions shows better agreement with the Type II mechanism.
Abstract 1179: MSH2 is necessary for temozolomide-induced ATR activation in MGMT-methylated cancers

The methylation status of the O6-methyl guanine methyltransferase (MGMT) gene promoter is a prognostic biomarker for treatment with the alkylator, temozolomide (TMZ) in many solid tumors including gliomas and colorectal cancers. It is well established that patients with a methylated MGMT promoter (MGMT-) who are treated with the TMZ have a better overall survival than patients with an unmethylated MGMT promoter (MGMT+). The enzyme produced by the MGMT gene is responsible for removing cytotoxic O6-methylguanine (O6-meG) lesions formed by TMZ. In the MGMT- setting, the O6-meG lesion activates the mismatch repair (MMR) pathway which functions to remove the damage. Published work from our group reported differential activation of the ataxia telangiectasia and RAD3 related protein (ATR) in MGMT- and MGMT+ glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cells in response to TMZ treatment, as demonstrated through the phosphorylation of CHK1. Though it is known that MMR proteins are involved in ATR activation, the specific MMR proteins required for ATR activation by TMZ-induced alkyl lesions remain unknown in the MGMT- setting. Here, we demonstrate that the MMR protein MSH2 plays a role in ATR activation in the presence of O6-meG lesions. We show that there is potent synergy with ATRi and TMZ in the MGMT- MSH2-proficient GBM cell line, which is abrogated in an shMSH2 MGMT- GBM cell line. Additionally, we observe decreased levels of pCHK1 in the shMSH2 MGMT- setting compared to the MGMT- MSH2-proficient cells, suggesting that MSH2 is integral in the activation of ATR upon TMZ treatment. This study elucidates a potential role for MSH2 in ATR activation. Mechanistic understanding of how the MMR system is involved in ATR activation by TMZ can ultimately be exploited for therapeutic gain. Citation Format: Sachita Ganesa, Amrita D. Sule, Christopher B. Jackson, Ranjini K. Sundaram, Ranjit S. Bindra. MSH2 is necessary for temozolomide-induced ATR activation in MGMT-methylated cancers [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 1179.
Attitudes Toward Eating and Body Weight and the Psychological Impact of Weight Loss on College Wrestlers

The current study addressed a lack of prospective, longitudinal research examining college wrestlers’ eating attitudes and behaviors and the impact of weight loss on their levels of anxiety and depression over the course of a competitive season. Male and female college wrestlers from a small college in the Midwest completed measures of their eating attitudes and behaviors and levels of anxiety and depression (EAT, BAI, BDI, respectively) during the beginning, middle, and end of their competitive wrestling season. The wrestlers’ eating attitudes and levels of anxiety and depression were worst at the beginning of the season, when weight loss was highest. Their attitudes, anxiety, and depression significantly improved throughout the course of the season as their reported weight loss decreased. They rarely engaged in unhealthy eating habits but did use exercise to control their weight. College wrestlers’ approaches to weight loss may not be as unhealthy as many people believe them to be. These findings provide a more accurate portrayal of college wrestlers’ eating attitudes and behaviors and the psychological impact of weight loss than previous cross-sectional research. Interventions focusing on safe and effective weight loss/maintenance approaches and strategic program planning during the off- and pre-seasons would help support the health and well-being of college wrestlers. Future research should continue to use prospective, longitudinal designs in order to better understand the eating attitudes and behaviors and the psychological impact of weight loss on college wrestlers.
Does bird removal affect grasshopper grazing on Juncus roemerianus (black needlerush) marshes

Grazing on J. roemerianus (black needlerush), grasshopper abundance, and black needlerush plants was examined in the presence and exclusion of marsh birds. Birds were excluded using a PVC framed exclosure wrapped with bird netting that allowed free passage of marsh grasshoppers. These measurements were taken bi-monthly from April to August 2011 in a black needlerush marsh within the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (Moss Point, MS, USA). Grazing metrics, grasshopper abundance, and plant health metrics showed no effect of bird exclusions across all sampling dates. In contrast to other marsh systems with strong trophic cascades (e.g., Spartina alterniflora on US east coast), these results suggest that the primary consumer (grasshoppers) is not affected by the presence of their dominant predator (birds) which leads to no change in the health of the primary producer (black needlerush). Information derived from this study furthers our understanding of the trophic relationships within black needlerush marshes in the northern Gulf of Mexico.
Decisions and elections: Explaining the unexpected.

1. Do we get what we expect 2. Arrow's theorem 3. Explanations and examples 4. What else can go wrong? 5. More perversities 6. A search for resolutions 7. From Sen to prisoners and prostitution 8. Glossary, notes, and technical talk.
Machine Learning Methods with Applications to Diagnosis

This chapter extends probabilistic analytical methods introduced in Chap. 2. The principle of transformation of medical information into data visualization is introduced in this chapter. This enables transforming a diverse array of clinical problems into simple, standard forms which lend themselves more easily to diagnostic solutions. Data distillation followed by data visualization allows clinical problems to be formulated into decision making “nodes” which lend themselves to graphical methods of problem solving. This method is exploited widely in computer science and forms the basis for many optimization algorithms used ubiquitously. Candidate diagnosis, differential diagnosis can be selected and evaluated probabilistically. Like Fault Tree Analysis, these methods can be qualitative and quantitative. Illustrative case examples are provided following introduction of the theoretical fundamentals.
Extractors Using Hardness Amplification

Zimand [24] presented simple constructions of locally computable strong extractors whose analysis relies on the direct product theorem for one-way functions and on the Blum-Micali-Yao generator. For N -bit sources of entropy ***N , his extractor has seed O (log2 N ) and extracts N *** /3 random bits. We show that his construction can be analyzed based solely on the direct product theorem for general functions. Using the direct product theorem of Impagliazzo et al. [6], we show that Zimand's construction can extract $\tilde \Omega_\gamma (N^{1/3}) $ random bits. (As in Zimand's construction, the seed length is O (log2 N ) bits.) We also show that a simplified construction can be analyzed based solely on the XOR lemma. Using Levin's proof of the XOR lemma [8], we provide an alternative simpler construction of a locally computable extractor with seed length O (log2 N ) and output length $\tilde \Omega_\gamma (N^{1/3})$. Finally, we show that the derandomized direct product theorem of Impagliazzo and Wigderson [7] can be used to derive a locally computable extractor construction with O (logN ) seed length and $\tilde \Omega (N^{1/5})$ output length. Zimand describes a construction with O (logN ) seed length and $O(2^{\sqrt{\log N}})$ output length.
Access Technologies and Accessibility for Inclusion

Disability as a social phenomenon and citizens with disabilities are often marginalized on economic, cultural, and social grounds in many parts of the world. This is often particularly so for parts of low- and middle-income countries where disability has not been a central part of the development discourse. This entry examines accessibility through an information and communication technology for development (ICT4D) lens and considers how the environment of technology use and the state of access technology (AT) come together to impact on social inclusion. Keywords: accessibility; adaptive technology; assistive technology; disability; India; low- and middle-income countries; Jordan; Peru
The use of timed directional link analysis to improve user interaction during universal remote control setup procedures

The universal television remote control is one of the most common pieces of household technology in the industrialized world. In spite of the ubiquity of the television remote, the complexity of the device often means that consumers find universal remotes to be confusing to operate, particularly when programming the remote to operate a new device or piece of technology. The present study employed an advanced version of a technique called link analysis in order to decompose how a typical user would go about programming a remote control in order to better understand where users might become confused during a standard setup procedure. Next, the authors worked with a project development team at Universal Electronics Incorporated (UEI) to produce a new model of the remote that was easier to use. Finally, the setup procedures of the new version of the remote control were tested against the previous version in a short usability test. The results of the study confirmed that programming new devices using the redesigned remote was faster, less error prone, and subjectively rated by users as easier to accomplish. These findings suggest that timed directional link analysis may be a viable technique that designers and human factors psychologists can utilize to improve the user experience of consumer electronics.
Drying stress and damage processes in human stratum corneum.

Synopsis The drying stresses that develop in stratum corneum (SC) are crucial for its mechanical and biophysical function, its cosmetic feel and appearance, and play a central role in processes of dry skin damage. However, quantitative methods to characterize these stresses are lacking and little understanding exists regarding the effects of drying environment, chemical exposures and moisturizing treatments. We describe the application of a substrate curvature technique adapted for biological tissue to accurately characterize SC drying stresses as a function of time following environmental pre-conditioning and chemical treatment in a range of drying environments. SC stresses were observed to increase to stress levels of up to ∼ 3 MPa over periods of 8 h depending on pretreatment and drying environment. A unique relationship between the SC stress and water in the drying environment was established. The effect of glycerol on lowering SC stresses and damaging surfactants on elevating SC stresses were quantified. Extensions of the method to continuous monitoring of SC stresses in response to changes in environmental moisture content and temperature are reported. Finally, a biomechanics framework to account for the SC drying stress as a mechanical driving force for dry skin damage is presented. Resume Les etats de la secheresse de la couche cornee (SC) sont essentiels vis-a-vis des caracteristiques mecaniques et biophysiques et de son apparence. Ils jouent un role central dans les processus de la peau seche. Cependant, les methodes quantitatives qui caracterisent ces etats font defaut et il existe peu d’explication quant aux effets de l’environnement assechant, les expositions chimiques et les traitements hydratants. Nous decrivons l’application d’une technique de courbure du substrat adaptee aux tissus biologiques pour caracteriser precisement le dessechement du SC sechage en fonction du temps apres une gamme de sechage environnementaux et chimiques. Le SC a ete observe avec des niveaux de stress pouvant aller jusqu’a∼ 3 MPa sur une periode de 8 heures, avec un pre-traitement et le sechage ambiant. Une relation entre la secheresse du SC et l’eau de l’environnement a eteetablie. L’effet du glycerol sur la reduction de la secheresse et celui des tensioactifs irritants sur le SC ont ete quantifies. L’extensions de la methode lors d’une surveillance en continu de la CS souligne les reponses lors du changement du contenu en humidite ambiante et en temperature. Enfin, une analyse biomecanique rend compte de la deshydratation du SC comme force motrice mecanique des dommages de la peau seche.
A 16-bit/spl times/16-bit 1.2 /spl mu/ CMOS multiplier with low latency vector merging

This paper presents the VLSI architecture and implementation of a 16/spl times/16-bit, bit-level pipelined, two's-complement binary array multiplier. This multiplier architecture employs signed-digit radix 2 carry free adders to perform multiplication. A fast conversion scheme for converting the final product, available from the multiplier array, in radix 2 signed-digit form to two's-complement binary form is employed to reduce the latency of the multiplier, furthermore, it results in savings in area in the form of reduced number or pipelining registers and half adders required for conversion, also called vector merging. This pipelined multiplier uses positive edge triggered registers and employs a single phase clocking scheme. It has been fabricated and tested to perform correctly at 50 MHz clock frequency for a supply voltage of 3.0 V. It may be noted that the speed of this multiplier is limited by 1 binary adder cell time and our test equipment imposed a limit of 50 MHz.
The Symmetric Groups and Calculation of Energies of n-Electron Systems in Pure Spin States

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses certain aspects of the theory of symmetric group representations and algebras in an essentially spin-free way with the use of certain Young operators. Specifically, a t basis based upon the Young operator θ N α P α N α has been used. The determinantal form of this operator provides a solution to the problem of summing over all n! permutations in such expressions. The chapter also examines some of the problems of doing quantum mechanical calculations of electronic structures of atoms and molecules for a spin-free Hamiltonian. For a spin-free Hamiltonian the spin functions are essentially determined by symmetry and the dynamical problem of obtaining the energy may be confined to the spatial part of the wave function. There is a unique space-spin function corresponding to the symmetry adapted space functions that are constructed in the chapter.
A 5-year survival of an infant after surgical excision of an embryonal hepatoma.

The case is presented of a patient who survived for 5 years after surgical excision of an embryonal hepatoma.
Arginine‐vasopressin and the regulation of aggression in female Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus)

Arginine-vasopressin (AVP) is critical for the expression of a variety of social behaviors in many species. Previous studies have demonstrated that AVP regulates behaviors such as social communication and aggression in Syrian hamsters through the V1a receptor subtype. In male hamsters, AVP injected into the anterior hypothalamus (AH) stimulates aggression, while injection of a V1a receptor antagonist inhibits the behavior. The purpose of the present studies was to determine whether AVP influences aggression by its action in the AH in female hamsters. In the first experiment, we were surprised to find that injection of the V1a receptor antagonist, Manning compound, into the AH of intact female hamsters increased aggression. The second experiment confirmed the ability of the V1a receptor antagonist to increase aggression and found that the largest effects of the antagonist occurred at intermediate concentrations of the compound. The next experiment found that injection of AVP into the AH significantly reduced the latency to attack and the duration of aggression. Finally, we examined whether the effects of AVP and the V1a receptor antagonist on aggression differed in hamsters exposed to long 'summer-like' photoperiods or short 'winter-like' photoperiods, and found that their effects on aggression were not photoperiod dependent. In summary, contrary to what is observed in males, these data suggest that AVP in the AH may play an inhibitory role on aggression in female Syrian hamsters.
Squamous-cell carcinoma of the anus: A case with origin in a crypt of morgagni

Summary A case is reported of sq uamous-cell carcinoma, probably arising in a crypt ofMorgagni
Application of Plausible Reasoning to AI-Based Control Systems

In recent years, the development of knowledge based systems (e.g., expert systems) to deal with real life problems has been one of the most successful application areas of the research in artificial intelligence. However, a major issue in developing these systems is their capability to deal with uncertainty in the problem domain. It is important that the developers of these AI based systems become familiar with the current available techniques of uncertainty management in AI. To aid this infusion, this paper reviews some of the most significant recent advances in plausible reasoning in Artificial Intelligence. Applications of these techniques in Control Systems are also discussed.
Multimodal therapy for the management of nonpelvic, localized Ewing's sarcoma of bone: intergroup study IESS-II.

Two hundred fourteen eligible patients with previously untreated, localized Ewing's sarcoma of bone were randomized on IESS-II to receive Adriamycin (ADR; doxorubicin; Adria Laboratories, Columbus, OH), cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and dactinomycin by either a high-dose intermittent method (treatment [trt] 1) or a moderate-dose continuous method (trt 2) similar to the four-drug arm of IESS-I. Patient characteristics (sex, primary site, type of surgery) were stratified at the time of registration; these and other patient characteristics (age, time from symptoms to diagnosis, race) were distributed similarly between treatments. Surgical resection was encouraged, but not mandatory. Local radiation therapy was the same as for IESS-I. The median follow-up time is 5.6 years. The overall outcome was significantly better on trt 1 than on trt 2. At 5 years, the estimated percentages of patients who were disease-free, relapse-free, and surviving were 68%, 73%, and 77% for trt 1 and 48%, 56%, and 63% for trt 2 (P = .02, .03, and .05, respectively). The major reason for treatment failure for both treatment groups was the development of metastatic disease. The lung was the most common site of metastases followed by bone sites. The combined incidence of severe or worse toxicity (67%) was comparable between the treatments; however, severe or worse cardiovascular toxicity was significantly greater on trt 1. Tne only treatment-associated deaths (N = 3) were on trt 1 and were cardiac-related.
Anatomy of a bacterial cell cycle

Two recent reports describe mRNA and protein expression patterns in the bacterium Caulobacter crescentus. The combined use of DNA microarray and proteomic analyses provides a powerful new perspective for unraveling the global regulatory networks of this complex bacterium.
Decentralized coordination of controlled vocabularies

Controlled vocabularies may aid coordination within systems while simultaneously hindering coordination across them (Lancaster 1986, 181). Many solutions to this quandary have been proposed, but most of these assume a context in which there is a strong central organization able to impose a coordinating superstructure. In decentralized contexts, exhaustive full-text indexing has largely supplanted attempts to achieve cross-system compatibility of controlled vocabularies. We report on an approach to achieving some degree of cross-system compatibility of controlled vocabularies in a context where 1) there is no centralized control, and 2) full-text indexing alone is inadequate for bringing together related documents.
Transformation of Hprt gene with sperm DNA.

Inactivation of the X chromosome during mammalian spermatogenesis has been postulated to occur by the same mechanism that controls female somatic X chromosome inactivation. We have used DNA-mediated transformation of HPRT− cells to test this idea, because it has been shown previously that inactive X chromosome DNA from somatic cells will not transform HPRT− cells. Isolated DNA from the mature sperm of five mammals (human, mouse, horse, bull, rabbit) were all capable of HPRT transformation, and transformants were confirmed electrophoretically. Measures were taken to ensure that the transformation frequencies observed could not be due to somatic contamination. The positive HPRT transformation result indicates that mature sperm X chromosomal DNA is not modified in the same manner as that of female inactive X chromosomal DNA. Since there is evidence for methylation of the somatic inactive X chromosome, it is possible that methylation, at least for the genes studied, is not involved in sperm X chromosome inactivation.
Television Station Ownership Effects on Programming and Idea Diversity: Baseline Data

This study establishes performance data for television stations prior to the enactment of FCC crossownership prohibitions and relaxation of multiple ownership rules as a baseline for research on whether regulatory changes have promoted or harmed the public interest in diversity.
A Refinement of the Discrete Wirtinger Inequality

In this paper, we obtain an improved discrete Wirtinger inequality associated with a nonlinear second order differential equation. We apply this result to prove a Bonnesen-style isoperimetric inequality for plane polygons and reinterpret the main theorem as a weighted exponential inequality.
Black esophagus: the only clue.

I read with great interest the article by Tsokos on black esophagus [1]. The author describes a case of acute esophageal necrosis (AEN) in a previously healthy 64-year-old man who he believes succumbed to hemorrhagic shock caused by black esophagus and duodenal ulcerations. Although AEN can initially present with gastrointestinal bleeding and is associated with high mortality (around 30%) from underlying medical conditions, death secondary to esophageal disease (perforation, mediastinitis, and esophageal infection in an immunocompromised individual) is seen in less than 6% of patients [2]. The finding of an isolated black esophagus in a healthy patient without the above pathological findings raises the question of whether AEN was only a clue to another catastrophic event that went unnoticed such as a cardiac arrhythmia. I would suspect that an undiagnosed run of ventricular fibrillation was the cause of death in this patient with secondary black esophagus.
New Concept for Independent GPS Integrity Monitoring

Monitoring of the GPS signals-in-space status for integrity, with a fast response time, is essential if the system is to be used by civil aviation for nonprecision approach guidance. One alternative for providing such a monitoring function is to employ an independent monitoring system with a few ground-based signal monitors to cover a region and a satellite-based integrity broadcast channel to provide realtime GPS signal status. This paper introduces a new decision concept for accepting or rejecting a GPS signal for navigation in the independent monitoring system. Performance of the new concept is evaluated in terms of the probability of alarms against position error protection level, which are two important parameters for any integrity method.
Factors Associated with Quality of Life Among Rural Women with HIV Disease

This cross-sectional study examined physical, psychological, and social factors associated with quality of life (QOL) among a sample of 399 rural women with HIV disease living in the Southeastern United States. Of the socio-demographic variables, age (p = .003), race (p < .0001), and time of HIV diagnosis (p = .03) were significantly associated with QOL. In bi-variate analysis, HIV symptoms (frequency and extent symptoms were bothersome), perceived stigma, internalized stigma, and depression were significantly and negatively associated with QOL whereas social support, problem-focused coping, perceived situational control, and healthy lifestyles were significantly and positively associated with QOL (all p < .0001). In adjusted analysis, HIV symptom frequency, depression, problem-focused coping, perceived situational control, perceived stigma, healthy lifestyles, and race remained significant predictors of QOL and explained 55% of the variance in QOL among the study participants (model F (7, 390) = 66.7; p < .0001). The study findings identify potential points of interventions to improve QOL among rural women with HIV disease.
The Economic Impact of International Differences in the Accounting and Tax Treatments of Goodwill: How Are Prospective Acquirers of U.S. Hospitality Interests Affected?

ABSTRACT The purpose of this article is to introduce hospitality executives to recent changes in the treatment of purchased goodwill and to the implications that international differences in the treatment of goodwill may have. Goodwill is the difference between the purchase price paid for a company and the fair market value (FMV) of that company's identifiable net assets. This paper provides an eight-country comparison of standards regarding the treatment of goodwill and discusses the implications of the differences that exist among countries. Despite the change in goodwill tax treatment afforded to U.S. firms in the 1993 tax bill, the U.S. continues to have less favorable standards regarding the accounting and tax treatment of purchased goodwill than do some foreign countries. Hence, U.S. firms still may be at a disadvantage in the hospitality acquisitions market when bidding against firms from countries with more favorable goodwill treatment.
Mortality Prediction in Very Low Birth Weight Infants At Days 3 and 14.• 1154

Objective: Prediction of subsequent mortality among very low birth weight infants (<1500 grams) on days of life 3 and 14 using the Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology (SNAP) and traditional risk factors.
Host plant dispersion, leaf hopper movement and disease transmission

. 1 The plant-to-plant movement of the corn leafhopper, Dalbulus maidis Delong & Wolcott, and the spread of the leafhopper-borne maize rayado fino virus were investigated in four patterns of maize (Zea mays) dispersion. 2 D. maidis was less abundant and the spread of the virus was slower in dense stands of maize than in sparse stands. 3 When plant density was held constant, leafhoppers were more abundant in maize stands with relatively equidistant plant spacing (uniform dispersion) than in stands with densely-sown rows (linear dispersion) or double-sown hills (clumped dispersion), but there was no difference in virus incidence among these plant dispersion patterns. 4 Leafhoppers were less likely to move to adjacent plants in uniform plant dispersion patterns than in either linear or clumped dispersion patterns. This result may explain the lack of higher virus incidence in uniform stands, despite higher leafhopper abundance. 5 Leafhopper movement was consistent with a simple rule: the shorter the distance to the next adjacent plant, the more likely a leafhopper is to move between plants. 6 These results demonstrate that host plant dispersion can affect the abundance and behaviour of highly mobile herbivorous insects even when plant density is constant.
Arterial oxygen content and age are determinants of middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity.

Transcranial Doppler blood flow velocities are inversely related to age and hematocrit, but the relative importance of age, oxygenation, and hemorheological factors has not previously been examined. We evaluated the relative contributions of these factors to middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity in adults with chronic renal failure, a population subject to significant fluctuations in hematologic profile. Twenty-six subjects were studied, with arterial shunt blood sampled at the time of transcranial Doppler before dialysis. Twenty subjects from the original cohort were studied twice to examine the effects of intraindividual changes in blood oxygenation and rheology on Doppler velocities. Age (r = -.61, P < .001), high-shear viscosity (r = -.46, P < .02), and arterial oxygen content (r = -.44, P < .05) were all inversely related to middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity. Age was the strongest velocity predictor, accounting for 37% of variance by simple regression analysis. Intraindividual change in arterial oxygen content explained most (54%) of the middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity variation between studies (r = -.74, P < .001). Multiple regression analysis showed that inclusion of additional variables could not account for more velocity variation than change in arterial oxygen content alone. In this population, age and arterial oxygen content were the most important determinants of interindividual middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity variance and intraindividual middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity variation, respectively.
Supplement-induced cytotoxic cells (SICC) generated from mouse thymus or spleen cells cultured in the presence of interleukin 2 and/or polyinosinic acid.

Abstract Mouse thymocytes and spleen cells from unprimed C57BL/6 donors generate broadly reactive cytotoxic cells during 5 days of culture in vitro with polyinosinic acid (5′) (poly(I)) and/or supernatant from PMA-treated EL4 leukemia cells which contains interleukin 2 (IL-2) activity. We refer here to such cytotoxic cells as “supplement-induced cytotoxic cells” or SICC. Thymocytes are dependent on the supernatant factor(s), whereas spleen cells are usually stimulated by poly(I) alone. Polyinosinic acid acts synergistically with supernatant factor(s) to stimulate generation of SICC by both thymocytes (SICC-T) and spleen cells (SICC-S) when the IL-2 activity of the supernatant is inadequate alone. SICC can be generated by both splenocytes and thymocytes in medium supplemented with fetal calf serum or syngeneic plasma. SICC are active in 4 hr 51 Cr-release tests against syngeneic, allogeneic, and xenogeneic tumors but not against lipopolysaccharide-induced lymphoblasts. Embryonic fibroblasts, too, are sensitive to SICC generated by thymocytes. In complement-dependent depletion tests, cytotoxic activity is partially sensitive (SICC-T) or fully sensitive (SICC-S) to anti-Thy-1 and -H-2 but not to anti-Lyt-1, -Lyt-2, or -asialo GM1.