cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coarsening of elastically interacting coherent particles—I. Theoretical formulation

Abstract The problem of Ostwald repening in binary systems possessing a nonzero volume fraction of elastically and diffusionally interacting particles is examined. Under the assumption that the partial molar volumes of the two components are equal, the elastic and diffusion field equations decouple. This leads to a formulation of the coarsening problem which requires a solution of a multiparticle diffusion problem. The elastic stresses are incorporated into this formulation through the diffusional boundary conditions. The concentration in the matrix phase at the particle-matrix interface is obtained from the assumption of local thermodynamic equilibrium. Assuming particle sphericity, the multiparticle diffusion problem is solved under a quasist approximation using the method of irreducible multipole tensors. Instantaneous radial growth rates and migration rates of the particles are obtained which, in conjunction with a simple time-integration procedure, can be used to simulate coarsening in either stressed or unstressed systems.
Denaturation and renaturation of human erythropoietin.

Abstract Human erythropoietin can be denatured with 6M urea or with 6M urea/1% sodium dodecyl sulfate and renatured with restoration of biologic activity. Activity cannot be restored if the denatured hormone is exposed to 10mM 2-mercaptoethanol strongly suggesting the existence of one or more “buried” disulfide bonds critical for biologic activity. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under denaturing conditions resulted in an apparent molecular weight of 25,000, significantly lower then recent estimates.
Angle-resolved photoemission study of the electronic structure of beryllium: Bulk band dispersions and many-electron effects

Angle-resolved photoemission spectra from Be(0001) in the photon energy range 10-120 eV are presented and discussed. The band structure along $\ensuremath{\Delta}$ is determined and compared with our calculation using an ab initio self-consistent pseudopotential method in the local-density formalism. The occupied bandwidth, characterized by the ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{1}^{+}$ symmetry point energy, is found to be 11.1\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.1 eV, which is in excellent agreement with the calculated value of 11.16 eV. The most shallow occupied symmetry point on $\ensuremath{\Delta}$, ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{3}^{+}$, is found at 4.8\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.1 eV, while the calculated value is 4.32 eV. The lowest-energy unoccupied band is in good agreement with the calculation with the exception of some extra structure near the plasmon threshold. This extra structure is associated with interaction between the excited electron and plasmons. The peak widths for photon energies below 33 eV are in reasonable agreement with widths predicted for hole lifetimes in the homogeneous electron gas.
Polyp detection in Wireless Capsule Endoscopy videos based on image segmentation and geometric feature

Wireless Capsule Endoscopy (WCE) is a relatively new technology (FDA approved in 2002) allowing doctors to view most of the small intestine. One of the most important goals of WCE is the early detection of colorectal polyps. In this paper an unsupervised method for the detection of polyps in WCE videos is presented. Our method involves watershed segmentation with a novel initial marker selection method based on Gabor texture features and K-means clustering. Geometric information from the resulting segments is extracted to identify polyp candidates. Initial experiments indicate that the proposed method can detect polyps with 100% sensitivity and over 81% specificity.
Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Blood Vessels from in vivo Color Doppler Optical Coherence Tomography Images

Purpose: Current laser treatment for vascular disorders such as port wine stains can have incomplete or unacceptable results. A customized treatment strategy based on knowledge of t
Trust, the Democratic Process, and Involvement in a Rural Community.

A number of dimensions of the democratic political process are important for understanding civic communities and civic engagement. While many of these aspects have been examined at the federal level, less is known about how these dynamics operate at the local level, especially in rural communities, and that, moreover, involve a specific issue. In this study, we explore the relationships between trust in public officials, views of the decision-making process, and issue-related involvement in a rural community in Utah. In particular, we examine the factors underpinning citizens' expressed levels of general trust in public officials, support for the decision-making process in their community related to a specific issue, the factors influencing individuals to participate in the issue, and how citizens view various groups involved in defining the public good related to the specific issue. We find 1) that perceptions of the political process influence all three aspects of the democratic process, 2) that neither lack of trust nor dissatisfaction appears to be detrimental to the democratic process at the local level, and 3) that differences in opinion regarding definitions of the public good intersect with other aspects of the political process. This research sheds light on factors influencing rural community functioning and citizen responses to proposed changes. In discussing the results, we reflect in particular on their implications for rural communities.
Nanocrystalline iron oxide aerogels as mesoporous magnetic architectures.

We have developed crystalline nanoarchitectures of iron oxide that exhibit superparamagnetic behavior while still retaining the desirable bicontinuous pore−solid networks and monolithic nature of an aerogel. Iron oxide aerogels are initially produced in an X-ray-amorphous, high-surface-area form, by adapting recently established sol−gel methods using Fe(III) salts and epoxide-based proton scavengers. Controlled temperature/atmosphere treatments convert the as-prepared iron oxide aerogels into nanocrystalline forms with the inverse spinel structure. As a function of the bathing gas, treatment temperature, and treatment history, these nanocrystalline forms can be reversibly tuned to predominantly exhibit either Fe3O4 (magnetite) or γ-Fe2O3 (maghemite) phases, as verified by electron microscopy, X-ray and electron diffraction, microprobe Raman spectroscopy, and magnetic analysis. Peak deconvolution of the Raman-active Fe−O bands yields valuable information on the local structure and vacancy content of the va...
A 19.2 GOPS mixed-signal filter with floating-gate adaptation

We have built a 48-tap, mixed-signal adaptive FIR filter with 8-bit digital input and an analog output with 10 bits of resolution. The filter stores its tap weights in nonvolatile analog memory cells using synapse transistors, and adapts using the least mean square (LMS) algorithm. We run the input through a digital tapped delay line, multiply the digital words with the analog tap weights using mixed-signal multipliers, and adapt the tap coefficients using pulse-based feedback. The accuracy of the weight updates exceeds 13 bits. The total die area is 2.6 mm/sup 2/ in a 0.35-/spl mu/m CMOS process. The filter delivers a performance of 19.2 GOPS at 200 MHz, and consumes 20 mW providing a 6-mA differential output current.
Brain development: pervasive developmental disorders and infantile autism.

Normal brain development involves a series of exquisitely complex and highly orchestrated events; disruptions in normal brain development provide a useful model for understanding infantile autism and other pervasive developmental disorders.
Variation in male mate preference for female size in the swordtail Xiphophorus malinche

Male and female mate preferences have the potential to influence one another, and such interactions could help explain variation in female mate preferences. In Xiphophorus malinche, larger females prefer asymmetrical males while smaller females prefer symmetrical males. We used a two-part preference test to determine if there were differences in mate preferences between symmetrical and asymmetrical males for female size that could influence female mate preference. We found no significant difference between symmetrical and asymmetrical male's preferences. A preference for large female size was detected during the time males directly interacted with females and in standard dichotomous choice tests that followed, as long as the males had been isolated less than 30 days. We did detect variation in male preference for female size depending on male size and the amount of time a male was isolated. These results suggest that variation in male mate preference is not likely to have produced the difference in female preference for symmetry between large and small females, but should be considered where females vary in their preference for male size. In addition, our results suggest that males may shift their preferences from large to small females depending on time since last mating opportunity.
A systematic strategy for preparation of uncommon sugars through enzymatic resolution and ring-closing metathesis

A systematic synthetic strategy has been developed for producing uncommon sugars. This method involved kinetic resolution allylic alcohol followed by ring-closing-metathesis (RCM) to generate optical pure lactones as the common precursors. After further derivatization, four representative uncommon sugar units were successfully synthesized.
Oxidation and thermal reduction of the Cu(1 0 0) surface as studied using positron annihilation induced Auger electron spectroscopy (PAES)

Abstract Changes in the surface of an oxidized Cu(1 0 0) single crystal resulting from vacuum annealing have been investigated using positron annihilation induced Auger electron spectroscopy (PAES). PAES measurements show a large increase in the intensity of the annihilation induced Cu M 2,3 VV Auger peak as the sample is subjected to a series of isochronal anneals in vacuum up to annealing temperature 300 °C. The intensity then decreases monotonically as the annealing temperature is increased to ∼600 °C. Experimental probabilities of annihilation of surface-trapped positrons with Cu 3p and O 1s core-level electrons are estimated from the measured intensities of the positron annihilation induced Cu M 2,3 VV and O KLL Auger transitions. Experimental PAES results are analyzed by performing calculations of positron surface states and annihilation probabilities of surface-trapped positrons with relevant core electrons taking into account the charge redistribution at the surface, surface reconstructions, and electron–positron correlations effects. The effects of oxygen adsorption on localization of positron surface state wave function and annihilation characteristics are also analyzed. Possible explanation is proposed for the observed behavior of the intensity of positron annihilation induced Cu M 2,3 VV and O KLL Auger peaks and probabilities of annihilation of surface-trapped positrons with Cu 3p and O 1s core-level electrons with changes of the annealing temperature.
Improving medical education research.

By many indicators, medical education research (MER) is in an expansionist cycle. More researchers and more new researchers are producing more research on a wide range of topics. This research uses...
Virtual Pair Creation in a Strong Bremsstrahlung Field: A {QED} Model for Parton Saturation

Abstract Virtual pair creation in a strong, virtual, bremsstrahlung field is considered in QED as a model for parton saturation. In a weak field the virtual pair density increases quadratically in the external field; however, at large values of the field the number density becomes independent of the strength of that field. A similar effect is found in scalar electrodynamics.
Intrasite variation in the ability to detect tropical forest mammals

Monitoring programs are essential for an adequate management of large mammal populations. Within Central Africa data on abundance of important bushmeat species, such as duikers and primates are often lacking. Relative densities [(encounter rates (ERs)] are often the only available data, but there is little knowledge on the factors affecting ERs and detection of these animals. Here we investigate how different environmental factors and observers influence large mammal ERs in a pristine rainforest in the Nouabale-Ndoki National Park, Republic of Congo. Our results show large daily and monthly variation in ERs of duikers and primates. ERs varied between habitat types, seasons and observers′ ability to detect animals. Season and rainfall had a strong effect on understory visibility and duiker detection, respectively. Detection of duikers often happened by sound instead of visual observations. Our study shows that the use of ER is a poor monitoring approach and more robust methods need to be used to evaluate rates of population change reliably. Resume Les programmes de suivi sont essentiels pour une bonne gestion des populations de grands mammiferes. En Afrique centrale, les donnees sur l'abondance des especes importantes pour la viande de brousse, comme les cephalophes et les primates, sont souvent inexistantes. Les densites relatives (taux d'observation) sont souvent les seules donnees disponibles, mais l'on sait peu de choses des facteurs qui affectent le taux de rencontre et la detection de ces animaux. Nous etudions ici comment des facteurs environnementaux et des observateurs differents influencent les taux d'observation des grands mammiferes dans une foret pluviale intacte du Parc National de Nouabale-Ndoki, en Republique du Congo. Nos resultats montrent une grande variation quotidienne et mensuelle des taux d'observation des cephalophes et des primates. Les taux d'observation variaient selon le type d'habitat, les saisons et la capacite des observateurs de detecter les animaux. La saison et les chutes de pluie avaient un effet tres net respectivement sur la visibilite en sous-bois et sur la detection des cephalophes. La detection des cephalophes se faisait souvent a l'oreille plutot qu'a la vue. Notre etude montre que l'utilisation du taux d'observation est une approche de suivi peu interessante et qu'il faut recourir a des methodes plus valables pour evaluer de facon fiable le taux de changement des populations.
Quantum field theory of atoms interacting with photons. II. Scattering of short laser pulses from trapped bosonic atoms.

We discuss a method for probing a system of cold bosonic atoms in a trap using intense short laser pulses. Above the critical temperature for Bose-Einstein condensation, such a system scatters very weakly. Coherent scattering occurs primarily in the forward direction within a solid angle determined by phase matching conditions for the thermal atomic distribution. Below the critical temperature, the number of scattered photons increases dramatically and the scattered light is emitted into a solid angle determined by the size of the condensate. Quantum statistics of the atoms explicitly effect the spectrum as well as the squeezing properties of the scattered light. The theory accounts for the atom-atom interactions.
Reduction in disability in a randomized controlled trial of telephone-administered cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Objective: The authors examined the efficacy of telephone-administered cognitivebehavioral therapy(T-CBT) and telephone-administered supportive emotion-focused therapy (T-SEFT) in reducing disabil-ity among disabled patients with multiple sclerosis and depression. Telephone administration of therapyallowed care to be delivered to a more disabled population. This is a secondary analysis of a randomizedcontrolled trial; the primary outcome results for depression are reported in D. C. Mohr, S. L. Hart, L.Julian, C. Catledge, L. Honos-Webb, L. Vella, et al. (2005). Design: A randomized controlled trial,comparing 16 weeks of T-CBT with T-SEFT. Main Outcome Measures: Disability was measured usingGuys Neurological Disability Scale; fatigue was measured using the Fatigue Impact Scale; depressionwas measured using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and the Beck Depression InventoryII.Results: Patients in both treatments showed significant improvements in disability and fatigue. Theseimprovements were related to reductions in depression. T-CBT produced significantly greater decreasesin disability and fatigue, compared with T-SEFT, even after controlling for depression. The greaterbenefit of T-CBT on disability was mediated by physical fatigue. Conclusion: These findings support thehypothesis that significant reductions in disability can be achieved by reducing depression in patientswith multiple sclerosis. There was also evidence that further reductions could be achieved throughCBT-specific interventions that include a focus on symptoms such as fatigue management.Keywords: multiple sclerosis, depression, fatigue, disability, psychotherapy
Epstein-Barr virus immediate-early proteins BZLF1 and BRLF1 alter mitochondrial morphology during lytic replication.

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is a human DNA virus that is responsible for the syndrome infectious mononucleosis, and is associated with several forms of cancer. During both lytic and latent viral infection, viral proteins manipulate the host’s cellular components to aid in viral replication and maintenance. Here, it is demonstrated that induction of EBV lytic replication results in a dramatic reorganization of mitochondria accompanied by a significant alteration of mitochondrial membrane potential and a rapid and transient increase in the microtubular cytoskeleton. Moreover, we show that expression of the EBV immediate-early genes BZLF1 and BRLF1 contributes to the mitochondrial alteration but not the increase in the microtubule cytoskeleton, suggesting that the mechanism for the observed cytoplasmic restructuring involves a number of coordinated viral and host proteins.
Raised foetal haemoglobin in childhood leukaemia.

Summary. Very high (13–50 per cent) concentrations of foetal haemoglobin (Hb F), usually found in the juvenile type of chronic granulocytic leukaemia or erythroleukaemia, were detected in three leukaemic children. One with acute myeloblastic and another with histiomonocytic leukaemia died 2 and 5 years respectively after the onset of an atypical syndrome characterized by frequent infections, lymph-adenopathy, pulmonary infiltrations, hepatosplenomegaly, skin rash and monocytosis. A third child had acute monomyeloblastic leukaemia. Hb F was increased in 18 (55 per cent) of 32 other children with leukaemia; the levels were far below those found in the patients presented, but significantly greater than control values. The occurrence of such high Hb-F concentrations in acute myeloblastic, monomyeloblastic and histiomonocytic leukaemia has not been reported previously. A raised Hb F in atypical myelo- or reticuloproliferative syndromes may have diagnostic and prognostic significance.
A rapid method for counting cell nuclei using a particle sizer/counter

We report here an improved method for nuclei counting utilizing Triton-X 100 to reduce the size of cell debris, thereby allowing the use of a particle sizer/counter. Furthermore, nuclei are completely released within 30 seconds, as compared to 1 hour using hypotonic solution. The method is accurate above 0.3 × 106 cells/mL.
Darwinian interventions: taming pathogens through evolutionary ecology

From the seemingly inevitable emergence of antibiotic resistance following drug use to the necessity of annual influenza vaccine updates, the ability of pathogens to evolve appears to preclude the development of effective, long-term interventions for many diseases. Despite this gloomy forecast, recent research explores how various principles and concepts from evolutionary ecology might inform practical attempts to bring these disease-causing agents under greater human control. By utilizing evolutionary and ecological information at various scales, these works investigate some promising avenues of disease intervention, from trapping pathogens in evolutionary dead ends, through slowing or inhibiting the process of pathogen adaptation, to more accurate forecasting of pathogen evolutionary trajectories. Thus, an evolutionary ecology perspective might ultimately provide powerful new tools in the pursuit of enduring solutions to the problem of treatment-driven pathogen evolution.
Key Considerations for Selection of Diffusion Furnaces

Diffusion furnaces are an integral part of nano and micro-fabrication. Research micro-fabrication labs often face the challenge of selecting furnaces that can minimize cost and space requirements, while maximizing process flexibility. This presentation will discuss several LPCVD and atmospheric furnace options that labs may find useful when selecting furnaces for their facility. Although most semiconductor facilities have adopted the use of vertical furnaces, they are rarely practical in a research environment and will not be discussed. Horizontal furnaces easily accommodate various substrates - even in the same run. They are readily available from multiple vendors in many varieties. This presentation categorizes furnaces as: table-top/compact, reduced footprint, and full-size. Full-size furnace stacks have a long track record and refurbished systems are readily available. Their versatility can satisfy almost any process requirement. Support of eight gas loops/MFC's is common, while some systems offer more. They normally include a load station for automated cantilever movement and door closure. The hot zone is 30 - 40" long to accommodate larger batch sizes. Consequently, the space requirements are often too big for research facilities (up to 80 ft2 footprint) and they are expensive to operate. Several manufacturers provide a reduced-footprint furnace stack. They generally offer all the functionality of a full-size stack, but with a shorter hot zone (12 - 20"). The overall footprint requirement is reduced to approximately 40 ft2. They can be found without the load station, which further reduces the footprint. With a shorter hot zone, power requirements are reduced, contributing to lower operating costs. Another option available to research facilities are compact or table-top furnaces. These systems are much less expensive to purchase and operate. The footprint requirements are as low as 8 ft2 (for wafer sizes up to 6") and up to four furnaces can be stacked. The source cabinet and electronic controls are integrated within each furnace. Typical hot zones are 8 - 14". Power consumption and operating costs are minimized. However, the compactness often restricts the number of gas loops/MFC's that can be supported. Most systems do not support an automated boat loader, although they are available. Older systems have very limited recipe programmability and control, while newer systems include the same computer interface and capability of full-size furnaces. A benefit to some table-top furnaces is the ability to perform quick quartz changes. This enables a facility to have dedicated quartzware for specific processes (especially low usage) and re-task a furnace, as needed. It is important to carefully review the needs and options relative to diffusion furnaces. Costs required to support a large variety of needs may be overwhelming. However, affordable options are available that can satisfy all interested parties.
Pressure saturation of SO2(3B1 0,0,0) lifetimes

Lifetime data have been obtained for the decay of SO2(3B1 0,0,0) at 25°C over the pressure range of 1–762 torr. The 3B1 state was populated by direct absorption to eliminate any possible complications in interpretation due to the participation of excited-singlet manifolds. At pressures greater than about 10 torr, the measured lifetimes are longer than predicted from low-pressure Stern–Volmer parameters. This deviation can be interpreted in terms of Freed's theory on collisionally induced intersystem crossing and provides unequivocal evidence to support earlier speculations that the lengthening of the lifetimes at high pressures is due to saturation in depopulation of the 3B1 state.
Predicted coolant heat transfer and friction compared with nuclear rocket test results

Nuclear rocket nozzle cooling passages, discussing heat transfer and friction correlations for single-phase hydrogen turbulent flow
Adolescent Behavioral, Emotional, and Cognitive Engagement Trajectories in School and Their Differential Relations to Educational Success.

The current study used a multidimensional approach to examine developmental trajectories of three dimension of school engagement (school participation, sense of school belonging, and self-regulated learning) from grades 7 to 11 and their relationships to changes in adolescents’ academic outcomes over time. The sample includes 1,148 African American and European American adolescents (52% females, 56% black, 34% white, and 10% others). As expected, the downward trajectories of change in school participation, sense of belonging to school, and self-regulated learning differed as did their predictive relationships with academic performance and educational aspiration, with school belonging declining most markedly, but being least predictive of changes in grade point average.
DIFFERENTIAL THERMAL ANALYSES OF SOME MISSOURI FIRE CLAYS

Differential thermal analyses were made of a large number of fire clays representative of Missouri production. Flint clays gave typical kaolinite curves. The curves of plastic and semiplastic clays were similar to that of kaolinite. Staining with aniline dyes, petrographic determination, and ceramic behavior indicate that clay minerals other than kaolinite are present in Missouri semiplastic clays but these (other clay minerals) were not revealed by the differential thermal method. High-alumina hurley clays showed variously endothermic peaks of diaspore, boehmite, and kaolinite, but no exothermic peak which is characteristic of kaolinite.
Thrombocytopenia in Patients with Gastric Varices and the Effect of Balloon-occluded Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration on the Platelet Count.

Objectives: Gastric varices primarily occur in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension and splenomegaly and thus are probably associated with thrombocytopenia. However, the prevalence and severity of thrombocytopenia are unknown in this clinical setting. Moreover, one-third of patients after balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) have aggravated splenomegaly, which potentially may cause worsening thrombocytopenia. The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence and degree of thrombocytopenia in patients with gastric varices associated with gastrorenal shunts undergoing BRTO, to determine the prognostic factors of survival after BRTO (platelet count included), and to assess the effect of BRTO on platelet count over a 1-year period. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective review of 35 patients who underwent BRTO (March 2008-August 2011). Pre- and post-BRTO platelet counts were noted. Potential predictors of bleeding and survival (age, gender, liver disease etiology, platelet count, model for end stage liver disease [MELD]-score, presence of ascites or hepatocellular carcinoma) were analyzed (multivariate analysis). A total of 91% ( n = 32/35) of patients had thrombocytopenia ( 3 ) pre-BRTO. Platelet counts at within 48-h, within 2 weeks and at 30-60 days intervals (up to 6 months) after BRTO were compared with the baseline pre-BRTO values. Results: 35 Patients with adequate platelet follow-up were found. A total of 92% and 17% of patients had a platelet count of 3 and 3 , respectively. There was a trend for transient worsening of thrombocytopenia immediately ( Conclusion: Thrombocytopenia is very common (>90% of patients) in patients undergoing BRTO. However, BRTO (with occlusion of the gastrorenal shunt) has little effect on the platelet count. Long-term outcomes of BRTO for bleeding gastric varices using sodium tetradecyl sulfate in the USA are impressive with a 4-year variceal rebleed rate and transplant-free survival rate of 9% and 76%, respectively. Platelet count is not a predictor of higher rebleeding or patient survival after BRTO.
Glucocorticosteroid replacement therapy: A literature review and suggested replacement therapy

Administration of exogenous glucocorticosteroids will cause adrenal suppression lasting for up to 12 months; however, the patient's stress response will return within 14 to 30 days. This difference occurs as a result of the effects of corticotropin-releasing factor on the autonomic nervous system and on visceral systems. A new protocol for glucocorticosteroid replacement therapy is proposed that is based on the patient's ability to respond to dental stress.
Longitudinal shear modulus of filamentary composite containing curvilinear fibers

Abstract The self-consistent model is used to derive an expression for the effective longitudinal shear modulus of a unidirectional filamentary composite reinforced with curvilinear fibers. It is found that shaped fibers result in a higher effective shear modulus than circular ones. Furthermore, the antiplane shear problem for an elastic curvilinear inclusion is solved.
Outcome of Salvage Lumbar Fusion after Lumbar Arthroplasty

Purpose: This study aims to define the role of lumbar fusion for persistent back pains after the lumbar disc replacement. Overview of Literature: Little is written about lumbar fusion after optimally placed lumbar arthroplasty in patients with persistent lower back pains. Methods: Retrospective review of cases of lumbar artificial disc requiring subsequent fusion because of persistent back pains de spite optimally placed artificial discs. Outcomes were evaluated using Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and visual analogue scale (VAS). Clinical improvements indicated 25% improvement in ODI and VAS values. Results: Five patients met the study criteria. The mean baseline ODI for the five patients was 52. The mean baseline VAS scores for back and leg pains were 76 and 26, respectively. All the five patients had optimally placed prosthesis. The indication for surgery was the constant low back pains found in all the patients. Revision surgery involved disc explantation and fusion in two of the patients and posterolateral fusion without removing the prosthesis in three. None of the patients achieved adequate pain control after the revision surgery despite the solid bony fusion documented by postoperative computed tomography. The mean ODI value after the fusion was 55. The mean values for back and leg pains VAS were 72 and 30, respectively. Conclusions: Lack of good pain relief after successful lumbar artifical disc replacements may indicate different etiology for the back pains. The spine-treating surgeons should have a high threshold level to perform salvage fusion at that level.
Five-year experience with midtrimester amniocentesis performed by a single group of obstetricians-gynecologists at a community hospital.

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the pregnancy loss rate after genetic amniocentesis that was performed by general obstetrician-gynecologists in a community hospital. Study Design: Medical records and billing information were used to identify all genetic amniocenteses that had been performed by a group of general obstetricians-gynecologists from 1996 through 2000. Maternal charts were reviewed for data that were pertinent to the risk of fetal loss: maternal age, parity, ethnicity, procedure indication, gestational age at procedure, karyotype results, physician operator, gestational age at delivery, and live birth/stillbirth. Results: During this 5-year time period, 370 procedures were performed by this physician group. Completed delivery outcomes were available on 369 of 370 patients (99.7%). Three patients underwent pregnancy termination. Data were analyzed on the remaining 366 patients. There was 1 pregnancy loss (amniocentesis at 17 weeks with vaginal bleeding at 21 week and preterm delivery at 24 weeks). There was 1 other procedure-related complication: membrane rupture 7 days after the procedure, with spontaneous resealing of the membranes after prolonged bedrest. Conclusion: Over a 5-year period, pregnancy loss after midtrimester amniocentesis performed by general obstetrician-gynecologists was 1 in 366 procedures. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002;186:1130-2.)
Increasing Costs of Urinary Incontinence Among Female Medicare Beneficiaries

Purpose: We measured the financial burden of urinary incontinence in the United States from 1992 to 1998 among women 65 years old or older.Materials and Methods: We analyzed Medicare claims for 1992, 1995 and 1998 and estimated spending on the treatment of urinary incontinence. Total costs were stratified by type of service (inpatient, outpatient and emergency department).Results: Costs of urinary incontinence among older women nearly doubled between 1992 and 1998 in nominal dollars, from $128 million to $234 million, primarily due to increases in physician office visits and ambulatory surgery. The cost of inpatient services increased only slightly during the period. The increase in total spending was due almost exclusively to the increase in the number of women treated for incontinence. After adjusting for inflation, per capita treatment costs decreased about 15% during the study.Conclusions: This shift from inpatient to outpatient care likely reflects the general shift of surgical procedures to the outp...
Intracellular Pathogens and CD8+ Dendritic Cells: Dangerous Liaisons

CD8+ dendritic cells comprise a distinct cell type whose function is unclear. In this issue of Immunity, Mashayekhi et al. (2011) show these cells are essential for protection against the parasite Toxoplasma, but Edelson et al. (2011) show they are hijacked by Listeria during initial spreading.
A comparative study of gabbro and granite weathering

In the piedmont of the southeastern U.S.A., gabbros and granites weather in quite different fashions. Granites develop extensive weathering-rind systems (> 2 m thick) in which plagioclase is altered to a gibbsite-kaolinite assemblage in rindlets adjacent to the fresh-rock contact. In the outer rindlets, the clay fraction is dominated by kaolinite and dioctahedral vermiculite. Not surprisingly, granitic weathering-rind systems display relative depletions of Si, Na, Ca, Rb and Sr and relative enrichments of sesquioxides. In contrast, gabbro weathering-rind systems are characterized by many thin (< 1 cm) rindlets whose alteration products are dominated by limonitization of ferromagnesian minerals. Apart from a decrease in FeOFe2O3 ratios in the outer rindlets, there is little relative depletion or enrichment of major elements in gabbro weathering rinds as compared to their fresh-rock cores. This contradiction in Goldich's stability series is explained if weathering rinds are produced faster on gabbros than in granite outcrops. Thus the low degree of mineral alteration in gabbro rindlets reflects a shorter time of residence for minerals in this system compared to rindlets on granitic outcrops. Biotite and perthitic microcline were separated from a fresh granite and its attendant weathering-rind system. During alteration, the albitic blebs of the perthite are dissolved, leaving no trace of residual clay. The result is a porous microcline whose composition is equivalent to the microcline matrix in the unweathered perthite. Progressive alteration of biotite results in oxidation of octahedrally-coordinated Fe2+ with concomitant loss of K. This results in the formation of dioctahedral vermiculites in outer rindlet samples of granite.
Neonatal β Cell Development in Mice and Humans Is Regulated by Calcineurin/NFAT

Little is known about the mechanisms governing neonatal growth and maturation of organs. Here we demonstrate that calcineurin/Nuclear Factor of Activated T cells (Cn/NFAT) signaling regulates neonatal pancreatic development in mouse and human islets. Inactivation of calcineurin b1 (Cnb1) in mouse islets impaired dense core granule biogenesis, decreased insulin secretion, and reduced cell proliferation and mass, culminating in lethal diabetes. Pancreatic β cells lacking Cnb1 failed to express genes revealed to be direct NFAT targets required for replication, insulin storage, and secretion. In contrast, glucokinase activation stimulated Cn-dependent expression of these genes. Calcineurin inhibitors, such as tacrolimus, used for human immunosuppression, induce diabetes. Tacrolimus exposure reduced Cn/NFAT-dependent expression of factors essential for insulin dense core granule formation and secretion and neonatal β cell proliferation, consistent with our genetic studies. Discovery of conserved pathways regulating β cell maturation and proliferation suggests new strategies for controlling β cell growth or replacement in human islet diseases.
Subharmonic Orbits of a Strongly Nonlinear Oscillator Forced by Closely Spaced Harmonics

We study asymptotically the family of subharmonic responses of an essentially nonlinear oscillator forced by two closely spaced harmonics. By expressing the original oscillator in action-angle form, we reduce it to a dynamical system with three frequencies (two fast and one slow), which is amenable to a singular perturbation analysis. We then restrict the dynamics in neighborhoods of resonance manifolds and perform local bifurcation analysis of the forced subharmonic orbits. We find increased complexity in the dynamics as the frequency detuning between the forcing harmonics decreases or as the order of a secondary resonance condition increases. Moreover, we validate our asymptotic results by comparing them to direct numerical simulations of the original dynamical system. The method developed in this work can be applied to study the dynamics of strongly nonlinear (nonlinearizable) oscillators forced by multiple closely spaced harmonics; in addition, the formulation can be extended to the case of transient excitations. DOI: 10.1115/1.4002337
SU‐E‐T‐514: Dosimetric Verification of Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy Using Conebeam Computed Tomography

Purpose: To demonstrate the feasibility of radiationdose calculation in patients using in‐room 3D conebeam computed tomography(CBCT)imaging during treatment, independent of the prior simulation. Methods: Stereotactic body radiotherapy(SBRT)treatment plans from ten patients with primary lungtumor were retrospectively reviewed. Virtual simulation was performed using planning computed tomography (pCT) scan and a CBCTimage was acquired on each fraction of treatment. Contours of the gross tumor volume (GTV), planning tumor volume (PTV) and organs at risk (OAR) were drawn by the physician on pCT and CBCTimages. These contours were transferred from CBCT to the pCT image, after rigid‐ registration between the image pair. Treatment plan dose and dose volume histograms (DVH) were calculated in the pCT image for the two set of contours which were then compared. Results: In this retrospective study on ten lungcancerSBRT patients, a small reduction in the mean and maximum dose delivery were observed in the GTV (−1.1% and −0.05%) and PTV (− 2.4% and −0.07%). A larger reduction in the minimum dose to the GTV (− 4.3%) and PTV (−19.4%) was also observed. The mean and maximum doses to spinal cord (0.6% and 2%) and esophagus (6% and 0.2%) showed a negligible increase and were within the tolerance levels of 26 Gy or 6.5 Gy/fraction for spinal cord and 30 Gy or 7.5 Gy/fraction for esophagus, as defined by RTOG protocol 0915 Conclusions: The feasibility of independent verification of radiationdose delivered by utilizing CBCTimaging system has been demonstrated. This deserves special attention for moving targets in SBRT where the dose levels involved are high.
Allogeneic Stimulation Causes Transcriptional Reactivation of Latent Murine Cytomegalovirus

Abstract Cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation is a well-described complication of transplantation that may be caused by allogeneic stimulation, immunosuppression, or both. These studies were performed to determine if allogeneic stimulation alone is sufficient to reactivate latent CMV. BALB/c mice latently infected with Smith strain murine CMV (MCMV) received allograft (n = 8), allograft plus cortisol (n = 5), or isograft (n = 4) skin. All allograft recipients rejected their grafts within 9 to 12 days of transplantation. Three weeks after grafting, recipients were evaluated for MCMV reactivation, and all allograft recipients (8/8) showed MCMV reactivation, while no isografts had reactivation (0/4). Surprisingly, cortisol therapy blocked MCMV reactivation (0/5). These data suggested that allogeneic stimulation alone can trigger systemic reactivation of latent CMV. Although immunosuppression is thought to contribute to reactivation, certain agents that impair NF-κB activation may actually reduce reactivation.
Valuing Flexibility in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Information Technology Investments

When investing in information technology (IT) applications, construction managers implicitly account for the value of adding future applications to the original investment as the business and technical environment changes. A real option model links uncertainty to the value of an underlying traded asset, providing an objective measure of this managerial flexibility. A case study that investigated the value of options to extend a general contractor’s software platform showed that it is possible to construct a real option model which measures the value of this flexibility, since the major risk (the architect’s adoption rate) is external to the investing organization. In another case study, a contractor evaluated the value of the pilot project in view of the information it is expected to generate. Since the risks are internal, a decision analysis model is used instead of a binary option model. The results show that it is possible to quantify the value of managerial flexibility for IT investments in the archit...
An immunologic study of the relationships of non-human primates to man

Abstract 1. 1. The relationships of twelve non-human primate genera to man were studied using antisera produced against the human serum proteins, albumin, haptoglobin 2-1, ceruloplasmin, transferrin, γM-globulin, γG-globulin, group-specific component and immune globulin, by means of immuno-electrophoresis, immunodiffusion and turbidimetric precipitin tests. 2. 2. Cluster, correlation and principal component analyses revealed an almost constant order of primate relationships for each protein. 3. 3. A computer-drawn, three-dimensional spatial arrangement of the genera yielded family clusters in the sequence Hominidae, Pongidae, Cercopithecidae, Cebidae, Lorisidae and Tupaiidae.
Microbial contamination in two antimicrobial and four control brands of alginate impression material.

Abstract Previous investigations have revealed commercial alginate impression material to be contaminated with viable microorganisms. Some manufacturers are now producing alginate materials that contain antimicrobial agents. The purpose of this study was to test and compare two antimicrobial and four control brands without antimicrobial agents of commercial dental alginate impression material for the presence of viable microorganisms. Forty-eight or 96 measured samples of each brand were taken from previously unopened containers using a sterile technique. The samples were placed on chocolate agar plates and in thioglycolate broth tubes and were incubated along with appropriate parallel controls. After incubation, colonies were enumerated, gram-stained, and identified using standard microbiologie methods. The two antimicrobial brands contained viable organisms in 12.5% of the samples incubated on agar media and also contained such organisms in from 0% to 16.7% of the samples incubated in thioglycolate media. The four control brands contained viable organisms in from 29.2% to 100% of the samples incubated on agar media and also contained these organisms in from 25% to 79.2% of the samples incubated in thioglycolate media. There was a statistically significant difference ( p
Tunable nanoporous membranes with chemically-tailored pore walls from triblock polymer templates

Abstract Membranes derived from self-assembled block polymers have shown promise as highly selective and highly permeable filters, but the complex synthetic routes and limited pore functionalities of existing systems need to be improved if these materials are to serve as a platform for the next generation of nanostructured membranes. Here, the facile synthesis of a polyisoprene- b -polystyrene- b -poly( N,N -dimethylacrylamide) (PI–PS–PDMA) triblock polymer using a controlled reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization mechanism is reported. This material is then processed into a membrane using a self-assembly and non-solvent induced phase separation (SNIPS) technique, which creates an asymmetric, porous structure consisting of a selective layer that contains a high density of PDMA-lined pores (9.4×10 13 pores m −2 ) with an average diameter of 8.1 nm, as determined using solute rejection tests. Solvent flow experiments demonstrate that the PI–PS–PDMA membrane has a pH-independent permeability of 6 L m −2 h −1 bar −1 . The PDMA moiety lining the pore walls is converted, through simple hydrolysis in the solid state, to yield a poly(acrylic acid)-lined (PAA-lined) structure. The permeability of the PI–PS–PAA membrane is pH-dependent, and ranges from 0.6 L m −2 h −1 bar −1 for solutions with a pH greater than 4 to 16 L m −2 h −1 bar −1 for a solution at pH 1. Solute rejection tests demonstrated a pore size of 3.4 nm for the PI–PS–PAA membrane, which is the smallest pore size reported to date for membranes fabricated from self-assembled block polymers. The facile synthesis of the PI–PS–PDMA material, the scalable SNIPS membrane fabrication protocol, and the simple conversion chemistry of the pore functionality demonstrate that these nanostructured membranes are a strong platform for applications within the range of water purification, pharmaceutical separations, sensors, and drug delivery.