cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The penile disassembly technique in the surgical treatment of Peyronie's disease

Objective To present an approach for treating Peyronie's disease, using the penile disassembly technique for reconstructive surgery. Patients and methods From November 1996 to September 2000, 74 patients with Peyronie's disease were treated surgically. The penile disassembly technique was used in 46 of the patients (mean age 51 years, range 21–63). The indications were severe penile deviation under the glans cap, plaque in the distal third of the corpora cavernosa with the ‘hour-glass’ phenomenon, and more than one plaque at different sites. The corporal bodies are separated from the glans, neurovascular bundle and urethra. The technique enables the complete preservation of all structures of the neurovascular bundle, especially if it is incorporated into the plaque. The method provides an excellent approach to the repair of all deformities on the completely free corpora cavernosa and that are affected by the plaque. In the plaque region, incisional grafts are placed using full-thickness penile skin or saphenous vein. The technique also enables reduction corporoplasty, i.e. amputation of the tips of the corpora cavernosa that include plaque, in those with sufficient penile length. Penile re-assembly involves joining the glans, neurovascular bundle, urethra and repaired corpora cavernosa into their normal anatomical relationships. Results The mean (range) follow-up was 27 (6–53) months. The penis was completely straightened in 40 patients (87%) but the deviation recurred in six. In four patients the deformity was < 10° and in two was < 20°. Penile shortening occurred in 9% of the patients. There was no evidence of inflammation or infection after surgery. There were no injuries of either the neurovascular bundle or urethra. Conclusion The penile disassembly technique could be a good alternative to other surgical techniques in treating selected patients with Peyronie's disease; it allows an excellent approach to penile deformities which can then be easily and safely corrected.
Trade Globalization, Politics, and the Choice of Policies and Institutions: Three Varieties of Institutional Divergence 1

Much recent research in political economy has focused on how globalization might affect the politics of institutional and policy choice. Research examining whether globalization will contribute to convergence of national institutional arrangements or policies is the preeminent example. In this paper, we use an extension of basic trade theory that reveals the links between trade globalization, politics, and institutional/policy choice (except trade policy) to examine the impact of trade globalization on three varieties of institutional divergence. In the analysis, we place particular emphasis on examining institutional divergence caused by political coalitional politics. We focus our analysis on the role of trade globalization, one aspect of globalization, and argue that each aspect of globalization needs to be investigated individually. Our analysis challenges the general assumption of those examining globalization that globalization can be expected to exert a common pressure for convergence. Our conclusion is that trade globalization should not be expected to create a general, common pressure for institutional/policy change, and because it does not generate a general, common pressure for institutional change, it does not contribute to institutional convergence. To the contrary, trade globalization can be expected to broadly reinforce institutional/policy diversity. Thus, the impact of trade globalization is exactly opposite that generally assumed in the literature.
Characterization of Mouse Carboxypeptidase N Small Active Subunit Gene Structure

Carboxypeptidase N (CPN) is a plasma zinc metalloprotease comprised of two small subunits that have enzymatic activity, and two large subunits, which protect the enzyme from degradation. CPN cleaves the carboxyl-terminal amino acids arginine and lysine from biologically active peptides such as complement anaphylatoxins, kinins, and fibrinopeptides. To delineate the murine CPN small subunit coding region, gene structure, and chromosome location, cDNA and genomic clones were isolated, characterized, and used in Northern and fluorescence in situ hybridization analyses. The results from this study demonstrate that the murine CPN small subunit gene is a single copy gene of ∼29 kb that is transcribed in the liver into a 1793-bp mRNA with an open reading frame of 1371 nucleotides encoding 457 aa. The gene contains nine exons ranging in size from 455 bp (exon 1) to 100 bp (exon 7), and eight introns ranging in size from 6.2 kb (intron 2) to 1.4 kb (intron 4). All intron/exon junctions follow the normal consensus rule. The mouse CPN small subunit gene localized to chromosomal band 19D2, which is syntenic to human chromosome 10q23–25. Primer extension experiments using mouse liver mRNA indicate one major transcriptional initiation site and three minor sites. Sequence analysis of the 5′-flanking region indicated a TATA-less promoter and numerous transcription factor binding sites, which may confer liver-specific expression of the CPN small subunit gene.
The informatics requirements for human brain atlasing

Brain atlases are neuroimage databases providing an appropriate coordinate system to enable multisubject comparisons, along with comprehensive descriptions of the data. Warping tools, visualization, and statistical analyses that accommodate the various neuroimaging modalities can be used to integrate diverse data to form comprehensive maps describing a particular subpopulation's brain structure and function. Task performance and genetic information can be related to brain morphology, establishing complex inter-relations between genotype, phenotype, and behavior.
Approximating suboptimal dynamic equilibria

Abstract This paper develops a method for numerical approximation of dynamic competitive equilibria which can be applied quite generally. This method produces approximations to the equilibrium decision rules via a direct attack on the stochastic Euler equations which define competitive equilibrium. This approach does not require the Pareto optimality of competitive equilibrium. We provide a detailed discussion of the implementation of this computational method, and discuss considerations important for the choice of one computational technique versus another. For illustrative purposes, the paper presents several examples based on the analysis of taxation in the one-sector neoclassical model.
Explaining health technology adoption: Past, present, future

One of the most pressing challenges of healthcare innovation today is the lack of technology adoption. Research that improves our ability to understand, predict, and advance technology adoption in health care needs to be based on well-tested theories. With the interest to conduct high quality research in health technology adoption in future, this study reviews the theories used in this context to either identify the superior theory(ies) and or discover the issues that need resolution for improving future HTA researches. To do that, the most popular [1][2] social cognitive theories conceived over the past four decades are reviewed analytically from the perspective of their capacity to explain, predict and intervene in health technology acceptance, adoption and adherence. While all these theories are instrumental in conducting adoption studies, and some like UTAUT (Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology) are better than others at it, there is no perfect theory to study HTA. Literature repeatedly suggests that while utilizing general theories that have successfully passed the test of time could serve as a strong foundation, there is a compelling need for new and more empirical theories. There is a need for health researchers to expedite theoretical evolution by conducting comprehensive observation and rigorous evaluation to 1) manipulate and expand existing theories and or 2) create new theories that better address the specific needs and challenges of health technology application to enhance the utility and better reflect empirical findings. The structure of this paper is as follows. After summarizing the specifics of health technology innovations, the primary challenges in its acceptance are categorized. From there the body of this paper is dedicated to the review of most popular social cognitive theories, as depicted in Figure 1, from: 1) general human behavior repeatedly applied in healthcare studies and rooted HTA researches, and 2) theories dedicated to the study of technology acceptance behavior and applied as the prominent theories in studying HTA. Each theory is reviewed, followed by examples of its applications especially in modeling health technology adoption (HTA) behavior. Each theory is then evaluated based on the salient factors involved in the study of technology innovation in healthcare space in addition to the classical influencing concepts in technology adoption behavior. In the discussion section, these theories are compared and the applications studied are synthesized in the attempt to identify some of the best theories and state of the art practices used in the study of HTA. The conclusion section summarizes the findings of the literature and recommends best approaches for conducting empirical studies and planning effective processes that stimulate theoretical evolution in HTA and facilitate enhancement of acceptance of health technology innovations.
The Evolution of Young Star Clusters in Merging Galaxies

The formation of young star clusters in merging galaxies is, by now, well established. The new challenge is to use these young clusters as a tool to address some of the outstanding questions. For example, what fraction of these young clusters become globular clusters? Is this enough to explain the difference in the specific globular cluster frequencies for spirals and ellipticals? What is it about the collision between two gas-rich galaxies that triggers giant molecular clouds to form star clusters? Can the star clusters be used to age date merger remnants and establish a convincing evolutionary connection between merging spirals and elliptical galaxies? This review will focus on the last of these items.
Adsorption of mycoplasma virus P1 to host cells.

The adsorption of mycoplasma virus P1, a virus which infects some strains of Mycoplasma pulmonis, to host cells was examined. Mutants of M. pulmonis to which P1 virus did not adsorb were isolated. Proteins from the mutants and from wild-type cells were compared by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and the only observed difference was in the surface antigen V-1. The electrophoretic properties of V-1 also correlated with the host range of the virus. These data strongly suggest that the V-1 antigen affects adsorption of P1 virus to host cells. Images
Using SIMD parallelism to support rule-based systems

A parallel algorithm for the implementation of Rete networks on a parallel array processor is proposed. Although special-purpose architectures have been proposed for directly implementing production systems, the availability of such machines is very limited. Proposed implementation algorithms, which take advantage of more widely available parallel machines, are more practical. Such an approach was taken in a previous work where a number of workstations connected via a local area network were considered. Here an SIMD (single instruction, multiple data) array processor is used. The Rete network is functionally divided into two subnetworks: the discrimination network and the join network. It is the join network where most of the processing load is carried out. The operation of the join network is the main objective of the SIMD implementation. The proposed algorithm emphasizes data parallelism as opposed to functional parallelism. In this type of parallelism, the data are partitioned into sets of approximately equal size and distributed among several processors. The data are then operated upon simultaneously by similar operators. The underlying architecture is described. >
Total gastrectomy with isoperistaltic jejunal interposition flap for symptomatic management of gastric polyposis from familial adenomatous polyposis

Patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) oftentimes have extracolonic polyps. The patient discussed in this case report had innumerable gastric polyps which were significantly affecting his ability to tolerate oral intake and his overall nutrition. Medical management was not sufficiently controlling his symptoms; therefore we proceeded with surgical intervention. We discuss the use of a total gastrectomy with an Isoperistaltic jejunal interposition flap for the symptomatic management of gastric polyposis. We describe the technique used and benefits to this specific procedure when it comes to long term outcome, complications, and monitoring.
AAV2-mediated gene transfer of GDNF to the striatum of MPTP monkeys enhances the survival and outgrowth of co-implanted fetal dopamine neurons

Neural transplantation offers the potential of treating Parkinson's disease by grafting fetal dopamine neurons to depleted regions of the brain. However, clinical studies of neural grafting in Parkinson's disease have produced only modest improvements. One of the main reasons for this is the low survival rate of transplanted neurons. The inadequate supply of critical neurotrophic factors in the adult brain is likely to be a major cause of early cell death and restricted outgrowth of fetal grafts placed into the mature striatum. Glial derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a potent neurotrophic factor that is crucial to the survival, outgrowth and maintenance of dopamine neurons, and so is a candidate for protecting grafted fetal dopamine neurons in the adult brain. We found that implantation of adeno-associated virus type 2 encoding GDNF (AAV2-GDNF) in the normal monkey caudate nucleus induced overexpression of GDNF that persisted for at least 6 months after injection. In a 6-month within-animal controlled study, AAV2-GDNF enhanced the survival of fetal dopamine neurons by 4-fold, and increased the outgrowth of grafted fetal dopamine neurons by almost 3-fold in the caudate nucleus of MPTP-treated monkeys, compared with control grafts in the other caudate nucleus. Thus, the addition of GDNF gene therapy to neural transplantation may be a useful strategy to improve treatment for Parkinson's disease.
Strain-Dependent Deformation Behavior in Nanocrystalline Metals

The deformation behavior as a function of applied strain was studied in a nanostructured Ni-Fe alloy using the in situ synchrotron diffraction technique. It was found that the plastic deformation process consists of two stages, undergoing a transition with applied strain. At low strains, the deformation is mainly accommodated at grain boundaries, while at large strains, the dislocation motion becomes probable and eventually dominates. In addition, current results revealed that, at small grain sizes, the 0.2% offset criterion cannot be used to define the macroscopic yield strength any more. The present study also explained the controversial observations in the literature.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of a Hydrated Protein Vectorially Oriented on Polar and Nonpolar Soft Surfaces

We present a collection of molecular dynamics computer simulation studies on a model protein-membrane system, namely a cytochrome c monolayer attached to an organic self-assembled monolayer (SAM). Modifications of the system are explored, including the polarity of the SAM endgroups, the amount of water present for hydration, and the coordination number of the heme iron atom. Various structural parameters are measured, e.g., the protein radius of gyration and eccentricity, the deviation of the protein backbone from the x-ray crystal structure, the orientation of the protein relative to the SAM surface, and the profile structures of the SAM, protein, and water. The polar SAM appears to interact more strongly with the protein than does the nonpolar SAM. Increased hydration of the system tends to reduce the effects of other parameters. The choice of iron coordination model has a significant effect on the protein structure and the heme orientation. The overall protein structure is largely conserved, except at each end of the sequence and in one loop region. The SAM structure is only perturbed in the region of its direct contact with the protein. Our calculations are in reasonably good agreement with experimental measurements (polarized optical absorption/emission spectroscopy, x-ray interferometry, and neutron interferometry).
The Growth Kinetics of Individual Ledges During Solid-Solid Phase Transformations

The problem of step motion during lateral growth in solid-solid phase transformations is re-examined. Results are obtained for the steady motion of an individual ledge when volume diffusion in the parent phase is the predominant contribution to the growth rate. A comparison is made between our results and the earlier work of Jones & Trivedi (1971). There are significant differences between the two sets of results particularly in the limit of small perturbations to the Laplacian diffusion field. To confirm the accuracy of the results presented here the calculations have been made by two different methods.
Deregulation and privatization of Britain's local bus industry

In 1986,the British government deregulated the majority of the local bus industry, cut the amount of subsidy, and privatized many public bus companies. Unit costs have declined significantly, cross-subsidies have been reduced, and there has been innovation in operating practices. However, mergers have increased concentration, and demand has declined due to the turmoil of service changes and the loss of network integration. In London an alternative policy has been adopted whereby there is Demsetz competition for short-term monopoly rights. The paper argues that this regime will lead to greater benefits in the long run.
Are commodity prices chaotic

We conduct tests for the presence of low-dimensional chaotic structure in the futures prices of four important agricultural commodities. Though there is strong evidence of non-linear dependence, the evidence suggests that there is no long-lasting chaotic structure. The dimension estimates for the commodity futures series are generally much higher than would be for low dimension chaotic series. Our test results indicate that autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (ARCH)-type processes, with controls for seasonality and contract-maturity effects, explain much of the non-linearity in the data. We make a case that employing seasonally adjusted price series is important in obtaining robust results via some of the existing tests for chaotic structure. Finally, maximum likelihood methodologies, that are robust to the non-linear dynamics, lend strong support to the Samuelson hypothesis of maturity effects in futures price changes. © 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
On choosing the optimal level of significance for the Durbin-Watson test and the Bayesian alternative

Abstract This paper critically evaluates the usual ad hoc selection of the level of significance in the Durbin-Watson test and compares this procedure to the Bayesian alternative. The results of Monte Carlo experiments indicate that an α-level substantially larger than that normally used may be appropriate. The Bayesian estimator performed better than all preliminary test estimates in terms of MSE.
Characteristics of wear and contamination of video heads in consumer VCRs

Head wear and head contamination of video heads is investigated in order to improve the reliability of the head/tape interface. The location of deposits and the shape of the wear scar are studied. The wear rate along the head surface is determined using the so-called "micro-indentation technique". The contact pressure is estimated using the measured area of the wear scar and an average measured contact force. AES spectra from contaminated regions of the head gap are obtained to characterize the head deposits.
Self-efficacy contributes to individual differences in subjective improvements using CPAP.

Purpose Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) improves depressive symptoms and daytime sleepiness in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, there is variability in response to CPAP. This study examined individual differences in the daily associations between CPAP use and improvements in affect and sleepiness patients beginning CPAP.
Binding of Vanadate to Human Serum Transferrin

Human serum transferrin specifically and reversibly binds 2 equiv of vanadate at the two metal-binding sites of the protein. The vanadium(V)-transferrin complex can be formed either by the addition of vanadate to apotransferrin or by the air oxidation of the vanadyl(IV)-transferrin complex. The formation of the vanadium complex can be blocked by loading the apotransferrin with iron(III), and bound vanadium can be displaced from the protein by the subsequent addition of either gallium(III) or iron(III). The binding constant for the second equiv of vanadate is 10(6.5) in 0.1 M hepes, pH 7.4 at 25 degrees C. The binding constant for the first equiv of vanadate is probably very similar, although no quantitative value could be determined. Although transferrin reacts with the vanadate anion, studies on the transferrin model compound ethylenebis(o-hydroxyphenylglycine) indicate that at pH 9.5, the vanadium is binding at the metal-binding site as a dioxovanadium(V) cation coordinated to two phenolic residues at each binding site. This bound cation appears to be protonated over the pH range 9.5-6.5, as shown by changes in the difference uv spectrum of the transferrin complex, to produce an oxohydroxo species. Further decreases in the pH lead to dissociation of the vanadium-transferrin complex.
Incorporating women : a history of women and business in the United States

Foreword Acknowledgements Incorporating Others: The Social Categories of Business History Female Economies: Women and Business in Preindustrial America, 1550-1830 Mills and More: Women's Business and the First Industrial Revolution, 1830-1880 Personal Work: Women's Business in a Corporate World, 1880-1930 Crisis Management: Women and Business at Midcentury, 1930-1963 Difference at Work: The Renewal of the Businesswoman, 1963-present Conclusion Notes and References Bibliographic Essay Index
Stokes seeding of a Raman shifting cell for use in RELIEF velocimetry

The seeding of a high pressure oxygen, stimulated vibrational Raman shifting cell with a small amount of first-order Stokes radiation is described. The output radiation from this cell was used to vibrationally excite oxygen in a low-speed air flow, and that vibrationally-excited oxygen was detected using laser-induced fluorescence imaging (the RELIEF technique). Comparison of collected fluorescence signal with and without first-order Stokes seeding showed an enhancement by more than a factor of three when the seed was used.
Compliance and stress intensity coefficients for short bar specimens with chevron notches

For the determination of fracture toughness especially with brittle materials, a short bar specimen with rectangular cross section and chevron notch can be used. As the crack propagates from the tip of the triangular notch, the load increases to a maximum then decreases. To obtain the relation between the fracture toughness Kic and maximum load Pmax, calculations of Srawley and Gross for specimens with a straight-through crack were applied to the specimens with chevron notches. For the specimens with a straight-through crack, an analytical expression was obtained. This expression was used for the calculation of the Kic−Pmax relation under the assumption that the change of the compliance with crack length for the specimen with a chevron notch is the same as for a specimen with a straight-through crack.
TU-A-I-618-01: Evaluating Digital Mammography Systems

This lecture is going to discuss the relevant practical issues for the medical physicist who plans on performing physics testing on full‐field digital mammography units. The lecture will be broken into parts. The first will discuss what is important in preparing for the testing that includes training recommendations, recommended and required test tools, and practical site issues. The second part will discuss important issues when performing the actual physics testing. This will include describing the actual physics tests and comparing them to screen‐film mammography, measuring patient dose, evaluating for artifacts, evaluating clinical images, and experiences from previous testing. Finally, the third part will discuss the writing of the report, technologist QC, tips for dealing with the site, the techs, and the ACR. Relevant information and examples from the different FFDM unit manufacturers will be included throughout the lecture.
The functional make up of proteomes is remarkably conserved

Here we analyze the functional annotation of protein domains in almost a thousand sequenced genomes. Our results yield fundamental insights into the structural and functional diversity of proteomes. We find that the functional makeup of proteomes is remarkably conserved across cellular superkingdoms. In general, most of the proteome repertoire is spent for functions related to metabolic processes but there are significant differences in the usage of protein domains both between and within superkingdoms. Our results provide support to the hypotheses that the proteomes of the eukaryal superkingdom evolved via genome expansion mechanisms while those of microbial superkingdoms evolved by reductive evolutionary processes. We also identify few genomic outlier groups in each superkingdom that deviate significantly from the conserved functional design. These genomes are reduced and belong to parasitic organisms.
Reactions of the platinum (tri-tert-butylphosphine) group with bridging SbPh2 ligands in rhenium-antimony carbonyl complexes.

The reaction of [Re(CO)4(μ-SbPh2)]2 (1) with Pt[P(t-Bu)3]2 in n-octane solvent at reflux (125 °C) has yielded two platinum−rhenium−antimony compounds, Re2(CO)8[(μ3-SbCH2CMe2)Pt(H)P(t-Bu)2]P(t-Bu)3(...
Effect of glucocorticoids on the binding of atrial natriuretic peptide to endothelial cells.

Abstract Cultured bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells were found to possess specific, high affinity receptors for atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP). When cells which had been maintained in medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum were placed in serum-free medium for 24 h, there was a 50% decrease in ANP receptor density. Addition of hydrocortisone (20 μM) or dexamethasone (1 μM) to the serum-free medium for 48 h resulted in an increase in ANP binding sites with no change in the affinity of the sites for ANP. The glucocorticoid antagonist RU 486 (1 μM) significantly (P
Variation in dietary patterns among and within polyphagous grasshopper species (Orthoptera: Acrididae)

Individuals of two polyphagous grasshopper species,Melanoplus differentialis andSchistocerca albolineata, were reared under standardized conditions to eliminate prior experience as an influence on feeding behavior. Individuals were offered four plants in simultaneous choice tests from 8 to 14 times during development to adulthood. Individual insects varied in the preferred plant and the strength of preference, in the strength of the preference hierarchy among the four plants, and in breadth of feeding in choice tests. Average feeding diversity in choice tests increased significantly in later instars, but the sexes did not differ in feeding pattern. In both species a significant preference for one plant was generally but not invariably associated with a consistent preference hierarchy. Breadth of feeding in all tests was inversely related to the strength of preference and of the preference hierarchy. Although the two species differed in feeding diversity and in the relationship between preference and strength of preference hierarchy, evidence suggests that these differences were due to the specific plants used rather than to true interspecific differences. The existence of such variation under highly standardized rearing conditions suggests that genetic variation for these characteristics may exist in natural populations of polyphagous grasshoppers.
Current and future clinical applications of interferon-gamma in host antimicrobial defense

The T cell-derived macrophage-activating lymphokine, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), is the most broadly acting antimicrobial-inducing and host defense-enhancing cytokine thus far identified in experimental models of infectious diseases. The activity induced by IFN-γ encompasses all classes of non-viral pathogens including intracellular and extracellular parasites, fungi and bacteria. In man, treatment with immuno-enhancing doses of IFN-γ is safe, well-tolerated and stimulates the antimicrobial mechanisms of blood monocytes, circulating neutrophils and tissue macrophages. Aerosol administration activates alveolar macrophages in a compartmentalized fashion. Monocytes from IFN-γ-treated patients with cancer, leprosy, and AIDS all respond with the activated phenotype, and suppressed monocyte HLA-DR expression in trauma patients can be upregulated by IFN-γ therapy.
Weighted least-squares criteria for seismic traveltime tomography

Methods are developed for design of linear tomographic reconstruction algorithms with specified properties. Assuming a starting model with constant slowness, an algorithm with the following properties is found: (1) the optimum constant for the starting model is determined automatically; (2) the weighted least-squares error between the predicted and measured traveltime data is as small as possible; (3) the variance of the reconstructed slowness from the starting model is minimized; (4) rays with the greatest length have the least influence on the reconstructed slowness, and (5) cells with most ray coverage tend to deviate least from the background value. The resulting algorithm maps the reconstruction problem into a vector space where the contribution to the inversion from the background slowness remains invariant, while the optimum contribution in orthogonal directions are found. For a starting model with constant slowness, the reconstruction algorithm has analogous properties. >
Microinjections of local anesthetic into the pontine nuclei reduce the amplitude of the classically conditioned eyelid response.

Abstract Seventeen rabbits were implanted bilaterally with cannulae into the pontine nuclei, and were then trained in the classically conditioned eyeblink procedure. Nine of the rabbits were trained with a tone as a conditioned stimulus (Cs), and eight were trained with both tone and a light Cs. After each rabbit had learned the conditioned response (CR) well, testing began. One μ.l of 5% lidocaine injected bilaterally significantly impaired the CR amplitude for both tone and light as a Cs, although unconditioned response amplitude was not affected. Injection of 1 μl of isotonic saline did not impair CR amplitude, suggesting that the impairment seen after lidocaine injection was due to the anesthetic action of lidocaine in the pons, and not to nonspecific effects distal to the site of injection. These results support and extend the lesion data which shows that the pontine nuclei and their mossy fiber projection to the cerebellum are necessary for eyeblink conditioning using a peripheral CS.
Synthesis of γ-Fe2O3/polypyrrole nanocomposite materials

Abstract We report a chemical approach for the in situ synthesis of conducting polymer-magnetic inorganic nanomaterials with the integration of a high temperature organometallic method and a new microemulsion system containing organic, surfactant and aqueous phases that were established to enable the formation of our host nanocomposite materials. Polypyrrole-based γ-Fe 2 O 3 nanocomposites were prepared through this colloidal system. These organic–inorganic nanocomposites were characterized using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, electrical resistivity and magnetization measurements. It was observed that the blocking temperature increases with increasing the γ-Fe 2 O 3 nanocomponent in these samples. The resistivity and the temperature variation of resistivity have also been investigated.
Surgical techniques for total sacrectomy and spinopelvic reconstruction

The surgical management of sacral tumors requires partial or total sacrectomy and spinopelvic reconstruction. These lesions present a great surgical challenge, because most spine surgeons are unfamiliar with the techniques required for these procedures. The authors describe a step-by-step operative technique and provide several illustrations. Total sacrectomy is performed by sequential anterior and posterior approaches that involve a rectus abdominis pullthrough pedicle flap reconstruction. The anterior procedure is an intraperitoneal approach used to expose the anterior aspect of the tumor, to ligate the main tumor vessels, and to conduct an anterior partial sacrectomy. After this, the rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap, based on the inferior epigastric vessel, is prepared, and a posterior sacrectomy is performed, dividing all sacral nerve roots in the thecal sac. After complete en bloc extirpation of the sacrum with tumor, spinopelvic reconstruction and closure with a myocutaneous flap are performed. Spinopelvic reconstruction is undertaken using a modified Galveston technique or double iliac screw fixation combined with posterior lumbar segmental fixation. These provide a long lever arm within the ilium to counteract the forces exerted by the lumbar spine. Understanding the nature of the disease as well as the biomechanics of the lumbosacral pelvic area and spinopelvic fixation will help surgeons select the appropriate treatment for sacral tumors.
Evaluation of the direct actions of drugs with a serotonergic link in spinal analgesia on the release of [3H]serotonin from spinal cord synaptosomes.

Abstract Morphine, ketamine, ethylketocyclazocine and quipazine, drugs with an apparent local spinal serotonergic action, which contributes to their analgesic effects, were tested for their ability to alter the release of [ 3 H]serotonin ([ 3 H]5-HT) from a synaptosomal preparation from the spinal cord of the rat. Related compounds including [ d -Ala 2 , d -Leu 5 ]enkephalin (DADLE), n -allylnormetazocine and phencyclidine were also examined. None of the drugs was found to be capable of inducing a direct release of [ 3 H]5-HT or of facilitating potassium-induced release of 5-HT. However, quipazine inhibited the depressant action of exogenous 5-HT on overflow of 3 H (mediated through the 5-HT autoreceptor), an action that should facilitate serotonergic neurotransmission. In contrast to the other drugs, DADLE was found to depress K + stimulated release of 5-HT. The results suggest that the serotonergic mechanism involved in the antinociceptive action of some of these drugs (i.e. ketamine, morphine and ethylketocyclazocine) is not related to direct presynaptic interactions to promote release of 5-HT. On the other hand, a small population of serotonergic nerves critical for analgesia may be involved and are not detected using tissue from the whole spinal cord. However, it seems equally plausible that these drugs may produce their antinociceptive action through interactions with other neurotransmitter systems that in turn interface with the serotonergic nerves, perhaps through interneurons or collateral connections.
A NONCANONICAL TERTIARY CONFORMATION OF A HUMAN MITOCHONDRIAL TRANSFER RNA

Transfer RNAs possess highly conserved secondary structures, and crystallographic studies suggest a common, L-shaped tertiary conformation in which the anticodon and acceptor stems are disposed at approximately right angles to one another. However, many animal mitochondrial tRNAs possess unusual secondary structures, and little is known regarding their tertiary conformations, in particular, the relative orientations of their acceptor and anticodon stems. To address this issue, we have constructed heteroduplex RNA molecules corresponding to human mitochondrial and cytoplasmic lysyl tRNAs in which the acceptor and anticodon stems of each tRNA have been extended by approximately 70 base pairs. The rotational decay times of the two "extended" tRNA(Lys) species were compared to the decay times of a linear RNA control and to an extended yeast cytoplasmic tRNA(Phe) species whose interstem angle had been reported previously. Whereas the apparent interstem angle of the human cytoplasmic tRNA(Lys) species is essentially identical to that of the yeast tRNA(Phe) heteroduplex, with both conforming to the canonical L-shape, the angle for the mitochondrial tRNA(Lys) construct is much larger (approximately 140 degrees). Thus, the universal L-shape may not be applicable to noncanonical mitochondrial tRNAs, a finding of significance for both tRNA evolution and mitochondrial disease.
Moisture Diffusivity of Building Materials from Water Absorption Measurements

Moisture diffusivity is a transport property that is frequently used in the hygrothermal analysis of building envelope components. This property is de pendent on the local moisture content. The experiments that lead to the detailed in formation on the dependence of diffusivity on moisture content are often very so phisticated. However, two recent exercises, as a part of the activities of an International Energy Agency Annex, have shown that a correct estimate of the mag nitude of the moisture diffusivity can provide useful information with regard to its application in hygrothermal analysis. This technical note presents results from a sim ple moisture absorption measurement that led to a good estimate of the moisture diffusivity of building materials. Results from measurements on a sample of spruce are presented.
Proper efficiency and duality for a class of multiobjective fractional variational problems containing arbitrary norms

Necessary and sufficient conditions are established for properly efficient solutions of a class of nonsmooth nonconvex variational problems with multiple fractional objective functions and nonlinear inequality constraints. Based on these proper efficiency criteria. two multiobjective dual problems are constructed and appropriate duality theorems are proved. These proper efficiency and duality results also contain as special cases similar rcsults fer constrained variational problems with multiplei fractional. and conventional objective functions, which are particular cases of the main variational problem considered in this paper
Learning That an Adolescent Child Is Gay or Lesbian: The Parent Experience

Increasing numbers of adolescents are disclosing their sexual orientation to parents at an earlier stage of the family life cycle than their predecessors. Although we know that parents are coexperiencing the range of difficulties reflected in reports of gay and lesbian youths after disclosure, there is a paucity of investigative research exploring the parents' side of adolescent disclosure. The precarious nature of adolescence places these parents in a different set of circumstances than parents of gay adults. This article draws from a study that examined the parent experience at the adolescent stage of the family life cycle. The study explored the meaning parents ascribe to learning that an adolescent is gay or lesbian, how adolescent disclosure affects the solidarity of the parent-child relationship, and what interventions support healthy parent adjustment. Implications for competent social work practice with parents of gay and lesbian adolescents are addressed.
Radiation responses in skin and connective tissues: effect on wound healing and surgical outcome

Radiation therapy, either alone or in combination with other types of treatment, is responsible for 40% of cancer cures and 70% of all cancer patients receive radiation therapy at some point during the course of their disease. Radiation therapy has profound effects, both acute and long-term, on skin and connective tissues. Radiation therapy also affects the time course and end result of wound healing, and the risk of postoperative complications. For example, radiation therapy of tumors in the abdomen or in the abdominal wall inevitably affects the integrity of abdominal wall structures and may adversely affect the outcome of operations on the abdominal wall, for example hernia surgery. All surgeons will encounter patients who have undergone or will receive radiation therapy. In these situations, it is important to carefully consider the optimum timing of surgery relative to radiation therapy, to decide which perioperative precautions are needed to minimize the risk of complications, to estimate and inform the patient about the increased risk of complications, and, if surgery is done before a planned course of radiation therapy, to consider how soon after surgery it is safe to commence the radiation treatment. This review will (1) describe features of acute and long term radiation-induced changes in skin and connective tissues; (2) provide a brief overview of the biological mechanisms underlying these changes; and (3) discuss practical considerations that have direct relevance to surgical decision making and postoperative outcome.
Paradiplomacy: Reflections on the Foreign Policy and International Relations of Regions

The study of paradiplomacy, concerning the international activity of regional governments, opens the door to a new set of actors and issues for international negotiations. A theoretical framework based in historical institutionalism is established and several examples of paradiplomatic activity are described. The article reflects on these new international actors, external-internal linkages, and expanding the boundaries of the field of international relations and negotiation.
Giant area and flexible electronics

Giant area electronics and electronics on flexible substrates will also enable numerous new applications ranging from electrotextiles and flexible displays to "sensitive skin" for robotics, medical and prosthetic devices and safe and environmentally friendly buildings with "smart" electronic wallpaper.
THE PARTICIPATION OF A STUDENT IDENTIFIED AS LEARNING DISABLED IN A REGULAR EDUCATION BOOK CLUB: THE CASE OF STARK

I present the case study of the participation of Stark, a student identified as learning disabled, in a peer‐led literature discussion group with his fifth‐grade regular education peers. Findings r...
Large deviations and exponential decay for the magnetization in a Gaussian random field

We consider a continuous model for transverse magnetization of spins diffusing in a homogeneous Gaussian random longitudinal field \(\{\lambda V(x);\, x \in {\Bbb R}^{d} \} \), where \(\lambda \) is the coupling constant giving the intensity of the random field. In this setting, the transverse magnetization is given by the formula \(M(t)={\Bbb E} \exp \{ -{\lambda}^{2} \int_{0}^{t} \int_{0}^{t} K(B_r-B_s) \; ds dr \} \), where \(\{B_t;\,t\ge 0\}\) is the standard process of Brownian motion and \(K(x)\) is the covariance function of the original random field \(V(x)\). We use large deviation techniques to show that the limit \(S(\lambda)=\lim_{t \rightarrow \infty} \frac{1}{t} \ln M(t)\) exists. We also determine the small \(\lambda\) behavior of the rate \(S(\lambda)\) and show that it is indeed decaying as conjectured in the physics literature.
The Influence of Knowledge and Attitudes About Breast Cancer on Mammography Use Among Latinas and Anglo Women

We conducted a telephone survey of randomly selected Latinas (n = 208) and Anglo women (n = 222) to determine predictors of mammography use. The cooperation rate was 78.5%. Relatively high proportions of Latinas (61%) and Anglo women (79%) reported mammography use within the past 2 years. A logistic regression analysis revealed that knowledge and attitudes did not independently predict use. On the other hand, having health insurance, being married, and being Latino were consistent independent predictors. We conclude that mammography use among Latinas and Anglo women is increasing. However, further gains in use must address difficult barriers such as lack of health insurance.
Fermion density induced instability of the W-boson pair condensate in a strong magnetic field

Abstract The electroweak vacuum structure in an external magnetic field close to the lower critical value is considered at finite fermion density. It is shown that the leading effect fermions is to reduce the symmetry of the W-pair condensate in the direction of the magnetic field. The energy is minimized by the appearance of a helicoidal structure of the condensate along the magnetic field.
Theory of dynamic barriers, activated hopping, and the glass transition in polymer melts.

A statistical mechanical theory of collective dynamic barriers, slow segmental relaxation, and the glass transition of polymer melts is developed by combining, and in some aspects extending, methods of mode coupling, density functional, and activated hopping transport theories. A coarse-grained description of polymer chains is adopted and the melt is treated as a liquid of segments. The theory is built on the idea that collective density fluctuations on length scales considerably longer than the local cage scale are of primary importance in the deeply supercooled regime. The barrier hopping or segmental relaxation time is predicted to be a function primarily of a single parameter that is chemical structure, temperature, and pressure dependent. This parameter depends on the material-specific dimensionless amplitude of thermal density fluctuations (compressibility) and a reduced segmental density determined by the packing length and backbone characteristic ratio. Analytic results are derived for a crossover temperature Tc, collective barrier, and glass transition temperature Tg. The relation of these quantities to structural and thermodynamic properties of the polymer melt is established. A universal power-law scaling behavior of the relaxation time below Tc is predicted based on identification of a reduced temperature variable that quantifies the breadth of the supercooled regime. Connections between the ratio Tc/Tg, two measures of dynamic fragility, and the magnitude of the local relaxation time at Tg logically follow. Excellent agreement with experiment is found for these generic aspects, and the crucial importance of the experimentally observed near universality of the dynamic crossover time is established. Extensions of the theory to treat the full chain dynamics, heterogeneity, barrier fluctuations, and nonpolymeric thermal glass forming liquids are briefly discussed.
Effect of pH and Salts on the Solubility of Egg White Protein

The solubility of 1% dispersions of freeze-dried (FD) and commercial spray-dried (SD) (containing less than 0.1% SDS) egg white protein (EWP) was determined in water and in 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5M NaCl and NaI, and 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1M Na4P2O7 at pH 3, 5, 7, and 9. Protein solubility generally increased at higher pH and salt concentrations over the ranges studied. Both I and P207 ions, but not Cl, substantially increased the apparent solubility of FDEW, but had less effect upon the solubility of SDEW. Both NaI and Na4P207 changed the character of the solvent in a way similar to that of SDS, a known protein denaturant and solubilising agent. The effect of these two salts upon EWP solubility was more pronounced than for bovine serum albumin.
Conformal invariance of supersymmetric σ-models on Calabi-Yau manifolds

The possibility of superstring compactification on Calabi-Yau manifolds is analyzed in the light of recent work by Grisaru, van de Ven and Zanon, and by Freeman and Pope. It is shown that despite the appearance of non-zero β-function at the four-loop order, a conformally invariant supersymmetric σ-model on a Calabi-Yau manifold can be constructed. The background metric is not Ricci flat, but is related to the Ricci-flat metric through a (non-local) field redefinition.
Identification of catalytic bases in the active site of Escherichia coli methylglyoxal synthase: cloning, expression, and functional characterization of conserved aspartic acid residues.

Methylglyoxal synthase provides bacteria with an alternative to triosephosphate isomerase for metabolizing dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP). In the present studies, the methylglyoxal synthase gene...