cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Increased incidence of developmental anomalies among descendants of carriers of methylenebisacrylamide-induced balanced reciprocal translocations.

Abstract N , N ′- Methylenebisacrylamide (MBA), a dimer of the monomeric acrylamide, was studied for induction of clastogenic effects in germ cells of male mice. It was found to be effective in inducing dominant-lethal mutations and heritable translocations in maturing sperm. The semisterile tarnslocation carriers and their normal counterparts were used to determine the health impact of transmitted chromosomal rearrangements through anatomical analysis of their immediate descendants in utero. As expected, semisterility resulted primarily from embryonic death during the periimplantaion stages presumably caused by sperm segregants with unbalanced chromosome complement fertilizing some of the eggs. Among conceptuses that survived to mid- and late-gestation stages, there was an increased incidence of developmental anomalies including fetal death and phenotypic defects. These anomalies are assumed to be caused by certain types of unbalanced segregants that are compatible with survival beyond the periimplantation period. This class of unbalanced segregants represent in humans a majors health problem ot the mother and her conceptus.
Inclusive B decays — Spectra, moments and CKM matrix elements

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the improved measurements of |Vcb| and |Vub| from recent CLEO analysis. The heavy quark limit of QCD is potentially a very useful tool for relating measured inclusive properties in B meson decay, such as semileptonic branching fractions, to fundamental CKM parameters like |Vcb| and |Vub|. There are several sources of uncertainty in the extraction of heavy quark effective theory (HQET) parameters λ and λ1 from inclusive observables. One is the validity of the underlying assumption of quark–hadron duality. The second is the uncertainty that arises from the use of expressions calculated to finite order in the expansion. The third is the uncertainty in additional nonperturbative parameters introduced at order 1/M3. The size of the third order parameters are estimated to be less than approximately (0.5GeV)3 from dimensional considerations. The chapter further describes moments measurements from the lepton energy spectrum in b → clv and have shown consistency among the six CLEO moments in the extraction of HQET parameters λ ¯ and λ1. Such demonstrations are necessary for gaining confidence in the reliability of the HQET framework, which can allow the precision measurements of |Vcb| and |Vub|. The chapter discusses the three analyses that yielded new values for the CKM matrix element|Vub|. The extracted values of |Vub| are consistent among the measurements.
The biopsy pathology of non-coeliac enteropathy

Tropical sprue (TS) is a malabsorption syndrome of presumed infectious aetiology that affects residents of (or visitors to) the tropics. The histological changes of TS are similar to those of coeliac disease, with increased intraepithelial lymphocytes being central to both. Unlike in coeliac disease, however, a completely flat small bowel biopsy is uncommon in TS. TS typically involves the terminal ileum, whereas coeliac disease does not. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) has been defined as an increase in number and/or a change in the type of bacteria in the upper gut. Conditions that predispose to SIBO are largely those that decrease or interfere with small bowel motility. The mucosal histology is variable, and may include modest villous blunting accompanied by increased lamina propria and epithelial inflammation. Autoimmune enteropathy (AE) is a family of rare diseases that share common themes such as immunodeficiency states and autoantibodies. AE cases typically have marked villous atrophy similar to that in fully developed coeliac disease, but they lack the intense surface epithelial lymphocytosis. Apoptosis and lymphocyte infiltration at the base of the crypts, crypt abscesses and cryptitis are also seen. Patients with anti-goblet cell antibodies can have a lack of goblet cells, endocrine cells, and Paneth cells.
23 Outcome of Cardiac Thrombi in Infants.

Cardiac masses in neonates are extremely rare and usually represent either tumors or thrombi. Management of cardiac tumors has been well described in this patient population, but a paucity of data exists on the management of cardiac thrombi, with the few reported cases focusing on outcomes following thrombolytic therapy (rt-PA, urokinase, or streptokinase). This study was undertaken to evaluate the outcome of cardiac thrombi in neonates who do not receive thrombolytic therapy. Our echocardiographic database from November 1999 to November 2004 revealed 19 patients younger than 3 months of age [mean age= 41+ 27 days (range 6 to 99 days)] when diagnosed with cardiac thrombi. All 19 patients had a central venous line at the time of diagnosis. The median duration of central line prior to thrombus identification was 11 days (range 2 to 51 days). Sixteen (84%) had a thrombus attached to the endocardium [right atrium (n=11), right ventricle (n=2), left atrium (n=3)] and three (16%) had thrombi attached to the end of a central venous line within the right atrium. Nine patients (47%) had negative blood cultures, and complete resolution of the thrombus occurred in all of them within 24+ 24 days (range 0 day to 77 days). These patients were treated with LMWH or heparin (n=2), antibiotics (n=2), both (n=2), surgical removal of the thrombus (n=2), or no therapy (n=1). In the 10 patients with positive blood cultures (53%), complete resolution occurred in 9 cases (90%) after a mean of 70+ 58 days (range 5 to 166 days). Treatment consisted of either antimicrobials alone (n=5), or combination of LMWH or coumadin and antimicrobials (n=4). One patient doing well was lost to follow-up after 72 days. No patient had evidence of thrombus embolization. The natural history of cardiac thrombi is that they resolve over time. Infected thrombi may require more prolonged therapy. Surgery is seldom required and thrombolytics are not usually necessary.
On Repeated Values of the Riemann Zeta Function on the Critical Line

Let ζ(s) be the Riemann zeta function. In this paper, we study repeated values of ζ(s) on the critical line, and we give evidence to support our conjecture that for every nonzero complex number z, the equation ζ(1/2+it)=z has at most two solutions . We prove a number of related results, some of which are unconditional, and some of which depend on the truth of the Riemann hypothesis. We also propose some related conjectures that are implied by Montgomery's pair correlation conjecture.
3,2,1: A,B,C Sub-unit Hypothesis for the α-Chains of Tropocollagen

THE clear-cut demonstration by Piez1 that the 3 α-chains of cod-fish skin tropocollagen are unique, and the likelihood that a similar condition is true for all species of tropocollagen, have led me to consider various simple arrays of sub-units within the chains which could explain their known compositional features. I have arrived at a model in which an α-chain consists of 6 sub-units, each of approximately 17,000 molecular weight, and falling into 3 different compositional types that I call A, B and C, respectively. A tropocollagen unit, then, in this model would consist of a total of 18 sub-units: 6A, 6B, 6C. Of all the possible combinations of 6 sub-units of 3 types in an α-chain, one which fits the known analyses of the amino-acid compositions of the several types of α-chains in the various tropocollagens is the following: α1 = 3A + 2B + C; α2 = 3C + 2A + B; α3 = 3B + 2C + A For purposes of reference we designate this particular model as the 3,2,1 : A,B,C model, indicating that each different α-chain in the tropocollagen unit consists of a different array of the sub-units, but similar in that it has 3 of one kind of sub-unit, 2 of a second, and 1 of the third.
Product state distribution in time-dependent quantum wave packet calculation with an optical potential

Abstract We present a simple and efficient approach for extracting the final state-specific information in time-dependent quantum wave packet calculations for scattering or half-scattering problems without the artificial boundary reflection. The method, which is based on the compactness of the interaction picture wavefunction, employs an optical potential to absorb the flux of the Schrodinger picture wavefunction near the edge of the boundary. However, the absorption does not disturb the interaction picture wavefunction which is used to compute the stable product state distributions. Two numerical examples using this approach are given. One is for a model collinear photodissociation of CH 3 I involving nonadiabatic coupling, and the other is for a rigid rotor scattered off a flat surface.
Importance of duration of drug action in the antagonism of p-chloroamphetamine depletion of brain serotonin—comparison of fluoxetine and chlorimipramine

Fluoxetine inhibited both the rapid depletion of brain serotonin by p-chloroamphetamine (PCA) and the ultimate irreversible effects of PCA on brain serotonin neurons in rats; the differences between fluoxetine and chlorimipramine as PCA antagonists appeared to be related to the duration of uptake inhibition by these agents. Fluoxetine given along with PCA in a single dose prevented serotonin depletion at all times after PCA. Chlorimipramine antagonized serotonin depletion initially, but at later times there was little or no protection against PCA effects. The dose-dependence of the antagonism of PCA by fluoxetine did not vary greatly with the time of serotonin measurement after PCA. but with chlorimipramine the effectiveness of a given dose depended markedly on that time interval. Lengthening the pretreatment interval prior to PCA injection from 0 to 16 hr diminished the effectiveness of chlorimipramine but not fluoxetine as antagonists of serotonin depletion. The differences between fluoxetine and chlorimipramine may arise primarily because these compounds are metabolized by N-demethylation. The demethylated metabolite of fluoxetine was as potent and specific as fluoxetine itself as a serotonin uptake inhibitor both in vitro and in vivo, whereas the demethylated metabolite of chlorimipramine was less active than chlorimipramine as a serotonin uptake inhibitor and more active as a norepinephrine uptake inhibitor. Chlorimipramine was a more effective PCA antagonist when injected into mice in repeated doses or when injected into rats along with an inhibitor of liver microsomal enzymes. Thus, comparison of uptake inhibitors as antagonists of PCA is strongly influenced by the pharmacokinetics of the drugs involved.
Comparison of a Structured-LES and an Unstructured-DES Code for Predicting Combustion Instabilities in a Longitudinal Mode Rocket

Abstract : Summary: Both LES and DES area capable of simulating self-excited combustion instability. Agreement between the simulations and experiments for the unstable case was good. The marginally stable case proved more difficult Cyclic Heat release was captured. LES had a delayed reignition, likely responsible for the higher amplitudes. Cyclic Heat release was captured along with reignition event. Some differences in predictions are due to differences in the grids. No apparent winner, both approaches have strengths and weaknesses.
From Mylar to map documents: GIS AML inventory for abandoned coal mine investigations

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) – Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation (BAMR) addresses safety and environmental issues resulting from past coal mining. They design and contract reclamation projects to restore mined land to original contour, use or condition. Part of this process involves mining engineers responding to requests for funding to reclaim certain areas. The state will consider reclaiming these areas if past mining resulted in safety and environmental hazards to exist on the site. Mining engineers use outdated maps and cumbersome methods to investigate past mining history. The GIS AML inventory was designed to streamline the investigations process . By incorporating multiple layers of data related to the investigations process within ArcGIS, investigations can be performed in a more-timely and cost-effective manner. This article presents the design and utilisation of the GIS AML inventory .
Patient Satisfaction With an Early Discharge Home Visit Program

In 1995, to meet the needs of mothers and newborns discharged early, a home care follow-up program using an advanced practice nurse was initiated at a Midwest academic medical center. Information about the program and elements of patient satisfaction, as measured from program inception, are presented in this article. The major correlates of satisfaction were nurse friendliness, technical skills, infant care teaching, and individualized care. Attending to these areas can facilitate existing program improvement and new program development.
3-Deazaadenosine 5'-triphosphate: a novel metabolite of 3-deazaadenosine in mouse leukocytes.

Abstract Evidence has been obtained for the metabolic formation of small amounts (1–2% of the ATP pool) of 3-deazaadenosine 5′-triphosphate (c 3 ATP) from 3-deazaadenosine (c 3 Ado) in mouse cytolytic lymphocytes and mouse resident peritoneal macrophages. With intact leukocytes, pharmacological evidence was obtained that adenosine kinase was not the enzyme chiefly responsible for the phosphorylation of c 3 Ado. Moreover, in the presence of MgCl 2 , NaCI and IMP, purified rat liver 5′-nucleotidase catalyzed the phosphorylation of c 3 Ado to 3-deazaadenosine 5′-monophosphate (c 3 AMP). Two lines of evidence suggest that the metabolic formation of c 3 ATP is not involved in the inhibition of leukocyte function caused by c 3 Ado. First, the inhibitory action of c 3 Ado on antibody-dependent phagocytosis and lymphocyte-mediated cytolysis was reversed markedly upon removal of the drug from the medium. However, the intracellular content of c 3 ATP remained constant in lymphocytes and macrophages after removal of c 3 Ado. Second, in macrophages and in lymphocytes, similar intracellular amounts of c 3 ATP were formed from both c 3 Ado and 3-deazaadenine under conditions in which the former was biologically active and the latter was essentially inactive. Thus, it appears unlikely that the novel c 3 ATP metabolite is of relevance for the mechanism of action of c 3 Ado in mouse leukocytes.
Design methodology for a high-Q self-resonant coil for medical and wireless-power applications

A high-Q self-resonant coil for medical, wireless power transfer, induction cooking, or induction heating applications is described. Stacked layers of conductor and dielectric provide the resonant capacitance while the use of many thin foil layers parallel to the magnetic field minimizes conductor losses. Integration of the resonant capacitor avoids the need for high-current terminations and balances current flow between conductor layers. Through the use of different conductor and dielectric thicknesses and materials, the approach can be applied at a wide range of frequencies. An example of a 160 kHz coil for a medical application provides an order-of-magnitude reduction in losses.
Bioactivity of androgens within the testes and serum of normal men.

ABSTRACT: Little is known about how human spermatogenesis is regulated, so it is not surprising that there have been few breakthroughs in the treatment of male infertility resulting from abnormalities of spermatogenesis. Testosterone is the predominant intratesticular steroid in both the rat and man. Previous studies have shown that the testosterone concentration within the rat testis that is required for the quantitative maintenance of spermatogenesis is far higher than the total testosterone concentration in rat blood, indicating that much of the testosterone within the testis might be biologically inactive. In contrast to the rat, little is known about the androgen requirements for human spermatogenesis, in part because, until recently, a minimally invasive method suitable for obtaining intratesticular fluids from the human testis has not been available. Percutaneous aspiration now makes it feasible to do so. A major objective of the present study was to assay the bioactive androgen concentration within the testes of normal, fertile men. Percutaneous aspiration was used to obtain intratesticular fluid from such men, and we adapted a highly sensitive recombinant protein mammalian cell-based bioassay to measure androgen bioactivity. Total intratesticular testosterone concentration, which we define as immunoreactive testosterone as measured by radioimmunoassay, was well in excess of that in serum (1236 ± 86 nM vs 11.7 ± 0.7 nM). The concentration of bioactive androgens within the normal human testis was found to be about two thirds that of the total testosterone concentration. Interestingly, the concentration of the major, known binding proteins for testosterone within the testis, serum hormone-binding globulin (SHBG)/ABP (52.4 ± 9.7 nM), was insufficient to account for the difference between total testosterone and bioactive androgens. This indicates that, in addition to its binding to SHBG/ABP, androgens may also be bound by unknown molecules, and that this contributes to reducing androgen bioactivity. These observations could have relevance for understanding the relationship between spermatogenesis and intratesticular androgens in normal men and in men diagnosed with infertility.
Intersystem crossing in methylene

Abstract The rate of singlet-triplet intersystem crossing in methylene is a second-order process requiring collisional perturbation to couple with the triplet manifold so that the transition can occur. The efficiency of the process increases with increasing mass of the collision partner, but nevertheless is relatively slow, requiring in excess of 200 gas-kinetic collisions on the average.
CD8+ suppressor T cells resurrected

This review focuses on the role of antigen-specific T cells that mediate active inhibition of immune responses over the past 35 years since their initial description. The field has experienced several changes in the accepted paradigm of such suppressor/regulatory T cells, from initial indications that such cells were CD8(+), to the view that such cells did not exist, to the identification of the transcription factor Foxp3 as a key orchestrator of inhibitory function. Although most Foxp3(+) cells in a resting animal are CD4(+)CD25(+) cells, Foxp3 expression and inhibitory function can be induced by antigens in the periphery by selective cytokine conditions, particularly TGF-beta. Such induced T cells occur within both the CD4 and the CD8 T-cell lineages and appear to mediate suppression by inhibiting the costimulatory activity of antigen-presenting cells and the production of inhibitory cytokines. Recent data generated by analysis of TCR Tg T cells that do not select many Foxp3-positive cells during thymic development are reviewed, emphasizing the pattern of "linked suppression" and focus of the relative potency of different mechanisms of suppression.
Effects of Experiencing the Eyewitness Identification Procedure on Juror Decisions

Mistaken eyewitness identifications are believed to contribute to a preponderance of wrongful convictions, underscoring the need to identify methods to help decrease the likelihood of false convictions based on eyewitness testimony. The present study tested the hypothesis that providing jurors with first-hand experience with eyewitness identification procedures could help further sensitize them to the limitations of eyewitness testimony. Eighty college students watched a videotaped mock trial in which the prosecution’s sole evidence was eyewitness testimony. In a 2 × 2 randomized factorial design, we manipulated whether participants heard expert psychological testimony (henceforth referred to as expert testimony) on the limitations of eyewitness identification and whether they experienced an eyewitness identification procedure. As predicted, experiencing the eyewitness identification procedure had a significant impact on juror decisions, suggesting that this procedure could further help reduce the likelihood of wrongful convictions.
The effects of methylphenidate and d-amphetamine related to route of administration

The effects of methylphenidate hydrochloride and d-amphetamine sulfate were compared when given orally and by intraperitoneal injection to rats. Both drugs increased the level of locomotor activity when given by injection. Oral administration of d-amphetamine produced a lesser effect, but methylphenidate was ineffective when given by this route.
Fragrance material review on 3-phenylpropyl acetate.

Abstract A toxicologic and dermatologic review of 3-phenylpropyl acetate when used as a fragrance ingredient is presented. 3-Phenylpropyl acetate is a member of the fragrance structural group Aryl Alkyl Alcohol Simple Acid Esters (AAASAE). The AAASAE fragrance ingredients are prepared by reacting an aryl alkyl alcohol with a simple carboxylic acid (a chain of 1–4 carbons) to generate formate, acetate, propionate, butyrate, isobutyrate and carbonate esters. This review contains a detailed summary of all available toxicology and dermatology papers that are related to this individual fragrance ingredient and is not intended as a stand-alone document. Available data for 3-phenylpropyl acetate were evaluated, then summarized, and includes: physical properties, acute toxicity, skin irritation, skin sensitization, and toxicokinetics data. A safety assessment of the entire AAASAE will be published simultaneously with this document. Please refer to Belsito et al., 2012 for an overall assessment of the safe use of this material and all AAASAE in fragrances. Belsito, D., Bickers, D., Bruze, M., Calow, P., Dagli, M., Fryer, A.D., Greim, H., Hanifin, J.H., Miyachi, Y., Saurat, J.H., Sipes, I.G., 2012. A toxicologic and dermatologic assessment of aryl alkyl alcohol simple acid esters when used as fragrance ingredients.
Structural characterization of the binding site in the merr metalloregulatory protein

The Zinc and Cadmium forms of MerR, a metalloregulatory protein involved in bacterial mercury detoxification , have been studied using X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Previous work has shown the Hg-MerR to have a unique three coordinate HgS3 environment. Preliminary analysis of the EXAFS data for the Cd- and Zn-MerR derivatives suggests a higher coordination number in these cases.
Catecholamines modulate the delayed rectifying potassium current (IK) in guinea pig ventricular myocytes.

The effects of isoproterenol and norepinephrine on the delayed, outward potassium current, IK, were complications from a restricted extracellular space are minimized and internal K concentration is controlled. The average IK reversal potential in control cells was −80±2.1 mV (N=4; [K]o=4.5 mM; [K]i=120 mM) indicating a high degree of K selectivity (PNa/PK≤0.01). In paired experiments, both isoproterenol and norepinephrine increased IK without changing the reversal potential, indicating that the selectivity of the channels is not altered by these agents. The results explain the shortening of action potential duration observed at high concentrations (Quadbeck and Reiter, 1975); and suggest that an increase in IK by catecholamines may serve to limit the degree of calcium current-induced action potential prolongation during increased sympathetic tone and rapid heart rates.
The Simulation of Organizational Behavior

Provides information on the analysis of organizational behavior through the development of simulation methods. Data gathering on social science research; Sample simulation model in a manufacturing ...
End-results of plastic operations on the kidney pelvis for hydronephrosis

the early days of kidney surgery, has been dissatisfaction among A surgeons with nephrectomy as the invariable treatment of hydronephrosis. It, of course, reheved the symptoms, but frequentIy at the expense of functioning kidney tissue. When the opposite kidney was normaI, this was of IittIe consequence, but when the other kidney was absent or markedIy diseased, it was disastrous. So it is not surprising that quite earIy in the modern era attempts were made to devise pIastic operations which wouId give an ahernative to nephrectomy or permanent nephrostomy. The first attempt of this kind was by TrendeIenburg in 1886, but it remained for Kuster, in I 891, to demonstrate that such operations couId be successful, and he made the prediction that in time such operations would become the usua1 and accepted method of treatment for hydronephrosis. His success encouraged others to similar efforts, chief among them being Israel, Albarran, RiedeI and KiimmeII. In rgo8, Kroiss was abIe to find in the literature 102 instances of pIastic operations on the peIvis, of which seventy were considered successful by the standards of the time, and three years later Weinberg coIIected forty nine additiona cases. During the next decade, in spite of the fact that there were reports of such operations from the cIinics of WiIdboItz, Gregoire, Simon, GoebeII, Kroiss, OehIer, Gayet, Meyer, SchIoffer, Zimmerman, Habler, and Mayo, this type of operation fell more or Iess into abeyance. The war may have had something to do with this. Be that as it may, in igzz Frank and GIas, in MICHIGAN
Ion Exchange Properties of a Western Kentucky Low-Rank Coal

The ion exchange properties of a low-rank coal were evaluated to explore its viability as an inexpensive material for removing radionuclides and heavy metals from solution. Cobalt was used as a model metal to investigate the kinetics and thermodynamics of the exchange process and the effect that solution pH has on the exchange capacity. Maximum metal adsorption was found to occur at pH ≥3.5. The exchange was found to follow first-order kinetics and to proceed rapidly; over the temperature range investigated (−15 to 50 °C) equilibrium was reached within 10−20 min. The exchange was well described by the Langmuir adsorption isotherm with a Gibbs free energy of −8.85 ± 0.24 kJ/mol. Additional studies with environmentally significant metals and radionuclides demonstrated that cations with higher charge density were preferentially adsorbed.
A "leaky" integrator circuit with automatic switching

Abstract An electromechanical system for cross section and excitation curve measurements by counting residual radioactivity is described. The principle of operation of the “leaky” integrator is discussed. Circuits are described in detail and examples of experiments performed with the aid of the equipment are given.
Optimal scheduling and operation of load aggregators with electric energy storage facing price and demand uncertainties

In competitive power markets, with increasing penetration of variable renewable energy resources such as wind power, electricity price becomes more uncertain. In distribution systems, adoption of renewable distributed generation technologies adds another dimension of uncertainty in load forecast. Facing these higher price and load uncertainties, it becomes more challenging for load aggregators to manage their electricity cost. Within this context, this paper presents a Model Predictive Control (MPC)-based scheduling and operation strategy for the load aggregator with electric energy storage (EES) to manage electricity cost in day-ahead and real-time power markets with different levels of price and load uncertainties. Price and load forecasts are actively integrated into the scheduling and operation decision making process to determine the optimal operation. Two other strategies are also discussed and studied for comparison. Case studies demonstrate better performance of the proposed MPC-based strategy compared to the other two strategies facing different levels of price and load uncertainties. The MPC-based strategy is also shown to be robust with the increase of price and load uncertainties. The benefit of energy arbitrage with MPC-based strategy is also illustrated.
Referral patterns and treatment choices for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: a United States population-based study.

Background Patterns of care of physician specialists may differ for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Reasons underlying variations are poorly understood. One source of variation may be disparate referral rates to specialists, leading to differences in cancer-directed treatments. Study Design Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-linked Medicare database was queried for patients with HCC, diagnosed between 1998 and 2007, who consulted 1 or more physicians after diagnosis. Visit and procedure records were abstracted from Medicare billing records. Factors associated with specialist consult and subsequent treatment were examined. Results There were 6,752 patients with HCC identified; 1,379 (20%) patients had early-stage disease. Median age was 73 years; the majority were male (66%), white (60%), and from the West region (56%). After diagnosis, referral to a specialist varied considerably (hepatology/gastroenterology, 60%; medical oncology, 62%; surgery, 56%; interventional radiology [IR], 33%; radiation oncology, 9%). Twenty-two percent of patients saw 1 specialist; 39% saw 3 or more specialists. Time between diagnosis and visitation with a specialist varied (surgery, 37 days vs IR, 55 days; p = 0.04). Factors associated with referral to a specialist included younger age (odds ratio [OR] 2.16), Asian race (OR 1.49), geographic region (Northeast OR 2.10), and presence of early-stage disease (OR 2.21) (all p Conclusions After HCC diagnosis, referral to a specialist varied considerably. Both clinical and nonclinical factors were associated with consultation. Disparities in referral to a specialist and subsequent therapy need to be better understood to ensure all HCC patients receive appropriate care.
Web-Based Instruction: Who Is Inclined to Resist It and Why?.

Despite the potential benefits of Web-based Instruction (WBI), not everyone welcomes online learning opportunities. This study examined the psychological processes underlying opposition to WBI by collecting survey data from 257 learners enrolled in a large southeastern university. Results supported the hypothesis that those with weak Internet self-efficacy beliefs would be inclined to resist WBI (r = −.29, p > .001). As expected, those who lacked quality tools/equipment were also apt to oppose WBI (r = −.13, p = .044), and Internet self-efficacy mediated this relationship, indicating that people with limited access to sufficient equipment were relatively unlikely to develop strong Internet self-efficacy beliefs and therefore tended to dislike WBI. Exploratory analyses revealed an association between gender and Internet self-efficacy, indicating that compared to women (M = 26.16, SD = 6.43) the men who were surveyed (M = 28.57, SD = 6.59) were significantly more likely to express confidence in their abilit...
Initial clinical experience with balloon dilation in revision frontal sinus surgery.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine whether balloon dilation is effective in revision frontal sinus surgery. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients who had previously undergone endoscopic frontal sinus surgery and had persistent sinusitis. All patients then underwent balloon dilation of the frontal ostium. Outcome measurements included endoscopic patency of the frontal ostium, Lund-Mackay scores, culture-positive postoperative infections, and subjective persistence of symptoms. Results: Twenty-four frontal ostia and recesses were dilated in 13 patients. The mean follow-up was 13 months (range, 7 to 19 months). During follow-up, 21 of 24 ostia (86%) remained patent and 3 required additional procedures. Postoperative computed tomography scans were performed an average of 12 months after dilation (range, 6 to 18 months) in 9 patients (17 sinuses). The average Lund-Mackay score was 1.35 before dilation and 0.87 at follow-up (p = 0.0076), with 41 % of sinuses (7 of 17) displaying radiographic improvement. The average number of postoperative infections was 2.07 (range, 0 to 7). Frontal headaches persisted in 38% of patients (5 of 13) at follow-up. Conclusions: Balloon dilation of the frontal ostia has a posttreatment patency rate comparable to those of other endoscopic revision techniques. Although it may not fully address the frontal sinus disease of all patients, it is a less invasive technique that may be helpful for some patients.
Optical Properties of Tellurium and Selenium

The optical properties of tellurium and of trigonal and amorphous selenium have been investigated at wavelengths extending from the intrinsic absorption edge to about 152 microns using polarized radiation. The refractive indices of tellurium and trigonal selenium have been determined from 4 to 14 microns and from 9 to 23 microns, respectively. For amorphous selenium, the refractive index estimated from measured reflectivity shows no appreciable variation from 30 to 152 microns. The temperature shift and the pressure shift of the intrinsic absorption edge in amorphous selenium are found to be -1.45\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ ev/\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K and -2.0\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}5}$ ev/atmos, respectively. Lattice absorption bands have been observed in tellurium and selenium; they are attributed to the excitation of combination modes. In tellurium, a strong absorption band has been observed at 11 microns, which is present only for $E\ensuremath{\parallel}c$ radiation. The band indicates that there are overlapping branches in the valence band which are separated by about 0.11 ev. The effective mass in the lower branch is estimated to be about four times smaller than that in the upper branch. It is possible that the structure of the valence band is responsible for the high-temperature reversal of the Hall effect in tellurium. The usual carrier absorption increasing smoothly with wavelength has been studied for tellurium using polarized radiations. The effective mass of holes in tellurium has been determined from reflectivity measurements: ${m}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}\ensuremath{\sim}{m}_{\mathrm{II}}=0.45 m$ at 300\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, ${m}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}=0.30 m$ and ${m}_{\mathrm{II}}=0.45 m$ at 100\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K.
Recall of corporate advertising slogans in Nigeria

This study reports significant differences in the correct association of corporate slogans with company names among students and public‐relations and advertising practitioners in Nigeria. Because the overall rate for slogan recall is moderate for the entire sample, the continuing use of such slogans should be based on extensive research data.
Atmospheric photochemistry of alkyl nitrates

Abstract Photoabsorption spectra of gaseous ethyl nitrate, n -propyl nitrate, 2-propyl nitrate, n -butyl nitrate and 3-methyl-1-butyl nitrate were quantitatively measured in the laboratory at room temperature for λ ⩾ 185 nm. The spectra are continuous and exhibit low- and high-intensity absorption bands. The maximum for the high-intensity band occurs at 188 ± 2 nm. Atmospheric photodissociation rate coefficients for alkyl nitrates were estimated in the range 0 – 50 km and were found to have a strong dependence on altitude. Photodissociation lifetimes were on the order of days and hours for the proposphere and stratosphere respectively. Compared with reaction with OH, photodissociation is the dominant removal process for alkyl nitrates throughout the atmosphere.
Quantitation of cytotoxic rat antibodies by post-assay labeling of mitogen-induced target blasts with [3H]thymidine

Cytotoxic rat alloantibodies were quantitated using concanavalin-A induced blasts as target cells. [3H]thymidine incorporation by such cells was linearly related to their number. Serial dilutions of cytotoxic antisera were incubated with a small number of target cells in presence of rabbit, guinea pig or rat complement. Following a short incubation, cultures were pulsed with [3H]thymidine to estimate the number of live cells. Cytotoxicity titers were calculated according to conventional von Krogh analysis as the reciprocal of the dilution yielding 50% lysis. Such titers were virtually identical to titers obtained in assays in which the extent of cytolysis was determined by trypan blue or ethidium bromide exclusion. The assay, which is carried out in microtiter plates, is quantitative, economical, and objective. Furthermore, automatic harvesting of the cultures allows the rapid processing of large numbers of samples.
Comparison of Content Structure and Cognitive Structure in High School Students' Learning of Probability.

Mathematics curricula were revised significantly during the 1960's (for a historical perspective, see Branca, 1974). An attempt has been made to communicate something more than algorithms and computational skills to the student (cf. Report of the Commission on Mathematics, 1959), and to communicate structures in mathematics (Report of the Cambridge Conference, 1963). In spite of this recent emphasis, little empirical work has been reported on communicating a mathematical structure to students. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which a mathematical structure-that of elementary probabilitycould be communicated to a group of high school students by a programmed text. Begle (in preparation) defined mathematical structure as "a set of interrelated, abstract, symbolic systems." He stressed the point that mathematical structure is a combination of within-system relationships and between-system relationships. For the purposes of this study, mathematical structure is defined as the relationships between concepts within a set of abstract systems (cf. Shavelson, 1971, 1972, 1974). The structure of a subject matter as represented in instructional material is referred to as content structure: the web of concepts and their interrelationships in a body of instructional material (Shavelson, 1971, 1972). The structure of students' memories is referred to as cognitive structure: a "hypothetical construct referring to the organization (interrelationships) of concepts in long-term memory [Shavelson, 1971, p. 9]." In this study students received instruction in probability (the to-belearned structure) or in an unrelated topic in mathematics. Before and
Further evaluation of an in vivo teratology screen

The in vivo teratology screening procedure described previously [Chernoff N, Kavlock RJ: J Toxical Environ Health 10:541-550, 1982] was further evaluated using a total of 46 chemicals in 50 different treatment regimens. Pregnant CD-1 mice were generally treated by oral gavage on days 8-12 of gestation at a dose level predicted from a preliminary range finding study to induce a slight degree of maternal toxicity. The effects on early postnatal growth and viability were compared to results generated from standard mouse teratology bioassays as reported in the literature (there were nine regimens for which no valid comparisons could be made). The procedure correctly categorized 25 of the 30 treatment regimens which were considered developmentally toxic in the mouse, as well as nine of 11 which were considered to be nondevelopmentally toxic in the mouse. Thus, based upon the criteria used in the present study, the assay correctly classified 83% of the chemicals tested as to their effect in a standard mouse bioassay. The five nonconcurring negative findings were likely due to a combination of pharmacokinetic differences between the studies, as well as to the cessation of dosing on day 12, while critical events of organogenesis are still occurring. The assay achieves the requirements for a teratology screening system, but improved predictability would result from the addition of a lower dose level and extension of the dosing period to include later stages of organogenesis.
Environmental factors affecting neural crest differentiation: Melanocyte differentiation by crest cells exposed to cell-free (deoxycholate-extracted) dermal mesenchyme matrix

Deoxycholate-extracted, cell-free matrices were prepared from primary expiants or dispersed cell cultures of embryonic avian dermis, ectoderm, gut mesenchyme, endoderm, pharynx, or umbilical artery. Neural crest cells in association with matrices from dermal expiants or monolayers formed melanocytes after six days. Crest cells in association with matrices from all other tissues or grown on plastic did not form melanocytes. It is concluded that a deoxycholate-resistant structural component of the dermal extracellular matrix induces melanocyte differentiation.
Mode-locking of lasers,

This paper is a tutorial and review paper on the subject of mode-locking of lasers. It is intended as an introduction to the subject for the general reader as well as an up-to-date overview for specialists in the field. Emphasis has been placed on giving physical understanding of the phenomena and processes involved, rather than on providing details of specific theories and devices.
A pilot study of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-g-polyethylene glycol and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-g-methylcellulose branched copolymers as injectable scaffolds for local delivery of neurotrophins and cellular transplants into the injured spinal cord.

Object The authors investigated the feasibility of using injectable hydrogels, based on poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm), lightly cross-linked with polyethylene glycol (PEG) or methylcellulose (MC), to serve as injectable scaffolds for local delivery of neurotrophins and cellular transplants into the injured spinal cord. The primary aims of this work were to assess the biocompatibility of the scaffolds by evaluating graft cell survival and the host tissue immune response. The scaffolds were also evaluated for their ability to promote axonal growth through the action of released brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Methods The in vivo performance of PNIPAAm-g-PEG and PNIPAAm-g-MC was evaluated using a rodent model of spinal cord injury (SCI). The hydrogels were injected as viscous liquids into the injury site and formed space-filling hydrogels. The host immune response and biocompatibility of the scaffolds were evaluated at 2 weeks by histological and fluorescent immunohistochemical analysis. Com...
Postprocessing of Thresholded Images to Maximize Edge Coincidence

Abstract In many image processing applications, multilevel thresholding is a useful method for obtaining a simplified image that preserves the geometric structures and spatial relationships found in the original grayscale image. One way to ensure that they have been preserved is to ensure that the edges of the original image are maintained in the thresholded image. This paper presents a new method for adjusting the value of each global threshold to maximize the coincidence of the edges of the original and thresholded images. This paper also discusses two new methods to improve the quality of images after thresholding. The result of these algorithms is a final thresholded image that is a very good representation of the properties of the original scene.
Dynamic reconfiguration: Basic building blocks for autonomic computing on IBM pSeries servers

A logical partition in an IBM pSeriesTM symmetric multiprocessor (SMP) system is a subset of the hardware of the SMP that can host an operating system (OS) instance. Dynamic reconfiguration (DR) on these logically partitioned servers enables the movement of hardware resources (such as processors, memory, and I/O slots) from one logical partition to another without requiring reboots. This capability also enables an autonomic agent to monitor usage of the partitions and automatically move hardware resources to a needy OS instance nondisruptively. Today, as SMPs and nonuniform memory access (NUMA) systems become larger and larger, the ability to run several instances of an operating system(s) on a given hardware system, so that each OS instance plus its subsystems scale or perform well, has the advantage of an optimal aggregate performance, which can translate into cost savings for customers. Though static partitioning provides a solution to this overall performance optimization problem, DR enables an improved solution by providing the capability to dynamically move hardware resources to a needy OS instance in a timely fashion to match workload demands. Hence, DR capabilities serve as key building blocks for workload managers to provide self-optimizing and self-configuring features. Besides dynamic resource balancing, DR also enables Dynamic Capacity Upgrade on Demand, and self-healing features such as Dynamic CPU Sparing, a winning solution for users in this age of rapid growth in Web servers on the Internet.
Discourse Connective Argument Identification with Connective Specific Rankers

Automatically identifying the arguments of discourse connectives (e.g., and, because, however) is an important part of modeling discourse structure. Previous work used a single, general classifier for different connectives; however, connectives differ in their distribution and behavior, so conflating them this way loses discriminative power. Here, we show that using models for specific connectives and types of connectives and interpolating them with a general model improves performance. We also describe additional features that provide greater sensitivity to morphological, syntactic, and discourse patterns, and less sensitivity to parse quality. Our best model achieves a 3.6% absolute improvement over the state-of-the-art on identifying both arguments of discourse connectives when using features from gold-standard parses, and a 9.0% improvement when using automatically produced parses.
Acute toxicity of the herbicide bromoxynil to Daphnia magna

The acute toxicities of technical-grade bromoxynil octanoate (BO) and two commercial formulations, Buctril® and Bronate®, to < 24-h-old neonate Daphnia magna (Straus) were determined in soft, hard, and oligosaline water. In addition, effects of life stage, feeding, aging the herbicide, and exposure duration on BO toxicity to daphnids were investigated. Regardless of formulation, life stage, and water quality, BO was found to be extremely to highly toxic to daphnids in standard tests; 48-h EC50 values ranged from 41 to 161 mg/L. Bromoxynil octanoate was the most toxic to neonates in soft water and the least toxic in hard water. The acute toxicities of the three bromoxynil herbicides to a given age group of daphnids were similar within the same water type. Overall, neonates and 7-d-old adults were more sensitive than 14- or 15-d-old adults to each herbicide. Feeding daphnids during the toxicity test significantly decreased BO toxicity compared to not feeding them. Aging BO (as Buctril) in hard water decreased its toxicity, and the rate of deactivation was rapid, with an estimated half-life of biological activity of 13 h. Daphnids immobilized by exposures to toxic BO concentrations for ≤ 6 h recovered their mobility, whereas exposures of 18 and 24 h to BO produced toxic effects in daphnids similar to those exposed for 48 h. These results indicated that standard continuous exposure tests may not adequately predict the acute toxicity of BO to freshwater animals in the field.