cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Osteochondroma of the Zygomatic Arch: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

An osteochondroma, when reported in the maxillofacial region, is a benign neoplasm that involves the skull base, maxillary sinus, zygomatic arch, or mandible. Most commonly, the osteochondroma occurs in the coronoid process and the condyle. One rare subtype of osteochondroma reported in the literature, termed Jacob disease, arises from the coronoid process and interferes with the zygomatic arch. This report describes a unique case of an isolated osteochondroma arising from the zygomatic arch and interfering with the coronoid process, which was treated through surgical excision by an intraoral approach. The literature search indicated that this is 1 among only 9 other reported cases since 1964 in which an osteochondroma arose primarily from the zygomatic arch.
Case report: delayed presentation of postural headache in an adolescent girl after microscopic lumbar discectomy.

Purpose: To discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges presented by an adolescent girl with delayed postural headaches and photophobia that occurred three months after an apparently uncomplicated microscopic lumbar discectomy. Clinical features: A previously healthy girl was admitted to our hospital with a one-week history of an unremitting, frontal-retroorbital postural headache and photophobia. Three months before admission, the patient had undergone a L5-S1 left hemi-laminotomy and foraminotomy with microdiscectomy for excision of a herniated intervertebral disc. Conservative treatment failed to provide symptomatic relief. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging showed enhancement of the pachymeninges, consistent with intracranial hypotension. A chronic cerebrospinal leak was identified by high-resolution computed tomography (CT) my-elography. Epidural blood patches were performed, with and without CT guidance, that provided temporary relief of the patient’s symptoms; however, direct suture plication of the dural tear was eventually required for definitive treatment. Conclusion: This case emphasizes that delayed presentation of dural injury may occur after lumbar surgery and describes the potential therapeutic implications for this unusual complication.
Does Employee Age Moderate the Association Between HR Practices and Organizational Commitment? An Application of SOC Theory to Organizational Behavior

Drawing hypotheses from Selective Optimization with Compensation theory (SOC), we explored the degree to which employee age moderates the relationship between employees’ satisfaction with high-comm...
Comprehensive Design for 6.78 MHz Wireless Power Transfer Systems

The call for higher power and larger spatial freedom has driven the operating frequency of wireless power transfer (WPT) systems into the MHz range. Previous system design methods focus on designing the coils to attain high quality factor while remaining resonant around the working frequency and subsequently designing switching circuit hardware and operating point to minimize the system power loss. This sequential design method over-simplifies the system, neglecting inter-dependencies between system components, which leads to suboptimal designs. This paper presents a system design method that co-optimizes coils, power stages, and circuit operation for maximum overall efficiency, based on accurate models of converters and WPT system. The system model and the importance of co-design are verified by a 6.78 MHz WPT prototype.
The Statistical Saliency Model Can Choose Colors for Items on Maps

We show how a model of visual salience that was originally developed to explain human visual search performance can suggest display design choices that reduce search time for items. The statistical saliency model proposes that the time to find an item on a visual display depends on the similarity between a target item's features and the statistical distribution of display features. In the present study, observers rated the amount of display clutter on a set of MapQuest maps containing colored pushpins. We identified a group of “high-clutter” maps and a group of “low-clutter” maps. Next, we used the statistical saliency model to choose colors for new pushpins placed on those maps. We show that the model's color assignments depend on the colors the display contains. Map designs produced using this method were tested in a visual search experiment. Search time decreased as a pushpin's predicted salience increased. In addition, choosing low salience colors led to slower search times for items on high-clutter displays than for items on low-clutter displays. The method we describe works with real images and does not require any parameter fitting. This study provides evidence that computational models of visual perception have potential as display design tools.
Overview of the Components of Cardiac Metabolism

Metabolism in organs other than the liver and kidneys may play a significant role in how a specific organ responds to chemicals. The heart has metabolic capability for energy production and homeostasis. This homeostatic machinery can also process xenobiotics. Cardiac metabolism includes the expression of numerous organic anion transporters, organic cation transporters, organic carnitine (zwitterion) transporters, and ATP-binding cassette transporters. Expression and distribution of the transporters within the heart may vary, depending on the patient's age, disease, endocrine status, and various other factors. Several cytochrome P450 (P450) enzyme classes have been identified within the heart. The P450 hydroxylases and epoxygenases within the heart produce hydroxyeicosatetraneoic acids and epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, metabolites of arachidonic acid, which are critical in regulating homeostatic processes of the heart. The susceptibility of the cardiac P450 system to induction and inhibition from exogenous materials is an area of expanding knowledge, as are the metabolic processes of glucuronidation and sulfation in the heart. The susceptibility of various transcription factors and signaling pathways of the heart to disruption by xenobiotics is not fully characterized but is an area with implications for disruption of normal postnatal development, as well as modulation of adult cardiac health. There are knowledge gaps in the timelines of physiologic maturation and deterioration of cardiac metabolism. Cross-species characterization of cardiac-specific metabolism is needed for nonclinical work of optimum translational value to predict possible adverse effects, identify sensitive developmental windows for the design and conduct of informative nonclinical and clinical studies, and explore the possibilities of organ-specific therapeutics.
Toward a Reference Architecture for NFV

Network Function Virtualization (NFV) is an emerging technology that has drawn the attention of the industry. NFV aims to transform legacy network infrastructure into virtualized networks. Instead of using dedicated hardware and network equipment NFV relies on virtualized components to deliver service to its users. In order to have a better understanding of how NFV works and how can we enhance its performance and security we must have a good understanding of the underlying architecture of NFV. In this paper, we present a UML class diagram for the NFV architecture, which describes the main entities of NFV. Representing the architecture in a class diagram is the first step toward building a Reference Architecture (RA) for NFV, which is our final objective. A Reference Architecture (RA) is a high-level abstraction of a system that can be useful in the implementation of complex systems. Moreover, we also represented some of the main internal components as a class diagram to understand the communication between these components and other system components that together provide the full system. Finally, we describe in detail some of their use cases.
Iron Deficiency Anemia and Heart Failure Hospitalizations: Insight from National Inpatient Sample Data

Introduction Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a common comorbidity among patients with heart failure (HF). There is ongoing data suggesting the importance of balanced iron homeostasis amongst patients with HF. However, little is known about the clinical impact of IDA in patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Hypothesis The aim of this study was to assess the impact of IDA on HF hospitalizations by HF subtype, i.e. HFpEF and HFrEF. Methods We queried the National Inpatient Sample (NIS), Health Care and Utilization Project (HCUP) database from 2008 to 2014 for patients ≥ 18 years old with a primary discharge diagnosis of HF based on the Clinical Classifications Software code 108. Patients were further stratified to HFpEF using ICD-9 codes 428.3x and HFrEF using ICD-9 codes 428.2x, and 428.4x. IDA was identified using ICD-9 codes 280.1, 280.9, and 280.8. Primary outcome of interest was length of stay (LOS) and total hospital charges by HF subtypes. Secondary outcome was readmission score estimated using Elixhauser-based comorbidities by HF subtypes. Multivariable- adjusted regression models were used to examine the impact of IDA on outcomes. Hospital trend weights were accounted in all models. All analyses were performed using SAS 9.4. Results A total of 1,684,227 patients with primary diagnosis of HFpEF (mean age 76±13, 64% female) and 2,675,477 patients with primary diagnosis of HFrEF (mean age 71±15, 41% female) were identified and included in the study. Prevalence of IDA was significantly higher among patients with HFpEF as compared to HFrEF (6.1 vs. 4.6%, p Conclusions Prevalent IDA is associated with significantly longer hospital stay, higher total hospital charges, and increased likelihood of readmission in both HFpEF and HFrEF patient populations. Parallel clinical results in both HFpEF and HFrEF implicate a potential benefit of addressing IDA in all HF patients regardless of subtype.
A Practical Minimalism Approach to In-pipe Robot Localization

Water pipe leakage is a common and significant problem around the world. In recent years, an increasing amount of effort has been put into developing effective leak detection solutions for water pipes. Among them, the pressure gradient based method developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology excels for its sensitivity in low pressure, small diameter pipes. It can also work in both plastic and metallic pipes. However, in order for leaks detected to be fixed, one must also know the locations of the leaks. In addition, sensing the robot's location via GPS or remote sensors requires greater power and relies on certain ground properties. Thus this paper sets out to localize the robot using only the on board sensors which are an IMU, gyro, and the leak sensors. Through pipe joint measurement and the extended Kalman filter simulations show the tracking error is about 0.5% of the total distance of the robotic inspection. With a minimal number of additional leak sensors added, a complementary method was developed to function in more heavily tuberculated pipes.
Assessment of Thyroid Function in Patients With Alkaptonuria.

Importance Alkaptonuria is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by pathogenic variants in theHGDgene. Deficiency of the HGD enzyme leads to tissue deposition of homogentisic acid (HGA), causing severe osteoarthropathies and cardiac valve degeneration. Although HGD is vital for the catabolism of tyrosine, which provides the basis for thyroid hormone synthesis, the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in alkaptonuria is unknown. Objective To assess thyroid structure and function in patients with alkaptonuria. Design, Setting, and Participants A single-center cohort study was conducted in a tertiary referral center including patients with alkaptonuria followed up for a median of 93 (interquartile range, 48-150) months between February 1, 2000, and December 31, 2018. The alkaptonuria diagnosis was based on clinical presentation and elevated urine HGA levels. A total of 130 patients were considered for participation. Main Outcomes and Measures Prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in adults with alkaptonuria compared with the general population. Thyrotropin and free thyroxine levels were measured by immunoassay and repeated in each patient a median of 3 (interquartile range, 2-22) times. Neck ultrasonographic scans were analyzed in a subset of participants. Logistic regression was used to test the association of thyroid dysfunction with age, sex, thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies, serum tyrosine levels, and urine HGA levels. Results Of the 130 patients, 5 were excluded owing to thyroidectomy as the cause of hypothyroidism. The study cohort consisted of 125 patients; the median age was 45 (interquartile range, 35-51) years. Most of the patients were men (72 [57.6%]). The prevalence of primary hyperthyroidism was 0.8% (1 of 125 patients), similar to 0.5% observed in the general population (difference, 0.003; 95% CI, −0.001 to 0.04;P = .88). The prevalence of primary hypothyroidism was 16.0% (20 of 125 patients), which is significantly higher than 3.7% reported in the general population (difference, 0.12; 95% CI, 0.10-0.24;P Conclusions and Relevance The high prevalence of primary hypothyroidism noted in patients with alkaptonuria in this study suggests that serial screening in this population should be considered and prioritized.
Structure and redox tuning of gas adsorption properties in calixarene-supported Fe(II)-based porous cages

We describe the synthesis of Fe(II)-based octahedral coordination cages supported by calixarene capping ligands. The most porous of these molecular cages has an argon accessible BET surface area of 898 m2 g−1 (1497 m2 g−1 Langmuir). The modular synthesis of molecular cages allows for straightforward substitution of both the bridging carboxylic acid ligands and the calixarene caps to tune material properties. In this context, the adsorption enthalpies of C2/C3 hydrocarbons ranged from −24 to −46 kJ mol−1 at low coverage, where facile structural modifications substantially influence hydrocarbon uptakes. These materials exhibit remarkable stability toward oxidation or decomposition in the presence of air and moisture, but application of a suitable chemical oxidant generates oxidized cages over a controlled range of redox states. This provides an additional handle for tuning the porosity and stability of the Fe cages.
Correction for Theofel et al., "Microorganisms Move a Short Distance into an Almond Orchard from an Adjacent Upwind Poultry Operation".

Volume 86, no. 15, e00573-20, 2020, [https://doi.org/10.1128/AEM.00573-20][1]. This article was published on 20 July 2020 with a standard copyright line (“© 2020 American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.”). The authors elected to pay for open access for the article after
The Relationship Between Corneal Nerve Density and Hemoglobin A1c in Patients With Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes.

Purpose Decreased corneal nerve fiber density and higher corneal epithelial dendritic cells have been reported in established patients with type 2 diabetes; however, alterations in the subbasal nerve plexus in prediabetes with healthy subjects or subjects with diabetes is limited. The study aimed to determine corneal nerve fiber density and morphology and dendritic cell density between healthy subjects and those with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. Methods Fifty-two subjects (aged 30-70 years) were recruited. Blood samples and body metrics were taken. Subjects were grouped as: healthy controls (hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c] 6.4% or physician diagnosis). Central corneal subbasal nerve plexus was imaged using in vivo confocal microscopy. Corneal nerve fiber density and morphology, including interconnections and tortuosity, and dendritic cell density were assessed. Kruskal-Wallis tests were carried out to compare differences in the examined variables between groups. Spearman correlations were carried out to examine the associations between body metrics with HbA1c and corneal findings. Results Seventeen healthy controls, 20 subjects with prediabetes, and 15 subjects with type 2 diabetes completed this study. Central corneal nerve fiber density was significantly lower in type 2 diabetes compared to prediabetes (P = 0.045) and healthy controls (P = 0.001). No differences were found in central corneal nerve fiber interconnections, tortuosity, or dendritic cell density between groups. There was a significant association between HbA1c and corneal nerve fiber density (rho = -0.45, P = 0.001) and body mass index (BMI; rho = -0.30, P = 0.04). Conclusions Increased HbA1c values are associated with decreased corneal nerve fiber density across the spectrum of type 2 diabetes.
Controlled apneic tracheostomy in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Objective: The objective of this study was to develop a team-based institutional infrastructure for navigating management of a novel disease, to determine a safe and effective approach for performing tracheostomies in patients with COVID-19 respiratory failure, and to review outcomes of patients and healthcare personnel following implementation of this approach. Methods: An interdisciplinary Task Force was constructed to develop innovative strategies for management of a novel disease. A single-institution prospective non-randomized cohort study was then conducted on patients with COVID-19 respiratory failure who underwent tracheostomy using an induced bedside apneic technique at a tertiary care academic institution between April 27th, 2020, and June 30th, 2020. Results: 28 patients underwent tracheostomy with induced apnea. The median lowest procedural oxygen saturation was 95%. The median number of ventilated days following tracheostomy was 11. There were 3 mortalities (11%) due to sepsis and multiorgan failure; of 25 surviving patients, 100% were successfully discharged from the hospital and 76% are decannulated, with a median time of 26 days from tracheostomy to decannulation (range 12 - 57). There was no symptomatic disease transmission to healthcare personnel on the COVID-19 Tracheostomy Team. Conclusions: Patients with respiratory failure from COVID-19 disease may benefit from tracheostomy. This can be completed effectively and safely, without viral transmission to healthcare personnel. Performing tracheostomies earlier in the course of disease may expedite patient recovery and improve ICU resource utilization. Creation of a collaborative Task Force is an effective strategic approach for management of novel disease.
Predictive Motion Planning of Vehicles at Intersection Using a New GPR and RRT

This paper addresses the challenge of safe path planning for autonomous vehicles at intersections. Rapidly exploring Random Tree (RRT) as an effective local motion planning methodology has the ability to determine a feasible path. As the number of sampled positions increases, the probability of finding an optimal path increases. However, RRT is usually applied to the static environment due to its delay or lack of efficiency in planning a path to the goal area. In dynamic environments, redundant sampling positions near dynamic obstacles are not effective. Therefore, we proposed a methodology, pRRT, that combines Gaussian Processes Regression (GPR) and RRT to generate a local path to guide the vehicle through the intersection. The procedure includes two phases: prediction and planning. Under prediction, GPR predicts the vehicle’s future trajectory points. The prediction results are combined with destination position (intersection exit) to generate a probability map for sampling such that position sample quality is increased by avoiding redundant samples. The optimal strategy is deployed to guarantee the trajectory is collision-free in both current and future time instances. A combination of both proposed improvements can thus result in a path that is collision-free under the dynamic intersection area. The proposed method also increased the speed of path generation compared to the RRT algorithm.
Teen Fertility and Labor Market Segmentation: Evidence from Madagascar

Women represent the majority of informal sector workers in developing countries, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa where adolescent pregnancy rates are high. Little empirical evidence exists concerning the relationship between teen fertility and the likelihood that a woman will be employed in the informal sector. Using a panel survey in Madagascar designed to capture the transition from adolescence to adulthood, we estimate a multinomial logit model to capture the effect of the timing of first birth on female selection into four categories: non-participation, informal, formal, and student. To address the endogeneity of fertility and labor market outcomes, we instrument the timing of first birth using young women's community-level access, and duration of exposure to family planning. Our results suggest that motherhood increases the probability of employment for young women and that women whose first birth occurs during adolescence largely select into low-quality informal jobs. This effect is partially, but not entirely, mediated by the effect of teen pregnancy on schooling.
A mode-balanced reconfigurable logic gate built in a van der Waals strata

Author(s): Cao, Wei; Chu, Jae Hwan; Parto, Kamyar; Banerjee, Kaustav | Abstract: AbstractTwo-dimensional (2D) semiconducting materials, in particular transition-metal dichalcogenides, have emerged as the preferred channel materials for sub-5 nm field-effect transistors (FETs). However, the lack of practical doping techniques for these materials poses a significant challenge to designing complementary logic gates containing both n- and p-type FETs. Although electrical tuning of the polarity of 2D-FETs can potentially circumvent this problem, such devices suffer from the lack of balanced n- and p-mode transistor performance, forming one of the most enigmatic challenges of the reconfigurable 2D-FET technology. Here we provide a solution to this dilemma by judicious use of van der Waals (vdW) materials consisting of conductors, dielectrics and semiconductors forming a 50 nm thin quantum engineered strata that can guarantee a purely vdW-type interlayer interaction, which faithfully preserves the mid-gap contact design and thereby achieves an intrinsically mode-balanced and fully reconfigurable all-2D logic gate. The intrinsically mode-balanced gate eliminates the need for transistor sizing and allows post-fabrication reconfigurability to the transistor operation mode, simultaneously allowing an ultra-compact footprint and increased circuit functionality, which can be potentially exploited to build more area-efficient and low-cost integrated electronics for the internet of things (IoT) paradigm.
Improving Hydrothermal Stability of Supported Metal Catalysts for Biomass Conversions: A Review

Catalyst stability is one of the greatest challenges faced for the utilization of heterogeneous catalysts in the development of biomass conversion to chemicals and fuels. As many biomass transforma...
Who Looks on the Bright Side? Expectations of Low-Income Parents with a Disruptive Young Child

Low-income parents are more likely to have a child with disruptive behaviors. Furthermore, these parents are likely to struggle with low expectations about the future, which can interfere with treatment response to even the most effective treatments. The purpose of this study was to explore correlates of low-income parents’ expectations, specifically hopelessness and optimism, in families with clinic-referred disruptive young children. Using baseline data from an intervention trial (Jones et al., 2021), we used a multi-informant approach to test whether parenting behaviors, child misbehavior, and parental daily stressors were related to parent hopelessness and optimism. Results based on the Everyday Stress Index indicated that only daily stressors, particularly those related to relationships and responsibilities, were related to parent feelings of hopelessness and optimism. Results were interpreted through transactional and ecological systems theories, particularly the Family Stress Model (Conger & Conger, 2002), as well as a low-income parent’s self-efficacy as a caregiver. Clinical implications are discussed.
Safety evaluation of oliceridine for the management of postoperative moderate-to-severe acute pain.

Opioids for managing postoperative pain are associated with side effects including opioid-induced respiratory depression (OIRD) and gastrointestinal complications. Opioids induce analgesia via G-pr...
Efficacy of Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Programmes: A Review of Research Studies

Reports of the diminished incidence of child sexual abuse (CSA) in North America have been partially explained by the proliferation of CSA prevention programmes. While the extant data demonstrates the efficacy of prevention programmes in enhancing CSA knowledge and protective skills, research findings have not established a causal link between prevention curriculum and a reduction in the occurrence of CSA. As a result, clinicians and researchers alike have made pre-emptive conclusions regarding the rela- tive utility of the voluminous body of evidence on the efficacy of CSA prevention cur- riculum. This review is not intended to identify the prevention programme most likely to result in diminished CSA, but will evaluate the utility of widely utilised prevention curricula using the evaluation framework articulated by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the Center for Disease Control as a benchmark
Building application frameworks: object-oriented foundations of framework design

Object Technology The first experience-based guide to building object-oriented frameworks Building Application Frameworks By providing reusable skeletons on which to build new applications, frameworks can save you countless hours and thousands (even millions) of dollars in development costs. Written and edited by some of the top names in the object-oriented programming world, this is the first complete study of building frameworks. Using examples drawn from successful implementations worldwide, it walks you through all the steps of a framework development project. Providing guidance on all key technical and business issues surrounding framework construction, it covers: Techniques for developing, integrating, and adapting frameworks Leveraging existing design and code Selecting and utilizing frameworks Tracking, controlling, and documenting framework development Maintaining, measuring, and controlling framework quality Training developers in the effective use of frameworks Evaluating frameworks and framework investments
The effect of ampicillin administration on urinary estriol and serum estradiol in the normal pregnant patient.

Abstract Urinary estriol and serum unconjugated estradiol were measured in normal pregnant patients given ampicillin for three days. When comparing the first two control days with the third day of drug administration, it was noted that six out of 18 patients sustained a decrease in urinary estriol greater than 35 per cent. This over-all decrease, however, was not as consistent as has been earlier reported. The administration of ampicillin had no noticeable effect on serum unconjugated estradiol. The etiology and current status of this problem were presented.
The significance of quality of life in health care

This paper compares a traditional biomedical model with an outcomes model for evaluating health care. The traditional model emphasizes diagnosis and disease-specific outcomes. In contrast, the outcomes model emphasizes life expectancy and health-related quality of life. Although the models are similar, they lead to different conclusions with regard to some interventions. For some conditions, diagnosis and treatment may reduce the impact of a particular disease without extending life expectancy or improving quality of life. Older individuals with multiple co-morbidities may not benefit from treatments for a particular disease if competing health problems threaten life or reduce quality of life. In preventive medicine, diagnosis of disease is made more difficult because of ambiguity, uncertainty, lead-time bias, and length bias. In some circumstances, successful diagnosis and treatment may actually reduce life expectancy or overall life quality. Example applications of the outcomes model from clinical policy analysis, individual decision making and shared decision-making are offered. The outcomes model has received little attention in dental health care but may have parallels to applications in other areas of medicine.
A Practical Approach to Teaching Software Reuse

For software reuse to become a reality, the concept of reuse must be presented in a practical context. A practical context must focus on the use of reusable components to develop systems in well understood domains. “Write-only” software libraries will do nothing to accomplish the potential gain of reuse. Generic libraries of components will also provide little gain. This paper discusses a five lesson section covering reuse in a software generation and maintenance course. The course is part of a program designed to educate working professionals in software engineering. The reuse lessons focus on all aspects of reusing software components, from the development of a domain model through to the construction of systems. This paper also describes the homework and project tasks used to reinforce the lesson material.
How People Live and Learn Across Contexts

One of the most contested issues in the social sciences is the question of how people's lives and choices are shaped yet not determined by the institutional, historical, and cultural practices in w...
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) promoters are regulated by the HBV enhancer in a tissue-specific manner.

Abstract The activities of the individual hepatitis B virus (HBV) promoters and the effects of the HBV enhancer on these promoters in several human cell types have been compared by measuring the activity and RNA levels of the linked reporter function chloramphenicol acetyltransferase. The relative promoter activities in the human HepG2 (liver), HeLa, and HS27 (fibroblast) cell lines are in the order precore greater than X greater than preS2 greater than preS1; thus, the promoters of the gene producing the largest quantity of viral proteins have relatively low activity. The juxtaposition of the HBV enhancer in either orientation increased the promoter activities only modestly (2- to 5-fold) in the nonliver cell lines, whereas it dramatically increased (20- to 100-fold) the promoter activities in the liver cell line. Thus, the HBV enhancer is especially active in liver cells. This may be one of the causes of hepatotrophicity of the virus.
Parallel algorithm in image morphology

Summary form only given. A parallel specification has been obtained for the opening and closing operations in image morphology in one and several dimensions. This has been done for the usual image case as well as in the wraparound case. The role of mathematical morphology in determining other multidimensional algorithms has also been identified. For instance, Mellin convolution is easily found by first utilizing the dilation operation. All the algorithms have been expressed using data-flow type diagrams and allow straightforward use of fault-tolerant methods. The unified signal algebra approach to parallel algorithms and architecture design has been used in developing all the procedures reported. It permits the design of data-flow systolic and wavefront array architectures. >
Frequency and Causes of Nonbattle Injuries Air Evacuated from Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, U.S. Army, 2001-2006

Introduction Medical information systems during past military deployments had limited injury surveillance capability as data were not accessible during deployments and did not capture causes of injury. This paper describes nonbattle injury (NBI) results from an ongoing surveillance program that identifies injury occurrences and causes during deployments for Operations Iraqi Freedom (Iraq) and Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan). Methods U.S. Army soldiers medically air evacuated from Iraq (March 2003–December 2006) or Afghanistan (October 2001–December 2006) were identified from air evacuation records that provided demographics, casualty type, diagnosis, and patient history. For NBI cases, the patient history was used to identify and code injury cause, incident circumstances, and body region. Descriptive statistics were used to describe and compare NBIs evacuated from Iraq and Afghanistan. Results In all, 27,563 soldiers in Iraq and 4165 in Afghanistan were air evacuated. NBIs accounted for 35% and 36% of cases, respectively, and were the largest single category of evacuations for both operations. Distributions for leading categories of NBI diagnosis (fracture, inflammation/pain, and dislocation) and body region (back, knee, and wrist/hand) were similar for both operations. Leading NBI causes were the same for both operations—sports/physical training (19%–21%), falls/jumps (18%), and motor vehicle–related incidents (12%–16%)—but the proportion of motor vehicle incidents was higher in Iraq (p Conclusions Routinely collected air evacuation records provided the basis for ongoing injury surveillance for Iraq and Afghanistan. NBI was the largest category of evacuations from both operations. Leading NBI causes were similar to those identified for previous deployments and many should be preventable.
Projection Presaturation. III. Accurate Selective Excitation or Presaturation of the Regions of Tailored Shape in the Presence of Short-T1 Species

Abstract A new method is described which further increases the accuracy of localization by projection presaturation (PP), a technique for multidimensional spatial localization of contoured regions of interest (ROIs), whose shape, size, position, and number can be chosen arbitrarily (J. Magn. Reson.90, 313, 1990). By applying a nonselective radiofrequency inversion pulse after the PP saturation cycle and nulling the residual longitudinal magnetization of the region outside the ROI, the outer-volume signal is suppressed to the "noise" level, thus improving the accuracy of the basic PP localization, even when saturating a large exterior volume of short-T1 species. The ability of the method to perform spatial and spectral localization simultaneously is also described. Alternatively, the single-shot methods for selective saturation (instead of selective excitation) of single or multiple contoured regions at arbitrary positions in an extended volume are presented. In particular, the results of selective excitation and saturation of a region of conformal geometric shape in two and three dimensions in a phantom as well as in vivo (healthy volunteers) are presented to demonstrate the efficacy of the method. Applications of these methods include flow- and motion-artifact suppression in body MRI, accurate conformal localization for in vivo spectroscopy in the presence of chemical shift, outer-volume suppression for resolution or speed enhancement in ultrafast imaging (Magn. Reson. Med.13, 77, 1990; J. Phys. C10, L55, 1977), and spin tagging by selective excitation/saturation of flowing spins for flow studies and angiography.
Direct measurement of spin-lattice relaxation rates for the localized triplet state in molecular crystals; evidence for one- and two-phonon processes☆

Abstract The pulse recovery method is applied to the triplet states of naphthalene, quinoxalene, and tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) in durene and biphenyl host crystals for 1.25°K ⩽ T ⩽ 4.23°K. Temperature dependences of the spin-lattice relaxation rates are characteristic of Raman and direct processes.
Numerical Simulations for Radiation Hydrodynamics

A finite difference scheme is proposed for two-dimensional radiation hydrodynamical equations in the transport limit. The scheme is of Godunov-type, in which the set of time-averaged flux needed in the scheme is calculated through Riemann problems solved. In the scheme, flow signals are explicitly treated, while radiation signals are implicitly treated. Flow fields and radiation fields are updated simultaneously. An iterative approach is proposed to solve the set of nonlinear algebraic equations arising from the implicitness of the scheme. The sweeping method used in the scheme significantly reduces the number of iterations or computer CPU time needed. A new approach to further accelerate the convergence is proposed, which further reduces the number of iterations needed by more than one order. No matter how many cells radiation signals propagate in one time step, only an extremely small number of iterations are needed in the scheme, and each iteration costs only about 0.8 percent of computer CPU time which is needed for one time step of a second order accurate and fully explicit scheme. Two-dimensional problems are treated through a dimensionally split technique. Therefore, iterations for solving the set of algebraic equations are carried out only in each one-dimensional sweep. Through numerical examples it is shown that the scheme keeps the principle advantages of Godunov schemes for flow motion. In the time scale of flow motion numerical results are the same as those obtained from a second order accurate and fully explicit scheme. The acceleration of the convergence proposed in this paper may be directly applied to other hyperbolic systems.
Stoichiometric cerium compounds as scintillators, II. CeP/sub 5/O/sub 14/

For pt.I see NSSMI Conf. Record, Nov., 1991, NM, USA. Results showing the relative importance of several processes which are responsible for the efficiency and speed of a scintillator are presented. Arguments for concentrated materials are presented and illustrated in the case of Ce-pentaphosphate, (CeP/sub 5/O/sub 14/). The low density of this material does not make it a viable scintillator, but its remarkable simplicity and relatively easy technology make it perfect to study basic physical mechanisms of scintillation in concentrated materials. Based on studies of a series of Ce/sub x/La/sub 1-x/P/sub 5/O/sub 14/ crystals, the authors formulate general conclusions relating to the relative importance of the process starting with direct ionization of the emitting centers (Ce/sup 3+/) versus long range gathering of electron-hole pairs. These conclusions provide guidance for optimizing the speed and efficiency of future concentrated scintillators. Some peculiarities of the Ce-pentaphosphate luminescence are reported and interpreted. >
A POSSIBLE MECHANISM FOR ALTERATION OF HUMAN ERECTILE FUNCTION BY DIGOXIN: INHIBITION OF CORPUS CAVERNOSUM SODIUM/POTASSIUM ADENOSINE TRIPHOSPHATASE ACTIVITY

AbstractPurpose: Digoxin use has long been recognized to affect adversely male sexual function but the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. Digoxin is a known inhibitor of sodium/potassium adenosine triphosphatase (sodium pump), a plasma membrane enzyme that has a role in the regulation of smooth muscle tone. We investigated the effects of digoxin on human corpus cavernosum smooth muscle contractility and overall erectile function.Materials and Methods: In human corporeal smooth muscle strips the in vitro effects of digoxin were assessed on sodium pump activity as measured by digoxin inhibitable uptake of86 rubidium, basal tone and endothelium dependent, neurogenic and nitric oxide donor induced relaxation. An in vivo prospective double-blind, placebo controlled, crossover, 4-period investigation was performed in 6 healthy male volunteers. The effects of digoxin on serum hormones, erectile function questionnaire, visual sexual stimulation and nocturnal penile tumescence were recorded.Results: In vit...
Total Synthesis of (±)–Rocaglamide via Oxidation-Initiated Nazarov Cyclization

This article describes the evolution of a Nazarov cyclization-based synthetic strategy targeting the anticancer, antiinflammatory, and insecticidal natural product (±)-rocaglamide. Initial pursuit of a polarized heteroaromatic Nazarov cyclization to construct the congested cyclopentane core revealed an unanticipated electronic bias in the pentadienyl cation. This reactivity was harnessed in a successful second-generation approach using an oxidation-initiated Nazarov cyclization of a heteroaryl alkoxyallene. Full details of these two approaches are given, as well as the characterization of undesired reaction pathways available to the Nazarov cyclization product. A sequence of experiments that led to an understanding of the unexpected reactivity of this key intermediate is described, which culminated in the successful total synthesis of (+)-rocaglamide.
GLC Determination of Probenecid in Biological Fluids

A highly specific and quantitative GLC method for the determination of probenecid in biological fluids is described. The method is adaptable to automation with an automatic sample injector and a peak area integrator. The procedure involves the addition of an internal standard (N-dibutyl analog of probenecid) to plasma or urine samples followed by extraction at pH 1 into benzene. The extracted acids are converted to methyl esters for GLC analysis by reaction with ethereal diazomethane. The sensitivity of the method is such that 250 ng. of material can be detected in 1 ml. of plasma. GLC-mass spectrometry techniques confirmed that the developed method measures the parent drug probenecid.
Alanine aminopeptidase activity and autolysis in the tails of Rana catesbeiana larvae during metamorphosis

Abstract 1. 1. Alanine aminopeptidase activity and autolysis increase concomitantly in tail tissue of Rana catesbeiana tadpoles during metamorphosis. 2. 2. Significant increases first appear at Taylor and Kollros stage XX and coincide with the beginning of tail regression as determined by the tail wt/body wt ratio. 3. 3. The results suggest a role of alanine aminopeptidase in the mechanism of tail resorption.
The acute neuropathic joint.

Etude des modifications radiologiques specifiques, la zone de transition entre l'os resorbe et l'os modifie est tres pointue, evoquant une amputation chirurgicale; cette image est souvent confondue avec celle d'un processus infectieux ou tumoral
Two‐dimensional model for proton exchange membrane fuel cells

A 2-D mathematical model for the entire sandwich of a proton-exchange membrane fuel cell including the gas channels was developed. The self-consistent model for porous media was used for the equations describing transport phenomena in the membrane, catalyst layers, and gas diffusers, while standard equations of Navier-Stokes, energy transport, continuity, and species concentrations are solved in the gas channels. A special handling of the transport equations enabled us to use the same numerical method in the unified domain consisting of the gas channels, gas diffusers, catalyst layers and membrane. It also eliminated the need to prescribe arbitrary or approximate boundary conditions at the interfaces between different parts of the fuel cell sandwich. By solving transport equations, as well as the equations for electrochemical reactions and current density with the membrane phase potential, polarization curves under various operating conditions were obtained. Modeling results compare very well with experimental results from the literature. Oxygen and water vapor mole fraction distributions in the coupled cathode gas channel-gas diffuser were studied for various operating current densities. Liquid water velocity distributions in the membrane and influences of various parameters on the cell performance were also obtained.
Mars: Coming to a Museum Near You!

The recent successful landing of Mars Pathfinder and the arrival of Mars Global Surveyor at its destination have launched a decade of exploration that is changing our understanding of Martian natural history and climate. The public will share in the excitement and discoveries of the renewed Mars exploration through MarsQuest, an outreach effort that includes a traveling museum exhibit, planetarium show, and educational program. MarsQuest's 5000 square foot traveling exhibit will transport visitors to the surface of the Red Planet, where they can experience the spirit and thrill of exploration while learning about the similarities and differences between Earth and Mars. In the planetarium show, audience members will be surrounded with vivid images of Mars. Complimentary education and outreach programs will enlighten the public about key planetary science concepts, such as physical scales, how physical systems interact, planetary formation, planetary climate, and the possibility of life on other planets, with special attention directed toward new results from the suite of NASA missions to Mars.
A model of reversible obstructive jaundice in the rat

A model of reversible, extrahepatic biliary obstruction is described. Vessel loop blockade of the biliary tree results in obstructive jaundice while removal of the exteriorized vessel loop provides internal biliary drainage without subsequent laparotomy. This technique combined with a system for chronic venous infusion and arterial blood sampling in the unrestrained rat is ideal for long-term metabolic studies of obstructive jaundice. Male Fisher 344 rats (275-350 g) underwent either the combined procedure of total biliary tract blockade and vascular access or sham operation. Mean serum bilirubin was significantly elevated (12.7 +/- 8.9 mg/dl) in the experimental group and following relief of biliary obstruction significantly dropped below 1 mg/dl in all animals except one. Concomitant changes in alkaline phosphatase, glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, and glutamate pyruvate transaminase were seen. Experimental and control rats initially lost weight following laparotomy; however, mean body weight stabilized by the 5th postoperative day and was similar in both groups on the 10th postoperative day. This combined procedure is a simple, effective and reproducible method of obstructive jaundice.
Enhancing the piezoelectric performance of PVDF-TrFE thin films using zinc oxide nanoparticles

Structural health monitoring (SHM) is crucial for detecting sudden and progressive damage and for preventing catastrophic structural failure. Piezoelectric materials have been widely adopted for their use as sensors and as actuators. Piezoceramics (such as lead zirconate titanate) offer high piezoelectricity but are mechanically brittle. Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) piezopolymers are conformable to complex structural surfaces but exhibit lower piezoelectricity. So as to achieve a combination of these desirable properties, piezoelectric zinc oxide (ZnO) nanomaterials are proposed for embedment in flexible polymer matrices during fabrication to yield high-performance piezoelectric nanocomposites. The main objective of this research is to characterize the piezoelectricity of nanocomposites formed by embedding ZnO nanoparticles in a PVDF-trifluoroethylene (TrFE) matrix. Film fabrication is performed by dispersing ZnO into a PVDFTrFE solution and then by spin coating the solution onto a rigid substrate. A high electric field is applied to each of the films for poling, and the films' remnant polarization is quantified by measuring their ferroelectric response using a Sawyer-Tower circuit. Graphs of electric field compared to electric displacement can be obtained for determining the films' piezoelectricity. Finally, validation of their sensing performance is achieved by hammer impact testing.
Toll Road Origin-Destination Travel Survey: Internet and Mail-Back Response Analysis and Implications for Future Surveys

Use of the Internet compared with mail-back respondents for an origindestination survey of Central Florida's expressway system users is analyzed. Surveys were distributed by two methods: handing out of surveys to manual-payment and automatic coin machine (ACM) users, and mailing out of surveys to automatic vehicle identification (E-Pass) users. Data collection was primarily by prepaid business reply mail or by Internet. The survey achieved an overall response rate of 12.7 percent: 7.5 percent for manual and ACM users and 20.6 percent for E-Pass users. About 2.5 percent of these responses were made by the Internet. Although Internet response was not specifically requested, the web address was printed on the survey form, and analysis showed that this response method has great potential. The quality and completeness of the responses received via the Internet were much better than those of the responses received by mail; that is, there were fewer nonresponses to items, and they required on average only 6.7 mi...