cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intimate Responsivity as Essence-Calling-Path-Fruition: Eco(psycho)logical Ethics Via Zen Buddhist Phenomenology

Working hermeneutically with classic Zen Buddhist texts and with corresponding events of daily existence, this chapter explores the suffering generated by humans living as if separate from the rest of nature. Further, it works to cultivate an alternative ethical/relational sensibility growing from and actualized as sensitive, aware, embodied contact with others: two-legged, four-legged, winged, rooted, and otherwise. This approach—nondual (non-separate) yet inherently interreponsive—aspires to sponsor a more convivial, mutually enhancing relationship between humankind and all the other beings and presences of earth. Readers are encouraged to experiment with the following invitation, to play with and test it conceptually and (especially) experientially: What if we welcomed intimate participatory responsivity as our shared essence, calling, path, and fruition? Phenomenological, contemplative, and theoretical perspectives from Buddhist psychology serve as textual and practical supports for this inquiry: for example, “interdependent co-arising,” “no (separate) self,” nature’s “sutras,” “the bodhisattva vow,” and others. The revelatory teachings of thirteenth-century Zen master Eihei Dogen play a key role. The views and spirit of Western phenomenology imbue the present work, while remaining mostly in the background. Joining with allies in this anthology and beyond, this chapter contributes to an evolving, interdisciplinary, eco-psycho-cultural therapy. This continuous practice is devoted to fostering well-being with and for all our relations in the shared earth community.
Utilizing resource importance for ranking semantic web query results

To realize the vision of the Semantic Web, effective techniques of Information Retrieval need to be developed. Ranking the results of a search is one of the main challenges of an Information Retrieval system. In this paper we present a technique for ranking the results of a Semantic Web query. The ranking is based on various factors including the Semantic Web resource importance. We have modified a World-wide Web link analysis technique that has been effectively used to identify important Web pages to calculate the importance of Semantic Web resources. Our ranking technique has been utilized for ranking the query results of a Biomedical Patent Semantic Web.
Metastases to the breast from nonbreast solid neoplasms: presentation and determinants of survival.

BACKGROUND. Metastasis to the breast is rare, but it must be considered in the differential diagnosis of a breast mass. The purpose of this study was to identify clinical characteristics and outcomes associated with this entity to identify determinants of survival. METHODS. Between 1983 and 1998, 169 patients were confirmed by pathology to have metastasis to the breast from nonbreast solid organ primary tumors at University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for clinicopathological characteristics. Survival was determined by Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS. The median age was 51 years (range, 13–85). One hundred forty-nine (88.2%) patients had a prior history of cancer. Ninety-one (53.9%) patients presented with additional systemic metastases. The most common histology identified was melanoma (65 patients, 38.5%). In most patients (77%), the diagnosis was initially made through physical examination. The median survival from the time the breast metastasis was diagnosed was 10 months (range, 0.4–192.7). On univariate analysis, a significantly better survival was observed in patients who had no evidence of other disease at the time of diagnosis (P = .0036), patients with neuroendocrine tumors (P = .023), and patients who underwent surgical resection for breast metastases (P = .0001). On multivariate analysis, patients who did not have surgery were 88% more likely to die than those who did (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS. Expected survival with metastasis to the breast is poor, therefore, local therapy should be tailored to each individual. The association between overall survival and surgical resection of metastases to the breast should be further investigated. Cancer 2007; 110:731–7. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
African American Women's Reports of Racism during Hurricane Katrina: Variation by Interviewer Race.

This study investigated the effects of interviewer race on low-income African American female hurricane survivors’ reports of racism during Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath (N = 41). Respondents were asked directly about the role of racism during the storm and evacuation by one of three interviewers (two White females and one African American female). Contrary to expectations, respondents were not significantly more likely to agree that racism played a role during the hurricane and its aftermath when with an African American interviewer compared to a White interviewer. However, when speaking to the White interviewers versus the African American interviewer, respondents were significantly more likely to use qualifying and contradictory statements and to make references to other races also being victims of the hurricane.
Active duplicate detection with bayesian nonparametric models

When multiple databases are merged, an essential step is identifying sets of records that refer to the same entity. Called duplicate detection , this task is typically tedious to perform manually, and so a variety of automated methods have been developed for partitioning a collection of records into coreference sets. This task is complicated by ambiguous or noisy field values, so systems are typically domain-specific and often fitted to a representative labeled training corpus. Once fitted, such systems can estimate a partition of a similar corpus without human intervention. While this approach has many applications, it is often infeasible to encode the appropriate domain knowledge a priori or to identify suitable training data. To address such cases, this thesis uses an active framework for duplicate detection, wherein the system initially estimates a partition of a test corpus without training, but is then allowed to query a human user about the coreference labeling of a portion of the corpus. The responses to these queries are used to guide the system in producing improved partition estimates and further queries of interest. This thesis describes a complete implementation of this framework with three technical contributions: a domain-independent Bayesian model expressing the relationship between the unobserved partition and the observed field values of a set of database records; a criterion for picking informative queries based on the mutual information between the response and the unobserved partition; and an algorithm for estimating a minimum-error partition under a Bayesian model through a reduction to the well-studied problem of correlation clustering. It also present experimental results demonstrating the effectiveness of this method in a variety of data domains. (Copies available exclusively from MIT Libraries, Rm. 14-0551, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307. Ph. 617-253-5668; Fax 617-253-1690.)
Defining the Deal: Legislative Bargaining and the Chevron Decision

Call it logrolling, compromise, or serving the public interest, legislative bargaining has recently received renewed attention from political theorists. The decision handed down by the Supreme Court in Chevron U.S.A., Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, 467 U.S. 837 (1984), has probably intensified this interest. Under the two-part test described in Chevron, federal courts must defer to administrative agencies as long as the agency decisions are not inconsistent with the intent of Congress.2 Recent work by Eskridge and Ferejohn illustrates the ongoing effort to model legislative bargaining.3 The authors characterize the bargaining pro-
The Iduronidase-Deficient Mucopolysaccharidoses: Clinical and Roentgenographic Features

Hurler and Scheie syndromes, two of the six clinically distinct mucopolysaccharidoses, are deficient in the same lysosomal enzyme, alpha-L-iduronidase. A third group of iduronidase-deficient patients can now be identified during the pediatric years using clinical and radiographic criteria. Based on inferential evidence for allelism between the Hurler and Scheie genes, the occurrence of genetic compounds which simultaneously carry both mutant alleles may be predicted to occur. This can be considered analogous to the structural gene mutations leading to hemoglobin SC disease. Four patients with phenotypes intermediate between Hurler and Scheie syndromes are flet to represent genetic compounds of this type. Both clinical and roentgenographic features are helpful in distinguishing these patients from those with Hurler syndrome or Scheie syndrome. Fibroblast correction characteristics identical to those of Hurler syndrome and Scheie syndrome and absence of consanguinity are additional features which favor classification as genetic compounds. The possibility of a third mutant allele at the Hurler-Scheie locus or of extreme phenotype variation are not considered likely alternative explantations. Depending on the frequency of the Scheie syndrome and the Hurler syndrome, genetic compounds may occur with an intermediate frequency or may be more common than either homozygous condition.
No Vacancy: How Beneficial Microbes Cooperate with Immunity To Provide Colonization Resistance to Pathogens

The mammalian intestine harbors a community of trillions of microbes, collectively known as the gut microbiota, which coevolved with the host in a mutually beneficial relationship. Among the numerous gut microbial species, certain commensal bacteria are known to provide health benefits to the host when administered in adequate amounts and, as such, are labeled "probiotics." We review some of the mechanisms by which probiotics and other beneficial commensals provide colonization resistance to pathogens. The battle for similar nutrients and the bacterial secretion of antimicrobials provide a direct means of competition between beneficial and harmful microbes. Beneficial microbes can also indirectly diminish pathogen colonization by stimulating the development of innate and adaptive immunity, as well as the function of the mucosal barrier. Altogether, we gather and present evidence that beneficial microbes cooperate with host immunity in an effort to shut out pathogens.
Towards early detection of cervical cancer: Fractal dimension of AFM images of human cervical epithelial cells at different stages of progression to cancer

We used AFM HarmoniX modality to analyse the surface of individual human cervical epithelial cells at three stages of progression to cancer, normal, immortal (pre-malignant) and carcinoma cells. Primary cells from 6 normal strains, 6 cancer, and 6 immortalized lines (derived by plasmid DNA-HPV-16 transfection of cells from 6 healthy individuals) were tested. This cell model allowed for good control of the cell phenotype down to the single cell level, which is impractical to attain in clinical screening tests (ex-vivo). AFM maps of physical (nonspecific) adhesion are collected on fixed dried cells. We show that a surface parameter called fractal dimension can be used to segregate normal from both immortal pre-malignant and malignant cells with sensitivity and specificity of more than 99%. The reported method of analysis can be directly applied to cells collected in liquid cytology screening tests and identified as abnormal with regular optical methods to increase sensitivity.
Orientation selectivity, preference, and continuity in monkey striate cortex

Maps of orientation preference and selectivity, inferred from differential images of orientation (Blasdel, 1992), reveal linear organizations in patches, 0.5-1.0 mm across, where orientation selectivities are high, and where preferred orientations rotate linearly along one axis while remaining constant along the other. Most of these linear zones lie between the centers of adjacent ocular dominance columns, with their short iso-orientation slabs oriented perpendicular, in regions enjoying the greatest binocular overlap. These two-dimensional linear zones are segregated by one- and zero-dimensional discontinuities that are particularly abundant in the centers of ocular dominance columns, and that are also correlated with cytochrome oxidase-rich zones within them. Discontinuities smaller than 90 degrees extend in one dimension, as fractures, while discontinuities greater than 90 degrees are confined to points, in the form of singularities, that are generated when orientation preferences rotate continuously through +/- 180 degrees along circular paths. The continuous rotations through 180 degrees imply that direction preferences are not organized laterally in striate cortex. And they also ensure that preferences for all orientations converge at each singularity, with perpendicular orientations represented uniquely close together on opposite sides. The periodic interspersing of linear zones and singularities suggests that orientation preferences are organized by at least two competing schemes. They are optimized for linearity, along with selectivity and binocularity, in the linear zones, and they are optimized for density near singularities. Since upper-layer neurons are likely to have similarly sized dendritic fields in all regions (Lund and Yoshioka, 1991), those in the linear zones should receive precise information about narrowly constrained orientations, while those near singularities should receive coarse information about all orientations--very different inputs that suggest different perceptual functions.
Sibling visitation: how far should the pendulum swing?

Abstract This study describes development of early interaction between siblings. Subjects ( N = 22) were the older siblings (30 to 52 months) of healthy new babies. Data were collected to describe initial contact, regressive behaviors, and extent and quality of sibling interaction at 3 weeks, 5 months, and 7 months. Patterns of visualization, touch, and communication were observed. There was no evidence of sibling regressive behavior. Behaviors were more positive than negative and older siblings were in proximity for initiation of interaction by the new baby at 5 and 7 months. Findings indicate positive sibling relationships may be the norm rather than the exception.
What is the long-term survival of impaction allografting of the femur?

Revision hip surgery of the femur for patients with substantial bone loss is challenging. We previously reported 41 patients (44 hips) treated with femoral impaction grafting followed for a minimum of 2 years. The survivorship, using femoral reoperation for symptomatic aseptic loosening as the end point, was 97% at 8 years. However, data on longer term survival are crucial to adequately compare this surgical technique with other types of revision hip arthroplasty procedures. We therefore asked what the survivorship of impaction bone grafting was at longer followup, if the severity of bone loss was associated with failure, and finally, if longer length stems had improved survival compared with shorter stems. Between 1993 and 2002, 78 femoral revisions were performed in 71 patients using impaction grafting. The average age of the patients was 67 years (range, 33–84 years). Sixty-nine of the 71 patients were available for followup evaluation. We obtained Harris hip scores preoperatively and postoperatively. Radiographs were measured for radiolucent lines. Patients were followed a minimum of 2 years (average, 10.6 years; range, 2–19 years). Survival of the femoral component without revision for any cause was 93% (confidence interval [CI], 83%–97%) and for aseptic loosening was 98% (CI, 87%–100%) at 19 years. Neither severity of bone loss nor the length of the stem predicted failure. Impaction bone grafting has a high survival of 93% at the 19-year followup for patients with severe bone loss of their femur. Level IV, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Multiple Reflections on Pulse Signal Transmission Lines-Model for Computer Solution

A mathematical model for multiple reflections on lossless, distortionless signal transmission lines is developed for step changes in voltage or current at the source. The model is quite general and is valid for a source driving either one or two lines each loaded with an arbitrary number of discontinuities at arbitrary distances. It will give an exact solution for discontinuities and terminations which are purely resistive and allows for resistances of any size, none of which need be alike. Although an exact solution is valid only when the capacitances are negligible, a method is presented which will partially compensate for a capacitively distorted wave if the capacitive-characteristic resistance time constant is reasonably small compared to the transit time of the line. Considerations for digital computer simulation of the mathematical model are discussed and several examples including open backplane wiring comparing actual and computer results are given. The model and simulation are especially useful for lines which are not terminated in the characteristic impedance at the source or load end and also where modification of the model can be made to investigate reactive and nonlinear terminations.
Formation of painful seroma and edema after the use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 in posterolateral lumbar spine fusions.

Background The use of bone morphogenetic proteins for fusion augmentation in spine surgery has increased dramatically in recent years. Information is continually emerging regarding the effectiveness and safety profile of these compounds. Objective We have noted an increased incidence in sterile seroma formation and painful edema after the use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) for posterolateral lumbar fusion. We present a retrospective review to determine the incidence of seroma formation and to discuss its clinical implications. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the operative reports of patients who underwent posterolateral lumbar fusion with the addition of rhBMP-2. We identified all patients who required surgical exploration of a postoperative sterile seroma. Results Of the 130 patients who underwent posterolateral lumbar fusion with rhBMP-2, 6 (4.6%) were returned to the operating room for exploration of a sterile seroma. The total amount of rhBMP-2 delivered to the posterolateral space per patient was 2.1 to 14.7 mg (mean, 8.4 mg per patient). The patients were returned to the operating room 5 to 13 days (mean, 7.7 days) after their initial surgery, and infection was ruled out in all cases by intraoperative cultures. Conclusion There seems to be an increased incidence of formation of sterile seroma and painful edema in the lumbar region after posterolateral fusion with rhBMP-2. This report, along with other series highlighting the potential complications of bone morphogenetic proteins, suggests that more caution should be used when these compounds are used. Further studies are required to better define the risks and benefits of using bone morphogenetic proteins for spine surgery.
The effect of point defects on the amorphization of metallic alloys during ion implantation

Abstract A theoretical model of radiation-induced amorphization of ordered intermetallic compounds is developed The mechanism is proposed to be the buildup of lattice defects to very high concentrations, which destabilizes the crystalline structure. Because simple point defects do not normally reach such levels during irradiation, a new defect complex containing a vacancy and an interstitial is hypothesized. Crucial properties of the complex are that the interstitial sees a local chemical environment similar to that of an atom in the ordered lattice, that the formation of the complex prevents mutual recombination and that the complex is immobile. The evolution of a disorder based on complexes is not accompanied by like-point-defect aggregation. The latter leads to the development of a sink microstructure in alloys that do not become amorphous. For electron irradiation, the complexes form by diffusional encounters. For ion irradiation, complexes are also formed directly in cascades. The possibility of direct amorphization in cascades is also included. Calculations for the compound NiTi show reasonable agreement with measured amorphization kinetics.
Alternative Equation of Meshing for Worm-Gear Drives and Its Application to Determining Undercutting and Reverse Engineering

An alternative equation of meshing for worm-gear drives is proposed. This equation has advantage over the commonly used equation of meshing when it is used to study the undercutting phenomenon, to perform reverse engineering and to find the meshing area of worm-gear drives. From the new alternative equation, the equations of the boundaries of the three-dimensional meshing area and the limiting line on the worm surface that distinguishes the non-undercut area and the undercut area are derived.
Male-related chemical cues promote sexual receptivity in the female musk shrew

The role of conspecific chemical cues in the activation of sexual behavior was investigated in the female musk shrew (Suncus murinus). In Experiment 1, virgin female musk shrews were exposed to either clean cages or cages recently vacated by an adult male. Regardless of whether the male used for the sexual behavior test was “familiar” to the female (having spent the 24 h exposure in his vacant cage) or “unfamiliar,” females exposed to male-related cues received mounts from males significantly sooner than females exposed to clean cages. In Experiment 2, females housed for 24 h in a cage soiled by an adult male allowed males to mount significantly sooner than females housed in a cage soiled by a castrated male, another female, or a clean cage. These results demonstrate that chemical cues, produced exclusively by adult males, promote sexual receptivity in female musk shrews.
The Journal of the Future Is Here Today

Scientific publishing has undergone a complete transformation in the last two decades. While the process of peer review may differ little from what it was during the last 50 years, electronic indexing, electronic access, and now electronic submission of scientific manuscripts has transformed the surgical journal in the last decade. In fact, the editorial office of the journal has contracted to a workstation, a fax machine, a telephone, and a storage locker for the aging paper records.
Buddy: Focus Group Research on the Perceived Influence of Messages in Urban Music on the Health Beliefs and Behaviors of African American Undergraduate Females

In this study the author uses the Health Belief Model to explore the perceived influence of urban music lyrics (i.e., Musiq Soulchild's, Buddy) on the sexual health beliefs and behaviors of African American female undergraduate students. Research documents the potential influence of television viewing (i.e., media images), including music videos, upon the beliefs and sexual behaviors of African American youth (Watkins, 2000; Wingood et al., 2003). However, limited, if any, published research moves beyond the images and specifically examines the influence of listening to lyrics, and the sexual beliefs and behavior of youth (Martino et al., 2006). Using data gathered from 28 participants via focus groups, the researcher explored the perceptions of this at-risk population. The findings support a disturbing trend of casual sex in noncommitted relationships, both in music lyrics and the beliefs and behaviors of focus group participants.
Generalized fractal‐based laws for scattering from planetary surfaces: A unifying scale‐explicit paradigm

[1] Fractal-based scattering laws, when used to fit radar observations, provide an estimate for surface root-mean-square (RMS) slope that is explicit in its scale dependence. Furthermore, fractal-based laws outperform, in a minimum residual sense, the widely used Hagfors' and Gaussian laws, which they subsume as special cases when their Hurst exponent parameter, H, takes the values 1/2 and 1, respectively. The use of a fixed, scale-independent value for H restricts the modeling capacity of the fractal-based laws. Allowing H to be a function of the horizontal scale R leads to a generalized scattering law that unifies the fractal-based laws with fixed H and the conventional Hagfors, Gaussian, and exponential laws. A new procedure employing the generalized fractal-based laws is applied to Magellan altimetry data for the surface of Venus at 12.6 cm −λ. Near-nadir Magellan backscatter data are modeled using a linear combination of two conventional scattering laws in order to obtain statistically significant fits. The Hankel transform is used to obtain a scale-explicit interpretation that gives the surface RMS slope as a function of horizontal scale. An analysis of the scattering integral gives insights into the range of scales which are effective in the scattering process and for which the RMS slope estimate can be considered reliable.
Changes in mitochondrial bioenergetics in the brain versus spinal cord become more apparent with age

The cell is known to be the most basic unit of life. However, this basic unit of life is dependent on the proper function of many intracellular organelles to thrive. One specific organelle that has vast implications on the overall health of the cell and cellular viability is the mitochondrion. These cellular power plants generate the energy currency necessary for cells to maintain homeostasis and function properly. Additionally, when mitochondria become dysfunctional, they can orchestrate the cell to undergo cell-death. Therefore, it is important to understand what insults can lead to mitochondrial dysfunction in order to promote cell health and increase cellular viability. After years of research, is has become increasingly accepted that age has a negative effect on mitochondrial bioenergetics. In support of this, we have found decreased mitochondrial bioenergetics with increased age in Sprague-Dawley rats. Within this same study we found a 200 to 600% increase in ROS production in old rats compared to young rats. Additionally, the extent of mitochondrial dysfunction and ROS production seems to be spatially defined affecting the spinal cord to a greater extent than certain regions of the brain. These tissue specific differences in mitochondrial function may be the reason why certain regions of the Central Nervous System, CNS, are disproportionately affected by aging and may play a pivotal role in specific age-related neurodegenerative diseases like Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, ALS.
On the existence of Si–C double bonded graphene-like layers

Upon analyzing an earlier experimental study by density-functional theory we have shown that graphene-like SiC layers can exist. We found that, for a particular stacking sequence, SiC double bond was responsible for the much larger interlayer distances observed in synthesized multi-walled SiC nanotubes. The Si/C ratios in SiC layers determine the extent of interlayer distances and bonding nature. It has been also shown that for some intermediate ratios of Si:C and/or with other stacking sequences, a collapse of SiC layers to tetrahedrally bonded system is possible. We have argued that these synthesized SiC double-bonded multi-wall silicon-carbide nanotubes may provide a pathway for future realization of SiC graphene-like materials.
The structure and function of G-protein-coupled receptors

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) mediate most of our physiological responses to hormones, neurotransmitters and environmental stimulants, and so have great potential as therapeutic targets for a broad spectrum of diseases. They are also fascinating molecules from the perspective of membrane-protein structure and biology. Great progress has been made over the past three decades in understanding diverse GPCRs, from pharmacology to functional characterization in vivo. Recent high-resolution structural studies have provided insights into the molecular mechanisms of GPCR activation and constitutive activity.
Structure of a cation-bound multidrug and toxic compound extrusion transporter

Transporter proteins from the MATE (multidrug and toxic compound extrusion) family are involved in metabolite transport in plants and in multidrug resistance in bacteria and mammals. MATE transporters were the only remaining class of multidrug resistance transporter whose structure was not known. The X-ray structure of a prototypical MATE protein, NorM from Vibrio cholerae, has now been determined to 3.65 A resolution, revealing a protein topology distinct from other membrane-protein structures solved to date. The structure is in an 'outward-facing' conformation, with a cation-binding site in close proximity to residues previously deemed critical for transport. Transporter proteins from the MATE (multidrug and toxic compound extrusion) family are involved in metabolite transport in plants, and in multiple-drug resistance in bacteria and mammals. Here, the X-ray crystal structure of a MATE transporter from Vibrio cholerae is reported. The structure is in an outward-facing conformation, and reveals a cation-binding site near to residues previously deemed essential for transport. Transporter proteins from the MATE (multidrug and toxic compound extrusion)1 family are vital in metabolite transport in plants2,3, directly affecting crop yields worldwide4. MATE transporters also mediate multiple-drug resistance (MDR) in bacteria and mammals5, modulating the efficacy of many pharmaceutical drugs used in the treatment of a variety of diseases6,7,8,9. MATE transporters couple substrate transport to electrochemical gradients and are the only remaining class of MDR transporters whose structure has not been determined10. Here we report the X-ray structure of the MATE transporter NorM from Vibrio cholerae determined to 3.65 A, revealing an outward-facing conformation with two portals open to the outer leaflet of the membrane and a unique topology of the predicted 12 transmembrane helices distinct from any other known MDR transporter. We also report a cation-binding site in close proximity to residues previously deemed critical for transport11. This conformation probably represents a stage of the transport cycle with high affinity for monovalent cations and low affinity for substrates.
Spatially Resolved Spectroscopy and Coronagraphic Imaging of the TW Hydrae Circumstellar Disk

We present the first spatially resolved spectrum of scattered light from the TW Hydrae protoplanetary disk. This nearly face-on disk is optically thick, surrounding a classical T Tauri star in the nearby 10 Myr old TW Hya association. The spectrum was taken with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) STIS CCD, providing resolution R ~ 360 over the wavelength range 5250-10300 A. Spatially resolved spectroscopy of circumstellar disks is difficult because of the high contrast ratio between the bright star and faint disk. Our novel observations provide optical spectra of scattered light from the disk between 40 and 155 AU from the star. The scattered light has the same color as the star (gray scattering) at all radii except the innermost region. This likely indicates that the scattering dust grains are larger than about 1 μm all the way out to large radii. From the spectroscopic data, we also obtained radial profiles of the integrated disk brightness at two position angles, over almost the same region as previously observed in HST WFPC2 and NICMOS coronagraphic images (35 to 173 AU from the star). The profiles have the same shape as the earlier ones, but show a small azimuthal asymmetry in the disk not previously noted. Our STIS broadband coronagraphic images of TW Hya confirm the reality of this asymmetry, and show that the disk surface brightness inside 140 AU has a sinusoidal dependence on azimuthal angle. The maximum brightness occurs at a position angle of 2336 ± 57 east of north. This might be caused by the combination of forward scattering and an increase in inclination in the inner region of the disk, suggesting that the TW Hya disk has a warp like that seen in the β Pictoris debris disk.
A Note on the Connection Between the Primal-Dual and the A* Algorithm

The primal-dual algorithm for linear programming is very effective for solving network flow problems. For the method to work, an initial feasible solution to the dual is required. In this article, we show that, for the shortest path problem in a positively weighted graph equipped with a consistent heuristic function, the primal-dual algorithm will become the well-known A* algorithm if a special initial feasible solution to the dual is chosen. We also show how the improvements of the dual objective are related to the A* iterations.
An ontological framework for clarifying flexibility-related terminology via literature survey

Despite its ubiquity in the systems engineering literature, flexibility remains an ambiguous concept. There exist a multitude of definitions, which vary not only by domain, but within domains as well. Furthermore, these definitions often conflict with one another, making it difficult to discern the intended meaning in a given study or to form generalizations across studies. Complicating matters, there is a plethora of related terminology that is often used carelessly and/or inter-changeably with flexibility. In this paper, we employ a novel ontological framework for clarifying salient aspects of extant flexibility-related terminology. While it was not possible to distill consensus definitions from the literature, we did identify certain dominant characteristics that enabled us to formulate a set of democratic definitions for flexibility, adaptability, and robustness, as well as recommended definitions for agility and versatility. We believe that the proposed definitions of these key system design principles may provide a baseline for improving analysis and communication among systems engineering practitioners and academics. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 16:
1,4-Acylation reactions by allylic cuprates in the presence of carbon monoxide

Abstract Exposure of higher order mixed allylic cyanocuprates to an atmosphere of CO at low temperatures followed by an enone leads to products of 1,4-acylation which contain the unit “allyl-CO”.
Insertions of nitriles and pyridine into the ZrSi bond of (η5-C5H5)(η5-C5Me5)Zr[Si(SiMe3)3]Me

Abstract The zirconium silyl complex CpCp ★ Zr[Si(SiMe 3 ) 3 ]Me ( 1 ; Cp = η 5 -C 5 H 5 ; Cp ★ = η 5 -C 5 Me 5 ) reacts with nitriles RCN (R = Me, CHCH 2 , Ph) to form the azomethine derivatives CpCp ★ Zr[NC(R)Si(SiMe 3 ) 3 ]Me ( 2 , R = Me; 3 , R = CHCH 2 ; 4 , R = Ph). Pyridine reacts with 1 to give a 75% yield of CpCp ★ Zr[NC 5 H 5 Si(SiMe 3 ) 3 ]Me ( 5 ), which results from 1,2-addition of the ZrSi bond of 1 to pyridine. These reactions provide the first examples of nitrile and pyridine insertions into a transition metal-silicon bond. The related silyl complexes Cp 2 Zr[Si(SiMe 3 ) 3 ]Me and CpCp ★ Zr[Si(SiMe 3 ) 3 ]Cl are much less reactive toward nitriles and pyridine.
User interface services in AD/Cycle

Significant progress has been made in the effort to separate programmers from the management of data storage. By comparison, the window of a workstation is still managed and controlled in great detail by the typical programmer. In AD/Cycle™ user interface services defined a set of services that assist in the management of the displays on the workstation. These services also help increase the productivity of the tool builder by enforcing Common User Access rules and guidelines, and raise the level of consistency of user displays of the tools in AD/Cycle.
Experimental evaluation of a bovine pericardium-derived collagen matrix buttress in ileocolic and colon anastomoses.

Background: Anastomotic leakage is a major complication of colorectal surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare stapled ileocolic and colon-colon anastomoses with or without a collagen buttress derived from bovine pericardium in the immediate postoperative period. Methods: Various stapling devices were used to create ileocolic and colon-colon anastomoses in a canine model. Ileocolic anastomoses were created by simulating two different techniques: “open” and “laparoscopic”. Colon-colon anastomoses were created by using a double-stapled technique. A total of 27 colon anastomoses (13 left colon-colon, 8 right “laparoscopic”, and 6 right “open”) were created. Anastomoses buttressed with bovine pericardium (n = 15) were compared to anastomoses without any reinforcement (n = 12). Staple lines were evaluated 4 hours after operation. Evaluation included bursting pressure and bursting location. Results: No stapler device malfunction occurred. Excision rings were complete in all colon-colon anastomoses. All non-buttressed anastomoses burst at the staple line, whereas with buttressed anastomoses the adjacent intestine burst (p = 0.0001). The intestinal bursting pressure of bowel segments with buttressed staple lines (mean, 362 mmHg) was significantly higher than the bursting pressure of non-buttressed staple lines (mean, 204 mmHg, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: The use of a collagen matrix buttress derived from bovine pericardium in stapled ileocolic and colon-colon anastomoses was safe. Buttressed anastomoses showed greater bursting strength as compared to non-buttressed anastomoses in the immediate postoperative period in a canine model. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010
Prevalence of urinary tract infection and vesicoureteral reflux in children with lower urinary tract dysfunction.

Purpose: Lower urinary tract dysfunction is a common pediatric urological problem that is often associated with urinary tract infection. We determined the prevalence of a urinary tract infection history in children with lower urinary tract dysfunction and its association, if any, with gender, bowel dysfunction, vesicoureteral reflux and specific lower urinary tract conditions.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of children diagnosed with and treated for lower urinary tract dysfunction, noting a history of urinary tract infection with or without fever, gender, bowel dysfunction and vesicoureteral reflux in association with specific lower urinary tract conditions.Results: Of the 257 boys and 366 girls with a mean age of 9.1 years 207 (33%) had a urinary tract infection history, including 88 with at least 1 febrile infection. A total of 64 patients underwent voiding cystourethrogram/videourodynamics, which revealed reflux in 44 (69%). In 119 of the 207 patients all infections were a...
Consideration for primary angioplasty: impact on the door-to-drug time in AMI patients ultimately treated with thrombolytic agent.

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine if consideration for percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) delays administration of thrombolytic therapy in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients. Retrospective medical record review of patients ultimately diagnosed with AMI who presented to the ED with chest pain and ST segment elevation on the electrocardiogram; these patients also received acute reperfusion therapy (PTCA or thrombolytic agent). AMI was diagnosed by abnormal elevations in the creatinine phosphokinase MB fraction. The study period covered 2 years (July 1, 1994 to June 30, 1996) in a university hospital ED with an annual volume of 60,000 patient-visits. The use of reperfusion therapies, time intervals, and times of presentation were recorded. Patients were divided into two groups based on cardiac catheterization laboratory (CATH) availability: (group I, CATH currently in operation, Monday to Friday, 7 am to 7 pm and group II, CATH currently not in-operation, all other times). Fifty-two patients with AMI met entry criteria. Patients were treated with thrombolytic therapy in 25 cases; PTCA in 27 cases. Patients received thrombolytic agents within statistically equivalent time intervals regardless of the period of presentation; time to thrombolytic therapy for group I patients was 38 ± 16 minutes compared with 36 ± 26 minutes for group II patients ( P =.891). A trend toward significance was noted in the use of PTCA compared with thrombolytic agent; Group I patients were more often treated with PTCA (19) compared with group II patients (11, P =.067). Patients were more rapidly treated with PTCA during CATH operation; the mean time to PTCA for group I patients was 73.5 minutes compared with PTCA for group II patients with 107.8 minutes ( P =.033). The consideration for PTCA did not significantly delay the administration of thrombolytic therapy at the study site institution. PTCA was initiated more rapidly in patients presenting with AMI during hours of CATH operation. (Am J Emerg Med 2001;19:15-18. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company)
Effect of shallow traps on scintillation

The paper establishes the mathematical connection between the process of scintillation in Ce-doped materials and their thermoluminescence. A set of kinetic equations describes the competing processes of radiative recombination and trapping by a single trap. The more general case of second-order kinetics is simplified to first order, allowing an analytic solution. Second-order kinetics is also solved numerically without such simplification and both are successfully applied to explain the temperature dependence of the scintillation light output on temperature, in the range where glow peaks occur. The order of the kinetics predicts rather different shapes of decay, but are difficult to distinguish experimentally.
Vicarious living: Pliocene menardellids between an isthmus and an ice sheet

Biostratigraphic and isotopic studies of planktic foraminifera suggest that early to middle Pliocene closure of the Central American Seaway caused vicariant speciation among previously cosmopolitan menardellid foraminifera. New morphospecies were restricted to the tropical Atlantic. Isotopic data suggest that newly evolved Atlantic menardellids were adapted to more oligotrophic conditions, living higher in the water column than ancestral forms and perhaps harboring photosymbionts. In the late Pliocene, all but one menardellid morphospecies became extinct. These extinctions coincided with a progressive increase in the amplitude of periodic climatic change and the end of isolated tropical Atlantic surface circulation as Northern Hemisphere glaciation intensified.
The lived experience of US parents of children with autism spectrum disorders: a systematic review and meta-synthesis

Current US statistics indicate that 1 in 68 children is diagnosed with an autistic spectrum disorder (Centers for Disease Control (2014) Prevalence of autism spectrum disorder among children aged 8 years-autism and developmental disabilities monitoring network, 11 Sites, United States, 2010. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR)). The lived experience of parents with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder is important to know since quantitative studies have indicated that higher rates of mental disorders exist in this population as compared to parents of typically developing children (Yirmiya and Shaked (2005) Psychiatric disorders in parents of children with autism: a meta-analysis. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry 46: 69-83). This study was a meta-synthesis of the qualitative literature in this area embedded within a systematic review. A comprehensive search and review yielded 14 studies. A total of six major themes were identified: (a) emotional stress and strain; (b) adaptation; (c) impact on the family; (d) services; (e) stigmatization; and (f) appreciating the little things. Implications of these results are discussed.
Successive discrimination reversal (SDR) performances of Chukars, Ringneck doves and Greater Hill Mynas as a function of correction as opposed to non-correction procedures

The performances of Chukars, Ringneck doves and Greater Hill mynas on successive discrimination reversals were studied under conditions of correction and non-correction. Correction procedures significantly elevated the error scores of the doves and mynas, but did not affect Chukar scores.
Quantitative computational screening of Pd-based intermetallic membranes for hydrogen separation

Abstract One of the most important processes in producing high purity hydrogen is separating hydrogen from a mixture of gas streams. This work looks at intermetallics, stoichiometric compounds of two or more metals, as prospective membranes for these applications. We describe a systematic computational screening approach based on calculation of key properties like solubility, diffusivity and permeability of hydrogen through these materials using quantitatively accurate Density Functional Theory calculations. Solubility was used as a screening parameter and solubility data has been calculated for 78 Pd-based binary intermetallics. Permeability calculations were performed for the shortlisted candidates. After systematically examining all Pd-based intermetallics, no material was found to have higher hydrogen permeability than pure Pd. To investigate the potential influence of hydrogen on the stability of metastable phases, we examined a number of metastable structures of Pd 3 Mn. Two metastable Pd 3 Mn phases are stabilized in the presence of hydrogen, but these phases are predicted to have low permeability. We also explored whether an empirical relationship could be found to rapidly predict H solubility in intermetallics using a QSPR approach. Unfortunately, the values calculated using this empirical approach cannot be used to make useful predictions.
Why physicians favor use of percutaneous coronary intervention to medical therapy: a focus group study.

BACKGROUND Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is performed in many patients with stable coronary artery disease, despite evidence of little clinical benefit over optimal medical therapy.
Inhibition of calcium transport in sarcoplasmic reticulum after modification of highly reactive amino groups.

Abstract Partial labeling of the amino groups of sarcoplasmic reticulum with a complex of fluorescamine with cycloheptaamylose in the presence of ATP results in marked inhibition of Ca 2+ transport without affecting the enzyme phosphorylation or the Ca 2+ -ATPase activity. Fast labeling, which parallels the time course of inhibition of Ca 2+ transport, takes place into phosphatidylethanolamine; a slower labeling of the Ca 2+ -ATPase polypeptide was observed. Vesicles in which mainly phosphatidylethanolamine has reacted with the label retain their impermeability barrier to Ca 2+ , as judged by Ca 2+ efflux measurements and by the stimulation of Ca 2+ -ATPase activity produced by the ionophore A23187. These results suggest that modification of fast-reacting amino groups interferes specifically with the calcium translocation reaction.
Estimating Total Error in Locating Radiotelemetry Transmitters by Homing in a Riverine Environment

ABSTRACT When estimating fish position via radiotelemetry, the final deviation of a recorded fish location from its actual location (total error) is influenced by two separate types of error—locating error and mapping error. Although locating error is increasingly addressed in radiotelemetry studies, quantification of total error is much less common. We describe an anchor design useful for positioning test transmitters in a riverine environment where high discharge is capable of repositioning test transmitters. Further, we quantify and contrast total error when test transmitters are located by homing and their position recorded using two types of global positioning system (GPS) receivers. Directional error was not uniform; instead, it was biased in a northerly direction. We attribute this northerly bias to inaccuracy when mapping the original placement of transmitters. Median distance error was approximately 4 m. No significant difference in distance error between test transmitters or GPS receiver type wa...