cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Novel Quantitative Measure of Breast Curvature Based on Catenary

Quantitative, objective measurements of breast curvature computed from clinical photographs could be used to investigate factors that impact reconstruction and facilitate surgical planning. This paper introduces a novel quantitative measure of breast curvature based on catenary. A catenary curve is used to approximate the overall curvature of the breast contour, and the curvature measure is extracted from the catenary curve. The catenary curve was verified by comparing its length, the area enclosed by the curve, and the curvature measure from the catenary curve to those from manual tracings of the breast contour. The evaluation of the proposed analysis employed untreated and postoperative clinical photographs of women who were undergoing tissue expander/implant (TE/Implant) reconstruction. Logistic regression models were developed to distinguish between the curvature of breasts undergoing TE/Implant reconstruction and that of untreated breasts based on the curvature measure and patient variables (age and body mass index). The relationships between the curvature measures of untreated breasts and patient variables were also investigated. The catenary curve approximates breast curvature reliably. The curvature measure contains useful information for quantifying the curvature differences between breasts undergoing TE/Implant reconstruction and untreated breasts, and identifying the effect of patient variables on the breast shape.
J32 The Impact Of Cag Repeat Length In The Huntingtin Gene On Childhood Normal Brain Structure And Function

Background Simple sequence repeats such as CAG trinucleotide repeats in the huntingtin gene (HTT) are regarded as a source which provides normal variation in the genetic trait they are associated with. The current study examines the influence of CAG repeat length on structural and functional modification of the normal brain. Methods Standardised measures of behaviour, motor and executive function, as well as MRI scans were obtained from 56 children (ages 6–18 years). All of the participants came from HD families, however, were tested (for research purposes only) to have CAG repeats within the normal range. The relationship between CAG repeat length and quantitative measures of brain structure and function were determined with linear regression models. Results Children with longer CAG repeats, yet still below disease threshold, showed 1) fewer problematic behaviours and lower incidence of behavioural/psychiatric diagnosis; 2) superior fine motor skill and 3) superior visuo-spatial skills and executive function (verbal fluency). In regard to brain morphology, increasing CAG repeats were associated with volume of the striatum and cerebellum, 2 key brain regions governing both motor and behavioural functions. Conclusions The results suggest that increase in CAG repeat length within the normal range mediates advantageous changes of structure and function of the brain. Larger CAG repeats may sculpt a neural circuit in which the cerebellum and striatum are optimised for maximal motor, behavioural, cognitive function.
Chromatographic Detection of Trimetoquinol (Inolin®) and its Major Urinary Metabolites in the Horse: A Preliminary Report

Trimetoquinol (TMQ) (1-(3’,4’,5’-trimethoxybenzyl)-6,7-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline, m.w. 345) is the prototype tetrahydroisoquinoline pharmaceutical. TMQ is marketed as a bronchodilator in human medicine; in horse racing, TMQ is listed as an Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) class 3 foreign substance. As such, TMQ is considered to have the potential to affect racing performance in horses, and a validated qualitative confirmatory method is required to regulate its use in racing. We selected 8 μg kg−1 of TMQ IV as a safe and effective dose for studies on its metabolism and analytical detection in horses. We developed a solid phase extraction method for recovery of TMQ and its metabolites from equine urine, identified suitable high performance liquid chromatographic conditions for these substances and our internal standard, papaverine, and developed a highly sensitive ESI(+)-LC-MS-MS method (estimated LOD, 100 pg mL−1) for TMQ and its major metabolites in equine urine. Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) analysis of unhydrolyzed post-administration urine showed small amounts of unchanged TMQ, along with glucuronide, methylated, and sulfated metabolites, with glucuronide metabolites predominating. Following glucuronidase hydrolysis, recovered parent TMQ peaked at relatively high concentrations (>300 ng mL−1) within 1 h of administration and thereafter declined. The methylated metabolites of TMQ peaked later and at comparable total concentrations, and thereafter declined more slowly. These data suggest that glucuronide hydrolysis of post-administration urine samples will allow recovery of readily identifiable quantities of parent TMQ. These findings, combined with the highly sensitive LC-MS-MS detection of parent TMQ described herein suggest that glucuronide hydrolysis of post-administration urine, followed by LC-MS-MS or other analysis, will allow effective regulatory control of this agent in racing horses.
3-D shape perception.

In this paper, we analyze and test three theories of 3-D shape perception: (1) Helmholtzian theory, which assumes that perception of the shape of an object involves reconstructing Euclidean structure of the object (up to size scaling) from the object’s retinal image after taking into account the object’s orientation relative to the observer, (2) Gibsonian theory, which assumes that shape perception involves invariants (projective or affine) computed directly from the object’s retinal image, and (3) perspective invariants theory, which assumes that shape perception involves a new kind of invariants of perspective transformation. Predictions of these three theories were tested in four experiments. In the first experiment, we showed that reliable discrimination between a perspective and nonperspective image of a random polygon is possible even when information only about the contour of the image is present. In the second experiment, we showed that discrimination performance did not benefit from the presence of a textured surface, providing information about the 3-D orientation of the polygon, and that the subjects could not reliably discriminate between the 3-D orientation of the textured surface and that of a shape. In the third experiment, we compared discrimination for solid shapes that either had flat contours (cuboids) or did not have visible flat contours (cylinders). The discrimination was very reliable in the case of cuboids but not in the case of cylinders. In the fourth experiment, we tested the effectiveness of planar motion in perception of distances and showed that the discrimination threshold was large and similar to thresholds when other cues to 3-D orientation were used. All these results support perspective invariants as a model of 3-D shape perception.
Cancer preventive effects of flavonoids—a review

A cancer protective effect from plant-derived foods has been found with uncommon consistency in epidemiologic studies. However, it has been difficult to identify specific components responsible for this effect. Many phytochemicals have been shown to be biologically active and they may interact to protect against cancer. In recent years, experimental studies have provided growing evidence for the beneficial action of flavonoids on multiple cancer-related biological pathways (carcinogen bioactivation, cell-signaling, cell cycle regulation, angiogenesis, oxidative stress, inflammation). Although the epidemiologic data on flavonoids and cancer are still limited and conflicting, some protective associations have been suggested for flavonoid-rich foods (soy and premenopausal breast cancer; green tea and stomach cancer; onion and lung cancer). This review focuses on the biological effects of the main flavonoids, as well as the epidemiologic evidence that support their potential cancer protective properties.
Movement and deposition of two organophosphorus pesticides within a residence after interior and exterior applications.

ABSTRACT Post-application temporal and spatial distributions of two organophosphorus pesticides, diazinon (O,O-diethyl O-[6-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)-4-pyrimidinyl] phosphorothioate, CAS No. 333-41-5) and chlorpyrifos [O,O-diethyl-O-(2-isopropyl-6-methyl-4-pyrimidinyl) phosphorothioate, CAS No. 2921-88-2], were monitored after homeowner applications for indoor and outdoor insect control. Samples of indoor air, vacuumable carpet dust, carpet dislodgeable residues, deposits on bare floors, table tops and dinnerware, surrogate food, and residues on children's hands and toys were taken before and up to 12 days after treatments in the family room, kitchen, and child's bedroom. Results from the study demonstrate the nature and magnitude of translocation of pesticides from the areas of application to surfaces accessible for human contact and permit comparisons of potential exposures via respiration and dermal contact/oral ingestion. Potential indoor inhalation exposures were estimated to be as high as 0.5 ^g/kg/d...
Long-term outcome for the surgical treatment of infective endocarditis with a focus on intravenous drug users

Background We reviewed our experience with surgical procedures for infective endocarditis (IE) in order to evaluate modern outcomes and objectively examine our institutional preferences, including the use of bioprostheses in intravenous drug users (IVDUs) regardless of age and prompt surgical intervention in patients with either septic cerebral emboli or active infection. Methods Review of medical records was conducted from February 1999 to November 2010. The Social Security Death Index was used to determine death from any cause in the postoperative period. Hospital records were used to identify infectious complications, recurrent endocarditis, and reoperation. Results Sixty-four patients were identified as IVDUs and 133 patients as non-IVDUs. Survival at 30 days, 1 year, 5 years, and 10 years for IVDUs and non-IVDUs was 91.2% versus 93.6%, 77.5% versus 83.0%, 46.7% versus 71.1%, and 41.1% versus 52.0%, respectively. Cox regression analysis identified intravenous drug use as an independent risk factor for diminished survival ( p = 0.03), although not for reoperation (p = 0.95) despite 95.3% of IVDUs receiving bioprostheses versus 73.7% of non-IVDUs (p = 0.0002, Fisher's exact test). Forty-three patients were identified as having preoperative septic cerebral emboli; none had a perioperative hemorrhagic event. Active infection approached significance as an independent risk factor for the composite end point of recurrent IE and perioperative infection (odds ratio 2.8; 95% confidence interval, 0.777 to 10.9 ; p = 0.12, Fisher's exact test). Conclusions Bioprostheses are reasonable for IVDUs undergoing valve replacement for IE regardless of age. Prompt surgical intervention in the setting of septic cerebral emboli is justified; in the setting of active infection it is less clear.
Performance and Stability of LaSr2Fe2CrO9-δ-Based Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Anodes in Hydrogen and Carbon Monoxide

Composite solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) anodes consisting of LaSr2Fe2CrO3-δ (LSFeCr) and Gd0.1Ce0.9O2-δ (GDC) were evaluated during operation on H2 ,H 2O-Ar-H2, CO, and CO-H2 mixtures. Impedance spectroscopy studies showed three different electrode processes that varied in importance with temperature and fuel composition. The primary impedance response peaked at ∼ 2H z and followed a similar dependence on H2 partial pressure in both H2-H2O-Ar and H2–CO mixtures. The total anode polarization resistance at 800◦C increased by a factor of ∼2 on going from pure H2 fuel to pure CO.
PARTISAN DEFECTIONS AND SENATE REELECTIONS

It has been suggested that differences in voter recognition of candidates may cause variations in partisan defection rates, which could account for chamber differences in reelection rates. This defection hypothesis is tested here using survey data from 1956-1980. The rates at which party identifiers defect from their party's Senate and House nominees are compared. Although the pattern for all Senate races parallels that for all House races, there have been differences in the anticipated direction since 1970. Defection patterns in recent Senate elections have not, however, been less pro-incumbent, which is what the high proportion of defeats among incumbent senators would lead us to expect.
Chemical coal cleaning using selective oxidation

The primary objective of this study is to investigate the removal of both mineral and organic sulfur from Illinois coals using low temperature selective oxidation. This overall objective is to develop new methods for either physical/chemical or physical/microbial cleaning of Illinois coal. Innovative approaches to achieve deep cleaned products, containing both ash and sulfur contents less than 0.5 percent, will be considered. Experiments focus on developing cost-effective methods for the removal of organic sulfur and finely disseminated mineral impurities, especially fine pyrite particles, from coal. Rates and mechanisms for organic sulfur removal will be studied. Chemical reagent recycling and/or reagent wastes will be studied. Chemical reagent recycling and/or reagent wastes handling are included. Bench scale studies are performed.
5.1: Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode Panel using Organic Thin-Film Transistors

By using organic thin-film transistors with pentacene as the active organic layer, active matrix organic light emitting diode panel has been developed. The number of pixels in the panel is 8 × 8, and each pixel is driven by switching and driving transistors. We confirmed 16 gray scales representation by means of an analog driving method.
Testing of crystallization inhibitors in industrial LiBr solutions

Abstract Concentrated lithium bromide (LiBr) solutions are used in absorption heat pumps for heating and cooling buildings. To increase the Carnot efficiency of heat pumps, it is necessary to decrease the lowest temperature of the cycle while keeping the high concnentration LiBr solution from freezing. By adding the appropriate additive, the crystallization temperature can be decreased to allow the enlargement of the operating range. As an attempt to test the behavior of several organophosphorous additives within industrial LiBr solutions, the freezing points of unused and used industrials solutions in the presence of these additives have been measured. The temperature stability of the tested additives has also been determined.
B-rep object description from multiple range views

We present a system which computes an integrated description of an object from multiple range images. The object description is in the form of B-rep (boundary representation), which has not been achieved by the computer vision community. To do so, we emphasize the inherent difficulties and ambiguities in the low to mid level vision, and present novel techniques of resolving them. In this system, each view of the object is represented as an attributed graph, where nodes correspond to the surfaces (vertices) and links represent the relationship between surfaces. The main issue in surface extraction is contour closure, which is formulated as a dynamic network. The underlying principle for this network is weak smoothness and geometric cohesion, and is modeled as the interaction between long and short term variables. Long term variables represent the initial boundary grouping computed from the low level surface features, and short term variables represent the competing hypotheses that cooperate with the long term variables. The matching problem involves matching visible surfaces and vertices, and provides the necessary basis for volumetric reconstruction from multiple views. The matching strategy is a two step process, where in each step uses the Hopfield network. At each step, we specify a set of local, adjacency and global constraints, and define an appropriate energy function to be minimized. At the first level of this hierarchy, surface patches are matched and the rigidity transformation is computed. At the second level, the mapping is refined by matching the corresponding vertices, and the transformation is verified. The multiple-view reconstruction consists of two steps. First, we build a composite graph that contains the bounding surfaces and their corresponding attributes, and then intersect these surfaces so that the edges and vertices corresponding to the B-rep description are identified. We present results on objects with planar, as well as quadratically-curved, surfaces.
HOME MONITORING DECREASES SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME (SIDS) IN HIGH-RISK PRETERM INFANTS. 1669

Between January 1990 & June 1995, 1141 preterm infants (24-36 weeks gestation) on home monitors were followed in our Neonatology High-Risk Clinic. Infants had been referred because of 1) persistence of clinical apneas (A) and bradycardias (B) prior to discharge, 2) need for home oxygen, Caffeine or Aminophylline therapy, or 3) positive pre-discharge screen for A/B by event monitor or overnight multichannel oxipneumocardiogram.
Preliminary studies on the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly face recognition challenge problem

Face recognition has made significant advances over the last twenty years. State-of-the-art algorithms push the performance envelope to near perfect recognition rates on many face databases. Recently, the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (GBU) face challenge problem has been introduced to focus on hard aspects of face recognition from still frontal images. In this paper, we introduce the CohortLDA baseline algorithm, which is an Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) algorithm with color spaces and cohort normalization. CohortLDA greatly outperforms some well known face recognition algorithms on the GBU challenge problem. The GBU protocol includes rules for creating training sets. We investigate the effect on performance of violating the rules for creating training sets. This analysis shows that violating the GBU protocol can substantially over estimate performance on the GBU challenge problem.
Mechanistic Studies of Reactions of Peroxodiiron(III) Intermediates in T201 Variants of Toluene/o-Xylene Monooxygenase Hydroxylase

Site-directed mutagenesis studies of a strictly conserved T201 residue in the active site of toluene/o-xylene monooxygenase hydroxylase (ToMOH) revealed that a single mutation can facilitate kinetic isolation of two distinctive peroxodiiron(III) species, designated T201peroxo and ToMOHperoxo, during dioxygen activation. Previously, we characterized both oxygenated intermediates by UV–vis and Mossbauer spectroscopy, proposed structures from DFT and QM/MM computational studies, and elucidated chemical steps involved in dioxygen activation through the kinetic studies of T201peroxo formation. In this study, we investigate the kinetics of T201peroxo decay to explore the reaction mechanism of the oxygenated intermediates following O2 activation. The decay rates of T201peroxo were monitored in the absence and presence of external (phenol) or internal (tryptophan residue in an I100W variant) substrates under pre-steady-state conditions. Three possible reaction models for the formation and decay of T201peroxo were...
Performance Evaluation of an Autonomous Adaptive Base Station that Supports Multiple Wireless Network Systems

Various wireless systems are being developed to meet users' needs, and the rapid increase in frequency demand that accompanies the increasing popularity of wireless services means that more effective use of frequency resources is urgently needed. However, existing base stations are making no effort to use frequency resources effectively, and cooperation among wireless system base stations is needed to use frequency resources more effectively. Base stations can cooperate more efficiently if they are able to use multiple channels of many wireless systems simultaneously. We propose an autonomous adaptive base station (AABS) that can switch among various wireless systems the way software defined radio (SDR) base stations do. AABS can autonomously select and use the most suitable wireless system on the basis of user traffic and its hardware resources. Moreover, frequency resources are used effectively because AABS prevents unnecessary radio wave transmission when the number of users in the wireless systems decreases. AABS is also suitable for “multi-link communication” because it can use multiple channels of multiple wireless systems simultaneously. We developed AABS prototype and evaluated its performance. Our experimental and computer simulation results show the performance of AABS and its efficiency.
Maximum likelihood regression methods for paired binary data

We discuss maximum likelihood methods for analysing binary responses measured at two times, such as in a cross-over design. We construct a 2 × 2 table for each individual with cell probabilities corresponding to the cross-classification of the responses at the two times; the underlying likelihood for each individual is multinomial with four cells. The three dimensional parameter space of the multinomial distribution is completely specified by the two marginal probabilities of success of the 2 × 2 table and an association parameter between the binary responses at the two times. We examine a logistic model for the marginal probabilities of the 2 × 2 table for individual i; the association parameters we consider are either the correlation coefficient, the odds ratio or the relative risk. Simulations show that the parameter estimates for the logistic regression model for the marginal probabilities are not very sensitive to the parameters used to describe the association between the binary responses at the two times. Thus, we suggest choosing the measure of association for ease of interpretation.
Human papillomaviruses and centrosome duplication errors: modeling the origins of genomic instability

The majority of human cancers are genomically unstable, often with gains or losses of whole chromosomes. In high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated cervical neoplasia, the two HPV-encoded oncoproteins E6 and E7 have been implicated in mitotic infidelity by their ability to induce centrosome-related mitotic disturbances. However, the mechanisms by which HPV E6 and E7 subvert centrosome homeostasis are strikingly different. Whereas the E7 oncoprotein rapidly drives centrosome duplication errors in cells that appear phenotypically normal, expression of the HPV E6 oncoprotein results in an accumulation of supernumerary centrosomes in multinucleated cells. The primary centrosome duplication defect in HPV E7 expressing cells may be linked to the ability of E7 to disrupt regulatory nodes that govern both the host cell division cycle machinery and the initiation of centrosome duplication. Most importantly, the E7 oncoprotein has been shown to dysregulate cdk2 activity, a major determinant for the initiation of centrosome duplication. HPV-induced centrosome abnormalities, multipolar mitoses, and aneuploidy often occur at early stages during cervical carcinogenesis and increase with malignant conversion. These findings suggest that HPV oncoprotein-induced chromosomal instability increases the risk for genetic changes that may ultimately facilitate carcinogenic progression.
Down-regulation of Factor IXa in the Factor Xase Complex by Protein Z-dependent Protease Inhibitor *

Abstract Protein Z-dependent protease inhibitor (ZPI) is a serpin inhibitor of coagulation factor (F) Xa dependent on protein Z, Ca2+, and phospholipids. In new studies, ZPI inhibited FIXa in the FXase complex. Since this observation could merely represent inhibition of the FXa product whose activity was measured, inhibition of FIXa was investigated five ways. 1) FXase incubation mixtures with/without ZPI/protein Z were diluted in EDTA; FXa activity was measured after reversal of its inhibition. 2) FXase incubation mixtures were immunoblotted for FXa product. 3) FX activation peptide region was 3H-labeled; release of 3H was used to measure FXase activity. 4) Activity was monitored in a FIXa-based clotting assay. 5) FIXa amidolytic activity was measured. In all cases, FIXa was inhibited by subphysiologic levels of ZPI. Unlike inhibition of FXa, inhibition of FIXa did not strictly require protein Z. Low concentrations of FVIIIa increased the efficiency of ZPI inhibition of FIXa; FVIIIa in molar excess was not protective of FIXa unless FIXa/FVIIIa interacted prior to ZPI exposure. Unusual time courses were observed for inhibition of both FIXa in the FXase complex and FXa in the prothrombinase complex. Activity loss stabilized in <100 s at a level dependent on ZPI concentration, suggesting equilibrium interactions rather than typical covalent serpin-protease interactions. Surface plasmon resonance binding experiments revealed binding and dissociation of ZPI/FIXa with of 9-12 nm, similar to the concentration of ZPI needed for 50% inhibition. ZPI may be an unusual physiologic regulator of both the intrinsic FXase and the prothrombinase complexes.
Super crystal structures of octahedral c-In2O3 nanocrystals.

The three-dimensional self-assembly of a nanocrystal superlattice, i.e., a super crystal, has attracted increasing attention. The small building blocks for assemblies are usually spherical nanocrystals. Recent progress indicates that it is possible to achieve a super crystal using cubic nanocrystals. We further analyze and describe two-dimensional and some three-dimensional assemblies of uniform cubic-phase In2O3 nanocrystals with an octahedral shape. In this article, we demonstrate our amazing observations on these kinds of super crystals (or superlattices) as a model system, report their scale in at least tens of microns, and show other interesting features such as steps, terraces, kinks, and vacancies which are similar to those from a single crystal. Based on electron microscopy observations, three types of well-defined octahedral nanocrystal packed structures in such super crystal systems are also identified. The investigation of octahedral super crystal systems provides an alternate direction in rese...
Regulation of the T-Independent Humoral Response by TACI

TACI is a TNFR homolog expressed by mature B lymphocytes that has been implicated in the positive regulation of B cell growth and antibody production, as well as in the development of autoimmune disease. Its biology is complex due to the existence of two ligands, BLyS and APRIL, and a homologous receptor, BCMA, that similarly binds both ligands. To determine its critical biological role, we generated TACI knockout mice. Surprisingly, these mice demonstrated a 2-fold increase in numbers of circulating and splenic B cells, apparently due to increased proliferation rate. Maturation of B cells and T-dependent antibody production was normal, but responses to T-independent type II antigens were almost completely abolished. It appears that TACI provides an essential costimulatory signal for the T-independent humoral response.
The vibrational spectra of propynoic acid and sodium propynoate

Abstract The vibrational spectra of propynoic acid and sodium propynoate are reported. These include both the infrared and Raman spectra in the region 4000-100 cm −1 . Partial spectra of the deuterium-substituted compounds are also reported. The fundamental frequencies have been assigned in both compounds.
The Political Origins of African Military Coups: Ethnic Competition, Military Centrality, and the Struggle over the Postcolonial State

Military interventions are strategic in understanding “who gets what, when, and how” in postcolonial Africa. Building on past structural explanations of African coups, we examine two waves of military interventions and different types of coup events, as well as the coup intensity index, the traditional focus of analysis. We find strong support for military centrality and theories of ethnic plurality and competition. There is little evidence of a participation “overload” or of the “social unrest” produced by economic dependency. The early independence coups were rooted in ethnic plurality and competition plus strong militaries; those in the 1970s were rooted in ethnic political competition. Plots had a strong ethnic basis, attempts were facilitated by multipartyism and mobilization levels, and successful seizures by strong militaries. Domestic conflicts played only a small role, and lagging growth, although destabilizing, could not be explained by dependency. Future work should focus on ethnic struggles inside the military as well as civilian governments, the political institutions that regulate these power struggles, and the prospects for an elite settlement that would regularize political competition, eliminating irregular means for acquiring power.
Quantized singularities in the gravitational field

The Cabibbo-Ferrari derivation of the Dirac charge quantization condition in electromagnetism is extended to the gravitational field. This is accomplished by use of the pathdependent formalism pioneered by Mandelstam. As a result, we find that the Bianchi identity generalizes to include a quantized, singular source term for the dual Riemann tensor. Under reasonable assumptions, this source term is proportional to the divergence of the energy-momentum tensor, leading to a quantized violation of local energy conservation. Specifically, it is found that the magnitude of the time rate of appearance of three-momentum in any volume of three-space must be an integer multiple of 3c4/2G. Some physical aspects of this energy nonconservation are briefly considered.
The Reagan administration and health information: A summary of trends

A partir de l'exemple de l'information medicale, les tendances actuelles de la politique de production et de diffusion des informations scientifiques et techniques des Etats-Unis, au niveau gouvernemental, sont decrites de facon critique. Des indications sont donnees pour l'amelioration des reseaux de diffusion de l'information
Emotional Fear of Crime vs. Perceived Safety and Risk: Implications for Measuring “Fear” and Testing the Broken Windows Thesis

Despite being a widely researched topic, there is a lack of consensus across studies in how fear of crime is measured. Scholars have often used perceived safety or risk as proxies for fear of crime, without acknowledging that these may be distinct constructs (which warrant their own study), and thus may not be adequate measures of emotional fear of crime. The current study examines the prevalence, frequency, and magnitude of “fear” estimated by a measure of emotional fear compared to measures of perceived safety and risk. In addition to comparing these measures, and providing a replication of work that to date has only been conducted in the UK, the current study specifically explores the implications of using different proxies of fear of crime for testing the broken windows thesis.
Concept analysis: self-monitoring in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Abstract Background The term self-monitoring is often used in the literature on type 2 diabetes mellitus management. The term is generally used to refer to patients measuring their blood glucose levels with a glucose meter. However, for patients with diabetes mellitus to effectively manage their disease they need to effectively monitor and respond to a much broader set of signs and symptoms than blood glucose levels only. Patient's awareness of this wider set of diabetes manifestations, as well as their ability to interpret and respond to those manifestations, is influenced by subjective life experiences and individual cultural contexts. Aim The aim of this paper is to delineate, clarify and redefine the concept of self-monitoring in type 2 diabetes mellitus from a broad perspective which includes consideration of patients' subjective experience and cultural contexts. Method Rodgers Evolutionary Method was used to delineate and clarify the "concept" of self-monitoring in type 2 diabetes mellitus. The PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews databases were searched for the years 2002–2007, limited to published English literature involving humans. Results Self-monitoring in type 2 diabetes mellitus was composed of three attributes: (1) awareness of (2) interpretation of, and (3) response to a patient's particular manifestations of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Cultural influences on these three attributes were discussed. Conclusions Considering a patient's subjective life experiences and individual cultural contexts may be important to have a more comprehensive picture of self-monitoring in type 2 diabetes mellitus. This concept analysis will be useful for researchers and health care providers seeking to understand the role patients' individual circumstances play within processes of self-monitoring of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Factors controlling 13C contents of sedimentary organic compounds: Principles and evidence

The carbon isotopic composition of any naturally synthesized organic compound depends on (1) the carbon source utilized, (2) isotope effects associated with assimilation of carbon by the producing organism, (3) isotope effects associated with metabolism and biosynthesis, and (4) cellular carbon budgets. These factors are reviewed and quantitative considerations summarized, particularly with regard to active and passive modes of carbon assimilation by phytoplankton and the existence of discernible regularities in isotope effects associated with lipid biosynthesis. It is concluded that n-alkyl lipids are in general depleted in 13C by about 1.5‰ relative to polyisoprenoid lipids produced by the same organism. The effects of biological reworking on isotopic compositions of organic carbon are examined and it is suggested that enrichment of 13C in sedimentary organic carbon may result from loss of CH4 from zooplanktonic gut communities. Isotopic methods for estimation of ancient CO2 levels are considered and a hyperbolic form favored for the relationship between concentrations of dissolved CO2 and isotopic fractionation.
CONSUMER SATISFACTION AND LOCAL REDRESS ALTERNATIVES

Local consumer protection agencies have proliferated in the United States in the last decade. Attention is given to the need for maximizing the efficiency and effectiveness of these systems in order to better serve the consumer. The overall objective of this study is the assessment of the effectiveness of two major systems of consumer redress, the Better Business Bureau and the Small Claims Court. The study documents the nature of the formal third party consumer complaint system at the local level with empirical data from the two major consumer redress systems in a large, eastern, metropolitan area of the United States. Significant differences are found in the complaint characteristics and the redress probabilities of the two systems. Significant differences in consumer satisfaction with the two systems are discussed.
An improved mean estimator for judgment post-stratification

We prove that the standard nonparametric mean estimator for judgment post-stratification is inadmissible under squared error loss within a certain class of linear estimators. We derive alternate estimators that are admissible in this class, and we show that one of them is always better than the standard estimator. The reduction in mean squared error from using this alternate estimator can be as large as 10% for small set sizes and small sample sizes.
Finite Element Analysis of Precipitation Effects on Ni-Rich NiTi Shape Memory Alloy Response

Thermomechanical properties of precipitated NiTi shape memory alloys are investigated using the finite element method. The precipitated material microstructure is explored using a representative volume element with embedded Ni4Ti3 precipitates. Features such as precipitate coherency and distribution of Ni within the matrix due to the precipitation process are individually explored and characterized. Changes in the material’s macroscopic thermomechanical response due to this precipitation are determined.
Murine P-glycoprotein Deficiency Alters Intestinal Injury Repair and Blunts Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Radioprotection

P-glycoprotein (P-gp) has been reported to increase stem cell proliferation and regulate apoptosis. Absence of P-gp results in decreased repair of intestinal epithelial cells after chemical injury. To further explore the mechanisms involved in the effects of P-gp on intestinal injury and repair, we used the well-characterized radiation injury model. In this model, injury repair is mediated by production of prostaglandins (PGE2) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has been shown to confer radioprotection. B6.mdr1a–/– mice and wild-type controls were subjected to 12 Gy total body X-ray irradiation and surviving crypts in the proximal jejunum and distal colon were evaluated 3.5 days after irradiation. B6.mdr1a–/– mice exhibited normal baseline stem cell proliferation and COX dependent crypt regeneration after irradiation. However, radiation induced apoptosis was increased and LPS-induced radioprotection was blunted in the C57BL6.mdr1a–/– distal colon, compared to B6 wild-type controls. The LPS treatment induced gen...
Predicting interdiffusion in high temperature coatings

Abstract Interdiffusion can be a major cause of failure in coated parts that see service at elevated temperatures. Ways to measure the extent of interdiffusion and mathematical equations for predicting these measures are given. The equations are based on the error function solution to the diffusion equation and do not take into account variations of the diffusivity with composition. Also, when the substrate of the coating is multiphase, the equations do not take into account the precipitate morphology, but do take into account that precipitates can act as sinks or sources of solute as the average composition of the substrate varies. The equations are meant to be alloy design tools that indicate how changing substrate or coating chemistry will reduce the extent of interdiffusion.
CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cells mediate antigen-specificity in a novel TCR transgenic model of alloimmunity

Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS-0p-3) diagnosis was formulated 6 mo after Tx. BAL was assayed for SP A and D. Results: BOS was diagnosed in 17/36 pts, 6 pts died post-op. In BOS pts SPA mRNA (median 0.4, range 0.003–4.4) tended to be lower than in non BOS pts (0.8; 0.003–4) (p 0.067, Mann-Whitney); SPA mRNA in pts who died within 30 days (0.23; 0.1–0.3) was significantly lower than in pts who survived (0.67; 0.003–4.4), p 0.015. Freedom from BOS and survival was reduced in pts with low SP-A mRNA levels; no difference for SP B and D. BAL SPA in pts with low donor SPA mRNA
Observability-in-depth: An Essential Complement to the Defense-in-depth Safety Strategy in the Nuclear Industry

Defense-in-depth is a fundamental safety principle for the design and operation of nuclear power plants. Despite its general appeal, defense-in-depth is not without its drawbacks, which include its potential for concealing the occurrence of hazardous states in a system, and more generally rendering the latter more opaque for its operators and managers, thus resulting in safety blind spots. This in turn translates into a shrinking of the time window available for operators to identify an unfolding hazardous condition or situation and intervene to abate it. To prevent this drawback from materializing, we propose in this work a novel safety principle termed “observability-in-depth”. We characterize it as the set of provisions technical, operational, and organizational designed to enable the monitoring and identification of emerging hazardous conditions and accident pathogens in real-time and over different time-scales. Observability-in-depth also requires the monitoring of conditions of all safety barriers that implement defense-in-depth; and in so doing it supports sensemaking of identified hazardous conditions, and the understanding of potential accident sequences that might follow (how they can propagate). Observability-in-depth is thus an information-centric principle, and its importance in accident prevention is in the value of the information it provides and actions or safety interventions it spurs. We examine several “event reports” from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission database, which illustrate specific instances of violation of the observability-in-depth safety principle and the consequences that followed (e.g., unmonitored releases and loss of containments). We also revisit the Three Mile Island accident in light of the proposed principle, and identify causes and consequences of the lack of observability-in-depth related to this accident sequence. We illustrate both the benefits of adopting the observability-in-depth safety principle and the adverse consequences when this principle is violated or not implemented. This work constitutes a first step in the development of the observability-in-depth safety principle, and we hope this effort invites other researchers and safety professionals to further explore and develop this principle and its implementation.
The concept of erectile function preservation (penile rehabilitation) in the patient after brachytherapy for prostate cancer

Abstract Purpose Radiation therapy (RT) for prostate cancer is commonly associated with erectile dysfunction (ED), although high-quality data on incidence of ED after brachytherapy (BT) are limited. We reviewed the literature on BT-related ED and propose a clinical pathway for maximal preservation of erectile function (EF) after treatment. Methods and Materials Erectile physiology and pathophysiology after RT are reviewed. Evidence and rationale for the concept of penile rehabilitation are presented. BT literature that focuses on ED is identified. A clinical care pathway for maximally preserving EF in patients treated with RT for localized prostate cancer is proposed. Results The mechanisms contributing to ED after prostate irradiation involve injury to the neurovascular bundles, penile vasculature, and cavernosal structural tissue. Reported rates of ED after BT vary widely. Basic science and clinical studies support the concept of a structured program of erectile tissue preservation for optimizing EF after radical prostatectomy and are adapted for the prostate radiation patient. Conclusions Although definitive evidence for such erectile tissue preservation strategies is pending, there is a solid scientific rationale for the application of available strategies to the radiation patient.
Using the theory of planned behavior to predict aggression and weapons carrying in urban African American early adolescent youth

Aggressive and weapons carrying behaviors are indicative of youth violence. The theory of planned behavior is used in the current analysis to improve our understanding of violence-related behaviors. We examine the influence of perceived behavioral control (self-control and decision making) as a part of the overall framework for understanding the risk and protective factors for aggressive behaviors and weapons carrying. As the baseline assessment of an intervention trial, survey data were collected on 452 sixth-grade students (50% girls; 96.6% African American; mean age 12.0 years) from urban middle schools. A total of 18.4% carried a weapon in the prior 12 months, with boys more likely to carry a weapon than girls (22.5% vs. 14.2%, p = .02). Of the youth, 78.4% reported aggressive behaviors with no significant differences found between girls (81.3%) and boys (75.5%). In logistic regression models, having peers who engage in problem behaviors was found to be a significant risk factor. Youth with peers who engaged in numerous problem behaviors were five times more likely to be aggressive than those who reported little or no peer problem behaviors. Teens who reported that their parents opposed aggression (odds ratio [OR] = 0.76; confidence interval [CI] = 0.66, 0.88) and who used self-control strategies (OR = 0.59; CI = 0.39, 0.87) were found to report less aggressive behaviors. For weapons carrying, being a girl (OR = 0.56; CI = 0.32, 0.97) and self-control (OR = 0.52; CI = 0.29, 0.92) were protective factors. This study demonstrated that the theory of planned behavior may provide a useful framework for the development of violence prevention programs. Practitioners should consider integrating strategies for developing healthy relationships and improving self-control.
Brain prostaglandin content in rats sacrificed by decapitation vs focused microwave irradiation.

Our experiments have shown that using microwave irradiation to sacrifice the animals prevents further postmortem synthesis of prostaglandins in the rat brain.
Plasma steroid profiles in male and female mudpuppies, Necturus maculosus (Rafinesque).

Abstract Plasma steroid profiles of healthy adult male and female mudpuppies, Necturus maculosus Rafinesque, were measured in animals sampled from November–June. Steroids in ether extracted plasma were analyzed directly by radioimmunoassay (RIA) for progesterone (P), total androgens, and total estrogens, or after Celite-ethylene glycol column chromatography for P, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), testosterone (T), estrone (E 1 ), and estradiol-17β (E 2 ). Steroid levels in both sexes were high compared to other vertebrates (10- to 100-fold greater), and highly variable at all times of the year. Comparison of the steroid profiles of males and females showed no qualitative differences; howeve, titers of all steroids (in ng/ml) were higher in males. Progesterone (P) ranged from 2.0–64.0, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) from 2.0–133, testosterone (T) from 4.0–202, estrone (E 1 ) from N.D. to 1.87, and estradiol (E 2 ) from 2.0–9.85 in adult males. In adult female Necturus , P ranged from N.D. to 15.5, DHT from 2.9–11.4, T from 1.5–8.3, and E 2 from −0.4–6.35. E 1 was not detectable. No clear seasonal variations in steroid titers or gonadal structure were observed although holding conditions at 5–8° did not approximate those in nature.
Surface Attachment of a Sediment Isolate of Enterobacter cloacae

Enterobacter cloacae was recovered from surface sediments of a flood control channel in an area where freshwater runoff mixed with coastal seawater. Cells of this bacterium elaborated an extensive capsule when cultured under laboratory conditions designed to promote extracellular polysaccharide production. Colonization of glass surfaces by cells was similar under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Temperature exerted little effect on maximum adherent cell density in the range of 15–25°C. The availability of organic nutrients also had little influence on the tendency of cells to adhere to surfaces. Maximum adherent cell densities decreased (76%) as salinity increased from 0 to 12‰ The results suggest that cells ofE. cloacae are suitably adapted to maintain a sessile existence in brackish water sediments of temperate coastal areas.
Bone Marrow-Derived Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Is Associated with Fibrous Adhesion Formation after Murine Flexor Tendon Injury

The pathogenesis of adhesions following primary tendon repair is poorly understood, but is thought to involve dysregulation of matrix metalloproteinases (Mmps). We have previously demonstrated that Mmp9 gene expression is increased during the inflammatory phase following murine flexor digitorum (FDL) tendon repair in association with increased adhesions. To further investigate the role of Mmp9, the cellular, molecular, and biomechanical features of healing were examined in WT and Mmp9−/− mice using the FDL tendon repair model. Adhesions persisted in WT, but were reduced in Mmp9−/− mice by 21 days without any decrease in strength. Deletion of Mmp9 resulted in accelerated expression of neo-tendon associated genes, Gdf5 and Smad8, and delayed expression of collagen I and collagen III. Furthermore, WT bone marrow cells (GFP+) migrated specifically to the tendon repair site. Transplanting myeloablated Mmp9−/− mice with WT marrow cells resulted in greater adhesions than observed in Mmp9−/− mice and similar to those seen in WT mice. These studies show that Mmp9 is primarily derived from bone marrow cells that migrate to the repair site, and mediates adhesion formation in injured tendons. Mmp9 is a potential target to limit adhesion formation in tendon healing.