cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SAT0114 Pulmonary embolism after bilateral total knee arthroplasty

Background Bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for bilateral knee repair has many advantages. It is cost effective and allows for rehabilitation under a single admission. However, bilateral TKA is a more aggressive procedure than unilateral TKA. Furthermore, complications of pulmonary embolism (PE) occur at a greater frequency than with unilateral TKA, and blood transfusion is often necessary. We retrospectively studied a series of patients and prospectively investigated the prevention of PE. Objectives Methods Between 1997 and 2000,113 patients underwent primary bilateral TKA via a cementless procedure at our hospital. From May 2000, all patients underwent bilateral TKA without a tourniquet. Patients were categorised into four groups, and the incidence of PE was determined. In Group1 and 2, respectively, RA patients underwent TKA with or without a tourniquet. In Group3 and 4, respectively, OA patients underwent TKA with or without a tourniquet. The diagnosis of PE was made by lung perfusion scintigraphy as respiratory failure, and blood loss was assessed after TKA according to the decline in haemoglobin (HB). Blood loss = Total Blood Volume (TBV) = (1-HB postope/HB preope). We analysed all patient-related variables using a chi-squared test. Results The incidence of PE was 21.1% in Group1 (8/38), 0.0% in Group 2 (0/3), 23.6% in Group 3 (13/55), and 0% in Group 4 (0/17). The incidence of PE did not differ significantly between RA and OA. For surgery without a tourniquet, the incidence of PE in Group 2 and Group 4 was significantly lower than for surgery with a tourniquet (p = 0.0185). Mean calculated blood loss was 988 ml in Group 1, 1091 ml in Group 2, 1421 ml in Group 3, and 1412 ml in Group 4. However, the amount of blood loss did not differ significantly between surgery with a tourniquet and surgery without (p = 0.3083), but was significantly different between RA and OA (p Discussion We performed bilateral TKA without a tourniquet to reduce the risk of PE. Reported causes of PE in TKA include the use of a tourniquet and an intramedullary alignment system. When TKA was performed without a tourniquet, thrombosis and fat emboli did not flow into pulmonary arteries, and all emboli were expelled with extracorporeal bleeding. The major problem associated with TKA without a tourniquet is blood loss, and few studies have examined the benefits of using a tourniquet. We estimated blood loss by calculating the decline of haemoglobin. The results suggested that blood loss did not differ significantly between tourniquet procedures and no tourniquet procedures. Conclusion In conclusion, the possibility was suggested of preventing PE in TKA without the use of a tourniquet.
Farmers’ Value Orientations, Property Rights and Responsibilities, and Willingness to Adopt Leopold’s Land Ethic

This article examined relationships among value orientations (mutualism, domination), property rights, responsibility, and farmers’ willingness to adopt Leopold’s land ethic. Data were obtained fro...
History of Taxation

Taxation is a mark of civilisation. Tax evolved and developed independently in the great ancient empires. The concepts that evolved were transported to other empires and cultures where tax ideas took root. This pattern continues through to today as nations are influenced by developments in tax from other countries. In this chapter, the evolution of property taxes, inheritance, estate and gift taxes, consumption taxes such as excise taxes and sales taxes, and the income tax are examined. These taxes are traced from their roots on through mutations. The transportation of these taxes is also described.
The Effect of Hydrostatic Pressure on Protein Crystals Investigated by Molecular Simulation

The effect of hydrostatic pressure on protein crystal structures is examined with molecular simulation. Four 1 ns molecular dynamics simulations of bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor in a crystal unit cell have been performed at solvent densities corresponding to 32%, 36%, 40%, and 44% solvent. Electrostatic interactions in the crystalline environment were treated rigorously with Ewald sums. The effect of varying the solvent density at constant unit cell volume is analyzed with respect to changes in protein structure, atomic fluctuations, solvation, and crystal packing. The results indicate the solvent density range 36–40% gives excellent overall agreement with high resolution crystallographic data (~O.3A rms backbone deviation). The low density (32%) and high density (44%) simulations have larger deviations.
Transfer of training in procedural learning: a matter of conjectures and refutations?

Heuristics learning is defined as the process of discovering rules for how to apply problem solving operators. An analysis of transfer of training with respect to problem solving heuristics results in two transfer mechanisms; one based on the interplay between conjectures and refutations, and one based on the partitioning of a goal into independently realizable parts or subgoals. First, rules called proposers produce suggestions about which operator(s) should be considered in the current situation, while other rules — called censors — refute those suggestions which previous experience has shown to be bad. A system which can learn proposers and censors can grow by the successive attenuation of the conditions on the proposers and through the successive addition of censors. In the long run, such a system will apply each problem solving operator when and only when it is appropriate. Second, subgoaling rules encode knowledge of which parts of a goal description can be attained separately. Such rules can be learned by noticing the successive transformations of the current state during problem solving; each step which makes the current state more similar to the goal state defines a potential future subgoal. Subgoaling rules learned while solving one task can facilitate the solution to another task, if the tasks share at least one subgoal. A computer program is written on the basis of this theory, and shown to be able to transfer within a simple task domain.
How Mental Health Clinicians Can Address Issues of Diversity with Incarcerated Individuals

Mental Health Clinicians are accustomed to being confronted with not only difficult situations, but difficult conversations. Although discussing issues of diversity can be challenging, these dialogues are vital to the therapeutic process. In order to work under a multicultural framework, a clinician must minimally have basic knowledge on the culture of the client(s) being treated. Therapists are to use culturally appropriate intervention strategies and be mindful of the rules of the client’s culture. It is advised to work with the client(s) to define their culture, what it means to them, and what it means to society. It is the duty of a clinician to exemplify this for clients and give clients the power, permission, and invitation that they may believe they need, to do the same. This article discusses issues of diversity in the incarcerated system, clarifies the clinician’s role, and empowers clinicians to utilize multicultural techniques in treatment.
A Symposium on American National Character

The articles in this symposium address four themes in relation to the question of American national character: citizenship (Rogers M. Smith), community mores (Rick Santorum), participation (W. B. A...
Mouse models to study natural killer cell-mediated immunosurveillance and metastatic latency

Metastatic latency is a major concern in the clinic, yet how these disseminated cancer cells survive and initiate metastases is unknown (Massague and Obenauf, Nature 529:298-306, 2016). Here, we describe an approach to isolate latency competent cancer (LCC) cells from early stage human lung and breast carcinoma cell lines using mouse xenograft models (Malladi, Cell 165:45-60, 2016). Cancer cell lines labeled with GFP-luciferase and antibiotic selection markers were injected intracardially into athymic mice. Three months, post-injection, LCC cells were identified in situ and isolated. Upon reinjection, LCC cells retain their tumorigenic potential, enter a slow-cycling or quiescent state, and evade NK cell-mediated innate immune surveillance.
Evaluating the Impact of Combination of Engagement Strategies in SEP-CyLE on Improve Student Learning of Programming Concepts

Programming is a skill, often acquired through repeated practice and feedback. During traditional lectures, students not actively engaged in their own learning. It is imperative to pique students motivation and direct their focus on gaining the requisite knowledge. As the class size grows, instructors feedback is delayed that impacts student engagement and learning. Educational researchers have supported using web-based tools to help evaluate student work, provide timely feedback and increase the amount of time they spend improving their skills. Motivated by the previous work, our team has developed the SEP-CyLE (Software Engineering and Programming Cyber Learning Environment) - a cyber learning environment that contains digital learning content of software programming and testing concepts. SEP-CyLE incorporates collaborative learning, social networking and gamification-based learning engagement strategies (LESs) that has led to an improved motivation and understanding of programming concepts. This paper aims to assess the impact of different combinations of these LESs on student learning in the context of CS1 classrooms. We coordinated studies at two universities wherein different combination of LESs were utilized using SEP-CyLE in CS1 classrooms. We analyzed the impact of LESs on students' acquisition of programming concepts, their engagement and usage of SEP-CyLE. The pre and post test results indicated that the assorted LEs have shown a positive impact on student learning across all the institutions. The correlation results demonstrated that there is meaningful relationship between the LEs and the student performance.
Control of DNA replication timing in the 3D genome.

The 3D organization of mammalian chromatin was described more than 30 years ago by visualizing sites of DNA synthesis at different times during the S phase of the cell cycle. These early cytogenetic studies revealed structurally stable chromosome domains organized into subnuclear compartments. Active-gene-rich domains in the nuclear interior replicate early, whereas more condensed chromatin domains that are largely at the nuclear and nucleolar periphery replicate later. During the past decade, this spatiotemporal DNA replication programme has been mapped along the genome and found to correlate with epigenetic marks, transcriptional activity and features of 3D genome architecture such as chromosome compartments and topologically associated domains. But the causal relationship between these features and DNA replication timing and the regulatory mechanisms involved have remained an enigma. The recent identification of cis-acting elements regulating the replication time and 3D architecture of individual replication domains and of long non-coding RNAs that coordinate whole chromosome replication provide insights into such mechanisms. Different genomic regions are replicated at different times during the S phase of the cell cycle, forming early- and late-replicating domains that occupy different locations in the nucleus. The recent identification of specific DNA sequences and long non-coding RNAs that regulate DNA replication timing is providing key insights into the roles of replication timing and into timing and 3D organization.
Radiographic assessment of the subtalar joint: An evaluation of the Kellgren-Lawrence scale and proposal of a novel scale.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the reliability of grading subtalar (ST) arthrosis on lateral weightbearing radiographs in a heterogenous patient population using the Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) scale, correlate these findings to advanced imaging (CT and/or MRI), and to validate a novel scale. Materials and methods A random collection of 40 lateral weightbearing radiographs presenting to a foot and ankle clinic were reviewed by nine multi-disciplinary independent reviewers. Interobserver reliability was assessed for KL scores. A musculoskeletal radiologist graded available advanced imaging on all 40 radiographs and the advanced imaging scores were correlated to the radiographic scores. A novel scoring system was created and tested for interobserver reliability. Results There was overall fair reliability amongst reviewers with the traditional KL score, kappa = 0.26. The best agreement was seen amongst those deemed to have a grade 0, with only moderate agreement (k = 0.50). There was only fair interobserver reliability with severe, Grade 4 scores (k = 0.28). Radiographic scores did have moderate correlation with advanced imaging (r = 0.56). A new, simple grading system was proposed and its interobserver reliability was improved substantially (kappa =0.68). Conclusions The KL scoring system is not applicable to the subtalar joint. The new NSS grading system has improved reliability. Radiographs only had moderate correlation to advanced imaging. Further studies are warranted to correlate clinically.
The effects of body mass index on operative time and outcomes in nipple-sparing mastectomy.

Abstract Background Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) use is increasing. We investigated the relationships between body mass index (BMI), operative time (OT), and ischemic complications. Methods A single center, retrospective review was performed of NSMs from 2006 to 2018. Analysis included descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon rank-sum test and logistic regression. Results Among 294 patients, 510 breast reconstructions were performed (216 bilateral). Median OTs in the prosthetic-based (266 patients, 90.5%) and autologous tissue groups (28 patients, 9.5%) were 266 and 529 min, respectively. Median OTs ranged from 236 to 358 min for those with BMI Conclusion Higher BMI is associated with up to 50% longer OT, but is not a contraindication to NSM with reconstruction. Surgeons should recognize increased time and resource utilization.
Zinc Finger Nuclease Editing of Hematopoietic Stem Cells as an Anti-HIV Therapy

Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplanted humanized mice are a valuable small animal model for preclinical testing of HSC-based gene therapies, since the engraftment and subsequent differentiation of the cells in the mice allows a rigorous assessment of whether the genetic manipulation in any way impacts HSC function. In addition, since the HSC give rise to human CD4+ T cells, the mice can support an HIV-1 infection. This means that the mice are particularly suited to the evaluation of anti-HIV gene therapies, where the actual target human cell and gene therapy reagents can be evaluated in a system that supports infection by the authentic human virus. In this chapter we review the role played by humanized mouse models in the preclinical development of a promising anti-HIV approach based on disruption of the human CCR5 gene in human HSC, using zinc finger nuclease editing.
G27(P) 22Q11 deletion syndrome – improving initial investigations at a tertiary cardiac centre

Aims 22q11 Deletion Syndrome (22q11DS) or DiGeorge syndrome is commonly first considered and diagnosed at cardiac centres due to its association with several forms of congenital heart disease. Due its multi-system involvement, it is important to screen children with 22q11DS for common problems early and refer promptly. The aims of this project were to: 1. Audit our practice against any national standards of initial investigations. 2. Create a local pathway and checklist for initial management of suspected or confirmed DiGeorge syndrome. Methods We used the MaxAppeal (www.maxappeal.org.uk) consensus document on 22q11DS to formulate a list of standards to retrospectively audit against. We then used our local electronic patient record system to search for all children who had been admitted under cardiology with a diagnosis of 22q11DS syndrome between 2014–2018. We searched our laboratory, radiology and other electronic patient record system to record if and when they had certain investigations. We excluded patients whose care was primarily under another hospital. Results We found 46 patients diagnosed between 2014–2018 but 21 of these had their care under another hospital. 23 out of the remaining 25 had a period of inpatient care and 17 of the 25 were diagnosed with 22q11DS during their first admission to hospital. 4/25 were diagnosed antenatally. We performed well on ensuring all our children had a baseline full blood count with white cell differentials and plasma calcium. However, only 7/25 had a thyroid function test. Unsurprisingly all 25 patients had a full cardiac examination and ECHO. Renal ultrasound was performed in 17/25 of our patients. The largest room for improvement was in baseline immunology investigations; only 7/25 had lymphocyte phenotyping and 6/25 had immunoglobulins tested. Conclusion The data shows that 22q11DS is a not uncommon clinical diagnosis in the tertiary cardiac centre. There are multiple considerations in management and investigations and our retrospective audit shows that there is room for improvement, particularly in immunological investigation. We are developing a proforma for suspected and confirmed 22q11DS and will be presenting this locally for approval and dissemination.
Constrained-SVD based Hybrid Beamforming Design for Millimeter-Wave Communications

We propose a joint hybrid precoder and combiner design for narrowband single-user massive MIMO systems. The analog precoder and combiner are computed by an iterative algorithm based on the constrained singular value decomposition (CSVD), which guarantees the constant modulus constraints of the phase-shifters in the analog beamforming are attained. The digital precoder is obtained from the SVD of the reduced-dimension effective channel, after taking into account the effect of the analog beamforming. Numerical simulation results show that the proposed HBF design outperforms several designs existing in the literature in terms of the achievable sum-rate, even when only imperfect channel state information (CSI) is available.
Chasing the Fame: Investing in Brand Equity

This paper examines the relationship between a firm’s brand equity and its investment value. “Brand equity is defined as the incremental cash flows which accrue to branded products over unbranded products. The estimation technique extracts the value of brand equity from the value of the firm's other assets” (Simon & Sullivan, 1993). This study illustrates how stocks with higher growth of brand equity provide stronger investment value. Conversely, stocks with deteriorating brand equity generally feature lower return potential. An empirical portfolio-strategy is used to demonstrate the assumptions and predicts how to capitalize upon return potential from such a relationship.
The dark side of man : tracing the origins of male violence

In The Dark Side of Man, Michael Ghiglieri, a biologist and protege of Jane Goodall, takes on one of the most highly charged debates in modern science: the biological roots of bad behavior. Beginning with rape, and moving on to murder, war, and genocide, Ghiglieri offers the most up-to-date, comprehensive look at the male proclivity for violence. In a strong narrative voice, he draws on the latest research and his own personal experiences--both as a primatologist and as a soldier--to explain that male violence is largely innate, a product of millions of years of evolution. In the process, he debunks many of our most clung-to, "politically correct" notions: that the differences between men and women are strictly due to socialization, that rape is really about power--not sex--and that genocide is only possible with a single madman at the helm. Well-argued, evenhanded, yet never dull, this important book illuminates the darkest impulses of the male psyche, and suggests ways for modern society to curb them.
Localized 13C NMR spectroscopy of myo-inositol in the human brain in vivo

Natural abundance 13C NMR spectra obtained from 144-cm3 volumes in the human brain contained well-resolved resonances of myo-inositol after 60 min of data accumulation. A mean concentration of 7.2 +/- 0.5 mumol/g (+/- SE, n = 7) was calculated from the comparison with phantoms. 13C NMR spectroscopy thus provides a complementary role in the quantitation of metabolites also observed in the crowded 1H spectrum.
Distinctive immunophenotypic features of t(8;21)(q22;q22) acute myeloblastic leukemia in children [see comments]

Thirty cases of newly diagnosed pediatric acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) with French-American-British (FAB) M2 morphology were analyzed with cytogenetics and a comprehensive panel of monoclonal antibodies reactive with lymphoid-, natural killer (NK)-cell-, and myeloid- associated antigens. The t(8;21)(q22;q22), or t(8;21;V)(q22;q22;V), translocation was identified in 16 of the 30 cases. Cases with the t(8;21) did not differ significantly from the remaining M2 cases with respect to expression of CD11b, CD13, CD14, CD15, CD33, CD34, CD36, CD41a, CD42b, CDw65, TdT, or HLA-DR. Expression of the B-cell antigen CD19 was detected in 13 of the 16 t(8;21) cases (81%), but in only 1 of the 14 (7%) other M2 cases (P = .00006). Expression of the CD56 NK-cell antigen was also significantly more frequent among t(8;21) cases (63% v 14%; P = .01). Coexpression of CD19 and CD56 was found only in the t(8;21) group (9 of 16 cases, P = .0009). Furthermore, this phenotype was not found in 48 evaluable cases of de novo AML of the FAB M1, M3, M4, M5, or M7 subtypes. The 14 M2 AML cases lacking the t(8;21) commonly expressed CD2 (n = 5) or CD7 (n = 8). However, no case with the t(8;21) expressed either antigen (P = .01 and .0005, respectively). Thus, the t(8;21) biologic subgroup of pediatric M2 AML has distinct immunophenotypic characteristics that distinguish it from other types of de novo AML.
Coulomb displacement energy and the low-energy astrophysical S17 factor for the 7Be(p,γ)8B reaction

Abstract The relationship between the Coulomb displacement energy for the A = 8, J = 2 + , T = 1 state and the low-energy astrophysical S 17 factor for the 7 Be(p,γ) 8 B reaction is discussed. The displacement energy is interpreted in a particle-hole model. The dependence of the particle displacement energy on the potential well geometry is investigated and is used to relate the particle displacement energy to the rms radius and the asymptotic normalization of the valence proton wave function in 8 B. The asymptotic normalization is used to calculate the astrophysical S 17 factor for the 7 Be(p,γ) reaction. The relationship to the 7 Li(n,γ) reaction, the 8 B quadrupole moment, radial density, and break-up momentum distribution are also discussed.
Aircraft nose gear shimmy studies

An overview of previous studies involving aircraft nose gear shimmy behavior is given together with some test results identifying the influence of different factors inducing shimmy. A NASA Langley test program conducted at the Landing Loads Track (LLT) facility to evaluate shimmy characteristics of an actual Space Shuttle nose gear is described together with some of the test results. Based on results from these various evaluations, recommendations are made concerning nose gear design features, such as corotating wheels, to minimize the occurence of shimmy.
Exploiting Thermal Motion

Proteins have to perform their functions with precision at physiological conditions, where thermal fluctuations can be substantial. In his Perspective, [Schulten][1] highlights the study by [Balabin and Onuchic][2], whose simulations have shown that proteins exploit thermal fluctuations to their advantage in a new and unexpected way. [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/290/5489/61 [2]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/290/5489/114
Design of Robust Failure Detection Filters

An essential aspect of the design of control systems for large, flexible spacecraft is fault tolerance. Because it is anticipated that a large number of sensors and actuators will be required to realize good control over these assemblies, the detection and isolation of component failures cannot be based on direct comparisons among replicated components. Instead, the notion of "analytic redundancy" must be employed for the FDI function. Unfortunately this makes the FDI function sensitive to modeling errors which are certain to exist in the large space structure problem due to model truncation and parameter uncertainty. This paper addresses the robustness to model error of one method of FDI residual generation - the failure detection filter. Initial designs were found to be extremely sensitive to modeling error. The sources of this sensitivity are analyzed and modifications to the design are suggested. The improved filter is shown to have much better visibility of the failure signatures relative to the background due to modeling error.
9 Conquests of Dharma: Network Models and the Study of Ancient Polities

The Mauryan Empire, an early South Asian polity, was once presumed to have exerted control over most of the Indian subcontinent. A reexamination of both archaeological and historical evidence suggests a different interpretation of Mauryan imperialism - one that has less to do with territorial control and instead looks to a relational network perspective. This perspective allows a view of the Mauryan polity that goes beyond the political dimension to examine long-term patterns of interaction during the Early Historic period (ca. 600 B.C.E.–C.E. 600). Additionally, this model may be extended to include parallel networks of interaction that existed independently of political authority and would endure beyond the decline of various dynastic powers. [Mauryan Empire, sovereignty, territoriality, Early Historic period, South Asia]
Theoretical Implications of Contemporary Brain Science for Japanese EFL Learning

Recent advances in brain science show that adult native Japanese speakers utilize a different balance of language processing routes in the brain as compared to native English speakers. Biologically this represents the remarkable flexibility of the human brain to adapt universal human cognitive processes to fit the specific needs of linguistic and cultural environments. For language teaching, however, and because of nearly three decades of globalization and English language programming in the Japanese education system, this represents a key theoretical and practical issue that cannot be overlooked. Using a range of contemporary interdisciplinary research findings, this theoretical article opens a discussion of these cognitive routes, the mechanisms by which they might occur, and ideas regarding how they might be accommodated in planning future English as a foreign language (EFL) programs for Japanese speakers.
“When the Cat is Away the Mice Will Work”: Thomas Alva Edison and the Insomnia Squad

Over the past one hundred years, the phrase ―Insomnia Squad‖ has evolved from an inside joke among a few of Thomas Edison‘s laboratory staffers into a term of popular culture, familiar even to school children. Yet very little has been written about the seven experimenters who constituted the task force that Edison assembled in September 1912, why the inventor chose these particular individuals to assist him, the nature of the problem with which he was grappling, or how it was ultimately resolved. Edison and his assistants worked night and day for five weeks with only a minimal amount of sleep, yet no adequate explanation has been offered as to why the inventor drove his men so hard. This article, based on the documents in the microfilm and digital editions of the Thomas A. Edison Papers, reveals that this period of intense activity coincided with a family crisis, as Edison‘s wife Mina rushed to Akron, Ohio, to tend to her dying mother, while her inventor husband raced to perfect the Diamond Disc record before he was called away to attend the funeral. With a million dollars worth of phonographs piled up in the warehouse and no records to sell along with them, Edison and his men pushed round the clock to work out the bugs in the manufacturing process and bring the Diamond Disc to market. Although seven experimenters assisted Edison, only six appear in the group photograph that was taken at the end of the marathon session. The identity of the seventh ―Insomniac‖ is revealed at the end of the article.
Histological development and histochemical localization of enzymes in rumen and reticulum in bovine fetuses

Thirty Holstein fetuses from 100 to 251 d after conception were utilized to study prenatal anatomical development of the epithelium of the rumen and reticulum. Four calves at birth were included in the study for comparison. Tissue sections were frozen and stained to locate specific enzymes. At 100 d, the epithelial layer of the rumen was differentiated into a thin basal zone and a thickened superficial zone of undifferentiated cells. The basement membrane was straight, and in both zones cells were perpendicular to it. At 120 to 141 d, low, primary undulations were detected in the basal zone, basement membrane and underlying lamina propria. At 150 to 166 d, secondary undulations and incipient papillae began to resemble the papillae of mature mucosa. In rumen papillae of 192-d to 215-d fetuses, shallow furrows began to separate papillae apexes from the mass of epithelium. In fetuses 244 to 251 d, the papillae began to be a separate entity. At birth, the basal position of the papillae still remained fused. An incipient separation between the papillae was seen. Several dehydrogenase enzymes, including those associated with the Krebs cycle and reductase associated with energy transformation, were observed in both ruminal and reticular tissue. Alkaline phosphatase activity was localized in the stratum corneum and in blood vessels. Development of the honeycomb configuration of reticular epithelium was evident in the 100-d fetus and progressed rapidly with age.
CT visualization of blood pool in rats by using long-circulating, iodine-containing micelles.

Rationale and Objectives. Small, long-circulating particulate carriers of contrast agents, such as micelles, are potentially useful in computed tomographic (CT) blood-pool imaging. An iodine-containing amphiphilic block-copolymer consisting of iodine-substituted poly- l -lysine (MPEG-iodolysine) forms micelles in an aqueous solution. The biodistribution and CT depiction of these radiopaque micelles were therefore studied in rats. Materials and Methods. MPEG-iodolysine micelles were synthesized and injected into rats via the tail vein at a dose of 170 mg iodine per kilogram. Three animals were used, and tissue enhancement was followed on serial CT seans. Results. MPEG-iodolysine block-copolymer forms particulates with an average diameter of 80 nm and an iodine content of 33.8%. After intravenous injection into rats, the agent produced noticeable and sustained enhancement of the blood pool (aorta and heart), liver, and spleen for least 3 hours. Conclusion. In rats, MPEG-iodolysine micelles were a long-lived blood-pool contrast agent useful for CT.
The influence of cholecystokinin, vasoactive intestinal peptide and secretin on pancreatic and bilary secretion in laying hens

Abstract 1. White Leghorn hens, 14–29 weeks old, were surgically fitted with cannulas for collecting pancreatic and bilary secretions, and a jugular cannula for continuous infusion of either cholecystokinin (CCK), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), or secretin. 2. As compared to secretory levels during saline infusion, CCK significantly stimulated biliary flow and biliverdin concentration in bile; VIP significantly depressed biliverdin concentration but enhanced bicarbonate secretion in both pancreatic and biliary secretions, and also increased total pancreatic flow. Secretin depressed biliary flow and increased pancreatic bicarbonate release. 3. The principal hormonal regulator of biliary secretion appears to be CCK, and that of pancreatic secretion to be VIP.
Nonlinear/linear unified thermal stress formulations: Trans-finite element approach

A new unified computational approach for applicability to nonlinear/linear thermal-structural problems is presented. Basic concepts of the approach including applicability to nonlinear and linear thermal structural mechanics are first described via general formulations. Therein, the approach is demonstrated for thermal stress and thermal-structural dynamic applications. The proposed transfinite element approach focuses on providing a viable hybrid computational methodology by combining the modeling versatility of contemporary finite element schemes in conjunction with transform techniques and the classical Bubnov-Galerkin schemes. Comparative samples of numerical test cases highlight the capabilities of the proposed concepts.
Open space loss and land inequality in United States' cities, 1990-2000.

Urban growth reduces open space in and around cities, impacting biodiversity and ecosystem services. Using land-cover and population data, we examined land consumption and open space loss between 1990 and 2000 for all 274 metropolitan areas in the contiguous United States. Nationally, 1.4 million ha of open space was lost, and the amount lost in a given city was correlated with population growth (r(272) = 0.85, P<0.001). In 2000, cities varied in per capita land consumption by an order of magnitude, from 459 m2/person in New York to 5393 m2/person in Grand Forks, ND. The per capita land consumption (m2/person) of most cities decreased on average over the decade from 1,564 to 1,454 m 2/person, but there was substantial regional variation and some cities even increased. Cities with greater conservation funding or more reform-minded zoning tended to decrease in per capita land consumption more than other cities. The majority of developed area in cities is in low-density neighborhoods housing a small proportion of urban residents, with Gini coefficients that quantify this developed land inequality averaging 0.63. Our results suggest conservation funding and reform-minded zoning decrease per capita open space loss.
Phosphorylation of Linker Histone H1 Regulates Gene Expression In Vivo by Creating a Charge Patch

In Tetrahymena, histone H1 phosphorylation can regulate transcription and mimics loss of H1 from chromatin. We investigated the mechanism by which H1 phosphorylation affects transcription. Tetrahymena strains were created containing mutations in H1 that mimicked the charge of the phosphorylated region without mimicking the structure or increased hydrophilicity of the phosphorylated residues. Whenever the charge resembled that of the phosphorylated state, the induced expression of the CyP1 gene was greatly inhibited. Whenever the charge was similar to that of the dephosphorylated state, the CyP1 gene was induced normally. These results argue strongly that phosphorylation of H1 acts by changing the overall charge of a small domain, not by phosphate recognition or by creating a site-specific charge.
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of cytosol retinoid binding proteins in human skin.

The distribution of the cytosol retinol and retinoic acid binding proteins are known to vary greatly within the different layers of the eye, a retinoid target organ. We have analyzed the cytosol retinoid binding from adult human skin, another retinoid target organ, and examined the relative contribution of the epidermis and dermis to the total retinoid binding. The mean specific activity of [ 3 H]retinol (0.52 ± 0.06 pmol/mg protein) and [ 3 H]retinoic acid (3.20 ± 0.45 pmol/mg protein) binding to cytosol preparations from different specimens of adult human skin was determined. On the ayerage these skins bound 7-fold more retinoic acid than retinol. When skin was treated with EDTA and separated into epidermal and dermal fractions, [ 3 H]retinol and [ 3 H]retinoic acid binding was found in the cytosol derived from epidermis (0.36 ±0.03 pmol/mg protein, 3.69 ± 0.13 pmol/mg protein, respectively) but not from dermis. To confirm that the absence of dermal binding was not due to loss during the EDTA separation, we assayed skin keratomed at 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mm. The skin obtained at 0.1 mm was upper epidermis and exhibited binding for both retinol and retinoid acid. The 0.2 mm skin, which added lower epidermis but little dermal contamination, had higher specific activities for both retinol and retinoic acid binding. The 0.3 mm skin which added primarily dermis, had lower specific activities for binding both retinoids. This is consistent with the concept that the epidermis is responsible for the majority of retinoid binding in adult human skin obtained from the lower limb.
Gonadotropin Subunit Messenger RNA Concentrations after Blockade of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Action: Testosterone Selectively Increases Follicle-Stimulating Hormone β-Subunit Messenger RNA by Posttranscriptional Mechanisms

Regulation of gonadotropin gene expression by sex steroids may occur via direct effects on the pituitary and/or indirect effects of steroids mediated through hypothalamic GnRH. We aimed to define the effects of testosterone (T) on α, LHβ, and FSHβ mRNA expression in the male rat after blockade of GnRH action on the gonadotrope. A water-soluble GnRH antagonist was administered iv to castrate male rats (increased endogenous GnRH secretion) and to castrate T-replaced rats in which gonadotropin subunit mRNAs had been increased by prior treatment with exogenous GnRH pulses. In castrate male rats, GnRH antagonist resulted in a fall in all three subunit mRNAs. Alpha and LHβ declined at slower rates (half-disappearance after 50 and 65 h, respectively), and neither fell to values present in intact rats over 84 h. In contrast, FSHβ mRNA declined more rapidly, with a half-disappearance after 20 h. In castrate Treplaced rats, α mRNA declined at a rate similar to that in castrates (half-disappearance after 50 h). LHβ ...
Workspace Shape and Characteristics for Human Two- and Three-Fingered Precision Manipulation

Goal: To study precision manipulation, which involves repositioning an object in the fingertips and is used in everyday tasks such as writing and key insertion, and also for domain-specific tasks such as small scalpel cuts, using tweezers, and hand soldering. Methods: In this study, the range of positions (workspace) through which 19 participants manipulated a 3.3–4.1 cm-diameter object are measured with a magnetic tracker. Each participant performed two conditions: a two-finger thumb-index finger condition and a three-finger thumb-index-middle finger condition. Results: The observed workspaces, normalized to a 17.5 cm hand length, are small compared to free-finger trajectories; for the two-finger trials, 68% of points are within 1.05 cm of the centroid and 95% are within 2.31 cm, while the three-finger case shows a narrower distribution, with 68% of points within 0.94 cm of the centroid and 95% of points within 2.19 cm. The longest axis is a long thin arc in the proximal-palmar plane. Analysis of fingertip workspaces shows that the index fingertip workspace volume is the most linear predictor of object workspace ( ${\rm R}^{2} = 0.98$ ). Conclusion: Precision manipulation workspace size and shape is shown, along with how the fingers are used during the manipulation. Significance: The results have many applications, including normative data for rehabilitation, guidelines for ergonomic device design, and benchmarking prosthetic and robotic hands.
A model of peer-to-peer (P2P) social lending in the presence of identification bias

The Internet has created new opportunities for peer-to-peer (P2P) social lending platforms to emerge which have the potential to transform the way microfinance institutions (MFIs) raise and allocate funds used for poverty reduction. Depending upon where decision making rights are allocated, there is the potential for identification bias whereby lenders may be motivated to give to specific projects with which they have a personal interest or affinity without regard to whether or not it represents a particularly sound financial investment. In this paper, we present an analytical model where an individual lender can use a P2P social lending network to provide funds to entrepreneurs seeking funding in developing nations. We show that in the presence of identification bias, the P2P social lending network can be used to increase overall contributions for poverty reduction despite the fact that such a network may result in inefficient allocation of funds. Even so, in the presence of strong identification bias this inefficient mechanism can result in improved poverty reduction through the provisioning of financial services in the microfinance industry.
Photoluminescence and electroabsorption in GaNAs/GaAsSb heterojunctions

The measurement of photoluminescence (PL) and electroabsorption spectra in strain compensated GaNAs/GaAsSb type-II quantum wells grown on GaAs substrates using molecular beam epitaxy is reported. The bilayer quantum well (GaN0.02As0.98/GaAs0.8Sb0.2) shows a room temperature PL peak at 1300 nm, and a blue shift of the Franz-Keldysh type oscillation is observed in the multiple quantum wells consisting of GaN0.03As0.97 and GaAs0.84Sb0.16.
Nothing Is Not One: Revisiting the ex nihilo

This article seeks to encounter the late ancient doctrine of creatio ex nihilo from a new angle, gently questioning both its distinctive Christianness and its inevitable alignment with a theology of absolute sovereignty. Franz Rosenzweig's idiosyncratic elaboration of this doctrine opens up new lines of thought: multiplying the “nothing” while also emphasizing its fecundity, he articulates not only a negative theology but also a negative anthropology and cosmology; insisting on the irreducible relationality of God, human, and world, he also posits their non-essentiality. Admittedly, early versions of creatio ex nihilo (Irenaeus, Tertullian) foreground the omnipotence of the creator and the goodness of the created world, and these concerns continue to be expressed by later proponents of the ex nihilo, Jewish as well as Christian. However, beginning in the fourth century there are hints of something new as well, something more Rosenzweigian—namely, a preoccupation with the nothing itself. What comes increasingly to the fore in these articulations of the ex nihilo is not mastery but mystery, not power but fragility, not separation but intimacy—and paradoxically so, given that the gap between creator and created has never before seemed to yawn so widely. This shift is manifest in the opening passages of Genesis Rabbah, I would suggest. It is also evident in the locus classicus of post-Constantinian Christian ex nihilo doctrine, namely Athanasius's On the Incarnation of the Word of God.
Three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations of applied-B ion diodes on PBFA II

Summary form only given. We are using the 3-D, particle-in-cell code QUICKSILVER to simulate applied-B ion diodes on the PBFA II accelerator at Sandia. Typical diodes use an A-K gap of /spl sim/2 cm, anode area of /spl sim/1000 cm/sup 2/, and insulating fields of /spl sim/3 T. The accelerator delivers a 20 TW, 40 ns pulse, producing a /spl sim/10 MeV, /spl sim/1 MA Li/sup +/ beam. Spectroscopic diagnostics indicate that the LiF ion source used on most shots is not a space-charge-limited emitter, the normal electric field at the anode is 8-10 MV/cm. The field emission algorithm in QUICKSILVER has been modified to model this. We have also developed a transmission line algorithm, allowing us to crudely model the accelerator. The simulations show good agreement with experiment early in the pulse, but differ substantially as the ion beam current increases. Experimentally, the lithium beam is contaminated with hydrocarbon impurities that grow in time. Furthermore, there is strong evidence that plasmas are formed in the A-K gap from ionization of neutrals. These effects not addressed with the current simulations, which focus on idealized diode performance assuming emission of only lithium ions, directly from the anode surface.
Computer-aided mesenteric small vessel segmentation on high-resolution 3D contrast-enhanced CT angiography scans

Segmentation of the mesenteric vasculature has important applications for evaluation of the small bowel. In particular, it may be useful for small bowel path reconstruction and precise localization of small bowel tumors such as carcinoid. Segmentation of the mesenteric vasculature is very challenging, even for manual labeling, because of the low contrast and tortuosity of the small blood vessels. Many vessel segmentation methods have been proposed. However, most of them are designed for segmenting large vessels. We propose a semi-automated method to extract the mesenteric vasculature on contrast-enhanced abdominal CT scans. First, the internal abdominal region of the body is automatically identified. Second, the major vascular branches are segmented using a multi-linear vessel tracing method. Third, small mesenteric vessels are segmented using multi-view multi-scale vesselness enhancement filters. The method is insensitive to image contrast, variations of vessel shape and small occlusions due to overlapping. The method could automatically detect mesenteric vessels with diameters as small as 1 mm. Compared with the standard-of-reference manually labeled by an expert radiologist, the segmentation accuracy (recall rate) for the whole mesenteric vasculature was 82.3% with a 3.6% false positive rate.
Design of a multimedia object-oriented DBMS

The emerging multimedia information (such as video, image, voice, graphics) services have imposed many new requirements and research considerations on the design of database management systems (DBMSs). Conventionally, a multimedia DBMS is designed by developing a multimedia presentation layer on top of a pre-existing object-oriented DBMS (which can be truly object-oriented or relational-based), such that the core of the DBMS was developed earlier independent of the design of the multimedia presentation layer. Due to the fact that multimedia capabilities are not actually embedded in the DBMSs, such systems tend to provide only a rather limited set of functionalities in multimedia and are not satisfactory in supporting multimedia applications. This paper describes some key features of a multimedia object-oriented DBMS that is currently being developed. In this system the DBMS is carefully redesigned to provide special multimedia capabilities, such that the mismatch between the DBMS and the multimedia application layer can be eliminated. In particular, this paper will focus on unique multimedia capabilities including multimedia object modeling, video data management, and distributed collaboration.
An Age-Related Comparison of a Touchscreen and a Novel Input Device

Interaction with almost any technical system requires the user to use an input device. Typically, the most common input device for a computer has been the mouse. However, the mouse presents challenges to a large segment of a potential user population: older adults. The current study examines potential performance differences in two types of input devices. The first, a touchscreen, is a direct input device that requires almost no training to use. The second, a rotary encoder, is a novel input device that is being used more frequently in consumer devices but has received little to no research attention. The current results suggest that choice of input device is highly related to the type of interface (what elements make up the interface) and age. Both age-dependent and age-independent guidelines are provided to address interface and input device interactions to positively affect usability.