cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Shock-fitting solution of the supersonic flowfield in a rounded internal corner

The conical inviscid supersonic flowfield in a rounded internal corner was investigated numerically. A number of comparisons were made with previously obtained sharp corner solutions, and an experiment was conducted to provide a rounded corner comparison. The experimental investigation included mapping of the shock wave and contact surface locations at a Mach number of 4.1 for a model with unequal wedge angles and a conical!) rounded corner. There is little pressure change across the three-dimensional flowfield with a sharp corner. As the amount of corner rounding is increased, the pressure gradient toward the corner increases, and pockets of increased pressure appear at the ends of the rounded section. Increasing the freestream Mach number changes the relative shock-wave shapes. The solution was successfully executed over a range of Mach numbers from 2 to 6 and over a range of wedge angles from 4 to 18 deg.
Reconstruction of the Mars Science Laboratory Parachute Performance and Comparison to the Descent Simulation

The Mars Science Laboratory used a single mortar-deployed disk-gap-band parachute of 21.35 m nominal diameter to assist in the landing of the Curiosity rover on the surface of Mars. The parachute system s performance on Mars has been reconstructed using data from the on-board inertial measurement unit, atmospheric models, and terrestrial measurements of the parachute system. In addition, the parachute performance results were compared against the end-to-end entry, descent, and landing (EDL) simulation created to design, develop, and operate the EDL system. Mortar performance was nominal. The time from mortar fire to suspension lines stretch (deployment) was 1.135 s, and the time from suspension lines stretch to first peak force (inflation) was 0.635 s. These times were slightly shorter than those used in the simulation. The reconstructed aerodynamic portion of the first peak force was 153.8 kN; the median value for this parameter from an 8,000-trial Monte Carlo simulation yielded a value of 175.4 kN - 14% higher than the reconstructed value. Aeroshell dynamics during the parachute phase of EDL were evaluated by examining the aeroshell rotation rate and rotational acceleration. The peak values of these parameters were 69.4 deg/s and 625 deg/sq s, respectively, which were well within the acceptable range. The EDL simulation was successful in predicting the aeroshell dynamics within reasonable bounds. The average total parachute force coefficient for Mach numbers below 0.6 was 0.624, which is close to the pre-flight model nominal drag coefficient of 0.615.
Question the questions on CPAF.

This is in response to the editorial commentary on CPAF substrates and secretion authored by Bavoil & Byrne (2014). Chlamydial protease like activity factor (CPAF) was first purified in two fragments (Zhong et al ., 2001) that formed intramolecular heterodimers (Dong et al ., 2004a, b) for acquiring a serine protease activity (Huang et al ., 2008; Chen et al ., 2009, 2010a). The crystal structure revealed a proximity dependent super dimerization and sequential processing mechanism for CPAF activation (Huang et al ., 2008). CPAF was characterized as a sec dependent secretion protein (Chen et al ., 2010b …
Intraperitoneal gene therapy by rAAV provides long-term survival against epithelial ovarian cancer independently of survivin pathway

Epithelial ovarian carcinoma is the leading cause of death from gynecological malignancies. Owing to the lack of an effective screening method, insidious onset, and non-specific symptoms, a majority of women present with advanced stage disease. Despite improvements from cytoreductive surgery and chemotherapy, recurrent disease remains a formidable challenge. In the present study, we demonstrate for the first time that stable intra-abdominal genetic transfer of endostatin and angiostatin (E+A) by recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) provides sustained antitumor effects on the growth and dissemination of epithelial ovarian cancer in a mouse model. Further, when combined with paclitaxel (taxol), the effect of this therapy was dramatically increased and resulted in long-term tumor-free survival overcoming prior limitations of chemotherapy and gene therapy. The combined effects of angiosuppressive therapy and chemotherapy were found to be independently of survivin pathway. Evidence for the superior effects of the combination therapy was indicated by significantly lower ascites volume with less hemorrhage and tumor conglomerates, lower ascites vascular endothelial growth factor, higher tumor cell apoptosis and decreased blood vasculature, and long-term disease-free survival. Histopathology of visceral organs and liver enzyme assays indicated no toxicity or pathology.
Synthesis, conformation, crystal structures and DNA cleavage abilities of tetracyclic analogs of quinocarcin

Abstract Two totally synthetic, racemic analogs of quinocarcin have been designed and their crystal structures determined. Both substances effect the modest cleavage of plasmid DNA. Alteration of the conformation of the reactive oxazolidine fused to the piperazine ring by selecting the stereochemistry at C-11a through synthesis drastically attenuates the relative ability of these substances to cleave DNA.
Notes on the Dramatic Career of a Concept The Middle Class, Democracy, and the Anthropocene

The global middle class is frequently seen as a guarantor of democracy and its consumerism the basis for the next wave of growth in the world economy. This article questions both premises and sugge...
A Dual Algorithm to Solve Linear Least Absolute Value Problems

This paper presents a special purpose dual linear programming algorithm to solve a linear least absolute value multiple linear regression problem. Various computer implementations of the fundamental algorithm are discussed and compared with existing special-purpose procedures to solve the least absolute value problem. Computational results with four implementations of the algorithm are given.
An experimental study of the large deformation of plastic hinges

Abstract Recent applications of structural plasticity to areas such as vehicle crashworthiness has led to interest in the large deformation plastic collapse of general frames. Even when displacements are comparable to the original structural dimensions, the plasticity is confined to localized regions or “hinges”. This paper reports an experimental study of the behavior of such hinges in thin walled structural members. Due to local deformation the load carrying capacity of the hinge significantly decreases at large rotations. In a companion paper [4] a structural constitutive theory is proposed to account for this behavior. Numerical data for this theory is obtained in the present paper. Finally test results are given for a large deformation combined loading test designed to validate the theory of [4]. The experimental results are in good agreement with the theoretical predictions.
Alpha blocking to the omission of a stimulus

The study sought to demonstrate an increase in duration of alpha blocking to the omission of a scheduled stimulus and to examine the role of attentive state in producing the effect. Twenty male and 20 female subjects selected on the basis of consistent alpha rhythm were employed in a 2 by 2 by 2 design, the factors being presence or absence of the stimulus on the test trials, instructional set, and whether or not the subject was required to make a motor response to offset of the stimulus. EEG was recorded from the right and left hemispheres in response to a series of 5-sec pure tones of 100 dB presented at regular intervals of 20 sec. The stimulus was omitted on Trials 11, 22, and 33, and duration of alpha blocking was measured on the trials preceding and following the test trials and for an interval immediately prior to the test trials. Analysis indicated a significant increase in alpha blocking on the test trials for groups in which the stimulus was omitted, F(l,38) = 8.85, p <.01, but no other significant effects. It was concluded that omission of a stimulus results in increased alpha blocking, at least for some subjects, but that this does not depend on a conscious or accurate anticipation of the stimulus. Theoretically, the results support E. N. Sokolov’s model of the mechanism of the orienting reaction.
Transfer of visual and haptic maze learning in rats

Cross-modal transfer of learning between black/white and rough/smooth discrimination tasks was studied in a two-choice maze procedure in which the stimuli for both discriminations were located on the floor of the maze. Rats were trained initially with cues of one modality and then given transfer training with cues of the second modality. The amount of transfer produced by two criteria of learning, 9 correct responses in 10 trials and 18 correct responses in 20 trials, was also studied. Bidirectional cross-modal transfer of learning was demonstrated more clearly with the more stringent learning criteria. These positive transfer effects appeared primarily to be the result of general transfer processes.
Randomized trial of emergency endoscopic sclerotherapy versus emergency portacaval shunt for acutely bleeding esophageal varices in cirrhosis.

Background The mortality rate of bleeding esophageal varices in cirrhosis is highest during the period of acute bleeding. This is a report of a randomized trial that compared endoscopic sclerotherapy (EST) with emergency portacaval shunt (EPCS) in cirrhotic patients with acute variceal hemorrhage. Study Design A total of 211 unselected consecutive patients with cirrhosis and acutely bleeding esophageal varices who required at least 2 U of blood transfusion were randomized to EST (n=106) or EPCS (n=105). Diagnostic workup was completed within 6 hours and EST or EPCS was initiated within 8 hours of initial contact. Longterm EST was performed according to a deliberate schedule. Ninety-six percent of patients underwent more than 10 years of followup, or until death. Results The percent of patients in Child's risk classes were A, 27.5; B, 45.0; and C, 27.5. EST achieved permanent control of bleeding in only 20% of patients; EPCS permanently controlled bleeding in every patient (p≤0.001). Requirement for blood transfusions was greater in the EST group than in the EPCS patients. Compared with EST, survival after EPCS was significantly higher at all time intervals and in all Child's classes (p≤0.001). Recurrent episodes of portal-systemic encephalopathy developed in 35% of EST patients and 15% of EPCS patients (p≤0.01). Conclusions EPCS permanently stopped variceal bleeding, rarely became occluded, was accomplished with a low incidence of portal-systemic encephalopathy, and compared with EST, produced greater longterm survival. The widespread practice of using surgical procedures mainly as salvage for failure of endoscopic therapy is not supported by the results of this trial (clinicaltrials.gov #NCT00690027).
Information footholds: Isolating local presence as a factor in analyst performance and trading

Abstract I compare the performance of buy/hold/sell recommendations from foreign, local, and expatriate (foreigners with local operations) analysts in an emerging market. Location appears to be important: expatriate analysts significantly outperform foreign analysts. Expatriates also significantly outperform locals, implying that other factors such as global resources also play a role, and a variety of controls for the characteristics of the recommending firm does not alter findings. Trading based on expatriate recommendations generates significantly positive risk-adjusted returns. Furthermore, foreign and local institutional investors appear to trade on the superior information of expatriate analysts, even when it contradicts their own information.
Expression of messenger ribonucleic acid encoding tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 within ovine follicles and corpora lutea.

Metalloproteinase inhibitors, such as tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases 1 and 2 (TIMP-1 and -2), play a key role in the regulation of metalloproteinases that modify extracellular matrix composition. Although expression of TIMP-1 within ovarian tissues has been well characterized, little information is available regarding expression of TIMP-2. The objective of the present studies was to characterize the ontogeny and localization of TIMP-2 messenger RNA (mRNA) within ovine preovulatory follicles and luteal tissue. Total cellular RNA was isolated from preovulatory follicles collected before (presurge; n = 3), or 12-14 h after (post surge; n = 4) an LHRH-induced gonadotropin surge, and from luteal tissue collected on days 3, 7, 10, 13, and 16 post estrus (n = 5, 5, 4, 5, and 5, respectively). TIMP-2 mRNA was expressed by both presurge and postsurge follicles, and expression did not increase after the gonadotropin surge (P = 0.44). In situ hybridization localized TIMP-2 mRNA primarily to the thecal layer...
Locus and population specific evolution in HLA class II genes

The population genetics of the HLA class II loci was studied with reference to variation in the frequency of (a) alleles at a locus and (b) amino acids at specific sites. Variation was surveyed at 4 loci (DRB1, DQA1, DQB1, and DPB1) in 22 populations from the Twelfth International Histocompatibility Workshop (Saint-Malo, 1996). Allele and amino acid variation was measured by computing heterozygosity and the effective number of alleles. Substantial variations in polymorphism were observed among the various populations and loci studied. In the majority of the populations, DRB1 has the highest heterozygosity and effective number of alleles. As previously shown, the Amerindian populations have lower levels of allelic diversity when compared to other populations. At the amino acid level, DRB1 antigen recognition sites (ARS) have the highest heterozygosities and effective number of alleles. For the other loci (DPB1, DQA1, and DQB1) for which there is no crystal structure and for which ARS sites were inferred from DRB1, non-ARS sites were often among the sites with highest levels of variation. It is possible that these putative non-ARS sites do play a role in antigen presentation. The homozygosity test for neutrality was applied to allele and amino acid data. Of the four HLA class II loci studied, only DPB1 failed to show evidence of balancing selection. DQB1 and DQA1 depart significantly from neutrality in the largest number of populations. Genetic distances between populations were computed based on frequency of alleles and amino acids at ARS sites.
Correction of local B0 shifts in 3D EPSI of the human brain at 4 T.

To minimize inhomogeneous spectral line-broadening, high spatial resolution acquisition was previously proposed for 3D echo-planar spectroscopic imaging (EPSI) in combination with a high spatial resolution water reference EPSI data set, allowing local frequency shift (B0-shift) correction for human brain metabolite maps at 1.5 T (Ebel A et al., Magn. Reson. Imaging 21:113–120, 2003). At higher magnetic field strength, B0, increased field inhomogeneities typically lead to increased line-broadening. Additionally, increased susceptibility variations render shimming of the main magnetic field over the whole head more difficult. This study addresses the question whether local B0-shift correction still helps limit line-broadening in whole-brain 3D EPSI at higher magnetic fields. The combination of high spatial resolution acquisition and local B0-shift correction to limit linebroadening is evaluated at 4 T. Similar to results at 1.5 T, the approach provided a high yield of voxels with good spectral quality for 3D EPSI, resulting in improved brain coverage.
Business ethics and job-related constructs: A cross-cultural comparison of automotive salespeople

Although a number of articles have addressed ethical perceptions and behaviors, few studies have examined ethics across cultures. This research focuses on measuring the job satisfaction, customer orientation, ethics, and ethical training of automotive salespersons in the U.S. and Taiwan. The relationships of these variables to salesperson performance were also investigated. Ethics training was found to be negatively related to perceived levels of ethicalness and performance. High performance U.S. salespeople reported high ethical behavior, while the opposite was true in Taiwan. Customer orientation in both countries was influenced by ethics training. Managers should evaluate current ethics training programs to insure correct ethical behavior is taught and rewarded.
Integrated design of real architectural spaces and virtual information spaces

This paper presents an introduction to the Suite “Integrated design of real architectural spaces and virtual information spaces”. It discusses the affordances of architectural spaces serving as information spaces and vice versa. As a consequence, it argues for a two-way augmentation of these two worlds were are living in. It concludes with an overview of the papers of this Suite.
Induction of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Expression by Epstein-Barr Virus Latent Membrane Protein 1 C-Terminal-Activating Region 1 Is Mediated by NF-κB p50 Homodimer/Bcl-3 Complexes

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with the development of numerous malignancies, including the epithelial malignancy nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The viral oncoprotein latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) is expressed in almost all EBV-associated malignancies and has profound effects on gene expression. LMP1 acts as a constitutively active tumor necrosis factor receptor and activates multiple forms of the NF-κB family of transcription factors. LMP1 has two domains that both activate NF-κB. In epithelial cells, LMP1 C-terminal activating region 1 (CTAR1) uniquely activates p50/p50-, p50/p52-, and p65-containing complexes while CTAR2 activates canonical p50/p65 complexes. CTAR1 also uniquely upregulates the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). In NPC, NF-κB p50/p50 homodimers and the transactivator Bcl-3 were detected on the EGFR promoter. In this study, the role of NF-κB p50 and Bcl-3 in LMP1-mediated upregulation of EGFR was analyzed. In LMP1-CTAR1-expressing cells, chromatin immunoprecipitation detected p50 and Bcl-3 on the NF-κB consensus sites within the egfr promoter. Transient overexpression of p50 and Bcl-3 increased EGFR expression, confirming the regulation of EGFR by these factors. Treatment with p105/p50 siRNA effectively reduced p105/p50 levels but unexpectedly increased Bcl-3 expression and levels of p50/Bcl-3 complexes, resulting in increased EGFR expression. These data suggest that induction of p50/p50/Bcl-3 complexes by LMP1 CTAR1 mediates LMP1-induced EGFR upregulation and that formation of the p50/p50/Bcl-3 complex is negatively regulated by the p105 precursor. The distinct forms of NF-κB that are induced by LMP1 CTAR1 likely activate distinct cellular genes.
Minimum-weight design of continuous beams under displacement and stress constraints

Explicit optimality conditions for minimum-weight design of elastic sandwich beams with segmentwise constant structural stiffness, subject to displacement and mean-square stress constraints, are obtained. An iterative procedure that combines the use of the optimality conditions with finite-element analysis is proposed and is illustrated by numerical examples. These examples suggest that very few iterations are necessary to obtain a good approximation to the optimal design. It is shown that, for practical purposes, the optimization problem may be simplified by using the optimality conditions derived for statically determinate beams instead of those valid for statically indeterminate beams.
High concentration of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate in sea urchin sperm.

Abstract We measured inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) content of sea urchin gametes by using a specific protein binding assay, and found that a spermatozoon contains 4×10−19 to 1×10−18 moles of InsP3 before the acrosome reaction. Since the acrosome reaction has previously been shown to increase the InsP3 content of sperm severalfold, our measurement indicates that a spermatozoon contains at least 2×10−18 moles of InsP3 at fertilization, corresponding to a concentration in the spermatozoon of about 1 mM. The threshold for activation of eggs by injection of InsP3 dissolved in a much larger volume of solution has been found to be about 3×10−18 moles, corresponding to a concentration in the injectate of 1 μM. This suggests that sea urchin sperm may contain enough InsP3 to activate eggs. With an electroporation method, we also showed that sperm extract acts on eggs only from inside, consistent with a primary messenger role for InsP3.
Thin-Line Detection in Meteorological Radar images Using Wavelet Transforms

Abstract The enhancement of thin-line features in meteorological radar reflectivity images is addressed using a wavelet-based analysis. Thin-line features in reflectivity correspond to surface wind convergence lines that can potentially lead to the initiation of thunderstorms. The automated detection of thin-line features is desired as input to expert systems being developed for automated thunderstorm nowcasting and as aids to human nowcasters. Any automated detection system requires enhancement of the thin line feature as a preliminary step to classifying the feature. Enhancement of the thin lines is based on characteristics of a two-dimensional wavelet transform. The reflectivity image is projected onto a directionally selective wavelet basis element for various scales and orientations and for all possible positions. The resulting wavelet transform images are reduced to a single enhanced image through a combination of fuzzy thresholding and averaging at each pixel. Each pixel in the enhanced image has a...
Recent results on the spatiotemporal modelling and comparative analysis of Black Death and bubonic plague epidemics.

Summary Background This work demonstrates the importance of spatiotemporal stochastic modelling in constructing maps of major epidemics from fragmentary information, assessing population impacts, searching for possible etiologies, and performing comparative analysis of epidemics. Methods Based on the theory previously published by the authors and incorporating new knowledge bases, informative maps of the composite space–time distributions were generated for important characteristics of two major epidemics: Black Death (14th century Western Europe) and bubonic plague (19th–20th century Indian subcontinent). Results The comparative spatiotemporal analysis of the epidemics led to a number of interesting findings: (1) the two epidemics exhibited certain differences in their spatiotemporal characteristics (correlation structures, trends, occurrence patterns and propagation speeds) that need to be explained by means of an interdisciplinary effort; (2) geographical epidemic indicators confirmed in a rigorous quantitative manner the partial findings of isolated reports and time series that Black Death mortality was two orders of magnitude higher than that of bubonic plague; (3) modern bubonic plague is a rural disease hitting harder the small villages in the countryside whereas Black Death was a devastating epidemic that indiscriminately attacked large urban centres and the countryside, and while the epidemic in India lasted uninterruptedly for five decades, in Western Europe it lasted three and a half years; (4) the epidemics had reverse areal extension features in response to annual seasonal variations. Temperature increase at the end of winter led to an expansion of infected geographical area for Black Death and a reduction for bubonic plague, reaching a climax at the end of spring when the infected area in Western Europe was always larger than in India. Conversely, without exception, the infected area during winter was larger for the Indian bubonic plague; (5) during the Indian epidemic, the disease disappeared and reappeared several times at most locations; in Western Europe, once the disease entered a place, it lasted a time proportional to the population and then disappeared for several years (this on-and-off situation lasted more than three centuries); and (6) on average, Black Death moved much faster than bubonic plague to reach virgin territories, despite the fact that India is only slightly larger in area than Western Europe and had a railroad network almost instantly moving infected rats, fleas, and people from one end of the subcontinent to the other. Conclusions These findings throw new light on the spatiotemporal characteristics of the epidemics and need to be taken into consideration in the scientific discussion concerning the two devastating diseases and the lessons learned from them.
Randomized Trial of Hyperthermia and Radiation for Superficial Tumors

Purpose Randomized clinical trials have demonstrated hyperthermia (HT) enhances radiation response. These trials, however, generally lacked rigorous thermal dose prescription and administration. We report the final results of a prospective randomized trial of superficial tumors ( 3 cm depth) comparing radiotherapy versus HT combined with radiotherapy, using the parameter describing the number of cumulative equivalent minutes at 43°C exceeded by 90% of monitored points within the tumor (CEM 43°C T90) as a measure of thermal dose. Methods This trial was designed to test whether a thermal dose of more than 10 CEM 43°C T90 results in improved complete response and duration of local control compared with a thermal dose of 1 CEM 43°C T90. Patients received a test dose of HT 1 CEM 43°C T90 and tumors deemed heatable were randomly assigned to additional HT versus no additional HT. HT was given using microwave spiral strip applicators operating at 433 MHz. Results One hundred twenty-two patients were enrolled; 109 (89%) were deemed heatable and were randomly assigned. The complete response rate was 66.1% in the HT arm and 42.3% in the no-HT arm. The odds ratio for complete response was 2.7 (95% CI, 1.2 to 5.8; P .02). Previously irradiated patients had the greatest incremental gain in complete response: 23.5% in the no-HT arm versus 68.2% in the HT arm. No overall survival benefit was seen. Conclusion Adjuvant hyperthermia with a thermal dose more than 10 CEM 43°C T90 confers a significant local control benefit in patients with superficial tumors receiving radiation therapy. J Clin Oncol 23:3079-3085. © 2005 by American Society of Clinical Oncology
NOVEL STAGING TOOL FOR LOCALIZED PROSTATE CANCER: A PILOT STUDY USING GENETIC ADAPTIVE NEURAL NETWORKS

AbstractPurpose: An estimated $1.5 billion is spent annually for direct medical expenses and an additional $2.5 billion for indirect costs for the management of prostate cancer. Today there are several procedures for staging prostate cancer, including lymph node dissection. Despite these procedures, the accuracy of predicting extracapsular disease remains low (range 37 to 63, mean 45%). Use of multiple staging procedures adds significantly to the costs of managing prostate cancer. Recently artificial intelligence based neural networks have become available for medical applications. Unlike traditional statistical methods, these networks do not assume linearity or homogeneity of variance and, thus, they are more accurate for clinical data. We applied this concept to staging localized prostate cancer and devised an algorithm that can be used for prostate cancer staging.Materials and Methods: Our study comprised 1,200 men with clinically organ confined prostate cancer who underwent preoperative staging using ...
Gender, dominance and stress

The issue of sex differences in aggression was recast into a dominance—stress framework and examined using an experimental design. College students participated in dominance episodes during which behavior and physiological indicators of stress were monitored. The results indicate that both males and females find encounters with people of the same sex more stress-producing than encounters with opposite-sex individuals. While males seem to be more stressed by same-sex challenges than women, the differences are small. Men did not differ from women in the tendency to engage in dominance behavior in same-sex groups. Moreover, the dominance behavior was as stressful to men as it was to women. Awareness that one's status is under attack was found, however, to have very different effects on men and women. Males who recognized the threat exhibited more stress than those who did not. Women who were aware of the threat, on the other hand, were stressed far less—suggesting that men and women respond differently to explicit dominance episodes than to those that are more subtle. There was no sex difference in the stress associated with winning and losing.
Early Complications Related to Approach in Thoracic and Lumbar Spine Surgery: A Single Center Prospective Study

Background Thoracic and lumbar spine surgical procedures are performed for a variety of pathologies. The literature consists of multiple retrospective reviews examining complication prevalence with the surgical treatment of these disorders. However, there is limited direct examination of perioperative complications through a prospective approach. Of the prospective assessments, the majority focuses on specific surgical procedures or provides a limited assessment of certain spinal implants. Prospective assessments of complication incidence in broad patient populations are limited. This article analyzes a prospectively collected database of patients who underwent a thoracic and/or lumbar spine surgery at a large tertiary care center and the effect of surgical approach (anterior or posterior) on the incidence of early complications. Methods Data collection was performed prospectively on 128 patients on the neurosurgical spine service at Thomas Jefferson University hospital from May to December 2008. Data on preoperative diagnosis, medical comorbidities, body mass index, surgical approach and procedure, length of stay, and complication occurrence was recorded and analyzed. Acute complications or adverse events occurring within the initial 30 days after each operative procedure were included. All medical adverse events were included as complications. A previously circumstantiated binary definition of major and minor complications was used to stratify the data. Results Overall, 76 of 128 patients (59.4%) in this cohort experienced at least one complication. Anterior thoracic and lumbar procedures had an 83.3% (5/6) incidence of complications. Of those patients having solely a posterior thoracic and lumbar procedures, 37 of 75 (49.3%) experienced at least one complication. Combined anterior and posterior surgical procedure had a complication incidence of 34 of 47 (72.3%). The mean number of complications reached significance for the minor and overall complications groups (P = .0076 and .0172, respectively, Poisson regression). Comparing the incidence of complications reveals the overall complications in the posterior alone group compared with the anterior/posterior combined group was significantly lower (P = .0134). Those undergoing instrumented fusions were statistically more likely to encounter complications (P Conclusions There is a considerably higher complication incidence than previously reported for thoracic, thoracolumbar, and lumbar spine operations. A prospective approach and a broad definition of perioperative complications increased the recorded incidence of perioperative adverse events and complications. The case complexity of a tertiary referral center may also have escalated the increased incidence. Complications were more common in patients undergoing anterior and anterior/posterior procedures.
Ignition characteristics of vacuum system components

Abstract This report describes a series of tests of vacuum monitoring and vacuum producing devices in an air-hydrogen atmosphere. These tests consisted of building a suitable test vessel, obtaining desired test conditions and then introducing an explosive air-hydrogen mixture, at a desired flow rate, onto the pieces of equipment being checked. Provisions were made for remote monitoring and recording of the results.
Delivery of Adeno-Associated Virus Vectors to the Fetal Retina: Impact of Viral Capsid Proteins on Retinal Neuronal Progenitor Transduction

The development of fetal ocular gene transfer may be useful as a therapeutic tool for the prevention of retinal genetic disorders with congenital or early clinical manifestations. In this study we explored the neural progenitor transduction patterns of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors following delivery to the developing retina. Recombinant vectors with the same genome carrying the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) transgene packaged in capsids of differing serotypes (serotypes 1, 2, and 5, termed AAV2/1, AAV2/2, and AAV2/5, respectively) were created. Delivery of the AAV vectors during early retinal development resulted in efficient and stable transduction of retinal progenitors. Vector surface proteins and the developmental status of the retina profoundly affected viral tropism and transgene distribution. The procedure is not detrimental to retinal development and function and therefore provides a safe delivery vehicle for potential therapeutic applications and a means of assessing the mechanisms of retina development and disease.
Forebrain lesion blockade of the natriuretic response to elevated carotid blood sodium.

Anesthetized male cats, bearing radiofrequency lesions in the region of the subfornical organ (experimental) or in the cingulate cortex (control), received carotid artery infusions of 1M sodium chloride for 90 min at a rate of 0.206 ml/min. In the control-lesioned animals urine flow rate, sodium excretion rate and the percent of filtered sodium excreted rose significantly 30 min after beginning the infusion of hypertonic sodium chloride, but failed to change significantly in the experimental-lesioned cats. The data indicate that the neural substrate participating in the regulation of renal sodium excretion includes the region of the subfornical organ.
Orientational Order in MBBA From Optical Anisotropy Measurements

Abstract The orientational order parameters of MBBA from two sources (clearing temperatures 317.5° and 318.9°K) as functions of temperature were obtained from optical anisotropy (birefringence) measurements of orientated thin films by a variable wave-length method. The formula proposed by Vuks for the polarization field associated with strongly anisotropic organic molecules was used as the basis for the development of new expressions used in our evaluation of the order parameter. The order parameters versus temperature reported in this paper are in very good agreement with recent NMR and Raman scattering measurements reported in the literature.
The effects of chronic desmethylimipramine on entorhinal cortical kindling in rats.

Abstract Chronic pretreatment of rats with desmethylimipramine (DMI) significantly slowed the rate of seizure generalization elicited by repeated electrical stimulation of the entorhinal cortex (kindling). An identical drug regimen administered to either fully kindled rats or rats partially kindled to early motor seizure stages failed to significantly alter kindling profiles in these animals. Under these latter conditions, in fact, there was a tendency for chronic DMI to exacerbate seizure activity. The effect of chronic DMI pretreatment to slow the development of kindled seizure generalization did not occur if a two-week delay was interposed between the end of drug treatment and the beginning of kindling trials. Results suggest that (1) the retardation of entorhinal cortical kindling rate is dependent on DMI-induced CNS adaptations which recover within two weeks following treatment, and (2) this effect is dependent on the presence of DMI-induced adaptations in a naive (unkindled) nervous system. Alterations of either the kindled state or the adaptational state produced by chronic drug eliminate the slowing of seizure generalization observed when both conditions are present.
Electrical and electrothermal transport in InN: The roles of defects

The transport properties of Mg doped and undoped InN films are studied with capacitance-voltage, thermopower, and Hall mobility measurements. A positive Seebeck coefficient is observed for Mg doped InN confirming p-type conductivity, though high doping and structural defect density can lead to n-type films. Transport measurements of undoped films are analyzed employing Rode's iterative Boltzmann equation method. Observed thermopower, Hall mobility, and dislocation density data for undoped films are consistent with calculations including the effects of charged line defect (donor-type dislocation) scattering.
Prolonged Opportunity for Ischemic Neuroprotection with Selective κ-Opioid Receptor Agonist in Rats

Background and Purpose— We have previously demonstrated that pretreatment with selective κ-opioid agonist BRL 52537 hydrochloride [(±)-1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl) acetyl-2-(1-pyrrolidinyl) methylpiperidine], provides ischemic neuroprotection following transient focal ischemia in rats. The present study was undertaken to a) define “therapeutic opportunity” for ischemic neuroprotection with BRL 52537, and b) determine if BRL 52537 attenuates ischemia-evoked efflux of dopamine and its metabolites in the striatum in vivo following transient focal ischemia. Methods— Using the intraluminal filament technique, halothane-anesthetized male Wistar rats were subjected to 2 hours of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). In a blinded, randomized fashion, rats were treated with saline (vehicle) or 1 mg/Kg/hr BRL 52537 infusion for 22 hours, initiated at onset, 2, 4, or 6 hours of reperfusion (Rep). In a separate set of experiments utilizing in vivo microdialysis, extracellular levels of dopamine and its metabolites were ...
Wavelength dependence of polarization. XXXV - Vertical structure of scattering layers above the visible Venus clouds

Results of multiple-scattering computations based on whole-disk and Digicon polarization observations are presented which indicate vertical inhomogeneity in the upper atmosphere of Venus. It is shown that the whole-disk observations support a thin upper haze layer of 0.18-micron particles and that the low polarization observed near the limb and terminator requires a haze of slightly larger particles. The Digicon polar regions are found to exhibit increased polarization, which is compatible with CO2 absorption measurements and is explained by increased molecular scattering above the clouds. The decrease in cloud-top height for latitudes greater than 45 deg is estimated to be approximately 1.4 km.
Which linear compartmental systems contain traps

This paper will prove the following result which was stated without proof by Dr. John Jacquez: A linear compartmental system has a trap if and only if the associated system of differential equations has a zero eigenvalue. It will then use this result to prove an approximation theorem which says roughly that a linear compartmental system has an approximate trap if and only if the associated system of differential equations has an eigenvalue which is approximately zero. Let S represent a linear compartmental system consisting of compartments C1, C2 . . . . C, and qj be the amount of material in Cj. Let f~,j. be the fractional exchange coefficient so that the rate of flow of material from Cj to Ci isf~,jqj; and letf0,iqj be the rate of flow of material from C s. to the environment. The total outflow from Cj is (fo,j + Xl,jf~,j)qj which we will write as fs,iqJ. This leads us to consider the system of differential equations,
Bubble and foam concentration of cellulase

Experiments were conducted to determine the effect of pH and sparging-gas composition on the bubble and foam separation of an aqueous protein solution. Cellulase was chosen as a model system that provided its own foam, unlike the previously studied invertase and amylase systems, which did not produce significant foaming. A 1-L graduated cylinder was used as the column into which the sparging gas (CO2 or air) was introduced. Contact between the rising sparging gas and the bulk solution was espected to lead to a protein concentration gradient (bubble fractionation) within the solution, as it did previously for yeast, invertase (1). A concentration gradient in the cellulase bulk solution was not observed with either air or CO2, however, but a high concentration was observed in the foam layer above the liquid solution (foam fractionation). With CO2 sparging, the bulk foam concentration reached a peak of eight times the solution's concentration at pH=5. When foam-top samples were collected, moreover, the concentration was as high as 220 times the bulk solution's concentration, suggesting a concentration gradient within the foam. Exposure to the air seems to reduce the viability of the cellulase harvested in the foam, presumably because of cellulase oxidative deactivation. Oxidative deactivation, if found to be controlling, may perhaps be minimized through the use of an inert sparging gas and foam blanketing atmosphere.
The Seeker-Consumer: Scientology and the Rhetoric of Consumerism

Abstract: This article contributes to the growing body of work on the Church of Scientology, arguing that the Church’s Web site from 2005 to 2010 engages a rhetoric of consumerism. The Church’s site does not merely exemplify consumer capitalism through a haphazard collection of marketing techniques; rather, consumer capitalism is the site’s very language: at the level of vocabulary, syntax, visual design, and site architecture, consumer capitalism is the site’s mode of discursive engagement. In turn, the site’s rhetoric of consumerism crafts the process of spiritual seeking into an act of capitalist consuming.
Intravesical potassium sensitivity in patients with interstitial cystitis and urethral syndrome

Abstract Objectives. To examine populations with diagnosed clinical interstitial cystitis (IC) and urethral syndrome and normal controls using the potassium sensitivity test (PST), to determine the incidence of PST-provoked pain and/or urgency, and to document the type and location of IC and urethral syndrome pain, association of pain with sexual intercourse, and family history of female urgency/frequency problems. Methods. The PST and a questionnaire were administered to 466 patients with clinical IC, 116 patients with urethral syndrome, and 42 controls. Results. The PST was positive in 78% of patients with clinical IC, in 55% of patients with urethral syndrome, and in 0% of the controls. Of the patients with clinical IC, 9% responded to the PST with pain only and 8% with urgency only. Patients with clinical IC reported the pain as dysuria (58%), urethral/vaginal (76%), above the pubic bone (53%), lower abdomen (47%), lower back (35%), vaginal (51%), and inguinal (28%). The results were similar for patients with urethral syndrome. Of the sexually active men and women, 71% with clinical IC and 59% with urethral syndrome reported pain associated with intercourse. Urgency/frequency problems in female relatives were reported by 35% of patients with IC and 33% of those with urethral syndrome. Conclusions. The significant potassium sensitivity in both patients with clinical IC and those with urethral syndrome and the absence of potassium sensitivity in normal controls indicates that a positive PST suggests the presence of an abnormal bladder epithelium. The lower rate of positive PSTs in patients with urethral syndrome reflects the less severe, more intermittent, nature of the symptoms in urethral syndrome (early IC). Pelvic pain of bladder origin may occur anywhere in the pelvis. Finally, IC appears to have a genetic component.
Altered mechanosensitive properties of vagal afferent fibers innervating the stomach following gastric surgery in rats.

Abstract Background and aims: Several types of gastric surgeries have been associated with early satiety, dyspepsia and food intolerances. We aimed to examine alterations in gastric vagal afferents following gastric surgery–fundus ligation. Methods: Six week old, male Sprague–Dawley rats underwent chronic ligation (CL) of the fundus. Sham rats underwent abdominal surgery, but without ligation. Another group of rats underwent acute ligation (AL) of the fundus immediately prior to experiments. CL and sham rats were allowed to grow to age 3–4 months. Food intake and weights were recorded post-operatively. Gastric compliance and gastric wall thickness was measured at baseline and during gastric distension (GD). Extracellular recordings were made to examine response characteristics of vagal afferent fibers to GD and to map the stomach receptive field (RF). The morphological structures of afferent terminals in the stomach were examined with retrograde tracings from the nodose ganglion. Results: The CL group consumed significantly less food and weighed less than sham control. The mean compliance of the CL group was significantly less than control, but higher than the AL group. The spontaneous firing and responses to GD of afferent fibers from the CL rats were significantly higher than AL rats. There was a marked expansion of the gastric RF in the CL rats with significant reorganization and regeneration of intramuscular array (IMA) terminals. There was no difference in total wall or muscle thickness among the groups. Conclusion: CL results in aberrant remodeling of IMAs with expansion of the gastric RF and alters the mechanotransduction properties of vagal afferent fibers. These changes could contribute to altered sensitivity following gastric surgery.
Advance Directives: Stability of Patients' Treatment Choices

Background: Advance directives are intended to extend patient autonomy into periods of mental incompetence. However, for advance directives to fulfill this objective, patients' choices must be reasonably consistent over time. Thus, we assessed the stability of the advance treatment decisions of patients and members of the public. Methods: In a prospective cohort study of 495 outpatients and 102 members of the public, we studied the stability of scenario- and treatment-specific choices. Subjects completed an advance directive, which included four illness scenarios with 11 treatment choices in each, as part of a questionnaire. A second interview was completed by 296 patients and 78 members of the public after 6 to 12 months; 154 patients completed a third interview after a further 6 to 12 months. We assessed stability by comparing each choice between interviews. Results: Stability of choices was moderately high among patients (pooled κ=0.39) and members of the public (pooled κ=0.48). Stability improved with repeat interview (pooled κ=0.47 among patients). Patients who had discussions with their physicians showed more improvement (κ=0.57) than others. Patients had a wide range of personal stability levels (0% to 100%), but individuals starting out stable rarely became less so (93% of the patients with 85% to 100% stability maintained this level of stability on the third interview). Hospitalized patients showed no significant difference in stability at the second interview, but their stability was not improved at the third interview. Conclusions: Our findings generally support the use of advance directives. Most people made moderately stable decisions when using scenario- and treatment-specific directives, and stability improved after they reviewed the decisions, especially among those who had discussions with their physicians. Recent hospitalization did not decrease stability, although it appeared to reduce the improvement that others achieved with repeat interview. These findings suggest that advance directives can be relied on 1 to 2 years after completion to reflect a patient's choices. (Arch Intern Med. 1994;154:209-217)
Unsolvability of binary forms

Abstract A property of a binary unit is obtained which is invariant in all number fields of fixed degree n, n ≥ 3. This property is then used to formulate a necessary condition for the solvability of a binary form.