cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic Interventions to Reduce Radiation Induced Dermal Injury in a Murine Model of Tissue Expander Based Breast Reconstruction.

Background Radiation therapy (XRT) induced dermal injury disrupts type I collagen architecture. This impairs cutaneous viscoelasticity, which may contribute to the high rate of complications in expander-based breast reconstruction with adjuvant XRT. The objective of this study was to further elucidate the mechanism of radiation-induced dermal injury and to determine if amifostine (AMF) or deferoxamine (DFO) mitigates type I collagen injury in an irradiated murine model of expander-based breast reconstruction. Methods Female Lewis rats (n = 20) were grouped: expander (control), expander-XRT (XRT), expander-XRT-AMF (AMF), and expander-XRT-DFO (DFO). Expanders were surgically placed. All XRT groups received 28 Gy of XRT. The AMF group received AMF 30 minutes before XRT, and the DFO group used a patch for delivery 5 days post-XRT. After a 20-day recovery period, skin was harvested. Atomic force microscopy and Raman spectroscopy were performed to evaluate type I collagen sheet organization and tissue compositional properties, respectively. Results Type I collagen fibril disorganization was significantly increased in the XRT group compared with the control (83.8% vs 22.4%; P = 0.001). Collagen/matrix ratios were greatly reduced in the XRT group compared with the control group (0.49 ± 0.09 vs 0.66 ± 0.09; P = 0.017). Prophylactic AMF demonstrated a marked reduction in type I collagen fibril disorganization on atomic force microscopy (15.9% vs 83.8%; P = 0.001). In fact, AMF normalized type I collagen organization in irradiated tissues to the level of the nonirradiated control (P = 0.122). Based on Raman spectroscopy, both AMF and DFO demonstrated significant differential protective effects on expanded-irradiated tissues. Collagen/matrix ratios were significantly preserved in the AMF group compared with the XRT group (0.49 ± 0.09 vs 0.69 ± 0.10; P = 0.010). β-Sheet/α-helix ratios were significantly increased in the DFO group compared with the XRT group (1.76 ± 0.03 vs 1.86 ± 0.06; P = 0.038). Conclusions Amifostine resulted in a significant improvement in type I collagen fibril organization and collagen synthesis, whereas DFO mitigated abnormal changes in collagen secondary structure in an irradiated murine model of expander-based breast reconstruction. These therapeutics offer the ability to retain the native microarchitecture of type I collagen after radiation. Amifostine and DFO may offer clinical utility to reduce radiation induced dermal injury, potentially decreasing the high complication rate of expander-based breast reconstruction with adjuvant XRT and improving surgical outcomes.
Estimating cybersickness from virtual reality applications

Cybersickness is a known issue in virtual reality affecting a notable percentage of the populations. However, predicting the level and incidence of cybersickness in new systems is difficult. Past publications were analyzed for their factors and resulting cybersickness scores. These factors were then used to develop three predictive models using demographics, software, and hardware factors. Using demographic information alone explained 44.2% of the adjusted variance in a linear model. Using hardware and software factors alone explained 55.3% of the adjusted variance in a linear model. Using demographics, software, and hardware factors did not use a linear model, but rather had an average residual error of 1.03. This residual error is an estimate of how far the predicted cybersickness score is from the actual score.
Effect of carbonated hydroxyapatite submicron particles size on osteoblastic differentiation

Synthetic biomimetic carbonated hydroxyapatite (CHA) has shown significant promise in bone tissue engineering for its mechanical and chemical biocompatibility and osteogenic potential. Variations in the size of hydroxyapatite particles have also been shown to contribute to the hydroxyapatite's osteogenic success. However, synthesizing biomimetic CHA with optimal osteogenic properties using a simple synthesis methodology to make highly reproducible, biomimetic, and osteogenic CHA has not been evaluated fully. The objective of this study was to synthesize submicron CHA particles using a nanoemulsion method. We hypothesized that by varying the synthesis technique we could control particle size while still creating highly biomimetic CHA typically produced during nanoemulsion synthesis. Furthermore, we hypothesized that 500 nm CHA particles would induce greater osteoblastic differentiation compared to larger or smaller CHA particles. X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering were used to characterize the chemical composition, shape, and size of CHA synthesized through variations in pH, temperature and stirring speed during synthesis. Manipulation of pH showed the ability to selectively tailor CHA particle size from 200-900 nm in a reproducible manner while maintaining the chemical composition. In addition, 500 nm particles elicited the most rapid increase in osteoblastic differentiation and did not decrease cell viability compared to 200 and 900 nm particles.
Developing an Outpatient Pediatric Pre-Procedure COVID-19 Testing Model

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this project was to design, develop, implement, and manage a sustainable process for pediatric preoperative COVD-19 testing and use the test results to determine the level of personal protective equipment and infection control required for each patient for optimal surgical scheduling and preservation of resources. Design This quality improvement project used the Plan-Do-Study-Act methodology. Multiple cycles of re-evaluation refined this process which was standardized across the enterprise. Methods A process for preoperative testing for all patients undergoing procedures requiring anesthesia was developed and implemented. Findings A safe, feasible, timely process was developed and piloted to obtain COVID-19 test results to guide individualized interventions. During the pilot, 1,707 patients were screened, and five tested positive for COVID-19, eliminating the need to manage 1702 patients as COVID-19 positive. Conclusion To continue to safely re-open, knowledge of the patient's COVID-19 status is imperative to ensure a safe journey through the perioperative area.
True-false tests enhance retention relative to rereading.

Testing with various formats enhances long-term retention of studied information; however, little is known whether true-false tests produce this benefit despite their frequent use in the classroom. We conducted four experiments to explore the retention benefits of true-false tests. College students read passages and reviewed them by answering true-false questions or by restudying correct information from the passages. They then took a criterial test 2 days later that consisted of short-answer questions (Experiments 1 and 2) or short-answer and true-false questions (Experiments 3 and 4). True-false tests enhanced retention compared to rereading correct statements and compared to typing those statements while rereading (the latter in a mini meta-analysis). Evaluating both true and false statements yielded a testing effect on short-answer criterial tests, whereas evaluating only true statements produced a testing effect on true-false criterial tests. Finally, a simple modification that asked students to correct statements they marked as false on true-false tests improved retention of those items when feedback was provided. True-false tests can be an effective and practical learning tool to improve students' retention of text material. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Hemispheric Asymmetries in Poynting Flux Derived From DMSP Spacecraft

We provide high-resolution maps of quasi-static Poynting flux (PF) in each hemisphere based on nine-satellite years of Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) data. Conjugate comparisons fr...
The Heterogeneous Effects of P2P Ride-Hailing on Traffic: Evidence from Uber’s Entry in California

Despite their promise, popularity, and rapid growth, the transit implications of ride-hailing platforms (e.g., Uber, Lyft) are not altogether clear. On the one hand, ride-hailing services can provi...
Risk Assessment of Human Papillomavirus-Positive Cytology-Negative Cervical Cancer Screening in Black and White Women.

OBJECTIVES As we move toward human papillomavirus (HPV) only as the preferred cervical cancer screening method, we performed a retrospective analysis of Black and White women with negative cytology (Papanicolaou negative [PAPneg]) and positive high-risk HPV (hrHPV) (HPVpos) results and determined follow-up. METHODS We searched our pathology data system for patients with PAPneg/HPVpos results (2017-2019). Follow-up data were reviewed (39 months), and a comparison among race was performed. RESULTS In total, 1,728 patients were identified (Black, 53%; White, 47%). Twenty-nine percent of the patients had no follow-up with no difference among the races. HPV 16 was more common among Whites (P < .01), while non-16/18 hrHPV was more common among Black patients (P = .01). A total of 30 (3.3%) Black and 26 (3.2%) White patients were diagnosed with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2/3 (CIN 2/3). More White women were diagnosed on biopsy alone (negative endocervical curettage) compared with Black women (20 vs 9, P < .01). Meanwhile, there were 21 Black and 6 White women with CIN 2/3 on endocervical curettage (P = .01). CONCLUSIONS Follow-up of women with PAPneg/HPVpos remains a challenge. There was no disparity in follow-up when cohorts were compared. However, Black women had higher numbers of high-grade intraepithelial lesions on endocervical curettage.
William Camden: A Life in Context

A comprehensive analysis of the life of William Camden (1581-1623), historian, herald, and leading literary figure of the Elizabethan period and of the context in which he lived. William Camden [1551-1623] was one of the most notable historians of the Elizabethan period; his works include 'Britannia' the first description of Britain county by county. A herald by profession, he moved in the literary and political circles of London in an age when history and the study of the past interacted with present politics, and was well-connected with many leading figures of the time; his involvement with the precursor of what is now the Society of Antiquaries of London is of especial importance. This book provides the first major analytical biography of Camden's life and career since that of Thomas Smith in 1691. It offers a comprehensive analysis of Camden's life and of the context in which he lived, including in its great scope a wide range of aspects of English and European learned culture during the sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries; and examines the nature of his extraordinary impact on writers both of his own and later generations. WYMAN H. HERENDEEN is Professor and Department Chair in the Department of English at the University of Houston, Texas.
Polanyi, Hayek, and the Impossibility of Libertarian Ideal Theory

In 1944, two seminal works of political and social theory appeared: F.A. Hayek’s The Road to Serfdom and Karl Polanyi’s The Great Transformation. Both works focused on society’s spontaneous resistance to the “marketization” of life. Yet, the authors arrived at opposite normative conclusions. This article attributes the normative distance to a methodological clash over the role and limits of normative theorizing in the concrete and sometimes uncooperative world of politics. This clash, in turn, illuminates recent debates about “ideal” and “non-ideal” theory, and suggests limits to the applicability of the former.
Why can a case report be so important? The case of sudden cardiac death, caused by a coronary anomaly

Coronary artery anomalies (CAA) are one of the most common causes of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in the young, in athletes and in military recruits [1–3]. Essentially, anomalous origin of a coronary artery from the opposite sinus of Valsalva (ACAOS, when featuring intramural proximal course of the ectopic artery [3]) is the only type of CAA that is a recognized culprit [1–3]. Current understanding of the patho-physiology of these conditions is still tentative, and the students of such active field of clinical investigations are quite interested in the exact clinical circumstances, during the development of such unusual, unexpected tragedies. Effective treatment requires such understanding. The accompanying article by Kutreti et al. [4] presents in remarkable, unusually available details the case of a 14-year-old girl, who succumbed to one of such cases of SCD.
The immunogenetics of Behçet's disease: A comprehensive review.

Behcet's disease is a chronic multisystem inflammatory disorder characterized mainly by recurrent oral ulcers, ocular involvement, genital ulcers, and skin lesions, presenting with remissions and exacerbations. It is thought that both environmental and genetic factors contribute to its onset and development. Although the etiology of Behcet's disease remains unclear, recent immunogenetic findings are providing clues to its pathogenesis. In addition to the positive association of HLA-B*51, which was identified more than four decades ago, and which has since been confirmed in multiple populations, recent studies report additional independent associations in the major histocompatibility complex class I region. HLA-B*15, -B*27, -B*57, and -A*26 are independent risk factors for Behcet's disease, while HLA-B*49 and -A*03 are independent class I alleles that are protective for Behcet's disease. Genome-wide association studies have identified associations with genome-wide significance (P < 5 × 10(-8)) in the IL23R-IL12RB2, IL10, STAT4, CCR1-CCR3, KLRC4, ERAP1, TNFAIP3, and FUT2 loci. In addition, targeted next-generation sequencing has revealed the involvement of rare nonsynonymous variants of IL23R, TLR4, NOD2, and MEFV in Behcet's disease pathogenesis. Significant differences in gene function or mRNA expression associated with the risk alleles of the disease susceptibility loci suggest which genes in a disease-associated locus influence disease pathogenesis. These genes encompass both innate and adaptive immunity and confirm the importance of the predominant polarization towards helper T cell (Th) 1 versus Th2 cells, and the involvement of Th17 cells. In addition, epistasis observed between HLA-B*51 and the risk coding haplotype of the endoplasmic reticulum-associated protease, ERAP1, provides a clue that an HLA class I-peptide presentation-based mechanism contributes to this complex disease.
Testing gravity on kiloparsec scales with strong gravitational lenses

Modifications to GR generically predict time and scale-dependent effects which may be probed by observations of strong lensing by galaxies. Measurements of the stellar velocity dispersion determine the dynamical mass whereas measurements of the Einstein radius determine the lensing mass. In GR these two masses are equal; in alternative gravity theories they may not be. Using measurements of the stellar velocity dispersion and strong lensing around galaxies from the Sloan Lens ACS (SLACS) survey we place constraints on lensing in modified gravity theories and extend previous studies by applying this data to explore its dependence on various properties of the lens such as the lens redshift or mass and thereby constrain scalar-tensor, f(R) gravity theories, and generic parameterizations of deviations from GR. Besides applying the observations to these specific gravity theories, the data places a constraint on a generic dependence of modifications to GR on the lens mass and redshift. At the 68% confidence level we find that the ratio between the lensing and dynamical masses can only vary by less then 50% over a mass range for the lens galaxies of 1E12 < M/Msun < 1E14 and less than 40% over the redshift range 0.06 < z < 0.36.
Update on Antithrombin for the Treatment of Burn Trauma and Smoke Inhalation Injury

A severe imbalance of systemic and alveolar hemeostasis, as evidenced by an increase in pro-coagulant and a decrease in anti-fibrinolytic activities, represents a hallmark of burn trauma and smoke inhalation injury [1]. The resulting hypercoagulable state is established within the initial 24 h after the injury and is characterized by high levels of activated factor VII, thrombin-antithrombin complexes, plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1), and low levels of protein C as well as antithrombin [2]. Plasma levels of antithrombin decrease by 50% in burn patients within the first five days and represent an independent predictor of length of hospital stay and mortality [1, 3]. However, the host response to burn trauma Cl:s well as to smoke inhalation injury, is not only restricted to coagulation disorders, but also includes a marked activation of the inflammation cascade [4]. Both the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and the pro-coagulatory imbalance in hemostasis ultimately result in multiple organ failure (MOF) and increased mortality rates.
The role of social capital in determining bpo outcomes

Organizations are pursuing the outsourcing of business processes (BPO) to offshore locations. However, current research has shown that knowledge management issues between the client and vendor organizations leads to less than expected benefits in many BPO arrangements. This research applies the Resource Based View (RBV) framework to study the impact of Social Capital resources on building Knowledge Management Capabilities in the BPO as well as the ultimate BPO outcome. The essence of RBV theory is that when investments are made into building IS resources, the impact of those investments on the firm's performance manifest through the firm's capabilities. Complementarity theory also suggests that a resource produces greater returns in the presence of another resource or capability than it can produce by itself. Firms pursuing BPO may be at different stages of the deployment of knowledge management capabilities and the IS resources of infrastructure and social capital and therefore the capabilities of the engagement may not be being fully exploited. Hence the impact of social capital and infrastructure resources on knowledge management capabilities and/or their combined impact on BPO outcome could explain the variability seen in BPO outcomes. A measure of BPO outcome based on the three information flow costs from coordination theory—vulnerability, production and coordination is also developed. A field study of a knowledge management system (KMS) in a BPO is used to test the hypotheses. Results indicate that increasing social capital resources alone and as well as in combination with increasing infrastructure resources in the client-vendor BPO arrangement leads to an increase in knowledge management capabilities. However, increasing infrastructure resources alone has no significant effect on building knowledge management capabilities. Moreover, the increase in the knowledge management capabilities also significantly increased BPO outcome. Finally, this study also confirmed that IS resources can intervene to strengthen the relationship between building knowledge management capabilities and business process outsourcing outcomes as a small complementarity effect was supported. This has an important implication for practitioners, who seek to improve BPO outcomes—that capabilities in the BPO arrangement must be developed in conjunction with the deployment of IS resources.
Atlas-guided prostate intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) planning.

An atlas-based IMRT planning technique for prostate cancer was developed and evaluated. A multi-dose atlas was built based on the anatomy patterns of the patients, more specifically, the Percent Distance to the Prostate (PDP) and the concaveness angle formed by the seminal vesicles relative to the anterior-posterior axis. The 70-case dataset was classified using a k-medoids clustering analysis to recognize anatomy pattern variations in the dataset. The best classification, defined by the number of classes or medoids, was determined by the largest value of the average silhouette width. Reference plans from each class formed a multi-dose atlas. The atlas-guided planning (AGP) technique started with matching the new case anatomy pattern to one of the reference cases in the atlas; then a deformable registration between the atlas and new case anatomies transferred the dose from the atlas to the new case to guide inverse planning with full automation. Additional 20 clinical cases were re-planned to evaluate the AGP technique. Dosimetric properties between AGP and clinical plans were evaluated. The classification analysis determined that the 5-case atlas would best represent anatomy patterns for the patient cohort. AGP took approximately 1 min on average (corresponding to 70 iterations of optimization) for all cases. When dosimetric parameters were compared, the differences between AGP and clinical plans were less than 3.5%, albeit some statistical significances observed: Homogeneity index (p > 0.05), conformity index (p < 0.01), bladder gEUD (p < 0.01), and rectum gEUD (p = 0.02). Atlas-guided treatment planning is feasible and efficient. Atlas predicted dose can effectively guide the optimizer to achieve plan quality comparable to that of clinical plans.
Predicting Regional Self-Identification from Spatial Network Models

Social scientists characterize social life as a hierarchy of environments, from the microlevel of an individual's knowledge and perceptions to the macrolevel of large-scale social networks. In accordance with this typology, individuals are typically thought to reside in micro- and macrolevel structures, composed of multifaceted relations (e.g., acquaintanceship, friendship, and kinship). This article analyzes the effects of social structure on micro outcomes through the case of regional identification. Self-identification occurs in many different domains, one of which is regional; that is, the identification of oneself with a locationally associated group (e.g., a “New Yorker” or “Parisian”). Here, regional self-identification is posited to result from an influence process based on the location of an individual's alters (e.g., friends, kin, or coworkers), such that one tends to identify with regions in which many of his or her alters reside. The structure of this article is laid out as follows: initially, we begin with a discussion of the relevant social science literature for both social networks and identification. This discussion is followed with one about competing mechanisms for regional identification that are motivated first from the social network literature, and second by the social psychological and cognitive literature of decision making and heuristics. Next, the article covers the data and methods employed to test the proposed mechanisms. Finally, the article concludes with a discussion of its findings and further implications for the larger social science literature.
A Review of “Children and Spirituality: Searching for Meaning and Connectedness”

Brendan Hyde has written a clear and engaging book that links both the theoretical concepts and practical concerns of children's spirituality and the educational implications for their continued gr...
Contributions of SFMEA to requirements analysis

The experience report describes the lessons learned from the use of software failure modes and effects analysis (SFMEA) for requirements analysis of critical spacecraft software. The SFMEA process was found to be successful in identifying some ambiguous, inconsistent, and missing requirements. More importantly, the SFMEA process, followed by a backward analysis somewhat similar to fault tree analysis (FTA), identified four significant, unresolved requirements issues. These issues involved complex system interfaces and unanticipated dependencies. Our results challenge some current views on the limitations of SFMEA and suggest that recent efforts by researchers to integrate SFMEA with a broader FTA approach have merit.
Synthesis and in vitro characterization of semitelechelic poly[N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide]-trastuzumab conjugates targeted to breast cancer

Trastuzumab (TRZ) is a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets the extracellular domain of the human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (Her2). Semitelechelic (ST) poly[N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide]-TRZ conjugates are successfully synthesized and evaluated as a potential drug delivery system that actively targets Her2-overexpressing cancer cells. The ST backbone shows favorable characteristics when conjugated to TRZ. The conjugate exhibits comparable and prolonged anticancer activity when compared to free TRZ in Her2 overexpressing breast cancer cell lines.
Sugar penetration into human blood platelets.

The relative rates of penetration of pentoses and hexoses into human blood platelets were studied with a photoelectric densimeter. It was concluded that pentoses enter human platelets by free diffusion whereas hexoses penetrate into these cells by an altered diffusion process.
Strong irradiance fluctuations in turbulent air, II. Spherical waves*

This work is an extension of previous work, on plane waves propagating through uniformly turbulent air, to results for spherical waves. The main result is a saturation-regime asymptote for the log-amplitude variance , namely, 1.25 (κm7/3L3Cn2)1/6. Comparisons with recent data are made.
Fluorescent insect growth regulators (FIGR's): a new tool for insect physiologists.

Abstract A compound was synthesized that fluoresces in the visible spectrum and has the properties of an insect juvenile hormone. When it was assayed against Aedes aegypti larvae, it produced larval-pupal and pupal-adult intermediates; when injected into allatectomized adult females, it restored normal egg development. The fluorescent insect growth regulator (5-[[[5-(dimethylamino)-1-naphthalenyl]sulfonyl]amino]-1,3-benzodioxole) when injected into females, could be traced into eggs and newly hatched larvae. Microspectrofluorometric and chromatographic studies indicate that it is metabolically stable. Fluorescent insect growth regulators constitute new tools for the investigation of the action of insect growth regulators in general.
An in situ sampling technique for electron microscopy of streptomyces spore chains.

Woven stainless steel 200 mesh grids were used to harvest Streptomyces spore chains. Uncoated grids Were implanted, after flaming to redness and air cooling, on the growing colony surface and allowed to remain in situ until the streptomycete colonies were in the early stages of sporulation. On removal, long debris-free sporophores and spore chains would adhere to the grids. After removal, the grids were examined in the transmission electron microscope, without further treatment. This method of in situ grid preparation was found to be very effective for the study of intact sporophores and spore chains, and particularly desirable when the morphology of the spores Changes during their maturation.
Molecular and Functional Expression of Multidrug Resistance-Associated Protein-1 in Primary Cultured Rat Alveolar Epithelial Cells

Abstract Multidrug resistance-associated protein-1 (MRP1) is an integral membrane efflux protein that is implicated in multidrug resistance in cancer, but it is also expressed in normal tissues. The objective of this study was to determine the expression, localization and functional activity of MRP1 in primary cultured rat alveolar epithelial cells of types I- and II cell-like phenotypes. RT-PCR data showed 550-base pair fragments in both types I- and II-like pneumocytes that exhibited 99% identity to the rat MRP1 isoform. Significant levels of MRP1 protein were detected by western analysis of immunoprecipitates in both cell types, and immunofluorescence combined with confocal laser scanning microscopy indicated basolateral localization of MRP1. Indomethacin (0–100 µM) increased fluorescein basolateral-to-apical transport, and accumulation of fluorescein in the cells, in a dose-dependent manner. We therefore conclude that the MRP1 gene is present in primary cultured rat epithelial cells of both types I- and II-like phenotypes and its corresponding protein (MRP1) is localized in the basolateral membrane of these cells. Primary cultured monolayers of rat type II-like pneumocytes appear to be a useful tool for screening MRP1 substrates designed for pulmonary delivery/targeting.
Enzyme-based electrochemical biosensors

Abstract There has been an increased interest in the use of electrochemical sensors in clinical diagnostics because of the recent trend toward testing in satellite laboratories and the physician's office. The coupling of enzymes with electrochemical sensors permits the simple determination of metabolites, therapeutic drugs, antigens, and antibodies.
Persistent ascites and low serum sodium identify patients with cirrhosis and low MELD scores who are at high risk for early death

Despite the adoption of "sickest first" liver transplantation, pretransplant death remains common, and many early deaths occur despite initially low Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores. From 1997-2003, we studied 507 cirrhotic United States veterans referred for consideration of liver transplantation to identify additional predictors of early mortality. Most of the patients were male (98%) with cirrhosis caused by hepatitis C and/or alcohol (88%). Data for 296 patients referred prior to February 27, 2002 (training group), were analyzed; findings were validated in 211 patients referred subsequently (validation group). In the training group, 61 patients (21%) died within 180 days without transplantation; their median initial MELD score was 21. MELD score, persistent ascites, and low serum sodium (<135 meq/L) were independent predictors of early mortality. In patients with a MELD score of less than 21, only low serum sodium and persistent ascites were independent predictors of mortality; for MELD scores above 21, only MELD was independently predictive. Prognostic significance of persistent ascites and low serum sodium for low MELD score patients was confirmed in the validation group. Risk varied continuously with worsening hyponatremia. Modifying MELD, by including points for persistent ascites and low serum sodium, improved prediction of early pretransplant mortality in low MELD score patients. In conclusion, persistent ascites and low serum sodium identify patients with cirrhosis with high mortality risk despite low MELD scores. Ascites, hyponatremia, and other findings indicative of hemodynamic decompensation merit further prospective study as prognostic indicators in patients awaiting liver transplantation, and should be considered in setting minimal listing criteria.
Intraoperative 3-dimensional imaging (O-arm) for assessment of pedicle screw position: Does it prevent unacceptable screw placement?

Background Pedicle screws are biomechanically superior over other spinal fixation devices. When improperly positioned, they lose this advantage and put adjacent structures at risk. Accurate placement is therefore critical. Postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans are the imaging gold standard and have shown malposition rates ranging from 2% to 41%. The O-arm (Medtronic Navigation, Louisville, Colorado) is an intraoperative CT scanner that may allow intervention for malpositioned screws while patients are still in the operating room. However, this has not yet been shown in clinical studies. The primary objective of this study was to assess the usefulness of the O-arm for evaluating pedicle screw position by answering the following question: What is the rate of intraoperative pedicle screw revision brought about by O-arm imaging information? A secondary question was also addressed: What is the rate of unacceptable thoracic and lumbar pedicle screw placement as assessed by intraoperative O-arm imaging?
Influence of plate absorber gaps on the interception of direct beam radiation

Abstract The interception of direct beam radiation is an important factor in heat transfer to absorber surfaces that are exposed to high temperature heat sources. One approach to the design of these absorbers is to use plates or flattened tubes. Gaps between the plate absorbers allow for ease of construction and expansion, but may let some beam radiation to pass between the absorber plates and potentially be lost. However, the plates are of finite thickness that will allow radiation at some incidence angles to strike the edge of the absorber plates. This paper presents an initial analysis of the potential loss of beam radiation due to these gaps. The results are presented in terms of dimensional and nondimensional variables.
Sites and patterns of absorption of 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine and thyroxine along rat small and large intestines

It is clear that some thyroid hormone is absorbed from mammalian intestines, but numerous aspects of this process remain unresolved, including elucidation of the locations, extent and mechanisms of absorption, and the role of absorption in thyroid hormone economy. Our goal was to identify the sites and patterns and estimate rates of absorption of both tracer T4* and T3* comprehensively along the entire length of rat intestines, with normal contents included, to gain further insight into the role of this organ in whole-body thyroid hormone regulation. We measured absorption directly in situ in fed rats, using a variant of the classic intestinal loop technique used by others demonstrating absorption of T4 or of T3 from portions of rat intestines under various conditions. Rats were anesthetized, bile ducts were ligated, and absorption was measured from pylorus to anus, in 14 loops of intestines previously injected with T3* or with T4*, or with T3* and T4* injected in adjacent loops. Rats were maintained unde...
ACUTE INFUSION OF SYNTHETIC ANGIOTENSIN II IN PATIENTS WITH ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION. ITS EFFECT ON RENAL HEMODYNAMICS AND ON ELECTROLYTE AND WATER EXCRETION.

Angiotensin II (1-l-asparaginyl-5-l-valyl angiotensin octapeptide) infused intravenously in subjects with idiopathic hypertension caused depression of the renal hemodynamics in all of them. In agreement with the findings of other investigators, more than one third of the patients showed a decrease in the rate of the sodium excretion; in the remaining subjects, the pressor infusion increased the excretion of sodium. In all the hypertensive patients, angiotensin II favored renal reabsorption of water. From the available evidence, it appears that angiotensin II acts upon the renal tubules. The reason for the opposite effect on sodium excretion in hypertensive patients remains unexplained.
The effect of feed composition on the hydrotreatment of coal-derived naphtha

The conversion of heterocompounds (nitrogen and sulfur) was followed during the conversion of five feedstocks: (a) naphtha from Black Thunder coal, (b) naphtha from Illinois No. 6 coal, (c) the distillate (80%) of the Black Thunder naphtha, (d) the residual (20%) portion of the Black Thunder naphtha and (e) a blend of the residual portion of the Black Thunder and the Illinois No. 6 naphtha. The presence of the heteroatoms contained in the higher molecular weight fraction retards both HDS and HDN. The lower boiling nitrogen compound classes are represented as large, or even larger, fraction of the nitrogen heterocompounds in the hydrotreated product than was present in the feed. This suggests that lower boiling anilines and pyridines are formed as intermediates during the HDN of higher boiling bicyclic nitrogen heterocompounds.
Raman spectroscopy of DNA-metal complexes. I. Interactions and conformational effects of the divalent cations: Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Pd, and Cd

Interactions of divalent metal cations (Mg2+, Ca2+, Ba2+, Sr2+, Mn2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Pd2+, and Cd2+) with DNA have been investigated by laser Raman spectroscopy. Both genomic calf-thymus DNA (> 23 kilobase pairs) and mononucleosomal fragments (160 base pairs) were employed as targets of metal interaction in solutions containing 5 weight-% DNA and metal:phosphate molar ratios of 0.6:1. Raman difference spectra reveal that transition metal cations (Mn2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Pd2+, and Cd2+) induce the greatest structural changes in B-DNA. The Raman (vibrational) band differences are extensive and indicate partial disordering of the B-form backbone, reduction in base stacking, reduction in base pairing, and specific metal interaction with acceptor sites on the purine (N7) and pyrimidine (N3) rings. Many of the observed spectral changes parallel those accompanying thermal denaturation of B-DNA and suggest that the metals link the bases of denatured DNA. While exocyclic carbonyls of dT, dG, and dC may stabilize metal ligation, correlation plots show that perturbations of the carbonyls are mainly a consequence of metal-induced denaturation of the double helix. Transition metal interactions with the DNA phosphates are weak in comparison to interactions with the bases, except in the case of Cu2+, which strongly perturbs both base and phosphate group vibrations. On the other hand, the Raman signature of B-DNA is largely unperturbed by Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+, and Ba2+, suggesting much weaker interactions of the alkaline earth metals with both base and phosphate sites. A notable exception is a moderate perturbation by alkaline earths of purine N7 sites in 160-base pair DNA, with Ca2+ causing the greatest effect. Correlation plots demonstrate a strong interrelationship between perturbations of Raman bands assigned to ring vibrations of the bases and those of bands assigned to exocyclic carbonyls and backbone phosphodiester groups. However, strong correlations do not occur between the Raman phosphodioxy band (centered near 1092 cm-1) and other Raman bands, suggesting that the former is not highly sensitive to the structural changes induced by divalent metal cations. The structural perturbations induced by divalent cations are much greater for > 23-kilobase pair DNA than for 160-base pair DNA, as evidenced by both the Raman difference spectra and the tendency toward the formation of insoluble aggregates. In the presence of transition metals, aggregation of high-molecular-weight DNA is evident at temperatures as low as 11 degrees C.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Detection of exon skipping and retained introns in transcription of the human thrombospondin 2 gene.

Alternative transcripts of the gene for human thrombospondin 2 (TSP2), an extracellular glycoprotein, have been identified using a PCR procedure. Species that show exon skipping and/or retained introns were revealed. In particular, a species was characterized in which exon 3 has been spliced from the sequence. This transcript is otherwise intact from exon 1A to exon 22. Transcripts which retain intron 1A, intron 1B, or intron 2 were also identified. Tissue-specific differences were evident in the transcripts with retained introns. In addition, a species which both retained intron 1B and skipped exon 3 was revealed. The existence of these alternative transcripts of the human TSP2 gene could be important for understanding the diverse functions and tissue-specific expression implicated for TSP2.
Neck resurfacing with free TRAM flap

Anterior neck defects are best reconstructed with flaps, to avoid contractures and extensive scarring. Local or distal flaps are hampered by significant donor site disability. The development of the TRAM flap for breast reconstruction has improved our armamentarium in reconstructive surgery. This paper purports to demonstrate the superiority of the free bilateral TRAM flap applied for anterior neck resurfacing. Two cases with such anterior neck conditions are presented. © Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The ethics of academic collection development in a politically contentious era

The ethics of academic library collection development are discussed within the context of the polarized political climate of the United States. The ethics are examined in regard to collection development and the exercise of professional judgment. Legislation introduced in the State of Colorado is used as an example of a manifestation of the political polarization. The legislation's possible effects upon the academic freedom of librarians are examined. The limitations of the ethical principle of neutrality and rationale for engaging in advocacy are explored. An expansion of the teaching role of academic technical services librarians is recommended.
Comments on "Detection of Distributed Sources Using Sensor Arrays

In the above correspondence (Y. Jin and B. Friedlander, "Detection of distributed sources using sensor arrays," IEEE Trans. Signal Process., vol. 52, no. 6, pp. 1537-1548, June 2004), Jin and Friedlander develop a GLR-based detector for detecting a random spatially distributed signal source using an array of sensors. We show that the expression for required SNR (RSNR) has been incorrectly derived, which has led the authors to draw incorrect conclusions in their work. In this correspondence, we correct this particular error and a few other typographical errors, and provide appropriate conclusions to the original work
The influence of technological opportunity on union membership in U.S. manufacturing industries

I examine influences of technological opportunity on a set of factors determining inter-industry variation in union membership density. A data set of 239 U.S. manufacturing industries is divided into subsets of “technologically progressive “ and “technologically unprogressive “ industries, and my unionization model is estimated for each subset. The study confirms recent findings indicating that innovation activity and industry concentration have significant negative effects on union membership density. However, these results are obtained only for the subset of “technologically progressive industries and not for the “technologically unprogressive “ industries. These findings suggest that estimation bias is imparted to interindustry studies of the extent of union membership through the influence of technological opportunity on the interrelationships between innovation output, industry concentration, and union membership density.
Simple technique for linewidth measurement of gratings on photomasks

A novel laser scatterometer linewidth measurement tool has been developed for the CD metrology of photomasks. Calculation of the linewidth is based on a rigorous theoretical model, thus eliminating the need for any calibrations. In addition, the effect of the glass slab on which the grating is placed, is explicitly taken into account. The experimental arrangement consists of a chrome-on-glass diffraction grating illuminated with a converging spherical wave from a He-Ne laser. A photodiode mounted in the Fourier plane of the scatterer measures the scattered power in each diffracted order. A rigorous theoretical model is used to provide a lookup table giving the 0-order transmitted power as a function of the linewidth for a fixed pitch of the grating. This table is then used to associate a linewidth with the experimentally measured value of the power in the 0 transmitted order. A local company manufactured various photomask gratings having a 2 micron pitch and varying linewidths. The 0-order transmitted power for each of these gratings was measured by the scatterometer, and a prediction of the linewidth was made based on the theoretical model. The linewidth measured by the scatterometer system represents an average of the linewidths over the total lines illuminated by the laser. All present CD measurement systems however, measure the linewidth of a single line. If the variation of linewidth is assumed to be small, comparable results should be obtained from the two procedures. The predicted linewidth values were compared to those obtained using commercial optical linewidth measurement systems and excellent agreement was obtained.
PARTITIONED EQUATION-OF-MOTION COUPLED CLUSTER APPROACH TO INDIRECT NUCLEAR SPIN-SPIN COUPLING CONSTANTS

Abstract Two approximations to equation-of-motion coupled cluster theory for second-order properties are introduced that increase the computational efficiency of the approach without forsaking the accuracy of the method. Using partitioning techniques the doubles-doubles block in the EOM Hamiltonian is replaced by a diagonal approximation, and in addition the CCSD ground state may be replaced by its analog from first-order perturbation theory. It is shown that partitioning hardly affects the accuracy of the approach. The Fermi contact contribution to the coupling constant is found to be most sensitive to the inclusion of ground state correlation.
Fast, efficient, and robust multicast in wireless mesh networks

IEEE 802.11s mesh networks are extending the reach and speed of wireless networks, especially in the realm of public safety. For many applications (e.g. situational awareness and emulation of push-to-talk radio) multicast is an important network service. In the future, we expect to see even more multicast traffic in mesh networks, as more bandwidth intensive applications (e.g. video) become commonplace. In existing mesh networks, multicast is often slow, inefficient, and not particularly robust to packet loss. In this paper we describe, propose, and simulate a wide-range of mesh multicast algorithms to determine the most fast, efficient, and robust multicast algorithm. We examine the algorithms under a range of traffic loads and packet error rates. We find that even very simple mechanisms can dramatically improve multicast performance. We also find that complex robustness protocols can be very expensive and may significantly lower the congestion point.
Robust Control for a Class of Nonaffine Nonlinear Systems Based on the Uncertainty and Disturbance Estimator

In this paper, the uncertainty and disturbance estimator (UDE)-based robust control is applied to the control of a class of nonaffine nonlinear systems. This class of systems is very general and covers a large range of nonlinear systems. However, the control of such systems is very challenging because the input variables are not expressed in an affine form, which leads to the failure of using feedback linearization. The proposed UDE-based control method avoids the inverse operator construction, which might result in the control singularity problem. Moreover, the general assumption on the uncertainty and disturbance term is relaxed, and only its bandwidth information is required for the control design. The asymptotic stability of the closed-loop system is established. The proposed approach is easy to be implemented and tuned while bringing very good robust performance. The important features and performance of the proposed approach are demonstrated through both simulation studies and experimental validation on a servo system with nonaffine uncertainties.
Adjudication of Student Awareness in Professional Socialization: The Language of Laughter and Silences*

THREE CENTRAL and related tasks in professional socialization, shared mutually by students, faculty, and the socializing institution, are (1) to bring the student to awareness of what is required in the professional role; (2) to lead him to recognize himself in this role; and (3) to foster in him the capacity to properly communicate about himself as a professional. Presumably, successful accomplishment of this triple-identity objective yields a professional who recognizes that he is separated from laymen by virtue of being aware of special knowledge, skills, and insights that accrue to his occupation and who is able to communicate that recognition of himself to others.'
Design and implementation of a 75 KW mobile charging system for electric vehicles

A mobile charging system (MCS) for Electric vehicles (EVs) is presented in this paper. The designed MCS have 2 MWhr energy storage capacity and capability of charging five EVs simultaneously with individual 75 kW charging rates. The MCS would be rechargeable from the available power substations (3 phase-480v) with 375 KW charging rate. The appropriate modular power interface is designed and implemented between the MCS, batteries of the EVs and the power substations. Experimental validation is presented in this paper to demonstrate the system performance and effectiveness under rapid charging requirements.