cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Most Probable Point-Based Method for Efficient Uncertainty Analysis

Abstract Uncertainty is inevitable at every stage of life cycle development of a product. To make use of probabilistic information and to make reliable decisions by incorporating decision maker's risk attitude, methods for propagating the effect of uncertainty are therefore needed. When designing complex systems, the efficiency of methods for uncertainty propagation becomes critical. In this paper, a most probable point (MPP)-based uncertainty analysis (MPPUA) method is proposed. The concept of the MPP is utilized to generate the cumulative distribution function (CDF) of a system output by evaluating probability estimates at a serial of limit states across a range of output performance. To improve the efficiency of locating the MPP, a novel MPP search algorithm is presented that employs a new search algorithm and a search strategy. A mathematical example and an engine design problem are used to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. The proposed MPPUA method will serve as a useful tool for propa...
Melanocytic matricoma: case confirmation of a recently described entity.

Background: In 1999, Carlson et al. reported two cases of a matrical neoplasm that recapitulates the bulb of the anagen hair follicle, which they designated as melanocytic matricoma. Methods: Here we report a similar case in a 78-year-old white male, who presented with a 0.4 cm purple-black firm papule in the left preauricular area. Results: Histologically, the tumor is composed of a dual cell population including admixed epithelial matrical and supramatrical cells with “shadow” cell formation and pigmented dendritic melanocytes. Immunohistochemical studies for cytokeratin highlighted the epithelial component and studies for S-100 protein, HMB-45, and vimentin confirmed the melanocytic component. The differential diagnosis considered includes pigmented variants of pilomatricoma, matrical carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma. Conclusions: The case reported herein is the first confirmation of melanocytic matricoma, a distinctive adnexal neoplasm with characteristic clinical and pathologic features, which differentiate it from pigmented pilomatricoma.
The Effect of Analgesic Agents on the Healing Rat Medial Collateral Ligament

BackgroundStudies have suggested that some nonselective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including piroxicam, may improve ligament healing, whereas other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including ibuprofen and the cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor celecoxib, may have no effect on the mechanical properties or may even deter the healing process. These results might reflect variations in cyclooxygenase enzyme selectivity by different drugs or, alternatively, may be related to their analgesic properties because it is generally accepted that early activity improves ligament healing.HypothesisNonselective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs improve ligament healing, whereas other analgesics provide lesser degrees of improvement, and cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors are detrimental.Study DesignControlled laboratory study.MethodsOne hundred fifty-five Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 7 treatment groups (piroxicam, naproxen, rofecoxib, butorphanol, 2 doses of acetaminophen, and control). The right medial coll...
Development and implementation of a photographic atlas for parental instruction and guidance after outpatient penile surgery

Abstract Objective To develop and evaluate a visual tool to assist parents in assessing healing after surgical circumcision or revision circumcision (SCRC). Methods Among children undergoing SCRC, photographs were taken on postoperative days 0-1-2-3-5-7-10-14-21, and compiled into an atlas. Atlas utility was assessed during two 1-month periods. During the first period (M1) families received routine postoperative instructions only; during the second period (M2), families received the atlas in addition to routine instructions. Families were surveyed by phone and calls/contacts were tracked. Results 33 families (among 83 SCRCs) were surveyed during M1, vs 39 families (among 77 SCRCs) during M2 (p = 0.17). Nearly all reported the atlas helpful (59% very helpful, 27% moderately helpful, 9% somewhat helpful). All but one family used the atlas. There was a trend toward families receiving the atlas being more comfortable (64% vs 82% very comfortable, p = 0.12). Survey scores were similar between M1 and M2 for total score, satisfaction, and the number whose expectations were met (58% vs 55%, p = 0.21). Phone contacts decreased between M1 and M2, both in absolute number (M1 = 24 calls vs M2 = 12 calls), and as a proportion of total cases performed (29% vs 16%, p = 0.04). Conclusions The circumcision atlas was well received by families and was associated with a significant decrease in post-surgical telephone calls. The atlas has been put into routine clinical use with excellent response.
Disappearance of Spray Deposits of DDT, Methoxychlor, Perthane, Ethion, and Diazinon from Concord Grapes

Losses of DDT, methoxychlor, and Perthane® (a mixture of diethyl diphenyl diehloroethane (95%) and related reaction products (5%) deposits from the third application of a 3-spray schedule on Concord grapes were measured at biweekly intervals over a period of 42 days. The effects of growth and weathering in reducing the amounts of each insecticide are given separately. Deposits of the three chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides disappear in the order, from least to most rapid; DDT, methoxychlor, and Perthane. Weathering is primarily responsible for these losses. Reductions in Perthane deposits caused by high temperature were equal to or greater than reductions by rain-fall of 3.11 inches. At harvest the residue of methoxychlor was below the tolerance and usually the combined residues from 2 DDT sprays followed by 1 methoxychlor spray was below the 100% total tolerance for the two insecticides. Reduction in deposits caused by growth and weathering in 4 weeks are presented for diazinon. The effects of growth and weathering on ethion deposits over a period of 4 or more weeks are considered separately. Ethion deposits were more persistent than those of diazinon. When daily temperatures reached a maximum of 90° F. or above, marked and rapid losses in deposits of ethion were found.
Pore structure development in type K expansive cement pastes

Abstract This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation of pore structure development of expansive cement paste as a function of expansion strain and curing time. The expansion strain, bulk density, dynamic modulus, and evaporable water content of paste specimens were monitored periodically during and after termination of expansion and correlated with the pore size distribution data obtained by mercury intrusion porosimetry. It is shown that expansion results in the formation of large pores (and/or microcracks) in the paste. It appears that MIP has a limitation in that it cannot register the pores that form during the later stage of expansion. The mass of evaporable water appears to be a better way of characterizing changes in porosity during expansion, however, it does not reveal any information as to the pore size distribution The effect of restraint by steel reinforcement on pore structure developmebt of expansive cement paste was also studied. It was found that restraining expansive cement paste results in reduction of the size of large pores. However, even with a large degree of restraint, expansive cement paste is still more porous and contains larger pores than portland cement paste of the same age.
Shear bond strength of an autopolymerizing core buildup composite bonded to dentin with 9 dentin adhesive systems

Abstract Statement of Problem. Clinicians have reported unexpected debonding of autopolymerizing composite core buildups. It has been postulated that dentin adhesive systems that incorporate a combined primer-adhesive may be incompatible with autopolymerizing composites. If so, large numbers of existing restorations may be predestined for early failure. Purpose. This in vitro investigation examined the shear bond strength values of an autopolymerizing core buildup composite bonded to dentin with 9 dentin adhesive systems. Material and Methods. Cylinders of the core buildup composite (2.38-mm diameter) were bonded to moist dentin according to the manufacturers' instructions. Specimens were stored in 37°C water for 1 week, thermocycled (5°C to 55°C, 30-second intervals, 1000 cycles), and returned to water storage overnight. Specimens then were debonded with a universal testing machine at 1.0 mm/min, with results recorded in megapascals. Data were statistically analyzed with a Kruskal-Wallis test, with pairwise Wilcoxon rank sum (Mann-Whitney) tests used to determine significant ( P Results. The dentin adhesive systems in order of decreasing median bond strength were Optibond FL > One Step, All-Bond 2, Clearfil SE, Amalgambond Plus > Single Bond, Optibond Solo Plus, Tenure > Scotchbond MP. Conclusion. No predictable relationship was found between the general formulation of the dentin adhesive agents and shear bond strength values. Material incompatibilities were judged to be dependent on formulation. (J Prosthet Dent 2001;86:620-3.)
Optical injection unlocking for cavity ringdown spectroscopy.

Continuous wave cavity ringdown spectroscopy requires a rapid termination of the injection of light into the cavity to initiate the decay (i.e., ringdown) event. We demonstrate a technique that accomplishes this through pulsed optical injection of a second laser into the main laser, resulting in 20–100 MHz frequency shifts in the otherwise cavity-locked main laser sufficient to create ringdown events at 3.5 kHz. Data on the frequency shift as a function of both main laser current and relative wavelength are presented, as well as a demonstration that single exponential decays are maintained in the process.
Postcricoid infantile hemangioma: Management of a case in the propranolol era

Abstract We describe a rare case of a postcricoid infantile hemangioma (IH) and treatment with propranolol. A newborn female was found to have a large, postcricoid submucosal mass. The patient was brought to the operating theater for endoscopy and biopsy. The histopathology and GLUT-1 immunoreactivity confirmed the diagnosis of IH. The lesion was treated with direct injection of triamcinolone (40 mg/ml) and systemic propranolol therapy. The patient responded well, and her symptoms resolved quickly. Propanolol provides a promising therapy as a first line treatment to avoid surgery, tracheostomy, and prolonged use of steroids.
Humidity change and its effects on baking in an electrically heated air jet impingement oven

A high temperature humidity sensor was used to monitor the absolute humidity inside an electrically heated conveyorized, food service-scale, two-zone, air-jet impingement tunnel oven as commonly used by pizza chain restaurants. The oven was first operated empty, then loaded with dummy loads consisting of pans of water in perlite while baking layer cakes, and finally when baking cakes with added dummy loads. Temperature and loading affected humidity, and humidity affected final product quality. High humidity lightened cake crust color, increased volume, and raised the final moisture content of the cake. There was no significant effect of humidity on the heat transfer coefficient as determined by a standardized metal target plate. In this study, one pan of perlite approximated three pans of cake. Adding perlite dummy loads was shown to be a useful technique to quantitatively measure and to demonstrate the effect of humidity during baking. It is also a convenient way to accelerate oven load-testing without producing and discarding a large number of samples.
TOWARDS A LUCID PARALLEL LANGUAGE

A new language is presented and its implementation is discussed. The language is presented as an extension of Pascal, incorporating parallel features of the two successful parallel languages, Ada and Occam, thus providing a simpler and less demanding parallel programming platform. Only four additions, the parallel block, the parallel loop, channels and the communication choice statement, are made to Pascal to make the language easier to learn by a programmer who is new to the concepts of parallel programming. Implementation issues are also discussed, namely the run-time allocation and deallocation of the activation records, and a more generalized statement that corresponds to Occam's ALT and Ada's SELECT statement.
Body image: past, present, and future

This brief editorial article introduces the new scientific journal, Body Image: An International Journal of Research, and describes its rationale and mission in relation to the history and future of the study of body image and human appearance.
Fifty years of sequence analysis: what have we learned?

In 1955, not quite fifty years ago, Sanger's group published the first amino acid sequence of a protein, bovine insulin. Later that year, they reported sequences from sheep and pig, each of which showed a small number of differences from the bovine. Even earlier, sequences of several polypeptide hormones had been worked out, and their similarities and differences had already caught the eye of evolutionists. From this tiny amount of data sprang the hope, considered unrealistic by many at the time, that the histories of all living organisms might be reconstructed. Shortly thereafter, the notion that gene duplications were the source of most proteins was given a boost when the sequences of the alpha and beta chains of hemoglobin were reported to be more than 40 percent identical. By the 1960's, amino acid sequence analysis had taken hold as the major tool for determining the divergences of both creatures and their proteins. The obvious similarities of bacterial and eukaryotic enzyme sequences lent hope that the routes leading to all the major groups of organisms could be established, and the observation that proteins with different functions could have similar sequences showed that radical changes of function were possible. The paradigm that "all new proteins came from old proteins" became the dogma of the day. By the 1970's, the RNA sequencing of certain RNA moieties was almost routine, and the sequencing of numerous small subunit rRNAs revealed unexpectedly that there were three domains of life, now referred to as Archaea, Bacteria and Eukarya. The finding framed one of the major mysteries of all biology: which group came first and how are the others related to it? To this day the question has not been satisfactorily resolved. The advent of DNA sequencing in the late 1970's ushered in a new era, the deluge of data making all previous work seem trivial, even if fundamental questions remained. The campaign in the 1980's to sequence the human genome changed the nature of biological inquiry in a major way. Comparative genomics may indeed reveal the patterns of how the major life forms have evolved. Among recent successes using the genomic approach has been the unraveling and intertwining of proteins involved in photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation and their spread through the prokaryotic world. On another front, the history of protein folds is being analyzed with surprising clarity. The technological advances that have made all this possible--computers, robotics, photochemistry, and much more--are as mind-numbing as the results. But where are we going? What do we want to know? Although some of the evolutionary questions framed fifty years ago have been answered in part, many remain. What were the primordial proteins and how did they arise? What was the nature of the first cells? Although sequence analysis alone may not tell all, it has given us a great beginning.
Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans fimbriae.

Freshly isolated Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans strains were found to possess fimbriae. These appendages appeared to be irreversibly lost after 30 to 40 subcultures in the laboratory. The fimbriated strains were associated with a specific type of colonial morphology designated SP (Star Positive); the non-fimbriated variant colony was designated SN (Star Negative). The fimbriae were approximately 5 nm wide and could be several μm in length. The fimbriated cells tended to aggregate readily whereas the non-fimbriated cells formed uniform suspensions. Three stains of fimbriated A. actinomycetemcomitans isolated from different patients were compared to their non-fimbriated variants for attachment to hydroxyapatite (HA) and saliva coated hydroxyapatite (SHA). Two of the fimbriated variants exhibited a 3- to 4-fold enhancement of attachment to HA and SHA over their non-fimbriated variant. However, there did not appear to be any specificity for SHA over HA. One strain (Pag) showed no major differences in attachment of the fimbriated or non-fimbriated variant, albeit the fimbriae were indistinguishable from those of the other A. actinomycetemcomitans strains. Thus, there may be molecular differences among fimbriae of various A. actinomycetemcomitans strains which determine both their tissue specificity and their affinity for particular substrates.
A Simple Way To Describe Nonisothermal Adsorption Equilibrium Data Using Polynomials Orthogonal to Summation

Nonisothermal adsorption equilibrium data are described using the virial equation written as a polynomial function in adsorbed-phase loading and reciprocal temperature. This equation is written in terms of polynomials that are orthogonal to summation. As a result, application of the least-squares method to correlate experimental data becomes straightforward and simple, not even requiring any matrix algebra. Ill-conditioning of the normal equations for high-order polynomials is avoided. The model is successfully applied to describe nonisothermal data for different systems over a wide range of temperature and pressure.
VNIR DIFFUSE REFLECTANCE SPECTROSCOPY FOR AGRICULTURAL SOIL PROPERTY DETERMINATION BASED ON REGRESSION-KRIGING

Visible and near-infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy has been widely applied in precision agriculture to develop soil property prediction models. This method assumes that residuals of prediction are independently and identically distributed. However, this assumption is violated by spatial dependence common in soil samples collected from agricultural fields, and subsequent prediction models are usually sub-optimal. In this article, the regression-kriging method was used to account for spatial dependence among soil samples and aid in prediction model development. A total of 273 soil samples were collected from an agricultural field in Quitman County, Mississippi. Particle size distribution (clay and sand) and chemical analysis (Ca, K, Mg, Na, P, and Zn) were performed in the laboratory. Soil reflectance spectra were measured with a spectroradiometer (250 to 2500 nm). Soil samples were divided into two groups: 245 samples in the calibration set, and 28 samples in the validation set. The calibration set was first used to develop the principal component regression (PCR) models for each soil property. Semivariance analysis of prediction residuals from PCR revealed strong spatial dependence in Na; medium spatial dependence in Ca, Mg, and sand; weak spatial dependence in K and P; and a pure nugget effect in Zn and clay. Fitted theoretical semivariograms were then used to develop the regression-kriging models. Both the PCR and regression-kriging models were tested with the validation set, and their prediction capability was evaluated by R2 and RMSE (root mean squared error). The results showed that the only two soil properties that could be predicted by the PCR models were Mg (R2 = 0.4 and RMSE = 25.4%) and Ca (R2 = 0.33 and RMSE = 16.6%). On the other hand, the regression-kriging models were able to predict most soil properties with reasonably high R2 (reaching 0.65) and low RMSE. Most impressively, substantial increases of R2 and decreases of RMSE were achieved by the regression-kriging models for Na (R2 = 0.65 and RMSE = 29.0%, compared to R2 = 0.10 and RMSE = 44.4% in the PCR model) and sand (R2 = 0.49 and RMSE = 19.8%, compared to R2 = 0.06 and RMSE = 26.0% in the PCR model). It is anticipated that the proposed method could be integrated into GIS packages for various precision agriculture applications, such as digital soil mapping based on remotely sensed hyperspectral images.
Attitudinal and Behavioral Outcomes of Psychological Contract Breach A Cross Cultural Comparison of the United States and Hong Kong Chinese

This study responds to the call for more cross cultural examinations of the psychological contract by investigating differences in: (1) the perceived importance of various psychological contract obligations, (2) the frequency of perceived psychological contract breach, and (3) employee attitudes and behaviors following psychological contract breach. A sample of 60 American and 76 Hong Kong Chinese employees completed measures related to the psychological contract, job satisfaction, intention to turnover, organizational commitment, job performance, and organizational citizenship behaviors. Results showed that the employees from both cultures differed in terms of perceived psychological contract importance and breach. Specifically, the American workers placed higher importance and perceived less breach of both intrinsic and extrinsic psychological contract outcomes than the Hong Kong employees. Additionally, American employees responded more negatively to perceived breaches of intrinsic outcomes, while thei...
Mutagenic potential of environmental samples before and after remediation of a solvent-contaminated site

Soil, sediment, and paint sludge samples were collected during a 4-year period from an abandoned solvent recovery site prior to and after site remediation. Samples were sequentially extracted with methylene chloride and methanol and redissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide for biological analysis. The mutagenic potential of the extracts was evaluated using the Salmonella/microsome assay with and without metabolic activation. Noncontaminated background soil samples collected off-site induced specific mutagenic activities that ranged from below detection to 28 net revertants per milligram of residue. Although several sludge samples induced specific activities that were relatively low, the maximum mutagenic response induced by a sludge sample was 1,258 net revertants per milligram of residue. Compared to background soil, elevated levels of mutagenic activity were also detected in the extracts of several samples collected from a drainage area downgradient from the waste storage pad and in the extract of sediment samples from a downgradient storm-water retention pond. The weighted activity of the noncontaminated background soil samples ranged from below detection to 15 revertants per gram of soil. The combined weighted activity of the sludge sample extracts ranged from below detection to 43,567 revertants per gram. The combined weighted activity of the extracts of samples collected after site remediation ranged from below detection to 1,273 revertants per gram. A visual inspection of the site following remediation suggested that all obvious signs of chemical contamination had been removed. However, the results from biological analysis indicate that soil collected following site remediation induced a weighted activity more than 30 times the maximum weighted activity observed in the noncontaminated background soil. These data suggest that additional site remediation is required if the genotoxic potential of soil is to be reduced to levels approximating those of noncontaminated background soil.
The Electrodeless Discharge in Mercury Vapor

A method is described for studying the characteristics of the components of the electrodeless discharge in mercury vapor. A Hartley oscillator is used to excite the discharge, oscillating currents up to 45 amps. being obtained at frequencies from 5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{6}$ to 12\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{6}$ oscillations per second. Shield experiments have been performed which clearly show the distinction between the dull glow discharge which is considered electric in its origin and the bright glow discharge which is shown to be electromagnetic in its origin; the dependence of the bright glow on the dull glow or on the effect of some ionizing agent is proved. The variation of the current necessary to start the discharge with the pressure of the mercury vapor has been investigated fully over the pressure range 0.002 to 0.2 mm of mercury. Curves are drawn and analyzed in terms of J. J. Thomson's electromagnetic theory of the discharge and Brasefield's electric theory. It is shown that neither theory is sufficient to explain the experimental facts; the predictions seem to hold for the bright glow with fair agreement but fail markedly with the dull glow.
Citicoline in stroke and TBI clinical trials

The results of recent citicoline trials by Davalos et al.1 and Zafonte et al.2 showed that citicoline is not efficacious in treating stroke and TBI, respectively, a view that has been echoed by others,3,4 including a recent News & Views article in this journal (Stroke: Treatment for acute stroke—the end of the citicoline saga. Nat. Rev. Neurol. 8, 484–485; 2012).5 Studies in rodent models of stroke, however, have indicated that bioavailability of this drug may be an issue that has been repeatedly overlooked in the clinical trials, making it premature to conclude that citico­ line is ineffective. Our and others’ research with animal models strongly suggests that if a liposome formulation had been used, the reported results from the clinical trial would have been different.6–9 Route of administration, bioavailabil­ ity and metabolism of citicoline are vital factors in stroke and TBI clinical trials. On the basis of absorption and excretion, bio­ availability of citicoline is believed to be the same between oral and intra venous routes. Animal studies have shown, however, that brain uptake of citicoline is greater with the intravenous route than with the oral route.7 Citicoline metabolism in humans differs from that in rodents: in rodents, citicoline administration increases blood plasma levels of cytidine and choline, while in humans blood plasma levels of uridine but not cytidine are increased due to cytidine deaminase in the gastro­ intestinal tract and liver.10 In both humans and rodents, citi coline is metabolized to choline and cytidine triphosphate (CTP) by the liver; after passing through a com­ promised blood–brain barrier (BBB) these two components need to be reassembled by rate­limiting CTP:phosphocholine Citicoline in stroke and TBI clinical trials
Effect of thickness on the structure, composition and properties of titanium nitride nano-coatings

Abstract Titanium nitride (TiN x ) coatings were grown by magnetron sputtering onto Si(100) substrates by varying time of deposition to produce coatings with variable thickness ( d TiN ) in the range of 20–120 nm. TiN x coatings were characterized by studying their structure, composition, and mechanical properties. Nuclear reaction analysis (NRA) combined with Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) analyses indicate that the grown coatings were stoichiometric TiN. Grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD) measurements indicate that the texturing of TiN coatings changes as a function of d TiN . The (111) and (002) peaks appear initially; (111) becomes intense while (002) disappears with increasing d TiN . Dense, columnar grain structure was evident for all the coatings in electron microscopy analyses. The residual stress for TiN coatings with d TiN ~120 nm was 1.07 GPa in compression while thinner samples exhibit higher values of stress.
On the nature of revenue-sharing contracts to incentivize spectrum-sharing

In a limited form cellular providers have long shared spectrum in the form of roaming agreements. The primary motivation for this has been to extend the coverage of a wireless carrier's network into regions where it has no infrastructure. As devices and infrastructure become more agile, such sharing could be done on a much faster time-scale and have advantages even when two providers both have coverage in a given area, e.g., by enabling one provider to acquire “overflow” capacity from another provider during periods of high demand. This may provide carriers with an attractive means to better meet their rapidly increasing bandwidth demands. On the other hand, the presence of such a sharing agreement could encourage providers to underinvest in their networks, resulting in poorer performance. We adapt the newsvendor model from the operations management literature to model such a situation and to gain insight into these trade-offs. In particular, we analyze the structure of revenue-sharing contracts that incentivize both capacity sharing and increased access for end-users.
Geometric control of ground state multiplicity in a copper(I) bis(verdazyl) complex.

A copper(I) complex of a 3-(6′-isopropylpyridyl)-substituted verdazyl was synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography and magnetic susceptibility. The complex crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with cell dimensions a = 22.544 A, b = 11.576 A, c = 17.157 A, β = 123.907°, V = 3716.2 A3. The coordination geometry at copper is distorted tetrahedral, with the two ligand planes separated by 75°. Magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate that the ground state of the diradical is a triplet at this geometry. Fitting to a simple Heisenberg Hamiltonian (H = −JS1·S2) gave J = 47(1) cm−1. The triplet ground state results from exchange mediated by the copper ion; in particular, the direction of the distortion from tetrahedral geometry appears to be essential to maintain the high-spin ground state.
Correctional Administrators' Accounts of Their Work Worlds

: Correctional administrator's portrayals of the problematic character of prison administration are analysed as rhetoric designed to justify their behaviours in light of practical realities. The study is based on the daily activities of correctional administrators within a maximum-security prison. All administrative staff within the prison were interviewed for the study. The analysis considers how prison administrators portrayed their work worlds, and more importantly, examines the decoupling of administrative staff on key issues faced by them. The paper concludes with a discussion of how rhetorical analysis is useful to a more complete understanding of prison administration.
SOME EXTENSIONS OF A LEMMA OF KOTLARSKI

This note demonstrates that the conditions of Kotlarski’s ( 1967 , Pacific Journal of Mathematics 20(1), 69–76) lemma can be substantially relaxed. In particular, the condition that the characteristic functions of M , U 1 , and U 2 are nonvanishing can be replaced with much weaker conditions: The characteristic function of U 1 can be allowed to have real zeros, as long as the derivative of its characteristic function at those points is not also zero; that of U 2 can have an isolated number of zeros; and that of M need satisfy no restrictions on its zeros. We also show that Kotlarski’s lemma holds when the tails of U 1 are no thicker than exponential, regardless of the zeros of the characteristic functions of U 1 , U 2 , or M .
Portal Vein Thrombosis in Cats: 6 Cases (2001–2006)

Background: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in cats is sparsely reported. Purpose of Study: To evaluate the clinical signs and diseases associated with PVT in cats. Animals: 6 client-owned cats. Methods: Medical records for cats with a portal vein thrombus diagnosed on abdominal ultrasound or at necropsy were reviewed. Signalment, historical data, underlying disorders, clinical findings, clinicopathologic and histopathologic data, diagnostic imaging findings, treatment, and outcome were recorded. Results: All 6 cats identified with PVT also had hepatic disease. Evidence of a congenital portosystemic shunt was present in 3/6 cats. Two cats had primary or metastatic hepatic neoplasia. One cat had acute cholangitis, acute pancreatitis, and locally extensive acute centrilobular hepatic necrosis. Two cats were suspected to have acute thrombi and 4 cats had chronic thrombi. Conclusion and Clinical Significance: PVT might be an important concurrent finding in cats with hepatic disease.
Postoperative infection in spine surgery: does the month matter?

OBJECT The relationship between time of year and surgical site infection (SSI) following neurosurgical procedures is poorly understood. Authors of previous reports have demonstrated that rates of SSI following neurosurgical procedures performed during the summer months were higher compared with rates during other seasons. It is unclear, however, if this difference was related to climatological changes or inexperienced medical trainees (the July effect). The aim of this study was to evaluate for seasonal variation of SSI following spine surgery in a network of nonteaching community hospitals. METHODS The authors analyzed 6 years of prospectively collected surveillance data (January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2012) from all laminectomies and spinal fusions from 20 hospitals in the Duke Infection Control Outreach Network of community hospitals. Surgical site infections were defined using National Healthcare Safety Network criteria and identified using standardized methods across study hospitals. Regression mod...
Antimicrobial testing for surface-immobilized agents with a surface-separated live-dead staining method

Modification of a traditional live-dead staining technique based on fluorescence microscopy has yielded an improved method capable of differentiating surface-immobilized antimicrobial agents from those agents acting via solution diffusion processes. By utilizing an inoculation chamber comprised of 50 µm polystyrene spheres as spacers between test substrate and coverslip control surfaces, three distinct bacterial cell populations can be probed by fluorescence microscopy for antimicrobial activity: (1) cells adhered to the coverslip, (2) cells adhered to the substrate, and (3) mobile cells in solution. Truly immobilized antimicrobial agents were found efficacious only at the substrate surface, while elutable agents were effective against all three populations. Glass surfaces derivatized with either quaternized poly dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate (pDMAEMA) or 3-(trimethoxysilyl) propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride (Si-QAC) were compared with bare glass control surfaces after contact and 4 h incubation with Staphylococcus aureus. pDMAEMA surfaces were both antimicrobial and immobilized, whereas the Si-QAC surfaces were only observed to be antimicrobial via active diffusion. In contrast to conventional thinking, Si-QAC surfaces showed no kill after removing all Si-QAC elutables via rinsing procedures. The semi-quantitative surface-separated live-dead staining (SSLDS) technique provides mechanistic insight and represents a significant improvement relative to current microbiological test methods for evaluating immobilized, antimicrobial agents.
How to see a reading unit

Abstract When briefly presented with a string of colored letters, subjects sometimes report seeing letters and colors in incorrect combinations. We asked whether these illusory conjunctions of letter shape and identity can illuminate the units of analysis that are used by the visual system in word perception. Specifically, are illusory conjunctions more likely between letters within the same syllable of a word than between letters within different syllables? The results of five experiments show that when syllables are defined by orthographic constraints or by morphological boundaries, syllables are functional units in the visual analysis of words and word-like stimuli. Syllables defined by purely phonological criteria do not affect feature integration. We propose that illusory conjunctions can reveal the units of analysis in word perception.
Analytical solutions of period-1 motions in a buckled, nonlinear Jeffcott rotor system

In this paper, the analytical solutions of period-1 motions of a buckled nonlinear Jeffcott rotor are developed, and the corresponding stability and bifurcation of period-1 motion are also analyzed by eigenvalue analysis. The Hopf bifurcations of period-1 motions cause not only the bifurcation tree but quasi-periodic motions. The quasi-periodic motion can be stable or unstable. Displacement orbits of periodic motions in the buckled nonlinear Jeffcott rotor systems are illustrated, and harmonic amplitude spectrums are presented for harmonic effects on periodic motions of the buckled nonlinear Jeffcott rotor.
Development of a ground-water modeling system for military installation restoration

Abstract The U.S. Army Engineer (USAE) Waterways Experiment Station is leading a multi-agency program which is developing an integrated, comprehensive groundwater modeling system in support of installation cleanup. Major aspects of this program include: evaluation of existing modeling technology, investigation of fate and transport mechanisms for military-unique compounds (e.g., explosives), investigation of the impacts of subsurface heterogeneities on remedial effectiveness, design of concise user environments for disparate users and models, and implementation of the models on differing computing platforms. An initial version of the groundwater modeling system has been developed for both UNIX workstations and personal computers running Windows 3.1. These products represent an initial step in the process and computational developments required to meet the military's and the nation's needs for characterization and remediation-oriented modeling. Continued development plans call for a focused combination of research in natural and remedial processes, heterogeneity-induced effects on fate, transport, remediation and computational sciences.
The significance of a solitary lung shadow in patients with colon carcinoma

From 1949 through 1970, 54 colon cancer patients developed a synchronous or a metachronous solitary lung shadow. Twenty-five had colon carcinoma metastases and 29 had separate primary lung cancers. Forty-two percent were asymptomatic and their opacities were discovered by routine chest roentgenograms. Survival bears no relationship to age, sex, stage of colon cancer, or interval from colon cancer to excision of the pulmonary tumor. There seems to be a relationship to adequate pulmonary excision including regional lymphatics. Of 40 patients who underwent pulmonary procedures (25 metastatic and 15 primary lung cancer), secondary involvement of regional lymphatics was noted in 11 patients, including 7 who had daughter metastases secondary to the colon deposit. The over-all 5-year survival in this series was 35% in the metastatic group and 24% in the lung primary group. All 5-year survivors in the primary group, for unknown reasons, had yet a third primary cancer. To insure proper surveillance, a strict periodic and systematic continual followup must be maintained, which includes chest roentgenogram coverage. The ambiguity of a solitary lung shadow in the presence of a colon cancer requires clarification as to its exact nature without delay. In this way, proper treatment can be instituted and a more accurate prognosis given.
Potential for prevention of powered-two-wheeler fatalities in three European cities: an estimation in the context of European Safer Urban Motorcycling (ESUM) project

Background ‘European Safer Urban Motorcycling’ (ESUM) constitutes a collaborative initiative of academic/institutions/industry/local authorities in European principal motorcycle cities to identify, develop and promote measures designed to deliver safer urban motorcycling. Purpose CEREPRI sought to maximise the ‘quick wins’ of PTW casualty reduction, by benchmarking the proportion of fatalities that could have been averted if all riders complied with existing regulations regarding helmet use, drink driving and licensed driving. Methods Road traffic police data on number of PTW drivers involved in traffic accidents in Athens, Barcelona and Paris during 2005–2007 by outcome and investigated risk factors, were collected. We estimated the OR for death rather than non-injury by adoption of safety measures and behaviours and, subsequently calculated the population attributable fractions. Results Each year in Paris 37% fatalities could have been averted if all riders were sober while driving and 12% if all PTW riders drove with a valid driving license, whereas in Barcelona the potentially avoidable PTW fatalities attributable to alcohol, indicating the pattern of savings by improved enforcement, reached 26%. Compliance with helmet legislation seems to have reached almost 100% in Barcelona and Paris and hence the potential fraction for prevention is close to zero, whereas in Athens 42% of human lives could have been saved if all drivers had respected and police assisted enforcement of existing helmet wearing laws. Significance Considerable savings in premature deaths are anticipated with implementation of an array of existing effective interventions aimed to improve urban PTW safety in the EU.
Syntheses of Ring-Fused B−N Heteroaromatic Compounds

3a,7a-Azaborindene (14) has been prepared by two multistep syntheses using the Grubbs ring-closing metathesis from appropriate B-vinyl,N-allyl-aminoboranes. 14 was deprotonated by KN(SiMe3)2 to give 3a,7a-azaborindenylpotassium (5). The reaction of 5 with Cp*ZrCl3 afforded the corresponding Zr(IV) complex 18, which on activation with excess methylaluminoxane, forms a good catalyst for the polymerization of ethylene. The reaction of 5 with methylene chloride and BuLi gave 4a,8a-azaboranaphthalene (6), which is isoelectronic and isostructural with naphthalene. DFT calculations on 6 gave a structure that is in good agreement with X-ray diffraction data.
Trauma to the Pelvis: Injuries to the Rectum and Genitourinary Organs

Pelvic trauma is associated with high mortality rates. Blunt pelvic injuries from high-energy mechanisms are often associated with pelvic fractures and injuries to the rectum and genitourinary (GU) tract. In addition, due to close anatomic proximity, penetrating pelvic trauma can injure the bony pelvis, rectum, and GU tract concomitantly. As a result, the assessment and management of pelvic trauma requires a multifaceted approach involving orthopedics, trauma surgery and urology.
Rheological Properties of Extruded Milk Powders

Whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, and nonfat dry milk may be processed through a twin-screw extruder to produce ingredients for protein-fortified food. The products ranged from rigid to flexible to soft, and small amplitude oscillatory shear measurements showed that these properties varied with extrusion temperature and moisture content. The whey proteins showed different effects than nonfat dry milk due to the type and amount of protein present. The characteristics of extruded milk powders can be manipulated through processing parameters to obtain texturized products with the desired rheological properties.
Mass spectrometric study of thermal decomposition process of niobium clusters Nb 3 Cl 8 and Nb 6 Cl 14

The thermal decomposition process of solid niobium clusters Nb3Cl8 (NbCl2.67) and Nb6Cl14 (NbCl2.33) was studied by effusion methods with mass spectral registration of the vapour composition and pressure and their dependence on temperature. It is shown that the NbCl2.67 cluster decomposes to the NbCl2.33 cluster with formation of niobium tetrachloride in the gas phase. The process is monovariant. The NbCl2.33 cluster decomposes to niobium dichloride. The process is bivariant because the homogeneity region is formed on the basis of the NbCl2.33 crystal lattice. The composition of the vapour phase changes with an Nb : Cl atomic ratio which decreases during the process. At the beginning of the process the vapour consists of niobium tetrachloride and at the end the vapour is only niobium trichloride. The enthalpy of thermal decomposition of NbCl2.67 (1.67 Nb3Cl8 (s) = 0.67 Nb6Cl14 (s) + NbCl4 (g)) which is ΔrH°(700K) = 287.4 ± 3.8 kJ mol ‐1 and the formation enthalpy of NbCl2.33, which is ΔfH°(Nb6Cl14, 298K) = ‐ 479 ± 10 kJ mol ‐1 , were calculated from experimental data.
The kinesin-like protein CENP-E is kinetochore-associated throughout poleward chromosome segregation during anaphase-A

The kinesin-like protein CENP-E transiently associates with kinetochores following nuclear envelope breakdown in late prophase, remains bound throughout metaphase, but sometime after anaphase onset it releases and by telophase becomes bound to interzonal microtubules of the mitotic spindle. Inhibition of poleward chromosome movement in vitro by CENP-E antibodies and association of CENP-E with minus-end directed microtubule motility in vitro have combined to suggest a key role for CENP-E as an anaphase chromosome motor. For this to be plausible in vivo depends on whether CENP-E remains kinetochore associated during anaphase. Using Indian muntjac cells whose seven chromosomes have large, easily tracked kinetochores, we now show that CENP-E is kinetochore-associated throughout the entirety of anaphase-A (poleward chromosome movement), relocating gradually during spindle elongation (anaphase-B) to the interzonal microtubules. These observations support roles for CENP-E not only in the initial alignment of chromosomes at metaphase and in spindle elongation in anaphase-B, but also in poleward chromosome movement in anaphase-A.
Echocardiographic insights into the mechanisms of relief of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction after nonsurgical septal reduction therapy in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy

Abstract OBJECTIVES We sought to evaluate the mechanisms by which nonsurgical septal reduction therapy (NSRT) reduces left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) both acutely and on a long-term basis. BACKGROUND NSRT reduces LVOT obstruction in patients with HOCM and leads to symptomatic improvement. The mechanisms involved, however, are not well studied. METHODS An initial group of 30 HOCM patients (age 46 ± 17, 16 women) who underwent NSRT had echocardiographic studies performed at baseline and six months after the procedure. Measurements included LVOT diameter, end-diastolic distance between the anterior mitral leaflet and interventricular septum, septal base function and the angle between LV systolic flow and the protruding mitral leaflets. In addition, pulse Doppler recordings at a point 2.5 cm apical to the mitral valve were acquired and analyzed for peak and mean ejection velocity, peak acceleration rate and the ratio of acceleration time to ejection time (AT/ET). RESULTS Significant changes were observed after the procedure, with widening in the LVOT, thinning and akinesis of the septal base, decrease in the angle between LV systolic flow and the protruding mitral leaflets, a decrease in peak acceleration rate and an increase in AT/ET. All of these variables had significant relations with the decrease in LVOT obstruction (r = 0.5 to 0.79, p CONCLUSIONS Changes in LV ejection dynamics and septal base function account in part for the acute relief of LVOT gradient after NSRT. The long-term relief of obstruction is dependent on remodeling of LVOT as well as the changes in LV ejection.
Specific Heat Measurements on κ-(Bedt-Ttf)2Cu(Ncs)2

We have measured the specific heat of κ-(BEDT-TTF) 2 Cu(NCS) 2 from 4 to 14 K. The superconducting transition at 9.4 K is observed in zero applied magnetic field and in a field of 0.3 T. Both the magnitude of the change in C p at T c and the temperature dependence of C p below T c indicate a strong coupling superconductor. If the lattice specific heat is assumed to contain contributions due to the eighteen vibrational degrees of freedom, the phonon contribution to the specific heat in our temperature range can be represented by a Debye integral expression with a Debye temperature of 95 K. A model of collective modes suggesting the origin of the eighteen degrees of freedom is presented.