cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy: functional and pathologic outcomes with interfascial nerve preservation.

Abstract Introduction Robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RLRP) is increasingly becoming an alternative to open and laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in the treatment of localized prostate cancer. RLRP has been associated with low morbidity, short convalescence and comparable oncologic and functional outcomes. We report our initial experience of 300 consecutive cases with selective use of interfascial nerve preservation (IFNP). Methods Between February 2003 and September 2005, 300 consecutive men underwent RLRP at our institution. Patients were followed prospectively with validated questionnaires. Results Mean operative time was 282 minutes with an estimated blood loss of 273ml. The intra-operative complication rate was 2.3% with no mortality. Return to baseline (RTB) urinary function and subjective continence at 12 months were 71% and 90.2%, respectively. RTB sexual function and subjective potency at 12 months were 53% and 80.4%, respectively. Overall, the positive surgical margin (PSM) rate was 20.9%: 15.1% for pT2 and 52.1% for pT3 disease and 93.1% had an undetectable PSA ( p =0.05). Conclusions IFNP appears to result in favorable return of potency, however, postero-lateral PSMs appear to occur more frequently with this technique. Proper patient selection for robotic surgery and nerve-preservation appears to be critical in order to reduce PSM and optimize the oncologic efficacy of this technololgy.
Nutrition of domesticated South American llamas and alpacas

Abstract A review of the existing literature on the nutrition of llamas ( Lama glama ) and alpacas ( L. pacos ) revealed that these South American camelids are better adapted to the harsh environment of the Andean region than are advanced ruminants. Llamas and alpacas differ from advanced ruminants in stomach morphology, digestion, diet selectivity, and intake. Available data indicate that stocking ratios should be 1.0:1.0 for alpacas:sheep and 1.5:1.0 for llamas:sheep. Further research is recommended in digestive physiology, foraging behavior, and nutritional requirements of South American camelids.
The immune privileged retina mediates an alternative activation of J774A.1 cells

Purpose: We have previously found that retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells suppressed endotoxin-stimulated macrophages; moreover, it induced expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines. We further assessed the possibility that the RPE is alternatively activating macrophages.Methods: J774A.1 cells were stimulated with endotoxin and treated with the conditioned media (CM) of RPE, or neuroretinal eyecups from healthy mouse eyes. The supernatant was assayed for IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-12(p70), and IL-10, and for nitric-oxide generation. The RPE conditioned media (RPE CM) was absorbed of known soluble factors to identify the factor that augments nitric-oxide generation.Results: We found the RPE CM suppressed all cytokine production except IL-10, and augmented nitric-oxide generation. The augmented nitric-oxide levels were mediated by RPE derived alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH).Conclusions: Healthy RPE not only suppresses inflammatory activity, it promotes an alternative activation of macrophages t...
Religion and Cultural Studies. Ed. by Susan L. Mizruchi. (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2001. xxvi, 269 pp. Cloth, $55.00, ISBN 0-691-00502-8. Paper, $19.95, ISBN 0-691-00503-6.)

List od Contributors vii Introduction by Susan L. Mizruchi ix 1. Close Encounters of Diverse Kinds by Jonathan Z. Smith 3 2. Telling a Life through Haitian Vodou: An Essay Concerning Race, Gender, Memory, and Historical Consciousness by Karen McCarthy Brown 22 3. Unseemly Commemoration: Religion, Fragments, and the Icon by Jenny Franchot 56 4. The Place of Ritual in Our Time by Susan L Mizruchi 56 5. Human Solidarity and the Problem of Otherness 80 6. Ascetics, Aesthetics, and the Management of Desire by Geoffrey Galt Harpham 95 7. New Baptized: The Culture of Love in America, 1830s to 1950s by Richard Wightman Fox 8. "The Mystery of Life in All It's Forms": Religious Dimensions of Culture in Early American Anthropology by Gillian Feeley-Harnik 9. Global Requiem: The Apocalyptic Moment in Religion, Science, and Art by Jack Miles 192 10. The Altar of Sin: Social Multiplicity and Christian Conversion among a New Guinea People by Eytan Bercovitch 211 11. God On LIne: Locating the Pagan/Asian Soul of America in Cyberspace by Bruce B. Lawrence 236 Selected Bibliography 255 Index of Names 263
The water‐membrane interface as a substrate for H+‐H+ superflow

Mobile protons in water bound at the interface with the membrane are analogous in a number of respects to the conduction electrons in a thin layer of metal spread on the surface of a dielectric. The hypothesis analyzed in this paper is that such mobile hydrogen bonds may be paired by propagating electronic oscillations in polar side groups of the membrane. The model is dual to the BCS theory of electronic superconductivity in that (1) the mobile H+ bonds play the role of conduction electrons and (2) the pairing interaction has its origin in electronic excitations rather than lattice vibrations. The pairing mechanism is similar to that in Little's proposed room temperature organic superconductor, except that it involves transient alterations in ground state energies of polarizable electrons in a colorless membrane rather than polarization of dye-like side groups. Numerical estimates based on formulae applicable to metallic superconductors show that condensation of proton pairs would be feasible in small connected domains on the membrane surface if the water structure is closely packed and the effective mass of the protons sufficiently reduced (though significant disanalogies between the bound water and metal cases make the quantitative applicability of these formulae unlikely). Some of the factors that favor a superfluid transition are high salt concentration, polarizable macromolecules on the membrane that increase the three-dimensionality of the interaction, and the presence of proton donors and acceptors other than oxygen. The dynamic order inherent in a proton superflow could provide the basis for a wide variety of highly ordered motions in biological systems.
IChecker: An Efficient Checker for Inductive Invariants

Invariants in sequential circuits could be very useful for sequential optimizations and for speeding up functional verification tasks. However, the lack of efficient and scalable invariant identification tools limits their usage. In this paper, we present a new tool, IChecker, for efficient identification of true invariants for any given initial set of invariant candidates. ICheker uses new circuit simplification techniques to iteratively minimize constrained circuit models, along with a number of heuristics for efficient computation of invariants. Experimental results demonstrate the high efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed approach for identifying sequential invariants.
Measurements of distance fished during the trawl retrieval period

Abstract Observations of sampling trawl performance made during a multi-vessel groundfish survey raised concerns that the trawls continue to fish during the retrieval period, after the end of the pre-specified sampling period but before coming off bottom. A trigonometric analysis was undertaken to estimate the distance traversed along the bottom, and the trawl speed along the seabed during the retrieval period. The distances traversed were substantial and systematically increased with the depth of the tow. The effective trawl speed approached or even exceeded the towing speed specified by the sampling protocols, and varied systematically among the participating vessels. Subsequently, this analysis was compared to trawl positions and times recorded during the same period by an ultra-short baseline (split-beam) acoustic positioning system and a bottom contact sensor. No marked difference was found between the two methodological approaches. Neglect of the observed effects increases the impact of depth-related bias and inter-vessel variability on survey results while knowledge of these effects may help explain the “vessel effect” commonly observed when comparing the fishing performance of two or more vessels.
Anisotropic parameters and P-wave velocity for orthorhombic media

Although orthorhombic (or orthotropic) symmetry is believed to be common for fractured reservoirs, the difficulties in dealing with nine independent elastic constants have precluded this model from being used in seismology. A notation introduced in this work is designed to help make seismic inversion and processing for orthorhombic media more practical by simplifying the description of a wide range of seismic signatures. Taking advantage of the fact that the Christoffel equation has the same form in the symmetry planes of orthorhombic and transversely isotropic (TI) media, we can replace the stiffness coefficients by two vertical (P and S) velocities and seven dimensionless parameters that represent an extension of Thomsen's anisotropy coefficients to orthorhombic models. By design, this notation provides a uniform description of anisotropic media with both orthorhombic and TI symmetry. The dimensionless anisotropic parameters introduced here preserve all attractive features of Thomsen notation in treatin...
Influence of serotype and virus strain on synergism between Marek's disease vaccine viruses.

Summary The enhanced protective effect (synergism) when certain Marek's disease (MD) vaccine viruses are combined has been widely used in the development of improved vaccines, but the mechanism is poorly understood. To better characterize the basis for synergism among MD vaccine viruses, three vaccine viruses from each of the three MD viral serotypes were evaluated alone and in various combinations for protection against early challenge with very virulent MD viruses in four replicate trials. Synergism seemed to be influenced by viral serotype because significant enhancement occurred frequently between viruses of serotypes 2 and 3 (five of nine bivalent vaccines positive), but rarely between viruses of serotypes 1 and 3 (one of nine bivalent vaccines positive) and 1 and 2 (one of nine bivalent vaccines positive), and was not detectable between viruses of the same serotype (none of nine bivalent vaccines positive). With some exceptions, the degree of synergism tended to vary inversely with the mean protecti...
Angled implants for controlling gate-source/drain extension : A TCAD modeling study

Abstract TCAD process simulations are carried out on NMOS and PMOS to study the effect of high tilt in source/drain extension (SDE) implants and millisecond, non-melt laser anneals on junction depth and gate–SDE overlap. High tilt implants along with millisecond laser anneals are proposed as a solution for future device technology nodes (
Can we use human judgments to determine the discount rate

It has been suggested that the long-term discount rate for environmental goods should decrease at longer delays. One justification for this suggestion is that human judgments support it. This article presents an experiment showing that judgments concerning discount rates are internally inconsistent. These results point to potential problems with the use of judgments referenda for determining discount rates in cost-benefit analyses.
Thermal Stresses in Annular Glass-to-Metal Seals Under Thermal Shock

The transient thermal stresses that develop in annular glass-to-metal seals subjected to a thermal shock are evaluated using a two-dimensional axisymmetric model. The results show that large transient maximum radial stresses occur which can cause separation at the interface between glass and metal. The magnitude of this maximum stress is largely dependent on the size configuration, the thermal shock medium used. For certain size configurations the stresses at the interface can be approximated using a plane strain analysis. The results for constant and temperature-dependent thermal expansion coefficients are compared. The effect of material property ratios is analyzed.
Online Advertising Research in Advertising Journals: A Review

Along with the rapid increase in the number of Internet users around the world, the World Wide Web has become the fastest growing advertising medium in this decade. The Interactive Advertising Bure...
Advances in theory: Martensite by design

Abstract The depth of scientific understanding of martensitic transformations provides a strong foundation for the predictive design of materials exploiting martensitic phenomena. Recent theoretical advances supporting this capability include two- and three-dimensional applications of Landau–Ginzburg theory to martensitic nucleation, and important refinements of multiscale kinetic theory. Accurate control of transformation kinetics in ferrous alloys has provided both (a) commercial stainless maraging steels exploiting isothermal martensitic transformation in processing and (b) designed secondary-hardening martensitic steels exploiting optimized dispersed-phase transformation toughening in service. Predictive design of low-misfit coherent nanodispersion-strengthened shape memory alloys offer significant advances in actuation power density and cyclic life.
Balloon angioplasty for Blalock-Taussig shunt failure in the early postoperative period

Blalock-Taussig shunt failure is an infrequent but devastating, and often life-threatening, postoperative complication. Percutaneous balloon angioplasty (BA) of a stenotic modified Blalock-Taussig shunt (mBTS) has been successfully used in the setting of progressive shunt failure months to years after shunt creation. Only a few case reports exist where BA was used in the early postoperative period. We report a case series of urgent balloon angioplasty for acute early postoperative mBTS failure. Five patients were performed with BA. BA was performed within the first 24 hr following mBTS placement in three patients. Mean total procedure time was 57 min (range, 34-77 min) and mean total fluoroscopic time was 13.8 min (range, 6.4-24.1 min). Immediate success, defined as increased angiographic diameter, was accomplished in 4/5 procedures. One patient died during the procedure. Two patients survived to Glenn procedure. One patient underwent redo mBTS and one died the day after the BA. In selected patients, BA can relieve acute thrombosis of mBTS. The risk for reintervention and death is high.
Birth Planning Values and Decisions: The Prediction of Fertility1

This investigation is a prospective study based upon subjective expected utility theory in family planning decisionmaking. The hypothesis tested was where maximum benefit will derive from having a child a pregnancy will occur. By the same reasoning where maximum expected benefit will derive from not having a child a pregnancy will not occur. The values associated with the decisionmaking for 74 married couples from the Seattle Washington area were found to be good predictors of pregnancy status. Subjects were asked to fill out a Hierarchy of Birth Planning Values. The scores were used to develop a set of articulated values which differ from one individual to another but which reoccur in reproductive behavior. Though child worth is uniform the effect of the child upon values related to self and spouse varies. 3 specific subsets of values predict behavior in husbands: 1) perception of the child as aiding in the wellbeing of the marriage; 2) role in the education and training of the child; 3) sibling relationships. Wives values were found to be: 1) well being of self and spouse; 2) physical aspects of pregnancy; 3) fostering personal growth; 4) establishment of the female role; and 5) close relationship with another human being. Couples will seek to reproduce if a child will aid in achievement of significant values; the couple will not seek pregnancy if a child is expected to have a negative effect. The values found relevant to reproduction indicate that social policy should be directed towards supporting alternative individual and family life styles. Fulfilling values by means other than reproduction may lead to a significant decrease in population growth as would elimination of unwanted births.
Transgenic mice demonstrate a testis-specific promoter for lactate dehydrogenase, LDHC

The mammalian genome encodes a family of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) isozymes. Two of these, ldha and ldhb, are expressed ubiquitously. The ldhc gene is active only in the germinal epithelium during spermatogenesis. In our analysis of ldhc gene regulation, we found that a 60-base pair promoter sequence was sufficient for testis-specific expression in an in vitro transcription assay. To confirm these findings, a genomic fragment containing 100 base pairs overlapping the transcription start site was isolated and linked to theEscherichia coli lacZ gene. We report that this genomic fragment drives testis-specific expression in transgenic mice. We conclude that transcription of the transgene and possibly of the endogenous ldhc gene is restricted to leptotene/pachytene primary spermatocytes.
What Is Wrong with the Training of General Surgery

The practice of surgery has undergone tumultuous changes over the last 30 years. Disease management, trauma volume, operative techniques, supervision requirements, and allocation of work hours have all changed, resulting in a substantial impact on general surgical training. Changes need to occur in the structure, assessment, and mentorship of future residents to prepare them to enter the marketplace and practice safe medicine with confidence and authority.
An unusual slowdown of fast diffusion in a room temperature ionic liquid confined in mesoporous carbon

Using quasielastic neutron scattering in the temperature range from 290 to 350 K, we show that the diffusive motions in a room temperature ionic liquid [H2NC(dma)2][BETI] become faster for a fraction of cations when the liquid is confined in a mesoporous carbon. This applies to both the localized and long-range translational diffusive motions of the highly mobile cations, although the former exhibit an unusual trend of slowing-down as the temperature is increased, until the localized diffusivity is reduced to the bulk ionic liquid value at a temperature of 350 K.
Functional Evidence for Complement-activating Immune Complexes in the Skin of Patients with Bullous Pemphigoid

Previous immunofluorescent studies showing deposits of immunoglobulin and complement at the cutaneous basement membrane zone have provided evidence supporting a role for immune complexes in the pathogenesis of bullous pemphigoid. In this study the functional activity of the deposits has been examined using leukocyte attachment, a method for detecting and quantitating the biological activity of complement-activating immune complexes in tissues. When peripheral blood leukocytes suspended in serum complement were incubated with cryostat sections of lesional and adjacent normal-appearing skin from 9 patients with pemphigoid, skin from 11 normal controls and lesional skin from 14 nonpemphigoid disease controls there was significantly greater attachment of leukocytes to the basement membrane zone of lesional bullous pemphigoid skin compared to normal-appearing pemphigoid skin and skin of both control groups. A significant reduction in attachment in the absence of serum complement suggested the reaction was dependent on activation of complement by tissue-deposited complexes. Although leukocyte attachment was greater in lesional than normal-appearing pemphigoid skin, a comparison of the incidence and intensity of cutaneous IgG and complement immunofluorescence between the 2 groups showed no significant differences. Furthermore, no correlation between leukocyte attachment and serum titers of immunoglobulin G or complement-binding anti-basement membrane zone antibodies was observed. These results suggest that immune reactants in lesional pemphigoid skin are functional complement-activating immune complexes, that differences exist between the activity of complexes in lesional and normal-appearing pemphigoid skin and may explain why lesions develop at some sites and not others.
Accuracy in clinical arrhythmia detection of a real-time Holter system (Oxford Medilog 4500).

Abstract The accuracy of a real-time analysis Holter system (Oxford Medilog 4500) in detecting ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias was evaluated. Hand-counted data from randomly selected hours of 152 ECG monitorings of 152 patients were used as the control standard. Accuracy of the system was evaluated on 606 hours for premature ventricular complexes (PVC), PVC couplets and supraventricular extrasystoles (SVE), and on 1,789 hours for ventricular tachycardia (VT), accelerated idioventricular rhythm (AIVR), and supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). Sensitivity and positive predictive accuracy for the Oxford system were (1) 92.9% and 94.9% for PVC; (2) 90.1% and 87.8% for PVC couplets; (3) 98.1% and 56% for AIVR; (4) 80% and 82.3% for VT; (5) 88.6% and 56.5% for SVE, and (6) 43.7% and 60.2% for SVT. Furthermore, negative predictive accuracy, the ability to predict the total absence of an arrhythmic event in an hour, was determined. It was 91.7% for PVC, 99.5% for PVC couplets, 99.9% for AIVR, 99.7% for VT, 95% for SVE, and 98% for SVT. Our results show good reliability of the Oxford system in the identification of ventricular arrhythmias, whereas significant inaccuracies appear to exist in the analysis of supraventricular arrhythmias.
Calcium Supplementation In Extremely Low Birth Weight (ELBW) Infants With Osteopenia Of Prematurity And Elevated Alkaline Phosphatase Levels: A Preliminary Report 597

Calcium Supplementation In Extremely Low Birth Weight (ELBW) Infants With Osteopenia Of Prematurity And Elevated Alkaline Phosphatase Levels: A Preliminary Report 597
Reality monitoring and its association with social functioning in schizophrenia

Reality monitoring, or the ability to discriminate internal from external information present in short-term memory, is relevant in the study of schizophrenia. Previous research has linked monitoring impairments with psychotic symptoms and certain forms of communication disturbance. The focus of the present study was to test the hypothesis that there would be specific relationships between reality monitoring in patients with schizophrenia and current and pre-morbid social functioning, beyond the effects of general verbal ability. Fifty outpatients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were assessed for internal/external reality monitoring deficits, general verbal intelligence, and both current and pre-morbid social functioning. Associations between these variables were assessed. Exploratory analyses also were conducted to determine whether specific types of reality monitoring errors were related to social functioning. Results showed that (a) overall accuracy in reality monitoring was related to pre-morbid social functioning beyond the effects of verbal ability, (b) sensitivity to old versus new information in reality monitoring was related to current social functioning, and (c) a say-report-think reality monitoring error was significantly associated with pre-morbid social functioning. The results support the hypothesis of an association between reality monitoring sensitivity and social functioning.
Life Prediction Methodology for Composite Structures. Part II—Spectrum Fatigue:

A previously developed model for predicting the life of composite structures under constant amplitude and two-stress level fatigue loadings is extended and applied to structures subjected to randomly-ordered loading spectra. The model is phenomenological and a limited amount of experimental data is required for its characterization. For uniaxially loaded laminates, this consists of static tension and compression strength distributions, S-N curves based on constant amplitude fatigue life distributions for two-to-three stress ratios, and a limited amount of two-stress level fatigue test results. The model is verified by comparing predicted fatigue life distributions to experimentally observed fatigue life data for a variety of laminates and load spectrums. Good correlation between theory and experiment is obtained for all loadings and laminates studied.
Child Physical Abuse and Aggression: Preliminary Findings on the Role of Internalizing Problems

ABSTRACT Objective To test the prediction that the interaction of physical abuse and internalizing problems will heighten levels of aggressive behavior in a group of disruptive children. Method Fifty-two clinic-referred disruptive children (aged 7 through 15 years) were assessed in terms of history of physical abuse, internalizing behavior problems (rated by parents), and aggressive behavior (rated by parents, teachers, and clinic staff). Results Physically abused children with co-occurring high levels of internalizing problems (based on a median split) exhibited significantly higher levels of aggression as rated by parents ( p > .000) and teachers ( p > .020) and a trend toward heightened aggression as rated by staff ( p > .08). The patterns were similar across the three independent informants and remained regardless of age, gender, or race. Conclusions Physical abuse was related to heightened levels of aggression only in those children who also had emotional difficulties. Results lend some support to a transactional model of the development of aggression, suggesting that problems arise out of Interactions between child factors (such as internalizing problems) and adverse family experiences (such as physical abuse). J. Am. Acad. Child Adolesc. Psychiatry , 1995, 34, 8:1060–1066.
On the Existence and the Magnitude of Electronic Charges

In order to quantize Dirac’s classical point electron 1 we supplement Einstein’s classical equation (E/c)2 — p 2 = b 2with a reciprocal classical equation (cΔt)2— (Δr)2 = α2 where b = mc and α is Dirac’s signal radius. Δt is the time saved by a light signal in various states of motion of the electron, and a/c is the rest time saved. Our former efforts 2 of obtaining an integral equation for the probability amplitude have been rectified by Born. 3 There is no solution of the integral equation, however, unless advanced and retarded phases are introduced simultaneously, along with Dirac’s advanced and retarded potentials. We have obtained a transcendental equation for the eigen-valueµ = αγ where α is the Sommerfeld fine-structure constant, and γ, is the numerical factor in Dirac’s signal radius a α = γe 2 /mc 2 . The smallest eigen-value is µ = 0.0299. That is, ab = ħµ = h/2IO.
Defining digital radiography in terms of patient comfort and ease of operation

possible in a dental school setting. Being a new system, it is important to know how the image quality is affected by delayed scanning of these plates. Objectives. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of delayed scanning of OpTime plates exposed at different exposure times. Methods and Materials. A 20 step aluminum stepwedge was imaged with eighteen OpTime plates exposed using exposure settings corresponding to anterior (0.10sec), bitewing (0.16sec) and molar (0.20sec) areas (Table I). Plates were scanned immediately, 1 hour, 4 hours, 8 hours, 16 hours and 24 hours after being exposed. A Gendex 770 x-ray unit operating at 65 kVp, 7 mA and a source to receptor distance of 15 inches was used. The MiPACS (Medicor Imaging) imaging software was used to acquire and evaluate the images. The most clearly detectable number of steps were counted by two board certified oral and maxillofacial radiologists. Mean gray values (MGV) were obtained using Adobe Photoshop 7.0. Results. MGVs of the immediately scanned plates provided the gold standard values. In general, MGVs increased with the scanning delay. Discussion. We believe that scanning delay contributed to the fading of the latent image due to loss of signal. These results are in agreement with the previous studies. The number of steps discerned decreased with increasing delay at the lighter end of the stepwedge. It would be worthwhile to understand how these factors affect clinically relevant diagnostic tasks.
Prevention of falls in the elderly

The purpose of these symposium presentations was to examine the role of physical activity as a means of preventing hip fractures through the prevention of falls. Risk factor identification is necessary to develop preventive strategies. Risk factors related to physical activity and other risk factors for falls were identified. Intervention studies aimed at reducing, preventing or delaying falls were identified and discussed. A literature search from 1976-1994, identified 52 studies examining risk factors for falls, recurrent falls and/or falls resulting in injury. Nine intervention studies were identified with the primary outcome of falls. Physical activity-related risk factors for falls include limitations in general functioning, such as ambulation and mobility problems, difficulty or dependence in activities of daily living, and exposures to the risks of falling as indicated by the nature and frequency of daily activities. Impairments in gait and balance as well as neuromuscular and musculoskeletal impairments frequently underlie changes in physical activity in old age. Reduced activity level may occur as a result of these impairments, leading to further declines in physical functioning and an increased risk of falls. A relatively high level of activity in old age is also associated with risk of falls. Other risk factors for falls, such as cognitive impairment, visual deficits and medication use, may combine with physical activity-related risk factors to increase the risk of falls. Intervention studies directed at nursing home populations did not prevent falls but had other statistically and clinically significant outcomes. Studies among the community dwelling that targeted potential or current risk factors and included an exercise component reported a significant reduction in falls, prevented the onset of new disabilities and reduced baseline risk factors. Prevention of falls and subsequent injuries in the institutionalized population remains a challenge. Further development of interventions for community-dwelling elders that facilitate maintenance of physical activity without unduly increasing the risk of falls is also critical. The potential for maintenance of benefits gained from all fall interventions needs further examination.
Path planning under uncertainty from a decision analytic perspective

Previous work has used a certainty grid for navigation and path planning. In the present work, the author attempts to formulate the path planning problem under uncertainty from a decision analytic perspective. Paths are generated based on the planner's preferences and expected utilities of actions. A proposed cost structure, controlled by a strategy index, can simulate attitudes ranging from risk aversion to risk seeking. Experimental results demonstrate how path length and path risk are traded off based on this index. The proposed framework for navigation under uncertainty has proven to be a powerful tool in encoding subjective preferences in path planning. With a solid theoretical foundation such as decision analysis and utility and game theory, uncertain spatial and other knowledge terms can be assimilated in the overall plan. The preliminary results so far have shown a promising outlook for further expansion of this technique to real-world problems. >
Rupture-Talk in the Nuclear Age: Conjugating Colonial Power in Africa

This paper explores two places usually left off nuclear maps: Madagascar and Gabon, where the French mined and processed uranium ore, starting in the 1950s. It analyses how the ‘rupture-talks’ of nuclearity and decolonization became intertwined, first by examining the production of these rupture-talks by French expatriates, then by exploring how sociotechnical practices at each site both belied and performed claims to rupture for Malagasy and Gabonese mineworkers. Rupturetalk had material effects: it was inscribed in sociotechnical practice, it involved staking claims to power, and it created expectations among both ¥elites and non¥ elites. Sociotechnical practices ‘conjugated’ colonial power relations, creating real and imagined technological futures in which nuclearity and decolonization confronted and shaped one another. Drawing on the insights and methods of postcolonial studies, this paper argues that focusing on uranium mining in Africa reveals the power effects of creating and maintaining the ontol...
Considering the role of personality in the work–family experience: Relationships of the big five to work–family conflict and facilitation

Using a national, random sample (N ¼ 2130), we investigated the relationship between each of the Big Five personality traits and conflict and facilitation between work and family roles. Extraversion was related to greater facilitation between roles but was not related to conflict, whereas neuroticism was related to greater conflict but only weakly related to facilitation. Conscientiousness was related to less conflict, presumably reflecting efficient time use and organizational skills. In general, conflict was negatively related to work–family outcomes (e.g., lower job and family effort and satisfaction) whereas facilitation was positively related to the same outcomes. Conflict and facilitation were shown, however, to be orthogonal rather than opposite constructs. Implications for work–family theory, for the understanding of personality traits, and for enhanced responsibilities of organizations are discussed. 2003 Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration.

Background: Herein I describe my >12-year experience with laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE). Methods: From 21 September 1989 through 31 December 2001, 3,580 patients presented with symptomatic biliary tract disease. Laparoscopic cholecystecomy (LC) was attempted in 3,544 of them (99.1%) and completed in 3,527 (99.5%). Laparoscopic cholangiograms (IOC) were performed in 3,417 patients (96.4%); in 344 cases (9.7%), the IOC was abnormal. Forty-nine patients (1.4%) underwent preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and 33 patients (0.9%) underwent postoperative ERCP. LCBDE was attempted in 326 cases and completed in 321 (98.5%). It was successful in clearing the duct in 317 of the 344 patients with abnormal cholangiograms (92.2%). Results: The mean operating time for all patients undergoing LC with or without cholangiograms or LCBDE or other additional surgery was 56.9 min. Mean length of stay was 22.1 h. The mean operating time for LC only patients (n = 2530)—that is, those not undergoing LCBDE or any other additional procedure—was 47.6 min; their mean postoperative length of stay was 17.2 h. Ductal exploration was performed via the cystic duct in 269 patients, (82.5%) and through a choledochotomy in 57 patients (17.5%). T-tubes were used in patients in whom there was concern for possible retained debris or stones, distal spasm, pancreatitis, or general poor tissue quality secondary to malnutrition or infection. In cases where choledochotomy was used, a T-tube was placed in 38 patients (67%), and primary closure without a T-tube was done in 19 (33%). There were no complications in the group of patients who underwent choledochotomy and primary ductal closure without T-tube placement or in the group in whom T-tubes were placed. Conclusions: Common bile duct (CBD) stones still occur in 10% of patients. These stones are identified by IOC. IOC can be performed in >96.4% of cases of LC. LCBDE was successful in clearing these stones in 97.2% of patients in whom it was attempted and in 92.2% of all patients with normal IOCs. Most LCBDEs in this series were performed via the cystic duct because of the stone characteristics and ductal anatomy. Selective laparoscopic placement of T-tubes in patients requiring choledochotomy (67%) appears to be a safe and effective alternative to routine T-tube drainage of the ductal system. ERCP, which was required for 5.8% of patients with abnormal cholangiograms, and open CBDE, which was used in 2.0%, still play an important role in the management of common bile duct pathology. The role of ERCP, with or without sphincterotomy, has returned to its status in the prelaparoscopic era. LCBDE may be employed successfully in the vast majority of patients harboring CBD stones.
A new algorithm in spectral analysis and band-limited extrapolation

If only a segment of a function f (t) is given, then its Fourier spectrum F(\omega) is estimated either as the transform of the product of f(t) with a time-limited window w(t) , or by certain techniques based on various a priori assumptions. In the following, a new algorithm is proposed for computing the transform of a band-limited function. The algorithm is a simple iteration involving only the fast Fourier transform (FFT). The effect of noise and the error due to aliasing are determined and it is shown that they can be controlled by early termination of the iteration. The proposed method can also be used to extrapolate bandlimited functions.
Grain boundary segregation in oxide ceramics

Abstract The factors which control grain boundary segregation in oxide ceramics are reviewed. These include grain boundary energy, cation–cation interactions, impurity cation size, as well as electrostatic interactions with the grain boundary space charge. In addition, an approach for measuring grain boundary segregation in those materials, as a function of the five macroscopic parameters of grain boundary character, is described. This experimental method relies on the coupled application of orientation imaging microscopy and scanning Auger spectroscopy.
Promoting translational research at Vanderbilt University's CTSA institute.

As part of a national consortium to efficiently advance patient care, Vanderbilt University is approaching translational medicine in creative new ways. Kristin Kain investigates.
Precipitation recycling in the Amazon basin

Precipitation recycling is the contribution of evaporation within a region to precipitation in that same region. The recycling rate is a diagnostic measure of the potential for interactions between land surface hydrology and regional climate. In this paper we present a model for describing the seasonal and spatial variability of the recycling process. The precipitation recycling ratio, rho, is the basic variable in describing the recycling process. Rho is the fraction of precipitation at a certain location and time which is contributed by evaporation within the region under study. The recycling model is applied in studyiing the hydrologic cycle in the Amazon basin. It is estimated that about 25% of all the rain that falls in the Amazon basin is contributed by evaporation within the basin. This estimate is based on analysis of a data set supplied by the European Centre for Medium-range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). The same analysis is repeated using a different data set from the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL). Based on this data set, the recycling ratio is estimated to be 35%. The seasonal variability of the recycling ratio is small compared with the yearly average. The new estimates of the recycling ratio are compared with results of previous studies, and the differences are explained.
hnRNP C increases amyloid precursor protein (APP) production by stabilizing APP mRNA

We have previously shown that heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein C (hnRNP C) and nucleolin bound specifically to a 29 nt sequence in the 3'-untranslated region of amyloid precursor protein (APP) mRNA. Upon activation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, hnRNP C and nucleolin acquired APP mRNA binding activity, concurrent with APP mRNA stabilization. These data suggested that the regulated interaction of hnRNP C and nucleolin with APP mRNA controlled its stability. Here we have directly examined the role of the cis element and trans factors in the turnover and translation of APP mRNA in vitro . In a rabbit reticulocyte lysate (RRL) translation system, a mutant APP mRNA lacking the 29 nt element was 3-4-fold more stable and synthesized 2-4-fold more APP as wild-type APP mRNA. Therefore, the 29 nt element functioned as an APP mRNA destabilizer. RNA gel mobility shift assays with the RRL suggested the presence of endogenous nucleolin, but failed to show hnRNP C binding activity. However, wild-type APP mRNA was stabilized and coded for 6-fold more APP when translated in an RRL system supplemented with exogenous active hnRNP C. Control mRNAs lacking the 29 nt element were unaffected by hnRNP C supplementation. Therefore, occupancy of the 29 nt element by hnRNP C stabilized APP mRNA and enhanced its translation.
Magnetic force microscopy study of edge overwrite characteristics in thin film media

In this paper, track edge overwrite characteristics in planar isotropic longitudinal thin film media were studied by direct magnetic force microscopy imaging of the edge overwrite patterns. It is found that edge erasure strongly depends on the phase difference between the transitions in the overwriting and overwritten tracks at track edges. If the transitions in the adjacent tracks are in-phase, there exists no edge erase band and transitions in the adjacent tracks area connected in the side written band. Edge erasure occurs when there exist sufficient large phase differences between the transitions in the adjacent tracks. This new understanding of phase dependence of edge overwrite could have strong impact to the system design in terms of consideration for both PES and recording off-track performance. >
The Effects of Politics and Power on The Organizational Commitment of Federal Executives

This research investigates the effects of power and politics on organizational commitment. The study develops two theoretical explanations for organizational commitment in which five independent variables are embodied: (I) a power-based theory of commitment (including subunit power, leadership power, leadership behavior variables); and, (2) theory of politics (including “arbitrary personnel practices”and the “political control”variables). Politics and power are discovered to have a significant effect on the organizational commitment of executives.
Volumetric analysis and three-dimensional glucose metabolic mapping of the striatum and thalamus in patients with autism spectrum disorders.

Objective: In patients with autism, behavioral deficits as well as neuroimaging studies of the anterior cingulate cortex suggest ventral rather than dorsal striatal and thalamic abnormalities in structure and function. The authors used imaging studies to map volumetric and metabolic differences within the entire dorsoventral extent of the striatum and thalamus. Method: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) were used to measure volumes and metabolic activity in the thalamus, caudate, and putamen in 17 patients with autism or Asperger’s disorder and 17 age- and sex-matched comparison subjects. Subjects performed a serial verbal learning test during the [ 18 F]-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake period. The regions of interest were outlined on contiguous axial MRI slices. After PET/MRI coregistration, region-of-interest coordinates were applied to the PET scan for each individual. Between-group differences in metabolism were assessed by three-dimensional statistical probability mappi...
Elder abuse: Dermatologic clues and critical solutions

Elder abuse affects approximately 2% to 10% of older Americans. Unfortunately, it is often unrecognized and certainly underreported. Dermatologists have a unique role in the detection and reporting of elder abuse. An analysis of risk factors, clinical signs, reporting requirements, and prevention of elder abuse brings this issue into focus.
Biomedical Microfluidics and Electrokinetics

Flow phenomena are of great importance in the study of biological systems: both natural organisms and biomedical devices. Although scientists and engineers have an excellent understanding of transport processes at large length scales, the study of transport processes at cellular length scales and smaller is just beginning. Considering the importance of biological activities at and below the cellular level (see also this volume, Part III, chapter 2.1, by Huang, Sultan, and Ingber), it is critical to understand the microfluidic environment in which these processes occur and how we can manipulate them. Recent strides in micrometer- and nanometer-scale diagnostic techniques have allowed exploration of flow phenomena at length scales comparable to single cells, and even smaller. One of the most useful means of manipulating fluids and suspended species such as cells, DNA, and viruses is with electric fields. Electrokinetic phenomena are important at micron length scales, and can be used to manipulate fluid and particle motion in microfluidic devices. This chapter will briefly review the various methods of electrokinetic fluid and particle manipulation, then review the recently developed microfluidic diagnostic processes available for assessing flow behavior at micron length scales, and finally discuss in detail advances in electrothermal and dielectrophoretic fluid and particle manipulation.
High energy deuteron photodisintegration

Abstract I discuss the issue of the “transition” between hadronic and quark degrees of freedom. I review the pertinent existing world data concerning this issue, particularly in low energy deuteron photodisintegration, including new unpublished results.
Thermodynamic modeling of Al–Co–Cr, Al–Co–Ni, Co–Cr–Ni ternary systems towards a description for Al–Co–Cr–Ni

Abstract The phase relations and thermodynamic properties of the Al–Co–Cr, Al–Co–Ni, Co–Cr–Ni ternary alloys are investigated using first principles calculations based on DFT (density functional theory). Their thermodynamic descriptions are developed by means of the CALPHAD (calculations of phase diagrams) method using experimental and computational data from the present work and the literature. Emphasis is placed on modeling the A2, B2, fcc-γ, L12-γ′ and tetragonal-σ phases in the temperature range of 1173–1623 K. Liquid, A2 and fcc-γ phases are modeled using substitutional solution descriptions. A partitioning model is then used for the γ/γ′ and A2/B2 phases to effectively describe the order–disorder transitions. The critically assessed thermodynamic descriptions describe all experimentally determined phase equilibria data well. A2/B2 transitions are also shown to agree well with previous experimental findings in the Al–Co–Cr ternary system.
METHODOLOGY: MISUSE OF R2 VALUES FROM LINEAR REGRESSION IN FRACTAL ANALYSIS

Least squares linear regression (LSLR) analysis is often used for estimating fractal dimension from the slope of scatterplots produced by fractal analysis. Coefficients of determination close to unity are commonly accepted as sufficient evidence of linearity, and hence statistical self-similarity (or affinity). In this study, high R 2 values derived from linear regression analyses are shown to increase the likelihood of detecting significant curvature in a relation. While this curvature is unlikely to hinder the use of LSLR in predicting y from x, it is demonstrated that large variations in the slope coefficient, and hence in estimates of fractal dimension, can exist in the presence of R 2 values close to unity. Therefore, coefficients of determination close to unity should not be used as evidence of linearity. In light of this finding, it is strongly suggested that even in the presence of high coefficients of determination, residual analysis and/or other tests for linearity always be conducted when linea...