cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Determinants of Interjudge Agreement on Personality Traits: The Big Five Domains, Observability, Evaluativeness, and the Unique Perspective of the Self

ABSTRACT We examined several determinants of interjudge agreement on personality traits. The findings, which were cross-validated in two samples, suggest that agreement is a function of four factors: which Big Five content domain the trait represents, how observable relevant behaviors are, how evaluative the trait is, and whether the self is one of the judges. Agreement was highest for traits related to Extraversion and lowest for traits related to Agreeableness. More observable and less evaluative traits elicited higher interjudge agreement. On average, self-peer agreement was lower than peer-peer agreement. However, this effect was limited to evaluative traits; for neutral traits, self-peer agreement was as high as peer-peer agreement. These findings suggest that self- and peer perception proceed through similar processes for neutral traits but not for highly evaluative traits, raising the possibility that self-perceptions become distorted when the trait is affectively charged.
Recent Payment and Utilization Trends in Radionuclide Myocardial Perfusion Imaging: Comparison Between Self-Referral and Referral to Radiologists

Purpose The aim of this study was to examine the effects of self-referral by comparing recent trends in payments and utilization rates for radionuclide myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) among radiologists and cardiologists between 1998 and 2006. Materials and Methods Nationwide Medicare Part B claims databases for 1998 through 2006 were used. The 4 primary MPI codes were selected. Using Medicare's physician specialty codes, physician providers were identified as radiologists, cardiologists, or other physicians. Payments for MPI to the 3 groups were tracked over the study period. Trends in utilization rates in both hospital and private office settings were also compared among the 3 groups. In addition, utilization trends were studied for related procedures, such as stress echocardiography (SE) and invasive diagnostic coronary angiography (CA). Results Between 1998 and 2006, Medicare Part B payments to radiologists for MPI increased from $72.6 million to $84.0 million (+16%), while among cardiologists, payments increased from $242.6 million to $972.0 million (+301%). Private office utilization rates per 1,000 Medicare beneficiaries increased by 215% among cardiologists, compared with 32% among radiologists. In hospital settings, the rate changes were much more modest. Hospital utilization rates were consistently higher among radiologists than cardiologists; in hospital settings in 2006, the rate was 15.3 per 1,000 among radiologists, compared with 11.8 per 1,000 among cardiologists. Between 1998 and 2006, the utilization rate for SE among cardiologists increased by 20%, and the rate for diagnostic CA among cardiologists also increased by 20%. Conclusion In recent years, there have been very sharp increases in the costs and utilization of MPI among cardiologists compared with radiologists. Most of the growth occurred in cardiologists' private offices. In hospital settings, radiologists still do more MPI examinations than cardiologists. Because MPI is a highly reimbursed procedure and there is no evidence that coronary disease is increasing in frequency in the Medicare population, this trend raises a concern about inappropriate self-referral. This is particularly true in view of the facts that the utilization of a competing procedure such as SE also continues to increase among cardiologists and that MPI is not substituting for an invasive procedure such as diagnostic CA.
Phenolic synthesis in Perilla cell suspension cultures

Abstract Suspension cultures of Perilla ocymoides accumulate caffeic acid, both in free and ester forms, as the only phenylpropanoid end metabolite. Increased levels of growth substances influenced the levels of PAL activity and phenolic accumulation so that cytokinin stimulated, while auxin repressed both parameters. The regulatory role of caffeyl compounds is discussed in relation to their accumulation during the early exponential phase of culture growth.
Reversible optical waveguide sensor for ammonia vapors

A small glass capillary tube was fitted with a light-emitting diode and a phototransistor detector to form a multiple-reflecting optical waveguide device. When the capillary was coated with a thin solid film composed of an oxazine perchlorate dye, the device was demonstrated to be capable of reversibly sensing ammonia vapors. Ammonia-vapor concentrations from 1000 parts in 106 (ppm) to less than 60 ppm were easily and reproducibly detected. A preliminary qualitative kinetic model is proposed to describe the vapor–film interaction.
Nonlinear Response of Trout Abundance to Summer Stream Temperatures across a Thermally Diverse Montane Landscape

Abstract Stream temperature is a fundamental physical factor that affects the distribution and abundance of salmonids, but empirical inconsistencies exist regarding the nature of this relationship in wild populations. We sampled trout populations composed primarily of cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarki but also including brown trout Salmo trutta and brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis at 102 reaches on 24 first- to fourth-order streams across a thermally diverse montane landscape. Curves fit to scatterplots of density and biomass versus mean July–August stream temperatures suggested nonlinear, dome-shaped responses. Peaks occurred near mean stream temperatures of 12°C; x-intercepts were near 3°C and 21°C. We conclude that inconsistencies in previously reported temperature–abundance relationships for wild trout populations may have resulted from sampling only a subset of the thermal environments occupied by a species. Researchers analyzing this relationship should be cognizant of the range of temperatures s...
Adenocarcinoma of the cervix associated with human papillomavirus

Eleven pure adenocarcinomas of the cervix were analyzed for human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6, 11, 16, 18 and 31 by Southern blot hybridizations. Seven tumors were positive for papillomavirus DNA. Five hybridized to the HPV 18 specific probe and two tumors hybridized to HPV 16. All tumors were negative for HPV 6/11 and 31, and no additional tumors became positive with hybridizations under nonstringent conditions to a mixture of HPV probes. No papillomavirus DNA was detected in 11 noncervical malignancies or in six hysterectomy specimens in which cancer was not present. The histopathologic and clinical features of the patients were correlated with the the presence of HPV. The women with papillomavirus DNA in their adenocarcinomas tended to be younger (mean age, 37.3) than those that were negative for HPV (mean age, 49.0). The findings suggest that papillomaviruses may be an etiologic factor in the development of some adenocarcinomas of the cervix.
School injuries: What we know, what we need

Schools are the site of a substantial number of unintentional injuries each year. Current knowledge regarding the study of causes and implications of school injury is summarized in a review of the research literature. A discussion of future investigations and better management of school injuries focuses on research issues, practical management, and nursing concerns. Operational definitions and reporting mechanisms are emphasized as research needs. Practical management and nursing concerns include routine reporting, student supervision, treatment of injuries, communication with parents, and legal (liability) responsibilities.
Reticulate acropigmentation of Kitamura with localized alopecia

showed the characteristic findings of epidermolytic hyperkeratosis (Fig. 2). The stratum corneum was thick and the keratinocytes of the granular and upper spinous layers had a vacuolated appearance with large, irregularly shaped keratohyalin granules. The dermoepidermal junction and the underlying dermis did not show significant alterations. Ultrastructurally, the vacuolated keratinocytes showed rarefaction of the tonofilaments and abundant ribosomes. The tonofilaments seemed to be detached from desmosomal plaques. Around the granular layer, large keratohyalin granules and aggregates of tonofilaments were present. Large keratohyalin-tonofilament complexes were observed in the lower stratum corneum. The lower epidermis and the papillary dermis appeared normal.
Measuring the Young's Relaxation Modulus of PDMS Using Stress Relaxation Nanoindentation

The Young’s relaxation modulus of Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) film specimens was measured by the nanoindenter with a flat punch indenter. In the stress relaxation test, the initial ramp part was carefully considered to develop an accurate viscoelastic contact model. This model was used to fit the load-time data from the experimental tests. The resulting relaxation function was expressed by a general Maxwell equation. In addition, a case study of PDMS micropillar bending tests was performed, and the viscoelastic constitutive law was applied to develop an analytical solution of the reaction force. The results show that the reaction force calculated from the corrected model is generally agreed well with the experimental data.
A Servocontrolled Atrial-Aortic Assist Device: Experimental Findings and Clinical Experience

Abstract A servocontrol system was developed to regulate a single roller pump left atrial-aortic (La-A) assist device. Responsiveness of the servomechanism to blood volume changes, myocardial damage, and mitral regurgitation was evaluated in 5 sheep and 6 dogs. Myocardial damage was induced by occlusion of coronary arteries, and the hemodynamic effects of La-A assistance were evaluated. While La-A assistance reduced left atrial pressures to low levels, the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure remained elevated in the severely damaged heart. La-A assistance was used in 3 patients. Two were weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass after failure of intraaortic balloon counterpulsation, and 1 is a long-term survivor. The third was supported for 48 hours after attempted repair of complex congenital heart disease. The servocontrol device added to the safety of prolonged La-A assistance. This mode of assistance should be considered when intraaortic balloon counterpulsation has failed.
A Seiche Hazard Study for Lake Union, Seattle, Washington

Abstract Large seismic waves can be a result of earthquakes on local, regional, or distant fault zones occasionally setting bodies of water into oscillation. Seismic seiching is a recurrent phenomenon in the state of Washington and elsewhere (e.g., Berninghausen, 1969; Barberopoulou et al. , 2004; Cassidy et al. , 2005; Barberopoulou et al. , 2006). To investigate and characterize wave motion in lakes during strong ground shaking, various scenarios of seiche generation are considered for Lake Union in Seattle, Washington, as subjected to a variety of ground motions. Both relatively simple harmonic and more complex earthquake excitation (synthetic and real data) are used in the modeling. To isolate any effects resulting from a predominantly east–west or north–south motion or the contribution from parts of the shoreline, ground motions are first separated into their horizontal components (motions along latitude or longitude) before they are combined. This approach shows that long linear shorelines are the largest contributors to water wave heights. Depending on the shape of the lake, enhanced wave heights can also be a result of focusing. The wave motion in the lake is found to be predominantly east–west even when the ground motions are in the north–south direction. The results of this study suggest that coastal structures can be vulnerable due to resonant excitation initiated from earthquakes on water bodies far from tsunamigenic sources.
Movement patterns of imperiled blue shiners (Pisces: Cyprinidae) among habitat patches

– The blue shiner (Cyprinella caerulea) is a federally threatened cyprinid that inhabits discrete habitat patches, but whether the fish in these patches represent distinct subpopulations or a continuous population is not known. Movement patterns of adult blue shiners among habitat patches in the Conasauga River (Tennessee and Georgia, USA) were investigated to determine if movement among patches was unrestricted, or if each patch represented a relatively discrete subpopulation. Movement was restricted to a small proportion of individuals at any given time, and most fish that moved did so between adjacent habitat patches. The average distance moved by blue shiners over the two study periods (1997 and 1998) was just 130.7 m. Riffle and glide mesohabitats were not barriers to the dispersal of blue shiners, and fish moved both upstream and downstream in approximately equal numbers. It is suggested that the fish that are mobile at a given time are responsible for recolonization of habitat patches via cumulative, stepwise movements between adjacent patches, and that intervening patches must be present to maintain connectivity of the entire population. Blue shiners exist as relatively discrete subpopulations in the Conasauga River. This finding emphasizes the importance of protecting habitat integrity throughout the entire course of the river to prevent isolation of subpopulations. This species may be used as a model for the conservation of other patch-restricted aquatic species.Note
MINIMIZING RADAR EXPOSURE IN AIR VEHICLE PATH PLANNING

Abstract An aircraft exposed to illumination by a tracking radar is considered and the problem of determining an optimal planar trajectory connecting two prespecified points is addressed. An analytic solution yielding the trajectory that minimizes the radar energy reflected from the target is derived using the Calculus of Variations. The solution is shown to exist only if the angle θf, formed by the lines connecting the radar to the two prespecified trajectory end points, is less than 60°. In addition, expressions are given for the path length and optimal cost.
A new decline in hospitalization with atrial fibrillation among the elderly.

Abstract Background Recent studies of atrial fibrillation within the United States showed an increase in the number and rate of hospitalization and death from 1979 to 1999. We tested the hypothesis that the trends in hospitalization and death with atrial fibrillation would be upward and similar from 1999 to 2009. Methods We examined data for 1999-2009 from the US National Hospital Discharge Survey for diagnoses of atrial fibrillation (International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification code 427.3) among up to 7 coded diagnoses and data from the National Vital Statistics System for deaths with atrial fibrillation (International Classification of Diseases 10th revision code I45). We computed all-listed diagnosis numbers and rates per 100,000 for discharges and deaths. Results In 2009, the estimated number of all-listed diagnoses of atrial fibrillation in the United States was 2,643,000: 1,330,000 (50%) in women, 2,155,000 (82%) at ages 65+ years, and 467,000 (18%) first-listed diagnoses. At age 65+ years, the number increased from 2,049,000 in 1999 to 2,573,000 in 2005, and then decreased to 2,155,000 in 2009 (10% higher than 1999). The rate per 100,000 increased 17% from 5984 in 1999 to 6994 in 2005, and then decreased 22% to 5445 in 2009, 9% lower than 1999. The average annual percentage change was 3.12% from 1999 to 2005 compared with −5.00% from 2005 to 2009. Rates of death with atrial fibrillation increased 2% annually throughout the period. Conclusions In contrast to steadily increasing rates of death with atrial fibrillation, rates of diagnoses of atrial fibrillation at hospital discharge increased from 1999 to 2005, and then decreased slightly between 2005 and 2009. Further research is needed to assess explanations for these trends.
The visualization of a new class of traumatically injured axons through the use of a modified method of microwave antigen retrieval

Antibodies to the amyloid precursor proteins (APP) have become routine markers for detecting traumatically induced axonal injury (AI) in animals and man. Unfortunately, the techniques used to visualize these proteins are not compatible with routine electron microscopic (EM) analysis. In the current communication, we describe a method for the ultrastructural visualization of antibodies to APP and, using this method, we identify a previously unrecognized population of traumatically injured axons. Rats were subjected to an impact acceleration traumatic brain injury and allowed to survive 30 min to 3 h postinjury. The animals were then perfused, their brains sectioned on a vibratome and the sections prepared for immunocytochemistry using a computer-controlled microwave capable of temperature regulation. The use of temperature-controlled microwave energy unmasked APP antigenic epitopes without sacrificing ultrastructural detail. The APP antibody was found in two distinct populations of reactive axons that differed in size, morphology, location, and temporal progression. Comparable to previous descriptions, one population showed traumatically related reactive changes that led to swelling and disconnection. The other population, however, revealed unanticipated changes reflected in nodal and paranodal swelling of small continuous fibers that showed no evidence of disconnection during the time periods assessed. These studies provide new insight into the complexity of the pathobiology of AI, while describing a novel approach for enhancing APP immunoreactivity at the EM level.
Optical properties of a liquid-crystal image transducer at normal incidence: Mathematical analysis and application to the off-state

We develop the mathematical procedures for quantitatively describing the optical performance of a liquid-crystal image transducer as a function of transducer parameters and operating conditions. These procedures are based on a 4 × 4 matrix formalism which provides an exact numerical solution of Maxwell’s equations. Our calculations include interference effects arising from the multilayer structure of the transducer and we realistically treat reflection and transmission at isotropic-anisotropic layer boundaries. We compute the off-state optical properties of a twisted nematic reflection-mode transducer developed at Hughes Research Laboratories. We show that the dependence of output light intensity on liquid-crystal thickness is strongly influenced by the optically isotropic layers in the transducer, especially the electrodes. If the liquid-crystal thickness varies across the transducer aperture, these layers can produce a sharp fringe pattern in the output intensity. We also analyze the effect of varying the angle between the input polarization and the director at the entrance face of the liquid-crystal layer. For a given liquid-crystal thickness, there always exists an angle for which the off-state intensity is zero. The sensitivity of off-state intensity to rotation varies with liquid-crystal thickness. Off-state behavior is independent of liquid-crystal pretilt for the range of pretilt angles used in typical transducers.
The Effects of Collaborative Writing Techniques on Freshman Writing and Attitudes

Abstract In this study the effects of two collaborative writing techniques (interactive and group writing) on college freshmen's writing ability and attitudes toward writing were investigated. Subjects were 136 college freshmen enrolled in six sections of freshman composition taught by two teachers. Over an 8-week period, each teacher instructed one section to write interactively, one section to use group writing, and one section to write independently. In the 7th week, all subjects wrote posttest essays using the technique employed in class. In the 8th week, all subjects independently wrote posttest essays on the same subject as on the pretest. Trained graders blind to experimental conditions rated pretests and posttest essays holistically. An attitude survey was administered at the end of the semester to all groups. Although students in both collaborative conditions generally wrote better posttests than did students writing independently, there was no statistically significant difference between the col...
Laminar Flow Across a Bank of Low Aspect Ratio Micro Pin Fins

Pressure drops and friction factors associated with the forced flow of de-ionized water over staggered and in-line circular/diamond shaped micro pin-fin bundles 100 μm long with hydraulic diameter of 50 and 100 μm have been experimentally investigated over Reynolds number ranging from 5 to 128. Pin fins were arranged according to two different horizontal and vertical pitch ratios (1.5 and 5). The applicability of conventional scale correlations to evaluate micro flow tests results has been assessed
In Vitro Studies with Sch 21420 and Sch 22591: Activity in Comparison with Six Other Aminoglycosides and Synergy with Penicillin Against Enterococci

In vitro tests were performed with Sch 21420 and Sch 22591 to determine (i) their activity in comparison to six other aminoglycosides against 343 clinical isolates, and (ii) whether synergy with penicillin G could be demonstrated with enterococci. In broth dilution tests, Sch 22591 was more active than the seven other aminoglycosides against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacteriaceae , and most nonfermenting gram-negative bacilli. Sch 22591 was as active as tobramycin against Pseudomonas aeruginosa . The activity of Sch 21420 was comparable to gentamicin, sisomicin, netilmicin, and tobramycin but greater than amikacin or kanamycin against S. aureus and most genera of Enterobacteriaceae . Sch 21420, amikacin, and kanamycin were (i) more active than the other five aminoglycosides against Proteus rettgeri and Providencia stuartii , but (ii) less active than the other five aminoglycosides against Neisseria gonorrhoeae , enterococci, most nonfermenting gram-negative bacilli, Proteus mirabilis , and Proteus morganii . Studies on the bactericidal activity of Sch 22591 with penicillin indicated a synergistic interaction against enterococci, including strains highly resistant to streptomycin and kanamycin. This could be demonstrated with combinations containing 3.0 to 6.0 μg of Sch 22591 per ml and was comparable to that observed with penicillin/gentamicin. Penicillin plus Sch 21420 (25 μg/ml) also demonstrated synergy against enterococci, including strains highly resistant to streptomycin. However, synergy did not occur against strains highly resistant to kanamycin. These latter results were similar to those obtained in tests with penicillin/kanamycin.
Responsibility for a Transmitted Command: A Juror Simulation

A mock juror simulation was employed to analyze observers' attributions of responsibility for the transmittal of an illegal act. Student subjects (N = 261) were presented a newspaper article depict...
Assessing the risk of blood exposure in the operating room

During the past 3 years, a great deal of new information has been published on the risk of blood exposure and injury in the operating room. In addition, detailed information about the effectiveness of barrier materials, operating room garments, and gloves has also become available. On the basis of this information, it has become possible to recommend strategies, barrier materials, and garments that should reduce the risk of contracting a blood-borne infection in the operating room. Further attempts to decrease the risk of blood exposure and injury require thorough evaluation of all risk-reduction strategies and careful selection of protective apparel and barriers on the basis of well-designed studies performed in the operating room environment.
Experimental and Modeling Analysis of Micro-Milling of Hardened H13 Tool Steel

This study is focused on experimental evaluation and numerical modeling of micro-milling of hardened H13 tool steels. Multiple tool wear tests are performed in a micro side cutting condition with 100 μm diameter endmills. The machined surface integrity, part dimension control, size effect and tool wear progression in micromachining of hardened tool steels are experimentally investigated. A strain gradient plasticity model is developed for micromachining of hardened H13 tool steel. Novel 2D FE models are developed in software ABAQUS to simulate the continuous chip formation with varying chip thickness in complete micro-milling cycles under two configurations: micro slotting and micro side cutting. The steady-state cutting temperature is investigated by a heat transfer analysis of multi micro-milling cycles. The FE model with the material strain gradient plasticity is validated by comparing the model predictions of the specific cutting forces with the measured data. The FE model results are discussed in chip formation, stress, temperature, and velocity fields to great details. It is shown that the developed FE model is capable of modeling a continuous chip formation in a complete micro-milling cycle, including the size effect. It is also shown that built-up edge in micromachining can be predicted with the FE model.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Ion implantation in future MOS technology

Abstract Ion implantation in future MOS technology is examined by considering the anticipated changes in the MOS transistor structure over the next decade. The widely used LDD MOSFET will likely be phased out as the technology is scaled below 0.35 μm feature sizes. New structures and/or substantially reduced device operating voltages will be required, and possible approaches are described. The implications for ion implantation technology as well as additional observations of needs and opportunities are discussed. There is a critical need for improved understanding and models of ion implantation, in particular damage and its effect on impurity diffusion, the influence of all of the implant parameters on the resulting profile, implants through multiple layers of materials, and two- and three-dimensional effects.
Label-free optical biosensor for probing integrative role of adenylyl cyclase in G protein-coupled receptor signaling

Adenylyl cyclase is considered as an integrator for receptor signaling. However, its integrative role in receptor signaling is largely studied at the level of point of contacts in complex pathways. Here we used forskolin as a pharmacological probe and the resonant waveguide grating (RWG) biosensor to examine the signal integration of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) at the cyclase-cyclic AMP-PKA module. The biosensor is a refractive index sensitive optical biosensor that is capable of detecting ligand-induced dynamic mass redistribution in cells without labels and cellular manipulations. Stimulation of seven cell lines with forskolin led to distinct optical responses, indicative of distinct expressions and/or organization of cyclase isoforms. The forskolin response in A431 was sensitive to the activities of protein kinase A, Rho kinase, and MAP kinases. Desensitization assays showed that the forskolin pretreatment heterologously desensitized Gs signaling, partially attenuated Gq signaling, but had comp...
Comparison of Structural Stabilities of Prostaglandin H Synthase-1 and -2

Abstract There are two known isoforms of prostaglandin H synthase (PGHS), a key enzyme in the conversion of arachidonic acid to bioactive prostanoids. The “constitutive” isoform, PGHS-1, is thought to have housekeeping functions, and the “inducible” isoform, PGHS-2, has been implicated in cellular responses to cytokines. The two isoforms have high sequence conservation in the cyclooxygenase active site and quite similar crystallographic structures, but differ markedly in their interactions with many cyclooxygenase substrates and inhibitors. We have evaluated the stability of the overall folding, and of the active sites of ovine PGHS-1 and human PGHS-2 using denaturation with guanidinium hydrochloride (GdmHCl). Changes in hydrodynamic and cross-linking properties indicated a dimer → monomer transition for both isoforms between 0.5 and 2 m GdmHCl; the monomers unfolded at higher GdmHCl levels. Changes in overall secondary and tertiary structure, measured by tryptophan fluorescence and circular dichroism, occurred in two phases for each isoform, with the transition between the phases at 0.2–0.5 m GdmHCl. Disruption of active site functions (cyclooxygenase, peroxidase, and cyclooxygenase inhibitor binding activities) began at GdmHCl levels below 0.2 m. The structural and functional changes were completely reversible up to about 2 m GdmHCl, they were more pronounced at lower protein levels, and they required lower GdmHCl levels for PGHS-2 than for PGHS-1. The results are consistent with a four-state denaturation process for both isoforms: native dimers → inactive dimers → compact monomers → unfolded monomers. The first two steps are reversible for both isoforms; PGHS-2 undergoes the first and last steps more readily than PGHS-1. Thus, the structural stability of PGHS-2, both in the active site regions and in the subunits overall, is distinctly less than that of PGHS-1. These differences in structural stability may contribute to the isoforms’ active site ligand selectivity.
Proximal Plantar Fibroma as an Etiology of Recalcitrant Plantar Heel Pain

Prompted by repeated pathology reports of fibromas at the origin of the plantar fascia after fasciectomy for chronic plantar heel pain, this study examined the incidence of proximal plantar fibroma. A retrospective study of 100 pathology specimens from 97 patients with the preoperative diagnosis of recalcitrant plantar fasciitis was performed. Patients ranged in age from 36 to 82, and included 31 males and 66 females. The specimens consisted of medial and central bands of the fascia obtained from transverse plantar fasciectomies. The fasciectomies were performed by 4 surgeons between July 1994 and March 2008. One quarter of the cases studied had a histological appearance of plantar fibroma. This new finding has not been reported in any literature in connection with recalcitrant heel pain. Histologic findings of the specimens were placed into 3 groups: neoplastic involvement (25%, 21 female and 6 male), inflammation without neoplastic involvement (21%, 13 female and 6 male), and other, which consisted of having no inflammatory or neoplastic response (54%, 32 female and 19 male). All of the patients ailed a 3- to 6-month conservative treatment regimen, which included anti-inflammatory medication, modification of activities, injection of corticosteroids, night splints, custom molded orthotics, and physical therapy. Only 3 patients underwent bilateral plantar fasciectomies. No patient required a revisional procedure. The authors conclude that 25% of recalcitrant heel pain is neoplastic in origin, and that patients presenting with these lesions require excision and not fasciotomy.
Sustainable human capital: product innovation and employee partnerships in technology firms

Purpose – To date, sustainability in technology firms has focused on improving outputs while maintaining the same inputs. The purpose of this paper is to propose a six‐stage model for enhancing inputs as well as outputs, named sustainable human capital. The paper extends traditional views of individuals as human capital, measured as formal education and direct experience to incorporate more holistic and humanistic views of informal education and indirectly related experience. This allows technology firms, whose lifeblood is innovation, to increase employee satisfaction and performance, quality and quantity of technology firm innovation, and societal well‐being in the form of sustainable products and services.Design/methodology/approach – This paper extends concepts in innovation management to build a holistic model of employees as sustainable human capital. By bridging theory and practice, this paper provides a framework for knowledge‐building partnerships and, thus, relational wealth, or the value create...
On the nature of the central object in Z Cha

Il s'agit d'une naine blanche, si durant l'eruption, une couche limite toroidale etendue se developpe et que les regions internes du disque d'accretion sont optiquement epaisses
Observations and simulations of synoptic, regional, and local variations in atmospheric CO2

[1] Synoptic events may play an important role in determining the CO2 spatial distribution and temporal variations on a regional scale. In this study, we chose a front that passed the WLEF tower site on 16 August 2001, which had the most significant CO2 concentration variation in our case pool. The CO2 concentration, or [CO2], at the WLEF site had a strong dip and an increasing trend before the front arrived and a decreasing trend afterward. The concentration at 396 m above the ground varied by more than 40 ppm within 36 hours. We investigated the CO2 variations associated with this frontal case using a fully coupled model of land surface physics and carbon exchange (SiB 2.5) and the atmosphere (RAMS 5.04), in which CO2 was treated as a free variable and used to determine photosynthesis rate. Our simulation showed that high-[CO2] air mass was built up in the southern Great Plains on 14 and15 August 2001 because of the slow photosynthesis rate caused by hot and dry air over Oklahoma and Texas and the relatively strong nighttime respiration in the southeast United States. The low-[CO2] air to the southwest of Wisconsin and the high-[CO2] air over Kansas and Oklahoma traveled north and was responsible for part of the [CO2] variations at the WLEF site from 15 to 16 August 2001. Surface weather station confirmed the hot and dry weather in Oklahoma and Texas in this event, and the tower observations corroborated the existence of southwest-northeast concentration gradient. Weak daytime photosynthesis on 15 August 2001 and stronger nighttime respiration on 16 August 2001 under overcast sky condition were also partially responsible for the quick CO2 accumulation at the lower levels at the WLEF site before the front's arrival. This case study confirmed the existence of mixing signals from at least two different scales: large-scale horizontal advection and local ecosystem response to the changing weather. SiB-RAMS showed its strength in simulating the coherent anomalies in biospheric CO2 flux and in the regional weather pattern. Further refinement of the model is needed to better capture the timing and location of synoptic events and CO2 signals that travel across North America. Exploitation of continuous tower data in data assimilation and inverse modeling to determine regional sources and sinks will require careful error attribution to either transport or surface flux estimates.
Mechanistic insight into the conserved allosteric regulation of periplasmic proteolysis by the signaling molecule cyclic-di-GMP

Stable surface adhesion of cells is one of the early pivotal steps in bacterial biofilm formation, a prevalent adaptation strategy in response to changing environments. In Pseudomonas fluorescens, this process is regulated by the Lap system and the second messenger cyclic-di-GMP. High cytoplasmic levels of cyclic-di-GMP activate the transmembrane receptor LapD that in turn recruits the periplasmic protease LapG, preventing it from cleaving a cell surface-bound adhesin, thereby promoting cell adhesion. In this study, we elucidate the molecular basis of LapG regulation by LapD and reveal a remarkably sensitive switching mechanism that is controlled by LapD's HAMP domain. LapD appears to act as a coincidence detector, whereby a weak interaction of LapG with LapD transmits a transient outside-in signal that is reinforced only when cyclic-di-GMP levels increase. Given the conservation of key elements of this receptor system in many bacterial species, the results are broadly relevant for cyclic-di-GMP- and HAMP domain-regulated transmembrane signaling. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.03650.001
Targeting the Vasoprotective Axis of the Renin-Angiotensin System: A Novel Strategic Approach to Pulmonary Hypertensive Therapy

A decade has passed since the discovery of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a component of the ACE2–angiotensin (Ang)-(1-7)–Mas counterregulatory axis of the renin angiotensin system (RAS). ACE2 is considered an endogenous regulator of the vasoconstrictive, proliferative, fibrotic, and proinflammatory effects of the ACE–Ang II–angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) axis. Both animal and clinical studies have emerged to define a role for ACE2 in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). There is scientific evidence supporting the concept that ACE2 maintains the RAS balance and plays a protective role in PAH. The activation of pulmonary ACE2 could influence the pathogenesis of PAH and serve as a novel therapeutic target in PAH. Current therapeutic strategies and interventions have limited success, and PAH remains a fatal disease. Thus, more research that establishes the novel therapeutic potential and defines the mechanism of the ACE2–Ang-(1-7)–Mas counterregulatory axis in PAH is needed.
Adolescents' response to antidepressant treatment in a community mental health center

This study examines antidepressant response in 52 adolescents after 6 months of treatment in a community mental health clinic. No patients were excluded based on psychiatric or medical co-morbidity. Symptomatic and functional outcome measures were administered to patients and parents. A pharmacotherapy algorithm was followed. Thirty-four patients (65%) completed the 6 month of treatment. Eighty-eight percent of patients improved, while 47% responded. These results are compared to response rates in acute research studies, in continuation studies, and in a study of depressed adults treated in a community clinic. Conclusions: research to improve response rates to antidepressants in the real world is urgently needed, since it appears that rates are low and diminish with age.
Diagnostic allozymes for routine identification of adults of the Anopheles gambiae complex (Diptera, Culicidae)

Natural populations of four species of the Anopheles gambiae complex occurring in southern Africa were sampled and individuals identified using ovarian polytene chromosomes (19 species A, 190 species B, 140 species C and 54 A. merus Don.). The genotypes of these same insects were scored for three loci coding for non-specific esterases, and one locus coding for tetrazolium oxidase, after electrophoresis. There is no intra-specific variation at the tetrazolium oxidase locus; species A, B and C share a common allozyme and A. merus is unique. The relative gene frequencies for the 16 allozymes of the three esterase loci for each species give a minimum probability of correct identification of 0·9533 under the worst conditions of sampling, i.e., where samples consist of equal mixtures of species. In practice, resort to such probabilities is necessary only in the discrimination between species A and C. This system of identification is superior to the chromosome method because all adults, whether male or female, and at whatever stage of the gono-tropic cycle, are identifiable.
On the correlation functions of the special operators in c = 1 quantum gravity

Abstract We analyze the special operators that occur for discrete momenta in c = 1 conformal field theory coupled to quantum gravity using matrix model techniques. Recursion relations for the correlation functions of the zero-momentum operators are derived. The recursion relations are shown to represent a Virasoro algebra. Two-point functions for non-zero momentum are calculated. We identify the matrix model operators that excite the special states. The results are compared with Liouville theory.
Review Essay: Reconsidering Popular Iranian Cinema and its Audiences: Digargūnī-i ijtimā‘ī va fīlmhā-yi sīnamāyī dar Īrān: Jāmi‘ah-shināsī-i fīlmhā-yi ‘āmmah-pasand-i Īrānī (1309–1357)

Reconsidering Popular Iranian Cinema and its Audiences Digargūnī-i ijtimā‘ī va fīlmhā-yi sīnamāyī dar Īrān: Jāmi‘ah-shināsī-i fīlmhā-yi ‘āmmah-pasand-i Īrānī (1309–1357), Parvīz Ijlālī, Tehran: Int...
Transarterial chemoembolization for palliation of paraneoplastic hypoglycemia in a patient with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

The patient underwent an unremarkable open surgical repair of his AAA with the use of polyester graft. At 6-month, follow-up, he remained free from complications. Thrombus from the aneurysm sac was cultured but proved sterile. Infected AAA is uncommon, comprising fewer than 3% of infrarenal AAAs (1), and can be asymptomatic despite the increased risk of rupture and mortality (2). Gas within the sac wall and periaortic inflammatory tissue are features of mycotic aneurysm. In the present case, the immunosuppressive effect of methotrexate could have increased the risk of mycotic aneurysm, as previously reported (3); however, no organisms were cultured in blood or thrombus. Severe rheumatoid disease can cause aortitis, but no periaortic inflammation was seen in the present case (Fig 1). Spontaneous aortoenteric fistula is less common, and reported only in the presence of infection. When there is communication between the aorta and part of the gastrointestinal tract, ectopic gas adjacent to or within the aorta is the predominant CT finding (4). Degenerative disease of the lumbar intervertebral discs may exhibit gas within the degenerate disc. Perhaps the intervertebral gas diffused into the aneurysm sac; however, we are unaware of any reported cases of spontaneous aneurysm sac gas associated with this condition. In conclusion, the present report suggests that aortic sac gas can be a benign finding, independent of aortic infection or aortoenteric fistula.
Increased impulsivity associated with severity of suicide attempt history in patients with bipolar disorder.

Background: Impulsivity is a prominent and measurable characteristic of bipolar disorder that can contribute to risk for suicidal behavior. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between impulsivity and severity of past suicidal behavior, a potential predictor of eventual suicide, in patients with bipolar disorder. Method: In bipolar disorder subjects with either a definite history of attempted suicide or no such history, impulsivity was assessed with both a questionnaire (Barratt Impulsiveness Scale) and behavioral laboratory performance measures (immediate memory/delayed memory tasks). Diagnosis was determined with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV. Interviews of patients and review of records were used to determine the number of past suicide attempts and the medical severity of the most severe attempt. Results: Subjects with a history of suicide attempts had more impulsive errors on the immediate memory task and had shorter response latencies, especially for impulsive responses. Impulsivity was highest in subjects with the most medically severe suicide attempts. Effects were not accounted for by presence of depression or mania at the time of testing. Barratt Impulsiveness Scale scores were numerically, but not significantly, higher in subjects with suicide attempts. A history of alcohol abuse was associated with greater probability of a suicide attempt. Multivariate analysis showed that ethanol abuse history and clinical state at the time of testing did not have a significant effect after impulsivity was taken into account. Discussion: These results suggest that a history of severe suicidal behavior in patients with bipolar disorder is associated with impulsivity, manifested as a tendency toward rapid, unplanned responses.
Hydromagnetic plasma acceleration by rapidly rotating astrophysical objects.

We have solved analytically for the acceleration of plasma away from a rotating magnetized object. Application of that analysis to rotator models for the radio, optical, and x-ray pulsar NP0532 suggests that it has a magnetic moment of order 3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{28}$ G ${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$ and is losing mass at a rate order 2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{9}$ g/sec. These parameters would provide particles in excess of ${10}^{11}$ eV and a 6\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$-G field in the Crab Nebula at 1 lt yr from NPO532.
Listen reader: an electronically augmented paper-based book

While predictions abound that electronic books will supplant traditional paper-based books, many people bemoan the coming loss of the book as cultural artifact. In this project we deliberately keep the affordances of paper books while adding electronic augmentation. The Listen Reader combines the look and feel of a real book - a beautiful binding, paper pages and printed images and text - with the rich, evocative quality of a movie soundtrack. The book's multi-layered interactive soundtrack consists of music and sound effects. Electric field sensors located in the book binding sense the proximity of the reader's hands and control audio parameters, while RFID tags embedded in each page allow fast, robust page identification.Three different Listen Readers were built as part of a six-month museum exhibit, with more than 350,000 visitors. This paper discusses design, implementation, and lessons learned through the iterative design process, observation, and visitor interviews.
Dispersion‐Strengthened Glass Matrices–Glass‐Ceramics, A Case in Point

Previous explanations of strengthening of glass-ceramics after heat treatment to produce crystallization are discussed. Explanations relating strength enhancement in brittle material systems either to flaw size limitation by interparticle spacing or to the increase in the system modulus as a result of the presence of a higher modulus dispersed phase were found to be inadequate. The measured loss of strength in glass-ceramics with increasing temperature indicated strength enhancement as a result of thermomechanically induced stresses in the system.
Metropolitan-level ethnic residential segregation, racial identity, and body mass index among U.S. Hispanic adults: A multilevel cross-sectional study

Background The few studies that have examined whether metropolitan-level ethnic residential segregation is associated with obesity among Hispanics are mixed. The segmented assimilation theory, which suggests patterns of integration for immigrant groups varies by social factors, may provide an explanation for these mixed findings. In this study we examined whether one social factor, racial identity, modified the association between ethnic residential segregation and body mass index (BMI) among Hispanics.
Recognizing 3-D objects using surface descriptions

The authors provide a complete method for describing and recognizing 3-D objects, using surface information. Their system takes as input dense range date and automatically produces a symbolic description of the objects in the scene in terms of their visible surface patches. This segmented representation may be viewed as a graph whose nodes capture information about the individual surface patches and whose links represent the relationships between them, such as occlusion and connectivity. On the basis of these relations, a graph for a given scene is decomposed into subgraphs corresponding to different objects. A model is represented by a set of such descriptions from multiple viewing angles, typically four to six. Models can therefore be acquired and represented automatically. Matching between the objects in a scene and the models is performed by three modules: the screener, in which the most likely candidate views for each object are found; the graph matcher, which compares the potential matching graphs and computes the 3-D transformation between them; and the analyzer, which takes a critical look at the results and proposes to split and merge object graphs. >