cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty for Treatment of Painful Osteoporotic Compression Fractures

Purpose To review the pathophysiology of osteoporosis and describe vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, which are minimally invasive procedures to treat the pain associated with vertebral compression fractures (VCFs). Data sources Extensive literature review of osteoporosis, vertebroplasty, and kyphoplasty supplemented by case study and clinical experience in the minimally invasive interventional neuroradiology interventions. Conclusions Osteoporosis is a progressive debilitating process that destroys the cancellous bone, weakening the overall integrity and stability of the bone. The loss of bone mass places the individual at increased risk for vertebral body, hip, and wrist fractures. In the past, there was no treatment option to repair vertebral body deformity or instability after osteoporotic VCFs. Management solely relied on the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, narcotics, muscle relaxants, and/or orthotic bracing to provide pain relief. VCFs alter the stability of the vertebral body and column, and the lack of stabilization can lead to chronic pain syndrome, immobility, pulmonary compromise, progression of spinal deformity, increase in the risk for additional VCFs, and increase in the risk for comorbidities and mortality related to immobility. Implications for Practice Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are minimally invasive procedures aimed at pain control, stabilization of the vertebral body, and with kyphoplasty, the ability to provide some correction of deformity with partial restoration of vertebral body height. Providing pain control and stabilization of the vertebral column improves mobility, thus decreasing the potential risks associated with immobility.
Children's level of participation in a false-belief task, age, and theory of mind

The hide-and-seek deception task of M. Chandler, A. S. Fritz, and S. Hala (1989) was modified to provide a more precise estimate of the age at which children acquire and manifest a theory of mind. Two characters (good, bad) and two levels of involvement (pretend play, sociodramatic play) were incorporated into the research design, so that children's representational understanding of deception could be studied. Two-, 3-, and 4-year-olds (N = 90) participated in the study. The results indicated that 4-year-olds used significantly more deceptive strategies than 2- and 3-year-olds in pretend play and in sociodramatic play. There was no difference between 2- and 3-year-olds in the use of deceptive strategies; they used significantly fewer strategies in the bad roles than in the good roles. No significant differences were found in the 3 age groups' performances in the good-character tasks. The reality-masking hypothesis (P. Mitchell, 1994) accounts for the differences in performances on that task; thus, children younger than 4 years old do seem to have a theory of mind.
Using State Estimation for parameter and model error identification

Operation engineers at EMS control center are very interested in the potential use of State Estimation (SE) technologies for identifying parameter and model errors, especially when encountering the scenario of an invalid SE solution or an SE solution with non-trivial residuals. Some network parameter and model errors, like an incorrect transformer tap or an analog measurement with flipped sign, can be identified early using relatively simple pre-processing approaches. But other errors may be detectable only after running SE solutions in real-time operation. This paper will share our experience in working with operation engineers to deal with these SE issues.
Use of variable-frequency drives in the heat network of Tver’ TÉTs-3

Engineering solutions developed and implemented within the project of updating the makeup module of the heat network at the Tver’ TETs-4 cogeneration plant with the use of variable-frequency drives for scheduled startups and control of the makeup pumps delivery are considered.
Are Children with Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Disability Living Longer

A robust literature addresses life expectancy (LE) for children with cerebral palsy (CP) and developmental disability (DD). A Medline data search was completed using the terms CP, DD, LE, survival, as well as other pertinent terms. Further articles were gleaned from bibliographies of pertinent literature. Key disabilities accurately predict LE in children with CP and DD: (1) presence and severity of developmental disability, (2) inability to speak intelligible words, (3) inability to recognize voices, (4) inability to interact with peers, (4) severity of physical disability, (5) use of tube feeding, (6) incontinence, (7) cortical blindness, and (8) presence and severity of seizures. Children with CP and DD have a diminished LE, which can be accurately assessed based on simple clinical examination findings. Over the last 50 years there has been improvement in life expectancy based on comparison of newer and older studies. However in approximately the last 20 years, there has been only slight improvement in LE, and this has been found only in the most profoundly impaired children with CP and DD.
Race and the clinical diagnosis of depression in new primary care patients

Abstract Objective The objective was to determine whether the effects of new patient status on primary care depression diagnoses differ by patient race. Method Primary care visits (n=168,482) from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey were analyzed. Logistic regression was used to evaluate main effects of new patient status on depression diagnoses and interactions with race. Results Among Whites, approximately 2% of new visits and 3% of return visits resulted in depression diagnoses, whereas among African Americans, these corresponding proportions were 0.5% and 2%, respectively. The lower likelihood of receiving a depression diagnosis during new versus return primary care visits was significantly greater among African Americans than Whites (P=.04). Conclusion For African American primary care patients, first visits may be a high-risk period for missed diagnoses of depression.
Teacher Conversations: A Potential Source of Their Own Professional Growth

(1982). Teacher Conversations: A Potential Source of Their Own Professional Growth. Curriculum Inquiry: Vol. 12, No. 3, pp. 239-256.
progress in the investigation of surface-temperatures of the Western North Atlantic

From the mass of accumulated thermograph-records made on commercial vessels came the task of making an accurate appraisal of the temperatures, including the thermal pattern and the fluctuations of temperature within the rough triangle of the North American Coast limited on the east by a line from Halifax to Bermuda and on the south by the 30th parallel. The records from January 1929 to May 1931 were used, during which period the frequency of the thermograms over the various routes was sufficient to allow the construction of numerous synoptic charts of the surface-temperatures. In all, 36 charts were made, each being drawn from the records made within a week's time. At least two thermograms made over routes close together were necessary for each chart—most of them had three or four and some had five. From these data isotherms were drawn at a 3-degree Fahrenheit interval for the eight months with the coldest temperatures and at a one-degree Fahrenheit interval during the four warmest months.
The metabolic activation of cyanamide to an inhibitor of aldehyde dehydrogenase is catalyzed by catalase

The inhibition of aldehyde dehydrogenase by cyanamide is dependent on an enzyme catalyzed conversion of the latter to an active metabolite. The following results suggest that catalase is the enzyme responsible for this bioactivation. The elevation of blood acetaldehyde elicited by cyanamide after ethanol administration to rats was attenuated more than 90 percent by pretreatment with the catalase inhibitor, 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole. This attenuation was dose dependent and was accompanied by a reduction in total hepatic catalase activity. Although hepatic catalase was also inhibited by cyanamide, a positive correlation between blood acetaldehyde and hepatic catalase activity was observed. In vitro, the activation inhibitor, 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole. This attenuation was dose dependent and was accompanied by a reduction in total hepatic catalase activity. Although hepatic catalase was also inhibited by cyanamide, a positive correlation between blood acetaldehyde and hepatic catalase activity was observed. In vitro, the activation of cyanamide was catalyzed by a) the rat liver mitochondrial subcellular fraction, b) the 50-65% ammonium sulfate mitochondrial fraction and c) purified bovine liver catalase. Cyanamide activation was inhibited by sodium azide. Since much of the hepatic catalase is localized in the peroxisomes and since peroxisomes and mitochondria cosediment, the cyanamide activating enzyme, catalase, is likely of peroxisomal and mitochondrial origin.
New Insights on using Fallout Radionuclides to Estimate Soil Redistribution Rates

The fallout radionuclides such as ¹³⁷Cs have been widely accepted and used in the past 40 yr to provide quantitative soil redistribution estimates at a point scale. Recently their usefulness has been questioned by a few researchers challenging the validity of the key assumption that the spatial distribution of fallout radionuclides in soil is initially uniform. The objective of this work is to reconcile the opposing views by examining the assumption and by developing a new concept for correctly interpreting soil redistribution rates estimated with the tracing technique. This review shows that the spatial uniformity assumption is invalid due to ¹³⁷Cs redistribution caused by spatial variations in rainfall interception, vegetation type and cover, surface residue cover, water infiltration rates, and micro-topography. Thus, the commonly used method of comparing a point ¹³⁷Cs inventory with the reference mean inventory for estimating soil redistribution rate for that point is flawed. Soil redistribution rate estimated for a sampling point is not the true erosion rate because random spatial variation of the radionuclide inventory at the point is erroneously attributed to an effect of soil redistribution. Fortunately, such spatial variations at points are typically random in nature, and therefore can be resolved statistically by increasing independent sample number and by interpreting soil redistribution rate in terms of mean value for a uniform area or slope position, as the random spatial errors of the radionuclide inventories tend to be averaged out.
Friend-foe Discrimination, Caffeine, and Sentry Duty

Abstract : In war, the sentry must continually and rapidly detect targets, correctly discriminate friend from foe and shoot with accuracy. Past research shows that caffeine enhances the sentry's target detection speed when all targets are foes. This study evaluates sentry performance when friend-foe discrimination is required. Eleven men and 11 women participated in four simulated sentry duty sessions lasting 3 hours each: (a) 200 mg caffeine, foe-only; (b) 200 mg caffeine, friend-foe; (c) placebo, foe-only; and (d) placebo. friend-foe. Participants monitored the target scene of the Weaponeer Rifle Marksmanship Simulator with instructions to fire at enemy targets. Without impairing marksrmanship, 200 mg caffeine reduced friend-foe discrimination errors and eliminated the decrement in target detection speed associated with time on the task. Men were likely to commit friendly-fire errors (shoot at friendly targets) and women were likely to commit fail-to fire errors (fail to shoot at enemy targets).
Early vascular grafting to prevent upper extremity necrosis after electrical burns: Anastomotic false aneurysm, a severe complication

From May 1972 to January 1982, early vascular grafting was used to re-establish circulation across the electrically burned wrist. Thirty-three thrombosed arterial segments (radial and/or ulnar arteries) were removed in 18 limbs and autografts of the greater saphenous or omental veins were used for the revascularization. One vascular graft, which had been sutured to the ulnar artery on day 3 post-injury, contained an anastomotic false aneurysm at the proximal anastomosis. One month after vascular grafting, this aneurysm ruptured and bled. An emergency exploration of the wrist confirmed the diagnosis and surgery successfully restored the circulation, avoiding amputation of the injured limb. Histopathological examination of the specimen was consistent with the presence of anastomotic false aneurysm. The pathogenesis of this complication is reviewed. Our experience indicates that circulation to a limb following electrical injury can be successfully restored by early vascular grafting, but emphasizes the importance of close periodical follow-up after graft acceptance due to the possibility of late anastomotic complications.
Design of an artificial neural network for fast line flow contingency ranking

Abstract A three-layer perceptron artificial neural network with back propagation learning technique is designed for line flow contingency ranking. Two new indices — a severity index and a margin index for line flow — are defined. A regression-based correlation technique is used to select training parameters for the neural network. The proposed method has been tested on the IEEE 118-bus test system. Results show that the contingency rankings by the proposed method are comparable to results obtained by the classical performance index method. An advantage of the proposed method is its applicability in the control centre environment.
Initiation of P22 procapsid assembly in vivo

Abstract The procapsids of all double-stranded DNA phages have a unique portal vertex, which is the locus of DNA packaging and DNA injection. Procapsid assembly is also initiated at this vertex, which is defined by the presence of a cyclic dodecamer of the portal protein. Assembly of the procapsid shell of phage P22 requires the gene 5 coat protein and the gene 8 scaffolding protein. We report here that removal of gene product (gp) 1 portal protein of P22 by mutation does not slow the rate of polymerization of coat and scaffolding subunits into shells, indicating that the portal ring is dispensable for shell initiation. Mutant scaffolding subunits specified by tsU172 copolymerize with coat subunits into procapsids at restrictive temperature, and also correctly autoregulate their synthesis. However, the shell structures formed from the temperature-sensitive scaffolding subunits fail to incorporate the portal ring and the three minor DNA injection proteins. This mutation identifies a domain of the scaffolding protein specifically involved in organization of the portal vertex. The results suggest that it is a complex of the scaffolding protein that initiates procapsid assembly and organizes the portal ring.
An administrative dilemma: Sexual harassment and liability

Conservative estimates suggest that 40% of working women and 15% of their male counterparts have experienced some form of sexual harassment; and law enforcement personnel are no exception. Police officers are expected to adhere to the highest ethical standards and are subjected to greater public scrutiny than civilians. With criminal and civil remedies readily available to deter police misconduct, police agencies should be establishing policies that take a strong, pro-active stance against sexual harassment in the workplace. Surprisingly, though, 34% of police agencies in this country are still without formal policies regulating such behavior. This article is a guide to the legislation and case law that regulates those behaviours. Recommendations for policy formulation and implementation also are included. sexual harassment in the workplace presents a clear and present danger to law enforcement agencies. A recent survey found that thirty-four percent of law enforcement agencies in the United States have yet to formulate a written sexual harassment policy.
Laser-induced multiphoton dissociation ofn-butyl ether

Abstract The pulsed CO 2 -laser-induced multiphoton dissociation of n -butyl vinyl ether is studied. Comprehensive measurements have been performed for 9.6.μm and 10.6 μm irradiation. The corresponding dissociation product distributions show distinct differences for the two irradiation wavelengths, the most important finding being that acetylene is only produced at 9.6 μm.
Fracture surface work measurements on glassy polymers by a cleavage technique. I. Effects of temperature

It has recently been postulated that viscous flow or plastic deformation occurs near the tip of an advancing crack in glassy amorphous polymers such as Plexiglas, and this results in molecular orientation of the fracture surface. The evidence for this has been the appearance of colors on fresh fracture surfaces of Plexiglas and the extremely high measured surface work which is 1000 times greater than the theoretical surface energy. The surface energy of a solid is defined as the amount of energy required to create unit area of surface in the material by separating two planes each of half a unit area in extent, and the measured surface work of a polymer may also include any irreversible work which occurred during the fracture process. In the present investigation a cleavage test has been empolyed to measure the surface work of glassy polymers and to measure the effects of temperature on the surface work. A reproducible procedure has been developed to measure the surface work of cracks which propagate continuously and for cracks which propagate in a stick-slip fashion. The measured surface work of Plexiglas II is 1.2 × 102 erg/cm.2, and the value for a typical polystyrene is 4 × 105 erg/cm.2, compared to a theoretical estimate of 450 erg/cm.2. The surface work varies with temperature over the range of −40 to 80°C. The surface work of Plexiglas II and polystyrene decrease with increasing temperature. Colors have been seen on the Plexiglas fracture surfaces over the entire temperature range, and the fracture surface changes from rough to mirror-smooth at elevated temperatures. The inherent flaw size of the polymers, from Griffith's equation, also varies with temperature and is thought to be related to the crazing behavior of the polymer. At 23°C. the flaw size for polystyrene is 0.05 in. and for Plexiglas II, 0.002 in.
Study Strategies for Learning Spelling: Correlations with Achievement and Developmental Changes

Students at three grade levels (Grades 3/4, Grades 7/8, and undergraduates) were pretested to identify 10 words each student could not spell. The students were then asked to “think aloud” as they s...
Expression of RNase P RNA in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is controlled by an unusual RNA polymerase III promoter.

Abstract The RNA subunit of Saccharomyces cerevisiae nuclear RNase P is encoded by a single-copy, essential gene, RPR1. The 369-nucleotide mature form of the RNA has an apparent precursor with an 84-nucleotide 5' leader and approximately 33 nucleotides of additional 3' sequence. Analysis of RPR1 transcription in a strain with a temperature-sensitive lesion in RNA polymerase III shows that the gene is transcribed in vivo by RNA polymerase III. Examination of potential promoter regions using both progressive upstream deletions and point mutations indicates that at least two sequences contained within the 5' leader region are essential for expression in vivo, while sequences farther upstream influence efficiency. The required leader elements resemble tRNA gene-like A-box and B-box internal promoters in sequence and spacing. As in the tRNA genes, transcription factor TFIIIC binds to this region in vitro and binding is severely reduced by either A-box or B-box point mutations that impair expression in vivo. It thus appears that the yeast RNase P RNA gene has adopted a promoter strategy that places an RNA polymerase III "internal" promoter upstream of the mature structural domain to help drive transcription.
Stress Condensation in Crushed Elastic Manifolds

We discuss an $M$-dimensional phantom elastic manifold of linear size $L$ crushed into a small sphere of radius $R\ensuremath{\ll}L$ in $N$-dimensional space. We investigate the low elastic energy states of 2-sheets $(M\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}2)$ and 3-sheets $(M\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}3)$ using analytic methods and lattice simulations. When $N\ensuremath{\ge}2M$ the curvature energy is uniformly distributed in the sheet and the strain energy is negligible. But when $N\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}M+1$ and $Mg1$, both energies appear to be condensed into a network of narrow $M\ensuremath{-}1$ dimensional ridges. The ridges appear straight over distances comparable to the confining radius $R$.
Intratesticular Varicocele in Adolescents:: A Reversible Anechoic Lesion of the Testis

ABSTRACTPurpose: We describe ultrasonographic and clinical findings in adolescents with intratesticular varicocele.Materials and Methods: Three adolescent boys 12 to 16 years old each had a large intratesticular multicystic lesion on scrotal Doppler ultrasound for a large extratesticular varicocele. The presence of active Doppler flow within the anechoic lesions supported the diagnosis of intratesticular varicocele.Results: All 3 boys underwent spermatic vein ligation for varicocele. In each case scrotal Doppler ultrasound at 3 months postoperatively demonstrated resolution of the intratesticular anechoic lesions and Doppler flow, confirming the diagnoses of intratesticular varicocele.Conclusions: Intratesticular varicocele is a clinically occult lesion that may occur in conjunction with extratesticular varicocele. This entity is apparent on scrotal Doppler ultrasound as an intratesticular anechoic lesion with active Doppler flow, and has been shown to resolve following spermatic vein ligation. Its clinic...
Understanding the joint application of wireless optimizations

The common practice in wireless networking optimization is to address a problem domain, such as channel assignment or transmit power control, and test it across various environments, topologies and traffic rates. This approach, however, provides only a limited context for researchers and administrators, who must decide not only the best combination, but also the best ordering of these independently derived and tested solutions.This work presents a system architecture and methodology for determining the best features of a configuration of optimizations. These techniques are used to evaluate the joint application of several optimization strategies from five optimization domains, including: channel assignment, association control, transmit power control, bit-rate adaptation and beam form selection. Results from the simulation and field deployment of a 45x45 meter outdoor WLAN show that for the tested scenario: (1) channel assignment should precede association control, (2) minimizing transmit power is ineffective, (3) greedy channel assignment outperforms the Hsum algorithm, (4) load balancing across APs is not significant and (5) null steering is ineffective.
Effects of d-amphetamine on schedule-induced escape

Pigeons were trained to respond on a fixed-ratio schedule during which 90 responses produced 3 sec of grain reinforcement (FR 90). Concurrently, a separate key was available on which a response initiated a time-out from the FR schedule and turned off the discriminative stimuli associated with the FR. A second response on the same key terminated the time-out and reinstated the fixed ratio. The pigeons demonstrated a pattern of escape responding immediately following the grain reinforcement. d-Amphetamine (0.5, 1.0, 3.0 mg/kg) was administered 30 min before a probe session. During the probe sessions grain presentation was decreased to 2 sec to generate maximum escape responding. The FR response rate showed a dose related increase with doses of 0.5-1.0 mg/kg, while the same doses produced a dose related decrease in the rate of schedule-induced escape. The highest dose of 3.0 mg/kg of d-amphetamine eliminated FR and schedule-induced escape responding in all but one animal. The drug effects on a topographically similar response from the same animal during the same session suggests differential effects on schedule-controlled and schedule-induced behavior.
Pediatric misophonia with comorbid obsessive–compulsive spectrum disorders

Abstract Objective Misophonia is a potentially debilitating condition characterized by increased sensitivity to specific sounds, which cause subsequent behavioral and emotional responses. The nature, clinical phenomenology and etiology of misophonia remain unclear, and misophonic clinical presentations are not currently accounted for by existing psychiatric or audiological disorders. Method We present a case of pediatric misophonia in the context of comorbid obsessive–compulsive disorder and Tourette's syndrome. Results Given the interrelationships among obsessive–compulsive spectrum disorders and misophonia, these disorders may share underlying pathophysiology, particularly within the dopaminergic and serotonergic neural systems. Clinical (i.e., treatment) and theoretical implications are discussed.
The effect of insufflation pressure on pulmonary mechanics in infants during laparoscopic surgical procedures

Background: Few studies have reported objective measurements of pulmonary changes under controlled conditions in infants undergoing laparoscopic procedures. We objectively measured the pulmonary effects of laparoscopically-induced pneumoperitoneum in infants less than 1 year of age undergoing surgical procedures under general anaesthesia. Methods: Nineteen ASA I-II patients less than 1 year of age were enrolled in this direct observational study. Anaesthetic technique included inhalation induction using sevoflurane/O 2 /air and neuromuscular blockade. Infants were ventilated using 10-15 ml.kg -1 tidal volume at a respiratory rate sufficient to achieve normocarbia [P E CO 2 4.6-5.8 kPa (35-45 mmHg)]. Opioids and regional anaesthesia techniques were used when appropriate. Peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), expiratory tidal volume (Vt), endtidal carbon dioxide concentration (P E CO 2 ) and dynamic compliance (COMPdyn) were recorded at baseline, 5, 10 mmHg and maximal insufflation pressure (P max ). P max was limited to 12 mmHg for infants 5 kg. At steady state P max , ventilator changes were implemented to restore Vt and P E CO 2 to within 10% of baseline. Each patient served as his own control. Results: At P max , average PIP increased 18%, average Vt decreased 33%, average P E CO 2 concentration increased 13%, average COMPdyn decreased 48%; O 2 saturation fell in 41% of patients. Twenty ventilator adjustments were required; one patient experienced no changes in measured pulmonary mechanics, requiring no ventilator changes. Conclusions: Pulmonary mechanics in infants change significantly during laparoscopic CO 2 pneumoperitoneum; the magnitude of change correlates directly with intraperitoneal pressure. Greater than 90% of infants required at least one ventilatory intervention to restore baseline Vt and P E CO 2 .
Regulation layer controller design for automated highway systems

In [1], Varaiya outlines a fully automated highway system (AHS), which promises a threefold increase in traffic capacity. The core of this protocol to achieve a fully automated highway system is a four-layer hierarchical control architecture. Starting from the bottom, the layers are called the regulation, planning, link and network layers. In this paper, our emphasis is on the design of longitudinal control laws for the regulation layer operation. Longitudinal control laws are proposed for a vehicle to execute different maneuvers requested from its planning layer. The maneuvers include leader tracking target speed, platoon merge, platoon split, lane change, and follower spacing control. In particular, the novelty of the proposed follower spacing control law is that the controller uses the information not only from vehicles in front but also from vehicles behind. It is proven that, with the proposed approach, the platoon is theoretically stable and free of slinky-type effects.
Preliminary ultraviolet transmission data for beryllium fluoride glasses

Abstract Ultraviolet and infrared transmittance curves are given for several BeF2-type glasses. The BeF2 content of the glasses varied from 100% to less than 50 mol %. Intrinsic limitations on the transmittance of these glasses as well as impurity absorptions from the glass making process are discussed.
Adenine nucleotide control of heart mitochondrial oscillations.

Abstract Oscillations of heart mitochondria were analyzed by measuring changes in transmittance, H + , K + , respiration rate and morphology. It has been demonstrated that an oscillatory flow of ADP and ATP may be an important synchronizing, as well as a controlling, factor of energy flows in this system.
Nucleon scattering from 208Pb at low and intermediate energies

Abstract A phenomenological optical model analysis of neutron 208 Pb data from 2 to 250 MeV has been performed. The energy dependence of the real potential strength was found to be linear up to about 60 MeV and logarithmic above that energy. The strength of the real isovector potential, determined from a comparison with proton- 208 Pb results, was found to have a negligible energy dependence below about 50 MeV.
Intense Laser Pulse Propagation and Stability in Partially Stripped Plasmas

In a partially stripped plasma the presence of bound electrons can significantly alter the propagation and stability of intense laser pulses. In the presence of both free and bound electrons, an atomic modulation instability develops that can have a growth rate substantially higher than either the conventional relativistic modulational instability or the forward Raman instability. In addition, the filamentation instability can be significantly enhanced by bound electrons while the backward Raman instability is unaffected. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
Unusual properties of microwave-sintered yttria-2wt% zirconia

Etude des proprietes physiques (densite, porosite, dilatation thermique) et des proprietes mecaniques
Penal Sanctions in Poland: A Test of Alternative Models

Two different explanations have been proposed for the oscillatory behavior of imprisonment rates in several western capitalist nations. One of these is based on the Durkheimian model of a collective conscience that responds homeostatically to deviance; the other sees prison populations as changing in response to unemployment. These explanations are tested with data on crime and imprisonment in twentieth-century Poland. Neither explanation is confirmed. The correct explanation appears to lie instead in the political realm.
The general dynamics superconducting magnet for the large coil program--A progress report

The General Dynamics magnet for the Large Coil Program (LCP) has progressed to the fabrication phase. All superconductor and structural details have been completed along with the bobbin, which has been insulated for winding. Outer ring and torque box subassemblies are being welded and readied for coil closeout.
Effect of Low Carbohydrate Diet on Glucose Tolerance in Spontaneous Hypoglycemia

SummaryThe marked improvement in symptoms and glucose tolerance curves in 2 cases of spontaneous hypoglycemia (hyperin-sulinism) are reported following diets high in fat and low in carbohydrate.
Liposomes fuse with sperm cells and induce activation by delivery of impermeant agents.

Abstract Sperm cell activation is a critical step in fertilization. To directly investigate the cell signaling events leading to sperm activation it is necessary to deliver membrane impermeant agents into the cytoplasm. In this study, the use of liposomes as possible agent-loading vectors was examined using (1) the octadecylrhodamine B (R18) and NBD phosphatidylethanolamine (NBD DHPE)/rhodamine phosphatidylethanolamine (rhod DHPE) fusion assays in bulk samples, (2) membrane transfer of fluorescence from liposome membranes labeled with R18 and rhodamine-tagged phosphatidylethanolamine (TRITC DHPE), and (3) lumenal transfer of impermeant calcium ions from liposomes to sperm cells, a process that stimulated sperm cell activation. Intermediate-sized unilamellar liposomes (98.17±15.34 nm) were prepared by the detergent-removal technique using sodium cholate as the detergent and a phosphatidylcholine/phosphatidylethanolamine/cholesterol (2:1:1 mole ratio) lipid composition. In the R18 fusion assays, self-quenching increased logarithmically with increasing concentrations of R18 in the liposome membranes; addition of unlabeled sperm to R18-labeled liposomes lead to a rapid release of self-quenching. In the NBD DHPE/rhod DHPE resonance energy transfer (RET) fusion assay, RET was rapidly reduced under similar conditions. In addition, individual sperm became fluorescent when TRITC DHPE-labeled liposomes were incubated with unlabeled sperm cells. Incubation of sperm cells with empty liposomes did not significantly affect sperm cell activation and did not alter cell morphology. However, incubation with Ca (10 mM)-loaded liposomes resulted in a time-dependent increase in sperm cell activation (7.5-fold over controls after 15 min). We conclude that liposomes can be used for direct loading of membrane-impermeant agents into sea squirt sperm cell cytoplasm, and that delivery occurs via fusion and content intermixing.
The relationship between dynamics and structure in the far infrared absorption spectrum of liquid water

Abstract Using an intense source of far infrared radiation, the absorption spectrum of liquid water is measured at a temperature ranging from 269 to 323 K. In the infrared spectrum we observe modes that are related to the local structure of liquid water. Here we present a FIR measured spectrum that is sensitive to the low frequency ( −1 ) microscopic details that exist in liquid water.
An innovative technique for evaluating fracture toughness of graphite materials

Abstract Spiral notch torsion fracture toughness test (SNTT) was developed recently to measure the intrinsic fracture toughness (KIC) of structural materials. The SNTT system operates by applying pure torsion to uniform cylindrical specimens with a notch line that spirals around the specimen at a 45° pitch. The KIC values are obtained with the aid of a three-dimensional finite-element computer code, TOR3D-KIC. The SNTT method is uniquely suitable for testing a wide variety of materials used extensively in pressure vessel and piping structural components and weldments, including others such as ceramics, their composites, and concrete.
New Public Management and Crisis Mitigation: The 2007 M/V Cosco Busan Incident

The emergence of New Public Management (NPM) in the late 20th century challenged governments to develop collaborative networks as the path to service entrepreneurship, improved efficiency, and satisfying citizen needs. This case study—based on a 2007 San Francisco Bay incident—scrutinizes the NPM networks developed to prevent and respond to vessel oil spills within U.S. territorial waters. The study finds that adherence to the theoretical strengths identified in NPM networks become diluted because of mission shifts, budgetary challenges, and politics.
Measurement of the Time Between Synthesis and Surface Excretion of Sebaceous Lipids in Sheep and Man

The delay between synthesis and excretion of sebum in sheep and in man was determined by measurement of the time between intradermal injection of [1- 14 C]acetate and the appearance of a peak of radioactivity in the skin surface lipids at the injection site. In two sheep, a peak of radioactivity in the total surface lipid occurred 6 days after injection, and this is interpreted as the time required for the excretion of sebum after it was synthesized. In three human males, the delay between synthesis and excretion averaged 8.0 ± 0.5 days. Fractionation of the surface lipids from both sheep and man showed that each of the major constituents had a similar excretion time.
T cell tolerance and autoimmunity

CD4 T cells are the master controllers of immune responses to protein antigens, and many autoimmune diseases are thought to arise from a breakdown of immunological tolerance in CD4 cells. Peripheral tolerance in CD4 T cells is maintained by several mechanisms, including functional anergy, deletion (death) by apoptosis and suppression by regulatory T lymphocytes (Treg). Using transgenic mouse models, we have explored the roles of these mechanisms in tolerance to cell-associated tissue-restricted self-antigens and secreted systemic self-antigens. Tolerance to a membrane form of the antigen expressed in islet beta cells is maintained by Treg, which block T cell differentiation into pathogenic effectors, and by CTLA-4, which increases the activation threshold of T cells and prevents responses to the self-antigen. A systemically produced soluble form of the antigen induces rapid T cell anergy followed by deletion. The induction of anergy does not require either CTLA-4 or Treg, although in the absence of Treg tolerance can be broken more readily by potent immunogenic signals. Encounter with circulating antigen in T cells induces a state of antigen receptor "desensitization" that is associated with a block in proximal receptor-triggered signals. Thus, different mechanisms play dominant roles in T cell tolerance to different types of self-antigens.
Prospects for functional analysis of effectors from cereal rust fungi

With the advancement of several Puccinia genome sequencing projects, along with gene expression data and methods for predicting secreted proteins, it is now possible to predict many effector proteins from the cereal rusts. Biological assays that can be conducted in a relatively high throughput fashion are necessary to assign specific functions, such as avirulence. Biolistic delivery of potential effectors is limited by the need to examine individual cells and delivery by Agrobacterium generally also affects small numbers of cells in grasses. An approach that has had some success in dicots is the use of bacterial systems to deliver proteins by their type III secretion systems (TTSS). Several bacterial systems were thus tested for their suitability in delivering effectors to wheat. Pseudomonas syringae DC3000 caused hypersensitive reactions (HR) when infiltrated into all tested wheat lines but only some barley lines. A variant strain with multiple effectors deleted showed a reduced HR on wheat lines. Pseudomonas fluorescens with an engineered TTSS system showed no HR in wheat lines but was able to deliver bacterial effectors AvrRpm1 and AvrRpt2 and the fungal toxin ToxA. Delivery of the effectors by P. fluorescens could be detected by HR or by staining for presence of hydrogen peroxide or callose deposits. The bacterial systems thus showed good potential for their ability to deliver foreign proteins into wheat cells.
Preparation and electrical properties of thin films of antimony sulphur iodide (SbSI)

The c-axis oriented thin films of SbSI are prepared by the recrystallization of the amorphous SbSI films. The recrystallized films show the pyroelectric properties and have a dielectric capacitance between 0.2-0.5 μF/cm2 and the tan δ <1%.
Graphs with prescribed degree sets and girth

For a finite nonempty set of integers, each of which is at least two, and an integern ≥ 3, the numberf( ;n) is defined as the least order of a graph having degree set and girthn. The numberf( ;n) is evaluated for several sets and integersn. In particular, it is shown thatf({3, 4}; 5) = 13 andf({3, 4}; 6) = 18.
Control of renal arterial bleeding after percutaneous biopsy

Transcatheter arterial embolization is becoming an accepted method of controlling massive acute hemorrhage, including that secondary to blunt and penetrating renal trauma. Two patients with retroperitoneal bleeding postrenal biopsy and angiographically proved pseudoaneurysms at the biopsy sites had successful embolization without sequelae. Experimental and clinical experience with transcatheter embolization is reviewed. It appears that this modality is a safe, effective way of controlling renal hemorrhage.
An optimal electrocardiographic lead system for post-cardiac surgical monitoring.

Abstract The diagnosis of arrhythmias after cardiac surgery is often confounded by varying degrees of aberrancy and atrioventricular block. Although determination of the atrial rhythm may be critical, 1 atrial activity is often poorly demonstrated with conventional surface lead monitoring. Atrial electrograms can be recorded by attaching the temporary atrial pacing wire to a 12-lead electrocardiograph, 2,3 but this requires additional time and equipment and is often unsuitable for diagnosis of transient arrhythmias. By incorporating the temporary atrial pacing wire into standard surface lead configurations, we have achieved better definition of atrial activity than afforded by conventional surface leads, with no additional time, equipment or risk to the patient.
A novel ROC approach for performance evaluation of target detection algorithms

Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis is an emerging automated target recognition system performance assessment tool. The ROC metric, area under the curve (AUC), is a universally accepted measure of classifying accuracy. In the presented approach, the detection algorithm output, i.e., a response plane (RP), must consist of grayscale values wherein a maximum value (e.g. 255) corresponds to highest probability of target locations. AUC computation involves the comparison of the RP and the ground truth to classify RP pixels as true positives (TP), true negatives (TN), false positives (FP), or false negatives (FN). Ideally, the background and all objects other than targets are TN. Historically, evaluation methods have excluded the background, and only a few spoof objects likely to be considered as a hit by detection algorithms were a priori demarcated as TN. This can potentially exaggerate the algorithm's performance. Here, a new ROC approach has been developed that divides the entire image into mutually exclusive target (TP) and background (TN) grid squares with adjustable size. Based on the overlap of the thresholded RP with the TP and TN grids, the FN and FP fractions are computed. Variation of the grid square size can bias the ROC results by artificially altering specificity, so an assessment of relative performance under a constant grid square size is adopted in our approach. A pilot study was performed to assess the method's ability to capture RP changes under three different detection algorithm parameter settings on ten images with different backgrounds and target orientations. An ANOVA-based comparison of the AUCs for the three settings showed a significant difference (p<0.001) at 95% confidence interval.
The enzymic degradation of 3′, 5′ cyclic AMP in strains of E., coli sensitive and resistant to catabolite repression

Abstract Two mutants of E. , coli , resistant to catabolite repression, differ from a wild type strain, sensitive to catabolite repression, in having a defective 3′, 5′ cyclic AMP degradative system.
Allocation of transmission loss cost using game theory

This paper presents a novel procedure for the allocation of active and reactive power losses among generators and loads in the transmission grid. The procedure considers the grid as a block, making it unnecessary to analyze the elements within that block. The method allocates the active and reactive power losses jointly by using the circuit theory combined with the game theory (Aumann-Shapley). Arbitrarily, half the losses are allocated to the loads and half to the generators. The method was tested on a 5-bus sample system and on the IEEE 30-bus system. The results show that the method provides a consistent assignment of responsibilities, reflecting the generator and load locations in the grid and in agreement with the circuit laws.
Vestibular effects of cochlear implantation.

Objectives/Hypothesis: Cochlear implantation (CI) carries with it the potential risk for vestibular system insult or stimulation with resultant dysfunction. As candidate profiles continue to evolve and with the recent development of bilateral CI, understanding the significance of this risk takes on an increasing importance. Study Design: Between 1997 to 2001, a prospective observational study was carried out in a tertiary care medical center to assess the effects of unilateral CI on the vestibular system. Methods: Assessment was performed using the dizziness handicap inventory (DHI), vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) testing using both alternate bithermal caloric irrigations (ENG) and rotational chair-generated sinusoidal harmonic accelerations (SHA), and computerized dynamic platform posturography (CDP) at preoperative, 1-month, 4-month, 1-year and 2-year postimplantation visits. CI was carried out without respect to the preoperative vestibular function test results. Results: Specifically, 86 patients were entered into the study after informed consent. For the group as a whole, pair wise comparisons revealed few significant differences between preoperative and postoperative values for VOR testing (ENG and SHA) at any of the follow-up intervals. Likewise, DHI testing was also unchanged except for significant reductions (improvements) in the emotional subcategory scores at both the 4-month and 1-year intervals. CDP results demonstrated substantial improvements in postural sway in the vestibular conditions (5 and 6) as well as composite scores with the device “off” and “on” at the 1-month, 4-month, 1-year, and 2-year intervals. Device activation appeared to improve postural stability in some conditions. Excluding those patients with preoperative areflexic or hyporeflexic responses in the implanted ear (total [warm + cool] caloric response ≤ 15 deg/s), substantial reductions (≥21 deg/s maximum slow phase velocity) in total caloric response were observed for 8 (29%) patients at the 4-month interval. These persisted throughout the study period. These changes were accompanied by significant low frequency phase changes on SHA testing confirming a VOR insult. Of interest, no significant changes were detected in the DHI or CDP, and there were no effects of age, sex, device manufacturer, or etiology of hearing loss (HL) for these patients. Conclusions: Unilateral CI rarely results in significant adverse effects on the vestibular system as measured by the DHI, ENG, SHA, and CDP. On the contrary, patients that underwent CI experienced significant improvements in the objective measures of postural stability as measured by CDP. Device activation in music appeared to have an additional positive effect on postural stability during CDP testing. Although VOR testing demonstrated some decreases in response, patients did not suffer from disabling vestibular effects following CI. The mechanism underlying these findings remains speculative. These findings should be considered in counseling patients about CI.