cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Radial forearm free tissue transfer reduces complications in salvage skull base surgery

Objective Patients who undergo skull base resection after prior surgery or radiation may be at high risk for complications when local flaps alone are used for reconstruction. To determine whether the complication rate could be reduced, fasciocutaneous free tissue transfer was used to reinforce the dural closure in patients who had prior skull base surgery or radiation. Methods This study is a case series of 20 patients (14 males, 6 females, aged 8–79 years of age with a mean of 47.7 years) from 1997 to 2001 who had prior skull base surgery or radiation, and underwent salvage skull base resection without large volume defects. All patients had a radial forearm free tissue transfer to reinforce the dural closure. Six patients had an osseous component to the forearm flap to provide vascularized bone to the orbital rim. Results The overall local complication rate was 35%. Three patients (15%) had major complications including 1 case of meningitis, 1 case of cerebrospinal fluid leak, and 1 case of a flap requiring venous salvage. There were no flap failures, 1 idiopathic median nerve palsy, and no pathologic radius bone fractures. Conclusion Reconstruction with fasciocutaneous free tissue transfer for high-risk patients with low-volume dural defects following skull base resection can minimize the risk of major postoperative complications. EBM rating: C.
Gamma camera scans and pretreatment tumor volumes as predictors of response and progression after Y-90 anti-CD20 radioimmunotherapy

Purpose: To evaluate two potential approaches to predicting site-specific patterns of recurrence after yttrium-90 ibritumomab tiuxetan radioimmunotherapy (RIT) for CD20+ B-cell Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. These predictive methods may be useful in evaluating the utility of local intensification of individual nodal or extranodal sites using external beam radiotherapy. Methods and Materials: Records and images were evaluated for 20 patients previously treated with yttrium-90 ibritumomab RIT. Intensity of isotope uptake on the pretreatment two-dimensional antibody scans and maximal extent of tumor deposits found on computed tomography images of each anatomic site were correlated with response and subsequent patterns of recurrence or progression. Results: Our data failed to suggest a significant correlation between the site-by-site two-dimensional image intensity on the pre-RIT scan and the likelihood of response at those sites. In contrast, an analysis of pretreatment target volumes did correlate significantly with progression. A collective analysis of disease sites from all 20 patients found that 83% (10/12) sites of “bulky” (maximal diameter ≥5 cm) disease displayed evidence of progression vs. 28% (26/93) of “nonbulky” disease sites containing gross disease but no area measuring >5 cm (p Conclusion: We conclude that we can use tumor bulk to establish a statistical hierarchy of likely tumor progression sites and use this pattern to direct the use of additional external beam radiotherapy to augment treatment.
SPECTROSCOPY AND RELAXATION KINETICS OF MATRIX ISOLATED CH/D RADICALS

The A2Δ−X2Π and B2Σ-−X2Π transitions of CH/D were examined for radicals trapped in Ar and Kr matrixes. Excitation spectra yield further evidence that CH/D(B) rotates in solid Ar and Kr. Vibrational relaxation of CH/D(B) is faster for the heavier isotope, indicating that vibration to rotation energy transfer is the dominant mechanism. The decay of CH(B), v = 0 is primarily radiative in both Ar and Kr, with small contributions from B → A nonradiative transfer. Fluorescence was not detected from CD(B), v = 0 as the B → A transfer process was much faster than radiative decay for this isotope. The proximity of the CD(B), v = 0 and (A), v = 1 levels is responsible for the accelerated transfer rate. Spectra for the A−X transition of CH−Arn clusters were recorded for comparison with the matrix data. Relative to free CH, the transition is blue-shifted in the cluster and red-shifted in an Ar matrix. This contrast suggests that the clusters consist of CH bound to the surface of Arn.
Defining sources of coffee plant odor attractive to Ceratitis capitata flies

We evaluated attraction of released mature laboratory-cultured Mediterranean fruit flies to different sources of coffee plant odor placed in potted nonfruiting guava trees in outdoor field cages. Volatiles from crushed medium or dark red fruit ofCoffea arabica cv. arabica plants were significantly more attractive than volatiles from cut leaves or stems of such plants, volatiles from less-ripe crushedC. arabica fruit, and volatiles from crushed red fruit ofC. racemosa,C. canephora, orC. dewevari. Volatiles fromC. arabica cv. arabica crushed red fruit were equally attractive as volatiles from crushed red fruit ofC. congensis orC. arabica cv. mundo, cv. bourbon, cv. kents or cv. catura. Volatiles from as little as 2 g of crushed redC. arabica fruit (= 1 fruit) were as attractive as volatiles from 32 g of such fruit, demonstrating sensitivity of the bioassay approach used to a small amount of source material. Odor ofC. arabica red fruit refrigerated for 1–10 days after picking was significantly more attractive than odor of fresh-picked fruit, while odor of a 24-hr water extract of intact redC. arabica fruit was significantly more attractive than odor of 24-hr extracts of such fruit with methanol, methylene chloride, or hexane or 1- or 6-hr extracts with water. Extraction studies suggested that at least some of the volatiles of red coffee fruit attractive to medflies may be polar water-soluble molecules. In our final test, volatiles from crushed redC. arabica fruit trapped on Super Q and eluted with methylene chloride proved just as attractive as volatiles emanating directly from crushed fruit of the same type. Together, our findings define optimal source material and effective handling procedures of source material for future identification of volatile components of coffee fruit attractive to medflies.
Millimeter-wave microstrip solid-state sources and amplifiers

The past decade has seen increased applications for millimeter waves both in commercial and defense activities. Conventional millimeter-wave solid-satate sources were built in waveguide, suspended stripline, and finline. Fabricating these components in microstrip provides advantages of light weight, small size, and low cost. This paper summarizes the recent developments in millimeter-wave microstrip solid-state sources and amplifiers. The design and performance of these components will be presented.
Comparison of open and endovascular repair of inflammatory aortic aneurysms

Objective Inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysms (IAAAs) have been traditionally managed with open repair. Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) was approved September of 1999. Some authors have suggested that EVAR is not an acceptable option for management of an IAAA. However, several recent reports have suggested EVAR is a reasonable management option in these patients. The purpose of our study was to review our experience with the contemporary management of IAAA involving both open and endovascular approaches. Methods A retrospective review of all patients undergoing repair of IAAAs from 1999 to 2011 was conducted at three geographically separate institutions. Basic demographics, diagnostic workup, treatment, and outcomes were reviewed. Results Between 1999 and 2011, 69 patients underwent surgical repair of IAAAs, 59 by open repair and 10 by EVAR. Eighty-three percent of patients were men with a mean age of 67. Aneurysm size was similar in both groups (6.3 cm open repair vs 5.9 cm EVAR). Follow-up for the open group was a mean of 42.6 months and 33.6 months for the EVAR group. Periaortic fibrosis decreased from a mean of 5.4 mm to 2.7 mm after EVAR. Hydronephrosis was present preoperatively in one patient and did not change after EVAR. Aneurysm size decreased in seven patients (70%) who underwent EVAR. Two patients had no change with one lost to follow-up. Mean aneurysm size decrease after EVAR was 1.12 cm (17.8%). There were no aneurysm-related deaths or major morbidities in the EVAR group. Twenty-two patients (37%) in the open surgical group suffered major complications, including myocardial infarction, renal failure, lower extremity amputation, sepsis, and prolonged ventilation. Conclusions Endovascular repair for IAAA results in successful management with improvement of periaortic inflammation. EVAR should be considered as first-line therapy in which anatomic parameters are favorable.
Price Dynamics in U.S. Grain and Freight Markets

This paper studies the spatial price linkages in U.S. grain and transportation markets using cointegration analysis and algorithms of inductive causation on directed acyclic graphs. Transport costs and prices from alternative transportation modes are considered to provide a relatively comprehensive view of the interaction between grain and freight markets over time. Dynamic relationship among corn prices in selected U.S. markets and freight rates, extending from January 1990 to December 2002, are explored. Results suggest the Mississippi Gulf (lower Mississippi River port area) is the most dominant corn market among evaluated export and domestic markets. Also, grain barge rates on the upper Mississippi/Illinois Rivers influence domestic corn markets in contemporaneous time. In the longer-run, significant dynamic relationships among prices in domestic and export corn markets and freight rates are observed; perturbations in transportation rates affect the variation in corn prices considerably. Le present article examine les relations d'arbitrage spatial entre les prix pour les marches des cereales et du transport aux Etats-Unis a l'aide d'une analyse de cointegration et d'algorithmes utilisant la notion de causalite inductive sur des graphiques acycliques orientes. Les couts et les prix de divers modes de transport sont examines afin de fournir un tableau assez complet de l'interaction entre le marche des cereales et le marche du fret au fil du temps. Nous avons explore la relation dynamique entre les prix du mais sur des marches etats-uniens selectionnes et les taux de fret, entre janvier 1990 et decembre 2002. Les resultats indiquent que le golfe du Mississippi (zone portuaire du Mississippi inferieur) est le marche de mais le plus important parmi les marches interieurs et exterieurs evalues. Les frais de transport des cereales par barge sur le cours superieur du Mississippi et la riviere Illinois influencent les marches interieurs du mais a l'heure actuelle. A long terme, des liens dynamiques importants entre les prix sur les marches du mais interieur et exterieurs et les frais de transport sont observes. Des changements de frais de transport affectent considerablement la variation des prix du mais.
Of bears and men: Infants’ knowledge of conventional and metaphorical gender stereotypes

Abstract Infants’ knowledge of conventional and metaphorical gender stereotypes was examined using a “violation of expectancy” task. Eighteen- and twenty-four-month-old infants were shown identical pictures of masculine or feminine items (e.g., hammer, bear; dress, cat) on two computer screens, with an accompanying gender-neutral prompt saying, “This is the one I like. Can you look at me?” Immediately following the pictures, two adult faces, one male and one female, appeared. Half of the items were conventionally associated with each gender, the other half were metaphorically related to each gender. Results indicated that masculine conventional and metaphorical gender knowledge have been acquired by the middle of the second year, with infants relating such items as fire hats, hammers, fir trees, and bears with males. It is suggested that metaphorical gender stereotypes may play a significant role in the rapid expansion of children’s gender schemas which follows the toddler period.
Long-time effects of bottom topography in shallow water

Abstract We present and discuss new shallow water equations that provide an estimate of the long-time asymptotic effects of slowly varying bottom topography and weak hydrostatic imbalance on the vertically averaged horizontal velocity of an incompressible fluid with a free surface which is moving under the force of gravity. We consider the regime where the Froude number is much smaller than the aspect ratio δ of the shallow domain. The new equations are obtained at first order in an asymptotic expansion of the solutions of the Euler equations for a shallow fluid by using the small parameter δ 2 . The leading order equations in this expansion enforce hydrostatic balance while those obtained at first order retain certain nonhydrostatic effects. Both sets of equations conserve energy and circulation, convect potential vorticity and have a Hamiltonian formulation. The corresponding energy and enstrophy are quadratic integrals with which we can bound the cumulative influence of the nonhydrostatic effects.
WesTrack Fatigue Performance Prediction Using Miner's Law

The objectives of this paper are to present an approach using statistical analysis and Miner's law to predict the fatigue performance (crack initiation) of the WesTrack test sections. A strain function, calculated by a layered-elastic program, was statistically determined in terms of temperature at the bottom of the asphalt layer, temperature gradient, subgrade modulus, air-void content, and asphalt content. With integration of laboratory fatigue test results, strain calculation, and Miner's law, the methodology produces the output in terms of cumulative fatigue damage versus cumulative repetitions for both wander and no-wander cases. Lack of consideration of nonlinear stiffness deterioration of asphalt concrete, crack propagation, and an appropriate correction factor makes long-term fatigue performance prediction conservative and not fully compliant with the condition survey data from WesTrack. The simulation indicated that the WesTrack coarse mixes took longer to initiate fatigue cracks than the fine and fine-plus mixes did but may propagate cracks faster in cold weather.
Thermophysical Properties Measurements of Rocket Propellants RP-1 and RP-2

The density, speed of sound, and viscosity of two rocket propellants (RP-1 and RP-2) have been measured. Densities were measured with two different instruments. Data at ambient atmospheric pressure were obtained with a rapid characterization instrument from 278.15 to 343.15 K that measured the speed of sound and density of the liquids in parallel. Adiabatic compressibilities derived from that data are included here. Densities of the compressed liquids were measured in an automated apparatus from 270 to 470 K and pressures to 40 MPa. Viscosities of the two liquids were measured in an open gravitational capillary viscometer at ambient atmospheric pressure from 293.15 to 373.15 K. The measurement results are consistent with compositional differences between the two samples. Correlations have been developed to represent the measured properties within the estimated uncertainties of the experimental data and to allow physically meaningful extrapolations beyond the range of the measurements.
12-Month and Lifetime Prevalence of Suicide Attempts Among Black Adolescents in the National Survey of American Life

Objective Provide nationally representative data on the prevalence and psychiatric correlates of suicidal ideation and attempts among African American and Caribbean black adolescents in the United States.
Thickness of the Human Round Window Membrane in Different Forms of Otitis Media

• The thickness and morphologic characteristics of the round window membrane were evaluated in temporal bones from normal subjects as well as those with serous otitis media, purulent otitis media, and chronic otitis media. Temporal bones were studied in chronological order in six age ranges to determine the possibility of age-related differences. No significant difference in the mean thickness of the round window membrane was observed in terms of age groups in normal temporal bones or temporal bones from patients with otitis media; however, a significant difference in the mean thickness was observed in the various forms of otitis media compared with the normal round window membrane in all age groups. The membrane was thickest in patients with chronic otitis media when compared with that in normal subjects or those with serous or purulent otitis media. The epithelial layer (including the subepithelial space) and the fibrous layer were measured individually to determine in which layer the change in mean thickness occurred. These measurements showed an involvement of all layers of the round window membrane in those groups with otitis media, with maximal involvement of the combined epithelial layer and subepithelial space. ( Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1987;113:630-634)
Differential effects of digitonin on some enzyme activities of the sodium pump.

Abstract 1. 1. When bovine brain membrane preparations containing the Na + pump are treated with increasing amounts of digitonin, the several enzyme activities characteristic of the pump are progressively inhibited, but not to the same degree. 2. 2. At a digitonin-protein ratio just sufficient to inhibit the (Na + , K + )-ATPase (the membrane adenosine 5′-triphosphate phosphohydrolase (EC 3.6.1.3) requiring Na + , K + and Mg 2+ for full activity) activity completely, about one-fourth of the K + phosphatase activity is still present. Corresponding amounts of the Na + -dependent ADP-ATP exchange activity and the Na + -dependent labeling by [γ- 32 P]ATP also survive. 3. 3. Treatment of the membranes with digitonin in the presence of ethylene-glycol-bis-(β-aminoethyl ether) -N,N′- tetraacetate (EGTA) results in somewhat greater survival of the K + -phosphatase (the membrane acyl phosphate phosphohydrolase (EC 3.6.1.7) requiring K + and Mg 2+ for full activity), while the Na + -dependent ADP-ATP exchange activity is completely protected. 4. 4. Sucrose gradient centrifugation of control and digitonin-treated preparations shows that the enzyme activities surviving loss of overall (Na + , K + )-ATPase function are released from the bulk of the membrane protein. 5. 5. These studies show that under membrane-disrupting conditions the partial reactions catalyzed by the Na + pump have less stringent organizational requirements than the (Na + , K + )-ATPase with respect to maintenance of their catalytic functions.
The free amino acids in the haemolymph of the maturing adult boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis Boheman.

Abstract 1. 1. The free and hydrolyzed free amino acids in the haemolymph of the boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis Boheman, were identified, and the amounts present during the first 5 days of adulthood were estimated. 2. 2. In all, thirty ninhydrin-positive compounds were found, and of these, twenty-six were identified and, in most cases, quantitated. 3. 3. Differences were found in both the titer of the total amino acids on a daily basis and in the amounts of individual amino acids, particularly tyrosine. 4. 4. Total nitrogen levels varied with both sex and age, but amino nitrogen levels remained constant.
Beta spectroscopy with liquid scintillation systems: applications in dosimetry of 90Sr and 90Y.

Abstract We have demonstrated that commercially available liquid scintillation counters are adequate for obtaining useful information about the variation of beta spectral shapes as a function of attenuation. A gel scintillation system that permitted the approximation of point source geometry worked well. The spectral shapes predicted by the Fermi equations were reasonably matched with experimental spectra of sources with geometry close to a point source. For energies in the range of 50-2300 keV, we found sufficient linearity of the energy scale and uniformity of detection limits for the direct output of the instrument to be experimentally useful. The gel scintillation system has been used to directly measure the energy distribution of the beta flux coming out of bone samples and incident on the soft tissue of dogs fed 90Sr90Y from in utero to 540 days of age.
Women and Crime in Context: Examining the Linkages Between Patriarchy and Female Offending Across Space

This study explores the relationship between patriarchy indicators and female offending in the context of urban and rural areas. Few studies have examined how patriarchy and other structural predictors influence within-gender differences in female crime at the macro level. Using 2000 data, the authors offer multiple measures that tap public and private levels of patriarchy when examining types of female arrests across U.S. cities and small towns. The authors find that public patriarchy influences female crime rates when controlling for private patriarchy and other structural conditions. This study highlights the importance of examining within-gender differences in offending rates at the macro level, while capturing the different ways that patriarchy manifests itself in society.
Computer-aided detection of clustered microcalcifications in digitized mammograms

Rationale and Objectives. We investigated a computer-aided detection (CAD) scheme for clustered microcalcifications in digitized mammograms. Methods. A multistage CAD scheme was developed and tested. To increase sensitivity, the scheme uses a Gaussian band-pass filter and non-linear threshold. A multistage local minimum searching routine and a multilayer topographic feature analysis are used to reduce the false-positive detection rate. One hundred ten digitized mammograms were used in this preliminary test, with 55 images containing one or two verified microcalcification clusters. Results. The CAD scheme achieved 100% sensitivity and had an average false-positive detection rate of 0.18 per image. Conclusion. The CAD scheme performs as well as many published schemes and has some unique advantages to further improve detection sensitivity and specificity of future CAD schemes.
Diagnosis and treatment of chronic insomnia: a review.

OBJECTIVE: Insomnia has high prevalence rates and is associated with significant personal and socioeconomic burden, yet it remains largely underrecognized and inadequately treated. METHODS: A PubMed search for English-language articles covering randomized controlled trials published between 1970 and 2004 was conducted. Search terms used were "insomnia," "behavioral therapy," and the generic names of agents commonly used to treat insomnia (the Food and Drug Administration-approved benzodiazepines and nonbenzodiazepines, trazodone, and over-the-counter agents). RESULTS: Evidence from epidemiologic studies, physician surveys, and clinical studies suggests that numerous patient and physician factors contribute to the fact that the needs of patients with insomnia remain unmet, including low reporting of insomnia by patients, limited physician training, and office-based time constraints, as well as misconceptions about the seriousness of insomnia, the advantages of treatment, and the risks associated with hypno...
Ethnic Differences in Poststroke Quality of Life in the Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi (BASIC) Project

Background and Purpose— Mexican Americans (MAs) have an increased risk of stroke and experience worse poststroke disability than non-Hispanic whites, which may translate into worse poststroke quality of life (QOL). We assessed ethnic differences in poststroke QOL, as well as potential modification of associations by age, sex, and initial stroke severity. Methods— Ischemic stroke survivors were identified through the biethnic, population-based Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi (BASIC) Project. Data were collected from medical records, baseline interviews, and 90-day poststroke interviews. Poststroke QOL was measured at ≈90 days by the validated short-form stroke-specific QOL in 3 domains: overall, physical, and psychosocial (range, 0–5; higher scores represent better QOL). Tobit regression was used to model associations between ethnicity and poststroke QOL scores, adjusted for demographics, clinical characteristics, and prestroke cognition and function. Results— Among 290 eligible stroke survivors (66% MA, 34% non-Hispanic whites, median age=69 years), median scores for overall, physical, and psychosocial poststroke QOL were 3.3, 3.8, and 2.7, respectively. Poststroke QOL was lower for MAs than non-Hispanic whites both overall (mean difference, −0.30; 95% confidence interval, −0.59, −0.01) and in the physical domain (mean difference, −0.47; 95% confidence interval, −0.81, −0.14) after multivariable adjustment. No ethnic difference was found in the psychosocial domain. Age modified the associations between ethnicity and poststroke QOL such that differences were present in older but not in younger ages. Conclusions— Disparities exist in poststroke QOL for MAs and seem to be driven by differences in older stroke patients. Targeted interventions to improve outcomes among MA stroke survivors are urgently needed.
Appendix 2: Report of study group on disperse flow ☆

Abstract In this report, we have outlined a number of scientific challenges which represent building blocks for the comprehensive understanding of disperse flows encountered in a variety of technologies and in nature. In dilute particle-laden turbulent flows, we see a need for more realistic descriptions of particle–fluid and particle–particle interactions that would ultimately be suitable for incorporation in large eddy simulations. Experiments are needed to clarify the mechanisms by which particles modulate turbulence. Progress in computer simulation methods and kinetic-theory analyses are leading to new opportunities to obtain the equations of motion for more concentrated multiphase flows which are strongly influenced by or dominated by the disperse phase. However, instabilities inherent to the multiphase nature of these flows lead to the very complex behavior of industrial scale multiphase flows. We require a better understanding of these instabilities as well as coarse-grained models for the average multiphase flows at larger scales. A major issue in dense granular flows is to elucidate the manner in which particle–particle frictional interactions can lead either to mixing or segregation of different particle species.
Protocols associated with no mortality in 100 consecutive Fontan procedures

Objectives: Results of Fontan’s procedure have improved considerably, but perioperative mortality still occurs, attributed to ventricular dysfunction,stroke,arrhythmia,thromboembolism,andmulti-organdysfunction.Ourprotocolsofoperativeandintensivecareunitmanagement address these potential issues, and have been associated with zero mortality, even with many high-risk candidates. Methods: From 1996 to 2006, all Fontan patients were managed as follows: operative strategy based on aortic and single atrial cannulation, cooling on full-flow bypass, and hypothermic circulatory arrest to create the Fontan pathway. No direct caval cannulation. Use of central venous lines was completely avoided. Fresh whole blood was used for pump prime and for volume restoration. Inotropic and vasodilator therapy was continued for at least 48 h. Aspirin was used exclusively as anti-thrombotic therapy. Postoperative pleural drainage was accomplished with small pigtail catheters. The usual Fontan pathway was by lateral atrial tunnel (84), with extra-cardiac conduit when dictated by anatomy (16). Results: One hundred Fontan operations were performed with no mortality. All patients were extubated by postoperative day 1. Hospital stay was 10 5 days. Complications were: bleeding (1), reintubation (1), emergent fenestration closure (1), pericardial effusion (4), and seizures (1). Risk factors included Fontan connection to one lung (3), diminutive pulmonary arteries (PAs) and unifocalized major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs) (1), discontinuous PAs (3), right ventricle dependent coronaries (3), neonatal pulmonary venous obstruction (3), Trisomy 21 (1), preoperative pacemaker dependence (2), and heterotaxy (10). No candidate was excluded. Conclusions: While many surgeons try to avoid bypass or aortic clamping when performing Fontan operations, the strategies we have employed facilitate safe accomplishment of Fontan’s operation in diverse anatomic groups with multiple risk factors, with avoidance of operative mortality in 100 consecutive cases. # 2008 European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Effects of troglitazone on substrate storage and utilization in insulin-resistant rats.

Elevated serum and tissue lipid stores are associated with skeletal muscle insulin resistance and diminished glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, the hallmarks of type 2 diabetes. We studied the e...
A new 48 d.o.f. quadrilateral shell element with variable-order polynomial and rational B-spline geometries with rigid body modes

A 48 degrees-of-freedom (d.o.f.) quadrilateral thin elastic shell finite element using variable-order polynomial functions, B-spline functions and rational B-spline functions to model the shell surface is developed. This development may allow the stiffness formulation of the shell element to be linked to the geometry data bases created by computer aided design systems. The displacement functions are that of bicubic Hermitian polynomials. The displacement functions and d.o.f. are expressed and investigated in both the curvilinear and Cartesian forms. The cuivilinear form is simpler and can provide the proper solution for a certain class of shell problems. For certain highly curved shells such as bellows, however, the curvilinear form fails to properly model some rigid body modes even with either the explicit inclusion of rigid body terms or the high order displacement functions. It is suggested in this study that such difficulty can be circumvented and the rigid body modes can be properly included if a Cartesian form is used for displacement functions. The strain–displacement equations are expressed in curvilinear co-ordinates. Thus, the Cartesian displacement functions require a transformation to curvilinear displacement at each numerical integration point. Examples include a pinched cylinder, a translational shell under central load, a uniformly loaded hypar shell, a pressurized ovel shell, a semi-toroidal bellows and a U-shaped bellows. For the first four examples, geometric modellings consist of polynomials of second-order (subparametric), third-order (isoparametric), and fourth and fifth-order (both superparametric) as well as B-spline functions of fourth- and fifth-order. The geometries of the pinched cylinder, the semi-toroidal bellows, and the U-shaped bellows were modelled exactly using rational B-spline functions. All the results obtained are in good agreement with alternative existing solutions.
Comparison of asymptotic methods for predicting the electromagnetic scattering from engine cavities

The authors document the results of the comparison of high-frequency electromagnetic scattering prediction methods for jet engines in the time and frequency domains. In particular, hybrid asymptotic modal techniques, and shooting and bouncing ray techniques are compared. It is concluded that ray methods provide an excellent first-order approximation to the RCS (radar cross section) and resultant radar signature for engine ducts. Given that ray methods are applicable to a wide range of geometries, they appear to be an excellent all-purpose method to predict the radar signature of engine ducts. It is noted, however, that there are questions in the prediction accuracy using ray methods that must be considered when calculating the RCS or radar signature of engine ducts. >
Restoration of native plant communities in a Hawaiian dry lowland ecosystem dominated by the invasive grass Megathyrsus maximus.

Questions: How does a highly degraded Hawaiian tropical dry lowland ecosystem dominated by the non-native invasive Megathyrsus maximus (guinea grass) respond to different restoration treatments (three native species outplanting treatments; four native broadcast seed treatments)? What effect do restoration treatments have oninvasive andnative species groundcover,biomass andphysiological activity, and volumetric soil water content? Location: Waianae Kai Forest Reserve, Island of Oahu, Hawaii, USA. Methods: The invasive grass M. maximus was suppressed by initial mowing and pre- and post-planting herbicide applications. Native species were added in three outplant and four broadcast seed treatments in a complete randomized block design.Native species andM. maximusgrowth andecophysiology,andvolumetric soilwatercontentwerequantifiedfor8 mofollowingtreatmentestablishment. Results: Native species outplant survival ranged from 38% to 67%. Cover of M. maximus was significantly reduced in all outplant treatments compared with control and treated control (mowing and herbicide without native species additions), but did not differ across outplant treatments. Of the native species, Dodonaea viscosa biomass was higher than Cordia subcordata, while other native species did not differ. Maximum photosynthetic rates (Amax )d id not differ across species in July. However, in August (drier period), M. maximus exhibited lower Amax than all native species except T. populnea, indicating adaptive dormancy during drought. Broadcast seeding with native species was not an effective restoration treatment, as field germination ranged from 0.5% to 2.3%. Conclusions: Ecological restoration of highly invaded Hawaiian tropical dry lowland ecosystems can be mediated through aggressive invasive species suppression and native species outplanting. Recommendations for restoration include initial removal of invasive grasses, adaptive suppression of grasses postoutplanting, and utilization of diverse native species assemblages that are ecophysiologically adapted to local conditions and competitive with M. maximus.
Identification and characterization of a telomerase activity from Schizosaccharomyces pombe.

A telomerase-like primer extension activity has been detected in chromatographic fractions derived from Schizosaccharomyces pombe extracts. This primer extension activity acts preferentially on dG-rich oligodeoxynucleotides, is sensitive to RNase A pretreatment and requires all four deoxynucleotides for optimal polymerization. The extension products are also truncated by the inclusion of any one of the four dideoxynucleotides, consistent with the presence of all four bases in the S.pombe telomeric repeats. The intensity distribution of the extension products and the dideoxynucleotide termination pattern suggest that nucleotide addition is template directed, and that telomere-like sequences are added to the primers. In particular, the sequence d(CGGTTA), a variant of the S.pombe telomeric repeat, can be added directly by the in vitro activity. Partially purified S.pombe telomerase sediments as a 35S particle, suggesting that it exists in vivo as part of a large multi-protein complex.
RNA deep sequencing reveals differential microRNA expression during development of sea urchin and sea star.

microRNAs (miRNAs) are small (20–23 nt), non-coding single stranded RNA molecules that act as post-transcriptional regulators of mRNA gene expression. They have been implicated in regulation of developmental processes in diverse organisms. The echinoderms, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus (sea urchin) and Patiria miniata (sea star) are excellent model organisms for studying development with well-characterized transcriptional networks. However, to date, nothing is known about the role of miRNAs during development in these organisms, except that the genes that are involved in the miRNA biogenesis pathway are expressed during their developmental stages. In this paper, we used Illumina Genome Analyzer (Illumina, Inc.) to sequence small RNA libraries in mixed stage population of embryos from one to three days after fertilization of sea urchin and sea star (total of 22,670,000 reads). Analysis of these data revealed the miRNA populations in these two species. We found that 47 and 38 known miRNAs are expressed in sea urchin and sea star, respectively, during early development (32 in common). We also found 13 potentially novel miRNAs in the sea urchin embryonic library. miRNA expression is generally conserved between the two species during development, but 7 miRNAs are highly expressed in only one species. We expect that our two datasets will be a valuable resource for everyone working in the field of developmental biology and the regulatory networks that affect it. The computational pipeline to analyze Illumina reads is available at http://www.benoslab.pitt.edu/services.html.
Novel structurally related compounds reactivate latent HIV-1 in a bcl-2-transduced primary CD4+ T cell model without inducing global T cell activation.

Background: The latent reservoir of HIV-1 in resting memory CD4+ T cells is a major barrier to curing HIV-1 infection. Eradication strategies involve reactivation of this latent reservoir; however, agents that reactivate latent HIV-1 through non-specific T cell activation are toxic. Methods: Using latently infected Bcl-2-transduced primary CD4+ T cells, we screened the MicroSource Spectrum library for compounds that reactivate latent HIV-1 without global Tcell activation. Based on the structures of the initial hits, we assembled � 50 derivatives from commercial sources and mostly by synthesis. The dose‐ response relationships of these derivatives were established in a primary cell model. Activities were confirmed with another model of latency (J-Lat). Cellular toxicity and cytokine secretion were tested using freshly isolated human CD4+ T cells. Results: We identified two classes of quinolines that reactivate latent HIV-1. Class I compounds are the Mannich adducts of 5-chloroquinolin-8-ol. Class II compounds are quinolin-8-yl carbamates. Most EC50 values were in the 0.5‐10 mM range. HIV-1 reactivation ranged from 25% to 70% for anti-CD3+ anti-CD28 co-stimulation. All quinolin-8-ol derivatives that reactivate latent HIV-1 follow Lipinski’s Rule of Five, and most follow the stricter rule of three for leads. After 48 h of treatment, none of the analogues induced detectable cytokine secretion in primary resting CD4+ T cells. Conclusions: We discovered a group of quinolin-8-ol derivatives that can induce latent HIV-1 in a primary cell model without causing global T cell activation. This work expands the number of latency-reversing agents and provides new possible scaffolds for further drug development research.
A novel manoeuvre for discerning supraventricular tachycardia mechanism.

Aims Discerning supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) mechanism during catheter ablation procedures can be difficult and time-consuming, which, when combined with diagnostic error, places patients at risk of unnecessary complications. Distinguishing atrial tachycardia (AT) from AV nodal re-entry tachycardia (AVNRT) may be particularly vexatious. Value-added techniques are thus always welcome, particularly if they are not time-consuming nor require complex intracardiac lead configurations. In this study, we assessed whether a new technique, simultaneous right atrial and right ventricular pacing (RA + RV) during ongoing SVT, met these criteria. Methods and results Using a simple intracardiac lead configuration (right atrial appendage, His bundle, right ventricular apex), the response to RA + RV delivered at 80–90% of the SVT cycle length, was examined in 80 patients referred for catheter ablation. In each patient, the actual tachycardia mechanism was adjudicated by standard electrophysiologic criteria ± successful catheter ablation. Mechanisms of SVT included, non-exclusively, AVNRT (24 patients), accessory pathway-mediated (orthodromic) re-entry (AVRT; 23 patients), AT (10 patients), and sinus tachycardia (ST induced with isoproterenol; 49 patients). Immediately after cessation of RA + RV pacing during persistent SVT, the first intracardiac electrogram observed was right atrial in all AT whereas it was His bundle in all AVNRT. The response during AVRT was mixed. Conclusions In this preliminary evaluation, RA + RV pacing appears to add value to the existing armamentarium of electrophysiologic indices to discern SVT mechanism, in particular with respect to discriminating between AVNRT and AT.
Wavelength demultiplexer using the spatial dispersion of multilayer thin-film structures

We demonstrate that a single 66-layer nonperiodic thin-film stack can be used to separate four wavelength channels by spatial beam shifting. This device uses group velocity effects similar to the superprism effect observed in photonic crystals, but shows larger and more controlled shifts including constant dispersion allowing for equidistant channel spacing. Experimentally, a nearly linear 100-/spl mu/m shift is achieved between 827 and 841 nm. System considerations are discussed.
Standardization and stability of platelet suspensions in the complement-fixation test for HL-A antigens.

A simple spectrophotometric method of standardization of platelet suspensions is described which demonstrates an initial gradual change in optical density for 4 days followed by a stable light transmittance for up to 2 years. Hence standardization is possible at any suspension age. Several series of microcomplement-fixation tests are presented which characterize the slow deterioration of antigenic strength of these suspensions, with good reactions still obtained on suspensions almost 2 years old when strong antisera are investigated.
Nondestructive testing of insulation

THE USER of electrical apparatus is constantly in need of information concerning the condition of the insulation. This information, at the present time, is supplied by such tests as insulation resistance, power factor, capacitance, or by more severe tests such as ?high-pot.? Unfortunately, none of these tests give a true indication of the ?health? of the dielectric but rather indicate its present condition ? a condition that may exist only temporarily and can be corrected by suitable action. It is, of course, important to have this information; however, it is of equal importance in many applications to have an indication of the useful life than can be expected from the dielectric at any time during its use.
Resonant Nonlinear Optics in Phase-Coherent Media

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews some recent theoretical and experimental studies on resonantly enhanced nonlinear interactions in phase-coherent media (“phaseonium”). Basic physics of resonant enhancement and applications such as efficient optical phase conjugation and nonlinear laser spectroscopy are discussed in the chapter. It suggests an efficient optical parametric oscillator based on population trapped atoms. Such an oscillator has very remarkable properties because it combines high efficiency with wide tunability. It illustrates those efficient nonlinear interactions in phase coherent media can be extended into domains involving just a few interacting light quanta at a time. This indicates that an entire new domain of quantum nonlinear optics is emerging from these studies. The chapter explores that unusually efficient frequency up-conversion using atomic coherence in a cascade system has been observed.
Intravesical and alternative bladder-preservation therapies in the management of non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer unresponsive to bacillus Calmette-Guérin

Intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) remains the standard of care in the treatment of bladder carcinoma in situ and as adjuvant therapy after thorough transurethral resection of high-grade non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Despite BCG therapy, in up to 40% of patients it would recur and 60% to 70% of those would fail repeat BCG induction be deemed BCG unresponsive. For such patients, cystectomy remains the preferred treatment option per the American Urological Association and European Association of Urology, though some patients would be medically unfit or refuse radical surgery. Further intravesical therapy for bladder-preservation therapies may preserve quality of life in these patients and in some cases can be curative. There are numerous non-BCG intravesical salvage options available, including immunotherapy, single-agent chemotherapy, combination chemotherapy, and device-assisted chemotherapy. In addition, investigation of radiation-based treatment and other novel therapies including checkpoint inhibitors (programmed death-1/programmed death ligand-1), are currently underway. In this review, we examine the current status of alternatives to BCG in salvage therapy for bladder preservation.
Annotating Errors in a Hungarian Learner Corpus

We are developing and annotating a learner corpus of Hungarian, composed of student journals from three different proficiency levels written at Indiana University. Our annotation marks learner errors that are of different linguistic categories, including phonology, morphology, and syntax, but defining the annotation for an agglutinative language presents several issues. First, we must adapt an analysis that is centered on the morpheme rather than the word. Second, and more importantly, we see a need to distinguish errors from secondary corrections. We argue that although certain learner errors require a series of corrections to reach a target form, these secondary corrections, conditioned on those that come before, are our own adjustments that link the learner's productions to the target form and are not representative of the learner's internal grammar. In this paper, we report the annotation scheme and the principles that guide it, as well as examples illustrating its functionality and directions for expansion.
An evolutionary argument for unconscious personal death unawareness

AbstractThere is strong experimental evidence that reminders of personal death influence individuals’ attitudes and behaviours. However, there is less support for the typically underlying hypothesis of ‘death denial’, which holds that terror resulting from the awareness of personal mortality is addressed through a variety of psychological and cultural defences. This paper suggests it is evolutionarily more plausible that humans are unconsciously unaware of their own deaths, which would mitigate death-related anxiety without the need for costly and complex defences. While some aspects of the argument are necessarily speculative, problems with the death denial model, as well as relevant aspects of literature on consciousness and self-awareness, positive illusions and self-deception, support the possibility of unconscious death unawareness. The cognitive requirements of human calculated reciprocity also suggest a potentially adaptive function for personal death unawareness, as well as a maladaptive effect re...
Some cases of human male infertility are explained by abnormal in vitro human sperm activation

Objective To determine if a human sperm activation assay can be used to evaluate males exhibiting otherwise unexplained infertility. Design Sperm from age-matched fertile and idiopathic infertile males were assayed in the human sperm activation assay and the results were compared. A portion of the sperm from the idiopathic infertile males also was used in assisted reproductive technology (ART) attempts at pregnancy. Patients Idiopathic infertile couples who had extensive fertility testing with no identified problems that would explain their infertility. Fertile males that had fathered one or more children. Main Outcome Measures Sperm nuclear decondensation-recondensation and DNA synthesis. Pregnancies resulting from ART using semen from a male whose sperm responded abnormally in the human sperm activation assay. Results Thirteen (22%) of 59 idiopathic infertile males produced sperm that responded abnormally in the human sperm activation assay. Only 1 (1.7%) of 59 fertile males produced sperm that responded abnormally in the human sperm activation assay. The percentage of abnormal responders in the patient group exhibiting unexplained infertility was significantly higher than in the fertile male group. No sperm samples that responded abnormally in the human sperm activation assay resulted in pregnancies when used in ART. Conclusions The human sperm activation assay is a new and independent indicator for some cases of infertility that otherwise would be unexplained. The human sperm activation assay appears to have utility in determining a sperm sample's efficacy for fertilization in ART attempts at pregnancy.