cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Self-assembled hybrid solid of luminescent Ru(II)/Cu(II) polypyridyl metal-organic framework

Abstract A new ruthenium(II) polypyridyl based metal-organic framework, [Ru(H 2 bpc)(Cu(bpc)(Hbpc) 2 (H 2 O))]·5H 2 O (H 2 bpc = 2,2′-bipyridine-4,4′-dicarboxylic acid) has been hydro(solvo)thermally synthesized from RuCl 3 , CuSO 4 , and H 2 bpc, and has been analyzed using X-ray crystallography, thermogravimetric analysis and UV–vis spectroscopy. The compound contains 1D zigzag chains of [Ru(H 2 bpc)(Hbpc)(bpc)] − complexes ions bridged by [Cu(Hbpc)(H 2 O)] + ions. The compound shows fluoresce at 610 nm. Magnetic data at temperatures above 100 K follows the Curie–Weiss rule with θ = 34 K and C = 0.43 emu·mol − 1 ·K, indicating the presence of ferromagnetic interactions between the copper ions.
Laser Safety in Fiber-optic Monitoring of Spinal Cord Hemodynamics: A Preclinical Evaluation

The prevention and treatment of spinal cord injury are focused upon the maintenance of spinal cord blood flow, yet no technology exists to monitor spinal cord ischemia. We recently demonstrated continuous monitoring of spinal cord ischemia with diffuse correlation and optical spectroscopies using an optical probe. Prior to clinical translation of this technology, it is critically important to demonstrate the safety profile of spinal cord exposure to the required light. To our knowledge, this is the first report of in situ safety testing of such a monitor. We expose the spinal cord to laser light utilizing a custom fiber-optic epidural probe in a survival surgery model (11 adult Dorset sheep). We compare the tissue illumination from our instrument with the American National Standards Institute maximum permissible exposures. We experimentally evaluate neurological and pathological outcomes of the irradiated sheep associated with prolonged exposure to the laser source and evaluate heating in ex vivo spinal cord samples. Spinal cord tissue was exposed to light levels at ∼18 × the maximum permissible exposure for the eye and ∼ ( 1 / 3 ) × for the skin. Multidisciplinary testing revealed no functional neurological sequelae, histopathologic evidence of laser-related injury to the spinal cord, or significant temperature changes in ex vivo samples. Low tissue irradiance and the lack of neurological, pathological, and temperature changes upon prolonged exposure to the laser source offer evidence that spinal cord tissues can be monitored safely with near-infrared optical probes placed within the epidural space.
MATHEMATICAL MODELS OF RENAL FUNCTION

Abstract A survey of the mathematical models of renal concentrating mechanism is given. For realistic computer simulation of renal function, these models require the solution of a large number of highly coupled, stiff multipoint, non-linear boundary value differential equations. Fast, accurate and low storage computational algorithms recently developed by the author and others are described. Special purpose finite difference methods that have been developed and used to discretize the model differential equations are surveyed. These methods along with the use of structural information about the kidney makes it possible to develop algorithms for solving the large number of non-linear equations necessary for the realistic simulation of renal function. Such algorithms are also suitable for a variety of mathematical modeling problems.
Using Eccentricity to Locate Ionospheric Exit Points of Magnetospheric Whistler Mode Waves

Whistler mode waves are a type of electromagnetic plasma wave and play a dominant role in the energy dynamics of the near-earth space environment and associated space weather processes. Ground-based observations of these waves are important for numerical model validation, space weather monitoring, and discovery science. Unfortunately, ground-based observations are often challenging to interpret since information about traversal through the ionosphere and distance propagated in the earth–ionosphere waveguide is rarely available. A new approach to identifying the ionospheric exit points of the magnetospheric whistler mode emissions is presented, which takes into account the observed wave polarization. The method relies on the initial circular polarization of the ducted magnetospheric emissions which is shown to convert to linear polarization after propagation in the earth–ionosphere waveguide at a predictable rate. Finite-difference time domain modeling of observed eccentricity provides a metric for determining distance from observer to ionospheric exit point. The method is shown to produce good agreement with observations of magnetospheric chorus emissions, artificially triggered emissions, and lightning-induced whistlers.
‘Reverse Use-Dependent’ Effects of 4-Aminopyridine on the Transient Outward Potassium Current in Ferret Right Ventricular Myocytes

A transient outward potassium current “Ito” has recently been described in many different mammalian single isolated myocyte preparations. Due to the role of Ito both in (i) initiating early “phase 1” repolarization and (ii) frequency-dependent modulation of the action potential configuration Ito can act as an important modulator of the EC coupling characteristics of cardiac myocytes. It has been hypothesized that the net macroscopic Ito in many cardiac myocytes is composed of two separate current components: “Ito,1”, a larger 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) sensitive Ca2+-independent transient outward K+ current, and “Ito, 2”‘a smaller Ca2+-activated current that remains after block of Ito1 by 4-AP. Ito1 and Ito2 have been reported to have different characteristics that could be of fundamental importance. For example, recovery of Ito2 has been reported to be more rapid than Ito1, and upon rapid stimulation Ito2 amplitude increases to a size approaching that of Ito1. This has lead to the interesting suggestions that (i) Ito1 mainly contributes to repolarization at slow heart rates, (ii) Ito2 plays the more prominent role in repolarization at normal heart rates, and (iii) during tachyarrhythmias Ito2 would help to protect the myocyte from Ca2+ overload.
RECENT PROGRESS IN NUCLEAR STRUCTURE PHYSICS WITH INELASTIC PION SCATTERING — Workshop F

The current status of experimental and theoretical efforts in π-nucleus inelastic scattering is reviewed.
Reducing FDA regulations for medical devices: cutting red tape or putting patients' lives at risk?

Balancing sufficient medical device regulation and efficient diffusion of potentially life-saving technology is a difficult task. Industry has argued that reducing medical device regulation incenti...
Image Complexity Guided Network Compression for Biomedical Image Segmentation

Compression is a standard procedure for making convolutional neural networks (CNNs) adhere to some specific computing resource constraints. However, searching for a compressed architecture typically involves a series of time-consuming training/validation experiments to determine a good compromise between network size and performance accuracy. To address this, we propose an image complexity-guided network compression technique for biomedical image segmentation. Given any resource constraints, our framework utilizes data complexity and network architecture to quickly estimate a compressed model which does not require network training. Specifically, we map the dataset complexity to the target network accuracy degradation caused by compression. Such mapping enables us to predict the final accuracy for different network sizes, based on the computed dataset complexity. Thus, one may choose a solution that meets both the network size and segmentation accuracy requirements. Finally, the mapping is used to determine the convolutional layer-wise multiplicative factor for generating a compressed network. We conduct experiments using 5 datasets, employing 3 commonly-used CNN architectures for biomedical image segmentation as representative networks. Our proposed framework is shown to be effective for generating compressed segmentation networks, retaining up to $\approx 95\%$ of the full-sized network segmentation accuracy, and at the same time, utilizing $\approx 32x$ fewer network trainable weights (average reduction) of the full-sized networks.
Replication of the Self-Concept and Identity Measure (SCIM) Among a Treatment-Seeking Sample.

Identity distress occurs within a variety of psychiatric conditions. Reliable tools for assessing identity-related functioning among clinical populations are greatly needed. The Self-Concept and Id...
Exploiting on-line data sources in the data structures course (and elsewhere)

The Internet provides a rich data source for student projects across the curriculum. As such, several years ago I set out to broaden my students' familiarity and knowledge of such topics as XML, RSS, 3rd-party APIs, URLs, and the like by including live data obtained in real-time in their data structures projects, rather than using static data (class enrollment lists, etc.). The response by the students was encouraging, as they had the opportunity to explore technical subjects of which they often had a cursory knowledge. In addition to having access to interesting data as the basis of their projects, students also have been exposed to industry standard data exchange formats such as XML and JSON. Such exposure, I argue enables the students to more fully appreciate how "real world" programming and data exchange is occurring and for which they must prepare. This tutorial will provide examples of how this medium was exploited using the Java programming language, and provide a dearth of freely available data sources from which similarly minded instructors of all types can utilize as the basis of "live" or "static" input data to programming projects or laboratory experiences.
Process Mining, RPA, BPM, and DTO

With digital transformation being one of the hottest topics of today’s business, digital tools such as Process Mining and Robotics Process Automation (RPA) see a spike while Business Process Management (BPM) might be considered as a more established approach for operational efficiency. This chapter describes the differences between these technologies, how they correlate and can complement each other, e.g., with the RPA Scout, and touches on the concept of a Digital Twin of an Organization (DTO).
Workshop 55 – Thymic Hormones

Publisher Summary This chapter presents proceedings of a workshop that analyzed data relevant to the isolation, purification, and biological properties of extracts from the thymus. It was shown that other thymic preparations can have nonimmunological activities such as: (a) synergism with pituitary growth hormone facilitating growth rates in rats which was shown by a glycopeptide of molecular weight 3500; (b) calcitonin-like activity; (c) neuromuscular blockade in guinea pigs produced by a factor termed “thymin”; and (d) the capacity to induce myositis in guinea pigs by a preparation termed “thymotoxin.” The last two products were of low molecular weight and could be detected by immunofluorescence in the cytoplasm of the stromal cells in thymus. The results present an evidence for the conversion of hemopoietic precursor cells into immunologically competent effector cells after exposure to the thymic reticuloepithelial stroma and/or to some of its products. The results suggest that although some thymic preparations can favor immune functions, other factors have an inhibitory effect on immune reactivity.
Phosphodiesterase 8B and cyclic AMP signaling in the adrenal cortex

Bilateral adrenocortical hyperplasia (BAH) in humans and mice has been recently linked to phosphodiesterase (PDE) 8B (PDE8B) and 11 (PDE11A) defects. These findings have followed the discovery that defects of primary genes of the cyclic monophosphatase (cAMP) signaling pathway, such as guanine nucleotide binding alpha subunit and PRKAR1A, are involved in the pathogenesis of BAH in humans; complete absence of Prkar1a in the adrenal cortex of mice also led to pathology that mimicked the human disease. Here, we review the most recent findings in human and mouse studies on PDE8B, a cAMP-specific PDE that appears to be highly expressed in the adrenal cortex and whose deficiency may underlie predisposition to BAH and possibly other human diseases.
Management and Long-Term Outcomes of Advanced Stage Thymoma in the United States

Background Thymomas are rare tumors, with limited data regarding treatment of advanced stage disease. Although surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment, the role of additional therapy remains controversial. Our objectives were to describe treatment strategies for stage III/IV thymoma in the United States and compare survival outcomes among treatment approaches. Methods We identified Masaoka stage III/IV thymoma reported in the National Cancer Database between 2004 and 2016. Frequencies of treatment with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and combinations were calculated. Five-year overall survival was compared using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. Risk-adjusted proportional hazards modeling compared mortality between treatment regimens. Results A total of 1849 patients were identified (1108 stage III, 741 stage IV). Among stage III patients, 83.8% underwent resection (± other modalities) compared with 60.2% of stage IV. Surgery plus radiation was the most common regimen for stage III (32.6%), and nonsurgical treatment (definitive chemotherapy and/or radiation) was the most common for stage IV (36.4%). Overall 5-year survival was 70.3% for stage III and 58.5% for stage IV. In risk-adjusted analysis, surgery plus radiation had the lowest mortality (hazard ratio 0.41, 95% confidence interval 0.30-0.55). Patient age, tumor size, metastases, and non-academic treating hospital were associated with mortality. Conclusions Current treatment regimens for advanced stage thymoma vary significantly. Regimens that include surgical resection are most common and are associated with superior outcomes. Patients selected to have surgery as primary treatment had the best survival. Adjuvant radiation treatment is associated with better survival and should be considered in patients who undergo resection.
Antiplatelet and anticoagulation strategies for left ventricular assist devices

Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) have revolutionized the management of advanced heart failure. However, complications rates remain high, among which hemorrhagic and thrombotic complications are the most important. Antiplatelet and anticoagulation strategies form a cornerstone of LVAD management and may directly affect LVAD complications. Concurrently, LVAD complications influence anticoagulation and anticoagulation management. A thorough understanding of device, patient, and management, including anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapies, are important in optimizing LVAD outcomes. This article provides a comprehensive state of the art review of issues related to antiplatelet and anticoagulation management in LVADs. We start with a historical overview, the epidemiology and pathophysiology of bleeding and thrombotic complications in LVADs. We then discuss platelet and anticoagulation biology followed by considerations prior to, during, and after LVAD implantation. This is followed by discussion of anticoagulation and the management of thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications. Specific problems, including management of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, anticoagulant reversal, novel oral anticoagulants, artificial heart valves, and noncardiac surgeries are covered in detail.
Correction to: Black Lives Matter Principles as an Africentric Approach to Improving Black American Health.

Readers should note that the graphic for Fig. 2 in this article is not the final version of the figure that was intended by the author.
One Hundred Years After Keynes Published His 'A Treatise on Probability' in 1921, Edgeworth’s Two Reviews Still Stand Out As Being Vastly Superior to the Assessments Made by Any Other Philosopher of the Logical Theory of Probability

F. Y. Edgeworth made the only correct assessment of Keynes’s Logical Theory of Probability in his A Treatise on Probability among philosophers in the 100 years between 1921 and 2020. The reason is that he actually read the entire book, with the exception of Part II, which he was able to assess through his very careful reading of Part I. The major problem confronting any philosopher, who wants to take into consideration the various different aspects of Keynes’s A Treatise on Probability, is the unfortunate fact that there is no philosopher,with the one exception of Edgeworth (Bertrand Russell did not read Part V), who has read beyond chapters 1-4 plus some parts of chapter 6 of the A Treatise on Probability. This assessment includes every philosopher associated with SIPTA, as well as B. Koopman, I. J. Good, T. L. Fine, P. Suppes, H.E. Kyburg, I.Levi, S. Zabell, as well as younger philosophers, such as B. Weatherson, D. Rowbottom, R.Bradley, S. Bradley, J. Williamson, T. Siedenfeld, G. Wheeler, etc. The conclusion reached is that after 100 years there is only one sure path currently available to philosophers who want to know what it was that Keynes actually accomplished in the A Treatise on Probability-read and reread the two reviews made by Edgeworth. A reader is then in a good position to grasp what it was that Keynes had erected in 1921-the first mathematically and technically advanced interval valued approach to probability in history. Kyburg’s claim, that he was the first to have put forth a detailed interval valued approach for a logical theory of probability, is simply a major oversight made by Kyburg. Edwin B. Wilson's conclusion, that Edgeworth was by the far the most qualified academic to review Keynes's A Treatise on Probability, still holds good 100 years after he published his reviews of Keynes's book.
Digital Platforms and Innovation: Lessons for Innovation Policy and Regulation

Unease about the growing market power of digital platforms has unleashed a broad discussion on remedial policy measures. One concern is that the high level of concentration in platform markets is impeding digital innovation. A somewhat more narrowly construed assertion is that the dominance of digital platforms is biasing innovation in a direction that favors shareholders at the cost of the public interest. This paper critically examines the validity of these potentially troubling outcomes, the conditions under which they might materialize, and what might be done to mitigate them. We draw on insights from innovation economics and innovation management to address three sets of questions: First, the paper develops a theoretical framework to deepen our understanding of the multi-faceted relations between digital platforms and innovation. Second, it discusses which data and metrics could be used to examine these interactions empirically. Third, it discusses implications for the design of policies toward digital platforms. Innovation economics has drawn on computer science, management and other disciplines to explore different types of innovation, including modular, architectural, incremental, radical, independent, interdependent, systemic innovation. In addition, it has examined the coordination needs of business processes in complementary innovation systems. Our approach allows identifying multiple, coexisting innovation processes in the platform economy, each follow a somewhat different economic logic. The conceptual analysis, with a preliminary set of related innovation data, suggests that platforms have both positive and negative effects on innovation. For example, they facilitate coordination among affiliated market players, enhance the innovation opportunities space. Moreover, their enormous capitalization and financial resources allows them to pursue innovation projects with a high risk/high reward profile. At the same time, their dominance in data and advertising markets may, over time, reduce the overall innovation activity in the sector. Finally, platforms may bias innovation experiments by start-up companies in a direction that will increase their chances to affiliate with or sell out to platform players. The net effect of these contradictory effects is a priori not clear and can be influenced by policy. The paper concludes with a discussion of preliminary policy implications. A key insight is that an innovation economics perspective redirects the focus of regulatory and other digital policies away from specific detailed interventions to the design of the broader rules governing a market. It also provides a strong argument in favor of institutional and organizational diversity. Most likely, the full innovation potential of next generations of digital technology will be best explored in a contest between a multitude of private, public, and non-profit players.
Laboratory evaluation of a sustainable additive for anti-icing asphalt

Abstract This laboratory study developed a novel type of sustainable additives for anti-icing asphalt pavement, featuring an excellent anti-icing capacity, low-temperature anti-icing effectiveness, superior anti-icing longevity, and enhanced mechanical properties. The additives were fabricated through a surface treatment approach, in which the functional aggregate, zeolite containing calcium chloride (CaCl2), was coated by a microporous epoxy layer. The desired anti-icing performance and mechanical properties of asphalt mixture were achieved, using this type of additives. The results of fog-freezing friction tests are very promising. Specifically, the anti-icing capability of asphalt mixture was significantly improved by the addition of the additives at both −3.9 °C and − 9.4 °C, and the friction coefficient of the pavement at 60 min after moisture spray reached up to 0.75 at −3.9 °C and 0.56 at −9.4 °C in the first test and arrived 0.56 at −3.9 °C and 0.41 at −9.4 °C in the second test. Both tests were conducted after seven days of rest subsequent to a ten-day soaking test, which was used to evaluate the effective anti-icing period. The effective anti-icing periods of asphalt pavement containing the prepared additives are theoretically calculated, with the minimum “anti-icing service life” at least 3.4 years. Scanning electron microscopy images illustrated that a slower salt-releasing rate was achieved via a smaller size and lower quantity of the pores in the epoxy layer and its uncompromised integrity. Incorporation of the additives exhibited limited effect on the moisture susceptibility of the asphalt mixture. The rutting resistance, fatigue cracking resistance, and thermal cracking resistance of the asphalt mixture were improved to various extents, as a result of incorporating these anti-icing additives. The improvements in these durability properties of asphalt mixture were interpreted by the asphalt-epoxy chemical reactions, as revealed by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry and differential scanning calorimetry.
Quantifying the Correlation Between the MEI and LOD Variations by Decomposing LOD with Singular Spectrum Analysis

Variations in the temporal length-of-day (LOD) contain information on phenomena related to the continuous evolution of Earth processes: tidal energy dissipation and core-mantle coupling (decadal, secular), meteorological and solar-lunar tide effects (annual, semi-annual). In this work, we studied an LOD time series obtained from VLBI measurements and extracted its principal components using the Singular Spectrum Analysis (SSA). After removing the long-term trend which explains 73. 8% of the signal, three remaining components explain a further 22. 0% of the signal: an annual and a semi-annual signals as well as a second trend. We compared the Multivariate ENSO index (MEI) with the variations in the amplitudes of the annual and semi-annual components and with the second trend. The correlations are significant: 0. 58 for the annual component, − 0. 48 for the semi-annual component and 0. 46 for the second trend.
The relationship between self -concept and self -ratings of generalizable skills of students in postsecondary career and technical programs

Increasingly, employers desire skills that have traditionally been the purview of high schools and postsecondary career and technical training systems: reading and writing, applied mathematics, and technical and functional skills specific to an occupational area. However, employers also want employees to possess generic skills, employability skills, essential skills, and applied general education skills. These include knowing how to learn, interpersonal skills (e.g., teamwork, leadership, customer service, negotiation), competence in applying general education (e.g., reading, writing, calculating, computing) to workplaces, effective listening and oral communication skills, information gathering and analysis, problem solving, critical/creative thinking, organizing, planning, decision-making, and personal attributes (e.g., motivation, integrity, dependability, self-management). Many of these skills were once reserved for those in management; however, they now are considered necessary for individuals at all levels ( Boyette & Conn, 1991 ; Carnevale, Gainer, & Meltzer, 1990 ; Coplin, 2003 ; Gardner, 2004 ; Lynch, 2000 ; Nedrow, 2002 ; Pearlman, 1997 ; Resnick, 1997 ; Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills [SCANS], 1991 ).
Prevalence of Substantive Consolidation in Large Public Company Bankruptcies from 2000 to 2005

This empirical study examines large public company bankruptcies to identify the frequency of use of substantive consolidation as a reorganization technique. The study considers a number of variables in an attempt to identify when and why this technique is used. The tentative conclusion reached is that substantive consolidation is used as a case management technique to simplify case administration rather than as a technique to manage bankruptcies of companies with complicated corporate structures as measured by reported asset size or reported numbers of significant subsidiaries.
Differential forms and connections

This 1994 book introduces the tools of modern differential geometry, exterior calculus, manifolds, vector bundles and connections, to advanced undergraduate and beginning graduate students in mathematics, physics and engineering. The book covers both classical surface theory and the modern theory of connections and curvature, and includes a chapter on applications to theoretical physics. The only prerequisites are multivariate calculus and linear algebra; no knowledge of topology is assumed. The powerful and concise calculus of differential forms is used throughout. Through the use of numerous concrete examples, the author develops computational skills in the familiar Euclidean context before exposing the reader to the more abstract setting of manifolds. There are nearly 200 exercises, making the book ideal for both classroom use and self-study.
Carotid sinus baroreceptor control of splanchnic resistance and capacity

The contribution of the splanchnic vascular bed in the carotid sinus baroreceptor reflex control of vascular resistance and capacity was studied in nine pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs. The splanchnic circulation was vascularly isolated in an unopened abdomen and perfused at constant flow and venous pressure. Decreasing carotid sinus pressure from 200 to 50 mmHg resulted in a 72% increase in splanchnic vascular resistance and a decrease in splanchnic blood volume of 4.7 ml/kg. Changes in splanchnic inflow from 0 to 70 ml.min-1.kg-1 resulted in linear changes in splanchnic arterial pressure. Increasing carotid sinus pressure significantly decreased the slope (P less than 0.005) and intercept (P less than 0.025) of the splanchnic pressure-flow relationship. It is concluded that in the dog, the splanchnic vascular bed contributes a major portion of blood volume mobilized by the carotid sinus reflex.
Pupillary reactivity to sad stimuli as a biomarker of depression risk: Evidence from a prospective study of children

The primary aim of the current study was to examine whether physiological reactivity to depression-relevant stimuli, measured via pupil dilation, serves as a biomarker of depression risk among children of depressed mothers. Participants included 47 mother-child dyads. All mothers had a history of major depressive disorder. Pupil dilation was recorded while children viewed angry, happy, and sad faces. Follow-up assessments occurred 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after the initial assessment, during which structured interviews were used to assess for children's levels of depressive symptoms as well as the onset of depressive diagnoses. Children exhibiting relatively greater pupil dilation to sad faces experienced elevated trajectories of depressive symptoms across the follow-up as well as a shorter time to depression onset. These findings were not observed for children's pupillary reactivity to angry or happy faces. The current findings suggest that physiological reactivity to sad stimuli, assessed using pupillometry, serves as a potential biomarker of depression risk among children of depressed mothers. Notably, pupillometry is an inexpensive tool that could be administered in clinical settings, such as pediatricians' offices, to help identify which children of depressed mothers are at highest risk for developing depression themselves.
A hybrid FDTD-SIE approach for radar imaging system simulation

This paper describes computer simulations of an ultra-wideband radar imaging system. The system is equipped with a multi-static antenna array and mounted on a forward-moving platform. We consider several target types, placed on ground surface or buried, and clutter from rough surface. This paper introduces a hybrid approach to the implementation of the radar transmitters, by replacing the physical antennas with equivalent currents sheets on a surrounding closed surface. The numerical results consist of large scale radar simulations in the presence of multiple targets embedded in a rough ground environment.
Characteristics of early rhythmic behaviors in children at risk for developmental disorders.

ABSTRACT Objective Abnormal stereotyped behaviors are a significant problem for many individuals with mental retardation or mental illness. To increase understanding of the development of abnormal stereotyped behaviors, the authors investigated the early rhythmic behaviors of children at increased risk for developmental delays. Method Rhythmic behaviors in 13-month-old children born prematurely and in children born at term were coded from laboratory videotapes of structured interaction segments. Results While few differences in early rhythmic behaviors were found between children born prematurely and control children, some relationships with cognitive outcomes at 2 years were identified after controlling for family socioeconomic status. However, the direction of the association was dependent on the specific coded situation. No differences in the durations of rhythmic behavior bouts were found between the groups. Conclusions The findings indicate that even topographically similar behaviors have different functional significance in different settings. In at least some settings, rhythmic behaviors in infancy and early childhood seem to facilitate development. The fact that specific forms of rhythmic behaviors did not differ on the basis of prematurity status suggests that abnormal stereotyped behaviors have an onset later than 13 months.
Elemental partitioning in Ru-containing nickel-base single crystal superalloys

Abstract Single crystal nickel-base superalloys with spherical, intermediately shaped and cuboidal γ′ precipitates have been observed in Ru-containing superalloys with substantial amounts of Re and W. The γ′ precipitates experienced stress-induced directional coarsening (rafting) during creep deformation at 950 °C and 290 MPa indicative of a wide range of γ–γ′ lattice misfit, which vary from negative to near-zero to positive. The precipitate morphology, lattice misfit and compositions of the γ and the γ′ phases are interrelated, and therefore, the elemental partitioning between the phases were investigated to determine the origin of the unusual microstructural features. TEM-based EDS analysis of the γ and γ′ phases indicate that the combination of Ru and Cr influences the partitioning of Re, which displays a wide range of partitioning behavior within the investigated alloy compositions. In alloys containing 5.7–9.6 wt.% Ru and no Cr, Re partitioned to both the γ and γ′ phases. With high levels of Cr (6.7 wt.%) the Re strongly partitioned to the γ matrix, while in alloys with intermediate Cr and Ru levels, the Re displayed intermediate partitioning behavior. The Ru and Co partitioned nearly equally between the γ and the γ′ phase in all of the experimental Ru-containing alloys investigated. The degree of Cr partitioning was also similar among the alloys investigated, however, it partitioned more strongly to the γ phase. These investigations demonstrate that Ru and Cr control the lattice misfit and precipitate shape, through the associated changes in system thermodynamics that alter the γ and γ′ phase compositions.
GENETIC DIFFERENTIATION IN THE ENDANGERED BLACK-CAPPED VIREO

Abstract We surveyed electrophoretic variation and examined population structuring in the endangered Black-capped Vireo (Vireo atricapillus), a species whose distribution is closely tied with a successional habitat. Seventeen presumptive loci were resolved from blood from individuals in four populations in Texas and Oklahoma. Mean heterozygosity in the Black-capped Vireo was 0.058. A significant departure from random mating expectations was detected in only 1 of 26 comparisons. Highly significant differentiation was observed among populations (mean θ = 0.17). Although the high levels of differentiation suggest limited exchange between populations, most of the differentiation was due to divergence at two loci. The relatively high heterozygosity and the association with successional habitats suggest a source-sink population dynamic with new habitat patches colonized from several source populations. Our results suggest that management of this species should focus on its habitat preferences and conserving con...
GABA levels in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with Huntington's chorea: a preliminary report.

Abstract GABA levels were measured in CSF from seven patients with Huntington's chorea and nine control patients with a variety of other neurological disorders. The values for the patients with Huntington's chorea averaged (± SD) 110 ± 29 pmoles/ml; whereas those for the control population averaged 534 ± 266 pmoles/ml. The difference between the values for the two populations was highly significant ( P ≤ 0.001).
Cholecystectomy protects against extrahepatic bile duct cancer: Is this a result of the removal of gallstones?

The aetiology of cancer of the extrahepatic bile duct is unknown. Gallstones have been proposed to be a risk factor on the basis of ecological and epidemiological evidence. As gallstones are formed in the gallbladder, the occurrence of extrahepatic bileduct cancer in patients after cholecystectomy is of interest. All patients (62 734) who had had a cholecystectomy during 1965–1983 within the Uppsala Health Care Region, Sweden, were followed up to the end of 1987. Excluding the first year of follow-up, 23 cancers of the extrahepatic bileduct occurred vs 26.3 expected for a standardised incidence ratio (SIR) of 0.88 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.56–1.31). Ten years or more after operation there was a greater reduction of risk (SIR=0.27; 95% CI 0.06–0.80). Similar patterns were observed for men and women, and among patients who had undergone cholecystectomy only compared with those who had had their common bileducts explored. To assess surveillance bias the incidence of primary liver cancer was also analysed: SIR=1.15; 95% CI 0.91–1.44 overall, and 10 years or more after cholecystectomy SIR=0.98; 95% CI 0.66–1.40. This study shows a reduced risk of extrahepatic bileduct cancer 10 or more years after cholecystectomy, indicating that gallstones may be a cause of cancer.
The Killing of the Innocent

Murder, some may suggest, is to be defined as the intentional and uncoerced killing of the innocent; and it is true by definition that murder is wrong. Yet wars, particularly modern wars, seem to require the killing of the innocent, e.g. through antimorale terror bombing. Therefore war (at least modern war) must be wrong.
A unified analysis of CDF-based distributed scheduling in a heterogeneous multicell

This paper analyzes the performance of distributed scheduling policies in a generic heterogeneous multicell downlink. Our focus is on the utilization of the cumulative distribution function (CDF)-based scheduling policy to guarantee scheduling fairness and simultaneously obtain multiuser diversity gain. Under the standard Rayleigh fading assumption on both the desired signal and the intercell interference, we derive the CDF of the selected user's signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR), and utilize the obtained CDF to develop a unified analysis of average system performance utilizing a general performance measure. The closed form results are specialized to three performance metrics: rate, probability of error, and moment of the SINR. The corresponding results for the round robin policy and the greedy policy are also provided for comparison and completeness.
Cyclic Amp And Psoriasis

Evidence that an adenyl cyclase system is present in all mammalian epidermis is reviewed. This adenyl cyclase is stimulated by at least two separate types of chemicals: catecholamines, which act at a β-adrenergic receptor site, and prostaglandins oft he E series, which act at a separate site. In the psoriatic lesion, the response to these stimulators. especially to the catecholamines, is reduced. Despite this lack of response to external agents which elevate cyclic AMP, the concentration of cyclic AMP within the epidermis of the psoriatic lesion is no lower than in noninvolved skin. How cyclic nucleotides act to control cell proliferation and cell differentiation remains unclear.
Barking up the wrong tree: Regional pericarditis mimicking STEMI

PRESENTATION Treatment of a trauma patient became even more complicated when a postsurgical electrocardiogram (ECG) suggested he was having an ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). A 60-year-old man presented to the emergency department after falling from a tree. He had sustained multiple fractures, spleen and liver injuries, and a left hemopneumothorax. Prior to intubation for emergent exploratory laparotomy and splenectomy, the patient complained of chest pain, which was attributed initially to musculoskeletal trauma. He had no history of cardiovascular disease. On physical examination the patient was afebrile, his heart rate was 92 beats/min, and his blood pressure was 162/ 106 mm Hg. He had tenderness to palpation over the left chest. Cardiac auscultation revealed normal heart sounds without murmurs or rub. There was no jugular venous distention, pulmonary rales, or dependent edema. An ECG was not obtained in the emergency department. Surgery was performed without complications or mention of any intraoperative ST-T changes. However, a postoperative ECG revealed ST-segment elevation in leads II, III, aVF, V5, andV6 (Figure1). Thepatient remained intubated and sedated, precluding assessment of symptoms. A prior ECG was not available, and his serum troponin I level was normal (0.04 ng/mL; reference,< 0.05 ng/mL). Because of the evidence of STEMI, he was taken emergently to the cardiac catheterization laboratory for coronary angiography to determine if he was a candidate for myocardial revascularization.
Recurrence or Re-emergence of Keratoconus – What is the Evidence Telling Us? Literature Review and Two Case Reports

Keratoconus may recur following penetrating or lamellar keratoplasty, but latency is considerably longer in the former. Since keratoplasty involves only partial excision of the cornea, and recent research strongly indicates the presence of the pathology in the peripheral host cornea, the reappearance of the pathology after a latency period is most likely due to migration of the disease from host to donor cornea. This notion is further corroborated by the shorter latency period in partial thickness keratoplasty, where more of the diseased host cornea remains in place. Other proposed causes for the recurrence of keratoconus, such as eye rubbing and contact lens wear, were reportedly not associated with a significant number of cases, and, therefore, are not the primary factor. Based on existing literature, it is concluded that, in post-keratoplasty keratoconus, the etiology stems from re-emergence of the disease rather than recurrence. Keratoconus patients in need of keratoplasty should be counseled on the possibility of the disease re-emerging.
Respiratory illness hospitalizations among pregnant women during influenza season, 1998-2008

To examine health care burden, pregnancy outcomes and impact of high risk medical conditions among pregnancy hospitalizations during influenza season. Length of stay, hospitalization charges, and delivery complications were compared between hospitalizations with and without respiratory illness and compared by presence of high risk medical conditions. Length of stay and hospital charges were significantly increased among respiratory illness hospitalizations versus non-respiratory hospitalizations. Among respiratory illness hospitalization, the odds of intrauterine fetal demise were increased (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.50, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.97–3.18). Among live births, there were higher odds of preterm delivery (aOR 3.82, 95 % CI 3.53–4.14), cesarean delivery (aOR 3.47, 95 % CI 3.22–3.74), and fetal distress (aOR 2.33, 95 % CI 2.15–2.52). The presence of high risk medical conditions did not impact pregnancy outcomes. Among pregnant women hospitalized during influenza season, those with respiratory illness were more likely than those without respiratory illness to have poor perinatal outcomes, regardless of the presence of high risk conditions. Efforts to minimize influenza morbidity, including universal vaccination and early antiviral therapy should be promoted among all pregnant women.
Design and evaluation of a universal power router for residential applications

The next generation universal power routing system has been developed for residential use; compared to energy management systems that already exist, this system effectively reduces the need for human interaction through automation of home power usage. The Smart Green Power Node (SGPN) manages on-site energy resources coupled at a DC link that feeds a bi-directional grid-tied inverter supplying loads within a home via a 240 V AC bus. It incorporates all relevant data such as weather, Time of Use pricing, appliance energy usage, user preferences, status of on-site resources, and communications to intelligently manage the power flow between those on-site energy resources, the electric grid, and the loads. Additionally, it has the capability to maintain power to the home in the event of a power outage and will continue to intelligently provide power while islanded from the grid. The system functionality has been verified through simulations and a prototype has been developed and evaluated.
Does Positive Charge at the Active Sites of Phosphatases Cause a Change in Mechanism? The Effect of the Conserved Arginine on the Transition State for Phosphoryl Transfer in the Protein-Tyrosine Phosphatase from Yersinia

Positive charge is uniformly present in the active sites of all known phosphatases. The postulate that this charge imparts a change to the mechanism and the transition state for phosphoryl transfer was examined by comparing kinetic isotope effects with the substrate p-nitrophenyl phosphate for reactions of the native protein tyrosine phosphatase from Yersinia with data from mutants in which the conserved arginine residue was mutated to Lys or to Ala. The kcat values for both mutants are about 104 less than that of the native enzyme but are still nearly 105-fold faster than the uncatalyzed rate. Steady-state kinetic data as well as isotope effects showed that both mutations interfere with functioning of general acid catalysis. To examine the effect of positive charge on the transition state free of this additional effect, double mutants were made in which general acid catalysis was removed by mutation of Asp356 to either Asn or Ala in addition to the mutation to Arg. The kcat/Km values of D356A and D356N a...
Development and validation of a sensitive and robust LC-tandem MS method for the analysis of warfarin enantiomers in human plasma

A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method (LC-MS-MS) was developed and validated for measuring warfarin (WAR) enantiomers (R-WAR and S-WAR) in human EDTA plasma. Liquid-liquid extraction using ethyl ether was used to extract the analytes from the plasma. Baseline resolution of S- and R-WAR as well as the internal standard enantiomers (S- and R-p-ClWAR, S-IS and R-IS) was achieved on a beta-cyclodextrin column with a mobile phase of acetonitrile-acetic acid-triethylamine (1000:3:2.5, v/v/v). The retention times are 6.9, 8.0, 7.0, and 7.9 min for S-WAR, R-WAR, S-IS and R-IS, respectively. The detection was by monitoring S- and R-WAR at m/z 307-->161 and S- and R-IS at m/z 341-->161 using (-) ESI. The standard curve range was 1-100 ng ml(-1) for both S- and R-WAR. The inter-day precision and accuracy of the quality control (QC) samples were <7.3% relative standard deviation (RSD) and <7.3% bias for S-WAR, and <6.5% RSD and <5.8% bias for R-WAR, respectively. Analyte stability during sample processing and storage were established. Method ruggedness was demonstrated by the reproducible performance from analysis of clinical samples.
Medical Nutrition Therapy: Patient Outcomes in Acute Care Hospitalization

Abstract A retrospective audit was conducted on selected medical records of patients (pts) hospitalized in 1996 and 1997 diagnosed as malnourished (159 pts) or Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) (203 pts). For malnourished pts, energy intake level was significantly higher in those receiving MNT than those not seen (p=0.006) and larger gains were seen with higher levels of MNT (χ2=24.2, p=0.004). Provision of MNT was not associated with improvement in pt weight (p- 0.065), serum levels of albumin (p=0.067) or prealbumin (N=4, no analysis), nor incidence of complications (N=7, no analysis), but inadequate data availability limited the outcomes analysis. Only 20% of the records contained both admission and discharge weights, and only 30% contained serial measures of serum proteins. The degree of malnutrition was not associated with the level of MNT provided (χ2=5.6, p=0.428) . For patients with DM, weight decreased by >3# with MNT provided compared to Mean length of stay was not reduced with provision of MNT in either of these patient populations, in fact, MNT was associated with increased LOS (p-0.000 for malnutrition, p=0.003 for DM). This probably indicates that the longer a pt is hospitalized, the more MNT is provided.
Effect of the π-π and K-π resonances on the kaon form factor

The isovector part of the kaon form factor is studied in the two-pion approximation. For the π+π→ K + -K amplitude, a Mandelstam representation is assumed. The effect of thenn resonance is straightforward. The effect of the K-π resonance shows up on the lefthand side cut of the π+π → K + -K amplitude.
Some amnesic patients can freely recall large amounts of information in new contexts.

Abstract A previously reported technique for promoting robust free recall in amnesic subjects (Ridiculously Imaged Stories) was further studied in two amnesic patients to determine if there is a limit to the amount of information that can be acquired, and if the novelty of the storyline is essential for its efficacy. Two different lists of words were taught to each subject embedded in either a ridiculous or a logical story. The subjects learned combined totals of 160 (S1) and 120 (S2) words with perfect free recall at intervals up to 7 weeks between last list exposure and recall. No differences were observed in rates of learning between the two types of stories. These results challenge the view that amnesic subjects are unable to freely recall large amounts of new information within a newly acquired context. A theoretical integration of the data is explored.