cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recent trends in performance and current state of creatinine assays.

Context.—Measured plasma or serum creatinine concentration is a primary component of equations used to calculate estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). In recent years, most assay manufacturers have adopted creatinine calibration procedures that are traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology's Standard Reference Material 967. Objectives.—To examine the current performance of creatinine assays, to compare changes in assay performance since 2003, and to examine the reliability of laboratory eGFR calculations. Design.—Serum samples spiked with different concentrations of creatinine were analyzed by participating laboratories in the College of American Pathologists' LN24 survey. Participants' reported values were compared against values measured by liquid chromatography-isotope dilution mass spectrometry. Participants were asked to calculate the eGFR for certain samples, and results were compared with those obtained from the 4-parameter Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation...
A general theory for compensating constant linear systems

A general theory is presented for the compensation of completely controllable, completely observable linear constant systems as in eqns (1) and (2) of this paper. A Kalman observer is used to generate the state variables from the inputs and outputs of the system. State variable feedback is used as the design approach, but the Kalman observer states are used instead of the system states, which are assumed to be internal to the system, and not available for feedback to the system inputs. The system outputs are found to depend on three different transfer functions; the poles of each may be shifted at will by the designer, while the zeros may be invariant. The steady-state input-output transfer function for the closed-loop compensated system has n poles which are chosen by the designer to be anywhere in the complex plane in complex-conjugate pairs or real locations, whilst the single input-output system zeros are invariant. There are two transient responses, one due to the plant initial conditions, and the ot...
The Influence of Harold Guetzkow: Scholarship and Values

In this article, I recount the many ways in which Harold Guetzkow influenced my career. From the beginning of my graduate studies at Northwestern University in the 1960s into the next century, Haroldâs guidance has been indispensable. His idea of bridging islands of theory has provided many of us with a broad, integrated vision of social science. His workman-like approach to scholarship has provided us with the tools needed to contribute to the field. As a broad theorist, Harold inspired us to devote a lifetime in pursuit of knowledge. As a mentor, he imparted the essential skills of writing for publication, presenting at professional meetings, teaching and advising, and contributing to the profession. Above all, his values of interdisciplinary and responsible scholarship have been a hallmark of my own research and project leadership. My work on simulation reflects these values as well, with regard to research platforms and classroom learning. Indeed, a recent article in this journal owes much to Haroldâs influence (Druckman & Ebner, 2008).
Aneurysms of the Posterior Communicating Artery: Hemodynamics and Shapes

The pathogenesis, progression and rupture of cerebral aneurysms are multi-factorial mechanisms that involve arterial hemodynamics, wall biomechanics, wall mechano-transduction or mechano-biology, and peri-aneurysmal environmental effects [1]. However, the interaction and relative importance of these factors remains poorly understood. Presumably, the geometrical shape and evolution of aneurysms are governed by the interaction between hemodynamic stimuli (wall shear stress) and the biological responses of the arterial wall. In order to better understand this interaction, the goal of this study was to characterize and relate the geometrical shapes of intracranial aneurysms at a single location, the posterior communicating artery (PComA), to blood flow patterns, wall shear stress (WSS), and clinical history of previous rupture.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Extending temporal query languages to handle imprecise time intervals

Previous work on temporal and historical databases has been mainly based on the assumption that the time intervals of temporal attributes and the start/finish points of modeled events are precisely known. In many real life situations, however, the time boundary of events and the duration of entity relationships may not be exactly known. Modeling these situations and providing a way to write queries dealing with time impreciseness represents a useful extension currently lacking in existing/proposed temporal database systems. In this paper, we discuss the problem of handling time impreciseness in temporal databases and present three models for the representation of imprecise time intervals. We illustrate the basic idea and motivation of each model, its underlying logic, tradeoffs, and important properties. We also propose query language extensions that can enrich the user interface with capabilities to formulate queries dealing with time impreciseness. Extensions to existing query constructs at both the transaction level and the operator level are presented. New operators related to time impreciseness are also presented. The models and extensions discussed in this paper enrich the flexibility of temporal databases and can be used to help users obtain more meaningful replies for their temporal queries.
Molecular derivation of the hydrodynamic equations for a binary fluid

In this paper, the hydrodynamic equations and the associated transport coefficients are derived for a simple binary fluid from molecular considerations. This is a generalization of the methods of Felderhof and Oppenheim and of Selwyn to multicomponent systems. A linear response formalism is used to describe the relaxation of the binary system from an initial nonequilibrium state. Explicit molecular expressions are given for the transport coefficients in terms of time correlation functions of generalized current densities. These densities have the useful property of not containing a conserved part. The correlation functions are then related to a set of phenomenological coefficients in the theory of nonequilibrium thermodynamics. This explicit identification enables one to relate the correlation functions to experimentally measured transport coefficients.
Reflections of an Activist Editor

Joel B. Cohen is Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus, University of Florida (e-mail: joel.cohen@warrington.ufl.edu). My appointment as Journal of Public Policy & Marketing (JPP&M) editor (Fall 2002–Fall 2006, with some further carryover of articles) was a break from tradition, and it also surprised friends and colleagues that I would be interested in this position. It was a break from tradition in that I was never primarily associated with marketing and society or public policy in my research, teaching, or organizational activities. Therefore, because my background was highly unusual and it so strongly influenced what I tried to accomplish as editor, I think it may be useful to weave these threads together. A very smart and highly cited marketing science professor once defined marketing for me. It was, in his view, everything the firm did to move the demand curve up and to the right, typically in the high-stakes world of competitive warfare. To inquire how this jibed with platitudes about providing value to consumers, not to mention society as a whole, would merely have led to either a wink or a grimace, as in “How naive can you be?” Of course, given his extensive economics background, I might have received the usual lecture about revealed preference and the circular reasoning that the buyer’s behavior (in which even being hoodwinked is ignored in the short run and only reflects negatively on marketers in the long run) proved the value of the offering. Perhaps business school professors should explain that more clearly to the people whose houses have been foreclosed on because they bought cleverly marketed mortgages featuring minimum (i.e., partial interest only) monthly payments with the option to refinance in a few years (while unaware that this would mean a much higher balance and possibly a much higher interest rate). In truth, I don’t consider myself naive, which is probably one reason my academic career followed the path it did. I never imagined convincing myself that academic achievement was linked to explaining the nuances of how marketers could actually increase the number of consumers who would be willing to pay more for the mere appearance of higher quality or vague promises of a “new and improved you.” Practitioners seeking masters of business administration degrees (MBAs) who returned to leading institutions of higher learning to master this craft were never of much interest to me—nor I to them. So, what did intrigue me enough about this field to enter it and, many years later, to become editor of JPP&M? What did I hope to achieve in that role, and how did I go about it?
A protocol-based coding scheme for the analysis of medical reasoning

Abstract One of the most common methods of codifying and interpreting human knowledge is through the use of verbal protocol analysis. Although the application of this methodology has increased in recent years, few detailed examples are readily available in the literature. This paper discusses the theoretical issues and methodological procedures pertaining to the analysis of verbal protocols collected from physicians engaged in medical problem solving. We first present a brief historical perspective on verbal protocol methodology. We then discuss how we have come to view the task of medical diagnosis both in general and in particular with respect to a specific specialty—congenital heart disease. Next, we describe and provide examples of our methodology for coding verbal protocols of physicians into abstract, but meaningful objects which are elements of a theory of diagnostic reasoning. In particular, we demonstrate how the coding scheme can represent an important aspect of medical problem solving behavior called a line of reasoning. We conclude by proposing how such analysis is important to understanding the psychology of medical problem solving and how this type of analysis plays an important role in the development of medical artificial intelligence systems and educational efforts directed toward the development of expertise in medical problem solving.
Antioxidant capacities, phenolic compounds, carotenoids, and vitamin C contents of nectarine, peach, and plum cultivars from California.

Genotypic variation in composition and antioxidant activity was evaluated using 25 cultivars, 5 each of white-flesh nectarines, yellow-flesh nectarines, white-flesh peaches, yellow-flesh peaches, and plums, at the ripe (ready-to-eat) stage. The ranges of total ascorbic acid (vitamin C) (in mg/100 g of fresh weight) were 5−14 (white-flesh nectarines), 6−8 (yellow-flesh nectarines), 6−9 (white-flesh peaches), 4−13 (yellow-flesh peaches), and 3−10 (plums). Total carotenoids concentrations (in μg/100 g of fresh weight) were 7−14 (white-flesh nectarines), 80−186 (yellow-flesh nectarines), 7−20 (white-flesh peaches), 71−210 (yellow-flesh peaches), and 70−260 (plums). Total phenolics (in mg/100 g of fresh weight) were 14−102 (white-flesh nectarines), 18−54 (yellow-flesh nectarines), 28−111 (white-flesh peaches), 21−61 (yellow-flesh peaches), and 42−109 (plums). The contributions of phenolic compounds to antioxidant activity were much greater than those of vitamin C and carotenoids. There was a strong correlation...
Urinary testing for drugs of abuse in the military

The military has tested urine for drugs of abuse since 1971.Testing followed the evidence of heroin use in Vietnam. The program was limited, by technical constraints, to a few drugs and in 1974by a decision that precluded the use of information gained by urinalysis in disciplinary actions. In 1980, testing expanded enormously due in part to the availability of immunoassays for cannabis metabolites. The period of 1981-1983was marked by deficiencies in military laboratories; faulty testing, inadequate personnel, and the inability to document challenged results. As many as 50,000 discharges were subject to review and revision. The 1983Einsel Commission, a toxicology panel, submitted recommendations that reformed the testing systems. This experience affects current nonmilitary testing programs. Many give the program credit for decreasing drug use and improving performance. The empirical proof of this is not obvious and the cost effectiveness of the program can still be criticized. Language: en
Lysosomal proliferation in rachitic avian intestinal absorptive cells following 1,25-Dihydroxycholecalciferol

Lysosomes in chick intestinal absorptive cells from rachitic (vitamin D-deficient) and vitamin D-replete animals were studied utilizing transmission electron microscopic histochemistry and ultrastructural morphometry. Absorptive cells from rachitic animals, serum calcium = 7.3 +/- 0.3 mg%, contained an average of 4.0 +/- 0.3 supranuclear lysosomes. In rachitic chicks sacrificed 9 hr post-injection of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol, the active metabolite of vitamin D, the values for both serum calcium, 9.8 +/- 0.2 mg%, and the number of apical absorptive cell lysosomes, 12.9 +/- 0.6, were increased over non-injected or vehicle-only injected animals. Lysosomes in vitamin D-replete absorptive cells were characterized by their intense staining with pyroantimonate, indicative of their high calcium content. The same organelles also produced a positive reaction for acid phosphatase. Rachitic lysosomes, also acid phosphatase positive, were only lightly stained with pyroantimonate. The lysosomal proliferation apparently induced by 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol may be a further indication that these organelles play a role in intestinal calcium transport and/or intracellular calcium homeostasis within the absorptive cell.
Seasonal variation in satellite‐derived effects of aerosols on clouds in the Arabian Sea

properties. An increase in aerosol concentration may lead to an increase in CCN, with an associated decrease in cloud droplet size for a given cloud liquid water content. Smaller droplet sizes may then lead to a reduction in precipitation efficiency and an increase in cloud lifetimes. However, these effects are highly dependent on the aerosol concentration, aerosol species, and the meteorological conditions. In the Arabian Sea (10–20N, 62–72E), prevailing aerosol type transitions from mostly small-mode anthropogenic aerosols during the winter months to mostly coarse-mode mineral dust and sea salt during the summer due to a change in prevailing wind speed and direction, is likely to impart substantial variability on any associated indirect effects. To examine this variability, we use one year (2004) of MODIS derived aerosol optical thickness (AOT) and cloud products over the Arabian Sea to quantify aerosol indirect effects. Results show that indirect effects in the Arabian Sea are a strong function of season, which is a result of the changing aerosol and moisture (humidity) concentrations during the course of the year. During the winter months (DJF), cloud-droplet size and AOT were found to have a weak positive correlation (r = 0.12), opposite of the expected effect. The low atmospheric humidity coupled with wide-spread subsidence and other dynamical factors may prevent these aerosols from being activated. During the summer months (JJA), AOT increases with the addition of mineral dust and sea salt aerosols and the correlation between AOTand cloud droplet size becomes negative (r = � 0.22). The magnitude of the first indirect effect corresponds to an increase in low level wind speeds, increasing the concentration of hygroscopic sea salt into the atmosphere. For both periods, a positive correlation (r = 0.16, 0.32) was found between AOT and LWP indicating a reduction in precipitation efficiency. Citation: Jones, T. A., and S. A. Christopher (2008), Seasonal variation in satellite-derived effects of aerosols on clouds in the Arabian Sea, J. Geophys. Res., 113, D09207, doi:10.1029/2007JD009118.
Using Resampling to Compare Two Proportions

Summary This article shows that when applying resampling methods to the problem of comparing two proportions, students can discover that whether you resample with or without replacement can make a big difference.
Balanced binary tree code for scientific applications

Abstract A set of easy-to-use FORTRAN routines for building and accessing data structures of the type commonly encountered in scientific applications is introduced. Fetch and insert times go as ≻ [log ( n )], where n is the number of elements in the list. The routines implement AVL or height-balanced binary tree logic. Each tree is a linear integer array. The first ten elements of a tree array specify its structure and the remaining elements are dedicated to node information. Each node includes key and integer data elements in addition to the necessary linkage information. The keys and data can each be multiple word entries. The routines are generic so even though the structure of any one specific tree is fixed, an application can include several trees that have different structures with no additional code requirements. An example that illustrates how the application can be integrated into an existing code is included.
Epidural versus ON-Q local anesthetic-infiltrating catheter for post-thoracotomy pain control.

Objective The authors compared thoracic epidural with ON-Q infiltrating catheters in patients having open thoracotomy to determine whether one method better relieves postoperative pain and would allow earlier discharge from the hospital and, hence, cost savings. Design Retrospective chart review. Setting University hospital. Participants Fifty adult patients (24 to 81 years old) undergoing open thoracotomy by one surgeon. Interventions One group had thoracic epidural catheters placed by an anesthesiologist and then managed by the acute pain service. The other group had intraoperative ON-Q (ON-Q; I-Flow; Lake Forest, California) infiltrating catheters placed by the surgeon, wound infiltration with a local anesthetic, plus patient-controlled analgesia with an intravenous opioid. Measurements and Main Results The authors measured and compared average daily pain rating, maximum pain rating, time to discharge from the hospital, and total bill for hospital stay. Patients who received epidural analgesia had lower average pain scores on day 2 than did patients in the ON-Q group. Patients in the ON-Q group reported higher maximum pain scores on days 1 and 2 and at the time of discharge. Patients in the ON-Q group were discharged an average of 1 day earlier; hence, their average total bill was lower. Conclusions Even though the maximum pain score was higher in the ON-Q group, patients were comfortable enough to be discharged earlier, resulting in cost savings. ON-Q infiltrating catheters present a good option for providing postoperative analgesia to patients having an open thoracotomy.
Preparation of unsupported metal organic and ceramic thin film specimens for TEM observation

A method for preparing TEM specimens from fragile metal organic resin and metal-organic-derived ceramic films is described. Unsupported films can be easily prepared by spin coating a metal organic solution onto a camphor substrate followed by separating the film by subliming the substrate. The method involves encapsulating the fragile film fragments in a low-viscosity, thermosetting, epoxy-hardener solution to obtain mechanical integrity. The encapsulated film can be easily hand polished to approximately 20-μm thickness in less than 1 h. Electron-transparent TEM specimens can then be prepared by ion-beam thinning the encapsulated film, after mounting it on a slotted copper grid.
Operative versus nonoperative management of blunt abdominal trauma: Role of ultrasound-measured intraperitoneal fluid levels.

This study's objective was to analyze whether the quantity of free intraperitoneal fluid on ultrasonography, alone or in combination with unstable vital signs, is sensitive in determining the need for laparotomy in patients presenting with blunt trauma. Adult patients who presented with blunt abdominal trauma to 2 level I trauma centers were enrolled. Combined intraperitoneal fluid levels (anechoic stripe) of 5 intraperitoneal areas were measured and defined as small ( 1.0 cm, 3.0 cm). Unstable vital signs were defined as pulse > 100 bpm or systolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg. Exploratory laparotomy or computed tomography scan confirmed hemoperitoneum. Of 270 patients entered into the study, ultrasound detected free intraperitoneal fluid in 33 patients. Of the 18 patients with a large fluid accumulation, 16 underwent exploratory laparotomy (89% sensitivity), and all 8 patients with unstable vital signs underwent exploratory laparotomy (100% sensitivity). Of the 10 patients with a moderate fluid accumulation, 6 underwent exploratory laparotomy (60% sensitivity), and 4 of the 6 patients with unstable vital signs underwent exploratory laparotomy (67% sensitivity). A large intraperitoneal fluid accumulation on ultrasonography in combination with unstable vital signs, is sensitive for determining the need for exploratory laparotomy in patients presenting with blunt trauma.
Effects of price signal choices on market stability

Using simulation and analysis we show that agent-based auction-cleared automated markets can be stabilized using only completely myopic agents (without value traders), if these na¨ ove agents are provided with a price signal that reflects order book information. This demonstrates that information in the order book is extremely valuable, that prediction can be replaced by better instantaneous information about others’ bids, and suggests new, more stable algorithms for market-based control. © 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Gender, Views of Nature, and Support for Animal Rights

The last 20 years have witnessed the dramatic growth of the animal rights movement and a concurrent increase in its social scientific scrutiny. One of the most notable and consistent findings to emerge from this body of research has been the central role of women in the movement. This paper uses General Social Survey data to examine the influence of views of the relationship of humanity to nature on this gender difference. Holding a Romantic view of nature is associated with higher levels of support for extending moral rights to animals and lower levels of support for animal-based testing. A Darwinian view is associated with greater support for testing on animals but is unrelated to views on moral rights for animals. In general, views of nature affect animal rights advocacy to a greater extent among males than females.
Mechanism-based active site modification of sterol methyl transferase by tritium-labeled 26-homocholesta-8,14,24-trien-26-yn-3β-ol

Abstract The title compound (26-HC, 5 ) was synthesized and tested as a mechanism-based inhibitor of the sterol methyl transferase (SMT) enzyme from Saccharomyces cerevisiae . Enzyme assays were performed with SMT enzyme using zymosterol as substrate and AdoMet as coenzyme. The inhibition of SMT enzyme by 26-HC showed an apparent k i of 72.5 μM and k inact of 2.4 min −1 . Covalent modification of the active site of a SMT enzyme was demonstrated for the first time using [3- 3 H]26-HC.
Tracking inhomogeneity in high-capacity lithium iron phosphate batteries

Abstract Energy-dispersive x-ray diffraction (EDXRD) is one of the few techniques that can internally probe a sealed battery under operating conditions. In this paper, we use EDXRD with ultrahigh energy synchrotron radiation to track inhomogeneity in a cycled high-capacity lithium iron phosphate cell under in-situ and operando conditions. A sequence of depth-profile x-ray diffraction spectra are collected with 40 μm resolution as the cell is discharged. Additionally, nine different locations of the cell are tracked independently throughout a second discharge process. In each case, a two-peak reference intensity ratio analysis (RIR) was used on the LiFePO4 311 and the FePO4 020 reflections to estimate the relative phase abundance of the lithiated and non-lithiated phases. The data provide a first-time look at the dynamics of electrochemical inhomogeneity in a real-world battery. We observe a strong correlation between inhomogeneity and overpotential in the galvanic response of the cell. Additionally, the data closely follow the behavior that is predicted by the resistive-reactant model originally proposed by Thomas-Alyea. Despite a non-linear response in the independently measured locations, the behavior of the ensemble is strikingly linear. This suggests that effects of inhomogeneity can be elusive and highlights the power of the EDXRD technique.
Distinct structural requirements for CDON and BOC in the promotion of Hedgehog signaling

Proper levels of Hedgehog (HH) signaling are essential during embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis. A central mechanism to control HH pathway activity is through the regulation of secreted HH ligands at the plasma membrane. Recent studies have revealed a collective requirement for the cell surface co-receptors GAS1, CDON and BOC in HH signal transduction. Despite their requirement in HH pathway function, the mechanisms by which these proteins act to promote HH signaling remain poorly understood. Here we focus on the function of the two structurally related co-receptors, CDON and BOC. We utilized an in vivo gain-of-function approach in the developing chicken spinal cord to dissect the structural requirements for CDON and BOC function in HH signal transduction. Notably, we find that although CDON and BOC display functional redundancy during HH-dependent ventral neural patterning, these molecules utilize distinct molecular mechanisms to execute their HH-promoting effects. Specifically, we define distinct membrane attachment requirements for CDON and BOC function in HH signal transduction. Further, we identify novel and separate extracellular motifs in CDON and BOC that are required to promote HH signaling. Together, these data suggest that HH co-receptors employ distinct mechanisms to mediate HH pathway activity.
Horace Bushnell and the Question of Miracles

Horace Bushnell has never lacked for commentators, and with notable exceptions the general picture of him (whether for praise or vilification) has been that of the "father" of American theological liberalism. This standard interpretation of Bushnell, however, fails to do justice to one of the more interesting aspects of his thought: his discussion in his treatise Nature and the Supernatural of the possibility of modern-day miracles. Although considered scandalous by his contemporaries and a pitiable misunderstanding by later commentators, his arguments, I believe, bear reexamination. In his treatment of the question of modern miracles Bushnell both offered his contribution to a 300-year-long theological debate and set forth his vision of the direction in which American Protestantism must head in order to meet squarely the growing spiritual crisis of nineteenth-century culture.'
Robust Optimization Model for a Dynamic Network Design Problem Under Demand Uncertainty

This paper describes a robust optimization approach for a network design problem explicitly incorporating traffic dynamics and demand uncertainty. In particular, we consider a cell transmission model based network design problem of the linear programming type and use box uncertainty sets to characterize the demand uncertainty. The major contribution of this paper is to formulate such a robust network design problem as a tractable linear programming model and demonstrate the model robustness by comparing its solution performance with the nominal solution from the corresponding deterministic model. The results of the numerical experiments justify the modeling advantage of the robust optimization approach and provide useful managerial insights for enacting capacity expansion policies under demand uncertainty.
Anomalous behavior of the F19 motional relaxation in PbF2 doped with alkali halides

Abstract The F 19 motional relaxation in PbF 2 doped with alkali halides is studied as a function of temperature and frequency using nuclear magnetic resonance. The results of spin lattice relaxation rate measurements in the rotating frame and in the laboratory frame are reported and some striking anomalies are pointed out. We propose that these anomalies, not accountable by a straightforward application of the predictions of the Bloembergen-Purcell-Pound theory, arise from a non-uniform mobility of fluorine atoms around the impurities. A model that attempts to explain some of these discrepancies is discussed.
Plasmon Waveguide Resonance Shows Preferential Binding of Oligomeric alpha-Synuclein to Raft-Like Lipid Mixtures

α-Synuclein is a presynaptic protein whose fibrillar and β-sheet rich aggregates are implicated in several neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD). Different lines of evidence suggest that oligomer intermediates rather than monomeric or mature fibrillar deposits constitute the toxic species, probably by membrane incorporation and pore formation [1]. We used plasmon waveguide resonance (PWR) spectroscopy [2] to characterize the binding of various α-Synuclein aggregates to planar lipid membranes. The binding isotherms yielded affinity constants for the membrane-active aggregation species of α-Synuclein. In addition, using different lipid mixtures, we studied the role of the lipid composition for membrane insertion of the α-Synuclein oligomers. To mimic the compositional and structural heterogeneity of neuronal membranes we used detergent-induced membrane fusion and employed raft-like mixtures of sphingomyelin, eggPC, and cholesterol. These mixtures exhibit stable lateral domain formation as revealed by solid-state 2H NMR [3]. The results show that binding and membrane insertion of α-Synuclein is highly dependent on the aggregation state of the protein. Our data suggest that the lateral segregation into lipid domains strongly promotes membrane insertion of the toxic aggregation species. Furthermore, we show that membrane lipids are able to dissolve pre-aggregated fibrils back into intermediate species. We therefore propose that the pathogenicity of α-Synuclein is highly dependent on the lipid composition of intracellular membranes, most notably the membranes of synaptic vesicles, and that the macroscopic aggregates found in PD patients act as a reservoir for toxic intermediates in vivo.[1] Beyer, K. (2007) Cell. Biochem. Biophys. 47, 285-299.[2] Salamon, Z. et al (1999) Trends Biochem. Sci. 24, 213-219.[3] Bartels, T. et al (2008) J. Am. Chem. Soc., in press.
Rupture of the Perivisceral Aorta: Atherosclerotic versus Mycotic Aneurysm

Twelve patients with rupture of the perivisceral abdominal aorta were admitted to the UCLA Medical Center between 1984 and 1996. Six patients had atherosclerotic thoracoabdominal aneurysms (TAA) which ruptured in the visceral segment of the aorta. The remaining 6 patients proved to have ruptured mycotic aneurysm (MA). Clinical presentation was different in the two groups. Whereas all 6 patients with TAA and < 24 hr history of abdominal, chest, or back pain, patients with MA had these symptoms for 2-5 weeks (mean 3.4 weeks). History of sepsis was present in 4/6 MA and in 0/6 TAA patients. No difference in risk factors for atherosclerosis were seen between these two groups. Clinical outcomes were also different. Operation consisted of in situ vascular grafting in all patients. Operative mortality for TAA was 33% (2/6), whereas all patients with MA survived repair with no operative mortality. Two patients had cardiac arrest prior to surgery. One of these had a TAA and died 5 days after surgery, whereas the other survived repair of an MA. Follow-up ranges from 1-84 months (mean 48 months). Four survivors in the TAA group are alive at 6, 8, 14, and 84 months, with the latter having a pseudoaneurysm of the visceral patch-graft anastomosis. All 6 patients with MA are alive at 1-73 months (mean 39 months) without evidence of graft sepsis or recurrent aneurysm. We conclude that rupture of the visceral portion of the aorta is often associated with a mycotic process, with important differences noted in clinical presentation when compared to atherosclerotic TAA. Surgical intervention is effective in both MA and TAA. Operative mortality, however, is significantly higher in patients with ruptured TAA. In situ prosthetic replacement for ruptured MA is associated with low mortality and excellent long-term results.
Accuracy considerations in using the PML ABC with FDFD Helmholtz equation computation

A careful analysis of discretization error in various implementations of Berenger's PML absorbing boundary condition for the FDFD method applied to the Helmholtz equation is presented. Analytic and numerical formulations indicate the clear superiority of specifying the material characteristics in terms of the coupled Ampere's and Faraday's laws first, and then combining the first-order differential equations a discrete Helmholtz-like difference equation. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exploiting path diversity for low-latency and high-bandwidth with the dual-path NoC router

Networks-on-Chips are gaining in popularity as replacement for shared medium interconnects in chip-multiprocessors (CMPs) and multiprocessor systems-on-chips (MPSoCs), and their performance becoming essential to system performance. We propose a dual-path router architecture that efficiently exploits path diversity to attain low latency and high throughput without significant hardware overhead. By 1) doubling the number of injection and ejection ports, 2) splitting packets into two halves, 3) recomposing routing policy to support path diversity, and 4) provisioning the network hardware design, we can significantly improve network resource utilization to achieve much higher throughput and lower latencies. Results show that the proposed dual-path router improves saturation bandwidth by 29% on uniform random synthetic traffic, while achieving a reduction in average packet latency of 31% and 17% for uniform random synthetic traffic and video benchmarks respectively.
MANAGEMENT OF OSTEONECROSIS OF THE FEMORAL HEAD

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head continues to pose a therapeutic challenge to orthopedic surgeons. This pathologic process results from the death of living components of bone from mechanical and biologic factors. Diagnosis, clinical symptoms, and classification systems are discussed. Several treatment regimens and their controversies are explored in this article.
Facilitated transport in porous media

Abstract The process of facilitated transport in porous media has been studied theoretically using the method of volume averaging, and experimentally in terms of the facilitated transport of carbon dioxide in an aqueous solution. For facilitated transport, the reaction rate leads to the appearance of interactive diffusive fluxes in the spatially smoothed transport equations. It also requires that the closure problem be solved simultaneously with the macroscopic boundary value problem. This is a general characteristic of nonlinear, multiphase transport processes, and this work appears to be the first example in which a rigorous solution to the closure problem is given. For the system studied experimentally, the influence of the nonlinear reaction rate on the process of spatial smoothing was not particularly important and the interactive diffusive fluxes were small. Theoretical values of the several effective diffusivities necessary to describe our experimental system were determined; thus the comparison between theory and experiment was made in the absence of adjustable parameters. Good agreement theory and experiment was obtained.
Comparison between intrinsic and extrinsic contrast for malignancy detection using NIR mammography

In this work we reconstruct and compare NIR images of the intrinsic and extrinsic distribution of the absorption coefficient in the breast. The NIR protocol followed involves optical imaging before and after the administration of the NIR contrast agent Infracyanine 25 or Cardiogreen¨ and runs in parallel with the MRI examination protocol, while the patient is located in the magnet. For imaging purposes we employ a time-resolved imager using two wavelengths at 780 and 830 nm. The tomographic needs are served with a perturbation analysis that solves the heterogeneous diffusion equation and creates the forward model. Inversion is performed using the algebraic reconstruction technique (ART). Coregistration with Gd-DTPA enhanced MR images allows for direct and unequivocal comparison between optical and MR images. We focus on the comparison between the use of intrinsic or extrinsic contrast to differentiate breast tissue types. The distribution of the NIR contrast agent yields very good coregistration with the MR contrast enhanced images and that it allows accurate quantification. Our results greatly exemplify the need for NIR contrast agents in optical mammography. Conversely imaging of the intrinsic coefficient is associated with more experimental uncertainties leading to less quantification accuracy.
Geographic location and mental health services utilization among the chronically mentally ill.

This study examined the relationship between geographic location and use of mental health services using data collected on 1053 Community Support Program (CSP) clients. Multiple regression analyses revealed that geographic location (i.e., urban, suburban, rural) influences mental health services utilization even when service availability and accessibility, socio-demographic and need factors are controlled. The results do not support the assumption that rural residence has uniformly negative effects on service use. Rural CSP clients, for example, were more likely to use crisis and supportive housing services than their urban counterparts. The findings suggest that models of service utilization must be carefully specified with regard to residential location.
Rapid and sensitive detection of biological warfare agents using time-resolved fluorescence assays

We have achieved sensitive, rapid and reproducible detection of three biological threat agents in a variety of biological and environmental matrices using the DELFIA time-resolved fluorometry (TRF) assay system (Perkin-Elmer Life Sciences, Akron, OH). Existing ELISA assays for the detection of Francisella tularensis, Clostridium botulinum A/B neurotoxin (BotNT A/B), and Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B (SEB) were converted to TRF assays. They use 100 microl of positive control or unknown per test well and require just over 2 h to run. Fluorescent signal read time is a fraction of a second per well. The assay format consists of a capture ELISA utilizing a biotinylated capture antibody, prebound to a streptavidin-coated 96-well plate and a lanthanide (Europium, Eu3+)-labeled detector antibody. The bound Eu-labeled detector antibody produces a fluorescent signal upon the addition of an enhancement solution. The signal results from the dissociation of the Europium from the antibody, creating a micelle, thus amplifying the signal nearly one million-fold. Sensitivities achieved by these assays were between 4 and 20 pg/ml in buffer. Additionally, we have tested this system in different matrices such as serum, urine, dirt, and sewage. Concentration curves generated from standard solutions produced a wide linear range making serial dilutions of unknown samples unnecessary. DELFIA TRF assays are significantly better in terms of sensitivity, linear range, and run time than standard capture ELISAs and should facilitate early detection of potential biological warfare agents in clinical and environmental samples.
A Phorbol Ester-Insensitive AP-1 Motif Mediates the Stimulatory Effect of Insulin on Rat Malic Enzyme Gene Transcription

In liver, insulin stimulates the transcription of the gene encoding the cytosolic form of malic enzyme (ME) and modulates protein binding to two putative insulin response sequences (IRSs) in the ME promoter. One of these IRSs resembles that identified in the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) gene, whereas the other resembles that defined in the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) gene. To assess the functional significance of these changes in protein binding, a series of truncated ME-chloramphenicol acetyl-transferase (CAT) fusion genes were transiently transfected into rat H4IIE hepatoma cells. Deletion of the PEPCK-like IRS motif had no effect on the stimulation of CAT expression by insulin. Instead, the stimulatory effect of insulin was mediated through an AP-1 motif and an Egr-1 binding site that overlaps the GAPDH-like IRS motif. Both the ME AP-1 motif and the AP-1 motif identified in the collagenase-1 gene promoter were able to confer a stimulatory effect of insulin on the expression of a heterologous fusion gene, but surprisingly only the latter was able to confer a stimulatory effect of phorbol esters. Instead, the data suggest that AP-1 binds the ME AP-1 motif in an activated state such that phorbol ester treatment has no additional effect. The collagenase and ME AP-1 motifs were both shown to bind mainly Jun D and Fra-2, with similar affinities. However, the results of a proteolytic clipping bandshift assay suggest that these proteins bind the collagenase and ME AP-1 motifs in distinct conformations, which potentially explain the differences in phorbol ester signaling through these elements.
The Metaphysics of Ethical Love: Comparing Practical Vedanta and Feminist Ethics

In this paper I compare two very different deployments of love in ethics. Swami Vivekananda's concept of ethical love ties into the project of constructing an alternative masculinity for a colonized people; while feminist care ethics uses love to escape the perceived masculinity of traditional ethical theory. Using Kenneth Goodpaster's distinction between ‘framework questions’ and ‘application questions,’ I try to show that love in Practical Vedanta addresses the former while feminist care ethics concerns itself with the latter. Even though this difference, I suggest, could be a function of their varying historical-political contexts, the two issues need to be taken together for a more complete understanding of the ethical subject.
Reproductive Characteristics of a Population of the Washboard Mussel Megalonaias nervosa (Rafinesque 1820) in the Upper Mississippi River

ABSTRACT We examined monthly and age-specific gametogenic development of the washboard mussel, Megalonaias nervosa, from April 1986 to March 1987 in navigation Pool 10 of the upper Mississippi River. We found M. nervosa to be a late tachytictic breeder. Female marsupia contained eggs or glochidia primarily from August (17°C) through October (9°C). Males were mature from July through October. Most females released their glochidia in October. Only one female was gravid in November (3°C). Most mussels were sexually mature at 8 years of age and then had an estimated average size of 68 mm (shell height). Only 8% of individuals ≤ 4 years of age showed any degree of reproductive development, while > 90% of age 5 and older individuals had recognizable reproductive material present. In host specificity studies, we verified three fish species as hosts for the glochidial stage. Green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus), black bullhead (Ictalurus melas), and channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) produced juveniles after 26–2...
An adaptive FCV clustering algorithm

A modified fuzzy c-varieties (FCV) algorithm is proposed which is capable of seeking out a mixture of clusters of possibly different shapes. The algorithm adapts to the structure encountered during the computation and should thereby be more likely to successfully detect the actual structure in the data and less likely to impose it.
Spectral and Structural Characterization of Two Ferric Coordination Modes of a Simple Bis(catecholamide) Ligand: Metal-Assisted Self-Assembly in a Siderophore Analog

The structurally diverse group of bis(catecholamide) bacterial siderophores is intriguing because these molecules lack a sufficient number of ligating atoms to fully complex one iron atom as a 1:1 complex. Any complex containing fully-complexed iron ligated exclusively by these siderophores inherently requires multiple ligands to bind multiple metals, demonstrating a biological example of metal-assisted self-assembly. Two new ferric coordination modes of a bis(catecholamide) ligand are structurally and spectroscopically characterized as a 2:3 dinuclear triple helix and a 2:2 bis(μ-hydroxo) dimer. The dimer represents an intermediate in the assembly pathway of the dinuclear triple helix, as it is readily converted to the triple helix upon addition of a stoichiometric amount of ligand. The potential relevance of these complexes to biological siderophores is discussed.
Temperature reinforcement for visual discrimination training in baby chicks

A fully automated training apparatus, using thermoregulation as performance incentive, was constructed to train baby chicks on visual discrimination and reversal problems. In the base condition, the S is bathed in cold air in a small training cubicle. Two stimuli are back-projected onto two display windows according to a pseudorandom balanced schedule. A peck at the positive stimulus gives convective as well as radiant heat reward with adjustable temperature and duration. A peck at the negative stimulus merely advances the program to the next trial. Permanent printout records give trial-to-trial information on response choice and latency. Performance data of 64 Ss are reported.
Adenosine Diphosphate Requirement in the Creatine Phosphate-Induced Contraction of the Glycerinated Rabbit Psoas

Glycerinated rabbit psoas fibers were tested for their ability to contract under the influence of creatine phosphate and creatine kinase in the absence of free nucleotide. Tension development by the fibers was observed upon addition of creatine phosphate to the medium containing creatine kinase purified to the first lyophilization stage. However, when the enzyme was washed free of nucleotides by treatment with the anion exchange resin Dowex 1, no contraction occurred until free nucleotide was supplied. In all experiments, contractile activity of the psoas fibers was the criterion for determining the enzyme activity concerned. Using this criterion, creatine kinase activity native to the glycerinated fibers was also demonstrated. No evidence for direct transphosphorylation of the bound nucleotide of the fiber was found.
Contribution of excited states in the heavy ion radiolysis of cyclooctane

Abstract The yields of the major end products produced in cyclooctane have been used to probe the effects of the track structure on radiation chemical processes induced by γ-rays, 1–15 MeV protons (LET 50–10 eV/nm), 5–20 MeV helium ions (LET 150–70 eV/nm), 7–29 MeV carbon ions (LET 800–660 eV/nm) and 10 MeV oxygen ions (LET 1150 eV/nm). There is a gradual decrease in the yields of cyclooctene, bicyclooctyl, and bicyclo[3.3.0]octane (pentalane) with increasing LET and there appears to be a considerable change in the yields of individual primary decomposition channels with varying LET. Shifting from γ-radiolysis to proton radiolysis results in an increase in product formation through the triplet state with a concomitant decrease in the singlet excited state, probably due to the enhanced probability of cross combination reactions of electrons and cations in the high density region of heavy particle tracks. It appears that the yield of both the triplet and singlet excited states of cyclooctane slowly decrease with increasing LET.