cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mathematical models with exact renormalization for turbulent transport

The advection-diffusion of a passive scalar by incompressible velocity fields which admit a statistical description and involve a continuous range of excited spatial and/or temporal scales is very important in applications ranging from fully developed turbulence to the diffusion of tracers in heterogeneous porous media. A variety of renormalization theories which typically utilize partial resummation of divergent perturbation series according to various recipes have been applied to this problem in various contexts. In this paper, a simple model problem for the advection-diffusion of a passive scalar is introduced and the complete renormalization theory is developed with full mathematical rigor. Explicit formulas for the anomalous time scaling in various regimes as well as the Green's function for the large-scale, long-time, ensemble average are developed here. Formulas for the renormalized higher order statistics are also developed. The simple form of the model problem is deceptive; the renormalization theory for this problem exhibits a remarkable range of different renormalization phenomena as parameters in the velocity statistics are varied. These phenomena include the existence of several distinct anomalous scaling regimes as the spectral parameter\(\tilde \varepsilon \) is varied as well as explicit regimes in\(\tilde \varepsilon \) where the effective equation for the ensemble average is not a simple diffusion equation but instead involves an explicit random nonlocal eddy diffusivity. We use Fourier analysis and the Feynman-Kac formula as main tools in the explicit exact renormalization theory developed here.
Argon Beam Coagulation as Adjuvant Treatment after Curettage of Aneurysmal Bone Cysts: A Preliminary Study

The optimal treatment of aneurysmal bone cysts remains an area of debate. Curettage, with or without adjuvant therapy, has been advocated for tumors in most locations. To evaluate argon beam coagulation as adjuvant therapy to curettage, we retrospectively analyzed the complication and recurrence rates in 40 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of aneurysmal bone cyst. For our analysis of recurrence, we excluded six of the 40 patients who were lost to followup or had less than 18 months followup; five patients treated with resection also were excluded. Of the remaining 29 patients, 17 were treated with curettage and argon beam coagulation and 12 were treated with curettage with or without phenol. None of the 17 patients treated with curettage and argon beam coagulation had a recurrence, whereas four patients treated without argon beam coagulation had recurrences. There were no differences between patients treated with or without argon beam coagulation regarding frequencies of intraoperative complications, neurovascular injury, or bone graft incorporation. Argon beam coagulation seems to offer favorable control rates when compared with curettage with or without phenol. No complications have been experienced thus far with its use.
North Carolina macular dystrophy is assigned to chromosome 6.

Abstract North Carolina macular dystrophy (NCMD) is an autosomal dominant macular dystrophy causing impaired central vision at an early age, is completely penetrant, and is present in a single large family. With the development of the hypervariable microsatellite (CA repeats) markers in the human genome, it was possible to relatively rapidly screen most of the genome for linkage to the NCMD gene. After utilizing 124 genetic markers, which excluded over 95% of the human genome, three Marshfield microsatellites located at 6q13–q21 were linked to the NCMD locus. Marshfield marker (MFD) 131 gave a lod score of Z (θˆ) = 4.36 at θ = 0.137; MFD 171 gave a Z (θˆ) = 8.42 at θ = 0.004; and MFD 97 gave a Z (θˆ) = 13.10 at θ = 0.017. Other retinal diseases have been reported on 6q stressing the importance of this region and possibly suggesting that these diseases may be allelic or located in part of a large macular gene family. Locating and characterizing the NCMD gene may be an important step in understanding this group of maculopathies as well as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a common cause of blindness in the elderly.
Experimental Study of Void Formation in High-Lead Solder Joints of Flip-Chip Assemblies

Understanding the formation of voids in solder joints is important for predicting the long-term reliability of solder interconnects. This paper reports experimental research on the formation of void bubbles within molten solder bumps in flip-chip connections. For flip-chip-soldered electronic components, which have small solder volume, voids can be more detrimental to reliability. A previous theory based on thermocapillary flow reveals that the direction of heating influences void formation. Using different heating profiles, 480 solder joints of flip-chip assemblies were processed. A high-lead 90Pb∕8Sn∕2Ag solder was employed in the experiments. The solder samples were microsectioned to determine the actual size or diameter of the voids. A database on sizes and locations of voids was then constructed. More defective bumps, 80%, and higher void volume were found when the solder was melted from top (flip-chip side) to bottom (test board side). The observation on cases with melting direction from bottom to top had 40% defective bumps. The results show that a single big void is near the solder bump center with a few small voids near the edge. This supports the numerical study based on the thermocapillary theory. When the melting direction was reversed, many small voids appear near the edge. Big and middle-size voids tend to stay in the middle and outer regions from top towards middle layer of the bump. This experimental finding does not completely agree with the interpretation on the formation of voids by thermocapillary theory, however, the results do show that heat flux direction plays significant role in the formation and distribution of void bubbles in molten solder.
Some contributions of archaeology to pedology in central Africa

Abstract Archaeological sites have yielded valuable information on oscillations in environmental conditions in the Quaternary era. Wet periods favouring a continuous vegetation cover and soil formation have alternated with drier periods with a sparse cover of vegetation and severe soil erosion. This process of soil formation conforms to the concept of soil cycles. Study of the time factor by archaeologists has resulted in the dating of ferricrete, soil and termite mounds by means of artifacts and radiocarbon analysis.
Surface-based broadband electromagnetic-circuit simulation of lossy conducting structures in microelectronic circuits

The rapid growth in the switching speed and packing density of integrated digital, analog, RF, and microwave circuits has increased the importance of accurate electromagnetic (EM) modeling. A seamless broadband method is presented to model the EM behaviour of conducting structures in microelectronic circuits through a unified matrix. The EM modeling, as well as the coupling scheme, is explained. Results are presented to validate the proposed broadband technique against an existing commercial solver. Further post-processing is performed in order to determine the volumetric current flow inside the conductor using a surface only formulation, and comparisons to skin effect models is also demonstrated. Continuing work includes low-frequency stabilization and fast multilevel solvers based on QR methods.
EXTENSION OF THE NAEP BGROUP PROGRAM TO HIGHER DIMENSIONS

The reporting methods used in large scale assessments such as the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) rely on a latent regression model. The first component of the model consists of a p-scale IRT measurement model that defines the response probabilities on a set of cognitive items in p scales depending on a p-dimensional latent trait variable θ = (θ1, … θp). In the second component, the conditional distribution of this latent trait variable θ is modeled by a multivariate, multiple linear regression on a set of predictor variables, which are usually based on student, school and teacher variables in assessments such as NAEP. To fit the latent regression model using the maximum (marginal) likelihood estimation technique, multivariate integrals have to be evaluated. In the computer program MGROUP used by ETS for fitting the latent regression model to data from NAEP and other programs, the integration is currently done either by numerical quadrature for problems up to two dimensions or by an approximation of the integral. CGROUP, the current operational version of the MGROUP program used in NAEP and other assessments since 1993, is based on Laplace approximation, which may not provide fully satisfactory results, especially if the number of items per scale is small (see, e.g., Thomas, 1993a, or von Davier & Sinharay, 2004). There is scope for improvement in the technique used. This paper extends the NAEP BGROUP program to higher dimensions. Two real data analyses, one with a medium-sized data set and another with a large data set, show that the extension promises to be useful for fitting the NAEP model.
Collenchyma in Araceae: trends and relation to classification

Abstract Collenchyma, a common mechanical tissue of Araceae, was surveyed in leaves and petioles of 108 of 109 genera. The tissue is either absent or present in several configurations including peripheral bands, interrupted bands and separate strands. «Banded» collenchyma is present in the bisexual-flowered genera and throughout the Philodendroideae. «Stranded» forms, where collenchyma strands are found on the same radii as vascular bundles, but not directly associated with them, are almost exclusive to the Aroideae. Two trends of specialization are postulated, one positionally related to vascular bundle fibre caps and one independent of lignified mechanical tissues. The results are compared with a classification that reflects the topology of a cpDNA.
Student Communities and Individualism in American Cinema.

Hollywood films partially construct how Americans think about education. Recent work on the representation of schools in American cinema has highlighted the role of class difference in shaping school film genres. It has also advanced the idea that a nuanced understanding of American individualism helps to explain why the different class genres are shaped as they are. This article attempts to refine this theoretical approach by focusing on the paradox of individualism, which suggests that individualism must always be dependent on community. We examine 5 films (Rushmore 1988, The Breakfast Club 1985, Mona Lisa Smile 2003, School of Rock 2003, and Stand and Deliver 1988) and argue that, although the values of individualism are certainly celebrated, these films also show, perhaps unwittingly, that the achievements of individualism require robust student communities. We describe how student communities function in these films, what achievements they make possible, and what obstacles they face.
Unit Pride: Ethnic Platoons and the Myths of American Nationality

We are watching a movie about American soldiers at war. A small unit is about to engage the enemy. They form ranks and the sergeant calls the roll, reeling off a list of names (the camera shows their faces one by one) that is obviously intended to repre- sent the mixture of ethnic, regional, and (usually) racial groups that compose our heterogeneous population. The movie might be Bataan (1943), A Walk in the Sun (1946), Fixed Bayonets (1951), All the Young Men (1960), The Dirty Dozen (1965), Pla- toon (1986), or Saving Private Ryan (1998). The "melting pot" roll call has become a basic trope of the war movie, a cinematic cliche ´. But it also expresses a myth of American nationality that remains vital in our political and cultural life: the idealized self- image of a multiethnic, multiracial democracy, hospitable to difference but united by a common sense of national belonging. Here, for example, is the response of a reporter to the explo- sion of the Challenger space shuttle in 1985: "The shuttle crew, spectacularly democratic (male, female, black, white, Japanese- American, Catholic, Jewish, Protestant), was the best of us, Americans thought, doing the best of things Americans do. The mission seemed symbolically immaculate, the farthest reach of a perfectly American ambition to cross frontiers. And it simply vanished in the air" (Morrow 23). 1 Virtually all of the ethnic and racial types in the Challenger roll call appear in the roll call of Bataan, the prototype of the combat-film genre. To its roster gen- der has been added, a reflection of the new status of women as a group seeking admission to first-class citizenship, and an antici- pation of the gender integration of the army that would fight in the Persian Gulf War of 1991.
Experimenter influence in a conformity situation.

E in a conformity study varied his apparent status by dressing more or less informally and saying he was a student cook or a graduate school instructor. He minimized personal involvement by saying he had been hired by an outside organization to run the experiment. Ss conformed more to norms set by their peers when E was of higher status.
Assessment of Two Fast Aerodynamic Codes for Guided Projectiles

Two fast missile aerodynamic prediction codes, the NSWCAP and Missile DATCOM, have been applied to the geometry of the guided, gun-launched Copperhead projectile. The two codes are evaluated in comparison with wind-tunnel and free-flight range test data. Two configurations are considered for computation: A launch configuration (body-tail) in the Mach raiige 0.5-1.8 and a maneuvering configuration (body-wing-tail) in the Mach range 0.3-0.95. Results show reasonable agreement for the drag coefficient CD and very large disagreements for both CNa and CMo[. Failure to consider both body-slot and fin-gap effects seems to have contributed largely to these differences. The dynamic derivatives Cg and (CM + CM^) are not adequately estimated by the NSWCAP Code and are not calculated in the DATCOM Code. For the coefficients actually computed, the DATCOM Code results were slightly more accurate than those of the NSWCAP Code. For both codes, determination of the explicit effects of control surface deflection angles on the aerodynamic coefficients is lacking, a determination that must be made if these codes are to be used as effective prediction tools for guided projectiles. In both codes, several areas of improvement are identified.
Nitric Oxide Releasing Nanoparticles Are Therapeutic for Staphylococcus aureus Abscesses in a Murine Model of Infection

Staphylococcus aureus (SA) is a leading cause of a diverse spectrum of bacterial diseases, including abscesses. Nitric oxide (NO) is a critical component of the natural host defense against pathogens such as SA, but its therapeutic applications have been limited by a lack of effective delivery options. We tested the efficacy of a NO-releasing nanoparticle system (NO-np) in methicillin-resistant SA (MRSA) abscesses in mice. The results show that the NO-np exert antimicrobial activity against MRSA in vitro and in abscesses. Topical or intradermal NO-np treatment of abscesses reduces the involved area and bacterial load while improving skin architecture. Notably, we evaluated pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines that are involved in immunomodulation and wound healing, revealing that NO-np lead to a reduction in angiogenesis preventing bacterial dissemination from abscesses. These data suggest that NO-np may be useful therapeutics for microbial abscesses.
Lamellar Structures of Symmetric Diblock Copolymers: Comparisons between Lattice Monte Carlo Simulations and Self-Consistent Mean-Field Calculations

We have conducted detailed comparisons of the predictions of self-consistent mean-field (SCMF) theory with results of Monte Carlo simulations for bulk lamellar structures of symmetric diblock copolymers A−B in concentrated solutions. Large differences are found among the values of the Flory−Huggins parameter extracted in different ways. Under the convolution approximation, we assess the accuracy of the SCMF theory by comparing simulated lamellar profiles with those obtained from the theory. A Flory−Huggins parameter inferred from the free energy of the system provides good overall agreement between simulated and theoretical lamellar profiles. The results of simulations for chain dimensions scale with the product eN, where e denotes the repulsion between A and B segments, and N is the chain length.
New product introductions and failures under uncertainty

Abstract This paper examines new product introductions and failures when firms make new product introduction decisions under some uncertainty about future demand or cost conditions. It shows that increased uncertainty is not necessarily detrimental to new product introductions; it can incentivize more firms to introduce new products, and can lead to more new product failures, too. The paper also shows that markets that have firms with more positively correlated cost structures may attract fewer new product introductions and have fewer new product failures. Such cost correlations can arise, for example, if firms choose to cooperate on R&D, have common labor unions, or use the same suppliers, etc. Finally, we show that if firms are risk-averse, then the relationship between degree of uncertainty and number of new product introductions can be non-monotonic.
NF-κB in cancer: from innocent bystander to major culprit

Nuclear factor of κB (NF-κB) is a sequence-specific transcription factor that is known to be involved in the inflammatory and innate immune responses. Although the importance of NF-κB in immunity is undisputed, recent evidence indicates that NF-κB and the signalling pathways that are involved in its activation are also important for tumour development. NF-κB should therefore receive as much attention from cancer researchers as it has already from immunologists.
Tectonic contraction across Los Angeles after removal of groundwater pumping effects

After the 1987 Whittier Narrows and 1994 Northridge earthquakes revealed that blind thrust faults represent a significant threat to metropolitan Los Angeles, a network of 250 continuously recording global positioning system (GPS) stations was deployed to monitor displacements associated with deep slip on both blind and surface faults. Here we augment this GPS data with interferometric synthetic aperture radar imagery to take into account the deformation associated with groundwater pumping and strike-slip faulting. After removing these non-tectonic signals, we are left with 4.4 mm yr-1 of uniaxial contraction across the Los Angeles basin, oriented N 36 degrees E (perpendicular to the major strike-slip faults in the area). This indicates that the contraction is primarily accommodated on thrust faults rather than on the northeast-trending strike-slip faults. We have found that widespread groundwater and oil pumping obscures and in some cases mimics the tectonic signals expected from the blind thrust faults. In the 40-km-long Santa Ana basin, groundwater withdrawal and re-injection produces 12 mm yr-1 of long-term subsidence, accompanied by an unprecedented seasonal oscillation of 55 mm in the vertical direction and 7 mm horizontally.
Early Cambrian paleogeography and tectonic history: A biogeographic approach

Important topics in Early Cambrian geology are the paleogeography of the Earth9s cratons, the chronology of their separation, and evaluating the effects of tectonic events on evolutionary patterns during the Cambrian radiation. The results of an analysis of Early Cambrian biogeography are presented here to provide an independent, biological constraint on geologic and geophysical models of the breakup of some of the major elements of the supercontinent Rodinia. Biogeographic analysis is also utilized to help elucidate the relative influences of continental breakup and sea-level change on evolutionary and distributional patterns during the Cambrian radiation. This analysis suggests that rifting and continental fragmentation were the dominant processes affecting biotic evolution and distribution in the Early Cambrian; repeated episodes of sea-level rise and fall played a more limited role. Moreover, the analysis indicates that Laurentia is a well-supported biogeographic region that shares a more recent history with Siberia than with Baltica, implying that rifting between Baltica and Laurentia occurred prior to rifting between Siberia and Laurentia.
Biomechanical effects of internal fixation of the distal tibiofibular syndesmotic joint: comparison of two fixation techniques

This biomechanical study compares two methods of internal fixation of the tibiofibular syndesmosis used in Weber type C malleolar fractures of the ankle. The transverse syndesmotic 3.5-mm screw was compared with two 1.5-mm Kirschner wires introduced obliquely across the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis. The influence of implants on distal tibiofibular joint motion and contact characteristics of the intact ankle joint were determined. Up to 1.25 mm of lateral displacement and 2 degrees of external rotation of the lateral malleolus during uninjured ankle dorsiflexion was recorded. Both techniques stabilized the injured syndesmotic joint and limited its normal motion during flexion and extension of the ankle. Pressure distribution displaced laterally in internally stabilized ankles compared with intact specimens, regardless of the type of fixation used. Therefore, both techniques alter joint biomechanics equivalently compared with the intact ankle.
Quantitative HREM observation of the Σ11(113)/[1¯10] grain-boundary structure in aluminium and comparison with atomistic simulation

Quantitative high-resolution electron microscopy (QHREM) involves the detailed comparison of experimental high-resolution images with image simulation based on a model and weighted by the estimated uncertainty in the experimental results. For simple metals, such as Al, models have been systematically improved using nonlinear least-squares methods to obtain simulated images that are indistinguishable from experimental images within the experimental error. QHREM has been used to study the atomic structure of the Σ11(113)/[1¯10] in Al. In this paper, we focus on the method of refining electron-optical imaging parameters and atomic structure to bring the simulated HREM image into agreement with the experimental result to within the experimental error and thus yield a result more useful to the materials scientist. Uncertainties in fitted parameters are studied using the conditional probability distribution function. We discuss experimental results for atomic column locations compared with atomistic simulations of the structure of the grain boundary.
After repair, atrioventricular valve regurgitation during cardiac extracorporeal membrane oxygenation predicts survival.

Abstract Background When echocardiography is used to follow up cardiac patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), ejection fraction as a measure of ventricular function has been used to determine likelihood of survival after decannulation. We hypothesized that systemic atrioventricular (AV) valve regurgitation while on ECMO may be a better predictor of survival. Methods From February 1995 to March 2001, 64 patients required ECMO postoperatively. Three were removed from ECMO owing to brain death, so 61 patients formed our study group. Retrospective chart review was performed with systemic AV valve regurgitation and ejection fraction while on ECMO recorded from echocardiography reports. Patients alive 1 month after decannulation were considered survivors. Results There were 29 survivors (47.5%). Ejection fraction in survivors (mean 41% ± 0.13%) was not significantly different from that of nonsurvivors (41% ± 0.18%; p ≤ 0.839) but severity of systemic AV valve regurgitation was significantly different. Only 2 survivors (6.8%) had at least moderate AV valve regurgitation compared with 17 of the 32 nonsurvivors (53%). Patients with moderate to severe regurgitation while on ECMO were less likely to survive for 1 month after decannulation, with an odds ratio of 16.63 (95% confidence interval 3.08, 89.70; p = 0.001). Also female sex increased the odds of death by a factor of 5.43 (95% confidence interval 1.45, 20.36; p = 0.012). Conclusions Severity of systemic AV valve regurgitation on ECMO is a more reliable predictor than ejection fraction for survival at 1 month after decannulation. Patients with less than moderate AV valve regurgitation have a significantly better chance of survival.
Deposition kinetics of silicon dioxide from tetraethylorthosilicate by PECVD

Abstract Tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS)-based SiO 2 films were prepared in an RF reactor at various discharge powers and two substrate temperatures, and infra-red absorption spectra were taken for each deposited film using an FTIR spectrometer. Based on the FTIR observations, a model for the plasma and surface kinetics was developed. Using a proposed three-step reaction mechanism at the surface of a two-dimensional lattice, the growth rate of the films and the incorporation rate of SiOSi bridges into the films were derived as functions of the densities of the film precursors, oxygen atoms and molecular oxygen ions. The densities are further given by the uniform discharge model of our previous work as a function of the discharge power. According to the model, in the regime of high ratio of oxygen to TEOS flow the growth rate is governed by the film precursors generated from TEOS, and the incorporation rate is additionally determined by oxygen radicals and molecular oxygen ions and by the dehydration process. The growth rate was measured in μm/min and the relative incorporation rate was obtained from the absorption intensity of SiOSi rocking mode in FTIR spectra. The formulation of the model was compared with the experimental results, and on the validity of the model was discussed.
Provider Practice Patterns in Nursing Home‐Acquired Pneumonia

OBJECTIVE: To describe provider practice patterns in the diagnosis and treatment of Nursing Home-Acquired Pneumonia (NHAP) and to document associations with cure, mortality, and transfer. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort. SETTING: Six nursing homes in Seattle, Washington. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 94 patients, 65 years of age or older (mean 83 ± SD 9), in whom the diagnosis of pneumonia was documented in the nursing home medical record between July 1, 1994, and June 6, 1995. MEASUREMENTS: Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between descriptive, diagnostic, or therapeutic measures and three outcomes, cure, 30-day mortality, and hospital transfer. RESULTS: Ninety-four episodes of pneumonia were identified. Allowing for more than one outcome per patient, there were 71 (75.5%) cures, 16 (17%) deaths, and nine (9.6%) transfers. Eighty-five percent of patients identified as having NHAP by their providers had chest X-rays (CXRs), and 69% had physical examinations. Sputum examination was ordered in 5%, blood cultures in 6%, and white blood cell counts in 33% of patients. In multivariate analysis, patients with functional decline were more likely to die (Odds Ratio (OR) 36.5 (95% CI 6.1, 220)). Cognitive decline was a risk factor for mortality (OR 6.8 1 (CI 1.8, 26)) and transfer (OR 7.5 (CI 1.2, 46)). Those patients receiving only oral antibiotics (OR 3.2 (CI 1.1, 9.7)) were more likely to be cured. Length of therapy >1 week was also associated with cure (OR 2.9 (CI 1.0, 8.6)). Providers with Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in Geriatric Medicine were more likely to achieve cure (OR 3.1 (CI 1.0, 9.0)). CONCLUSIONS: Most patients with NHAP had diagnostic CXRs and physical examinations. In multivariate analysis, death was more likely to occur in patients with cognitive or functional decline. Cure was associated with the use of oral antibiotics alone and with care by providers with CAQ in Geriatric Medicine.
Movements of Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) from Interior Alaska During Their First Year of Independence

Abstract We used satellite telemetry to study year-round movements of two cohorts of juvenile Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) from Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska. Radiotagged Golden Eagles started autumn migration between 15 September and 5 October and arrived on their winter areas 31 to 86 days later. Cumulative tracking distances during autumn migration ranged from 818 to 4,815 km. Peak tracking velocities during autumn migration reached 261 km day−1 in 1997 and 472 km day−1 in 1999. Golden Eagles wintered from southern Yukon Territory to southern New Mexico, and most spent the winter within 75 km of the location where they terminated their autumn migration. Spring migration occurred from late March through mid-June. Eagles showed little fidelity to their autumn migration paths as they migrated northwest in spring through western Canada and into Alaska. Duration of spring migration ranged from 24 to 54 days, and cumulative tracking distance during spring migration ranged from 2,032 to 4,491...
Conversion from Intravenous Insulin to Subcutaneous Insulin After Cardiovascular Surgery: Transition to Target Study

Abstract Background: No study of transition from intravenous to subcutaneous insulin after cardiac surgery with dose based on percentage of intravenous total daily insulin (TDI) has reported a clearly superior regimen for achieving target blood glucose. We compared three first-dose transition strategies for insulin glargine: two based on TDI alone and one that also took body weight into account. Methods: Mostly obese, type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients (n = 223) undergoing cardiac surgery were randomized to receive insulin glargine subcutaneously at 60% or 80% of TDI or in a dose based on TDI and body weight. Results: Transition to subcutaneous insulin occurred 27.4 ± 6.6 h after surgery. Over the study period, mean proportion of blood glucose values within target range (80–140 mg/dL) were 0.34 ± 0.24, 0.35 ± 0.24, and 0.36 ± 0.22 in the 60% TDI, 80% TDI, and weight-based groups, respectively. This difference was not significant. Significantly more insulin corrections were needed in the 60% TDI group tha...
An assessment of the current applicability of the EVT endovascular graft for treatment of patients with an infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm

Abstract Objective: To determine the percentage of elective abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs)/aortoiliac aneurysms that currently can be repaired with endovascular grafts (EVGs), the reasons for rejection of EVGs, and the future role of EVG in the treatment of AAA. Methods: From January 1997 to May 1998, patients at three hospitals (a university hospital, a university-affiliated teaching hospital, and a Veterans Administration hospital with university faculty and residents) were evaluated for EVGs as part of a national clinical trial with grafts manufactured by Endovascular Technologies (EVT, Menlo Park, Calif). All patients at two hospitals and patients treated by the participating surgeons at the third hospital were screened for EVG. Patients with AAAs that were ruptured, symptomatic, or involved renal or mesenteric arteries and patients who declined treatment were excluded from the study. Evaluation included clinical examination, computed tomography scan, and selective arteriography. The decision to proceed with EVG was made by the vascular surgeon, with input and concurrence of medical personnel from a company with extensive experience in endograft repair. The main outcome measures were the determination of the percentage of elective AAAs currently being treated with an EVG and the reasons for exclusion of patients from EVG placement. Results: A total of 162 patients underwent elective treatment of an AAA, 22 (14%) with an EVG (14 bifurcated, eight tube) and 140 (86%) with traditional resection. Indications for not proceeding with an EVG included insufficient proximal cuff in 29 patients (21%), distal common iliac aneurysm or insufficient distal iliac neck in 29 patients (21%), proximal neck too large for an EVG in 24 patients (17%), symptomatic iliac stenosis in 23 patients (16%), iliac stenosis precluding introducer passage in 17 patients (12%), patient preference in 11 patients (8%), and calcification, kink, or extensive thrombus involving the proximal neck precluding safe graft attachment in seven patients (5%). Of the 22 patients treated with an EVG, three were converted to open resection, because of iliac stenosis in two patients and premature stent deployment in one patient (initial technical success rate, 86%). Conclusion: Based on currently available technology, 80% of patients were not candidates for an EVG because of proximal calcification, short aortic or distal cuff, coexisting distal iliac aneurysm, and stenotic iliac disease. Even with the use of adjunctive procedures, most patients still require open repair. Significant changes in design will be necessary to apply these devices to most patients with an AAA. (J Vasc Surg 1999;30:68-75.)
The effect of pentoxifylline on early and late radiation injury following fractionated irradiation in C3H mice

An experiment was performed to test the effectiveness of pentoxifylline in reducing late radiation injury. One hundred and four C3H mice were randomized into eight groups of 13 mice each, and the right hind limbs were irradiated with 4000, 5000, 6000, or 7000 cGy in ten fractions. Each group was treated with once daily injections of either pentoxifylline or saline for 30+ weeks. An additional ten mice received daily injections of pentoxifylline or saline, but no irradiation. The pentoxifylline animals demonstrated significantly less late injury than the saline treated animals. The most obvious differences were observed in the 5000 and 6000 cGy groups. There were seven radiation related deaths in the saline treated control groups, but only one radiation related death in the pentoxifylline treated groups. Whereas 42% (20/48) of the saline treated animals had a late injury score of 3.0 or greater, only 8% (4/51) of the pentoxifylline treated animals had a late skin score as high as 3.0. Pentoxifylline had no effect on the acute radiation injury scores. The drug was well tolerated with no toxic effects noted. Pentoxifylline is a methyl xanthine derivative that is used to treat vascular occlusive disease in humans. It improves perfusion through small capillaries by improving the deformability of red blood cells, inhibiting platelet aggregation, and stimulating the release of prostacyclin. This study shows that the prophylactic administration of pentoxifylline can modify late radiation induced injury in the mouse extremity. It may have value in the prevention or treatment of late radiation induced injury in humans, and it could be a useful tool to help define the mechanisms of late radiation injury in specific organs.
Choosing the right sugar: how polymerases select a nucleotide substrate.

A quick glance at the recent scientific literature might give the impression that nucleic acid polymerases are suffering from an identity crisis. The last few years have brought us “E. coli DNA polymerase I as a reverse transcriptase” (1), “A mutant T7 RNA polymerase as a DNA polymerase” (2), and, in a recent issue of the Proceedings, “Conferring RNA polymerase activity to a DNA polymerase: A single residue in reverse transcriptase controls substrate selection” (3).
Generalised projections in finite state automata and decidability of state determinacy

Loss of sensors and communication links may lead to incomplete observation at the supervisory level of discrete event systems (DES). Under these circumstances, an event may conceivably be observable at one state and unobservable at another state and the observability may become dependent on the history of event occurrences. This paper presents a framework for analysis of generalised projection maps in DES, including the maps that introduce possibly unbounded memory
Static moments of 54Fem and perturbed angular distributions with combined dipole and quadrupole interactions

Abstract The static moments of a new Iπ = (10+) isomer in 54Fe (Ex = 6528keV; τ = 525 ± 10ns) were measured by the perturbed angular distribution method with the results g = +0.778 ± 0.010, |Q| = 72 ± 7efm2. The isomer was then used to study the combined interaction produced by weak randomly-oriented electric field gradients in the presence of a strong magnetic field.
An analysis of flexibility and quality improvement in a quality-adjusted EOQ model with finite-range stochastic lead-time

Traditional Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) model operates under a series of highly restrictive assumptions, including, but not limited to, the assumptions of deterministic lead-time, perfect quality, and constant setup cost. Many variants of the traditional EOQ model have been developed as a result of relaxing one or more of these assumptions. These variants include a quality-adjusted EOQ model with finite-range stochastic lead-time which relaxed the deterministic lead-time and perfect quality assumptions. Utilizing the basic framework of the quality-adjusted model, the authors also considered the option of investment to improve the quality and obtained closed form relationships for the quality-adjusted and quality improvement models. This paper extends the previous work by investigating two additional models; one aimed at improving flexibility, through setup reduction, and the second considering the strategy of simultaneous investment in flexibility and quality improvement. Analytical and numerical results are presented for both models. These results indicate that significant savings over the quality-adjusted EOQ model with finite-range stochastic lead-time are realized for both the flexibility improvement and simultaneous models.
Management of the Asymptomatic HIV-Infected Patient: An Update

Guidelines for initiating antiretroviral therapy in asymptomatic patients continue to be debated. The decision to begin therapy should take into account psychosocial issues as well as measures of immune function and HIV burden. Other components of care include appropriate immunizations, screening for other sexually transmitted infections, safer-sex counseling, and referral for substance abuse treatment, if indicated.
Concanavalin A-induced suppressor cell activity for T-cell proliferative responses: autologous and allogeneic suppression in aging humans.

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 48 healthy subjects of ages varying from 20 to 94 years were evaluated for the ability to generate suppressor cell activity following in vitro incubation with concanavalin A. The suppression of proliferative responses by autologous and young, allogeneic lymphocytes to phytohemagglutinin was assessed using suppressor/ responder cell ratios (SR) of 2:1 and 1:1 and by using a summation index. Inducible suppressor cell activity for autologous responder cells was comparable between 24 aged (76.0 ± 10.9 years) and 20 young (26.8 ± 4.6 years) subjects. However, aged subjects exhibited a significant decrease in suppressor cell activity (SR = 1) when allogeneic responder cells were utilized. Our results indicate that autologous inducible suppressor cell activity is preserved in the aged population, whereas allogeneic activity is impaired.
The Ethical Discrimination of Various Groups of College Women

(1952). The Ethical Discrimination of Various Groups of College Women. The Journal of Social Psychology: Vol. 35, No. 1, pp. 69-72.
Data as models: an approach to implementing model management

Abstract The concept of model management as a logical extension and parallel of data management has resulted in attempts to extend existing data models to incorporate modeling functionality. This fosters a data-oriented view which artificially restricts the domain of model management. This paper suggests that a model-oriented approach which views ‘data as a model’ not only expands the scope of model management but also offers a more integrated and balanced conceptual foundation from which to implement model management. On the organizational level, this approach recognizes the transition from informal modeling as exemplified by the use of spreadsheets to formal modeling which manages models as a resource in conjunction with data. The notion of information administration is introduced as an organizational mechanism for controlling this evolution. On the technological level, a generalized model management system (GMMS) is required for support of organizational modeling activities. Geoffrion's structured modeling is suggested as a foundation from which to build a model-oriented GMMS. The incorporation of artificial intelligence capabilities into a GMMS is seen as a second implementation step which require the development of a sufficiently flexible meta-level architecture. Model abstractions are introduced as a vehicle for implementing this architecture.
50 years of research and discovery in chronic kidney disease and mineral & bone disorder: the central role of phosphate.

A Phosphate Centric Forum, supported by Genzyme Corporation, was held on 24–25 June, 2010 at the Sheraton West Park Hotel, Munich, Germany, in which 25 medical and scientific experts in the field of chronic kidney disease-related mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) met to present and discuss the central role of phosphate in the development of CKD-MBD, on which research has now celebrated its 50th anniversary. Phosphate plays a central role in the pathophysiology of CKD-MBD and the progression of CKD and contributes to the disproportionate cardiovascular risk faced by patients with CKD. Adaptation of nephrons attempting to preserve phosphate homeostasis requires endocrine tradeoffs that fuel adverse events of hyperphosphatemia in CKD—secondary hyperparathyroidism, calcium and vitamin D derangements, vascular calcification, and metabolic bone disorder. Restricting phosphate absorption by use of phosphate binders as glomerular filtration rate declines reduces the need for nephron adaptation and therefore forestalls physiologic derangements downstream of hyperphosphatemia. A roundtable discussion included the pathophysiology of CKD-MBD, discoveries such as the vitamin D receptor, calcium-sensing receptor, fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-23, and currently available treatment options, as well as future needs regarding research and management of this disorder. Discussants concluded that placebo-controlled trials are needed in CKD stages 2–4 to investigate the effect of phosphate and phosphate binders on mortality. Various other endpoints were suggested, such as bone disease, progression of CKD, and cardiovascular events. Ongoing studies investigating a broad range of cardiovascular surrogates are due for completion in 2011. Monitoring methods using the less expensive option of phosphate and creatinine are preferred over FGF-23 at the present time, and studies investigating patients over 50–55 years of age with high levels of FGF-23 have been suggested to provide the most valuable data. However, it was generally agreed that FGF-23 may be a uremic toxin, which would support development of anti-FGF-23 strategies in the future. Development of other therapeutic targets, including biomarkers that assess function of NaPi2a, b, or c (to decrease the reabsorption of phosphate) or Klotho, is considered to be challenging but should remain a long-term goal. The effects of infusion of soluble Klotho, how the bone senses phosphate, and why high levels of FGF-23 are found in non-renal organs are other areas of interest for future research. This supplement provides a review of five of the topics discussed during the forum: Dr Slatopolsky presents the history of the intact nephron hypothesis and its current implications; Dr Confavreux presents a very new facet of the bone, from a reservoir of minerals to a regulator of energy metabolism; Dr Hruska develops the cardiovascular risk factors in CKD; and Dr Juppner and Dr Kuro-o revisit the classic physiology in light of the recent discoveries of FGF-23 and Klotho.
Nickel toxicity to microbes: effect of pH and implications for acid rain

Abstract A broad spectrum of microorganisms, including eubacteria (nonmarine and marine), actinomycetes, yeasts, and filamentous fungi, were evaluated for their sensitivities to nickel. Wide extremes in sensitivity to Ni were noted among the filamentous fungi, whereas the range of tolerance to Ni of the yeasts, eubacteria, and actinomycetes was narrower. With all microorganisms, the toxicity of Ni was potentiated as the pH was decreased to acidic levels. The mechanism(s) of how pH affects the toxicity of Ni has not been defined, although the formation of hydroxylated Ni species with differing toxicities was not involved. The enhanced toxicity of Ni at acidic levels may have implications for the toxicity of Ni in environments stressed by acid precipitation.
Dynamical theory of the conversion among the state multipoles in the collisions of hydrogenlike species with ions.

The time evolution formula of state multipoles for states of hydrogenic ions in interaction with other ions is obtained in a rotating frame using an orthogonal-operator expansion. Our formula relates final-state multipoles to state multipoles of hydrogenic ions at earlier times. The theory is applied to the n = 2 levels of hydrogen.
Thrombin potentiates the mitogenic response of cultured fibroblasts to serum and other growth promoting agents

Thrombin may stimulate the proliferation of resting fibroblasts by itself or by potentiating the mitogenic effects of other growth stimulating agents. When added alone to a dense quiescent culture of chick embryo fibroblasts in either a serum-free or a low serum medium, thrombin stimulates these cells to proliferation at a rate comparable to that seen with 5% serum. In the case of rabbit corneal fibroblasts neither fibroblast growth factor nor thrombin is particularly effective as a growth stimulant when added alone but exhibited a pronounced synergism on cell proliferation when present together. Established cell lines in the resting state, including 3T3, SV-3T3, 3T6, BHK-21 and 3T3 injected with avian sarcoma virus strain B77 (B77-3T3), are not responsive to thrombin alone. When the serum concentration in the medium equals or exceeds 2%, thrombin potentiates the mitogenic response of 3T3 cells to serum factors. With the exception of 3T3 and SV3T3 cells, the other cell lines show a potentiation of growth when thrombin is added to a low-serum (0.5%) medium containing epidermal growth factor and prostaglandin F2α. The addition of thrombin to cultures of B77-3T3 cells growing in the presence of epidermal growth factor and prostaglandin F2α does not increase the initial growth rate of these cells but increases significantly the final cell density of these cultures.