cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
COEL: A Web-based Chemistry Simulation Framework

The chemical reaction network (CRN) is a widely used formalism to describe macroscopic behavior of chemical systems. Available tools for CRN modelling and simulation require local access, installation, and often involve local le storage, which is susceptible to loss, lacks searchable structure, and does not support concurrency. Furthermore, simulations are often single-threaded, and user interfaces are non-trivial to use. Therefore there are signicant hurdles to conducting ecient and collaborative chemical research. In this paper, we introduce a new enterprise chemistry simulation framework, COEL, which addresses these issues. COEL is the rst web-based framework of its kind. A visually pleasing and intuitive user interface, simulations that run on a large computational grid, reliable database storage, and transactional services make COEL ideal for collaborative research and education. COEL’s most prominent features include ODE-based simulations of chemical reaction networks and multicompartment reaction networks, with rich options for user interactions with those networks. COEL provides DNA-strand displacement transformations and visualization (and is to our knowledge the rst CRN framework to do so), GA optimization of rate constants, expression validation, an application-wide plotting engine, and SBML/Octave/Matlab export. We also present an overview of the underlying software and technologies employed and describe the main architectural decisions driving our development. COEL is available at coel-sim.org for selected research teams only. We plan to provide a part of COEL’s functionality to the general public in the near future.
AT1 receptor blocker attenuates mechanical ventilation-induced atrophy and oxidative stress in the diaphragm muscle (1102.39)

Background: Mechanical ventilation (MV) is a method of maintaining adequate gas exchange in patients who are unable to sustain adequate alveolar ventilation on their own. Recently, our lab demonstrated that Angiotensin II (Ang II) is a possible mechanism that causes MV-induced diaphragm muscle atrophy. During MV, elevation of Ang II induces Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) emission from mitochondria and results in activation of key proteases, calpain and caspase-3, in the diaphragm. To determine Ang II is a required upstream signal for MV-induced diaphragm muscle atrophy and contractile dysfunction, we used AT1 receptor blocker (Losartan) and ACE inhibitor (Enalapril), which prevent the elevation of plasma Ang II levels during MV. Methods: Adult female rats were randomly assigned to one of six experimental groups (n =12 each) (1) Spontaneous breathing (SB) with salin, (2) SB with Losartan (LOS), (3) SB with Enalapril (ENA), (4) MV with salin, (5) MV with LOS, (6) MV with ENA. Dependent measures included plas...
Improvement in gait parameters after lengthening for the treatment of limb-length discrepancy.

Background: Patients who have limb-length discrepancy demonstrate an altered gait pattern or a limp. The purpose of this prospective study was to compare the objective gait parameters for the shorter lower limb with those for the longer lower limb before and after lengthening and to compare these data with those for a group of twenty subjects who had no limb-length discrepancy. Methods: Eighteen patients had equalization of limb length to within one centimeter. We analyzed the stance time, the second peak of the vertical ground-reaction-force vector, and the rate of loading with use of two force-plates arranged in a series. Results: The difference in the mean stance times between the shorter and longer limbs before lengthening was 12 percent, whereas that after lengthening was 2.4 percent; the difference between the values before and after lengthening was significant (p < 0.001). The difference in the stance times between the limbs of the patients who did not have limb-length discrepancy was 2 percent. Preoperatively, the mean second peak was 104 percent of body weight for the shorter limb compared with 116 percent for the longer limb; this difference was significant (p < 0.001). After lengthening, the mean second peak for the shorter limb increased to 113 percent of body weight. The difference in the means for the second peak before and after lengthening was significant (p < 0.001). With the numbers available, no significant difference was detected in the means for the second peak between the shorter and longer limbs after lengthening (p = 0.12). Conclusions: This study shows that lengthening of the shorter limb of patients who have limb-length discrepancy can normalize symmetry of quantifiable stance parameters and eliminate a limp.
Stimulation of Transcription Factor Binding and Histone Displacement by Nucleosome Assembly Protein 1 and Nucleoplasmin Requires Disruption of the Histone Octamer

To investigate the mechanisms by which transcription factors invade nucleosomal DNA and replace histones at control elements, we have examined the response of the histone octamer to transcription factor binding in the presence of histone-binding proteins (i.e., nucleosome assembly factors). We found that yeast nucleosome assembly protein 1 (NAP-1) stimulated transcription factor binding and nucleosome displacement in a manner similar to that of nucleoplasmin. In addition, disruption of the histone octamer was required both for the stimulation of transcription factor binding to nucleosomal DNA and for transcription factor-induced nucleosome displacement mediated by nucleoplasmin or NAP-1. While NAP-1 and nucleoplasmin stimulated the binding of a fusion protein (GAL4-AH) to control nucleosome cores, this stimulation was lost upon covalent histone-histone cross-linking within the histone octamers. In addition, both NAP-1 and nucleoplasmin were able to mediate histone displacement upon the binding of five GAL4-AH dimers to control nucleosome cores; however, this activity was also forfeited when the histone octamers were cross-linked. These data indicate that octamer disruption is required for both stimulation of factor binding and factor-dependent histone displacement by nucleoplasmin and NAP-1. By contrast, transcription factor-induced histone transfer onto nonspecific competitor DNA did not require disruption of the histone octamer. Thus, histone displacement in this instance occurred by transfer of complete histone octamers, a mechanism distinct from that mediated by the histone-binding proteins nucleoplasmin and NAP-1.
Environmental tobacco smoke exposure during travel among adults with asthma

Objectives In California, state law now prohibits smoking in most public places. We examined the prevalence and short-term health impact of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure during travel among adults with asthma. Design, setting, and participants A cohort of 374 nonsmoking adults with asthma recruited from a random sample of allergy, pulmonary, and family practice physicians in northern California underwent structured telephone interviews. Measurements and results The prevalence of self-reported ETS exposure during travel in the past 12 months was substantial (30%; 95% confidence interval, 25 to 35%). Of the exposed subjects, approximately one third (34%) indicated no other regular source of ETS exposure. ETS-related cough, wheezing, or chest tightness during travel was the most common complaint (66%), followed by eye irritation (46%) and nose irritation (43%). After ETS exposure, many subjects indicated extra inhaled asthma medication use (55%). Subjects with no other regular ETS exposure reported a greater likelihood of eye irritation (58% vs 40%; p=0.068) and nose irritation (58% vs 36%; p=0.025) than persons with regular exposure. In contrast, there were no differences in respiratory symptoms, asthma medication use, or asthma exacerbation by regular ETS exposure status. Conclusions In adults with asthma, ETS exposure is common during travel. For many subjects, travel is their principal source of exposure.
Regional forest fragmentation effects on bottomland hardwood community types and resource values

In human-dominated regions, forest vegetation removal impacts remaining ecosystems but regional-scale biological consequences and resource value changes are not well known. Using forest resource survey data, I examined current bottomland hardwood community types and a range of fragment size classes in the south central United States. Analyses examined resource value indicators, appraised tree-based flood zone and shade tolerance indices, and identified potential regional-scale processes. Findings revealed that the largest fragments had fewer tree species, reduced anthropogenic use evidence, and more older and wetter community types than small fragments. Results also suggested the need for incorporating hydrologic, geomorphic, and understory vegetation parameters in regional forest resource monitoring efforts. Two regional-scale processes are hypothesized: (1) forest fragmentation occurs more frequently in drier habitats and dry zone (inundated ≤ 2 months annually), younger seral stage bottomland community types; and (2) forest fragmentation induces establishment of drier habitats or dry zone, younger serai stage community types. Both hypotheses suggest that regional forest fragmentation impacts survival of distinct community types, anthropogenic uses, and multiple resource values.
Urinary incontinence and depression in middle-aged United States women

Abstract Objective To determine the correlates of incontinence in middle-aged women and to test for an association between incontinence and depression. Methods This was a population-based cross-sectional study of 5701 women who were residents of the United States, aged 50–69 years, and participated in the third interview of the Health and Retirement Study. The primary outcome measure was self-reported urinary incontinence. Depression was ascertained based on criteria set by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, using a short form of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. In addition, depressive symptoms were assessed using the revised Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to determine the independent association between incontinence and depression, after adjusting for confounders. Results Approximately 16% reported either mild-moderate or severe incontinence. Depression, race, age, body mass index, medical comorbidities, and limited activities of daily living were associated with incontinence. After adjusting for medical morbidity, functional status, and demographic variables, women with severe and mild-moderate incontinence were 80% (odds ratio [OR] 1.82; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26, 2.63) and 40% (OR 1.41; 95% CI 1.06, 1.87) more likely, respectively, to have depression than continent women. The association did not hold for depressive symptoms measured by the revised Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale after adjusting for covariates. Conclusion Depression and incontinence are associated in middle-aged women. The strength of the association depends on the instrument used to classify depression. This reinforces the need to screen patients presenting for treatment of urinary incontinence for depression.
Transplanting neural progenitors to build a neuronal relay across the injured spinal cord.

Cellular transplantation for repair of spinal cord injury is a promising therapeutic strategy that includes the use of a variety of neural and non-neural cells isolated or derived from embryonic and adult tissue as well as embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells. In particular, transplants of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) have been shown to limit secondary injury and scar formation and create a permissive environment in the injured spinal cord through the provision of neurotrophic molecules and growth supporting matrices that promote growth of injured host axons. Importantly, transplants of NPC are unique in their potential to replace lost neural cells – including neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes – critical for reconstruction of the normal microenvironment of the spinal cord and restoration of connectivity and function. Different NPC preparations have been used for transplantation experiments in multiple, diverse models of SCI, ranging from the classical work with fetal spinal cord (FSC) that defined the optimal age for donor tissue and its capacity to generate neural cells (Reier et al., 1983; Reier et al., 1986), to studies that demonstrated the formation of a neuronal relay by NPC transplants across the injured spinal cord to reconnect the interrupted sensory system (Bonner et al., 2011). At the developmental stage of embryonic day (E)13.5–14 the FSC is composed primarily of neuronal restricted progenitors (NRP) and glial restricted progenitors (GRP), but also contains a small number of immature neural stem cells, neurons, endothelial cells and fibroblasts (Kalyani et al., 1998; Cai et al., 2002; Lepore and Fischer, 2005; Medalha et al., 2014). While grafts of acutely isolated FSC contain all of these cell subpopulations, the process of isolating and culturing of NRP and GRP from FSC, particularly by adherent, sub-confluent culture on a poly-L-lysine/laminin substrate generates pure, defined, and reproducible populations of progenitors (Cai et al., 2002) for cryopreservation or transplantation experiments. NRP and GRP, in contrast to multipotent NSC have a capacity for self-renewal and a restricted differentiation potential, as they are committed to neuronal and glial phenotypes, respectively (Han et al., 2002; Lepore and Fischer, 2005). The injured spinal cord, however, presents a variety of impediments not only to the regeneration of injured host axons in the form of chondroitin sulfated proteoglycans (CSPG) and myelin-associated byproducts, but also significantly limits the survival and differentiation of graft-derived neurons (Cao et al., 2002; Lepore and Fischer, 2005).
Lipid photooxidation in erythrocyte ghosts: sensitization of the membranes toward ascorbate- and superoxide-induced peroxidation and lysis.

The damaging effects of ascorbate (AH−) and superoxide (O2−) on resealed erythrocyte ghosts containing predetermined levels of lipid hydroperoxides (LOOHs) have been studied. Continuous blue light irradiation of membranes in the presence of protoprophyrin resulted in steadily increasing LOOH levels and enhanced release of a trapped marker, glucose 6-phosphate (G6P), after a 3- to 4-h lag. Neither superoxide dismutase (SOD) nor catalase inhibited these effects, ruling out O2− and H2O2 as reactive intermediates. A 1-h light dose produced partially photoperoxidized ghosts, which, in the dark at 37 °C, released G6P no faster than unirradiated controls (~7%/h). When xanthine oxidase plus xanthine (XO/X) was introduced as a source of O2− and H2O2, the irradiated membranes lysed rapidly (t12 ~ 2 h). EDTA or SOD inhibited the reaction, whereas catalase had little or no effect. Unirradiated ghosts were not lysed by XO/X unless the system was supplemented with Fe(III), in which case total protection was afforded by SOD or catalase. In all experiments there was an excellent correlation between postirradiation lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactivity) and G6P release. Similar observations were made with AH−. For example, dark incubation of photooxidized ghosts in the presence of 0.5 mm AH− resulted in rapid lysis (t12 ~ 1 h), which was stimulated ~ twofold by 50 μm Fe(III) and was inhibited by EDTA. By comparison, unirradiated ghosts showed no net peroxidation or lysis after 3 h exposure to Fe(III)/AH−. Neither SOD nor catalase protected against AH−-stimulated damage. AH− -promoted lipid peroxidation was inhibited by butylated hydroxytoluene, a lipophilic antioxidant, but was unaffected by 2,5-dimethylfuran or ethanol, singlet oxygen, and hydroxyl radical traps, respectively. These results suggest that a mechanism exists by which photogenerated LOOHs undergo redox metalmediated reduction to alkoxy radicals (LO•), which trigger a burst of membrane-disrupting lipid peroxidation.
Finite element simulation of straight plunge grinding for advanced ceramics

The objective of this work is to model the grinding forces and the associated stress and deformation fields generated in a ceramic workpiece during plunge surface grinding. A two-dimensional finite element model is constructed with the grinding parameters and the mechanical properties of the workpiece as input variables. The size of the geometric model is several times larger than the size of the cutting zone, using approximately 5200 rectangular solid elements with a finer mesh in the cutting zone and with fixed remote boundaries. The loading in the cutting zone is imposed by displacement vectors proportional to the local undeformed chip thickness, which is a function of grinding parameters. For a given set of inputs, the model predicts the normal and tangential forces generated by the grinding wheel, as well as the deformation and the stress fields within the workpiece. As an example, the simulation is applied to a silicon nitride workpiece. Analysis of the stress fields developed in this material suggests that shear failure within the cutting zone is the dominant mode of subsurface failure, which could lead to the formation of shear micro- cracks at the grain interfaces. The depth of the subsurface shear failure zone increases with an increase in maximum undeformed chip thickness or the wheel depth of cut. The resulting local grinding force vectors, maximum stresses and damage zone sizes are predicted as a function of maximum undeformed chip thickness (or the wheel depth of cut).
Increased pain thresholds following combined lesions of thalamic nuclei centrum medianum and centralis lateralis

In this experiment, cats were trained to escape from footshock in a shuttlebox. Current applied to the feet was varied in ascending and descending sequences for each animal according to the psychophysical method of limits, and each animal was trained until stable thresholds for escape responding were achieved. Animals then had bilateral lesions made in thalamic nuclei centrum medianum and centralis lateralis, were given 8 days to recuperate, and were retrained to a stable level of escape responding. The results showed that aversive thresholds were significantly elevated for all animals for up to 90 days following thalamic lesions, indicating that the midline thalamus plays a role in the perception of pain derived from footshock.
Spinoza's Passions

The term post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a relatively recent addition to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Psychiatric Disorders, Fourth Edition Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) (American ...
Real-time detection and data acquisition system for the left ventricular outline

To automate the data acquisition procedure, a real-time contour detection and data acquisition system for the left ventricular outline was developed using video techniques. The X-ray image of the contrast-filled left ventricle is stored for subsequent processing on film (cineangiogram), video tape or disc. The cineangiogram is converted into video format using a television camera. The video signal from either the TV camera, video tape or disc is the input signal to the system. The contour detection is based on a dynamic thresholding technique. Since the left ventricular outline is a smooth continuous function, for each contour side a narrow expectation window is defined in which the next borderpoint will be detected. A computer interface was designed and built for the online acquisition of the coordinates using a PDP-12 computer. The advantage of this system over other available systems is its potential for online, real-time acquisition of the left ventricular size and shape during angiocardiography.
The promise and limitations of rational choice theory

Pathologies of Rational Choice Theory is a valuable survey and critique of research in the rational choice tradition, but one that slights that tradition's past and potential contributions to the study of politics. The authors rightly note limitations of rational choice theory but understate what it has to offer political scientists, for they fail to focus clearly on its essentials; adopt too narrow a basis for evaluating scholarship; and wrongly identify rational choice theory with the shortcomings of some scholarship that makes use of it.
DVT Surveillance Program in the ICU: Analysis of Cost-Effectiveness

Background: Venous Thrombo-embolism (VTE – Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and/or pulmonary embolism (PE) – in traumatized patients causes significant morbidity and mortality. The current study evaluates the effectiveness of DVT surveillance in reducing PE, and performs a cost-effectiveness analysis. Methods: All traumatized patients admitted to the adult ICU underwent twice weekly DVT surveillance by bilateral lower extremity venous Duplex examination (48-month surveillance period – SP). The rates of DVT and PE were recorded and compared to the rates observed in the 36-month pre-surveillance period (PSP). All patients in both periods received mechanical and pharmacologic prophylaxis unless contraindicated. Total costs – diagnostic, therapeutic and surveillance – for both periods were recorded and the incremental cost for each Quality Adjusted Life Year (QALY) gained was calculated. Results: 4234 patients were eligible (PSP – 1422 and SP – 2812). Rate of DVT in SP (2.8%) was significantly higher than in PSP (1.3%) – p,0.05, and rate of PE in SP (0.7%) was significantly lower than that in PSP (1.5%) – p,0.05. Logistic regression demonstrated that surveillance was an independent predictor of increased DVT detection (OR: 2.53 – CI: 1.462–4.378) and decreased PE incidence (OR: 0.487 – CI: 0.262–0.904). The incremental cost was $509,091/life saved in the base case, translating to $29,102/QALY gained. A sensitivity analysis over four of the parameters used in the model indicated that the incremental cost ranged from $18,661 to $48,821/QALY gained. Conclusions: Surveillance of traumatized ICU patients increases DVT detection and reduces PE incidence. Costs in terms of QALY gained compares favorably with other interventions accepted by society.
A software solution for the control of visual behavioral experimentation

Psychophysical and neurophysiological research requires precise control of experimental devices for the purpose of delivering stimuli and monitoring behavioral and neural responses. This has previously been accomplished by complex, often proprietary, programmable systems, interfacing with a limited range of hardware. We have developed a software solution entirely within the Matlab environment that can achieve high-speed control of experimental and behavioral variables. We make this Wake-Forest Visual Experimentation (WaVE) software freely available under the GNU public license, and demonstrate how to customize it to individual laboratory needs. WaVE takes advantage of existing Matlab libraries and toolboxes to present visual stimuli, collect experimental data, update behavioral variables, and communicate with other computers. Although we have developed it for use in a Windows-based Personal Computer, the portability of the Matlab code makes possible its customization for use in a variety of other systems. We present simulation results showing sub-millisecond sampling rate and updating precision, running on single-processor, desktop PCs. The WaVE software offers a simple, flexible and powerful solution that compares favorably with many of its costly alternatives.
Parkinson's disease mortality and the industrial use of heavy metals in Michigan

Parkinson's disease (PD) mortality rates in Michigan counties for 1986-1988 were calculated with respect to potential heavy metal exposure (iron, zinc, copper, mercury, magnesium, and manganese) from industry based on recent census data. Individuals were counted as a PD death if the diagnosis was listed as an "underlying" or "related" cause of death on the death certificate. Counties with an industry in the paper, chemical, iron, or copper related-industrial categories (ICs) had statistically significantly (p 15/100,000 individuals 45 years old and over) and low (< = 15/100,000) PD death rate counties by cluster analysis. Geographically, counties with high PD mortality were located mainly in the southern half of the lower peninsula and eastern half of the upper peninsula; low PD death rate counties formed two distinct clusters in the western edge of the upper peninsula and the north-central portion of the lower peninsula. Other possible risk factors that may explain the varied distribution of PD death rates in Michigan were examined. Those significantly correlated with PD mortality included population density (rs = 0.31; p = 0.005), farming density (rs = 0.25; p = 0.02), and well water use (rs = -0.24; p = 0.03). These ecologic findings suggest a geographic association between PD mortality and the industrial use of heavy metals.
Dehydration of brucite

Abstract Even though a number of investigators have concluded that the dehydration of Mg(OH) 2 , either precipitated or in its mineral form brucite, follows one or another of the orthodox kinetic equations in which k τ = f (α), there is clear evidence that the process is stepwise, the reaction occurring initially at the surface, then preferentially at fresh surfaces exposed by cracking. Crushed or cleaved brucite crystals are shown to evolve water at rates which rise and fall in manners consistent with the dehydration-and-cracking mechanism but inconsistent with any of the behaviors described by nucleation-and-growth or diffusion mechanisms.
Antithrombotic effects of thrombin-induced activation of endogenous protein C in primates.

The effects on thrombosis and hemostasis of thrombin-induced activation of endogenous protein C (PC) were evaluated in baboons. Thrombosis was induced by placing into arteriovenous shunts a segment of Dacron vascular graft, which generated arterial platelet-rich thrombus, followed by an expansion region of low-shear blood flow, which in turn accumulated fibrin-rich venous-type thrombus. Thrombosis was quantified by 111In-platelet imaging and 125I-fibrinogen accumulation. Intravenous infusion of alpha-thrombin, 1-2 U/kg-min for 1 h, increased baseline activated PC levels (approximately 5 ng/ml) to 250-500 ng/ml (P 85% (P < 0.01). Thrombin infusion prolonged the activated partial thromboplastin clotting time, elevated fibrinopeptide A (FPA), thrombin-antithrombin III complex (T:AT III), and fibrin D-dimer plasma levels (P < 0.01), but did not affect bleeding times. Thrombin's antithrombotic effects were blocked by infusing a monoclonal antibody (HPC-4) which prevented PC activation in vivo, caused shunt occlusion, increased the consumption of platelets and fibrinogen, elevated plasma FPA and T:AT III levels, and reduced factor VIII (but not factor V) procoagulant activity (P < 0.05). We conclude that activated PC is a physiologic inhibitor of thrombosis, and that activation of endogenous PC may represent a novel and effective antithrombotic strategy.
Acute pericarditis of benign type

Abstract 1. 1. Seventeen cases of acute pericarditis of benign type observed in the military service are reported. 2. 2. Pain was the outstanding complaint, and in six instances a diagnosis of myocardial infarction had been made or had been entertained initially. 3. 3. Serial antistreptolysin titers were determined on the serum of two patients and were found to be normal. 4. 4. A tendency for recurrence of the disease was noted; three patients had more than one attack. 5. 5. Rapid fluctuations of the changes in the electrocardiogram were at times noted.
Biomechanical Response of Rats Under a Wide Range of Blast Overpressures in Blast Injury Animal Models

We evaluated the acute (up to 24 hours) pathophysiological response to primary blast using a rat model and helium driven shock tube. The shock tube generates animal loadings with controlled pure primary blast parameters over a wide range of field-relevant conditions. The biomechanical loading was evaluated using a set of pressure gauges mounted on the surface of the nose, in the cranial space and in the thoracic cavity of cadaver rats. The mortality rates were established using anesthetized rats exposed to a single blast at five peak overpressures over a wide range of shock intensities (130, 190, 230, 250 and 290 kPa). We observed 0% mortality rates in 130 and 230 kPa groups, and 30%, 24% and 100% mortality rates in 190, 250 and 290 kPa groups, respectively. The intracranial pressure (ICP) oscillations recorded for 190, 250 and 290 kPa groups are characterized by higher frequency (10–20 kHz) than in other two groups (7–8 kHz). The acute bradycardia and moderate lung hemorrhage were noticeable in all groups of rats exposed to the shock wave loading. The onset of both corresponds to 110 kPa peak overpressure, according to the dose-response models. The immunostaining against immunoglobulin G (IgG) of brain sections of rats sacrificed 24-hours post-exposure indicated the diffuse blood-brain barrier breakdown in the brain parenchyma. We observed that the acute response as well as mortality is a non-linear function of peak overpressure and impulse ranges explored in this work.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Approximated likelihood and root estimators for spatial interaction in spatial autoregressive models

Abstract In this paper, we first generalize an approximate measure of spatial dependence, the APLE statistic (Li et al., 2007), to a spatial Durbin (SD) model. This generalized APLE takes into account exogenous variables directly and can be used to detect spatial dependence originating from either a spatial autoregressive (SAR), spatial error (SE) or SD process. However, that measure is not consistent. Secondly, by examining carefully the first order condition of the concentrated log likelihood of the SD (or SAR) model, whose first order approximation generates the APLE, we construct a moment equation quadratic in the autoregressive parameter that generalizes an original estimation approach in Ord (1975) and yields a closed-form consistent root estimator of the autoregressive parameter. With a specific moment equation constructed from an initial consistent estimator, the root estimator can be as efficient as the MLE under normality. Furthermore, when there is unknown heteroskedasticity in the disturbances, we derive a modified APLE and a root estimator which can be robust to unknown heteroskedasticity. The root estimators are computationally much simpler than the quasi-maximum likelihood estimators.
Developing handheld real time multispectral imager to clinically detect erythema in darkly pigmented skin

Pressure ulcers have been identified as a public health concern by the US government through the Healthy People 2010 initiative and the National Quality Forum (NQF). Currently, no tools are available to assist clinicians in erythema, i.e. the early stage pressure ulcer detection. The results from our previous research (supported by NIH grant) indicate that erythema in different skin tones can be identified using a set of wavelengths 540, 577, 650 and 970nm. This paper will report our recent work which is developing a handheld, point-of-care, clinicallyviable and affordable, real time multispectral imager to detect erythema in persons with darkly pigmented skin. Instead of using traditional filters, e.g. filter wheels, generalized Lyot filter, electrical tunable filter or the methods of dispersing light, e.g. optic-acoustic crystal, a novel custom filter mosaic has been successfully designed and fabricated using lithography and vacuum multi layer film technologies. The filter has been integrated with CMOS and CCD sensors. The filter incorporates four or more different wavelengths within the visual to nearinfrared range each having a narrow bandwidth of 30nm or less. Single wavelength area is chosen as 20.8μx 20.8μ. The filter can be deposited on regular optical glass as substrate or directly on a CMOS and CCD imaging sensor. This design permits a multi-spectral image to be acquired in a single exposure, thereby providing overwhelming convenience in multi spectral imaging acquisition.
Topics in biological transport. I. Particular and ionic diffusion.

Abstract Diffusion is defined as the movement of particles from regions of high concentration to those of low concentration. Fick's first law of diffusion states that the rate of diffusion is proportional to differences in concentration, while Fick's second law states that the change in concentration with time at any given distance from a plane of origin is proportional to the rate of change of the concentration gradient along the considered path. In the steady state resulting from constant concentrations on either side of a homogeneous region, J diff , the number of particles moving through a unit area in unit time, is equal to the product of the concentration gradient and a constant. The constant is in turn a function of both properties of the particle and of the membrane substance and geometry. Similarly, ion movement in an electric field, J elec , is given by the product of the electric gradient and a constant (which again is a function of the properties of the ion and its “mobility”). At electrochemical equilibrium, no net particle movement occurs by definition. Under these boundary conditions, the equation describing the net diffusion of a single ion species in a field where both concentration and electric gradients exist may be simplified, to yield the Nernst equation. In a system in which both electric and activity gradients are present, it is possible to define an “electrochemical activity” for each ion species, proportional to the product of the ion activity and the natural log base e to the power of the field intensity. If free diffusion occurs through a region in all directions, the flux of each ion species along a considered path depends upon its electrochemical activity. The formal expression of these considerations is the flux ratio equation of Ussing, and may be used as one criterion for the presence of active versus passive transport. Given a system of ions in which the combined diffusion current is zero, the electric field constant throughout a considered region, but whose net diffusion is not zero, an expression may be derived called the constant field or Goldman equation. Only under these specified boundary conditions, this useful relationship describes the potential difference on either side of the region as a function of ion activities and “permeability constants” of each ion species.
Coercivity induced by random field at ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic interfaces

Abstract In the presence of random fields at an interface between a ferromagnetic and an antiferromagnetic layer, the domain walls in the ferromagnetic layer are pinned by local minimum energy. To move the domain walls, an applied magnetic field must be large enough to overcome statistically fluctuating energy. We have calculated this energy and found that the coercivity can be as large as a few kOe for a thin ferromagnetic layer. It is also found that the coercive field at low temperature scales as 1/t3/2 where t is the F layer thickness, and the coercive field decreases strongly with temperature.
Adsorbate Interactions of Paramagnetic Palladium(I) Species in Pd(II)-Exchanged Na−MCM-22 Zeolite

Adsorbate interactions of paramagnetic palladium(I) species in Pd(II)-exchanged Na−MCM-22 zeolite are studied by electron spin resonance (ESR) and electron spin-echo modulation (ESEM) spectroscopies. Oxidation and subsequent evacuation at 825 K of Na−MCM-22 zeolite exchanged with Pd(NH3)4Cl2 results in the formation of a Pd(I) species. Monovalent palladium can be produced in PdNa−MCM-22 material by room temperature hydrogen reduction after dehydration and O2 treatment at high temperature. Addition of hydrogen to PdNa−MCM-22 after dehydration, O2 treatment, and evacuation (activation) is found to increase the concentration of Pd(I) at room temperature and at higher temperature is found to reduce Pd(I) to Pd(0)n (palladium clusters). Adsorption of O2 and H2O to an activated sample containing Pd(I) generates a Pd(II)−O2- species with g⊥ > g∥. Adsorption of CO on an activated sample results in a Pd(I)−(CO)2 complex which partially transforms to Pd(I)−CO on evacuation. Adsorption of ethylene on an activated sa...
Nicotine inhibits cardiac apoptosis induced by lipopolysaccharide in rats.

AbstractObjectives: Apoptosis develops in several heart diseases, but the therapeutic options are limited. It was hypothesized that nicotine, which inhibits apoptosis in several cells, inhibits car...
A diagnostic craniometric method for determining occlusal vertical dimension

There is no precise scientific method for determining the correct edentulous occlusal vertical dimension. This study established the proportion between the ear-eye to chin-nose distance for determining reasonable occlusal vertical dimension. Two hundred white and 400 Asian men and women participated in this study. The ear-eye and chin-nose distances were measured with a modified craniometer. The results revealed that left ear-eye distance can be used to predict chin-nose distance with reasonable accuracy. However, the algorithm for making this prediction is not the same for combinations of sex and ethnic origin.
Cultural Competency: Beyond the Vital Signs. Delivering Holistic Care to African Americans

Specific knowledge of African American communities, culture, and history is crucial to achieving culturally competent care. The unique and complex relationship that belief systems have to health care outcomes must be considered for all patients. This is even more apparent in the connection between religion and health outcomes for African Americans. However, as with all ethnic groups, nothing is absolute. Therefore, one must avoid stereotyping and recognize there are differences within each cultural group.
A Plan for Action: Key Perspectives from the Racial/Ethnic Disparities Strategy Forum

Context: Racial and ethnic disparities in health care in the United States have been well documented, with research largely focusing on describing the problem rather than identifying the best practices or proven strategies to address it. Methods: In 2006, the Disparities Solutions Center convened a one-and-a-half-day Strategy Forum composed of twenty experts from the fields of racial/ethnic disparities in health care, quality improvement, implementation research, and organizational excellence, with the goal of deciding on innovative action items and adoption strategies to address disparities. The forum used the Results Based Facilitation model, and several key recommendations emerged. Findings: The forum's participants concluded that to identify and effectively address racial/ethnic disparities in health care, health care organizations should: (1) collect race and ethnicity data on patients or enrollees in a routine and standardized fashion; (2) implement tools to measure and monitor for disparities in care; (3) develop quality improvement strategies to address disparities; (4) secure the support of leadership; (5) use incentives to address disparities; and (6) create a messaging and communication strategy for these efforts. This article also discusses these recommendations in the context of both current efforts to address racial and ethnic disparities in health care and barriers to progress. Conclusions: The Strategy Forum's participants concluded that health care organizations needed a multifaceted plan of action to address racial and ethnic disparities in health care. Although the ideas offered are not necessarily new, the discussion of their practical development and implementation should make them more useful.
Charge exchange spectra of simple ketones

Charge exchange spectra of three simple 2-ketones are reported. Comparison of charge exchange data with low voltage electron-impact spectra provides information on the nature of the electron-impact energy distribution. The existence of high energy molecular ions which do not decompose in the mass spectral time scale led us to postulate that isolated states or photon emission reactions are operative in the present system.
Antibacterial activity of synthetic fire ant venom: the solenopsins and isosolenopsins.

Abstract Background We determined the in vitro activity of 9 synthetic fire ant venom alkaloids (±)-solenopsin A, (2 R , 6 R )-solenopsin A, (2 S , 6 S )-solenopsin B, (±)-isosolenopsin A, (2 S , 6 R )-isosolenopsin A,(2 R , 6 S )-isosolenopsin A, (±)-isosolenopsin B, (2 S , 6 R )-isosolenopsin B, and (2 R , 6 S )-isosolenopsin B against 6 species of bacteria ( Streptococcus pneumoniae , Staphylococcus aureus , Enterococcus faecalis , Escherichia coli , Stenotrophomonas maltophilia , and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ). Methods The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bacteriocidal concentration were determined in accordance with the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Time kill studies used American Type Culture Collection bacterial isolates tested at 5 times the minimum inhibitory concentration. Results None of the venom alkaloids inhibited E. coli or P. aeruginosa , whereas all the alkaloids inhibited S. pneumoniae . Only 4 alkaloids inhibited S. pneumoniae , S. aureus , and S. maltophilia . Time-kill kinetics indicates that all 4 active alkaloids had bactericidal activity. Conclusions Specific isomers of synthetic fire ant venom alkaloids have antibacterial activity against human pathogens.
Predicting galaxy star formation rates via the co-evolution of galaxies and haloes

In this paper, we test the age matching hypothesis that the star formation rate (SFR) of a galaxy is determined by its dark matter halo formation history, and as such, that more quiescent galaxies reside in older halos. This simple model has been remarkably successful at predicting color-based galaxy statistics at low redshift as measured in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). To further test this method with observations, we present new SDSS measurements of the galaxy two-point correlation function and galaxy-galaxy lensing as a function of stellar mass and SFR, separated into quenched and star forming galaxy samples. We find that our age matching model is in excellent agreement with these new measurements. We also employ a galaxy group finder and show that our model is able to predict: (1) the relative SFRs of central and satellite galaxies, (2) the SFR-dependence of the radial distribution of satellite galaxy populations within galaxy groups, rich groups, and clusters and their surrounding larger scale environments, and (3) the interesting feature that the satellite quenched fraction as a function of projected radial distance from the central galaxy exhibits an approx r-.15 slope, independent of environment. The accurate prediction for the spatial distribution ofmore » satellites is intriguing given the fact that we do not explicitly model satellite-specific processes after infall, and that in our model the virial radius does not mark a special transition region in the evolution of a satellite, contrary to most galaxy evolution models. The success of the model suggests that present-day galaxy SFR is strongly correlated with halo mass assembly history.« less
New insight on the origin of the unusual acidity of Meldrum's acid from ab initio and combined QM/MM simulation study.

Ab initio molecular orbital and combined QM/MM Monte Carlo simulations have been carried out to investigate the origin of the unusually high acidity of Meldrum's acid. Traditionally, the high acidity of Meldrum's acid relative to that of methyl malonate has been attributed to an additive effect due to the presence of two E esters in the dilactone system. However, the present study reveals that there is significant nonadditive effect that also makes major contributions. This results from preferential stabilization of the enolate anion over that of Meldrum's acid due to anomeric stereoelectronic interactions. To investigate solvent effects on the acidity in aqueous solution, the relative acidities of Z and E conformers of methyl acetate have been determined in combined ab initio QM/MM simulations. There is significant solvent effect on the conformational equilibria for both the neutral ester and its enolate anion in water, leading to stabilization of the E stereoisomer. However, the computed solvent effect ...
K and Ba distribution in the structures of the clathrate compounds KxBa16−x(Ga,Sn)136 (x = 0.8, 4.4, and 12.9) and KxBa8−x(Ga,Sn)46 (x = 0.3)

Studies of the K–Ba–Ga–Sn system produced the clathrate com­pounds K0.8(2)Ba15.2(2)Ga31.0(5)Sn105.0(5) [a = 17.0178 (4) A], K4.3(3)Ba11.7(3)Ga27.4(4)Sn108.6(4) [a = 17.0709 (6) A] and K12.9(2)Ba3.1(2)Ga19.5(4)Sn116.5(4) [a = 17.1946 (8) A], with the type-II structure (cubic, space group Fd\overline{3}m), and K7.7(1)Ba0.3(1)Ga8.3(4)Sn37.7(4) [a = 11.9447 (4) A], with the type-I structure (cubic, space group Pm\overline{3}n). For the type-II structures, only the smaller (Ga,Sn)24 penta­gonal dodeca­hedral cages are filled, while the (Ga,Sn)28 hexa­kai­deca­hedral cages remain empty. The unit-cell volume is directly correlated with the K:Ba ratio, since an increasing amount of monovalent K occupying the cages causes a decreasing substitution of the smaller Ga in the framework. All three formulae have an electron count that is in good agreement with the Zintl–Klemm rules. For the type-I compound, all framework sites are occupied by a mixture of Ga and Sn atoms, with Ga showing a preference for Wyckoff site 6c. The (Ga,Sn)20 penta­gonal dodeca­hedral cages are occupied by statistically disordered K and Ba atoms, while the (Ga,Sn)24 tetra­kaideca­hedral cages encapsulate only K atoms. Large anisotropic displacement parameters for K in the latter cages suggest an off-centering of the guest atoms.
An Evaluation Of Input Devices For 3-D Computer Display Workstations

This paper reports several results from an on-going research program designed to examine the utility of alternate input device technologies for 3-dimensional (3-D) computer display workstations. In this paper, operator performance levels on a 3-D cursor-positioning task were compared using three input devices: (1) a trackball that allowed unrestricted (i.e., free-space) movements within the display space, (2) a mouse that provided selectable two-axis (i.e., plane) movements, and (3) a set of thumbwheels that provided separate controls for orthogonal single-axis (i.e., vector) movements. In addition, the input device evaluation was conducted for two operationally distinct 3-D display techniques: (1) a linear perspective encoding of image depth information and (2) a field-sequential stereoscopic encoding of depth information. Results are discussed in terms of input device selection and general design considerations for the user interface to 3-D computer workstations.
Weather-mediated natural selection on arrival time in cliff swallows (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota)

An unusually long period of cold weather in May 1996 caused extensive mortality among insectivo- rous cliff swallows (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) in the northern and central Great Plains. We analyzed how via- bility selection affected spring arrival time in a migratory Nebraska population by comparing capture histories of survivors with those of birds known to have died and by documenting how arrival time changed in the year fol- lowing the selection event. Surviving birds had signifi- cantly later first-capture dates (an index of arrival time) in the years prior to selection than those that died; a sig- nificant selection differential suggested directional selec- tion for birds that arrived later. Colony sites were occu- pied significantly later following the selection event, and the distribution of first-capture dates in the season after selection was significantly shifted toward later arrivals. Offspring of the survivors tended to arrive later than birds of the same age prior to the selection event. While major weather-caused mortality events of this magnitude are rare in the study area, spells of cold weather severe enough to cause limited mortality are frequent in April and early May. At least 25 probable mortality events of varying severity were identified in the last 50 years based on climatological data. Periodic weather-mediated selection against early arrival constrains the cliff swal- low's breeding season and may partly prevent directional selection for earlier nesting.