cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SecureMed-ID: memorable and private identifiers for off-site access to medical records

SecureMed-ID improves the memorability of identifiers used by electronic medical record systems. Making identifiers that are easier to remember should improve the privacy of the medical record system by preventing leaks due to human error. SecureMed-ID can easily transform the commonly-used Globally Unique Identifier (GUID) system into a human-friendly two-word alias. This system hides much of the complexity of information identification and provides short-cuts for effective human-mediated data sharing protocols. These include written reports, telephone conversations, or email and text messages.SecureMed-ID only requires the user to remember two common English words for any type of data rather than less memorable alphanumeric IDs. The SecureMed-ID system has been tuned to minimize the number of keystrokes required to input a unique identifier since future searches will come from mobile devices with smaller keyboards. Finally, this identification system reduces the need to input personally identifying information into a mobile device electronic medical record interface. A demonstration system containing 34,000 records, ArrayWiki, is available on the web at http://arraywiki.bme.gatech.edu.SecureMed-ID (1) provides doctors with a means to retrieve specific de-identified medical data without providing identifying information about the patient associated with the data, (2) represents user-focused design by using dictionaries consisting of familiar words with high typing efficiencies; and (3) provides a shortcut to data that seamlessly works with existing ID systems, inside and outside the medical community.
Pulmonary function in adolescents with ataxia telangiectasia.

Summary. Introduction. Pulmonary complications are common in adolescents with ataxia telangiectasia (A-T), however objective measurements of lung function may be difficult to obtain because of underlying bulbar weakness, tremors, and difficulty coordinating voluntary respiratory maneuvers. To increase the reliability of pulmonary testing, minor adjustments were made to stabilize the head and to minimize leaks in the system. Fifteen A-T adolescents completed lung volumemeasurementsbyhelium dilution.To assessfor reproducibilityof spirometrytesting,10 AT adolescents performed spirometry on three separate occasions. Results. Total lung capacity (TLC) was normal or just mildly decreased in 12/15 adolescents tested. TLC correlated positively with functional residual capacity (FRC), a measurement independent of patient effort (R 2 ¼0.71). The majority of individuals had residual volumes (RV) greater than 120% predicted (10/15) and slow vital capacities (VC) less than 70% predicted(9/15). By spirometry, forcevital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) values were reproducible in the 10 individuals who underwent testing on three separate occasions (R ¼0.97 and 0.96 respectively). Seven of the 10 adolescents had FEV1/FVC ratios >90%. Conclusion. Lung volume measurements from A-T adolescentsrevealednear normalTLCvalueswithincreasedRVanddecreasedVCvalues.These findings indicate a decreased ability to expire to residual volume rather then a restrictive defect. Spirometry was also found to be reproducible in A-T adolescents suggesting that spirometry testing may be useful for tracking changes in pulmonary function over time in this population.
The nucleation and growth of nanostructures due to friction

In this research, we investigate the material transfer phenomena that appear during sliding conditions. The purpose of this research is to understand surface properties and behaviours at nanometre-length scales. Research was conducted using a pin-on-disk tribometer. A metal indium was used as a pin to slide against a single crystal silicon. The applied load and sliding speed were altered in order to observe their effects. Surface characterisation was subsequently carried out using an atomic force microscope and a transmission electron microscope. The results showed that under mild contact pressure, nanostructures were formed, rather than wear. The nucleation and growth of such nanostructures were found to correlate to that of the Fick's diffusion equation. This indicates that the process-controlled nanostructures were the results of sliding. This research presents a potentially new technique, controlled assembly, to generate nanostructures.
Assuring rural hospital patient safety: what should be the priorities?

Context Since reports on patient safety were issued by the Institute of Medicine, a number of interventions have been recommended and standards designed to improve hospital patient safety, including the Leapfrog, evidence-based safety standards. These standards are based on research conducted largely in urban hospitals, and it may not be possible to generalize them to rural hospitals. Purpose The absence of rural-relevant patient safety standards and interventions may diminish purchaser and public perceptions of rural hospitals, further undermining the financial stability of rural hospitals. This study sought to assess the current evidence concerning rural hospital patient safety and to identify a set of rural-relevant patient safety interventions that the majority of small rural hospitals could readily implement and that rural hospitals, purchasers, consumers, and others would find relevant and useful. These interventions should help rural hospitals prioritize patient safety efforts. Methods As background, we reviewed literature; interviewed representatives of provider, payer, consumer, and governmental groups in 8 states; and calculated patient safety indicator rates in rural hospitals using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's Health Care Cost and Utilization Project National Inpatient Sample. Based on the research literature and patient safety recommendations from national organizations, we developed a list of potentially important patient safety areas for rural hospitals. The rural relevance of these safety interventions was evaluated by a national expert panel in terms of the frequency of the problem, ability to implement, and the internal and external value to rural providers, purchasers, and consumers. Findings The limited available research suggests that patient safety events and medical errors may be less likely to occur in rural than in urban hospitals. We identified 9 areas of patient safety and 26 priority patient safety interventions relevant to rural hospitals. Conclusions Many of the identified areas of patient safety and interventions are relevant to all types of hospitals, not just rural hospitals. However, some areas, such as transfers, are especially relevant to rural hospitals. The challenges of implementing some interventions, such as 24/7 pharmacy coverage, are significant given workforce supply and financial problems faced by many small rural hospitals. The results of this study provide an important platform for further work to test the validity and effectiveness of these interventions.
Pattern matching in batch bioprocesses—Comparisons across multiple products and operating conditions

Abstract A novel pattern matching method for the evaluation of multivariate time-series data is presented. The new approach allows for the comparison of batch data from industrial bioprocesses conducted at different operating conditions (or setpoints) that produce different products. By utilizing principal component analysis (PCA) and a modified PCA similarity factor ( S PCA λ ), comparisons of different batches using both process and quality data can be conducted. This technique results in the clustering of batches of the same product. Furthermore, comparisons between different protein products can be made. Once similarities (or dissimilarities) have been detected using S PCA λ , diagnosis steps can be taken where the relative positions of the loadings of different PCA models will determine the specific process variables that contribute to the observed phenomena. These techniques are applied to industrial data collected from a biopharmaceutical process pilot plant and show promising results for very different types of batches.
Daptomycin Therapy for Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcal Bacteremia: A Retrospective Case Series of 30 Patients

Study Objective. To determine clinical and microbiologic outcomes of daptomycin for the treatment of bacteremia caused by vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). Design. Retrospective medical record review. Setting. Academic tertiary care hospital. Patients. Thirty patients (median age 59 yrs, range 19–79 yrs, 50% male) who received daptomycin for the treatment of VRE bacteremia between January 2004 and July 2007. Measurements and Main Results. Patients were included if they received daptomycin and had a blood culture positive for VRE at the time daptomycin was started. The primary end point was microbiologic cure, defined as negative blood cultures for VRE at the end of therapy. Secondary outcomes were clinical outcomes, adverse events, and occurrence of elevated creatine kinase levels. Clinical outcomes were judged as positive, negative, or indeterminate. The median Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score was 17 (range 7–34), and 20 patients (67%) were in the intensive care unit. Patients received daptomycin for a median of 13 days (range 1–42 days), and the median dose administered was 6 mg/kg (range 3.7–8 mg/kg). Microbiologic cure was achieved in 24 patients (80%), and clinical success occurred in 17 patients (59% [one patient had an indeterminate clinical outcome and was excluded from this analysis]). All patients with a positive clinical outcome had microbiologic cure, six patients who died had microbiologic cure, and all patients with microbiologic failure died. On multivariable logistic regression, higher APACHE II score was associated with a lower chance of microbiologic success (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.56-0.95). Lower APACHE II score (AOR 0.86, 95% CI 0.74-1.0) and daptomycin dose of 6 mg/kg or more (AOR 7.29, 95% CI 1.02–52.0) were associated with clinical success. Adverse drug events possibly attributable to daptomycin were uncommon. Three patients had fever possibly related to daptomycin, and two patients had mild elevations of creatine kinase level. Conclusion. Our experience suggests that daptomycin may be an acceptable option for VRE bacteremia; however, larger studies should be performed before this antimicrobial is routinely used for this indication.
Simulations of adaptive optics systems on 30-m-class telescopes

In this paper we describe the development of a C++ class library for the simulation of adaptive optics systems. This library includes functionality to simulate the propagation of electromagnetic waves through a randomly generated turbulent atmosphere and through an adaptive optical system. It includes support for extended emitters and laser guide stars, and for different types of wavefront sensors and reconstructors. The library also aims to support parallelization of simulations across symmetric multiprocessor and cluster supercomputers.
EFFECT OF GESTATIONAL AND POSTNATAL AGE ON GLOMERULAR FILTRATION RATE (GFR) ANO TUBULAR MAXIMA OF GLUCOSE TmG IN HUMAN INFANTS

Twenty-four healthy newborn infants with gestational ages ranging from 26 to 42 weeks were studied at 2 days to 9 weeks postnatal age to evaluate the rate of glomerular and tubular maturation. Glomerular function (GFR) was assessed by inulin clearance and tubular function by TmG. Birth weights of the study infants were appropriate for gestational age. The GFR of fifteen 2-3 day old infants ranges from 17 to 101 ml/min/ 1.73 m2 and is directly related to gestational age (r=0.829). The TmG of fifteen 2-3 day infants ranges from 14 to 149 mg/ min/1.73 m2 and is also directly proportional to gestational age (r=0.710). Serial studies showed extrautertne renal maturation occuring at the same rate as intrauterine. The TmG/GFR ratio did not change significantly with postnatal age (mean=l.29 ± 0.08 S.E.M. in the first 2-3 days and 1.27±0.17 S.E.M. after 3 days). These data show that the development of glomerular and tubular function in utero is consistent with morphologic maturation, and that following birth, maturational renal changes proceed in a balanced, appropriate direction.
Towards optimal distributed election on chordal rings

Abstract In this paper we study the message complexity of the problem of distributively electing a leader in chordal rings. We present an election algorithm for a class of chordal rings with constant number of chords at each processor and O( n log log n ) message complexity. We also prove that O(log log n ) chords at each processor suffice to obtain an O( n ) algorithm. This improves a previous work where O(log n ) chords at each processor give an O( n ) election algorithm. All algorithms are referred to base 2.
DSP-based PID controller design for the PMDC motor

This paper presents a robust proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller design method for permanent magnetic DC (PMDC) motor. The PID controller parameters are systematically developed through the linear quadratic regulator (LQR) approach, such that satisfactory performance with guaranteed closed-loop stability is achieved. In order to deal with modelling error and input saturation, an internal model control (IMC) structure is utilized, such that system robustness is improved, without the need for an observer. The proposed method is implemented through the dSPACE digital signal processor (DSP) system, and the experimental result confirms its effectiveness.
The efffects of global northermic hyperfusion on the processed electroencephalogram in patients

Abstract This study examined the effects of global normothermic hypoperfusion on the compressed spectral array (CSA) processed electroencephalogram (EEG) during high-dose narcotic anesthesia. Fifteen patients undergoing cardiac electrophysiologic surgery were studied. The patients were anesthetized with a standard high-dose narcotic technique and then connected to a Nicolet Pathfinder I CSA EEG analysis system using seven subdermal electrodes in a modified International 10–20 configuration. There were 167 intervals of profound hypotension ranging from 8 to 96 seconds. During these periods the cerebral perfusion pressure was almost zero. Despite 38 intervals up to 32 seconds long, 6 of the 15 patients had no EEG changes. Overall, there were 36 (21.6%) ischemic EEG recordings. None of the patients developed neurological complications. The incidence of EEG changes was much lower than expected from other studies. Either the processed EEG was inherently insensitive, the high-dose narcotic masked the processed previously unknown protective effect.
Brief Report: Effects of Informational Feedback on Aluminum Can Recycling

The impact of informational feedback on the depositing of aluminum cans in recycling receptacles at a medium-sized university was investigated. Informational signs were placed over 20-recycling receptacles in three academic buildings. Each informational sign was placed at eye level, with the number of aluminum cans deposited for recycling during the previous week displayed in red digits. A 65% increase in the number of aluminum cans deposited in recycling receptacles with the informational signs was observed. Furthermore, removal of the informational signs was observed to reliably decrease the number of aluminum cans deposited. These results are discussed in the context of employing feedback to increase environmental protection behaviors.
Cor pulmonale; a consideration of clinical and autopsy findings.

SUMMARY 1) Autopsy findings from November, 1948, to October, 1951, at this hospital demonstrated an incidence of right ventricular hypertrophy of 50 per cent in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and chronic emphysema. 2) Chronic cor pulmonale is much more frequently seen at autopsy than the clinical diagnosis would indicate. Awareness of the situation in which cor pulmonale is particularly prevalent, and the use of appropriate diagnostic study, should make clinical appraisal of the patient more accurate and lead to more effective treatment and more intelligent prognosis.
Thermal cycling and stress relaxation response of Si-Al and Si-Al-SiO2 layered thin films

Abstract The deformation of Si-Al and Si-Al-SiO 2 multi-layered thin films in response to controlled sequences of constant- and variable-amplitude thermal cycling and isothermal exposures has been studied experimentally by recourse to in situ measurements of curvature changes which made use of the laser scanning technique. In an attempt to systematically isolate salient mechanistic features, a select set of companion experiments have also been conducted on the Si-SiO 2 bi-layer system. In some cases, the layered solids have been subjected to as many as 14 thermal cycles between 20 and 450°C to examine the stability of thermally induced deformation. It is found that the variation of curvature with temperature reaches saturation after the first thermal cycle for the Si-Al bi-layer system. The presence of the SiO 2 passivation layer, however, drastically alters the plastic deformation characteristics of the Al layer with the result that: (i) sharp transitions arise in the variation of curvature with temperature during constant-amplitude thermal cycling; (ii) as many as 12 thermal cycles are needed to attain saturation in the curvature-temperature hysteresis loops; (iii) the extent of stress relaxation is significantly reduced during isothermal hold periods in the heating or the cooling phase of the thermal cycle; and (iv) the effects of certain types of variable-amplitude thermal cycling on elastoplastic deformation are essentially suppressed. An elastoplastic analysis, presented by Suresh et al. ( J. Mech. Phys. Solids 42 , 979, 1994) for multi-layer systems, has been used to interpret some of the experimental results obtained in this paper. The predictions of this analysis for curvature changes during thermal cycling (without isothermal hold periods) are found to capture many trends experimentally observed in the Si-Al and Si-Al-SiO 2 layered systems. It is seen, however, that continuum analyses based upon assumptions of steady-state, power-law creep response for the thin Al film fail to capture the measured effects of the passivation layer on creep relaxation even at saturation.
Emerging Perspectives on the Natural Microbiome of Fresh Produce Vegetables

Plants harbor a diverse microbiome existing as bacterial populations on the leaf surface (the phyllosphere) and within plant tissues (endophytes). The composition of this microbiome has been largely unexplored in fresh produce vegetables, where studies have tended to focus on pathogen detection and survival. However, the application of next-generation 16S rRNA gene sequencing approaches is beginning to reveal the diversity of this produce-associated bacterial community. In this article we review what is known about the composition of the microbiome of fresh produce vegetables, placing it in the context of general phyllosphere research. We also demonstrate how next-generation sequencing can be used to assess the bacterial assemblages present on fresh produce, using fresh herbs as an example. That data shows how the use of such culture-independent approaches can detect groups of taxa (anaerobes, psychrophiles) that may be missed by traditional culture-based techniques. Other issues discussed include questions as to whether to determine the microbiome during plant growth or at point of purchase or consumption, and the potential role of the natural bacterial community in mitigating pathogen survival.
1215 LYSOSOMAL EFFLUX OF FREE SIALIC ACID: IMPLICATIONS FOR SALLA DISEASE

Salla disease is characterized biochemically by greatly increased levels of free sialic acid in lysosomes. In order to study the metabolism of free sialic acid (N-acetyl neuraminic acid, NANA) in lysosomes, highly purified lysosomes were prepared from rat liver by Percoll gradient centrifugation. These lysosomes were loaded with sialic acid by incubation in 250 mM 14C-NANA. Lysosomal loading was both temperature and time dependent with optimal conditions obtained at 37° C for 20 minutes. Lysosomes treated in this manner and then subjected to freeze/thawing lost both 90% of their sialic acid content and 90% of their β-hexosaminidase activity. The lysosomal sialic acid thus appeared to be soluble rather than protein bound. Lysosomes containing 5,500 pmol sialic acid/μmol/min β-hexosaminidase activity lost 204 pmol/min or 37% of their sialic acid content over 10 minutes at 25° C without evidence of lysosomal breakage. Loss of sialic acid slowed markedly after 10 minutes to 40 pmol/min. Addition of 2 mM Mgcl2/ATP to the lysosomes resulted in a 50% increase in the loss of sialic acid during a 10 minute incubation without change in lysosomal integrity as measured by β-hexosaminidase activity. These studies suggest that lysosomes may contain a transport system for the efflux of free sialic acid. Accumulation of free sialic acid in Salla disease would be consistent with defective lysosomal efflux of sialic acid.
Political strategies of regulated organizations as functions of context and fear

Data from representative privately owned profit-making, privately owned non-profit and publicly owned non-profit organizations are used to determine differences in influence strategy and whether organizational context (e.g. size, dependence) and fear are significant explanatory variables for variation in influence strategies across industries. Extending ‘power-dependence theory’ to conditions of vertical interdependence between regulated organizations and regulatory agencies, the present study finds support for the hypotheses that context has a significant positive effect on information based influence strategies, but no significant effect on pressure strategies of influence. Further, fear of government retaliation is found to be related negatively to information based influence strategies and related positively to pressure strategies. Implications for further theoretical development and private and public policy are drawn.
Molecular Neurobiology and Genetics: Investigation of Neural Function and Dysfunction

We are grateful to Nigel Unwin for permission to use Figure 3Figure 3 and to Senyon Choe and Andreas Kreusch for an early look at their tetramerization domain structure. We also thank Marc Ballivet and members of the Heinemann laboratory, including Christine Schulteis, Geoff Swanson, Anis Contractor, and Rolf Sternglanz, for helpful comments. The work was funded by grants to S. F. H. from the National Institutes of Health and the Mcknight Foundation.
High Tech Tethers and Work-family Conflict: A Conservation of Resources Approach

This is one of the first studies to empirically examine the relationship between wireless communications technology and work interference with family, and results shed light on the motivating factors that influence individuals to continuously engage with mobile technologies, sometimes to their personal detriment. We draw from Conservation of Resources (COR) theory to examine the relationship between using mobile communications technologies during non-work time (e.g., evenings, weekends, vacation) and psychological variables related to work-family conflict and well being, and whether this relationship is mediated by perceptions of job control and detachment from work. We collected data from 139 full-time working adults from a large media organization and analyzed it by conducting two multiple mediation regression models using bootstrapping procedures (Preacher & Hayes, 2008). Results revealed that higher levels of mobile technology use during evenings, weekends and vacations were directly related to higher levels of work-family conflict, operationalized as work interference with family. Technology use was also related to both resource enhancing and resource depleting variables. Specifically, technology use was positively related to job control and negatively related to detachment from work. Job control and detachment from work, in turn, were negatively related to work interference with family. Findings suggested that the mediating effect of detachment on the relationship between technology use and work interference with family was greater than the mediating effect of job control, thus providing evidence to support the COR theory principle that resource loss is more salient than resource gain.
Compositional and structural investigations of highly stoichiometric titanium disulfide

Abstract Highly stoichiometric TiS 2 has been studied chemically, structurally, magnetically, and thermogravimetrically. Ammonia intercalation rate, X-ray diffraction and magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate the stoichiometry of the TiS 2 is essentially identical to the most stoichiometric TiS 2 that has been prepared previously. High-precision thermogravimetric analysis up to 900°C indicates that the actual composition is Ti 1.0032 S 2 . Residual sulfur analysis yields the corrected formulation Ti 1.0025 S 2 , which explains the origin of the relatively high conduction-electron density in this extrinsic semiconductor. An anomalous inflection is observed in the thermogravimetric oxidation of TiS 2 to TiO 2 at 620±6°C. X-ray powder diffraction patterns of samples cooled rapidly at temperatures between 360 and 900°C reveal that anatase and rutile are the only crystalline phases present. It is suggested that the inflection at 620°C may be due to interfacial changes associated with the onset of the anatase-to-rutile phase transition.
The Digital Twin-Ferrite-Toroid Circular Waveguide Phaser (Short Papers)

A new microwave structure is proposed, consisting of a circular waveguide loaded with two ferrite toroids circumferentially magnetized at remanence in opposite direction. It is shown that nonreciprocal parameters such as differential phase shift can be doubled with respect to the single toroid configuration. A method for biasing the toroids at remanence in opposite directions by means of a single wire passing through the axis of the waveguide is proposed. Modal purity is taken into account in order to select dielectric Ioading parameters which ensure operation within the modal inversion window in which the TE/sub 01/ mode is dominant. The propagation factor and differential phase shift are computed under these conditions, and their variation with several parameters such as remanent magnetization, toroid location, and toroid thickness is shown.
Fatty acid and alcohol partitioning with intestinal brush border and erythrocyte membranes

Relative partition coefficients of fatty acids and alcohols between aqueous buffers and biological membranes have been determined from the linear relationship between isotope content of sedimented membranes and aqueous concentration. This technique allows study of highly lipid soluble compounds such as long-chain saturated fatty acids. Rat intestinal brush border membranes and erythrocyte ghost membranes were studied by using homologous series of saturated fatty acids mono-unsaturated fatty acids and 10, 12, and 14 carbon normal alcohols. The influence of chain length on partitioning was similar in the three series with an incremental, free energy of −820 cal/mole per methylene group in brush borders for the saturated fatty acids. Incremental enthalpy and entropy were −1331 cal/mole and −1.64 cal/mole,oK respectively. Decrease in the partition coefficient due to the double bond (monounsaturated relative to saturated) had an incremental free energy of +1178 cal/mole, incremental enthalpy of −3453 cal/mole, and incremental entropy of −7.34 cal/mole,oK, while substitution of the hydroxyl for the ionized carboxyl group (pH 7.4) increased the partition coefficient by 72-fold. From these data it must be concluded that the lipid phase of the membrane bilayer is extremely hydrophobic, similar to heptane or polyethylene in polarity.
High-Efficiency Green Function-Based Thermal Simulation Algorithms

Due to technology scaling trends, the accurate and efficient calculations of the temperature distribution corresponding to a specific circuit layout and power density distribution will become indispensable in the design of high-performance very large scale integrated circuits. In this paper, we present three highly efficient thermal simulation algorithms for calculating the on-chip temperature distribution in a multilayered substrate structure. All three algorithms are based on the concept of the Green function and utilize the technique of discrete cosine transform. However, the application areas of the algorithms are different. The first algorithm is suitable for localized analysis in thermal problems, whereas the second algorithm targets full-chip temperature profiling. The third algorithm, which combines the advantages of the first two algorithms, can be used to perform thermal simulations where the accuracy requirement differs from place to place over the same chip. Experimental results show that all three algorithms can achieve relative errors of around 1% compared with that of a commercial computational fluid dynamic software package for thermal analysis, whereas their efficiencies are orders of magnitude higher than that of the direct application of the Green function method.
On the qualitative theory of lower semicontinuous differential inclusions

On etudie les proprietes qualitatives de l'ensemble des solutions de Caratheodory pour une inclusion differentielle de la forme x˙(t)∈F(t,x(t)), t∈[0,T, x(0)=ζ∈R n
Proliferation of resting B cells is modulated by CR2 and CR1

Abstract Absence of the third component of complement, C3, is associated with impaired ability to synthesized antibody, particularly in the presence of limiting antigen [1–9]. The mature B lymphocyte bearing the surface immunoglobulin receptor transduces signals for proliferation and differentiation upon binding of specific antigen. This mature B cell also bears two related membrane proteins, CR2 (the C3d/Epstein-Barr virus receptor) (CD21) [10–14] and CR1 (the C3b receptor) (CD35) [15], which can mediate the binding of ligands to which appropriate cleavage fragments of C3 have become attached [16]. It has been suggested that these receptors play a direct role(s) in B cell activation [17–25]. In light of previous in vivo observations we decided to asses the function of CR2 and CR1 in relation to B cell activation through the membrane IgM receptor. Highly purified splenic B cells were prepared. No conminating T cells or macrophages were detected by flow cytometric analysis and no proliferative activity was present upon PHA or ConA stimulation of the purified cells. The B cells were separated into low (activated), medium (preactivated) and high density (resting) fractions by Percoll gradient density centrifugation [26]. The responses of the B cell subpopulation to various concentrations of anti-mu (DA4.4 monoclonal antibody) [27] were examined for proliferation at 72 h and for IgM/IgG production at 7 days. Low density B cells were maximally stimulated and no concentration of anti-mu was effective in enhancing their responses. High density B cells proliferated to anti-mu in a concentration dependent manner. When substimulatory concentration of anti-mu were employed, concomitant crosslinking of CR2 (with either of 2 distinct monoclonal antibodies HB-5 [28] or OKB7 [17]) resulted in a 45% enhancement of B cell proliferation above that observed by crosslinking of SIgM alone. In these studies, total IgM and IgG did not increase in the absence of T cells or T cell factors, indicating that terminal differentiation did not occur. In contrast, when a monoclonal antibody to CR1(44D) [29] was employed in an identical experiment B cell proliferation was completely inhibited. Antibodies to CR2 or CR1 either alone or in cross-linked form did not enhance B cell proliferation. Immune complexes may crosslink the B cell surface in a manner analogous to our model when the immunoglobulin receptor and CR2 are simultaneously engaged. This activation signal may be particularly important in eliciting antibody responses when the quantity of specific antigen or the affinity for antigen is low. The marked inhibition of proliferation induced by CR1 suggests an alternate role for this receptor in modulation of B cell responses.
Evaluation of an on-site pilot static granular bed reactor (SGBR) for the treatment of slaughterhouse wastewater

An on-site pilot-scale static granular bed reactor (SGBR) system was evaluated for treating wastewater from a slaughterhouse in Iowa. The study evaluated SGBR reactor suitability for slaughterhose wastewater having high particulate COD concentration (7.9 ± 4.3 g COD/L) at 0.3–1.4 m3/m2/day of the surface loading rates. High organic removal efficiency (over 95% of TSS and VSS removal) was obtained due to the consistent treatability of SGBR system during operation at HRTs of 48, 36, 30, 24, and 20 h. The average effluent TSS, VSS, COD, soluble COD, and BOD5 concentrations were 84, 71, 301,197, and 87 mg/L, respectively. An effective backwash procedure was performed once every 7–14 days to waste a portion of the accumulated solids in the system. This procedure limited the increase in hydraulic head loss and maintained the system stability. COD removal efficiencies greater than 95% were achieved at organic loading rates ranging from 0.77 to 12.76 kg/m3/day.
A Local Switch Markov Chain on Given Degree Graphs with Application in Connectivity of Peer-to-Peer Networks

We study a switch Markov chain on regular graphs, where switches are allowed only between links that are at distance 2; we call this the flip. The motivation for studying the flip Markov chain arises in the context of unstructured peer-to-peer networks, which constantly perform such flips in an effort to randomize. We show that the flip Markov chain on regular graphs is rapidly mixing, thus justifying this widely used peer-to-peer networking practice. Our mixing argument uses the Markov chain comparison technique. In particular, we extend this technique to embedding arguments where the compared Markov chains are defined on different state spaces. We give several conditions which generalize our results beyond regular graphs
Participatory Paradoxes: Facilitating Citizen Engagement in Science and Technology From the Top-Down?

Mechanisms to engage lay citizens in science and technology are currently in vogue worldwide. While some engagement exercises aim to influence policy making, research suggests that they have had li...
Antimicrobial activity of three investigational oral cephalosporins (BK-218, cefdinir, and RU29246) against Legionella

Abstract Three new, orally administered cephalosporins (BK-218, cefdinir, RU29246) were tested against 13 representative strains of Legionella . Cefdinir was most active [50% minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC 50 ), 1 μg/ml], a potency comparable to the reference drug cefixime and eightfold less active than erythromycin. BK-218 was the least active cephalosporin (MIC 50 , 8 μg/ml) or 100-fold less potent than rifampin. These investigational cephems appear poorly suited by activity assays for Legionellosis therapy.
Primary prevention of eating disorders: a constructivist integration of mind and body strategies.

Objective: This study investigated the impact of a primary prevention program for eating disorders aimed at fifth-grade females. The curriculum was based on empirically validated risk and protective factors and incorporated interactive discourse, yoga, and relaxation into 10 weekly sessions. Method: Pre- and post-test data from five groups conducted over 2 years were combined for a total of 75 participants. Data were also collected from 69 control group participants. Results: Results indicate completion of the group resulted in a significant decrease on scales from the Eating Disorder Inventory-2 measuring body dissatisfaction and bulimia, as well as an increase on the Social scale of the Multidimensional Self-Concept Scale. Conclusion: The results demonstrate mixed support for the Girls' Group prevention program. Implications for practice and future research are discussed. © 2007 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2008
A practice-oriented course in switching converters

The development of a practice-oriented course in switching power converters at the University of Arkansas, USA, is presented. Students learn, verify, and reinforce lecture concepts by performing switching power converter experiments in the laboratory sessions. PSpice simulations are used extensively to verify concepts and to enhance students' comprehension. A design project is used to integrate the materials taught in the lectures with experience gained in the laboratory sessions. In general, students feel they learn more effectively in a practice-oriented course. The switching power converters course is very time intensive for both students and the instructor. However, it is very well received by students.
Spectrophotometric determination of catechols with 4-aminoantipyrine

Abstract : Phenols, oxidized with hydrogen peroxide or potassium ferricyanide in alkaline medium, give a color reaction with 4-aminopyrazoles. This reaction with 4-aminoantipyrine (Emerson's reagent) is the basis of a sensitive and specific analytical method for phenols. We have observed that when atmospheric oxygen acts as the oxidant, only catechols respond to the test. This permits the determination of catechols in the presence of other phenols. (ARUTHOR)
A parametric analysis of future ethanol use in the light-duty transportation sector: Can the US meet its Renewable Fuel Standard goals without an enforcement mechanism?

Abstract The modified Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2) prescribes a volume of biofuels to be used in the United States transportation sector each year through 2022. As the dominant component of the transportation sector, we consider the feasibility of the light-duty vehicle (LDV) parc to provide enough demand for biofuels to satisfy RFS2. Sensitivity studies show that the fuel price differential between gasoline and ethanol blendstocks, such as E85, is the principal factor in LDV biofuel consumption. The numbers of flex fuel vehicles and biofuel refueling stations will grow given a favorable price differential. However, unless the feedstock price differential becomes extreme (biomass prices below $100 per dry ton and oil prices above $215 per barrel), which deviates from historical price trends, LDV parc biofuel consumption will fall short of the RFS2 mandate without an enforcement mechanism. Additionally, such commodity prices might increase biofuel consumption in the short-term, but discourage use of biofuels in the long-term as other technologies that do not rely on any gasoline blendstock may be preferable. Finally, the RFS2 program goals of reducing fossil fuel consumption and transportation greenhouse gas emissions could be achieved through other pathways, such as notable improvements in conventional vehicle efficiency.
Nanoelectromechanical switching devices: Scaling toward ultimate energy efficiency and longevity

The active search for candidates of an ideal switching device for low-voltage logic and ultralow-power applications has stimulated focused explorations of contact-mode switches (relays) based on micro/nanoelectromechanical systems (MEMS/NEMS) [1-7]. This has been driven by the fundamental advantages that mechanical devices offer, such as ideally abrupt switching with zero off-state leakage, suitable for harsh and extreme environments, and very small footprints (e.g., particularly with NEMS). In pursuing and realizing these advantages, however, significant challenges still remain today: (i) All the high-performance mechanical switches recently demonstrated are still in the MEMS domain [2-5] and are orders of magnitude larger in size or volume (>103 to 104) than the nanoscale devices presented in this work. (ii) Most truly nanoscale contact-mode NEMS switches known to date (often based on various nanowires, cantilevers and nanotubes) still suffer from very short lifetimes.nanoscale contact-mode NEMS switches
The failure of indomethacin to alter ACTH-induced adrenal hyperaemia or steroidogenesis in the anaesthetized dog.

Abstract 1 The response of adrenal blood flow to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) was measured with radioactive microspheres in anaesthetized, dexamethasone-treated, mongrel dog. 2 Adrenocorticotropic hormone (2 u/h i.v.) increased adrenal blood flow within 15 min and this persisted for the duration of the infusion. 3 Cortisol concentrations also rose with ACTH infusion. 4 Indomethacin (6 mg/kg i.v. followed by 1 mg/min) did not effect the adrenal response to ACTH although plasma concentrations of indomethacin (21.9 +/- 2.5 micrograms/ml) adequate to suppress prostaglandin synthesis were achieved. 5 We conclude that prostaglandins are not required for steroidogenesis or the adrenal haemodynamic response to ACTH.
Evaluating Executive Development: A Case Study

Describes an effort by a large US company, GTE, to evaluate the impact of a major management development effort and to decide how best the group responsible for the course should operate in the future to be most effective in performing its role. The results of the study provided insight on how various operations respond to an internal supplier of management development and how that group could be more effective in meeting the needs of its internal customers.
Fabrication and Characterization of MIM Diodes Based on Nb/Nb2O5 Via a Rapid Screening Technique

Metal–insulator–metal (MIM) structures are gaining signifi cant attention due to their applications in varied electronic devices such as rectennas for energy harvesting, [ 1–4 ] high-frequency detectors/infrared photo-detection, [ 5–7 ] high-frequency mixers, [ 8–10 ] as well as applications in static memory and switching devices. [ 11 , 12 ] Ideally, for most of these applications, the MIM structure should exhibit current–voltage ( I–V ) characteristics with high asymmetry ( f ASYM > 1), strong nonlinearity ( f NL > 3), fast responsivity ( f RES > 7 V − 1 ), low hysteresis and low turn-on voltage (close to zero bias). [ 3 ] Despite the widespread utility and simple architecture of MIM devices, there is a signifi cant lack of understanding as to which materials properties produce the desired device performance. Although it is commonly stated that a high work-function difference ( Δ φ ) between the metal electrodes is responsible for high f ASYM and f NL , [ 3 , 5 , 7 ]
Estrogen-receptor binding: relationship to estrogen-induced responses.

The relationship between nuclear binding of the receptor‐estrogen complex (R·E) and estrogenic responses was examined. Nuclear‐bound R·E was measured by the [ 3 H] estradiol exchange assay, which permits the quantification of R·E as a function of either endogenous or nonlabeled estrogen. The quantity of nuclear R'E fluctuated as a function of blood levels of estrogen during the estrous cycle in the rat. This indicates that the accumulation of the R'E complex by the nucleus of uterine cells may be of physiologic significance and under the control of endogenous estrogen. Immature rats received a single injection of estradiol (E 2 ) or estriol (E 3 ) and the following parameters were measured: accumulation and retention of the estrogen receptor by the nucleus of uterine cells; incorporation of [ 14 C] glucose into CO 2 , lipid, protein, and RNA; RNA polymerase activity; water imbibition; and increased dry weight. All early uterotropic responses (0–3 hr) that were measured were equally stimulated by E 1 and E...
Implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy in postinfarction patients.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW In the past few years, new clinical trials were conducted to determine the effectiveness of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) for prevention of mortality in patients with ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathies. This paper aims to provide an overview of the current state of knowledge regarding ICD therapy in postinfarction patients. RECENT FINDINGS Postinfarction patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction are at high risk of sudden cardiac death. Antiarrhythmic therapy does not improve survival in such patients and, therefore, ICDs emerged as treatment of choice for both primary and secondary prevention of mortality after MI. The MADIT (Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Implantation Trial) and MUSTT (Multicenter Unsustained Tachycardia Trial) trials were the first primary prevention ICD trials documenting a substantial reduction in mortality with an ICD in postinfarction patients with depressed ejection fraction, nonsustained ventricular tachycardia, and inducible sustained ventricular tachycardia. The recently completed MADIT II trial broadened indications for prophylactic use of ICD in postinfarction patients with ejection fraction of 30% or less without a requirement for additional risk stratifiers. The benefit from ICD therapy in patients with low ejection fraction was recently confirmed by results from the SCD-HeFT (Sudden Cardiac Death in Heart Failure) and COMPANION (Comparison of Medical Therapy, Pacing, and Defibrillation in Heart Failure) trials. SUMMARY Recent clinical trials established ICD as an important therapeutic modality for primary and secondary prevention of mortality in postinfarction patients.
Weed-crop competition models and response-surface analysis of red rice competition in cultivated rice: a review

Models that predict crop yield based on crop and weed densities are valuable for estimating yield losses and devising weed control strategies. Field experiments were conducted in 1987 and 1989 to evaluate a model describing the competitive interaction between red rice (Oryza sativa L.), a weedy variety, and the commercial cultivar, Mars. The response-surface model consisted of nonlinear yield-density equations where average per-plant yield was the dependent variable and the densities of the competing plant varieties were the independent variables
New Economic Architectures after the Global Financial Crisis and Their Implications in East Asia

The study of financial crises can be very revealing about how markets function, as they are instances when markets fail. Understanding the mechanisms that drive financial crises give insights into ...
Water Beds and Sexual Satisfaction: Wike's Law of Low Odd Primes (WLLOP)

A powerful methodological principle, Wike's Law of Low Odd Primes (WLLOP), is described and its limitations are noted. A 5-step procedure for applying WLLOP to research is presented and then exemplified by an analysis of the Nasters-Yonson investigation of water beds and sexual satisfaction. Two criticisms of WLLOP are responded to. Finally, admonitions regarding the application of WLLOP are offered.
Relationship of Body Fat to Fertility in Broiler Breeder Hens

Abstract Sixty-one dwarf broiler breeder hens (58 weeks of age) were utilized to examine relationships among body weight, body fat, oviduct fat, and fertility. Body weight showed a significant (P
The Symbolic Self in Evolutionary Context

We propose that the capacity for a symbolic self (a flexible and multifaceted cognitive representation of an organism's own attributes) in humans is a product of evolution. In pursuing this argument, we note that some primates possess rudimentary elements of a self (an objectified self) and that the symbolic self (a) is a trait that is widely shared among humans, (b) serves adaptive functions, and (c) could have evolved in response to environmental pressures, with ecological and social pressures being of particular relevance. We suggest that these two environmental pressures caused the symbolic self to emerge in the Pleistocene epoch as an adaptation for Homo erectus, and we review the possible functions served by such an adaptation.