cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Inverse Problem for LTV ODE’s

Abstract It is well known that any linear combination of products of polynomials and exponentials (a.k.a. Bohl functions) are annihilated by LTI-ODE’s. In this paper, we consider the more general classes of piecewise Bohl functions and of real analytic functions and present the realization of the latter as solutions of linear differential polynomials with real analytic coefficients. In particular, we show that the minimal order depends solely on the multiplicity of the zeros of the given function. We extend the problem further to meromorphic functions without poles on the real line. We briefly comment on piecewise-defined functions and the nonhomogeneous problem.
Signal Intensity Normalization of Multispectal Magnetic Resonance Images Obtained with Clinical Sequences

Assessment of intrinsic tissue integrity is commonly accomplished via quantitative relaxometry or other specialized imaging, which requires sequences and analysis procedures not routinely available in clinical settings. We detail an alternative technique for extraction of quantitative tissue biomarkers based on intensity normalization of T1- and T2-weighted images. We develop the theoretical underpinnings of this approach and demonstrate its utility in imaging of multiple sclerosis.
LP-based Approximations for Disjoint Bilinear and Two-Stage Adjustable Robust Optimization

We consider the class of disjoint bilinear programs $ \max \; \{ \mathbf{x}^T\mathbf{y} \mid \mathbf{x} \in \mathcal{X}, \;\mathbf{y} \in \mathcal{Y}\}$ where $\mathcal{X}$ and $\mathcal{Y}$ are packing polytopes. We present an $O(\frac{\log \log m_1}{\log m_1} \frac{\log \log m_2}{\log m_2})$-approximation algorithm for this problem where $m_1$ and $m_2$ are the number of packing constraints in $\mathcal{X}$ and $\mathcal{Y}$ respectively. In particular, we show that there exists a near-optimal solution $(\mathbf{x}, \mathbf{y})$ such that $\mathbf{x}$ and $\mathbf{y}$ are "near-integral". We give an LP relaxation of this problem from which we obtain the near-optimal near-integral solution via randomized rounding. As an application of our techniques, we present a tight approximation for the two-stage adjustable robust problem with covering constraints and right-hand side uncertainty where the separation problem is a bilinear optimization problem. In particular, based on the ideas above, we give an LP restriction of the two-stage problem that is an $O(\frac{\log n}{\log \log n} \frac{\log L}{\log \log L})$-approximation where $L$ is the number of constraints in the uncertainty set. This significantly improves over state-of-the-art approximation bounds known for this problem.
Hall Street Blues: The Uncertain Future of Manifest Disregard

In 2008, in Hall Street Assocs. v. Mattel, Inc., the Supreme Court resolved a then-existing split in the federal circuits and held that parties cannot contractually expand the grounds for judicial review of an arbitration award when invoking the Federal Arbitration Act's vacatur provisions, elevating the finality of arbitration over the parties’ freedom of contract. The Hall Street decision necessarily impacted subsequent jurisprudence regarding parties’ motions to vacate arbitration awards. While the opinion clearly and explicitly barred further contractual expansion of grounds for review, it also avoided and thus left unresolved the issue of whether it would endorse or reject the judicially-crafted “manifest disregard of the law” ground for review of an arbitration award. In the short time since Hall Street, a new circuit split has emerged on the question of whether manifest disregard of the law survives Hall Street as a valid ground to vacate an award under the FAA. Because the scope of permissible judicial review of arbitration awards poses the fundamental policy question of whether and to what degree courts should intervene in the finality of the arbitration process to ensure its integrity, this article explores that question.
Trends in the solubility of iron in dust-dominated aerosols in the equatorial Atlantic trade winds: importance of iron speciation and sources.

[1] We present measurements of the solubility of Fe(II) and Fe(III) extracted from bulk and size-fractionated African dust collected in summer trade winds at Barbados, West Indies. Iron solubilities typically ranged from 1% to 3%. Fe(III) dominates the iron solubility over the entire range of particle sizes. At mineral dust concentrations below about 5 ug/m3 Fe(II), believed to be largely derived from anthropogenic and biomass burning sources, becomes increasingly important. Samples containing large soluble iron fractions and high Fe(II)/Fe(III) ratios are associated with South Atlantic back trajectories; the gray coloration of the filters suggests that the source may be biomass burning in southern Africa. In general, much of the variability in Fe solubility is linked to Fe(II) concentration changes. Vanadium is often used as a tracer of anthropogenic impacts. Although many of our samples yielded V/Ti ratios much greater than average crustal abundances, we could find no relationship between the enrichment of V and Fe solubility. Our Fe solubility results are quite similar to those obtained by others despite the fact that the measurements were made in diverse ocean regions and the protocols used were quite different in all cases. This uniformity implies that the factors controlling aerosol iron solubility are largely inherent in the properties of the aerosols themselves and not the procedures used to extract the iron. Our results suggest that dust transport models that focus on the role of iron in ocean biogeochemistry must take into account aerosol origin in order to better model the solubility of iron.
Optical properties of Cr O 2 , Mo O 2 , and W O 2 in the range 0.2-6 eV

The dielectric functions and optical conductivities of Cr${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$, Mo${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$, and W${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ have been obtained from reflectivity measurements, and the results are interpreted on the basis of qualitative models proposed for the band structures of the transition-metal dioxide series. Cr${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ has been studied as a function of temperature above and below its ferromagnetic transition at ${T}_{c}=392\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$K. Three conductivity peaks are observed to shift substantially near ${T}_{c}$, and a band near 0.8 eV in the ferromagnetic phase is assigned to transitions between exchange-split Cr $d$ bands. An increase in $3d$ bandwidth and $2p\ensuremath{-}3d$ separation is observed in the sequence Cr${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$, V${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$, Mo${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$, and W${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$, and these effects are correlated with an increasing cation radius. No evidence is found for greatly differing bandwidths for $3d$ orbitals of different symmetries, as has been proposed on empirical grounds.
Is gravitational lensing important for BL Lac objects

An hypothesis put forward by the author and Mario Vietri in 1985 [8] is re-examined in the light of more recent observations and theoretical developments: some significant fraction of the BL Lac objects seen in nearby galaxies are not truly in them but rather are the gravitationally lensed, substantially amplified images of OW quasars at normal z ≳ l redshifts. Since 1985 at least two candidates have been found by Stickel [11] where the elliptical galaxy, in which the BL Lac is apparently found, is quite likely a foreground object. Second, even as more objects have been discovered, the statistical distribution of number with redshift remains bizarre, and difficult to understand without lensing, unless we are at a very local maximum of the BL Lac cosmic density. Finally, recent theoretical work indicates that, while macrolensing should be most probable at moderate redshift z ≈ 0.5 → 1.0, the galaxies which cause significant microlensing due to embedded stars will tend to be found in two peaks, one quite near us at z ≈ 0.05 → 0.10, and the other near the quasar.
Inter-Package Dependency Networks in Open-Source Software

This research analyzes complex networks in open-source software at the inter-package level, where package dependencies often span across projects and between development groups. We review complex networks identified at ``lower'' levels of abstraction, and then formulate a description of interacting software components at the package level, a relatively ``high'' level of abstraction. By mining open-source software repositories from two sources, we empirically show that the coupling of modules at this granularity creates a small-world and scale-free network in both instances.
RF breakdown and high gradient limits

A number of recent papers describing a model of breakdown and high gradient limits should be directly applicable to all rf and DC applications. Although based on low frequency rf measurements, the model can explain and reproduce the effects of a wide range of variables, (B fields, gas pressure, materials, breakdown rate dependence on electric fields, frequency and pulse length, etc.), and also some superconducting rf behavior. Highlights of this program include: the highest accelerating gradients ever recorded, new models of breakdown and high gradient operation that seem to explain all high gradient behavior, and new technology for surface measurement and control.
A Review of: “Orientalism and Islam: European Thinkers on Oriental Despotism in the Middle East and India. By Michael Curtis.”: New York: Cambridge University Press, 2009. 392 pp. $90.00 cloth/$25.99 paperback.

This is an uneven book. While it contains a number of useful chapters on key philosophers and thinkers, it lacks a basic coherence, which vitiates its usefulness. Both the title and the introductio...
Drug Interactions of H2-Receptor Antagonists

Three drug interactions of nizatidine and of other antisecretory agents were studied comparatively. First, the effects of nizatidine, cimetidine and ranitidine on the dispositional kinetics of theophylline were evaluated in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Second, the effect of magnesium/aluminium hydroxide on the relative bioavailability of nizatidine, famotidine, cimetidine and ranitidine was evaluated in healthy volunteers. Finally, the effects of nizatidine and omeprazole on the dispositional kinetics of phenytoin were evaluated in healthy volunteers. Only cimetidine altered the steady-state kinetics of oral theophylline, slowing theophylline clearance by 25%. Each of the H2-receptor antagonists exhibited a modest decline in relative bioavailability when ingested with antacid. Antacid ingestion decreased the bioavailability of famotidine, ranitidine and cimetidine by 20-25%, and the bioavailability of nizatidine by 12%. Each of these effects was statistically significant. Finally, it was found that neither omeprazole nor nizatidine affected the single dose kinetics of phenytoin.
Family and Community in Ireland.

Family and Community in Ireland. Conrad M. Arensberg and Solon T. Kimball. Third edition, with. new introduction by Anne Byrne, Ricca Edmondson, and Tony Varley. Ennis, Ireland: Clasp Press, 2001. 417 pp.
Market Structure and Product Cost Information

One common reason that firms do not update costing systems to improve cost information is the tradeoff deficit between benefits and implementation costs of such an updated system. This may be true in many cases; but there are situations in that more accurate product costs result in lower profit even if there is no implementation cost. In a two-product industry, we consider two information sources improving the product costs' accuracy. We show that a two-product monopolist's more accurate costs always increase its profitability regardless of the information sources; duopolists' more accurate product costs may or may not improve their profit. Product cost information has a non-negative direct impact on their profitability due to the improved product mix and an indirect impact upon their profitability due to the altered relative competitiveness in the product markets. We identify and examine useful scenarios in which the indirect impact is positive, zero, or negative.
Behavioral effects of spinal cord transection in the developing rat

Albino rats, 0, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21 or greater than 90 days of age, were given a mid-thoracic spinal cord transection. Evaluation of responses of the hindlimbs to a variety of behavioral tasks was begun on the day of surgery and at intervals throughout the postoperative survival period (up to 300 days). Two investigators, independently and without knowledge of the animals' ages or survival times, rated the response data. Histological study showed all transections to be complete. Large differences in behavior are observed when animals transected at the neonatal stage (0–4 days of age) are compared with animals transected at the weanling stage (21–26 days age)37. Results of the present investigation indicate a critical period near 15 days of age; animals lesioned prior to this age (0, 9, 12 days of age) show response development and recovery similar to the neonatally lesioned animal, whereas those animals lesioned at a later age (18, 21, > 90days of age) show little recovery and are behaviorally similar to the weanling transected animal. Inanimals lesioned prior to the fifteenth postnatal day, postural responses appear depressed for a brief period but recover rapidly while most responses of animals in the older groups are depressed for longer periods and never attain the degree of recovery characteristic of the neonatally transected animal. Finally, like the neonatally transected animal, rats lesioned on the ninth and twelfth postnatal day develop certain responses at appropriate times relative to normal response development. If, however, these responses are mature and supraspinal control is present at the time of lesioning, they appear to be permanently depressed and fail to recover.
Assessing Parenting Stress in Multiple Samples of Children With Special Needs (csn)

Parenting stress (PS) and its correlates were examined in four pediatric outpatient and clinical research samples in children ages 4 through 12, who had a variety of health, developmental, behavioral, and neurological problems (designated children with special needs [CSN]). Participants came from four different clinic samples: (a) an interdisciplinary clinic for children with combined developmental, behavioral, neurological, and emotional problems (DBC, n = 57); (b) children with intraventricular hemorrhage documented at birth (IVH, n = 70); (c) children with learning and/or attention problems (LD/ADHD, n = 54); and (d) children with neural tube defects (NTD, n = 45). In multiple regression analyses, externalizing, and/or internalizing behavior problems emerged as consistent, and in some cases, the sole correlates of overall PS and parental distress. Perceived inadequacy of family resources and maternal support were also related to PS in some samples. In the DBC, IVH, and NTD samples, analyses of variance revealed PS to be highest in parents of children with behavior problems only or combined cognitive deficits and behavior problems. Having a child with neither behavior problems nor cognitive impairment, or cognitive impairment alone was associated with lower PS. There is a need for collaboration and consultation between clinics serving CSN and qualified mental health professionals if PS in these families is to be adequately evaluated and treated.
Neurons that know when to quit.

With sufficient training, monkeys as well as people can be taught to ignore visually salient stimuli. Now Ipata and colleagues report that activity in monkey lateral intraparietal cortex (LIP) correlates with this ability to ignore salient stimuli, suggesting that activity in this area represents top-down modulation that adjusts visual salience.
Fatal aplastic anemia following apparent “dose-related” chloramphenicol toxicity

T H E R E C O o N I T ! O N of ampicillin-resistant Hemophilus influenzae ~ has increased the use of chloramphenicol, particularly in management of invasive infections caused by this bacterium. Bone marrow toxicity, however, is a serious hazard. Based primarily on clinical data, two different bone marrow toxicities have been proposed. Reversible bone marrow suppression is frequent and dose related.-' Idiosyncratic, aplastic (or severely hypoplastic) bone marrow toxicity is rare, usually irreversible, and has a high fatality rate? These lesions are thought to be dist inct? ~ but we observed a patient with certain features of both toxicities. The purpose of this report is to illustrate that aplastic anemia can occur as an end point of "dose-related" bone marrow suppression.
Expression profile of several genes in human myometrium and uterine leiomyoma

Objective To screen several genes that are differentially expressed in uterine leiomyoma and matched unaffected myometrium by using microarray-based hybridization and real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses. Design Screen by arrays for ≤2,400 known genes in leiomyoma and control myometrium. Setting University clinical research laboratory. Patient(s) Four patients with leiomyoma scheduled for surgery during the proliferative phase. Intervention(s) Four paired samples of leiomyoma and adjacent myometrium were obtained from patients undergoing hysterectomy. Main Outcome Measure(s) Fold-changes in expression of leiomyoma and matched myometrium (L/M). Result(s) A comparison of expression patterns revealed 73 genes significantly up- or down-regulated in each paired tissue sample, of which 30 genes showed increased expression (mean L/M of >2) and 43 showed decreased expression (mean L/M of Conclusion(s) Data obtained from the present study suggest that several genes are selectively overexpressed in leiomyomas compared with in myometrium. Increased expression of growth factor PTN may represent a promising target for therapy.
Analyzing intra-metropolitan poverty differentiation: causes and consequences of poverty expansion to suburbs in the metropolitan Atlanta region

Although metropolitan areas have traditionally been viewed as dichotomous structures with a central city and surrounding suburbs, the development patterns of such areas have taken on a multi-ring sectoral and polycentric structure in the context of intra-metropolitan spatial differentiation. Using the longitudinal census database (1970–2000) for the Atlanta metropolitan region, this study showed not only substantial increases in poverty and its concentration in suburban areas such as inner- and middle-ring suburbs and some suburban employment centers, but also causal factors for changes in poverty by race and subarea. The results suggest that unemployment and rental housing burden were the strongest determinants of levels of poverty and its change across race and subareas, indicating the importance of jobs and affordable rental housing to alleviating poverty and its concentration.
Caught Between Structure and Agency: The Gender of Violence and Prostitution in Papua New Guinea

Luise White's (1991) framework for studying prostitution empirically, in terms of its "labor forms," uncovers the structure and function of "sex industries." In this essay I describe and analyze four such labor forms based upon fieldwork conducted during 1990-92 on Dam island, capital of Papua New Guinea's Western Province. Those forms are: 1) family, 2) freelance, 3) sex broker, and 4) outdoor bush. Amidst these different forms of sexual networking, including marriage, women are caught between their opportunities to act agentially and the structures of domination that impinge upon them — patriarchy, capital, heterosexuality, and the state. Using what Allen Feldman calls "zones of terror" to develop an ethnography of violence, and to sharpen our sense of anthropological praxis, 1 clarify the difference between gender violence and gendered violence. Gender violence consists of social, economic, political, and cultural double standards that are multiplying in form and intensity through Papua New Guinea. Gendered violence, or sexually embodied violence wrought through genitalia, is likewise multiplying and becoming eroticized. I conclude that anthropological praxis requires not only doing "good enough" ethnography but situating violence in an expanded, reflexive field that includes ethnographers.
Infant Mortality and Socioeconomic Status: New Bottle, Same Old Wine

This paper presents the results of an ecological analysis of the relationship between infant mortality and economic status in metropolitan Ohio for the period 1960–2000. The data examined are centered on the five censuses undertaken during this 40-year period. The basic unit of analysis is the census tract of mother’s usual residence, with economic status being determined by the percentage of low income families living in each tract. For each of the five periods covered, census tracts were aggregated into broad income areas and three-year average infant mortality rates were computed for each area, by age, sex, race and exogenous-endogenous causes of death. The most important conclusion to be drawn from the data is that in spite of some very remarkable declines in infant mortality at all class levels since 1960, there continues to be a very clear and pronounced inverse association between income status and infant mortality. Indeed, the evidence indicates that the relationship has become stronger over the years. These observations are applicable for both sexes, for whites and nonwhites, for neonatal and postneonatal deaths, and for both major cause of death groups. It is concluded that while public health programs are important, any progress in narrowing this long-standing differential is unlikely unless ways can be found to enhance the economic well-being of the lower socioeconomic groups.
Modeling Colloid-Enhanced Contaminant Transport in Stormwater Infiltration Basin Best Management Practices

Rainfall runoff from stormwater often contains significant quantities of organic chemicals and metal elements. These constituents can adversely affect surface water and groundwater resources. Infiltration basins are best management practices (BMPs) that are designed for passive treatment and are increasingly used to control runoff and reduce stormwater contaminants in surface waters. The large amount of percolation in such BMPs over an extended duration may adversely affect groundwater quality, however, by eventual delivery of stormwater contaminants to the water table. Moreover, the existence of naturally occurring colloids and the deposition of air-borne colloids in stormwater can enhance the transport of highly sorbing constituents to the groundwater. Due to the large surface area of fine colloids, contaminants with high affinity to the solid phase can bind to colloidal particles and therefore the colloids can act as a vehicle for transport of contaminants in the porous media. In this research, a previously developed colloid-facilitated transport model was used to predict the effect of such colloids on the fate and transport of multiple metal contaminants in infiltration basins. The model was used to predict the transport of several metals in an infiltration basin in Fresno, CA, and a sensitivity analysis was performed to investigate the effect of various parameters on the fate and transport of metals. It was found that colloid-facilitated transport can explain the fast movement of highly sorbing metals in a porous medium while the two-phase model was not able to produce the observed movement in the soil.
Abortion Rates and Universal Health Care

Among the most nettlesome obstacles in the yearlong debate over increasing the accessibility and affordability of health insurance has been the question of what effect health care reform legislation would have on the incidence of abortion. The recent experience in Massachusetts suggests that universal health care coverage has been associated with a decrease in the number of abortions performed, despite public and private funding of abortion that is substantially more liberal than the provisions of the federal legislation currently under consideration by Congress. Parties on both sides of the national debate on this issue, including the U.S. Conference of Catholic . . .
Latin America's new historical novel

Beginning with the 1979 publication of Alejo Carpentier's El arpa y la sombra, the New Historical Novel has become the dominant genre within Latin American fiction. In this at-times tongue-in-cheek postmodern study, Seymour Menton explores why the New Historical Novel has achieved such popularity and offers discerning readings of numerous works. Menton argues persuasively that the proximity of the Columbus Quincentennial triggered the rise of the New Historical Novel. After defining the historical novel in general, he identifies the distinguishing features of the New Historical Novel. Individual chapters delve deeply into such major works as Mario Vargas Llosa's La guerra del fin del mundo, Abel Posse's Los perros del paraiso, Gabriel Garcia Marquez's El general en su laberinto, and Carlos Fuentes' La campana. A chapter on the Jewish Latin American novel focuses on several works that deserve greater recognition, such as Pedro Orgambide's Aventuras de Edmund Ziller en tierras del Nuevo Mundo, Moacyr Scliar's A estranha naao de Rafael Mendes, and Angelina Muniz's Tierra adentro.
On phi-phenomena.

The meaning of "phi" in Max Wertheimer 's 1912 article on seen movement (the publication of which marks the beginning of Gestalt psychology) and the import of the article itself were topics of a report in this Journal. The claims made in that report are questioned here, and a different interpretation of phi and the original article is offered.
Racial Cleavage in Local Voting: The Case of School and Tax Issue Referendums.

Since the early 1970s there has been a dramatic increase in this country in voting on ballot propositions. Indeed, tax and financial referendums alone number more than 7,000 each year, and public schools in many localities depend on bond issue votes for much of their monetary support. Voting on issues is important in that it enables the public to bypass the normal "conversion" process of representative government and to directly determine public policy. As significant and common as this form of "direct democracy" has become, there is still much we do not know about political behavior in local referendums, especially the voting behavior of Blacks. Participation in local referendums fluctuates considerably but generally is relatively low, even below 10% on occasion (Hamilton, 1970). Such participation depends somewhat on the issue, but there is often variation in voting rate by group. Blacks, for instance, are less likely than Whites to vote on ballot propositions (Magleby, 1984). Relatively low participation among Blacks is likely for two reasons: Blacks generally turn out in lower rates than Whites, and Blacks "roll-off," or vote in fewer of the issues on the ballot than Whites (Benjamin & Marcus, 1990; Magleby, 1984; Vanderleeuw & Engstrom, 1987). If both of these situations occur simultaneously, Blacks are then doubly underrepresented when these electoral decisions are made. Local school issues have, at least in the past, served as a focus for racial polarization at the polls. Neighborhoods in most commu-
Relations among metamemory, rehearsal activity and word recall of learning disabled and non-disabled readers.

Summary. Readers who were learning disabled and non-disabled between ages 8 and 10 free-recalled unrelated word lists of three different levels of rehearsal activity (spontaneous, one-item, multi-item). Prior to recall they estimated their word recall ability, while retrieval knowledge was assessed after free recall. Results indicated older children free recalled more words than younger, and non-disabled more than disabled. Learning disabled and non-disabled readers were comparable in their initial estimates of recall; however, skill of memory appraisal was unrelated to learning disabled readers' recall accuracy. Disabled readers were classified as deficient in strategic knowledge, but no differences in rehearsal activity between the two reading groups occurred. Recall differences were attributed to semantic encoding difficulties rather than to production deficiencies in rehearsal activity or in metamemory, per se.
Research on School Teacher Evaluation

Research literature highlights the principal as central to teacher evaluation. However, principal reports do not provide adequate information to document teacher quality. Good teacher evaluation adds multiple data sources such as client surveys, peer reviews of matenials, and pupil achievement data, which vary by teacher and setting. Principals should become knowledgeable about pupil gain data, costs of evaluation, sociology of teacher evaluation, and the problem of the bad teacher. Teacher evaluation can reassure external audiences that schools are doing a good job.
Improved beta‐protein structure prediction by multilevel optimization of nonlocal strand pairings and local backbone conformation

Proteins with complex, nonlocal beta-sheets are challenging for de novo structure prediction, due in part to the difficulty of efficiently sampling long-range strand pairings. We present a new, multilevel approach to beta-sheet structure prediction that circumvents this difficulty by reformulating structure generation in terms of a folding tree. Nonlocal connections in this tree allow us to explicitly sample alternative beta-strand pairings while simultaneously exploring local conformational space using backbone torsion-space moves. An iterative, energy-biased resampling strategy is used to explore the space of beta-strand pairings; we expect that such a strategy will be generally useful for searching large conformational spaces with a high degree of combinatorial complexity.
Limitations of Signs as Navigation Aids in Virtual Worlds

Virtual worlds continue to increase in popularity as a medium for teaching, training, and recreation. However, traveling in virtual worlds is a challenge for many who visit them. Previous research has shown that signs can be effective aids to assist virtual world users in the navigation process for some navigation tasks. In this paper, we explore limitations of signs as navigation aids in virtual worlds. Specifically, we report the results of an experiment to determine the impact of increasing the amount of information on signs and the results of removing signs from intersections in a virtual world. Our findings indicate that for navigation tasks with a small number of target locations, sign users outperform map users. With eight or more target locations, map users outperform sign users. Additionally, the performance of sign users began to degrade significantly when more than two signs were missing from the world.
Validation and application of solid-phase chemiluminescent immunoassays for diagnosis of endocrine diseases in animals

Significant progress has been made in the ability of veterinarians to diagnose endocrine diseases since introduction and development of the radioimmunoassay (RIA) in the 1960s. Alternatives to the radioactive label have been commercialised for human diagnostic applications. Because healthy animals have concentrations of several hormones in serum that are lower than in humans, these non-isotopic assays generally lack the sensitivity for measuring hormones in animals. However, the chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay may provide this needed sensitivity. We validated the DPC-Cirrus Immulite® automated chemiluminescent immunoassay system for measurement of cortisol in dogs, cats and horses. Serial dilutions of serum inhibited binding of alkaline phosphatase-labelled cortisol in a manner that was parallel with inhibition produced by the stored master calibration curve. Six dogs were injected with adrenocorticotropin (ACTH; 2.2 IU/kg i.m.) and five dogs were injected with dexamethasone (0.015 mg/kg i.v.). Changes in cortisol concentrations measured with the Immulite® were as expected based on published results. Similar tests of biological specificity in other species yielded similar results. Accuracy of the Immulite® cortisol assay was evaluated by comparing cortisol concentrations in serum with concentrations obtained by a validated RIA. The regression equations were: y = 14.6 + 0.8χ for dogs (n = 59, r2 = 0.91), y = 13.5 + 0.9χ for horses (n = 23, r2 = 0.90), and y = 29.8 + 1. Oχ for cats (n = 18, r2 = 0.96), where y = Immulite® result (nmol/l) and χ = RIA result (nmol/l). The regression equation for the canine urinary cortisol: creatinine ratio was y = 0.43 + 1.55χ, where y = ratio calculated from Immulite® cortisol concentrations and χ = ratio using RIA concentrations (n = 35, r2 = 0.93). Initially, the lower limit of the reportable range by the Immulite® was 27.6 nmol/l, a value that was unacceptable for veterinary diagnostics. After consultation with DPC-Cirrus, we adjusted the lower limit to 1.4 nmol/l. Coefficients of variation for two canine, one feline, and two equine quality-control serum samples included in 73 consecutive Immulite® assays ranged from 0.29 (mean = 29.0 nmol/l) to 0.09 (mean = 261.6 nmol/l). We are using the Immulite® routinely for the diagnosis of adrenal disease in animals and have found it to provide diagnostically useful cortisol results for dexamethasone-suppression and ACTH-stimulation tests. Its diagnostic accuracy on single baseline samples is probably less than for the RIA, particularly at concentrations of cortisol less than 27.6 nmol/l.
Estimation of arterial system parameters from dynamic records.

Abstract This paper is a study of the application of formal parameter estimation techniques to modeling of the systematic circulation system. The topology of the model was assumed from the work of previous researchers. Techniques of parameter estimation are reviewed, and a system was selected that does not require a specific controlled system driving function. A description of the estimation technique and its implementation is given. The feasibility of this approach is demonstrated and the model is then matched to data obtained from an individual canine cardiovascular system. Only compliances and peripheral resistance parameters were estimated, it being assumed that the inertance parameter values were somewhat better known. Sources of error are discussed and some desirable future applications to cardiovascular modeling are indicated.
Nursing Care for the Relinquishing Mother

Unmarried adolescents with unplanned pregnancies face, along with the usual physiologic and psychologic changes, parental force and/or peer pressure to leave home and live elsewhere and a decision about the relinquishment of the infant. An important figure during the prenatal and immediate postpartum periods is the nurse. Nursing care required by relinquishing mothers is outlined and recommendations are given.
Abstract 2596: Inhibition of PI3K-mTOR pathway using combination of chloroquine and aspirin regimen leads to apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Pancreatic cancer ranks as the fourth most deadly form of cancer in the United States with approximately 37,000 deaths each year. The present study aims to evaluate the combinatorial chemopreventive effects of low doses of chloroquine (CQ) and aspirin (ASP) alone and in combination CQA (CQ+ASP) on three pancreatic cancer cell lines, MIA PaCa-2, Panc-1 and BxPC-3. Results demonstrated that low doses of CQ (6.25μM) and ASP (1mM) alone did not reduce cell viability, whereas combination CQA reduced cell viability by ∼80% (P<0.001). CQA combination blocked cell cycle progression at G0/G1 checkpoint. The CQA treatment for 24 h inhibited the NF-κB p50 DNA binding activity by ∼45% (P<0.01) in MIA PaCa-2 and BxPC-3 cells, but no NF-κB inhibition observed in Panc-1 cells. Mechanistic studies revealed that treatment with CQA combination increased the expression of LC3-II protein, indicates inhibition of autophagy. In order to verify the involvement of PI3K and mTOR pathway in CQA-induced apoptosis, we used PI3K inhibitor (3-MA) and mTOR inhibitor (Rapamycin) and analyzed by cell viability assay. The inhibition of PI3K by 3-MA pretreatment enhanced the cell growth inhibition of CQA treatment, whereas the inhibition of m-TOR by rapamycin pretreatment attenuated CQA induced reduction in cell viability. Overall, our results for the first time, illustrate that low dose CQA combinations impart synergistic suppressive activity than chemopreventive agents alone, thus confirming the importance of novel combination chemoprevention strategies against pancreatic cancer. Citation Format: Arvind Thakkar, B. Karthik Grandhi, Jeffrey Wang, Sunil Prabhu. Inhibition of PI3K-mTOR pathway using combination of chloroquine and aspirin regimen leads to apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2596. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-2596
Confidence intervals on the ratio of expected mean squares (θ1 + θ2 + θ3)/θ4

Abstract This paper considers two methods for constructing confidence intervals on the ratio of expected mean squares (θ1 + θ2 + θ3)/θ4 in a random model. Numerical integration shows a modified large sample approximation provides an interval with a confidence coefficient close to the stated level.
Where is the Fed in the distribution of forecasters

Abstract Previous research comparing the Fed's Greenbook forecasts with a median forecast from a private-sector panel has found that the Fed's forecasts are superior. These comparisons potentially miss information from other parts of the distribution of forecast errors. We compare the Fed's forecast errors to the upper and lower quartiles from the Survey of Professional Forecasters’ forecast errors and find that errors in the lower quartile are significantly smaller. We further investigate whether the forecasters who produced those forecast errors can be identified ex-ante and find that while possible the practicality of this finding is limited due to forecaster turnover.
Fabrication and testing of vaginal contraceptive devices designed for release of prespecified dose levels of steroids

Abstract Silicone rubber vaginal devices of six different formulations releasing predetermined, controlled doses of progestogens were designed and fabricated for 90-day clinical trials. Data obtained with 78 of the devices indicated that in vivo release rates ( μ g/day ± S.D.) for the formulations were: progesterone, 4040 ± 150, 1490 ± 100, 1440 ± 70; d-norgestrel, 188 ± 20, 41 ± 8; norethindrone, 479 ± 35. The in vivo release rates agreed well with release rates obtained in vitro.
Microscale modeling of fluid flow‐geomechanics‐seismicity: Relationship between permeability and seismic source response in deformed rock joints

Studying rock joint deformation including both slippage and opening mechanisms provides an opportunity to investigate the connection between the permeability and seismic source mechanisms. A microscale fluid flow-geomechanics-seismicity model was built to evaluate the transport response and failure mechanism of microcracks developed along a joint in Berea sandstone samples during deformation. The modeling method considers comprehensive grain-cement interactions. Fluid flow behavior is obtained through a realistic network model of the pore space in the compacted assembly. The geometric description of the complex pore structure is characterized to predict permeability of the rock sample as a function of rock deformation by using a dynamic pore network model. As a result of microcracks development, forces and displacements in grains involved in bond breakage are measured to determine seismic moment tensor. Shear and nonshear displacements are applied to the joint samples to investigate their effects on permeability evolution and failure mechanism of microcracks during joint deformation. In addition, the effect of joint roughness is analyzed by performing numerical compression tests. We also investigate how confining pressure affects volumetric deformation leading to opening or closure of developed microcracks and permeability changes of samples with joints.
Integrating IS Security with Knowledge Management: Are We Doing Enough to Thwart the Persistent Threat?

Knowledge management focuses on capturing and sharing knowledge. Because of this, KM researchers tend to focus on issues related to knowledge capture, storage, and sharing. However, because knowledge is valuable, it is a target needing to be protected. This paper posits that KM researchers and practitioners also need to think security and explores how important security skills are to KM practitioners and researchers. A literature review is performed to determine how much attention is paid by KM researchers to knowledge security. Additionally, 50 KM job postings are examined to determine if security skills are considered important by those hiring KM practitioners. Finally, a survey is prepared for exploring security attitudes of KM practitioners.
Distributed multi-robot search in the real-world using modified particle swarm optimization

A challenging issue in multi-robot system is to design effective algorithms which enable robots to collaborate with one another in order to search and find objects of interest. Unlike most of the research on PSO (particle swarm optimization) that adopts the method to a virtual multi-agent system, in this paper, we present a framework to use a modified PSO (MPSO) algorithm in a multi-robot system for search task in real-world environments. We modify the algorithm to optimize the total path traveled by robots. Experiments with multiple robots are provided.
The role of the renin--angiotensin system in experimental renal hypertension in dogs.

SummaryAn angiotensin II antagonist, l-sarcosine-8-alanine-angiotensin II, was infused intravenously into conscious dogs with experimental hypertension produced by renal artery constriction and unilateral nephrectomy. In dogs with malignant hypertension and elevated plasma renin activity, a decrease in arterial pressure was observed during infusion of the angiotensin II analog. However, in dogs that developed chronic hypertension of 2–7 weeks duration no decreases in arterial pressure occurred during infusion of this angiotensin II antagonist. Similarly, infusion of this compound into normal conscious dogs did not decrease arterial pressure. It is suggested that angiotensin II acts on receptors in arteriolar smooth muscle to increase peripheral resistance and arterial pressure in dogs with malignant hypertension, but chronic hypertension in the dog is maintained by other mechanisms.
Characterization and prediction of runoff dynamics: a nonlinear dynamical view

Abstract An attempt is made in this study to characterize and predict runoff dynamics, using ideas gained from nonlinear dynamical theory. Daily runoff data observed over a period of 19 years (January 1, 1975–December 31, 1993) at the Lindenborg catchment in Denmark is studied using a variety of techniques. First, the autocorrelation function and the Fourier power spectrum are used as indicators to obtain some preliminary information regarding the runoff behavior. A comprehensive characterization is done next through the correlation integral analysis, the false nearest neighbor algorithm, and the nonlinear prediction method, all of which use the concept of phase-space reconstruction, i.e., reconstruction of the single-dimensional (or variable) runoff series in a multi-dimensional phase-space to represent its dynamics. The average mutual information method is used to estimate the delay time for the phase-space reconstruction. The exponential decay in the autocorrelation function plot and the sharp spectral lines in the Fourier power spectrum seem to provide some preliminary indication regarding the possible presence of chaos in the runoff dynamics. The (low) correlation dimension (of about 3.76) obtained from the correlation integral analysis, the (low) global dimension (of 4 or 5) obtained from the false nearest neighbor algorithm, and the (low) optimal embedding dimension (of 3) from the nonlinear prediction method are in close agreement with each other, providing convincing evidence regarding the presence of low-dimensional chaotic behavior in the runoff dynamics. The near-accurate predictions achieved for the runoff series (correlation coefficient of about 0.99 and coefficient of efficiency of about 0.98) indicate the appropriateness of the chaotic dynamical approach for characterizing and predicting the runoff dynamics at the Lindenborg catchment.
Competencies for the Health Communication Specialist of the 21st Century

This article reports the results of an expert working group convened to define competencies required to function effectively as a health communication specialist. Participants were surveyed before the working group meeting on a range of issues related to training master's-level public health communication specialists. Survey responses were used to initiate the discussion at a subsequent two-day working group meeting. Survey and working group results clearly indicated that competence in this arena includes aspects of theory and practice. A pedagogical framework emerged, in which types of theories and practice-oriented skills were specified at both the individual and societal levels of analysis. This framework can be used to guide the development of graduate-level curricula in health communication.
Simulation of particulate fouling at a microchannel entrance region

A computational study is reported on the dynamics of particles near the entrance of a microchannel, as used in microfluidic flow systems. The collision of particles with fins separating the microchannels in these entrance regions makes them particularly susceptible to particle fouling. The study employs a soft-sphere discrete-element method with van der Waals and electric double-layer forces between the particles and the wall. A multi-block-structured grid fit to the flow domain boundaries is used to compute the fluid velocity field using a finite-volume method. The fluid flow is interpolated onto a Cartesian grid for efficient flow field interpolation at the particle locations, and a level-set method is used to represent the flow field boundaries in the particle computation. Particles adhering to the upstream face of the fin separating two microchannels are found to form clusters, which are pulled laterally by the stagnation-point flow near the fin. Even under conditions where the adhesion is sufficiently strong that there is little or no particle rolling on the fin face, the particles are still removed from the fin due to collisions with other particles. Individual particles are removed quickly from the fin face due to collision with upstream particles, whereas particle clusters have sufficient adhesion force with the fin surface that they can withstand collision with other particles for longer periods of time before they are removed in a cascade-like process.