cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Radionuclide imaging in osteomyelitis.

The utility of bone imaging has remained significantly high despite the proven suboptimal specificity of the conventional three-phase bone scan. The quantitive four-phase study may play, a role in maintaining its usefulness in the future. However, due to its extremely high sensitivity, and excellent anatomical information, it remains, as the first diagnostic study in most suspected cases of acute osteomyelitis. The future would see development of new imaging modalities aimed at enhancing the specificity for diagnosis of active osteomyelitis. The indium leucocyte study has been the single most important development in this respect in the last decade. NMR has been another important addition to complement the anatomical information for defining the extent and nature of infectious process — acute or chronic. It remains, to be seen if the other investigative work on antigranuclocyte antibodies or other imaging agents or techniques would make the future diagnosis of osteomyelitis more reliable and accurate using the nuclear medicine techniques.
More on parity and Wilson fermions. Quenched simulations in finite temperature QCD

Abstract We study the properties of Wilson fermions under space reflection (parity) in quenched, finite temperature lattice QCD. The spontaneous breaking of parity at the critical hopping parameter observed at zero temperature is shown to be absent at high temperatures. The splitting of hadrons differing only in their parity assignment is much reduced over the zero temperature case but a finite gap remains. We interpret this as the effect of chiral symmetry breaking terms that remain a finite gauge coupling but vanish with the lattice spacing.
Distance Dependence and Spatial Distribution of the Molecular Quadrupole Moments of H2, N2, O2, and F2

We have estimated the complete basis set limits for the Hartree−Fock, MP2, CASSCF, and CASSCF+1+2 wave functions for the titled molecules and calculated the molecular quadrupole moment as a functio...
Fictive Kin and Social Capital: The Role of Peer Groups in Applying and Paying for College

In this article, the authors suggest that peers have the potential to create fictive kin networks, and in this role, peers become a social support that helps enable a culture of success. Discussing peer counselors and their role in helping students understand financial aid, the authors’ purpose is to suggest that peer groups—as social relationships that cut across classroom connections—create a viable solution that helps youth attain access to college. Findings from focus groups, observations, and interviews suggest that students benefit from the socioemotional and informational aspects of participating in peer counseling programs.
Bis(acridinylthiourea)platinum(II) complexes: synthesis, DNA affinity, and biological activity in glioblastoma cells

The preparation of two novel bis(acridine)platinum(II) complexes is reported. The 4+ charged conjugates associate strongly with double-stranded native DNA (K(i)>10(6)), possibly through bisintercalation. A cell viability assay was used to demonstrate that both compounds are capable of mediating cytotoxicity at micromolar concentrations in SNB19 brain tumor cells.
Interdiffusion of Linear and Branched Polyethylene in Microlayers Studied via Melting Behavior

Kinetics of interdiffusion of a miscible polymer pair, high density polyethylene (HDPE) and linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), was studied experimentally in order to characterize the conditions required to construct gradient morphologies from microlayers. Microlayers were taken into the melt for a period of time, and the compositional gradient was fixed by crystallization upon quenching. High specific interfacial area of microlayers offset the low diffusion mobility of polymeric chains so that the microlayer system in the melt approached compositional homogeneity on a laboratory time scale. This specific pair of polymers with broad-molecular-weight distribution formed isomorphic blends upon crystallization from the melt. Thermal analysis of the quenched microlayered pair indicated systematic changes in the melting behavior with the composition gradient, which made it possible to quantify the progress of interdiffusion without chemical labeling. The thermograms were analyzed by applying a diffusion m...
Modeling and simulation of AlGaAs/GaAs QW DBR silicon dual junction photovoltaic devices

This paper investigates the validation and design of a new high efficiency photovoltaic cell through modeling and simulation. The goal of this article is present the absorption and recombination-generation model of the simulation program for the current-voltage analysis and optimization of MQW's AlGaAs/GaAs solar cells. In an ideal device structure, an efficiency as high as 45% can be achieved by combining a standard silicon single-crystalline cell with a GaAs/AlGaAs multi-QW structure enclosed in a light-confining structure such AlGaAs/GaAs DBR. The predicted efficiency and the analysis is for an ideal crystalline cell, which does not include shadowing effects, reflection and recombination of minority carriers. This combination makes maximum use of the absorption in the silicon and the addition of GaAs QW and selective reflector between the two junction devices boost the efficiency A possible practical design implementation is the use of a transparent contact between the two cells such as ITO and the wafer bonding of the two cells.
Congenital renal dysplasia Osathanondh-Potter type II polycystic kidneys

Congenital renal dysplasia represents a group of nonhereditary kidney malformations frequently encountered in infants and children. The dysplasia may involve one or both kidneys totally or segmentally. The clinical presentation and prognosis depend on the extent of renal involvement and further development of the dysplastic renal tissue as well as the severity of coexisting malformations in other organs. The unifying factor in each instance is the characteristic histologic appearance of the dysplastic renal tissue. Congenital multicystic kidney and multilocular renal cyst are the best known members of the group. Radiologic features in conjunction with the clinical picture can suggest the correct diagnosis in most cases.
Ideas on the emergence of life by a quantity-to-quality transition of the abiotic matter

We review and re-examine the idea that life emerged by a quantity-to-quality transition of the abiotic matter. This idea was originally proposed by the dialectical materialists, who are the proponents of the materialistic approach to the Hegel's laws of dialectics. We propose in this paper that the universal feature of the quantity-to-quality transitions is a change in the organization of the system. We also discuss Jean-Paul Sartre's view on the application of the laws of dialectics to the nature and to the origins of life.
The microwave spectrum, molecular structure, and dipole moment of SiH3SiF3

Abstract The microwave spectra of six isotopic species of SiH3SiF3 have been studied. The molecular structure was determined to be r ( SiSi ) = 2.320 A , r ( SiH ) = 1.480 A , r ( SiF ) = 1.561 A , ∢ ( SiSiH ) = 108.7° and ∢ ( SiSiF ) = 112.0° . The dipole moment is 2.03 D.
732-6 Resection of Aortic Coarctation and Modified Extended Anastomosis of Descending Aorta to Undersurface of Aortic Arch: Effect on Recurrence

Recurrent aortic coarctation is a frequent complication requiring reintervention following surgical repair of coarctation of the aorta (COA) in infants and neonates. Recoarctation is most commonly seen within the first year of life and is reported to be as high as 30%. Inadequate removal of ductal tissue, failure of growth in the primary anastomosis, and tension on the suture line have been cited as important factors using standard techniques of resection and end to end anastomosis (RETE) and subclavian flap arterioplasty (SFA). To address these issues, we have employed a technique of coarctation resection and modified extended anastomosis of the descending aorta to the undersurface of the aortic arch (RMEDA) since 1992. The salient features of this technique include extensive mobilization of the aortic arch and neck vessels, resection of the coarctation, careful trimming of all ductal tissue, and ligation of the isthmus just beyond the left subclavian artery (LSCA) allowing the distal arch to serve as an end vessel to the LSCA, and end to side anastomosis of the descending aorta to a separate incision in the undersurface of the proximal aortic arch. Fourteen neonates (median age = 12.5 days) and 5 infants (median age = 62 days) with a mean peak systolic gradient of 33 ± 13 torr across the coarctation segment, underwent RMEDA repair of discrete COA and tubular hypolasia of the arch. Two of these infants had recurrent COA following an initial operation performed elsewhere in the neonatal period. Other procedures performed at the time repair of COA include PDA ligation (14), pulmonary artery banding (3), VSD closure (3), and ASD closure (2). Mean (±SD) aortic cross-clamp time was 19 (±6) minutes and mean intraoperative post-repair peak systolic gradient measured 2.3 (±4.7) torr. Early postoperative complications included a recurrent laryngeal nerve injury and a transient focal tonic clonic seizure. There was one early death from a subsequent surgical procedure. Eighteen late survivors at median follow-up of 12 months (range 3 to 24 monts) were free of recurrent COA by echocardiography and clinical examination and required no catheter or surgical reinterventions. In summary, the technique described herein eliminates the ductal tissue from the anastomotic site, and circumvents distal arch hypoplasia. In our experience, there has been no recurrence at midterm followup; however, further evaluation is needed to ascertain its efficacy in preventing late recurrence of coarctation.
The legacies of transition governments: post-transition dynamics in Benin and Togo

This article analyses the transition governments of Benin and Togo and shows how they had a profound impact on post-transition governance, regardless of the success or failure of the transition. It argues that the essential elements of polyarchy – competition and inclusion – were present in the transition government in Benin, and patterns along these two dimensions have been mirrored in post-transition events. In Togo, by contrast, only the principle of competition, not inclusion, was established in the transition period and present-day Togolese politics continues this pattern. This analysis sheds new light on politics in both countries and offers greater scope for understanding post-transition politics by viewing transition outcomes in terms of political development.
Farm Households in Rural Burkina Faso: Some Evidence on Allocative and Direct Return to Schooling and Male-Female Labor Productivity Differentials

Abstract Using a fairly rich household data set, this study assesses (a) the “allocative” and the “direct” components of the productivity effect of schooling, and (b) the male-female productivity differentials in the setting of a highly traditional farming system in Burkina Faso. The rate of return to schooling appears broadly of the order of 10%. The return consists almost entirely of the “direct” (or “worker”) effect for family members other than the household head; for the head, the “allocative” component is higher than the “direct” effect which is small. The productivity of labor inputs of females appears much higher than the productivity of labor inputs of males.
Regulation of protein synthesis by hemin Effect of dithiothreitol on the formation and activity of the hemin-controlled translational repressor

Abstract Previous studies have demonstrated that the hemin-controlled translational repressor (HCR), a high molecular weight protein inhibitor of polypeptide chain initiation in rabbit reticulocyte lysate, is formed from a presynthesized prorepressor over a period of 12–18 h in three stages denoted reversible, intermediate, and irreversible. The prorepressor can, however, be completely converted to irreversible HCR within 2 min by incubation with such sulfhydryl reagents as N-ethylmaleimide. The results in this report demonstrate that dithiothreitol, which stabilizes thiol groups, will, like hemin, prevent the conversion of the prorepressor to HCR and will inactivate reversible HCR. Unlike hemin, dithiothreitol also inactives the intermediate form of HCR. Neither dithiothreitol nor hemin has any effect on the activity of irreversible HCR. Since the prorepressor used in these experiments had been separated from the supernatant factor (a soluble protein that reverses the inhibition of protein synthesis due to HCR), the effect of dithiothreitol and of hemin is independent of this factor and may be mediated by direct interaction with the prorepressor and HCR. Dithioerythritol, the erythro isomer of dithiothreitol, is as effective as dithiothreitol in preventing the formation of HCR, whereas glutathione and β-mercaptoethanol have little or no effect.
Biofeedback training with children: Consultation, questions, applications and alternatives

Abstract Currently, evidence is accumulating that children, as well as adults, using biofeedback training can learn to significantly influence their behavior when they learn to control their own physiological functioning. The effects and possible benefits of this training at a behavioral and classroom level are discussed. Consultation questions are considered.
Evaluation of the taxonomy of Helix cincta (Muller, 1774) and Helix nucula (Mousson, 1854); insights using mitochondrial DNA sequence data

Phylogenetic relationships of the Aegean Helix cincta and Helix nucula with congeneric species found in Greece were inferred using mitochondrial DNA sequence data. Twenty-three specimens from mainland Greece, Aegean Islands, Cyprus and North Africa were analysed, revealing that (1) H. nucula is monophyletic, (2) H. cincta from Greece and Cyprus is paraphyletic, and so questions arise regarding the taxonomy of this species, and (3) H. cf. cincta from Tunisia might be considered as a distinct evolutionary lineage. Moreover Helix valentini, an endemic species of Kalymnos Island group, is clustered within the lineage of H. c. anatolica, so supporting the synonymy of the two ‘species’, and the elevation of H. c. anatolica to species level. Hence, our results stress the need for a taxonomic reconsideration of H. cincta in the Aegean Sea, indicating that sequence data can prove useful in overcoming taxonomic issues at both species and subspecies level.
A tube-cutting device for fractionating preparative gradients from the ultracentrifuge

Abstract A device is described which cuts off the bottom of a polyallomer (plastic) centrifuge tube, allowing collection of a preparative gradient from the bottom through a large-diameter opening. The gradient flows downward through a funnel-shaped portal positioned below the tube, and the cross-sectional area of flow is gradually restricted. This device resolved into separate peaks DNA sample components differing in density by only 0.007 g/ml in neutral cesium chloride.
A reference architecture for integrated development and run-time environments

The need to support different stages of a software system's life-cycle in a software development environment has resulted in the emergence of plug-ins that can monitor and adapt the resulting system's run-time environment. In several recent self-adaptive systems, the existence of these plug-ins has resulted in the integration of the development and runtime environments. We introduce a novel reference architecture that captures the architectures of disparate development environments — from those, such as traditional development environments, that have no run-time plug-ins, to the ones, such as the recently emerging development environments, that are fully integrated with the run-time environments. This reference architecture aids the study and understanding of development environments. More importantly, adherence to the architecture improves the run-time availability of certain critical system facilities while reducing the resource consumption of the integrated development and run-time environments.
Modeling the Morphology and Phase Stability of TiO2 Nanocrystals in Water

The potential of titanium dioxide nanoparticles for advanced photochemical applications has prompted a number of studies to analyze the size, phase, and morphology dependent properties. Previously we have used a thermodynamic model of nanoparticles as a function of size and shape to predict the phase stability of titanium dioxide nanoparticles, with particular attention given to the crossover of stability between the anatase and rutile phases. This work has now been extended to titanium dioxide nanoparticles in water, to examine the effects of various adsorption configurations on the equilibrium shape and the phase transition. Density functional calculations have been used to accurately determine surface energies and surface tension of low index hydrated stoichiometric surfaces of anatase and rutile, which are presented along with a brief outline of the surface structure. We have shown that morphology of TiO2 nanocrystals is affected by the presence of water, resulting in variations in the size of the (00...
COMPUTER INDEXING OF MEDICAL ARTICLES—PROJECT MEDICO

An automatic indexing method is described in which index tags for documents are generated by the computer. The computer scans the text of periodical articles and automatically assigns to them index terms with their respective weights on the basis of explicitly defined text characteristics. A machine file of document references with their associated index terms is automatically produced which can be searched on a co‐ordinate basis for the retrieval of specified drug‐related information.
Buffeting Flows over Delta Wings

Experimental evidence suggests that vortex breakdown is not the only source of buffeting of delta wings and fins. Other unsteady flow phenomena that contribute to buffeting at high angles of attack are fluctuations of vortex breakdown location and vortex shedding. Flow visualization and velocity measurements were carried out over a delta wing, over a wide range of angles of attack, to understand the transition between the helical mode instability and the vortex shedding. It was found that this transition is abrupt, as indicated by a jump in the frequency parameter, and that it occurs at the angle of attack at which breakdown reached the apex. The unsteady nature of vortex breakdown location was investigated by flow visualization for the interaction of vortex breakdown with a rigid flat plate. Although there are indications of a feedback effect on vortex breakdown, the amplitude of the fluctuations of breakdown location is smaller for impinging flows
Questionable Associations: The Role of Forgiveness in Transitional Justice

Forgiveness has gained surprising prominence in transitional justice circles due, in part, to the impact of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission, advocacy of forgiveness by educational and social psychologists and critiques of retributive justice in critical legal studies. Drawing on philosophy, psychology, literature, legal theory and records of transitional justice in situ, this article argues that while advocates claim significant personal and social benefits derive from forgiveness, transitional justice should not consider forgiveness an a priori good or as commensurate with either reconciliation or peacebuilding. Before advocating forgiveness as a form of personal healing or social reconciliation, artisans of transitional justice mechanisms should consider that the repression of anger or resentment may be psychologically harmful and that perceived pressure to forgive may cause significant psychic distress. They should carefully consider the ways in which rhetoric or practices of forgiveness may facilitate perpetrators’ ability to do harm, teach victims to make peace with their oppression and reinforce structures of inequality. In Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment, the drunkard Marmeladov cavalierly recounts to the novel’s hero, Raskolnikov, how his drunkenness has put his family into abject destitution; how he has grovelled for loans that he fully intends to squander on drink and has no intention of repaying; how he looks on lamely as his consumptive wife, Katerina Ivanovna, beats the children when they cry from hunger and coerces his adolescent daughter, Sonya, into prostitution; how he has stolen back from his wife the money earned through a briefly held job and been to Sonya to beg for more money. As Marmeladov lies on his deathbed, Katerina Ivanovna obstinately refuses to forgive him despite his pathetic pleas, instead confronting him with the devastating effects of his behaviour – the family’s wretched living conditions, his starving and ill-clothed children and a daughter who has prostituted herself – and storms off to ‘find justice.’ 1 Forgiveness, she insists, is not commensurate with justice, does not provide for her material needs or repair the harm done to her and her children and, while expedient for
Advances in imaging in the postoperative patient with a rising prostate-specific antigen level.

Imaging prostate cancer continues to represent a clinical challenge for both primary and recurrent disease. In the evaluation of the persistent/recurrent/metastatic prostate cancer, knowledge of cancer location (local v distant), size, and extent are essential in order to design a treatment, tailored to each patient’s needs. There are evidence-based guidelines for the use of imaging in assessing the presence of distant spread of prostate cancer. Radionuclide bone scans and computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and/or positron emission tomography (PET) supplement clinical and biochemical evaluations (prostate-specific antigen [PSA]) for suspected metastatic disease to bones and lymph nodes. There is no consensus about the use of imaging in the evaluation of local tumor recurrence. The use of ultrasound has been limited to biopsy guidance of the prostatic bed, or percutaneous biopsy of enlarged lymph nodes detected on CT or MRI. The use of MRI is evolving. Recent studies indicate that the use of MRI provides valuable information in the evaluation of local tumor recurrence, and nodal and bony metastases. In a patient post-radiation therapy, the method of combining MRI anatomic information with MR spectroscopic metabolic information is evolving. Another modality offering information about anatomy and metabolism of the local disease is PET/CT. The value of PET/CT at present is controversial, but new studies exploring the role of PET/CT in aggressive prostate cancer are promising.
The critical velocity in pipeline flow of slurries

In slurry transport, the critical velocity is defined as the minimum velocity demarcating flows in which the solids form a bed at the bottom of the pipe (bed load flows) from fully suspended flow. An analysis based on balancing the energy required to suspend the particles with that derived from dissipation of an appropriate fraction of the turbulent eddies is used to develop a correlation for prediction of the critical velocity. Comparison of the results with available experimental critical velocity data, relating to a rather wide variety of slurry systems, confirms that the present correlation does a superior job of prediction than all previously proposed critical velocity correlations.
Glutaric aciduria; A “new” disorder of amino acid metabolism☆

Abstract Studies are reported on two siblings with a neurodegenerative disorder, glutaric aciduria and glutaric acidemia. The glutaric aciduria was increased by oral administration of l -lysine, which is metabolized through glutaryl-CoA, and decreased by lowering protein intake. The metabolism of [1,5-14C] glutaryl-CoA was deficient in the peripheral leukocytes of the patients. The results are compatible with an inherited deficiency of glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase. It is speculated, but not proved, that the biochemical abnormality is causally related to the central nervous system dysfunction.
Analytic functions fit to proton transfer potentials

Abstract Proton transfer potentials are traced out in (H 2 OH 2 OH + OH 2 OH 2 ) and (H 3 NH 3 NH + NH 3 NH 3 ) by ab initio computations for a series of different H-bond lengths. Attempts are then made to fit these quantum mechanical results by various forms of analytic functions. Best results are achieved by a pair of Morse functions with correlation coefficients in excess of 0.997. The numerical values of the Morse parameters are fairly insensitive to H-bond length, allowing their use in more general situations. The Φ 4 function and its related fourth-order polynomial also fit well, but the parameters are much more sensitive to H-bond length. Gaussian-type functions or a Lippincott—Schroeder potential do not fit as well and a sinusoidal function gives rather poor agreement with the quantum mechanical results.
Parent-Adolescent Communication About Sex: The Impact of Content and Comfort on Adolescent Sexual Behavior

This study examined the relationship between parent adolescent communication (comfort), topics discussed when talking to parents about sex (content), and sexual behavior. A larger percent of participants reported they discussed sex with their mother in comparison to their father. More females than males reported they discussed sexual topics with their parents. Adolescents reporting more comfort in talking with their mother about sex were more likely to hold conversations on topics about sex. Content of conversations was related to sexual behavior. A larger percent of adolescents who were told to wait to have sex until married were not sexually active in comparison to adolescents who were given no instruction. The importance of direct messages from parents on their expectations for child's sexual behavior is discussed.
Methods for categorizing a prognostic variable in a multivariable setting

The literature is filled with examples of categorization of a continuous prognostic variable in a univariable setting followed by the addition of this categorical variable to an existing multivariable model. Typically, an "optimal" cutpoint for a new prognostic variable is obtained through a systematic search relating the variable to the outcome in an univariable manner. The corresponding categorical variable is then fitted in a multivariable model along with other already established prognostic covariates to assess the additional value of the new variable. This prompts the question whether the cutpoint search should have been performed in the same multivariable setting where it will ultimately be used. In this paper, we extend the univariable cutpoint search methods (split-sample approach and two-fold cross-validation approach) to the multivariable setting using -2 x log-likelihood statistic as the correlative measure. A Monte Carlo simulation study demonstrates that both methods are more efficient in detecting the true cutpoint and in estimating the effect size under the multivariable setting as opposed to the univariable setting. The cross-validation method performs better than the split-sample method in univariable as well as multivariable scenarios. For the cross-validation method in the multivariable setting, there is still a substantial loss of power when a cutpoint model is used in cases where there is a continuous relationship between the covariate and the outcome. An example is provided to illustrate the value of the multivariable cross-validation approach.
Equivalent local potentials derived from Hartree-Fock calculations

Abstract Two potentials are called equivalent if they give the same asymptotic phase shift for elastic scattering. A study was made of the equivalent local potentials (ELP) derived from nonlocal potentials produced by Hartree-Fock (HF) and Brueckner-Hartree-Fock calculations. The methods used to derive these ELP are analytic. Application has been made to low energy elastic scattering from closed shell nuclei. Both the ELP and the damping function vary slowly with energy within the range from 0 to 6 MeV. The range of the ELP increases with A in approximate agreement with the nuclear size, but the functional form becomes less smooth, an effect most likely due to truncation effects in the original HF calculation.
The BRICs and the Washington Consensus: An introduction

Over the past two decades, the spread of ideas and policies associated with the Washington Consensus has captured the attention of political economists. As a systemic feature of the global economy,...
Dopamine receptor and Gα(olf) expression in DYT1 dystonia mouse models during postnatal development.

Background DYT1 dystonia is a heritable, early-onset generalized movement disorder caused by a GAG deletion (ΔGAG) in the DYT1 gene. Neuroimaging studies and studies using mouse models suggest that DYT1 dystonia is associated with dopamine imbalance. However, whether dopamine imbalance is key to DYT1 or other forms of dystonia continues to be debated.
The Influence of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy on Breast Conserving Therapy and Post-Mastectomy Radiation Therapy

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) has revolutionized the management of women with locally advanced breast cancer. Although this change in treatment paradigm has facilitated surgery and helped to predict outcomes in certain subsets of patients, it has also caused some confusion with respect to the role of adjuvant radiation therapy. This review discusses the benefits of NACT, the questions that arose as a result of this change in sequence, and, using the current literature, the possible answers to these questions. The reader should leave this review with a basic understanding of the issues faced by the radiation oncologist when consulting patients who have been treated with NACT.
The Racialization of Leisure: Comments on Stodolska's Discrimination Model

Four years ago I was invited to travel with the Allman Brothers Band for part of their summer tour through the Midwest. After just a couple of days of all-night bus rides, groggy mornings, and long...
Rickettsial infections in the tropics and in the traveler.

Purpose of reviewThe purpose of this review is to describe recent advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis, epidemiology, and clinical features of rickettsial diseases with emphasis placed on those relating to travel and tropical medicine.Recent findingsRickettsioses are becoming increasing
'Lincomycin' treatment of staphylococcal infection at high altitude.

EXPERIMENTAL data previously reported1,2 indicate that exposure to simulated altitudes of 18,000 or 35,000 ft. reduces the resistance of mice to infection caused by respiratory challenge with airborne Klebsiella pneumoniae. This effect was most marked in mice kept at 35,000 ft. for 1 or 14 days.
Determination of dissociation constants of 1:1 complexes from NMR data. Optimization of the experimental setup by statistical analysis of simulated experiments

Optimal conditions for determination of 1:1 dissociation constants from NMR data are obtained from statistical analysis of simulated experiments in which changes in the spectral parameter(s) of a reagent (L) are monitored upon titration with another reagent (M). The case when the concentrations of the reagents are comparable to the true dissociation constant (KD0), which requires a nonlinear analysis of the experimental data is considered. Optimal concentrations for the measurement of dissociation constants, in the absence of systematic errors, are found to be between 0.4KD0 and 0.6KD0 for the fixed component (LT). The titrant concentrations should cover the range from (0.4 ± 0.1)LT to (11 ± 3)LT, with the optimal number of titrations being between 15 to 20. More accurate dissociation constants are obtained if in the course of the experiment the concentration of the titrant is increased by a constant factor rather than by a constant increment. Since the choice of the optimal concentrations depends critically on KD0, which is initially unknown, a preliminary experiment may be needed to get an estimate of KD0. When the optimal concentrations cannot be achieved, due to experimental constraints, larger error in the dissociation constant is unavoidable, in particular if the highest concentration of the titrant does not exceed ∼4LT. The error in the computed dissociation constant is found to increase linearly with the experimental error for experimental error < 10%, and more rapidly when the experimental error is larger.
STAKEHOLDERS, SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, AND PERFORMANCE: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE AND THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES

The management of competing stakeholder interests has emerged as a significant topic in the management literature. Related issues are the relationship between stakeholder management and the perception that a firm is socially responsible, and the performance implications of both stakeholder management and social responsibility. Theory and models surrounding these issues are abundant, but empirical research is in an early stage. This research forum reports six excellent efforts to tackle fundamental ideas about stakeholders, social responsibility, and performance.
Exploring partnerships with institution portal initiatives

Abstract Medical libraries face a number of challenges related to providing their parent institutions with access to electronic collections and with extending their resources and services to the point of need. Increasingly, academic and corporate entities are developing enterprise portals as a means of facilitating communication and access to information resources for their user communities. Currently, portal technology allows developers to create information environments where users can customize a wide variety of electronic resources to suit their individual information needs. Medical libraries can extend the reach of their electronic collections and the expertise of their staff by establishing partnerships with institution-wide portal initiatives.
The quasicatalytic mechanism: a variation of the catalytic (EC') mechanism.

The classic electrochemical catalytic mechanism, often referred to as the EC' mechanism, is traditionally represented by the two reactions A + e B (E(A/B)(0), k(A/B)(0), alpha(A/B)) and B + P A + Q (K(eq), k(f), k(b)). Implicit in this mechanism is the additional heterogeneous electron transfer P + e Q (E(P/Q)(0), k(P/Q)(0), alpha(P/Q)). To observe EC' behavior, the following conditions must be met (we focus on cyclic voltammetric responses): (1) E(P/Q)(0) > E(A/B)(0) (ensuring that K(eq) > 1), (2) k(P/Q)(0)c(P) exp[-alpha(P/Q)(F/RT)(E - E(P/Q)(0))]/(0.446c(A)(FD(A)|v|/RT)(1/2)) Q does not occur to any significant extent relative to the peak current for reaction A + e B alone), (3) k(f)c(P)RT/F|v| > 1 (ensuring that the catalytic effect is significant). We offer arguments based on Marcus theory that when condition 2 is met, fulfilling condition 3 will be difficult. This could explain why EC' behavior is rare. In the present work we show that EC'-like cyclic voltammetric responses can be obtained even when P + e Q is facile if D(P,Q) (the diffusion coefficient for the substrate-couple species P and Q) is much smaller than D(A,B) (the diffusion coefficient for the mediator-couple species A and B). When D(P,Q)/D(A,B) is sufficiently small, the system behavior becomes identical to that seen for the classical EC' system. We suggest that this "quasicatalytic" behavior should be considered when EC'-like behavior is observed and when the electrochemical system involves a substrate couple whose diffusion coefficients are much smaller than those of the mediator couple. As has been known for some time, when the diffusion coefficients of species A, B, P, and Q are identical (an assumption commonly made to simplify theoretical analysis) and when both heterogeneous electron transfers are reversible, the homogeneous kinetics have no effect on the cyclic voltammetric response--even though the distribution of species in the diffusion layer is dramatically altered.
Stereoscopic 3D display technique using spatiotemporal interlacing has improved spatial and temporal properties

Stereoscopic 3D (S3D) displays use spatial or temporal interlacing to send different images to the two eyes. Temporal interlacing delivers images to the left and right eyes alternately in time; it has high effective spatial resolution but is prone to temporal artifacts. Spatial interlacing delivers even pixel rows to one eye and odd rows to the other eye simultaneously; it is subject to spatial limitations such as reduced spatial resolution. We propose a spatiotemporal-interlacing protocol that interlaces the left- and right-eye views spatially, but with the rows being delivered to each eye alternating with each frame. We performed psychophysical experiments and found that flicker, motion artifacts, and depth distortion are substantially reduced relative to the temporal-interlacing protocol, and spatial resolution is better than in the spatial-interlacing protocol. Thus, the spatiotemporal-interlacing protocol retains the benefits of spatial and temporal interlacing while minimizing or even eliminating the drawbacks.
Some conditions for the dissociation of consummatory and instrumental behavior in rats

Abstract To investigate whether consummatory and instrumental behavior depend upon different motivational factors, rats were trained to press a bar for saccharin solution, then given various treatments designed to reduce the palatability of saccharin, and finally tested for bar-pressing in extinction and for free intake of saccharin. Prefeeding with dextrose, prefeeding with saccharin, and association of saccharin with injections of lithium chloride all reduced intake of saccharin compared to control treatments, but only prefeeding with dextrose also reduced barpressing in extinction. Thus, performance of an instrumental response may depend upon need for food rather than appetite for it.
Aiding Side-Channel Attacks on Cryptographic Software With Satisfiability-Based Analysis

Cryptographic algorithms, irrespective of their theoretical strength, can be broken through weaknesses in their implementations. The most successful of these attacks are side-channel attacks which exploit unintended information leakage, e.g., timing information, power consumption, etc., from the implementation to extract the secret key. We propose a novel framework for implementing side-channel attacks where the attack is modeled as a search problem which takes the leaked information as its input, and deduces the secret key by using a satisfiability solver, a powerful Boolean reasoning technique. This approach can substantially enhance the scope of side-channel attacks by allowing a potentially wide range of internal variables to be exploited (not just those that are trivially related to the key). The proposed technique is particularly suited for attacking cryptographic software implementations which may inadvertently expose the values of intermediate variables in their computations (even though, they are very careful in protecting secret keys through the use of on-chip key generation and storage). We demonstrate our attack on standard software implementations of three popular cryptographic algorithms: DES, 3DES, and AES. Our attack technique is automated and does not require mathematical expertise on the part of the attacker
Linear complementarity problems solvable by integer programming

In this paper it is shown how to solve a linear complementarity problem (or verify that a solution does not exist) using different equivalent mixed zero-one integer programming formulations. In the general case, the number of zero-one integer variables introduced is equal to the dimension of the problem. When it is known that a solution exists, the number of integer variables can be reduced, on the average, using the solution of a multiple-cost-row program.
Observations of Social Processes and Their Formal Representations

Distinctions between quantitative and qualitative social science misrepresent the actual choices confronting analysts of observations concerning social processes. Analysts regularly (if not always self-consciously) choose between adopting and avoiding formal representations of social processes. Despite widespread prejudices to the contrary, formalisms are available and helpful for all sorts of social scientific evidence, including those commonly labeled as qualitative. Available formalisms vary in two important regards: (1) from direct to analogical representation of the evidence at hand; and (2) from numerical to topological correspondence between formalism and evidence. Adoption of formalisms facilitates the identification of erroneous arguments, hence the correction of analytic errors and the production of more adequate explanations.
Nano-mechanics based modeling of lifetime distribution of quasibrittle structures

Abstract The statistics of structural lifetime under constant load are related to the statistics of structural strength. The safety factors applied to structural strength must ensure failure probability no larger than 10 - 6 , which is beyond the means of direct verification by histogram testing. For perfectly brittle materials, extrapolation from the mean and variance to such a small tail probability is no problem because it is known that the Weibull distribution applies. Unfortunately, this is not possible for quasibrittle materials because the type of cumulative distribution function (cdf) has been shown to vary with structure size and shape. These are materials with inhomogeneities and fracture process zones (FPZ) that are not negligible compared to structural dimensions. A probabilistic theory of strength of quasibrittle structures failing at macro-crack initiation, which can be experimentally verified and calibrated indirectly, has recently been deduced from the rate of jumps of atomic lattice cracks governed by activation energy barriers. This paper extends this nano-mechanics based theory to the distribution of structural lifetime. Based on the cdf of strength and a power law for subcritical crack growth rate, the lifetime cdf of quasibrittle structures under constant loads is derived. The lifetime cdf is shown to depend strongly on the structure size as well as geometry. It is found that, for the creep rupture case, the mean structural lifetime exhibits a very strong size effect, much stronger than the size effect on the mean structure strength. The theory also implies temperature dependence of the lifetime cdf. For various quasibrittle materials, such as industrial ceramics and fiber composites, it is demonstrated that the proposed theory correctly predicts the experimentally observed deviations of lifetime histograms from the Weibull distribution.
The chronic lymphatic leukemia lymphocyte: Correlation of functional, metabolic, and surface immunoglobulin characteristics

Abstract This study determined the correlation between the functional capacity of chronic lymphatic leukemia lymphocytes as determined by their response to nonspecific mitogens with their glucose metabolism and surface immunoglobulin characteristics. A majority of patients (12) were found to have lymphocytes with impaired transformation to both PHA and pokeweed mitogens. These cells also had impaired glucose metabolism in unstimulated cultures and failed to have the striking increase in glucose metabolism in response to mitogens which is characteristic of normal lymphocytes. Most of these lymphocytes had IgM surface immunoglobulins. However, we were not able to demonstrate surface immunoglobulins on the lymphocytes of one patient in this group. Two patients were found to have lymphocytes with normal lymphoblastic transformation to PHA and impaired transformation to pokeweed suggesting cells of T origin. The glucose metabolism of these lymphocytes were less impaired in unstimulated cultures than those of the other patients and had a striking increment in glucose metabolism in response to PHA similar to normal lymphocytes. Unexpectedly, these lymphocytes were found to have IgG on their surface suggesting cells of B origin. These results indicate that there may be two groups of CLL patients with clinically similar disease in whom the functional and metabolic characteristics of the lymphocytes are distinct and that the surface immunoglobulin characteristic of lymphocytes may not always predict their functional characteristic.
The co-occurrence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and unipolar depression in children and adolescents: A meta-analytic review

This paper reviews the empirical literature on the association between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and depression (i.e., unipolar depressive disorders and symptoms) among children and adolescents. FINDINGS from cross-sectional and longitudinal studies published on the co-occurrence of ADHD and depression were summarized and subjected to a meta-analysis. RESULTS (k=29, N=8755; rbar=0.22) indicated that ADHD and depression were positively related, but substantial variability existed across the studies. Subgroup analyses indicated medium positive effects for cross-sectional studies, studies that operationalized ADHD based on DSM-III or DSM-IV diagnostic criteria, and studies that did not include teacher report in the assessment of ADHD. Subgroup analyses showed a large positive effect for studies that operationalized ADHD based on DSM-III-R criteria and studies using clinic referred samples. In contrast, subgroup analyses indicated a small negative and/or unreliable association between ADHD and depression for longitudinal studies, studies using DSM-II diagnostic criteria for hyperkinetic reaction of childhood or used a dichotomous motor hyperactivity criterion, studies that used nonreferred samples, and studies including teacher report in the assessment of ADHD. When studies that used DSM-II diagnostic criteria were removed, a reliable medium effect was found for studies that included teacher report. Similarly when the study that used idiosyncratic methods of diagnosing ADHD was excluded, a reliable medium effect was found for studies that used nonreferred samples. Potential explanations for the findings are discussed, including explanations based on sampling and base rates, artifacts of diagnostic criteria, inaccurate diagnostic boundaries, and etiological relationships. Directions for future research and clinical implications are discussed. Language: en
Influence of CCK and bombesin on ACTH and cortisol secretion in the conscious dog.

Abstract Bombesin and cholecystokinin (CCK) have a variety of similar actions. Previous investigations have demonstrated that IP injections of bombesin and CCK-33 increased corticosterone secretion in conscious, freely-moving, fed rats. In this study bombesin or CCK-8 was administered by continuous, intravenous infusion to conscious, awake, fasted, mongrel dogs. Following a 30–40 minute control infusion, a progressively-increasing, stepwise infusion of either bombesin (0.1, 1.0 and 2.0 μg/kg-hr) or CCK-8 (62.5, 125, and 250 ng/kg-hr) was administered. Each drug dose was infused for 40–45 minutes and blood samples were drawn at 20–22.5 minutes intervals. Bombesin caused significant, dose-dependent increases in plasma cortisol (286±39% of control) and plasma ACTH (176±33% of control). CCK-8 had no consistent effect on either cortisol or ACTH secretion. Whether the lack of effect of CCK-8 in dogs, as compared to rats, is due to species variations or to the differing experimental designs is unknown. (Supported by NIADDKD 32331.)
Coping with Disaster: Lessons Learned From Executive Directors of Nonprofit Organizations (NPOs) in New Orleans Following Hurricane Katrina

This qualitative research explores the issues and challenges that nonprofit organization executives contended with as a consequence of Hurricane Katrina. Through interviews with 10 executive directors of small and medium-size nonprofit, community-based organizations in New Orleans, this study examined the critical issues, coping strategies, and lessons the executives learned as they sought to reestablish their nonprofit organizations in the aftermath of the disaster.
Questionable conclusions about epoetin alfa.

I agree with Drs. Kruse and Lee that “epoetin alfa cannot be recommended for routine use in the critically ill patient.” There is a difference between strict adherence to evidence-based medicine and doing what is best for your patients. The practice setting must also be taken into account. At