cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH

Advances in rheumatologic arthritis health services research continue to be of interest to clinical rheumatologists and arthritis researchers interested in healthcare delivery and policy. Recent studies have shown that a higher incidence of osteoarthritis and functional disability among rural inhabitants influences delivery of arthritis care to rural areas and urban-rural variations in specialist distribution. In the United States, managed care organizations are increasingly dictating who delivers and who receives health care for arthritis. Provision of arthritis care by rheumatologists has become more discretionary and is strongly influenced by a patient's health insurance coverage. Coinciding with this trend, a higher percentage of arthritis care is being shifted to primary care providers. Based on prominent practice pattern variations, generalists have divergent knowledge and beliefs about the value of various arthritis treatments. New therapeutic programs have been proposed to better coordinate efforts between generalists and specialists. Many arthritis patients also seek alterative therapies. Of these, chiropractic care is one of the most common nontraditional therapies. Chiropractic management appears to be as cost-effective as traditional back care in certain settings.
Relationship between patients' early recognition of melanoma and depth of invasion

The correlation between time to diagnosis and thickness of lesion in patients with superficial spreading melanoma was explored. Charts of 245 patients diagnosed since 1976 were reviewed for data on lesion duration and time since elevation (as perceived by patients); and the degree of elevation (if any), thickness, and diameter of lesion (as measured histologically). No correlation emerged between time to diagnosis and the biologic state of disease as reflected by thickness. The majority of melanomas in this series were not recognized by patients in an early, pre-elevation, low-risk phase. Whether an emphasis on identification of melanoma in this phase will lead to an increase in the percent of patients presenting with biologically early, curable disease remains to be tested.
Prevention of insulin-dependent diabetes—1995

Despite current treatment advances, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDD) is still associated with high morbidity and mortality, and with a huge financial burden both to the individual and society. Enhanced understanding of the natural history of the prediabetic period has made the disease predictable in both higher risk nondiabetic relatives and in the general population. Investigators around the world are now collaborating on three separate multicenter, randomized, controlled trials aimed at preventing the disease in at-risk individuals, engendering cautious optimism that the days are not too far away when IDD can safely be prevented.
The effect of pressure on sterically hindered Menshutkin reactions

Abstract A systematic study is described of the effect of pressure on the rates of the Menshutkin reactions of pyridine and various 2,6-dialkylpyridines with methyl, ethyl, and isopropyl iodide. A general increase of the pressure-induced acceleration of the rates with steric hindrance has been found. The magnitude of the effect does not appear to be solvent dependent, which lends strength to the interpretation advanced by Gonikberg that this effect is primarily due to the interpenetration of interfering groups.
Ghosts, Machines, and Asian Law: Some Comments

This paper asks how globalization relates to legal culture. It argues that there exists, at least in the developed world, a general global culture; it follows, then, that there must be a global legal culture as well. Not everyone in modern societies is completely drawn into the global legal culture, however, as the research of the David and Jaruwan Engel in Thailand suggests. In general, however, the legal cultures of modern, developed societies are strongly convergent. In particular, there is emerging a global and convergent culture of human rights. Some Asian scholars and political figures have argued that conceptions of fundamental human rights are culturally Western, and may not suit the cultures of the East. The paper argues, however, that the human rights culture is not “Western” so much as modern; it arose in the West, but it is no more unsuitable to Asian societies than the automobile and the computer, which also arose first in the West.
Cancer diagnostics and treatment: are we ready to implement PPPM?

The scientific community is always excited whenever a new journal appears in the open scientific literature. Such was the case when the first issue of the EPMA Journal of International Reviews in Predictive, Preventive and Personalized Medicine (PPPM) appeared in 2010.
Catalytic, Enantioselective Synthesis of Stilbene cis-Diamines: A Concise Preparation of (-)-Nutlin-3, a Potent p53/MDM2 Inhibitor.

The first highly diastereo- and enantioselective additions of aryl nitromethane pronucleophiles to aryl aldimines are described. Identification of an electron rich chiral Bis(AMidine) catalyst for this aza-Henry variant was key to this development, leading ultimately to differentially protected cis-stilbene diamines in two steps. This method then became the lynchpin for an enantioselective synthesis of (−)-Nutlin-3 (Hoffmann-La Roche), a potent cis-imidazoline small molecule inhibitor of p53-MDM2 used extensively as a probe of cell biology and currently in drug development.
THE MEDIAN CONTROVERSY

-Disagreement exists in the literature concerning whether the median should be computed using the ungrouped or grouped equation. For the original unaltered data the median equation for ungrouped data satisfies the criterion that Z l x Mdnl,,,,. The median equation for grouped data satisfies this criterion for the linearly interpolated underlying continuous distribution. An equation is given to estimate the underlying distribution. The so-called ungrouped equation can be applied to grouped data. The grouped equation is applied to discrete data for comparative purposes. If the data ate not rectangularly distributed in the class interval of interest, a logarithmic adjustment can be made.
Phasic Transmitter Release from Tonic Neurons

Graded and prolonged presynaptic depolarizations trigger the tonic release of neurotransmitters from sensory neurons. In this issue of Neuron, Simmons (2002a) reports that postsynaptic responses of locust interneuron synpapses are determined by the rate rather than the amplitude of presynaptic depolarization, suggesting a mechanism for increasing the signaling capabilities of this synapse with respect to visual processing.
Methotrexate in Patients with Primary Biliary Cirrhosis Who Respond Incompletely to Treatment With Ursodeoxycholic Acid

Approximately 35% of PBC patients have progressive disease despite treatment with UDCA. We offered treatment with methotrexate and colchicine to PBC patients who had not responded fully to UDCA, after at least 1 year of treatment. A total of 91 PBC patients failed to respond adequately to UDCA, defined as patients whose liver biopsies showed persistent interface hepatitis and whose serum alkaline phosphatase levels remained more than 50% above normal after at least 12 months on UDCA. We added colchicine (0.6 mg orally twice daily) for 6 months. If there was no decrease in alkaline phosphatase, methotrexate (0.25 mg/kg lean body weight orally per week) was added. Liver biopsies were performed at least three times: at diagnosis, after a patient had been on UDCA for at least 1 year (mean 3.4 years), and after a patient had been on methotrexate for at least 6 months (mean 2.2 years). A fourth liver biopsy was performed in 51 patients after they had been on methotrexate for at least another year (mean 3.5 years). From the time that methotrexate was begun until the final visit, there were significant decreases in the mean levels of alkaline phosphatase, 323 to 151, ALT, 73 to 39, fibrosis, 2.5 to 2.0, and inflammation scores, 2.0 to 1.0, (p < 0.0001 for all). Based on pre-specified definitions, 73 patients (80%) responded to methotrexate while 18 (20%) did not. In 91 PBC patients who responded incompletely to UDCA, colchicine and methotrexate significantly improved liver enzyme tests and liver histology.
Nucleotide Sequence Analysis of DNA

There are three major obstacles to the analysis of the nucleotide sequence in a DNA molecule starting from a known location in the DNA molecule. First, it is difficult to obtain large quantities of homogeneous DNA. Second, even the smallest DNA molecules contain several thousand nucleotides which make sequence analysis prohibitive. Third, there are no highly base-specific DNAases available for degrading DNA for sequence analysis. We have overcome some of these obstacles; first, by incorporating highly labelled deoxynucleotides into DNA in vitro, small amounts of material can be used for sequence analysis. Second, the nucleotide sequence of DNA molecules can now be determined from the 5′-terminal. Thus, two dodecanucleotide sequences corresponding to the two cohesive ends of λ DNA have been determined1, and a nona-decanucleotide sequence corresponding to one cohesive end of phage 186 DNA has been completed2. So far, our approach is limited to starting the analysis from the 5′-ends of a DNA molecule. A more general approach is being developed for starting the analysis from other selected parts of a DNA molecule with the use of specifically designed primers.
Long-term cropping system effects on mineralizable nitrogen in soil

Abstract Increasing use of N fertilizer for crop production necessitates more precise estimates of N provided by the soil in order to prevent under- or over-fertilization and their adverse effect on plant nutrition and environmental quality. Better laboratory tests and models of N mineralization are needed to better estimate fertilizer need. Long-term changes in N mineralization potential may also identify changes in soil quality that relate to favorable sustainable agricultural practices. We collected samples from the 0–20 cm soil zone of treatments in five long-term (30–60 y old) experiments to determine the effect of crop rotation, tillage, fertilizer and residue management on N mineralized during aerobic incubation, and compared results with N mineralized under field conditions where possible. Soil samples were incubated in glass bottles at 25°C and −0.02 MPa for 0, 7, 14, 28 and 49 d. Soil N mineralization from wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.)-summerfallow, wheat–pea and from wheat–wheat crop rotations were 32, 42 and 51% of that mineralized from non-cultivated pasture soil. Nitrogen mineralized, as a fraction of the total N present, increased with increasing N application, reduction in tillage intensity and higher frequency of cropping. Stubble-mulch soils mineralized 10–20% more N than did moldboard-plowed soils. The fraction of total N mineralized increased with increasing soil organic N content, indicating that organic N added through recent crop management practices is more labile than N in the native soil matrix. Nitrogen mineralization in situ increased linearly as a function of past N fertilizer application, which implies that a substantial portion of previously-applied N may be recovered slowly over time in subsequent crops and that fertilizer N needed for optimum crop yield may not be increasing as rapidly as expected. Nitrogen mineralized during laboratory incubation also increased linearly with increasing N application, but the rate of change differed significantly from that for in situ N mineralization (0.0042 vs 0.0112 kg ha −1 per kg of applied N). The difference in N mineralization rate between laboratory and in situ experiments is not easily explained; perhaps soil processing for incubation altered physical access to organic N pools or caused a shift in microbial communities in soil. The difference in N mineralization rates implies that laboratory incubations do not accurately reflect N mineralization in the field, and strongly suggests that laboratory estimates of N mineralization be interpreted with care. Previous N fertilization, tillage and cropping patterns all affect N mineralization potential, and must be taken into consideration when estimating N fertilizer needs.
Relining complete dentures with the use of a functional impression.

Abstract A method for relining complete dentures has been described. This method uses a tissue-conditioning material for the impression, and an autopolymer acrylic resin to replace the impression material. Some of the advantages of this method are: (1) abused tissues can be returned to a normal condition before the impression is made, (2) a “functional impression” that incorporates the natural movements and relations of the jaws is developed by the patient, and (3) the use of an autopolymer acrylic resin and pressure curing conserves time and produces a well-cured material.
Lipid Membrane Association of the T Cell Antigen Receptor ζ Subunit: Affinities and Structure

The T cell antigen receptor (TCR) is a cell surface protein complex that binds peptide antigen fragments presented by the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC). The interaction of TCR with MHC leads to T cell activation and initiation of an immune response,1 but the molecular details of the transmembrane signaling process remain unknown. TCRζ is the 115 amino acid long cytosolic signaling domain of the CD3-T cell receptor complex that plays a central role in this process. TCRζ is predominantly unstructured2 and carries several copies of the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM). ITAMs become phosphorylated upon receptor engagement, constituting an early and obligatory event in the signaling cascade that blocks lipid association and lipid-associated conformational rearrangements3 of TCRζ. We present a characterization of the affinity of TCRζ to tethered lipid bilayers by SPR and a structural study of its association with such membranes using neutron reflectometry (NR). We studied the binding of unphosphorylated TCRζ to highly charged stBLMs rich in anionic phosphatidylserine (PS) or phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and observed affinity constants of Kd ≈ 10 μM. Minute amounts of phosphoinositides (PI(4,5)P2) increase the membrane affinity of the protein by more than 10-fold. An NR characterization of TCRζ in the membrane-associated state shows the major portion of the protein interfacially associated with the bilayer surface and a minor protein penetrating the bilayer deeply. This is consistent with a model in which an α-helical structure is aligned on the membrane surface that may be connected via a hinge with another α-helical segment inserted into the bilayer.[1] Call, M.E., and Wucherpfennig, K.W., Annu. Rev. Immunol. 23:101 (2005).[2] Sigalov, A.B., et al., Biochemistry 45:15731 (2006).[3] Aivazian, D.A., et al., Nat. Struct. Biol. 7:1023 (2000).
Al alloys: The influence of concurrent precipitation on recrystallization behavior, kinetics, and texture

Concurrent precipitation has a profound influence on the recrystallization behavior of aluminum alloys. This paper will highlight its effects on recrystallization kinetics and texture and its subsequent effects on mechanical anisotropy (earing) and general mechanical property behavior of aluminum alloys.
A classical density functional theory for interfacial layering of ionic liquids

Ionic liquids have attracted much recent theoretical interest for broad applications as environmentally-friendly solvents in separation and electrochemical processes. Because of the intrinsic complexity of organic ions and strong electrostatic correlations, the electrochemical properties of ionic liquids often defy the descriptions of conventional mean-field methods including the venerable, and over-used, Gouy–Chapman–Stern (GCS) theory. Classical density functional theory (DFT) has proven to be useful in previous studies of the electrostatic properties of aqueous electrolytes but until recently it has not been applied to ionic liquids. Here we report predictions from the DFT on the interfacial properties of ionic liquids near neutral or charged surfaces. By considering the molecular size, topology, and electrostatic correlations, we have examined major factors responsible for the unique features of electric-double layers of ionic-liquid including formation of long-range and alternating structures of cations and anions at charged surfaces.
Implementation of colorectal cancer screening guidelines by residents in training is poor-need for an educational intervention

Implementation of colorectal cancer screening guidelines by residents in training is poor-need for an educational intervention
Understanding mechanisms governing protein–protein interactions from synthetic binding interfaces

Recent advances in methodologies and design of combinatorial library selection have enabled comprehensive characterization of sequence space for protein-protein interaction interfaces and generation of fully synthetic binding interfaces. By exhaustively introducing and quantitatively analyzing mutations in natural interfaces, new insights into their molecular architecture and plasticity have emerged. Minimalist combinatorial libraries based on a restricted amino acid code have produced synthetic interfaces that rival natural ones using a different set of rules. A two amino acid code composed of just tyrosine and serine in the context of antibody CDR loops is sufficient to produce high affinity and specific interactions with different classes of protein targets. Structural analyses highlight the dominant role of Tyr in forming productive interactions and demonstrate the dominance of conformational diversity over chemical diversity in producing naive binding interfaces. Synthetic binding proteins are beginning to be used as a powerful crystallization tool to attack important structural biology problems that are recalcitrant to crystallization using traditional methods.
SEASONAL OCCURRENCE OF COMPLEX VENTRICULAR SEPTAL DEFECT

Abstract The seasonal occurrence of births of children with ventricular septal defects (V.S.D.) was examined for a series of 302 cases from New England. The overall series showed a moderate peak in the summer, which was entirely attributable to a strong tendency for complex V.S.D. to occur in summer. Complex V.S.D. occurred 4.4 times more frequently in urban counties than rural counties, and the seasonal trend was strongest in urban areas. The seasonal peak was not associated with birth-weight, gestational age, maternal age, birth order, or sex, but a significant secular decline was noted over the five study years. One subgroup of complex V.S.D.—those with associated atrial septal defects—showed no evidence of seasonal clustering. V.S.D. associated with persistent ductus arteriosus, a defect previously related to viral teratogens, occurred almost exclusively during a brief portion of the year. The data suggest that simple and complex V.S.D. are aetiologically distinct, and that V.S.D. with associated cardiac anomalies, in particular persistent ductus arteriosus, is caused by an environmental agent more prevalent in early winter and in cities.
CyberKnife frameless single-fraction stereotactic radiosurgery for benign tumors of the spine

Object. The role of stereotactic radiosurgery in the treatment of benign intracranial lesions is well established. Its role in the treatment of benign spinal lesions is more limited. Benign spinal lesions should be amenable to radiosurgical treatment similar to their intracranial counterparts. In this study the authors evaluated the effectiveness of the CyberKnife for benign spinal lesions involving a single-fraction radiosurgical technique. Methods. The CyberKnife is a frameless radiosurgery system in which an orthogonal pair of x-ray cameras is coupled to a dynamically manipulated robot-mounted linear accelerator possessing six degrees of freedom, whereby the therapy beam is guided to the intended target without the use of frame-based fixation. Cervical spine lesions were located and tracked relative to skull osseous landmarks; lower spinal lesions were tracked relative to percutaneously placed fiducial bone markers. Fifteen patients underwent single-fraction radiosurgery (12 cervical, one thoracic, and two lumbar). Histological types included neurofibroma (five cases), paraganglioma (three cases), schwannoma (two cases), meningioma (two cases), spinal chordoma (two cases), and hemangioma (one case). Radiation dose plans were calculated based on computerized tomography scans acquired using 1.25-mm slices. Planning treatment volume was defined as the radiographic tumor volume with no margin. The tumor dose was maintained at 12 to 20 Gy to the 80% isodose line (mean 16 Gy). Tumor volume ranged from 0.3 to 29.3 ml (mean 6.4 ml). Spinal canal volume receiving more than 8 Gy ranged from 0.0 to 0.9 ml (mean 0.2 ml). All patients tolerated the procedure in an outpatient setting. No acute radiation-induced toxicity or new neurological deficits occurred during the follow-up period. Pain improved in all patients who were symptomatic prior to treatment. No tumor progression has been documented on follow-up imaging (mean 12 months). Conclusions. Spinal stereotactic radiosurgery was found to be feasible, safe, and effective for the treatment of benign spinal lesions. Its major potential benefits are the relatively short treatment time in an outpatient setting and the minimal risk of side effects. This new technique offers an alternative therapeutic modality for the treatment of a variety of benign spinal neoplasms in cases in which surgery cannot be performed, in cases with previously irradiated sites, and in cases involving lesions not amenable to open surgical techniques or as an adjunct to surgery.
Abnormal polyunsaturated lipid metabolism in the obese Zucker rat, with partial metabolic correction by γ-linolenic acid administration

Below-normal proportions of phospholipid (PL) arachidonic acid (20:4 omega 6) have been reported in serum from obese humans and in liver from obese Zucker rats. This implies an abnormality of 20:4 omega 6 formation from linoleic acid (18:2 omega 6), possibly in the delta 6 desaturase step, or alternatively an abnormality in the catabolism or distribution of arachidonate. We previously speculated that a reduced proportion of 20:4 omega 6 in hepatic PL could contribute to the etiology of genetic obesity. Providing 18:3 omega 6 would bypass delta 6 desaturase and possibly normalize hepatic PL 20:4 omega 6. Therefore weanling Zucker rats were given free access to a defined diet (11% of energy as soy oil) and gavaged daily with 100 microL of either black currant oil concentrate ([BCO] 8% 18:2 omega 6 and 70% 18:3 omega 6) or soy oil ([Soy] 55% 18:2 omega 6 and < 0.1% 18:3 omega 6). Groups of eight lean and eight obese animals were randomized to receive Soy or BCO in a 2 x 2 design; 10 obese and 10 lean rats were fed a stock diet (nongavaged reference). All groups of lean rats had identical weight gain; food intake for Soy lean and BCO lean did not differ. The obese reference animals and Soy obese animals did not differ in weight gain. However, BCO obese animals ate less food (P < .06), gained less weight (P < .0001), and had lower percent body fat (P < .05) compared with the Soy obese animals. The fatty acid constituents from serum, liver, and adipose tissue showed marked differences between lean and obese animals. Hepatic PL 20:4 omega 6 was lower in Soy obese than in lean (P < .002), but was normalized by BCO gavage (diet effect, P < .007). The paucity of hepatic PL 20:4 omega 6 was not due to reduced desaturase activity, as the proportions of other desaturase products (20:3 omega 6, 20:3 omega 9, 20:5 omega 3) were significantly elevated in Soy obese rat liver and serum. Serum and hepatic cholesteryl ester 20:4 omega 6 levels were elevated in obese versus lean rats (P < .02 and P < .0001), indicating abnormal arachidonate distribution in the obese Zucker rat. Because BCO selectively reduced weight gain and percent body fat in obese Zucker rats, our results imply a role for abnormal omega 6 fatty acid metabolism in the etiology of Zucker obesity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Microphysical Measurements from an Aircraft Ascending with a Growing Isolated Maritime Cumulus Tower

Abstract The development of precipitation in the top of an isolated maritime cumulus tower is traced by four rapid penetrations with an instrumented aircraft between 400 and 1000 m below the visible top of the growing tower. The hydrometeor distribution evolves from the first appearance of a few large supercooled drops [0.45 l−1, D > 0.5 mm] to well developed precipitation (largely ice) in 500 s. This development results from accretion and coalescence growth in the cloud top volume, not from advection by the updraft of large drops from below. Large supercooled drops precede the appearance of ice at −9°C near the cloud top. The cloud- and precipitation-water budgets are computed and compared with observed values, which indicate that, once precipitation is well developed, the convective tower cannot maintain itself as a steady state entity. The budget computations demonstrate a sensitivity of cloud evolution to the ice particle density.
Fabrication, packaging, and performance of VCSELs and photodetectors for space applications

Optocouplers are used for a variety of applications aboard spacecraft including electrical isolation, switching and power transfer. Commercially available light emitting diode (LED)-based optocouplers have experienced severe degradation of light output due to extensive displacement damage occurring in the semiconductor lattice caused by energetic proton bombardment. A new optocoupler has been designed and fabricated which utilizes vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) and resonant cavity photodetector (RCPD) technologies for the optocoupler emitter and detector, respectively. Linear arrays of selectively oxidized GaAs/AlGaAs VCSELS and RCPDS, each designed to operate at a wavelength of 850nm, were fabricated using an airbridge contacting scheme. The airbridged contacts were designed to improve packaging yields and device reliability by eliminating the use of a polyimide planarizing layer which provided poor adhesion to the bond pad metallization. Details of the airbridged optocoupler fabrication process are reported. Discrete VCSEL and RCPD devices were characterized at temperatures between {minus}100 to 100 C. Devices were packaged in a face-to-face configuration to form a single channel optocoupler and its performance was evaluated under conditions of high-energy proton bombardment.
localized order-disorder transitions induced by Li segregation in amorphous TiO2 nanoparticles.

Li segregation and transport characteristics in amorphous TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) are studied using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. A strong intraparticle segregation of Li is observed, and the degree of segregation is found to correlate with Li concentration. With increasing Li concentration, Li diffusivity and segregation are enhanced, and this behavior is tied to the structural response of the NPs with increasing lithiation. The atoms in the amorphous NPs undergo rearrangement in the regions of high Li concentration, introducing new pathways for Li transport and segregation. These localized atomic rearrangements, in turn, induce preferential crystallization near the surfaces of the NPs. Such rich, dynamical responses are not expected for crystalline NPs, where the presence of well-defined lattice sites leads to limited segregation and transport at high Li concentrations. The preferential crystallization in the near-surface region in amorphous NPs may offer enhanced stability and fast Li transport...
The reaggregation of purified subunits of alpha-crystallin.

Abstract Ultracentrifuge studies have been carried out with reaggregated macromolecules obtained from purified subunits of low MW calf lens alpha-crystallin. The subunits were isolated by affinity chromotography with para-amino-phenyl mercuric acetate-Agarose columns followed by chromatography with DEAE-cellulose in 7 m urea. The results suggest the following conclusions: each of the polypeptide chains of alpha-crystallin is capable of reaggregating independently. Similar to the non-interacting size heterogeneity of alphacrystallin, the aggregates of polypeptide chains A 2 and B 2 display non-equilibrium heterogeneous populations of macromolecules. Aggregates of A 1 appear to be homogeneous with respect to the minimum MW species. The reaggregated polypeptide chains, as well as deaggregated and reaggregated alpha-crystallin, all give significantly lower molecular weight populations of macromolecules than the native alpha-crystallin preparation. These results suggest that other components removed by the deaggregation-reaggregation procedure may be involved in determining the size and heterogeneity of alpha-crystallin.
Breaking the Attosecond Barrier

Very short pulses of light enable researchers to probe never-before-observed phenomenon. Corkum describes how attosecond light pulses can be achieved.
Scavenged body heat powered infusion pump

An infusion pump powered by body heat is investigated in this paper, with the goal of addressing the needs of dermal wound healing. The infusion pump incorporates a Knudsen gas pump, a type of thermally driven pump, to pneumatic push the pharmaceutical agent from a reservoir. Two designs are considered: an integrated pump and reservoir, and a design with cascaded pump and reservoir. Thermal models are developed for both pumps, and the simulations agree well with the experimental results. The integrated pump and reservoir design uses hydrophobic materials to prevent a flow from occurring unless the infusion pump is placed on a human body. Flow rates in the ?L min?1?range for the integrated pump and reservoir, and approximately 70??L min?1?for the cascaded pump were obtained. The dynamic behavior of the cascaded pump is described based on the thermal models. Multiple copies of the cascaded pump are easily made in series or parallel, to increase either the pressure or the flow rate. The flow rate of multiple pumps in series does not change, and the pressure of multiple pumps in parallel does not change.
Mitigating the effects of soil and residue water contents on remotely sensed estimates of crop residue cover

Crop residues on the soil surface decrease soil erosion and increase soil organic carbon and the management of crop residues is an integral part of many conservation tillage systems. Current methods of measuring residue cover are inadequate for characterizing the spatial variability of residue cover over large fields. The objectives of this research were to determine the effects of water content on the remotely sensed estimates of crop residue cover and to propose a method to mitigate the effects of water content on remotely sensed estimates of crop residue cover. Reflectance spectra of crop residues and soils were measured in the lab over the 400-2400 nm wavelength region. Reflectance of scenes with various residue cover fractions and water contents was simulated using a linear mixture model. Additional spectra of scenes with mixtures of crop residues and soil were also acquired in corn, soybean, and wheat fields with different tillage treatments and different water content conditions. Crop residue cover was linearly related to the cellulose absorption index (CAI), which was defined as the relative intensity of an absorption feature near 2100 nm. Water in the crop residue significantly attenuated CAI and changed the slope of the residue cover vs. CAI relationship. Without an appropriate correction, crop residue covers were underestimated as scene water content increased. Spectral vegetation water indices were poorly related to changes in the water contents of crop residues and soils. A new reflectance ratio water index that used the two bands located on the shoulders of the cellulose absorption feature to estimate scene water conditions was proposed and tested with data from corn, soybean, and wheat fields. The ratio water index was used to describe the changes in the slope of crop residue cover vs. CAI and improve the predictions of crop residue cover. These results indicate that spatial and temporal adjustments in the spectral estimates of crop residue cover are possible. Current mutispectral imaging systems will not provide reliable estimates of crop residue cover when scene water content varies. Hyperspectral data are not required, because the three narrow bands that are used for both CAI and the scene moisture correction could be incorporated in advanced multispectral sensors. Thus, regional surveys of soil conservation practices that affect soil carbon dynamics may be feasible using either advanced multispectral or hyperspectral imaging systems.
A New Efficient Edge Extraction Algorithm for Images Using Directional Tracing Techniques

Abstract The ability to recognize edges of an object is of fundamental importance in computer vision and image processing. In this paper, we present a fast, efficient method of edge extraction of images using directional tracing algorithm. Our work builds on the work of R. Nevatia and K.R. Babu [5], who use linear feature extraction to present algorithms for edge extraction. By employing an intuitive principle that an edge pixel should possess local maximum gradient, but having no more domain information or knowledge, we propose an effective, robust strategy to extract edges that integrates directional tracing and feature extraction. We discuss the computational efficiency of our approach and present a schematic for real time implementation of the algorithm. Application of our algorithm on different images shows excellent results. The main advantages of our technique include: (i) it can be used for a wide variety of images; (ii) it is simple and easy to implement; (iii) it is fast; and (iv) the algorithm ...
The ensemble of oceanic data in the 1990's: Where we are now and how we approach the next decade

March 8, 1985, was the beginning of the second decode of satellite exploration of ocean surface and near surface phenomena. On this data the DoD/Navy Geosat system was launched to complete the geodetic mission begun by the NASA Seasat program in 1978. The Geosal altimeter will serve as the first of at least 15 sensors to be deployed on six satellites over the next five to six years. This paper will address the data implications that begin with the current NOAA system and the new Geosat mission and trace the near exponential growth in data to be derived from the ensemble of oceanic sensors planned in the near future.
Macrophage index predicts short-term renal allograft function and graft survival

The ability to predict renal allograft dysfunction in the short term and predict graft survival by quantifying the macrophage infiltrate in allograft renal biopsies is described. Renal allograft biopsies performed for cause in 41 consecutive patients were scored for macrophages (macrophage index, MI) by use of a modified Banff score of inflammation (BSI), and the impact of the MI on serum creatinine (SCr) levels 3 months post-biopsy (post-Bx) and on graft survival was quantified. Biopsies were stained for macrophages, individual lesions semiquantified and MI, BSI and chronic allograft damage index (CADI) obtained. The effects of pathologic indices on 3 month post-Bx SCr and graft survival were quantified by multivariate analysis and Cox regression. Glomerular and interstitial macrophage scores correlated inversely with graft survival. MI predicted an increase in SCr 3 months post-Bx (P=0.02). MI >3 (hazard ratio 23.13, P=0.003) also had a powerful negative predictive value on graft survival.
Parental Acceptance and Illegal Drug Use among Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Adolescents: Results from a National Survey

Although gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) adolescents face many of the same developmental challenges as do heterosexual adolescents, they must also deal with the stress of being part of a stigmatized group. The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which family support and involvement with the queer community may buffer the effects of life stress on substance use among GLB youths. Drawing on a large national online survey, the authors examined drug use in 1906 GLB youths 12 to 17 years of age. Overall, 20 percent of the youths reported using illegal substances in the past 30 days. Results from multivariate analyses revealed that stress, as measured by suicidal ideation, significantly increased the risk of drug use. A positive reaction from the mother to the youth's coming out served as a significant protective factor, whereas involvement in a queer youth group had no effect. The authors found evidence that, for GLB adolescents, parental acceptance of sexual identity is an important aspect of a strong family relationship and, thus, has important ramifications for their healthy development. Implications of the findings for social work practice are discussed.
[3H]neurotensin(8-13) binds in human brain to the same sites as does [3H]neurotensin but with higher affinity

The binding of [3H]neurotensin(8-13) to membranes from human frontal cortex at 0 degree C was time dependent, specific, saturable, and reversible. Saturation isotherms provided an equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) of 0.52 nM, and the maximal number of binding sites (Bmax) was 3.5 pmol/g original wet weight of tissue. Scatchard analysis yielded a straight line, and the Hill coefficient was equal to 1, a result indicating that [3H]neurotensin(8-13) bound to single, noncoopertive sites. The KD values of several analogs of neurotensin determined in competition with [3H]neurotensin(8-13) were similar to those previously determined in competition with [3H]neurotensin. The regional distribution of binding sites for [3H]neurotensin(8-13) was also similar to that for [3H]neurotensin. These results suggest that [3H]neurotensin(8-13) binds to the same sites as [3H]neurotensin and that [3H]neurotensin(8-13) has a higher affinity than [3H]neurotensin for these sites in human brain.
A subtle deletion of 12p by routine cytogenetics is found to be a translocation to 21q by fluorescence in situ hybridization: t(12;21)(p13;q22).

Abstract A 4-year-old boy with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) whose leukemic cells contained at diagnosis a del(6q) had a different clone at relapse, characterized by an abnormal short arm of chromosome 12 (12p). Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis using a cosmid probe from the 12p12–13 region indicated a translocation of the 12p to another unknown chromosome of "G-group" size. Further analysis by dual chromosome painting confirmed the presence of a translocation, identified as t(12;21)(p13;q22). Previously reported cases showed this translocation at diagnosis of ALL, whereas this is the first case showing the specific t(12;21)(p13;q22) at relapse. This case study illustrates the value of FISH in resolving subtle recurrent chromosomal rearrangements that escape detection by routine cytogenetic analysis. Subsequent molecular evaluation of the patient's leukemic cells with the t(12;21) demonstrated a TEL/AML1 fusion protein.
QCD interaction of leptons in composite models

Abstract We investigate composite models of quarks and leptons in which the constituents of leptons participate in QCD interaction. Constraints from flavor singlet axial vector neutral current, from cosmology and also ramifications of leptonic gluon emissions are discussed.
A Network Layer for Teleoperations in High Speed Environments

Teleoperation systems allow an operator to control a device at a remote location via a network. System stability is highly dependent on data loss and delay since command messages and the associated device feedback must remain synchronized. Several network protocols are available for teleoperation; however, none is exactly suitable for transmitting the variety of information (e.g. commands, video, and force feedback) needed by advance teleoperation systems. Furthermore, maintaining synchronization is more problematic in a high speed environment since end systems are the primary source of loss and delay. This paper introduces a new network layer designed to control remote devices in a high speed environment. Unlike previous teleoperation approaches, the proposed layer separates control and feedback into separate channels. As a result, multiple feedback channels are possible (e.g. video and force) where each channel can use the transport protocol best suited for its data (e.g. RTP for video). These channels are managed by the new layer ensuring flow control is provided between the operator and the remote device; therefore, different remote control approaches (event and predicted based) are supported. Furthermore, the proposed layer is lightweight and requires no changes to the networking infrastructure since it is only implemented at the end systems (operator and remote device). Experimental results showing the control of a microscope over an 10 Gbps network will demonstrate the teleoperation layer can easily manage communications in a high speed environment.
3D microtomographic characterization of precision extruded poly-epsilon-caprolactone scaffolds.

One of the dominant approaches to tissue engineering is the seeding of biodegradable, biocompatible polymer scaffolds with progenitor cells prior to 3D culture or implantation. The microarchitecture of these scaffolds has direct effects upon the ability of cells to attach, migrate, and differentiate. Microtomographic (micro-CT) scanners enable high-speed 3D characterization of the salient features of these polymer scaffolds. A micro-CT scan followed by 3D reconstruction of serial image sections can determine porosity, pore size, pore interconnectivity, strut size, and overall 3D microarchitecture. In this study, four polymer samples with different microarchitectures were manufactured through precision extrusion deposition free-form fabrication and subsequently characterized through micro-CT analysis. A desktop micro-CT scanner was used to examine each sample at approximately 19.1-micron resolution. 2D analyses and 3D reconstructions of core regions of each sample were performed. These results illustrate that qualitative and quantitative analysis of polymer scaffolds is possible using micro-CT and 3D reconstruction techniques. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 70B: 311–317, 2004
Singular numbers of smooth kernels. II

Reade[10] has recently improved Weyl's classical estimate λ n = o ( n −3/2 ) for the eigenvalues of a symmetric kernel K ∈ C 1 by relaxing the C l hypothesis to the assumptions that K ∈ L 2 [0, 2π] 2 , that K is absolutely continuous in each variable separately, and that both ∂ K /∂ s and ∂ K / t belong to L 2 [0, 2π] 2 . The conclusion of his theorem, that is, of course, stronger than λ n = o ( n −3/2 ).
A History of Heterodox Economics

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to review Fred Lee's book A History of Heterodox Economics.Design/methodology/approach – The paper provides a context for Lee's research within the current debates over the financial crisis, then reviews and evaluates his analysis.Findings – Lee has provided valuable and almost overwhelmingly meticulous documentation of the struggle to maintain space for heterodox economics within the discipline of economics, beginning before the turn of the twentieth century and continuing into the present. He is most concerned to use this research to formulate strategies to build community among heterodox economists, to provide a strong alternative to mainstream economics.Originality/value – The author was less than convinced by Lee's suggestion that heterodox economics should emulate a professional model based on publications and citations that bears a striking resemblance to the methods of mainstream economics. That said, the author shares his belief that heterodox economics has impo...
Acute treatment of bipolar depression with adjunctive zonisamide: a retrospective chart review.

Background: This retrospective chart review evaluated the use of zonisamide as adjunctive treatment in patients with bipolar depression. Method: The charts of outpatients with bipolar I or II disorder treated with adjunctive zonisamide were reviewed. The efficacy of zonisamide was assessed via comparison of physician-rated Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) and Clinical Global Impression of Severity (CGI-S) Scale scores at baseline and after 6 weeks of therapy using paired t-tests. Patients who scored ≤2 on the CGI-S after 6 weeks of zonisamide therapy were considered good responders to zonisamide. Results: Charts for 12 patients (four men and eight women) with a mean (±SD) age of 39.6 (±7.6) years were evaluated. Patients received a mean (±SD) zonisamide dosage of 236 (±68) mg/day. Mean GAF scores significantly improved from 44.0 at baseline to 59.3 at week 6 (P = 0.05). Mean CGI-S scores improved from 4.54 at baseline to 3.42 at week 6, but the change was not statistically significant. Six patients (50.0%) were considered responders to zonisamide. Four patients discontinued zonisamide therapy, two for an adverse event (sedation) and two for lack of efficacy. Conclusions: Zonisamide may be a useful adjunctive treatment for some patients with bipolar depression. Conclusions from this study are limited due to its retrospective design. Further investigation of zonisamide in the treatment of bipolar depression is warranted.
On k-partite hypergraphs with the induced ε-density property

In this paper we extend the study of bipartite graphs with the induced @e-density property introduced by Frankl, Rodl, and the author. For a given k-partite k-uniform hypergraph G we say that a k-partite k-uniform hypergraph R=(W"1,...,W"k,F) has the induced@e-density property if every subhypergraph of R with at least @e|F| edges contains a copy of G which is an induced subhypergraph of R. We show that for every @e>0 and positive integers k and n there exists a k-partite k-uniform hypergraph R with the induced @e-density property for every G=(V"1,...,V"k,E) with |V"1|,...,|V"k|@?n. We give several proofs of this result, some of which allow for the hypergraph R to be taken with at most 2^2^^^c^^^n^^^^^^^k^^^^^^^-^^^^^^^1 vertices.
Gonadal and adrenal steroids regulate neurochemical and structural plasticity of the hippocampus via cellular mechanisms involving NMDA receptors

1. The hippocampus is an important brain structure for working and spatial memory in animals and humans, and it is also a vulnerable as well as plastic brain structure as far as sensitivity to epilepsy, ischemia, head trauma, stress, and aging.
Comparison of hemolymph proteins from resistant and susceptible oysters, Crassostrea virginica, exposed to the parasite Haplosporidium nelsoni (MSX).

Abstract Serum protein constituents in laboratory-reared stocks of oysters, Crassostrea virginica , susceptible to mortality caused by the parasite Haplosporidium nelsoni (MSX) were compared with constituents in resistant oysters exposed to the same level of infection activity. Virtually all of the susceptible oysters became infected and 71% died by the end of the 9-month study, while only half of the resistant group had patent H. nelsoni infections and only 7% died. Total serum protein concentrations fell sharply and in approximate proportion to disease intensity in oysters with systemic H. nelsoni infections. Oysters with heavy parasitism had about one-third the protein levels of uninfected individuals. When infections were confined to the gill, however, as was the case with mortality-resistant oysters, there was no depression of protein levels. In all oysters examined, SDS electrophoresis showed three rapidly migrating proteins, with molecular weights between 25,000 and 75,000, that comprised nearly all the total protein. Up to 12 larger proteins, with molecular weights up to 500,000, were also present, but with considerable individual variability in number and concentration. There was no obvious correlation of electrophoresis patterns with H. nelsoni disease or with genetic background. Results of the study suggest that depletion of certain metabolic substrates such as circulating protein and/or interruption of biosynthetic pathways by the parasite may be a primary cause of death in infected oysters.