cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
4-corner arthrodesis and proximal row carpectomy: a biomechanical comparison of wrist motion and tendon forces.

Purpose Controversy exists as to whether a proximal row carpectomy (PRC) is a better procedure than scaphoid excision with 4-corner arthrodesis for preserving motion in the painful posttraumatic arthritic wrist. The purpose of this study was to determine how the kinematics and tendon forces of the wrist are altered after PRC and 4-corner arthrodesis. Methods We tested 6 fresh cadaver forearms for the extremes of wrist motion and then used a wrist simulator to move them through 4 cyclic dynamic wrist motions, during which time we continuously recorded the tendon forces. We repeated the extremes of wrist motion measurements and the dynamic motions after scaphoid excision with 4-corner arthrodesis, and then again after PRC. We analyzed extremes of wrist motion and the peak tendon forces required for each dynamic motion using a repeated measures analysis of variance. Results Wrist extremes of motion significantly decreased after both the PRC and 4-corner arthrodesis compared with the intact wrist. Wrist flexion decreased on average 13° after 4-corner arthrodesis and 12° after PRC. Extension decreased 20° after 4-corner arthrodesis and 12° after PRC. Four-corner arthrodesis significantly decreased wrist ulnar deviation from the intact wrist. Four-corner arthrodesis allowed more radial deviation but less ulnar deviation than the PRC. The average peak tendon force was significantly greater after 4-corner arthrodesis than after PRC for the extensor carpi ulnaris during wrist flexion-extension, circumduction, and dart throw motions. The peak forces were significantly greater after 4-corner arthrodesis than in the intact wrist for the extensor carpi ulnaris during the dart throw motion and for the flexor carpi ulnaris during the circumduction motion. The peak extensor carpi radialis brevis force after PRC was significantly less than in the intact wrist. Conclusions The measured wrist extremes of motion decreased after both 4-corner arthrodesis and PRC. Larger peak tendon forces were required to achieve identical wrist motions with the 4-corner arthrodesis compared with the intact wrist. We observed smaller forces for the PRC. Clinical relevance These results may help explain why PRC shows early clinical improvement, yet may lead to degenerative arthritis.
Preterm rupture of the membranes associated with recent cocaine use.

Objective: We postulated that recent cocaine use is common among patients with preterm ( Study Design: A urine toxicologic screen was performed on all patients admitted with preterm rupture of the membranes. Patients were managed expectantly, without tocolytics, antibiotics, or steroids. Results: One hundred three patients were enrolled; 71 had negative screens and 19 were positive for cocaine alone. Cocaine-positive women were significantly older and had more advanced cervical dilatation at admission and a significantly shorter latency period from rupture of membranes to labor and delivery. Conclusion: Preterm rupture of the membranes associated with recent cocaine use is characterized by advanced cervical dilatation at admission and a shorter latency period to labor and delivery.
Identification of a 38-kDa Heparin-binding Glycoprotein (gp38k) in Differentiating Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells as a Member of a Group of Proteins Associated with Tissue Remodeling

Cultured aortic smooth muscle cells (SMC) exhibit morphological and phenotypic modulation characterized by a change from a substrate attached monolayer culture to a multilayered nodular cell culture in which SMC are imbedded into the extracellular matrix. Associated with nodule formation is a change in the pattern of SMC gene expression including increased expression of a well characterized marker of smooth muscle cell differentiation, SM α-actin, and a 38-kDa glycoprotein (gp38k). gp38k has sequence homology with proteins reported to be correlated with tissue remodeling. To characterize the gp38k mRNA we designed degenerate oligonucleotides based on partial polypeptide sequencing to select a cDNA encoding the full-length gp38k. Southern analysis indicates that porcine gp38k is present as a single copy gene. Northern analysis indicates that the increase in gp38k is correlated with an increase in the steady state level of gp38k mRNA; and is present in cultures that have initiated the formation of multilayered foci and nodules. The correlation between SMC differentiation and gp38k expression is further established by using culture conditions that facilitate SMC differentiation. Cultures seeded onto reconstituted extracellular matrix show rapid formation of nodules and increased expression of gp38k mRNA. Comparison of the gp38k and cDNA sequences with nucleotide and protein sequences available through GenBank and SwissProt data banks revealed that molecules homologous to gp38k were present in human, mouse, bovine, and Drosophila tissues, suggesting that the gp38k may be a member of a gene family. Although a function for gp38k has not been identified, this report represents the first report of its correlation with a specific process important in phenotypic and morphological modulation of vascular SMC.
Fabrication update on critical-angle transmission gratings for soft x-ray grating spectrometers

Diffraction grating-based, wavelength dispersive high-resolution soft x-ray spectroscopy of celestial sources promises to reveal crucial data for the study of the Warm-Hot Intergalactic Medium, the Interstellar Medium, warm absorption and outflows in Active Galactic Nuclei, coronal emission from stars, and other areas of interest to the astrophysics community. Our recently developed critical-angle transmission (CAT) gratings combine the advantages of the Chandra high and medium energy transmission gratings (low mass, high tolerance of misalignments and figure errors, polarization insensitivity) with those of blazed reflection gratings (high broad band diffraction efficiency, high resolution through use of higher diffraction orders) such as the ones on XMM-Newton. Extensive instrument and system configuration studies have shown that a CAT grating-based spectrometer is an outstanding instrument capable of delivering resolving power on the order of 5,000 and high effective area, even with a telescope point-spread function on the order of many arc-seconds. We have fabricated freestanding, ultra-high aspect-ratio CAT grating bars from silicon-on-insulator wafers using both wet and dry etch processes. The 200 nm-period grating bars are supported by an integrated Level 1 support mesh, and a coarser external Level 2 support mesh. The resulting grating membrane is mounted to a frame, resulting in a grating facet. Many such facets comprise a grating array that provides light-weight coverage of large-area telescope apertures. Here we present fabrication results on the integration of CAT gratings and the different high-throughput support mesh levels and on membrane-frame bonding. We also summarize recent x-ray data analysis of 3 and 6 micron deep wet-etched CAT grating prototypes.
Turbulence and Magnetic Fields in Astrophysics

The juxtaposition of “magnetic fields” and “turbulence” arises in plasma dynamics in various contexts—such as the solar corona, the magnetosphere, space physics in general, cosmic ray propagation, and laboratory plasmas of both fusion and nonfusion types. In astrophysics, the impact of turbulence has arrived relatively recently but is rapidly finding importance. The present volume is a written record of topics presented at a conference, Simulations of Magnetohydrodynamic Turbulence in Astrophysics: Recent Achievements and Perspectives, held at the Institut Henri Poincare, in Paris, in July 2001.
Denitrification of high nitrate loads — Efficiencies of alternative carbon sources

Abstract Eleven industrial carbon source nutrients were evaluated for their efficiency in supplying energy for biological denitrification of high nitrate (1259 mg liter) waters in single-stage continuous flow fermenters. The defined criterion for comparison was the minimum carbon-to-nitrogen ratio necessary to achieve at least 95% nitrate reduction and 90% total organic carbon (TOC) removal. Methanol was the most efficient carbon source of those evaluated. Some of the carbon sources studied failed to achieve a 90% reduction in TOC. The relative rankings in efficiency of the various carbon sources may change once consideration is given to cost, transportation, handling and availability.
Total synthesis, relay synthesis, and structural confirmation of the C18-norditerpenoid alkaloid neofinaconitine.

The first total synthesis of the C18-norditerpenoid aconitine alkaloid neofinaconitine and relay syntheses of neofinaconitine and 9-deoxylappaconitine from condelphine are reported. A modular, convergent synthetic approach involves initial Diels–Alder cycloaddition between two unstable components, cyclopropene 10 and cyclopentadiene 11. A second Diels–Alder reaction features the first use of an azepinone dienophile (8), with high diastereofacial selectivity achieved via rational design of siloxydiene component 36 with a sterically demanding bromine substituent. Subsequent Mannich-type N-acyliminium and radical cyclizations provide complete hexacyclic skeleton 33 of the aconitine alkaloids. Key endgame transformations include the installation of the C8-hydroxyl group via conjugate addition of water to a putative strained bridghead enone intermediate 45 and one-carbon oxidative truncation of the C4 side chain to afford racemic neofinaconitine. Complete structural confirmation was provided by a concise relay...
Sacred Symbol and Sacred Space in Rural India: Community Mobilization in the “Anti-Cow Killing” Riot of 1893

The course of events leading up to 1947, when independence and partition came to the Indian subcontinent, has colored retrospectiveassessments of Hindu-Muslim relations in many perceptible ways.Polarities in religion and culture receive inordinate attention as theharbingers of the great divide yet to come, as do political developments asturning points in the eventual separate destinies of many Hindus and Muslims in South Asia.
Precoat Filtration and Ultrafiltration of Emulsified Bitumen from Water

Consideration of Orimulsion, a bitumen/water emulsion, for use as an alternative fuel in power generation facilities has prompted interest in methods for responding to environment spills during transport. The adhesive nature of the 70% bitumen (asphalt) emulsion, however, poses a unique challenge for cleanup. The results of a study to investigate filtration as a cleanup alternative are presented in this paper. Pilot tests were conducted to evaluate the feasibility of diatomaceous earth precoat filtration and ultrafiltration for cleanup of marine and freshwaters contaminated with Orimulsion. Volatile suspended solids removal rates up to 99.9% were obtained for diluted Orimulsion (<1.0%) at a flux of 2,140–10,700 Lph/m2 (1,440–7,200 gpd/ft2) using a constant flow, plate and frame pilot filter with flux-calcined grades of marine diatomite. Higher permeate quality, less than 2.0 mg/L as volatile suspended solids, with 99.99% rejection was obtained using tubular polyvinyldiene fluoride ultrafiltration membrane...
Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) for Spondylolisthesis in 282 Patients: In Situ Arthrodesis versus Reduction

-OBJECTIVE: The benefits of spondylolisthesis reduction via minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MI-TLIF) remain poorly understood. The purpose was to compare the complications, perioperative factors, and fusion rates in patients undergoing MI-TLIF for degenerative spondylolisthesis between those in whom reduction was or was not performed. -METHODS: Inclusion criteria: 1) patients who underwent a 1, 2, or 3 level MI-TLIF and 2) had a preoperative diagnosis of degenerative spondylolisthesis (Meyerding grade >0). Exclusion criteria: >10 � coronal curves, significant sagittal malalignment, infection, and preoperative hardware failure. Patients were grouped on the basis of those who underwent reduction of the spondylolisthesis by at least 1 Meyerding grade (RED) and those who did not (NORED). -RESULTS: A total of 282 patients were included: RED (162, 57.4%) and NORED (120, 42.6%). Mean ages (61.68 � 10.43 vs. 61.88 � 11.76 years, respectively, P > 0.05) and operative times (P > 0.05) were statistically similar. RED had a significantly larger EBL (280.2 � 24.03 vs. 212.61 � 17.54, P 0.05, for all). RED had a significantly higher percentage of patients with a successful fusion at 1 year than NORED (84.50% vs. 70.83%, P < 0.05). -CONCLUSION: Reduction of spondylolisthesis was not associated with an increase in operative time, length of stay, and perioperative and postoperative complications compared with fusion in situ. Reduction was associated with higher blood loss but also a higher rate of fusion success at 1 year. Overall, reduction did not incur additional risk and had positive perioperative outcomes.
Picture naming and modification: An overview

The purpose of this paper is to review and organize the basic concepts involved in naming and modifying images presented on a graphics display, and to indicate the advantages and disadvantages of the various techniques currently used by graphics languages. We will not consider the syntactic questions of how the semantic capabilities are presented to the language users. A number of extant graphics programming languages are categorized according to their naming and modification capabilities.
Effect of caffeine on coffee drinking.

CAFFEINE is one of the world's most widely-used drugs and coffee drinking is a major form of its use1. The levels of caffeine intake in coffee drinking have significant, predominantly stimulatory, physiological and behavioural effects2. Surprisingly, the role of caffeine in the self-administration of coffee has not yet been studied. This research indicates that coffee drinkers drink more low-caffeine coffee than non-decaffeinated coffee.
Motivation and Its Relationship to Adherence to Self-Monitoring and Weight Loss in a 16-Week Internet Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention.

Abstract Objective To examine changes in motivation and the relationship of motivation to adherence to self-monitoring and weight loss in a 16-week Internet behavioral weight-loss intervention. Design Two-group randomized design. Setting This study was conducted over the Internet. Participants Sixty-six women, ages 22-65, with a body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 40, and with a home computer with Internet access, participated. Intervention These data are from an Internet behavioral weight-loss program in which all participants received a face-to-face initial session followed by the 16-week Internet program. Main Outcome Measures Adherence to self-monitoring and weight loss were the main outcome measures. Analysis Linear regression and mediation analysis using the Baron and Kenny method were conducted. Results Autonomous motivation increased initially and remained high for those who ultimately achieved a 5% weight loss, but declined over time for participants who did not achieve a 5% weight loss. Autonomous motivation at 4 weeks was a predictor of adherence to self-monitoring and 16-week weight loss. Adherence mediated the relationship between autonomous motivation and weight loss. Conclusions and Implications These results suggest that autonomous motivation may be a promising intervention target for promoting program procedure adherence and weight loss.
Evaluating a Policing Strategy Intended to Disrupt an Illicit Street-Level Drug Market

The authors examined a strategic policing initiative that was implemented in a high crime Nashville, Tennessee neighborhood by utilizing a mixed-methodological evaluation approach in order to provide (a) a descriptive process assessment of program fidelity; (b) an interrupted time-series analysis relying upon generalized linear models; (c) in-depth resident interviews. Results revealed that the initiative corresponded with a statistically significant reduction in drug and narcotics incidents as well as perceived changes in neighborhood disorder within the target community. There was less-clear evidence, however, of a significant impact on other outcomes examined. The implications that an intensive crime prevention strategy corresponded with a reduction in specific forms of neighborhood crime illustrates the complex considerations that law enforcement officials face when deciding to implement this type of crime prevention initiative.
High-density digital magnetic recording using the [5,6] alternating disparity block code

An examination of reproduced waveforms indicates that the [5,6] code is not pattern sensitive.
ON THE PROPOSITIONAL SLDNF-RESOLUTION

We consider propositional logic programs with negations. We define notions of constructive transformation and constructive completion of a program. We use these notions to characterize SLDNF-resolution in classical, intuitionistic and intermediate logics, and also to derive a characterization in modal logics of knowledge. We show that the three-valued and four-valued fix-point or declarative semantics for program P are equivalent to the two-valued semantics for the constructive version of P. We argue that it would be beneficial to replace Negation as Failure by constructive transformation, and it would be beneficial to use the semantics for the constructive version of the program instead of multivalued semantics for the original program.
ELM-Induced Plasma Transport in the DIII-D SOL

High temporal and spatial resolution measurements in the boundary of the DIII-D tokamak show that edge localized modes (ELMs) are composed of fast bursts of hot, dense plasma that travel radially starting at the separatrix at {approx}450 m/s and rotate in the scrape off layer (SOL), convecting particles and energy to the SOL and walls. The temperature and density in the ELM plasma initially correspond to those at the top of the density pedestal but decay with radius in the SOL. The temperature decay length ({approx}1.2-1.5 cm) is much shorter than the density decay length ({approx}3-8 cm), which in turn decreases with increasing pedestal density. The local particle and energy flux at the wall during the bursts are 10-50% ({approx} 1-2 x 10{sup 21} m{sup -2} s{sup -1}) and 1-2% ({approx} 20-30 kW/m{sup 2}) respectively of the LCFS average fluxes, indicating that particles are transported radially much more efficiently than heat.
A thousand and one nights of seeing on Mt. Wilson

The Mark III optical interferometer has been in routine operation on Mt. Wilson, near Los Angeles CA, since 1988. Because it employs active fringe-tracking, seeing measurements are a natural byproduct of any astronomical observation. An automated seeing analysis program has allowed us to extract measurements of the coherence time, t(omicron ), and the high-frequency spectral index of the power spectrum of fringe motion for all clear nights in the observing seasons 1989-1991. This provides a unique database of the seeing; very few other measurements of the temporal properties of astronomical seeing exist, and none with such a representative sampling of nights. We examine various statistical properties of the seeing and infer quantities of interest to the design of future interferometers.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Text Messaging Among Residents and Faculty in a University General Surgery Residency Program: Prevalence, Purpose, and Patient Care

Background There is little information about the use of text messaging (texting) devices among resident and faculty physicians for patient-related care (PRC). Objective To determine the prevalence, frequency, purpose, and concerns regarding texting among resident and attending surgeons and to identify factors associated with PRC texting. Design E-mail survey. Setting University medical center and its affiliated hospitals. Participants Surgery resident and attending staff. Outcome Measures Prevalence, frequency, purpose, and concerns regarding patient-related care text messaging. Results Overall, 73 (65%) surveyed physicians responded, including 45 resident (66%) and 28 attending surgeons (62%). All respondents owned a texting device. Majority of surgery residents (88%) and attendings (71%) texted residents, whereas only 59% of residents and 65% of attendings texted other faculty. Most resident to resident text occurred at a frequency of 3-5 times/d (43%) compared with most attending to resident texts, which occurred 1-2 times/d (33%). Most resident to attending (25%) and attending to attending (30%) texts occurred 1-2 times/d. Among those that texted, PRC was the most frequently reported purpose for resident to resident (46%), resident to attending (64%), attending to resident (82%), and attending to other attending staff (60%) texting. Texting was the most preferred method to communicate about routine PRC (47% of residents vs 44% of attendings). Age (OR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.79-0.95; p = 0.003), but not sex, specialty/clinical rotation, academic rank, or postgraduate year (PGY) level predicted PRC texting. Conclusions Most resident and attending staff surveyed utilize texting, mostly for PRC. Texting was preferred for communicating routine PRC information. Our data may facilitate the development of guidelines for the appropriate use of PRC texting.
Improving animal well-being through genetic selection

This paper reviews the possibilities of adapting laying hens to cages by means of genetic selection. By selecting separately for rate of lay and longevity using a kin selection method, a strain of laying hen has been developed that shows much less feather pecking and cannibalism than a control strain, and with no decrease in productivity. This experimental strain enjoys a higher level of welfare in cages because it does not require beak trimming.
Retrenchment: Cause of turnaround or consequence of decline?

In a recent investigation of the turnaround attempts of 32 U.S. textile firms, Robbins and Pearce (1992) concluded that retrenchment is an integral component of successful recovery from decline. In this note we critique, replicate and provide an alternative explanation for their findings using data from the same sample of firms attempting turnarounds. Based on our analyses, we find that little evidence exists to support the assertion that retrenchment is integral to turnaround. We conclude by offering several recommendations for turnaround researchers.
Detection of collagen type II and proteoglycans in the synovial fluids of patients diagnosed with non-infectious knee joint synovitis indicates early damage to the articular cartilage matrix

Abstract Objective: We have sought to determine if markers of proteoglycans and collagen type II (CII) degradation can be detected at an early stage following acute knee injury in the synovial fluid (SF) from a group of patients diagnosed with non-infectious knee joint synovitis (KJS). CII, proteoglycans and elastase activity in the SF from patients with KJS were compared to SF from patients with two chronic arthritis conditions: osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as well as normal SF controls. Methods: CII peptides were measured by sandwich ELISA using two monoclonal antibodies: 8:6:D8, a CII-specific antibody, and 14:7:D8 which binds to an amino acid sequence on CII as well as collagens type I, III and V. Epitope 9A4, a neo-epitope resulting from collagenase digestion of CI, CII, and CIII was measured by inhibition ELISA. Proteoglycans measurement included total sulfated glycosaminoglycans (sGAG) by dye-binding assay and 5-D-4 epitope, a keratan sulfate epitope, by inhibition ELISA. Elastase activity was measured colorimetircally using N -succinyl trialanine p -nitroanilide (SANA) substrate. Results: The quantified CII peptide concentrations by sandwich and inhibition ELISA were significantly higher in SF from patients with KJS ( P P P Conclusion: The elevated CII peptides concentrations in KJS SF compared to normal and OA aspirates indicate early signs of cartilage network damage. The low proteoglycans concentrations in SF from patients with KJS may indicate that injury is limited to the superficial zone of cartilage in the patient population studied. The high elastase activity in SF from patients with KJS and RA are linked to the high CII peptides concentration. The elastase activity in the SF from patients with KJS is due to the action of neutrophil elastase (NE) and collagenases, where both contribute to the destruction of the articular cartilage.
Effect of zinc in two non-gamma-2 dental amalgam systems.

Abstract The effect of the addition of zinc to 2 popular non-gamma-2 dental alloys was investigated. Two operators placed 247 amalgam restorations using Dispersalloy non-zinc, Dispersalloy 0.9% zinc, Tytin (no zinc), Tytin 0.33% zinc, and Tytin 1% zinc. Patients were recalled at the end of one year. High quality black and white photographs taken at 1.5 normal image size and enlarged to 3.5×5-inch prints were used to evaluated the marginal fracture rate. Using ridit analysis and rank ordering, the evaluators rated the performance of the 5 alloys. It was concluded from this study that those non-gamma-2 alloys containing zinc had the lowest rate of fracture at the margins of the restoration.
Cell-free translation of avian erythroblastosis virus RNA yields two specific and distinct proteins with molecular weights of 75,000 and 40,000

Avian erythroblastosis virus (AEV) 28 S virion RNA was translated in vitro in cell-free reticulocyte lysates. Two AEV-specific proteins, one of 75,000 (p75) the other of 40,000 (p40) molecular weight, were detected. p75 is a fusion protein containing gag-specific and AEV-specific peptides. It appears to be translated from the 5′-end of the 28 S AEV RNA and is indistinguishable from the p75 detected in AEV-transformed cells (Hayman et al., 1979). p40 does not share sequences with any viral structural protein. It also contains peptides distinct from those of p75, but one of the five identifiable p40 peptides comigrates with one of the p75 peptides. p40 is translated from a 20 S RNA which contains the 3′-half of the AEV-specific sequences of the genome. These two proteins account for all of the coding capacity of the AEV-specific gene sequences in the 28 S AEV RNA and are candidates for leukemia-specific transforming proteins.
Ultrasonic Monitoring of Powder Dissolution

: Sucrose (20 wt%) and lactose (10 wt%) powders were mixed with water (at 2, 20, and 40 °C) and allowed to dissolve. The proportion of an ultrasonic pulse reflecting at the interface between a polymer delay line and the dissolving sugars decreased during the dissolution process, and the magnitude of this signal, normalized to the echo from pure water, was proportional to only the dissolved portion. Ultrasonic reflectance is thus an appropriate sensor to monitor powder dissolution since it can distinguish dissolved and undissolved fractions without prior separation. The kinetics of sucrose dissolution were modeled using a cube-root equation and the rate constant of the process increased with temperature.
Satellite Observations Of The Mount St. Helens Eruption Of 18 May 1980

The explosive eruption of Mt. St. Helens on 18 May 1980 was monitored by infrared sensors aboard two U. S. Air Force satellites. Essentially continuous data are available following the initial sighting of the eruption cloud less than one minute after the earthquake which triggered the eruption. Dual monitoring permits triangulation so that both the horizontal and vertical development of the eruption can be determined with good temporal resolution. The sequence of events occurring early in the eruption can therefore be established.© (1981) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
COMPARATIVE STUDIES IN THE GENUS PORPHYRIDIUM NAEG.1,2

SUMMARY Seven isolates of Porphyridium from 2 species were compared. P. cruentum Naeg. isolates were similar in size and pigmentation; differences were observed among the P. aerugineum Geit. isolates. Differences were detected among isolates in reproduction, rate of movement, growth rate, and sensitivity to CuSO4 and crystal violet. No isolate grew heterotropically; however, growth differences were apparent on various carbon sources.
Early post-mortem degradation of intramuscular collagen.

Post-mortem changes in physical and thermal stabilities of bovine intramuscular connective tissue were studied during the first 24 h postmortem. Collagen thermal shrinkage temperature (Ts) decreased (P < 0·01) and collagen solubility increased (P < 0·01) during the first 24 h following slaughter with greatest amount of change occurring in the first 8 h post mortem. The dynamic nature of intramuscular connective tissue during the very early post-mortem (VEP) period is compared to the VEP-tenderness relationships proposed by Marsh and others.
ECG-based signal analysis technologies for evaluating patients with acute coronary syndrome: a systematic review.

Abstract Background/Objectives Timely identification of cardiac ischemia is critical in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The first test is often the standard, resting 12-lead ECG. Given its limitations, signal analysis enhancements have been proposed. We summarize the published evidence for commercially available ECG-based signal analysis technologies. Methods This is a systematic review of the English-language published literature. Results Published evidence meeting inclusion criteria was available for two devices: PRIME ECG and LP 3000. Meta-analysis of eight studies estimated a 68.4% sensitivity (95% CI, 35.1%–89.7%) and 91.4% specificity (CI, 83.6%–95.7%) for the PRIME ECG, compared with 40.5% sensitivity (CI, 19.6%–65.5%) and 95.0% specificity (CI, 87.9%–98.0%) for the standard 12-lead ECG. Conclusions Existing evidence is insufficient to confidently inform the appropriate use of ECG-based signal analysis technologies for detecting ischemia or infarct in ACS. Further research is needed to determine in what circumstances, if any, these devices might precede, replace, or add to the standard ECG in test strategies for detecting ischemia or infarct in ACS.
Omnipotence need not entail omniscience

Jn much of the Christian theological tradition "omnipotence" in God has been assumed to involve "omniscience," that is, fore-ordination and even predestination. There are many reasons for this, but as a matter of fact, at least in the Protestant tradition, few of these come from the New Testament documents. It would be too complex, and actually unnecessary, to ask why each individual theologian opted to bind the world so closely to God (and God to the world). Our need is only to explore whether asserting God's unlimited power, i.e., not limited by anything outside divinity itself, requires us to tie this to omniscience, to God's complete knowledge of all events, past and future. In recent eras some (e.g., process theologians) have limited God's power in order to allow greater freedom to human beings so that their self-determination is not controlled by divine power. In a time of quite general agreement to stress and to offer the maximum amount of human freedom possible, such theological effort is admirable. However, the price that has been paid is to restrict God's power to save. The problem is that the divine salvific offer in the life and work of Jesus has been central to Christianity since its beginning. Of course, at the time God's power was being restricted, human power, particularly scientific, was growing, so that perhaps for a century it seemed that the future needed no divine assistance in order to
Decentralization and district development planning in Zimbabwe

One of the most important dimensions of rural development policy in Zimbabwe since independence has been rural local government reform, in particular decentralization policy. Evidence from a number of recent studies is used to present a comprehensive review of Zimbabwe's experience of local government decentralization during the first eight years of independence, 1980 to 1988. Section 2 presents a brief outline of some basic concepts on decentralization which have guided the discussion. Section 3 contains a short account of the local government system inherited from the colonial era. Section 4 outlines the major post-independence reforms, that is: the 1980 District Councils Act; the 1984-85 Prime Minister's Directive on Decentralization; the 1985 Provincial Councils and Administration Act; and the 1988 Rural District Councils Act. Section 5 presents an assessment of these reforms, paying particular attention to organizational, financial and planning issues. While some important improvements have been achieved in rural Communal Areas-in particular the extension of services and increases in local revenues and popular participation-the system of local government and administration remains a dual one. Other problems include the gap between the planning and budgeting processes, continued financial dependence of district councils on central government, and a lack of serious effort by central government to make use of provincial and district development plans.
Cyclosporine augments hepatic regenerative response in rats

A number of mechanisms participate in the hepatic injury that occurs during and following liver transplantation. A normal allograft regenerative response is probably essential for a successful transplant outcome. In this study, the effect of cyclosporine, a potent immunosuppressant used routinely after liver transplantation, on the regenerative response of the liver after partial hepatectomy was investigated. Male Wistar rats were pretreated for one week with either cyclosporine or the olive oil vehicle and were subjected to either a two-thirds partial hepatectomy or a sham operation. Animals were sacrificed at various times postoperatively and the remnant livers were weighed to determine the liver weight to body weight ratio, two biochemical measures of a regenerative response (cytosolic ornithine decarboxylase activity and thymidine kinase activity), and the hepatic content of estrogen and androgen receptors, as the content of these receptors has been shown to modulate, at least in part, the subsequent hepatic regenerative response. The preoperative hepatic cytosol content of ornithine decarboxylase, thymidine kinase, and estrogen receptor was significantly greater (P<0.05) in rats pretreated with cyclosporine than in those treated with the vehicle alone. A significant increase in ornithine decarboxylase and thymidine kinase activities occurred after partial hepatectomy in both the cyclosporine-pretreated and vehicle-pretreated animals. The absolute levels for each parameter were also greater in the cyclosporine-treated animals than in the vehicle-treated controls at 24 hr after partial hepatectomy (P<0.05). The pattern of change in the hepatic cytosolic content of estrogen and androgen receptors in both groups of animals was comparable with those described previously for regenerating liver. These data suggest that cyclosporine may predispose the liver to respond to either a regenerative signal or perceived need and thereby fortuitously enhance liver graft performance after successful surgical implantation.
An analysis of middle management work in non-steady conditions

This study examined work at the Engineering level by comparing two periods of time (non-steady state process vs. steady state process) and randomly collecting data of daily job-tasks from one selected population of workers at such level and performing a statistical analysis. Findings revealed a significant change for some work activities between the two periods of time. The results noted a shift from more physical, tangible, structured, repetitive with a low discretion level type of work, towards more mental, intangible, problem-solving oriented, unstructured, strategic with a high discretion level type of work. The conclusion drawn is that workers at the Engineering level are required to be involved in more knowledge-work activities when the manufacturing environment is unstable. This important point could lead managers to analyze, hire and better utilize their human resources according to the status of the working manufacturing environment.
PARACEST MRI with improved temporal resolution

PARAmagnetic Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (PARACEST) is a novel contrast mechanism for MRI. A PARACEST MRI methodology with high temporal resolution is highly desired for in vivo MRI applications of molecular imaging. To address this need, a strategy has been developed that includes a long selective saturation period before each repetition of a Rapid Acquisition with Relaxation Enhancement (RARE) pulse sequence. This strategy is suitable for the application of PARACEST contrast agents to environments with long T1 relaxation times. An alternative strategy uses short selective saturation periods before the acquisition of each k-space trajectory to maintain steady state conditions, which can be implemented with a Fast Low Angle Shot (FLASH) pulse sequence. These short saturation periods lengthen the total scan time as compared to the first approach but compensate for the loss in PARACEST contrast related to T1 relaxation. Both approaches have been demonstrated in vitro and in vivo with significantly improved temporal resolutions as compared to a conventional gradient-echo PARACEST method without sacrificing CNR efficiency. These demonstrations also adopted a strategy for measuring the PARACEST effect that only requires selective saturation at a single MR frequency, which further improves temporal resolution for PARACEST detection.
Robust streamline tracing using inter‐cell fluxes in locally refined and unstructured grids

[1] We present a comprehensive study of velocity interpolation methods in polygons. These methods are often used as postprocessing procedures for numerical schemes that do not directly calculate the velocity field but only provide cell boundary flux conditions, such as the finite volume schemes. These methods extend the widely used velocity interpolation algorithms, such as the Pollock's algorithm, to more complex geometries such as perpendicular bisection (PEBI) grids, unstructured triangular grids and grids with local refinement. Once the velocity field is interpolated, streamline trajectories and time of flight along the streamlines can be calculated for reservoir simulation, model calibration and waterflood management, for instance. These velocity interpolation methods assume known lower-order or higher-order cell boundary fluxes, which satisfy global mass conservation and normal flux continuity. However, they differ in the interpolation of velocities within the interior of the cells. The interpolating velocity may be locally conservative or nonconservative, continuous or discontinuous, lower order or higher order. Results show that the interpolated velocity field has to be locally conservative in order to guarantee the correct volumetric transformation for the calculated streamlines and the time of flight. Velocity continuity is not as important as local conservation for the purpose of streamline applications. Compared to higher-order interpolation for the streamline trajectories, lower-order interpolation has the advantage of an analytic solution and an efficient implementation. Based on our analysis, we recommend a lower-order locally conservative method for the most robust and numerically efficient calculation of streamline trajectories on unstructured grids.
Understanding and comparisons of different sampling approaches for the Fourier Amplitudes Sensitivity Test (FAST)

Fourier Amplitude Sensitivity Test (FAST) is one of the most popular uncertainty and sensitivity analysis techniques. It uses a periodic sampling approach and a Fourier transformation to decompose the variance of a model output into partial variances contributed by different model parameters. Until now, the FAST analysis is mainly confined to the estimation of partial variances contributed by the main effects of model parameters, but does not allow for those contributed by specific interactions among parameters. In this paper, we theoretically show that FAST analysis can be used to estimate partial variances contributed by both main effects and interaction effects of model parameters using different sampling approaches (i.e., traditional search-curve based sampling, simple random sampling and random balance design sampling). We also analytically calculate the potential errors and biases in the estimation of partial variances. Hypothesis tests are constructed to reduce the effect of sampling errors on the estimation of partial variances. Our results show that compared to simple random sampling and random balance design sampling, sensitivity indices (ratios of partial variances to variance of a specific model output) estimated by search-curve based sampling generally have higher precision but larger underestimations. Compared to simple random sampling, random balance design sampling generally provides higher estimation precision for partial variances contributed by the main effects of parameters. The theoretical derivation of partial variances contributed by higher-order interactions and the calculation of their corresponding estimation errors in different sampling schemes can help us better understand the FAST method and provide a fundamental basis for FAST applications and further improvements.
The effect of rearing experience and TPH2 genotype on HPA axis function and aggression in rhesus monkeys: a retrospective analysis.

Gene-environment (GxE) interactions contribute to the development of many neuropsychiatric disorders. Tryptophan hydroxylase-2 (TPH2) synthesizes neuronal serotonin and is closely related to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, while early life experience is a critical environmental factor programming the HPA axis response to stress. This retrospective study investigated GxE interaction at the TPH2 locus in rhesus monkeys. Twenty-eight adult, male rhesus monkeys of Indian origin, either mother-reared or peer-reared as infants, were involved in this study. These monkeys have been previously genotyped for the functional A2051C polymorphism in rhTPH2, and had been physiologically and behaviorally characterized. rhTPH2 A2051C exerted a significant main effect (CC>AAA F((1,14))=6.42, p=0.024), plasma cortisol level in the morning (F((1,18))=14.63, p=0.002) and cortisol response to ACTH challenge (F((1,17))=6.87, p=0.018), while the rearing experience showed a significant main effect (PR>MR) on CSF CRH (F((1,20))=11.66, p=0.003) and cage shaking behavior (F((1,27))=4.45, p=0.045). The effects of rhTPH2 A2051C on the afternoon cortisol level, plasma ACTH level, dexamethasone suppression of urinary cortisol excretion, and aggression were dependent upon the rearing experience. These results were not confounded by the functional C77G polymorphism in the mu-opioid receptor (MOR). The present study supports the hypothesis that rearing experience and rhTPH2 A2051C interact to influence central 5-HT metabolism, HPA axis function, and aggressive behaviors. Our findings strengthen the involvement of G x E interactions at the loci of serotonergic genes and the utility of the nonhuman primate to model G x E interactions in the development of human neuropsychiatric diseases.
NuggetMine: intelligent groupware for opportunistically sharing information nuggets

NuggetMine is an intelligent groupware application that collaborates with a workgroup to increase information nugget sharing among the group. Information nuggets are small amounts of self-contained information, such as the URL of an interesting news article, a book title, or the time and location of a local art event. NuggetMine and the workgroup work together to build, maintain, and utilize a repository-or "mine"-of information nuggets. Group members submit nuggets to NuggetMine, which organizes and augments the submitted nuggets and provides a desktop interface to each group member. This interface makes it easy for group members to submit nuggets, view nuggets, and explore the mine. NuggetMine distributes the tasks necessary to share nuggets between it and the workgroup so as to best utilize the skills of each collaborator. In this paper, we describe the NuggetMine application and interface and present a pilot study of the application.
"Role-ing Out Control" at Church Business Meetings: Directing and Disagreeing.

Abstract This paper analyzes controlling speech acts at a series of United Methodist Church business meetings in the midwestern United States. Specifically, it compares how speakers in the roles of minister, chair and ordinary group member encode directives and disagreements as the group tries to achieve consensus on programming and administrative issues. The comparison suggests that linguistic choices are role-dependent, however, all speakers work dynamically to fulfill the demands of their role. Ministers, who have more institutional status than other speakers must, nevertheless, work to obtain the willing support of their parishioners. They use an effective combination of assertive and non-assertive control acts, simultaneously negotiating both power and accommodation.
The Concept of God

My aim in this essay is to elucidate in a certain way the concept of God. I shall begin with several brief remarks in clarification of this aim and the terminology I shall employ in pursuing it.
The evolution and impact of the HITRAN molecular spectroscopic database

Abstract This note provides a brief review of the history and impact of the molecular spectroscopic database known as HITRAN (High Resolution Transmission). We reprint one of the articles describing this database (JQSRT 1998; 60: 665–710), although the series of these papers is among the most cited in the geosciences. HITRAN was established over three decades ago in response to the needs of simulating transmission in the terrestrial atmosphere, and it was enabled by new technology. However the applications of HITRAN, and the requirements on the database, have greatly expanded over the intervening years.
The Letrozole Breast Cancer Trial: clinical implications and remaining questions.

5 E p t h t S t a t t y r p t m a l p o w t n the United States last year, over 200,000 new cases f invasive breast cancer were diagnosed among omen with an estimated 2 million breast cancer urvivors (National Cancer Institute Office of Cancer urvivorship, 2003). Therefore, it is not surprising that he recent letrozole (Femara) trial, published in the ew England Journal of Medicine (Goss et al., 2003), enerated widespread interest in the lay and medical ommunities. This multicenter, double-blind randomzed controlled trial demonstrated that letrozole after years of tamoxifen led to a significant improvement n disease-free survival in postmenopausal women ith a history of estrogen and/or progesterone recepor (ER/PR) positive breast cancer. Because of this rial, we now know considerably more about letrozole, ut there still remains much that is unresolved. In contrast to tamoxifen, which is a selective estroen receptor antagonist with partial agonist properies, letrozole inhibits aromatase, a cytochrome P450 nzyme that catalyzes the conversion of androgenic recursors to estrogens in the adipose and adrenal issues, the main sources of estrogen production in ostmenopausal women. Anastrozole (Arimidex) beongs to the same class of drugs. All of the aromatase nhibitors substantially lower plasma estrogen levels n postmenopausal women, to almost undetectable evels (Geisler et al., 2002). Multiple studies have emonstrated the equivalence, if not superiority, of romatase inhibitors to tamoxifen in the treatment of etastatic breast cancer in postmenopausal women Bonneterre et al., 2000; Mouridsen et al., 2003; Nab-