cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Isotonic estimation for grouped data

A non-parametric estimator of a non-increasing density is found in a class of piecewise linear functions when the data consist only of counts. An EM-Algorithm for computing the estimator is developed, and the iterates in the algorithm are shown to converge to the maximum likelihood estimator. Potential applications to distance sampling models are described and illustrated with a numerical example.
Follicle stimulating hormone effects on immature human oocytes: in vitro maturation and hormone production.

Purpose:Our purpose was (1) to determine if in vitro maturation of unstimulated oocytes could be improved with the addition of urofollitropin; (2) to evaluate the output of estradiol, testosterone, progesterone, and androstenedione by the cultured oocyte-cumulus complex; and (3) to ascertain if steroid hormone production of the oocyte-cumulus complex correlates with final oocyte maturation stage. Methods:Fifty-eight immature oocytes were obtained from 11 regularly cycling women undergoing oophorectomy. The oocyte-cumulus complexes were randomly assigned to control medium (Ham’s F-10 supplemented with 7.5% fetal bovine serum) or test medium (control medium supplemented with 75 mIU/ml of urofollitropin). Results:(1) The addition of urofollitropin to oocyte culture medium does not significantly increase the ability of the oocyte to achieve the metaphase II stage; (2) the addition of urofollitropin significantly increases the production of progesterone, testosterone, and androstenedione by the oocyte-cumulus complex; and (3) there is no difference in the production of estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, and androstenedione by the oocyte-cumulus complex at the germinal vesicle, metaphase I or metaphase II stage of oocyte maturation. Conclusions:This information is of importance in the use of oophorectomy specimens for patients who must undergo an oophorectomy but desire to attempt pregnancy using their oocytes, in the use of oophorectomy specimens for donor oocytes, or for patients undergoing in vitro fertilization using immature oocyte collection.
Consumer acceptance of stir-fry and kabobs from dark chicken meat and their packaging

In a study of marketing opportunities for fresh, dark, chicken meat, focus group participants (n = 34) provided qualitative information concerning potential products and packaging concepts. Results of the focus groups indicated that the participants were willing to purchase new, convenient poultry products made from dark chicken meat. Specific dark meat products the participants were willing to by included boneless, skinless thighs, kabob cubes, and stir-fry strips. Consumers desired clear packaging for the products but did not want the packaging to be microwaveable or ovenproof. Acceptance of chicken kabob chunks and stir-fry strips of varying piece sizes (2.54, 3.81, and 5.08 cm) and seasoning concentrations (1.6, 2.1, and 2.6%) was evaluated by consumers (n = 83) using a nine-point hedonic scale. The most preferred products were a 5.08 cm (2 in) kabob with 2.6% seasoning and a stir-fry strip with 2.6% seasoning. A simulated supermarket setting test was conducted to verify findings from a mailed survey (n = 115) and actual purchase behavior by consumers (n = 121). A calculated desirability index indicated a ranked preference to be: breasts > kabobs > stir-fry > boneless, skinless thighs > bone-in, skin-on thighs.
Orthography as a fundamental impediment to online information retrieval

Orthography is the linguistic study of written language: Elements of text such as letters, punctuation marks, and spelling. Information retrieval systems operate in the orthographic realm matching some text strings (i.e., index entries) from documents with other text strings (i.e., query terms) from patrons. During the early history of information retrieval, it has been convenient to assume the rationality and uniformity of orthography in order to concentrate effort building information retrieval systems. Fundamental orthographic problems have persisted into modern information retrieval systems, however, where white-space normalization and the arbitrary treatment of punctuation have exacerbated the orthographic impediment to information retrieval.
Serum concentrations of immunoglobulins E and G and α2-macroglobulin in childhood renal disease

Abstract Serum concentrations of IgE, IgG, and α 2 -macroglobulin ( α 2 M) were determined in 67 children with renal disease and in appropriate controls. IgE concentrations were significantly elevated in patients with renal disease and proteinuria, including those with minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS). IgG concentrations were lower and α 2 M concentrations higher in patients with proteinuria than in patients without proteinuria. In 16 patients with nephrotic syndrome who had a decrease in proteinuria with therapy, there was a concomitant decrease in mean serum IgE level. All nine with MCNS had a decrease in serum IgE following therapy whereas eight of the nine had a concomitant increase in serum IgG. The findings suggest the possibility that IgE may play an etiologic role in the proteinuria of childhood nephrotic syndrome, and that both elevated serum IgE and proteinuria may represent unusual responses to antigens that are seldom identified. Elevations of IgE secondary to lowered IgG or to entirely nonspecific alterations in IgE metabolism in proteinuric renal disease are other possibilities. Further studies to elucidate the role of IgE in renal disease, including the nature of the altered metabolism of this immunoglobulin, are warranted.
Estimating Premorbid Intelligence among Older Adults: The Utility of the AMNART.

This study examines the utility of the American version of the National Adult Reading Test (AMNART) as a measure of premorbid intelligence for older adults. In a sample of 130 older adults, aged 56 to 104, the AMNART was compared to other tests of premorbid intelligence. The results revealed that AMNART-estimated IQ was significantly higher than other premorbid estimates. Across specific educational groups (i.e., 0–12, 13–16, and 17 or more years of education), AMNART-estimated IQ was inflated relative to all other premorbid estimates. The AMNART also declined as cognitive impairment increased, and there was a significant interaction between aging-related diagnostic group and premorbid estimate. The AMNART may therefore overestimate premorbid ability relative to other premorbid measures, particularly among those with greater cognitive impairment and lower levels of education. These results suggest that the AMNART should be used cautiously among older adults and in conjunction with other estimates of premorbid ability.
Variable Structure Control of a Three-Link SMA-Actuated Robot

A fast, accurate and robust position controller is proposed for a planar three degree of freedom robot arm actuated by rotary Shape Memory Alloy actuators and servomotors. Servomotors are used to actuate the first link and the gripper, while the remaining two links are actuated by a combination of shape memory alloy wires and pulleys. Initially, a model of the robot arm is developed for theoretical controller development. The model combines robot kinematics and dynamics with the SMA wire heat convection, constitutive law, and phase transformation equations. The model is then used to develop several nonlinear position controllers based on the Variable Structure Control, also called sliding mode control. The controller development is of an evolutionary nature starting from a simple switching control based only on position feedback and then adding velocity and integral feedbacks, respectively. Several simulations of the proposed controllers are presented. Several experiments have been performed with a desktop prototype of the robot arm. The experimental results verify the effective and accurate performance of the controllers despite significant modeling inaccuracies and parameter uncertainties.
Caudate clues to rewarding cues.

Behavioral studies indicate that prior experience can influence discrimination of subsequent stimuli. The mechanisms responsible for highlighting a particular aspect of the stimulus, such as motion or color, as most relevant and thus deserving further scrutiny, however, remain poorly understood. In the current issue of Neuron, Lauwereyns et al. (2002) demonstrate that neurons in the caudate nucleus of the basal ganglia signal which dimension of a visual cue, either color or location, is associated with reward in an eye movement task. These findings raise the possibility that this structure participates in the reward-based control of visual attention.
Objective monitoring of physical activity in children: considerations for instrument selection

There has been a rapid recent increase in both the number and type of objective physical activity (PA) assessment instruments which are commercially available to researchers, practitioners, and consumers. Although this has provided improved capacity for PA assessment, it also presents a somewhat bewildering range of options related to instrument selection for users of these technologies. The purpose of this review is to provide a primer to guide selection of instruments for the objective monitoring of children's PA. In an effort to inform without overwhelming, it is not intended to be exhaustive in terms of all available instruments. A general overview is provided of two primary categories of objective monitors: pedometers and accelerometers. Within each category we focus on distinctly relevant options and features important to consider during instrument selection. In general, the desired outcome measure will determine the specific instrument category, options, and features from which the ultimate instrument choice is made. Other considerations include evidence of validity and reliability, cost, computer interface and download options, memory capacity, data aggregation and storage methods, and general participant and researcher burden associated with instrument use. There is no single objective PA assessment instrument that is appropriate for all situations, populations, and research questions. Further, we can anticipate that the commercial nature of these instruments will drive an even greater range of features and options in the future, increasing both the opportunity and the challenge for objectively assessing PA in children.
CRITICAL OPALESCENCE OF PERFLUOROMETHYLCYCLOHEXANE IN CARBON TETRACHLORIDE

A laser homodyne spectrometer with a measurable angular range of 20°-150° and a temperature control of better than f 0.001 OC was interfaced with an IBM 1800 digital computer for direct on-line data acquisition of the angular and the spestral distribution of the scattered intensity from a two-component critical liquid system, perfluoromethylcyclohexane-carbon tetrachloride, near its critical mixing point. Both components were purified by preparative gas chromatography and subsequent vacuum distillation. Special care was taken to select appropriate columns for the separation of impurities and to prevent contamination of the system from moisture. Scattering data were obtained by means of a cylindrical light-scattering cell of 8 mm i. d. and a flat cell with a 1 mm light path. The intensity measurements were obtained using an angular aperture of 1.40 while the linewidth measurements were obtained using an angular aperture of OSO. From our intensity studies we have observed that (1) the K2 dependence in the reciprocal scattered intensity due to concentration fluctuations (1~') is obeyed (2) the temperature dependence of the extrapolated zeroangle scattered intensity which is related to the osmotic coeffjcient (ap/aC)p,~, has the form : lim 1;' cc eY, where E = (T - Te)/Te ; and y is a critical exponent. We have obtained K+O y = 1.15 f 0.02 at the critical solution concentration. The Rayleigh linewidth of the critical mixture was measured at temperatures between 0.006O and 0.715 OC above Tc, for scattering angles 30° 1, we show that r approaches AK3. In the region 0.076 < Kts < 3.75, our data agree quite well with the Kawasaki extended mode-mode coupling theory. Our results show that a direct application of the Kadanoff-Swift-Kawasaki result y* (= y - Y) = v is invalid. However, if we take into account the temperature dependence and anomaly of the high-frequency shear viscosity, then y - Y approaches v and, in the case of isobu- tyric acid in water, y - Y z v. Scaling-law considerations also lead us to question the validity of the relation (sv = 2 - a) or its equivalents sv = y + 2 B and sv = p + v.
Heating of the low-latitude upper atmosphere caused by the decaying magnetic storm ring current.

Abstract This study investigates the charge-exchange mechanism by which part of the energy contained in the magnetic storm ring current is injected into the low-latitude upper atmosphere and contributes to the energy balance in this region. The resulting temperature perturbation is estimated for a specific magnetic storm event and compared with that deduced from satellite drag data. It is found that the charge-exchange mechanism gives the correct temporal behavior of the magnetic storm associated changes in the upper-atmospheric temperature but cannot account for the magnitude of the observed temperature perturbation. An upper bound to the contribution of this mechanism to the low-latitude geomagnetic activity effect is estimated to be 30 per cent during a large magnetic storm.
What should psychiatry residents be taught about neurology?: A survey of psychiatry residency directors.

Objectives: To improve our ability to teach psychiatry residents during their required 2 months on neurology rotations, we investigated the perceived needs of psychiatry program training directors. Methods: We contacted the program directors organization of the American Psychiatric Association and disseminated a web-based survey to all program directors. The survey asked questions about the format and content of neurology training desired for psychiatry residents. The survey was sent a second time to increase response rate. Results: Sixty (32%) training directors responded. Overall satisfaction with neurologic education was rated at 3.6 out of 5 (standard deviation ± 0.96). The specific content areas which elicited the most interest for focused training modules were differential diagnosis and biologic substrates of dementia, evaluation and treatment of drug-related and spontaneous movement disorders, evaluation and management of sleep disorders, cognitive and mood effects of stroke, and inherited disorders. Many program directors commented on perceived weaknesses of inpatient-based exposure to neurology; 78% of responders favored outpatient and consultation settings. Conclusions: In an era of deliberation about neurobehavioral integration and cross-training of neurologists and psychiatrists, neurologists should strive to provide the best possible multidisciplinary education to psychiatry trainees.
Experimentation with computer‐assisted indexing: American documentation, volume 20

The procedures used to produce the index to volume 20 (1969) of American Documentation are described to demonstrate a system for computer-assisted indexing and bibliography production developed at the Columbia University School of Library Service. Only the subject entries and the input keying require human intervention; all other entries and all page layout and formatting are then produced automatically. Production and other statistics are given. The system is suited for indexes to single journals, to groups of journals, and to the literature of a discipline. The system is demonstrated to be economic in comparison to currently used manual methods.
Evaluation of air-lift pump capabilities for water delivery, aeration, and degasification for application to recirculating aquaculture systems

Abstract A methodology is demonstrated for evaluating the feasibility of using air-lift pumps for water movement, aeration, and degasification in a recirculating aquaculture system. A set of empirical equations are presented modeling the performance of a 5.08-cm (2″) diameter air-lift submerged 91.44 cm (36″) with a 15.24-cm (6″) lift operated at 28–142 l min −1 (1–5 scfm) of air injection. A steady state mass balance on oxygen and carbon dioxide, equating the system requirements to the air-lift capabilities is illustrated. Using the empirical relationships developed and standard methods to estimate system O 2 demand and CO 2 production, equations are derived to calculate steady state DO and DC concentrations for any number of air-lifts used in a given recirculating system. The predicted air-lift performance in a typical system indicates the water delivery capacity for low head applications is significantly above the gas exchange capabilities. It is recommended that air-lifts be designed for water delivery and that the demonstrated methodology be used to estimate their supplemental aeration and degasification performance. Open-water aeration is shown to be more energy efficient than aeration using air-lifts. The data suggests that, for blown air systems, when the aeration requirements are met, the carbon dioxide stripping requirements are also. Suggestions for designing recirculating systems utilizing air-lifts are also presented.
Furosemide does not prevent indomethacin-induced renal side effects in preterm infants

Objective To determine whether furosemide could prevent renal side effects of indomethacin (INN, indometacin) used for the pharmacologic closure of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in preterm infants. Methods Thirty-six preterm infants with birth weights <1750 gm affected by hemodynamically significant PDA were randomly assigned to one of two study groups. Group 1 consisted of 18 infants treated with three doses of indomethacin (0.20 mg/kg every 12 hours); each dose was followed by a dose of furosemide (1 mg/kg). Group 2 consisted of 18 infants treated only with the same doses of indomethacin. Body weight, urine output, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), fractional excretion of sodium (FENa+) and potassium (FEK+), and osmolal and free water clearance were evaluated in both groups before, during, and after treatment. Results The body weight trend, serum sodium, chloride and potassium concentrations, plasmatic and urinary osmolality were similar during the treatment in both the groups. A significant reduction of urine output (p < 0.01) was detected in group 2 but not in group 1. A significant increase of blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine was detected at the end of treatment in group 1 compared with group 2. During the treatment, a significantly higher GFR (p < 0.05) was found in group 2 than in group 1. FENa+ and FEK+ were significantly higher (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively) in group 1 than in group 2 during and after the treatment. The osmolol clearance and free water clearance were significantly higher during and after treatment (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively) in group 1 than in group 2. Conclusions Our findings show that furosemide cannot prevent the indomethacin-induced renal failure, but it does not have any negative influence on its therapeutic effectiveness. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (1997) 62, 181–186; doi:
Reduced Kv1.3 Potassium Channel Expression in Human Prostate Cancer

The presence of Kv1.3 voltage-gated potassium channels in rat and human prostate epithelial cells has been previously reported. We examined, by immunohistochemistry, Kv1.3 levels in 10 normal human prostate, 18 benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and 147 primary human prostate cancer (Pca) specimens. We found high epithelial expression of Kv1.3 in all normal prostate, 16 BPH and 77 (52%) Pca specimens. Compared to normal, Kv1.3 levels were reduced in 1 (6%) BPH specimen and in 70 (48%) Pca specimens. We found a significant inverse correlation between Kv1.3 levels and tumor grade (r = -0.25, P = 0.003) as well as tumor stage (r = -0.27, P = 0.001). Study of an additional 30 primary Pca specimens showed that 15 (50%) had reduced Kv1.3 immunostaining compared to matched normal prostate tissue. Our data suggest that in Pca reduced Kv1.3 expression occurs frequently and may be associated with a poor outcome.
THE INFLUENCE OF PHOSPHATE COPRECIPITATION ON RARE EARTH DISTRIBUTIONS IN NATURAL WATERS

Abstract Although the rare earth elements (REEs) are thought to participate in essentially all of the processes that influence metal distributions in seawater, quantitative descriptions of oceanic rare earth element (REE) distributions have nearly exclusively involved removal of these elements from solution via adsorption on settling particles. Laboratory investigations involving yttrium (Y) and all REEs, except Pm, demonstrate that phosphate coprecipitation of Y and the REEs creates solution concentration patterns characteristic of input-normalized Y and REE concentrations in seawater. Removal of the REEs, and Y, from solution as phosphate coprecipitates depletes REEs in solution relative to Y, depletes solutions in Sm relative to heavier and lighter elements (relative depletions of the middle REEs), and produces a variety of near-neighbor concentration anomalies (e.g., EuGdTb, DyErYb, and ErYbLu) which have been reported in high precision analyses of open ocean waters.
ATP drives direct photosynthetic production of 1-butanol in cyanobacteria

While conservation of ATP is often a desirable trait for microbial production of chemicals, we demonstrate that additional consumption of ATP may be beneficial to drive product formation in a nonnatural pathway. Although production of 1-butanol by the fermentative coenzyme A (CoA)-dependent pathway using the reversal of β-oxidation exists in nature and has been demonstrated in various organisms, the first step of the pathway, condensation of two molecules of acetyl-CoA to acetoacetyl-CoA, is thermodynamically unfavorable. Here, we show that artificially engineered ATP consumption through a pathway modification can drive this reaction forward and enables for the first time the direct photosynthetic production of 1-butanol from cyanobacteria Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942. We further demonstrated that substitution of bifunctional aldehyde/alcohol dehydrogenase (AdhE2) with separate butyraldehyde dehydrogenase (Bldh) and NADPH-dependent alcohol dehydrogenase (YqhD) increased 1-butanol production by 4-fold. These results demonstrated the importance of ATP and cofactor driving forces as a design principle to alter metabolic flux.
A Contact Resistance Theory for Rough Hemispherical Silver Contacts in Air and in Vacuum

This paper attempts to develop a consistent theory of contact resistance over several decades of force, including effects of surface curvature, surface roughness, and surface films. The concepts developted are supported by analog studies, optical observations, statistical analysis of variations in data, and by quantitative correlation with contact resistance data in both air and vacuum environments.
Periodic cycles of RNA unwinding and pausing by hepatitis C virus NS3 helicase

The NS3 helicase is essential for cytoplasmic RNA replication by the hepatitis C virus1,2,3,4, and it is a representative member of helicase superfamily 2 (SF2). NS3 is an important model system for understanding unwinding activities of DExH/D proteins5,6,7, and it has been the subject of extensive structural and mutational analyses8,9,10,11. Despite intense interest in NS3, the molecular and kinetic mechanisms for RNA unwinding by this helicase have remained obscure. We have developed a combinatorial, time-resolved approach for monitoring the microscopic behaviour of a helicase at each nucleotide of a duplex substrate. By applying this analysis to NS3, we have independently established the ‘physical’ and ‘kinetic’ step size for unwinding of RNA (18 base pairs, in each case), which we relate to the stoichiometry of the functional, translocating species. Having obtained microscopic unwinding rate constants at each position along the duplex, we demonstrate that NS3 unwinds RNA through a highly coordinated cycle of fast ripping and local pausing that occurs with regular spacing along the duplex substrate, much like the stepping behaviour of cytoskeletal motor proteins12.
Learning to resist the effects of punishment

In a factorial study albino rats were trained to approach and consume food while receiving either mild shock, mild airblast, or no aversive stimulus and were later tested with either intense shock or airblast. Animals receiving initial training with mild punishment were less affected by subsequent intense aversive stimulation. This decrease in responsiveness to punishment included novel aversive stimuli as well.
Hybrid formation between endogenous mouse and transfected human tyrosine kinase-deficient (A/K1018) insulin receptors leads to decreased insulin sensitivity in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Swiss Mouse 3T3-L1 cells provide a unique model for insulin-sensitive primary fat cells. Under defined conditions this fibroblast cell line can be converted to fully differentiated adipocytes, characterized by increased insulin receptor number and induction of adipogenic-specific proteins. 3T3-L1 cells were therefore transfected with the cDNA for the A/K1018 insulin receptor (alanine substituted for lysine at amino acid 1018 in the ATP binding region of the kinase domain). The cell lines in which the dominant inhibitory effects of the A/K1018 receptor had been previously demonstrated [Rat 1 fibroblasts and Chinese Hamster Ovary cells] have relatively few endogenous insulin receptors; however, the 3T3-L1 cell line has about 200,000 insulin receptors when differentiated. In this study we have used this cell line to explore the molecular mechanisms for the dominant inhibitory effect of a tyrosine kinase-defective insulin receptor on insulin action. The A/K1018 receptor was inhibitory in the 3T3-L1 cells as s...
2,5-Dichlorophenol (from Ingested Herbicide?) in Defensive Secretion of Grasshopper

The defensive froth emitted by the grasshopper Romalea microptera contains several odorous compounds (phenols, terpenes, benzoquinone), including a chlorinated aromatic compound, 2,5-dichlorophenol. This compound, which is repellent to ants and therefore defensively useful to the grasshopper, probably stems from herbicide or herbicide derivative ingested by the insect with its diet. Although there is precedent for the defensive employ by one species of chemical agents produced by another, no instance was known involving secondary utilization of a pesticide dispensed by man.
The role of offsets in a post-Kyoto climate agreement: the power sector in China.

Abstract This paper considers how an offset scheme specific to the electricity generation sector could incentivize emissions cuts while avoiding the problems encountered by the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). It proposes an approach to project evaluation based on measures of additionality, economic viability and contribution to sustainable development specific to this sector and re-evaluates 460 registered CDM projects in China that generate electricity using wind, natural gas or small hydro. It concludes that many small hydro schemes would be viable without the CDM subsidy. Although these projects have zero emissions from operations, offsets issued to projects that are viable without subsidy permit increased emissions in developed countries and lead to a net increase in global emissions. To provide some indication of the sustainable development benefits that CDM projects bring to their host countries, the paper includes estimates of the projects’ benefit to public health due to the reduced use of coal for generation. The paper provides insights into the economics of projects and their value to host countries that are missed by the official CDM methodologies. It contributes to the debate over the design of sector-specific offset schemes that may be part of a new global agreement on combating climate change.
Haptic Guided Rigid Body Dynamics Study for Virtual Assembly in Mainstream CAD Systems

This paper presents our exploration in Haptic-guided Dynamics Simulation in a mainstream Computer-aided Design (CAD) System. Haptic interface, by providing force feedback in human-computer interaction, can improve the working efficiency of CAD/CAM (Computer-aided Design and Manufacturing) systems in a unique way. The full potential of the haptic technology is best realized when it is integrated effectively into the product development environment and process. For large manufacturing companies this means integration into a commercial CAD system [Stewart 1997]. Built on our past foundation work on an infrastructure of haptically enhanced CAD system [Zhu 2006], this research continues to explore the algorithms for dynamics simulation guided with haptic interface. This is fundamental to other tasks such as Virtual Assembly and Digital Mock-up. The research follows a modular haptic rendering algorithm for stable and transparent 6-DOF manipulation as presented in [Otaduy 2006], with improvements by leveraging the built-in CAD system functions and third party Dynamics Engines. The native CAD models are converted to triangulated meshes which are used in object-object collision detection and dynamics response computation. The major contribution of this paper is that we have developed a feasible methodology for haptic-guided dynamic interactions among CAD models inside mainstream CAD systems. It lays the foundation for future tasks such as direct CAD model modification and virtual assembly with the aid of haptic interface.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Superconducting instability in the large n-limit of the Coqblin-Schrieffer model

Abstract A possible novel mechanism for superconductivity in heavy fermion systems is proposed. The Coqblin-Schrieffer model for a Kondo-like impurity is studied in the limit of large spin degeneracy. The effective dynamical interaction between conduction electrons mediated by spin fluctuations is calculated and shown to be attractive at finite frequencies.
Genetics, Policy, and Research [Perspectives on Graduate Life]

The fourth course of my medical school curriculum, titled "Human Genetics," was a significant change from spending hours in the gross anatomy laboratory every day or viewing hundreds of histological slides under a microscope. This short three-week course was designed to provide an overview of genetics and various genetic diseases. This class was particularly useful as the importance of genetics in clinical medicine continues to rise (especially with the increasing prevalence of consumer-directed genetic testing such as 23andMe).
Urban sprawl and air quality in large US cities

This study presents the results of a paper of urban spatial structure and exceedances of the 8-h national ambient air quality standard for ozone in 45 large US metropolitan regions. Through the integration of a published index of sprawl with metropolitan level data on annual ozone exceedances, precursor emissions, and regional climate over a 13-year period, the association between the extent of urban decentralization and the average number of ozone exceedances per year, while controlling for precursor emissions and temperature, is measured. The results of this analysis support the hypothesis that large metropolitan regions ranking highly on a quantitative index of sprawl experience a greater number of ozone exceedances than more spatially compact metropolitan regions. Importantly, this relationship was found to hold when controlling for population size, average ozone season temperatures, and regional emissions of nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, suggesting that urban spatial structure may have effects on ozone formation that are independent of its effects on precursor emissions from transportation, industry, and power generation facilities.
Evaluation of Rotavirus Infection and Diarrhea in Iowa Commercial Pigs Based on an Epidemiologic Study of a Population Represented by Diagnostic Laboratory Cases

Group A, B, and C rotaviruses were identified in 9% (96/1,048) of pig fecal specimens submitted to the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory during 1987 and 1988. Six of the rotaviruses were group B, 5 were group C, and the remaining 89% were group A. Of the rotavirus cases with more than 1 serotype, 5 were multiple group A serotypes, 1 involved a group A and B serotype, and 1 included 2 group C serotypes. A retrospective epidemiologic evaluation of pig diarrhea in herds of origin was done using data obtained from the accession records of the rotavirus and 88 matched nonrotavirus pig diarrhea control cases. Herds from which rotavirus cases were derived experienced lower morbidity, mortality, and case fatality rates than matched control herds. The incidence of diarrhea decreased rapidly among all pigs from birth to 3 weeks of age. The peak incidence for piglet diarrhea occurred in February, and a moderate rise occurred in August-September. Definitive evidence for transmissible gastroenteritis virus was found in 12% of nonrotavirus cases but none of the rotavirus cases in which it was sought. Other pathogenic microorganisms were identified less frequently and inconsistently.
A domain evolution model for hysteresis in piezoceramic materials

In this paper, we use a circular distribution to quantify certain domain properties and model the hysteresis behavior of piezoceramic materials. The model is constructed by bridging the characteristics of microscopic domain distribution into the macroscopic (or bulk) behavior. Contributions, other than those associated with the polarization of domains, to bulk quantities are also counted. A domain orientation distribution function is first selected and the corresponding distribution function parameters are chosen as the internal state variables. For the two-dimensional model, a von Mises-Fisher circular distribution is used. Instead of micromechanical analysis of domain motions that would involve large computation efforts, the delineation of domain evolution is simplified by considering the evolution of the domain orientation distribution, which is determined by the dynamic variations of the internal state variables. We also develop a procedure to identify the material constants introduced in the constitutive equations. The models are used to quantitatively characterize various hysteresis loops observed in piezoceramic materials.
Oral contraceptives and venous thromboembolism

In October, 1995, the United Kingdom Committee on Safety of Medicines recommended that women should use oral contraceptives containing desogestrel or gestodene only if prepared to accept an increased risk of thromboembolism. This action was based on observational studies that indicated a 2-3-fold increase in the risk of thromboembolism when desogestrel and gestodene-containing contraceptives were compared to products with levonorgestrel. The fact that these studies point in the same direction is concerning, but it is possible that these observational studies, somewhat similar in design, are influenced by the same unrecognized biases. Furthermore, the case numbers are relatively small (20-40 cases), and, for example, preferential prescribing to women at greater risk could affect the results. It is difficult to reconcile the conclusions with the strong belief supported by good evidence that thrombosis is an estrogen dose-related complication, and that progestational agents have no impact on clotting parameters. In my view, these equivocal reports are not of sufficient strength to escape biases and to change our prescribing of oral contraceptives.
The Dallas Fort Worth urban remote sensing network

The Center for Collaborative Adaptive Sensing of the Atmosphere (CASA) and the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) are embarking on a five-year, project to create the Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) Urban Demonstration Network. The goals of the program are: 1) To develop high-resolution, three-dimensional mapping of the atmospheric conditions, focusing on the boundary layer, to detect and forecast severe wind, tornado, hail, ice, and flash flood hazards. 2) To create impacts-based, neighborhood-scale warnings and forecasts for a range of public and private decision-makers that result in measureable benefit for public safety and the economy. 3) To demonstrate the value of collaborative, adaptive X-band radar networks to existing and future National Weather Service sensors, products, performance metrics, and decision-making; and assess optimal combinations of observing systems The centerpiece of the Dallas Fort Worth Urban Demonstration Network will be an 8-node, boundary-layer, dual polarized, multi-Doppler X-band CASA radar network. Additional in-situ and remote sensors will enable fusion of observations from all sensors. Data products will include single and multi-radar data, vector wind, Quantitative precipitation estimation, nowcasting, and analysis and numerical weather prediction products. Research and Research to operations in the DFW Urban Demonstration Network will occur in a quasi-operational environment. New technology and products will be integrated into operational platforms for evaluation by a variety of users during real-time weather events. Users include NWS forecasters and emergency managers; users from transportation, utilities, regional airports, arenas, and the media will be added in the near future. In this way, CASA's multidisciplinary team - engineers, computer scientists, social scientists (sociologists, geographer, economist), meteorologists, hydrologists - will conduct “end-to-end” research from sensor observation, to product development and validation linked to end user decision-making, response and value.
Galvanic Corrosion of Miniaturized Polysilicon Structures Morphological, Electrical, and Mechanical Effects

The fabrication and assembly of micro- and nanoscale sensors and actuators relies on chemical processing steps for the realization of mechanically freestanding devices. Early studies in microelectromechanical systems MEMS hinted at the possibility of adverse effects of processing on device performance. For example, with the immersion of polycrystalline silicon poly-Si in aqueous hydrofluoric acid HF solution, the modulus and fracture strength varied with acid concentration and exposure time. 1 Another study demonstrated morphology changes similar to stress corrosion cracking, with delamination occurring between poly-Si layers for material immersed in HF. 2 Others have noted a change in surface roughness, decrease in fracture strength, and alteration of fracture morphology for poly-Si immersed in HF for extended periods of time. 3 Some of these specimens were studied using transmission electron microscopy TEM and have demonstrated the formation of amorphous surface layers at the top and bottom of poly-Si, and with internal veins of porous poly-Si. 4 Last, an initial study demonstrated that nonuniform etching occurred preferential to the grain boundaries of poly-Si immersed in HF, even when the acid was in vapor form. 5 Many of the aforementioned studies make use of phosphorus-doped poly-Si, 2,3,5 but mechanical property variations are reported in undoped material as well. 1 The addition of an electrical bias is also
Guidewire Dislodgment of Inferior Vena Cava Filters During Insertion of Central Venous Catheters

The authors report two cases of titanium Greenfield filters dislodged by guidewires during the insertion of central venous catheters. Both were trauma victims who had the venous catheters inserted into femoral veins several days after correct placement of the inferior vena cava filters. A literature review found nine others cases of guidewire dislodg ment of vena cava filters. Eight Vena-Tech filters and one titanium Greenfield filter had been in place for up to 2 months. The guidewires were inserted into femoral, subclavian, internal jugular, or axillary veins. Filters were dislodged cephalad into the atrium, brachiocephalic, and subclavian veins, or caudad into the distal inferior vena cava. Limiting the distance that a guidewire is inserted into a vein during central line insertion is the easiest way to avoid this complication. Inserting the straight end of the guidewire would also be effective.
Local Dysfunction and Asymmetrical Deformation of Mitral Annular Geometry in Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation: A Novel Computerized 3D Echocardiographic Analysis

OBJECTIVE Most studies of the pathogenesis of functional mitral regurgitation (MR) have focused on alterations in ventricular function and geometry. We used a novel 3D echocardiographic method to assess abnormalities in mitral annular (MA) geometry and motion in patients with ischemic MR (IMR) and compared these data to those obtained from normal subjects and from patients with MR caused by dilated cardiomyopathy (DMR). METHODS Real time 3D echo was performed in 12 normal subjects, 25 with IMR, and 14 with DMR. Eight points along the saddle-shaped MA were identified using our software at systole and diastole. From these eight points, four annular diameters at each cardiac phase were determined. Annular motion was assessed by measuring local displacement (LD) of a given point between systole and diastole. RESULTS Annular motion was different between groups: IMR had smaller LD in posterior MA segments than did normals (2.6 +/- 1.1 vs 4.8 +/- 1.9 mm, P < 0.01), while DMR had globally reduced LD. In IMR systolic MA dilatation was striking in the anterior-posterior (diameter; IMR vs controls, 28.3 +/- 3.5 vs 22.5 +/- 2.2 mm, P< 0.05) and anterolateral-posteromedial (31.7 +/- 3.5 vs 25.1 +/- 2.2 mm, P < 0.05) directions; in IMR, systolic MA diameters in these two directions correlated with MR severity(P = 0.02). MA dilatation occurred globally in DMR. CONCLUSION This novel 3D echo method demonstrated that MA motion and dilatation were asymmetric in IMR and symmetric in DMR. These differences in MA geometry and motion may aid in the development of distinct new therapies for IMR and DMR.
Determination of Anabolic Steroids by HPLC with UV—Vis—Particle Beam Mass Spectrometry

This paper describes a general screening method for the determination of anabolic steroids in oil-based injectables, water suspensions, dietary supplements, and herbal drugs marketed in the form of capsules or tablets. The compounds are extracted into methanol, separated on a reversed-phase column with an acetonitrile-water gradient, and detected by using an ultravioletvisible (UV-vis) photodiode array detector and a particle beam mass spectrometric detector coupled in series. Identification is based on retention time, UV-vis spectra, and mass spectra. Mass spectral confirmation is accomplished by matching with a standard when available, and by comparison with an electron impact mass spectra library that is either commercially available or generated in our laboratory. The tandem arrangement of the detectors provides qualitative and quantitative information from a single experiment by fully utilizing the inherent advantages associated with each detector. This method is applicable to all the anabolic steroids encountered in this laboratory so far. (4,6,7). The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) have banned the use of anabolic steroids in amateur sports (8). In February of 1991, Congress designated 27 steroids and their esters, salts, and isomers as Schedule III controlled substances.
A support-operator method for viscoelastic wave modelling in 3-D heterogeneous media

We apply the method of support operators (SOM) to solve the 3-D, viscoelastic equations of motion for use in earthquake simulations. SOM is a generalized finite-difference method that can utilize meshes of arbitrary structure and incorporate irregular geometry. Our implementation uses a 3-D, logically rectangular, hexahedral mesh. Calculations are second-order in space and time. A correction term is employed for suppression of spurious zero-energy modes (hourglass oscillations). We develop a free surface boundary condition, and an absorbing boundary condition using the method of perfectly matched layers (PML). Numerical tests using a layered material model in a highly deformed mesh show good agreement with the frequency-wavenumber method, for resolutions greater than 10 nodes per wavelength. We also test a vertically incident P wave on a semi-circular canyon, for which results match boundary integral solutions at resolutions greater that 20 nodes per wavelength. We also demonstrate excellent parallel scalability of our code.
Corticosteroids decrease pain, swelling and trismus.

DATA SOURCES PubMed, Scopus, Medline and Cochrane Oral Health Group's Trials Register, CENTRAL. Limited to English language. STUDY SELECTION Randomised control trials comparing preoperative steroids (in any formulation, dose or route) with placebo or no treatment in patients of any age, having extraction of one or more impacted third molars (under local or general anaesthesia or with intravenous sedation). DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Two authors reviewed titles and abstracts of all articles to select those that met the inclusion criteria. The studies were classified by active principles, doses and treatment administration route. No meta-analysis was conducted and a tabular descriptive summary was presented. RESULTS There were 28 studies (one meta-analysis and 27 randomised control trials) included in the descriptive account and from which conclusions were drawn. CONCLUSIONS The use of corticosteroids in third molar extractions reduces the degree of trismus and inflammation. Parenteral administration seems to be more effective than oral administration as does taking the corticosteroids before rather than after surgery. Further comparative studies using different corticosteroids, doses and administration routes are needed to establish the most effective regime for reducing pain, trismus and inflammation after extraction of third molars.
Watershed flow paths and stream water nitrogen‐to‐phosphorus ratios under simulated precipitation regimes

[1] Stream water nitrogen-to-phosphorus (N:P) ratios influence algal community composition and nutrient limitation in lotic ecosystems. N:P ratios trend across climates, with low stream water N:P ratios more common in arid climates, yet little is known about mechanisms that cause this spatial and temporal variation. This study evaluates the relationship between precipitation regime (mean annual precipitation and its frequency), watershed flow pathways, and stream water total N-to-total P (TN:TP) ratios, using a model based on a central Minnesota watershed. The purpose of the study was to examine hydrologic mechanisms that control stream water TN:TP ratios. We constructed a model that accounted for hydrological and biogeochemical processes, followed by 161 simulations under a wide range of precipitation frequency and intensity scenarios. Precipitation regime controlled total runoff and subsurface hydrologic connectivity, which had implications for TN and TP concentrations and TN:TP ratios. Results supported the hypothesis that watershed hydrology is an important control on stream water TN:TP ratios and suggested that variation of flow pathways can lead to fundamental changes of N:P ratios.
Role for Nucleotide Excision Repair in Virulence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Mutations in Mycobacterium tuberculosis uvrB result in severe sensitivity to acidified nitrite, a source of nitric oxide (6). In this study, we show that a uvrB mutant is exquisitely sensitive to UV light but not to several sources of reactive oxygen species in vitro. Furthermore, a uvrB mutant was attenuated in mice as judged by an extension of life span. Attenuation in mice was partially reversed by genetic inactivation of nitric oxide synthase 2 (iNOS) and almost completely reversed in mice lacking both iNOS and phagocyte oxidase. Thus, a gene predicted to encode a key element of DNA repair is required for resistance of M. tuberculosis to both reactive nitrogen and reactive oxygen species in mice.