cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Computed tomographic distinction of perirenal liposarcoma from exophytic angiomyolipoma: a feature analysis study.

Purpose To identify computed tomographic (CT) findings that distinguish perirenal liposarcomas from exophytic angiomyolipomas. Materials and methods We identified CT scans of 20 patients (13 women and 7 men; mean age, 63 years) with either perirenal liposarcoma (n = 11) proven at histopathology or large exophytic angiomyolipomas (n = 9) determined by 2-year stability (n = 6) or histopathology (n = 3). Two independent readers unaware of the final diagnoses recorded the presence of the following CT findings: (1) tumoral vessel extending into the renal cortex, (2) tumoral vessel extending into the renal hilum, (3) renal parenchymal defect at the site of tumor contact, (4) intratumoral hemorrhage, (5) nonfat attenuating intratumoral nodules, and (6) calcification. Results A tumoral vessel extending into the renal cortex was seen only in angiomyolipomas (7 and 6 of 9 patients versus 0 and 0 of 11 liposarcomas for readers 1 and 2, respectively; P 0.1 for both readers). Conclusions In the evaluation of a fatty perinephric mass at CT, the presence of a tumoral vessel extending into the renal cortex or a renal parenchymal defect at the site of tumor contact strongly favors the diagnosis of exophytic angiomyolipoma, whereas calcifications suggest liposarcoma.
Pediatric Powered Wheelchairs: Results of a National Survey of Providers

A national survey of providers of pediatric powered wheelchairs was conducted to collect background data on these professionals and to develop a “model” of their current assessment and recommendation practices. Data collected in the survey included provider demographics, frequency of powered wheelchair provision to young children, common reasons for not recommending a powered wheelchair, reasons why a child who is recommended a powered wheelchair does not receive one, current pediatric powered wheelchair assessment and recommendation practices, and subjective data regarding the efficacy of these practices and the impact of powered wheelchairs on children. Respondents rated the frequency with which they performed various wheelchair assessment and recommendation practices, and these ratings were analyzed to determine activities that were performed frequently. These activities were then combined into common “factors” using factor analysis, and the results of the factor analysis were used to create a model of...
Tumor invasion as dysregulated cell motility

Investigations across a range of disciplines over the past decade have brought the study of cell motility and its role in invasion to an exciting threshold. The biophysical forces proximally involved in generating cell locomotion, as well as the underlying signaling and genomic regulatory processes, are gradually becoming elucidated. We now appreciate the intricacies of the many cellular and extracellular events that modulate cell migration. This has enabled the demonstration of a causal role of cell motility in tumor progression, with various points of 'dysregulation' of motility being responsible for promoting invasion. In this paper, we describe key fundamental principles governing cell motility and branch out to describe the essence of the data that describe these principles. It has become evident that many proposed models may indeed be converging into a tightly-woven tapestry of coordinated events which employ various growth factors and their receptors, adhesion receptors (integrins), downstream molecules, cytoskeletal components, and altered genomic regulation to accomplish cell motility. Tumor invasion occurs in response to dysregulation of many of these modulatory points; specific examples include increased signaling from the EGF receptor and through PLC gamma, altered localization and expression of integrins, changes in actin modifying proteins and increased transcription from specific promoter sites. This diversity of alterations all leading to tumor invasion point to the difficulty of correcting causal events leading to tumor invasion and rather suggest that the underlying common processes required for motility be targeted for therapeutic intervention.
Radiotelemetry System for Continuously Monitoring Temperature in Cows

Deep body temperature is an important index of the physiological status of an animal. A radiotelemetry system was developed to monitor continuously udder and body temperatures in cows under normal housing conditions. Radiotransmitters were crystal controlled blocking oscillators operating in the 27 MHz band. Functionally, the transmitters turned on and off in a pulsatile fashion with temperature encoded as the time interval between two pulses (nominally .5 s at 38 degrees C). Transmitters were powered by lithium batteries (6-mo lifespan) and were encapsulated in paraffin/Elvax (cylinder 6 cm X 3 cm diameter). Signals were detected using a radio receiver in the AM mode. Reception frequency was selected by computer. Each audio pulse was electronically converted to a digital pulse. A PDP 11/23 computer converted intervals between digital pulses to temperature values. As finally configured, the computer collected data from 12 transmitters every 1.4 min (1024 readings/transmitter/d). Temperatures were graphed continuously and stored on magnetic media for future analyses.
Pediatric otogenic lateral sinus thrombosis: role of anticoagulation and surgery.

Abstract Objectives 1. To discuss the presentation, work up, and treatment of a series pediatric patients presenting with acute otogenic lateral sinus thrombosis (OLST). 2. To review the literature in discussing surgical treatment and the role of anticoagulation for sinus thrombosis from complicated otomastoiditis. Study design Retrospective case series. Methods Retrospective case series of seven patients with otomastoidits and lateral sinus thrombosis were included in the study. Type of anticoagulation used and both clinical and radiographic outcomes were compared. Pediatric literature review was conducted using PubMed search terms “thrombosis and otitis media and anticoagulation” limited to English. Results Seven patients presented with acute otomastoiditis with sigmoid sinus thrombosis. Six patients were treated with anticoagulation for 1.5–12 months. Six patients underwent myringotomy with tube and 4 patients underwent cortical mastoidectomy without thrombectomy. Six patients had resolution of thrombosis by imaging in less than 6 months. Literature review of 19 pts with OLST showed that 95% had mastoidectomy and 84% had myrigotomy with tube. All 19 patients received anticoagulation. Sixteen patients had complete clinical recovery with recanalization or resolution of clot in 3 patients. Conclusions The treatment of OLST is controversial. Most (23/26) patients had complete clinical recovery despite clot resolution in 9 of the 26 patients. Four patients had bleeding complication with anticoagulation. This series and literature review highlights the controversy of surgery and use of anticoagulation in the treatment of OLST and the need for further investigation.
Some observations on the relation of the high-frequency bed ballistocardiogram to that obtained from an aperiodic bed.

A previous analysis of the mechanical behavior of current ballistocardiographic systems allowed the prediction of certain relationships between records from the Starr high-frequency bed and those representing undistorted forces applied to the body by the cardiovascular "generator." The latter were obtained by recording the acceleration of an "aperiodic mercury bed" platform. A relationship between the form of these two types of records from 80 subjects was sought. In varying types of normal and abnormal records the predicted relationship between the two different kinds of ballistocardiograms was consistently observed. It is concluded that records from the high-frequency bed grossly reflect the slower forces applied to the body, but are distorted with respect to phase, amplitude and frequency content, this being due in part to the elastic properties of the dorsal surface of the body and in part to the weight and stiffness of the platform support.
The pattern of gene expression in mouse Gr-1(+) myeloid progenitor cells.

Abstract To understand the pattern of gene expression in mouse myeloid progenitor cells, we carried out a genome-wide analysis of gene expression in mouse bone marrow Gr-1 + cells using SAGE and GLGI techniques. We identified 22,033 unique SAGE tags with quantitative information from 73,869 collected SAGE tags. Among these unique tags, 64% match known sequences, including many genes important for myeloid differentiation, and 36% have no matches to known sequences and are likely to represent novel genes. We compared the expression of mouse Gr-1 + and human CD15 + myeloid progenitor cells and showed that the pattern of gene expression of these two cell populations had some similarities. We also compared the expression of mouse Gr-1 + myeloid progenitor cells with that of mouse brain tissue and found a highly tissue-specific manner of gene expression in these two samples. Our data provide a basis for studying altered gene expression in myeloid disorders using mouse models.
Complete large-molecule high-resolution mass spectra from 50-femtomole microvolume injection

For electrospray ionization in Fourier-transform mass spectrometry, direct injection of 5×10−14 mol (0.5 µL of 100 nM from a microvolume sample valve) of ubiquitin (8565 Da) into the flowing solvent stream yields a spectrum with 85:1 signal-to-noise ratio, 2-ppm mass accuracy, and isotopic resolution. Gated trapping for 100 µs from a 0.15-µL/min injection of 20-µM ubiquitin consumes 5×10−18 mol, which produces a spectrum with 23:1 signal-to-noise ratio and τ;3×105 resolving power.
A comparison of long-term potentiation in the in vitro and in vivo hippocampal preparations

A direct comparison was made between the intact anesthetized hippocampal preparation and the hippocampal slice preparation of rats in relation to the features of long-term potentiation. Both preparations were exposed to the same experimental paradigm. The properties of response to a repeated low-frequency tetanus that were examined included: evoked waveform, development of a plastic alteration over successive tetani, intertetanus responsivity to test stimuli, magnitude of change, and longevity of effect. Since the two preparations exhibited similar response properties, the results support the use of the hippocampal slice preparation as a model system for the study of neural mechanisms of plasticity.
PPC, Inc., an instructional case

Abstract PPC, Inc. can be used to discuss many management accounting concepts, including ABC, variable costing, the theory of constraints, cost allocation, and behavioral issues. The case is based on the operating results of an actual printing company that was evaluating its product costing system in an attempt to improve profitability. In addition to dealing with new competitive pricing pressures, bottlenecks in one department prevented the company from increasing its sales volume to the level necessary to cover recent additions in fixed costs. The case materials can be adapted to emphasize one concept or to discuss alternative techniques, and the case can be used in introductory through MBA managerial accounting classes.
p21WAF1 and TGF-α mediate parathyroid growth arrest by vitamin D and high calcium

p21 WAF1 and TGF-α mediate parathyroid growth arrest by vitamin D and high calcium. Background High dietary phosphorus (P) worsens uremia-induced parathyroid (PT) hyperplasia through increases in the growth promoter transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-α). In contrast, P restriction prevents PT hyperplasia by inducing the cell cycle inhibitor p21. Since 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 -antiproliferative action in various cell types involve increases in p21, we studied whether induction of p21 by 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 or the vitamin D analog, 19-Nor-1,25(OH) 2 D 2 , could counteract the PT hyperplasia induced by high dietary P in early uremia. Methods Normal (N) and uremic (U; 5/6 nephrectomized) female Sprague-Dawley rats were fed high P (HP), low P (LP) or high Ca (HCa) diets and administered intraperitoneally (IP) either vehicle or vitamin D metabolites for seven days, as follows: N-HP; U-HP + vehicle; U-HP + 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 (4 ng/day); U-HP + 19-Nor-1,25(OH) 2 D 2 (30 ng/day); U-LP; U-HCa. Serum PTH and PT gland weight assessed secondary hyperparathyroidism. Immunohistochemical quantitation of two markers of mitotic activity, Ki67 and PCNA measured PT hyperplasia. Immunohistochemical expression of PT p21 and TGF-α addressed potential mechanisms regulating PT cell growth. Results 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 and 19-Nor-1,25(OH) 2 D 2 were effective in suppressing both PTH secretion and PT hyperplasia induced by uremia and high dietary P independent of increases in ionized Ca. Both vitamin D compounds enhanced PT p21 expression and prevented high P-induced increases in PT TGF-α content. Induction of PT p21 and reduction of TGF-α content also occurred when uremia-induced PT hyperplasia was suppressed by high dietary Ca. Conclusions In early uremia, vitamin D suppression of high P-induced PT hyperplasia and high dietary Ca arrest of PT growth involve induction of PT p21 and prevention of increases in TGF-α.
Automatic data structure selection: an example and overview

The use of several levels of abstraction has proved to be very helpful in constructing and maintaining programs. When programs are designed with abstract data types such as sets and lists, programmer time can be saved by automating the process of filling in low-level implementation details. In the past, programming systems have provided only a single general purpose implementation for an abstract type. Thus the programs produced using abstract types were often inefficient in space or time. In this paper a system for automatically choosing efficient implementations for abstract types from a library of implementations is discussed. This process is discussed in detail for an example program. General issues in data structure selection are also reviewed.
The symbiotic relationship of combinatorics and matrix theory

Abstract This article demonstrates the mutually beneficial relationship that exists between combinatorics and matrix theory.
Serum leptin levels are associated with cognitive function in older adults.

Abstract Recent work suggests that leptin, a circulating adipokinine hormone, might contribute to age-related cognitive decline. The present study investigated the relationship between serum leptin levels and cognitive function in older adults. Thirty-five older adults (73.69 ± 6.62 years of age) without significant neurologic or psychiatric history completed a fasting blood draw and a brief neuropsychological test battery. Partial correlations adjusting for demographic and medical conditions showed that higher leptin levels were associated with poorer performance on Trail Making Test B ( r = .46, p = .01). These findings indicate that serum leptin levels are negatively associated with speeded executive function in older adults without significant neurological or psychiatric conditions. The mechanisms for this relationship are unknown and require further examination. Such studies may provide key insight into the mechanisms of age-related cognitive decline and identify possible interventions.
A study of development in organ cultures of mammalian lungs

Abstract Explants of lungs from 16 litters of fetal rats (13–19 days) and from three litters of fetal guinea pigs (27, 30, and 60 days) were grown as organs on solid media containing 40% serum, glucose, and 1.5% agar. Most components of the lungs developed, though growth of the vascular tree was restricted. The columnar epithelium of the early lungs progressively became lower as branching proceeded and in some cultures even attenuated sharply at points where alveolus-like portions differentiated. Mitotic rates in cultures from slowly developing guinea pigs were comparable to similarly aged lungs in vivo but in rats were considerably diminished. Glycogen concentrated in the budding terminal epithelium, where mitoses were most frequent, and disappeared after formation of the flattened “alveolar” lining. Other histochemical patterns seen in vivo were also closely reproduced in vitro. Comparable results in morphology and histochemistry were obtained in explants grown with added cyanide or malonate, but all cultures failed when given fluoride. Thus, nearly full potential for the formation of lungs is contained within the explants, differentiations occur independent of growth, and anaerobic metabolism chiefly supplies the developing organ. These conclusions are weighed in the discussion, along with some emergent speculation on developmental mechanisms operating in the lungs.
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy study of maleimide-activated supports for immobilization of oligodeoxyribonucleotides

Surface-tethered nucleic acids are widely applied in solid-phase assays in which complementary strands must be detected against a complex mixture of other sequences. In response to such needs, numerous methods have been developed for immobilizing nucleic acids on solid supports. Often, detailed analysis of associated chemical transformations and of potential side reactions is difficult to obtain. Combined use of planar and high surface area powder supports allows characterization using surface as well as bulk diagnostic techniques. This approach is followed in the present study in which X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and reactivity titrations are used to investigate siliceous supports modified with an aminosilane precursor followed by a maleimide-bearing crosslinker for attachment of nucleic acids. The supports retain maleimide activity for approximately a day when stored under buffer, but deactivation is accelerated under basic conditions or by incomplete conversion of the precursor aminosilane monolayer. Reactions involving the olefinic bond of the imide as well as its carbonyl groups are observed and analyzed. Attachment of sulfhydryl-terminated oligodeoxyribonucleotides is highly site specific, and immobilized strands exhibit excellent hybridization activity. Quantitative use of XPS for label-free determination of DNA coverage based on calibration against reference materials is also described.
Activation of urocortin transport into brain by leptin.

Abstract There are several transport systems for peptides and polypeptides at the blood-brain barrier (BBB) which facilitate the passage of bioactive substances from blood to brain or from brain to blood. Nonetheless, it would be a novel concept for one peptide or polypeptide to activate the transport of another peptide with a similar function but unrelated structure. In this study, we report the first observation of such a phenomenon: activation of a urocortin transport system at the BBB by leptin. Urocortin, a corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)-related neuropeptide, is a more potent suppressor of food intake than leptin or CRF when injected peripherally. Radiolabeled urocortin (125I-urocortin) was used for these in vivo studies in mice; it remained stable and intact during the experimental period. Unlike CRF, urocortin was not saturably transported out of the brain. There was no substantial entry of 125I-urocortin into brain as determined by sensitive multiple-time regression analysis after iv bolus injection. Addition of leptin, however, caused a dose-related increase in the influx of 125I-urocortin and greatly facilitated its entry into brain parenchyma; this effect disappeared at higher doses of leptin. Moreover, in the presence of an activating dose of leptin, the entry of 125I-urocortin into brain was saturable. The results indicate that the presence of leptin contributes to the potent satiety effects of urocortin after peripheral administration. Thus, the action of leptin in the periphery extends beyond its direct passage across the BBB and involves acute modulation of an inert transport system. We believe that these findings have broad physiological implications and indicate a unique function of the BBB as a regulatory interface.
Genetic knockouts and knockins in human somatic cells

Gene targeting by homologous recombination with exogenous DNA constructs is the most powerful technique available for analysis of mammalian gene function. Over the past several years, the methods used to generate knockout and knockin mice have been modified for use in cultured human cells. The most significant innovation has been the adaptation of recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) for such targeting. The stages of rAAV-mediated gene targeting include (i) the design and construction of a DNA targeting vector, (ii) the production of an infectious rAAV stock, (iii) the generation of cell clones that harbor rAAV transgenes, (iv) screening for homologous recombinants and (v) the iterative targeting of multiple alleles. The protocol described herein allows the generation of a cell line with a single altered allele in 3 months. A second allele of the same gene can be targeted in an additional 3 months.
The Soul Mates Model: A Seven-Stage Model for Couple's Long-Term Relationship Development and Flourishing.

This article presents the integrative soul mates relationship development model, which provides the helping professionals with a conceptual map for couples’ relationship development from dating, to...
Arteriovenous graft with outflow in the proximal axillary vein

Arteriovenous access can result in complications including extremity ischemia and swelling. Use of the nondominant upper extremity is preferred because complications will result in less severe disability. The distal axillary vein in the axilla is usually considered to be the end point for arteriovenous access in the upper extremity. Vascular surgeons are familiar with exposure of the proximal axillary artery via an infraclavicular incision. The axillary vein is also easily exposed through this technique. Use of this vein for arteriovenous graft outflow can preserve the dominant arm for future use. Nine patients with arteriovenous grafts with venous outflow in the proximal arm for future use. All patients had exposure to the proximal axillary vein via an infraclavicular incision. There were six women and three men. All patients had multiple failed access in the ipsilateral extremity. One patient had a loop configuration graft, while the six others had a straight graft with arterial inflow via the brachial artery. One patient had a bovine mesenteric vein graft, while the remaining six had expanded polytetrafluoroethylene grafts. Six of the seven patients had ambulatory surgery, while one patient was admitted postoperatively with mental status changes. Patency rates were 78%, with mean follow-up of 16 months. One patient had early failure due to steal and one patient failed at 22 months. Six of seven patients are alive at current follow-up. Three patients required secondary procedures including venous angioplasty (n=2) and subclavian artery stenting (n=1). The infraclavicular axillary vein can be used as an effective outflow for arteriovenous grafts. This procedure can be done as an outpatient surgery with a low complication rate. This procedure can preserve the dominant arm for future access and provides a possible alternative to surgery on another extremity.
Numerical solutions of linear and nonlinear singular perturbation problems

A new method is developed by detecting the boundary layer of the solution of a singular perturbation problem. On the non-boundary layer domain, the singular perturbation problem is dominated by the reduced equation which is solved with standard techniques for initial value problems. While on the boundary layer domain, it is controlled by the singular perturbation. Its numerical solution is provided with finite difference methods, of which up to sixth order methods are developed. The numerical error is maintained at the same level with a constant number of mesh points for a family of singular perturbation problems. Numerical experiments support the analytical results.
Position-adaptive scatterer localization for radar imaging applications

Position-Adaptive Radar concepts have been formulated and investigated at the AFRL within the past few years. Adopting a position-adaptive approach to the design of distributed radar systems shows potential for the development of future radar systems that function under a variety of new and challenging environments. Specifically, we investigate notional control geometries and trajectories for multi-platform SUAV applications by integrating additional electromagnetic scattering-based metrics within more generic overall objective functions for multi-SUAV controls systems. We show that the formulation of these new categories of objective functions lead to realizations of multiplatform SUAV trajectories that position adaptively converge to a set of RF leakage points. After position-adaptive convergence to a set of leakage points, we show that an embedded scatterer (i.e. a metal cylinder) can be imaged by applying radar processing techniques derived for sparse apertures.
New class of optoelectronic oscillators (OEO) for microwave signal generation and processing

A new class of oscillators based on photonic devices is presented. These opto-electronic oscillators (OEO's) generate microwave oscillation by converting continuous energy from a light source using a feedback circuit which includes a delay element, an electro-optic switch, and a photodetector. Different configurations of OEO's are presented, each of which may be applied to a particular application requiring ultra-high performance, or low cost and small size.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Shack-Hartmann Thermal Lensing Characterization of Mid-IR Materials

We quantify the thermo-optic response of chalcogenide glasses to 2µm laser irradiation using Shack-Hartmann thermal lensing metrology. Induced dioptric powers as strong as 0.21m-1 are observed for CW pump irradiances as low as 38.2 W/cm2.
Evolution of unblocked immunoglobulin variable regions in Primates

Abstract Amino-terminal amino acid sequences of unblocked heavy and light chains of immunoglobulin G molecules from adult normal pigtailed monkey, rhesus monkey and human were determined by Edman Degradation using an Automatic Protein Sequencer. These sequences are similar among the three primate species. Analysis of percentage recoveries of various amino acid residues at several positions on the polypeptide chains indicates that the two monkey species have all the unblocked variable region subgroups present in human. Thus the structural genes for the variable region subgroups are maintained through evolution in various primates, indicating that these genes evolved much earlier than the constant region subclass genes did, since the constant region subclasses in human were not detected in the monkeys. Further, at least one germ line gene must exist which codes for each of the immunoglobulin variable region subgroups. Comparison of the sequences of unblocked light chains of Primates with those of other vertebrates shows strong homology among all species. This observation supports the concept that all immunoglobulin light chain structure genes present today in Man evolved from a single primordial gene.
Tandem mass spectrometry: the competitive edge for pharmacology.

The notion of connecting two mass spectrometers to examine the chemistry of purified ion species was realized experimentally as early as 1954 (1), and ten years later instruments of this complexity had been constructed in five labora­ tories worldwide (2). The utility of collisions of fast-moving ionswith neutral target atoms to promote fragmentation was introduced by Jennings in 1968 (3). The analytical value of collisional activation and tandem mass spec­ trometry for components of mixtures received attention through the next decade (e. g. 4-6), and was demonstrated with a variety of instrumental configurations. The commercial availability around 1980 of tandem mass spectrometers based on three-sector analyzers and on three quadrupole an­ alyzers, and around 1985 of four-sector tandem instruments and of hybrids comprising two sectors and two quadrupole modules, rapidly increased the use of tandem (MSMS) techniques in analytical applications (7-14). Simply stated, these provide (a) a separation technique based on mass that removes chemical contamination (e. g. coelutants in HPLC peaks or matrix ions desorbed by fast atom bombardment) and separates components of mixtures, (b) reproducible and extensive fragmentation, and (c) increased selectivity through selected reaction monitoring. The selectivity and reliability provided by these powerful hyphenated instruments are compellingly relevant to prob­ lems in pharmacology. Applications of MSMS were included in about 100 papers in pharmacological journals in 1990.
Comparison of Urinary Albumin-Creatinine Ratio and Albumin Excretion Rate in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications Study

Background and objectives: The objective of this study was to compare random urine albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) with timed urine albumin excretion rate (AER) in patients with type 1 diabetes. Design, setting, participants, & measurements: A total of 1186 participants in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (DCCT/EDIC) Study provided spot urine specimens concurrent with 4-hour timed urine collections. ACR and AER were compared using Bland-Altman plots, cross-classification of albuminuria status and its change over time, and within-person variability. Results: Despite moderate correlation (r 0.62), ACR levels (mg/g) were lower than AER levels (mg/24 hr). This difference was greatest for men. Gender-specific estimated AER (eAER) values were empirically derived from ACR. Comparing the eAER with measured AER, agreement of prevalent microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria classification was fair to moderate, and classification of change in albuminuria status over time was different. Intraclass correlations were 0.697 for ACR and 0.803 for AER. Effects of DCCT intensive versus conventional diabetes therapy on urine albumin excretion or classification of albuminuria were similar using the eAER versus measured AER, as were the effects of the previous glycosylated hemoglobin. Conclusions: Systematic differences exist between urine ACR and AER, related to gender and other determinants of muscle mass. Use of ACR (or eAER) versus AER yields differences in classification of prevalent albuminuria states and changes in albuminuria states over time. These findings support the use of consistent ascertainment methods over time and further efforts to standardize and optimally interpret measurement of urine albumin excretion. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 5: 1235–1242, 2010. doi: 10.2215/CJN.07901109
Fundamental Principles of Democracy: Bases of Agreement and Disagreement

HE IDEA THAT CONSENSUS On fundamental principles is essential to democracy is a recurrent proposition in political theory. Perhaps, because of its general acceptance, the proposition has never been formulated in very precise terms. When authoritative sources state, for example, that "a successful democracy requires the existence of a large measure of consensus in society," exactly what is meant? We assume that the term "successful democracy," although far from precise, carries a widely shared meaning among political scientists. But we are not told in this typical assertion on what issues or problems consensus must exist. Presumably they are the basic issues about how political power should be won. Nor are we told what degree of agreement democracy requires. Since the word "consensus" is used to refer to "general agreement or concord," however, a "large measure of consensus" presumably falls somewhere close to 100 per cent.' For the purpose of examining the proposition as it is generally formulated, then, we interpret it as asserting: a necessary condition for the existence of a democratic government is widespread agreement (approaching 100 per cent) among the adult members of society on at least the basic questions
When quasistatic jamming is impossible

We propose a new condition to test for the impossibility of jamming in three-dimensional, quasistatic multi-rigid-body systems. Our condition can be written as a feasibility problem for a system of linear inequalities and therefore can be checked using linear programming techniques. To demonstrate the use of our jamming test, we apply it to a simple dexterous manipulation task and to the well-known peg-in-hole insertion problem.
Reconfiguring control in library collection development: a conceptual framework for assessing the shift toward electronic collections

Academic and special libraries are in the midst of a shift toward hybrid collections. This shift from collection ownership to an information access model supports the distributed nature of learning and work. However, unanticipated consequences of these changes are emerging. One confounding result is a visible pattern of discontinuities in collections, with unique features for electronic products. Patterns of discontinuities encountered included the occurrence of intermittent holes and unintentionally masked information. This has both immediate and long-term implications for library users and services, and there are not yet coherent measures to assess these sorts of outcomes. A framework is required for the systematic evaluation of the effects of new systems such as bundled electronic resources. This research suggests that evaluating both use and non-use of electronic collections will supplement other acquisitions and service measures to support long-range planning and decision-making.
Mobile security labware with smart devices for cybersecurity education

Smart mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets have become an integral part of our society. However, it also becomes a prime target for attackers with malicious intents. There have been a number of efforts on developing innovative courseware to promote cybersecurity education and to improve student learning; however, hands-on labs are not well developed for smart mobile devices and for mobile security topics. In this paper, we propose to design and develop a mobile security labware with smart mobile devices to promote the cybersecurity education. The integration of mobile computing technologies and smart devices into cybersecurity education will connect the education to leading-edge information technologies, motivate and engage students in security learning, fill in the gap with IT industry need, and help faculties build expertise on mobile computing. In addition, the hands-on experience with mobile app development will promote student learning and supply them with a better understanding of security knowledge not only in classical security domains but also in the emerging mobile security areas.
Folic acid supplementation in younger and older nonpregnant women of reproductive age: findings from the Central Pennsylvania Women's Health Study (CePAWHS).

Introduction and Background This study explores variables associated with daily folic acid supplementation among nonpregnant women ages 18–24, in comparison with women ages 25–45. Health-related behaviors, reproductive status, health care access, and sociodemographic variables are included. Methods Data are from a cross-sectional population-based survey of 2,002 women ages 18–45 in the Central Pennsylvania Women's Health Study. The analytic sample included 246 women ages 18–24 and 1,636 women ages 25–45 who were not pregnant at the time of survey. Results Seventeen percent of women ages 18–24 and 27% of women ages 24–45 used daily folic acid supplements. In multiple logistic regression analysis, folic acid use was significantly associated with only two variables among younger women: fruit consumption at least daily and regular physical activity levels meeting recommended guidelines. Among older women, folic acid use was associated with these same two health-related behaviors in addition to not smoking, seeing an obstetrician-gynecologist, receiving diet/nutrition counseling, being married or living with a partner, and no prior pregnancy. Folic acid use was not associated with pregnancy intention in either age group. Conclusions and Discussion Women ages 18–24 have significantly lower rates of folic acid supplementation compared with older women of reproductive age, but fewer variables are associated with folic acid use among younger women. Missed opportunities to educate younger women about the benefits of folic acid supplementation are identified.
A Step Toward Simplicity for a Complex Analyte

α1-Antitrypsin (A1AT)2 deficiency is a serious, life-threatening disorder driven by abnormally low circulating concentrations of A1AT, which lead to protease–antiprotease imbalance. This imbalance accentuates protease activity and can lead to tissue damage, the most important of which leads to impairment of lung function (1). The apparent simplicity of diagnosing this disorder by a single measurement of the A1AT concentration is belied by the variety of A1AT tests offered by every reference laboratory. Physicians frequently evaluate genotyping, phenotyping, and concentration measurements in toto or through results produced via an algorithm that involves reflexing from one test to another (2). The need for this complex approach reflects the intricate relationships between genotype, phenotype, protein function, and concentration. The challenge in arriving at appropriate diagnosis and treatment comes from the variable penetrance of A1AT genetic defects and the limitations of each test. Typical genotyping tests detect only the most common disease alleles, S and Z, unless full exon sequencing is used. Phenotyping by isoelectric focusing can detect known and unknown polymorphs, but only in cases in which the amino acid substitution leads to a change in the protein's isoelectric point. Finally, A1AT is an acute-phase protein, and circulating concentrations …
Lyme Disease Prevention and Vaccine Prophylaxis

OBJECTIVE:To provide a comprehensive review of the epidemiology, diagnosis, and prevention of Lyme disease with a focus on the Lyme disease vaccine.DATA SOURCE:A computerized search of MEDLINE (January 1996–December 1998) was used to identify articles regarding Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi, epidemiology, prevention, and vaccine.DATA SYNTHESIS:Lyme disease is a condition caused by infection with B. burgdorferi. The organism is carried by certain species of Ixodes ticks and is the most common tick-borne disease in the US. In patients with clinical manifestations of Lyme disease, various pharmacotherapeutic approaches have proven effective in treatment of the clinical features. Prevention strategies exist; however, their application is sometimes difficult. A vaccine for the prevention of Lyme disease is available, and another is being considered for approval. The recombinant outer surface protein A (OspA) vaccines to prevent Lyme disease are immunogenic and have an acceptable adverse effect profile. Th...
Bolus intravenous nitroglycerin for ST-segment depression not associated with increased myocardial oxygen demand.

lschaemic ST-segment changes may occur in patients with coronary artery disease when myocardial oxygen consumption is increased as a result of hypertension, tachycardia or increased contractility. Ischaemia can also occur as the result of decreased coronary perfusion pressure caused by hypotension or coronary artery spasm. We report ST-segment depression in the absence of hypertension, tachycardia or hypotension. The response to bolus intravenous nitroglycerin suggested coronary artery spasm as the cause.
Consumerism in Action How Patients and Physicians Negotiate Payment in Health Care

Drawing from the medical sociology literature on the patient–doctor relationship and microeconomic sociological scholarship about the role of money in personal relationships, I examined patient–physician interactions within a clinic that offered eye health and cosmetic facial services in the United States. Relying on ethnographic observations conducted in 2008, I evaluated how financial pressures shape the patient–physician relationship during the clinical encounter. To gain a financial advantage, patients attempted to reshape the relationship toward a socially intimate one, where favor and gift exchanges are more common. To ensure the rendering of services, the physician in turn allied herself with the patient, demonstrating how external parties are the barriers to affordable care. This allied relationship was tested when conflicts emerged, primarily because of the role of financial intermediaries in the clinical encounter. These conflicts resulted in the disintegration of the personal relationship, with...
Prospects of High Energy Laboratory Astrophysics

Ultra high energy cosmic rays (UHECR) have been observed but their sources and production mechanisms are yet to be understood. We envision a laboratory astrophysics program that will contribute to the understanding of cosmic accelerators with efforts to: (1) test and calibrate UHECR observational techniques, and (2) elucidate the underlying physics of cosmic acceleration through laboratory experiments and computer simulations. Innovative experiments belonging to the first category have already been done at the SLAC FFTB. Results on air fluorescence yields from the FLASH experiment are reviewed. Proposed future accelerator facilities can provided unprecedented high-energy-densities in a regime relevant to cosmic acceleration studies and accessible in a terrestrial environment for the first time. We review recent simulation studies of nonlinear plasma dynamics that could give rise to cosmic acceleration, and discuss prospects for experimental investigation of the underlying mechanisms.
Evaporation of Companions in VLMXBs and in Binary Millisecond Pulsars

The principles underlying the process of formation of a wind from a stellar atmosphere by external heating are applied to binary companions of neutron stars (NSs) which are being heated by radiation from the NS in Very-Low-Mass X-ray Binaries (VLMXBs) and in binary millisecond pulsar (BMP) systems. Among others, the possibilities of companion evaporation and of self-excited X-ray systems is discussed. The fast changes in the binary period of the ”windy” BMP 1957+20 and the nature of the newly discovered ”windy” BMP 1744-24A are discussed as well.
Are Use Cases Beneficial for Developers Using Agile Requirements

Agile teams commonly use User Stories, conversations with On-Site Customers, and Test Cases to gather requirements. Some Agile teams like to add other artifacts, such as Use Cases to provide more detail to the Agile Requirements. This paper presents the results of a controlled experiment aimed to learn whether Use Cases could help Agile Requirements, and, indirectly, to find if Agile Requirements techniques are sufficient. In the study, subjects were given requirements for three maintenance tasks as Use Cases, or Agile Requirements, or both. We found that subjects using Use Cases spent less time understanding requirements in comparison to subjects not using Use Cases. In addition, the presence of the Use Cases helped subjects to ask better questions to the On-Site Customer. However, we could not determine if subjects using Use Cases understood the requirements better. We conclude that the inclusion of Use Cases in Agile Requirements could benefit Agile teams.
Receptors for the malarial parasite

AbstractDuring the erythrocytic cycle of Plasmodium, the parasite develops within an enclosed space, the parasitophorous vacuole, formed by endocytosis of an invasive stage, the merozoite. Among the erythrocyte membrane proteins possibly acting as a receptor for the attachment of P. falciparum merozoites to human erythrocytes is glycophorin A Isolated glycophorin inhibits merozoite entry in a competitive manner, perhaps via association with a 155 kDa surface protein. Another protein that competitively inhibits merozoite invasion, is band 3, the erythrocyte anion transport protein. The protein bearing Duffy blood group antigens may act to modulate invasion, but does not behave as a receptor.
Low-income neighborhood barriers and resources for adolescents’ physical activity

Abstract Purpose To investigate factors of low-income neighborhoods and households on physical activity with a sample of adolescents from low-income neighborhoods. Methods Middle-school-aged youth (n = 74) from a low-income neighborhood completed self-report surveys. Measures include vigorous exercise frequency, neighborhood hazards, after-school time demands, availability of facilities, quality of facilities, and perceived safety. Hierarchical multiple linear regression and Pearson product moment correlations were conducted to test hypotheses that more frequent physical activity would be associated with more available locations, better quality facilities, fewer time demands, more after-school programs, more perceived safety, and more hazards. Results Results indicate that more physical activity was associated with more hours spent in after-school programs (r = .50, p p Conclusions Future health promotion programs should consider factors of after-school programs such as quality, cost, and presence of safe adults when attempting to increase and maintain youth physical activity in lower income areas.
Finding a Happy Median: Another Balance Representation for Measures of Center

This paper explores the use of a lesser-known dynamic model for the median, a foundational topic that starts in the middle school curriculum and is associated with student misconceptions and knowledge gaps. This model appears to offer a rich vehicle to explore the median interactively in greater conceptual depth that includes some of its more subtle associated ideas. An exploratory study to assess performance of this model in a class for pre-service middle school teachers yielded evidence that students who completed the dataset sequence associated with the model gained further insight about the median, especially concerning how the mean and median are affected differently by outliers. Analyses of open ended questions as well as empirical results of multiple-choice questions are used to assess the overall learning outcomes gained by students. A one-minute video is offered to illustrate key points of the model.
Preparative Electrophoresis of Human Lymphocytes II. Use of Non-Immunoglobulin Bearing Lymphocytes Obtained by Electrophoretic Levitation for the Elicitation of a Rabbit Anti-Human ‘T-Cell“ Serum

By intradermal injection (in Freund's complete adjuvant) of rabbits with only a few million human T-lymphocytes, obtained by preparative electrophoresis, an anti-human ‘T-cell“ serum can be obtained. Although the antiserum is best used in a fairly concentrated form, its anti-human ‘T-cell“ specificity (by immunofluorescence and E-rosetting) appears excellent, without the need to resort to absorption with various unwanted antigens. There may however, also be other specificities in the antiserum, as it also reacts with human granulocytes.
Dorsal Horn Substance P and NK1 Receptors: Study of a Model System in Spinal Nociceptive Processing

Small unmyelinated fibers are the primary afferents by which input initiated by high intensity thermal and mechanical stimuli or by chemical products generated secondary to tissue injury, is communicated to the spinal cord. Events which increase small afferent terminal excitability and neurotransmitter release enhance the nociceptive message, while events which diminish small afferent terminal excitability/release diminish the magnitude of the post-synaptic depolarization and attenuate the pain message. The regulation of the activity of small afferent terminals which contain and release SP at the spinal level can be reasonably interpreted as representing effects (direct or indirect) on this family of peptidergic C-fiber terminals. Thus, SP release provides a well-defined model system for characterizing modulatory components involved in the in vivo regulation of pain behavior at this critical first order link.