cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessment and Recommendations of Compounding Education in AACP Member Institutions

In August 2009, the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) Council of Sections established a Task Force to assess the current status of compounding education at its member institutions and to provide recommendations for future direction. The Task Force conducted a survey in late June 2010 of faculty members enrolled in the AACP Pharmaceutics and Pharmacy Practice sections to gain qualitative information of the current state of compounding education. The survey results were then organized around eight curricular topics for which the Task Force members provided interpretations and recommendations. A final report was sent to the AACP Council of Sections on February 15, 2011. This publication provides the information contained in that final report to the professional community.
Localized Unfolding at the Junction of Three Ferritin Subunits A MECHANISM FOR IRON RELEASE

Abstract How and where iron exits from ferritin for cellular use is unknown. Twenty-four protein subunits create a cavity in ferritin where iron is concentrated >1011-fold as a mineral. Proline substitution for conserved leucine 134 (L134P) allowed normal assembly but increased iron exit rates. X-ray crystallography of H-L134P ferritin revealed localized unfolding at the 3-fold axis, also iron entry sites, consistent with shared use sites for iron exit and entry. The junction of three ferritin subunits appears to be a dynamic aperture with a “shutter” that cytoplasmic factors might open or close to regulate iron release in vivo.
Interactions between a spacecraft and an ion thruster produced environment

The electron bombardment ion thruster is a candidate propulsion device for several proposed interplanetary missions. A comet rendezvous mission is expected to be the first use of a Solar Electric Propulsion System (SEPS). Because this is the first use of such a system, it is necessary to understand the interactions between the spacecraft and the environment produced by the SEPS. A preliminary assessment of the interactions between a thruster produced environment and the Comet Rendezvous spacecraft, including its science instruments, is presented which concludes that compatibility between the SEPS and the spacecraft can be obtained.
The Basis for Resistance to β-Lactam Antibiotics by Penicillin-binding Protein 2a of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a) of Staphylococcus aureus is refractory to inhibition by available beta-lactam antibiotics, resulting in resistance to these antibiotics. The strains of S. aureus that have acquired the mecA gene for PBP2a are designated as methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). The mecA gene was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli, and PBP2a was purified to homogeneity. The kinetic parameters for interactions of several beta-lactam antibiotics (penicillins, cephalosporins, and a carbapenem) and PBP2a were evaluated. The enzyme manifests resistance to covalent modification by beta-lactam antibiotics at the active site serine residue in two ways. First, the microscopic rate constant for acylation (k2) is attenuated by 3 to 4 orders of magnitude over the corresponding determinations for penicillin-sensitive penicillin-binding proteins. Second, the enzyme shows elevated dissociation constants (Kd) for the non-covalent pre-acylation complexes with the antibiotics, the formation of which ultimately would lead to enzyme acylation. The two factors working in concert effectively prevent enzyme acylation by the antibiotics in vivo, giving rise to drug resistance. Given the opportunity to form the acyl enzyme species in in vitro experiments, circular dichroism measurements revealed that the enzyme undergoes substantial conformational changes in the course of the process that would lead to enzyme acylation. The observed conformational changes are likely to be a hallmark for how this enzyme carries out its catalytic function in cross-linking the bacterial cell wall.
Isospin considerations in correlations of pions and B mesons.

The correlations between a B meson and a pion produced nearby in phase space should respect isospin reflection symmetry ${\mathit{I}}_{3}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}-${\mathit{I}}_{3}$. Thus, one generally expects similar ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\pi}}}^{+}$${\mathit{B}}^{0}$ and ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\pi}}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$${\mathit{B}}^{+}$ correlations (nonexotic channels), and similar ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\pi}}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$${\mathit{B}}^{0}$ and ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\pi}}}^{+}$${\mathit{B}}^{+}$ correlations (exotic channels). Exceptions include (a) fragmentation processes involving the exchange of quarks with the producing system, (b) misidentification of charged kaons as charged pions, and (c) effects of the decay products of the associated B\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}. All of these can affect the apaprent signal for correlations of charged B mesons with charged hadrons. The identification of the flavor of neutral B mesons through the decay ${\mathit{B}}^{0}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\mathit{K}}^{\mathrm{*}0}$J/\ensuremath{\psi} requires good particle identification in order that the decay ${\mathit{K}}^{\mathrm{*}0}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\mathit{K}}^{+}$${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\pi}}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$ not be mistaken for K${\mathrm{\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}}}^{\mathrm{*}0}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\mathit{K}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\pi}}}^{+}$, in which case the correlations of neutral B mesons with hadrons can be underestimated.
Volume, process of care, and operative mortality for cystectomy for bladder cancer.

Objectives High-volume hospitals have lower mortality rates for a wide range of surgical procedures, including cystectomy for bladder cancer. However, the processes of care that mediate this effect are unknown. We sought to identify the processes that underlie the volume-outcome relationship for cystectomy. Methods Within the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare data set, we used International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-9 procedure codes to identify 4465 patients who underwent cystectomy for bladder cancer between 1992 and 1999. The preoperative and perioperative processes of care were abstracted from the inpatient, outpatient, and physician files using the procedure and diagnosis codes available through 2002. Logistic models were used to assess the relationship between the process and hospital volume, adjusting for differences in patient characteristics. Results Substantial variation was found in the use of specific processes of care across the hospital volume strata. High-volume hospitals had greater rates of preoperative cardiac testing (odds ratio [OR] 1.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.24 to 1.98), intraoperative arterial monitoring (OR 3.73, 95% CI 3.11 to 4.46), and the use of a continent diversion (OR 4.01, 95% CI 3.03 to 5.30), among many others. Patients treated at low-volume hospitals were 48% more likely to die in the postoperative period (4.9% versus 3.5%, adjusted OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.03 to 2.13). Differences in the use of processes of care explained 23% of this volume-mortality effect. Conclusions High-volume and low-volume hospitals differ with regard to many processes of care before, during, and after radical cystectomy. Although these practices have partly explained the volume-outcome relationships for cystectomy, the primary mechanisms underlying this effect remain unclear.
Influence of Messenger on Corn Yield and Mycotoxin Contamination in Mississippi

Harpin, a bacterial protein that elicits systemic acquired resistance increasing plant disease resistance in several species, is reported to enhance yield and quality of several crops including corn (Zea may L.). This experiment examined the effect of Harpin on corn yield, suppression of aflatoxin and fumonisin contamination, and Aspergillus colonization in corn grain. The experiment was conducted in 2002 and 2003 on two different soils at Stoneville, MS. Plots of a commercial corn hybrid were inoculated with Aspergillus flavus strain F3W4, formulated on autoclaved wheat (Triticum aestivum L) kernels, and applied to the soil surface at growth stages V5-V6 of the corn. Fusarium verticillioides was allowed to infect the grain naturally. Harpin was applied at a rate of 160 g/ha as a spray over the top of corn plants at growth stages V1 to V2 and again at V5 to V6. No differences in yield were observed nor did harpin have any effect on aflatoxin or fumonisin contamination. Aspergillus colonization was unaffected by harpin at one site and was lower than the untreated controls when applied at growth stages V1 to V2 at the other.
Mechanics of fluid movement across single capillaries in the rabbit

Abstract An analysis was made of the factors involved in the net movement of fluid through the walls of single capillaries. The method, as originally developed by Landis, utilized the movement of red blood cells in capillaries immediately after temporary occlusion with a glass microneedle as an indication of the relative predominance of either hydrostatic or colloid osmotic pressures. Comparison of transcapillary fluid movement before and after known osmotic transients with intravenous albumin made it possible to calculate the filtration constant and the net or effective driving pressure in selected capillaries. The filtration constant in the omental capillaries was lowest on the arterial side (2 to 8 × 10 −3 μ/sec) and highest on the venous side (16 to 25 × 10 −3 μ/sec). The effective hydrostatic pressure in the capillaries varied between 28−22 cm H 2 O, well above the colloid osmotic pressure of the plasma proteins. The findings reaffirm the need to reconsider the precise application of the linear, constitutive relationship governing transcapillary fluid movement as postulated by Starling.
Does Resident Involvement Impact Post-Operative Complications Following Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty? An Analysis of 24,529 Cases

Abstract Little is known about the impact of resident involvement on complication rates following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The goal of our study was to determine the impact of resident involvement on complications following primary TKA. Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database (2005–2012) we identified 24,529 patients who underwent primary TKA. Of these, 5960 (24.3%) had a resident involved in a primary TKA. Using a multivariate logistic regression which incorporated propensity score adjustment, no differences were seen in morbidity and mortality following those cases with resident involvement (OR: 1.15, P = 0.129). In the first large scale, comprehensive analysis of resident impact on short-term morbidity and mortality, no increase in complications was observed with resident involvement in primary TKA.
Simple Graphical Method of Correcting for Instrumental Broadening

A method is presented for correcting the function g(x) which results when measurements on a wanted function f(x) are subject to instrumental broadening. The essence of the method lies in its simplicity, which especially suits it for application to the correction of stellar molecular spectra and similar cases where the complexity or quality of the data does not warrant undue expenditure of effort.As a basis for the method, the paper establishes a finite-difference solution of the integral equation in the form g+ΣUnΔng.From this it is deduced that the correction to the curve g at the point P is proportional to the amount by which the mid-point of a certain chord falls below P. Both the span of the chord and the constant of proportionality are independent of the abscissa x; they may be calculated from the instrumental profile.
The Robbins-Monro type stochastic differential equations. III. Polyak's averaging

General results concerning the asymptotic behaviour of the Polyak averaging of the solution of the Robbins-Monro type stochastic differential equation are presented. It is shown that the suitable normalized process admits an asymptotic expansion which enables one to obtain its asymptotic distribution from a central limit theorem for martingales.
Synthesis of β-Glycosyl Amides from N-Glycosyl Dinitrobenzenesulfonamides

The N-glycosyl-2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonamides were accessed via benzoyl-protected β-glycosyl azides. The azides were reduced with Adams’ catalyst to the corresponding amines. The glycosylamines were sulfonated with 2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonyl chloride to form N-glycosyl-2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonamides in moderate yields. β-Glycosyl amides were then prepared in 67% to 81% yields by treatment of the sulfonamides with thioacetic acid and cesium carbonate. The conversion of the glycosylsulfonamide to the glycosyl amide proceeded with high stereoselectivity.
Performance Evaluation of Saw Devices by Simulation

AbstractSurface acoustic wave (SAW) devices have been used since the early 1990s as critical components in many radio frequency (RF) transmitters and receivers due to their small size, efficient operation, and excellent performance characteristics. In today’s wireless applications, the number of passive SAW components used is on the increase. SAW devices are being used in mobile phones and wireless devices as RF resonator filters, intermediate frequency filters, and local oscillators. In addition, SAW devices have recently been defined and used for sensing various measurands, including gases, liquids, ice, and mechanical vibrations. Because SAW devices are so widely used, it is desirable to evaluate the device prior to fabrication, especially in cases where the devices’ material and dimensions have a major influence on the performance of the overall system. In this article the authors present the frequency response simulation of SAW devices using MATLAB™. Both equivalent circuit and transmission matrices ...
Sensitivity of Seismic Response and Fragility to Parameter Uncertainty

As the use for regional seismic risk assessment increases, the need for reliable fragility curves for portfolios (or classes) of structures becomes more important. Fragility curves for portfolios of structures have the added complexity of having to deal with the uncertainty in geometric properties, along with the typical uncertainties such as material or component response parameters. Analysts are challenged with selecting a prudent level of uncertainty treatment while balancing the simulation and computational effort. In order to address this question, this study first evaluates the modeling parameters which significantly affect the seismic response of an example class of retrofitted bridges. Further, the relative importance of the uncertainty in these modeling parameters, gross geometries, and ground motions is assessed. The study reveals that savings in simulation and computational effort in fragility estimation may be achieved through a preliminary screening of modeling parameters. However, the propagation of these potentially variable parameters tends to be overshadowed by the uncertainty in the ground motion and base geometry of the structural class.
Singular perturbations of a class of time-optimal controls

An approximate time-optimal control of a linear time invariant system consisting of a cascade of fast and slow subsystems is proposed.
Method to detect cardiac abnormalities based on electrocardiography and sinoatrial pacemaker model

In this paper, a new method for detecting cardiac abnormalities (bradycardia and tachycardia) is proposed. Based on the YNI (Yanagihara, Noma, and Irisawa) model to analyze the pole-zero characteristics of the phase error between abnormal electrocardiography (ECG) and entrained YNI-response, it develops a diagnostic pacemaker system that can replace multiple sensors. The work derives for the first time the thresholds of poles and zeros to diagnose deadly bradycardia and tachycardia, respectively. Simulation analysis confirms that the proposed pole-zero characteristics of cardiac abnormalities is effective to complete a diagnostic process for a pacemaker in real time. The results of this study will be useful not only for detection and analysis of cardiac abnormalities but also for improvement of the performance of pacemakers.
Bacterial host resistance models in the evaluation of immunotoxicity.

To assess potential immunomodulatory effects of a drug, pollutant, or natural product, an analysis of an exposed host’s ability to resist challenge with a viable bacteria is one of the best gauges. Many factors govern whether a host exposed to a test agent and then infected becomes ill or dies at rates greater than infected control counterparts. Beyond the status of the host’s immunocompetence, a bacterium’s route of entry into the host and its inherent virulence are important variables determining how (and rate at which) an infection resolves. A pre-determination of endpoint(s) to be defined is critical during planning of resistance assays. If a study is to determine overall changes in immunocompetence due to exposure (regardless of regimen or dosage of test agent), then assessing shifts in morbidity/mortality at a defined lethal dose [LDx] value for the chosen route of infection would suffice. However, if a study is to define extent of immunomodulation in a particular body organ/cavity—or specific alterations in particular aspects of the humoral or cell-mediated immune responses—then careful selection of the pathogen, dose of the inoculum, means of infection of target site, and extent of the post-infection period to be examined, need to be made prior to host exposure to the test toxicant. This review will provide the Reader with background information about bacterial infections and how endpoint selection could be approached when designing resistance assays. An overview of protocols involved in the assays (e.g., bacterial preparation, host infection, post-infection endpoint analyses) and information about three bacteria that are among the most commonly employed in resistance assays is provided as well.
Trajectory Simulations for Laser-Launched Microsatellites Using a 7-DOF Flight Dynamics Model

Laser launch trajectories are being developed for boosting nano- and micro-satellite sized payloads (i.e., 1 to 100 kg) using a 7-Degree Of Freedom (DOF) flight dynamics model that has been extensively calibrated against 16 actual trajectories of small scale model lightcraft flown at White Sands Missile Range, NM on a 10 kW pulsed CO2 laser called PLVTS. The full system 7-DOF model is comprised of individual aerodynamics, engine, laser beam propagation, variable vehicle inertia, reaction controls system, and dynamics models, integrated to represent all major phenomena in a consistent framework. The suborbital trajectory results presented herein are for a 240 cm diameter lightcraft (100 kg payload; 100 MW beam power) flown under three different laser-boost scenarios: 1) liftoff and vertical climb-out on a vertically oriented laser beam; 2) liftoff and climb-out along a constant laser beam pointing angle (fixed azimuth and zenith) defined relative to the launch pad; 3) liftoff and climb-out on a beam with a time-varying pointing schedule (azimuth and zenith) to “slingshot” the lightcraft laterally, making maximum use of the engine’s autonomous beam-riding feature. For simplicity, simulations assume a solid ablative rocket propellant (e.g., Teflon®-like performance) with a vacuum specific impulse of 644 seconds, momentum coupling coefficient of 190 N/MW, and overall efficiency of 60%. This flight dynamics model and associated 7-DOF code provide a physics-based predictive tool for basic research investigations into laser launched lightcraft for suborbital and orbital missions. An investigative protocol was developed to identify and quantify phenomena that dominate each phase of the launch trajectory. These protocols are specified herein, along with physics-based explanations for such phenomena, both predicted and observed.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Structural health monitoring of railroad wheels using wheel impact load detectors

This paper proposes two quantitative criteria for removing railroad wheels from service, based on real-time structural health monitoring trends that are developed using data collected from trains while in service. The data is collected using wheel impact load detectors (WILDs). These impact load trends are able to distinguish wheels with a high probability of failure from high-impact wheels with a low probability of failure. The trends indicate the critical wheels that actually need to be removed, while at the same time allowing wheels that aren’t critical to remain in service. As a result, the safety of the railroad will be much improved by being able to identify and remove wheels that have high likelihood of causing catastrophic failures.
Optical power induced damage to microelectromechanical mirrors

This paper presents the results of an investigation of optical power induced damage to surface-micromachined micromirrors. A mathematical model was developed and used to predict the minimum incident optical power that will permanently damage the reflective surface of a micromirror. The model is based on a heat flow analysis of a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device in thermal equilibrium under continuous direct illumination, and has been validated using a variety of micromirror designs with both thermal simulation and direct laser illumination.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Absorption Revisited: Do Extracranial Lymphatics Play a Role?

It would seem heretical to suggest that extracranial lymphatic vessels play a major role in the volumetric clearance of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the cranial vault. It is well established that there are no lymphatics within the brain parenchyma, and it has been assumed that the drainage of CSF into the venous system occurs predominantly through the arachnoid villi and granulations. Nonetheless, a physiological association between extracellular fluid in the brain and extracranial lymph has been appreciated for more than 100 years. More important, recent studies in adult experimental animals have demonstrated that on average, one-half of the total volume of CSF absorbed from the cranial compartment was removed by extracranial lymphatics. Our objective in writing this review is to outline the experimental data that support the hypothesis that extracranial lymphatic vessels play an important role in CSF transport in the adult. Additionally, we will develop the hypothesis that lymphatic vessels may provid...
Gabapentin Shows Promise in Treating Refractory Insomnia in Children

Insomnia is prevalent in pediatrics, particularly in those with neurodevelopmental disorders. Gabapentin has shown promise in treating insomnia in adults. The purpose of our study was to review our experience with using gabapentin to treat insomnia in children. We identified 23 children, seen by the authors in our Pediatric Sleep Clinic from January 2009 to March 2012. The mean age was 7.2 years and 70% were male. The majority (87%) had been given diagnoses of neurodevelopmental or neuropsychiatric disorders. All parents received education in sleep behavioral interventions. The majority of children (70%) had both sleep-onset and sleep maintenance insomnia. The average starting dose of gabapentin was 5 mg/kg every bedtime and the maximal dose was 15 mg/kg every bedtime. At follow-up, improved sleep was noted in 78% of children. Adverse effects were noted in 6 children.
Least weight design of steel pile foundations

Abstract The layouts of steel piles under slab foundations are optimized to find the least weight systems. The pile inertias and batters are varied using an optimality criteria approach. A Gauss-Seidel procedure is used to evaluate the Lagrange multipliers. The types of design limits controlled by the optimization are the pile stresses, displacements, sizes and orientations. Three examples are given, two of them are dam structures, and the other is a control tower foundation. The first dam structure demonstrates that a feasible design can be reached even though the initial design is highly infeasible. The control tower foundation demonstrates that significant weight reductions can be achieved given an understressed initial design.
Engagement states and learning from educational games.

Children's and adolescents' cognitive, affective, and behavioral states of engagement enhance or impede enjoyment of, and performance with, educational games. We propose a comprehensive model of engagement states and apply it to research on educational game development and research on the role of various aspects of engagement on game play and learning. Emphasis is placed on individual differences in attention, memory, motor speed and control, persistence, and positive and negative affect (approach/avoidance), and how these pertain to social cognitions regarding mathematics achievement. Our challenge is to develop educational games that are effective for a wide variety of student engagement states. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modulation of Membrane Rigidity by Sar1, a Vesicle Trafficking Protein

Intracellular cargo trafficking involves dramatic changes in membrane shape, the mechanics of which remain poorly understood. We focus on Sar1, the key regulator of the coat protein complex II (COPII) family that ferries newly synthesized proteins from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and the only member of the COPII coat that interacts directly with the ER lipid bilayer membrane. To investigate whether Sar1 has a role beyond merely localizing the other COPII proteins, we directly measure the force involved in membrane deformation as a function of its concentration, using optically trapped microspheres to pull tethers from in vitro lipid membranes whose composition and large surface area mimic the composition and geometry of the ER. We find that Sar1 lowers the rigidity (bending modulus) of lipid membranes to nearly zero in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, Sar1 lacking its N-terminal amphipathic helix induces negative (concave) spontaneous membrane curvature. These results reveal a paradigm-altering insight into COPII trafficking: Sar1 actively alters the material properties of the membranes it binds to, lowering the energetic cost of curvature generation.View Large Image | View Hi-Res Image | Download PowerPoint Slide
A Comparison of the Use of Orthographic Structure in Word Discrimination by Learning Disabled and Normal Children

A group of 45 learning disabled children and a group of 45 normal children were presented pairs of letter patterns. In each pair, one pattern was a word in English (orthographically legitimate) and the other was not (orthographically illegitimate). Children were asked to identify the pattern that “is most like a real word.” After twenty pairs had been given, the reading section of the Wide Range Achievement Test was administered. A significant difference was found between the learning disabled and normal groups in discriminating between orthographically legitimate and orthographically illegitimate pairs. Further, this ability to discriminate correlated with performance on the reading section of the Wide Range Achievement Test.
Examination of the reticular epithelium of the bovine pharyngeal tonsil.

The pharyngeal tonsil (adenoid), located at the posterior of the nasopharynx is ideally positioned to sample antigens passing through the nasal cavity or oral cavity. Entering antigens will first contact tonsilar epithelium. To better understand the cellular organization of this important epithelial layer, pharyngeal tonsils were collected from six, 7-month-old calves and examined by light microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy. Morphometric analysis showed that the epithelium overlying lymphoid follicles (reticular epithelium) contained significantly more B-cells, CD4+, and CD11c+ cells than nonreticular epithelium. In contrast, nonreticular epithelium contained significantly more, γ/δ TCR+ cells than reticular epithelium. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy of reticular epithelium identified a heterogeneous population of epithelial cells, many of which displayed morphologic characteristics of M-cells. Moreover, putative M-cells were shown to possess the capacity for microparticle uptake. Bovine pharyngeal tonsilar reticular epithelium contains key immune cells, as well as M-cells; elements essential for antigen uptake, antigen processing, and initiation of immune responses. A better understanding of the morphology and function of tonsilar lymphoepithelium will strengthen our understanding of it's role in disease pathogenesis, and potential use as an induction site for mucosal immune responses to vaccination. Anat Rec, 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Synthesis of citrate from phosphoenolpyruvate and acetylcarnitine by mitochondria from rabbit enterocytes: implications for lipogenesis.

Abstract Enterocytes from fasted rabbits make glucose from exogenous fructose and dihydroxyacetone at rates of 180 and 91 nmol/min/108 cells but do not make glucose from glycerol, aspartate, malate, lactate, α-ketoglutarate, glutamate or glutamine. Total activities of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase and glucose 6-phosphatase in isolated enterocytes are 0.44, 0.60 and 1.90 μmol/min/108 cells, and ≥95% of carboxykinase activity is intramitochondrial. Enterocytes contain marginal glycerol kinase (0.05 μmol/min/108 cells) and essentially no pyruvate carboxylase activities. Enterocyte mitochondria synthesize citrate from exogenous phosphoenolpyruvate and acetylcarnitine at a rate of 2.40 nmol/min/mg protein. Citrate formation is highly dependent on exogenous HCO3− and inhibited strongly by 3-mercaptopicolinate and 1,2,3-benzenetricarboxylate. Citrate synthesis is stimulated consistently by GDP and significantly so by GTP. Citrate production is unaffected by ADP or ATP. Enterocytes from fasted-refed rabbits contain activities of 0.05, 0.12, 0.39 and 0.56 μmol/min/mg cytosolic protein of ATP:citrate lyase, NADP:malate dehydrogenase, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase and NADP:isocitrate dehydrogenase. Activities of NADP:malate dehydrogenase, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase and NADP:isocitrate dehydrogenase are significantly higher in enterocytes from fasted-refed rabbits than those from fasted rabbits. Mitochondrial phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase in enterocytes in vivo could convert glycolysis-derived phosphoenolpyruvate to oxaloacetate that, with acetyl CoA, could form citrate for export to support cytosolic lipogenesis as an activator of acetyl CoA carboxylase, a source of carbon via ATP:citrate lyase and of NADPH via NADP:malate dehydrogenase or NADP:isocitrate dehydrogenase.
Do federal deficits affect interest rates? Evidence from three econometric methods

Abstract Much econometric analysis explores whether fiscal deficits affect interest rates, as traditional economic theory suggests. This work, generally using a model of the loanable-funds (credit) market, estimates reduced-form, single-equation representations of the interest rate. This approach to economic problems falls within the tradition of the work of the Cowles Commission researchers, who pioneered much of current econometric practice. This paper re-investigates the fiscal deficit-interest rate relationship using Bayesian, London School, and vector autoregressive (VAR) econometric methods. We find evidence of a significant positive link between the fiscal deficit and long-term interest rates using the Bayesian and London School methods; the VAR method provides a mixed picture. In addition, each method possesses critical junctures where the subjective judgment of the researcher plays a pivotal role, an often heard criticism of the Cowles Commission method by proponents of these newer methods. Thus, our work extends the existing sensitivity analysis in this area to encompass the broader issues of econometric method.
Foreign Transfers and Real Exchange Rate Adjustments in a Financially Constrained Dependent Economy

This paper investigates the role of the real exchange rate in determining the effects of foreign transfers. If capital is perfectly mobile between sectors, a pure transfer has no long-run impact on the real exchange rate. A decline in the traded sector occurs because the transfer, being denominated in traded output, substitutes for exports in financing imports. While a pure transfer causes short-run real exchange appreciation, this response is temporary and negligibly small. Transfers allocated to productivity enhancement do generate permanent real exchange rate adjustments in response to the sectoral reallocation of productive factors. The analysis, which employs extensive numerical simulations, emphasizes the tradeoffs between real exchange adjustments, long-run capital accumulation, and economic welfare, associated with alternative forms of transfers.
Support vector machine implementations for classification & clustering.

We describe Support Vector Machine (SVM) applications to classification and clustering of channel current data. SVMs are variational-calculus based methods that are constrained to have structural risk minimization (SRM), i.e., they provide noise tolerant solutions for pattern recognition. The SVM approach encapsulates a significant amount of model-fitting information in the choice of its kernel. In work thus far, novel, information-theoretic, kernels have been successfully employed for notably better performance over standard kernels. Currently there are two approaches for implementing multiclass SVMs. One is called external multi-class that arranges several binary classifiers as a decision tree such that they perform a single-class decision making function, with each leaf corresponding to a unique class. The second approach, namely internal-multiclass, involves solving a single optimization problem corresponding to the entire data set (with multiple hyperplanes). Each SVM approach encapsulates a significant amount of model-fitting information in its choice of kernel. In work thus far, novel, information-theoretic, kernels were successfully employed for notably better performance over standard kernels. Two SVM approaches to multiclass discrimination are described: (1) internal multiclass (with a single optimization), and (2) external multiclass (using an optimized decision tree). We describe benefits of the internal-SVM approach, along with further refinements to the internal-multiclass SVM algorithms that offer significant improvement in training time without sacrificing accuracy. In situations where the data isn't clearly separable, making for poor discrimination, signal clustering is used to provide robust and useful information – to this end, novel, SVM-based clustering methods are also described. As with the classification, there are Internal and External SVM Clustering algorithms, both of which are briefly described.
TU-C-BRB-09: A New Monthly QA Routine for CyberKnife: Experience and Evaluation

Purpose: The currently accepted techniques for monthly quality assurance of a CyberKnife system is inefficient with respect to time, uneconomical with respect to cost, and prone to setup error. We propose a new routine which reduces time allotment, cost, and susceptibility to error.Methods: Our phantom includes three slabs of solid acrylic. The 0.5 mm‐thick top slab provides buildup for radiochromic film which is sandwiched between the first and the 2 mm‐thick second slab (containing a cavity drilled for insertion of a microchamber which intersects the beamline at the central axis. Between the second and third (3 mm‐thick) slab are three fiducials which are used with stereoradiography for 6‐axis phantom alignment. A plan is created which irradiates the phantom with all fixed and variable‐ diameter collimators used in our clinic. Each of these beams delivers 300 MU to the film, upon which beam widths can be verified. A set of 60‐mm beams is directed to the center of phantom, coinciding with the location of the ion chamber (at 80 cm SAD). We irradiate the phantom three times with this beam (50, 100, and 150 MU), allowing verification of output calibration and dose‐per‐MU linearity. Results: For three months, the new monthly QA routine was performed in parallel with the current routine. No notable deviations were noticeable with either method. The notable difference between the two routines was the reduction in setup and study time. From setup‐to‐analysis, the new routine took 45 minutes, while the former routine took three hours to complete. Additionally, comparable results were achieved using a single sheet of radiochromic film, as opposed to four sheets (which is required by the former routine). Conclusions: We present a time‐ efficient and cost‐effective method to perform monthly QA. The highly‐ automated nature of the aforementioned technique reduces setup time and can reduce setup error.
Hypocalciuric effect of lithium: A confirmatory study

Abstract This study confirms previous observations that short-term lithium therapy decreases urinary calcium excretion. Hypocalciuria begins within a few days of administering lithium carbonate (but not sodium carbonate) in low doses (300–600 mg/day) to normal volunteers. It is not due to an alteration in gastrointestinal absorption of calcium. Rather, it may be caused by increased renal calcium conservation secondary to increased parathyroid hormone secretion. Its exact clinical significance remains to be elucidated.
Sexual Dimorphism in Morphometry and Allometry of the Adult Lined Seahorse, Hippocampus erectus

Despite monogamous mating systems and size-assortative mating observed in many seahorse (Hippocampus) species, sexual dimorphism is nonetheless observed in some. This study documents morphometry and allometry of the adult Lined Seahorse, Hippocampus erectus, and examines sexual dimorphism in these measures. Males exhibit longer standard lengths, shorter trunks with isometric growth, and longer tails with positively allometric growth. In contrast, females demonstrate positively allometric growth of trunk length and isometric growth in tail length. There is no observed dimorphism in the weight–length relationship, but it is positively allometric. Sexual dimorphism of body parts suggests sexually selective pressures, with longer trunks in larger females accommodating developing ovaries, and longer tails hypothetically garnering advantages for larger males in courtship behavior (tail grabbing), gestation (supporting brood pouches), and intraspecific competition (tail wrestling). Though monogamous mating syste...
Ideological stratification: American beliefs about economic justice

By integrating systematically the common themes in the stratification and justice literatures, researchers have sought to advance our understanding of the role of ideologies in legitimating inequality. This paper examines how beliefs about meritocracy and opportunity in American society relate to the way people think about reducing income differences between the rich and the poor. Using a national sample of U.S. adults (N=1473), we find that the majority of the respondents believe that America has an open system where achievement is tied to individual abilities and educational opportunities. On the other hand the respondents are split in their views on meritocracy, with 50% believing that an individual's high socioeconomic position is reflective of special abilities. The role of ideologies in influencing beliefs about economic justice is direct in that persons who believe in the tenets of equal opportunity and meritocracy are not in favor of reducing income differences between the rich and the poor. Additionally, stratal differences in beliefs about economic justice are seen, with disadvantaged individuals more likely to question the legitimacy of inequality.
Chemical diffusion in melts on the CaMgSi2O6-CaAl2Si2O8 join under high pressures

Abstract This study was designed to obtain data on the rates of chemical diffusion between melt couples of diopside to Di 40 An 60 composition and to determine changes in diffusion rates with temperature and pressure. Chemical diffusion in melts along the join diopside-anorthite can be described as binary (i.e., compositions remain on the join in the diffusion zone) up to a difference of 20 wt% between melt couple compositions. For larger concentration differences, multicomponent diffusion matrices should be calculated. The diagonal elements of these matrices are similar to the effective binary diffusion coefficients determined from the binary diffusion equation, but the off-diagonal terms are of the same order of magnitude and cannot be neglected. Pressures up to 20 kbars do not change the diffusion coefficients significantly, although a diffusivity maximum may exist near 10 kbars. Activation energies for MgO and Al 2 O 3 diffusion are consistent with a mechanism of individual ionic species diffusing through the melt.
Characterization of B61, the Ligand for the Eck Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinase

B61 was originally described as a novel secreted tumor necrosis factor-α-inducible gene product in endothelial cells (Holzman, L. B., Marks, R. M., and Dixit, V. M.(1990) Mol. Cell. Biol. 10, 5830-5838). It was recently discovered that soluble recombinant B61 could serve as a ligand for the Eck receptor protein-tyrosine kinase, a member of the Eph/Eck subfamily of receptor protein-tyrosine kinases (Bartley, T. D., Hunt, R. W., Welcher, A. A., Boyle, W. J., Parker, V. P., Lindberg, R. A., Lu, H. S., Colombero, A. M., Elliott, R. L., Guthrie, R. A., Holst, P. L., Skrine, J. D., Toso, R. J., Zhang, M., Fernandez, E., Trail, G., Yarnum, B., Yarden, Y., Hunter, T., and Fox, G. M.(1994) Nature 368, 558-560). We now show that B61 can also exist as a cell surface glycosylphosphatidylinositol-linked protein that is capable of activating the Eck receptor protein-tyrosine kinase, the first such report of a receptor protein-tyrosine kinase ligand that is glycosylphosphatidylinositol-linked. In addition, the expression patterns of B61 and Eck during mouse ontogeny were determined by in situ hybridization. Both were found to be highly expressed in the developing lung and gut, while Eck was preferentially expressed in the thymus. Finally, the gene for B61 was localized to a specific position on mouse chromosome 3 by interspecific backcross analysis.
Phosphorescence microwave double resonance and spectroscopic studies of the radiative mechanisms of benzaldehyde type 3ππ* aromatic carbonyls

We have made a detailed investigation of the vibronic band dependence of the radiative decay rates from the spin sublevels of the 3ππ* aromatic carbonyls of the benzaldehyde type. The sublevel phosphorescence spectra were obtained for representative systems. It is shown that the emissions from the z and x sublevels are active at the 0-0 and the vibronic bands involving both a′ and a″ vibrations, while the y sublevel emission is strong at the bands involving a′ vibrations. Correlations between the relative intensities of the various vibronic bands and the energies among 3ππ*, 3nπ* and 1nπ* states were investigated. It is shown that the direct interaction between 3ππ* and 3nπ* states is important in causing radiative decay. The radiative decay from the z sublevel is primarily due to the three mechanisms : (i) direct electrostatic mixing between 3ππ* and 3nπ* states, (ii) vibronic mixing between 3ππ* and 3nπ* states, (iii) direct spin-orbit mixing between 3ππ* and 1nπ* states. The factors which determine the...
A View of the Future of Risk Management

Recent high-profile corporate scandals have resulted in moves to improve corporate governance, specifically financial reporting. One of the offshoots of improved financial reporting is the notion that publicly held firms should disclose clearly all ‘threats to people, property, or profits’. An enterprise-wide risk management program considers the collective exposures that can affect the value of an economic entity. There is a focus on three distinct areas: human resources, physical resources, and financial resources. Risk management is associated with the maintenance of value of these resources within the entity. There is a recognition that no decision is without a risk management aspect. The risk management process is validated because of this clear connection between risk management activities and the value of the economic entity. This has brought an increased appreciation for risk management as an academic discipline. The concept of enterprise-wide risk management appeals to management scholars viewing the relationships among strategic management, operational management, and risk management. In an increasingly complex world, identifying and analyzing these relationships is critical to the success of economic entities.
Full-scale ground effects of twin impinging jets beneath a subsonic tactical V/STOL aircraft

This paper presents a summary of an analysis of flow field characteristics about a large scale twin-tilt-nacelle V/STOL aircraft in close proximity to the ground. The analysis uses experimental data in the form of measurements of pressure distributions on the ground beneath the aircraft and on the undersurface of the aircraft's fuselage. The integrals of these distributions are compared with forces measured directly, for both the total model and isolated nacelles, (i.e., net thrust). The handling qualities of the vehicle were found to be influenced by flow field characteristic features, not present in simpler models. Lift increases and significant degradation in roll control occur at low heights for fuselage strake deflections of 30 degrees or more. Reductions in control effectiveness about the other axes were also observed.
Measurement of acute Q-wave myocardial infarct size with single photon emission computed tomography imaging of indium-111 antimyosin

Myocardial infarct size was measured by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) following injection of indium-111 antimyosin in 27 patients (18 male and 9 female; mean age 57.4 +/- 10.5 years, range 37 to 75) who had acute transmural myocardial infarction (MI). These 27 patients represent 27 of 35 (77%) consecutive patients with acute Q-wave infarctions who were injected with indium-111 antimyosin. In the remaining 8 patients either tracer uptake was too faint or the scans were technically inadequate to permit infarct sizing from SPECT reconstructions. In the 27 patients studied, infarct location by electrocardiogram was anterior in 15 and inferoposterior in 12. Nine patients had a history of prior infarction. Each patient received 2 mCi of indium-111 antimyosin followed by SPECT imaging 48 hours later. Infarct mass was determined from coronal slices using a threshold value obtained from a human torso/cardiac phantom. Infarct size ranged from 11 to 87 g mean 48.5 +/- 24). Anterior infarcts were significantly (p less than 0.01) larger (60 +/- 20 g) than inferoposterior infarcts (34 +/- 21 g). For patients without prior MI, there were significant inverse correlations between infarct size and ejection fraction (r = 0.71, p less than 0.01) and wall motion score (r = 0.58, p less than 0.01) obtained from predischarge gated blood pool scans. Peak creatine kinase-MB correlated significantly with infarct size for patients without either reperfusion or right ventricular infarction (r = 0.66). Seven patients without prior infarcts had additional simultaneous indium-111/thallium-201 SPECT studies using dual energy windows.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)