cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of methionine on the metabolism of formate and histidine by rats fed folate/vitamin B-12-methionine-deficient diet

Abstract The metabolism of formate and histidine were compared in rats and in perfused livers of rats on diets deficient in vitamin B-12, methionine, and folic acid. Excretion of formate and formiminoglutamic acid, and the oxidation of [2-14C]histidine and [14C]formate to 14CO2 were measured. Liver folate levels decreased to 40% of normal on the vitamin B-12- and methionine-deficient diets but the rate of oxidation of histidine to CO2 in the whole animal decreased to 15% of normal. This indicated a reduction in the metabolic activity of the liver folates in vitamin -12 deficieny. Comparison of formate and histidine catabolism in folic acid deficiency showed that the oxidation of histidine was decreased to 5% of normal but formate oxidation was decreased to only 30% of normal. This indicates that 25% of formate oxidation normally proceeds by non-folate-dependent pathway.
Isolation and quantitative analysis of phosphatidylglycerol and glycolipid molecular species using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with flame ionization detection

Conditions are described for the quantitative analysis of phosphatidylglycerol and plant glycolipid molecular species by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography employing a commercially available flame ionization detector. Direct detection on a mass basis overcomes the problem of poor detectability found with most natural lipids. Effective mobile phases composed primarily of volatile solvents are described. Splitting of the column eluate stream allows a portion of each individual molecular species to be recovered for other types of analysis.
An effective atomic charge model for infrared intensities

Abstract Infrared intensities, in particular the dipole derivatives with respect to internal (symmetry) coordinates derived from the intensities, can be explained in terms of an effective atomic charge model which includes both the equilibrium charges and their first-order fluxes. For diatomic molecules it is found that most of the intensity arises from the equilibrium charges in the case of the hydrogen halides, but conversely, in CO, most of the intensity is due to the charge flux. The parameters found can be nicely related to elementary bonding theory. In small symmetrical polyatomic molecules the number of parameters is sufficiently restricted by symmetry and charge conservation that the parameters would be uniquely determinate except for the ambiguity in sign of the experimental dipole derivatives. The examples of AB 2 ( D ∞ h and C 2 v ), AB 3 ( D 3 h and C 3 v ), and AB 4 ( Td ) are discussed in detail; a simple generalization for molecular ions is included. For nonpolar molecules, the effective equilibrium charges are determined by the motion (not the equilibrium value) of the electronic centroid.
High Resolution Computations of Ocean Wave Spectral Modulations due to Two-Dimensional Wave-Current Interactions

A new nesting technique has been developed for computing solutions of the steady-state form of the wave action equation. The technique is especially useful for investigating the effects of resolution on the accuracy and stability of the computation. This has importance in the problem of determining ocean wave spectra under the influence of ambient wind fields and current distributions. The technique enables extremely high resolution computations to be performed with minimal computer storage requirements. It is especially useful for applications in modelling radar imagery of the ocean surface. Investigations of the convergence, stability, and accuracy of the procedure are made possible by introducing a fixed grid point location which is common to all the nested grids. In order to display the method, we apply it to a particular model of an oceanographic current rip feature that was recently observed during the first High Resolution Remote Sensing Experiment. Limitations of the method are also discussed.
Attogram detection limits using laser induced fluorescence

Abstract Laser induced fluorescence has produced outstanding detection limits in liquid phase analysis. This paper presents a general method for optimizing detection limits as a function of sample volume.
Sensor stream mining for tool condition monitoring

In metal cutting processes, as the surface of the cutting tool worn out, it releases certain odorous compounds into the cutting chamber air. This study proposes a novel approach and its associated stream mining methods to monitor the cutting tool condition by taking advantage of this phenomenon. The chemical composition of the gases released during the cutting process can be used to monitor the tool condition very accurately that is not possible with present direct or indirect measurement techniques. The chemical compounds released and captured by an e-nose change as the tool wear progresses. This change can be made significant as appropriate doping material were identified and doped into the different layers of the tool inserts, thus allowing a well trained data mining system to accurately estimate the level of tool wear.
Evaluation of the propensity of replacements for halon 1301 to induce stress-corrosion cracking in alloys used in aircraft fire-suppressant storage and distribution systems

The fire-suppressant agents halon 1301 and halon 1211 have both been determined to possess sufficient ozone layer depletion potential to warrant strict limitations on their production and use. The service conditions aboard jet aircraft subject engine fire-suppressant storage vessels to the agents for long durations at elevated temperatures and pressures. Stress-corrosion cracking (SCC) of the materials of the vessel wall and/or rupture disk assembly (agent release valve) could prevent proper operation. Therefore, the compatibility of potential replacements with the materials used in the fire-suppressant storage and distribution systems is a serious concern.
Integrated networks that overflow speech and data between component networks

As cellular networks diversify by expanding the number of services, cell sizes, and generations of technologies supported, it becomes possible to overflow dual-mode terminals using vertical handovers to other cellular networks or ‘component networks’. This study varies call placement algorithms, by defining, modeling, and evaluating Overflow and Return policies.
On an efficient and accurate method to integrate restricted three-body orbits

This work is a quantitative analysis of the advantages of the Bulirsch-Stoer (1966) method, demonstrating that this method is certainly worth considering when working with small N dynamical systems. The results, qualitatively suspected by many users, are quantitatively confirmed as follows: (1) the Bulirsch-Stoer extrapolation method is very fast and moderately accurate; (2) regularization of the equations of motion stabilizes the error behavior of the method and is, of course, essential during close approaches; and (3) when applicable, a manifold-correction algorithm reduces numerical errors to the limits of machine accuracy. In addition, for the specific case of the restricted three-body problem, even a small eccentricity for the orbit of the primaries drastically affects the accuracy of integrations, whether regularized or not; the circular restricted problem integrates much more accurately.
A multimodal treatment strategy for behavior problems in toddlers

The article focuses on a multimodal strategy for the treatment of behavior problems commonly associated with toddlers. These problem behaviors, which include temper tantrums, bedtime and sleep difficulties, aggressiveness, not listening, and eating problems, are among the most often presented to mental health professionals who deal with this age group. The treatment approach, which combines clinically pertinent aspects of dynamic, behavioral, and family approaches, includes the following components: data collection (problem clarification, family-of-origin interviews, interactional sessions), formulation of hypotheses, introduction of a behaviorally oriented management program, tracking of problems inherent in the implementation and successful management of the behavioral program, and booster sessions. The treatment strategy is illustrated by a clinical case. Each component of the treatment, along with its inherent clinical problems/difficulties, is discussed.
Voltammetric studies of the reduction of cis- and trans-α-nitrostilbene

Abstract The reduction of cis-α-nitrostilbene (cis-1) in acetonitrile occurs by initial formation of the radical anion followed by irreversible dimerization to give the dinitronate dianion (3), of 1,4-dinitro-1,2,3,4-tetraphenylbutane (2). The standard potential for the neutral/radical anion couple is −1.44 V vs. ferrocenium/ferrocene. The dimerization rate constant is 5.7 × 104 M−1 s−1 at 298 K and the dimerization equilibrium constant exceeds 106 M−1. The reduction of trans-α-nitrostilbene (trans-1) is similar to that of cis-1 except for a marked deviation between simulation and experiment that occurs near the foot of the reduction peak. However, voltammograms of trans-1 can be accounted for by a different mechanism in which the initially formed radical anion of trans-1 rapidly isomerizes (kf,1=105 s−1) to the cis form of the radical anion followed by its partial oxidation to cis-1 thus explaining the marked similarity between the voltammograms of the two isomers. In separate experiments, partial electrolysis of trans-1 resulted in redox-catalyzed equilibration of the neutral isomers. Chromatographic analysis of the partially electrolyzed solutions showed that the ratio of cis-1 to trans-1 approached 12 and this was taken as a good estimate of the isomerization equilibrium constant. When this value was used in the simulations, it was found that the analogous equilibrium constant for the radical anions is 170. The observed preference for the cis isomers is discussed on the basis of calculations of the structures and energies of the isomers of the neutral compounds and the radical anions.
Evaluation of an ultrasonic free-space mouse to control an image workstation

We evaluated a prototype free-space pointing device with a medical image display workstation. The target environment is the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where there is very little counter space available, and image workstations are used intermittently and for short periods of time. Managers of the typical ICU do not want to dedicate space to PACS, but would rather mount the image monitors through the wall at eye level, so they can be viewed from the hallway. The hallway image viewing location allows use by a large number of people, as when making morning ward rounds or teaching rounds. Because many physicians are accustomed to graphical user interfaces and pointing devices, the transition to the free- space mouse is an easy and natural one. The use of a free-space mouse allows a very flexible interaction and intuitive graphical user interface, but does not require a horizontal surface, and is easily operated with one hand from the standing position.
Characterization of radiation exposure and effect of a radiation monitoring policy in a large volume pediatric cardiac catheterization lab

Objectives: This study aimed to characterize radiation dose during cardiac catheterization in congenital heart disease and to assess changes in dose after the introduction of a radiation monitoring policy. Background: Minimizing radiation exposure is an important patient safety initiative and relatively few data are available characterizing radiation dose for the broad spectrum of congenital cardiac catheter-based interventions. Methods: Radiation dose data were reviewed on all cases since 7/1/05 at a single large center. Procedures were classified according to 20 common case types then subdivided into five age categories. Groups with <20 cases were excluded. Radiation dose was estimated by cumulative air KERMA (mGy) and DAP (dose area product, μGym2) which were reported as median and interquartile range (IQR). We also examined differences in radiation dose before and after the implementation of a radiation policy. Results: Between 7/1/05 and 12/10/08, 3,365 cases were identified for inclusion. Radiation dose increased with age and procedural complexity. Patients were characterized into low, medium, and high dose categories relative to each other. “Low” dose cases included isolated pulmonary or aortic valvotomy, pre-Fontan assessment, and ASD closure. “High” dose cases involved multiple procedures in pulmonary arteries or veins. After introduction of a radiation policy, there was a significant decrease in radiation dose across a variety of case types, particularly among infants and young children. Conclusions: Radiation dose in congenital cardiac catheterization varies by age and procedure type. A radiation monitoring and notification policy may have contributed to reduced radiation dose. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mexican Farm Workers Become Strawberry Farmers

This article analyzes the extent and causes of a substantial increase in the proportion of farmers of Mexican descent in California's central coast strawberry industry. It then locates this case in the context of statewide trends and explores the implications of these developments for our understanding of the factors fostering upward mobility in agriculture.
Laser levitation of superfluid helium

We describe experiments on the laser levitation of superfluid helium. Liquid drops of 10–20 μm diameter are produced by a submerged piezoelectric transducer and suspended in vapor at 2K for up to 3 minutes. The optical trap is formed by two counter-propagating, horizontal, focused laser beams. Calculations show that Brillouin and Raman scattering of the laser light in the liquid helium produces a negligible rate of evaporation of the drop. Evaporation caused by the enhanced vapor pressure of the curved drop surfaces appears to be a significant effect limiting the drop lifetimes. We calculate the characteristics of the optical trap and the deformation of the liquid drops by the light forces. The observed simultaneous trapping of multiple drops is also discussed.
Development and evaluation of the unified tropospheric–stratospheric chemistry extension (UCX) for the global chemistry-transport model GEOS-Chem

Abstract Global chemistry-transport models (CTMs) typically use simplified parameterizations or relaxation to climatology to estimate the chemical behavior of the stratosphere only in the context of its impact on tropospheric chemistry. This limits investigation of stratospheric chemistry and interactions between tropospheric and stratospheric chemistry-transport processes. We incorporate stratospheric chemical and physical processes into the model GEOS-Chem in the form of a unified chemistry extension (UCX). The stratospheric chemistry framework from NASA's Global Modeling Initiative (GMI) is updated in accordance with JPL 10-06 and combined with GEOS-Chem's existing widely applied and validated tropospheric chemistry to form a single, unified gas-phase chemistry scheme. Aerosol calculations are extended to include heterogeneous halogen chemistry and the formation, sedimentation and evaporation of polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) as well as background liquid binary sulfate (LBS) aerosols. The Fast-JX v7.0a photolysis scheme replaces a hybrid of Fast-J and Fast-JX v6.2, allowing photolytic destruction at frequencies relevant to the stratosphere and of species not previously modeled. Finally, new boundary conditions are implemented to cover both surface emissions of new species and mesospheric behavior. Results for four simulation years (2004–2007) are compared to those from the original, tropospheric model and to in situ and satellite-based measurements. We use these comparisons to show that the extended model is capable of modeling stratospheric chemistry efficiently without compromising the accuracy of the model at lower altitudes, perturbing mean OH below 250 hPa by less than 5% while successfully capturing stratospheric behavior not previously captured in GEOS-Chem such as formation and collapse of the Antarctic ozone hole. These extensions (with supporting validation and intercomparison) enable an existing and extensively validated tropospheric CTM to be used to investigate a broader set of atmospheric chemistry problems and leverages GEOS-Chem's existing tropospheric treatment.
Complications in surgery: root cause analysis and preventive measures.

Patients expect to receive quality medical care by relying on the concepts of evidence-based medicine. This quality care is expected to be provided at decreased costs for payors, some of whom have stopped reimbursement for cases involving “reasonably preventable” surgical complications. The purpose of this paper is to introduce root cause analysis as a tool for identifying the causes of surgical complications. We also discuss preventive measures such as improved communication, checklists, reporting systems, and the use of evidence-based medicine that have been implemented to decrease surgical complications. These preventive measures can be used alone or together to decrease complications and improve overall patient care.
Relating Coronal Mass Ejection Kinematics and Thermal Energy Release to Flare Emissions using a Model of Solar Eruptions

We use a model of solar eruptions that combines a loss-of-equilibrium coronal mass ejection (CME) model with a multi-threaded flare loop model in order to understand the relationship between the CME kinematics, thermal energy release, and soft X-ray emissions in solar eruptions. We examine the correlation between CME acceleration and the peak soft X-ray flux in many modeled cases with different parameters, and find that the two quantities are well correlated. We also examine the timing of the peak acceleration and the light curve derivative, and find that these quantities tend to peak at similar times for cases where the magnetic field is high and the inflow Alfven Mach number is fast. Finally, we study the relationship between the total thermal energy released in the model and the calculated peak soft X-ray flux of the resulting flare. We find that there is a power-law relationship between these two quantities, with F peak ~ E α, where α is between 2.54 and 1.54, depending on the reconnection rate. This finding has repercussions for the assumptions underlying the Neupert effect, in which the peak soft X-ray flux is assumed to be proportional to the thermal energy release.
The Effect of Rate and Temperature of Drawing on the Properties of Nylon 6,6 Fibers:

Higher rates and lower temperatures of cold-drawing nylon 6,6 result in both increased fiber strength and an increased amount of the non-recrystallizable Form II endotherm, as measured by differential scanning calorimetry. This may be explained in terms of mobility of the molecular chains in the neck region; long times and high temperature in the neck favor formation of the recrystallizable Form I material, whereas short times and low temperatures, which result in lower mo lecular mobility, favor the non-recrystallizable and stronger Form II. Because of the temperature effect on the drawing a draw pin temperature rise due to friction and work of drawing can have a variable, detrimental effect on yarn strength at a given draw ratio.
Germ cell tumors of the ovary—Lymph node metastases

Abstract There is a controversy concerning the value of second look surgery and lymph node sampling for patients with germ cell tumors of the ovary. A patient is presented with endodermal sinus tumor in a mixed germ cell tumor of the ovary. The elevated serum α-fetoprotein (AFP) became normal. At second look surgery microscopic lymph node metastases were present. The disease progressed, AFP became elevated, and the patient did not survive. Second look surgery with lymph node sampling is necessary for such patients for endodermal sinus tumor may not produce AFP, inadequate tumor volume may not elevate the AFP and malignant elements not producing tumor markers may be identified only by histologic evaluation. With microscopic persistence of disease further therapy could possibly result in cure.
Comment on ‘Recent results on turbulence and MHD activity achieved by reflectometry’

Received 16 November 2006, in ﬁnal form 17 November 2006Published 21 March 2007Online at stacks.iop.org/PPCF/49/559The paper under discussion [1] is the latest of a series of recent experimental papers dealingwith the possibility of measuring the poloidal spectrum of short-scale turbulent ﬂuctuationsin tokamaks with Doppler reﬂectometry—a technique where the spectrum of ﬂuctuations is
Methods for treating cognitive deficits in schizophrenia.

Studies from the molecular to clinical level suggest that cognitive dysfunction is central in characterizing schizophrenia. Accordingly, there have been increased efforts to search for effective treatments of these broad and debilitating cognitive deficits. Three general strategies for treating cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia have emerged in the literature. The second-generation (atypical) antipsychotic medications have received much attention but their procognitive effects tend to be modest. Augmentation strategies, driven from basic science or translational research, have often been promising in small uncontrolled trials; however, few agents have fared well in rigorously designed trials. Behavioral interventions have demonstrated positive effects that generalize to other symptom domains and persist after the intervention, but tend to be costly and labor intensive. Thus, although there have been some exciting advances in treating cognitive dysfunction, the gains to date are modest and the search f...
Effects of Conventional Hypothermic Ischemic Arrest and Pharmacological Arrest on Myocardial Supply/Demand Balance During Aortic Cross-Clamping

Aortic cross-clamping may produce ischemic damage due to a discrepancy between supply and demand. Supply is determined by noncoronary collateral flow and substrate stores, and demand by electromechanical activity, wall tension, and temperature. The effects of 60 minutes of conventional hypothermic ischemic arrest were compared to those of pharmacological arrest. Noncoronary collateral blood supply was comparable in both groups during cross-clamping. With ischemic arest, mechanical activity and endocardial electrical activity persisted and wall tension fell progressively. With pharmacological arrest, electromechanical activity stopped in less than 1 minute but returned (with increased wall tension) nearly 1 hour. Thirty minutes following reperfusion, coronary flow was redistributed away from subendocardium after ischemic arrest and toward endocardium after pharmacological arrest. Myocardial performance was depressed severely after conventional arrest and only mildy after pharmacological arrest. We conclude that aortic cross-clamping is safer with pharmacological arrest than with ischemic arrest. The cardioplegic solution modifies the supply/demand balance favorably, but it is washed out by noncoronary collateral blood supply.
Mode locking with minimum nonlinearity using inverse-gain output couplers

Broadband laser mode-locking is demonstrated at greatly reduced modelocking strength with an output coupler that compensates for gain filtering. The concept is demonstrated with a >8 fs Ti:sapphire laser showing dramatically improved stability and beam quality.
Unravelling competence, performance and pragmatics in the speech of young children*

Inferences about linguistic competence in children are typically based on spontaneous speech. This poses a problem since we know that other factors are also involved in speech production. Children who may use complex object and adverbial NPs do not use complex subject NPs. Is this a competence deficit, a performance problem, or simply a reflection of pragmatic factors? Evidence presented here suggests that children probably do not need complex subjects. An extensive use of pronouns in subject but not object position indicates that pragmatics may account for the distribution of clauses in their speech. A similar pattern in adult speech indicates there is no warrant to conclude children's lack of subject clauses reflects anything more than the nature of spontaneous speech.
Periostin regulates atrioventricular valve maturation

Cardiac valve leaflets develop from rudimentary structures termed endocardial cushions. These pre-valve tissues arise from a complex interplay of signals between the myocardium and endocardium whereby secreted cues induce the endothelial cells to transform into migratory mesenchyme through an endothelial to mesenchymal transformation (EMT). Even though much is currently known regarding the initial EMT process, the mechanisms by which these undifferentiated cushion mesenchymal tissues are remodeled "post-EMT" into mature fibrous valve leaflets remains one of the major, unsolved questions in heart development. Expression analyses, presented in this report, demonstrate that periostin, a component of the extracellular matrix, is predominantly expressed in post-EMT valve tissues and their supporting apparatus from embryonic to adult life. Analyses of periostin gene targeted mice demonstrate that it is within these regions that significant defects are observed. Periostin null mice exhibit atrial septal defects, structural abnormalities of the AV valves and their supporting tensile apparatus, and aberrant differentiation of AV cushion mesenchyme. Rescue experiments further demonstrate that periostin functions as a hierarchical molecular switch that can promote the differentiation of mesenchymal cells into a fibroblastic lineage while repressing their transformation into other mesodermal cell lineages (e.g. myocytes). This is the first report of an extracellular matrix protein directly regulating post-EMT AV valve differentiation, a process foundational and indispensable for the morphogenesis of a cushion into a leaflet.
Comparison of Tm-doped ZBLAN and Silicate Fiber Lasers Operating Near 2.0 Micrometers

Tm-doped ZBLAN and Tm-doped silicate glass are compared spectroscopically and the fiber lasing of the Tm 3F4 →3H6 transition around 1.9 µm in ZBLAN and silicate glass is compared. The spectroscopy of these materials indicates that Tm:ZBLAN possesses advantages over Tm:silicate glass due to the lower phonon energies. Diode-pumped fiber lasing experiments demonstrate that Tm:ZBLAN possesses advantages over Tm:silicate in laser performance.
Mechanism for dexamethasone inhibition of neutrophil migration upon exposure to lipopolysaccharide in vitro: role of neutrophil interleukin-8 release.

The mechanism by which dexamethasone (DEX) inhibits neutrophil (PMN) recruitment to a site of inflammation, such as the newborn lung with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, is not completely understood. The aim of our study was to determine whether DEX inhibits neutrophil-induced neutrophil recruitment by inhibition of interleukin- (IL) 8 release from PMNs, and if there are developmental differences. PMNs isolated from cord blood (CB) and adults (A) were studied. We first measured the effect of DEX (10−10 to 10−4 M) on PMN migration to an exogenous IL-8 standard (10−8 M) using PMNs of CB (n= 3) and A (n= 3), over 1 h in a chemotaxis chamber. Second, we determined the effect of DEX (0 and 10−10 to 10−6 M) on IL-8 release (immunoasay) from PMNs of CB (n= 7) or A (n= 7) after incubation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 1 ng/mL) for 6 and 18 h. Third, the chemoattractant activity of culture media from the second experiment was studied with and without IL-8 antibody. DEX at concentrations of 10−10 to 10−4 M had no direct effect on PMN migration in vitro to an exogenous IL-8 standard. After LPS exposure, IL-8 release was greatly increased for PMNs from CB compared with A. DEX (10−10 to 10−4 M) resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of IL-8 release from PMNs exposed to LPS for 6 and 18 h incubation. Increased PMN migration activity was only found with media of PMNs of CB with no DEX. At 18 h, media-induced migration activity was decreased if DEX (10−7 M), IL-8 antibody, or DEX (10−7 M) with IL-8 antibody were present during the incubation with LPS: there was an 88, 86, and 101% reduction in migration activity, respectively. We conclude that DEX inhibits PMN-induced PMN migration, predominantly via inhibition of IL-8 release for PMNs of the newborn. We suggest that a 10-fold lowering of the standard DEX dose may effectively reduce lung inflammation in bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
Effects of ketamine hydrochloride in red-tailed hawks (buteo jamaicensis) II—biochemical and hematologic

Abstract 1. 1. The biochemical and hematologic effects of ketamine were evaluated in adult, female red-tailed hawks. 2. 2. An intramuscular injection of 30 mg/kg was utilized. Sampling was performed in the awake state and at 10, 20 and 40-min intervals during the immobilization effects of ketamine. 3. 3. The only significant change that occurred under the influence of ketamine included a gradual increase in the serum glutamic oxalic transaminase level, indicating that a constant physiological state was maintained in relation to the parameters evaluated.
Dynamic bus holding strategies for schedule reliability: Optimal linear control and performance analysis

As is well known, bus systems are naturally unstable. Without control, buses on a single line tend to bunch, reducing their punctuality in meeting a schedule. Although conventional schedule-based strategies that hold buses at control points can alleviate this problem these methods require too much slack, which slows buses. This delays on-board passengers and increases operating costs. It is shown that dynamic holding strategies based on headways alone cannot help buses adhere to a schedule. Therefore, a family of dynamic holding strategies that use bus arrival deviations from a virtual schedule at the control points is proposed. The virtual schedule is introduced whether the system is run with a published schedule or not. It is shown that with this approach, buses can both closely adhere to a published schedule and maintain regular headways without too much slack. A one-parameter version of the method can be optimized in closed form. This simple method is shown to be near-optimal. To put it in practice, the only data needed in real time are the arrival times of the current bus and the preceding bus at the control point relative to the virtual schedule. The simple method was found to require about 40% less slack than the conventional schedule-based method. When used only to regulate headways it outperforms headway-based methods.
Toward collaborative mental health outcomes systems

A growing recognition that customers are important health partners has created the need for collaborative systems of accountability in behavioral health services.
The interaction of the Madden-Julian Oscillation and the Arctic Oscillation

Abstract Tropical and extratropical interactions on the intraseasonal time scale are studied in the context of the Arctic Oscillation (AO) and the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO). To simplify the discussion, a high (low) MJO phase is defined as strong (suppressed) convective activity over the Indian Ocean. In the Northern Hemisphere (NH) winter season, a high (low) AO phase is found more likely coupled with a high (low) MJO phase. Based on the regressed patterns and composites of various dynamical fields and quantities, possible mechanisms linking the AO and the MJO are examined. The analysis indicates that the MJO influence on extratropical circulations seems more evident than the AO influence on tropical circulations. The MJO interacts with the AO through meridional dispersion of Rossby waves in the Pacific sector. The geopotential height anomaly center over the North Pacific associated with the MJO can either reinforce or offset the AO Pacific action center. As a result, the AO pattern can be greatly a...
The Use of Engineered Antibody Fragments to Promote Crystallization of Membrane Proteins

Membrane proteins have a variety of functions in the cell, which are important from both biological and therapeutic standpoints. However, structure determination of membrane proteins is still challenging due to their hydrophobic nature. Techniques such as chaperone-based crystallization, tailoring the lipid and/or detergent environment and mutagenesis studies have emerged to make crystallization of a target membrane protein tractable. However, most of those techniques are specific to target protein; a more general approach would be beneficial. Our potentially generalizable approach uses engineered single chain antibody fragments (scFvs) specific to a short peptide epitope that can be inserted into any extramembranous loop of target membrane protein. Tight binding of engineered scFv variants to the membrane protein will provide a more hydrophilic crystal contacts leading to more stable crystal lattices, and better diffracting crystals.A toolbox of such scFv ‘crystallization chaperones' is being developed based on the scaffold of anti-His6 3D5, which employs non-CDR residues in crystal contacts and has a ∼75A channel in its crystal lattice. We used protein engineering techniques to improve biophysical characteristics of the parent scFv and to alter the binding specificity to the EE epitope ("EYMPME"). Here we present our first- and second-generation crystallization chaperones, as well as progress toward complexation and co-crystallization with both α-helical and β-barrel membrane proteins.
An approximate analytical model of the message passing decoder of LDPC codes

In this paper we introduce a novel one-dimensional model of the message passing decoding algorithm of low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes, based on Gaussian densities. The model consists of a closed-form 1-D map whose iterates directly represent the error probability. This map allows a qualitative analysis of the nonlinear dynamics of the decoding algorithm. Moreover, it is shown that our approach leads to the correct stability condition and that the corresponding threshold values are in good agreement with density evolution.
Predicting Polarization and Nonlinear Dielectric Response of Arbitrary Perovskite Superlattice Sequences

We carry out first-principles calculations of the nonlinear dielectric response of short-period ferroelectric superlattices. We compute and store not only the total polarization, but also the Wannier-based polarizations of individual atomic layers, as a function of the electric displacement field, and use this information to construct a model capable of predicting the nonlinear dielectric response of an arbitrary superlattice sequence. We demonstrate the successful application of our approach to superlattices composed of SrTiO3, CaTiO3, and BaTiO3 layers.
Alternative Tilts for Nonparametric Option Pricing

This paper generalizes the nonparametric approach to option pricing of Stutzer (1996) by demonstrating that the canonical valuation methodology introduced therein is one member of the Cressie-Read family of divergence measures. While the limiting distribution of the alternative measures is identical to the canonical measure, the finite sample properties are quite different. We assess the ability of the alternative divergence measures to price European call options by approximating the risk-neutral, equivalent martingale measure from an empirical distribution of the underlying asset. A simulation study of the finite sample properties of the alternative measure changes reveals that the optimal divergence measure depends upon how accurately the empirical distribution of the underlying asset is estimated. In a simple Black-Scholes model, the optimal measure change is contingent upon the number of outliers observed, whereas the optimal measure change is a function of time to expiration in the stochastic volatility model of Heston (1993). Our extension of Stutzer’s technique preserves the clean analytic structure of imposing moment restrictions to price options, yet demonstrates that the nonparametric approach is even more general in pricing options than originally believed.
Equation of state and the maximum mass of neutron stars

The relationship between the maximum neutron-star mass and observable parameters of the equation of state is explored. In particular, the roles of the nuclear incompressibility and the symmetry energy are considered. It is concluded that, for realistic symmetry energies, the compression modulus cannot, by itself, be severely limited by observed neutron-star masses. Several directions for further study are suggested.
Reframing the Influence of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act on Research

The purpose of this article is to review the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the Privacy Rule, the Security Rule, and common issues encountered by researchers related to these federal privacy and security requirements. This article discusses the misconceptions that researchers may hold about HIPAA, including the process for reviewing protected health information when preparing to conduct a study, potential constraint on participant recruitment, and application of HIPAA to a researcher's clinical population. We also present ways to reframe the negative connotations associated with this regulation and provide tips for researchers about how to work with HIPAA when planning and conducting a study and reporting on study findings. Finally, we suggest that the principles of HIPAA be considered when conducting studies in international settings.
Fracture and fault patterns associated with basement-cored anticlines: The example of Teapot Dome, Wyoming

Teapot Dome is an asymmetric, doubly plunging, basement-cored, Laramide-age anticline. Most of the fractures, deformation bands, and faults at Teapot Dome are interpreted to have formed during contemporaneous longitudinal and transverse stretching of the sedimentary cover over a basement-involved thrust. Strain was accommodated by fractures, deformation bands, and normal and normal-oblique faults that strike both parallel and perpendicular to the fold hinge. The fracture and fault patterns at Teapot Dome are distinctly different from those formed within anticlines associated with thin-skinned thrust systems. The inferred fracture-influenced permeability anisotropy of thick-skinned systems is therefore distinct from that of thin-skinned systems. We propose that Teapot Dome is a good analog for similar basement-involved, thrust-generated anticlines.
Can frequent hemodialysis be too frequent

Many nephrologists believe that more hemodialysis, whether in the form of longer treatments, more frequent treatments, or both, is better than less. Emerging evidence largely supports this view, with most, although not all studies, showing biochemical, cardiovascular, quality of life, or survival
Optimal definition of biological tumor volume using positron emission tomography in an animal model.

Background The goal of the study is to investigate 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG-PET)’s ability to delineate the viable portion of a tumor in an animal model using cross-sectional histology as the validation standard.
Repolarization lability measured by spatial TT' angle

Aims: Increased T peaks cloud volume is associated with increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias (VA) in cardiomyopathy (CM) patients. T peaks cloud volume is formed, as a result, of (1) the angle between consecutive T-vectors and (2) temporal variability in T-vector amplitude. This study compares association of these two factors with VA.
Performance and Pain Tolerability of Current Diagnostic Allergy Skin Prick Test Devices

Background Allergen skin prick testing remains an essential tool for diagnosing atopic disease and guiding treatment. Sensitivity needs to be defined for newly introduced devices. Objective Our aim was to compare the performance of 10 current allergy skin prick test devices. Methods Single- and multiheaded skin test devices (n = 10) were applied by a single operator in a prospective randomized manner. Histamine (1 and 6 mg/mL) and control diluent were introduced at 6 randomized locations onto the upper and lower arms of healthy subjects. Wheal and flare reactions were measured independently by 2 masked technicians. Results Twenty-four subjects provided consent, and 768 skin tests were placed. Mean wheal diameter among devices differed from 3.0 mm (ComforTen; Hollister-Stier, Spokane, Wash) to 6.8 mm (UniTest PC; Lincoln Diagnostics, Decatur, Ill) using 1 mg/mL histamine ( P P Conclusions All 10 skin prick test devices displayed good analytical sensitivity and specificity; however, 3 mm cannot arbitrarily be used as a positive threshold. The use of histamine at 1 mg/mL is unacceptable for certain devices but may be preferable for the most sensitive devices. On average, there was no pain score difference between multiheaded and single-head devices.
IBM z990 soft error detection and recovery

Soft errors in logic are becoming more significant in the design of computer systems due to increased sensitivities of latches and combinatorial logic and the increased number of transistors on a chip. At the same time, users of computer systems continue to expect higher levels of system reliability. Therefore, the investment in hardware and firmware software mitigation is likely to continue to rise. The IBM eServer z990 system is designed to detect and recover from myriad instances of soft and permanent errors. The error detection and recovery within the z990 processors and the "nest" chips is described with respect to the system level protection against soft errors.
A new configuration for right ventricular assist with skeletal muscle ventricle. Short-term studies.

BACKGROUND Previous attempts to provide right heart assistance with skeletal muscle ventricles (SMVs) have been frustrated by the low preload supplied by the systemic venous blood pressure. In the present study, right ventricular pressure was exploited to provide more optimal preload, the SMV being connected by valved conduits between right ventricular free wall and the main pulmonary artery. METHODS AND RESULTS SMVs were constructed from the right latissimus dorsi muscle in seven mongrel dogs. Following a delay period of 4 weeks, SMVs were preconditioned with 2-Hz continuous stimulation for 5-6 weeks. The SMV was then connected to the right ventricle using a porcine valved Dacron conduit. A similar valved conduit connected the SMV to the main pulmonary artery that had been ligated proximally. SMVs were stimulated with 33-Hz burst frequency to contract synchronously with ventricular diastole in a 1:2 mode. The stimulator was intermittently turned off to permit comparison of assisted and nonassisted circulation. Cardiac output increased by 27% at 1 hour (1,437 +/- 54 versus 1,140 +/- 64 ml/min, p less than 0.005) and by 30% at 4 hours (1,403 +/- 161 versus 1,074 +/- 99 ml/min, p less than 0.005), systemic arterial systolic pressure increased at 1 hour by 12% (87.1 +/- 4.9 versus 78.0 +/- 4.9 mm Hg, p less than 0.05) and by 13% at 4 hours (81.4 +/- 2.8 versus 72.3 +/- 3.4 mm Hg, p less than 0.005), and peak pulmonary arterial pressure increased at 1 hour by 35% (28.0 +/- 2.1 versus 20.9 +/- 1.8 mm Hg, p less than 0.01) and by 37% at 4 hours (31.5 +/- 2.6 versus 23.0 +/- 0.4 mm Hg, p less than 0.05). Peak SMV pressure was 52.8 +/- 2.0 mm Hg at 1 hour and 49.9 +/- 3.3 mm Hg at 4 hours (p = NS). CONCLUSIONS The improved preload supplied by this configuration of right ventricular assist enabled an SMV to provide stable and effective circulatory support throughout the 4-hour duration of the experiment.
Low cost parametric failure diagnosis of RF transceivers

Due to aggressive technology scaling, parametric failure diagnosis of RF transceiver modules is becoming important for rapid yield ramp-up. In this paper, a low cost diagnosis approach is proposed that is amenable to built-in diagnosis of RF transceivers via diagnostic algorithms running on the transceiver DSP. The method relies on the use of a single sensor at the transmitter output that eliminates the need to make costly RF measurements. In addition, module level diagnosis is possible without the need for probing other internal RF signals. A sequence of specially crafted stimuli, are applied to the transceiver from the on-board DSP processor. The sensor and received baseband output signals are analyzed and the specifications of embedded RF modules are extracted from the test response data. The proposed approach is demonstrated using simulation and hardware measurements on a 2.45GHz transceiver. Experiment results show high diagnosis accuracy of parametric failures in embedded RF modules.
Context-Aware Distributed Reputation Management System

For the last decade, the areas of e-business and e-service have expanded rapidly. Service oriented architecture (SOA) is introduced to create and execute business process on the Web. In SOA, the importance of managing the reputation ofservices has emerged. Thus, there has been much research to evaluate and manage the reputation of services. This paper proposes the context-aware distributed reputation management system (C-DRMS) to evaluate and manage the reputation of services in terms of different context parameters. In this research framework, service consumer (user) and service provider (server) expose their context information during service request to the broker that hosts them. When a broker delivers the reputation of the service to a user, it gathers reputation data from its local database and neighbor brokers' databases, aggregates them and provides the reputation to the user, based on context similarity between the userpsilas context and the context with which the reputation is stored in the database. The broker maintains the reputation based on the feedback of service consumption from its users, by readjusting it with the context similarity between a user's context and the server's context.
Catheter Ablation of Ventricular Tachycardia in Patients with Post-Infarction Cardiomyopathy

Monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients with post-infarction cardiomyopathy (CMP) is caused by reentry through slowly conducting tissue with in areas of myocardial scar. The use of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) has helped to decrease the risk of arrhythmic death in patients with post-infarction CMP, but the symptomatic and psychological burden of ICD shocks remains significant. Experience with catheter ablation has progressed substantially in the past 20 years, and is now routinely used to treat patients with post-infarction CMP who experience VT or receive ICD therapy. Depending on the hemodynamic tolerance of VT, a variety of mapping techniques may be used to identify sites for catheter ablation, including activation and entrainment mapping for mappable VTs, or substrate mapping for unmappable VTs. In this review, we discuss the pathophysiology of VT in post-infarction CMP patients, and the contemporary practice of catheter ablation.
Introduction—The 2004 Presidential Election Forecasts

This symposium presents seven presidential election forecasting models and their predictions of the popular two-party vote in the 2004 election. The modern age of election forecasting is now into its third decade. Models have been tested quite publicly in the heat of battle—with some doing well, others not quite so well, and still others making way for new models. In this introduction, I provide a brief overview of the models, a summary of this year's forecasts, and some thoughts about how the forecasts should be judged.
The Use of Public Language in Strategy A Multidisciplinary Review and Research Agenda

We review the literature on public language used as a strategic tool to engage stakeholders and competitors. We define public language as words and text issued by an organization with specific strategic intent. Our review classifies studies into four typical settings for the strategic use of public language: entrepreneurial, image threatening, financial, and competitive. Our review highlights the disparate theoretical backdrops across the four settings coupled with very limited prior attempts to integrate across these settings. We propose an integrated model that synthesizes the antecedents, consequences, and contingencies of the strategic use of public language and highlight several knowledge gaps. We end with a discussion of promising directions for future research.