cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the spectral fit algorithm as functions of frequency range and /spl Delta//spl kappa/a/sub eff/

Considerable effort has been directed at quantifying the properties of the tissue microstructure (i.e., scatterer correlation length) to diagnose disease and monitor treatment. In vivo assessments have had limited success due to frequency-dependent attenuation along the propagation path (i.e., total attenuation) masking the frequency dependence of the scattering from the tissue microstructure. Previously, both total attenuation and scatterer correlation length, given by the effective radius, were solved simultaneously by a two-parameter minimization of the mean squared error between a reference spectrum, modified by the attenuation and scatterer effective radius, and the backscattered waveforms using an algorithm termed the spectral fit algorithm. Herein, the impact of frequency range (largest frequency minus smallest frequency) and /spl Delta//spl kappa/a/sub eff/ (largest /spl kappa/a/sub eff/ value minus smallest /spl kappa/a/sub eff/ value; /spl kappa/ is wave number and a/sub eff/ is scatterer effective radius) used by the spectral fit algorithm on estimating the scatterer effective radius, and total attenuation was assessed by computer simulations while excluding frequencies of the backscattered power spectrum dominated by electronic noise. The simulations varied the effective radius of the scatterers (5 /spl mu/m to 150 /spl mu/m), the attenuation of the region (0 to 1 dB/cm-MHz), the bandwidth of the source, and the amount of electronic noise added to the radio frequency (rf) waveforms. The center frequency of the source was maintained at 8 MHz. Comparable accuracy arid precision of the scatterer effective radius were obtained for all the simulations whenever the same /spl Delta//spl kappa//sub eff/ was used to obtain the estimates. A /spl Delta/a/sub eff/ of 1 gave an accuracy and precision of /spl sim/15% /spl plusmn/ 35%, and a width of 1.5 gave an accuracy and precision of /spl sim/5% /spl plusmn/ 15% consistently for all of the simulations. Similarly, the accuracy and precision of the total attenuation estimate were improved by increasing the frequency range used by the spectral fit algorithm.
Flow electroanalysis of metal alloy films: Application to the compositional assay of Copper‐Nickel alloys

This article describes a flow electroanalysis (FEA) alternative to the atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) procedure commonly employed for the compositional assay of Cu-Ni alloy thin films. Nine alloy film samples were plated on polycrystalline Au foil by varying the deposition potential and the concentration of Cu2+ ions in the plating bath to afford alloys varying in copper content from ca. 10 % to ca. 70 % (by mass). The FEA technique is based on first chemically stripping the alloy components from the support into the flow stream. The Cu2+ ions are then analyzed by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) at a thin film mercury electrode. Since these Cu2+ ions interfere with nickel analyses by DPASV, they are removed from the flow stream at a “filter” cell containing a Hg-coated reticulated vitreous carbon electrode. The nickel content of the alloy can then be assayed at the downstream detector cell. The data from this twin-cell FEA procedure are compared with those obtained on the same alloy samples by the standard AAS technique.
Analytical Solutions for Velocity-Dependent Nuclear Potentials

The two-nucleon potential, with the necessary invariance requirements, is assumed to be a quadratic function of momentum: $v=\ensuremath{-}{V}_{0}{J}_{1}(r)\ensuremath{-}(\frac{\ensuremath{\lambda}}{M}) \mathrm{p}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}{J}_{2}(r)\mathrm{p}$, where ${J}_{1}(r)$ and ${J}_{2}(r)$ are two short-range functions. For simplicity $\ensuremath{-}{J}_{2}(r)$ is assumed to be a square well of unit depth. The Schr\"odinger equation is solved (neglecting Coulomb forces) for three different choices of ${J}_{1}(r)$. Numerical results for the phase shifts are given for these three potentials (${v}_{1}, {v}_{2}, \mathrm{and} {v}_{3}$) for the singlet $S$, $D$, and $G$ states. Reasonably good fits are obtained.
Biochemical analysis of the targets of autoimmunity

Abstract Autoantibodies can be directed against cell surface, cytoplasmic or nuclear antigens or against secreted cell products. Some of the target antigens have been identified and the corresponding antibodies have been useful reagents for biochemcial analysis. The challenge of precise characterization remains for many autoimmune systems.
Membrane depolarization and prolongation of calcium-dependent action potentials of mouse neurons in cell culture by two convulsants: Bicuculline and penicillin

The convulsant compounds bicuculline (BICUC) and penicillin (PCN) are antagonists of GABA-mediated synaptic inhibition. In addition, we have shown that BICUC and PCN produced membrane depolarization of mouse spinal cord neurons in primary dissociated cell culture by blocking a potassium conductance, a non-synaptic direct effect. Both compounds also prolonged calcium-dependent action potentials of mouse dorsal root ganglion and spinal cord neurons in cell culture. Thus, BICUC and PCN had both synaptic and non-synaptic actions. The possibility that both synaptic and non-synaptic actions of BICUC and PCN are involved in their convulsant mechanism of action is discussed.
Scale Model Study of Pile Foundations Under Earthquake Excitation

Similitude theory is used to develop scale models for determining the earthquake response of pile foundations embedded in overconsolidated clay. The model is compared with full-scale foundations embedded in natural soil, for which dynamic response measurements had been made in previous work. Correlation of the model and prototype earthquake response constitutes a major difference in this work over previous efforts using scale models. Gravity effects are included in the models by scaling pile and soil material properties. The model pile material is selected to provide the correctly scaled stiffness and mass properties. The required model soil properties are achieved by developing a mixture of bentonite, aerosil, and veegum. Elastic properties of the model soil are compared with those of the prototype by standard monotonic stress and cyclic stress soil tests. It is found that scaling considerations must also apply to supporting static soil tests for determining soil properties, as well as to the model piles for measurement of dynamic responses. Soil property nonlinearities are shown to be distorted by geometric effects. However, a method is developed to account for the distortion as long as excitation waveforms are similar. The successful correlation of pile data extends the relationship between frequency parametermore » and relative soil strain to much higher strain levels than those obtained in the prototype tests. Therefore, the potential for a significant savings in future investigative work is demonstrated with scale model testing.« less
Diageotropism in Vanilla Roots

Diageotropic growth in the dark and geotropic growth in the light occurred in the roots of cuttings of three Vanilla species. The diageotropic response also occurred in far-red, red, orange, and green light, while positive geotropism resulted only if blue light was present.
Pyridine-Based Cavitands for Acid and Carboxylate Recognition

The design, syntheses and binding capabilities of two novel cavitand-based receptors are described. Receptor 1, contains a cyclic array of pyridine moieties in its appendages and was synthesized in a single step from the known tetrol: refluxing tetrol with 2-bromomethyl 6-hydroxymethylpyridine under basic conditions. Receptor 2 was obtained by stirring 1 in TFA. The binding capabilities of these receptors were explored using molecular mechanics calculations and NMR titration studies. Receptor 1 displayed recognition properties towards acids but only if proton transfer between receptor and substrate was facilitated. Aromatic carboxylate recognition was displayed by receptor 2.
Methods of enteral feeding in preterm infants

Whenever possible, oral feeding is the preferred method in neonatal feeding. However, many premature infants are unable to suck and swallow effectively; in these cases alternative methods of nutrient delivery must be used. We briefly review the different feeding methods used in neonatal units, with particular attention to their theoretical advantages, disadvantages and to the current best evidence available.
Information design and information science: a new alliance?

Information design is broadly defined as everything that we do to make ideas visible so that others can make them their own and use them for their own purposes The history of human efforts to "store information beyond the brain" sug gests that there is common ground between those who today pursue the separate specialisms of managing information and designing informationExamination of what information designers actually do leads to the conclusion that they and information professionals could usefully work together, and make a "benevolent col onisation" of new areas. Their cooperation could help, in particular, to rectify many of the difficulties which modern information technology puts in the way of information users Some first ideas are advanced for co-operation, and for ini tiatives in integrated education
Aerial infrared imaging reveals large nutrient‐rich groundwater inputs to the ocean

[1] Regional high-resolution (0.1°C, 0.5 m) low-altitude thermal infrared imagery (TIR) reveals the exact input locations and fine-scale mixing structure of massive, cool groundwaters that discharge into the coastal zone as both diffuse flows and as >30 large point-sourced nutrient-rich plumes along the dry western half of the large volcanic island of Hawaii. These inputs are the sole source of new nutrient delivery to coastal waters in this oligotrophic setting. Water column profiling and nutrient sampling show that the plumes are cold, buoyant, nutrient-rich brackish mixtures of groundwater and seawater. By way of example, we illustrate in detail one of the larger plumes, which discharges ca. 12,000 m3 d−1 (ca. 8,600 m3 d−1 freshwater), rates comparable in volume to high-flux groundwater outputs in better-known tropical karst terrains. We further show how nutrient mixing trends may be integrated into TIR sea surface temperatures to produce surface water nutrient maps of regional extent.
Stratified turbulent‐turbulent gas‐liquid flow

This paper is an experimental and theoretical study of horizontal stratified gas-liquid two phase flow in a circular tube. Both phases are considered to be in turbulent flow, and the liquid phase flow field is modeled by applying eddy viscosity expressions developed for single phase flow. The pressure drop and in situ volume of liquid are predicted from the gas and liquid flow rates, physical properties, and pipe size by means of an iterative procedure which terminates when calculated gas and liquid pressure drops match. The iterative design procedure is compared with new data for air-water flow in a smooth tube of 63.5 mm ID and with data available in the literature. For conditions corresponding to small amplitude interfacial waves, the average deviation between predicted and experimental results is 24.3% for the pressure drop and 7.7% for the holdup. For roll wave conditions, the corresponding average deviations are 4.6 and 26.4% for pressure drop and holdup, respectively. These results are substantially better than the predictions obtained using the Lockhart-Martinelli correlations.
Auditory function in newborn intensive care unit patients revealed by auditory brain-stem potentials

The relations between clinical illness and auditory response (as revealed by auditory brain-stem potentials) were prospectively studied in a neonatal intensive care unit. Forty-nine tests were performed on 29 infants with gestational age 24 to 43 weeks and birth weight 530 to 3,380 gm. Auditory test results were classified as pass or fail, depending on the presence or absence of wave V at a latency of 7 to 11 ms in response to clicks 60 dB above the normal adult threshold. Six patients failed and 23 patients passed. The failures were not correlated with excessive noise exposure or ototoxic medication. Five of the patients who failed had intracranial hemorrhage. Routine screening of infants in the NICU for auditory impairment is a clinically feasible and useful procedure.
Cultural Politics and Modernist Architecture: The Tulip Debate in Postwar Hungary:

The article focuses on the interpretive struggles and contests surrounding the adoption and legitimation of fully or partly “imported” ideas. It examines the reception of modernist architecture in ...
What is Old is New Again: Achieving Effectiveness with Volunteer Programs in Kazakhstan

This study based on Kazakhstan nonprofit organizations (NPOs) is the first to address the important issue of the relationship between volunteer management and volunteer program effectiveness in an international setting. Our inquiry is informed by findings of US scholars that show that the adoption of a recommended set of volunteer management practices is related to the level of effectiveness achieved with volunteer involvement in NPOs. The paper advances a path model to explain volunteer program effectiveness, with volunteer management practices the crucial intermediate variable. Based on data collected in a survey of Almaty (Kazakhstan) NPOs in 2004, the empirical analysis yields considerable support for a path model that focuses on both the adoption of these practices and the attainment of program effectiveness. Given the heterogeneity of NPOs, not every organization can be expected to benefit from the adoption of the recommended practices. Nevertheless, results suggest that they offer one workable means for successfully integrating volunteers.
Anatomical background noise power spectrum in differential phase contrast and dark field contrast mammograms.

Purpose: In x-ray absorption mammography, it has been found that the anatomical background noise can be characterized by a power law dependence on the spatial frequency, NPS a (f) ≈ αf −β . In this letter, the authors present the first experimental results of the corresponding exponents, β, for differential phase contrast (β DPC) and dark field contrast (β DF) mammography. Methods: A grating-based x-ray multicontrast imaging acquisition benchtop system was used to simultaneously acquire mammograms with three different contrast mechanisms from 15 cadaver breasts under the same x-ray data acquisition conditions. The cadaver breasts were imaged in the coronal plane. The authors’ experimental implementation of the well documented method [Burgess, Jacobson, and Judy, Med. Phys. 28, 419–437 (2001)] to extract the exponent β was first validated using anonymized clinical mammograms. Experiments were then used to determine β for the three types of mammograms for each cadaver breast acquired with our multicontrast imaging system: absorption contrast mammogram (β Abs.), differential phase contrast mammogram (β DPC), and dark-field contrast mammogram (β DF). Results: The measured β values, acquired in the coronal plane with the benchtop multicontrast imaging system are β Abs. = 3.61 ± 0.49, β DPC = 2.54 ± 0.75, and β DF = 1.44 ± 0.49 for absorption, differential phase, and dark field mammogram, respectively. Conclusions: The β values for differential phase contrast and dark field mammography are significantly lower than the measured value of β for the corresponding absorption contrast mammograms. The greatly reduced β value of the anatomical background noise in differential phase contrast and dark field mammograms may suggest potentially improved diagnostic performance for certain types of breast cancer imaging tasks.
SU-E-T-272: Cochlea Dose Tolerance for Acoustic Neuroma Patients Treated with CyberKnife Stereotactic Radiosurgery

Purpose: In this study, a predictive model was generated to estimate the probability of hearing loss as a Result of acoustic neuroma radiosurgey in five fractions, since we have not seen any other published cochlea dose response model for five fractionsMethods: Cyberknife stereotactic radiosurgey at the Medstar Georgetown University Hospital was used in the treatment of 44 acoustic neuroma patients from 2003 to 2012. Toxicity was scored using Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) 3.0. Grade 1 toxicity was experienced by 2 patients; Grade 2 by 3 patients; and Grade 3 by 2 patients.The maximum cochlea doses and grade of the complications from cochlea were imported into the DVH Evaluator where the probit dose response model was fitted using the maximum likelihood algorithm. The model fitting parameters were optimized to provide the best fit to the observed complication data for hearing loss in one ear for acoustic Neuroma patients. Results: The two standard maximum point dose tolerance limits for cochlea in five fractions are Timmerman's 27.5Gy limit and the TG‐101 25Gy limit. From this dataset for Grade 3 complications the predicted risk level of these dose tolerance limits are 13.3% and 7.9%, respectively. For Grade 2 or higher events, the 5%, 10%, and 25% risk levels were estimated to be 11.4, 18.4, and 30.0Gy, respectively. For Grade 3 events, the 5%, 10%, and 25% risk levels were estimated to be 23.1, 26.1, and 31.2Gy. Conclusion: NTCP using cochlea maximum doses can be used to estimate the rate of hearing risk analysis from acoustic Neuroma Radiosurgery. More clinical data and further study will lead to refinement of the dose tolerance estimates.
Executing large algorithms on low-capacity FPGAs using flowpath partitioning and runtime reconfiguration

This paper describes a new method of executing a software program on an FPGA for embedded systems. Rather than combine reconfigurable logic with a microprocessor core, this method uses a new technique to compile Java programs directly to special-purpose processors that are called ''flowpaths''. Flowpaths allow a software program to be executed in such a way that one low-capacity FPGA is executing a piece of the program while a second low-capacity FPGA is being dynamically reconfigured to take over execution after the first one has completed its task. In this fashion, the program is executed by continuously alternating between the two chips. This process allows large programs to be implemented on limited hardware resources and at higher clock frequencies on an FPGA. The sequencer and rules for partitioning a flowpath are presented and the method is illustrated using a genetic algorithm compiled from Java directly to flowpaths using a flowpath compiler designed in our lab. The genetic algorithm flowpath requires 68% of an expensive, high-density Virtex2 XC2V8000 with a maximum frequency of 68.9MHz (this genetic algorithm would have required 285% of the smaller, more reasonably priced Virtex 1000). However, by splitting flowpaths as presented in this paper, the algorithm can be implemented with an average maximum clock frequency of 154.8MHz using only two low-capacity, inexpensive Virtex XCV50 chips, the smallest capacity of the Virtex family. The split flowpaths require one-quarter of the clock cycles used by the JStamp microcontroller. Therefore, instead of using an expensive high-density FPGA, the proposed design illustrates how a genetic algorithm can be implemented using only a pair of inexpensive chips that have only 50,000 equivalent gates each; a low-cost sequencer; and 11.81 MB of memory to store bit files. The overall time performance depends on the speed of the FPGA reconfiguration process.
Flexible Accumulation, Flexible Labor and their Consequences:

Les notions de mondialisation et d'accumulation flexible sont utilisees pour designer les processus lies a l'internationalisation de l'accumulation du capital. Cependant, la mondialisation renvoie a des dimensions autres qu'economiques. L'extension de la culture capitaliste a des regions sous-developpees fait se rencontrer et s'interpenetrer tradition et modernite. Le monde est reduit a un village global, ou l'universalisme de la modernite capitaliste se confronte a des discours et pratiques locales formes par la tradition. L'A. commente brievement les consequences de ce contexte socioeconomique global sur les relations et conditions de travail en insistant plus particulierement sur les phenomenes d'individualisation et de fragmentation sociale.
A meta-analysis of N-acetylcysteine in contrast-induced nephrotoxicity: unsupervised clustering to resolve heterogeneity

Meta-analyses of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) for preventing contrast-induced nephrotoxicity (CIN) have led to disparate conclusions. Here we examine and attempt to resolve the heterogeneity evident among these trials. Two reviewers independently extracted and graded the data. Limiting studies to randomized, controlled trials with adequate outcome data yielded 22 reports with 2746 patients. Significant heterogeneity was detected among these trials (I 2 = 37%; p = 0.04). Meta-regression analysis failed to identify significant sources of heterogeneity. A modified L'Abbe plot that substituted groupwise changes in serum creatinine for nephrotoxicity rates, followed by model-based, unsupervised clustering resolved trials into two distinct, significantly different (p < 0.0001) and homogeneous populations (I 2 = 0 and p > 0.5, for both). Cluster 1 studies (n = 18; 2445 patients) showed no benefit (relative risk (RR) = 0.87; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.68–1.12, p = 0.28), while cluster 2 studies (n = 4; 301 patients) indicated that NAC was highly beneficial (RR = 0.15; 95% CI 0.07–0.33, p < 0.0001). Benefit in cluster 2 was unexpectedly associated with NAC-induced decreases in creatinine from baseline (p = 0.07). Cluster 2 studies were relatively early, small and of lower quality compared with cluster 1 studies (p = 0.01 for the three factors combined). Dialysis use across all studies (five control, eight treatment; p = 0.42) did not suggest that NAC is beneficial. This meta-analysis does not support the efficacy of NAC to prevent CIN.
Finite-dimensional Einstein-Maxwell-scalar field system.

The finite-dimensional Einstein-Maxwell-scalar field system, characterized by a spatially homogeneous or spatially self-similar gravitational field, is approached from a group-theoretical point of view. The field equations are expressed as a parametrized finite-dimensional mechanical system whose singularity behavior is readily apparent, using a method which allows one to consider all possible symmetry types simultaneously.
Laser surface alloying of molybdenum on aluminum for enhanced wear resistance

Abstract A continuous diode pumped ytterbium laser was used for alloying of molybdenum on Al 1100 to improve its wear resistance. Microstructural and phase analysis was conducted using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. Dry wear sliding studies using a pin on disk apparatus at room temperature under a constant normal load of 9 N indicated the increase in wear resistance of laser alloyed coatings. The enhancement in the wear resistance is mainly due to the presence of Al8Mo3 and Al5Mo intermetallic phases within the alloyed surface and their superior physical properties predicted by the first principle calculations.
Directing energy flow through quantum dots: towards nanoscale sensing

Nanoscale sensors can be created when an expected energetic pathway is created and then that pathway is either initiated or disrupted by a specific binding event. Constructing the sensor on the nanoscale could lead to greater sensitivity and lower limits of detection. To this end, quantum dots (QDs) can be considered prime candidates for the active components. Relative to organic chromophores, QDs have tunable spectral properties, show less susceptibility to photobleaching, have similar brightness, and have been shown to display electro-optical properties. In this review, we discuss recent articles that incorporate QDs into directed energy flow systems, some with the goal of building new and more powerful sensors and others that could lead to more powerful sensors.
Measuring and Managing Health Outcomes and Quality of Care in End-Stage Renal Disease

Health outcomes measurement has become increasingly important in the care of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Interest has been stimulated by the relatively poor outcomes of patients with ESRD, variations in the process of care, the high costs of ESRD care, and the development of practice guidelines.
Teaching laboratory management to pathology residents: what skill set are we trying to impart?

The article by Weiss and colleagues1 on a consensus curriculum for laboratory management training for pathology residents provides much useful information about a long-standing challenge. Their report states where we are as a field in laboratory medicine with regard to education on management issues. The data in the article now beg the answers to 2 questions: “What do we do with these answers?” and, more fundamentally, “What are we trying to achieve by teaching laboratory management to pathology residents?” Having been in the field of laboratory medicine as a clinical laboratory director for the past 26 years at the University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia), the Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School (Boston), and Vanderbilt University School of Medicine (Nashville, TN), I have made several attempts to develop for residents a management training program that is truly effective. A successful training experience would be one about which the residents are enthusiastic learners and from which they develop measurable management skills that are more than just common sense; and the program should stand the test of time by improving continuously year after year. In the time that I have been working in the field, I have developed with my colleagues a lecture series on management topics, a management rotation, brief projects related to clinical laboratory management, and even a lecture series in operations management taught by instructors from a local business college. For all the projects for which I can claim some measure of success in my career, none of my attempts to teach management to pathology residents has stood the test of time. I believe that the data collected by Weiss and colleagues1 help us understand this difficulty. My personal lack of success as a pathology educator on management training notwithstanding, there are many reports from those actively engaged in pathology …
In vivo effects of 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea and doxorubicin on the cardiac and hepatic glutathione systems

Doxorubicin and 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU) are anti-cancer drugs which have been used together in combination therapy of certain cancers. Each drug has been reported to affect intracellular glutathione stores and together, doxorubicin and BCNU have been shown to exert synergistic toxicity and to deplete completely the glutathione content of isolated hepatocytes. Cardiac and hepatic glutathione reductase activity was significantly inhibited following treatment in vivo with BCNU. Treatment of mice with both doxorubicin and BCNU resulted in increased mortality compared to either drug alone. There was, however, no depletion of hepatic or cardiac glutathione levels in vivo beyond that seen with either BCNU or doxorubicin alone. Diethyl maleate, a known glutathione depletor whose effects are enhanced by BCNU in vitro, also was unable to increase GSH depletion after BCNU in vivo. These discrepancies between in vivo and in vitro studies may be due to the presence of more effective compensatory mechanisms in the whole animal, or to differences in the metabolism and inactivation of these drugs.
Comparative Early and Nine-Month Results of Rotational Atherectomy, Stents, and the Combination of Both for Calcified Lesions in Large Coronary Arteries

The aim of this study was to determine the preferred treatment modality for calcified lesions in large (> or = 3 mm) coronary arteries, resulting in the largest lumen dimensions and the most favorable late clinical responses. Three hundred six lesions in 306 patients (223 men, mean age 66 +/- 11 years) were treated with either rotational atherectomy plus adjunct balloon angioplasty (n = 147), Palmaz-Schatz stents (n = 103), or a combination of rotational atherectomy plus adjunct Palmaz-Schatz stents (n = 56). The procedural success rate was 98.0% to 98.6% for each treatment modality. Minimal lumen diameter (MLD) before therapy was similar for all therapies. Final MLD after combination of rotational atherectomy plus Palmaz-Schatz stents was larger than after stent therapy or rotational atherectomy plus balloon angioplasty (3.21 +/- 0.49 mm, 2.88 +/- 0.51 mm, and 2.29 +/- 0.55 mm, respectively, p <0.0001). Correspondingly, final percent diameter stenosis was lowest after the combination of rotational atherectomy plus stent therapy, and significantly higher for stents or rotational atherectomy plus balloon angioplasty (4.2 +/- 15.3%, 14.1 +/- 13.3%, and 26.7% +/- 16.9%, respectively, p <0.0001). Event-free survival at 9 months was higher for patients treated with the combination of rotational atherectomy plus stents than either stent therapy or rotational atherectomy alone (85%, 77%, and 67%, respectively, log-rank p = 0.0633). The only significant independent predictor of an event during the 9-month follow-up period was the MLD after intervention (odds ratio 0.495, 95% confidence interval 0.308 to 0.796, p = 0.0037). We conclude that preatheroablation using rotational atherectomy, followed by adjunct stent placement for calcified lesions in large arteries, is associated with infrequent complications, the largest acute angiographic results, and the most favorable late clinical event rates.
Adsorption of a three—component solution onto a solid

Abstract A monolayer of adsorption is used to interpret the adsorption onto silica gel of ternary solutions containing n-heptane, toluene, and methanol. The model takes into account the non-ideality of the bulk liquid using previously-evaluated Wilson parameters. It is found satisfactory to assume that the surface phase is ideal. Surface parameters of the theory are obtained from isotherm measurements and cumulative-heat-of-replacement measurements on the following binary systems: n-heptane/toluene, n-heptane/methanol, and toluene/methanol. These binary parameters are used to predict the adsorption properties (excess surface numbers and cumulative heat of replacement) of ternary solutions; the results are compared with experiment. General equations have been developed for ternary systems that allow one to interpret the heat measured in a flow calorimetry experiment. These equations relate to one another the cumulative heat of replacement, the heat of immersion, and the (theoretical) surface enthalpy.
Effects of agroclavine on avoidance behavior in the hamster

Four groups of hamsters received 0, 2, 6, or 10 mg/kg of agroclavine. The two highest dosage levels severely retarded avoidance learning, whereas the 2 mg/kg group showed no decrement in learning. Gnawing was prevalent in the 6 and 10 mg/kg groups.
A Novel Technique of Quantifying Flexural Stiffness of Rod-Like Structures

In cellular and molecular biomechanics, extensional stiffness of rod-like structures such as leukocyte microvilli can be easily measured with many techniques, but not many techniques are available for measuring their flexural stiffness. In this paper, we report a novel technique of measuring the flexural stiffness of rod-like structures. This technique is based on image deconvolution and, as an example, it was used for determining the flexural stiffness of neutrophil microvilli. The probes we used were 40-nm-diameter fluorescent beads, which were bound to the tips of neutrophil microvilli by anti-L-selectin antibody. The fluorescent images of the bead, which was positioned at the center of the cell bottom, were acquired with high magnification and long exposure time (3 s). Using a Gaussian function as the point spread function of our imaging system, we established a convolution equation based on Boltzmann's law, which yields an analytical expression that relates the bead image profile to the flexural stiffness of the microvillus. The flexural stiffness was then obtained by the least squares regression. On average, the flexural stiffness was determined to be 7 pN/mum for single neutrophil microvilli. With the resolution of our imaging system, this technique can be used for measuring any flexural stiffness smaller than 34 pN/mum and it has great potential in single molecule biomechanics.
Mouse ameloblasts do not transcribe the albumin gene

The interpretation of recent experimental evidence has lead to several discussions at international meetings which have included the suggestion that enamelins are not tissue-specific gene products but rather are similar to, or are identical to, albumin. Further complicating the issue has been the proposal by several investigators that albumin participates in the organization of hard tissues. The experimental strategy described in this study was to hybridize the mouse albumin gene cDNA clone, palb-3, to a Northern blot of secretory phase mouse mandibular first molar RNAs. This approach would permit the evaluation of the potential transcription of the albumin gene by differentiated ameloblasts as well as other cells of the odontogenic organ. The results of this approach indicated that odontogenic cells did not transcribe the albumin gene. Albumin polypeptides, therefore, cannot be synthesized by odontogenic cells and cannot be identical to odontogenic tissue-specific gene products. If albumin is incorporated into developing enamel matrix wherein it participates in undefined roles during enamel matrix organization, it cannot arise as a biosynthetic product of the odontogenic organ.
Academic underachievement, attention deficits, and aggression: Comorbidity and implications for intervention.

Although comorbidity with specific learning disabilities is less frequent than commonly reported, externalizing behavior disorders--particularly attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)--often overlap with various indices of academic underachievement during childhood. Furthermore, by adolescence, delinquency is clearly associated with school failure. Because the link between behavioral and learning problems often appears before formal schooling, and because the co-morbid problems predict a negative course, early intervention is a necessity. Controlled treatment investigations with youngsters who show these combined problems are rare, and such studies present a host of methodologic and practical problems. I discuss issues surrounding multimodality treatment programs and the potential for long-term interventions to break cycles of school failure and externalizing behavior. Language: en
Advertisement call duration indicates good genes for offspring feeding rate in gray tree frogs (Hyla versicolor)

Indicator or ”good genes” models of sexual selection predict that mating preferences allow females to choose mates that are genetically superior. Female gray tree frogs (Hyla versicolor) prefer male advertisement calls of long call duration, which can be indicators of enhanced offspring growth performance. We tested the effects of father’s call duration and the presence of a caged predator (dragonfly naiad) on tadpole activity and growth in a factorial experiment, controlling for maternal and environmental effects. The effect of food availability (a repeated measure) on tadpole activity was also examined. Tadpoles responded to predator presence and to high food availability by decreasing activity and feeding. Tadpoles exposed to a caged predator were smaller after 14 days than those exposed to an empty cage, suggesting that spending less time feeding carries the cost of reduced growth. Offspring of males with long versus short calls responded similarly to the presence of a predator. Nonetheless, offspring of long-calling males spent more time feeding than did offspring of short-calling males, except when a predator was present but no food was available. Increased time spent feeding may contribute to enhanced offspring growth and, therefore, to the indirect benefit that a female may realize by selecting a mate with long calls. However, because the behavioral differences depended on the environment, and because the fitness consequences of such behavioral differences should also vary with the environment, the benefit of mating with a long-calling male may depend on the conditions encountered by the offspring.
Now-Newtonian flow between concentric cylinders and the effects of finite compressibility

Previous studies of the flow of a model soft-sphere liquid between rotating vertical concentric cylinders have predicted an enhanced depression of the free surface at the inner cylinder and the necessity and importance of accounting for finite compressibility. In those studies the rheological properties of the liquids were taken directly from computer simulations, whereas in the present work the liquid properties are altered in a controlled manner and the fluid dynamics problems is again solved numerically and self-consistently with the original boundary conditions. Specific alterations include the removal of all non-Newtonian properties, the change in sign of a generalized viscosity to create a rodclimbing or Weissenberg effect, and the removal of shear dilatancy or increase in pressure with shear. Our conclusion is that nonzero compressibility needs to be taken into account only in the presence of shear dilatancy.
Recognition and management of carbon monoxide poisoning in children

Abstract Carbon monoxide poisoning remains a major environmental threat to children. Symptoms of carbon monoxide intoxication are nonspecific, and appropriate diagnosis remains challenging. Although considerable progress has been made in understanding the pathophysiology of carbon monoxide poisoning, sparse information exists to guide treatment of the intoxicated child. Acute injury from carbon monoxide inhalation appears to result from decreased oxygen delivery to tissues. Nitric oxide-mediated oxidative stress contributes to neurological injury. Laboratory and anecdotal evidence exists to support the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy to reduce oxidative vascular injury. A number of clinical trials show the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in poisoned adults. The application of this treatment modality to children remains controversial, but risk-benefit analysis of this population suggests that hyperbaric therapy be considered for carbon monoxide poisoning in pediatric patients.
Statistical Evaluation of Factors Affecting Reproduction Within a Calanoid Copepod Population1,2)

[On presente des resultats de l'analyse des donnees d'experiences dans le terrain comme dans le laboratoire au cours desquelles on a examine l'influence de la densite des adultes, de la taille des femelles et de la temperature de l'eau, sur la reproduction d'un animal planctonique pendant une annee entiere de reproduction. On a employe des techniques de regression pour etudier la dynamique de population d'animaux planctoniques, et l'on a trouve que ces techniques sont utiles pour formuler une fonction approximative expliquant la variation quantitative de la progeniture observee en fonction de la densite des adultes, de la taille des femelles et de la temperature de l'eau. On presente des exemples de modifications, applicables a l'analyse statistique d'un ensemble quelconque de donnees observees, qui diminuent les problemes se presentant pendant l'analyse relative aux considerations de distribution et de specificite du modele., On presente des resultats de l'analyse des donnees d'experiences dans le terrain comme dans le laboratoire au cours desquelles on a examine l'influence de la densite des adultes, de la taille des femelles et de la temperature de l'eau, sur la reproduction d'un animal planctonique pendant une annee entiere de reproduction. On a employe des techniques de regression pour etudier la dynamique de population d'animaux planctoniques, et l'on a trouve que ces techniques sont utiles pour formuler une fonction approximative expliquant la variation quantitative de la progeniture observee en fonction de la densite des adultes, de la taille des femelles et de la temperature de l'eau. On presente des exemples de modifications, applicables a l'analyse statistique d'un ensemble quelconque de donnees observees, qui diminuent les problemes se presentant pendant l'analyse relative aux considerations de distribution et de specificite du modele.]
Some statistical issues in weather experimentation

A number of topics of statistical methodology in weather modification are discussed. The time sequence of unit definition, classification and randomization is shown to affect the types of units that can be used validly, and this casts doubt on the value of blocking. Re-randomization (permutation) tests are recommended as the only reliable method of confirmatory inference for weather experiments. Some aspects of such tests are examined, including a procedure for multiple comparisons. The plague of multiplicity of tests is discussed and warned against. Doubts about cumulative evaluations of "all" experiment's are expressed. A case is argued for examination of some non-randomized seeding operations. Consid¬ering the dearth of randomized data, it is argued that careful evaluation of seeding operations should be undertaken.
Tower Crane Selection at Jonathon W. Rogers Surface Water Treatment Plant Expansion

Few contractors in the southwestern United States ever consider using a tower crane on their projects. This reluctance can be attributed to a mobile crane construction culture. A contractor in New Mexico, Bradbury Stamm, considered the option of using a tower crane over that of mobile cranes for the Jonathon W. Rogers Surface Water Treatment Plant expansion in El Paso, Texas. How the decision to use a tower crane was made and a comparison of the crane’s use over that of mobile cranes are the subjects of this case study.
Scout: a data-parallel programming language for graphics processors

Commodity graphics hardware has seen incredible growth in terms of performance, programmability, and arithmetic precision. Even though these trends have been primarily driven by the entertainment industry, the price-to-performance ratio of graphics processors (GPUs) has attracted the attention of many within the high-performance computing community. While the performance of the GPU is well suited for computational science, the programming interface, and several hardware limitations, have prevented their wide adoption. In this paper we present Scout, a data-parallel programming language for graphics processors that hides the nuances of both the underlying hardware and supporting graphics software layers. In addition to general-purpose programming constructs, the language provides extensions for scientific visualization operations that support the exploration of existing or computed data sets.
Purification and analysis of α-quartz

Abstract Hydrothermal growth runs were conducted in research size autoclaves employing both sodium hydroxide and sodium carbonate as mineralizers in an effort to achieve higher purity quartz with a minimum of dislocations. It was found that the impurity concentration of aluminum can be routinely reduced to below 0.5 parts per million without a liner.
Structure of the first C2 domain of synaptotagmin I: a novel Ca2+/phospholipid-binding fold.

Abstract C 2 domains are regulatory sequence motifs that occur widely in nature. Synaptotagmin I, a synaptic vesicle protein involved in the Ca 2+ regulation of exocytosis, contains two C 2 domains, the first of which acts as a Ca 2+ sensor. We now describe the three-dimensional structure of this C 2 domain at 1.9 A resolution in both the Ca 2+ -bound and Ca 2+ -free forms. The C 2 polypeptide forms an eight-stranded β sandwich constructed around a conserved four-stranded motif designated as a C 2 key. Ca 2+ binds in a cup-shaped depression between two polypeptide loops located at the N- and C-termini of the C 2 -key motif.
Testicular Cooling Associated With Testicular Torsion and its Detection by Infrared Thermography: An Experimental Study in Sheep

Purpose: We determined whether experimental testicular torsion results in gonadal cooling and whether testicular temperature changes can be detected by infrared thermography.Materials and Methods: A nonblinded, randomized, controlled trial was done in 6 anesthetized sheep. Thermocouple probes recorded testicular temperature every 15 minutes for 6 hours after experimental side 720-degree medial testicular torsion with orchiopexy or control side sham procedure with orchiopexy and for 75 minutes after procedure reduction. Color Duplex ultrasound was done to control the experimental assignment. Mean hemiscrotal infrared thermography temperatures were calculated and nonparametric repeated measures analysis was performed to determine whether there were significant changes in temperature as a function of the experimental condition and time.Results: Testicular torsion resulted in significant testicular cooling by probe and infrared thermography (p <0.05 and <0.0001, respectively), which was promptly reversed upon...
Opioid responsiveness in patients with neuroleptic‐induced akathisia

Five patients with either acute or tardive neuroleptic-induced akathisia (5 weeks to 1 1/2 years duration) were videotaped before, during, and after a 2-week trial of propoxyphene (Darvon), 100 mg q.i.d., or acetaminophen (Tylenol) with 30 mg codeine, two tabs, q.i.d. Three “blinded” observers, experienced in movement disorders, rated the involuntary movements shown on the videotapes and agreed that, on opioids, all patients showed substantial to complete improvement of their stereotyped restless akathitic movements. Matching placebo was not beneficial. One patient who had improved on opioids was challenged with naloxone while on the opioids. There was a brief but severe reactivation of the akathisia. Our results suggest that opioids offer a selective therapy for patients with neuroleptic-induced akathisia and further suggests that the endogenous opiate system may be involved in patients with neuroleptic-induced akathisia.
Dynamic effect of weak localization on the light scattering from random media using ultrafast laser technology

Angle and time resolved experiments on the backscattering of light from model random media are presented. Weak localization was observed using 30-fs laser pulses, where this time scale is shorter than the scattering mean free time of the light in the random medium. This observation implies that the coherent peak is due to interference between the scattered light at the point of observation. The time resolved experiment directly shows that the light rays which undergo longer scattering paths contribute to the narrow coherent peak. A proper description of the temporal profile pulses scattered from random media requires the effect of weak localization to be taken into account.
Prediction of neonatal crown–heel length in normal singletons, twins, and triplets using individualized growth assessment

In groups of normally growing singletons (20), twins (20), and triplets (13), predicted femur diaphysis length (FDL) values at birth were obtained using Rossavik growth models specified from second-trimester ultrasound studies of fetal growth. Six previously published functions were utilized to obtain predicted crown-heel length (CHL) values from predicted FDL values. These values were compared to the actual CHL values and the percent differences calculated. Based on their systematic (mean percent difference) and random (standard deviation of percent difference) prediction errors, the functions of Vintzileos (singletons), Hadlock (twins), and Brown (triplets) were found to give optimal results (no systematic error; random error: +/- 6%). Using predicted CHL values obtained with these optimal functions, growth potential realization index values for CHL (GPRICHL) were determined for singletons, twins, and triplets. In all three groups, the mean GPRICHL value was 100% with a range of approximately 95% to 105%. These results indicate that the CHL can be predicted from second-trimester growth patterns and evaluated using individualized growth assessment methods.