cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Survey of Iris Biometrics Research: 2008–2010

A recent survey of iris biometric research from its inception through 2007, roughly 15 years of research, lists approximately 180 publications. This new survey is intended to update the previous one, and covers iris biometrics research over the period of roughly 2008–2010. Research in iris biometrics has expanded so much that, although covering only 3 years and intentionally being selective about coverage, this new survey lists a larger number of references than the inception-through-2007 survey.
Nursing interventions in Münchausen syndrome by proxy.

1. Munchausen syndrome by proxy is a rare but serious and potentially lethal form of child abuse in which a primary care giver induces or reports factitious symptoms in a child. 2. The child suffers from the caregiver's actions and health care providers unknowingly become accomplices when they provide unnecessary testing and therapies. 3. The child's physical and psychological welfare can be protected through the efforts of the forensic nurse specialist coordinating a multidisciplinary health care team's work to detect the syndrome and intervene early on.
Sickle Cell Disease Patient

This chapter discusses two encounters an African-American female physician living with sickle cell disease has with the healthcare system.
The Gift of Creation

The final set of chapters discuss the contribution of metaxology to philosophizing about embodied, aesthetic being. Continuing his long-term voyage with Desmond, Richard Kearney takes up a number of paragraphs from Desmond’s work so as to show how creation can be thought of in more dynamic, embodied and lively terms than as mere abstraction.
Wave propagation due to impact through layered polymer composites: Part 2 – Planar problems

Abstract In this paper we study the response of a rectangular layered composite viscoelastic plate subjected to impact on one face of the plate. A two network theory which is based on the maximization of entropy production is used to obtain the constitutive equations governing the response of the material and a finite volume numerical scheme is used to solve the resulting equations. The propagation of kinetic energy towards the face opposite to that which is impacted and the interaction at the interfaces are studied for six different layering sequences of Polycarbonate (PC) and Polyurea (PU) namely pure PC, pure PU, bilayer (PU/PC and PC/PU) and trilayer (PU/PC/PU and PC/PU/PC). The layering sequence of PC/PU/PC had the lowest energy arriving at the opposite face of all the cases considered.
Factors Influencing Environmentally Responsible Behavior among Coastal Recreationists

An increasing threat to the marine environment is the presence of debris in the ocean, which is predominantly a result of land-based sources and increasing use of single-use packaging items. To beg...
Gender Threat and Men in the Post-Trump World: The Effects of a Changing Economy on Men’s Housework:

The article provides an overview of the effects of broader economic changes on the division of housework among dual earner heterosexual couples. It summarizes some of the broader methodological and...
Biosynthesis of Enediyne Natural Products

Abstract Biosynthetic studies of the enediyne natural products have made tremendous progress over the last 20 years, driven by rapid advances in DNA sequencing technologies and access to high-quality microbial genomes. Identification of enediyne biosynthetic gene clusters has highlighted the abundance of enediyne natural products in nature and led to the discovery of novel chemistry, enzymology, biology, and medicine, some of which are unique to the enediyne family while others share with other classes of natural products. Despite significant progress within this field, biosynthesis of the enediyne core remains elusive, and rapid translation of the predicted enediyne biosynthetic gene clusters into structurally and biologically characterized enediyne natural products faces many challenges. Emerging tools and technologies are likely to play prominent roles in the upcoming years to further advance our understanding of enediyne discovery, biosynthesis, engineering, structural diversity, and drug discovery.
(±)-Equol does not interact with genistein on estrogen-dependent breast tumor growth

Equol (EQ) is a prominent microbial metabolite of the soy isoflavone, daidzein, with estrogen-like properties. The major soy isoflavone, genistein (GEN), stimulated growth of estrogen-dependent breast cancer (EDBC) cells in vitro and tumor growth in vivo but EQ did not. To understand possible interactions of EQ and GEN on EDBC, EQ was used with GEN in combination in vitro and in vivo. Effects of EQ, GEN and EQ + GEN were evaluated using MCF-7 and T47D EDBC. Ovariectomized athymic mice were used as a model for in vivo tumor growth. Dietary EQ had no effect on MCF-7 tumor growth and the absence of effect was confirmed using a T47D EDBC in vivo model. EQ alone or in combination with GEN increased EDBC cell proliferation in vitro. EQ alone neither stimulated EDBC tumor growth in vivo at various doses nor suppressed tumor growth induced by dietary GEN. In summary, EQ has similar estrogenic effect as GEN in vitro but does not interact with GEN on EDBC tumor growth. Based on the evidence presented here, dietary EQ is unlikely to have estrogenic effects in vivo.
Hormonal contraceptive use predicts decreased perseverance and therefore performance on some simple and challenging cognitive tasks

A growing body of research suggests that hormonal contraceptive (HC) use may be associated with lower self-control, as well as structural and functional differences in women's brains that could contribute to differences in perseverance on tasks requiring cognitive control. Here, we sought to extend this research by examining the relationship between HC use and college-aged women's perseverance (i.e., time spent) and performance on tasks requiring cognitive control. Across two studies, we find that, compared to naturally-cycling women, women using HCs display less perseverance on both simple (i.e., a spot-the-difference game) and challenging (i.e., Graduate Record Examination quantitative problems) tasks. Moreover, these differences in perseverance were found to predict performance decrements across tasks, with women taking HCs performing worse because they spent less time on the tasks. By demonstrating how HC use may influence perseverance and thereby performance, these results contribute to a growing body of research examining the unintended implications of HC use on cognition, learning, and memory.
Fit-for-purpose biomarker LC–MS/MS qualification for the quantitation of very long chain fatty acids in human cerebrospinal fluid

Aim: Very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) have been identified as biomarkers for several peroxisomal disorders necessitating the need for reliable biomarker assays in particular C20, C22, C24, C26 ...
The Study of hypotention in intervention cardiovasclar medicine

Objective To study the incidence, mechanism, clinic symPtom, factor, treatment of the bypotention in intervention cardiovascular medicine. Methods Analyse the 174 cases with hypotention in the 1968 cases with intervention. Results The incidence of hypotention was 8.84% ,vagareflex count most. The older,female, artery group is more easier to vagareflex. Conclusion Vagareflex was the main reason cause to hypotention in the intervention treatment for cardiology. Sex, age, puncture method, the time for extubation were the influencing factors for vagareflex. Key words: Intervention cardiovascular medicine; Vagareflex; Hypotention
Relative accuracy of two methods for approximating observed Fisher information

The Fisher information matrix (FIM) has long been of interest in statistics and other areas. It is widely used to measure the amount of information and calculate the lower bound for the variance for maximum likelihood estimation (MLE). In practice, we do not always know the actual FIM. This is often because obtaining the firstor second-order derivative of the log-likelihood function is difficult, or simply because the calculation of FIM is too formidable. In such cases, we need to utilize the approximation of FIM. In general, there are two ways to estimate FIM. One is to use the product of gradient and the transpose of itself, and the other is to calculate the Hessian matrix and then take negative sign. Mostly people use the latter method in practice. However, this is not necessarily the optimal way. To find out which of the two methods is better, we need to conduct a theoretical study to compare their efficiency. In this paper, we mainly focus on the case where the unknown parameter that needs to be estimated by MLE is scalar, and the random variables we have are independent. In this scenario, FIM is virtually Fisher information number (FIN). Using the Central Limit Theorem (CLT), we get asymptotic variances for the two methods, by which we compare their accuracy. Taylor expansion assists in estimating the two asymptotic variances. A numerical study is provided as an illustration of the conclusion. The next is a summary of limitations of this paper. We also enumerate several fields of interest for future study in the end of this paper.
Novel Opiate-Free Anesthetic Technique for Major Urologic Procedures.

OBJECTIVES We postulated that an opiate-free (OF) general anesthesia (GA) technique could adequately control a patient's pain without adversely affecting recovery. We compared patients undergoing major urologic procedures with and without opiate-based GA. METHODS A propensity-matched analysis was performed comparing hospital length of stay, postoperative nausea and vomiting, ileus occurrence, postanesthesia care unit, and total opiate consumption, as well as sedation and hemodynamic variables. The data are expressed as medians and were analyzed with the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. P < 0.05 indicate statistical significance. RESULTS In total, 166 patients were evaluated in both the OF group and the opiate-based treatment group. American Society of Anesthesiologists classification and age were comparable, with most surgeries being laparoscopic and confined to the bladder, kidney, and prostate gland. The median opiate consumption in morphine equivalents in the postanesthesia care unit was 7.7 mg (range 5-11.7 mg) for the OF cohort versus 11.7 mg (range 5-17.3 mg) for the control group (P < 0.001). Similarly, the median total postoperative opiate consumption in morphine equivalents was 23.9 mg (range 13.8-42.4 mg) for the OF group compared with 32.1 mg (range 17.38-57.51 mg) for the control group (P = 0.0081). The median hospital length of stay for the OF group was 1.4 days (range 1.2-2.3 days) versus 1.3 days (range 1.2-2.4 days) for the control group (P = 0.8466). CONCLUSIONS There was a statistically significant difference in opiate consumption postoperatively for patients who underwent an OF technique compared with a conventional opiate-based technique. This technique appears to be a possible alternative approach, without any apparent untoward consequences during admission.
Reposition of the Fungicide Ciclopirox for Cancer Treatment.

BACKGROUND Ciclopirox (CPX), a broad-spectrum fungicide, has been widely used to treat fungal infection on the skin and nails for decades. Recent preclinical and clinical studies have shown that CPX also possesses promising anticancer activity. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to summarize the patents, the pharmacological and toxicological properties, the anticancer activity, and the mechanisms of action of CPX and its derivatives as anticancer agents. METHODS PubMed and Google using the keywords "ciclopirox", "cancer or tumor" and "patent" were searched, and the identified literature was reviewed. RESULTS Pharmacological and toxicological profiles from preclinical and clinical studies support that systemic administration of CPX and its derivatives is feasible and safe for cancer treatment. CPX exerts its anticancer activity by inhibiting cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis, suppressing cell migration and invasion, and inhibiting angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. Mechanistically, CPX impacts the expression or activities of multiple signaling molecules or pathways, such as ribonucleotide reductase, Myc, DJ-1, Wnt/β-catenin, DOHH/eIF5A/PEAK1, VEGFR-3/ERK1/2, ATR/Chk1/Cdc25A, and AMPK/TSC/mTORC1. Most of these effects are attributed to iron chelation by CPX. Five patents have been retrieved: four patents on the development of CPX prodrugs to improve the water solubility and bioavailability of CPX, and one patent on the methods of bladder cancer treatment with CPX, CPX-O, or a CPX prodrug. CONCLUSION CPX has a great potential to be repositioned for cancer therapy.
IL-31 Inhibition as a Therapeutic Approach for the Management of Chronic Pruritic Dermatoses

Chronic pruritus is a debilitating symptom with limited treatment options. Identifying molecular targets underlying chronic pruritic dermatoses is essential for the development of novel, targeted therapies. IL-31 is an important mediator of itch by integrating dermatologic, neural, and immune systems. IL-31 helps induce and maintain chronic pruritus via both indirect stimulation of inflammatory cells and through direct neural sensitization. IL-31 is overexpressed in various chronic pruritic skin conditions, and exogenous IL-31 induces itch and scratching behavior. Studies have demonstrated that IL-31R and IL-31 antagonism significantly reduces itch in patients with atopic dermatitis and prurigo nodularis, two extremely pruritic skin conditions. Emerging evidence, including recent phase II clinical trials of IL-31R antagonists, demonstrates that IL-31 plays an important role in itch signaling. Additional studies are ongoing to evaluate IL-31R and IL-31 antagonism as treatments of chronic pruritus.
Pancreatic Epithelial Cells Form Islet-Like Clusters in the Absence of Directed Migration

The endocrine differentiation of pancreatic ductal epithelial cells is dependent upon their transition from a two-dimensional monolayer to three-dimensional islet-like clusters. Although clustering of these cells is commonly observed in vitro, it is not yet known whether clustering results from long-range signaling (e.g., chemotaxis) or short-range interactions (e.g., differential adhesion). To determine the mechanism behind clustering, we used experimental and computational modeling to determine the individual contributions of long-range and short-range interactions. Experimentally, the migration of PANC-1 cells on tissue culture treated plastic was tracked by time-lapse microscopy with or without a central cluster of cells that could act as a concentrated source of some long-range signal. Cell migration data was analyzed in terms of distance, number of steps, and migration rate in each direction, as well as migration rate as a function of distance from the cluster. Results did not indicate directed migration toward a central cluster (p > 0.05). Computationally, an agent-based model was used to demonstrate the plausibility of clustering by short-range interactions only. In the presence of random cell migration, this model showed that a high, but not maximal, cell–cell adhesion probability and minimal cell–substrate adhesion probability supported the greatest islet-like cluster formation.
In vivo differences between the turnover rates of leucine and leucine's ketoacid in stable cirrhosis.

Abstract Based on urinary nitrogen excretion, previous studies have indicated increased protein breakdown rates in cirrhosis. However, studies using [1-13C]leucine infusion methodology have found normal protein breakdown rates. Because abnormal partitioning between extracellular and intracellular leucine exists in cirrhosis, plasma enrichment of leucine's keto acid (KIC), a marker of intracellular leucine, may more accurately reflect protein metabolism than plasma [1-13C]leucine enrichment. Therefore, protein breakdown and oxidation were calculated using both [1-13C]leucine and [1-13C]KIC and compared with urinary nitrogen excretion in seven cirrhotics and seven matched controls after an overnight fast. The ratio of KIC and leucine plasma enrichment was decreased (P
Reducing Errors in Measures of Corporate Tax Incentives

Using a matched sample of firms' tax-loss carryovers computed from their U.S. tax returns and Compustat data over 1981-1995, we evaluate how well Compustat data (item #52) classifies firms as having U.S. tax-loss carryovers, identify sources of misclassification error, and investigate the effectiveness of data screens to reduce error rates. We find that using additional Compustat data for U.S. current income tax or total pretax income works well in reducing certain types of misclassification errors. We conclude that researchers should be particularly careful in constructing tax proxies when their research setting involves firms with foreign operations or corporate acquisitions activity.
Abstract 19931: Echocardiographic Assessment of Volume Status in Hemodialysis Patients: a Study Based on Inferior Vena Cava Diameter and Ventricular Interdependence

Background: It is difficult to assess volume status in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing hemodialysis (HD). The euvolemic state (dry weight) in ESRD patients is determined clinically but has limitations. We hypothesized that a combination of ventricular interdependence (VI)_the physiologic phenomenon whereby filling of one ventricle is affected by filling of the contralateral ventricle during different phases of the respiratory cycle_and inferior vena cava diameter (IVCd) predicts volume status in ESRD patients undergoing HD. Methods: Echocardiograms were performed in 20 patients immediately pre- and post-HD. Clinical assessment of volume status was performed by a single nephrologist blinded to echocardiographic data. VI was defined as peak expiratory to inspiratory mitral inflow E velocity ratio. Hypovolemia was defined as IVCd 20 mm and VI >15%. Results: 65% of patients were men, and 60% had a history of heart failure. A total of 40 volume clinical assessments were performed (20 pr...
The Fragmentation Mechanism

Binary and multiple star systems may form by fragmentation, that is, through break-up of a dense molecular cloud core during the dynamical collapse phase that leads to the formation of protostellar objects. This review concentrates on theoretical models of fragmentation based on numerical hydrodynamical calculations in three spatial dimensions, using both finite-difference and smoothed particle hydrodynamics techniques. A variety of recent results are described, including calculations of the fragmentation of bar-like (prolate) clouds, fragmentation in clouds with initial power-law density and angular velocity distributions, tidally-induced fragmentation, fragmentation in cooling clouds, formation of hierarchical systems, and the dividing line between clouds that fragment and those that appear to form single protostars. A brief comparison of the predicted physical and dynamical properties of the theoretical fragments with the observed properties of main-sequence and pre-main-sequence binary stars lends supports to the hypothesis that fragmentation is the dominant formation mechanism for binary and multiple star systems. The major uncertainties regarding fragmentation are the extent to which precollapse clouds are susceptible to fragmentation, and the degree to which binary fragments undergo orbital decay and possibly mergers through interactions with the enveloping disk.
The Essence of Single Ascertainment

We propose a fundamental new definition of single ascertainment, namely, that single ascertainment is any ascertainment scheme in which P [ pedigree is ascertained ∣ true structure of pedigree ] ∝ p ( θ ) where p ( θ ) is some function of genetic parameters θ but is not a function of pedigree structure. Stated in words: Under single ascertainment, all pedigrees have equal (or proportional with respect to genetic parameters) probabilities of being ascertained, independent of pedigree size or structure . This new definition of single ascertainment allows us to show several results: (1 ) The correct likelihood consists of the probability of the data conditioned on the observed pedigree, divided by the function p ( θ ), whether sampling is “proband-independent” or “proband-dependent.” ( 2 ) More-familiar definitions of single ascertainment all represent special cases of our definition. ( 3 ) When p ( θ ) represents the prevalence of the trait being studied, our definition corresponds to “classical” single ascertainment, i.e. , ascertainment through a single “proband.” However, the concept of p ( θ ) can also be generalized to represent the population frequency of configurations of affected relatives (such as affected sib pairs); we call this “generalized single ascertainment.”
Nonuniform Charge Effects in Protein−Protein Interactions

Two phenomena reduce the electrostatic repulsion between protein molecules in solution: charge heterogeneity (patchiness) and charge fluctuation. In this work, the electrostatic interaction energy for two protein molecules is computed as a function of separation and orientation. The results are based on solutions of the linearized Poisson−Boltzmann equation for an arbitrary prescribed surface charge distribution. A boundary element technique yields a numerical solution for the electrostatic potential on the protein surface that is then used to compute the reversible charging work. The results indicate that the two mechanisms act in a complementary fashion. Correlations in charge fluctuations reduce the net charge on the molecules and produce a long-range effect, while charge patchiness becomes significant at separations smaller than the Debye length. Both effects are included in a DLVO-type interaction potential that is used to match published second virial coefficients of lysozyme. Compared to earlier s...
Effects of variable electrolyte conductivity on side gap geometry in ECM

Abstract The steady-state geometric relationship between tool and work surfaces in electrochemical machining (ECM) is predicted based upon a two dimensional model of the electric field combined with one dimensional two phase flow model of the fluid thermal transport process. Numerical methods of solution are described for both the analysis problem in which the work surface is determined for a given tool shape and the design problem in which the tool shape is determined for a given work surface. The procedures are demonstrated for noninsulated and partially insulated configurations, and the influence of variable conductivity on side gap geometry is illustrated for different electrolyte flow rates.
Relationship of Sodium Balance to Arterial Pressure in Black Hypertensive Patients

To investigate the quantitative importance of sodium balance to arterial pressure changes produced by changes in sodium intake, we studied normotensive white and black subjects and hypertensive black patients with two protocols. Protocol 1 used a 3-day control period with a 150 mEq sodium intake/day followed by 4 days of salt depletion (SD) with a diet providing 9 mEq/day of sodium and furosemide, 1 mg/kg, given the first day and then 3 days of salt loading (SL), during which 25 mL/kg of isotonic sodium chloride solution was given intravenously each day (3.88 mEq sodium/kg/day). In protocol 2, the sequence of sodium intake changes was reversed. For both protocols, sodium balance was calculated by subtracting urinary sodium excretion from sodium intake and expressed in mEq/kg, either positive or negative. In protocol 1, the hypertensives had statistically significant changes in arterial pressure with changes in salt intake, and they also lost more sodium than normotensives during SD. In protocol 2, blacks, both normotensives and hypertensives, had statistically significant pressure changes with both SL and SD, and black hypertensives retained less sodium during SL than either normotensive group. Spearman correlations showed no relationship between sodium balance and mean arterial pressure, suggesting that salt-sensitive hypertension results not from the magnitude of sodium retention, but from the pressor mechanisms evoked.
Spectroscopy of a globular cluster in the Local Group dwarf irregular NGC 6822

We present low-resolution Keck spectroscopy for the globular cluster (GC) H VIII in the Local Group dwarf irregular galaxy NGC 6822. We find the metallicity of the cluster to be [Fe/H] = -1.58 ′ 0.28 and the age of the cluster to be 3-4 Gyr, slightly older than but consistent with previous age estimates. H VIII seems to be more metal-poor than most intermediate-age GCs in the Local Group, and appears most similar to the anomalous Small Magellanic Cloud clusters Lindsay 113 and NGC 339.
Does economic freedom in host countries lead to increased foreign direct investment

Purpose – This study aims to examine the effect of the various dimensions of economic freedom and political freedom in host countries on the foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows over a six-year period from 1995 to 2000 in 95 countries. Design/methodology/approach – The sample consists of 95 countries and relates to the time period from 1995 to 2000. The sample is of a longitudinal or panel nature. Findings – Results indicate that better economic management (monetary policy, fiscal burden and banking and finance), less government participation in the economy, less state intervention (strong property rights, less regulation, low prevalence of informal markets and less corruption), absence of wage and price controls and higher levels of political freedom lead to higher FDI inflows after controlling for FDI stock. Research limitations/implications – Most empirical studies using indices such as the Index of Economic freedom are subject to certain methodological limitations such as model selection, parameter...
Seismic data compression

An investigation of low-rate seismic data compression using transform techniques is presented. This study concentrates on discrete orthogonal transforms such as the discrete Fourier transform (DFT), the discrete cosine transform (DCT), the Walsh-Hadamard transform (WHT), and the Karhunen-Loeve transform (KLT). Uniform and subband transform coding schemes are implemented, and comparative results are given for data rates ranging from 150 to 550 b/s. Results are also compared with existing linear prediction techniques. >
Computations of flow and heat transfer in a three-dimensional multilouvered fin geometry

Abstract This study presents computational results in a complex three-dimensional louver geometry. The three-dimensionality occurs along the height of the fin, where the angled louver transitions to the flat landing and joins with the tube surface. The transition region is characterized by a swept leading edge and decreasing flow area between louvers. The results show that for Re b =1100, the flow on the angled louver is dominated by spanwise vortex shedding, which is weakly three-dimensional. On the other hand, the flow in the transition region exhibits strong three-dimensionality. A high-energy compact vortex jet forms in the vicinity of the louver junction with the flat landing and is drawn under the louver. The top surface experiences large velocities in the vicinity of the surface and exhibits high heat transfer coefficients. Although the flow slows down at the flat landing, the large induced velocities on the top surface increases the heat transfer coefficient on the tube surface.
Response of rodent community structure and population demographics to intercropping switchgrass within loblolly pine plantations in a forest-dominated landscape

Abstract Intercropping switchgrass ( Panicum virgatum ) in existing managed pine ( Pinus spp.) forests potentially can produce a biofuel feedstock without encumbering additional arable land. However, it is not clear how intercropping, which changes understory vegetation composition and structure, may influence rodent communities. Therefore, as part of a broader effort to examine ecological sustainability of an intercropping management system, we investigated whether intercropping switchgrass in intensively managed loblolly pine ( Pinus taeda ) stands affected rodent community structure and population demographics in a managed forest landscape. We conducted seven live-trapping sessions during June–August 2012 on three intensively managed pine stands (control) and three intensively managed pine stands intercropped with switchgrass (treatment). Pine stands intercropped with switchgrass had lower rodent community evenness ( P = 0.02) and diversity ( P = 0.03) than control stands primarily because of greater hispid cotton rat ( Sigmodon hispidus ) abundance in intercropped stands ( P = 0.02). However, there was no treatment effect on cotton rat survival or recruitment. Our results suggest the switchgrass intercropping system in our study influenced rodent community structure via effects on hispid cotton rats during the early successional stage of a loblolly pine stand.
Automatic 3D kidney segmentation based on shape constrained GC-OAAM

The kidney can be classified into three main tissue types: renal cortex, renal medulla and renal pelvis (or collecting system). Dysfunction of different renal tissue types may cause different kidney diseases. Therefore, accurate and efficient segmentation of kidney into different tissue types plays a very important role in clinical research. In this paper, we propose an automatic 3D kidney segmentation method which segments the kidney into the three different tissue types: renal cortex, medulla and pelvis. The proposed method synergistically combines active appearance model (AAM), live wire (LW) and graph cut (GC) methods, GC-OAAM for short. Our method consists of two main steps. First, a pseudo 3D segmentation method is employed for kidney initialization in which the segmentation is performed slice-by-slice via a multi-object oriented active appearance model (OAAM) method. An improved iterative model refinement algorithm is proposed for the AAM optimization, which synergistically combines the AAM and LW method. Multi-object strategy is applied to help the object initialization. The 3D model constraints are applied to the initialization result. Second, the object shape information generated from the initialization step is integrated into the GC cost computation. A multi-label GC method is used to segment the kidney into cortex, medulla and pelvis. The proposed method was tested on 19 clinical arterial phase CT data sets. The preliminary results showed the feasibility and efficiency of the proposed method.
Peroxone mineralization of chemical oxygen demand for direct potable water reuse: Kinetics and process control

Mineralization of organics in secondary effluent by the peroxone process was studied at a direct potable water reuse research treatment system serving an occupied four-bedroom, four bath university residence hall apartment. Organic concentrations were measured as chemical oxygen demand (COD) and kinetic runs were monitored at varying O3/H2O2 dosages and ratios. COD degradation could be accurately described as the parallel pseudo-1st order decay of rapidly and slowly-oxidizable fractions, and effluent COD was reduced to below the detection limit (<0.7 mg/L). At dosages ≥4.6 mg L(-1) h(-1), an O3/H2O2 mass ratio of 3.4-3.8, and initial COD <20 mg/L, a simple first order decay was indicated for both single-passed treated wastewater and recycled mineral water, and a relationship is proposed and demonstrated to estimate the pseudo-first order rate constant for design purposes. At this O3/H2O2 mass ratio, ORP and dissolved ozone were found to be useful process control indicators for monitoring COD mineralization in secondary effluent. Moreover, an average second order rate constant for OH oxidation of secondary effluent organics (measured as MCOD) was found to be 1.24 × 10(7) ± 0.64 × 10(7) M(-1) S(-1). The electric energy demand of the peroxone process is estimated at 1.73-2.49 kW h electric energy for removal of one log COD in 1 m(3) secondary effluent, comparable to the energy required for desalination of medium strength seawater. Advantages/disadvantages of the two processes for municipal wastewater reuse are discussed.
Apolipoprotein E Produced by Human Monocyte-derived Macrophages Mediates Cholesterol Efflux That Occurs in the Absence of Added Cholesterol Acceptors

Human monocyte-derived macrophages can efflux accumulated cholesterol without exogenously added cholesterol acceptors (Kruth, H. S., Skarlatos, S. I., Gaynor, P. M., and Gamble, W. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 24511-24518). Most of the effluxed cholesterol accumulates in the medium as apolipoprotein E-discoidal lipid particles. In the current study, we determined whether and to what degree cholesterol efflux from human monocyte-macrophages depended on apolipoprotein E secretion. Unexpectedly, 2-week-old differentiated monocyte-macrophages secreted similar amounts of apolipoprotein E without or with cholesterol enrichment. Apolipoprotein E mRNA levels in these macrophages were not increased by cholesterol enrichment and were comparable with levels in HepG2 cells. Without cholesterol enrichment, monocyte-macrophages secreted lipid-poor apolipoprotein E with a density >1.21 g/ml. By contrast, cholesterol enrichment of monocyte-macrophages induced the association of apoE with phospholipid and cholesterol to form discoidal particles that floated at densities of 1.08-1.10 g/ml. An anti-apolipoprotein E monoclonal antibody added to the culture medium significantly inhibited cholesterol and phospholipid efflux from the monocyte-macrophages. This showed that apolipoprotein E was required for most of the cholesterol efflux, and that apolipoprotein E did not leave macrophages with lipid but rather associated with lipid after it was secreted. Thus, 1) apolipoprotein E was constitutively secreted by differentiated human monocyte-macrophages, 2) apolipoprotein E only formed discoidal particles following macrophage cholesterol enrichment, 3) apolipoprotein E was necessary for cholesterol efflux to occur in the absence of added cholesterol acceptors and, in addition 4) the level of macrophage unesterified cholesterol was not rate-limiting for this cholesterol efflux, and 5) net phospholipid synthesis occurred in macrophages secondary to apoE-mediated loss of macrophage phospholipid. In conclusion, apolipoprotein E functions in an autocrine pathway that mediates cholesterol efflux from human monocyte-derived macrophages.
The international proliferation of integrated coastal zone management efforts

At the present time approximately 142 integrated coastal zone management efforts have been initiated by approximately 57 sovereign or semi-sovereign states. With the exception of Africa there is a relatively even distribution of these efforts around the world. For a number of reasons in the last ten years the greatest growth in integrated coastal zone management programs has been among developing nations. The continual increase in the number of programs is making international communication, coordination and information exchange increasingly difficult. Last year there was at least one attempt to reverse this trend. A roster was prepared by listing all known integrated coastal zone management efforts. At the present time a survey is being conducted to improve the information content of the roster. The information derived from the survey will be used to prepare an interactive data base to both analyze the expanding field of integrated coastal zone management and serve as a central point of contact.
Factors controlling the noble gas abundance patterns of deep-sea basalts

Abstract A number of processes may modify the noble gas composition of silicate liquids so that the composition of noble gases observed in glassy margins of deep-sea basalts is not that of the upper mantle. Differential solubility enhances the light noble gases relative to the heavier gases; however, we demonstrate that the observed abundance pattern cannot be attributed to solubility of noble gases with atmospheric proportions. Partial melting and fractional crystallization increase the noble gas content of all species relative to mantle concentrations, but do not fractionate their relative abundances. Noble gases may be lost from an ascending magma in various ways, the most important, however, may be exclusion of gas from crystals forming at the time of solidification, which is shown to result in marked loss of gas from the basalt. Small amounts of low-temperature alteration of solidified basalt can produce dramatic changes in the noble gas abundance pattern, since the adsorption coefficients for the different noble gas favor uptake of heavy species relative to the light species. Atmospheric contamination can account for observed variations in the 40Ar/36Ar ratio of oceanic basalts. The degree of crystallinity of glassy margins of deep-sea basalts may control the helium abundance of these samples; however, the uniform 3He/4He values reported apparently reflect a relatively constant proportion of radiogenic and primordial helium in the mantle.
Evaluation of Light-Emitting Diodes for Whole Blood Oximetry

The difference between the optical extinction coefficients of oxy-and deoxyhemoglobin is a primary concern in the design of blood oxygen instrumentation. In this communication, we report the apparent values for the molar extinction coefficients of hemoglobin under conditions of interest to instrument designers, namely, with whole blood and with unfiltered LED illumination. Extinction coefficient values are reported for four commercially available LED's with typical spectral half-intensity bandwidths and peak emissions ranging from 660 to 940 nm.
Frederick H. Evans: The Craft of Presentation

AbstractThis article considers the techniques of presentation used by noted English photographer Frederick H. Evans (1853–1943). The research has been conducted within the holdings of five North American collections: George Eastman House International Museum of Photography and Film in Rochester, NY; the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, and Hans P. Kraus, Jr. Gallery in New York City; and the Canadian Center for Architecture, in Montreal. I plan to continue this work in European collections early in 2010.
Impurity electrons in amorphous germanium a photoemission argument for the Mott model

Abstract Photoemission-measurements of amorphous and crystallized Ge alloyed with As are reported. The results show that while the effect of alloying on the electronic structure is strong in the crystalline case, it is relatively small for the amorphous material.
Probabilistic and statistical methods in engineering geology

After having pointed out weaknesses in traditional approaches to exploration in a preceding paper, it will now be shown what can be gained by using statistical methods in practical application to exploration. In particular, statistical data collection for joint surveys will be presented including methods for error reduction. Extensive treatment will be given to subjective assessment of uncertainty, a methodology that is well suited to engineering geology; its use in describing tunnel geology is given as a practical example. Finally, it will be shown how these methods of rational uncertainty description are employed to plan exploration in an optimum manner, with an example in exploration planning for underground gas storage caverns.
Beyond Neonatal and Pediatric Specialized Patient Transport: Mobile Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation, Maternal-Fetal Transport, and Other Team-Based Roles

Neonatal and pediatric specialty transport teams provide an essential link between community referral centers and tertiary care children’s hospitals. These teams bring neonatal and pediatric critical care capabilities to the patient even before arrival at the destination hospital. Beyond the traditional expectations of interfacility transport teams such as intubation and vasoactive medications, many teams now perform advanced care transfers using mobile extracorporeal membrane oxygenation or have taken the leap to performing maternal-fetal transports. Finally, the skill sets and expertise of hospital-based transport team members may allow them to fulfill other roles within their organization, including participation on a rapid response team.
Evaluation of temporal registration of Landsat scenes

The registration of Landsat images is important for multitemporal classification and for detecting change. Landsat data are now rectified to a ground coordinate system during preprocessing, hence scenes obtained over the same area are registered. The machine responsible for preprocessing the Landsat multispectral scanner data is the master data processor (MDP). This paper describes the rectification approach taken by the MDP, reviews the accuracy standards of the resultant product, and provides an assessment of the accuracy of the scene to scene registration of two Landsat images.
Nutrition, health, birth order and seasonality: intrahousehold allocation among children in rural India.

Abstract Nutrients available to children are determined largely by intrahousehold allocations. There are a number of reasons why birth order may affect these allocations. A model is developed to estimate critical parameters of parental preferences regarding the allocation of nutrients among their children. Latent variable estimates for rural south India indicate that parental preferences have productivity-equity tradeoffs and parents favor older children. The productivity-equity tradeoff, however, is much less for the lean season. Therefore, when food is scarcest, parents follow more closely a pure investment strategy, exposing their more vulnerable children to greater malnutrition tisk.
Controlled vocabularies for microbial virulence factors

Knowledge about pathogenesis is increasing dramatically, and most of this information is stored in the scientific literature or in sequence databases. This information can be made more accessible by the use of ontologies or controlled vocabularies. Recently, several ontologies, controlled vocabularies and databases have been developed or adapted for virulence factors and their roles in pathogenesis. Here, we discuss these systems, how they are being used in research and the challenges that remain for developing and applying ontologies for virulence factors.
Origin of the blood hyperserotonemia of autism

Background Research in the last fifty years has shown that many autistic individuals have elevated serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) levels in blood platelets. This phenomenon, known as the platelet hyperserotonemia of autism, is considered to be one of the most well-replicated findings in biological psychiatry. Its replicability suggests that many of the genes involved in autism affect a small number of biological networks. These networks may also play a role in the early development of the autistic brain.
High-titania alkali-olivine basalts of north-central Oregon, U.S.A.

In north-central Oregon numerous small flows of alkali-olivine basalt occur in the Oligocene to early Miocene John Day Formation. Chemically, these basalts are characterized by relatively low SiO2 and K2O and very high TiO2 and iron. Fifteen analysed specimens (44 to 48 percent SiO2) have an average of 3.6 percent TiO2 and 15 percent total iron. The average composition of the Oregon basalts compares closely with the average hawaiite of the Hawaiian Islands, differing only in having slightly higher iron and slightly lower SiO2 and total alkalis. Closely associated flows of trachyandesite and quartz latite are chemically related to the basalts and probably formed by differentiation of an alkali-olivine basalt magma. Typical basalt specimens have 10 to 15 percent of modal olivine, interstitial alkali feldspar, and abundant clay minerals and chlorophaeite. Textures are subophitic or intersertal and phenocrysts are rare. Plagioclase laths are slightly zoned and range in composition from An68 to An44. Purplish-brown titaniferous augite is the only pyroxene, and ilmenite is the dominant opaque mineral. Distinct differences in composition and age, and the lack of transitional varieties indicate that these basalts are unrelated to the younger Columbia River basalts. They presumably represent a separate parent magma of alkalic affinity that was generated independently within the mantle.
Cinnoline chemistry XIII. 4-aziridinocinnolines

Nine substituted 4-aziridinoeinnolines have been prepared and subjected to anticancer screening. J. Heterocyclic Chem., 15, 1039 (1978)
Teenage smoking and antecedent parentalcharacteristics: A prospective study

Abstract The smoking habits of 1445 white adolescents aged 15 to 17 years were examined in relation to 16 characteristics of the family prevailing at the time the mother was pregnant with the child. Five characteristics were independently associated with teenage smoking, either for boys or girls or both: parental smoking, mother's education and age, father's education and occupation. Multiple regression showed that father's occupation was redundant for both boys andgirls, and that mother's education was redundant for boys' smoking. Parental smoking, father's education and mother's age each had predictive power for boys' smoking. For the girls, mother's education also had predictive power. In general, the major family characteristics associated at birth with later teenage smoking are parental smoking habits and socioeconomic status. The sex differences between associations of family characteristics and teenage smoking suggest that the like-sexed parents' smoking and education have the greater effect on teenage smoking, particularly for the boys. For girls, present smoking status of mother was of more importance than mother's smoking status at birth if the mother had given up smoking.
19F nuclear relaxation at the interface between liquid 3He and a solid substrate at high field and low temperature.

Using NMR techniques, we have measured the rate at which $^{19}\mathrm{F}$ magnetization is relaxed at the surface of a fluorocarbon solid through contact to liquid $^{3}\mathrm{He}$. These measurements at millikelvin temperatures show that the relaxation rate continues to follow a power-law dependence over a broad range of $^{19}\mathrm{F}$ Larmor frequencies $f (10\ensuremath{-}136 \mathrm{MHz}): \frac{1}{{T}_{1S}}\ensuremath{\propto}\frac{1}{{f}^{1.2}}$. These results complement recent measurements by Maegawa et al. of the high-frequency $^{3}\mathrm{He}$ relaxation rate which is approximately proportional to ${f}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$.
The Artist and the Exegete: Decoding Visions in Glenn Kaino's The Siege Perilous

This article explores intersections between Glenn Kaino’s sculpture The Siege Perilous (2002) and the thirteenth-century romance La Queste del Saint Graal . Both Kaino and his medieval predecessor couple mysterious objects and images with unsatisfying explanations, exposing our dependence on interpretations by unreliable or ingenuous exegetes—and pushing us beyond this dependence.
The Search for a Unified Social Studies Curriculum: Does History Really Repeat Itself?

A bulwark of democracy is an informed electorate. Recently, disturbing evidence has been presented indicating that young Americans lack the knowledge of democratic principles and history required by our democracy. One explanation for this complex problem concerns the nature of the social studies instruction that our children are receiving. In this article, common practices in social studies instruction are described and critiqued, and an alternative, more conceptually based model of history instruction that is of potential benefit to students with learning disabilities is proposed.
Rank Covariance Methods for the Analysis of Survival Data

A procedure for comparing survival times between several groups of patients through rank analysis of covariance was introduced by WOOLSON and LACHENBRUCH (1983). It is a modification of Quade' rank analysis of covariance procedure (1967) and can be used for the analysis of right-censored data. In this paper, two additional modifications of Quade' original test statistic are proposed and compared to the original modification introduced by Woolson and Lachenbruch. These statistics are compared to one another and to the score test from Cox' proportional hazards model by way of a limited Monte Carlo study. One of the statistics, QR2, is recommended for general use for the rank analysis of covariance of right-censored survivorship data.