cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the potential risk of central intravenous lines and/or total parenteral nutrition with ventriculoatrial shunts

The distal catheter of a ventriculoatrial (VA) cerebrospinal fluid shunt is potentially exposed to bacterial seeding from a subclavian central line. The risk of blood stream infections (BSIs) from central lines increases with administration of total parenteral nutrition (TPN). The potential risks of shunt malfunction or infection in patients with a VA shunt and a concurrent subclavian central line and/or TPN administration have not been studied. A retrospective review of 49 pediatric patients with placement of a VA shunt was performed. Three outcome measures were studied: shunt malfunction, shunt infection, and bacteremia/fungemia requiring shunt removal. All outcomes were measured by 1 year after shunt insertion. We analyzed the following potential risk factors: age at shunt insertion, prior ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt, prior shunt infection, abdominal infection/necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), concurrent subclavian central line, and administration of TPN. The association between each risk factor and outcome was evaluated using Fisher’s exact test to generate the relative risk. Additionally, a logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the odds ratio of the outcomes to risk factors considering age as a covariate. The average age at shunt insertion was 6.3 ± 7.6 years. The most common diagnosis was posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus of prematurity (53.1 %). Fifteen patients (30.1 %) had a shunt malfunction within 1 year, 6 (12.2 %) had a shunt infection, and 3 (6.1 %) required removal of the shunt due to bacteremia/fungemia. The age at shunt insertion was not a statistically significant independent risk factor for any of the three outcomes. Prior shunt infection predicted an increased risk for both future shunt malfunction and infection in both the associative relative risk analysis and the age-dependent logistic regression analysis, although the correlation did not reach statistical significance. The presence of a subclavian central line or TPN administration did not statistically increase the risk over baseline for any of the outcomes in either analysis. The relatively small number of patients limits the power of the study. Considering this limitation, the data suggests that the presence of a concurrent subclavian central line or administration of TPN does not increase the risk of shunt malfunction or infection over the baseline of this high-risk cohort.
Paediatric pedestrian trauma: The danger after school

Aim: To examine the demographics of road pedestrian trauma in children in the Auckland region and to provide data that can help target prevention strategies. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of all children (0-14 years) in the Auckland region admitted to the hospital or killed following a pedestrian versus vehicle injury for the 6-year period 2000-2005. Excluded were pedestrians injured in a driveway. Results: Over the 6-year period, 364 children were involved in pedestrian crashes resulting in 25 deaths. The median age was 7 years. Males comprised 63%. Pacific Islanders and Maori were over-represented. Three hundred seventeen patients had injury times recorded. Of these, 49% occurred between 3 and 7 pm. Injury peaks for school days showed a tri-modal pattern with injury peaks at 8-9 am, 3-4 pm and 5-6 pm with the 3-4 pm after-school peak predominating. Conclusion: Prevention strategies should concentrate on the hours after school finishes and should be tailored for Maori and Pacific Island communities. Language: en
Is There an Imprint of Primordial Stars in the TeV γ‐Ray Spectrum of Blazars?

The 1-5 μm diffuse sky emission from which local foreground emission from the solar system and the Galaxy have been subtracted exceeds the brightness that can be attributed to normal star-forming galaxies. The nature of this excess near-infrared background light (NIRBL) is controversial. On the one hand, its sharp rise at ~1.25 μm has been interpreted as a distinct spectral feature created by the redshifted emission from primordial (Population III) stars that have formed at redshifts 8. On the other hand, the measured NIRBL spectrum is almost identical to that of the zodiacal cloud, raising the possibility that it is of local origin. Blazars can, in principle, offer a simple test for the nature and origin of the NIRBL. Very high energy γ-ray photons emitted by these objects are attenuated en route to Earth by γ-γ interactions with the extragalactic background light (EBL). Assuming that the NIRBL is of extragalactic origin, its distinct spectral feature should give rise to a corresponding absorption feature in the observed γ-ray spectra of these sources. This paper examines whether the extragalactic nature of the NIRBL can be determined from the analysis of the γ-ray spectra of blazars. We calculate the γ-ray opacity toward two blazars H1426+428 and PKS 2155-304 located at redshifts of z ≈ 0.13 for several EBL scenarios with and without the alleged spectral signature of the Population III stars. We show that if the NIRBL is extragalactic, it may be very difficult to reproduce the absorption-corrected spectrum of PKS 2155-304 with a synchrotron self-Compton (SSC) model that is also consistent with the X-ray and EGRET γ-ray data. This, and other arguments presented in this paper, cast serious doubts on the possibility that the NIRBL represents the spectral imprint of the first generation of stellar objects on the EBL.
Sensor data dissemination systems using Web-based standards: a case study of publishing data in support of evapotranspiration models in California

Developing real-time and near real-time systems and models based on sensor data acquisition requires efficient access to distributed data sources. This is especially true when multi-source datasets are required for a comprehensive model. For example, developing daily spatial estimations of water evaporation and transpiration requires access to weather stations, combined with satellite imagery, and potentially weather prediction models as well. Most existing online data dissemination services support dissemination with ad-hoc methods, designed for specific limited purposes. General purpose access methods, required by a broadening range of uses, become increasingly important. In this study, we examine standard Web services for sensor data and how clients can consume such services seamlessly in their applications. Specifically, we describe a prototype system that supports Open Geospatial Consortium standards and the Network Data Access Protocol standard. This system allows standard access to weather stations...
Activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in Muller glia protects photoreceptors in a mouse model of inherited retinal degeneration

Abstract The canonical Wnt/β-catenin (“Wnt”) pathway is an essential signaling cascade in the embryonic central nervous system (CNS) that regulates neuronal differentiation and survival. Loss of Wnt signaling in developing and adult tissue has been implicated in numerous CNS diseases, but the precise role of Wnt in regulating neuronal survival, and how its absence could lead to disease, is not understood. In this study, we investigated the effect of Wnt activation on neuronal survival in the adult retina, and identified cellular and molecular mediators. Pan-retinal Wnt signaling activation using Wnt3a induced functional and morphological rescue of photoreceptor neurons in the rd10 mouse model of retinal degeneration. Furthermore, Wnt activation using constitutively active β-catenin specifically targeted to Muller glia increased photoreceptor survival and reduced markers of glial and neuronal remodeling. Wnt-induced photoreceptor protection was associated with elevated levels of the prosurvival protein Stat3, and was reduced by shRNA-mediated knock-down of Stat3, indicating cross-talk between survival pathways. Therefore, these data increase our understanding of the role of Wnt signaling in the retina, and identify radial Muller glia as important cellular mediators of Wnt activity.
Factor V Leiden and venous thromboembolism: risk associated with hormone replacement therapy.

Purpose To determine the risk-benefit ratio of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and the cost-effectiveness of screening in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women who are carriers of factor V Leiden, as well as to provide evidence-based clinical recommendations for the primary care provider. Data Sources Databases searched included EMBASE, BIOSIS, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PubMed, SciSearch, and the Cochrane Database. Two reviewers extracted, reviewed, and concurred upon relevant evidence identified in the data-bases. Results Results confirmed that all women have a higher risk for the development of venous thrombosis while on HRT. The presence of a genetic mutation, such as factor V Leiden, in combination with HRT dramatically increased an individual's chance for developing venous thrombi. Conclusion/Implications Based on the findings of the studies reviewed, it is recommended that women wishing to initiate HRT be thoroughly screened for known risk factors of thrombosis. If risk factors are identified, genetic testing for factor V Leiden may be warranted.
Acute stress modulates the irritant component of sensitizers in allergic contact dermatitis: implications for exposure assessment

Abstract Exposure of skin to noxious environmental stimuli can cause allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), which is a major health risk. Epidemiological studies have determined that 40% of workers report that their jobs are very, or extremely, stressful, and the number of chemicals to which workers are exposed increases each year. We hypothesized that combined exposure to a workplace stressor and a sensitizing chemical would alter the time course and magnitude of the skin immune response. We assessed the mixed exposure of chemical and restraint stress using three potent skin sensitizers, 2,4 dinitrofluorbenzene (DNFB), dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC), and oxazolone, (OXA) on the ear swelling response in stress-susceptible BALB/c mice. Quantitative analyses showed that the dose–response relationship for each chemical followed a cubic trend. Although stress did not alter the shape of the curve, application of restraint stress on day 1 or on day 6 diminished the ear swelling response to 0.1% DNFB. However, if the concentration of the challenge dose was increased to a more irritating concentration, 0.25% DNFB, ear swelling was enhanced. Restraint stress applied on day 6 also increased ear swelling in response to the highly irritating sensitizer DCC, but not to the low-irritancy chemical OXA. These data support the hypothesis that dose–response relationships exist for sensitization with chemical and that restraint stress modulation of the ear swelling response is both chemical specific and dependent on the irritancy potential of the chemical.
Effective Nucleon Nucleon Interaction for Scattering at Intermediate-energies

A local representation of the free nucleon-nucleon $t$ matrix has been determined for several projectile bombarding energies between 100 and 800 MeV/nucleon and is presented in tabular form. The form of the interaction has been tailored for use in calculations of elastic and inelastic proton scattering in this energy range. The technique used to derive the interaction is outlined and some of the resulting uncertainties are discussed. A number of the most important properties of the interaction and their roles in the calculation of nucleon-nucleus scattering observables are discussed. A few applications of the interaction are made to a variety of ($p$,${p}^{\ensuremath{'}}$) transitions within a single-scattering context.NUCLEAR REACTIONS An energy-dependent multiple Yukawa representation of the on-shell nucleon-nucleon $t$ matrix between 100 and 800 MeV.
On the required connection strength of geosynthetically reinforced walls

Abstract The use of geosynthetics for the reinforcement of retaining walls, bridge abutments, and wing walls has progressed rapidly over the past 10 years. Design of the reinforcement, along with the requisite testing, has also advanced in a parallel manner. There is, however, an issue that has been raised over the required connection strength of the reinforcement to the wall facing. Theoretically it is felt, and shown numerically herein, that the required force is very small. Essentially all known wall systems can mobilize such forces. What is of concern is a number of short- and long-term issues during and after the wall is constructed which can possibly add to the theoretically required connection strength. They are individually described herein. Furthermore, they are grouped into three types of stress mobilizing situations: uniform settlement, localized asymmetric deformation and localized symmetric deformation. A parametric evaluation of each situation is offered illustrating the possible magnitude of increase of connection stresses beyond the theoretical value under a hypothetical set of conditions. While the values can become high, all scenarios can (and should) be avoided. Clearly, there should be no pressing concern over connection strength with proper design followed by proper construction practice.
Efficient parallel algorithm for simulating wavelength-division-multiplexed dispersion-managed optical fiber systems

A wavelength-division-multiplexed (WDM) dispersion-managed (DM) optical fiber system is one of the key components of current development of ultrafast high-bit-rate optical communication lines. High capacity of optical transmission is achieved using both wavelength multiplexing and dispersion management (see e.g. Ref. [1, 2]). A dispersion-managed [3, 4, 5, 6] optical system is designed to create a low (or even zero) path-averaged dispersion by periodically alternating dispersion sign along an optical fiber that dramatically reduces pulse broadening. Second-order GVD (dispersion slope) effects and path-averaged GVD effects cause optical pulses in distinct WDM channels to move with different group velocities. Consequently modeling of WDM systems requires simulating a long time interval. Enormous computation resources are necessary to capture accurately the nonlinear interactions between channels which deteriorates bit-rate capacity. Here an efficient numerical algorithm is developed for massive parallel computation of WDM systems. The required computational time is inversely proportional to the number of parallel processors used. This makes feasible a full scale numerical simulation of WDM systems on a workstation cluster with a few hundred processors.
The flow‐induced phase morphology of fluoroelastomer and polycarbonate blends during extrusion

The flow-induced phase morphological development under different extrusion conditions was studied in terms of the rheological property and interfacial tension of various elastomers and thermoplastics. The interfacial tension for elastomers and thermoplastics was investigated by using a breaking thread method (1-4). We found that the method is suitable for measuring interfacial tension without degradation. The droplet-fibrillation transition phenomenon was observed in various extrudates of fluoroelastomer/polycarbonate blends. The criteria for the flow-induced morphology, in particular the droplet-fibrillation transition, are critically discussed in this paper
Train Delay and Economic Impact of In-Service Failures of Railroad Rolling Stock:

Railcar condition directly affects the safety, the efficiency, and the reliability of freight railroad operations. Current railcar inspection practices are intended to identify defects before failure, but these practices generally do not enable preventive maintenance because manual, visual inspection is inherently limited. As a result, automated wayside condition-monitoring technologies have been developed to monitor rolling stock condition and facilitate predictive maintenance strategies. Improving the effectiveness of monitoring of railcar conditions could substantially reduce in-service failures and derailments, operational waste, and variability in rail operations and could enhance network productivity, capacity, and reliability. An analysis of the effect of lean production methods on main-line railway operations was conducted to determine the potential impact of improved railcar inspection and maintenance practices made possible by new, automated wayside technologies. Dispatch simulation software was used to quantify the magnitude and the variability of train delay as a function of both traffic level and severity of service outage. The results indicated that the annual cost caused by main-line delay was substantial compared with the annual cost of track and equipment damages from main-line derailments caused by mechanical causes. This work provided an analytical framework to assess the potential cost savings available through improved preventive maintenance strategies.
Detection of antibodies to proteases used in laundry detergents by the radioallergosorbent test

Two proteases, Esperase and Alcalase, derived from Bacillus licheniformis and B. subtilis, respectively, are used in laundry products. In testing for the prevalence of IgE antibodies to these enzymes in sera among 300 laundry product workers, we experienced two problems in the establishment of a reliable RAST for these antigens. The first problem was the propensity of the allergen, Esperase, to undergo autolysis, suggesting that solid-phase Esperase might also lose reactivity through degradation. Treatment of Esperase with phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride stabilized the enzyme and permitted the synthesis of a stable solid-phase antigen. The second problem was the finding that sera reactive with Esperase in the RAST were also reactive with Savinase, an enzyme from B. licheniformis to which the workers were not exposed. Immunochemical analyses of the three enzymes with specific rabbit antisera by gel diffusion and by two-site immunoradiometric assay demonstrated that they were not cross contaminated to any appreciable extent. RAST inhibition demonstrated that solid-phase Esperase possessed unique allergenic determinants in that the reactivity of IgE antibodies was inhibited by low concentrations of Esperase and only by very high concentrations of Alcalase and Savinase. In contrast, the reactivity of solid-phase Alcalase was occasionally inhibited equally well by Esperase and Alcalase. Most strikingly, the reaction of IgE antibodies with solid-phase Savinase was always inhibited by comparable quantities of Esperase, Alcalase, and Savinase. Thus, the establishment of the RAST for these proteases appears to require the use of phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride to retard autolysis, and the results must be interpreted with caution because IgE antibodies in certain sera demonstrate cross-reactivity with Alcalase and Savinase.
Slow Passage through a Saddle-Center Bifurcation

Slowly varying conservative one-degree of freedom Hamiltonian systems are analyzed in the case of a saddle-center bifurcation. Away from unperturbed homoclinic orbits, strongly nonlinear oscillations are obtained using the method of averaging. A long sequence of nearly homoclinic orbits is matched to the strongly nonlinear oscillations before and after the slow passage. Usually solutions pass through the separatrix associated with the double homoclinic orbit before the saddle-center bifurcation occurs. For the case of slow passage through the special homoclinic orbit associated with a saddle-center bifurcation, solutions consist of a large sequence of nearly saddle-center homoclinic orbits connecting autonomous nonlinear saddle approaches, and the change in the action is computed. However, if the energy at one specific saddle approach is particularly small, then that one nonlinear saddle approach instead satisfies the nonautonomous first Painleve transcendent, in which case the solution usually either passes through the saddle-center homoclinic orbit in nearly the same way or makes a transition backwards in time to small oscillations around the stable center (though it is possible that the solution approaches the unstable saddle).
Laparoscopically assisted gastric surgery using Dexterity Pneumo Sleeve

Background: Laparoscopic surgery has been successfully applied to several gastrointestinal procedures. Although the totally laparoscopic gastrectomy is feasible, tactile sensation and manipulation of the organ as well as the lesion are decreased when compared to open surgery. The Dexterity Pneumo Sleeve is a new device which allows the surgeon to insert a hand into the abdominal cavity while preserving the pneumoperitoneum. This device was used for patients who underwent laparoscopic gastric surgery.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CARCINOGENIC ACTIVITIES OF POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS AND THEIR SINGLET, TRIPLET, AND SINGLET-TRIPLET SPLITTING ENERGIES AND PHOSPHORESCENCE LIFETIMES

— The energies of the lowest excited singlet, Es, and triplet, Et, states, and singlet-triplet splitting energies, ΔEs,t, were determined on 18 carcinogenic and 31 noncarcinogenic polycyclic aromatics. A highly significant correlation was found between carcinogenic activity and the energy of the excited singlet state. Compounds with an Es < 312 kJ/mol were 4.8 times more likely to be carcinogens than those compounds with Es 312 kJ/mol (P= 0.015). Compounds whose singlet energies fell within the narrow range of 297 ≤Es≤ 310 kJ/mol were 22.8 times more likely to be carcinogens than those compounds which fell outside this range (P= 0.00006). A significant correlation between carcinogenic activity and Et energies was not found, while the correlation involving ΔEs,t energies was intermediate between the Es and Et correlations. The phosphorescence lifetimes, τp, of the 18 carcinogenic aromatics and 27 of the noncarcinogenic aromatip were determined, and were shown not to be correlated with carcinogenic activity. When either the Et or ΔEs,t energies were plotted as a function of Es it was found that the carcinogens tended to form in an elliptical cluster. Compounds whose Es and Et energies placed them within the ellipse were 9.7 times more likely to be carcinogens than those compounds which fell outside the ellipse (P= 0.002), while with the Es, ΔEs,t ellipse, compounds which fell inside were 20.6 times more likely to be carcinogens than those which fell outside (P= 0.0004). Es, Et, ΔEs,t and τp values were also determined on 12 carcinogenic and 4 noncarcinogenic alkyl substituted benz[a]anthracenes. There was no significant difference between the carcinogens and noncarcinogens and the “elliptical” correlation predicted both the carcinogens and noncarcinogens to be carcinogenic. The results suggest that either some property(ies) of the lowest excited singlet state, but not its energy, or some molecular property(ies) which runs parallel to singlet state energies may be important in determining carcinogenic activity in polycyclic aromatics.
Influence of ion bombardment on the interaction of Sb with the Si(100) surface

Abstract One monolayer (ML) of Sb, which is the saturation coverage at the substrate temperature Ts = 425 °C used in these experiments, was adsorbed on clean Si(100) surfaces and subsequently bombarded with 2 keV Ar+ ions incident at an angle of 21° and a flux JAr = 1.7 ×1014 cm−2 s−2. Thermally-stimulated desorption (TSD) was then used to measure the remaining Sb coverage θ as a function of ion dose D (0 to 2.3 × 1016 cm−2) and to determine the effect of ion irradiation on the Sb surface binding energy. In the absence of ion bombardment, only one TSD peak was observed which, at a heating rate of 10 °C s−1, occurred at T1 = 890°C. In agreement with previous results, the peak was fit with a binding energy E1 = 2.33 eV. Ion irradiation resulted in the formation of an additional, higher temperature, TSD peak at T2 = 1005°C which was fit with E2 = 2.6 eV. The Sb coverage θ2 at the T2 site increased with increasing ion dose, reached a maximum of θ = 0.08 ML at D ≌ 8.5 ×10 15 cm −2 , and then gradually decreased. A simple model, which includes terms for ion-bombardment-induced sputtering and trapping processes, was used to calculate Sb coverages on both the T1 and T2 sites as a function of D and shown to be in good agreement with experimental results. The sputtering yield S from the two sites was found to be ~ 0.08 atoms/ion and the trapping yield α2 of Sb adatoms from the T1 into the T2 site was 0.015 atoms/ion. The low value of S was due primarily to the poor mass matches between Ar/Sb and Si/Sb. Ion bombardment carried out during Sb deposition on Si(100) with JSb4 = 1.5 ×1013 cm−2 s−1 and the same value of JAr resulted in an increase in the saturation coverage from 1 to 1.6 ML. TSD peaks were observed at both the T1 and T2 positions and an additional broad low-energy TSD peak was obtained at T 3 ≌ 710 ° C . The coverage of Sb bound at the T3 site was ~ 0.25 ML.
Space transportation main engine cycle assessment process

The Advanced Launch System (ALS) program selection process for a space transportation main engine (STME) power cycle is described in terms of the methodology employed. Low cost, robustness, and high reliability are the primary parameters for engine choice, suggesting simplicity of design and efficient fabrication methods as the crucial characteristics. An evaluation methodology is developed based on the Pugh (1981) process and the King (1989) matrices. The cycle configurations considered are the gas generator (GG), the closed expander, and the open expander. The cycle assessment team determined that the GG cycle is favored by most cycle discriminators, based on an assessment of the characteristics in terms of ALS goals. The lower development risk of the GG-cycle STME is consistent with the goals of the ALS program in terms of reliability and cost efficiency.
A Church-Based Sampling Design for Research with Latina Immigrant Women

The U.S. is experiencing its highest immigration rate since the 1930s. The largest proportion of immigrants comes from Latin America, and women constitute a large and growing fraction of this group. Although our knowledge of the relationship between migration and women’s health is increasing, research in this area is still needed, particularly in areas experiencing rapid changes in their Latino populations. Yet research is impeded by the absence of an adequate sampling frame: Latina immigrants remain a largely hidden population. This study tests in four North Carolina counties a church-based sampling frame for Latina immigrant women in their reproductive years. In the study area, on an average week, 20% of the Spanish-speaking population attends church (two-thirds are Catholic). Compared against Census data for the study area, the study sample (n = 706) provided a comparable representation of different national origins. New entrants to the U.S. and married women were overrepresented in the church-based sample. The young (under age 30), and women at the lowest and highest extremes of educational attainment were underrepresented in churches. While a church-based sample is not entirely comparable to the Census, churches can provide timely and cost-effective access to a rapidly changing population of new immigrants. Church-based research should be complemented with research in other settings, adjusting sampling weights for overlap between sampling frames.
Rotating dilaton black holes.

It is shown that an arbitrarily small amount of angular momentum can qualitatively change the properties of extremal charged black holes coupled to a dilaton. In addition, the gyromagnetic ratio of these black holes is computed and an exact rotating black string solution is presented.
Non-equilibrium flow over a wavy wall

A small-disturbance solution is obtained for the steady two-dimensional flow over a sinusoidal wall of an inviscid gas in vibrational or chemical non-equilibrium. The results are based on a single, linear, third-order partial differential equation, which plays the same role here as does the Prandtl–Glauert equation in equilibrium flow. The solution is valid throughout the range from subsonic to supersonic speeds and for all values of the rate parameter from equilibrium to frozen flow (in both of which limits it reduces to Ackert's classical solution of the Prandtl–Glauert equation). The results illustrate in simple fashion some of the properties of non-equilibrium flow, such as the occurrence of pressure drag at subsonic speeds and the absence of the discontinuous phenomena that characterize the Prandtl–Glauert theory when the flow changes from subsonic to supersonic.
The outsourcing decision

Outsourcing is the process of transferring part or all of the information systems functions to an external vendor. Examples of how three organizations are using outsourcing are presented. Factors which impact the outsourcing decision include (1) personnel, (2) economic, (3) control, (4) data characteristics, (5) organizational characteristics, and (6) vendor and contract issues. Variables within each category are discussed. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing are summarized.
Fetal heart rate monitoring casebook. Airbag-associated rupture of membranes: evaluation of trauma in pregnancy.

Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring Casebook: Airbag-Associated Rupture of Membranes: Evaluation of Trauma in Pregnancy
Testing Statistical Hypotheses of Equivalence

(2003). Testing Statistical Hypotheses of Equivalence. Technometrics: Vol. 45, No. 3, pp. 271-272.
Tuning proportional-integral-derivative controllers for integrator/deadtime processes

Chien and Fruehauf proposed the use of a simple integrator/deadtime transfer function to model many chemical processes, particularly those with large time constants. Tyreus and Luyben presented tuning rules that give the optimal reset time and controller gain for proportional−integral (PI) control of this type of process. This paper extends the previous work with PI control to proportional−integral−derivative (PID) controllers. Tighter control is possible with PID control, provided signals are not noisy. Frequency domain methods are used to show that the derivative tuning constant should be set equal to the reciprocal of the ultimate frequency. The controller gain is then set equal to 0.46 times the ultimate gain. This process has unusual dynamic behavior when PID control is used, which makes controller tuning nontrivial. The system exhibits conditional stability: at low controller gains the loop is unstable, and at high controller gains the loop is again unstable. Contrary to conventional tuning, a decr...
Diagnosis and treatment of ankle sprains. A review.

• Many pediatricians desire to work with young athletes. However, most pediatricians have not been trained to treat common musculoskeletal injuries in athletes. The tendency is to refer the athlete to a specialist with expertise in the management of musculoskeletal trauma. However, pediatricians should be more involved in the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries to their patients who are athletes. The most common musculoskeletal injury in athletes is the ankle sprain. This article is a review of the basic principles of diagnosis and management of ankle sprains. (AJDC. 1990;144:809-814)
Evidence for ATP action on the cell surface.

IT seems that Mg2+–ATPase (EC 3.6.1.3) and 5′-nucleotidase (EC 3.1.3.5) are prevalent plasma membrane marker enzymes in eukaryotic cells1. Our studies on the ‘sidedness’ of plasma membrane macromolecules suggested that the two enzymes function as ecto-enzymes2, although the substrates presumably were not present on the cell surface. We assumed that the substrates were present, but obscured within the intercellular spaces and by rapid metabolism. The specificity of the ecto-ATPase is low but we suspected that translocated cytoplasmic ATP might be a primary substrate.
Nuclear data sheets for A = 243

Nuclear structure information for all nuclei with mass number A = 243 is evaluated. The results from various decay and reaction experiments are compared. Adopted data, levels, and spin and parity assignments are given.
Developmental Reversals in False Memory: A Review of Data and Theory

Can susceptibility to false memory and suggestion increase dramatically with age? The authors review the theoretical and empirical literatures on this counterintuitive possibility. Until recently, the well-documented pattern was that susceptibility to memory distortion had been found to decline between early childhood and young adulthood. That pattern is the centerpiece of much expert testimony in legal cases involving child witnesses and victims. During the past 5 years, however, several experiments have been published that test fuzzy-trace theory's prediction that some of the most powerful forms of false memory in adults will be greatly attenuated in children. Those experiments show that in some common domains of experience, in which false memories are rooted in meaning connections among events, age increases in false memory are the rule and are sometimes accompanied by net declines in the accuracy of memory. As these experiments are strongly theory-driven, they have established that developmental improvements in the formation of meaning connections are necessary and sufficient to produce age increases in false memory.
Benefits, costs, and determinants of dominance in American black ducks

Behavioural dominance was studied in captive American black ducks (Anas rubripes) during October-December 1984. Eighty ducks were marked individually, and groups of 10 ducks consisting of 5 adults (3 males and 2 females) and 5 juveniles (3 males and 2 females) were assigned to each of 8 experimental pens. Ducks in 4 pens received an ad libitum diet, and ducks in the other 4 pens were given a restricted diet. Dominance structure within pens was linear. Adults were dominant to young, and body mass had no influence on dominance rank. The effect of sex on dominance rank was age-specific. Adult males were dominant to adult females and to young black ducks of both sexes; however, dominance rank of young males did not differ from adult or young females. Paired adults were dominant to unpaired adults and to young individuals that were either paired or unpaired. Paired young black ducks were similar in dominance rank to unpaired adults and unpaired young indicating that pairing did not make these individuals more dominant. Ducks on the restricted diet gained less body mass than ducks on the ad libitum diet (HEPP, 1986), but dominant and subordinate black ducks within treatment groups experienced similar changes in body mass during the early winter. Dominant black ducks interacted more frequently and were more likely to form pair bonds than subordinates, thus higher energy costs of dominant individuals may explain the poor relationship between physical condition and dominance rank. There was a significant positive association between the dominance ranks of pair members.
Metabolic preconditioning of donor organs: defatting fatty livers by normothermic perfusion ex vivo.

Fatty liver is a significant risk factor for liver transplantation, and accounts for nearly half of the livers rejected from the donor pool. We hypothesized that metabolic preconditioning via ex vivo perfusion of the liver graft can reduce fat content and increase post-transplant survival to an acceptable range. We describe a perfusate medium containing agents that promote the defatting of hepatocytes and explanted livers. Defatting agents were screened on cultured hepatocytes made fatty by pre-incubation with fatty acids. The most effective agents were then used on fatty livers. Fatty livers were isolated from obese Zucker rats and normothermically perfused with medium containing a combination of defatting agents. This combination decreased the intracellular lipid content of cultured hepatocytes by 35% over 24 h, and of perfused livers by 50% over 3 h. Metabolite analysis suggests that the defatting cocktail upregulated both lipid oxidation and export. Furthermore, gene expression analysis for several enzymes and transcription factors involved in fatty acid oxidation and triglyceride clearance were elevated. We conclude that a cocktail of defatting agents can be used to rapidly clear excess lipid storage in fatty livers, thus providing a new means to recondition donor livers deemed unacceptable or marginally acceptable for transplantation.
Auditory Processing of Prefixed English Words Is Both Continuous and Decompositional

Abstract Two experiments compared continuous and discontinuous models of word recognition. Participants heard prefixed words whose full-form and root uniqueness points (UPs) differed, in either a gating or lexical decision paradigm. Identification points and reaction times were analyzed using multiple regression. Full-form UPs predicted performance better than root UPs did. Full-form frequency measures had reliable facilitative relationships with performance while root frequency measures were not consistently significant. Prefix frequency had a reliable, inhibitory effect. Judged prefixedness, semantic transparency, and prefix likelihood were related to performance, alone or in interaction. The results provide evidence for both kinds of word recognition procedures. A model is proposed with two parallel recognition routines: a whole-word routine and a decompositional routine that considers only unbound roots that can combine with the prefix in question. A preliminary rating study provides stimulus values on several dimensions and can be used as a database by other researchers.
Repo-Man Controls a Protein Phosphatase 1-Dependent Threshold for DNA Damage Checkpoint Activation

Summary Background In response to DNA damage, cells activate checkpoints to halt cell-cycle progression and prevent genomic instability. Checkpoint activation induced by DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) is dependent on the ATM kinase, a master regulator of the DNA damage response (DDR) that is activated through autophosphorylation and monomerization. Results Here we show that either protein phosphatase 1 or 2A is sufficient to suppress activation of the DDR and that simultaneous inhibition of both phosphatases fully activates the response. PP1-dependent DDR regulation is mediated by its chromatin-targeting subunit, Repo-Man. Studies in Xenopus egg extracts demonstrate that Repo-Man interacts with ATM and PP1 through distinct domains, leading to PP1-dependent regulation of ATM phosphorylation and activation. Consequently, the level of Repo-Man determines the activation threshold of the DNA damage checkpoint. Repo-Man interacts and extensively colocalizes with ATM in human cells. Expression of wild-type, but not PP1 binding-deficient, Repo-Man attenuates DNA damage-induced ATM activation. Moreover, Repo-Man dissociates from active ATM at DNA damage sites, suggesting that activation of the DDR involves removal of inhibitory regulators. Analysis of primary tumor tissues and cell lines demonstrates that Repo-Man is frequently upregulated in many types of cancers. Elevated Repo-Man expression blunts DDR activation in precancerous cells, whereas knockdown of Repo-Man in malignant cancer cells resensitizes the DDR and restrains growth in soft agar. Conclusions We report essential DDR regulation mediated by Repo-Man-PP1 and further delineate underlying mechanisms. Moreover, our evidence suggests that elevated Repo-Man contributes to cancer progression.
Central Venous Catheter Injection Cap Disinfection: Chlorhexidine Versus 70% Alcohol

For hospitalized pediatric patients with a CVC, does the use of chlorhexidine to scrub CVC injection caps reduce the incidence of CLA-BSI rates when compared with the use of 70% alcohol?
1,3,5,7-tetra­nitro-3,7-di­aza­bi­cyclo­[3.3.1]­nonane

The conformation and density were determined for the title compound, C7H10N6O8. As expected, the bicyclic nine-membered ring has two chair-shaped aza­cyclo­hexane rings.
Effects of Aromatic Esters as Propylene Carbonate-Based Electrolyte Additives in Lithium-Ion Batteries

The role of aromatic esters as additives in propylene carbonate (PC) based electrolytes used in lithium-ion batteries has been investigated. The addition of aromatic esters into the 1.0 M LiPF 6 -PC:DEC (3:2 in volume) suppresses the co-intercalation of PC and solvated Li + ions and inhibits the further decomposition of electrolytes during the first lithium intercalation process. A graphitic anode (MCMB-2528, mesocarbon microbeads) in a PC-based electrolyte with the aromatic esters exhibits a high reversible capacity. Scanning electron microscopy and the first discharge curve results show that the aromatic esters decompose and form a proper solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) film on the MCMB surface to not only prevent exfoliation of the graphite electrode but also stabilize the electrolyte. Both cyclic voltammogram and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy level show that the aromatic esters have higher reduction potentials than that of the electrolyte solvents. An increase in reverse capacity may be achieved by increasing the addition. However, when the addition exceeds a certain critical value, the SEI film inhibits the intercalation of lithium ions and lowers the capacity. Furthermore, the percentage of the aromatic esters in electrolytes directly influences the low-temperature performance and the rate capability of the cells. An optimal result may be obtained when the addition is approximately 2-4%.
Resampling Methods for Model Fitting and Model Selection

Resampling procedures for fitting models and model selection are considered in this article. Nonparametric goodness-of-fit statistics are generally based on the empirical distribution function. The distribution-free property of these statistics does not hold in the multivariate case or when some of the parameters are estimated. Bootstrap methods to estimate the underlying distributions are discussed in such cases. The results hold not only in the case of one-dimensional parameter space, but also for the vector parameters. Bootstrap methods for inference, when the data is from an unknown distribution that may or may not belong to a specified family of distributions, are also considered. Most of the information criteria-based model selection procedures such as the Akaike information criterion, Bayesian information criterion, and minimum description length use estimation of bias. The bias, which is inevitable in model selection problems, arises mainly from estimating the distance between the "true" model and an estimated model. A jackknife type procedure for model selection is discussed, which instead of bias estimation is based on bias reduction.
VLSI implementation of the arithmetic Fourier transform

The arithmetic Fourier transform (AFT) is a promising algorithm for accurate high-speed Fourier analysis. It is based on the number-theoretic method of Mobius inversion. Its computations proceed in parallel, and, except for a small number of scalings in one stage of the conjunction, only multiplications by 0, -1, and +1 are required. The implementation of an AFT channel by switched-capacitor (SC) techniques is presented. The circuit consists of one op amp, two capacitors (one for the sample and hold (S/H) stage, and one for the data accumulation), and a couple of CMOS transmission gates which serve as switches. If necessary, the accumulated data, corresponding to the intermediate sums in the AFT algorithm, can be converted to digital signals for further processing. This analog sampled data solution eliminates the requirement for a fast A/D conversion at the input. >
Performance evaluation of grid based multi-attribute record declustering methods

We focus on multi-attribute declustering methods which are based on some type of grid-based partitioning of the data space. Theoretical results are derived which show that no declustering method can be strictly optimal for range queries if the number of disks is greater than 5. A detailed performance evaluation is carried out to see how various declustering schemes perform under a wide range of query and database scenarios (both relative to each other and to the optimal). Parameters that are varied include shape and size of queries, database size, number of attributes and the number of disks. The results show that information about common queries on a relation is very important and ought to be used in deciding the declustering for it, and that this is especially crucial for small queries. Also, there is no clear winner, and as such parallel database systems must support a number of declustering methods. >
An eddy current constraint formulation for 3D electromagnetic field calculations

The use of Coulomb's gauge is sufficient for a unique solution in 3-D magnetostatic field calculations in terms of the magnetic vector potential. For the sinusoidal steady-state eddy current problem Coulomb's gauge is not sufficient. The combination of Coulomb's gauge and an eddy current constraint provides a simple way of guaranteeing uniqueness. A formulation for 3-D electromagnetic fields utilizing this constraint is proposed. Results comparing this formulation with other finite-element formulations and with experimental data are given. >
Literacy Lessons: The Convergence of Expectations, Practices, and Classroom Culture

This paper examines the experiences that construct classroom culture in one sixth-grade language arts classroom and adolescent girls' negotiation and responses to their experience as class members....
Understanding the complexity of the digital divide in relation to the quality of House campaign websites in the United States

This research considers the growing use of the internet by campaigns in the United States at the sub-presidential level and its relationship to the digital divide. The primary goal is to understand why candidates’ websites have different levels of quality and whether this is somehow connected to the digital divide. Examining the quality of campaign websites reflects scholarly research concerning information technology, the digital divide and political campaigns and elections. I observe the relative quality of House campaign websites from the 2002 mid-term election in relation to demographic features of a congressional district including race, family income and education. The objective is to predict the quality of these candidate websites using these variables; and, subsequently, to discover whether campaign website quality has a relationship to the digital divide.
Successful Fertility Treatment for Klinefelter's Syndrome

Purpose: We examined preoperative factors that could predict successful microdissection testicular sperm extraction in men with azoospermia and nonmosaic Klinefelter's syndrome. We also analyzed the influence of preoperative hormonal therapy on the sperm retrieval rate.Materials and Methods: A total of 91 microdissection testicular sperm extraction attempts were done in 68 men with nonmosaic Klinefelter's syndrome. Men with serum testosterone less than 300 ng/dl received medical therapy with aromatase inhibitors, clomiphene or human chorionic gonadotropin before microdissection testicular sperm extraction. Preoperative factors of patient age and endocrinological data were compared in those in whom the procedure was and was not successful. The sperm retrieval rate was the main outcome. Clinical pregnancy (pregnancy with heartbeat) and the live birth rate were also calculated.Results: Testicular spermatozoa were successfully retrieved in 45 men (66%), representing 62 (68%) attempts. Increasing male age was ...
Update on RefSeq microbial genomes resources

NCBI RefSeq genome collection http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genome represents all three major domains of life: Eukarya, Bacteria and Archaea as well as Viruses. Prokaryotic genome sequences are the most rapidly growing part of the collection. During the year of 2014 more than 10 000 microbial genome assemblies have been publicly released bringing the total number of prokaryotic genomes close to 30 000. We continue to improve the quality and usability of the microbial genome resources by providing easy access to the data and the results of the pre-computed analysis, and improving analysis and visualization tools. A number of improvements have been incorporated into the Prokaryotic Genome Annotation Pipeline. Several new features have been added to RefSeq prokaryotic genomes data processing pipeline including the calculation of genome groups (clades) and the optimization of protein clusters generation using pan-genome approach.