cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Learning rate Analysis of Alternative Keyboards

Although alternative keyboards offer ergonomic benefits over the standard keyboard, the standard QWERTY keyboard is still the most widely used. This study was performed to quantify learning rate percentages for four alternative keyboards (chord, contoured split, Dvorak, and fixed split) and understand how physical, cognitive, and perceptual demands affect learning rate by quantifying these measures. Sixteen proficient typists participated in five, three-sentence typing trials on each alternative keyboard, and nine additional subjects participated in 20 typing trials on one alternative keyboard. Time-to-complete and error percentage were collected after every trial, and subsequent learning rates were calculated. Results demonstrated that the learning rate for the fixed split keyboard was significantly different from the learning rates for the other three keyboards. Learning rate negatively correlated to all types of demand (physical, cognitive, and perceptual), so learning rate was slower with higher deman...
Clinical predictors of and mortality in acute respiratory distress syndrome: potential role of red cell transfusion.

Objective: Clinical predictors for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) have been studied in few prospective studies. Although transfusions are common in the intensive care unit, the role of submassive transfusion in non-trauma-related ARDS has not been studied. We describe here the clinical predictors of ARDS risk and mortality including the role of red cell transfusion. Design: Observational prospective cohort. Selling: Intensive care unit of Massachusetts General Hospital. Patients: We studied 688 patients with sepsis, trauma, aspiration, and hypertransfusion. Interventions: None. Measurements and Main Results: Two hundred twenty-one (32%) subjects developed ARDS with a 60-day mortality rate of 46%. Significant predictors for ARDS on multivariate analyses included trauma (adjusted odds ratio [OR adj ] 0.22, 95% confidence interval [Cl] 0.09-0.53), diabetes (OR adj 0.58, 95% Cl 0.36-0.92), direct pulmonary injury (OR adj 3.78, 95% Cl 2.45-5.81), hematologic failure (OR adj 1.84, 95% Cl 1.05-3.21), transfer from another hospital (OR adj 2.08, 95% Cl 1.33-3.25), respiratory rate >33 breaths/min (OR adj 2.39, 95% Cl 1.51-3.78), hematocrit >37.5% (OR adj 1.77,95% Cl 1.14-2.77), arterial pH <7.33 (OR adj 2.00,95% Cl 1.31-3.05), and albumin ≤2.3 g/dL (OR adj 1.80, 95% Cl 1.18-2.73). Packed red blood cell transfusion was associated with ARDS (OR adj 1.52, 95% Cl 1.00-2.31, p =.05). Significant predictors for mortality in ARDS included age (OR adj 1.96, 95% Cl 1.50-2.53), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation III score (OR adj 1.78, 95% Cl 1.16-2.73), trauma (OR adj 0.075, 95% Cl 0.006-0.96), corticosteroids before ARDS (OR adj 4.65, 95% Cl 1.47-14.7), and arterial pH <7.22 (OR adj 2.32, 95% Cl 1.02-5.25). Packed red blood cell transfusions were associated with increased mortality in ARDS (OR adj 1.10 per unit transfused; 95% Cl 1.04-1.17) with a significant dose-dependent response (p =.02). Conclusions: Important predictors for the development of and mortality in ARDS were identified. Packed red blood cell transfusion was associated with an increased development of and increased mortality in ARDS.
Embedded-atom method: Derivation and application to impurities, surfaces, and other defects in metals

We develop the embedded-atom method [Phys. Rev. Lett. 50, 1285 (1983)], based on density-functional theory, as a new means of calculating ground-state properties of realistic metal systems. We derive an expression for the total energy of a metal using the embedding energy from which we obtain several ground-state properties, such as the lattice constant, elastic constants, sublimation energy, and vacancy-formation energy. We obtain the embedding energy and accompanying pair potentials semiempirically for Ni and Pd, and use these to treat several problems: surface energy and relaxation of the (100), (110), and (111) faces; properties of H in bulk metal (H migration, binding of H to vacancies, and lattice expansion in the hydride phase); binding site and adsorption energy of hydrogen on (100), (110), and (111) surfaces; and lastly, fracture of Ni and the effects of hydrogen on the fracture. We emphasize problems with hydrogen and with surfaces because none of these can be treated with pair potentials. The agreement with experiment, the applicability to practical problems, and the simplicity of the technique make it an effective tool for atomistic studies of defects in metals.
Linkages between anxiety and outcomes in heart failure.

Abstract Objective We investigated the relationship between anxiety and event-free survival (ie, composite endpoint of death, emergency department visits, or hospitalizations) for patients with heart failure (HF), and examined whether behavioral and physiologic mechanisms mediate any association between anxiety and outcomes. Methods In this longitudinal study, patients with HF completed the anxiety subscale of the Brief Symptom Inventory, and heart-rate variability and plasma norepinephrine levels were measured. Dietary adherence and medication adherence were measured according to 24-hour urine sodium level and the Medication Event Monitoring System, respectively. Patients were followed at least 1 year for event-free survival. Results In total, 147 patients were enrolled. Patients with high anxiety had a shorter (hazard ratio, 2.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-4.3; P = .03) period of event-free survival than patients with lower anxiety. Anxiety independently predicted adherence to medication (P = .008), which in turn predicted event-free survival (hazard ratio, 2.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-3.3; P = .008). The effect of anxiety (P = .17) on event-free survival was less significant when the regression model included both anxiety and adherence to medication than when the model only included anxiety (P = .03), indicating that adherence to medication mediated the relationship between anxiety and event-free survival. Conclusion This is the first study to show that nonadherence to medication links anxiety and event-free survival for patients with HF. Interventions that reduce anxiety and improve adherence may benefit outcomes.
Development of acetylcholinesterase-positive thalamic and basal forebrain afferents to embryonic rat neocortex

By combining anterograde and retrograde axonal tracing with AChE histochemistry, we demonstrate the sources of AChE-positive afferents to embryonic neocortex, the pathways they use, their time of arrival into cortex, and their initial invasion of the cortical plate. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is expressed by two populations of cortical afferents: AChE is permanently present in basal forebrain fibers and has been reported to be transiently localized in axons of the principal sensory thalamic nuclei over the first few postnatal weeks beginning at the middle of the first week. We first detect AChE-positive afferents histochemically in neocortex on embryonic day seventeen (E17) and determine that they arise from the principal sensory thalamic nuclei. AChE histochemistry labels the entire length of developing thalamocortical axons, including their growth cones and branches. These AChE-positive afferents enter the neocortex by the internal capsule and take an intracortical pathway centered on the subplate layer. As soon as these axons are detected, some have already begun to extend AChE-positive collateral branches superficially toward the cortical plate. By E19, a few collaterals have entered the deep part of the cortical plate and by E21 have densely invaded all but its most superficial undifferentiated part. AChE-positive afferents from basal forebrain structues reach the neocortex by three routes: the external capsule, the internal capsule, and the cingulate bundle. Among basal forebrain components, only the substantia innominata and nucleus basalis of Meynert reach the cortex by the internal capsule. Afferents from these two sources reach neocortex on E18, but are a very minor component of the total population of AChE-positive afferents at this age. Afferents from other basal forebrain components do not reach neocortex until several days later. The spatial and temporal patterns of AChE expression in developing thalamocortical axons indicate that it is useful for delineating their innervation of the primary sensory areas of embryonic neocortex, and suggest that AChE may function in axon extension and cortical differentiation.
PDF computations for power-in-the-bucket measurements of an IR laser beam propagating in the maritime environment

During two separate field tests (July and September 2009) the performance of a free-space optical (FSO) communications link was evaluated in the maritime environment off of the mid-Atlantic coast near Wallops Island, VA. During these two field tests, a bi-directional shore-to-ship data link was established using commercially available adaptive optics terminals. The link, which ranged from 2 – 22 km (optical horizon), was established between a lookout tower located on Cedar Island, VA and a Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory research vessel. This paper presents statistical analysis of the power-in-the-bucket captured from two detectors placed alongside the adaptive optics terminal during the September 2009 field trial. The detectors ranged in size from 0.25” to 1.0” in diameter. We will present the histogram reconstruction and compare the data for the 0.25” and 1.0” power-in-bucket (PIB), and 1.0” power-in-fiber (PIF) Adaptive Optics (AO) detectors with analytical probability density function (PDF) models based on the Lognormal, Gamma-Laguerre, and Gamma-Gamma distributions. Additionally, dependence of the results on propagation distance, detector aperture size, and varying levels of optical turbulence are investigated.
Chronic kidney disease and risk of death during hospitalization for stroke.

Abstract Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with higher stroke incidence, but little is known about the impact of CKD on mortality during stroke hospitalization, especially by CKD stage and index stroke type. This study assessed the effect of prevalent CKD on risk of dying in the hospital after a stroke. Methods Data were obtained from all US states that contributed to the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. All patients identified by the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision procedure codes (n = 1,127,842) admitted to hospitals between October 2005 and December 2006 with a discharge diagnosis of stroke were included. Independent associations of CKD with in-hospital mortality following stroke were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression. Results Of the sample, 64,985 (6%) had CKD, of which 5,785 (9%) died in the hospital. In multivariable analyses, CKD was associated with mortality overall (OR 1.63, 95% CI = 1.52–1.75) and regardless of stroke type: ischemic stroke (OR 1.70, 95% CI = 1.55–1.86), subarachnoid hemorrhage (OR 1.93, 95% CI = 1.45–2.58), intracerebral hemorrhage (OR 1.28, 95% CI = 1.10–1.49). Association between CKD and greater mortality was more pronounced in younger age groups (CKD*age interaction: p Conclusions Presence of CKD is independently associated with higher odds of dying during stroke hospitalization regardless of index stroke type. This adverse association is driven by severe CKD and is more pronounced in relatively younger persons and women.
A multispectral sorting device for isolating single wheat kernels with high protein content

Automated sorting of single wheat kernels according to protein content was demonstrated using two novel multispectral sorting devices with different spectral ranges: 470–1,070 nm (silicone based detector) and 910–1,550 nm (InGaAs based detector). The multispectral data were acquired by rapidly (~12 kHz) and sequentially pulsing LEDs at nine wavelengths and measuring the amount of light reflected from the wheat kernels at each wavelength as they drop off a feeder chute. A microcontroller was used to direct the LED pulses, digitize the analog signal from the photodiode, perform signal processing, and apply classifications. Sorting was accomplished through activation of an air valve. The instruments were tested by sorting 13 hard red winter samples to select high protein kernels. The resulting sample of high protein kernels was sorted a second and third time to further increase average sample protein content. For the silicone based instrument, the sorted samples had 0.99, 1.60, and 1.86 % higher protein than the original samples after each sort, respectively. Similarly, after sorting with the InGaAs based LED instrument, sorted samples had 0.60, 1.25, and 1.68 % higher protein than the original samples after one, two, and three sorts, respectively. The simple LED-based sorter is very economical as compared to most other small scale sorting systems, with material costs for the prototype of around $6,000. This sorter would likely be most effectively employed to select desired traits of small lots of seed (e.g., breeder size samples), assist in sample purification, and help breeders in selecting the kernels with higher protein.
Exploring Perspectives on Transition of Youth With Disabilities: Voices of Young Adults, Parents, and Professionals

Qualitative research methods were used to examine transition experiences of (a). 9 young adults with severe disabilities during their last year of high school, (b). their parents, and (c). professionals from schools and adult service agencies. Students were remarkably articulate about plans following graduation but had few opportunities to meaningfully fulfill them. Parents hoped their child's talents and abilities would allow them to achieve fulfilling adult lives, but faced uncertain outcomes and unfamiliar procedures. Professionals managed the process and approached transition by matching needs to available programs; however, these programs fostered dependency and denied students a genuine opportunity to achieve full adult status. Although both parents and professionals worked for the betterment of young adults, the inability to recognize diverse perspectives seriously impeded the quality of the transition process.
Heterotopic Mesenteric Ossification Following Gastric Bypass Surgery: Case Series and Review of Literature

Heterotopic mesenteric ossification (HMO) is a rare entity with few cases reported in the world literature. We report two cases. Both patients underwent an open gastric bypass with Roux-en-Y reconstruction procedure for morbid obesity and subsequently presented with gastrointestinal fistulae associated with HMO.
The effects of adsorption of solutes on glassware and teflon in the calculation of partition coefficients for solid-phase microextraction with 1PS paper

Solid-phase microextraction presents numerous advantages over traditional extraction techniques. However, the determination of partition coefficients is not as simple as it may appear. For very nonpolar compounds, such as polycyclic aromatic compounds, adsorption to the glass wall of the extraction vial and the Teflon coating of the stir bar may be quite significant. These interactions must be taken into account when calculating partition coefficients. Failing to do this may lead to large errors in the value of the partition coefficient, particularly for very nonpolar compounds. Three polar compounds and seven polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were partitioned individually between Whatman 1PS paper and water solutions of the compounds. The partition coefficiencts were calculated with two equations, and detailed mass balance data were acquired for the adsorption of the solute on the stir bar, glass vial, and 1PS paper. The mass data were compared with the partition coefficients, and important conclusions were made about the practical use of the partition coefficients.
Review of rifaximin as treatment for SIBO and IBS

Background: Rifaximin is a broad-range, gastrointestinal-specific antibiotic that demonstrates no clinically relevant bacterial resistance. Therefore, rifaximin may be useful in the treatment of ga...
Immunochemical detection of diverse molecular species of horseradish peroxidase recovered from rat superior cervical ganglion following retrograde transport

Abstract The sympathetic innervation of the submandibular gland (SMG) by neurons of the superior cervical ganglion (SCG) was used as a model system to characterize the different molecular species of retrogradely transported horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Following injections of 3 mg of HRP into the SMG, enzymatically active HRP was demonstrated by histochemistry in SCG neurons for up to 14 days. Parallel immunochemical studies were conducted on electroblots of SCG homogenates from other rats subjected to similar SMG injections of HRP. This technique allowed the detection of nanogram amounts of HRP. These experiments demonstrated that an immunochemically detectable 40 Kd species of HRP was retrogradely transported and retained in SCG neurons for up to 6 days. Beyond 8 days, only lower molecular weight (15–30 Kd) immunoreactive breakdown products of HRP were observed in SCG homogenates. Similar spontaneous HRP breakdown products displayed enzymatic activity in non-denaturing gels. These studies suggest that retrogradely transported HRP is degraded by neurons to lower molecular weight species which retain enzymatic activity. We conclude that morphological studies of retrogradely transported HRP visualized by histochemical methods reflect the response of neurons to a variety of enzymatically active molecular forms of HRP.
DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF PEDIATRIC GLAUCOMA

Appropriate diagnosis of pediatric glaucoma in toddlers and school-aged children is aided by an understanding of the signs and symptoms of infantile-onset glaucoma, along with its associated conditions. Unlike adults with glaucoma, the management of pediatric glaucoma is frequently surgical, with medical therapy playing an adjunctive role. The ultimate goal of pediatric glaucoma management is not control of IOP but preservation of vision. The visual prognosis in children with glaucoma is correlated with the severity of the associated ocular pathology. Primary congenital glaucoma has the best visual prognosis, with 52% to 79% having visual acuity of 20/50 or better. Glaucomas associated with congenital ocular anomalies and secondary glaucomas have a worse visual prognosis, with 30% to 50% of eyes noted to be 20/50 or better. Amblyopia and uncontrolled glaucoma are the two main factors associated with reduction in vision. Control of the glaucoma by medical and surgical means and treatment of amblyopia during susceptible ages are the essential factors in the management of pediatric glaucoma.
Magically deceptive biological motion—the French Drop Sleight

Intentional deception, as is common in the performance of magic tricks, can provide valuable insight into the mechanisms of perception and action. Much of the recent investigations into this form of deception revolve around the attention of the observer. Here, we present experiments designed to investigate the contributions of the performer to the act of deception. An experienced magician and a naive novice performed a classic sleight known as the French Drop. Video recordings of the performance were used to measure the quality of the deception --- e.g.\ if a non-magician observer could discriminate instances where the sleight was performed (a deceptive performance) from those where it was not (a veridical performace). During the performance we recorded the trajectory of the hands and measured muscle activity via EMG to help understand the biomechanical mechanisms of this deception. We show that expertise plays a major role in the quality of the deception and that there are significant variations in the motion and muscular behaviors between successful and unsuccessful performances. Smooth, minimal movements with an exaggerated faux-transfer of muscular tension were characteristic of better deception. This finding is consistent with anecdotal reports and the magic performance literature.
Hemispheric specialization for speech perception in six-year-old black and white children from low and middle socioeconomic classes.

Summary Six-year-old black and white S s from low and middle socioeconomic classes (SEC) were presented a dichotic listening task composed of syllables pairs. All groups evidenced a significant right-ear advantage (REA) at recall. The magnitude of the REA did not differ as a function of race or SEC. This outcome suggests that earlier results which indicated smaller REA's for low SEC S s, may have been due to a “floor effect” resulting from task difficulty and motivational variables.
How Tetrahedral Are Methyl Groups in Proteins? A Liquid Crystal NMR Study

A small degree of protein alignment with an external magnetic field can be obtained in a dilute aqueous liquid crystalline solution of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) and dihexanoylphosphatidylcholine (DHPC). It is demonstrated that residual one-bond 13C−13C and 13C−1H dipolar couplings of methyl groups in weakly aligned human ubiquitin can be measured with high accuracy. Experimentally, the ratio between 13C−1H and 13C−13C dipolar couplings is found to be −3.17 ± 0.03. Assuming a static conformation of the methyl group, rapidly spinning about its 3-fold symmetry axis, this ratio corresponds to an average C−C−H bond angle of 110.9 ± 1°, which is larger than the ideal tetrahedral value of 109.5°. Data indicate that the geometry of the various methyl groups is quite uniform, but that small (≤1°) deviations between the C−C vector and the axis connecting the methyl carbon to the geometric center of the three methyl protons may occur. The largest outlier is found for Ala46, which has a positive φ backbon...
Cryptococcal laryngitis: Case report and review of the literature

Infections caused by Cryptococcus neoformans may range from an asymptomatic illness to lethal systemic disease, especially in immunocompromised hosts. Although cryptococcal infection most commonly involves the lungs or the central nervous system, it can disseminate to virtually any organ. Laryngeal cryptococcal infections are extremely rare — only 5 cases have been reported in the literature. Herein, we describe cryptococcal laryngitis occurring in a 55-year-old man with asthma and allergic fungal sinusitis. He presented with hoarseness and cough. He was treated with itraconazole followed by fluconazole therapy with complete recovery from his laryngeal infection. The patient was disease-free when last seen 10 months after the diagnosis. We present a summary of all reported cases of cryptococcal laryngitis.
Purification of an Autophosphorylating Protein from Imbibing Soybean (Glycine max L.) Seed Exudate and its Identification as a Nucleoside Diphosphate Kinase

Summary A calcium-independent autophosphorylating protein was identified in the exudate of imbibed soybean ( Glycine max L.) seeds. The inclusion of histone I or calmodulin in protein phosphorylation assays had no observable affect on the extent of phosphorylation of this protein. The protein was purified to apparent homogeneity, had a native molecular mass of 72 Ku, a subunit molecular mass of 18 Ku, and was capable of in situ phosphorylation. The phosphorylated residue was identified as serine by two-dimensional TLE analysis. Polyclonal antibodies were raised against the purified protein and were used to isolate a eDNA clone from a lambda-ZAP soybean eDNA expression library. The nucleotide sequence of the clone and its deduced amino acid sequence had very high homology to those of nucleoside diphosphate kinases (NDP kinase, EC 2.7.4.6) from plants and other eukaryotic tissue. In addition, the purified autophosphorylating protein exhibited NDP kinase activity. The purified enzyme preferentially transferred the terminal phosphate from ATP to a purine, but no transfer to the pyrimidine, CDP, was observed.
In situ nutrient assays of periphyton growth in a lowland Costa Rican stream

Nutrient limitation of primary production was experimentally assessed using an in situ bioassay technique in the Quebrada Salto, a third-order tropical stream draining the northern foothills of the Cordillera Centrall in Costa Rica . Bioassays employed artificial substrata enriched with nutrients that slowly diffuse through an agar-sand matrix (Pringle & Bowers, 1984) . Multiple comparisons of regression coefficients, describing chlorophyll-a accrual through time for different nutrient treatments, revealed positive micronutrient effect(s) . Micronutrient treatment combinations (Fe, B, Mn, Zn, Co, Mo, EDTA), supplemented with and without nitrate and phosphate, exhibited significantly greater chlorophyll-a accrual over all other treatments (P < 0.05), supporting over three times that of the control after 14-d of substratum colonization . Neither of the major nutrients (N or P) produced a significant stimulation, although the N treatment displayed =50% more chlorophyll-a than the control after 14-d . Similarly, Si, EDTA, and Si + N + P treatments did not exhibit chlorophyll-a response curves that were significantly different from the control . During the experiment, mean NH 4-N and (NO2+ NO 3)-N concentrations in the Salto were 2 .0 µM (28 .6 µg•1-')and 7.2 µM (100.2 µg •1-'),respectively . High concentrations of P0 4-P (x =2.0 µM; 60.9 µg•1-')and TP (x =3.0 µM; 94.0 µg•1-1)were also found, and consequently low molar N
Deforming Curves in Jacobians to Non-Jacobians II: Curves in C (e) , 3⩽ e ⩽ g −3*

We introduce deformation theoretic methods for determining when a curve X in a nonhyperelliptic Jacobian JC will deform with JC to a non-Jacobian. We apply these methods to a particular class of curves in symmetric powers C(e) of C where 3⩽ e ⩽ g−3. More precisely, given a pencil g1 d of degree d on C, let X be the curve parametrizing divisors of degree e in divisors of g1 d (see the paper for the precise scheme-theoretical definition). Under certain genericity assumptions on the pair (C, g1 d ), we prove that if X deforms infinitesimally out of the Jacobian locus with JC then either d=2e, dim H0 (g1 d )=e or d=2e+1, dim H0 (g1 d )=e+1. The analogous result in the case e=2 without genericity assumptions was proved earlier.
Characterizing the Ex-Vivo Mechanical Properties and Corresponding In-Vivo Impact of Synthetic Urogynecological Meshes

Pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence are common conditions in women that significantly diminish quality of life. With roughly 225,000–280,000 women requiring surgery each year in the United States alone, societal costs are over a billion dollars annually (1). While repair with synthetic mesh products have become the surgical treatment of choice, these meshes require very little premarket testing because they are based on previously approved abdominal wall hernia products (510K devices). Thus, there is little scientific data on the efficacy of meshes for gynecological surgery. Moreover, with the recent FDA warning citing large numbers of unreported complications in patients, there is growing concern about the use of gynaecological mesh, especially for transvaginal placement (2). Thus, there is a need to examine the ex-vivo properties of these meshes and relate them to their in-vivo function and outcomes for gynecological applications.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Iatrogenic effects of biologics for psoriasis

Use of the biologic agents in moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis has provided novel and highly efficacious treatment options. Generally less systemically toxic than more traditional agents, the risks and benefits for these agents must also be considered. We present a review of the iatrogenic effects associated with use of the biologic agents in psoriasis. Focus is placed on antitumor necrosis factor agents, because they are the most studied and commonly used agents, as well as T-cell modulators and interleukin inhibitors.
PL-125 Reduced cardiovascular risk in obese patients after bariatric surgery is related to ceramide-mediated reduction in APO B level and (ApoB)/ (ApoA-I) ratio

per patient at the time of standard of care blood testing for genetic analysis. Phenotypic measures including race/ethnicity, weight, height, date/type of surgery and medical comorbidities were collected. Frequency of INSIG2, FTO, MC4R and PCSK1 SNP homozygosity was determined for the BHC population and compared to the GHS database. Chi-square tests were used for comparison. Results: Phenotypic data are represented in Table 1. Genetic analysis revealed a significant difference in expression between the two study populations of INSIG2 and FTO but not of MC4R and PCSK1. Conclusion: Diverse bariatric patient populations exist between BHC and GHS. INSIG2 and FTO are expressed at significantly higher frequencies in the Caucasian GHS population versus the non-Caucasian BHC population, while MCR4 and PCSK1 are not.
Extraction of HAuCl4 and HClO4 by trioctylphosphine oxide in CCl4, isooctane and cyclohexane

Abstract The extraction of HReO4, and HAuCl4 (in HCl) by dilute solutions (⩽ 0·10M) of trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO) in CCl4, isooctane, or cyclohexane was examined. From acid distribution data and i.r. spectra of the organic phases it was concluded the same unhydrated 2TOPO.H+ complex as observed before in TOPO-benzene and in TOPO-CHCl3 solution was extracted. This result is in disagreement with the conclusions of a previous study of the CCl4 system. A discussion is given indicating how this inconsistency can arise from neglecting possible changes in the ratio of the activity coefficients of acid complex and the TOPO. It is shown that extraction of strong acids by TOPO does not fit the hydronium-ion-core model, which does, however, satisfactorily describe the situation with less basic extractants.
Primary non-hodgkin lymphoma of prostate presenting as benign prosttic hyperplasia

A case of primary non-Hodgkin lymphoma of the prostatic gland is reported. The patient presented with a classic picture of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Review of the literature disclosed about 300 reported cases. Much controversy and confusion exists in the classification of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The two current classifications are presented, and management of this condition is reviewed.
Change in Knee Cartilage Volume in Individuals Completing a Therapeutic Exercise Program for Knee Osteoarthritis

Study Design Prospective cohort study. Objectives To characterize knee cartilage change in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) who have completed a therapeutic exercise program. Background While therapeutic exercise is frequently used successfully to improve pain and function in individuals with KOA, no studies have reported the volume of cartilage change or individual factors that may impact volume of cartilage change in those completing an exercise program for KOA. Methods Thirteen individuals with KOA underwent magnetic resonance imaging to quantify cartilage volume change in the weight-bearing regions of the medial and lateral femoral condyles and the entire surface of the tibial plateaus from baseline to 1-year follow-up. Body structure and function measures were taken for body mass index, knee axis alignment, knee motion, and knee strength. Activity limitations and activity levels were also measured prior to the therapeutic exercise program, using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities...
An analysis of the binding of coumarin anticoagulants by human serum albumin

Abstract 1. 1.The binding of a variety of coumarin anticoagulants and related compounds by human serum albumin was studied utilizing a computer analysis of equilibrium dialysis data. The analysis was based upon two sets of binding sites being involved, one with a high and the other with a low affinity. 2. 2. The analysis provided association and dissociation constants as well as binding capacities for both sets of sites. 3. 3. The anticoagulants studied were bishydroxycoumarin, ethylbiscoumacetate, warfarin, and acenocoumarin. 4. 4. Coumarin and 4-hydroxycoumarin were included in the overall analysis to determine structural components involved in the binding process.
Nitrogen, phosphorus and silica on the West Florida Shelf: Patterns and relationships with Karenia spp. occurrence

A large scale investigation was conducted in major estuaries and the oligotrophic coastal waters of the West Florida Shelf during the fall of 2007 through 2010 to identify statistically significant and persistent associations of the nearly annual blooms of the harmful algae, Karenia brevis, with dissolved and particulate nutrients, and with other taxonomic groups of the coastal phytoplankton community. Conflicting interannual patterns of Karenia densities and riverine flows indicated that links between Karenia blooms and terrestrial contribution of nutrients were neither direct nor certain. There was no evidence in these data that Karenia blooms were enhanced by estuarine outflow. There was no characteristic nutrient ensemble with which Karenia presence was associated, which implied a wide range of nutrient strategies for the organism. Drawdowns of urea and DIN were not a universal feature of the blooms sampled. The only persistent relationship with individual parameters were a correlation of Karenia cell density with DON and an inverse correlation with DIN:Si(OH)4. Temporal and spatial patterns of DON and δ15N provided evidence of regional processes controlling nitrogen supply. Correlation of δ15N values with cyanophyte percentage of biomass demonstrated the significance of N2-fixation to the region. Karenia was correlated with haptophyte and cyanophyte biomass and inversely correlated with diatoms. The phytoplankton community was not significantly different with Karenia present and indicated that blooms replaced differing components of the phytoplankton community at different times. Principal component analysis of phytoplankton community composition identified a modest association of Karenia with nutrient-poor conditions. The results emphasized that strong interannual variability existed in nutrient regimes, phytoplankton community, and nutrient-mediated Karenia responses.
Inferior patellar pole fragmentation in children: just a normal variant?

Fragmentary ossification of the inferior patella is often dismissed as a normal variant in children younger than 10 years of age. The purpose of this study was to determine whether fragmentary inferior patellar pole ossification is a normal variant or is associated with symptoms or signs of pathology using MRI and clinical exam findings as reference. A retrospective review was performed on 150 patients ages 5–10 years who underwent 164 knee radiography and MRI exams (45.1% male, mean age: 7.8 years). The presence or absence of inferior patellar pole fragmentation on radiography was correlated with the presence or absence of edema-like signal on MR images. Clinical notes were reviewed for the presence of symptoms or signs referable to the inferior patellar pole. These data were compared with a 1:1 age- and sex-matched control group without inferior pole fragmentation. Statistical analysis was performed using two-tailed t-tests. Forty of 164 (24.4%) knee radiographs showed fragmentary ossification of the inferior patella. Of these 40 knees, 62.5% (25/40) had edema-like signal of the inferior patellar bone marrow compared with 7.5% (3/40) of controls (P = 0.035). Patients with fragmentary ossification at the inferior patella had a significantly higher incidence of documented focal inferior patellar pain compared with controls (20% vs. 2.5%, P = 0.015). Inferior patellar pole fragmentation in children 5 to 10 years of age may be associated with localized symptoms and bone marrow edema-like signal and should not be routinely dismissed as a normal variant of ossification.
THE PROCESS OF CHANGE IN PUBLIC ORGANIZATIONS

The facts and myths of changes in technology and authority structure in public organizations are investigated using data from a case study of structural reorganization and the mechanization and automation of mail processing in the United States Postal Service. External political pressure and internal labor-management conflict combined to cause changes that were legitimated by an institutional logic of scientific management and technical progress. Improvements in productivity and overall mail service have been limited by political and institutional considerations that continue to govern the operation of the Postal Service.
Dosage-dependent transcriptional regulation by the calcineurin/NFAT signaling in developing myocardium transition.

Abstract Thin spongy myocardium is critical at early embryonic stage [before embryonic day (E) 13.5 in mice] to allow diffusion of oxygen and nutrients to the developing cardiomyocytes. However, establishment of compact myocardium at later stage (∼ E16.5) during development is necessary to prepare for the increase in demand for blood circulation. Elucidating molecular targets of the spongy–compact myocardium transition between E13.5 and E16.5 in heart development is thus important. Previous studies demonstrated that multiple transcription factors and signaling pathways are involved in the regulation and function of the myocardium in heart development. Disruption of certain transcription factors or critical components of signaling pathways frequently causes structural malformation in heart and persistence of “thin spongy myocardium”. We have recently demonstrated activation of the calcineurin/NFAT signaling pathway at E14.5 in developing myocardium. Constitutive inhibition of the calcineurin/NFAT signaling pathway caused embryonic lethality. Molecular targets downstream of the calcineurin/NFAT signaling pathway, however, remains elusive. Here, we report transcription targets, independently and dependently, regulated by the calcineurin/NFAT signaling during the E13.5–E16.5 myocardium transition. We have uncovered that expression of one-third of the induced genes during myocardium transition is calcineurin/NFAT-dependent. Among these calcineurin/NFAT-dependent transcription targets, there is a dosage-dependent regulation. Molecular studies indicate that formation of distinct NFAT:DNA complex, in part, accounts for the dosage-dependent regulation. Thus, in addition to temporal and spatial regulation, dosage-dependent threshold requirement provides another mechanism to modulate transcription response mediated by the calcineurin/NFAT signaling during heart development.
Establishment, population increase, spread, and ecological host range of Lophodiplosis trifida (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), a biological control agent of the invasive tree Melaleuca quinquenervia (Myrtales: Myrtaceae).

ABSTRACT The Australian tree Melaleuca quinquenervia (Cavanilles) Blake is an invasive weed in wetland systems of Florida. A biological control program targeting M. quinquenervia has resulted in the release of the gall forming midge Lophodiplosis trifida Gagne (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae). Populations of the introduced herbivore readily established at all 24 release sites across the weed's range in Florida, and there was no evidence that founding colony size (100,2,000, or 6,000 adults) influenced herbivore establishment or local population growth rates. Landscape level spread of L. trifida from release sites averaged nearly 6 km/yr, ranging as high as 14.4 km/yr. Prerelease host range testing predicted that L. trifida oviposits indiscriminately on test plant species but does not complete development on any of the test species, including congeners present in Florida. To test the predictability of these host range tests, L. trifida was released in a common garden consisting of 18 test plant species that were i...
Arnoldy based passive model order reduction algorithm

Many problems in modern interconnect and packaging design require use of "full-wave" modeling in order to obtain good accuracy at high frequencies. In this paper, we introduce a passive Arnoldy based model order reduction algorithm for such systems.
BIM Facilitated Web Service for LEED Automation

BIM technology has been increasingly implemented in green building design and construction, noticeably in LEED projects. The advantages of using BIM on LEED projects reside in its information richness that is desirable to tackle the challenges posed by LEED certification, meeting the credit compliance and generating the documentation required in certification review. This research proposes a 3 rd party web service relying on BIM as the information backbone to facilitate the LEED documentation generation and management. As a potential enhancement to LEED Online, this web service uses a structured database that feed on information coming directly from an integrated BIM model, enabled by information exchange protocols such as Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) and the Industrial Foundation Class (IFC). This paper explores the premises of this web service and proposes the preliminary architecture framework in two different scenarios.
Changes in Raccoon (Procyon lotor) Predation Behavior Affects Turtle (Malaclemys terrapin) Nest Census

Abstract Turtle researchers often use depredated nest surveys as an index of the total number of turtle nests laid. However, it can be difficult to determine whether an empty nest hole indicates a depredated nest or not. In such cases the presence of depredated egg shells clearly indicates that a nest was present; similarly, absence of eggshells may be interpreted to mean that no nest was present. We measured the amount of calcium in raccoon (Procyon lotor) scats at depredated nests of diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, New York, and found that during the first half of the nesting season, raccoons ingested egg contents without their shells, but during the second half of the season they ate whole eggs with shells. Researchers who use the presence of egg shells during depredated nest surveys should be aware that their counts may be affected by this change in predation behavior by raccoons.
Statistical Signal Processing and the Motor Cortex

Over the past few decades, developments in technology have significantly improved the ability to measure activity in the brain. This has spurred a great deal of research into brain function and its relation to external stimuli, and has important implications in medicine and other fields. As a result of improved understanding of brain function, it is now possible to build devices that provide direct interfaces between the brain and the external world. We describe some of the current understanding of function of the motor cortex region. We then discuss a typical likelihood-based state-space model and filtering based approach to address the problems associated with building a motor cortical-controlled cursor or robotic prosthetic device. As a variation on previous work using this approach, we introduce the idea of using Markov chain Monte Carlo methods for parameter estimation in this context. By doing this instead of performing maximum likelihood estimation, it is possible to expand the range of possible models that can be explored, at a cost in terms of computational load. We demonstrate results obtained applying this methodology to experimental data gathered from a monkey.
Methodological issues in designing a multisite trial of risperidone in children and adolescents with autism.

Objective: To describe the methodological challenges and decisions made in developing a multisite, controlled study of risperidone in children and adolescents with autism. Methods: Review the design considerations for clinical trials in children with autistic disorder accompanied by severe tantrums, aggressive and/or self-injurious behaviors. These design considerations include the definition of inclusion criteria that are relevant to clinical practice and matching study design to the goal of evaluating short- and long-term effects. Additional ethical and scientific issues concern the length of trial and sample size. Results: We undertook a short-term, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of risperidone in children and adolescents with autistic disorder.This trial design was followed by an extended open-label maintenance on risperidone to confirm durability of treatment effects and to monitor safety. Finally, a placebo-controlled discontinuation study tested the need for continuous...
Understanding the role of NOS-3 in ventilator-induced lung injury: don't take NO for an answer

although nitric oxide synthases (NOSs) were first described in 1989 ([12][1]), these complex enzymes are still not fully understood, and their role in human lung disease remains unclear. Three NOS isoforms have been described in humans: neuronal or nNOS (NOS-1), inducible or iNOS (NOS-2), and
A FUNDAMENTAL TRADE‐OFF IN RESOURCE EXPLOITATION BY DAPHNIA AND CONSEQUENCES TO PLANKTON COMMUNITIES

The genus Daphnia (Crustacea: Branchipoda) includes a diversity of species that are generalist grazers on plankton in freshwater lakes. Despite substantial intraspecific variation in body size, explanations of functional differences among Daphnia species con- tinue to emphasize body size. In this study, we ask whether Daphnia in a relatively narrow range of body sizes differ in ability to exploit the array of resources commonly encountered in lakes. We compared juvenile growth rates of several clones and species of Daphnia fed natural planktonic resources that differed in overall dietary richness. We observed, both among and within species, a trade-off between growth rates in rich and poor resource conditions. We compared the ability of different species and clones to exploit natural resources in a lake mesocosm experiment, testing the prediction that clones displaying the greatest growth rates in rich resource conditions would have the highest minimum resource requirements. Using 8000-L whole water column enclosures, replicate populations of D. rosea and two different morphs of D. pulicaria were established separately in monoculture in a thermally stratified lake. An additional treatment without crustacean zooplankton was also established. We quantified resources in the enclosures using multiple indirect measures (e.g., chlorophyll a) and a growth bioassay. Results supported predictions; rankings of resource levels achieved in the different treatments suggest that Daphnia trade off high maximum growth rates for low minimum resource requirements. This field experiment also documented large differences among the species and clones of Daphnia in their impact on phytoplankton resources, water clarity, and formation of calcite particles (whiting). We suggest that these large ecological effects stem from the trade-off in abilities to use rich vs. poor resources and constitute an important aspect of grazer-resource interactions. We review the literature on growth and reproductive responses of zooplankton species to resource level and find general agreement with the concept of a trade-off between abilities to exploit rich and poor resource conditions. A reanalysis of data from a comprehensive study on Daphniidae growth confirms our results and suggests that the breadth of species in this family conforms to the trade-off. Furthermore, the trade-off is only weakly, and not significantly, associated with body size. Our study presents a new framework for under- standing the functional significance of daphniid diversity to plankton food webs and illus- trates how an ecological trade-off provides a means of linking species diversity to ecosystem function.
Speed-limiting factors in flash-type Josephson A/D converters

The authors discuss the causes of speed limitations in various A/D (analog/digital) converter designs. The upper limit on bandwidth is extracted with the help of Josephson SPICE simulations. In the Josephson A/D converter circuits discussed, the dynamic properties of the SQUIDs (superconducting quantum interference devices) determine the aperture time and dictate the bandwidth. Designs for 4-bit A/D converters that show potential for bandwidths on the order of 10 GHz are described. Particular attention is given to the bit-parallel A/D converter with self-gating AND comparator and bit-parallel A/D converters with CLAM (current latching analog microcomparator) and variable-pulse peak comparators. >