cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis in patients with coronary artery disease and stable angina

Aims Inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis causes a decrease in the basal diameter of normal distal epicardal coronary arteries in normal subjects. The effects of inhibition of nitric oxide in atheromatous coronary arteries is unknown. This study assessed the effects of the inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis in epicardial coronary arteries in patients with coronary artery disease. Methods and results The effects of an intracoronary infusion of NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (LNMMA, an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthesis), were studied in 13 patients with chronic stable angina and coronary artery disease. The diameter of angiographically normal proximal and distal segments and coronary stenoses was measured by quantitative angiography. In response to an LNMMA infusion of 16 μmol min−1 for 4 min there was a significant reduction ( P <0·01) in the luminal diameter of the distal segments of diseased arteries (from 1·32 ± 0·07 to 1·17 ± 0·06 mm) and at the site of stenosis (from 1·15 ± 0·22 to 1·06 ± 0·20 mm), but no change ( P =NS) in the luminal diameter of the proximal segments (from 3·16 ± 0·12 to 3·08 ± 0·14 mm) of diseased arteries. Conclusions The average effect of inhibition of basal nitric oxide synthesis in epicardial coronary arteries in patients with stable angina and coronary artery disease was only distal constriction. Coronary stenoses constricted at the highest LNMMA concentration.
Inference on endogenously censored regression models using conditional moment inequalities

Under a quantile restriction, randomly censored regression models can be written in terms of conditional moment inequalities. We study the identified features of these moment inequalities with respect to the regression parameters where we allow for covariate dependent censoring, endogenous censoring and endogenous regressors. These inequalities restrict the parameters to a set. We show regular point identification can be achieved under a set of interpretable sufficient conditions. We then provide a simple way to convert conditional moment inequalities into unconditional ones while preserving the informational content. Our method obviates the need for nonparametric estimation, which would require the selection of smoothing parameters and trimming procedures. Without the point identification conditions, our objective function can be used to do inference on the partially identified parameter. Maintaining the point identification conditions, we propose a quantile minimum distance estimator which converges at the parametric rate to the parameter vector of interest, and has an asymptotically normal distribution. A small scale simulation study and an application using drug relapse data demonstrate satisfactory finite sample performance.
The Juno microwave experiment

Juno is the next NASA New Frontiers mission which will launch in August 2011. The mission is a solar powered spacecraft scheduled to arrive at Jupiter in 2016 and be placed into polar orbit around Jupiter. The goal of the Juno mission is to explore the origin and evolution of the planet Jupiter. Juno's science themes include (1) origin, (2) interior structure, (3) atmospheric composition and dynamics, and (4) polar magnetosphere and aurora. A total of nine instruments on-board provide specific measurements designed to investigate Juno's science themes. The primary objective of investigating the origin of Jupiter includes 1) determine Jupiter's internal mass distribution by measuring gravity with Doppler tracking, 2) determine the nature of its internal dynamo by measuring its magnetic fields with a magnetometer, and 3) determine the deep composition and dynamics of the sub-cloud atmosphere around Jupiter, by measuring its thermal microwave emission. The focus of this talk will be on the Microwave Radiometer (MWR) instrument, which will measure the thermal microwave emission at six octave-spaced frequencies ranging from 0.6 to 22 GHz.
Hyperbaric oxygenation in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction.

Abstract The high mortality associated with shock and congestive failure during myocardial infarction has prompted new therapeutic approaches in patients with these complications. Because of the vital role of oxygen in maintaining myocardial function the application of hyperbaric oxygenation to patients with myocardial infarction has been suggested. Although it is possible to increase the amount of oxygen carried in blood to very high levels during hyperbaric oxygenation, there are many impediments to the effective use of this form of therapy. Studies utilizing a variety of animal models suggest that hyperbaric oxygenation may lower mortality from myocardial infarction. Although these studies are, at best, only slightly analogous to the events occurring during myocardial infarction in humans, they make further studies in humans reasonable. In the only human series of meaningful size there was no statistically significant difference in mortality between those treated with hyperbaric oxygenation and those who were not.
Quasi-analytic models for density bubbles and plasma clouds in the equatorial ionosphere: 2. A simple Lagrangian transport model

[1] The transport equations for the motion of plasma in the equatorial ionosphere are solved using exact solutions for induced electric potentials and deformation of plasma density coordinates. The primary purpose of the quasi-analytic model is to provide an efficient description of the plasma structure in the equatorial ionosphere suitable for investigation of effects on radio wave propagation and ionospheric sensors. The analytic model of the electric fields produces incompressible motion that moves the locations of “plasma cells” but does not change the density of the plasma in each cell. This Lagrangian approach employs a time-dependent coordinate mapping of the undisturbed layer grid. Using internal electric potentials of the bubbles and external polarizations of the F layer as a whole, a transport model yields tilted plasma plumes that move through the F region. Irregularity steepening is obtained with this model. The time-dependent computer model provides useful plasma densities in a fraction of the time for fully numerical simulations.
Efficacy of ultraviolet blood irradiation therapy in the control of staphylococcemias

Abstract There has been presented a report and analysis of sixteen cases of staphylococcemia given ultraviolet blood irradiation therapy as a method of controlling this type of acute pyogenic infection. The first seven staphylococcemic individuals treated by ultraviolet blood irradiation therapy failed to respond and died. Six of these seven received intensive sulfa drug therapy, whereas the seventh, whose Staphylococcemia arose from a bladder carcinoma and was complicated by atelectasis and empyema at the time of institution of ultraviolet blood irradiation therapy, received only blood irradiation and also died. The results of ultraviolet brood irradiation therapy in a second group of nine consecutive staphylococcemic individuals given blood irradiation was reported; all nine of these individuals recovered uneventfully; eight of the nine received no suIfa drugs whatsoever, and the ninth, forty-eight hours of sulfathiazole therapy one week before bIood culture became positive. In each of the sixteen cases reported one or more pure cuItures of pathogenic strains of either Staphylococcus aureus or StaphyIococcus albus were obtained from blood cuItures taken in tryptose phosphate broth. In fifteen of the sixteen cases there was present a profound toxemia at the time of institution of uItravioIet bIood irradiation therapy. Uterine diratation and curettage was performed in three individuaIs of Group Two, the recovery group, whiIe the blood culture in each of the three individuals was still positive. No untoward effects were observed to follow this radical procedure performed despite the presence of staphylococci in the bIood stream.
Flying Saucers and Multiple Realities: A Case Study in Phenomenological Theory

his essay describes a study ofthe Saucerian Press, a small mail order firm that publishes and sells books to hobbyists interested in flying T saucers. The study is part of a series of research projects designed to trace the social history of the flying saucer movement. The Saucerian Press is of particular interest because (1) it has been responsible for the elaboration of folkore’ about flying saucers, and (2) it functions a s a clearing house of information for flying saucer hobbyists.
Partitioning agents and shaping their evaluation functions in air traffic problems with hard constraints

Hundreds of thousands of hours of delay, costing millions of dollars annually, are reported by US airports. The task of managing delay may be modeled as a multiagent congestion problem with agents who collectively impact the system. In this domain, agents are tightly coupled, and the environment can quickly change, making it difficult for agents to assess how they impact the system. We combine the noise reduction of fitness function shaping, the robustness of cooperative coevolutionary algorithms, and agent partitioning to perform hard constraint optimization on the congestion and reduce the delay throughout the National Air Space (NAS). Our results show that an autonomous partitioning of the agents using system features leads to up to 540x speed over simple hard constraint enforcement, as well as up to a 21% improvement in performance over a greedy scheduling solution corresponding to hundreds of hours of delay saved in a single day.
Real Time Detection of Soil Moisture and Nitrates Using On-Board In-Situ Impedance Spectroscopy

This paper presents a dielectric mixture model based approach for in-situ detection of soil-nitrates in real time. The dielectric constant of a material determines the impedance across a pair of electrodes immersed in that medium. We make accurate measurements on soil impedance over multiple frequencies using an in-situ soil-sensor we have designed. The impedance values are then used to determine the effective permittivity of the soil-bulk, which is then used to determine the concentration of individual components like soil, air, water and nutrients, e.g., nitrates using the data from measurements at multiple frequencies, and solving mixing models that involves component concentration as solution variables. The method shows good accuracy in the frequency range 1-70 MHz and can determine nitrate solution with less than 12% error. By considering 3% bound water percentage and assuming snow-like dielectric nature of bound water, this error reduces to 10%. If a parametrized apparent permittivity is considered in the vicinity of constituent particles, this error further reduces to less than 9%. Accurate nitrate detection based on our on-board, real-time, in-situ soil moisture sensors can provide an accurate real-time soil nitrate sensor and has the potential to greatly enhance agricultural production and reduce the impacts to the environment.
Feasibility and Construct Validity of PROMIS and “Legacy” Instruments in an Academic Scleroderma Clinic

Abstract Objective The National Institutes of Health Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) roadmap initiative is a cooperative group program of research designed to develop, evaluate, and standardize item banks to measure patient-reported outcomes relevant across medical conditions. The objective of the current study was to assess feasibility and evaluation of the construct validity of PROMIS item banks versus legacy measures in an observational study in systemic sclerosis (SSc). We hypothesized that the PROMIS item banks can be administered in a clinical setting if there is adequate staff support without disrupting the flow of clinic. Methods Patients with SSc in a single academic center completed computerized adaptive test (CAT) administered PROMIS item banks during the clinic visit and legacy measures (using paper and pencil). The construct validity of PROMIS items was evaluated by examining correlations with corresponding legacy measures using multitrait-multimethod analysis. Results Participants consisted of 143 SSc patients with an average age of 51.5 years; 71% were female and 68% were white. The average number of items completed for each CAT-administered item bank ranged from 5 to 8 (69 CAT items per patient), and the average time to complete each CAT-administered item bank ranged from 48 seconds to 1.9 minutes per patient (average time=11.9 minutes/per patient for 11 banks). All correlations between PROMIS domains and respective legacy measures were large and in the hypothesized direction (ranged from 0.61 to 0.82). Conclusion Our study supports the construct validity of the CAT-administered PROMIS item banks and shows that they can be administered successfully in a clinic with support staff. Future studies should assess the feasibility of PROMIS item banks in a busy clinical practice.
Diurnal variability of precipitation from TRMM measurements

This investigation focuses on developing a better understanding of the assorted mechanisms controlling the global distribution of diurnal rainfall variability. The horizontal distributions of precipitation's diurnal cycle, based on eight years of TRMM Microwave Imager (TMI) and TRMM Precipitation Radar (PR) measurements involving three TRMM standard algorithms, are analyzed in detail at various spatiotemporal scales. Results demonstrate the prominence of the late-evening to early-morning precipitation maxima over oceans and the mid- to late-afternoon maxima over continents, but also reveal a widespread distribution of secondary maxima occurring over both oceans and continents, maxima which generally mirror their counterpart regime's behavior. That is, many ocean regions exhibit clear-cut secondary afternoon precipitation maxima while many continental areas exhibit just as evident secondary morning maxima. Notably, this investigation represents the first comprehensive study of these secondary maxima and their widespread nature when analyzed using a global precipitation dataset. The characteristics of the secondary maxima are thoroughly mapped and described on a global grid. In addition, a Fourier harmonic decomposition scheme is used to examine detailed amplitude and phase properties of the primary and secondary maxima -- as well as tertiary and quartern modes. Accordingly, the advantages, ambiguities, and pitfalls resulting from using harmonic analysis are also examined.
Ontogeny of gonadotropin, testosterone, and inhibin secretion in normal boys through puberty based on overnight serial sampling.

To investigate hormonal changes occurring in male puberty, we measured LH, FSH, testosterone, and alpha-inhibin immunoactivity in serum samples drawn every 10 min for 8 h (2100-0500 h) from each of 50 normal prepubertal and pubertal boys, aged 8.4-18.8 yr. We measured gonadotropins with ultrasensitive immunofluorometric assays, and testosterone and alpha-inhibin with RIAs. Unlike previous studies, which indexed pubertal development with Tanner stages, we used testicular volume, a more finely graduated indicator of development, to reveal patterns that were obscured when subjects were grouped by Tanner stage. The overnight mean concentration of each hormone increased with testis volume, but the rate of increase on a logarithmic scale slowed as testes grew. Log LH rose precipitously in the late prepubertal and early pubertal periods and plateaued during mid- and late puberty. Based on fitted regression curves, LH increased about 20-fold (from 0.11 IU/L) between testis volumes of 1 and 10 mL, but only an addi...
Theory and Demonstration of Narrowband Bent Hairpin Filters Integrated With AC-Coupled Plasma Limiter Elements

A novel narrowband filter with integral high-power microwave limiter behavior is proposed to protect cost-sensitive microwave systems. The filter-limiter consists of a third-order microstrip bent hairpin filter with encapsulated gas plasma limiters, designed for operation at 870 MHz. An equivalent circuit model is presented for the ac-coupled plasma-shell components used in this study, and parameter values were extracted from measured results and electromagnetic simulation. The theory of operation of the proposed filter-limiter was experimentally validated and key predictions were demonstrated including two modes of operation in the on-state: a constant output power mode and constant attenuation mode at relatively higher power. The filter-limiter operates passively from incident microwave energy, and can also use an external priming voltage source to reduce the limiter turn-on power threshold and reduce output power variation during limiting.
Effects of gender and age on esophageal biomechanical properties and sensation

Objectives The effects of gender and age on human esophageal function is poorly defined. Our aim was to investigate the sensory perception and the biomechanical properties of the esophagus both at the smooth muscle and the striated muscle segments in age- and gender-matched healthy subjects. Eleven older individuals (five men and six women, aged 55–82 yr) and 11 younger healthy individuals (five male and six female, aged 22–45 yr) participated in this study. Methods Graded balloon distentions were performed at the striated muscle and the smooth muscle segments of the esophagus in a random order using impedance planimetry. Impedance planimetry facilitated simultaneous assessments of the biomechanical properties and sensory perception. Results We found that both at the striated and smooth muscle segments, the cross-sectional area, circumferential wall tension-strain relationship and the sensory thresholds were similar between men and women. In contrast, at both of these segments, the cross-sectional area was larger (p < 0.05), the circumferential wall tension-strain association had shifted significantly (p < 0.05) to the left (i.e., the wall was stiffer), and the median thresholds for discomfort and pain were higher (p < 0.05) in older subjects. The biomechanical properties and thresholds for sensory perception also varied between the two esophageal segments. Conclusion Aging was associated with a larger lumen and a stiffer but less sensitive esophageal wall. Thus, aging but not gender may influence esophageal function.
Genetic Structure of the Endangered Northeastern Bulrush ( Scirpus ancistrochaetus ) in Pennsylvania, USA, Using Information from RAPD and SNPs

The northeastern bulrush, Scirpus ancistrochaetus, is a federally endangered wetland plant species found primarily in Pennsylvania, USA. Data on the population genetic structureof this species are needed by conservation managers to prioritize conservation efforts. In this study, we used two genetic marker systems to examine diversity and structure of this species in populations throughout Pennsylvania. The first simple and inexpensive approach utilized RAPD primers; our second, more detailed approach relied on DNA sequencing of single nucleotide polymorphisms. We found genetic variation using both RAPDs and sequencing and found some overlap in information between the two methods, including clusters of related populations and the identification of a genetically unique population. Future studies will seek to examine variation across the full geographic range of the species.
Hydrothermal oxidation of organic wastes using ammonium nitrate

The use of ammonium nitrate as an oxidizing agent in hydrothermal oxidation of organic compounds was investigated. The oxidation of model compounds, methanol, acetic acid, and phenol, was studied at 500 °C and 345 bar. High organic, ammonia, and nitrate removal was achieved at stoichiometric concentrations. The oxidation of ammonia by nitrate was much faster than the oxidation of either methanol or acetic acid and only slightly faster than phenol. Nitrogen products included N2, N2O, and NO2- as well as toxic NO and trace amounts of NO2. Carbon products were CO2, HCO3-, CO32-, and CO. The co-oxidant system with hydrogen peroxide and ammonium nitrate was studied to eliminate the NOx production. Stoichiometric concentrations of hydrogen peroxide to the carbon concentrations resulted in undetectable NOx levels.
Quality of service modeling and performance management for network centric applications

We present our initial study that addresses Quality of Service (QoS) needs for end-users and applications in network-centric operations (NCO). In network-centric operations, various systems that traditionally have operated independently now function jointly as a system of systems. In such an environment, networks are heterogeneous and may not share a common network layer protocol. However, existing QoS developments among the current networks assume the use of a common network layer protocol and a common QoS provision mechanism. Little attention has been paid to providing QoS service across heterogeneous networks made of potentially different network layer protocols and QoS provisions. Meanwhile, the QoS of an application providing services in NCO depends not only on traditional packet delivery QoS by networks but also on application layer processing. Our initial approach toward QoS modeling and management for network centric applications is as follows: We first define the application QoS concept under the system of systems paradigm wherein the impact on QoS from application layers is integrated with the traditional packet delivery QoS. We then investigate the potential methodologies to properly model and qualify/quantify the different network layer QoS provision mechanisms in heterogeneous networks. Operating on this modeling and analysis framework, we plan to develop a model-based performance assurance mechanism for effective management of application QoS across heterogeneous network regimes.
Re-Using Clock Management Unit to implement Power Gating and Retention for Leakage Reduction at the 65-nm Technology Node

Leakage power management, wireless SoC In this paper we present a leakage management system which takes advantage of the existing clock gating infrastructure. This methodology avoids both RTL and software changes, at the block and chip level. We illustrate this approach with a 65-nm digital base band modem while achieving standby leakage in the 100-uA range and overall 1200X leakage reduction including process, circuit and system optimization.
Studies toward the synthesis of oximidines I and II.

The synthesis of compound 1, a precursor for the synthesis of the oximidine II core structure 2, is described. An undesired C8−C9 isomerization occurred during the intramolecular Castro−Stephens reaction leading to macrocyle 3. The thermodynamic driving force for this unexpected isomerization was established by DFT and MP2 calculations.
Further studies of human locomotion: Postural stability and control

Abstract In a previous study of human locomotion, an important aspect of our mathematical modelling was the decomposition of the complex body dynamics into two parts: one describes the lower extremity motion; the other pertains to the motion of the upper trunk. The generation of gait patterns via optimal programming was studied in that paper. In the present study the torso motion is considered. This involves as investigation of the unstable equilibrium of the torso about its upright position. A multidimensional “inverted pendulum” model is derived to study this behavior. To stabilize the motion, a linear feedback law coupled with an on-off perturbation is proposed. A Liapunov function is then constructed to show that such a control mechanism provides effective stabilization of the torso for all initial configurations of motion. Significance of the control law is discussed and a possible EMG-photographic experiment is suggested on the basis of this theoretical study.
Where does water go when it rains? Moving beyond the variable source area concept of rainfall-runoff response

Where does water go when it rains? What flow path does it take to the stream? How long does it reside in the catchment? These questions were articulated by John Hewlett within the context of his variable source area (VSA) concept almost 40 years ago (Hewlett and Hibbert, 1967). Today, we still grapple with these often vexing questions—now using new tools and approaches, but, as then, still searching for answers. Rapid progress is being made on the rainfallrunoff modelling front in catchment hydrology vis-a-vis parameter estimation techniques, model uncertainty analysis, examination of parameter identifiability in our models, downward approaches to hydrologic prediction, etc. (Beven 2001; Sivapalan, 2003). However, I wonder if we have somewhat neglected updating our understanding of the rainfall-runoff process and how this informs our needed model structures and response to these three basic questions central to our conceptualization of how catchments work? One could argue that our sharpening perception of water source, flowpath and age in upland headwater catchments is radically different to what the framers of the VSA theory thought a half century ago (i.e. Hewlett in the USA, Cappus in France and Tsukamoto in Japan). Our best models still rely on mechanistic notions underlying the VSA, including saturation excess overland flow and subsurface stormflow (I will avoid mentioning how our operational models often are based on another whole older generation of streamflow generation concepts related exclusively to Horton!). The VSA concept has been distilled into our widely used research model structures by collapsing the process complexity into simple mathematical assumptions of things like the decline in saturated hydraulic conductivity with depth, steady-state catchment water table response, topographically defined water flowpaths and linear wetting and drying from the valley bottom upwards to the ridge (depending upon storm size, intensity and antecedent wetness conditions). Much discussion is now devoted in the modelling literature towards the balance between practical simplifications of the VSA details and justifiable model complexity. This commentary takes a critical look at our process underpinning by discussing new field evidence of where water goes when it rains that directly challenges the status quo. New model structures informed by this new process understanding are then discussed in the context of how data
Stopping cross section in the low- to intermediate-energy range: Study of proton and hydrogen atom collisions with atomic N, O, and F

We report electron-nuclear dynamics calculations of energy loss, charge exchange, and nuclear, electronic, and total stopping cross sections for protons and hydrogen atoms incident on atomic nitrogen, oxygen, and fluorine targets for projectile energies from a few eV up to 25 keV. Particular emphasis is placed on the analysis of the impact parameter and charge-exchange dependence of the energy loss. It is found that at low energies the electronic stopping is not proportional to the projectile speed, but depends on the excitation spectrum of the target, manifested by having a threshold or a second maximum in the stopping cross section at low projectile energy. Agreement with other calculations and the available experimental data is good.
Governance in the University of California: The Transformation of Politics into Administration.

m'^7-7 Governance in the University of California: The Transformation of Politics into Administration MartinTrow Graduate School of Public Policy and The Center for Studies in Higher Education University of California, Berkeley Working Paper 97-7 1 fit .-jiu'OVii O'r 5m IGS ynWERSlT INSTITUTE OF GOVERNMENTAL STUDIES UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT BERKELEY Of CM\FORH\a
290 and 340 nm UV LED arrays for fluorescence detection from single airborne particles

We demonstrate a compact system, incorporating a 32-element linear array of ultraviolet (290 nm and 340 nm) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and a multi-anode photomultiplier tube, to the in-flight fluorescence detection of aerosolized particles, here containing the biological molecules tryptophan and NADH. This system illustrates substantial advances in the growth and fabrication of new semiconductor UV light emitting devices and an evolution in packaging details for LEDs tailored to the bio-aerosol warning problem. Optical engineering strategies are employed which take advantage of the size and versatility of light-emitting diodes to develop a truly compact fluorescence detector.
Acoustically induced call modification in the white-lipped frog, Leptodactylus albilabris

The vocalization behaviour of Leptodactylus albilabris was investigated using field playback experiments. To assess the response of males to pre-recorded natural ‘chirp’ (advertisement call) and natural ‘chuckle” (aggressive call) stimuli of gradually increasing broadcast intensity, three parameters (intensity, dominant frequency and repetition rate) of the chirp call were analysed. Of the males tested, 69% showed a significant increase in chirp intensity with increased levels of both stimulus types. In response to playback of the chirp stimulus, males actively modified the dominant frequency of their chirp calls over a mean range of 91·42 Hz, and in one case as much as 400 Hz. Moreover, 12 of 17 males shifted the frequency of their call towards the dominant frequency of the chirp stimulus (2175 Hz) by either increasing or decreasing the dominant frequency of their chirp calls. In response to the natural chuckle stimulus, 83% of the males showed either a decrease or no significant change in the dominant frequency of their chirps. All eight males for which both the chirp frequency and intensity were analysed and that showed an increase in chirp intensity also showed a concomitant increase in chirp dominant frequency. These results are the first to document quantitatively the plasticity of advertisement call intensity and dominant frequency in an anuran. The possible effects of advertisement call modification on male mating success in L. albilabris is discussed.
A new measuring instrument for direct current

This paper describes the design of a new d-c measuring instrument of the permanent-magnet moving-coil type. Alnico is utilized as a magnet alloy and the design factors involved in the application of this material to instrument design are discussed. A moving system for use with the Alnico magnet system is described and the resulting instrument performance summarized.
A systematic approach to an infection control program's risk assessment

ISSUE: The 2005 Joint Commission standards for infection control (IC) require organizations to conduct ongoing risk assessments in designing an IC program. In reviewing our program against the new standards, we noted that while our targeted nosocomial infection surveillance activities were based on a formal risk assessment, the assessment for our other routine IC rounding activities was less formal. We knew that we had considered risks in developing our current rounding process, but we were concerned that we might have difficulty showing a surveyor the basis for our rationale. PROJECT: To address this concern, we developed an infection control risk assessment tool to help prioritize our rounding activities. This tool quantifies the risks to patients and healthcare workers (HCWs) and considers both internal and external environmental risks. Risks to patients and HCWs are assessed for each location and are assigned a value from 1 to 4, with 1 having the least risk and 4 having the greatest risk. These 2 values are multiplied together to give a total risk score for the area. This score is then used to define the frequency of our routine surveillance rounds. Areas are reassessed using this tool annually and whenever new procedures are introduced and new locations are opened. RESULTS: We identified 86 areas within the medical center and its satellites and calculated a risk score for each area. These scores ranged from 1 to 16. The values were divided into 4 categories, and the frequency of the IC rounds was determined by the category in which the area fell. Through this process, we identified some areas that warranted more frequent rounds than in the past and other areas that we had been visiting merely out of convenience. Although consideration to risks had been applied to the previous surveillance plan, this strategy allowed IC to prioritize tasks and make better use of its resources. LESSONS LEARNED: While we felt that our previous surveillance plan had been based on a formal risk assessment, we now recognize that it had missed some critical areas and/or underestimated their IC risk. This quantitative tool has helped guide our activities, making the IC staff more visible throughout the organization. The IC staff members are now able to focus their infection prevention efforts on the areas with the greatest hazards.
Renal cryoablation in a canine model

Objectives. To assess the potential safety and utility of cryoablation for treatment of selected renal tumors in a canine model. Methods. Ultrasound and direct physical measurements (depth and width) of five cryolesions were compared. Cryolesions were examined histologically in 6 animals, which were killed at 4 hours, 2 days, 1 week, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. Mortality/morbidity was assessed in 12 animals over a 1-month interval, where 6 animals received small (approximately 2 cm) cryolesions and 6 animals received large (one third to one half of kidney) cryolesions. Laparoscopic cryoablation was performed in 2 animals. Results. A statistically significant association of physical and ultrasound dimensions was observed (correlation coefficient R = 0.9295; P = 0.0001). Histologic studies in animals killed up to 1 week after cryoablation revealed complete coagulative necrosis with the cryolesion. The boundary transition from normal to complete tissue necrosis occurred in 1 to 2 mm. Animals killed 3 weeks to 3 months after cryoablation revealed progressive organization with granulation tissue, chronic inflammation, hemosiderosis, fibrosis, and contraction of the cryolesion with parenchymal loss. Untreated renal tissue was histologically normal in all kidneys. No mortality or morbidity was detected in the 12 animals followed for 30 days regardless of the size of the cryolesion. Laparoscopic cryoablation was performed successfully in 2 animals without modification of standard laparoscopic methods. Conclusions. Sonographic, histologic, and laparoscopic data in a canine model suggest that cryoablation may be a safe, feasible, and useful method for treatment of selected renal neoplasms.
Cultural and Demographic Changes and Their Effects Upon the Traditional Grandparent Role for Chinese Elders

In the traditional Chinese culture, the grandparent role is highly anticipated because of the high value and status accorded to that role. Old age is looked forward to as a time when an elder is venerated by younger generations because of the elder's clearly defined position within the family. In today's China, these aging traditions are on the decline and, at the same time, the older generation is on the increase. China's one-child policy and the resulting decline in fertility rates are raising concerns about how a shrinking younger generation will care for an expanding older generation. Because of this emphasis on caregiving, the effect that these cultural and demographic changes may have upon older generations is receiving less attention. Yet, they could very well have various psychosocial and quality of life outcomes for Chinese elders. This article discusses demographic and cultural changes and their effect upon the traditional grandparent role for Chinese elders.
Influence of pressure on yield and fracture in polymers

Abstract Some new data on the effects of pressure on a poly(p-oxybenzoyl) polymer are presented and existing data on various other polymers are reviewed and analyzed. It is demonstrated that the effect of pressure on the elastic response of a polymer depends on the location of Tg relative to room temperature, and that the modulus-pressure data can be used to estimate the pressure shift of Tg. Also, the pressure coefficient of the modulus increase can be deduced from considerations of finite strain elasticity theory. There is a marked increase of tensile and compressive yield strengths with pressure and this can be interpreted in terms of a Mohr-Coulomb type of yield criterion. In some polymers, hydrostatic pressure inhibits cold drawing and reduces the elongation to fracture. However, in other polymers which at atmospheric pressure fracture prior to yielding, increasing the pressure above some critical value can cause significant increases in ductility. This effect is utilized to show that even rigid high...
Growth response to temperature and light in Nostoc spongiaeforme (Cyanobacteria)

Cyanobacteria and algae are problematic in California rice fields that are typically shallow and have high nutrient levels, providing ideal growing conditions. Nostoc spongiaeforme is a problem because extensive floating mats dislodge rice seedlings or smother them when the mats accumulate in windward areas. There is little published information on growth requirements for N. spongiaeforme. We grew N. spongiaeforme in BG-11 medium at 24 combinations of light (22, 87, 162, and 400 µM m−2 s−1) and temperatures (10°C, 15°C, 20°C, 25°C, 30°C, and 35°C). Results were summarized as a quadratic equation relating light and temperature to growth and indicate that optimal growth occurred at 26°C and 227 µM m−2 s−1 of light. Thus, N. spongiaeforme grows well at water temperatures and light levels similar to those measured in rice fields during the critical 30 days following initial flooding of the field.
Electron scattering and nuclear structure

Abstract The recent experimental data on the inclusive longitudinal and transverse response functions of nuclei is examined in the context of developments in the many-body theory of nuclei. We also discuss the exclusive e,e'p reaction on 208pb and the effect of correlations on occupation probabilities of shell model orbitals.
Aphasia or Neglect after Thalamic Stroke: The Various Ways They may be Related to Cortical Hypoperfusion

Although aphasia and hemispatial neglect are classically labeled as cortical deficits, language deficits or hemispatial neglect following lesions to subcortical regions have been reported in many studies. However, whether or not aphasia and hemispatial neglect can be caused by subcortical lesions alone has been a matter of controversy. It has been previously shown that most cases of aphasia or hemispatial neglect due to acute non-thalamic subcortical infarcts can be accounted for by concurrent cortical hypoperfusion due to arterial stenosis or occlusion, reversible by restoring blood flow to the cortex. In this study, we evaluated whether aphasia or neglect occur after acute thalamic infarct without cortical hypoperfusion due to arterial stenosis or occlusion. Twenty patients with isolated acute thalamic infarcts (10 right and 10 left) underwent MRI scanning and detailed cognitive testing. Results revealed that 5/10 patients with left thalamic infarcts had aphasia and only 1 had cortical hypoperfusion, whereas 2/10 patients with right thalamic infarcts had hemispatial neglect and both had cortical hypoperfusion. These findings indicate that aphasia was observed in some cases of isolated left thalamic infarcts without cortical hypoerfusion due to arterial stenosis or occlusion (measured with time-to-peak delays), but neglect occurred after isolated right thalamic infarcts only when there was cortical hypoperfusion due to arterial stenosis or occlusion. Therefore, neglect after acute right thalamic infarct should trigger evaluation for cortical hypoperfusion that might improve with restoration of blood flow. Further investigation in a larger group of patients and with other imaging modalities is warranted to confirm these findings.
Synthesis of M2Rh2 Bis(μ3-carbon dioxide) Complexes from the Reaction between [Rh(OH)(η4-COD)]2 and Cationic Metal Carbonyls

The M2Rh2 bis(μ3-CO2) complexes [Cp*(CO)(NO)Re(CO2)Rh(η4-cod)]2 (1) and [Cp*(CO)2MCO2Rh(η4-cod)]2, M = Fe (2) and Ru (3), were synthesized in moderate to high yields from treating [Rh(OH)(η4-cod)]2 (cod = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) with the carbonyl salts Cp*(L)(CO)2M+ (L = CO, M = Fe, Ru; L = NO, M = Re) and a base. [An alternative synthesis of 1 and its crystallographic structure determination has been reported.] Although details on using several bases in the synthesis of 2 are reported, the use of volatile EtMe2N in excess as the base is especially useful. IR and NMR spectral data are in accord with a M2Rh2 bis(μ3-CO2) core for 2 and 3: they retain two μ3-[η1-C(M):η1-O(Rh):η1-O‘(Rh‘)] carboxylate ligands that resemble those that were found for 1 and the Rh(I) carboxylates [(RCO2)Rh(diene)]2. Complexes 2 and 3 with their “open-book” structures are not fluxional at room temperature. Complex 2, its norbornadiene analogue, [Cp*(CO)2FeCO2Rh(η4-nbd)]2 (4), and their 13C-labeled derivatives also are accessible from...
Brain Correlates of Antidepressant Treatment Outcome from Neuroimaging Studies in Depression

Although neutral-state functional neuroimaging studies have improved the understanding of the pathophysiology of major depression, studies that employ state manipulations may provide further information. Such interventions of the effects of acute or chronic pharmacologic treatment. This article has reviewed issues surrounding functional neuroimaging studies of treatment. Because the ultimate goal of psychiatric research is improved understanding of the pathophysiology as well as treatment of mental illness, the proposed contribution of these studies is the development of tests that will guide case management and thus be clinically useful.
Effective interfacial area determination by gas absorption accompanied by second-order irreversible chemical reaction

Oxygen and carbon dioxide were absorbed by aqueous sodium hydroxide solutions in an agitated vessel, and the experimental results were interpreted in terms of the surface renewal theory in order to deduce effective interfacial areas. The simultaneous physical and chemical absorption experiments permitted a determination of the enhancement factor under identical physicochemical and hydrodynamic conditions. It was found that for the unbroken interface case, the effective areas for physical and chemical absorption are equal when the Danckwerts parameter γ is approximately unity. γ is defined as the ratio of the increase in absorption capacity of the liquid to the enhancement factor. For the case where the gas is sparged through the liquid, it was found that the effective interfacial area is a strong function of agitator speed (above a critical speed) and gas flow rate, whereas the mass transfer coefficient was found to be nearly independent of agitator speed and gas sparge rate.
Plasma Lactate as a Predictor of Colonic Viability and Survival After 360° Volvulus of the Ascending Colon in Horses

Objectives— To determine the relationship between plasma lactate concentration and colonic viability and survival in horses with ≥360° volvulus of the ascending colon. Study Design— Retrospective study. Animals— Horses (n=73) with ≥360° volvulus of the ascending colon. Methods— Medical records (January 2000–November 2005) of all horses examined for colic at Michigan State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital were reviewed. Horses were included only if plasma lactate concentration was measured preoperatively and a diagnosis of ≥360° volvulus of the ascending colon was confirmed by surgery or necropsy. Non-survivors were only included if the ascending colon was evaluated histopathologically. Logistic regression analysis was used to model the relationship between lactate, colonic viability, and survival. Results— Of 73 horses, 61 were discharged. Mean (±SD) plasma lactate concentration was significantly lower in survivors (2.98±2.53 mmol/L) compared with non-survivors (9.48±5.22 mmol/L; odds ratio [OR]=1.628, 95% confidence limit [CI]=1.259–2.105). Plasma lactate concentration was significantly lower in horses with a viable colon (3.30±2.85 mmol/L) compared with horses with a non-viable colon (9.1±6.09 mmol/L; OR=1.472, 95% CI=1.173–1.846). Plasma lactate concentration <6.0 mmol/L had a sensitivity of 84% and a specificity 83% for predicting horse survival. Conclusions— Our results demonstrate a strong association between plasma lactate concentration at the time of hospital admission and outcome in horses with ≥360° volvulus of the ascending colon. Clinical Relevance— Plasma lactate concentration may help predict colonic viability and horse survival after ascending colon volvulus in horses.
Information-theoretic analysis of quantum mechanical reaction cross sections

Abstract Information theory is used to analyze quantum mechanical rotation excitation probabilities for the hydrogen exchange reaction. A linear rotational surprisal is found, and the entropy deficiency of the product rotational distribution is computed.
An internetwork memo distribution capability—MMDF

The advent of packet-switched networks has led to increased use of computers for sending text messages (memos) between people. However, attachment to common carrier or equivalent packet networks is expensive and/or restricted by organizational policies. In addition, use of several networks creates the need for relaying memos between them. The work described here is designed to free users from dependence upon any particular communication environment and to provide a memo distribution facility which can employ whatever communication channels are available. It will support variable-network structures, emulation of network attachment, and inter-network memo forwarding.
Long term changes in Venus sulfur dioxide

Abstract Pioneer Venus data from the first 5 years of operation show a decline by more than a factor of ten in SO2 at the cloud tops. A consistent decline has also recurred in the amount of sub-micron haze above the clouds. The correlation between these two observables is 0.8 over this period. A plausible explanation is injection of SO2 from episodic volcanism. The episodic behavior implies that steady state models of the Venus cloud chemistry and dynamics may be of limited use.
In Reply to ‘Creatinine-Based GFR Estimating Equations in Kidney Transplant Recipients’ and ‘Assessing Kidney Function in Transplant Recipients: Time to Work Together and Address the Most Relevant Questions’

In Reply to ‘Creatinine-Based GFR Estimating Equations in Kidney Transplant Recipients’ and ‘Assessing Kidney Function in Transplant Recipients: Time to Work Together and Address the Most Relevant Questions’ We are pleased that Dr Delanaye and Drs Gill and Morris agree with our conclusions that the CKD-EPI and MDRD Study equations are more accurate than other creatinine-based equations in estimating glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in transplant recipients. We agree that the use of standardized creatinine level in these equations likely is an important factor contributing to their better performance. The BIS equation also uses standardized creatinine level, but was developed in a cohort with a mean age of 78 years, thus performing less well than the CKD-EPI and MDRD Study equations in those younger than 55 years and similarly to these equations in those 55 years or older (as shown in Fig S2 of our article). Because most clinical laboratories are now using standardized creatinine assays, we would hope that guidelines would be updated to recommend using either the CKD-EPI or MDRD Study equations for reporting estimated GFR (eGFR) in transplant recipients. Although the 2 equations performed similarly in the entire cohort, the CKD-EPI equation is more accurate at higher GFRs and the MDRD Study equation is more accurate at lower GFRs (Fig S8 in our article). Because P30 (proportions of the subjects in whom absolute value of percent error [mGFR-eGFR/mGFR] is , or #30%) reflects percent errors, the magnitude of errors in the MDRD Study equation at higher eGFRs is larger than errors of the CKD-EPI equation at lower eGFRs. We acknowledge the limitation in accuracy of eGFR compared to measured GFR and the limited ability of GFR to detect kidney damage relevant for the early diagnosis of transplant rejection and other conditions. We agree that improving estimating equations and discovering kidney measures other than GFR to detect transplant damage are important research goals.