cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predictors of Complications Secondary to Infective Endocarditis and Their Associated Outcomes: A Large Cohort Study from the National Emergency Database (2016-2018).

Literature regarding outcomes and predictors of complications secondary to infective endocarditis (IE) is limited. We aimed to study the outcomes and predictors of complications of IE. Data from a national emergency department sample, which constitutes 20% sample of hospital-owned emergency departments in the USA, were analyzed for hospital visits for IE. Complications of endocarditis were obtained by using ICD codes. Multivariable generalized linear method was used to evaluate predictors of in-hospital mortality and complications. Out of 255,838 adult IE patients (mean age 60.3 ± 20.1 years, 48.5% females), 97,803 (38.2%) patients developed one or more major complications. The major complications were cardiovascular system complications [57,900 (22.6%)], neurologic [42,851 (16.7%)] complications, and renal [16,236 (6.4%)] complications. These included cardiogenic shock [3873 (1.5%)], septic shock [25,798 (10.1%)], acute heart failure [35,602 (14%)], systemic thromboembolism (STE) [21,390 (8.36%)], heart block [11,430 (4.47%)], in-hospital dialysis [2880 (1.1%)], and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) [2704 (1.1%)]. Patients with complicated IE had risk of mortality (adjusted RR 1.12, 95% CI 1.11–1.13, p < 0.001). The complications strongly associated with mortality were septic shock (RR 1.29, 95% CI 1.27–1.30, p < 0.001), cardiogenic shock (RR 1.24, 95% CI 1.20–1.29, p < 0.001), DIC (RR 1.4, 95% CI 1.35–1.46, p < 0.001), and STE (RR 1.07, 95% CI 1.05–1.08, p < 0.001). Staphylococci were the predominant causative organisms (30.8%) among the complicated IE subgroups with higher associated mortality (42.8%). The main predictors of complications from IE were congenital heart disease, history of congestive heart failure, high Elixhauser comorbidity profile, staphylococcal infection, and fungal infections. The prevalence of cardiogenic shock increased over the study years from 1.13 to 1.98% (p-trend 0.04). Complicated IE is not uncommon and is associated with significant mortality. Staphylococcal infections were associated with high mortality rates. There has been an increasing trend of cardiogenic shock among IE patients across the US. Further research is needed to improve the outcomes of complicated endocarditis.
Use of gene transfer approaches to study regulation of neuropeptide gene expression.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses gene transfer techniques to study the regulation and expression of the human proenkephalin gene and several other opioid genes. A mouse anterior pituitary tumor-derived corticotrophic cell line has been transfected with the human proenkephalin gene and the characteristics of several of the isolated clones are discussed in the chapter. It also discusses the expression of proenkephalin in three transient systems: (1) proenkephalin fusion genes, (2) Xenopus oocytes, and (3) vaccinia virus. Gene transfer experiments can be divided into two major categories—namely, stable transfections and transient assay systems. To study stably transfected cell lines, a clone of eukaryotic cells that has integrated the foreign gene into its chromosomal DNA is isolated. The major advantage of this system is the ability to isolate stable cell lines, which can be grown indefinitely in culture and used to study a variety of regulatory phenomena. The gene of interest can be introduced into eukaryotic cells by several different methods, including (a) chemical methods, such as the calcium phosphate precipitation method, (b) physical methods, such as microinjection or electroporation, (c) viral mediated DNA transfer, and (d) the fusion of DNA-containing membranous vesicles, such as liposomes, the envelopes of Sendai virus particles, or protoplasts to cells.
Consistency-preserving neighbor table optimization for P2P networks

Constructing and maintaining consistent neighbor tables and optimizing neighbor tables to improve routing locality are two important issues in p2p networks. In this paper, we address the problem of preserving consistency while optimizing neighbor tables for p2p networks with node dynamics. We present a general strategy: identify a consistent subnet as large as possible and only replace a neighbor with a closer one if both of them belong to the subnet. We realize the general strategy in the context of hypercube routing. First, we present a join protocol that enables the identification of a large consistent subnet with very low cost when new nodes join. Next, we define an optimization rule to constrain neighbor replacements to preserve consistency, and present a set of optimization heuristics to optimize neighbor tables with low cost. The join protocol is then integrated with a failure recovery protocol. By evaluating the protocols through simulation experiments, we found our protocols and optimization heuristics to be effective, efficient, and scalable to a large number of network nodes.
Foreign Direct Investment and Rwanda's Economic Performance (1970-2011)

In the past two decades, Rwanda has experienced economic transformation which has attracted international investors. However, it is not clear whether these investment flows have made a significant contribution to economic growth. Such information is important for policy making so as to evaluate the impact of current policy efforts and design future strategies. The main objective of this study was to assess the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) on Rwanda’s GDP growth per capita from 1970 to 2011. The study was based on two hypotheses which related GDP growth per capita and FDI using World Bank data. Two multiple regression models were estimated. In addition, tests for normality, autocorrelation, heteroscedasticity and multicollinearity were conducted and corrected. In the first model with GDP per capita growth as dependent variable, four variables namely rural population growth, exports, imports and inflation had a statistically significant effect while FDI was insignificant at the 5% level. In the second model, with FDI as dependent variable, rural and urban population growths were statistically significant. However, GDP per capita growth was not statistically significant. These results have policy implications on the country’s export strategy, inflation and population growth rates. Keywords: Economic growth per capita, East Africa, foreign direct investment, multiple regression, Rwanda
Space, time and nitric oxide – neuronal nitric oxide synthase generates signal pulses

The temporal aspects of signaling are critical to the function of signals in communications, feedback regulation and control. The production and transduction of biological signals by enzymes comprises an area of central importance and rapid progress in the biomedical sciences. Treatment of signaling enzymes almost universally employs steady-state analyses that are suitable for mass catalysis but inappropriate for components in an information channel or a feedback/control system. In the present study, we show that, at 37 degrees C, neuronal nitric oxide synthase (EC 1.14.13.39) is progressively inhibited by the formation of an inhibited state during the first few turnovers (approximately 200 ms) after the initiation of catalysis, leading to pulse formation of nitric oxide. The general mechanism may be of wide importance in biological signaling.
Trajectory Planning for Approximately Feedback Linearized Systems

In this paper, we use B-splines to smooth a given desired trajectory so that it can be more effectively tracked by an approximately feedback linearized system. After choosing the order of B-splines and doing optimization, the resulting smooth approximate trajectory is close to the specified trajectory within a given allowance, and the aggressiveness of this approximate trajectory is minimized.
Protecting Information when Access is Granted for Collaboration

There are settings where we have to collaborate with individuals and organizations who, while not being enemies, should not be fully trusted. Collaborators must be authorized to access information systems that contain information that they should be able to receive. However, these systems typically also contain information that should be withheld. Collaborations can be rapidly created, requiring dynamic alterations to security policies. Classifying data to cover all current and possible access privileges is both awkward and costly, and always unreliable.
Statin-Induced Musculoskeletal Problems: Disconcerting Reports and Data

Statins are molecules of fungal origin, which inhibit the hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase enzyme, a key step in the sterol biosysnthesis, rendering them powerful cholesterol lowering medications contributing to significant prevention of cardiovascular disease. 1 Statins are characterized by differences in bioavailability, lipo/hydrophilicity, cytochrome P-450 mediated metabolism and cellular transport mechanisms, differences that are reflected in their relative capacity in LDL-cholesterol lowering and possibly in parenchymal or muscular toxicities. 2 Statin intolerance comprises, among others, musculoskeletal problems, such as statin-induced muscle and tendon disorders which are the most common cause of statin discontinuation. 3-10 Musculoskeletal Problems Statin therapy has long been associated with musculoskeletal (MS) problems in approximately 10% - 25% of patients treated in real-world clinical practice, but such problems have rarely been reported in controlled clinical trials, 3,4 and their incidence has thus far been underestimated. 5 Studies have concentrated on creatine kinase (CK) elevations to identify myopathy. However, many patients can have normal serum CK levels despite myalgia and persistent weakness and muscle biopsy - proven myopathy. Discontinuation of statin and rechalllenge may be required to prove that it is statin-related. Several risk factors may predispose patients to statin-related MS problems, including advanced age, family history of myopathy, statin dose, and interacting medications (e.g., azole antifungals, cimetidine, fibrates, macrolide antibiotics, protease inhibitors and cyclosporine) (Table 1). 5,6,8 Musculoskeletal conditions, arthropathies, injuries, and pain appear to be more common among statin users than among similar nonusers... (excerpt)
American Administrative Law Under Siege: Is Germany a Model?

The American regulatory state is under attack. Economists criticize the irrationality of substantive policies. 1 Political scientists attack administrative policymaking and implementation as cumbersome, disjointed, and adversarial.2 Law professors argue that the administrative process is legalistic, time-consuming, and ineffective.3 Commentators, including some now on the federal bench, argue that judicial scrutiny has induced agencies to make fewer rules and to seek less accountable ways of making policy.4 They urge the courts to defer more frequently to agency decisions.5 The criticisms have built to such a crescendo that the system seems in crisis. But appearances are deceiving. Although reform is needed, many critics have overstated their case. The most popular reform proposals would destroy much of value in the American system. Modern democracies need to strike a balance between popular control and expertise, at the same time as they restrain the influence of narrow, organized groups. Bureaucratic policymaking is an inevitable consequence of the complexity of problems facing the modern state. It cannot be performed by the legislature or the judiciary, but it needs to be monitored both by these formal organs of state power
A Comparison of Physical Health Outcomes for Caregiving Parents and Caregiving Adult Children

Using data from the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States and using the stress process model, this study compared caregiving parents and caregiving adult children with regard to health outcomes. The study sample consisted of 74 caregiving parents and 219 caregiving adult children. Predictors included type of family relationship, provision of activities of daily living, duration of caregiving, and family demands. Social support did not mediate the relations between significant predictor variables and health outcomes. The type of family relationship was associated with health outcomes with caregiving parents demonstrating poorer self-perceived health and more chronic conditions than caregiving adult children. Perceived family demands were associated with increased number of chronic conditions for caregiving adult children and caregiving parents. Unlike previous studies that measured objective family demands, perceived family demands was found to have a strong association with the number of chronic health conditions for both groups of caregivers.
Effects of statutes requiring psychiatrists to report suspected sexual abuse of children.

OBJECTIVE: Reporting of child sexual abuse is mandatory in all 50 states. Conceptual distinctions between privileged communications and mandatory reporting are reviewed, and the impact of recent changes in Maryland's reporting laws is examined. METHOD: Beginning in 1964 Maryland law required reporting if abuse was suspected when a physician examined a child. In 1988 reporting of disclosures by adult patients about child sexual abuse that occurred while they were in treatment was mandated. In 1989 all patient disclosures, even about such abuse that occurred before treatment, became reportable. During the period of statutory changes, the Johns Hopkins Sexual Disorders Clinic had kept track of adult patients who referred themselves for treatment and adult patients' disclosures of child sexual abuse. This allowed analysis of the impact produced by changes in the reporting requirements. RESULTS: 1) Mandatory reporting of disclosures about prior child sexual abuse deterred undetected adult abusers from entering treatment. The rate of self-referrals when such reporting became mandatory in 1989 dropped from approximately seven per year (73 over a 10-year period) to zero. This may have caused some unidentified children to remain at risk. 2) Mandatory reporting deterred patients' disclosures about child sexual abuse that occurred during treatment. In 1988 the disclosure rate during treatment dropped from approximately 21 per year to zero. This deprived clinicians of information important for early intervention. 3) Mandatory reporting failed to increase the number of abused children identified. The number identified secondary to such disclosures was zero. CONCLUSIONS: Optimal protection of children, as well as treatment for adult patients, may be better accomplished by legislation that supports options other than reporting. Language: en
Implementing the Select Agent Legislation: Perfect Record or Wrong Metric?

The article “Transfer of Select Agents and Toxins: 2003-2013” by Shelby et al that appears in this issue describes in great detail the type and exact number of transfers of select agents, the day of the week packages were shipped, and the calendar days in transit. It also characterizes the “entities” involved in the transfers. The activities described are in response to the select agent regulations (SAR) promulgated in 19971 and 2003.2 The Centers for Disease Control's Division of Select Agents and Toxins3 (DSAT) and the US Department of Agriculture Select Agent Services4 make up the Federal Select Agent Program (FSAP), which approves and oversees transfer of agents that “pose a severe threat to public health and safety,” thereby “protecting public health and safety.”* Let's assume for the sake of this argument that the select agent regulations were brilliantly drafted, necessary, and sufficient. Shelby et al's article and the resources current and proposed to operate the select agent program, viewed in the shadows of an apparently increasing number of shipment errors in select agent labs, suggest that it might be time to revisit the implementation of the program.
Calculating the stability range, SNR, and distortion of delta-sigma modulators

The successful design of delta-sigma modulator (DSM)-based A/D or D/A converters depends heavily on the speed and flexibility of the methods used to determine important system parameters. A Markov model of a general-purpose DSM topology has been developed to calculate the stability range, the output signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and the amount of harmonic distortion of a DSM. The results generated with the Markov-based approach compare favorably with the output of a DSM simulator which uses difference equations. >
Prioritization of Capacity Investment Projects with Stakeholder Divergence Criteria for Coordinated Infrastructure Development

AbstractInvestments and policies for transportation infrastructure projects are influenced and possibly undermined by diverse stakeholders with limited incentive for coordination. Effective management of such systems requires agencies to prioritize capacity projects with consideration of potential stakeholder-divergence resulting from competing stakeholder values and budgetary constraints. Strategic prioritization of investment should consider the values of several stakeholder perspectives, such as managing agencies, the public, closely associated commerce, environmental agencies, and others. This paper will demonstrate an integrated scenario analysis, multicriteria analysis, and integer-programming approach to identify investment portfolios that meet budgetary constraints while promoting investments most suitable for coordination among diverse stakeholders. The approach will be demonstrated on six high-priority federal transportation infrastructure projects in the United States. The results illustrate th...
The role of neural networks in improving the accuracy of MR spectroscopy for the diagnosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: MR Spectroscopy (MRS) has the unique ability to analyze tissue at the molecular level noninvasively. The purpose of this study was to determine if peak heights revealed by proton MRS ( 1 H-MRS) signals showed that neural networks (NN) provided better accuracy than linear discriminant analysis (LDA) in differentiating head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCCA) from muscle METHODS: In vitro 11-T 1 H-MR spectra were obtained on SCCA tissue samples (n = 16) and muscle (n = 12). The peak heights at seven metabolite resonances were measured: olefinic acids at 5.3 ppm, inositol at 3.5 ppm, taurine at 3.4 ppm, choline (Cho) at 3.2 ppm, creatine (Cr) at 3.0 ppm, sialic acid at 2.2 ppm, and methyl at 0.9 ppm. Using leave-one-out experimental design and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the ability of NN and LDA classifiers to distinguish SCCA from muscle were compared (given equal weighting of false-negative and false-positive errors). These classifiers were also compared with an existing method that forms a diagnosis by using LDA of the Cho/Cr peak area ratio. RESULTS: NN classifiers, which were identified using height data, achieved better sensitivity and specificity rates in distinguishing SCAA from muscle than did LDA using height or area data. Sensitivity/specificity for the NN analysis of the seven metabolite peak heights were 87.5% and 83.3%, respectively, for a one-hidden-node network and 81.2% and 91.7%, respectively, for a two-hidden-node network. Additional nodes did not improve accuracy. The sensitivity and specificity were 81.2% and 50%, respectively, for LDA of the seven peak heights, and 68% and 83%, respectively, for LDA of the Cho/Cr peak area ratio. CONCLUSION: NN classifiers with peak height data were superior to LDA of the peak heights and LDA of the Cho/Cr peak area ratio for differentiating SCCA from normal muscle. These results show neural network analysis can improve the diagnostic accuracy of 1 H-MRS in differentiating muscle from malignant tissue. Further studies are necessary to confirm our initial findings.
Epidemiology, Prognostic Factors, and Treatment of Malignant Submandibular Gland Tumors: A Population-Based Cohort Analysis

Importance Malignant tumors of the submandibular gland are uncommon, leading to limited information regarding prognostic factors and difficulty in evaluating treatment modalities. Objective To investigate the correlates of survival in patients with primary malignant tumors of the submandibular gland. Design, Setting, and Participants Data from 2626 patients with a diagnosis of primary tumors of the submandibular gland between 1973 and 2011 in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database were used in a retrospective population-based cohort analysis. Kaplan-Meier analysis along with multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to determine prognostic factors in overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS). Interventions Patients were treated with surgery, radiation therapy, both, or neither. Main Outcomes and Measures Overall and disease-specific survival. Results We identified 2626 patients with a diagnosis of primary malignant tumors of the submandibular gland, 52.9% male and 47.1% female, with a mean (range) age of 61.3 (7-101) years. Adenoid cystic carcinoma (36.0%) was the most prevalent histologic subtype, followed by squamous cell carcinoma (18.1%), mucoepidermoid carcinoma (16.9%), and adenocarcinoma (13.7%). Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated an OS and DSS of 65% and 74% at 2 years, 54% and 67% at 5 years, and 40% and 60% at 10 years, respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed independent predictors of OS and DSS to be age (HR, 1.04 [95% CI, 1.03-1.04], P P P P = .02), tumor grade (HR, 1.47 [95% CI, 1.19-1.81], P P = .001), stage at presentation (HR, 1.56 [95% CI, 1.41-1.72], P P P P = .001). Conclusions and Relevance We report, to our knowledge, the largest study to date focused on correlates of survival in submandibular gland malignant neoplasms. Multivariate analysis found that older age at diagnosis, high tumor grade, and later stage at presentation were correlated with decreased survival whereas female sex and surgical resection were correlated with increased survival. In addition, a 3-cm tumor cutoff size was demonstrated above which was associated with a significantly less favorable prognosis. Radiation therapy had mixed association with survival, dependent on tumor size and subtype.
Immunogenetic studies of rhesus monkeys. 6. Absence of the human Xga blood group on rhesus erythrocytes1

Summary It was not possible to demonstrate Xga on the erythrocytes of any of 140 rhesus monkeys of both sexes tested with human antiserum rendered specific for Xga by absorption.
Erratum: "the RR Lyrae Distance to the Draco Dwarf Spheroidal Galaxy" (2004, AJ, 127, 861)

The coordinates (and therefore names) of the 49 variables detected in chip 4 were incorrectly assigned in the original manuscript. Corrected versions of the affected Tables 1 and 2, and Figures 2 and 3 are given in this erratum, superseding the previous erratum. These corrections are only typographical in nature, and none of the results or conclusions of the paper are affected. We are grateful to H. Harris for pointing out this error.
Optical frequency comb shaping for simultaneous complex multi-tap microwave photonic filtering and downconversion sampling

In this contribution we show that the high degree of spectral coherence in high-repetition-rate optical frequency combs enables simultaneous downconversion of broadband microwave signals and programmable multi-tap complex-coefficient filtering in the intermediate frequency (IF) band. Our results demonstrate programmable filtering and tuning within 5 GHz IF bandwidth using a 20-tap 10 GHz opto-electronic frequency comb programmed in a line-by-line manner.
Least Squares Adjustment with Relatively Large Observation Errors, Inaccurate Initial Approximations, or Both

Least squares adjustment problems are considered in which the condition equations are nonlinear in both the observations and the adjustment parameters ('unknowns'). A solution algorithm is presented which takes into account the second (as well as the first) order derivatives in the adjustment residuals (observation errors) and the corrections to the initially available approximations to the adjustment parameters. The inclusion of second-order terms in the adjustment residuals is necessary whenever the adjustment residuals themselves cannot be regarded as negligible as compared to the adjustment parameters, i.e., whenever the linearized condition equations would no longer be practically equivalent to the rigorous ones. The consideration of second-order terms in the parameter corrections is completely independent of the second-order terms in the adjustment residuals.
Cardiac malformations in relatives of children with truncus arteriosus or interruption of the aortic arch

Familial recurrence risks for congenital cardiac malformations have been estimated at 1 to 4%, but little is known of recurrence risks for uncommon congenital cardiac malformations. This study determined the incidence of congenital cardiac malformations in relatives of patients with either truncus arteriosus (TA) or interruption of the aortic arch (IAA) seen between 1955 and 1985. Prior to this study, only 2 cases of IAA in siblings had been reported and the recurrence risk of TA had been estimated at 1.2%. In the families of 36 index cases of IAA, there were 98 siblings, 2 with congenital cardiac malformations (2.1%). All recurrences were in IAA type B families. Single cases of congenital cardiac malformations were found in second- and third-degree relatives and 2 cases in more distant relatives. In the families of 49 index cases of TA, there were 106 siblings, 7 with congenital cardiac malformations (6.6%). Two had TA, 3 had other conotruncal anomalies and 2 had other congenital cardiac malformations. Two parents had congenital cardiac malformations, 1 with TA and 1 with conotruncal malformation. Among second- and third-degree relatives, 7 had congenital cardiac malformations (5 were conotruncal, including 1 half sibling). Among greater than third-degree relatives, 3 had congenital cardiac malformations. Thus, in IAA, the recurrence rate of congenital cardiac malformations (2.1%) was higher than expected and could be related to the etiology of IAA type B as a conotruncal malformation. In TA, the recurrence rate of congenital cardiac malformations was 6.6%, higher than previously reported. When TA was complex the recurrence risk was higher (13.6%). These findings must be taken into consideration for satisfactory genetic counseling.
High-cycle, long-life fatigue behavior of welded steel details☆

Abstract Results from laboratory fatigue tests of large-scale welded attachments under random variable-amplitude loading have indicated that the existence of a fatigue limit below which no fatigue cracks develop is assured only if none of the stress cycles exceeds the constant-amplitude fatigue limit. In the extreme life region of fatigue behavior, the contribution of the lower cycles of a stress range spectrum to crack propagation is a function of the larger stress cycles. However, the value of the constant-amplitude fatigue limit is not precisely known and in some cases will differ from the assumed value. As a consequence of the variability in the fatigue limit, the lower bound variable-amplitude fatigue resistance on large-scale welded steel details is defined by the straight-line extension of the S-N design curves below the constant-amplitude fatigue limit. A summary of the test data is given and the effect of the variability on the fatigue behavior of welded steel details in the high-cycle, long-life regime is discussed.
Trifluoromethyl ketone inhibitors of fatty acid amide hydrolase: A probe of structural and conformational features contributing to inhibition

The examination of a series of trifluoromethyl ketone inhibitors of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH, oleamide hydrolase, anandamide amidohydrolase) is detailed in efforts that define structural and conformational properties that contribute to enzyme inhibition and substrate binding. The results imply an extended bound conformation, highlight a role for the presence, position, and stereochemistry of a Δ9.10 cis double bond, and suggest little apparent role for C11-C18/C22 of the fatty acid amide substrates. The examination of a series of trifluoromethyl ketone inhibitors of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH, oleamide hydrolase, anandamide amidohydrolase) is detailed in efforts that define structural and conformational properties that contribute to enzyme inhibition and substrate binding.
Effect of antibiotic administration on mastitis screening tests and milk composition.

Abstract Intramammary infusion of a commercial antibiotic mixture or aqueous penicillin resulted in a marked inflammatory reaction characterized by increases in leucocyte numbers and degree of reaction to mastitis screening tests. Milk lactose content was decreased significantly. Penicillin infusion resulted in an apparent decrease in streptococcus organisms, but had little effect on staphylococci. Intramuscular injection of streptomycin had only minor effects on leucocytes, screening tests, milk composition, or bacteriological status of the individual quarters. Intramuscular penicillin injection resulted in significant decreases in leucocytes and reactions to the mastitis screening tests. Protein and lactose content of the milk were increased. There was a reduction in the number of quarters shedding staphylococcus as well as streptococcus organisms.
The new approach in the analysis of 2×2 tables

Conventional statistical analysis of contingency tables is logically untenable. It rejects the knowledge of the prior model of cause, and it tests the null hypothesis of independence which cannot be proved to be true or false. Our approach is based on the knowledge of the prior model of cause, and we test the hypothesis of significant dependence. This hypothesis can be proved to be true or false if data are representative of the homogeneous invisible population.
Erosion on the Line Islands archipelagic apron: Effect of small-scale topographic relief

A small area (10 × 16 km) on the northeast flank of the Line Islands archipelagic apron was studied in detail, using a deep-towed geophysical instrumentation system. Along the southern edge of the area, a moat several kilometres wide and 30 m deep lies at the base of an east-trending seamount cresting 1,500 m above the sediment apron. Both surface-ship 3.5-kHz and deep-tow 4-kHz reflection profiles show that much of the relief of this moat is the result of slower deposition of sediment (or the lack of deposition) in the upper part of the sediment apron. In marked contrast, another moat in the northern portion of the area has been eroded 90 m below the smooth surface of the surrounding apron. This irregularly shaped moat is more than 7 km in length, although the adjacent seapeak (175 m high) is only 1 km in diameter. The deep-tow, high-resolution subbottom reflection profiles show that many flat-lying horizons in the sedimentary apron are truncated at the walls of the moat, and bottom photographs show outcropping ledges that parallel its contours. Current ripples were observed only in bottom photographs of terraces just above the moat floor. The sediments on the floor itself are suggestive of a coarse lag deposit. Short-term (up to 9 days) current-meter records showed that the prevalent current was about 2 to 3 cm/sec from the northeast, with small tidal perturbations. The morphology of this deep, irregular feature suggests that it may have formed during episodes of intensified bottom-water flow from the west-northwest, possibly as Pacific bottom water intermittently flowed through the area during the glacial intervals of the Pleistocene period.
Partitions and Coalitional Stability with Non-dominant and Dominant Members

The analysis presented in this paper applies coalitional game theory to an analysis of imperfectly competitive firms producing a homogeneous product. Coalitions consisting of equal partners and no capacity constraints tend to be stable. Grand coalitions consisting of unequal members tend to be unstable. In this case, an intra-coalitional utility transfer may cement the coalition, but the outcome tends to be the same as that in coalitions consisting of equal partners. Coalitions consisting of fewer, unequal members may be possible, however, even in the absence of intra-coalitional utility transfers. Finally, grand coalitions may be possible if subordinate members are capacity constrained.
Measurement of intracellular generation of hydrogen peroxide by rat glomeruli in vitro

Sequential reduction of oxygen along the univalent pathway leads to the generation of superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radical, and water [1, 2]. These partially reduced oxygen intermediates have been implicated as important mediators in various models of ischemic, toxic and immune-mediated tissue injury including glomerular injury [3]. Reactive oxygen metabolites have been shown to affect several biological processes potentially important in glomerular diseases, and their role in both inflammatory as well as non-inflammatory glomerular diseases has recently been demonstrated [3]. Evidence for the importance of reactive oxygen metabolites in experimental models of glomerular disease is based largely on the protective effects of scavengers of reactive oxygen metabolites.
Control of lipid oxidation in extruded salmon jerky snacks.

: A shelf-life study was conducted to evaluate the effect of antioxidants on oxidative stability of extruded jerky-style salmon snacks. Deterioration of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) due to lipid oxidation is a major concern for this healthy snack. A control jerky with no added antioxidants and 4 jerkies with antioxidants (rosemary, mixed tocopherols, tertiary butylhydroquinone, and ascorbyl palmitate) added as 0.02% of the lipid content were extruded in duplicate in a Coperion ZSK-25 twin screw extruder. Salmon jerkies from each formulation were placed in 3 mil barrier pouches, flushed with nitrogen, and stored at 35 °C and 75% relative humidity. Lipid oxidation was evaluated as by peroxide value and malonaldehyde content. Other chemical analyses included total fatty acid composition, lipid content, moisture, water activity, pH, and salt. Astaxanthin and CIE L*, a*, b* color were also analyzed at 4-wk intervals. Rosemary inhibited peroxide formation better than did other antioxidants at week 8; no treatment inhibited malonaldehyde levels. All jerkies had lower astaxanthin levels after 8 wk, but rosemary-treated jerky had higher pigment concentrations than did the control at weeks 4 and 8. Protection of omega-3 lipids in these extruded jerkies must be improved to offer consumers a convenient source of these healthful lipids. Practical Application: Salmon flesh can be extruded to produce a jerky that provides 410 mg of omega-3 lipids per serving. Natural antioxidants such as rosemary should be added at levels over 0.02% of the lipid content to help control lipid oxidation. Astaxanthin and CIE a* values correlated well with lipid stability and could be used to monitor quality during storage if initial values are known.
RELATION BETWEEN THE VIBRATION FREQUENCIES OF A CRYSTAL AND THE SCATTERING OF SLOW NEUTRONS

Detailed calculations of the scattering of slow neutrons by crystals have so far been made on the basis of the Debye approximation for the vibration frequencies of the crystal. In the present work, a somewhat more realistic set of frequencies has been calculated for the case of aluminum. The results have been used to calculate the angular and energy distribution of neutrons coherently scattered in a one-phonon process. Comparison is made with the results given by the Debye approximation.The distribution function of the calculated frequencies has been used to obtain values for the Debye-Waller factor and for the total incoherent cross section for incident neutrons with long wavelengths.
64 Channel All Optical Deployable Acoustic Array

Over the past few years, littoral warfare has become a concern to the US Navy. The perceived threats are no longer restricted to the open ocean, but exist in the harbors, straits, and narrow seas of the world. This need coupled with advances in signal processing capabilities has spurred the development of rapidly deployable shallow water acoustic arrays for broad area surveillance and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) applications. The All Optical Deployable System (AODS) array, which utilizes fiber optic technology to detect undersea acoustic targets, has been developed by NRL to meet the Navy’s newest need.
Progress toward the Total Synthesis of Kalihinane Diterpenoids

Studies toward the total synthesis of marine diterpenoids isolated from Acanthella sp., e.g., kalihinol A, are described. Efficient construction of the functionalized trans-decalin core (11) is achieved through intramolecular Diels−Alder cyclization followed by diastereoselective epoxidation and aziridination.
Analysis of integration models for service composition

This paper studies service integration infrastructures that support the execution of megaservices --- large-scale applications that are composed of autonomous service modules. Integration infrastructures are classified according to their control-flow and data-flow structures. We analyze the effects of data-flows on the performances of the centralized and distributed data-flow models. A mathematical model is built to compare the performances of megaservices. Particularly, aggregated cost and response time metrics are defined and evaluated. We arrive at the conclusion that the distributed data-flow model is in general superior in performance. We also identify the key system parameters as well as system bottlenecks. The analysis provides recommendations for a few techniques to build high-performance and scalable service integration infrastructures based on the distribution of data-flows.
Pioglitazone Stimulates Apolipoprotein A-I Production Without Affecting HDL Removal in HepG2 Cells: Involvement of PPAR-α

Objective— Pioglitazone, an antihyperglycemic drug, increases plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol in patients with type 2 diabetes. The mechanisms by which pioglitazone regulate HDL levels are not clear. This study examined the effect of pioglitazone on hepatocyte apolipoprotein AI (apoA-I) and apoA-II production and HDL-protein/cholesterol ester uptake. Methods and Results— In human hepatoblastoma (HepG2) cells, pioglitazone, dose-dependently (0.5 to 10 μmol/L), increased the de novo synthesis (up to 45%), secretion (up to 44%), and mRNA expression (up to 59%) of apoA-I. Pioglitazone also increased apoA-II de novo synthesis (up to 73%) and mRNA expression (up to 129%). Pioglitazone did not affect the uptake of HDL 3 -protein or HDL 3 -cholesterol ester in HepG2 cells. The pioglitazone-induced apoA-I lipoprotein particles increased cholesterol efflux from THP-1 macrophages. The pioglitazone-induced apoA-I secretion or mRNA expression by the HepG2 cells was abrogated with the suppression of PPAR-α by small interfering RNA or a specific inhibitor of PPAR-α, MK886. Conclusions— The data indicate that pioglitazone increases HDL by stimulating the de novo hepatic synthesis of apoA-I without affecting hepatic HDL-protein or HDL-cholesterol removal. We suggest that pioglitazone-mediated hepatic activation of PPAR-α may be one of the mechanisms of action of pioglitazone to raise hepatic apoA-I and HDL.
Adaptive patient enrichment designs in therapeutic trials

The utility of clinical trial designs with adaptive patient enrichment is investigated in an adequate and well-controlled trial setting. The overall treatment effect is the weighted average of the treatment effects in the mutually exclusive subsets of the originally intended entire study population. The adaptive enrichment approaches permit assessment of treatment effect that may be applicable to specific nested patient (sub)sets due to heterogeneous patient characteristics and/or differential response to treatment, e.g. a responsive patient subset versus a lack of beneficial patient subset, in all patient (sub)sets studied. The adaptive enrichment approaches considered include three adaptive design scenarios: (i) total sample size fixed and with futility stopping, (ii) sample size adaptation and futility stopping, and (iii) sample size adaptation without futility stopping. We show that regardless of whether the treatment effect eventually assessed is applicable to the originally studied patient population or only to the nested patient subsets; it is possible to devise an adaptive enrichment approach that statistically outperforms one-size-fits-all fixed design approach and the fixed design with a pre-specified multiple test procedure. We emphasize the need of additional studies to replicate the finding of a treatment effect in an enriched patient subset. The replication studies are likely to need fewer number of patients because of an identified treatment effect size that is larger than the diluted overall effect size. The adaptive designs, when applicable, are along the line of efficiency consideration in a drug development program.
Strum: Structured Microprogram Development System for Correct Firmware

An approach to the development of correct microprograms is to use the methodologies that have been beneficial in the generation of correct user programs, i. e., structured programming, high-level languages (HLL's), and formal program verification using Floyd's inductive assertion method. This paper presents a system that combines these techniques to simplify the design and implementation of correct microprograms for a real microprogrammable computer. It gives some statistics which support our emphasis on generation as well as correctness and some preliminary results on the use of our system.
My Brother’s Keeper? Compassion Predicts Generosity More Among Less Religious Individuals

Past research argues that religious commitments shape individuals’ prosocial sentiments, including their generosity and solidarity. But what drives the prosociality of less religious people? Three ...
Glacial Erosion and the Variable Isotopic Composition of Strontium in Sea Water

Peterman, Hedge and Turtelot1 have carefully documented the variations in isotopic composition of sea water strontium during Phanerozoic time (Fig. 1). Because sea water strontium represents an erosion-averaged sample of rocks exposed above sea level, Peterman et al. put forward two causes for the observed variation : periods of intense volcanism which would provide easily eroded material depleted in radiogenic 87Sr relative to sea water, and widespread uplift (epeirogenic movements) of the continents resulting in accelerated erosion of ancient rocks enriched in radiogenic 87Sr. I would like to point out a further cause, perhaps the most influential one. The two periods of highest 87Sr/86Sr ratio are in the late Cenozoic and Pennsylvanian (upper Carboniferous). These correspond to the two times of most extensive glaciation2 during the Phanerozoic (Fig. 1). Erosion of Pre-Cambrian shields by continental glaciers would be an effective means of adding radiogenic 87Sr to the dissolved load input to the oceans. Lowering of the sea level as a result of the trapping of water in continental ice sheets would act in concert with the glaciers in accelerating erosion of shield areas.
Size and shape of solid fuel diffusion flames in very slow speed flows

The effect of very low speed forced flows on the size and shape of a solid fuel diffusion flame are investigated experimentally. Flows due to natural convection are eliminated by performing the experiment in low gravity. The range of velocities tested is 1.5 cm/s to 6.3 cm/s and the mole fraction of oxygen in the O2/N2 atmosphere ranges from 0.15 to 0.19. The flames did not reach steady state in the 5.2 sec to which the experiment was limited. Despite limited data, trends in the transient flame temperature and, by means of extrapolation, the steady state flame size are deduced. As the flow velocity is reduced, the flames move farther from the fuel surface, and the transient flame temperature is lowered. As the oxygen concentration is reduced the flames move closer to the fuel sample and the transient flame temperature is reduced. With stand off distances up to 8.5 + or - 0.7 mm and thicknesses around 1 or 2 mm, these flames are much weaker than flames observed at normal gravity. Based on the performance of the equipment and several qualitative observations, suggestions for future work are made.
Direct cooling of turbine-generator fields

A MAJOR IMPROVEMENT in the cooling of field windings of turbine generators has been developed by the General Electric Company and applied for the first time in a 125,000-kva (30-pounds-per-square-inch-gauge hydrogen pressure) 3,600-rpm turbine generator now in the Huntley Station of the Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation at Buffalo, N. Y. Figure 1 shows the field of this machine. The new cooling arrangement has been proved successful in factory tests, which showed that at full 30-psig capacity, the temperature rise of the field winding is only about 25 per cent of that of otherwise duplicate fields of standard design previously tested. This indicates that for the same temperature rise, the new field could have its 30-psig capacity doubled, to 250,000 kva. Because of a requirement that the generator field be interchangeable with the fields of several previous machines of the same capacity, it was not feasible to take advantage of the improved cooling to reduce the physical size of this particular generator.
Efficient 5′ End Labeling of Dephosphorylated DNA☆

Efficient 5'-end labeling of DNA is an important procedure in recombinant DNA technology. Prior to labeling, it is important to inactivate alkaline phosphatase, used in the dephosphorylation of the DNA, by using proteinase K. Removal of proteinase K is usually performed by extracting twice with chloroform:isoamyl alcohol. In this report we show that extracting the sample four times with chloroform results in more efficient removal of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), an important constituent of proteinase K buffer, which allows a 25- to 40-fold increase in labeling efficiency compared with extracting twice or once with chloroform, respectively. Unremoved SDS inhibits efficient labeling, possibly by inhibiting the activity of the kinase.
Local Social Movements and Mesoamerican Cultural Resistance and Adaptation

In this article I examine two locally based movements in Mexico that successfully challenged important neoliberal development projects by building on local identities, values and communication networks to confront their state and corporate opponents. In the process of articulating their demands, activists helped to create identities that encouraged community members to take risky political positions by resignifying commonly held scripts about community, mutual solidarity and historical unease with centralized projects. Although framing the conflict in terms of local community versus outside interference proved to be a successful strategy on the part of movement organizers, it also represented part of a larger cultural process of identity formation and affirmation of cultural difference. Social activists in these towns saw the conflicts with the development ideas of the state and multinational corporations not only as threats to their immediate material circumstances but also as profoundly incongruent with...
Formation and Evolution of InAs Nanowires on an InP(001) Surface

We have used in-situ scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) to study the formation and evolution of InAs islands on an InP (001) surface. The InAs islands are produced by (i) exchange of P-atoms with As-atoms or by (ii) direct deposition of In and As. In both cases InAs nanowires arem elongated along the [ī 10] direction with a length over 1 µm. We observe these nanowires to be stable under an arsenic environment while unstable with no arsenic flux, and eventually transform into a rectangular-based pyramid with a truncated top. These observations indicate that surface reconstruction can play a role in the selection of quantum wire or dot growth.