cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evidence of white matter tract disruption in MRI hyperintensities

Abstract Background: Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of brain tissue measures the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), or isotropic diffusion, and anisotropy, or diffusion as influenced by tissue structure. We hypothesized that hyperintensities, when compared with normal tissue by DTI, would show evidence of damage through an increased ADC and decreased anisotropy. We also hypothesized that DTI changes in hyperintensities would be similar between depressed subjects and control subjects. Methods: Fourteen depressed geriatric patients and nineteen control subjects received DTI. The ADC and aniso-tropy of normal tissue from standard regions were compared with hyperintensities from these regions. The Students' t test compared individual regions and averaged white matter results. Results: Hyperintensities showed higher ADC and lower anisotropy than normal regions. Gray matter exhibited similar trends. There was no significant difference in diffusion characteristics of hyperintensities between subjects and control subjects. Conclusions: Hyperintensities damage the structure of brain tissue, and do so comparably in depressed subjects and control subjects.
Split-Frame Gimbaled Two-Dimensional MEMS Scanner for Miniature Dual-Axis Confocal Microendoscopes Fabricated by Front-Side Processing

In this paper, we introduce a 2-D microelectromechanical systems scanner for 3.2-mm-diameter dual-axis confocal microendoscopes, fabricated exclusively by front-side processing. Compared to conventional bulk micromachining that incorporates back-side etching, the front-side process is simple and thus enables high device yield. By eliminating the back-side etch window, the process yields compact and robust structures that facilitate handling and packaging. An important component of our front- side fabrication is a low-power deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) process that avoids the heating problems associated with standard DRIE. Reducing the RF etch coil power from 2400 to 1500 W leads to elimination of the spring disconnection problem caused by heat-induced aggressive local etching. In our scanner, the outer frame of the gimbal is split and noncontinuous to allow the scanner to be diced along the very edge of the scanning mirror in order to minimize the chip size (1.8 mm × 1.8 mm). The maximum optical deflection angles in static mode are ±5.5° and ±3.8° for the outer and inner axes, respectively. In dynamic operation, the optical deflection angles are ±11.8° at 1.18 kHz for the outer axis and ±8.8° at 2.76 kHz for the inner axis.
Identification of chemicals in the vapor phase by directly measuring absorption spectra through frequency-tuning a monochromatic THz source

By directly measuring the absorption spectrum of the chemicals in the vapor phase, we are able to fingerprint molecules. This process is made possible by frequency-tuning a widely-tunable THz source developed by us recently. In the THz region, we have demonstrated that we can use a set of the absorption peaks due to rotational transitions to truly fingerprint chemical species.
Visceral leishmaniasis in an HIV-infected patient

Coinfection with visceral leishmaniasis and HIV is an emergent problem in several countries around the world particularly in Africa the Indian subcontinent and the Mediterranean basin. We describe a case of leishmaniasis in a US immigrant infected with HIV who presented with the classic picture of febrile visceral leishmaniasis. (authors)
Nuclear spin statistics in fluxional molecules

The group theory of flexible molecules developed by Longuet–Higgins is used to establish compatibility conditions between nuclear spin states and migrational states for fermions interchanged by intramolecular rearrangements in fluxional complexes of benzyl, allyl, and cyclooctatetraenyl species.
Bethanidine Dose, Plasma Levels, and Antihypertensive Effects

Bethanidine dose, plasma levels, and hypotensive effects were evaluated in twelve hypertensive patients. Diuretic therapy with benzthiazide was started two weeks before and continued during the study. Bethanidine was given three times daily. After two to 12 months of therapy in 11 of the patients, the mean standing diastolic pressure was reduced from 112 to 91 mm Hg. The mean total daily bethanidine dose was 79 mg (range 30--150 mg). The mean plasma bethanidine was 0.65 micrometer (range 0.1--2.8 micrometer), which correlated with the bethanidine dose. There was less correlation between dose and antihypertensive effect. The effects of sudden withdrawal from chronic bethanidine dosing were observed in six patients. The orthostatic effect of bethanidine was lost within 12 hours, but the half-time of elimination of bethanidine from plasma was 39 hours. Based upon the present findings, recommendations are presented for initiation and maintenance of antihypertensive therapy with bethanidine.
Assessing electronic structure approaches for gas-ligand interactions in metal-organic frameworks: the CO2-benzene complex.

Adsorption of gas molecules in metal-organic frameworks is governed by many factors, the most dominant of which are the interaction of the gas with open metal sites, and the interaction of the gas with the ligands. Herein, we examine the latter class of interaction in the context of CO2 binding to benzene. We begin by clarifying the geometry of the CO2-benzene complex. We then generate a benchmark binding curve using a coupled-cluster approach with single, double, and perturbative triple excitations [CCSD(T)] at the complete basis set (CBS) limit. Against this ΔCCSD(T)/CBS standard, we evaluate a plethora of electronic structure approximations: Hartree-Fock, second-order Moller-Plesset perturbation theory (MP2) with the resolution-of-the-identity approximation, attenuated MP2, and a number of density functionals with and without different empirical and nonempirical van der Waals corrections. We find that finite-basis MP2 significantly overbinds the complex. On the other hand, even the simplest empirical correction to standard density functionals is sufficient to bring the binding energies to well within 1 kJ/mol of the benchmark, corresponding to an error of less than 10%; PBE-D in particular performs well. Methods that explicitly include nonlocal correlation kernels, such as VV10, vdW-DF2, and ωB97X-V, perform with similar accuracy for this system, as do ωB97X and M06-L.
The Current Status of the Crayfishes Listed By Girard (1852) in His "a Revision of the North American Astaci..." (Decapoda, Astacidae )

[Des 20 especes incluses par Girard (1852) dans son travail: "A revision of the North American Astaci with observations on their habits and geographical distribution", deux seulement, Cambarus carolinus Erichson et C. robustus Girard, sont reconnues dans la combinaison meme employee par Girard. Six ont ete placees en synonymie (C. affinis et C. pealei = Orconectes limosus; C. montanus et C. pusillus = C. bartonii; et C. fossor et C. nebrascensis = C. d. diogenes). Les douze qui restent sont traitees comme suit: O. pellucidus, Pacilastacus leniusculus (pour C. oreganus), O. r. rusticus, O. p. pellucidus, C. b. bartonii, C. l. longulus, P. g. gambelli, C. d. diogenes, Procambarus blandingii, P. clarkii, P. a. acatus, P. acutissimus., Des 20 especes incluses par Girard (1852) dans son travail: "A revision of the North American Astaci with observations on their habits and geographical distribution", deux seulement, Cambarus carolinus Erichson et C. robustus Girard, sont reconnues dans la combinaison meme employee par Girard. Six ont ete placees en synonymie (C. affinis et C. pealei = Orconectes limosus; C. montanus et C. pusillus = C. bartonii; et C. fossor et C. nebrascensis = C. d. diogenes). Les douze qui restent sont traitees comme suit: O. pellucidus, Pacilastacus leniusculus (pour C. oreganus), O. r. rusticus, O. p. pellucidus, C. b. bartonii, C. l. longulus, P. g. gambelli, C. d. diogenes, Procambarus blandingii, P. clarkii, P. a. acatus, P. acutissimus.]
Project KICK: A school‐based drug education health promotion research project

Abstract The purpose of this research‐based design was to address drug prevention and health promotion strategies through the combination of: (1) parent education and involvement; (2) community partnership, and (3) positive peer influence. These strategies were implemented using a four‐cornered partnership among Florida State University, an elementary school, a middle school, and a community advisory board. Expected outcomes were improved self‐concept, improved drug knowledge and awareness, improved decision making and drug refusal skills, and improved perceptions of family coping and adaptability. Bimonthly parent education courses and weekly peer role modeling sessions between middle and elementary school students comprised the interventions for this research. Results were encouraging as increases were found in the predicted direction for the experimental group on all of the major variables.
Visible-frequency unidirectional transmission device incorporating a hyperbolic metamaterial

We propose and experimentally demonstrate that unidirectional transmission of visible light can be provided by a reciprocal and passive planar device of wavelength-scale-thickness, incorporating subwavelength-pitch gratings and a hyperbolic metamaterial.
Prevalence and Implications of Preinjury Warfarin Use: An Analysis of the National Trauma Databank

OBJECTIVES To describe the prevalence of preinjury warfarin use in a large national sample of trauma patients and to define the relationship between preinjury warfarin use and mortality. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING The National Trauma Databank (7.1). PATIENTS All patients admitted to eligible trauma centers during the study period; 1,230,422 patients (36,270 warfarin users) from 402 centers were eligible for analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Prevalence of warfarin use and all-cause in-hospital mortality. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) for mortality associated with preinjury warfarin use. RESULTS Warfarin use increased among all patients from 2.3% in 2002 to 4.0% in 2006 (P < .001), and in patients older than 65 years, use increased from 7.3% in 2002 to 12.8% in 2006 (P < .001). Among all patients, 9.3% of warfarin users died compared with only 4.8% of nonusers (OR, 2.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.95-2.10; P < .001). After adjusting for important covariates, warfarin use was associated with increased mortality among all patients (OR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.63-1.81; P < .001) and patients 65 years and older (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.30-1.47; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Warfarin use is common among injured patients and its prevalence has increased each year since 2002. Its use is a powerful marker of mortality risk, and even after adjusting for confounding comorbidities, it is associated with a significant increase in death.
Quality management in immunohistochemistry

Abstract Quality management in immunohistochemistry involves having quality control and quality assurance programs in place in the laboratory. This review aims to highlight the essential elements of both. These programs begin with having a dedicated and well-informed pathologist medical director and qualified and well-trained technologists who work together on a daily basis. Their aim is to maintain immunohistochemical test slides of high quality and proper interpretation of those results by the pathology staff. Key components of quality control include optimising pre-test variables (such as fixation and proper grossing and sectioning of tissue, among others) and test variables (such as epitope retrieval technique, antibody titration and validation, detection systems and proper tissue controls). Quality assurance measures include knowledge of patterns of reactivity and proper panel selection, ongoing education of pathologists and technical staff, daily review of slides, robust internal and external consultation practices, and participation in external quality assessment programs. Instituting and following these measures will allow the laboratory to maintain the highest standards in the practice of diagnostic immunohistochemistry.
Along-strike variation in crustal shortening and kinematic evolution of the base of a retroarc fold-and-thrust belt: Magallanes, Chile 53°S-54°S

The Late Cretaceous closure of the Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous Rocas Verdes basin resulted in the development of the Patagonian fold-and-thrust belt and Magallanes foreland basin between 50°S and 54.5°S. New geologic maps, structural data, and two retrodeformed, line-balanced cross sections from the Magallanes region of Chile (53°S–54°S) constrain the kinematic evolution and along-strike correlations of deformation that occurred at the base of the fold-and-thrust belt near the brittle-ductile transition. The stratigraphic architecture of the predecessor basin controlled the position of regional decollement levels. During the initial stage of closure (Albian–Campanian), the floor of the Rocas Verdes basin was imbricated and thrust onto the continental margin to form a regional decollement within Jurassic–Lower Cretaceous shale. Continued shortening resulted in the deepening of the decollement to a ductile shear zone that formed
Applying the Theory of Reasoned Action to Domestic Violence Reporting Behavior: The Role of Sex and Victimization

Domestic violence is a serious social issue that affects one in every four relationships. Interventions for victims and abusers are contingent upon reporting of the violence, but many cases are never reported. The theory of reasoned action may offer a model for understanding reporting behavior in adolescents and young adults. In a sample of 891 adolescents and young adults, social norms and attitudes were predictive of reporting intentions and subsequently, reporting behavior. For the purposes of this study, reporting behavior was defined as reporting the domestic violence to any individual not directly involved, which could include law enforcement personnel or other individuals who may provide assistance. Understanding how attitudes and social norms affect reporting behavior could be helpful for agencies serving individuals affected by domestic violence.
Statistical methods for the analysis of relapse data in MS clinical trials

Abstract Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) often experience unpredictable recurrent relapses with periods of remission. The modeling of MS relapse data is complicated because both within-subject serial dependence between relapses and between-patient heterogeneity may exist. We compare six statistical methods for assessing the treatment efficacy in reducing the frequency of relapses in MS clinical trials. All methods can be implemented in SAS ® , and are grouped into two classes, one based on Poisson-type regressions for count data and the other on Cox proportional hazards models for time to relapse. We apply these models to the data of a Tysabri ® (Natalizumab) MS trial and interpret the differences in results based on the underlying assumptions. Negative binomial regression is recommended for evaluating the overall treatment effect because of its simplicity and efficiency.
Differential Long Bone Growth of Children Between Two Months and Eleven Years of Age

Diaphyseal lengths of the humerus, radius, femur and tibia of upper-middle class While children between two months and 11 years of age show positive allometric growth, indicating substantial shape or proportional change. The segments of the lower extremity display greater allometric increase than the humerus and radius; variation in relative growth within each extremity is small and inconsistent. Sex differences are consistent, with slightly greater proportional increases demonstrated for boys. The results suggest that absolute intralimb variation in growth, following a disto-proximo growth or maturity gradient, is due to initial differences in size or scale and not to differences in patterns of growth. Developmental variation between extremities is due to scaling plus variation in relative growth patterns.
Flooding with Brevital in the treatment of agoraphobia: countereffective?

Summary Twenty-seven agoraphobic outpatients received eight sessions of flooding in fantasy with anxiety, flooding in fantasy with intravenous Brevital, or an attention-control procedure. Results on subjective rating scales provide some support for the hypothesis that agoraphobic clients benefit more from experiencing anxiety during flooding. No significant differences were found on a behavioral task. These results differ from previous findings where diazepam (Valium) was found to have no effect on outcome or to enhance improvement in agoraphobics. The discrepancy may be due to differences in the procedure.
Estimating the degree of dominance in a bilateral oligopoly

An empirical bilateral oligopoly model is constructed to estimate the degree of dominance by the upstream and downstream industry. The model is applied to the beef slaughter and retail industries. The hypothesis of equal dominance is not rejected.
Quantification of Gaping, Bruising, and Blood Spots in Salmon Fillets Using Image Analysis

Abstract: An image analysis method was developed to quantify the gaping, bruising, and blood spots of red salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) fillets. Images of 15 fillets with various levels of gaping were taken either with a dSLR camera, or with a video camera. Also, the same fillets were recorded using the same camera both under regular illumination, and under polarized illumination. In either case, light at an angle was used to highlight the gapes in the flesh. An image analysis method was developed that can adaptively apply an L*threshold value to the image depending on the average color of the fillet, and quantify the resulting percent of the fillet area that has an L* value less than or equal to L*threshold. Polarized lighting changed the color by eliminating artifacts resulting from reflections. It is recommended to use polarized light for this purpose. Both cameras could be used adequately to quantify defects. The proper setting of the L*threshold value depended on the camera and on the polarized light. No correlation could be found between the average L* value of the fillets and the L*threshold value. It was possible to quantify the gaping, bruising, and blood spots on the salmon fillets using this method, which can be the first step toward the automation of this operation. Practical Application: Gaping, bruising, and blood spots can be recognized and quantified by analyzing images of salmon fillets. Polarized light is recommended to eliminate color artifacts caused by reflected light. This can be used to automate the detection of these defects.
Characterization of Voltage-Sensitive Calcium Channels in Growth Plate Chondrocytes

Growth plate chondrocytes (GPCs), cells integrally involved with the process of endochondral bone formation, facilitate Ca2+ infux to provide a source of ion for processes such as Ca2+ signaling and matrix vesicle loading. We hypothesize that this Ca2+ entry into GPCs is achieved through the action of voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels. This hypothesis was tested by measuring intracellular [Ca2+] changes in fura 2-loaded GPCs that were depolarized by challenge with a K(+)-containing medium. KCl doses between 55 and 95 mM evoked significant Ca2+ responses that were blocked by addition of extracellular EGTA. The Ca2+ response evoked by 95 mM K+ was insensitive to 100 microM doses of nifedipine or nitrendipine, ruling out L-type channel involvement. This finding was corroborated by the observation that 10 microM BAY K 8644 did not activate a Ca2+ response of its own. However, 10 microM Cd2+ significantly inhibited the 95 mM Ks(+)-evoked effects, suggesting N-type channel activity. Use of 1 microM Ni+ in an attempt to block possible T-type channel activity caused nonspecific cellular effects, precluding pharmacological assessment of a possible T-type channel activity. These data (i) provide the first direct evidence for voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channel activity in GPCs and (ii) suggest at least partial facilitation of that activity through N type channels.
Trivalent cation stabilization of alginate gel for cell immobilization

La resistance mecanique du gel, peut etre augmente par un facteur de 2 apres lavage avec du nitrate d'aluminium 0,1 M, sans perte significative de sa capacite de retenir les cellules
HIV risk perceptions among adolescents attending family planning clinics: An integrated perspective

Abstract The current study assessed the impact of individual, interpersonal, and contextual factors on HIV risk perception. A total of 426 female adolescents attending family planning clinics took part in this study. The majority, 60.1% were African-American and 39.9% were Hispanic. The results indicated that the majority of participants perceived themselves to be at no or low risk for contracting HIV. Individual, interpersonal as well as contextual factors correlated with HIV risk perception in the study. Adolescents who perceived themselves to be at no or low risk were more likely to be Hispanic, be married and had children. They also felt that they can control situations where they have to refuse sex or insist on condom use, had more frequent communication with sexual partners about condom use and held perceptions that peer norms support condom use. The findings in this study have important implications for risk reduction education for female adolescents. Risk reduction education should strengthen adol...
Social Facilitation among Interacting Groups Evidence for the Evaluation-Apprehension Hypothesis

The present experiment examined social facilitation among interacting groups and compared Cottrell's evaluation-apprehension hypothesis with Zajonc's mere-presence hypothesis. Subjects worked problems of moderate and high difficult; alone or in two- or four-person groups and were watched bi' evaluative, nonevaluative, or no observers. Results for the moderately difficult problems supported the facilitation phenomenon both for groups and individuals, and were consistent with the evaluation-apprehension hypothesis. Performance on high/v difficult problems was not altered by observers' presence.
The correction and suspended particulate matter calibration of Sea Tech transmissometer data

Abstract Beam attenuation data from a Sea Tech 1-m transmissometer at 190 CTD stations in the northwest Atlantic in 1982 were collected to determine the spatial distributions of particulate matter in warm core rings of the Gulf Stream. Plots of beam attenuation coefficient, C, vs depth showed consistent offsets between down- and up-cast data in parts of the water column with pronounced temperature gradients. A simple correction scheme removed this bias from Sea Tech data. A regression of suspended particle matter (SPM) concentration, determined by large volume in-situ filtration sampling, vs beam attenuation coefficient gave a C value of 0.358 ± 0.003 for particle-free water for this instrument. SPM calibrations of beam attenuation coefficient for the slope water, warm core rings, the Gulf Stream and Sargasso Sea have been determined.
Detection of apoptotic cells using a synthetic fluorescent sensor for membrane surfaces that contain phosphatidylserine.

Detection of apoptotic cells using a synthetic fluorescent sensor for membrane surfaces that contain phosphatidylserine
Job Rotation and Public Policy: Theory with Applications to Japan and the USA

Argues that the high job mobility observed most prominently among workers in Japanese firms is consistent with the behaviour of risk‐averse individuals when neither private nor public income insurance is widely available to displaced workers. Laissez faire is suboptimal and involves higher job mobility than is socially optimal. Public provision of income insurance yields a Pareto improvement and reduces job rotation. Government job training schemes may push rotation levels even higher than the levels under laissez faire and could, therefore, be counterproductive.
Properties of Aramid‐Fiber Reinforced Concrete and SIFCON

An experimental investigation is conducted on the use of a newly developed aramid fiber for the reinforcement of Portland cement‐based concrete and slurry. The fiber is produced by chopping a bundle made of epoxy‐impregnated, braided aramid filaments. Its appearance and handling are more similar to those of steel fibers than to any other synthetic fiber. Aramid‐fiber performance was compared to that of steel and collated‐fibrillated polypropylene fibers under static flexure and drop‐weight impact. Specimens consisted of conventionally cast concrete beams, layered beams using SIFCON construction technique, and thin SIFCON plates. Given the fiber geometries and types used, static and impact results indicate that this aramid fiber acts similarly to steel fiber and is superior to polypropylene fiber.
The relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and cardiovascular disease in an American Indian tribe

Background. Empirical findings suggest that psychiatric illness is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). The purpose of this study was to compare the strength of the association of lifetime post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and lifetime major depression on CVD among Northern Plains American Indians. Method. A total of 1414 participants aged 18-57 years completed a structured interview that assessed psychiatric diagnoses, alcohol abuse/dependence, self-reported CVD, and traditional CVD risk factors including age, sex, education, diabetes, high blood pressure, and smoking. Logistic regression analyses compared the odds ratios of CVD in participants with and without diagnosed PTSD or major depression. Results. The rates of lifetime PTSD and major depression were 15 % and 8% respectively. CVD was more commonly reported by participants with PTSD than by those without PTSD (12 % v .5 %, pf0 . 01). Likewise, more participants with major depression reported CVD than did their non- depressed counterparts (14 % v .6 %,pf0 . 05). PTSD was significantly associated with CVD even after controlling for traditional CVD risk factors and major depression (odds ratio 2 . 0, confidence interval 1 . 1-3 . 8). In contrast, the association of major depression with CVD was not significant after accounting for both traditional risk factors and PTSD. Conclusions. Rates of PTSD are high in American Indian communities. Rising CVD rates in this population may be better understood if PTSD is considered along with other traditional risk factors. Future research should examine the association and mechanisms of PTSD and CVD prospectively. Such data could lead to more effective CVD prevention efforts for American Indians.
Contemporary approach to diagnosis and evaluation of renovascular hypertension.

This article outlines the clinical setting in which screening for renal artery stenosis is warrented. The pathophysiology of renovascular hypertension and the subsequent rationale for provocative Captopril testing are presented. Guidelines for patient preparation, testing protcols, and interpretation of results for the Captopril plasma renin activity test and Captopril renography are described. Comparison is made between these two tests and other noninvasive diagnostic modalities.
Evolution of the courtship phenotype in the bird of paradise genus Parotia (Aves: Paradisaeidae): homology, phylogeny, and modularity

Birds of paradise (Aves: Paradisaeidae) exhibit extreme differences among taxa in courtship-related form (i.e. courtship phenotype). In the genus Parotia, the courtship phenotype is organizationally modular and this property may play an important role in the evolution of phenotypic disparity among taxa. The present study investigates variational aspects of phenotypic modularity in the Parotia by examining the structure and composition of courtship form in a comparative context. First, a module-based model of male display-phenotypes is compiled for four biological species to facilitate phenotypic comparison. Models are constructed using data from existing phenotype ontologies and associated video-vouchers. Next, a phylogenetic analysis of display-phenotype data is performed using a matrix of 47 etho-phenotypic characters coded for eight Parotia and out-group taxa. Analysis yields one tree, length 60 (CI = 0.83; RI = 0.85). The results demonstrate variation among taxa to be greater at higher-levels of phenotypic integration (i.e. among display-modules) than at intermediate and lower-levels (i.e. among phase- and element-modules). Three display-modules and five of six phase-modules were present in the common ancestor and complexity has increased through time as the display-modules became dissociated into subunits that diverged independently. The history of Parotia evolution involves numerous instances of duplication and divergence of etho-phenotypic modular components and likely reflects the same processes that have contributed to the pronounced phenotypic disparity within the entire bird of paradise radiation. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 94, 491–504.
569 Right Atrial Enlargement Is an Echocardiographic Marker for Cardiorenal Syndrome

Purpose: Impaired renal failure is an independent risk factor for all cause mortality in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). This has been attributed to renal hypoperfusion secondary to a reduction in cardiac output. More recent data suggests that venous congestion may play a more substantial role over cardiac index in the deterioration of renal function. We hypothesize that increased right atrial size in CHF will correlate with the development of cardiorenal syndrome. Methods and Materials: Data collected from a total of 39 consecutive patients with CHF was retrospectively analyzed. Group I consisted of 21 patients with systolic dysfunction (EF 50%), pulmonary hypertension (right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) 35 mm Hg) and renal insufficiency with a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) 60 ml/min/1.73 m2. Group II consisted of 18 patients with systolic dysfunction (EF 50%), pulmonary hypertension (RVSP 35 mm Hg) and normal renal function (GFR 60 ml/min/1.73 m2). Echocardiographic data of the 2 groups were analyzed. Results: Group I had a significantly larger right atrial size(P 0.03). Those with a right atrial size greater than 17.2 cm, were four times more likely to have cardiorenal syndrome(95% Confidence Interval 1.05 to 15.21). All other echocardiographic parameters were similar between the two groups.
Angular momentum regulation during human walking: biomechanics and control

Motivated by biomechanical studies on human walking, we present a control strategy for biologically realistic walking based on the principle of spin angular momentum regulation. Using a morphologically realistic human model and kinematic gait data, we compute the total spin angular momentum at a self-selected walking speed for one human test subject. We find that dimensionless spin angular momentum remains small (S/sub 1//(mass height velocity) < 0.02) throughout the gait cycle, and maximum whole body angular excursions within sagittal (<1/spl deg/), coronal (<0.2/spl deg/), and transverse (<2/spl deg/) planes are negligible. These data support the hypothesis that spin angular momentum in human walking is highly regulated by the central nervous system, and that there exists a nonlinear coupling between ground reaction force, F~, center of mass position, r~/sub CM/ , and center of pressure location, r~/sub CP/, or F~ = (FZ/sub ///Z/sub CM/)(r~/sub CM/ -r~/sub CP/). We employ this relationship to rapidly generate biologically realistic CP and CM reference trajectories. Using an open loop optimization strategy, we show that biologically realistic leg joint kinematics emerge through the minimization of spin angular momentum and the total sum of joint torque squared, suggesting that both angular momentum and energetic factors are important considerations for biomimetic controllers.
Mechanics of curved surfaces, with application to surface-parallel cracks

[1] The surfaces of many bodies are weakened by shallow enigmatic cracks that parallel the surface. A re-formulation of the static equilibrium equations in a curvilinear reference frame shows that a tension perpendicular to a traction-free surface can arise at shallow depths even under the influence of gravity. This condition occurs if σ11k1 + σ22k2 > ρg cosβ, where k1 and k2 are the principal curvatures (negative if convex) at the surface, σ11 and σ22 are tensile (positive) or compressive (negative) stresses parallel to the respective principal curvature arcs, ρ is material density, g is gravitational acceleration, and β is the surface slope. The curvature terms do not appear in equilibrium equations in a Cartesian reference frame. Compression parallel to a convex surface thus can cause subsurface cracks to open. A quantitative test of the relationship above accounts for where sheeting joints (prominent shallow surface-parallel fractures in rock) are abundant and for where they are scarce or absent in the varied topography of Yosemite National Park, resolving key aspects of a classic problem in geology: the formation of sheeting joints. Moreover, since the equilibrium equations are independent of rheology, the relationship above can be applied to delamination or spalling caused by surface-parallel cracks in many materials.
Creasing instability of surface-attached hydrogels

The unidirectional expansion of a thin surface-attached polymer gel upon swelling by solvent generates a biaxial compressive stress within the gel. For sufficiently large stresses, a mechanical instability can occur in which the free surface locally buckles and folds against itself to form creases. This instability has important implications for the design of biomaterials, smart surfaces, and sensors, since it places a fundamental limit on the amount of swelling that a surface-attached polymer layer may undergo without forming topographical features. However, while this instability was first observed more than a century ago, the amount of compression necessary to form creases has never been systematically studied. Using a model system of poly(acrylamide-co-sodium acrylate) hydrogels, we establish that the onset of creasing corresponds to an effective linear compressive strain of ∼ 0.33, or a change in thickness by a factor of ∼ 2. Remarkably, this value varies only slightly with modulus over a range of ∼ 0.6–24 kPa and is independent of gel thickness from 3 μm–1 mm, in excellent agreement with theoretical predictions. This instability is reversible, with creases disappearing as the degree of swelling is lowered, but surfaces exhibit a significant memory for crease locations when subsequently re-swelled.
Mitigation of radiation-induced optic neuropathy in rats by ACE inhibitor ramipril: importance of ramipril dose and treatment time

Radiation-induced optic nerve damage was reduced by ramipril, a prodrug angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI). This study was to determine the optimum dose and administration time of ramipril for mitigating radiation-induced optic neuropathy. Adult Fischer 344 male rats were treated with a single dose radiation 30 Gy by using radiosurgical technique. After irradiation, the animals were randomly assigned into groups of different ramipril doses and administration time; control (no treatment), radiation alone, radiation + ramipril in different doses and starting times of drug. Ramipril was given 0.5–1.5 mg/kg/day and AT1R blocker Losartan 20 mg/kg/day in drinking water for 180 days. Functional endpoint with visual evoked potential (VEP) and anatomical endpoint with gross and histological analysis with immunohistochemical (IHC) stain were used. Normal VEP measurements in un-irradiated rats were 46.2 ± 7.9 ms. There was no change of VEP value until 4 months, but was lengthened to 188.1 ± 58.7 ms at 6 months after radiation. By ramipril treatment with the dose of 1.5 mg starting at 2 weeks after radiation, VEP was significantly shortened to 105.7 ± 88.5 ms at 6 months. Gross and microscopic structure of the irradiated optic nerve was well preserved in the ramipril-treated group. Ramipril can mitigate the radiation-induced optic nerve damage and preserve the functional integrity of the nerve. The results support early treatment with a high dose of ramipril after radiation.
Methods for discovery and characterization of cellulolytic enzymes from insects

Cellulosic ethanol has been identified as a crucial biofuel resource due to its sustainability and abundance of cellulose feedstocks. However, current methods to obtain glucose from lignocellulosic biomass are ineffective due to recalcitrance of plant biomass. Insects have evolved endogenous and symbiotic enzymes to efficiently use lignocellulosic material as a source of metabolic glucose. Even though traditional biochemical methods have been used to identify and characterize these enzymes, the advancement of genomic and proteomic research tools are expected to allow new insights into insect digestion of
HURRICANE DAMAGE TO A HAWAIIAN FOREST: NUTRIENT SUPPLY RATE AFFECTS RESISTANCE AND RESILIENCE

Hurricane Iniki damaged a forest in which we had previously studied nutrient limitation to productivity. We had measured the response of aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) to fertilizer applications and had found phosphorus to be limiting. Reductions of leaf area index (LAI) after the hurricane's passage ranged from 3% to 59%, were correlated with prehurricane LAI, and were greatest in P-amended treatments (+P). LAI recovered to near prehurricane levels by 9 mo after passage, and rates of recovery were unaffected by treatment. Mortality of fine roots ranged from 35 to 48% following the hurricane and recovered in 2 yr. Stem damage was largely branch removal, but some stems were partially uprooted or decapitated. Large trees were damaged with greater frequency than small trees, and severity of damage increased in +P treatments. Fine litterfall caused by the storm was 1.4 times the annual input, and nutrient transfers to the forest floor approximated that of a typical year. Stem diameter increment and aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) declined but returned to prehurricane values 2 yr later in +P treatments while remaining low in -P treatments (i.e., those without P supplementation). Rates of recovery to prehurricane stem growth and ANPP were greater in +P treatments and were accompanied by a much greater ANPP per unit leaf area (E). The results support hypotheses that ecosystem resistance and resilience are inversely related and that resistance decreases and resilience increases as supply rates of limiting resources increase. However, they also suggest that structural and functional components of resistance and resilience should be considered separately.
On a property of optimal controllers with boundedness constraints

This paper deals with a theory for optimal control systems designed to operate a plant of known characteristics. It is assumed that error-free measurement of the system input and the system behavior is permitted, but only limited changes in the system characteristics can be effected by the control variables at the designer's disposal. It is shown that within this limitation for a wide class of inputs and systems, and for a certain class of measures of the system performance, an optimal system behaves as a relay or switched system during the transient period, and as a continuous system during periods in which the input is produced identically. A procedure is described for determining the switching times during the transient period in terms of the permissible measurements. The result is the design of the optimal controller. Typically, its realization requires analog computation of the switching function and digital switching of the control variables. The design of a second-order regulator system, in which the control variable is the gain in the feedback path, is obtained. Marked improvement in the system performance is noted.
An Analysis of the Output Spectrum of Direct Digital Frequency Synthesizers in the Presence of Phase-Accumulator Truncation

An algorithm is presented for the calculation of the spectrum of direct digital frequency synthesizers (DDFS's) as a result of phase accumulator truncation. This algorithm, which is derived using number theoretic methods, includes a closed form expression relating the magnitude, number, and position of the spurious noise lines in the output spectrum of a DDFS to the read-only memory (ROM) look-up table size, the amount of phase accumulator truncation and the input frequency control command. The combined finite word length effects of the ROM and the Digital-to-Analog converter (DAC) nonlinearities are also examined in the light of these new results and new design guidelines are developed. The spectrums predicted by these closed form expresslons are compared against spectrums generated by a discrete Fourier transform (DFT) and are shown to have comparable accuracy. As a result of obtaining an expression for the magnitude of the spurious the input frequency command word and the ROM table size, the phase noise frequencies, a relationship between the greatest common divisor of accumulator word lengths, and the magnitude of the worst case spur is obtained. This relationship is used as the basis for a novel modification to the conventional phase accumulator structure which results in a 3.922dB reduction in the magnitude of the worst case spurious response. This hardware modification is also shown to average out the error effects of DAC nonlinearities and roundoff in the stored sine ROM samples.
On the Design of Equalizing Grants

This article considers the design of grants to offset fiscal disparities. We define afiscal disparity as a condition in which towns must levy a different tax rate in order to provide the same level of public services. We consider ways of measuring disparities, as well as ways of allocating grants to alleviate disparities. In order to focus the presentation, we concentrate on lump-sum grants for unrestricted use from a state government to general purpose local governments within that state. We conclude by presenting an example of a grants formula for the state of New Jersey which meets our specifications.
NOTES ON POCKET GOPHERS FROM JALISCO, MEXICO, WITH DESCRIPTIONS OF TWO NEW SUBSPECIES

Systematic, distributional, and ecological data are provided for seven taxa, two described as new, of three species of the pocket gopher genus Pappogeomys in the Mexican state of Jalisco. the first Jaliscan record of Orthogeomys grandis also is reported and several instances of sympatric occurrence of pocket gophers are documented.
Relative fat oxidation is higher in children than adults.

Prepubescent children may oxidize fatty acids more readily than adults. Therefore, dietary fat needs would be higher for children compared with adults. The dietary fat recommendations are higher for children 4 to 18 yrs (i.e., 25 to 35% of energy) compared with adults (i.e., 20 to 35% of energy). Despite this, many parents and children restrict dietary fat for health reasons. This study assessed whether rates of fat oxidation are similar between prepubescent children and adults. Ten children (8.7 ± 1.4 yr, 33 ± 13 kg mean ± SD) in Tanner stage 1 and 10 adults (41.6 ± 8 yr, 74 ± 13 kg) were fed a weight maintenance diet for three days to maintain body weight and to establish a consistent background for metabolic rate measurements (all foods provided). Metabolic rate was measured on three separate occasions before and immediately after breakfast and for 9 hrs using a hood system (twice) or a room calorimeter (once) where continuous metabolic measurements were taken. During all three sessions whole body fat oxidation was higher in children (lower RQ) compared to adults (mean RQ= 0.84 ± .016 for children and 0.87 ± .02, for adults, p < 0.02). Although, total grams of fat oxidized was similar in children (62.7 ± 20 g/24 hrs) compared to adults (51.4 ± 19 g/24 hrs), the grams of fat oxidized relative to calorie expenditure was higher in children (0.047 ± .01 g/kcal, compared to adults (0.032 ± .01 p < 0.02). Females oxidized more fat relative to calorie expenditure than males of a similar age. A two way ANOVA showed no interaction between gender and age in terms of fax oxidation. These data suggest that fat oxidation relative to total calorie expenditure is higher in prepubescent children than in adults. Consistent with current dietary guidelines, a moderate fat diet is appropriate for children within the context of a diet that meets their energy and nutrient needs.
High Pressure Liquid Chromatographic Assay for Salicylic Acid and its Metabolites in Rat Urine

Abstract An HPLC method for the determination of salicylic acid (SA), gentisic acid (GA), salicyluric acid (SU), and salicyl acyl glucuronide (SAG) in rat urine was developed. The method consisted of extracting SA, GA, and SU from acidified urine into 50:50 mixture of ethyl acetate and butyl chloride. Salicyl acyl glucuronide was extracted from neutral urine after conversion to salicyl hydroxamic acid with hydroxylamine. Salicyl phenolic glucuronide was estimated indirectly as the difference between total salicylate and sum of the four constituents mentioned above. Chromatographic separation was done on a C18 column with U.V. detection at 310 nm using a mobile phase consisting of 5–10% acetonitrile in 3% glacial acetic acid. The extraction recovery of these compounds from spiked urine ranged from 90–108%. The detection limits were 10 μg/ml for GA, SU and SA, and 2.5 μg/ml for SHA. The method was applied to the study of salicylic acid metabolism in the rat.
Association Between Clinically Staged Node-Negative Esophageal Adenocarcinoma and Overall Survival Benefit From Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation

Importance While neoadjuvant chemoradiation for esophageal cancer improves oncologic outcomes for a broad group of patients with locally advanced and/or node-positive tumors, it is less clear which specific subset of patients derives most benefit in terms of overall survival (OS). Objective To determine whether neoadjuvant chemoradiation based on esophageal adenocarcinoma histology has similar oncologic outcomes for patients treated with surgery alone when stratified by clinical nodal status. Design, Setting, and Participants A retrospective analysis using the American College of Surgeons National Cancer Database from 1998 to 2006. Patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma histology and clinical stage T1bN1-N3 or T2-T4aN−/+M0 were divided into 2 treatment groups: (1) neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by surgery and (2) surgery alone. Subset analysis within each treatment group was performed for clinically node-negative patients (cN−) vs node-positive patients (cN+) in conjunction with pathological nodal status. A propensity score–adjusted analysis, which included patient demographics, comorbidity status, and clinical T stage, was also performed. Main Outcome and Measures The primary outcome was 3-year OS. Secondary outcomes included margin status, postoperative length of stay, unplanned readmission rate, and 30-day mortality. Results A total of 1309 patients were identified, of whom 539 received neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by surgery and 770 received surgery alone. Of the 1309 patients, 41.2% (n = 539) received neoadjuvant chemoradiation and 47.2% (n = 618) were cN+. Median follow-up for the entire cohort was 73.3 months (interquartile range, 64.1-93.5 months). The 3-year OS was better for neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by surgery compared with surgery alone (49% vs 38%, respectively; P P P = .22). Conclusions and Relevance Patients with cN+ esophageal adenocarcinoma benefit significantly from neoadjuvant chemoradiation. However, patients with cN− tumors treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation plus surgery do not derive a significant OS benefit compared with surgery alone. This finding may have significant implications on the use of neoadjuvant chemoradiation in patients with cN− disease.