cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
NORMAL AND SHEAR STRAIN ESTIMATION USING BEAM STEERING ON LINEAR-ARRAY TRANSDUCERS

Abstract In current ultrasound elastography, only the axial component of the displacement vector is estimated and used to produce strain images. A method was recently proposed by our group to estimate both the axial and lateral components of a displacement vector following a uniaxial compression. Previous work evaluated the technique using both simulations and a mechanically translated phased array transducer. In this paper, we present initial results using beam steering on a linear array transducer attached to a commercial scanner to acquire echo signals for estimating 2-D displacement vectors. Single-inclusion and anthropomorphic breast phantoms with different boundary properties between the inclusion and background material are imaged by acquiring echo data along beam lines ranging from –15° to 15° relative to the compression direction. 1-D cross-correlation is used to calculate “angular displacements” in each acquisition direction, yielding axial and lateral components of the displacement vector. Strain tensor components are estimated from these displacements. Features on shear strain images generated for the inclusion phantom agree with those predicted using FEA analysis. Experimental results demonstrate the utility of this technique on clinical scanners. Shear strain tensors obtained using this method may provide useful information for the differentiation of benign from malignant tumors. For the linear array transducer used in this study, the optimum angular increment is around 3°. However, more work is required for the selection of an appropriate value for the maximum beam angle for optimal performance of this technique. (E-mail: tvarghese@wisc.edu )
Intracellular pH regulation in rat Schwann cells.

We examined H+ and HCO3− transport mechanisms that are involved in the regulation of intracellular pH of Schwann cells. Primary cultures of Schwann cells were prepared from the sciatic nerves of 1–3-day-old rats. pHi of single cells attached to cover slips was continuously monitored by measuring the absorbance spectra of the pH-sensitive dye dimethylcarboxyfluorescein incorporated intracellularly. The average pHi of neonatal Schwann cells bathed in HEPES mammalian solution was 7.17 ± 0.02 (n = 32). In the nominal absence of HCO3−, pHi spontaneously recovered from an acute acid load induced by exposing the Schwann cells to 20 mM NH4+ (NH4+ prepulse). This pHi recovery from the acute acid load was totally inhibited in the absence of external Na+ or in the presence of 1 mM amiloride. In both cases, the pHi recovery was readily restored upon readdition of external Na+ or removal of amiloride. In the steady-state, addition of amiloride caused a small and slow decrease in pHi which was readily reversed upon removal of amiloride. In the presence of HCO3−, removal of external Cl- caused pHi to rapidly and reversibly increase by 0.23 = 0.03 (n = 15) and the initial rate of alkalinization was 20.6 ± 2.7 × 10-4 pH/sec. In the absence of external Na+, removal of bath Cl− still caused pHi to increase by 0.15 ± 0.02 and the initial rate of pHi increase was not significantly altered. In the nominal absence of HCO3−, removal of bath Cl- caused pHi to increase very slightly (0.05 ± 0.01) with an initial dpHi/dt of only 4.4 ± 0.2 × 10−4 pH/sec (n = 4). Addition of 100 μM DIDS did not inhibit the pHi increase caused by removal of bath Cl−. These data indicate that (1) Rat Schwann cells regulate their pHi via an Na-H exchange mechanism which is moderately active at steady-state pHi. (2) In the presence of HCO3−, there is a Na-independent Cl-HCO3 (base) exchanger which also contributes to regulation of intracellular pH in Schwann cells. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Socioeconomic aspects of advertising

Abstract Advertising results in excessive prices, costs, inefficiences, concentration, and profits—argue its critics. Proponents would disagree and present arguments to the contrary. The author develops both sides of the issue, after which he explains why these points are irrelevant. For example, it is posited that informative advertising is good, and persuasive bad. In reality it is usually impossible to distinguish between the two. Moreover, persuasive advertising resulting in the creation of new wants has positive effects since new wants are a powerful stimulus for raising the standard of living. Only by leaving the Utopia of perfect competition and evaluating advertising in terms of operational alternatives can its impact be understood. Thus far, there is no tendency on the part of social scientists and economists to couch their theoretical or empirical studies in this framework.
Kinetics of Deoxyribonucleic Acid Synthesis and Replication of Thyrotrophs and Somatotrophs during Development of Hypothyroidism and L-Triiodothyronine Treatment of Hypothyroid Rats

The rates of DNA synthesis and cell replication were measured in somatotrophs (St) and thyrotrophs (T3) in vivo during the development of hypothyroidism and during T3 treatment of hypothyroid rats. Groups of rats were killed at different times after [3H]thymidine injection for 30 days after thyroidectomy and during 20 days of T3 treatment (10 μg/100 g BW day) of rats thyroidectomized for 30 days. The number of St and Tt per pituitary was determined by a method combining cell counting and DNA measurement in dispersed cells as well as the percentage distribution of cells at the electron microscopic level. [3H]Thymidine incorporation into pituitary DNA was measured, and the distribution of incorporated counts among anterior pituitary cells was assessed by electron microscopic autoradiography. [3H]Thymidine incorporation into St and Tt DNA and the relative specific activity of these cell populations were then calculated. After thyroidectomy, the number of St decreased at a constant fractional rate (1.3% day1)...
The nodal target gene Xmenf is a component of an FGF-independent pathway of ventral mesoderm induction in Xenopus.

The interplay of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and nodal signaling in the Xenopus gastrula marginal zone specifies distinct populations of presumptive mesodermal cells. Cells in the vegetal marginal zone, making up the presumptive leading edge mesoderm, are exposed to nodal signaling, as evidenced by SMAD2 activation, but do not appear to be exposed to FGF signaling, as evidenced by the lack of MAP kinase (MAPK) activation. However, in the animal marginal zone, activation of both SMAD2 and MAPK occurs. The differential activation of these two signaling pathways in the marginal zone results in the vegetal and animal marginal zones expressing different genes at gastrulation, and subsequently having different fates, with the vegetal marginal zone contributing to ventral mesoderm (e.g. ventral blood island) and the animal marginal zone giving rise to dorsal fates (e.g. notochord and somite). We report here the cloning of a cDNA encoding a novel nuclear protein, Xmenf, that is expressed in the vegetal marginal zone. The expression of Xmenf is induced by nodal signaling and negatively regulated by FGF signaling. Results from animal cap studies indicate that Xmenf plays a role in the pathway of ventral mesoderm induction in the vegetal marginal zone.
Using the Gastroscope for Incomplete Colonoscopy

Reports of virtual colonoscopy demonstrate sensitivity similar to that of conventional colonoscopy for polyps 5 mm or larger, suggesting the validity of its use for colorectal cancer screening. Critical to the success of either procedure is the ability to evaluate the entire colon. Cecal intubation rates during diagnostic or screening colonoscopies vary from 53 to 99 percent. We describe the added value of using a gastroscope to perform a colonoscopic examination that would otherwise result in an incomplete colonoscopy. From January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2002 a total of 1,979 colonoscopies were performed. A gastroscope was used in 1.3 percent (n = 26) of these colonoscopies in an effort to complete the index examination initially started with a standard or pediatric colonoscope. The success rate was defined as intubating proximal to the initial area of impasse and entering the cecum. Cecal intubation was achieved in 62 percent of patients. In patients with incomplete conventional colonoscopy, the gastroscope can usually advance through the initial area of impasse with a cecal intubation rate of 62 percent.
AVERAGE ONE-BODY OPERATORS WITH FIXED ANGULAR MOMENTUM AND SENIORITY.

Abstract A simple method using the group properties of quasi-spin is derived to compute the average of one-body operators with fixed seniority and angular momentum. The average reduced matrix elements of the one-body operators for n identical nucleons in an orbital with angular momentum j are calculated for j ≦ 15 2 and tabulated for j ≦ 11 2 .
Predicting Protein Mutant Energetics by Self-consistent Ensemble Optimization

In this paper we present a self-consistent ensemble optimization (SCEO) theory for efficient conformational search, which we have applied to predicting the effects of mutations on protein thermostability. This approach takes advantage of a statistical mechanical self-consistency condition to home in iteratively on the global minimum structure. We employ a fast potential of mean-force approximation to cut computation time to a few minutes for a typical protein mutation, with only linear time-dependence on the size of the prediction problem. Rather than seeking a single, static structure of minimum energy, the new method optimizes an ensemble of many conformations, seeking to predict the most likely ensemble for the native state at a desired temperature. Testing this approach with a simple physical model focusing entirely on steric interactions and side-chain rearrangement, we obtain robustly convergent prediction of core side-chain conformation, and of hydrophobic core mutations' effects on protein stability. Self-consistent ensemble optimization is superior to simulated annealing in its speed and convergence to the global minimum, and insensitive to starting conformation. In calculations on lambda repressor protein, structural predictions for an eight-residue molten-zone had side-chain r.m.s. error of 0.49 A for the wild-type protein. Evaluation of the method's mutant structure predictions should become possible, as structures of these mutant repressors are solved. Predicted energies for a series of nine hydrophobic core mutants correlated with measured free energies of unfolding with a coefficient of 0.82.
Molgula citrina (Alder and Hancock). Activities and structure of the free-swimming larva

The activities of the larva and the responses and orientations it makes to external stimulation, and the structural organization by which these activities are produced, are described and figured. Existing systematic confusion of M. citrina with other species (M. manhattensis, M. nana, and M. microsiphonica) is cleared. The duration of the period of larval life is found to vary between 5 and 170 minutes. A proportionally small number retain the larval form a longer time. During larval life, periods of swimming movements alternate with periods of inactivity, the latter, at first of momentary duration, becoming longer and longer until activity ceases. No light receptor exists and no response to light is made. A statolith is found in the sensory vesicle, and frequent geonegative orientations are made during the free-swimming period. These are of short duration and tend to occur, 1) when it emerges from the parent; 2) at the beginning of each of the frequently recurring periods of swimming activity; 3) immediately upon making contacts. Unoriented movements follow each orientation and constitute much the greater part of behavior. The larva lacks definite organs of attachment. The entire surface of the tunic becomes adhesive at the time of metamorphosis. Only those structures that make up the action systems of the larva are fully differentiated, all other parts are embryonic in condition.
Thorir’s bargain: gender, vaðmál and the law

Archaeological textiles from Iceland have not been objects of significant analyzes until recently, yet they provide important new data on the use of cloth in legal transactions. Medieval Icelandic law codes and narrative sources include regulations governing the production of ‘legal cloth’ – vaðmal – and its uses for paying tithes and taxes, for economic transactions and in legal judgments. Archaeological data provide new insights on its production, the extent to which these laws were followed, and how ubiquitously Iceland’s ‘legal’ cloth was produced. This paper compares documentary sources and archaeological data to document intensive standardization in cloth production across Iceland from the eleventh to the late sixteenth centuries. The role of women as weavers is critical, as it is they who oversaw production and ensured that regulations were respected and as a result they may have been bestowed with more power than previously anticipated.
Cognitive informatics in biomedicine and healthcare

Display Omitted Cognitive informatics (CI) research has its foundations in cognitive science.Transformations seen in CI in JBI reflect the changes seen broadly in the field of CI.Key topics include decision-making, usability, comprehension, workflow and errors.Recent developments toward use of applied cognition for usability and HCI studies.Future trends point toward consumer health tools and the use of mobile technology. Cognitive Informatics (CI) is a burgeoning interdisciplinary domain comprising of the cognitive and information sciences that focuses on human information processing, mechanisms and processes within the context of computing and computer applications. Based on a review of articles published in the Journal of Biomedical Informatics (JBI) between January 2001 and March 2014, we identified 57 articles that focused on topics related to cognitive informatics. We found that while the acceptance of CI into the mainstream informatics research literature is relatively recent, its impact has been significant - from characterizing the limits of clinician problem-solving and reasoning behavior, to describing coordination and communication patterns of distributed clinical teams, to developing sustainable and cognitively-plausible interventions for supporting clinician activities. Additionally, we found that most research contributions fell under the topics of decision-making, usability and distributed team activities with a focus on studying behavioral and cognitive aspects of clinical personnel, as they performed their activities or interacted with health information systems. We summarize our findings within the context of the current areas of CI research, future research directions and current and future challenges for CI researchers.
Cadmium inhibition of vitamin D-mediated responses in organ-cultured embryonic chick duodenum.

When added to the medium, cadmium (4 x 10/sup -5/ M) inhibits 1..cap alpha..,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol(1..cap alpha..,25-(OH)/sub 2/D/sub 3/)-mediated responses in the organ-cultured embryonic chick duodenum: decreases induction of a specific calcium-binding protein (CaBP), prevents the elevation of alkaline phosphatase activity, and reduces the ability of the tissue to absorb radiocalcium at the mucosal surface. The cadmium effect is clearly not generalized cytotoxicity: total protein concentration actually increased after cadmium treatment, and the effect of a 24-h culture in the presence of cadmium is largely reversed during a subsequent 24-h period. These results may be taken as evidence that cadmium can interfere with vitamin D action at the level of the target organ itself and is not necessarily secondary to alteration in Vitamin D metabolism.
Strengthening the understanding of the relationship between survival designs and test statistics.

In the planning of randomized survival trials, the role of follow-up time of trial participants introduces a level of complexity not encountered in non-survival trials. Of the two commonly used survival designs, one design fixes the follow-up time whereas the other allows it to vary. When the follow-up time is fixed the number of events varies. Conversely, when the number of events is fixed, the follow-up time varies. These two designs influence test statistics in ways that have not been fully explored resulting in a misunderstanding of the design–test statistic relationship. We use examples from the literature to strengthen the understanding of this relationship. Group sequential trials are briefly discussed. When the number of events is fixed, we demonstrate why a two-sample risk difference test statistic reduces to a one-sample test statistic which is nearly equal to the risk ratio test statistic. Some aspects of fixed event designs that need further consideration are also discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effects of propionylcarnitine taurine on cardiac performance in aerobic and ischemic myocardium.

Carnitine, certain of its derivatives, and the amino acid metabolite, taurine, when administered independently in prior, studies have been shown to improve cardiac mechanics and/or metabolism. The purpose of these studies is to test a new compound, propionylcarnitine taurine (PCT), which potentially combines these actions, in a therapeutic trial, to preserve function in a setting of myocardial ischemia. In the main protocol, PCT was administered (0.71 mg/kg/min I.V.) to eight extracorporeally perfused, intact, working swine hearts over a 70 min perfusion trial and compared with seven similarly prepared placebo hearts. Left anterior descending (LAD) flows were held at aerobic levels (6.3±0.3 ml/min/g dry) for 40 min and then reduced acutely by 50% for 30 min. Serum fatty acids (FA) in both groups were augmented to 1.27±0.5 μmol/ml. Contractility (measured regionally from shortening rates of ultrasonic crystals placed in the LAD circulation); myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO 2 ); and FA oxidation (measured from 14 CO 2 production rates from labeled palmitate infused into the LAD perfusate) were obtained serially throughout the perfusion trials. Regional contractility was significantly increased in PCT-treated hearts as compared with placebo hearts both during normal and ischemic flows Treatment appeared to deplete free carnitine stores in both aerobic and ischemic myocardium but failed to modify acyl CoA levels. In seven addition animals PCT was shown to independently stimulate fatty acid oxidation (about 39Δ% increase) at aerobic flows. Lastly in nine separate animals (4 placebo; 5 treatment) prepared and studied identically to those of the main protocol, taurine alone (0.2 mg/kg/min infused IV for 70 min) was without influence in reproducing mechanical benefits. Thus, PCT favorably enhances regional contractility in conditions of myocardial ischemia, presumably by the positive inotropic effects of the propionylcarnitine constituent of the compound.
Interfaces between geothermal brine-induced scales and SiC-FILLED polymer LININGS

Silicon carbide (SiC) grit-filled polymeric materials with high thermal conductivity can be used to line carbon-steel heat-exchanger tubes in geothermal power plants at moderate temperatures and to improve resistance to corrosion. The susceptibility of ester groups within the polymers to a reaction with Ba, which is among the chemical ingredients of some geothermal brines, is a critical issue for this lining material because of the formation of Ba-complexed carboxylate hydrolysates. Such hydrolysates promote the deposition of brine-induced scales.
Transmission of Scalable H.264 Coded Video Over Wireless MIMO Systems with Optimal Bandwidth Allocation

We propose an optimal strategy for the transmission of scalable video over multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) wireless systems. In this paper, we use the latest scalable H.264 codec which provides combined temporal, quality and spatial scalability. At the transmitter, we have developed a method for the estimation of the video distortion at the receiver for given channel conditions. The accuracy of this method is validated using experimental results. In our proposed system, we use a MIMO system with orthogonal space-time block codes (O-STBC) that provides spatial diversity and guarantees independent transmission of different symbols within the block code. Rate-compatible punctured convolutional (RCPC) codes are used for unequal error protection of the scalable layers. In the constrained bandwidth allocation framework considered here, we use the estimated decoder distortion to optimally select the application layer parameter, i.e. quantization parameter (QP), and physical layer parameters, i.e. RCPC and modulation.
Tracking The Demise Of State Hospital Rate Setting

Abstract: From its once preeminent position in state health policy, prospective hospital rate setting has declined in use from more than thirty states in 1980 to two today. This essay tracks the tr...
Microcalorimeter energy-dispersive spectrometry using a low voltage scanning electron microscope

We describe the current performance of the prototype microcalorimeter energy-dispersive spectrometer (µcal EDS) developed at NIST for X-ray microanalysis. We show that the low-energy µcal EDS, designed for operation in the energy range 0.2–2 keV, offers significant advantages for low-beam-energy microanalysis. We present several examples in which the prototype µcal EDS has been used to solve problems in low-voltage microanalysis, including the analysis of tungsten silicide (WSi2), titanium nitride (TiN) and barium titanate (BaTiO3) and the measurement of chemical shifts in Fe and C compounds.
What you expect is not always what you get: The roles of extremity, optimism, and pessimism in the behavioral confirmation process

Abstract Do pessimists and optimists elicit the very behavior they expect from others? What if their expectations are fairly extreme? Using a simulated job interview paradigm, evidence was found for behavioral confirmation of generalized future-event expectancies (optimism/pessimism) and for the moderating role of extremity. Interviewers with nonextreme expectancies gathered information in an expectancy-biased fashion and elicited expectancy-confirming behavior from applicants. However, as interviewer expectancies became more extreme, these effects were attenuated. Further evidence suggested that extremity is associated with effortful correction processes and awareness of bias. Interestingly, pessimistic applicants were more strongly influenced by interviewers’ expectancies than were optimistic applicants. The current study extends research on the social-cognitive consequences of generalized future-event expectancies and extremity to the behavioral domain.
Two photon transitions in EPR spectrum of Cr3+ in Al2O3

Abstract We observed two photon E.P.R. lines in ruby at 77°K with 21.02 GHz microwaves using the sample as a dielectric cavity. Observed lines have a typical structure with 3–5 components. The mechanism may involve weak exchange coupling between distant pairs of ions.
Multiple Surface Plasmon Modes for a Colloidal Solution of Nanoporous Gold Nanorods and Their Comparison to Smooth Gold Nanorods

The paper represents a novel approach to investigating localized surface plasmon (LSP) resonance modes of nanoporous Au nanorods (NRs) in a solution phase with control over surface morphology. Au NRs, which have distinctive features such as nanopores and ligaments, showed interesting LSP resonance modes depending on the surface morphology and the total length of the structure. Compared with the analogous smooth surface NRs, the LSP modes of nanoporous NRs are red-shifted, which can be interpreted as a longer effective rod length and larger amplitude of plasmon oscillation.
High-Temperature Fracture Toughness of Duplex Microstructures

The temperature dependence of the fracture toughness of ceramics exhibiting duplex microstructures was studied relative to their single-phase constituents using two test methods: bend testing of chevron-notched beams, and the indentation-crack-length technique. The two materials systems studied were Al2O3:c-ZrO2(Y) and A12O3:Y3A1SO12 (YAG), and the testing temperature ranged from room temperature to 1200°C. The study showed that in both systems the duplex materials showed higher toughness values than their single-phase constituents above 800°C. This result was attributed to the contribution of low-energy interphase boundaries to the overall composite toughness. Indentation crack length measurements gave toughness values and trends comparable to those determined by the chevronnotched beam method. By comparing the results of the two test methods it was possible to demonstrate that the indentation calibration constant (ξ) shows no significant temperature or material dependence. For the zirconia-containing materials, however, indentation at elevated temperatures is accompanied by significant localized plasticity, which suppressed the radial cracking. Under such conditions, some caution is warranted, since localized plasticity can lead to an overestimation of the fracture toughness.
New algorithm for high‐order time‐dependent hartree–fock theory for nonlinear optical properties

A new formalism and algorithm is developed for solving the general-order time-dependent Hartree–Fock (TDHF) problem. It is shown that for any order a generalization of the TDHF equations can be derived where all lower-order solutions constitute a constant term. This makes it very easy to obtain high-order solutions. As the space required for the mapping of density matrices to Fock matrices in a problem of a giver order is largely reduced, we can perform the most time-consuming steps within the core memory of the machine and easily manipulate vector products via optimum routines. The second hyperpolarizability γ is obtained from the secondorder TDHF solution via a 2n rule. The formalism also allows for expressing all terms in the equation diagrammatically, which provides additional physical insight and a more systematic evaluation of terms. To illustrate the method, TDHF results are presented for trans-butadiene and carbon monoxide for several optical processes, including correlation corrections to their static hyperpolarizabilities obtained via coupled cluster (CCSD) and many-body perturbation theory. The hybrid TDHF/CCSD method provides excellent agreement with the DC–SHG experiments (χ||(2) = 11.4 x 10−32 esu/mol compared to 12.9 ± 11.4 × 10−32 esu/mol and χ||(3) = 149 compared to 144 ± 4 × 10−39 esu/mol).
Effects of natural water chemistry on nanosilver behavior and toxicity to Ceriodaphnia dubia and Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata.

The success of nanotechnology will undoubtedly lead to the increased introduction of nanoparticles (NPs) into natural systems, and aquatic systems will likely act as sinks for these new pollutants. Differences in the chemistry of these aquatic systems will control changes in surface properties of NPs and therefore could impact their environmental fate and toxicity. A series of batch experiments was conducted to determine the effect of natural waters with different solution chemistries on nanosilver (nAg) particle dispersion, stability, and toxicity. Toxicity assays were performed in tested natural waters as well as in traditional growth media. Briefly, nAg suspended in a natural water with a low ionic strength/dissolved organic carbon (DOC) ratio had an average particle size of 76.8 ± 0.4 nm and was less toxic to Ceriodaphnia dubia and Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata (median lethal concentration [LC50] = 221 ppb and median inhibition concentration [IC50] = 1,600 ppb, respectively), whereas a natural water with a high ionic strength/DOC ratio had an average particle size of 192 ± 5.1 nm and produced a much higher toxicity response (LC50 = 0.433 ppb and IC50 = 22.6 ppb, respectively). These findings help to establish needed correlations between water-matrix-dependent nAg particle properties and toxicity implications and indicate that the use of traditional growth media in toxicity assays concerning engineered NPs might not always be appropriate. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012;31:168–175. © 2011 SETAC
Design and Validation of a Robotic Control Law for Observation of Deep-Ocean Jellyfish

Limits on the technology available to marine scientists to study jellyfish in situ motivate the development of an automated robotic tracking system for deployment in the deep ocean. This paper synthesizes a control strategy for robotic jellyfish tracking with a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). The control strategy employs three feedback loops tailored to the jelly-tracking task. A primary loop provides moderate proportional-derivative feedback to track animal swimming motion without producing excessive hydrodynamic disturbances, which might impact the behavior of the animal under study. A second boundary-control loop provides aggressive thrust, in a direction away from the target and only when needed to prevent loss of the target outside the boundaries of the vision sensor. A third disturbance-accommodation loop counters low-frequency bias forces without fighting commands issued by the human pilot. The complete system was implemented and tested in the Monterey Bay using the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute's ROV Ventana. The control system autonomously tracked six animals for durations longer than 15 min, including a Plychogena medusa which was tracked for 89 min
Noninvasive Diagnosis and follow-up of Childhood Renal Vein Thrombosis by Ultrasound, Doppler, and Renal Scintiscan

Childhood renal vein thrombosis (RVT) usually occurs in infants less than one year of age, and in recent years, more RVTs are diagnosed with the help of various diagnostic imaging modalities. RVT produces immediate physiologic, anatomic, and functional changes within the involved kidney or kidneys and these changes can be detected readily and noninvasively by Doppler ultrasound, ultrasound scan, and renal scintiscans. Childhood RVTs are associated with substantial morbidity, and the earlier the diagnosis and treatment, the better the prognosis. The most important factor in the diagnosis of childhood RVT is a high clinical index of suspicion. With a high degree of clinical suspicion, one can make the specific diagnosis of RVT using the noninvasive methods. Such methods can also be used for follow-up of patients with RVTs.
Narratives of Wildfire: Coverage in Four U.S. Newspapers, 1999-2003

The years 1999 through 2003 were marked by intense episodes of wildland fire in the United States and an increased interest in covering fire policy and practice in the media. Analysis of articles published in four newspapers over this time period reveals important differences in reporting emphases, as reflected in the narrative story lines that defined coverage. Identification of how these narratives came to be similarly and differentially constituted as story lines may be useful for fostering better decisions and strengthening public awareness of serious risks as well as willingness to address those risks.
A CCl4/CHCl3 interaction study in isolated hepatocytes: Non‐induced and phenobarbitalpretreated cells

The purpose of this study was to evaluate an isolated hepatocyte model for predicting the in vivo hepatotoxicity of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and chloroform (CHCl3), alone and in combination. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to analyze and describe the data. The interaction was evaluated for % initial K+ (cell injury) and % LDH leakage (cell death) in non-induced (untreated) and phenobarbital-pretreated suspended hepatocytes. CCl4 and CHCl3 were delivered alone and in combination in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) to suspended hepatocytes. The maximum observed no-effect level (MONEL) for CCl4 in non-induced cells was 1.0 mM (LDH and K+). In induced cells, the MONEL was 0.25 mM (K+) and 0.5 mM (LDH). The MONEL for CHCl3 in non-induced cells was 5.0 mM (LDH and K+) and in induced cells was 0.5 mM (K+) and 1.0 mM (LDH). Phenobarbital pretreatment enhanced the toxicity of both CCl4 and CHCl3, alone and in combination. RSM analysis of the % initial K+ and % LDH for CCl4 and CHCl3 in combination in noninduced and induced cells showed a greater than additive interaction. The isolated hepatocyte model appears to be a promising system for evaluating the toxicity of chemical mixtures and predicting their in vivo effects.
Type inference for spreadsheets

Spreadsheets are the most popular programming systems in use today. Since spreadsheets are visual, first-order functional languages, research into the foundations of spreadsheets is therefore a highly relevant topic for the principles and, in particular, the practice, of declarative programming.Since the error rate in spreadsheets is very high and since those errors have significant impact, methods and tools that can help detect and remove errors from spreadsheets are very much needed. Type systems have traditionally played a strong role in detecting errors in programming languages, and it is therefore reasonable to ask whether type systems could not be helpful in improving the current situation of spreadsheet programming.In this paper we introduce a type system and a type inference algorithm for spreadsheets and demonstrate how this algorithm and the underlying typing concept can identify programming errors in spreadsheets. In addition, we also demonstrate how the type inference algorithm can be employed to infer models, or specifications, for spreadsheets, which can be used to prevent future errors in spreadsheets.
GSM network architecture issues for the next century

The paper presents a possible evolution of the GSM infrastructure to meet the challenges of worldwide roaming and services portability now being considered by UMTS and FPLMTS standards makers. >
Hepatic Mucormycosis in a Bone Marrow Transplant Recipient Who Ingested Naturopathic Medicine

This case report describes a bone marrow transplant recipient in whom hepatic zygomycosis developed after ingestion of multiple naturopathic medicines. Mucor was isolated from the patient's liver aspirate and from one of the naturopathic medicines. Arbitrary-primed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses were performed on the Mucor isolates from the patient's liver aspirate and from his naturopathic medicine to see if they were genotypically related. Mucor indicus was the species identified in both the patient's liver aspirate and the naturopathic medicine. Arbitrary-primed PCR analysis revealed that these isolates were genotypically identical. We conclude that this bone marrow transplant recipient acquired hepatic mucormycosis from ingestion of a naturopathic medicine containing Mucor.
Risky messages in alcohol advertising, 2003-2007: results from content analysis.

Abstract Purpose To assess the content of alcohol advertising in youth-oriented U.S. magazines, with specific attention to subject matter pertaining to risk and sexual connotations and to youth exposure to these ads. Methods This study consisted of a content analysis of a census of 1,261 unique alcohol advertisements ("creatives") recurring 2,638 times ("occurrences") in 11 U.S. magazines with disproportionately youthful readerships between 2003 and 2007. Advertisements were assessed for content relevant to injury, overconsumption, addiction, and violations of industry guidelines (termed "risk" codes), as well as for sexism and sexual activity. Results During the 5-year study period, more than one-quarter of occurrences contained content pertaining to risk, sexism, or sexual activity. Problematic content was concentrated in a minority of brands, mainly beer and spirits brands. Those brands with higher youth-to-adult viewership ratios were significantly more likely to have a higher percentage of occurrences with addiction content and violations of industry guidelines. Ads with violations of industry guidelines were more likely to be found in magazines with higher youth readerships. Conclusions The prevalence of problematic content in magazine alcohol advertisements is concentrated in advertising for beer and spirits brands, and violations of industry guidelines and addiction content appear to increase with the size of youth readerships, suggesting that individuals aged
The Mariner 5 Ultraviolet Photometer Experiment: Analysis of Rayleigh-scattered and 1304-Å radiation from Venus

Airglow measurements of the disk of Venus, made by the ultraviolet photometer on Mariner 5 on October 19, 1967, are analyzed to determine the sources of the observed emission. Rayleigh-scattering models for a semi-infinite atmosphere are used to determine the scale height and single-scattering albedo of the scatterer and to determine the 1304-A emission rate. It is found that (1) the scale height of the Rayleigh-scattered radiation is about 4.5 km, (2) the single-scattering albedo near 2000 A is about 0.8, and (3) 500 R of 1304-A radiation is detected at solar zenith angles between 90 and 95 deg.
Changes in Forelimb Weight and Segmental Vascular Resistances Following Severe Hemorrhage

The forelimb was used to study capillary fluid fluxes following hemorrhage in dogs anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital. Arterial hemorrhage (48 ml/kg) and 4 hours of hypovolemia produced decreases in forelimb weight, arterial and venous pressures, and skin and skeletal muscle blood flows. Segmental resistances (large artery, small vessel, large vein) in both skin and skeletal muscle increased markedly, and the increase was either completely or largely maintained throughout the hypovolemic period. The large arteries and large veins constricted proportionately more than the small vessels following hemorrhage. In animals that survived the hypovolemic period, the large arteries and large veins constricted almost proportionately, whereas in the animals that died, the large veins constricted proportionately more than the large arteries. The weight loss exceeded forelimb vascular volume, indicating that net extravascular fluid reabsorption occurred. In fact, the weight loss from 60-240 minutes after hemorrhage began appears to be largely attributable to extravascular fluid reabsorption, since resistance and, inferentially, blood volume were relatively constant in the forelimb capacitance vessels. These data fail to support the hypothesis that fluid filtration is a determinant of irreversibility but rather suggest that the compensatory responses to blood loss in the forelimb, i.e., vasoconstriction and net extravascular fluid reabsorption, persist during severe prolonged hemorrhagic hypotension.
Measurement of the Critical Level of Moisture for Initiation of Water-Vapor-Induced Environmental Embrittlement in an Fe3Al-Based Alloy

Iron aluminides based on Fe[sub 3]Al are of interest as structural materials because of their excellent corrosion resistance in many environments. However, studies have shown that one of the major causes of low room temperature tensile ductility, which so far has limited the use of these alloys, is an environmental reaction involving aluminum in the presence of water vapor. During this reaction, atomic hydrogen is released, moves into the sample ahead of the crack tip during stressing, and causes failure before the true ultimate tensile strength of the material is reached. This reaction is reduced significantly by testing in oxygen or vacuum. In the present study, an Fe[sub 3]Al-based alloy was tensile tested as a function of the level of water vapor in the test environment, from a vacuum of 10[sup [minus]4] Pa to a water vapor partial pressure of 1330 Pa. The results show that a water vapor level of as low as 133 Pa (1 torr) can result in significant embrittlement. The fracture mode remains transgranular cleavage, but the scale of the cleavage facets changes with the water vapor level.
Frontiersman: Daniel Boone and the Making of America – By Meredith Mason Brown

In this new biography of Daniel Boone, one of America's best‐known frontiersmen, the author, a Harvard‐trained attorney and descendent of prominent Kentucky pioneers, seeks to debunk the myths abou...
Physiological assessment of paroxysmal dystonia secondary to subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.

We report on a 26-year-old woman with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) who presented with frequent paroxysmal dystonic posturing. Electroencephalogram demonstrated generalized 5 to 10-second episodes of high-amplitude (150-300 microV) delta activity alternating with 10 to 20-second periods of theta activity (40-50 microV). The patient experienced episodes of dystonic posturing coinciding with the periods of delta activity. Ictal Tc-99m Ceretec SPECT demonstrated marked increased activity in the bilateral caudate (R>L). The frequency and amplitude of the episodes initially markedly improved after the addition of carbamazepine. We suggest that the movements seen in this case of SSPE may represent basal ganglia ictal activity.
Age differences in the pain-depression link for women with osteoarthritis. Functional impairment and personal control as mediators.

Purpose This study examines functional impairment and personal control as mediators between pain and depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older women with osteoarthritis (OA). Method Ninety-nine middle-aged and older women with OA completed face-to-face interviews to assess pain, functional impairment, personal control, depressive symptoms, and self-rated health. Results Controlling for self-rated health, functional impairment mediated the relationship between pain and depressive symptoms for middle-age women but not for older women. Alternately, personal control was a mediator for older women but not for middle-aged women. Conclusions Functional limitations at least partially explain the relationship between pain and depression for middle-aged women who are juggling many roles and do not expect trouble with daily activities. For older women, functional limitations are expected, but personal control becomes more important. Implications for intervention are discussed.
Multimode metal-lined capillaries for Raman collection and sensing

Reflective metal-lined capillary waveguides are useful for laser-power delivery or for collecting scattered light in sensing applications. We theoretically examine the multimode propagation of polarized light in large-diameter, metallized, capillary waveguides using a new perturbation technique valid for all waveguide modes. This modeling permits prediction of the collection efficiency of Raman or fluorescent light produced in the waveguide at all angles. These theoretical results are supported by measuring the intensity and angular distribution of collected scattered gas–Raman Stokes power.
Lactic acidosis in theophylline overdose

An 18-year-old man with theophylline overdose developed an increased anion gap metabolic acidosis. Serum lactate levels were markedly elevated. A direct correlation was found between the increasing theophylline level, clinical hyperadrenergic state, and the worsening acidosis. Early hemoperfusion reversed the acidosis, the elevated serum theophylline level, and the hyperadrenergic state. This case substantiates the role of lactate accumulation in the metabolic acidosis associated with isolated theophylline toxicity.
HIRUDIN: Clinical Potential of a Thrombin Inhibitor

Hirudin is the most potent and specific known inhibitor of thrombin, the enzyme that plays a key regulatory function in hemostasis and blood coagulation. The importance of thrombosis in cardiovascular disease has recently highlighted the limitations of existing antithrombotic drugs and the potential value of direct thrombin inhibition as an effective approach to antithrombotic therapy. Hirudin and a small peptidomimetic analog--hirulog--are being developed as alternatives to heparin for the treatment of unstable angina, for prevention of abrupt closure and restenosis following coronary angioplasty, for prevention of deep vein thrombosis after major orthopedic surgery, and as an adjunct to fibrinolytic therapy. Direct thrombin inhibitors have several potential advantages over heparin: They can inhibit thrombin bound to clots or extracellular matrices, which are relatively resistant to heparin; they do not require antithrombin III as a cofactor, which may lead to a more predictable dose response; and they are not inhibited by activated platelets, which release platelet factor 4 and other molecules that neutralize heparin. The results of early clinical studies suggest that hirudin and hirulog may be more efficacious and more predictable and may have fewer bleeding complications than heparin for several clinical indications.
Myocardial infarction as a complication of injury.

Abstract Background: MI is a rare complication of trauma. We anticipate that the aging of the population and the concomitant rise in geriatric trauma will result in an increase in acute illnesses of the elderly (such as MI) complicating recovery from injury. The purpose of this article is to define the presentation of MI in the immediate postinjury period. Study Design: Medical records of all trauma patients in whom MI developed during their hospitalizations at a single Level I trauma center, the Barnes Hospital/Washington University Medical Center, between 1990 and 1999 were screened through the trauma registry. Nineteen patients with possible postinjury MI were identified. Of these, five had bona fide cases of postinjury MI, five had ambiguity about whether MI preceded or followed trauma, one had an MI resulting in trauma, and eight were excluded because they did not meet strict diagnostic criteria for MI. Results: The five patients with posttraumatic MI were older than the general trauma population with ages ranging from 51 to 81 years (mean ± SD=72 ± 14 years). Each had preexisting medical illnesses, some of which are recognized to predispose to coronary artery disease. There were no identifiable precipitants other than the recent injury. Importantly, only one of the five patients had chest pain as a presenting symptom and each of the five cases was complicated by acute congestive heart failure. Conclusions: MI remains a rare but important complication of injury and may increase owing to the changing demographics of trauma victims. Methods for thorough history-gathering to identify preexisting conditions, for early hemodynamic monitoring and anticoagulation for MI in the setting of trauma, and for identifying preexisting conditions should be defined. The presentation of MI in the setting of injury is atypical and complications are frequent.
Nature, Nurture, and Individual Change

Determining the degree to which persistent human behaviors and traits are the result of genetics or environment is important for a host of theoretical reasons in psychology. This article asks whether the results of such determinations are relevant to the practical tasks of individual change as attempted, for example, through therapy, parenting techniques, or self-transformation. Examples from the psychological literature on happiness or "subjective well-being" illustrate the common idea that a trait being largely genetic implies that it is more difficult to modify than one that is largely environmental. The most widely known theoretical approach to disentangling genetic from environmental effects in humans is behavioral genetics, with its central concept of heritability (h 2 ). This article argues that measures of h 2 do not predict the ease or difficulty of modifying behaviors or traits of individuals. A concept different from h 2 , that of innateness, is explicated, but it, too, is found not to be a useful predictor of individual modifiability. The general conclusion is that knowing only the degree to which a human characteristic results from nature or nurture has no implications for the ease or difficulty of altering that trait.