cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Organ Transplantation, Stress of

The organ transplantation process involves a series of events and time periods, from the initial transplant evaluation through the extended years after surgery. Each event and time period is associated with multiple health-related and psychosocial stressors. Identification of key stressors will allow for the development of interventions to reduce their negative effects on patients' health and well-being.
Investigating the Many Roles of Internal Water in Cytochrome c Oxidase

Cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) is the terminal enzyme in the respiratory electron transport chain. As part of its catalytic cycle, CcO transfers protons to its Fe–Cu binuclear center (BNC) to reduce oxygen, and in addition, it pumps protons across the mitochondrial inner, or bacterial, membrane where it is located. It is believed that this proton transport is facilitated by a network of water chains inside the enzyme. Here we present an analysis of the hydration of CcO, including the BNC region, using a semi-empirical hydration program, Dowser++, recently developed in our group. Using high-resolution X-ray data, we show that Dowser++ predictions match very accurately the water molecules seen in the D- and K-channels of CcO, as well as in the vicinity of its BNC. Moreover, Dowser++ predicts many more internal water molecules than is typically seen in the experiment. However, no significant hydration of the catalytic cavity in CcO described recently in the literature is observed. As Dowser++ itself does not acc...
Higher Education in a VUCA World.

To borrow a phrase from the military, we live in a VUCA world. VUCA stands for volatile-uncertain-complex-ambiguous. VUCA seems to accurately describe the Fourth Industrial Revolution in which mach...
Apelin is a novel regulator of human trophoblast amino acid transport

Apelin is an insulin-sensitizing hormone increased in abundance with obesity. Apelin and its receptor, APJ, are expressed in the human placenta, but whether apelin regulates placental function in n...
Biomimetic sonar and the problem of finding deterministic targets in foliage

The ability of (bio)sonars to find targets-of-interest is often hampered by a cluttered environment. For example, naval sonars encounter difficulties finding mines partially or fully buried within sand. Such situations pose target identification challenges are much harder than target detection and resolution problems. There are many bat species which navigate and hunt in dense vegetation and thus must be able to identify targets-of-interest within clutter. Evolutionary adaptation of the bat biosonar system is likely to have resulted in the “discovery” of features that support making distinctions between clutter and echoes of interest. The most well-established case is given by cf-fm bats that use Doppler shifts caused by the wingbeat of a flying insect prey to identify the prey in foliage. Other bat species have been shown to use a passive sonar approach that is based on unique prey-generated acoustic signals. Some of the most interesting cases can be found in bat species that are successful in finding preys that apparently does not emit any distinguishing sounds themselves and would hence limit the bats to an active-sonar approach. Such bat species could provide model species for new ways in which the target-identification problem in clutter can be solved with active sonar.The ability of (bio)sonars to find targets-of-interest is often hampered by a cluttered environment. For example, naval sonars encounter difficulties finding mines partially or fully buried within sand. Such situations pose target identification challenges are much harder than target detection and resolution problems. There are many bat species which navigate and hunt in dense vegetation and thus must be able to identify targets-of-interest within clutter. Evolutionary adaptation of the bat biosonar system is likely to have resulted in the “discovery” of features that support making distinctions between clutter and echoes of interest. The most well-established case is given by cf-fm bats that use Doppler shifts caused by the wingbeat of a flying insect prey to identify the prey in foliage. Other bat species have been shown to use a passive sonar approach that is based on unique prey-generated acoustic signals. Some of the most interesting cases can be found in bat species that are successful in finding pr...
Dose-Based Con formal Field Shaping using Automated Optimization

Three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT) is typically performed using radiation fields which are shaped to create a high dose region which conforms to the shape of the target volume(s) in 3-D, while minimizing dose to normal tissues. Although this conformation should be performed using the dose distribution, often this dosimetric conformation is replaced with the use of simple geometric conformation of each field’s aperture to the target projected in a Beam’s Eye View (BEV) geometry, since simple automated aperture shaping algorithms1–3 can be used to automate the process. This procedure, sometimes called “BEV targeting”, results in a dose distribution which is generally shaped like the target, but does not optimize the conformality of the high dose volume to that of the target. True 3DCRT using forward planning (iterative plan optimization driven by the treatment planner) requires significant skill and effort by the planner to achieve the dosimetric conformation which is the aim of such 3DCRT. Up to this point, automated optimization of this process has not been possible.
Optimal Control of Piecewise-Smooth Control Systems via Singular Perturbations

This paper investigates optimal control problems formulated over a class of piecewise-smooth controlled vector fields. Rather than optimizing over the discontinuous system directly, we instead formulate optimal control problems over a family of regularizations which are obtained by "smoothing out" the discontinuity in the original system using tools from singular perturbation theory. Standard, efficient derivative-based algorithms are immediately applicable to solve these smooth approximations to local optimally. Under standard regularity conditions, it is demonstrated that the smooth approximations provide accurate derivative information about the non-smooth problem in the limiting case. The utility of the technique is demonstrated in an in-depth example, where we utilize recently developed reduced-order modeling techniques from the dynamic walking community to generate motion plans across contact sequences for a 18-DOF model of a lower-body exoskeleton.
The Laboratory Evaluation of Melanoma

The laboratory evaluation of cutaneous melanoma is dependent upon the accuracy and complete evaluation of the primary tumor by an experienced histopathologist. The current state of the art for any given melanoma diagnosis always involves examination of formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. This chapter will also discuss additional tests which may be helpful in the difficult cases where H&E may not be sufficient. There are several additional laboratory tests in various stages of development and adoption in clinical practice such as immunohistochemistry (IHC) and molecular assays. In the cases of testing for somatic mutations in the tumor, these assays may be performed upon both tissue samples along with peripheral blood for comparison. This additional information provides the treating physicians with additional prognostic data and helps to guide therapeutic options for the patient. By defining each melanoma with a unique histopathologic and molecular profile, the laboratory is at the forefront of bringing the management of melanoma closer to the goal of personalized medicine.
Experiences from Teaching Master level Course in Research Methods in Systems of Systems Engineering

The paper summarizes the challenges and experiences from a course in research methods for systems engineering master’s students. This course is a preparatory course for the final master’s project. Each student selects a topic to investigate in the course. Most of these topics fall into the category of systems of systems engineering. This paper investigates the underlying course contents, teaching method, evaluation, and feedback to/from students. We learnt/noticed that students had challenges in writing the research questions and framing the research design. To overcome these challenges, we demonstrate a systematic procedure by offering a “research framework”.
Are Seroprevalence Estimates for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Biased

Biased seroprevalence estimates can occur using serological assays optimized with validation sets unrepresentative of disease spectrum in the general population. Correct interpretation of serosurveys for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 requires quantifying variations in sensitivity with disease severity and over time.
Phase transition and self-assembly of lower diamondoids and derivatives

Applying ab initio calculation and molecular dynamics simulation methods, we have been calculating and predicting the essential phase transition and self-assembly of two lower diamondoids (adamantane and diamantane), three of their important derivatives (amantadine, memantine and rimantadine), and two organometallic molecules that are built by substituting one hydrogen ion with one sodium ion in both adamantane and diamantine molecules (ADM•Na and Optimized DIM•Na). To study their self-assembly and phase transition behaviors, we built seven different MD simulation systems, and each system consisting of 125 molecules. We obtained self-assembly structures and simulation trajectories for the seven molecules. Radial distribution function studies showed clear phase transitions for the seven molecules. Higher aggregation temperatures were observed for diamondoid derivatives. We also studied the density dependence of the phase transition which demonstrates that the higher the density - the higher the phase transition points.
Comparing outcomes in patients with end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: single versus bilateral lung transplants.

Objectives Debate continues on whether a bilateral (BLT) or a single lung transplantation (SLT) is preferred for patients with end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The purpose of this study is to examine the interplay between patient age and transplant type on survival outcomes. Methods We performed a retrospective study of lung transplants for COPD at our centre from February 2012 to March 2020 (n = 186). Demographics and clinical parameters were compared between patients based on their age (≤65 vs >65 years old) and type of transplant (single vs bilateral). Cox proportional hazards regression was also performed. P-values Results Of the 186 patients with COPD who received lung transplants, 71 (38.2%) received BLTs and 115 (61.8%) received SLTs. There was no significant difference in survival outcomes when looking at patients with single versus BLTs (P = 0.870). There was also no difference in survival between the 2 age groups ≤65 versus > 65 years (P = 0.723). The Cox model itself also did not show a statistically significant improvement in survival outcomes (P = 0.126). Conclusions Lung transplant outcomes in patients with end-stage COPD demonstrated non-inferior results in patients with an SLT compared to patients with a BLT. When we compared the age groups, neither transplant type showed superior survival benefits, suggesting there may be some utility in an SLT in younger recipients.
Point-of-Care Ultrasound Evaluation of Ankle Injuries in Children

Objectives To determine if point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) of ankle injuries in children, in conjunction with validated ankle injury clinical prediction rules, can accurately diagnose ankle fracture in children. Methods A prospective observational study was conducted on patients (birth-21 years) presenting to a pediatric emergency department with an ankle injury requiring ankle radiograph. POCUS of the injured ankle was performed to evaluate for fracture. Clinical prediction rule scores (Ottawa Ankle and Low Risk Ankle) were recorded along with pre- and post-ultrasound clinical suspicion for fracture. Diagnosis of ankle fracture was confirmed via radiology radiograph report. Test characteristics of sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were calculated. Results Forty-eight patients were enrolled, 58% were female, with a mean age of 12.2 years (SD 3.8). Twelve (25%) patients had ankle POCUS positive or indeterminate for fracture. Nine (19%) patients had fracture based on radiograph, and 6 of the 9 (67%) patients with fracture had open growth plates. Ankle POCUS was found to have a sensitivity of 56% (95% confidence interval [CI], 23-85%), specificity of 82% (95% CI, 66-92%), positive predictive value of 42% (95% CI, 17-71%), and negative predictive value of 89% (95% CI, 73-96%). Conclusions Our findings suggest that ankle POCUS in children is a difficult application to perform and interpret compared with radiographic diagnosis of fracture. Open growth plates may complicate accurate identification of fracture using POCUS and at this time serves as a poor screening exam to assess for fracture or the need for radiographs.
Primary meta-analysis in leisure research: results for Neulinger's 'What am I doing?' instrument.

This study presents a primary meta-analysis and describes differences in responses to constructs assessed by the measurement component of Neulinger's paradigm of leisure. Five data sets, contribute...
A Theory of Dentistry

IT WAS ONE OF THOSE LATE December afternoons when you first remember how yellow and special and sad winter sunlight is. It came through the twelve-paned window of the converted clapboard house that was my dental office; it painted a parallelogram of watered-down bright on the blue-green tweed of the indoor-outdoor carpeting. I was looking down the mouth of an old man, waiting for the Novo caine to take and for my assault at trying to save the front lower one. I was thinking that in a few hours I would be in Montreal, trying to make one last pitch to return home to ?how should I say this? ?my child bride? I walked over to the window. The Connecticut trees were coat
Passive Smoking and Health Care: Health Perceptions Myth vs. Health Care Reality

Individuals exhibit systematic tendencies to overstate the risks of unlikely lethal events. If the risks of passive smoking are overstated in this manner, and if passive smoking is not harmful to adult health, then passive smoking by adults should have a discernible effect on subjective evaluations of health status, but no corresponding effect on health. This idea is examined empirically below using data from the National Health Interview Surveys. The empirical results can be summarized as follows. Passive smoking is associated with assessments of significantly poorer health. Poorer health assessments are associated with significantly greater medical resource use. However, direct estimates of the effects of passive smoking on health care use indicate no statistical association whatsoever. These results are consistent with a model whereby individuals systematically overestimate the effects of passive smoking on their health and where the short-term effects of passive smoking on adult health care costs are negligible.
Abstract 20048: Temporal and Spatial Characteristics of the Area at Risk Investigated using Computed Tomography and T1-weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Introduction: Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging can measure the myocardial area at risk (AAR), but the technique has received criticism for inadequate validation. Also, CMR commonly depicts an AAR that is wider than the endocardial surface length of the infarct, which in turn would require a lateral perfusion gradient within the AAR. Our aim was to investigate the presence of a lateral perfusion gradient and to validate CMR for detection of the AAR against independent reference standards of high quality. Methods: Multiple time points of computed tomography (CT) perfusion imaging and myocardial microsphere blood flow analysis were used to investigate the lateral perfusion gradient in a canine model (n=10) of ischemia and reperfusion. AAR by T1-weighted 3-T CMR was compared to AAR by CT perfusion imaging, microsphere blood flow analysis and pathology. Results: The lateral portion of the AAR was found to be perfused to a higher degree than the core of the AAR when measured by CT perfusion imaging (40.7±11.8 vs 25.2±17.7 HU, lateral vs core, p=0.0008) and microsphere blood flow (0.11±0.04 vs 0.05±0.02 ml/g/min, lateral vs core, p=0.001). Measurements of the AAR by CMR correlated well with CT perfusion (R2=0.80), microsphere blood flow (R2=0.80) and pathology (R2=0.74) and had good limits of agreement (-0.79±4.02 % of the left ventricular mass (LVM) versus CT; -1.49±4.04 %LVM versus microspheres and -1.01±4.18 %LVM versus pathology). Conclusions: A lateral perfusion gradient exists within the AAR. T1-weighted CMR accurately quantifies size of the AAR with excellent agreement compared to independent reference standards of high quality.
Presencia de Rilke en un poema de Aleixandre (notas de lectura)

Mucho se ha escrito sobre la poesia de Vicente Aleixandre, y en ese corpus critico ha tenido tambien su sitio el delicado, sugestivo capitulo de las relaciones e influencias. El libro de Carlos Bousofio 1, tan rico en observaciones validas sobre la vision del mundo del poeta y en la minuciosa caracterizacion de su sistema expresivo, ftnaliza con un aparato acerca de las "Fuentes de la poesia aleixandrina" (cap. XXX, 1), en cuyo preambulo se propone un deslinde que todo lector de su obra debera tener en cuenta: "Los verdaderos manantiales de un determinado escritor no son los contagios pegadizos de ciertas expresiones aisladas, de ciertas aisladas ideas, de ciertos versos sueltos. Pitra una verdadera busqueda de fuentes no suelen bastar las armas de que disponia la critica hasta hace poco tiempo. Es preciso calar mas hondo, y taladros tan profundos solo parecen ser posibles con un instrumental mas adecuado: con la nueva ciencia critica del estilo .. ,. Los influjos que he visto en la poesia de Aleixandre -agrega Bousofioson relativamente escasos,-pues prescindo de todas aquellas notas, por supuesto numerosisimas, que en Aleixandre son consecuencia de su inmersion en el ambito general de la poesia contemporanea, y en el particular de su misma generacion"2• Suscribo los tenninos del deslinde sefialado por Bousofio, con la sola reserva (o la salvedad) de insistir en un aspecto que sus propias observaciones sugieren: lo entiendo bajo la forma de las resonancias que la lectura de un texto suscita en un lector para quien la experiencia de esa lectura aparece potenciada de pronto por un movimiento de la memoria, que lo situa en otra hora,
Aliens in the Garden

This Article examines environmental rhetoric and argues that a nationalist conception of nature has long distorted environmental policies. Environmental discourse frequently seeks to explain the natural world by reference to the world of nations, a phenomenon that can be characterized as the "nationalization of nature." A contemporary example of the nationalization of nature is the rhetoric of "invasive species," which depicts harmful foreign plants and animals in ways that bear an uncanny resemblance to the demonization of foreigners by opponents of immigration. A typical newspaper article about invasive species, bearing the headline "Eeeek! The eels are coming!," warned about an influx of "Asian swamp eels" and described them as "slimy, beady-eyed immigrants." The nationalization of nature is a longstanding trope in American environmental discourse, as policies toward native and foreign plants and animals have long served as surrogates for addressing questions of national identity. Conceiving of environmental problems through the lens of nationalism, however, distorts environmental policies by projecting onto nature unrelated anxieties about national security and national identity.
Judicial Citation to Legislative History: Contextual Theory and Empirical Analysis

Judge Leventhal famously described the invocation of legislative history as "the equivalent of entering a crowded cocktail party and looking over the heads of the guests for one's friends." The volume of legislative history is so great and varied, some contend, that judges cite it selectively to advance their policy agendas. In this article, we employ positive political and contextual theories of judicial behavior to examine how judges use legislative history. We consider whether opinion-writing judges, as Judge Leventhal might suggest, cite legislative history from legislators who share the same political-ideological perspective as the opinion-writing judge? Or do judges make such choices in a broader context than Judge Levanthal's statement suggests. We posit that an opinion writing judge would cite legislative statements supporting an outcome preferred by the opinion-writing judge, when such statements come from legislators who share the same political-ideological perspective as the opinion-writing judge's colleagues or superiors. This should be so regardless of whether the cited legislator shares the broader perspectives of the opinion-writing judge himself. Put in Leventhal's terms, instead of looking for their own ideological friends, judges look over the heads of the guests for the legislative friends of the judge's colleagues on the bench (or superiors on higher benches). We test this approach with court opinion data gathered from LEXIS and find evidence of hierarchy (high court oversight) and panel (co-members on a court) effects in citation to legislative history, effects that appear related to the political-ideological identification of judges who review or are co-members on a panel of the authoring judge. Specifically, we find that the higher the proportion of Republicans in the reviewing court or sitting on the same three-judge panel, the higher the proportion of legislative history cites that will be to Republican legislators, independent of the political orientation of the authoring judge.
Cooperating intelligent systems for space mission power management

A research approach is presented for implementing cooperating intelligent systems (ISs) in a space systems environment. Each IS functions independently for localized situations and cooperates with other ISs to address situations that affect the system globally. Distributed artificial intelligence concerns, model-based intelligent systems, and problem-solving for space mission support are discussed. A satellite power management scenario is used to illustrate the approach. >
Anal Sphincter Repair

Fecal incontinence secondary to sphincter damage is best managed by overlapping sphincteroplasty. The most successful outcomes are found in patients with isolated sphincter defects without evidence of pudendal neuropathy. Multifocal defects and unilateral or bilateral pudendal neuropathy argue for poor outcome. These patients may be better served with postanal or total pelvic floor repair, sacral nerve stimulation, or sphincter augmentation or replacement before embarking on a permanent stoma. All types of surgical intervention for fecal incontinence should simultaneously address other disorders of the pelvic floor and urinary incontinence.
Spider mites (Acari: Tetranychidae) in the Hawaiian Islands

Abstract Host and island records are presented for the 22 known species of Tetranychidae in the Hawaiian Islands. A diagnostic key is given.
Data types over multiple-valued logics

Let L be a multiple-valued logic. An equality-test algebra over L is a many-sorted algebra that contains the truth values of L in a special logic domain; it also includes certain operations that take values in the logic domain and are to be viewed as the characteristic functions of nonclassical predicates over the universe of the algebra. In particular the algebra contains for each sort s the characteristic function of the nonclassical equality predicate over the domain of sort s. Nonclassical data structures of this form arise naturally in various computer science contexts. The basic properties of nonclassical equality-test algebras are investigated, and an axiomatization of their conditional-equational theory is obtained for a large class of multiple-valued logics. Some consequences for the specification of nonclassical equality-test data types are drawn.
Alcohol consumption by men in China: A non-Gaussian censored system approach

Abstract Consumption of beer, wine and spirits by men in China is investigated, using data from the 2006 China Health and Nutrition Survey. Censoring of consumption levels is accommodated by estimating a censored equation system, using quasi maximum-likelihood and copula methods which allow the specification of non-Gaussian error distributions. Findings suggest that a misspecified error distribution can obscure the effects of explanatory variables on alcohol consumption. The procedure produces very different empirical estimates from a more conventional (Gaussian) estimator. Income does not affect alcohol consumption, with socio-demographic factors such as education, employment, and marital status playing more definitive roles. Regional differences are also found.
Discontinuous shock and generalization to the preshock period in discriminated avoidance learning

Discontinuous shock has been shown to have a facilitating effect upon discriminated bar-press avoidance learning. The effect has been attributed to enhanced generalization of escape responses to the preshock period. Since the factor crucial to enhanced generalization is presumed to be the occurrence of escape responses in the absence of shock, it was hypothesized that presentation of shock in what otherwise would have been off-shock periods, should inhibit avoidance learning. The avoidance performance of animals trained under standard discontinuous shock was compared with that of animals re­ ceiving an additional burst of shock contingent upon each es­ cape response. NonSignificant differences appeared between treatment groups and were in the opposite direction to that expected. It was concluded that rather than producing an in­ crease in generalization, discontinuous shock improves the quality of the response generalized. The facilitative effect of a discontinuous shock (UCS) in conditioning a lever-press avoidance re­ sponse has been established (D'Amato, Keller, & DiCara, 1964; Hurwitz, 1964), and parameters of shock on-off times (D'Amato, Keller, & Biederman, 1965) and shock intensity (D'Amato & Fazzaro, 1966) have been investigated. It has been hypothesized (D'Amato, Keller, & DiCara, 1964) that failure to learn to avoid under conditions of continuous shock was due in part to inadequate generalization of the escape response to the pre shock period. In support of the generalization hypothesis, D'Amato, Keller, & Biederman (1965) report a high correlation between the percentage of escape responses executed during off time and avoidance performance. The present experiment provides a further test of the generali­ zation hypothesis by comparing avoidance behavior of Ss tested under conditions wherein each escape response produces a .2 sec shock with that of Ss tested under standard discontinuous shock proce­ dures. Since the factor crucial to enhanced gener­ alization with discontinuous shock is presumed to be the occurrence of escape responses in the absence of shock, the presentation of shock in what otherwise would be an off-shock period should inhibit avoid­ ance learning. Method The Ss, 20 male Sprague-Dawley rats obtained from Research Animals, Inc., Pittsburgh, Pa., were randomly assigned to an experimental group which received response contingent shock on each escape trial or a control group trained under standard dis
Reductive Amination of Pyruvate Esters: A Microscale Synthesis of N-Benzylalanine Esters

The reductive amination of pyruvate esters using benzylamine and sodium triacetoxyborohydride is described. Students isolate the N-benzylalanine ester and determine its structure using NMR and IR spectroscopy. Computational methods using CAChe provide information on reactive sites in the pyruvate substrate and reaction intermediates and allow for insight into the reaction mechanism. This experiment is safer than the more traditional reductive amination techniques, and it is appropriate for the introductory organic laboratory.
The Evaluation of Weighted Voting Schemes for the United Nations General Assembly

Weighted voting has been suggested as one possible solution to the problem of representation in the UN General Assembly. Previous studies of alternative weighting formulas have failed to acknowledge that the distribution of actual voting power and the distribution of votes are seldom proportional under conditions of weighted voting. This research operationalizes the concept of voting power and applies it to the bloc distribution of General Assembly votes under 14 voting formulas which deviate from the current one state-one vote procedure. Weighted voting is shown to be a highly problematic method for adjusting the representational structure of a voting body such as the UN General Assembly.
Evaluation of a Taste and Odor Incident on the Ohio River

This study describes a taste and odor event which occurred along the Ohio River during 1989 involving rinse water from a resin manufacturer that contained chemicals which reacted to form 2-ethyl-4-methyl-1,3-dioxolane (2EMD). The events under which the chemical was formed and transported from the resin manufacturing facility to the sewage treatment plan to the Ohio River are described. Taste and odors were detected in water supplies as far as 137 miles downstream from the point of discharge. Due to its hydrophilic nature, 2EMD was not sufficiently removed by the wastewater treatment plant using activated sludge treatment nor by drinking water treatment facilities downstream, even those which utilized granular activated carbon. 2EMD (consisting of cis:trans isomers, stable at a ratio of about 60:40) was the major component of the odor of the drinking water found in samples of the local water distribution system. An FPA panel described the synthesized cis/trans 60:40 isomer ratio of 2-ethyl-4-methyl-1,3-dioxolane as having a medicinal sweet or sickening sweet smell which matched the odor found in the samples from the impacted sites (resin manufacturer and drinking waters downstream).
Effects of changing hemodynamics on the extra plasma space in the lungs of sheep.

Abstract In seven unanesthetized sheep, we measured transpulmonary indicator curves for 51 Cr-erythrocytes, 125 I-albumin, and 3 H water during steady state baseline and during increased (left atrial balloon) and decreased (pulmonary artery cuff) vascular pressures to see the effects of changing hemodynamics on the difference between red cell and albumin distribution volumes (extra plasma space). Extra plasma space tended to increase with increased pressure and to decrease with decreased pressure, but the changes were not significant. Extra plasma space did not correlate with cardiac output or other hemodynamic variables. Water fraction of whole blood (0.84 ± 0.02 SD) and of plasma (0.92 ± 0.01 SD) was constant and extravascular lung water calculated using only albumin as the intravascular indicator (Vw-a) was a constant fraction of that calculated using a composite red cell-albumin intravascular indicator (Vw-comp). The ratio of Vw-a to Vw-comp was 0.93 ± 0.04 SD (baseline), 0.93 ± 0.01 SD (increased pressure), and 0.94 ± 0.02 SD (decreased pressure). Theoretical calculations suggest that the extra plasma space may be a real intravascular volume resulting from the Fahraeus-Lindqvist effect. In sheep, albumin alone is a satisfactory intravascular indicator for measuring extravascular water.
Magnetic field-induced alignment of nanoparticles in electrospun microfibers

We report on the facile and switchable alignment of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles measuring ∼18 nm in diameter in electrospun microfibers. Application of a magnetic field perpendicular to the electric field employed during electrospinning yields polymeric microfibers with nanoparticles aligned in one-dimensional arrays, thereby providing control over when and where the nanoparticles align. According to electron microscopy, the length over which alignment is desired can be judiciously selected, thereby making these nanomaterials excellent candidates for nanotechnologies requiring nanoscale alignment on-demand. Concurrent alignment of the electrospun fibers using established procedures provides a viable route to organic/inorganic materials possessing anisotropic properties that reflect multiscale alignment.
Crohn's disease related diarrhea--new answers?

Abstract Bacterial overgrowth sometimes complicates the clinical course of Crohn's disease and may lead to inappropriate treatment. To clarify the effect of antibiotic therapy, we monitored the hydrogen concentration in expiratory breath after fasting. We evaluated 18 patients (15 men; median age, 32.7; range, 22.3–60 yr) for postoperative bacterial overgrowth symptoms and for intestinal dilation by plain abdominal x-ray. Five patients had ileitis and 13 patients had ileocolitis. Various intestinal resections were performed in all, and strictureplasties were done at the same time in 13 patients. The median postoperative period was 10.2 (range, 1.2–102) months. Nine patients, who had symptoms such as bloating, nausea, vomiting, or pain, were classified as the symptomatic group, whereas nine other patients, who had no symptoms, were classified as the symptom-free group. Sixteen patients who had undergone intestinal resections for noninflammatory bowel disease served as the control group. After overnight fasting, hydrogen concentration in end-expiratory breath was measured with gas chromatography. At the same time, clinical examinations of white blood cell count, hemoglobin, total protein, serum albumin, iron, sialic acid, and C-reactive protein in the peripheral blood were performed. To assess the effect of antibacterial treatment, changes in symptoms were assessed in eight patients who received antibacterial treatment. Hydrogen concentration was measured repeatedly before and after treatment in six patients. The symptomatic group had an expiratory hydrogen concentration level significantly higher (median, 40; range, 20–139 ppm) than the control group (median, 3; range, 1–6 ppm) and the symptom-free group (median, 4; range, 1–10 ppm). After the antibiotic treatment, the symptoms were improved in all of the patients, and the hydrogen concentration level was significantly reduced (median, 4.5; range, 2–13 ppm). Antibacterial treatment was useful in the postoperative patients whose assessments were complicated by bacterial overgrowth. Using a hydrogen breath test, bacterial overgrowth was effectively monitored and managed, effecting a change in clinical symptoms.
A protocol-independent technique for eliminating redundant network traffic

We present a technique for identifying repetitive information transfers and use it to analyze the redundancy of network traffic. Our insight is that dynamic content, streaming media and other traffic that is not caught by today's Web caches is nonetheless likely to derive from similar information. We have therefore adapted similarity detection techniques to the problem of designing a system to eliminate redundant transfers. We identify repeated byte ranges between packets to avoid retransmitting the redundant data.We find a high level of redundancy and are able to detect repetition that Web proxy caches are not. In our traces, after Web proxy caching has been applied, an additional 39% of the original volume of Web traffic is found to be redundant. Moreover, because our technique makes no assumptions about HTTP protocol syntax or caching semantics, it provides immediate benefits for other types of content, such as streaming media, FTP traffic, news and mail.
Constructing metabolic association networks using high-dimensional mass spectrometry data

Abstract The goal of metabolic association networks is to identify topology of a metabolic network for a better understanding of molecular mechanisms. An accurate metabolic association network enables investigation of the functional behavior of metabolites in a cell or tissue. Gaussian Graphical model (GGM)-based methods have been widely used in genomics to infer biological networks. However, the performance of various GGM-based methods for the construction of metabolic association networks remains unknown in metabolomics. The performance of principal component regression (PCR), independent component regression (ICR), shrinkage covariance estimate (SCE), partial least squares regression (PLSR), and extrinsic similarity (ES) methods in constructing metabolic association networks was compared by estimating partial correlation coefficient matrices when the number of variables is larger than the sample size. To do this, the sample size and the network density (complexity) were considered as variables for network construction. Simulation studies show that PCR and ICR are more stable to the sample size and the network density than SCE and PLSR in terms of F1 scores. These methods were further applied to the analysis of experimental metabolomics data acquired from metabolite extract of mouse liver. For the simulated data, the proposed methods PCR and ICR outperform other methods when the network density is large, while PLSR and SCE perform better when the network density is small. As for the experimental metabolomics data, PCR and ICR discover more significant edges and perform better than PLSR and SCE when the discovered edges are evaluated using KEGG pathway. These results suggest that the metabolic network might be more complex and therefore, PCR and ICR have the advantage over PLSR and SCE in constructing the metabolic association networks.
Follower Force Experiments with Geometric Non-Linear Coupling for Analytical Validation

In the following experimental study, static deflection data were collected from a joinedwing test article using a laser tracker while the test article was subjected to various followerforce magnitudes. The primary goal of this study was to collect accurate experimental data which could be later used to validate analytical methods, such as the geometrically exact beam theory, which are used to predict the nonlinear static response of joined-wings. Previous experimental research efforts did not use follower-forces, and therefore the loads were not representative of what the joined-wing would experience under more realistic loading conditions. The test articles used in these experiments are a qualification model and a joined-wing model. The qualification test article is simply a 72 in long, 8 in wide, and 0.5 in thick aluminum beam used mainly for validating the experimental procedures in preparation for the actual experiment on the joined-wing model. The joined-wing model is made up of two aluminum beams, similar in dimension to the qualification model, joined at the tip to represent the joined-wing configuration. The experimental data is compared to the results obtained from nonlinear finite element analyses to determine how close the analytical predictions are to the experimental data. The results of this study show that follower-force loads result in as much as 34% greater deflections in comparison to stationary direction force loads.
Spatial and temporal variability in sedimentological and geochemical properties of sediments from an anoxic crater lake in West Africa: Implications for paleoenvironmental reconstructions

Abstract The physical, inorganic and organic geochemical and stable isotopic characteristics of lacustrine sediments can provide valuable insights into past environmental changes, provided that the environmental controls on these characteristics are well understood. In the present study, a set of 155 modern vegetation, catchment soil, river sediments and lake surface sediment samples are used to characterize the spatial patterns of TOC, TN, C/N ratios, stable isotope, major element, and particle size distributions within Lake Bosumtwi, a meromictic crater lake in West Africa. Spatial variations in sediment characteristics are strongly correlated with depth and distance from shore, reflecting the dominant influence of lake level on the relative proportions of littoral and pelagic depositional systems and their impact on the physical and geochemical properties of lacustrine sediments. This is supported by a principal component analysis, which indicates that 65% of the variance in the dataset is explained by depth-related variability in the sedimentary components. Variations in sedimentary organic matter reflect the combined influences of productivity, preservation and the relative proportions of aquatic and terrestrial organic matter sources. Grain size and Si content are dominantly influenced by the delivery of clastic materials from the watershed to the lake, whereas Fe and Ca appear to be most strongly influenced by the delivery of reduced metals and nutrients from the anoxic hypolimnion to the surface. With the exception of grain size, all of the sediment parameters record synchronous century-scale variability over the past ~ 2.5 ka, consistent with independent evidence for changes in lake level. However, the magnitude of changes in sediment characteristics differs, reflecting different sensitivities to water depth, particularly in the deepest part of the lake basin where the sediment cores were collected. However, even the parameters with the most linear and strongly significant relationships with depth (e.g., TOC, TN) significantly overestimate the magnitude of lake level changes, suggesting that these parameters may be best suited to qualitative paleolake level reconstructions. Over the last 2 centuries, changes in C/N and δ13C became decoupled from the other geochemical proxies and the inferred rise in lake level. We hypothesize that this reflects the influence of anthropogenic land use change on the composition of terrestrial organic matter sources contributing to the lake. This result highlights the potential difficulties in reconstructing past environmental changes from indirect proxy measurements when those proxies may be subject to multiple varying controls.
Cost considerations for long-term ecological monitoring

Abstract For an ecological monitoring program to be successful over the long-term, the perceived benefits of the information must justify the cost. Financial limitations will always restrict the scope of a monitoring program, hence the program’s focus must be carefully prioritized. Clearly identifying the costs and benefits of a program will assist in this prioritization process, but this is easier said than done. Frequently, the true costs of monitoring are not recognized and are, therefore, underestimated. Benefits are rarely evaluated, because they are difficult to quantify. The intent of this review is to assist the designers and managers of long-term ecological monitoring programs by providing a general framework for building and operating a cost-effective program. Previous considerations of monitoring costs have focused on sampling design optimization. We present cost considerations of monitoring in a broader context. We explore monitoring costs, including both budgetary costs, what dollars are spent on, and economic costs, which include opportunity costs. Often, the largest portion of a monitoring program budget is spent on data collection, and other, critical aspects of the program, such as scientific oversight, training, data management, quality assurance, and reporting, are neglected. Recognizing and budgeting for all program costs is therefore a key factor in a program’s longevity. The close relationship between statistical issues and cost is discussed, highlighting the importance of sampling design, replication and power, and comparing the costs of alternative designs through pilot studies and simulation modeling. A monitoring program development process that includes explicit checkpoints for considering costs is presented. The first checkpoint occurs during the setting of objectives and during sampling design optimization. The last checkpoint occurs once the basic shape of the program is known, and the costs and benefits, or alternatively the cost-effectiveness, of each program element can be evaluated. Moving into the implementation phase without careful evaluation of costs and benefits is risky because if costs are later found to exceed benefits, the program will fail. The costs of development, which can be quite high, will have been largely wasted. Realistic expectations of costs and benefits will help ensure that monitoring programs survive the early, turbulent stages of development and the challenges posed by fluctuating budgets during implementation.
An auroral effect on the fair weather electric field

Evidence is presented for coupling between the upper and lower atmosphere by means of the shorting out of the vertical mesospheric electric field by auroral radiation, which causes a transfer of mesospheric potential to the lower atmosphere. Measurements were made by an electric field antenna which was part of a parachute-borne payload, launched by rocket from near Fairbanks, Alaska. Data obtained from quiet time observations indicate the normal low altitude electric field pattern, with a greater field at high altitudes, while observations at disturbed times show a small field at high altitudes and a greater field at low altitudes. Means for observing this effect at lower latitudes are also suggested. While the data obtained support the proposed mechanism, it is noted that other mechanisms, such as direct modulation by large amounts of solar cosmic rays and aurorally produced charge separation, may also be important.
The Cerebellum and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

The cerebellum constitutes ten percent of brain volume and contains the majority of brain neurons. Although it was historically viewed primarily as processing motoric computations, current evidence supports a more comprehensive role, where cerebro-cerebellar feedback loops also modulate various forms of cognitive and affective processing. Here we present evidence for a role of the cerebellum in premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), which is characterized by severe negative mood symptoms during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Although a link between menstruation and cyclical dysphoria has long been recognized, neuroscientific investigations of this common disorder have only recently been explored. This article reviews functional and structural brain imaging studies of PMDD and the similar but less well defined condition of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The most consistent findings are that women with premenstrual dysphoria exhibit greater relative activity than other women in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and posterior lobules VI and VII of the neocerebellum. Since both brain areas have been implicated in emotional processing and mood disorders, working memory and executive functions, this greater activity probably represents coactivation within a cerebro-cerebellar feedback loop regulating emotional and cognitive processing. Some of the evidence suggests that increased activity within this circuit may preserve cerebellar structure during aging, and possible mechanisms and implications of this finding are discussed.