cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cardiovascular disease prevention practices by U.S. physicians for patients with diabetes

OBJECTIVE: Cardiovascular diseases account for the majority of morbidity and mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. We describe patterns of cardiovascular disease primary prevention practices used for patients with diabetes by U.S. office-based physicians. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: We analyzed a representative sample of 14,038 visits from the 1995 and 1996 National Ambulatory Medical Care Surveys (NAMCS), including 1,489 visits by patients with diabetes. Physicians completed visit forms describing diagnoses, demographics, services provided, and current medications. Diabetes was defined by diagnostic codes; patients with ischemic heart disease or younger than 30 years were excluded. We estimated national visit volumes by extrapolation using NAMCS sampling weights. Independent determinants of prevention practices were evaluated using multiple logistic regression. Actual visits sampled translated into an estimated 407 million office visits in 1995 and 1996, of which 44.8 million (11%) were by patients with diabetes. Overall, patients with diabetes received more cardiovascular disease prevention services than patients without diabetes, including cholesterol reduction (8% vs 5%, P<.001) and exercise counseling (22% vs 13%, P<.001), blood pressure measurement (82% vs 72%, P<.001), and aspirin prescription (5% vs 2%, P<.001). Patients with diabetes and hyperlipidemia were more likely to receive lipid-lowering medications than patients without these diagnoses (67% vs 51%, P=.007), but those who had diabetes and hypertension or who smoked were no more likely than those without to receive antihypertensive medications or smoking cessation counseling, respectively. These effects persisted in multiple logistic regression analyses controlling for potential confounders. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with diabetes visiting U.S. physicians in 1995 and 1996 received somewhat more cardiovascular disease prevention services than patients without diabetes. Absolute rates of services, however, remained lower than desired based on national recommendations. Current evidence suggests that wider implementation of these recommendations can be expected to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease in patients with diabetes.
Ionisation in Hydrogen Chloride Vapour

BEFORE a meeting of the American Physical Society in April 1925, I reported some preliminary results of an investigation of ionisation by electron impact in hydrogen chloride vapour at low pressures, using the familiar method of mass spectrum analysis to identify the ions produced. I had observed in large numbers both positive and negative ions of which the ratio of mass to charge was about 36 times that of the hydrogen nucleus. At relatively high pressures I had also detected positive ions of m/e about 72 times the same unit. At all pressures the ions H+, H2+, and (H2O)+ had been present, although in general there were fewer of these than of the other types.
Methodological approach for evaluating operational parameters and the characterization of a popular sorbent for solid‐phase extraction by high pressure liquid chromatography

The kinetic and retention properties of a silica-based octadecylsiloxane bonded phase sorbent used in solid-phase extraction (SPE) were determined by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). This sorbent had a high bonded phase density resulting in a material with very low intraparticle porosity. This led to favorable retention and mass transfer properties over the normal sampling flow rate range. Typical cartridges for SPE have a low and variable packing density which is recognized as a significant cause of poor sampling performance and, under some circumstances, results in poor repro-ducibility. The apparent particle size for the sorbent at 55–57 μm is considerably larger than generally indicated in the trade literature but this is not detrimental to its use for SPE since sorbent cartridges are able to function adequately with only a few theoretical plates. Solute size is identified as the primary driving force for sorbent retention under SPE conditions with polar interactions favoring retention in the aqueous mobile phase and a decrease in the breakthrough volume. All parameters required to predict the optimum sampling conditions, breakthrough volume and recovery in SPE can be conveniently obtained from data generated by HPLC. The sampling characteristics of particle-loaded membranes are compared to those of conventional sorbent cartridges and differences in operating characteristics which affect the sampling efficiency for both devices are discussed.
Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography of t-RNA's and Proteins

Abstract Various microparticulate siliceous bonded stationary phases having weakly hydrophobic ligates were developed for HPLC of proteins and t-RNA's by hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC). It was confirmed that optimal separation of different types of biopolymers can be obtained by using a set of stationary phases having appropriate hydrophobic properties. Thus, the separation of t-RNA's is best carried out on stationary phases which are more hydrophobic than those optimal for HIC of proteins. Plots of log k' of both proteins and t-RNA's against the salt molality in the eluent yielded straight lines at sufficiently high salt concentrations in the eluent. The limiting slopes represent the hydrophobic interaction parameter for the particular chromatographic system and can serve as measures of the hydrophobic character of either the biopolymer or the stationary phase. Stationary phases with covalently bound polyether chains at the surface were found to be most suitable for HIC of proteins and t-RNA's.
An integrated evaluation of the persistence and effects of 4-nonylphenol in an experimental littoral ecosystem

A comprehensive littoral enclosure study was conducted to assess the persistence and distribution of 4-nonylphenol (NP) in a littoral ecosystem, and to evaluate the compound`s effects on resident aquatic biota. Enclosures with a mean ({+-} SD) surface area and volume of 31.4 {+-} 3.3 m{sup 2} and 32.0 {+-} 6.4 m{sup 3}, respectively, received eleven applications at 48-h intervals with one of four different rates of NP. This created a 20-d application period which was followed by a three to fourteen month observation period, depending on the endpoint measured. Mean {+-} SD NP concentrations in the water column measured 2 h after each application averaged 5 {+-} 4, 23 {+-} 11, 76 {+-} 21, and 243 {+-} 41 {micro}g/L at nominal treatments of 3, 30, 100, and 300 {micro}g/L, respectively. Persistence in the water column was relatively short, with a dissipation half-life estimated at {le} 1.2 d. Persistence of NP in sediment and on macrophytes was substantially longer, with estimated half-lives of 28 to 104 d and 8 to 13 d, respectively. Zooplankton was the most sensitive group of organisms evaluated, with significant reductions in population abundances of some copepod taxa observed at the 23 {+-} 11-{micro}g/L treatment. Fish survivalmore » was affected at 243 {+-} 41 {micro}g/L. The most sensitive benthic macroinvertebrate taxon, Pisidium (Bivalvia) was affected at 76 {+-} 21 {micro}g/L, but most taxa were only affected at the 243 {+-} 41-{micro}g/L treatment. None of the assessed populations were affected at the 5 {+-} 4-{micro}g/L treatment. Macrophytes and periphyton were not adversely affected by any of the treatments. Overall community composition, assessed at the family level or higher, was not affected at or below the 23 {+-} 11-{micro}g/L treatment, but did exhibit substantial changes at the 243 {+-} 41-{micro}g/L treatment. Some minor changes were observed at the 76 {+-} 21-{micro}g/L treatment. The maximum acceptable toxicant concentration in the water column, based on protection of the most sensitive taxa in the test system, was estimated at {approximately} 10 {micro}g/L. Details on NP persistence and distribution within the enclosures, and detailed effects on zooplankton, benthic macroinvertebrates, and fish are described in four separate papers immediately following this overview.« less
Beak tax to control predatory birds in the Faroe Islands

A beak tax was levied in the Faroe Islands from 1742 until 1881. Every man between the ages of 15 and 50 was obliged each year to submit to the authorities one raven's beak or two beaks of a crow, great skua or greater black-backed gull. A fine was imposed if a man failed in this obligation. The tax was repealed in 1881, after which men were paid for the beaks, and records of the beaks exist until 1934. A total of about 800 beaks submitted annually did not appear to deplete the bird populations, however the increasing human population from around 1800 increased the pressure on the bird populations which then declined rapidly from around 1850. A brief increase in the number of beaks occurred after 1881 when men were paid for the beaks and after that time the populations declined again. The population of crows declined more dramatically than the raven population while the great skua had declined to four breeding pairs when it was protected in 1897. The number of beaks submitted is correlated to the island s...
Deploying a Powerful Pesticide

Highlighting the uses of DDT as a tool of U.S. foreign policy and in international development projects, Kinkela places the controversies surrounding the pesticide in a global context.
Fiscal federalism and interstate risk sharing: empirical evidence from Germany

Abstract Using an approach developed by Asdrubali et al. [Quarterly Journal of Economics 111 (1996) 1081] the paper estimates the extent of smoothing of state-specific income shocks to West German states from 1970 to 1997 by federal fiscal institutions. The results show that despite the existence of substantial interregional transfer mechanisms the share of shocks to state income absorbed by fiscal flows is roughly at the same level as in the US.
Platform Equation Modeling of Innovation Activity Across the Industrial Technology Life Cycle

An attempt is made to provide a collapsed framework for inventions and innovations through a single platform equation and model. We find that this model is able to correctly describe the production activity for several materials and energy conversion technologies. Activity patterns are shown for several oxides, metals, oil and wind energy and its derivatives which shown significant similarities. The metals Cu, Al, W, Mo and Pb are particularly studied for the amount produced over time. The total activity for the metals encompasses both the invention and innovation stage for a particular metal. Four major stages and two sub stages are identified for the discovery (invention stages) and subsequent growth regimes (innovation stages). Although the metals studied, existed over differing periods (e.g. copper greater than 200 years whereas aluminum, just over 100 years), one single pattern equation appears to capture all the major trends. The use of the pattern model is also attempted for productivity analysis, especially for the condition of radical innovation (i.e. the condition for very rapid growth). For sustained radical innovation, there are various factors which influence growth. These factors have been isolated for the case study of thermal processing of materials. We find that for the common industrial plants where thermal processing and plant size are the dominant variables, their impact on the growth may be examined in the context of the pattern equation. A preliminary analysis of oxide production activity also appears to follow the same innovation model as do energy production trends. The results point to the possible existence of a fertile field for future research in innovation theory.
The electrical leak location method for geomembrane liners

Abstract An electrical method for locating leaks in geomembrane liners was developed and demonstrated for a wide variety of applications. Geomembrane liners are Tests on a doubled-lined physical model demonstrated the applicability of the method for a variety of drainage layers under various test conditions suc The method was adapted for locating leaks in the geomembrane liner of landfill cover systems. Scale model tests demonstrated the applicability of the m
On unbounded toeplitz matrices and nonstationary time series with an application to information theory.

The asymptotic eigenvalue behavior of unbounded Hermitian Toeplitz matrices is derived and used to evaluate the asymptotic eigenvalue distribution of the covariance matrix of possibly nonstationary autoregressive time series. As an application, the results are used to generalize the evaluation of the ratedistortion function of possibly nonstationary autoregressive Gaussian time series with a mean-squared-error fidelity criterion.
Laparoscopic retrieval of retroperitoneal vas deferens in vasovasostomy for postinguinal herniorrhaphy obstructive azoospermia

Objective Iatrogenic injury to the vas deferens is a well-documented complication of inguinal hernia repair. Recently obstruction related to the use of polypropylene mesh for hernia repair has been reported. We describe a case using laparoscopy to mobilize the retroperitoneal vas and deliver it to the healthy vas proximal to the vas trapped in the cicatrix induced by mesh thus allowing a tension-free microsurgical repair. Design Case report. Setting Outpatient male infertility practice. Patient(s) Obstructed azoospermic men with polypropylene mesh. Intervention(s) Laparoscopic retrieval of retroperitoneal vas segment for primary microsurgical anastomosis. Main Outcome Measure(s) Patency of vas and presence of sperm. Result(s) A tension-free, patent anastomosis was performed. Conclusion(s) Polypropylene mesh-induced fibrosis of the vas deferens can result in obstructive azospermia. Laparoscopy can be used to permit a microsurgical bypass of the obstructed segment.
Bilbao Catch-22: passions and double binds in soccer madness

Through a specific example, this article argues that at the heart of soccer fandom, there are Catch-22 double binds that prevent fans from abandoning their team despite potential physical or psychological violence. The ethnographic locus of my discussion is the Basque Athletic Club of Bilbao in the Spanish Liga. The club's identity rests on two pillars: during its 100 plus years, (1) it has never descended to the second division and (2) it has played with local Basque players only. The localist, ethnicized philosophy of recruitment, I argue, is not only a source of enjoyment, but also of suffering and anxiety: in 2006/2007, the Club was one game away from descending to the second division. This article explores how Athletic fans engaged psychological violence imposed by the double binds of their club's identity. It concludes that its Catch-22s reveal a most important dimension of soccer fandom.
The ac impedance at Cu electrodes and the electrodeposition of Cu

The ac impedance at spherical Cu microelectrodes in 1 N H2SO4 (double-layer impedance) and in CuSO4H2SO4 solutions (faradaic impedance in parallel with the double-layer impedance) was studied at 50–5000 Hz. Reagents and solutions were purified carefully. Potentiostatic control was maintained where appropriate. A limiting double-layer capacitance of approximately 30 μF per apparent cm2 was found at high frequency. Faradaic parameters were evaluated for each CuSO4 solution. The variation of exchange cd with Cu2+ concentration (10−3−10−2M), and a rate constant for the process Cu2+ + 2 e− → Cu, are deduced. Results are compared with previous studies.
Subbarrel patterns of thalamocortical innervation in rat somatosensory cortical barrels: Organization and postnatal development

Barrel hollows in the posteromedial barrel subfield of adult rat somatosensory cortex typically encompass two or three metabolically and structurally distinct regions, termed subbarrels. We used immunohistochemical staining for vesicular glutamate transporter 2 and the neuronal serotonin transporter, in conjunction with cytochrome oxidase (CO) histochemistry, to investigate the distribution of thalamocortical (TC) axon terminals in relation to subbarrel domains. We found, first, that CO-dark subbarrels are more intensely immunoreactive for thalamocortical terminals than the CO-light clefts that separate them. Second, during the first postnatal week, immunoreactivity for markers of TC terminals is relatively homogeneous throughout the barrel hollow; subbarrel patterns of distribution only become recognizable between P-8 and P-10. These observations extend previous findings that subbarrels denote barrel regions enriched in synaptic contacts. The data also indicate that allocation of TC terminals into subbarrel domains does not occur immediately upon thalamic axon ingrowth. Instead, refinement of TC arbors into subbarrels is a gradual process, the outcome of which is not manifest until the second week of postnatal life. J. Comp. Neurol. 497:32–41, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Modulation of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase activity with cAMP and with protein fractions of rat liver cytosol

Abstract 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase activity is diminished in several in vitro liver systems preincubated in the presence of cAMP. Reductase activity in isolated, washed liver microsomes is inactivated by ATP, Mg++, and a protein fraction separated from the liver cytosol. This effect is augmented by 3′–5′ cyclic AMP. Reductase activity in previously inactivated microsomes can be partially restored by incubation with a second protein fraction of the cytosol.
Natural frequencies of clamped cylindrical shells.

E = modulus of elasticity p = mass density v = Poisson's ratio a = mean radius of shell L = length of shell h = thickness of shell x, 4> = axial and circumferential coordinates of shell t = time co = circular frequency m = number of circumferential waves around shell u, v, w = displacements of a point on the middle surface of the shell (axial, tangential, and radial, respectively) p = number of axial nodal circles not including the ends
Ganymede's auroral footprint has multiple spots

The moons of giant planets can create a phenomenon called an “auroral footprint,” which is due to an interaction between the moon and the planet's magnetosphere. This phenomenon, which has been observed for Jupiter's moons Io, Europa, and Ganymede as well as Saturn's moon Enceladus, is usually seen as a single spot in the planet's aurora. However, Io has an auroral footprint that is known to be made up of at least three spots. Scientists wondered if a multispot auroral footprint is common or unique to Io.
Investigation of the Mineral Dissolution Rate and Strength Development in Stabilized Soils Using Quantitative X-Ray Diffraction

AbstractThe design of chemical stabilization of clay soils typically relies on empirical studies that utilize 28-day strength, measured as unconfined compressive strength (UCS) or California Bearing Ratio (CBR), as the design criterion. At present, it is generally not possible to extrapolate the results of individual studies to other soils, mainly because there is no quantitative understanding of the chemical reactions that cause strength increase over time. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to investigate whether quantitative X-ray diffraction (QXRD) can be used to establish a quantitative relationship between the mineralogical (microscopic) and strength (macroscopic) properties of kaolinite clay stabilized lime, portland cement, and Class C fly ash. The UCS was observed to change linearly with dry unit weight and logarithmically with time up to 300 days of curing. The kaolinite content in the stabilized samples also decreased logarithmically with time, accompanied by a concomitant increase in...
Effect of a Lowered Catalase Level on Actions of Cardiac Glycosides

Rats were given a high zinc diet to lower body catalase and simultaneously administered 0.5 mg./Kg. digitoxin daily for five weeks. The high zinc diet did not markedly alter the effect of digitoxin on serum or heart sodium or potassium. It did reduce the ECG abnormalities induced by digitoxin. The high zinc diet also reduced the mortality of an acute dose of ouabain for mice ( P
Adult male circumcision to prevent HIV

While the HIV pandemic persists, and randomized clinical trials to evaluate the effectiveness of male circumcision as an HIV prevention measure are underway with initial results being released, there is still much debate on the implications of these studies as well as on the feasibility of such a measure. This paper summarizes and discusses the main findings of studies of the evidence underlying adult male circumcision to prevent HIV, explores its feasibility and the implication for policy and future research. While the existing biological and epidemiological evidence suggest potential reduction of the risk of HIV acquisition in circumcised men, additional evidence from randomized trials are needed to confirm this. Even if the findings are confirmed, the practical aspects of implementing adult circumcision would have to be carefully considered. The feasibility of such an intervention, particularly with respect to its cost-effectiveness, safety and acceptability, is still to be demonstrated.
Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms and the Expression of Anger

The present study investigates the association between Obsessive–Compulsive (OC) symptoms and the expression of anger in a sample of 131 undergraduates. Participants were divided into two groups based on their self-reported OC symptoms and compared on their tendency to suppress anger inwardly, express anger outwardly, and control their anger. In addition, the associations between anger and specific OC symptoms were investigated. Results indicated that individuals high in OC symptoms tended to experience more anger, be more likely to suppress it inwardly, and report more difficulty controlling their anger than individuals low in OC symptoms. However, these differences appear to be attributable to the presence of depressive symptoms in the participants with high levels of OC symptoms. In addition, OC checking was found to be weakly associated with anger independent of depressive symptoms. These results were discussed within the framework of the cognitive theory of obsessive compulsive disorder.
Dioxygen Reactivity of Reduced Heme and Heme-Copper Complexes Utilizing Tetraarylporphyrinates Tethered with Both a Pyridyl Axial Ligand and N,N-Bis[2-(2-pyridyl)ethyl]amine Chelate.

New heterobinucleating ligands for heme−Cu O2-reactivity studies feature a variably appended tridentate chelate {N,N-bis[2-(2-pyridyl)ethyl]amine} possessing an already established copper(I)/O2 chemistry. Reduced metal complexes have been synthesized and characterized. (3L)FeII (1a), a heme−Fe(II) empty-tether complex, binds O2 reversibly. Heme−Cu complex [(4L)FeIICuI]+ (2b) forms a peroxo level adduct [(4L)Fe−O2−Cu]+ (4b).
The effect of preoperative oral carprofen on postoperative pain in dogs undergoing knee surgery.

Carprofen is an oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug commonly used for treatment of chronic osteoarthritic pain. The injectable formulation has some efficacy for treatment of acute surgical orthopedic pain. The purpose of this project was to assess the efficacy of oral preoperative carprofen for control of postoperative pain in dogs undergoing knee surgery for repair of ruptured cranial cruciate ligaments. This was a randomized, placebo controlled, parallel study that investigated the effectiveness of carprofen compared to placebo. Nineteen dogs, presented to the CSU VTH, were entered into the study and randomly assigned to the carprofen (C) (n = 10) or placebo (P) (n = 9) group. Dogs received either a loading dose of carprofen (2.2 mg kg−1 PO BID) or placebo starting 24 hours prior to surgery including the morning of surgery. The placebo contained lactose and liver flavoring. Pain was assessed using a pain scoring system, visual analog scale, and a loaded pressure threshold device preoperatively, and at 1, 2, 4, 6, 24, and 48 hours and 10 and 21 days postoperatively. The treatment continued for 21 days. Blood for cortisol analysis was drawn at all assessment times. Data were analyzed using a likelihood-based mixed effect model repeated measures. Data were considered significant if p < 0.05. Eight of 10 C dogs and 5/9 P dogs were given at least 1 dose of morphine. The mean relative dose of morphine was greater in the C group at 1 hour (p = 0.01) and 24 hours (p = 0.02). The heart rate and respiratory rate decreased postoperatively in a similar manner for both groups. There were no significant postoperative differences in cortisol levels or any measured variable. It appears that the scoring system used was not sensitive enough to detect differences in pain between a known analgesic and a placebo.
Social Interaction Rules in Cooperative Learning Groups for Students At Risk for ADHD

This study assessed the effects of providing social participation rules on the performance and social behavior of a school-based sample of 10–14-year-old students at risk for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (n = 34) who worked cooperatively in same-gender triads with typical peers (n = 92). The design was primarily a 2 (population group) × 2 (gender) × 2 (type of triads: with or without a group member at risk) × 2 (task condition: with or without the social rules of turn-taking, response-justification). The authors found that social interactive rules reduced negative verbal and off-task behavior, which was attributable to students at risk for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and improved the percentage of problems solved for all children, which was attributable to boys and to middle school students. The intervention was discussed in terms of its practicality and educational importance.
Comparison of unilateral and bilateral tubal transfer in gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT).

Gamete intrafallopian, transfer (GIFT) is traditionally performed by delivering gametes into the ampullary region of either one or two fallopian tubes. The choice is made by the surgeon at the time of laparoscopy based upon the patient's anatomy, the number of oocytes available, and clinical judgment. In this nonrandomized, retrospective review, 399 tubal gamete transfers were performed over a period of 18 months, 133 to a single tube and 266 to both tubes. A clinical pregnancy rate of approximately 24% was observed in each modality. The multiple pregnancy rate of 31.3% for one tube was not significantly different from the 25% seen for two tubes. Unilateral tubal transfer offers the distinct advantages of less gamete and tissue handling. This, along with the apparent same outcome parameters, makes unilateral tubal transfer the preferred method of returing gametes at GIFT.
Rapid, homogeneous vibrational dephasing in ethanol at low temperatures determined by Raman echo measurements

Raman echo and Raman free-induction decay experiments on the broad Raman transition of the sym-methyl stretch ofethanol-1,1-d2 were performed in the room-temperature liquid, just below the glass transition (80 K) and in the low-temperature glass (12 K). Contrary to standard theories, the dephasing remains both rapid and homogeneous at low temperatures. We suggest that the dephasing is caused by very rapid (225–365 fs), solvent-assisted intramolecular vibrational redistribution.
Trophic plasticity and foraging performance in red drum, Sciaenops ocellatus (Linnaeus)

Matching behavior, morphology, or physiology to current environments based on experience or cues can be an adaptive solution to environmental change. We examined morphological and behavioral plasticity induced by durophagy (consumption of hard foods) in red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus), an ecologically and recreationally important fish species undergoing stock enhancement. At the conclusion of the experiment, we conducted feeding performance trials to address the potential adaptive significance of diet-induced traits. Relative to soft foods, hard food induced a deeper head in the area of the pharyngeal mill, anterio-dorsally shifted eyes, and 8% heavier feeding muscles in juvenile S. ocellatus. These fish initially consumed hard food 2.6 times faster than fish raised on soft food. However, in subsequent feeding trials, handling time rapidly converged until both groups appeared equally efficient. This result indicates that learning may compensate for small magnitude morphological differences within a species. We discuss the importance of performance trials for testing the adaptive significance of induced plasticity and the value of separating behavioral and morphological development in studies of phenotypic plasticity. We conclude with a discussion on the implications of our results for successful supplementation of wild populations.
VLSI Optical Interconnection Networks

Fiber optic VLSI networks which use optical processing of the medium access protocol are investigated. Two protocols are demonstrated in an experimental all-optical network with a passive star architecture: asynchronous code-division multiple access (spread spectrum), at 100 Mbps, and fixed assignment time-division multiple access, at 500 Mbps. An all-optical active star architecture is also implemented with an optically-controlled lithium niobate integrated optic switch. Optical clock distribution to four fiber optic receivers, integrated on three Si VLSI chips, is demonstrated using a coupling technique which reduces the footprint of the fiber-optic interconnect to its theoretical minimum, i.e., the diameter of a single-mode waveguide.
Reduced Balancing Transformations for Large Nonnormal State-Space Systems

Model reduction of nonnormal state-space input/output systems requires a dual-state (state and adjoint state) approach. With this approach the method of balanced truncation provides the baseline of reduced balanced transformation, allowing evaluation of other more numerically efficient forms of reduced balanced transformation that are obtained by direct methods. The shortcoming of balanced truncation is the numerical intractability to generate the full-order gramians and balanced transformation for large systems. In practice, reduced balanced transformation for large systems can be obtained from empirical-based methods using empirical-based gramians. Empiricalmodelreductionsmethodsincludethewell-knownproperorthogonaldecomposition,thebalancedproper orthogonal decomposition, modified proper orthogonal decomposition, and pseudobalanced proper orthogonal decomposition. All are discussed in this paper. In our error analyses, the Karhunen–Loeve expansion based on proper orthogonal decomposition is extended to the generalized Karhunen–Loeve expansion based on balanced proper orthogonal decomposition, which is applicable for nonnormal systems. The error analyses highlight the importance of the dual-state-reduction approach. For model-reduction performance evaluation, the complex Orr–Sommerfeld input/output system is used.
Natural History of Hepatitis B Virus Infection: An Update for Clinicians

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a common viral pathogen that causes a substantial health burden worldwide. Significant progress has been made in the past few decades in understanding the natural history of HBV infection. A dynamic balance between viral replication and host immune response is pivotal to the pathogenesis of liver disease. In immunocompetent adults, most HBV infections spontaneously resolve, whereas in most neonates and infants they become chronic. Those with chronic HBV may present in 1 of 4 phases of infection: (1) in a state of immune tolerance, (2) with hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive chronic hepatitis, (3) as an inactive hepatitis B surface antigen carrier, or (4) with HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis. Of these, HBeAg-positive and HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis may progress to cirrhosis and its long-term sequelae including hepatic decompensation and hepatocellular carcinoma. Several prognostic factors, such as serum HBV DNA concentrations, HBeAg status, serum aminotransferases, and certain HBV genotypes, have been identified to predict long-term outcome. These data emphasize the importance of monitoring all patients with chronic HBV infection to identify candidates for and select optimal timing of antiviral treatment, to recognize those at risk of complications, and to implement surveillance for early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Natural resources policy 1975–1985

Abstract Natural resources policy in the United States is a matter for deep concern. It is inconsistent, often outdated, and grossly overdependent on direct regulation vis-a-vis adjustments in the defective system of economic incentives. This policy also fails to recognize the tight web of interdependences among all resource problems, including those of environmental resources. This paper explores these interdependencies and develops a coherent program of natural resources policies. The chief elements are reduced reliance on direct regulation, increased reliance on economic incentives, measures to cancel unfavorable distributive effects, measures to improve the competitiveness and performance of the natural resource industries, and reorganization of both legislative and administrative branches of government.
Hormonal mediation of the effects of defeat on agonistic responding in mice.

Abstract Three experiments were conducted to determine whether the pituitary-adrenocortical and pituitary-gonadal hormones are involved in the mediation of the effects of defeat on agonistic responding in mice. In Experiment 1, preventing changes in the levels of both the pituitary-adrenocortical and pituitary-gonadal hormones delayed the decrease in aggressiveness and increase in submissiveness that normally accompany defeat and prevented the decrease in aggressiveness that normally persists following this experience. In Experiment 2, preventing changes in androgen levels alone had no effect on the agonistic response patterns of defeated mice. In Experiment 3, preventing changes in corticosterone levels alone delayed the increase in submissiveness that normally accompanies defeat but did not affect the pattern of aggressive responding. These findings suggest that the pituitary-adrenocortical responses to defeat facilitate the effects of this experience on agonistic responding. It is suggested that ACTH is the primary hormone in the mediation of the effects of defeat on aggressive responding, whereas corticosterone is the primary hormone in the mediation of the effects of defeat on submissive responding.
Three dimensional few layer graphene and carbon nanotube foam architectures for high fidelity supercapacitors

Abstract Supercapacitors are promising alternative energy storage systems due to their relatively fastrate of energy storage and delivery. We describe a simple and scalable method to fabricatethree-dimensional (3D) few-layer graphene/multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT) hybridnanostructures on industrial grade metal foam foils (nickel foam) via a one-step ambientpressure chemical vapor deposition (APCVD) process. The as-grown few-layer graphene/MWNTnanocarbon foams are in the form of a homogeneous and densely packed hierarchicalnanostructures and possess a very large surface area of 743 m 2 g 1 . Symmetrical electro-chemical double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) of 3D hybrid hierarchical few-layer graphene/MWNTnanostructures show a high speciﬁc capacitance of 286 F g 1 which leads to an energy density of39.72 Wh kg 1 and a superior power density of up to 154.67 kW kg . Moreover, the capacitanceretention of 99.34% after 85000 charge–discharge cycles demonstrates the very high stability ofthe electrode architectures for supercapacitors. These merits enable the innovative 3Dhierarchical few-layer graphene/MWNT foam to serve as high performance EDLC electrodes,resulting in energy storage devices with very high stability and power density.& 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.2211-2855/$-see front matter & 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.nanoen.2012.10.001
Anal continence following surgery for imperforate anus.

Abstract Measurements of force in the anal canal, electrical activity of the smooth muscle of the internal sphincter, and the response to rectal distension, as well as subjective assessment of continence, have been made on a series of children operated upon for imperforate anus between 1955 and 1965. The most useful objective measurement appeared to be the reflex response in the anal canal on rectal distension. When a normal response occurred, good or moderate continence was observed. Poor continence was associated with a rise in anal canal force. The force in the anal canal on voluntary squeezing proved to be less informative in assessing continence than did the presence of a palpable puborectalis.
Estimating uncertainties in watershed studies

[1] Quantifying Uncertainty in Ecosystem Studies (QUEST) Workshop: Uncertainty in Hydrologic Fluxes of Elements at the Small Watershed Scale; Boston, Massachusetts, 14–15 March 2011; Small watersheds have been used widely to quantify chemical fluxes and cycling in terrestrial ecosystems for about the past half century. The small watershed approach has been valuable in characterizing hydrologic and nutrient budgets, for instance, in estimating the net gain or loss of solutes in response to disturbance. However, the uncertainty in these ecosystem budget calculations is generally ignored. Without uncertainty estimates in watershed studies, it is difficult to evaluate the significance of observed differences between watersheds or changes in budgets over time, and erroneous conclusions may be drawn. The historical lack of attention given to uncertainty has been due at least in part to the lack of appropriate analytical tools and approaches. The issue of uncertainty has been confronted more rigorously in other disciplines, yet the advances made have not been comprehensively applied to biogeochemical input-output budgets. In recent years, there has been growing recognition that estimates of uncertainty are essential for coming to sound scientific conclusions, identifying which budget components most need improvement, and developing more efficient monitoring strategies, thereby maximizing information gained per unit cost.
Intranasal immunization with Chlamydia trachomatis, serovar E, protects from a subsequent vaginal challenge with the homologous serovar.

To vaccinate against a vaginal challenge with Chlamydia trachomatis, C3H/HeJ (H-2k) mice were immunized intranasally (i.n.) or intraperitoneally (i.p.) with 1 x 10(6) inclusion forming units (IFU) of C. trachomatis, serovar E and i.n. with 1 x 10(6) UV inactivated IFU of serovar E. Animals inoculated i.n. with mock infected HeLa 229 cells were used as controls. Upon a vaginal challenge with 5 x 10(3) IFU of serovar E, mice immunized i.n. with viable serovar E exhibited significant protection as judged by the number of mice infected compared to controls (p < 0.05). In contrast, mice immunized i.n. with serovar E that had been UV-inactivated, were not protected from a subsequent vaginal challenge with serovar E. Mice immunized i.p. with serovar E showed attenuation of the infection by 4 weeks after challenge compared to control mice as to the number of animals with positive vaginal cultures (p < 0.05). Of the immune parameters examined, the best correlation with protection was seen with Chlamydia specific IgG and IgA vaginal titers and lymphoproliferative responses to serovar E. In summary, mucosal immunization with viable serovar E partially protected mice against a subsequent vaginal challenge, thereby showing that it is possible to elicit a protective response to a human strain of C. trachomatis at a distant mucosal site in this animal model.
Mutation of Membrane Type-1 Metalloproteinase, MT1-MMP, Causes the Multicentric Osteolysis and Arthritis Disease Winchester Syndrome

The “vanishing bone” syndromes represent a group of rare skeletal disorders characterized by osteolysis and joint destruction, which can mimic severe rheumatoid arthritis. Winchester syndrome was one of the first recognized autosomal-recessive, multicentric forms of the disorder. It was originally described nearly 50 years ago in two sisters with a severe crippling osteolysis. Using cultured fibroblasts from the proband, we have now identified homozygous mutations in membrane type-1 metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP or MMP14). We demonstrate that the resulting hydrophobic-region signal-peptide substitution (p.Thr17Arg) decreases MT1-MMP membrane localization with consequent impairment of pro-MMP2 activation, and we propose a structure-based mechanism for this effect.
A meta-analysis of the effects of Lactobacillus buchneri on the fermentation and aerobic stability of corn and grass and small-grain silages.

The results of adding Lactobacillus buchneri to silages from 43 experiments in 23 sources reporting standard errors were summarized using meta-analysis. The effects of inoculation were summarized by type of crop (corn or grass and small grains) and the treatments were classified into the following categories: 1) untreated silage with nothing applied (LB0), 2) silage treated with L. buchneri at 100,000 cfu/g (LB2). In both types of crops, inoculation with L. buchneri decreased concentrations of lactic acid, and this response was dose-dependent in corn but not in grass and small-grain silages. Treatment with L. buchneri markedly increased the concentrations of acetic acid in both crops in a dose-dependent manner. The numbers of yeasts were lower in silages treated with LB1 and further decreased in silages treated with LB2 compared with untreated silages. Untreated corn silage spoiled after 25 h of exposure to air but corn silage treated with LB1 did not spoil until 35 h, and this stability was further enhanced to 503 h with LB2. In grass and small-grain silages, yeasts were nearly undetectable; however, inoculation improved aerobic stability in a dose-dependent manner (206, 226, and 245 h for LB0, LB1, and LB2, respectively). The recovery of DM after ensiling was lower for LB2 (94.5%) when compared with LB0 (95.5%) in corn silage and was lower for both LB1 (94.8%) and LB2 (95.3%) when compared with LB0 (96.6%) in grass and small-grain silages.
Analysis of granular flow in a pebble-bed nuclear reactor

Pebble-bed nuclear reactor technology, which is currently being revived around the world, raises fundamental questions about dense granular flow in silos. A typical reactor core is composed of graphite fuel pebbles, which drain very slowly in a continuous refueling process. Pebble flow is poorly understood and not easily accessible to experiments, and yet it has a major impact on reactor physics. To address this problem, we perform full-scale, discrete-element simulations in realistic geometries, with up to 440,000 frictional, viscoelastic 6-cm-diam spheres draining in a cylindrical vessel of diameter 3.5m and height 10 m with bottom funnels angled at 30 degrees or 60 degrees. We also simulate a bidisperse core with a dynamic central column of smaller graphite moderator pebbles and show that little mixing occurs down to a 1:2 diameter ratio. We analyze the mean velocity, diffusion and mixing, local ordering and porosity (from Voronoi volumes), the residence-time distribution, and the effects of wall friction and discuss implications for reactor design and the basic physics of granular flow.
Synthesis of a new class of converters that utilize energy recirculation

A new class of switchmode power electronic circuit topologies, named energy recirculation and storage circuits (ERSCs), are described which have the characteristic of storing and recirculating energy in a return path to augment the source. A port reduction technique is developed which connects output to input and is applied to buck and boost derived converters. A description of circuit operation is given for an ideal boost/buck ERSC. Two possible applications for ERSCs are for in-situ testing of power devices and for power factor correction. The second utilizes a cascaded boost/buck ERSC as an output-regulated power-factor correction (PFC) circuit. The PFC-ERSC is evaluated and a detailed description with key equations included. >
Adult Laparoscopic and Robotic-Assisted Pyeloplasty for Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction

Historically the gold standard for the management of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) has been open pyeloplasty. However, since laparoscopic-assisted pyeloplasty was first described by Schuessler et al. in 1993, the minimally invasive approach has gained wide popularity and acceptance among both academic and community urologists [1, 2]. The goal of correcting a UPJO is not to reverse damage which the kidney has already sustained but to prevent further deterioration of function and to relieve symptoms. Laparoscopic or robotic approaches to correction of UPJO have been well documented in the literature, including reduction in hospital stay, decreased postoperative analgesic requirements, and reduced incision size and amount of esthetically undesirable scarring [3].
Authentication of JPEG Images Based on Genetic Algorithms

This paper presents an efficient authentication method for JPEG images based on Genetic Algorithms (GA). The current authentication methods for JPEG images require the receivers to know the quantization table beforehand in order to authenticate the images. Moreover, the quantization tables used in the JPEG compression are different for differ- ent quality factors, thus increasing the burden on the receivers to maintain several quantization tables. We propose a novel GA-based method which possesses three advantages. First, the computation at the receiver end is simplified. Second, it is no more required for the receivers to maintain quantization tables. Third, the method is resistant against Vector Quantiza- tion (VQ) and Copy-Paste (CP) attacks by generating the authentication information which is unique with respect to each block and each image. Furthermore, we develop a two- level detection strategy to reduce the false acceptance ratio of in- valid blocks. Experimental results show that the proposed GA-based method can successfully authenticate JPEG images under variant attacks.
Fusarium solani: prevalence of skin reactivity and antigenic allergenic analysis.

Abstract The prevalence of Fusariurn solani reactivity in atopic individuals with symptoms of mold allergy was assessed with skin test and BAST. In addition, F. solani preparations were evaluated for antigenic/allergenic activity. Atopic individuals tested, 24.5% (n = 69), had positive skin reactions to a phosphate-buffered saline extract of F. solani , and these responses were statistically correlated with RAST results. Immunoelectrophoretic techniques demonstrated that this extract was antigenic in rabbits and allergenic in man. Gel filtration of F. solani extract on a Bio-Gel A 0.5 m column demonstrated three peaks of ultraviolet-absorbing material. The column eluate with the greatest RAST inhibition activity was associated with a protein peak having a molecular weight >341 kilodaltons; however, all peaks demonstrated inhibitory activity. These studies suggest that extracts of F. solani contain several allergens that differ in molecular weight and charge.
A low voltage class AB CMOS amplifier

A new class AB CMOS operational amplifier (opamp) principle is presented. It is based on a novel self-biasing input transistor technique. The operational transconductance amplifier (OTA) utilizing this principle exhibits similar small signal characteristics of conventional OTAs. It has, however, a superior large signal behavior and its settling time is not slew-rate limited. It also overcomes the difficulties of unconditional stability inherent in some class AB opamps. It is particularly suited for low voltage operation. Due to the generality of the proposed technique, the principle can be applied to many other circuit topologies.