cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tectonic geomorphometrics of the western United States: Speculations on the surface expression of upper mantle processes

The topography of the western United States provides a classic field laboratory for investigations of the relationship between surface features and sub-crustal dynamic processes. The interpretation of recently collected, high-resolution seismic images of the upper mantle beneath the central Colorado Rocky Mountains substantiates the notion that much of the high elevation coincides with thin or attenuated continental crust (with respect to predicted Airy crustal thicknesses), necessitating topographic support by anomalously buoyant mantle. This is highly suggestive that broad-scale topographic features may be correlated with buoyancy variations in the upper mantle. In an attempt to sharpen our understanding of the underlying geodynamics, we evaluate the correlation between the surface topographic character and data sets that provide information about density variations indicative of buoyancy in the upper mantle, including the lithospheric geoid, upper mantle seismic velocity anomalies, and crustal (Lg) Q. Our general conclusion is that mantle buoyancy is driving differential surface uplift throughout the western United States and this driver of topography is manifested by measureable anomalies in the topographic roughness at short wavelengths (tens of kilometer) and elevated spectral power in the topography at longer (several hundred kilometers) wavelengths. A provocative conclusion is that the long-recognized physiographic provinces of the Colorado Plateau, Rocky Mountains, and Rio Grande rift are also neotectonic provinces that are related to convective processes and related buoyancy in the upper mantle.
Entre renúncies, temors i deures. Anàlisi de l’estructura motivacional del consum ecològic

Segons algunes informacions, el consum ecologic ha experimentat, en els darrers anys, un augment notable entre alguns sectors de la societat. Tanmateix, les dades quantitatives de que disposem tal vegada no son prou adequades per determinar a que es refereixen les persones quan parlen de consum ecologic (mes enlla de les definicions oficials), ni tampoc per comprendre que els empeny a comprar aquest tipus de productes. Amb el present treball, es preten donar resposta a aquests interrogants a partir d’una proposta d’analisi sociomotivacional i d’un enfocament qualitatiu, amb l’aplicacio de les tecniques del grup de discussio i l’entrevista oberta. L’objectiu fonamental es configurar l’estructura motivacional basica del consum ecologic, en la mesura que te la capacitat de revelar els distints processos motivacionals que regulen la imatge del que es ecologic i el seu consum. Constatem que, atenent que els productes ecologics es configuren com un simbol significativament i afectivament sobrecarregat, el fet d’adquirir-ne s’afirma com un fenomen particular i, en alguns aspectes, diferencial, dins de les formes de consum que predominen avui dia.
Evaluating spatial interaction models for regional mobility in sub-Saharan Africa

Simple spatial interaction models of human mobility based on physical laws have been used extensively in the social, biological, and physical sciences, and in the study of the human dynamics underlying the spread of disease. Recent analyses of commuting patterns and travel behavior in high-income countries have led to the suggestion that these models are highly generalizable, and as a result, gravity and radiation models have become standard tools for describing population mobility dynamics for infectious disease epidemiology. Communities in Sub-Saharan Africa may not conform to these models, however; physical accessibility, availability of transport, and cost of travel between locations may be variable and severely constrained compared to high-income settings, informal labor movements rather than regular commuting patterns are often the norm, and the rise of mega-cities across the continent has important implications for travel between rural and urban areas. Here, we first review how infectious disease frameworks incorporate human mobility on different spatial scales and use anonymous mobile phone data from nearly 15 million individuals to analyze the spatiotemporal dynamics of the Kenyan population. We find that gravity and radiation models fail in systematic ways to capture human mobility measured by mobile phones; both severely overestimate the spatial spread of travel and perform poorly in rural areas, but each exhibits different characteristic patterns of failure with respect to routes and volumes of travel. Thus, infectious disease frameworks that rely on spatial interaction models are likely to misrepresent population dynamics important for the spread of disease in many African populations.
Outward investment by Chinese MNCs: Motivations and implications

ince 1978, when it opened its doors to the world,China has achieved spectacular success in attract-ing foreign direct investment. In 2002, it sur-passed the US as the largest recipient of FDI in the world.However, investment has not been flowing in just onedirection. According to the World Bank (1997), in themid-1990s China was the largest outward investor amongdeveloping countries and the eighth largest supplier ofoutward investment among all countries. As
Interference-free measurements of the subsonic aerodynamics of slanted-base ogive cylinders

Drag, lift, pitching moment, and base-pressure measurements have been made, free of support interference, on a range of slanted-base ogive cylinders, using the NASA Langley Research Center 13-in magnetic suspension and balance system. Test Mach numbers were in the range 0.04-0.2. Two types of wake flow were observed, a quasi-symmetric turbulent closure or a longitudinal vortex flow. Aerodynamic characteristics differ dramatically between the two wake types. Drag measurements are shown to be in agreement with previous tests. A hysteretic behavior of the wake with varying Reynold's number has been discovered for the 45-deg base. An interaction between forebody boundary-layer state and wake flow and base pressures has been detected for higher slant angles.
Oral fusospirochetosis and associated lesions

Abstract Fusospirochetal lesions, their relationships, and appropriate treatment have been described, and a classification has been presented.
Cryogenic electron tunneling within mixed-metal hemoglobin hybrids: Protein glassing and electron-transfer energetics

We report that when mixed-metal, [M, Fe] hemoglobin (Hb) hybrids, with Fe in one type of subunit and M = Zn or Mg in the other type, are embedded in clear poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) films, they exhibit inter-subunit electron transfer (ET) electron−nuclear tunneling down to cryogenic temperatures (5 K), making them the first protein system other than photosynthetic systems to exhibit such behavior. The rate constant for the (Fe2+Porphyrin) → (MPorphyrin)+ inter-subunit ET reaction shows a roughly temperature-invariant, quantum-tunneling regime from cryogenic temperatures (5 K) up to ca. 200 K. Some of the hybrids (depending on M and the Fe ligand) begin to show a strong increase in this ET rate constant at higher temperatures. This behavior is discussed here in terms of a recent heuristic description of ET in a glassy environment that accounts for the fact that slow solvent relaxation at low temperatures, and in particular upon cooling through a glassing transition, causes the reaction pathway to deviate fr...
Design and implementation of a pixel image scanner

In this paper the design of a pixel image scanner (PIS) and its interface with two processors, the image processor (backend) and main processor is proposed. The detailed hardware logic needed for the main processor to address the 256 X 256 pixel image sensors locations, and the 64 K X 8 bit FIFO memory for buffering the digital data acquired for the PIS and which is to be made available to the backend (image) processor is presented. A two port static RAM, interfaces the two processors. The dual port RAM design is capable of generating an interrupt to the main processor in order to inform the availability of processed data. All the timing, control signals address, and data lines needed for the main processor are also discussed.
Is nausea associated with chronic hepatitis C infection

Abstract OBJECTIVES: Hepatitis C virus is a common chronic infection that is widely associated with symptoms of fatigue and pain in the right upper quadrant. Nausea may be an underrecognized symptom. This study was designed to study the frequency of nausea in patients with hepatitis C virus infection compared to controls. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design with consecutive outpatients was used. Three groups were administered a dyspepsia and a previously validated Nausea Profile questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed. RESULTS: A total of 64 hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients, 53 liver disease controls (LC), and 64 normal controls (NC) were studied. An increased period prevalence of nausea was found in HCV patients 43% versus 29.7% in NC and 18.9% in LC (p = 0.009). There was an increased frequency of fatigue and abdominal pain in HCV patients over 1 month compared to LC and NC combined (p = 0.0001 and 0.0065 respectively). The Nausea Profile score revealed statistically higher total scores and higher subscale scores in the HCV group compared to controls. The total NP score expressed as a percentage of the maximum was 27% in HCV versus 12.7% for LC and 9.2% for NC (p = 0.0005). The odds of nausea using logistic regression were 2.1 CI (1.0–4.5) in HCV patients compared to controls (p = 0.05). Using linear regression, higher Nausea Profile scores were found to be independently associated with the diagnosis of HCV (.0005), fatigue (p = 0.0003), and abdominal pain (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: HCV infection is associated with an increased risk for nausea. The strong association between abdominal pain and nausea may be a clue to the etiology of nausea in these patients. Further etiological studies are needed.
The anatomic relevance of the Haller cell in sinusitis.

In current theories of sinusitis, obstruction at the ostiomeatal complex leads to localized inflammation and infection. Haller cells, an extension of ethmoid pneumatization along the maxillary antrum roof, have also been suggested as a causative factor in sinusitis because of their ability to cause narrowing of the infundibulum. Coronal CT scans were reviewed in 154 patients to evaluate the role of Haller cells in sinusitis. Haller cells were present in 34% of patients. The cells were graded as small, medium, or large, and correlated with radiologic evidence of sinusitis (e.g., mucosal thickening or opacification). A statistically significant increase in maxillary sinus mucosal disease was noted in patients with medium or large Haller cells (45.8%) versus those with small cells (28.9%, p < 0.05). Thus obstructive medium and large Haller cells may be an etiologic factor in sinusitis.
Perceived, actual, and desired knowledge regarding Medicare billing and reimbursement. A national needs assessment survey of internal medicine residents.

BACKGROUND: Economics and reimbursement have became a daily part of practicing physicians’ lives. Yet, few internal medicine (IM) programs have offered formal curricula during residency about practice management or economics.
A simple, rapid method to process and assay fatty acids and alcohols by gas chromatography.

A rapid method is presented for the direct qualitative and quantitative assay by gas chromatography of microbial metabolites produced in culture and biological specimens. We have used this technique for analysis of metabolic end-products of anaerobic bacteria in broth cultures and in feces, but it would be suitable for studies with other organisms and biological specimens as well. Aqueous samples are injected directly into the system. Two gas chromatograph instruments are connected to one recorder, and employ thermal conductivity (TCD) and flame ionization detectors (FID). The column packings (Resoflex LAC-1-R-296 standard concentration (P)1 for the TCD and 6% FFAP2 on Porapak Q3 for the FID) permit separation of lower-chain volatile fatty acids (VFA's), alchohols and similar components as well as methyl ester derivatives of nonvolatile acids (lactic, pyruvic, and succinic) in a comparatively short time. Quantitation of the VFA's is provided by means of an electronic digital integrator.
THE FORM OF SEXUAL SELECTION ON MALE GENITALIA CANNOT BE INFERRED FROM WITHIN‐POPULATION VARIANCE AND ALLOMETRY—A CASE STUDY IN AQUARIUS REMIGIS

Male genital morphology in insects and arachnids is characterized by static hypoallometry and low intrapopulational levels of phenotypic variation relative to other male traits. The one-size-fits-all model of genital evolution attributes these patterns to stabilizing sexual selection. This model relies on the assumption that the observed patterns of variation and allometry reflect the form of sexual selection acting these traits. We test this by examining the patterns of scaling and trait variation for a set of genitalic and somatic morphological traits in male water striders (Aquarius remigis). This suite of traits is of particular interest because previous work has shown that the genitalic traits are under strong directional selection whereas the somatic traits are under either weak directional or stabilizing selection. Because the selection regime for these traits is known, we can, for the first time, test the purported relationship between trait variation, scaling, and the form of sexual selection. We show that the patterns of variation and scaling of these traits differ sharply from those predicted for traits experiencing strong directional sexual selection. Specifically, the male genital structures show static hypoallometry and low intrapopulational levels of phenotypic variation relative to other male traits, in spite of consistent, strong, directional sexual selection. These scaling relationships and levels of variation are typical of genital traits in other insect species, where they have been presumed to reflect stabilizing sexual selection. Our data clearly refute the assumption of the one-size-fits-all hypothesis that hypoallometric scaling of genitalic traits implies stabilizing selection. We discuss the implications of this finding and propose future directions for improving our current understanding of genital evolution in arthropods.
Chemical ionization mass spectrometry of doxylamine and related compounds

The chemical ionization mass spectrometric (CIMS) analysis of doxylamine, N,N-dimethyl-2-[1-phenyl-1-(2-pyridinyl)ethoxy]ethanamine, and related compounds, using both ammonia and methane as reagent gases, is discussed. The two reagent gases did not produce the same major fragment ion for doxylamine. Mechanisms for the fragmentation of doxylamine under either ammonia or methane CIMS conditions are proposed. The mechanisms explain the observation of an m/z 182 fragment ion for doxylamine analyzed under methane CIMS conditions and an m/z 184 product ion detected under ammonia CIMS conditions.
“Culture-a-Go-Go”: The Ghirardelli Square Sculpture Controversy and the Liberation of Civic Design in the 1960s

In the early 1960s, historic Ghirardelli Square was crafted from old factory buildings by leading modernist architects, landscape architects, and innumerable allied artists, and to great acclaim emerged from the transformative crosscurrents of the Bay Area in that decade. In 1968 a public controversy over a new sculpture in Ghirardelli stirred latent attitudes towards the Square as a civic place and as an artifact of urban design. Landscape architect Lawrence Halprin's demand for the removal of Ruth Asawa's mermaid sculpture galvanized debate over men's domination of the symbols and design of urban public space. While it began as a formulaic battle over the appropriateness of abstract or representational art, the controversy revealed that a different modernism was at stake, namely the boundaries of feminism, and the presence of women and female sexuality in public places. In the local context, the mermaids offered either a wholesome, maternal alternative to the neighboring topless club scene, or confirmed fears of an encroaching, corrupting public sexuality. Focusing on the Square and sculpture controversy, this essay explores how such civic-commercial sites brokered as well as distilled urban transformation. The generational revolutions in San Francisco and the national experimentations with urban redevelopment were woven together. These two stories of arts and place-the local and the national-intertwined as San Francisco's rebuilding crossed boundaries and redrew distinctions between historical and modern, preservation and renewal, men's and women's realms, art and urban design, benign form and radical content, and civic and commercial space.
Serum proteins and glycoproteins in 2 strains of mice differing in teratogenic potential.

SummaryIn 2 strains of mice, Strong A and C3H, which are respectively susceptible and resistant to induction of cleft palate in offspring when cortisone is given to pregnant mothers, it was found that cortisone, pregnancy per se and pregnancy plus cortisone lead to definite and different effects on serum proteins, protein fractions, and protein-bound carbohydrate fractions. A direct connection between protein metabolism and cleft palate is not inferred from the results.
A Brief Measure of Loneliness Suitable for Use with Adolescents

An 8-item loneliness scale was administered to a sample of high school students (N = 1,710) twice, about one year apart. The scale exhibited good internal consistency reliability (alphas of 0.78 and 0.79, respectively), was relatively independent of gender effects, and demonstrated evidence of construct validity. Factor analysis of the items yielded a two-factor solution which met methodological criteria, but over-all the data suggested a method artifact, e.g., positively and negatively worded items factored separately. Examination of the two factors indicated the subscale of four negative items (lack companionship, no longer close, left out, feel isolated) had an alpha reliability of .77, correlated .89 with the total scale score, and exhibited virtually an identical pattern of associations with a set of theoretically relevant variables as the full scale. This four-item scale may be useful in epidemiologic surveys in which over-all response burden is an issue.
Amphidynamic Crystals of a Steroidal Bicyclo[2.2.2]octane Rotor: A High Symmetry Group That Rotates Faster than Smaller Methyl and Methoxy Groups

The synthesis, crystallization, single crystal X-ray structure, and solid state dynamics of molecular rotor 3 provided with a high symmetry order and relatively cylindrical bicyclo[2.2.2]octane (BCO) rotator linked to mestranol fragments were investigated in this work. By use of solid state 13C NMR, three rotating fragments were identified within the molecule: the BCO, the C19 methoxy and the C18 methyl groups. To determine the dynamics of the BCO group in crystals of 3 by variable temperature 1H spin–lattice relaxation (VT 1H T1), we determined the 1H T1 contributions from the methoxy group C19 by carrying out measurements with the methoxy-deuterated isotopologue rotor 3-d6. The contributions from the quaternary methyl group C18 were estimated by considering the differences between the VT 1H T1 of mestranol 8 and methoxy-deuterated mestranol 8-d3. From these studies it was determined that the BCO rotator in 3 has an activation energy of only 1.15 kcal mol–1, with a barrier for site exchange that is small...
A structural role for arginine in proteins: multiple hydrogen bonds to backbone carbonyl oxygens.

We propose that arginine side chains often play a previously unappreciated general structural role in the maintenance of tertiary structure in proteins, wherein the positively charged guanidinium group forms multiple hydrogen bonds to backbone carbonyl oxygens. Using as a criterion for a "structural" arginine one that forms 4 or more hydrogen bonds to 3 or more backbone carbonyl oxygens, we have used molecular graphics to locate arginines of interest in 4 proteins: Arg 180 in Thermus thermophilus manganese superoxide dismutase, Arg 254 in human carbonic anhydrase II, Arg 31 in Streptomyces rubiginosus xylose isomerase, and Arg 313 in Rhodospirillum rubrum ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase. Arg 180 helps to mold the active site channel of superoxide dismutase, whereas in each of the other enzymes the structural arginine is buried in the "mantle" (i.e., inside, but near the surface) of the protein interior well removed from the active site, where it makes 5 hydrogen bonds to 4 backbone carbonyl oxygens. Using a more relaxed criterion of 3 or more hydrogen bonds to 2 or more backbone carbonyl oxygens, arginines that play a potentially important structural role were found in yeast enolase, Bacillus stearothermophilus glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, bacteriophage T4 and human lysozymes, Enteromorpha prolifera plastocyanin, HIV-1 protease, Trypanosoma brucei brucei and yeast triosephosphate isomerases, and Escherichia coli trp aporepressor (but not trp repressor or the trp repressor/operator complex).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Intracranial nasal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma: immunopathologically-confirmed case and review of literature.

Advances in immunophenotypic profiling now permit characterization of natural killer/T-cell (NK/T-cell) lymphoma as distinct from other extranodal T- and B-cell Non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas. NK/T-cell lymphoma presents most commonly in the nasal cavity. Disease progression to the central nervous system (CNS) is a rare phenomenon. We present here, to our knowledge, the first immunophenotypically-confirmed case of direct extension of nasal NK/T-cell lymphoma to the brain. In addition, we review the literature with respect to NK/T-cell lymphoma metastasis to the CNS. The overall prevalence of NK/T-cell lymphoma CNS metastasis is less than 3%. Although rare, CNS invasion portends a poor prognosis, emphasizing the importance of early and accurate immunophenotype profiling and the need for novel, aggressive therapy.
The benefits of a dedicated minimally invasive surgery program to academic general surgery practice.

In 2001, a dedicated minimally invasive surgery (MIS) program was established at a large university hospital. Changes included improvement and standardization of equipment and instruments, patient care protocols, standardized orders, and staff education. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of this program on an academic surgery practice. From January 1999 through October 2003, hospital and departmental databases were reviewed for all records pertaining to general surgery cases. Data trends were analyzed by regression analysis and are expressed as mean +- SEM. In 1999, 15.0 +- 0.1% of all general surgery cases were MIS cases compared with 30.2 +- 0.1% in 2003 (P < 0.0001). During this period, the number of patients requiring conversion from a laparoscopic to an open approach decreased from 14.4% to 4.0% (P < 0.0007). In 1999, 30% of appendectomies were laparoscopic, compared with 92% in 2003 (P < 0.0001). This increase in the rate of laparoscopic appendectomy resulted in a decrease in average length of hospital stay for all patients with acute appendicitis, from 5.5 +- 1.0 days in 1999 to 2.7 +- 0.2 days in 2003 (P < 0.0001), and a decrease in total hospital cost per case, from $6569 +- 400 in 1999 to $4819 +- 175 in 2002 (P < 0.001). Total operating room time per case for cholecystectomy decreased from 131 +- 3.7 to 108 +- 3.2 minutes (P < 0.0001), and actual surgery time decreased from 95 +- 4.1 to 74 +- 4.0 minutes (P = 0.0006). Implementation of a dedicated MIS program resulted in a significant increase in the number of MIS cases and percentage of general surgery cases performed by MIS. This increase in the utilization of MIS resulted in reduced length of stay and cost and has been accompanied by improvements in operating room efficiency. Changes in practice associated with development of an MIS program have had measurable institutional benefits.
Maraviroc (UK-427,857), a Potent, Orally Bioavailable, and Selective Small-Molecule Inhibitor of Chemokine Receptor CCR5 with Broad-Spectrum Anti-Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Activity

Maraviroc (UK-427,857) is a selective CCR5 antagonist with potent anti-human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) activity and favorable pharmacological properties. Maraviroc is the product of a medicinal chemistry effort initiated following identification of an imidazopyridine CCR5 ligand from a high-throughput screen of the Pfizer compound file. Maraviroc demonstrated potent antiviral activity against all CCR5-tropic HIV-1 viruses tested, including 43 primary isolates from various clades and diverse geographic origin (geometric mean 90% inhibitory concentration of 2.0 nM). Maraviroc was active against 200 clinically derived HIV-1 envelope-recombinant pseudoviruses, 100 of which were derived from viruses resistant to existing drug classes. There was little difference in the sensitivity of the 200 viruses to maraviroc, as illustrated by the biological cutoff in this assay (= geometric mean plus two standard deviations [SD] of 1.7-fold). The mechanism of action of maraviroc was established using cell-based assays, where it blocked binding of viral envelope, gp120, to CCR5 to prevent the membrane fusion events necessary for viral entry. Maraviroc did not affect CCR5 cell surface levels or associated intracellular signaling, confirming it as a functional antagonist of CCR5. Maraviroc has no detectable in vitro cytotoxicity and is highly selective for CCR5, as confirmed against a wide range of receptors and enzymes, including the hERG ion channel (50% inhibitory concentration, >10 μM), indicating potential for an excellent clinical safety profile. Studies in preclinical in vitro and in vivo models predicted maraviroc to have human pharmacokinetics consistent with once- or twice-daily dosing following oral administration. Clinical trials are ongoing to further investigate the potential of using maraviroc for the treatment of HIV-1 infection and AIDS.
Electron transfer during nuclear resonance scattering

Abstract The observation of electron capture by protons which scatter resonantly from the target nucleus can yield information concerning both the atomic and the nuclear process which is not obtainable by observation of either of the processes separately. The Feshbach scattering formalism is used to determine the precise form of this new information. It is found that a loosely bound nuclear resonance state yields very little new information but that in the opposite limit a great deal of new information is obtained.
Estradiol down-regulates MCP-1 expression in human coronary artery endothelial cells.

Abstract Objective: To determine whether estrogen down-regulates MCP-1 in vascular endothelial cells. Design: A prospective comparative study. Setting: Academic research environment. Patient(s): Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (n = 3) and human coronary artery endothelial cells (n = 3) obtained from females. Intervention(s): Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC) were grown to preconfluence. Then, they were treated with various concentrations of estradiol (10 −11 M to 10 −7 M) as well as raloxifene (10 −7 M) and tamoxifen (10 −7 M). MCP-1 in culture media was quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cellular ribonucleic acid (RNA) was extracted and Northern blots were hybridized with an oligonucleotide probe complementary to a specific sequence of MCP-1 mRNA. Main Outcome Measure(s): MCP-1 protein and mRNA. Result(s): Estrogen treatment did not change MCP-1 expression in HUVEC. On the other hand, in HCAEC, estradiol induced a 30% decrease in mRNA expression and resulted in dose-dependent inhibition of MCP-1 production as detected by ELISA. Raloxifene and tamoxifen also resulted in inhibition of MCP-1 mRNA and protein expression. Conclusion(s): Our findings suggest that one of the mechanisms by which estrogen down-regulates atherosclerosis is by suppressing vascular MCP-1 expression, resulting in decreased macrophage recruitment.
Identifying children with chronic arthritis based on chief complaints: absence of predictive value for musculoskeletal pain as an indicator of rheumatic disease in children.

Objective. To examine complaints for which children were referred to a pediatric rheumatology service and to determine whether there are specific complaints that are more likely to indicate the presence of chronic arthritis or chronic, systemic inflammatory disease. Methods. A retrospective chart review of 414 children referred to the pediatric rheumatology service at the Children’s Hospital of Oklahoma from April 1998 to July 2001. Results. Musculoskeletal pain was the most common complaint for which children were referred (n = 226). Of these, 111 had musculoskeletal pain as an isolated complaint. One of these children had a chronic inflammatory disease. Another 115 children had pain as 1 of several reasons for seeking a rheumatology consultation, including positive results on laboratory tests (antinuclear antibody, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and rheumatoid factor). Nineteen of these children had a chronic inflammatory disease, including 12 with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). Thus, musculoskeletal pain as a presenting complaint had a strong negative predictive value for the presence of either JRA (0.95) or any other chronic inflammatory disease that might be characterized by arthritis. Children who were referred, in part, because of positive antinuclear antibody and/or rheumatoid factor tests were no more likely to have a chronic inflammatory disease than children who did not include such results as a reason for referral. Joint swelling, in contrast, was the most likely complaint to be associated with a diagnosis of JRA. Conclusions. Musculoskeletal pain was the most common reason for referral to our pediatric rheumatology clinic. However, isolated musculoskeletal pain, in the absence of other signs or symptoms, is almost never a presenting complaint of children with chronic forms of arthritis. Children with arthritis more commonly present with complaints of joint swelling and/or gait disturbance. Neither ANA nor rheumatoid factor evaluations were useful in evaluating children with musculoskeletal complaints.
Identification of novel macrocyclic peptidase substrates via on-bead enzymatic cyclization.

Peptidase-catalyzed formation of macrocyclic lactams on solid phase identifies ring systems that are favorably bound in the enzyme active site. We evaluated several cyclic peptide motifs linked by ester bonds between the P2 and P1‘ or the P1 and P2‘ side chains. The depsipeptide represented by structure 5 was readily generated by a variety of peptidases from precursor ω-amino acids or ω-amino esters. This strategy for identifying ring systems for potential macrocyclic transition state analogues was demonstrated with the serine peptidases trypsin and chymotrypsin, with the aspartic peptidase pepsin, and with the zinc peptidase thermolysin.
Robotic-assisted laparoscopic bladder diverticulectomy and concomitant ureteral re-implantation: initial clinical experience.

We present our initial clinical experience with robotic-assisted laparoscopic bladder diverticulectomy with associated ureteral re-implantation. A 75-year-old man was referred to us for recurrent urinary tract infections and lower urinary tract symptoms. On computed tomography of abdomen and pelvis the patient was found to have a 13 × 14 × 6 cm diverticulum in the left posterior bladder wall. The patient elected to undergo robotic-assisted laparoscopic removal of the diverticulum. The patient’s preparation, draping, and trocar placement was performed as per standard fashion of robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. The bladder was mobilized and diverticulum was identified and removed. The left ureter was transected secondary to its passage through the diverticulum, and required re-implantation. After hemostasis was achieved, the repair was tested and confirmed. The operation was completed in 207 min without any complications. Estimated blood loss was 150 cc. On postoperative day 1, the patient was placed on oral analgesic and discharged home. Our initial report of robotic-assisted laparoscopic bladder diverticulectomy and ureteral re-implantation illustrates that this minimally invasive technique is an effective method of treatment of bladder diverticulum. Proximity of the ureter to the diverticulum should not be a deterrent for this approach of repair.
The three-dimensional structures of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis dihydrodipicolinate reductase-NADH-2,6-PDC and -NADPH-2,6-PDC complexes. Structural and mutagenic analysis of relaxed nucleotide specificity

Dihydrodipicolinate reductase (DHPR) catalyzes the reduced pyridine nucleotide-dependent reduction of the α,β-unsaturated cyclic imine, dihydrodipicolinate, to generate tetrahydrodipicolinate. This enzyme catalyzes the second step in the bacterial biosynthetic pathway that generates meso-diaminopimelate, a component of bacterial cell walls, and the amino acid l-lysine. The Mycobacterium tuberculosis dapB-encoded DHPR has been cloned, expressed, purified, and crystallized in two ternary complexes with NADH or NADPH and the inhibitor 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylate (2,6-PDC). The structures have been solved using molecular replacement strategies, and the DHPR−NADH−2,6-PDC and DHPR−NADPH−2,6-PDC complexes have been refined against data to 2.3 and 2.5 A, respectively. The M. tuberculosis DHPR is a tetramer of identical subunits, with each subunit composed of two domains connected by two flexible hinge regions. The N-terminal domain binds pyridine nucleotide, while the C-terminal domain is involved in both tetramer ...
The Last Glacial: Insights from continuous coring on the New Jersey continental shelf

Abstract Sedimentation on the Pleistocene New Jersey (NJ) shelf is complex, and results from the interaction of processes chiefly driven by glacioeustatic change. Erosion, non-deposition, downcutting and infilling combine to produce a complicated set of reflectors and sedimentary units that are best interpreted in the shallow subsurface with the aid of high resolution seismic reflection profiling. The highly variable lithology on the shelf has historically been an impediment to significant core recovery in this challenging environment. Coring using the AHC-800 drilling system provided continuous downcore recovery at three sites on the outer shelf. The sites targeted fluvial incisions, channel fill and exposure surfaces associated with glacial lowstands. The exceptional cores were analyzed using an integrated approach. Textural and benthic foraminiferal data were evaluated to determine the environment of deposition and estimate paleodepth. Carbon dating of wood and shell material provides the temporal framework for interpretation and K–Ar dating of hornblende crystals provides insights into the source region of sediments. Our integrated analysis indicates the NJ shelf was a dynamic environment from at least 45 ka. Estimates of sea level from this study are consistent with other studies from the Pleistocene NJ Margin. The oldest sediments (> 36 k.y.) recovered by drilling came from below (Site 3) and above (Site 1) R, a time-transgressive regional unconformity. Best estimates are for formation of R on the mid shelf, between MIS3b and the MIS3b/a transition, ~ 45 ka, under neritic conditions. Channels were incised during late MIS2, between ~ 30 and 16 ka. Channel infill was focused in a narrow time frame, during latest MIS 2 (16–14 ka), shortly after the shoreline began to migrate landward. Rates of 1–2 cm/yr are consistent with modern fluvial/ estuarine sedimentation rates. Reinvigoration and infilling of the channels around 14 ka is associated with meltwater pulse 1A. We find no evidence at our study area for jokelhlaup deposition associated with the Intra-Allerod cold period ~ 13 ka. Regional deposition (channel infill and interfluvial regions) was underway by latest MIS2/early MIS1 as sea level transgressed the shelf. The uppermost sediments are of Holocene to Recent age and are routinely and likely rapidly reworked, eroded and mixed by shelf processes. The sediment source during MIS3, as determined by hornblende age dates, was bimodal. Older sediments were derived from the Reading Prong/NJ Highlands and younger sediments were sourced from along the Hudson River. Delivery to the study area was through a more southerly paleo-Hudson position that may have resulted in formation of the outer shelf wedge through deltaic sedimentation during at least MIS 3b–3a.
Document image binarization based on texture analysis

Document image binarization has been a long standing problem for unconstrained document images. Although various thresholding algorithms have been developed over the years, problems associated with strong noise, complex patterns, poor contrast, and variable modalities in gray-scale histograms still limit the performance of document image analysis systems. Given the unpredictable nature of these image attributes, few thresholding algorithms work consistently well for document image binarization. This dissertation presents texture feature based thresholding algorithms to address these difficulties. The philosophy of our thresholding approach is that the texture domain knowledge of document images is important to judge the binarization quality and thus guide the binarization process; that is, suitably defined texture features of document images can be used to assist the optimal threshold selection. Our thresholding scheme consists of three steps. First, candidate thresholds are produced through the iterative use of Otsu's algorithm. Second, texture features associated with each candidate threshold are extracted from the run-length histogram of the accordingly binarized image. Third, the optimal threshold is selected so that the most desirable document texture features are preserved. This thresholding scheme was implemented in both global and adaptive modes. With our program design the algorithms require only one image scan pass, facilitating their hardware implementation for a commercial system. Experimental results with 9000 machine printed address blocks from an unconstrained US mail stream demonstrated that over 99.6% of the images were well binarized by our thresholding method, which are appreciably better than those obtained by existing thresholding techniques. Also a system run with 500 difficult mail address blocks showed that an 8.1% higher character recognition rate was achieved by our algorithm in comparison to that by Otsu's algorithm.
Simulation of multiple spheres falling in a liquid-filled tube

Abstract A new 3D finite element flow simulation capability for fluid-particle interactions is presented and applied to study time-dependent behavior of multiple spheres falling in a liquid-fluid tube. This capability is based on the flow simulation strategies such as stabilized space-time formulation for moving boundaries and interfaces, automatic mesh generation with structured layers of elements around the spheres, automatic mesh moving with remesh only as needed, and the implementation of these strategies on massively parallel computing platforms. Several cases of multiple spheres falling in a liquid-filled tube are studied, with the number of spheres ranging from two to five. In all cases, depending on the number of spheres and their initial arrangement, a stable state is eventually reached with all spheres arranged in a pattern corresponding to that stable state, and with all of them falling with the same terminal velocity.
Minitrack: Advanced Data Management Tools for Biomedical Informatics

Further progress of Biology and Medical Sciences requires successful integration with Computational and Information Sciences. The papers of this Mini-track provide a diverse spectrum of innovative ways of how such integration can be achieved. The focus of this mini-track is on the development and implementation of advanced data management tools in Biomedical Informatics. The first three papers in the mini-track focus on the development and implementation of computational and IT tools for Biomedical Informatics, while the forth paper presents advanced statistical methods for data analysis.
A Novel CMOS SRAM Feedback Element for SEU Environments

A hardened CMOS SRAM has been proposed which utilizes a leaky polysilicon Schottky diode placed in the feedback path to attain the SEU immunity of resistor-coupled SRAMs while improving the access speed of the cell. Novel polysilicon hybrid Schottky-resistor structures which emulate the leaky diodes have been designed and fabricated. The elements' design criteria and methods of fulfilling them are presented along with a practical implementation scheme for CMOS SRAM cells.
Examining the hotel room supply and demand in Las Vegas: a simultaneous equations model.

Abstract The Las Vegas Strip has seen astonishing tourism development in the 1990s. The study examined the inter-relationship between the room supply and demand functions, and room rate in Las Vegas employing econometric variables in a simultaneous framework during 1992–1999. The results suggest that room rate for the current month, the 3-month Treasury bill rate and gaming revenue per room for the 12-month prior are the three determinants of the room supply function, while consumer price index for the current month is the only determinant of the room demand function.
Successful radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial muscle reentry tachycardia in a young adult

Atrial muscle reentry as a mechanism of tachycardia has been well illustrated in isolated animal atrial muscle. It has infrequently been reported as an etiology of supraventricular tachycardia in young patients. A case of atrial muscle reentry tachycardia and its successful elimination using radiofrequency catheter and its successful elimination using radiofrequency catheter ablation is reported.
A DUAL ASCENT ALGORITHM FOR TRAFFIC ASSIGNMENT PROBLEMS

A dual decomposition algorithm is developed for large-scale traffic assignment problems. In contrast to standard methods, this algorithm does not require that the system or user optimal objective function be differentiable and it allows bounds on the arc flows. Iterates alternate between dual ascent steps and calculations of shortest paths as in the Frank-Wolfe method. Although a dual method, it produces feasible flow patterns at each iteration. Convergence of the method is proven and a computational example is given.
Enhancing Web-based health information for consumer education.

w i e p t i d d a t v m i s a i i o g t ORE AND MORE, Americans are seeking health information via the Internet, and hey often lack a firm background in health science o understand and evaluate the wealth of informaion at their fingertips. Nurses are in strategic poitions to work with both well and sick people in heir quest for information to strengthen their abilty to care for themselves and their families. Reearch shows that nurse practitioners (NPs) in paricular are more likely to provide patient education han are physicians (Horrocks, Anderson, & Salisury, 2002). Therefore, the Internet may be an xtremely rich resource for nurses and consumers. he purpose of this column is to provide an examle of how one clinical nursing site successfully dapted internet capabilities in teaching their clints as well as to provide an overview of how urses may use this new resource. NP students at Madonna University College of ursing and Health provide health maintenance ervices and wellness education at a senior center n Detroit, Michigan. Because there is a computer oom holding 30 terminals with Internet access on
Marital Conflict as a Mediator of the Longitudinal Connections between Maternal Emotional Distress and Early Adolescent Maladjustment

In this study, we examined the longitudinal relations among maternal emotional distress, marital conflict, and early adolescent externalizing behaviors and internalizing symptoms during the transition to adolescence. 3 years of self-report data were collected from 136 married mothers and their children, beginning when the children were in 5th grade. Structural equations modeling with latent variables were conducted to examine the nature and directionality of paths between constructs. For mothers, results indicated that marital conflict mediated the relation between prior maternal emotional distress and subsequent early adolescent externalizing behaviors and internalizing symptoms. For early adolescents, a mediating pattern was seen only for externalizing behaviors. In testing the reverse pattern of effects for mothers, marital conflict mediated the relation between prior early adolescent externalizing behaviors and subsequent maternal emotional distress whereas only an indirect pattern of effects existed for internalizing symptoms. Thus, we identified dynamic patterns of familial relations that accounted for the diminished well-being of both early adolescents and their mothers, suggesting that prevention and intervention work during the transition to adolescence should focus on multiple components of family functioning.
Use of QSAR models in predicting joint effects in multi-component mixtures of organic chemicals

The application of Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship (QSAR) models in predicting joint toxicity of mixtures of organic chemicals to microorganisms is presented. In the proposed approach, QSAR models derived from single chemical toxicity assays are used to predict concentrations of components in mixtures that would jointly cause 50% inhibition of microbial respiration. Experimental joint toxicity data from several different binary and multi-component, uniform and non-uniform mixture assays on two microbial cultures are used to validate the proposed approach. The predictions made from QSAR models agreed well with the experimental data with r2=0.80 at p=0.0001 for a total of 610 data points. The factor of error of the predictions ranged from 1.00 to 4.79, averaging 1.82. Validation tests with 16 chemicals not used in the QSAR model derivation yielded predictions of similar quality.
On the limiting behavior of distributed optimization strategies

Motivated by recent developments in the context of adaptation over networks, this work establishes useful results about the limiting global behavior of diffusion and consensus strategies for the solution of distributed optimization problems. It is known that the choice of combination policies has a direct bearing on the convergence and performance of distribued solutions. This article reveals what aspects of the combination policies determine the nature of the Pareto-optimal solution and how close the distributed solution gets to it. The results suggest useful constructive procedures to control the convergence behavior of distributed strategies and to design effective combination procedures.
Secretion of Plasminogen Activator by Rheumatoid and Nonrheumatoid Synovial Cells In Culture

The secretion of plasminogen activator by human synovial cultures established from explants was studied. Thirteen cultures established from patients with rheumatoid disease were hyposecretors of plasminogen activator. Seven cultures derived from patients with nonrheumatoid joint disorders all secreted high levels of this enzyme. Rheumatoid and nonrheumatoid cells contained comparable levels of intracellular activator. It is suggested that the secretion of plasminogen activator is a function of normal synovium and that a defect in this function in the rheumatoid synovium perpetuates the inflammatory process.
Betting on trends: Intuitive forecasts of financial risk and return

Abstract Based on nearly 38 000 forecasts of stock prices and exchange rates, it appears that non-experts expect the continuation of apparent past ‘trends’ in prices. Thus, they are optimistic in bull markets and pessimistic in bear markets. Interestingly, the subjects hedge their forecasts, i.e. their subjective probability distributions are skewed in the opposite direction. As a result, perceived risk also depends on prior performance.