cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Wanted Dead or Alive: A Black Theology of Renewal

This essay explores the relationship between black theology and renewal theology and assesses the ongoing relevance of black theology to the mission and future of the black churches. Recent writings by Eddie Glaude, Raphael Warnock, James Cone, and Peter Paris are considered in conversation with the works of Brian Bantam, J. Kameron Carter, and Willie Jennings, whose imaginative attention to Christology, pneumatology, and ecclesiology provokes thoughtful engagement of issues of race, gender, power, and privilege in the context of renewal and the global impact of Pentecostalism more than a century after the Azusa Street Revival led by William J. Seymour.
Could Mandatory Caps on Malpractice Damages Harm Consumers

Supporters of capping court awards for medical malpractice argue that caps will make health care more affordable. It may not be that simple. First, caps on awards may result in some patients not receiving adequate compensation for injuries they suffer as a result of physician negligence. Second, because caps limit physician liability, they can also mute incentives for physicians to reduce the risk of negligent injuries. Supporters of caps counter that this deterrent function of medical malpractice liability is not working anyway - that awards do not track actual damages, and medical malpractice insurance carriers do not translate the threat of liability into incentives that reward high-quality care or penalize errant physicians. This paper reviews an existing body of work that shows that medical malpractice awards do track actual damages. Furthermore, this paper provides evidence that medical malpractice insurance carriers use various tools to reduce the risk of patient injury, including experience rating of physicians' malpractice premiums. High-risk physicians face higher malpractice insurance premiums than their less-risky peers. In addition, carriers offer other incentives for physicians to reduce the risk of negligent care: they disseminate information to guide risk management efforts, oversee high-risk practitioners, and monitor providers who offer new procedures where experience is not sufficient to assess risk. On rare occasions, carriers will even deny coverage, which cuts the physician off from an affiliation with most hospitals and health maintenance organizations, and precludes practice entirely in some states. If the medical malpractice liability insurance industry does indeed protect consumers, then policies that reduce liability or shield physicians from oversight by carriers may harm consumers. In particular, caps on damages would reduce physicians' and carriers' incentives to keep track of and reduce practice risk. Laws that shield government-employed physicians from malpractice liability eliminate insurance company oversight of physicians working for government agencies. State-run insurance pools that insure risky practitioners at subsidized prices protect substandard physicians from the discipline that medical malpractice insurers otherwise would impose.
Alterations in phospholipid-dependent (Na+ +K+)-ATPase activity due to lipid fluidity. Effects of cholesterol and Mg2+

The (Na+ +K+)-activated, Mg2+-dependent ATPase from rabbit kidney outer medulla was prepared in a partially inactivated, soluble form depleted of endogenous phospholipids, using deoxycholate. This preparation was reactivated 10 to 50-fold by sonicated liposomes of phosphatidylserine, but not by non-sonicated phosphatidylserine liposomes or sonicated phosphatidylcholine liposomes. The reconstituted enzyme resembled native membrane preparations of (Na+ +K+)-ATPase in its pH optimum being around 7.0, showing optimal activity at Mg2+:ATP mol ratios of approximately 1 and a Km value for ATP of 0.4 mM. Arrhenius plots of this reactivated activity at a constant pH of 7.0 and an Mg2+: ATP mol ratio of 1:1 showed a discontinuity (sharp change of slope) at 17 degrees C, with activation energy (Ea) values of 13-15 kcal/mol above this temperature and 30-35 kcal below it. A further discontinuity was also found at 8.0 degrees C and the Ea below this was very high (greater than 100 kcal/mol). Increased Mg2+ concentrations at Mg2+:ATP ratios in excess of 1:1 inhibited the (Na+ +K+)-ATPase activity and also abolished the discontinuities in the Arrhenius plots. The addition of cholesterol to phosphatidylserine at a 1:1 mol ratio partially inhibited (Na+ +K+)-ATPase reactivation. Arrhenius plots under these conditions showed a single discontinuity at 20 degrees C and Ea values of 22 and 68 kcal/mol above and below this temperature respectively. The ouabain-insensitive Mg2+-ATPase normally showed a linear Arrhenius plot with an Ea of 8 kcal/mol. The cholesterol-phosphatidylserine mixed liposomes stimulated the Mg2+-ATPase activity, which now also showed a discontinuity at 20 degrees C with, however, an increased value of 14 kcal/mol above this temperature and 6 kcal/mol below. Kinetic studies showed that cholesterol had no significant effect on the Km values for ATP. Since both cholesterol and Mg2+ are known to alter the effects of temperature on the fluidity of phospholipids, the above results are discussed in this context.
Characterizing Cognitive Adaptability via Robust Automated Knowledge Capture

Applications such as individually tailored training and behavior emulation call for cognitive models tailored to unique individuals on the basis of empirical data. While the study of individual differences has been a mainstay of psychology, a prevailing assumption in cognitive theory and related modeling has been that cognitive processes are largely invariant across individuals and across different conditions for an individual. Attention has focused on identifying a universally correct set of components and their interactions. At the same time, it is known that aptitudes for specific skills vary across individuals and different individuals will employ different strategies to perform the same task [3]. Moreover, individuals will perform tasks differently over time and under different conditions (e.g. Taylor et al, 2004). To reach their full potential, systems designed to augment cognitive performance must thus account for such between- and within-individual differences in cognitive processes. We propose that cognitive adaptability is a trait necessary to explain the inherently dynamic nature of cognitive processes as individuals adapt their available resources to ongoing circumstances. This does not imply a "blank slate;" humans are predisposed to process information in particular ways. Instead, we assert that given variation in the structure and functioning of the brain, there exists inherent flexibility that may be quantified and used to predict differences in cognitive performance between individuals and for a given individual over time. This paper presents an early report on research we are undertaking to discover the dynamics of cognitive adaptability, with emphasis on a task environment designed to evoke and quantify adaptation in controlled experiments.
The Formation and Stability of DC‐SIGN Microdomains Require its Extracellular Moiety

Dendritic cell-specific intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-3-grabbing non-integrin (DC-SIGN) is a Ca(2+) -dependent transmembrane lectin that binds a large variety of pathogens and facilitates their uptake for subsequent antigen presentation. This receptor is present in cell surface microdomains, but factors involved in microdomain formation and their exceptional stability are not clear. To determine which domain/motif of DC-SIGN facilitates its presence in microdomains, we studied mutations at key locations including truncation of the cytoplasmic tail, and ectodomain mutations that resulted in the removal of the N-linked glycosylation site, the tandem repeats and the carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD), as well as modification of the calcium sites in the CRD required for carbohydrate binding. Confocal imaging and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching measurements showed that the cytoplasmic domain and the N-linked glycosylation site do not affect the ability of DC-SIGN to form stable microdomains. However, truncation of the CRD results in complete loss of visible microdomains and subsequent lateral diffusion of the mutants. Apart from cell adhesions, membrane domains are thought to be localized primarily via the cytoskeleton. By contrast, we propose that interactions between the CRD of DC-SIGN and the extracellular matrix and/or cis interactions with transmembrane scaffolding protein(s) play an essential role in organizing these microdomains.
Manufacturing productivity and energy efficiency: a stochastic efficiency frontier analysis

Summary This paper presents a mathematical model to estimate both production frontier and energy demand frontier, and evaluate the energy efficiency in the automotive manufacturing sector using plant-level production and utility consumption data. By using the stochastic frontier analysis, two models—an output efficiency model (production frontier) and an input efficiency model (energy demand frontier)—are developed to analyze the plant's energy efficiency performance relative to the ‘best practice’ among peers. Both the structure and parameters of two stochastic frontier functions are identified to understand the relationship between production inputs (e.g., utilities and plant-specific variables) and the overall productivity. A case study of a set of automotive engine manufacturing plants is conducted and shows that electricity has higher efficiency than other forms of utility in those production-related activities, and the regional and climate factors have significant impacts on energy efficiency. The models provide a way to measure how far from the production frontier as well as how far from the energy demand frontier the plant is. The results also provide useful information about the inefficient energy components in manufacturing facilities. The opportunities of improving plant-level efficiency in automotive manufacturing plants can be revealed by the results. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kant's Refutation of the Ontological Proof

I. As is well known, Kant's criticism centres on the conception of an absolutely necessary being. The quoted examples of necessity, alleged to be analogous to that cementing the essence of the ens realissimum to its existence, Kant shows are all taken from judgments, not from the existence of things: the necessity that a triangle has three angles, for example. The necessity of the nexus rests upon the contradiction resulting from denying the predicate while asserting the subject. But, he points out, no contradiction and hence no necessity is involved if the subject and predicate are both rejected (aufgehoben). Similarly, if the conception of an absolutely necessary being is rejected all its predicates including existence are aufgehoben and no contradiction results. The only way of escaping this refutation is to claim that certain subjects, one in particular, cannot be rejected (aufgehoben); but that would be to beg the question at issue (cf. Kritik der Reinen Vernunft, A593-598, B6zi-6z6). In short, all that the Proof can establish is the hypothetical, 'If there is a God, He exists of necessity'; but that in no way compels us to affirm the antecedent and, Kant maintains, if the consequent is contained in the definition of God and the proposition is analytic, it is only 'a miserable tautology'.
Nonpharmacologic therapies for atrial fibrillation.

Abstract The limited efficacy and proarrhythmic risks of antiarrhythmic drug therapies for atrial fibrillation have led to the exploration of a wide spectrum of alternative therapeutic approaches. The diversity of the approaches is warranted by the current absence of a single procedure that can safely and effectively cure atrial fibrillation. The interventional therapies that are currently under most active development include implantable atrial defibrillator therapy, prophylactic atrial pacing in combination with drug therapy, multisite regional pace–entrainment of atrial fibrillation by rapid pacing, atrial surgery, and catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. The current limitations of these procedures include: (1) for the implantable atrial defibrillator—patient tolerance of low energy shocks and early recurrence of atrial fibrillation; (2) for prophylactic pacing—limited efficacy in a small proportion of the total atrial fibrillation population; (3) for multisite regional pace–entrainment—lack of proved efficacy and difficulty in the expansion and merging of the entrained regions; (4) for atrial surgery—highly invasive as a stand-alone procedure; and (5) for catheter ablation—lack of proved long-term efficacy, shortcomings of currently available technology, and risk of thromboembolic stroke. It is evident that more basic and clinical research as well as technologic innovation are needed. However, it is likely that some of these new therapies, possibly in combination with antiarrhythmic drug therapy, will offer considerable clinical benefit to selected patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation.
Pairing interaction at high spin

A recent paper dealing with high-spin states in rapidly rotating nuclei is shown to be fundamentally erroneous. Among other things, the assumption that the pairing interaction remains invariant in a time-reversal unsymmetric basis precludes the physical effects with which the paper is concerned. An alternative approach is proposed.
Abnormalities in cell-mediated immunity in patients with Cryptococcus neoformans infection

Cryptococcin, streptokinase-streptodornase (SK-SD), mumps, and purified protein derivative (PPD) were used for skin testing and, with whole killed Cryptococcus neoformans, were used in migration inhibition and lymphocyte transformation assays of control subjects and patients with past or present disseminated C. neoformans infection. Cryptococcin was found to differentiate control subjects grouped by known Cryptococcus exposure. Cryptococcin and C. neoformans were effective in stimulating leukocyte migration inhibition and lymphocyte transformation in the cryptococcin skin test-positive control subjects. Fifteen apparently normal patients who had been cured of cryptococcosis were found, as a group, to have impaired responsiveness to skin testing with cryptococcin and mumps, minimal leukocyte migration inhibition when stimulated with cryptococcin or C. neoformans, but normal group responses to cryptococcin in Cryptococcus-induced lymphocyte transformation. Six patients with known predisposing conditions to disseminated infection (sarcoid, lymphoma, leukemia, steroid therapy) had markedly diminished responses to most skin tests and in vitro assays. It is suggested that the apparently normal individual who develops disseminated cryptococcal infection has subtle defects in cellular immunity that may have antedated and predisposed to infection.
Expression of MFA1 and STE6 is sufficient for mating type-independent secretion of yeast a-factor, but not mating competence.

The yeast a-factor mating peptide and its transporter Ste6 are normally expressed only in MATa haploid cells. The a-factor is initially produced as a 36- or 38-residue peptide precursor and must undergo extensive post-translational processing to produce an active 12 amino-acid lipopeptide. To better understand the steps required for Ste6-dependent a-factor transport, we have reconstituted a-factor synthesis and transport in MATα haploids and MATa/α diploids. Ste6 and a-factor were stably expressed in MATα and MATa/α cells and the ectopically expressed a-factor was correctly processed. In addition, Ste6 was able to transport a-factor from all cell types, indicating that once expressed no other MATa-specific functions are required. However, despite significant levels of a-factor secretion, MATα cells are unable to support efficient mating.
Physician specialty and the outcomes and cost of admissions for end-stage liver disease.

Abstract OBJECTIVES: Chronic liver disease is a frequent cause of morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to characterize the effects of physician specialty on length of stay, mortality, and costs during hospitalizations for end-stage liver disease. METHODS: We used data from the HBS International EXPLORE database. Patients hospitalized for treatment of variceal hemorrhage, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, or hepatic encephalopathy were identified from primary discharge diagnoses. Patients were characterized by the specialty of the attending physician and by whether a gastroenterology consultation was obtained. Procedures performed were identified using ICD-9CM procedure codes. Costs were computed using proprietary HBS International Standard Transaction Codes. Linear and logistic regression analyses were used to examine the effect of physician specialty and consultation on length of stay, in-hospital mortality, and costs. RESULTS: Attending gastroenterologist care was associated with a shorter length of stay compared to nongastroenterologist attending care (median 4 vs 5 days, p = 0.01), which persisted after adjustment for differences in patient age, comorbidity, and number of procedures performed. There was a strong trend toward greater in-hospital mortality for patients without a gastroenterology attending or consultant (adjusted OR 1.72; 95% CI = 0.99, 2.98) compared to patients with a gastroenterology attending. Costs of hospital care were not significantly different between physician groups. CONCLUSIONS: Gastroenterologist involvement in inpatient care for end-stage liver disease was associated with shorter length of stay and a strong trend toward improved survival. Hospital costs were similar for patients cared for by the different physician groups.
Autologous fibrin sealant reduces pain after tonsillectomy.

Objectives/Hypothesis Pain is a major cause of morbidity after tonsillectomy. Although various efforts have been made to reduce pain, the use of oral analgesics, which can have adverse side effects, remains the standard of care. It is hypothesized that fibrin sealant, used to achieve hemostasis and enhance healing in many surgical procedures, might help decrease pain after this operation. Study Design A prospective, randomized, blinded study was performed on 20 children aged 5 to 17 years who were undergoing tonsillectomy, to evaluate the efficacy of FIBRIN SEALANT in reducing postoperative pain. Methods All patients pre-donated 40 mL of blood from which autologous concentrated fibrinogen was prepared by cryoprecipitation. In the fibrin sealant group, fibrinogen and topical bovine thrombin were sprayed onto the surgical site to form fibrin sealant at the conclusion of tonsillectomy. The 10 patients in the control group (C) received no fibrin sealant. Patients rated their level of pain immediately after surgery and at regular intervals for 3 days after surgery using the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale (1–6). Emesis, postoperative bleeding, medications, and adverse events were also evaluated. Results At 7:00 p.m. on postoperative day (POD) 0, the mean ± SD fibrin sealant group pain score (2.9 ± 0.41 units) was significantly lower than for the C group (4.1 ± 0.43 units;P ≤ .05). There was also a trend in favor of less pain in the fibrin sealant group at 7:00 p.m. on POD 1, with a mean of 3.5 ± 0.43 units versus 2.4 ± 0.48 units for C (P = .15). The odds of a patient in C experiencing emesis were 8.16 times higher, (P ≤ .05) than for patients in the fibrin sealant group. Conclusions Fibrin sealant significantly reduced pain the evening after pediatric tonsillectomy and also decreased the chance of e-periencing emesis. Thus fibrin sealant may be clinically useful as an adjunct to tonsillectomy.
Intrinsic versus extrinsic voltage sensitivity of blocker interaction with an ion channel pore.

Many physiological and synthetic agents act by occluding the ion conduction pore of ion channels. A hallmark of charged blockers is that their apparent affinity for the pore usually varies with membrane voltage. Two models have been proposed to explain this voltage sensitivity. One model assumes that the charged blocker itself directly senses the transmembrane electric field, i.e., that blocker binding is intrinsically voltage dependent. In the alternative model, the blocker does not directly interact with the electric field; instead, blocker binding acquires voltage dependence solely through the concurrent movement of permeant ions across the field. This latter model may better explain voltage dependence of channel block by large organic compounds that are too bulky to fit into the narrow (usually ion-selective) part of the pore where the electric field is steep. To date, no systematic investigation has been performed to distinguish between these voltage-dependent mechanisms of channel block. The most fundamental characteristic of the extrinsic mechanism, i.e., that block can be rendered voltage independent, remains to be established and formally analyzed for the case of organic blockers. Here, we observe that the voltage dependence of block of a cyclic nucleotide–gated channel by a series of intracellular quaternary ammonium blockers, which are too bulky to traverse the narrow ion selectivity filter, gradually vanishes with extreme depolarization, a predicted feature of the extrinsic voltage dependence model. In contrast, the voltage dependence of block by an amine blocker, which has a smaller “diameter” and can therefore penetrate into the selectivity filter, follows a Boltzmann function, a predicted feature of the intrinsic voltage dependence model. Additionally, a blocker generates (at least) two blocked states, which, if related serially, may preclude meaningful application of a commonly used approach for investigating channel gating, namely, inferring the properties of the activation gate from the kinetics of channel block.
A comparative capillary tube viscometer to measure the viscous properties of newtonian and power-law fluids

Abstract A capillary tube viscometer is described that dispenses with direct pressure measurements by comparing capillary tube flow rates of a fluid whose viscous properties are unknown and a standard Newtonian fluid. Since only flow rate measurements are needed, the experimental technique involves only time and mass measurements and knowledge of the geometry of the capillary tubes. Using this instrument, the viscous properties were measured for distilled water and glycerol as examples of Newtonian fluids and for several polymer solutions as examples of power-law fluids. For distilled water, the measured viscosity agreed with the best value available in the literature within 0.55%.
Postvoid Residual Volume Cannot be Accurately Estimated by Bimanual Examination

This study aimed to test the recommendation in the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research Practice Guideline on urinary incontinence that postvoid residual volume PVR estimates can be done by palpation. Postvoid residual volumes were obtained on 50 consecutive women presenting for evaluation of incontinence. Volumes were first estimated by bimanual examination and were then immediately measured by catheterization. Of 7 women who had a positive PVR, defined as greater than 50 ml, only 1 was estimated at greater than 50 ml on bimanual examination. The sensitivity of bimanual examination compared to catheterization to detect a positive PVR was 14%; specificity was 67%. Based on this assessment, the AHCPR guideline's inclusion of palpation estimates of PVR cannot be endorsed, unless a given practitioner has repeated a similar type of evaluation in his or her practice to determine whether the sensitivity is higher than that found in this study.
Economic evaluation of the impact of medication errors reported by U.S. clinical pharmacists.

Objective Medication errors defined as “any preventable event that may cause or lead to inappropriate medication use or patient harm” have been highlighted as a top national priority in a report issued by the Institute of Medicine. However, little information is available on precise costs of medication errors. This study estimated the cost of medication errors reported by clinical pharmacists using a modified societal perspective. Methods Information on 779 medication errors was collected in the Medication Error Detection, Amelioration and Prevention (MEDAP) study that documented medication errors observed by clinical pharmacists during a consecutive 14-day period. The rate of medication errors, outcomes (number of errors resulting in temporary/permanent patient harm, prolonged hospitalization, or life-sustaining therapy), and interventions (communication, medication changes, patient monitoring, and treatment referrals) were collected. A decision model was developed to estimate the economic impact of medication errors reported by clinical pharmacists. Event probabilities were derived from MEDAP data. Direct costs were obtained through reviews of the literature, hospital charge data, and Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement. One-way and Monte Carlo sensitivity analyses were used to explore uncertainty in the values. Results In the base case, the mean expected cost of a medication error was $88.57. In the Monte Carlo simulation, the mean cost was $89.35 (± $30.17 SD). One-way sensitivity analysis revealed that changes in the probability of medication errors causing hospitalization and the cost of hospitalization had the greatest variability on the outcome ($50.44–$155.81 [probability of hospitalization], $32.59–$136.40 [cost of hospitalization]). Conclusions Medication errors are costly to the health care system. A better understanding of medication error costs may be used to justify initiatives to reduce the risk and inefficiency associated with these errors.
Gas exchange responses of the wetland plant Schoenoplectus hallii to irradiance and vapor pressure deficit

Abstract Schoenoplectus hallii had a maximum rate of assimilation (Amax) of 13.3 ± 1.3 μmol CO2 m−2 s−1, a light compensation point (LCP) of 24 μmol photons m−2 s−1, a light saturation (LS) of ca. 1200 μmol m−2 s−1 and a dark respiration rate (DR) of 1.3 ± 0.6 μmol CO2 m−2 s−1. Stomata of S. hallii did not respond to vapor pressure deficit (VPD): increases in VPD explained only 7% of the variation in assimilation (A) and 24% of the observed variation in conductance (gs) but accounted for 96% of the variation in transpiration (E). The relationship between photosynthesis and transpiration resulted in a decrease in instantaneous water-use-efficiency (A/E) with an increase in VPD. This “drought escape” strategy has been reported for a variety of desert ephemerals, but this is the first evidence of non-responsive stomata in a species from a transient wetland habitat. It was concluded that the species is adapted to its high light habitat, but that its existence is threatened by a reduction in available soil moisture. In the development of conservation and reintroduction strategies for S. hallii, its dependence upon high light and abundant soil moisture should be considered of critical importance to the success of any management plan.
The Occurrence of Colon Cancer in Patients with Known Premalignant Colonic Mucosal Diseases

Both ulcerative colitis and familial polyposis are colonic mucosal diseases which are known to predispose to colon cancer. While colonoscopy is an accurate modality used in screening and surveillance for patients with these two diseases, patients continue to present with colon cancer with these known premalignant diseases. This study was conducted to ascertain why patients with known premalignant disease still develop life-threatening colon cancer and to assess the clinical profile and prognosis of patients with known ulcerative colitis (UC) and familial polyposis coli (FPC) who subsequently develop colon cancer. Total colectomy, mucosal proctectomy, and ileoanal pullthrough was performed on 367 patients with UC and FPC between January 1982 and March 1993 at our institution. Of these, 15 had invasive adenocarcinoma of the colon (4.1%) in addition to the primary disease. These 15 patients were studied in detail. The average duration of disease from diagnosis to definitive treatment of cancer was 17 years. Thirteen of the patients in this series had UC (87%), while only 2 had FPC (13%). Colonoscopy was used to make the diagnosis in 11 patients (73%), while the diagnosis was made only at the time of surgery in 3 (20%). Nine of the patients presented with a Dukes' B2 cancer or worse, representing 60% of the series. A high percentage had synchronous invasive cancers in this series--6 patients (40%). Despite the relatively high percentage of advanced cancers in this series, at a mean follow-up of 47.1 months, 14 of the 15 patients are still living. One patient has known recurrent disease while 1 has an elevated CEA with no other evidence of recurrence.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The role of the nurse in support of breast feeding

The nurse can provide information about, and support of, breast feeding. The prenatal nurse can inform the mother of the advantages of breast feeding to herself and her baby. The labour and delivery nurse can aid the mother in her first contact with the baby and reassure the mother who has a Caesarean birth, or a premature or sick infant, that she too can nurse. The postpartum nurse can help breast feeding to continue by providing frequent maternal-infant contact during the mother's hospital stay. The nursery nurse supports breast feeding by refraining from giving the baby other fluids. The paediatric nurse continues the helping pattern by reinforcing the statements and actions of others which will further impress the mother with the appropriateness of her infant feeding method. Mothers need to be informed about infant feeding options in order to make a knowledgeable choice based on awareness of alternatives. The nurse's role in support of breast feeding varies with the time and place where patient care is provided. In each setting, however, the nurse plays a significant role in helping the mother to begin breast feeding and to enjoy it, at the same time providing her infant with optimum nutrition for his early growth and development.
Vitamin A delivery from parenteral alimentation solution

chamber positions. Similarly/the reduced delivery of gentamicin observed when the infusion line was vertical was likely secondary to the greater SG of the infusion medium. At reduced infusion rates, back diffusion of gentamicin would occur and retard delivery of the drug. The opposite would be expected with drugs of SG greater than that of the infusion medium. The problems described are major impediments to attainment of therapeutic serum concentrations in the neonate. They also make interpretation of routine preand post-dose serum concentration measurements impossine? The importance of drug density as a determinant of drug delivery should not be overlooked. Any reservoir included in an infusion system should be designed so as to ensure predictable mixing of drug and infusion medium. Reservoirs include injection sites where drugs may settle out. In loops of intravenous tubing, "heavy" drug solutions may settle in the dependent portions whereas "light" drug solutions may float. Drugs might then layer against the inner wall of the infusion line, a region where minimal flow would occur in laminar infusions. Preliminary dye studies suggest that this does occur. Before any medical device becomes widely marketed and its performance characteristics or infallibility taken for granted, all aspects of its function that might have bearing on patient care should be explored.
Neurodevelopmental outcomes after biventricular repair of congenital heart defects

Abstract Objective: This study was undertaken to assess neurodevelopment of children after biventricular repair of congenital heart defects. Methods: Full-scale, performance, and verbal IQs of 69 patients who had undergone biventricular repair were assessed at 5 years of age with the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scales of Intelligence-Revised. The Wide Range Assessment of Visual-Motor Abilities was used to measure visual-motor skills. Regression analyses adjusting for parental IQ and socioeconomic status were used to evaluate outcome predictors. Results: Median age at repair was 91 days (range 1-1558 days). Hypothermic circulatory arrest was used in 35 cases (mean duration of hypothermic circulatory arrest 33 ± 17 minutes). Mean full-scale, performance, and verbal IQs for the entire study population were within the reference range (full-scale 96.9 ± 15.9, performance 96.6 ± 16.8, verbal 97.7 ± 15.2). Anatomic diagnosis, age at operation, and use of hypothermic circulatory arrest did not influence full-scale IQ ( P =.66, P =.14, and P =.46, respectively), performance IQ ( P =.64, P =.36, and P =.73, respectively), or verbal IQ ( P =.74, P =.08, and P =.39, respectively). Among patients subjected to hypothermic circulatory arrest, duration of arrest was evaluated as a predictor of outcome. After adjustment for parental IQ, full-scale ( P =.12), performance ( P =.07), and verbal ( P =.22) IQ scores of patients with more than 39 minutes of hypothermic circulatory arrest were not different from those of patients who had arrest periods of 39 minutes or less. After adjustment for socioeconomic status, however, full-scale ( P =.05) and performance ( P =.03) IQ scores were lower among patients who had more than 39 minutes of hypothermic circulatory arrest. After adjustment for either parental IQ or socioeconomic status, patients with more than 39 minutes of arrest had lower scores on Wide Range Assessment of Visual-Motor Abilities subtests of visual-motor and fine motor abilities and on several performance IQ subtests. Conclusions: IQs of patients who had undergone biventricular repair of congenital heart defects were within the reference range. However, hypothermic circulatory arrest for longer than 39 minutes was associated with deficits in visual-motor and fine motor skills and possibly in full-scale IQ. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2002;123:631-9
Collagenous Biocomposites for the Repair of Soft Tissue Injury

Results of implantation studies in a variety of animal tissue models demonstrate that the rate of biogradation of a collagen scaffold should parallel the rate of wound healing observed in particular anatomic sites. This rapid degradation maximizes tissue regeneration and minimizes encapsulation of the implant. The following paper reviews the effects of crosslinking on the rate of tissue ingrowth and regeneration. In addition, preliminary mechanical data on newly developed soluble type I collagen fibers is presented as a possible advance in the production of high strength collagen based tissue scaffolds.
Replacement of periodically inspected equipment. (An optimal optional stopping rule)

The problem of choosing an optimal replacement rule is considered for deteriorating equipment where the amount of deterioration is observed periodically. A “near” optimal rule is obtained. The main tool is an optimal stopping lemma related to semimartingales.
Improvement of the Edge-based Morphological (EM) method for lidar data filtering

Filtering is a crucial step in lidar data processing. The Edge-based Morphological (EM) filtering method proposed by Chen et al. (2007, Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing, 73, pp. 175-185) is fast and can be applied to different land use and land cover types. However, it requires a large number of parameters. It is challenging for average users to tune these parameters without a good understanding of the algorithm. This study introduces a new method to identify buildings so that the total number of parameters to be tuned is reduced from 7 to 2. Even with fewer parameters being tuned, it was found that the average filtering error slightly decreased compared to the original algorithm when tested with the benchmark dataset provided by the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS) Commission III/WG3. This is a useful contribution to the original algorithm given that it can achieve increased accuracy in a simpler way for users.
The coordination chemistry of trivalent lanthanides (Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Yb) with diphenyldithiophosphinate anions

Abstract Understanding the coordination chemistry between lanthanide elements and dithiophosphinate ligands is important given prospects for using dithiophosphinate ligands to separate trivalent minor actinides from lanthanides in advanced nuclear fuel cycles. Reported here is the coordination chemistry of a series of lanthanide elements (Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, and Yb) with diphenyldithiophosphinate anions, S2PPh21−. In all cases, LnCl3 was reacted with 4 equivalents of S2PPh21−. The large lanthanides (Ce3+, Nd3+, Sm3+, Eu3+) formed eight coordinate anions of the general formula Ln(S2PPh2)41− and were characterized by 1H and 31P NMR, IR, UV–Vis, elemental analysis, and single crystal X-ray crystallography. For the slightly smaller Gd3+ and Dy3+ ions, a break in reactivity was observed. Here, analyses of reaction solutions by 1H and 31P NMR spectroscopy suggested that a complicated mixture formed from which single crystals of eight coordinate and neutral Gd(S2PPh2)3(NCMe)2 and Dy(S2PPh2)3(NCMe)2 complexes were isolated. Reactions involving even smaller Yb3+ ions provided similar results to Gd3+ and Dy3+, in that reaction solutions also contained a mixture of products. In the Yb3+ case a new heteroleptic species [Ph4P][Yb(S2PPh2)3Cl], was isolated in single crystal form. The structural data have been presented in comparison to that of [Ph4P][Sm(S2PMe2)4] and [Ph4P][Eu(S2PMe2)4], which were also structurally characterized for the first time. Overall, these results demonstrate how subtle differences in lanthanide ionic radii can drastically affect the coordination number, ligand stoichiometry, and charge on the resulting diphenyldithiophosphinate complex.
γ-Form Transcrystals of Poly(propylene) Induced by Individual Carbon Nanotubes

CNT-induced formation of transcrystals of γ-PP are reported. Formation of these transcrystals occurred when PP was infiltrated into nanotube aerogel fibers to form polymer nanocomposites. The PP morphology and microstructure with particular focus on the interfacial region of the CNTs were investigated by means of SEM, DSC and WAXD. The transcrystalline supramolecular microstructures were observed around the individual nanotubes during quiescent melting crystallization. Microstructural analysis showed that γ-form transcrystals of PP dominate the overall interfacial structure. The content of γ-form transcrystals increased with increase in nanotube loading. The mechanical properties and electrical conductivities of the nanocomposites have been evaluated.
Modeling-Centered Data Warehousing Learning: Methods, Concepts and Resources

Though data warehousing is widely recognized in the industry as the principal decision support system architecture and an integral part of the corporate information system, the majority of academic institutions in the US and world-wide have been slow in developing curriculums that reflect this. The authors examine the issues that have contributed to the lag in the coverage of data warehousing topics at universities and introduce methods, concepts and resources that can enable business educators to deal with these issues and conduct comprehensive, detailed, and meaningful coverage of data warehouse related topics.
SLAC Accelerator Control Computer

A digital computer system is being installed in the SLAC accelerator control building. Initially, the computer will recognize losses of klystrons due to malfunction, and will switch on suitable replacements. Later, it will prepare and analyze records, assist in setting up new experiments, and perform certain other control operations where rapid response is desirable.
Energy efficiency and environmental pollution of brickmaking in China

Abstract This paper examines the technologies, energy use and environmental pollution of brickmaking in China. China's brick industry is characterized by its enormous size and large number of small producers with outdated technologies. More than 90% of the bricks are fired in annular kilns with coal as the predominant fuel, resulting in substantial SO 2 , CO 2 and other air emissions. Based on available energy coefficients and emission factors, coal use for brickmaking and associated SO 2 and CO 2 emissions are estimated. Government policies and options for energy-efficiency improvements in brickmaking are also discussed.
Plasma disappearance rate and tissue distribution of radioactive cobalt labelled cyanocobalamin injected into various animals.

SummaryPlasma disappearance of parenterally injected radio cyanocobalamin in various animals was determined. Beginning 48 hours after injection 2 disappearance curves were found in female rabbits and chickens of both sexes, but only 1 disappearance curve was present in male rabbits and male human subjects. The most rapidly disappearing component (Component A) was similar in rabbits and chickens (T 1/2 = 4.2 days) and human subjects (T 1/2 = 5.7 days). The more slowly disappearing component (Component B) in female rabbits and chickens of both sexes approximated a biological half life of 29.9 days. In dogs of both sexes, plasma disappearance rate was very rapid (T 1/2 = 1.5 days). Tissue radioactivity varied between tissues of the same species and between the various species studied.
Perfctr-Xen: a framework for performance counter virtualization

Virtualization is a powerful technique used for variety of application domains, including emerging cloud environments that provide access to virtual machines as a service. Because of the interaction of virtual machines with multiple underlying software and hardware layers, the analysis of the performance of applications running in virtualized environments has been difficult. Moreover, performance analysis tools commonly used in native environments were not available in virtualized environments, a gap which our work closes.This paper discusses the challenges of performance monitoring inherent to virtualized environments and introduces a technique to virtualize access to low-level performance counters on a per-thread basis. The technique was implemented in perfctr-xen, a framework for the Xen hypervisor that provides an infrastructure for higher-level profilers. This framework supports both accumulative event counts and interrupt-driven event sampling. It is light-weight, providing direct user mode access to logical counter values. perfctr-xen supports multiple modes of virtualization, including paravirtualization and hardware-assisted virtualization. perfctr-xen applies guest kernel-hypervisor coordination techniques to reduce virtualization overhead. We present experimental results based on microbenchmarks and SPEC CPU2006 macrobenchmarks that show the accuracy and usability of the obtained measurements when compared to native execution.
SQVAM: A variance minimizing algorithm

We present an algorithm for minimizing the variance of a nonlinear function of several random variables. Mean values of these random variables are the decision variables, and we allow the variance of each random variable to be a function of its mean value. Potential applications of this algorithm are discussed, and a numerical example is presented.
Digital real-time plasma control system for Alcator C-Mod

Abstract A new digital plasma control system (DPCS) has been implemented for Alcator C-Mod. The new system was put into service at the start of the 2005 run campaign and has been effectively controlling the machine since then. This system not only provides a drop-in replacement for the original C-Mod control system, which was becoming increasingly difficult to maintain, it also provides a flexible platform to explore new non-linear and adaptive control schemes. It consists of two 64 input, 16 output CompactPCI digitizers attached to a rack mounted Linux server, which performs both the I/O and the computation. During initial operation, the system is set up to directly emulate the original C-Mod control system: this comprises a matrix of linearized observers, which estimate the 16 physical quantities under control, 16 PID channels for the conditioning of the errors between the physical quantities and their pre-programmed target waveforms and a matrix of controllers, for feeding back to the power supplies and other actuators. The matrices, the target and feed-forward waveforms and the other control parameters are time dependant and switch according to the particular phase of the plasma discharge. The compatibility with the previous control system allows the existing user interface software and data structures to be used with the new hardware. The controlling program is written in IDL, from Research Systems Incorporated (RSI), and runs under standard Linux. Interrupts are disabled during the plasma pulses to achieve real-time operation. Emulation of the original control algorithms is accomplished using 50 μs per iteration, with the time evenly split between I/O and computation, so rates of about 20 kHz are achievable. Reliable vertical control can be maintained with cycle rates as low as 5 kHz so there is considerable headroom for extra computation. The next steps are to explore the operation of the system on multiple time-scales, the use of additional computers in the real-time loop and the implementation of user provided signal processing and control schemes. These would include real-time analysis of power supply demands, real-time MHD modelling, and adaptive response to non-standard (unplanned) discharge conditions.
An instrument for quantifying honey bee defensiveness

Abstract A new instrument for evaluating the characteristics of honey bee stinging attacks has been developed. The new instrument includes a new, hollow target device that utilizes the sound created when it is made to ring at its natural frequency. In operation, bees strike the shell of the target while attempting to sting it, causing the target to ring at its natural frequency. This sound is detected by a microphone placed inside the target and an electric signal is sent to the instrument. There each strike by a bee is counted during a defined interval. The total is stored in memory and the next interval is immediately counted. When the stored data are downloaded into a computer the temporal patterns of bee attack can be studied. Initial studies suggest that when a colony of bees is stimulated to attack several times, each subsequent attack becomes more intense.
Chip package interaction analysis for 20-nm technology with thermo-compression bonding with non-conductive paste

The need for high performance and multi-functional devices drove silicon manufacturers to introduce ultra-low dielectric constant (ULK) materials into the back-end-of-line (BEOL) of silicon manufacturing. This innovative technology resulted in performance boost and low RC delay as well as reduced power consumption and cross talk. Although ULK provides electrically improved performance compared to previous generation dielectric materials, it brought significant challenge since the ULK dielectric is a porous and brittle material with inferior material properties.
Rotational ordering in solid deuterium and hydrogen: A path integral Monte Carlo study

The path-integral Monte Carlo method with a constant-pressure ensemble is used to study both translational and orientational transitions in the phase diagram of ${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$ and ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ up to megabar pressures. With an intermolecular interaction potential determined to agree with the experimental equation of state, a rotational order-disorder phase transition is observed. The phase line for this transition is in quantitative agreement with part of the phase diagram for both ${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$ and ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$. No structural phase transition, and no transitions to the D-A and H-A phases (phase III) are observed. We attribute this in part to the limitations of simulation cell size.