cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rantest: a fortran iv program for testing randomness of uniform pseudorandom numbers

Abstract Computer-generated random numbers form the basis of most Monte-Carlo simulations and similar work. A FORTRAN program—RANTEST—was written that performs various statistical and empirical tests of randomness on uniform (0, 1) pseudorandom numbers.
Mapping of the ATP Binding Sites in RyR1 Channel by Photoaffinity Labeling

Adenine nucleotides are basic modulators of Ca2+ release channels from sarcoplasmic reticulum, ryanodine receptors (RyRs). Similar to several other ion channels, ATP acts as a non-hydrolyzed ligand for activation of RyR1 with EC50 in the millimolar range: it enhances Ca2+ release from SR, increases ryanodine binding, and stimulates Ca2+release through RyR1 channels incorporated into bilayers. The activation effect of ATP is likely to occur via its binding to one or more molecular sites on RyR1. However, the number and the localization of these sites have not yet been determined. We used 2N3ATP-2’, 3’-Biotin-LC-Hydrazone (BioATP-HDZ), a photo-reactive ATP analog, as a probe for identification of the ATP-binding sites and for their location within the polypeptide chain of the RyR1 protein. We found that BioATP-HDZ binds specifically to the purified RyR1 upon photo-activation by ultraviolet light. The covalent binding of BioATP-HDZ was inhibited by unlabeled ATP with IC50= 0.6 ± 0.2 mM. This is in agreement with the reported EC50 value for activation of RyR1 with ATP (∼0.5 mM) and suggests a similar affinity for BioATP-HDZ. The BioATP-HDZ-labeled SR membranes and purified RyR1 were subjected to limited proteolysis by trypsin, followed by SDS-PAGE analysis, and the labeled proteolytic fragments were identified with IR800Dye-streptavidin using an Odyssey near-infrared scanner. N-terminal sequence analysis of the labeled proteolytic fragments revealed three putative sequences of RyR1 protein that possibly constitute ATP-binding site(s) in the channel: 95 kDa (amino acids 426-1508), 44 kDa (amino acids 2402-2795) and 70 kDa (amino acids 4476-5037). Only one fragment includes the consensus motifs (amino acids 427-432, 699-704 and 1195-1200) for potential nucleotide-binding sites found in the primary sequence of RyR1.These studies are supported by grants from NIH (R01GM072804, R01GM072804-05S1) and MDA grant 88677.
PEPTIDE MAPS OF ANTIBODIES AGAINST AN ANTIGEN CONTAINING TWO DIFFERENT DETERMINANT GROUPS.

Abstract Bovine serum albumin doubly labelled by coupling with equivalent amounts of diazotized arsanilic acid (Ars) and p-aminophenyl-N-trimethyl-ammonium chloride (R 4 N) was injected into rabbits. Hapten-specific antibodies against the two determinants were separated from each other and from anti-BSA. Peptide maps of anti-Ars and anti-R 4 N differ from each other only in one or two spots. Large portions of the two types of antibody molecules seem to be identical. Since both haptens are bound to the same BSA molecules, we assume that they are initially incorporated into the same cells. It is not yet known whether anti-Ars and anti-R 4 N are formed in the same cells or whether the haptens, after fragmentation of the antigen, are transferred to different antibody forming cells.
Newly designed laparoscopic retractable dissector and suture passer

We introduce a novel laparoscopic instrument that performs as a dissector and retractable suture passer in preparation for intracorporeal knot tying. The newly designed instrument was developed at our institution to duplicate techniques of vessel ligation in open surgery.
Optimizing the statistical estimation of the parameters of the Farquhar–von Caemmerer–Berry model of photosynthesis

The model of Farquhar, von Caemmerer and Berry is the standard in relating photosynthetic carbon assimilation and concentration of intercellular CO(2). The techniques used in collecting the data from which its parameters are estimated have been the object of extensive optimization, but the statistical aspects of estimation have not received the same attention. The model segments assimilation into three regions, each modeled by a distinct function. Three parameters of the model, namely the maximum rate of Rubisco carboxylation (V(c max)), the rate of electron transport (J), and nonphotorespiratory CO(2) evolution (R(d)), are customarily estimated from gas exchange data through separate fitting of the component functions corresponding to the first two segments. This disjunct approach is problematic in requiring preliminary arbitrary subsetting of data into sets believed to correspond to each region. It is shown how multiple segments can be estimated simultaneously, using the entire data set, without predetermination of transitions by the investigator. Investigation of the number of parameters that can be estimated in the two-segment model suggests that, under some conditions, it is possible to estimate four or even five parameters, but that only V(c max), J, and R(d), have good statistical properties. Practical difficulties and their solutions are reviewed, and software programs are provided.
Heterogeneity of Enterotoxin‐Like Protein Extracted from Spores of Clostridium perfringens Type A

Enterotoxin-like protein was extracted from spores of three enterotoxin-positive and three enterotoxin-negative strains of Clostridium perfringens type A by urea/mercaptoethanol, alkaline mercaptoethanol and alkaline dithiothreitol. Disc immunoelectrophoresis demonstrated that three distinct enterotoxin-like proteins could be extracted. In 7% acrylamide gels, type I, type II, and type III enterotoxin-like proteins had relative mobilities of 0.52, 0.63, and 0.73 respectively. In contrast to disc immunoelectrophoresis, immunoelectrophoresis in agar gel demonstrated identical electrophoretic properties for the various enterotoxin-like proteins. Immunoelectrofocusing experiments gave isoelectric points of 4.43, 4.43, 4.36, and 4.52 for purified enterotoxin and type I, type II, and type III enterotoxin-like proteins respectively. Ferguson plots (i.e., log relative mobility versus acrylamide concentration) yielded nonparallel lines which intersected at a nonsieving concentration of acrylamide indicating that the various species of enterotoxin-like protein differed in size. Estimation of the molecular weight of purified enterotoxin and the three species of enterotoxin-like protein was done by comparing the slopes obtained in Ferguson plots with those obtained using proteins of a known molecular weight. Molecular weights of 38000, 36500, 23000, and 14500 were obtained for purified enterotoxin, type I, type II, and type III enterotoxin-like protein respectively. Collectively, the evidence indicates that fractionation of the different species of enterotoxin-like protein was due primarily to differences in their size, and that different forms of enterotoxin-like protein can be extracted from spores of different strains of C. perfringens type A.
Integrated Maximum Flow Algorithm for Optimal Response Time Retrieval of Replicated Data

Efficient retrieval of replicated data from multiple disks is a challenging problem. Traditional retrieval techniques assume that replication is done at a single site using homogeneous disk arrays having no initial load or network delay. Recently, generalized retrieval algorithms are proposed to cover heterogeneous disk arrays, initial loads, and network delays. Generalized retrieval algorithms achieve the optimal response time retrieval schedule by performing multiple runs of a maximum flow algorithm. Since the maximum flow algorithm is used as a black box technique, flow values of the previous runs cannot be conserved to speed up the process. In this paper, we propose integrated maximum flow algorithms for the generalized optimal response time retrieval problem. Our first algorithm uses Ford-Fulkerson method and the second algorithm uses Push-relabel algorithm. Besides the sequential implementations, a multi-threaded version of the push-relabel algorithm is also implemented. Proposed algorithms are investigated using various replication schemes, query types, query loads, disk specifications, and system delays. Experimental results show that the sequential integrated push-relabel algorithm runs up to 2.5X faster than the black box version. Furthermore, parallel integrated push-relabel implementation achieves up to 1.7X speed up (~1.2X on average) over the sequential algorithm using two threads, which makes the integrated algorithm up to 4.25X (~3X on average) faster than its black box counterpart.
Observations on the inhibitor sensitivity of the choline oxidation system.

Abstract The influence of respiratory chain inhibitors on the choline oxidation system of rat liver mitochondria and submitochondrial particles has been investigated. In both types of enzyme preparations choline oxidation was inhibited by amytal, antimycin A, and cyanide, but was not affected by rotenone, which specifically inhibited the DPNH oxidation system, or by thenoyltrifluoroacetone, which was inhibitory only to succinate oxidation. Freshly prepared mitochondria suspended in 50 m m potassium phosphate buffer catalyzed an oxidation of endogenous substrate at about 30% of the rate at which choline was oxidized under the same conditions, but at a rate representing only a few percentage of the activity of the succinate oxidation system. It is suggested that the previously reported apparent inhibitor-resistant oxidation of choline is due to a concurrent inhibitor-resistant oxidation of endogenous substrate. Spectroscopic studies of the cytochromes (reduced minus oxidized difference spectra) of liver mitochondria reduced by choline or by succinate revealed that the same amounts of respiratory pigments were reduced by either substrate. It is concluded that in liver mitochondria, the respiratory chain pathways available for the oxidation of DPNH, choline, and succinate are common between cytochrome b and oxygen. A marked difference between the kinetics of inhibition of the respiratory chain by amytal and by rotenone is described.
An approximation theorem for second-order evolution equations

A class of approximation schemes of arbitrary accuracy, generated by a two-step recurrence relation, is devised for evolution equations of the second order. The schemes are effected via a specially constructed family of rational approximations to cos ? for ??0 and yield computationally efficient methods for systems of second-order ordinary differential equations and semidiscrete approximations for initial-boundary value problems for second-order hyperbolic equations.
Governing in Bureaucracies The Case of Parental Notification

This analysis applies a variant of organization theory, the governance approach, to the 1982 formulation by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services of the parental notification rule covering adolescents who receive prescription contraceptives from federally funded family planning clinics. Uncertainties about and controversies over policy goals and technologies shaped and reflected the policy debate and the structures developed for finalizing the rule. By highlighting the role of formal and informal structure in influencing decision process and outcome, governance theory provides a conceptual language for discussing how organizations do and should cope with uncertainty and conflict, and broadens the range of possible decision structures that might be adopted.
Effect of Anoxia on Mechanical Performance of Isolated Atria from Ground Squirrels and Rats acclimatized to Altitude

A FUNCTIONAL adaptation to hypoxia has been described in cardiac tissue from rats acclimatized to altitude1, but little information is available to explain why hibernating rodents are more tolerant to hypoxia than non-hibernating rodents, even at body temperatures near 37° C (ref. 2). Adaptations which enable hibernators to maintain physiological integrity at body temperatures of 3°–5° C could contribute to survival of severe hypoxia3; this interpretation, however, remains open to question. After exposure to hypoxia, no greater oxygen carrying capacity was found in the blood of a typical hibernator (Citellus lateralis) than in that of the rat4. Thus the ability of the hibernator to survive hypoxia could be associated with a functional adaptation to lowered pO2 at the tissue and/or cellular level.
Emergent (crash) cesarean delivery: indications and outcomes.

Objective The purpose of this study was to define the indications and outcomes of emergent cesarean deliveries. Study design We analyzed prospectively collected singleton maternal and neonatal data from January 1, 1998, to December 31, 2004 of all such cesarean deliveries that were performed. A case-control analysis was performed by matching emergent cesarean deliveries with the next 2 acute cesarean deliveries. Results There were 126 emergent cesarean deliveries (1:159 deliveries). There were no significant differences in identifiable obstetric or chronic medical risk factors between the 2 groups. Compared with the control subjects, the subjects with emergent cesarean deliveries had an increased risks of cesarean delivery for non-reassuring fetal heart rate ( P P P P P P P Conclusion These data demonstrate that most emergent cesarean deliveries develop during labor in low-risk women and cannot be anticipated by prelabor factors. The outcomes demonstrate that infants are at risk in these clinical situations and suggest that strategies to improve performance in these clinical situations are important.
Seasonal cycles of manganese and cadmium in coral from the Galapagos Islands

Manganese-to-calcium ratios in corals from the eastern and western Galapagos demonstrate regional differences in seasonal trace metal cycling. The variability of trace metal-to-calcium ratios within the Galapagos Islands points to their unique geographic setting as a major factor. This region is influenced by several major oceanic currents (e.g., the South Equatorial Current, the Equatorial Undercurrent, and the Panama, or El Nino, Current) and by extremely intense upwelling. Manganese-to-calcium ratios in a banded coral Pavona clavus from Isabela Island, the westernmost island in the Galapagos, have distinct seasonal cycles for the non-El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) years 1946–1950, with lower ratios following intensified seasonal upwelling. Cadmium/calcium ratios show less distinct seasonal cycles. The near-moderate ENSO event in 1951 is marked by the disruption of seasonal cycles in MnCa and CdCa ratios. In contrast, corals from islands further east in the Galapagos (Hood Island, 1964–1973, Linn et al., 1990; San Cristobal, 1965–1979, Shen and Sanford, 1990), have stronger seasonal CdCa signals, with higher ratios following seasonal upwelling, and less distinct seasonal cycles in MnCa ratios one-half year out of phase with CdCa variations. Average MnCa ratios are lower for these corals from locations further east, indicating that Urvina Bay appears to have an additional localized source of Mn (Shen and Sanford, 1990). In general, these regional variations in seasonal trace metal cycling are consistent with coral stable isotope signals and with their geographic locations. These variations are important to consider in using coral records to reconstruct and interpret oceanographic events occurring prior to historical records.
Agitation of non‐Newtonian fluids

Since the shear rate of a non-Newtonian fluid is of importance in fixing the rheological or viscometric behavior of such a material, the present study has been concerned with the development of a general relationship between impeller speed and the shear rate of the fluid. The resulting relationship was then used to interpret and correlate power-consumption data on three non-Newtonian fluids by use of a generalized form of the conventional power-number–Reynolds-number plot for Newtonians. Flat-bladed turbines from 2 to 8 in. in diameter were used exclusively. Tank diameters ranged from 6 to 22 in. and power inputs from 0.5 to 176 hp./1,000 gal. The study encompassed a 130-fold range of Reynolds numbers in the laminar and transition regions. The results to date indicate that power requirements for the rapid mixing of non-Newtonian fluids are much greater than for comparable Newtonian materials.
Interferon- α activates cytotoxic function but inhibits interleukin-2-mediated proliferation and tumor necrosis factor- α secretion by immature human natural killer cells

Natural killer (NK) cells play an important role in host defense mechanisms against infection and neoplasia. Interferon-α (IFN-α) has been shown to activate NK cells and to augment their cytotoxic activity, albeit its role in the maturation pathway of NK cells has not been elucidated. The present study examined whether IFN-α activates the immature NK subset (Free cells) to become cytotoxic and also ascertained whether IFN-α uses the same pathway of activation as that mediated by interleukin-2 (IL-2). Incubation of sorted Free cells overnight with IFN-α resulted in augmentation of their cytotoxic function against NK sensitive target cells. The enhanced cytotoxic activity was not accompanied by a new recruitment of NK-target binder cells but by an increase in the frequency of killer cells in the conjugate fraction. Activation of the Free subset by IFN-α resulted in upregulation of CD69, CD11b, and CD2 surface expression and stimulated secretion of IFN-γ. Unlike IL-2, IFN-α did not stimulate the Free cells to proliferate or secrete TNF-α and activation of cytotoxicity and modulation of surface antigens by IFN-α were independent of TNF-α. The failure of IFN-α to stimulate secretion and proliferation by Free cells appeared to be mediated by negative signals. This was corroborated in experiments demonstrating that when Free cells were cultured with both IFN-α and IL-2, a significant inhibition was observed for both the IL-2 dependent secretion of TNF-α and proliferation. These results demonstrate that IFN-α serves as both an activator and a regulator of NK function. Further, activation of the immature Free NK cells by IL-2 and IFN-α proceeds by TNF-α-dependent and independent pathways, respectively. The findings also support our contention that the mechanism of activation of the cytotoxic machinery of NK cells is not linked to the mechanism of activation of cytokine secretion and/or proliferation.
Work-Unit Task Uncertainty, Design and Morale

Unit morale is an important but little researched criterion of work-unit performance. Data from 382 employment security agency work-units were used to test a task-contingent model of work-unit design and morale. Universal and contingent effects of unit task and design on unit morale were examined. After controlling for the main effects of task uncertainty and individual dimensions of design, a multivariate measure of fit was found to be the only significant predictor of unit morale. These findings differ from previous research and show that a systems'approach to the examination of fit may be better at detecting contingency relationships than the pairwise approaches that have been attempted previously.
How Liposomes Diffuse in Concentrated Liposome Suspensions

Building upon the observation that liposomes of zwitterionic lipids can be stabilized against fusion by the adsorption of cationic nanoparticles (Yu, Y.; Anthony, S.; Zhang, L.; Bae, S. C.; Granick, S. J. Phys. Chem. C2007, 111, 8233), we study, using single-particle fluorescence tracking, mobility in this distinctively deformable colloid system, in the volume fraction range of φ = 0.01 to 0.7. Liposome motion is diffusive and homogeneous at low volume fractions, but separable fast and slow populations emerge as the volume fraction increases beyond φ ≈ 0.45, the same volume fraction at which hard colloids with sufficiently strong attraction are known to experience gelation. This is reflected not only in scaling of the mean square displacement, but also in the step size distribution (van Hove function) measured by fluorescence imaging. The fast liposomes are observed to follow Brownian motion, and the slow ones follow anomalous diffusion characterized by a 1/3 time scaling of their mean square displacement.
Effect of thyroid status on β-adrenoceptors and calcium channels in rat cardiac and vascular tissue

To determine the influence of thyroid hormone on β-adrenoceptors and Ca2+ channels, rats were treated with thyroxine (75 μg/100 g sc daily for 5 days) or propylthiouracil (0.05% in drinking water for 30 days). β-Adrenoceptor density in ventricular tissue, measured by [125I]iodocyanopindolol binding, was significantly increased and decreased respectively, following thyroxine or propylthiouracil treatment to 124.7 ± 7.11 fmol/mg protein and 71.98 ± 5.37 fmol/mg protein from euthyroid (control) levels of 93.7 ± 4.58 fmol/mg protein. Ca2+ channel density, measured by [3H]nitrendipine binding, was altered in the opposite direction; it was significantly decreased and increased to 324 ± 24 fmol/mg protein and 691 ± 31 fmol/mg protein from 562 ± 35 fmol/mg protein after thyroxine or propylthiouracil treatment, respectively. No changes in affinity of either ligand were observed. Responses of isolated papillary muscles from propylthiouracil-treated animals accorded with changes seen in the binding studies. The geometric mean EC50 of isoproterenol increased from 9.5 × 10−9 mol/1 to 5.5 × 10−8 mol/l, and the EC50 for calcium decreasedfrom 3.16 × 10−3 mol/1to 1.36 × 10−3 mol/1; moreover, the responsiveness to the Ca 2+ channel activator Bay K 8644 was increased. The corresponding responses in thyroxine-treated animals could not be examined because of prominent arrhythmic activity. As with papillary muscles the sensitivity of left atria to isoproterenol was decreased after treatment with propylthiouracil, with geometric mean EC50 values increasing from 3.21 × 10−9 mol/1 to 89.4 × 10−9 mol/l. This was however, associated with a decrease in the sensitivity to calcium with geometric mean EC50 values increasing from 2.43 × 10−3 mol/1 to 5.33 × 10−3 mol/1 and a reduction in the maximal response to Bay K 8644. Treatment with thyroxine had no effect on tissue sensitivity. The responses of isolated tail artery to phenylephrine, calcium and Bay K 8644 were not significantly different in propylthiouracil- or thyroxine-treated animals.
Investigations into the Deswelling Dynamics and Thermodynamics of Thermoresponsive Microgel Composite Films

We report on the deswelling behavior of microcomposite hydrogel films composed of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAm). These films were synthesized first by formation of pNIPAm microgel particles via precipitation polymerization, followed by polymerization of these particles into a pNIPAm thin film gel matrix immobilized on a glass slide. The deswelling behavior of these composite films was studied by temperature-dependent light scattering (i.e., turbidity). In conventional (not microstructured) films the scattering increases and plateaus as the temperature is increased beyond the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of pNIPAm. In contrast to these conventional films, microgel composite films display an increase in turbidity until the LCST, followed by a rapid turbidity decrease beyond the LCST. It is also observed that the rate at which scattering decreases depends on the concentration of the hydrogel particles in the film. Together, these results offer insight into the morphological changes occur...
Towards automatically generating summary comments for Java methods

Studies have shown that good comments can help programmers quickly understand what a method does, aiding program comprehension and software maintenance. Unfortunately, few software projects adequately comment the code. One way to overcome the lack of human-written summary comments, and guard against obsolete comments, is to automatically generate them. In this paper, we present a novel technique to automatically generate descriptive summary comments for Java methods. Given the signature and body of a method, our automatic comment generator identifies the content for the summary and generates natural language text that summarizes the method's overall actions. According to programmers who judged our generated comments, the summaries are accurate, do not miss important content, and are reasonably concise.
Chromatographic and spectral analysis of phenolic acids and related compounds.

Abstract Chromatographic data were obtained for 41 phenolic acids and related compounds by using two gas chromatographic supports and two paper chromatographic and two thin layer chromatographic systems. Spectral maxima in the ultraviolet region and observed characteristics bathochromic shifts were also obtained when aluminum chloride was added. Conversion of the gas chromatographic relative retention values to the Kovaat's indices system permitted an analysis of the effects of substitutents and sites of attachment on retention time. Relative contributions of molecular weight and intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonding to I k values are discussed. Hydroxy and methoxy substitution of benzene and benzoic and cinnamic acids decreased the R F values in both TLC and PC, with some exceptions. Positional effects were often observed. Aluminum chloride elicited a small bathochromic shift for all acids; larger shifts were observed with dihydroxy and trihydroxybenzoic acids when the substitution pattern permitted chelation.
Reply: Why Discourse Matters, Materially

Shrestha's commentary on my Annals article, "What Causes Poverty? A Postmodern View" (86:707-28), presents a very unflattering picture of my approach. I am told that it is "little more than an open surrender to the moral bankruptcy, social irresponsibility, and political expediency of those who are ever ready to see the poor as the problem in order to preserve their class privileges and insatiable greed" (p. 715). For good measure he advises the geography profession at large not to be duped by "such faddish pursuits . . ., [which] may very well help some to attain short-term academic gains, but only at the expense of secure disciplinary identity and integrity" (p. 715). Oh My! The man does have a bee in his bonnet. Shrestha's commentary contains two kinds of remarks: First are some general criticisms of postmodern intellect; second are his specific objections to my postmodern view of poverty. I shall take each of these in turn. I hope my reply will help dispel the effects of his cynical distrust and ungrounded fear of the postmodern.
Biological activities of 3-isoadenosine.

Abstract An isomer of adenosine, 3-β- d -ribofuranosyladenine (3-isoadenosine), has been studied in a number of bacterial and mammalian cell systems. While 3-isoadenosine readily supported the growth of the adenine-requiring Escherichia coli B97, it failed to support the growth in tissue culture of a murine cell line rendered dependent on an exogenous purine source by the folic acid antagonist amethopterin. 3-Isoadenosine inhibited the growth of various mammalian cell lines in Eagle's medium at levels of 10−4 to 10−6 M and it displayed a cytotoxicity for the lymphoblastic leukemia cell line L5178Y of the same order as that of 6-azauridine. When tested by an agar overlay method, 3-isoadenosine also inhibited the growth of Adeno III virus in tissue culture. In order to investigate the inhibitory activity of 3-isoadenosine, comparative experiments were carried out in the above systems with other nucleoside analogs (psicofuranine, pseudouridine, triacanthine, etc.), and an unsuccessful attempt was made to reverse this inhibition with nucleosides and other complex materials. A daily dose of 3 mg/kg given intraperitoneally to mice for ten days was well tolerated but 6.0 mg/kg was toxic. The final phase of this study was the evaluation of 3-isoadenosine in tumor-bearing and virus-infected animals. The interpretation of the observed biological activity in terms of the underlying biochemical mechanisms has been attempted by comparison of the activities of 3-isoadenosine and of related nucleosides and other agents. This comparison revealed a striking similarity in the characteristics of inhibition of mammalian cells in tissue culture by 3-isoadenosine and by 7-deaza-adenosine.
Suicide in the Elderly: The Limits of Paternalism

It is the authors' premise that caregivers of the suicidal elderly patient are at times guided by a paternalism that is not always in the best interests of the patient. They advocate instead care based on greater respect for the autonomy of the patient. A case of a suicidal, recently widowed man is presented, and historical and ethical considerations of bereavement and suicide are discussed.
The burden of chronic kidney disease in long-term liver transplant recipients.

Abstract Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an important risk factor for morbidity and mortality post–liver transplantation (OLT). This study focused on investigating the incidence and risk factors associated with the development CKD after OLT. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study of recipients followed at least 5 years at our institution. CKD was diagnosed and classified according to National Kidney Foundation and the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative guidelines. Results There were 231 patients, 64% men, 67% Caucasian, 16% African-American, and 17% others, with a mean age of 56 ± 13 years. The mean glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of the population was 56 ± 28 mL/min/1.73 m 2 . CKD was defined as GFR less than 60 mL/min; 144 patients (61%) were identified as having CKD. When these patients were compared to the non-CKD group, the former were significantly older (62 ± 9 vs 52 ± 12 years, P = .03), more likely to be hypertensive (59% vs 38%, P = .003), and required more antihypertensive medications (0.83 ± 0.81 vs 0.52 ± 0.77, P = .02); 26% of all patients had diabetes. However, the incidence of diabetes (43.3% vs 19.3%, P = .02) as well as the incidence of insulin dependency (21.6% vs 12.5%, P = .001) was significantly higher in the CKD population. Mean uric acid levels were higher in CKD patients compared to non-CKD patients (8.00 ± 2.00 mg/dL vs 6.70 ± 1.99 mg/dL respectively, P = .001); patients with uric acid more than 6.0 had a 1.7 risk of having CKD. Conclusions CKD defined as GFR
A simple density gradient for enriching subfractions of solid tumor cells

Cell suspensions of human solid tumors could be separated into 5 or 6 subfractions for flow cytometry by centrifugation on a continuous silica gel (Percoll, Pharmacia Fine Chemicals, Upsalla, Sweden) density gradient. In all cases, there were one or more subfractions with enrichment of the aneuploid tumor cells. The greatest enrichment occurred in cases with fewer than 20% aneuploid cells in the original specimen; for these cases the enrichment factor ranged from 2.8- to 11.7-fold increase. In six cases with fewer than 7% aneuploid G0/1 cells initially, the aneuploid G0/1 DNA peak was difficult to demonstrate on the original specimen but became quite obvious in the subfraction. In no case were the tumor cells confined to a single subfraction. The distribution of tumor cells within two or more subfractions appeared related to differentiation in the case of squamous cells and to RNA content for other tumor cells. DNA/RNA flow cytometry proved useful in defining subpopulations of tumor cells with different DNA stemlines and varying positions in the cell cycle according to the RNA content of the respective subpopulation.
Collaborative Improvisation as Critical Pedagogy

From “Black Collectivities: A Conference,” held May 3–4, 2013, at Northwestern University’s Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, and the University of Chicago’s Arts Incubator. This article discusses the work of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) as an example of how collaboratives created by cultural practitioners of African descent have promulgated new perceptions, understandings, and forms of practice. From the context of experimental music, the article explores improvisation, concepts of phantasm and metaphor, and philosophical accounts of intentionality, social interaction, pedagogical listening, and ethics. It also describes the AACM as exemplifying a broader move by artist collectives from competition-based models of art making to more collaborative notions pursued in many segments of the African American community in ways that reflected and enacted larger societal institutional and political conceptions.Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians, music school class, ca. 1968. Photo: Leonard E. Jones
Co-occurrence of Abuse of Different Drugs in Men The Role of Drug-Specific and Shared Vulnerabilities

Background Previous research has demonstrated genetic and environmental influences on abuse of individual substances, but there is less known about how these factors may influence the co-occurrence of abuse of different illicit drugs. Methods We studied 3372 male twin pairs from the Vietnam Era Twin Registry. They were interviewed using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule, Version III, Revised to investigate the extent to which the abuse of different categories of drugs occurs together within an individual, as well as the possibility that genetic and environmental factors are responsible for observed co-occurrence. Co-occurrence was quantified using odds ratios and conditional probabilities. Multivariate biometrical modeling analyses were used to assess genetic and environmental influences on co-occurrence. Results Abusing any category of drug was associated with a marked increase in the probability of abusing every other category of drugs. We found evidence for a shared or common vulnerability factor that underlies the abuse of marijuana, sedatives, stimulants, heroin or opiates, and psychedelics. This shared vulnerability is influenced by genetic, family environmental, and nonfamily environmental factors, but not every drug is influenced to the same extent by the shared vulnerability factor. Marijuana, more than other drugs, was influenced by family environmental factors. Each category of drug, except psychedelics, had genetic influences unique to itself (ie, not shared with other drug categories). Heroin had larger genetic influences unique to itself than did any other drug. Conclusion There are genetically and environmentally determined characteristics that comprise a shared or common vulnerability to abuse a range of illicit drugs.
Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Objective To investigate the effect of weight loss after bariatric surgery among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of RA patients who underwent bariatric surgery (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, or sleeve gastrectomy) at 2 medical centers. We obtained information on anthropometrics, laboratory values, RA disease activity, and medication use at baseline (prior to surgery), at 6 and 12 months following surgery, and at the most recent followup visits. RA disease activity was determined by clinical or validated measures. At each postsurgical visit, characteristics were compared to baseline. Results We identified 53 RA patients who underwent bariatric surgery. At baseline prior to surgery, mean ± SD body mass index was 47.8 ± 7.7 kg/m2, mean ± SD weight was 128.2 ± 24.1 kg, and 57% had moderate to high RA disease activity. Twelve months following surgery, subjects lost a mean ± SD weight of 41.0 ± 17.3 kg, mean ± SD 70% ± 24% excess weight (P < 0.001). RA disease activity significantly improved at postsurgical visits (P < 0.001). At 12 months following surgery, 6% had moderate to high disease activity, compared to 57% at baseline (P < 0.001). At the most recent followup (mean ± SD 5.8 ± 3.2 years after surgery), 74% were in remission, compared to 26% at baseline (P < 0.001). Subjects had significantly lower erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein level, and RA-related medication use at followup visits compared to baseline (P < 0.05). Conclusion After substantial weight loss from bariatric surgery, RA patients had lower disease activity, decreased serum inflammatory markers, and less RA-related medication use. Weight loss may be an important nonpharmacologic strategy to reduce RA disease activity. However, other factors, such as improved efficacy of medications, improved physical activity, and metabolic changes, may also have contributed to these postsurgical improvements.
Why combine diet and physical activity in the same international research society

Research in diet and physical activity in the U.S. started in very different traditions, with behavioral science input being uneven in their development. Investigators and policy makers in Europe have recognized the complementarity of diet and physical activity and incorporated them both under the label Public Health Nutrition. Joining these disciplines internationally offers the opportunity to benefit all, since the problems addressed are human, not specific to any one country.
Extensive wormian bones in a patient with the Hallermann-Streiff syndrome.

A case is reported of a 5-month-old girl with Hallerman-Streiff syndrome who was evaluated for possible premature closure of the cranial sutures. Skull radiographs revealed numerous Wormian bones along sutures in the parietal skull bilaterally. Hallermann-Streiff syndrome is added to the list of diseases in which extensive Wormian bones can appear. (J Child Neurol 1990;5:50-51).
Experiments Studying Desorbed Gas and Electron Clouds in Ion Accelerators

Electron clouds and gas pressure rise limit the performance of many major accelerator rings. We are studying these issues experimentally with ∼ 1 MeV heavy-ion beams, coordinated with significant efforts in self-consistent simulation and theory. The experiments use multiple diagnostics, within and between quadrupole magnets, to measure the sources and accumulation of electrons and gas. In support of these studies, we have measured gas desorption and electron emission coefficients for potassium ions impinging on stainless steel targets at angles near grazing incidence. Our goal is to measure the electron particle balance for each source – ionization of gas, emission from beam tubes, and emission from an end wall – determine the electron effects on the ion beam and apply the increased understanding to mitigation. We describe progress towards that goal.
Tolerancing kinematic couplings

This paper presents a method for allocating tolerances to dimensions in kinematic couplings, which are exact constraint devices used to locate one object with respect to another. The objective is to reduce the manufacturing cost without exceeding limits on the variation of the coupled position and orientation. The allocation procedure uses parametric models of the contacting surfaces and a solution for the resting position of the coupled body. A multivariate error analysis provides a relation between variation in manufactured dimensions and variation in the position and orientation of the coupled body. Optimal tolerances are then determined using a non-linear constrained optimization algorithm that minimizes the manufacturing cost while satisfying constraints on the variation of the coupled position and orientation. The method provides a useful tool when designing mass-produced kinematic couplings intended for applications where coupled bodies are exchanged.
Theory-Driven Research in Pediatric Psychology: A Little Bit on Why and How

Introduces a Special Issue, covering two published issues (5 and 6) of this journal, on theory-driven research in pediatric psychology. A rationale for conducting research from a conceptual basis is presented. It is emphasized that science is primarily an intellectual activity, demonstrated in the form of theory building, testing, and reformulation. Furthermore, it is argued theory serves as a planning and communication aide for scientific pursuit. The process and components of theory-driven research are then highlighted. Theoretical constructs, theoretical and empirical definitions of constructs, and the use of variables are discussed. A definition of scientific theory is offered. Theory testing is distinguished from post hoc theorizing. Differences in the scope of theories are noted. Connections between theory and hypothesis testing and research design are addressed, especially for nonexperimental or correlational research. Language: en
Multi-Source Grid Scheduling for Divisible Loads

The applicability of min cost flow and multi-commodity flow mathematical programming problems to steady state, multi-source divisible load scheduling is examined. Applying the linear model concept of superposition to such steady state multi-source load distribution is suggested for linear and more general topologies. Finally, the use of heuristic optimization for a transient multi-source load distribution problem is discussed.
The costs of infection and resistance as determinants of West Nile virus susceptibility in Culex mosquitoes

Understanding the phenotypic consequences of interactions between arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) and their mosquito hosts has direct implications for predicting the evolution of these relationships and the potential for changes in epidemiological patterns. Although arboviruses are generally not highly pathogenic to mosquitoes, pathology has at times been noted. Here, in order to evaluate the potential costs of West Nile virus (WNV) infection and resistance in a primary WNV vector, and to assess the extent to which virus-vector relationships are species-specific, we performed fitness studies with and without WNV exposure using a highly susceptible Culex pipiens mosquito colony. Specifically, we measured and compared survival, fecundity, and feeding rates in bloodfed mosquitoes that were (i) infected following WNV exposure (susceptible), (ii) uninfected following WNV exposure (resistant), or (iii) unexposed. In contrast to our previous findings with a relatively resistant Cx. tarsalis colony, WNV infection did not alter fecundity or blood-feeding behaviour of Cx. pipiens, yet results do indicate that resistance to infection is associated with a fitness cost in terms of mosquito survival. The identification of species-specific differences provides an evolutionary explanation for variability in vector susceptibility to arboviruses and suggests that understanding the costs of infection and resistance are important factors in determining the potential competence of vector populations for arboviruses.
Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty: The Painful Hip

• Describe the systematic approach to evaluate extrinsic versus intrinsic factors of a patient with a painful hip after arthroplasty • Describe the evaluation and treatment of the several causes of pain associated with metal-on-metal hip replacements.
Analysis In Teaching With Cases: A Revisit To Blooms Taxonomy Of Learning Objectives

Analysis, the core of graduate business education is probably one of the least understood and most misrepresented learning activities. Everyone seems to claim that they know it, yet most seem unable to actually define it or practice it. This paper reviews Blooms taxonomy of learning objectives with a special focus on analysis. More specifically, the paper seeks to present a more profound perspective of analysis and synthesis as taught and learned in a typical business course that utilizes case studies. The authors take more of an epidemiological perspective to case analysis which goes beyond the mere rehash of case facts to developing an understanding of all the communication elements in the case and the relationship between the elements for the purpose of synthesizing a new picture that was not obvious before. The paper presents a useful framework for analyzing business cases and recommending and implementing viable strategic options.
CD70 Is Downregulated by Interaction with CD27

Engagement of the receptor CD27 by CD70 affects the magnitude and quality of T cell responses in a variety of infection models, and exaggerated signaling via this pathway results in enhanced immune responses and autoimmunity. One means by which signaling is regulated is tight control of cell surface CD70, which is expressed on dendritic cells (DCs), T cells, and B cells only upon activation. In this article, we show that a second level of regulation also is present. First, although undetectable on the cell surface by flow cytometry, immature DCs have a small pool of CD70 that continuously recycles from the plasma membrane. In addition, surface levels of CD70 on DCs and T cells were higher in mice deficient in CD27, or on DCs for which the interaction between CD70 and CD27 was precluded by blocking Abs. Binding of CD70 by its receptor resulted in downregulation of CD70 transcription and protein levels, suggesting that CD70-mediated "reverse signals" regulate its own levels. Therefore, the ability of CD70 to trigger costimulation is self-regulated when it binds its complementary receptor.
Arthropod Research in the Southeastern U.S.

A short description of the Institute of Arthropodology and Parasitology (IAP) at Georgia Southern University is presented. The largest and best tick collection in the world is located there as is one of the leading tick research programs. Additionally, the Institute conducts excellent non-tick related programs. The IAP provides consulting service and tick identifications to the public and to agromedical specialists. A major research effort involves Lyme disease and its tick vectors in the southeastern U.S. Lyme disease accounted for more than 90% of all arthropod transmitted diseases in the U.S. during 1992 (9,895 cases). Misinformation about Lyme disease is noted and some exciting research breakthroughs on this disease in the southeastern U.S. are reported. Clearly, the Lyme disease pathogen, Borrelia burgdorferi, is cycling enzootically in the South. Because of misinformation and poor surveillance, the number of human cases in the South is unknown.
FOLLOW‐UP ADJUSTMENT OF OUTPATIENT DROPOUTS

This study assesses the post-therapy adjustment of outpatient dropouts by investigating the relationship between termination status, number of visits attended, and pretreatment and follow-up symptom levels. Dropouts who attended only one or two sessions had extremely poor adjustment at follow-up; later dropouts were improved at follow-up, though their absolute level of adjustment was inferior to that of the appropriate terminators.
THE POLITICAL USAGE OF “ISLAM” AND “ARAB CULTURE”

Vague words are frequently used in describing the goals of developing countries, although it is often assumed such terms have specific political meaning in the culture in which they are found. Inquiry shows that Middle Easterners have great difficulty attaching meaning to two such terms when asked to differentiate between them. Douglas E. Ashford is Assistant Professor in the Department of Government at Indiana University. His book, Political Change in Morocco, is being published this spring, and he is now engaged in an attitudinal study of Moroccan nationalists, from which this article was taken.
Exohedral Physisorption of Ambient Moisture Scales Non-monotonically with Fiber Proximity in Aligned Carbon Nanotube Arrays

Here we present a study on the presence of physisorbed water on the surface of aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in ambient conditions, where the wet CNT array mass can be more than 200% larger than that of dry CNTs, and modeling indicates that a water layer >5 nm thick can be present on the outer CNT surface. The experimentally observed nonlinear and non-monotonic dependence of the mass of adsorbed water on the CNT packing (volume fraction) originates from two competing modes. Physisorbed water cannot be neglected in the design and fabrication of materials and devices using nanowires/nanofibers, especially CNTs, and further experimental and ab initio studies on the influence of defects on the surface energies of CNTs, and nanowires/nanofibers in general, are necessary to understand the underlying physics and chemistry that govern this system.