cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interobserver Reliability of Coronoid Fracture Classification: Two-Dimensional Versus Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography

Purpose This study tests the hypothesis that 3-dimensional computed tomography (CT) reconstructions improve interobserver agreement on classification and treatment of coronoid fractures compared with 2-dimensional CT. Methods A total of 29 orthopedic surgeons evaluated 10 coronoid fractures on 2 occasions (first with radiographs and 2-dimensional CT and then with radiographs and 3-dimensional CT), separated by a minimum of 2 weeks. Surgeons classified fractures according to the classifications of Regan and Morrey and of O'Driscoll et al., identified specific characteristics, recommended the most appropriate treatment approach, and made treatment recommendations. The kappa multirater measure (κ) was calculated to estimate agreement between observers. Results Regardless of the imaging modality used, there was fair to moderate agreement for most of the observations. Three-dimensional CT improved interobserver agreement in Regan and Morrey's classsication (κ 3-dimensional = 0.51 vs κ 2-dimensional = 0.40; p 3-dimensional = 0.48 vs κ 2-dimensional = 0.42; p=.009). There were trends toward better reliability for 3-dimensional reconstruction in recognition of coronoid tip fractures (κ 3-dimensional = 0.19, κ 2-dimensional = 0.03; p=.268), comminution (κ 3-dimensional = 0.41 vs κ 2-dimensional = 0.29; p=.133), and impacted fragments (κ 3-dimensional = 0.39 vs κ 2-dimensional = 0.27; p=.094), and in surgeons' opinions on the need for something other than screws or plate for surgical fixation (κ 3-dimensional = 0.31 vs κ 2-dimensional = 0.15; p=.138). Interobserver agreement on treatment approach was better with 2-dimensional CT (κ 3-dimensional = 0.27, κ 2-dimensional = 0.32; p=.015). Conclusions Three-dimensional CT reconstructions improve interobserver agreement with respect to fracture classification compared with 2-dimensional CT. Type of study/level of evidence Diagnostic III.
Fine mapping functional sites or regions from case-control data using haplotypes of multiple linked SNPs.

Summary Previously, we reported an algorithm for scanning a large number of tightly linked single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for LD mapping of functional sites or regions from a family-based association design. In the present study, we extend our method to a case-control design. We first use the expectation maximization (EM) algorithm to estimate haplotype frequencies of multiple linked SNPs, and follow this by constructing a contingency table statistic S for LD analysis, based on the estimated haplotype frequencies. An empirical p-value is obtained based on the null distribution of the maximum of S (S *) from a large number (e.g., 1,000 or more) of randomized permutations. The proposed algorithm has been implemented in a computer program in which window searching for functional SNP sites can cover any number of loci without limitation, except that of computer storage. Unlike other programs for a case-control design that always conduct tests at a fix window width, in our program after setting a maximum size of haplotype window width, for a given maximum window width all possible widths of haplotypes are utilized to find the maximum statistic S * for each locus under investigation. The sensitivity of the proposed algorithm has been examined with simulated and real genotyping datasets. Association analyses indicate that our program is powerful enough to detect most, if not all, functional SNPs simulated in the original model or identified in the original report. Moreover, the program is very flexible and can be used in either regional or genome-wide scanning for association analysis with SNP markers.
Oral Rehydration Therapy for Diarrhea: An Example of Reverse Transfer of Technology

On November 13 and 14, 1996, a scientific symposium on oral rehydration therapy (ORT) was held at the Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health in Baltimore, MD. The purpose of the meeting was to review the current treatment practices for the treatment of this disease in the United States. The group noted that diarrhea resulted in 300 to 400 deaths per year among children, approximately 200 000 hospitalizations, 1.5 million outpatient visits, and costs >$1 billion in direct medical costs. ORT is well established therapy for the treatment and prevention of dehydration due to diarrhea. The principles of ORT treatment include early adequate rehydration therapy using an appropriate oral rehydration solution (ORS), replacement of ongoing fluid losses from vomiting and diarrhea with ORS, and frequent feeding of appropriate foods as soon as dehydration is corrected. The effective use of ORT has saved millions of lives around the world. However, in the United States, ORT is grossly underused. Contrary to the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), health care providers overuse intravenous hydration, prolong rehydration, delay reintroduction of feeding, and inappropriately withhold ORT, especially with children who are vomiting. The expert panel noted that the majority of deaths, hospitalization, and visits to emergency departments could be prevented by the appropriate use of ORT. They generated guidelines for the treatment and prevention of dehydration secondary to diarrhea. These measures, together with training providers, could substantially reduce diarrhea mortality and decrease hospitalizations of children by 100 000 per year in the next 5 years.
The disappearing art of instrumental delivery: Time to reverse the trend

Purpose: This paper focuses attention on declining rates of instrumental (vacuum or forceps) delivery. The decline often means that women must travel further to deliver in hospitals with capacity for cesarean delivery. Background: The paper illustrates recent trends in the use of vacuum extraction and forceps in low- and high-income countries. It describes some of the obstacles to the use of instrumental delivery and why the techniques, especially vacuum extraction, should be reintroduced. Over the past two decades, many countries have observed a decline in instrumental delivery rates while cesarean rates have increased. Objections to instrumental delivery are largely due to the potential harm it causes newborns. Some medical schools no longer train their professionals to perform instrumental delivery. Elsewhere, only specialists are permitted to perform the procedures. Methods and Results: As this is a policy paper rather than a research report, the methods and results sections are not applicable. Conclusions: Vacuum extraction can be taught to midlevel practitioners (midwives, nurse practitioners and general physicians), thereby increasing access to emergency obstetric care especially at the periphery. This allows women to give birth closer to home in midlevel facilities when hospitals are not easily accessible or are overcrowded. Where instrumental and cesarean delivery are both available, instrumental delivery could potentially reduce the risks associated with cesarean delivery and reduce the costs of obstetric care.
Present And Future Performance Of The Nova Laser System

Nova is the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's 10-beam Nd:glass laser, which is used for inertial confinement fusion research. It operates in the high power, high energy regime, where several interesting nonlinear optical phenomena can occur. These phenomena and their interactions limit the power and energy that can presently be delivered to targets for laser-target interaction experiments. Understanding and controlling these processes will allow us to increase the energy available for such experiments.
Raised levels of plasma interleukin-1β in major and postviral depression

Objective Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) is released as part of the acute phase immune response and can directly stimulate the release of corticotrophin-releasing hormone and thus induce hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis hyperactivity. Major depression has been shown to be accompanied by both an acute phase immune response, including raised IL-1beta production and hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis hyperactivity. In this study the possible role of IL-1beta in major depression and postviral depression was investigated. Method Plasma IL-1beta levels were measured in four groups; patients suffering from postviral depression (n= 17), patients with major depression (n = 20), subjects who were postviral and euthymic (n= 12) and normal controls (n = 20). Results IL-1beta serum concentrations were significantly elevated in both groups of depressed patients compared to controls. The serum concentrations of IL-1beta were higher in the postviral group than in the major depression group; this difference was not significant. Conclusion These data confirm previous suggestions of elevated IL-1beta levels in major depression and postviral depression. IL-1beta is known to induce depressive symptoms as well as sickness behaviour and may contribute to the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis hyperactivity found in mood disorders.
Representing polyhedra: faces are better than vertices

In this paper, we investigate the reconstruction of planar-faced polyhedra given their spherical dual representation. We prove that the spherical dual representation is unambiguous for all genus 0 polyhedra and that a genus 0 polyhedron can be uniquely reconstructed in polynomial time. We also prove that when the degree of spherical dual representation is at most four, the representation is unambiguous for polyhedra of any genus.
Historical Bookends: England and Japan

Vincent Benziger is a fascinating economic historian. In this piece, he continues exploring geography's bearing on economic growth. Being islands strongly affected growth in Japan and England, he argues. He supports his case well.
The purification and kinetic properties of liver microsomal-catechol-o-methyltransferase.

Abstract A membrane-bound form of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) has been solubilized and partially purified from rat liver microsomes. The purified microsomal-COMT was found to be neutralized by antibody to the soluble-COMT. The pH optimum, the kinetic constants for catechol substrates and S-adenosylmethionine, and the sensitivity to inhibitors of this microsomal-COMT were all found to be similar to the soluble-COMT.
Prevalence and impact of complications on outcomes in patients hospitalized for oral and oropharyngeal cancer treatment

Objective We studied the association between presence of complications and hospitalization outcomes, including hospital charges, length of stay in hospital, and in-hospital mortality. Methods The Nationwide Inpatient Sample for 2008 was used. All hospital discharges with a primary diagnosis of oral and oropharyngeal cancers were selected. Presence of complications was determined by using ICD-9-CM codes. The association between the presence of complications and outcomes (hospital charges, length of stay, and in-hospital mortality) was examined by multivariable linear and multivariable logistic regression analyses. The effects of several patient- and hospital-related confounders were adjusted in the regression analyses. Results A total of 17,632 hospitalizations were attributed to oral and oropharyngeal cancers. A total of 519 (2.9%) patients died in the hospitals. The total hospitalization charges were close to $1.08 billion. Oral and oropharyngeal cancers accounted for 117,472 hospitalization days (mean length of stay 6.6 days). The overall complication rate was 14.95%. The most frequently present complication was hemorrhagic complications. Among the different complications, septicemia was associated with the worst outcomes. Patients with septicemia were associated with the highest odds for in-hospital mortality (OR = 13.06, 95% CI = 3.81-48.50, P = .0001). Conclusions Presence of complications was associated with poor outcomes, such as high in-hospital mortality rates, excess hospitalization charges, and longer length of stay in hospital. Among the different complications, septicemia was associated with the worst outcomes.
Rationale and design of the Optimal Macro-Nutrient Intake Heart Trial to Prevent Heart Disease (OMNI-Heart)

Background The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet is a carbohydrate-rich, reduced-fat diet that lowers blood pressure (BP) and LDL-cholesterol. Whether partial replacement of some carbohydrate (C) with either protein (P) or unsaturated fat (U) can further improve these and other cardiovascular (CVD) risk factors is unknown.Methods OmniHeart is a randomized, three-period, crossover feeding study designed to compare the effects on BP and blood lipids of a carbohydrate-rich diet (CARB, similar to the DASH diet) with a diet rich in protein (PROT, predominantly from nonmeat sources) and a diet rich in unsaturated fat (UNSAT, predominantly monounsaturated). Throughout feeding (run in and the three intervention periods), participants are provided with all of their meals that meet the nutrient profile of their assigned diet. Calorie intake is adjusted to maintain weight. The target sample size is 160 (50% African-American). Participants are adults, aged 30 or older, with prehypertension or Stage ...
Primary tumors of the small bowel.

Abstract Primary tumors of the small bowel are uncommon, representing less than 6 per cent of all gastrointestinal tumors and less than 2 per cent of all malignant gastrointestinal tumors. This report concerns a twenty-five year survey of our clinical records from 1946 to 1971 which revealed 140 primary small bowel tumors, excluding periampullary tumors. Fifty-two of the neoplasms (37 per cent) were benign; eighty-eight (63 per cent) were malignant and included twenty-eight adenocarcinomas (31.8 per cent), twenty-four lymphosarcomas (27.3 per cent), nineteen carcinoids (21.6 per cent), and ten leiomyosarcomas (11.4 per cent). The average age at the time of diagnosis was 56.9 years for patients with benign tumors and 55.9 years for those with malignant tumors. The illusive and obscure nature of small bowel tumors is illustrated by the fact that 63.3 per cent of patients with benign lesions and 47.6 per cent of those with malignant lesions had symptoms for more than six months before the diagnosis was made. Bleeding was the most common presenting complaint in patients with benign neoplasms (52.9 per cent) whereas patients with malignant lesions more often had symptoms of obstruction (50.6 per cent). Most of the benign lesions were located proximally in the small bowel (duodenum, 34.6 per cent; ileum, 11.5 per cent), and most of the malignant lesions were located distally (duodenum, 17.0 per cent; ileum, 61.4 per cent). Treatment of patients with malignant lesions was radical excision whenever possible. Adjunctive radiation therapy was used for those with lymphoma. A second benign or malignant tumor occurred in 42.9 per cent of the patients with primary small bowel tumors. The average period of survival after diagnosis of a malignant small bowel tumor was 5.03 years: for patients with adenocarcinoma, 3.6 years; lymphosarcoma, 1.3 years; carcinoid, 6.8 years; and leiomyosarcoma, 8.3 years.
Graph-theoretic method for merging security system specifications

Computer security policies specify conditions for permissions to access various computer resources and information. Merging two security policies is needed when two organizations, together with their computer systems, merge into one entity as in corporate business acquisition. We propose a graph-theoretic method for merging the role/object hierarchies of two security policies. The formulation of merged hierachies is based on the graph minor relation in graph theory. Ideally, the merged role hierarchy should contain both the participating role hierarchies as graph minors, and similarly for the object hierarchy. We show that one can decide in polynomial time whether this ideal case is possible when the participating hierarchies are trees. We also show that in case the merged hierarchy exists, it can be constructed in polynomial time. Algorithms for detecting the feasibility of an ideal merged tree and for constructing the merged tree are presented. Our hierarchy/tree merge method is also applicable to the integration of heterogeneous databases with generalization hierarchies.
Severe heparin-induced thrombocytopenia: when the obvious is not obvious, a case report

Thrombocytopenia commonly occurs in hospitalized patients, particularly critically ill patients. We present an exemplifying case of severe heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) in an effort to solidify its high priority in the differential diagnosis of thrombocytopenia. A 75-year-old female underwent cardiac surgery with intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) placement. A platelet count drop to 25 × 10(9)/L by the third postoperative day was attributed to the IABP, which was removed. Her thrombocytopenia remained refractory to multiple platelet transfusions over several days. Right hand cyanosis then developed, attributed to a right radial arterial catheter, which was removed. All toes and fingers then showed severe ischemic changes. Ten days after the initial platelet count drop, a critical care specialist new to the treating team suspected HIT. Heparin exposure was stopped and argatroban was initiated. A HIT antibody test was subsequently strongly positive. The patients thrombocytopenia gradually resolved. No additional thromboses occurred during a 27-day intensive care unit stay. This case underscores the need for vigilance in suspecting HIT in patients with thrombocytopenia and recent heparin exposure. To avoid catastrophic outcomes in such patients, heparin should be stopped and alternative anticoagulation should be initiated, at least until HIT is excluded.
ber eine besondere Klasse von involutorischen Cremona-Transformationen und die darin invarianten algebraischen Kurven

In friihern Arbeiten 1) untersuchte ieh involutorische Cremona-Transformationen, die sich wie folgt ergeben: Man betrachte in einem projekriven ~berraume S, yon r Dimensionen r Hyperkegel (a i 21) "~ = 0, i = 1, 2 , . . . , r, worin 21, 23, . . . , 2, die Parameter sind, welche die einhiillenden Tangent ia lhy~rebenen bestimmen. Ftir jedes Wertsystem derselben schneiden sich die r zngeh6rigen Hyperebenen in einem bestimmten Punkt (x) von S~. Von (x) lassen sieh eindeutig r weitere Hypertangentialebenen an die Hyperkegel legen, deren Parameter 21/, 2~, 9 9 21r dureh die 2 eindeutig best immt sind nnd daher rationale Funktionen der 2 sind. Man hat e2~ = ~1C21, 2~, . . , 2~), . . . , eZ = ~ ( 2 1 , 2~, . . , 2,) .
Nondestructive evaluations of thermal deformations for laser microwelding process

Laser microwelding process produces large temperature gradients during the complicated phase transformations of workpiece materials, which results in a high stress level and undesired thermomechanical deformations. Characterization of these deformations becomes important as they might significantly affect performance, functionality, and reliability of the microwelded components. We have developed an optoelectronic holography (OEH) methodology for nondestructive evaluation of thermomechanical deformations caused by laser microwelding processes. OEH methodology provides a unique experimental approach for quantitative measurements of displacements and deformations with sub-micrometer accuracy in full field of view. In this paper, the OEH methodology is described including illumination of a workpiece, formation and acquisition of images, and processing of these images to determine parameters characterizing laser microwelds. Representative results of the OEH measurements of the deformations caused by laser microwelding of metal sheets are presented as a function of different laser welding parameters. In addition, analytical and computational models are also developed to simulate temperature, thermal stress, and thermal deformation fields in laser microwelding process. The investigations indicate that the OEH methodology is a viable tool for characterization of thermomechanical deformations caused by laser microwelding processes, and can help optimizing laser microwelding processes for high precision material-joining applications.
Obligation and Option in the Premature Nursery

Abstract Designs for environmental enrichment for prematures have been guided primarily by deficit and deprivation models. Interventions have varied widely in their nature, results have been contradictory, and there is even lack of agreement as to which outcomes may be interpreted as "beneficial." Accordingly, nursery practices change frequently and often without evidence for the effectiveness of a new procedure. We propose new perspectives on intervention based on the assumptions that (a) prematures are biologically prepared for interaction with the environment, and (b) stimulation should be adapted to the needs of each individual. As an example, a form of optional rhythmic stimulation is described, one which reflects the baby′s own biological rhythms. We found that prematures are capable of regulating the amount and temporal parameters of their stimulation and of learning about events in their environment. We conclude that new directions for the design of environments for prematures are emerging from the growing evidence for their complexity, their competence, and the distinctiveness of their status and needs from those of either a fetus or a full-term infant.
Specificity by design.

The specificity of a homing endonuclease has been altered using computational modeling of the protein-DNA interface.
Compressing pathology whole-slide images using a human and model observer evaluation.

Introduction: We aim to determine to what degree whole-slide images (WSI) can be compressed without impacting the ability of the pathologist to distinguish benign from malignant tissues. An underlying goal is to demonstrate the utility of a visual discrimination model (VDM) for predicting observer performance. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 regions of interest (ROIs) from a breast biopsy whole-slide images at five levels of JPEG 2000 compression (8:1, 16:1, 32:1, 64:1, and 128:1) plus the uncompressed version were shown to six pathologists to determine benign versus malignant status. Results: There was a significant decrease in performance as a function of compression ratio (F = 14.58, P Conclusion: Whole-slide images may be compressible to relatively high levels before impacting WSI interpretation performance. The VDM metrics correlated well with artifact conspicuity and human performance.
Hypertonic Saline Treatment of Cystic Fibrosis

Objective:To review the literature concerning the use of hypertonic saline (HS) in patients with cystic fibrosis and explain the rationale for its use.Data Sources:A MEDLINE search was conducted through February 2007. Search terms included hypertonic saline, mucociliary clearance, cystic fibrosis, and human DNASE 1 protein. Additional data were identified through subsequent bibliographic reviews.Study Selection And Data Extraction:All articles in English identified from the data sources were evaluated. Pertinent studies using HS in patients with cystic fibrosis were included in the analysis.Data Synthesis:Cystic fibrosis is caused by a deficiency in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator gene, resulting in reduced chloride secretion and excessive sodium absorption. The most significant changes are seen in the airway lumen of the lungs. HS has been shown to improve mucociliary clearance versus placebo. A short-term efficacy trial showed a modest and variable increase in forced expiratory volume in 1 s...
A transformation system for interactive reformulation of design optimization strategies

Numerical design optimization algorithms are highly sensitive to the particular formulation of the optimization problems they are given. The formulation of the search space, the objective function and the constraints will generally have a large impact on the duration of the optimization process as well as the quality of the resulting design. Furthermore, the best formulation will vary from one application domain to another, and from one problem to another within a given application domain. Unfortunately, a design engineer may not know the best formulation in advance of attempting to set up and run a design optimization process. In order to attack this problem, we have developed a software environment that supports interactive formulation, testing and reformulation of design optimization strategies. Our system represents optimization strategies in terms of second-order dataflow graphs. Reformulations of strategies are implemented as transformations between dataflow graphs. The system permits the user to interactively generate and search a space of design optimization strategies, and experimentally evaluate their performance on test problems, in order to find a strategy that is suitable for his application domain. The system has been implemented in a domain independent fashion, and is being tested in the domain of racing yacht design.
Constraint-based automatic test data generation

A novel technique for automatically generating test data is presented. The technique is based on mutation analysis and creates test data that approximate relative adequacy. It is a fault-based technique that uses algebraic constraints to describe test cases designed to find particular types of faults. A set of tools (collectively called Godzilla) that automatically generates constraints and solves them to create test cases for unit and module testing has been implemented. Godzilla has been integrated with the Mothra testing system and has been used as an effective way to generate test data that kill program mutants. The authors present an initial list of constraints and discuss some of the problems that have been solved to develop the complete implementation of the technique. >
Nodular sclerosing classical Hodgkin lymphoma masquerading as acute suppurative‐necrotizing lymphadenitis

The diagnosis of nodular sclerosing classical Hodgkin lymphoma (NSCHL) by fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy has historically been a diagnostic challenge due to the usual paucicellularity of the specimen. This case report, and other previously published reports, suggests that there is another facet to the potentially challenging diagnosis of this particular variant of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL): the presence of suppurative-necrotizing changes mimicking an infectious etiology. The patient presented here underwent FNA biopsy of an acutely enlarged supraclavicular lymph node and cytologic smears showed marked acute inflammation in a background of necrosis. A diagnosis of infectious suppurative lymphadenitis was made at that time. After a negative infectious work-up with infectious disease consultation, an excisional biopsy was performed and the patient was definitively diagnosed with NSCHL. The presence of neoplastic Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg cells in the purulent exudate was minimal and only appropriately identified after retrospective review. This particular subtype of classical HL represents a potential pitfall in FNA biopsy cytology. Consequently, the cytopathologist and surgeon should always consider this entity in the differential diagnosis of a suppurative, lymphadenitis-like aspirate, and pursue repeat FNA or an excisional biopsy if there is any clinical index of suspicion.
A fully integrated silicon photonic wire sensor array chip and reader instrument

A complete instrumentation system for interrogating silicon photonic wire waveguide sensor array chips has been built and demonstrated. The system is designed to read 16 or more photonic wire sensors on a single silicon chip simultaneously and in real time, while delivering sample fluid to the sensors through microfluidic channels fabricated monolithically on the chip. The chip can be inserted into the instrument, automatically aligned with input optics and fluid connection, and be ready for measurement in a few minutes.
Adapting the Galaxy Bioinformatics Tool to Support Semantic Web Service Composition

As the availability of Web services for the biological domain increases, the need emerges for a Web service composition designer that is easy for biologists to use. Our work focuses on providing biologists and bioinformaticians with an online, semantic Web service composition tool. We adapt a bioinformatics tool called Galaxy, to support semantic Web service composition. A semi-automatic approach for semantic Web service composition is implemented. An easy to use online interface is provided.
Transport and mixing in idealized barotropic hurricane-like vortices

The effective diffusivity diagnostic is used to obtain basic insight into the two-dimensional transport and mixing properties of idealized barotropic tropical-storm and hurricane-like vortices. Three flow configurations believed to be relevant to hurricane dynamics are examined in a non-divergent barotropic model: (i) an elliptical vortex, (ii) a Rankine vortex in a turbulent background vorticity field, and (iii) unstable vorticity rings. During the evolution of these vortical flows, effective diffusivity is used as a mixing diagnostic on a passive tracer field that also evolves in the non-divergent flow. The internal dynamical processes causing mixing, as well as the location and magnitude of both turbulent mixing and partial barrier regions, are identified in the evolving vortices. Breaking vortex Rossby waves (VRWs) are found to create turbulent mixing regions of finite radial extent. For monotonic vortices, which are analogous to tropical storms, the wave breaking and axisymmetrization creates a surf zone outside the radius of maximum wind, while the vortex core remains a partial barrier or containment vessel. For unstable vorticity rings, which are analogous to intensifying hurricanes, two regimes of internal mixing are found. During barotropic instability of thick rings, the inner and outer breaking VRWs create two local mixing regions, separated by a partial barrier region at the location of the tangential jet. For barotropic instability of thin rings, the entire hurricane inner core becomes a turbulent mixing region, allowing passive tracers to be radially mixed between the eye, eyewall and local environment. In either case, the horizontal mixing associated with the inner, breaking VRW would support intensification, provided the passive tracer is equivalent potential temperature with a maximum in the eye. In addition to the insights obtained for internal mixing in hurricanes, effective diffusivity is shown to be a robust diagnostic for two-dimensional turbulence, complementing its previous use in large-scale atmospheric dynamics. Copyright c � 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Regional Environmental Monitoring System for Air Traffic (REMSAT)

In the past, environmental concerns at airports have primarily focused on aircraft noise. However, there is growing concern regarding the effects of aircraft emissions on humans and the environment. The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) govern air pollutant emission levels. Therefore, many airports will eventually need a system designed to monitor both noise and emissions, and to communicate the results to the stakeholders. To satisfy these federal standards, the team designed a prototype noise and emissions monitoring system for Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) and Dulles International Airport (IAD), which are operated by the Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority (MWAA). The design alternatives consisted of the following sensor combinations: ground-fixed, ground-mobile, and a combination of ground-fixed and ground-mobile. All combinations consisted of co-located noise and emissions sensors for the purpose of identifying the correlation between the two quantities of pollutants. These alternatives were analyzed by surveying the stakeholders' preferences to sensor performance, availability, and cost. In addition, the flight track patterns, topographical layout, aircraft noise and emission dispersion patterns, and social-political factors (population patterns, community concerns, demographics, etc.) of the counties at and surrounding the airports were analyzed in order to determine the placement of the monitoring system sensors. Based on the evaluation of these alternatives and the stakeholders' value hierarchy, a robust alternative for a preliminary system design for monitoring airport noise and emissions was selected.
Synthesis of deuterium-labelled chlorpromazine and chlorpromazine metabolites

The synthesis of 2-chloro-10-(3′-dimethylaminopropyl)phenothiazine-3′, 3′-d2 (Chlorpromazine-d2) and its four major metabolites (the mono- and didemethylated amines, chlorpromazine sulfoxide, and chlorpromazine N-oxide), all containing the 3′, 3′-d2 label in > 95% isotopic purity, is described. Considerations leading to the optimum number and position of the labels are discussed, and the problem of coupling the aliphatic side-chain to the tricyclic system is avoided by utilizing the readily available 2-chloro-10-(2′-cyanoethyl)phenothiazine as starting material, so that the carbon skeleton of the side-chain is already in position before the isotope is introduced.
Relation of Variations in Activation Order to Intraventricular Pressures during Premature Beats

A comprehensive study on open chest anesthetized dogs was done to investigate the influence of intraventricular activation order on cardiac performance and to evaluate the degree to which entry into the conduction system might contribute to the synchrony of contraction in the ventricle opposite the stimulus site. Intraventricular pressures were measured during premature beats from several ventricular sites and over the entire range of the cardiac cycle. For each site, intraventricular pressures during the premature beats were plotted vs. time of delivery of the stimulus and also vs. time of onset of pressure rise in the ventricle being considered. The prior observation that higher ventricular pressures occur during premature beats initiated in the opposite ventricle was confirmed. Evidence is presented that the major factor responsible is the increased filling and recovery interval permitted by the conduction time of the activation front arriving from the opposite ventricle. After correction for filling and recovery time, there were still differences due to site of origin of the premature beat, with those delivered to the apex resulting in the highest left ventricular pressures. The hypothesis that a more synchronous contraction results from stimulation of sites on the contralateral, rather than the ipsilateral ventricle, was not substantiated.
A low power CMOS receiver for a tissue monitoring NMR spectrometer

This paper presents a low power CMOS nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) receiver chip for monitoring of small tissue samples within the human body. We present preliminary results from a prototype spectrometer focused on the phosphorus (31P) spectra operated in a 5 Tesla B 0 magnet. The prototype, fabricated in a 130nm CMOS technology, occupies an active area of 0.215mm2 and consumes 4mA from a single 1.5V supply. The low-IF receiver chip exploits Q enhanced voltage multiplication, includes a down converting RF frontend, a frequency synthesizer operating at 86MHz and 2nd order sigma-delta ADCs. Measured results from the prototype are used to validate the circuit architectural decisions.
Influence of matrix on concentrations of somatotropin measured in serum with commercial immunoradiometric assays.

Using immunoradiometric assays (IRMAs) from Hybritech Inc. (H) and Nichols Institute Diagnostics (ND), we measured somatotropin (human growth hormone, hGH) in serum samples obtained every 20 min for 24 h from 10 prepubertal subjects with short stature. Results obtained with the ND reagents were 2.74 times greater than those obtained with the H reagents (P = 0.00001, r = 0.94, SEE = 3.9, n = 720). We therefore compared the IRMAs with the standard hGH RIA from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Hormone and Pituitary Program, using the genetically engineered hGH preparations (from Genentech Inc.) 22-kDa hGH and methionated 20-kDa hGH. We also assayed human pituitary hGH (NIH, lot no. AFP-4793B). Each hGH preparation was diluted in three diluent buffer systems: horse serum from H and from ND, and human serum. The RIA and H-IRMA gave superimposable standard curves for all hGH preparations in each diluent. The methionated 20-kDa hGH was not detected in the H-assay. Use of human serum matrix in the ND-IRMA shifted the standard curve as compared with the horse-serum matrix, giving equivalent binding at lower concentrations; i.e., serum hGH was overestimated in samples assayed against standards diluted in horse serum. Quality-control materials (Ciba-Corning) yielded disparate results in all three assays, yet human serum pools containing hGH gave similar results in the H and the NIH assays, and higher values in ND. When a human serum standard was used in the ND assay, both IRMAs gave similar results to the RIA assay for human serum samples. Reference intervals for hGH should be determined by each analytical laboratory, to prevent misdiagnosis of patients. Furthermore, quality-control material should be of human origin, because commercially supplied quality-control material does not react the same as human serum in some hGH assays.
Auditory and action semantic features activate sensory-specific perceptual brain regions.

Abstract Traditionally, concepts were considered propositional, amodal, and verbal in nature (for review, see [1]). Recent findings, however, suggest that conceptual knowledge is divisible into different types (L. Wu and L.W. Barsalou, personal communication, [2]) and that each type may be linked to specific sensory and motor processes [3, 4]. This implies that sensory processing regions of the brain may also process concepts. In fact, there is some neuroimaging evidence that conceptual information does activate perceptual brain regions and that there is a correspondence between knowledge type and the region being activated [5, 6]. In the following experiment, using a training technique developed in previous studies [7, 8], participants verbally learned associations between novel objects and conceptual features. The objective was to create objects that were associated with features from only one knowledge type, something that does not occur with common objects. During a visual task that did not require retrieval of learned associations, the superior temporal gyrus, which responds well to sounds, was preferentially activated by objects associated with auditory features (e.g., buzzes). Likewise, the posterior superior temporal sulcus, which responds well to motion, was preferentially activated by objects associated with "action" features (e.g., hops). These findings support the theory that knowledge is grounded in perception.
Short Photoperiod Initiated During Adulthood Sustains Reproductive Function in Older Female Siberian Hamsters More Effectively Than Short Photoperiod Initiated Before Puberty

Reproductive aging in female mammals is characterized by a progressive decline in fertility and fecundity. Many women delay their first full-term pregnancy until an age at which their reproductive potential has already declined. No treatment is presently available to delay the aging process. In a limited number of rodent species, caloric restriction sustained reproductive function in older females, and in most investigations, sexual maturation was delayed because caloric restriction was initiated at weaning. We have previously reported similar outcomes in female Siberian hamsters that were reared in short photoperiod (SP), which profoundly inhibits reproductive physiology. When compared to hamsters held in long photoperiod (LP), females reared in SP matured much later and had greater reproductive success at 9 mo of age. Herein, we determined if delayed onset of sexual maturation was necessary for SP to decelerate reproductive aging. We initiated a 6-mo period of SP before or after sexual maturation and measured the reproductive success of females at 12 mo of age. Maintenance of hamsters in SP beginning after puberty was associated with significantly greater litter success (77%) compared to imposition of SP before puberty (35%); the difference in weaning success was even greater (73% and 12%, respectively). Regardless of which SP regime was used, litter success of females exposed to SP was substantially greater than that of 12-mo-old females held continuously in LP (6%). The efficacy of SP in decelerating female reproductive aging is manifest at several life stages and is greater when treatment is initiated after rather than before puberty.
Molecular Mechanism(s) Involved in 25-Hydroxyvitamin D's Antiproliferative Effects in CYP27B1-transfected LNCaP Cells

Background/Aim: 1α,25(OH)2D has been shown to induce cell-cycle regulation, apoptosis and differentiation in prostate cancer cells. Previous studies have demonstrated that prostate and some prostate cancer cells have the ability to convert 25(OH)D3 to 1α,25(OH)2D3. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the role of 1α,25(OH)2D3 production by 25- hydroxyvitamin D-1α-hydroxylase (CYP27B1) on prostate cancer cell growth. Materials and Methods: LNCaP cells were stably transfected with CYP27B. Results: Stably- transfected 1α-OHase LNCaP cells converted 25(OH)D3 to 1α,25(OH)2D3 unlike untransfected LNCaP cells. There was a dose-dependent decrease in 3H-thymidine incorporation in 1α,25(OH)2D3-treated LNCaP cells, not seen with 25(OH)D3 treatment, and in stably transfected 1α-OHase LNCaP cells treated with 25(OH)D3. 1α,25(OH)2D3-treated LNCaP cells and 25(OH)D3-treated stably-transfected 1α-OHase LNCaP cells demonstrated an increased G 1 phase accumulation and apoptosis, while 25(OH)D3 treatment had no effect in LNCaP cells. Conclusion: The present study supports the hypothesis that local production of 1α,25(OH)2D is important in inhibiting prostate cancer development and growth.
Genetic Variation and Obesity Prior to the Era of Genome-Wide Association Studies

The purpose of this chapter is to present a comprehensive review of the evidence for how genetic variation contributes to common obesity (which we have chosen to define as affecting >1 % of obese individuals, likely non-syndromic in etiology, and related to diet and inactivity) in the general population prior to the era of genome wide association studies (GWAS). Twin and adoption studies demonstrate that the tendency to be obese is highly heritable, and also suggest that the cumulative effect of gene–environment interactions on body mass index (BMI) seems to increase with age. Before GWAS, one common approach to dissecting the role of genetic variability in common obesity was to investigate candidate genes. Some of the genes implicated in monogenic or syndromic obesity by traditional linkage analysis, for example, MC4R, have milder variants that appear to be important in common obesity as well. By 2004, over 600 candidate genes or chromosomal regions had been implicated in the pathogenesis of obesity, and 18 of these had multiple lines of supporting evidence. Despite this, much of the heritability in obesity remained to be explained. Next-generation sequencing technology should produce additional insights that extended these seminal investigations but despite this, much of the so-called missing heritability identified prior to the era of GWAS persists.
The Wanning of the Empire. The Disintegration of Byzantine Rule on the Eastern Adriatic in the 9th Century

The author pinpoints two different approaches in historiography to the problem of Byzantine overlordship on the Eastern Adriatic from the 9th to the 11th century. In accordance with R.Cessi, who's idea is that Byzantium lost its positions on the Eastern Adriatic in the second half of the 9th century, the author then goes on to evaluate the Byzantine sources,' particularly the works of Emperor Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus. Pinpointing Constantine's adherence to the conservative political ideology of the Empire, the author concludes that his works have to be treated with utmost caution and always confronted with the 'real time' data. In the second part of the paper the author thoroughly analyses accessible sources, and tries to reconstruct the chain of actual events. This leads him to the conclusion that the Byzantine overlordship on the Eastern Adriatic ended in 879, when the Byzantine protege on the Croatian ducal throne, Zdeslav, was overthrown. After this the imperial presence on the Eastern Adriatic...
Hypercalciuria and Increased Plasma Renin Activity

Among the patients with primary aldosteronism studied in this clinic, two were observed with hypercalciuria. A 46-year-old man with primary aldosteronism resulting from an adrenal adenoma was found to have nephrocalcinosis and hypercalciuria. A 57-year-old man with primary aldosteronism resulting from bilateral adrenal hyperplasia was found to have nephrolithiasis, osteoporosis and hypercalciuria. This suggested a relationship between aldosteronism on the one hand and hypercalciuria on the other and all subsequent patients with a history of hypercalciuria were examined for evidence of hyperaldosteronism. All patients showing serum potassium values below 3.5 mEq/L were further studied with respect to the renin-aldosterone system. Of 55 patients with hypercalciuria, 7 showed hypokalemia and were further studied. One of them had aldosteronism with suppressed plasma renin activity and at operation was shown to have adrenal hyperplasia. The present report concerns the findings in the other six patients.
Investigating Scalable High Efficiency Video Coding for HTTP streaming

Scalable High Efficiency Video Coding (SHVC), a new ISO/ITU video compression Standard is an ideal candidate for delivering Ultra High Definition (UHD) or 4k resolution content to the rapidly growing high resolution clients, especially when there is a mix of clients of SD, HD and UHD resolutions. This is especially true for video streaming in overlay or over-the-top (OTT) networks using HTTP or adaptive bitrate streaming technologies. SHVC adds scalability layers on top of the ultra-efficient HEVC widely considered to be twice as good as the currently widely deployed Advanced Video Coding (AVC or H.264) Standard. In addition, SHVC promises scalability through lightweight (mostly syntactical) additions to HEVC. This paper investigates both the savings and the overhead of encoding UHD content as an SHVC enhancement layer with AVC or HEVC HD base layer, primarily focusing on the spatial scalability aspect of SHVC. Also, we briefly investigate adopting existing rate allocation technique for picking optimal bitrates for base and enhancement layers for a given distribution of HD and UHD clients.
DOOR-TO-DIURETIC TIME: A PROMISING STRATEGY FOR IMPROVING DELIVERY OF CARE TO PATIENTS HOSPITALIZED WITH DECOMPENSATED HEART FAILURE, A COMMUNITY-BASED SINGLE CENTER EXPERIENCE

We hypothesized that Emergency Department (ED) provider education and Congestive Heart failure (CHF) tailored Electronic Health Record (EHR) order sets would result in prompt delivery of intravenous loop diuretics in appropriate doses and improve HF patient outcomes. Data was collected before any
Fish Byproducts, Poultry Byproducts Meal, and Methionine Hydroxy Analogue as Variables in Broiler Rations

Abstract THE report by Barnett and Bird (1956) concerning a standard chick assay for unidentified growth factors (UGF) activity of crude materials adequately illustrates the fact that the presence of such factors in certain feedstuffs has been well established. Growth responses have been dramatic and fairly consistent when semi-purified type rations have been employed. However, when practical type rations are supplemented with UGF sources, the growth response has been somewhat variable (Camp et al., 1957; Summers et al., 1959a,b). Some workers have attributed the lack of a response to UGF sources to be due to the presence of antibiotics in the ration (Combs et al., 1954a; Barnett and Bird, 1956). Scott and Jensen (1952) suggested that part of the antibiotic response may be caused by the sparing effect on UGF. Wisman (1960) concluded that arsonic acids allow the UGF activity in fish byproducts to be more fully expressed, rather than to …