cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adopting steam-driven absorption cooling

Proper installation, water quality, and maintenance are essential to operating a cost-effective absorption system. Concerns about energy efficiency and the use of chlorofluorocarbons have led to the greater use of absorption machines for cooling applications. These machines, which reclaim condenser or exhaust-gas heat, are used in the most advanced cogeneration systems. Although absorption technology has a long history--with mixed success--its versatility has only recently begun to payoff.
The use of sociocultural constructs in cancer screening research among African Americans.

Background: Studies are increasingly examining the role of sociocultural values, beliefs, and attitudes in cancer prevention. However, these studies vary widely in how sociocultural constructs are defined and measured, how they are conceived as affecting cancer beliefs, behaviors, and screening, and how they are applied in interventions. Methods: To characterize the current state of this research literature, we conducted a critical review of studies published between 1990 and 2006 to describe the current use of sociocultural constructs in cancer screening research among African Americans. We included quantitative and qualitative studies with cancer as a primary focus that included African American participants, assessed screening behaviors, reported race-specific analyses, and considered one or more sociocultural factors. Studies were evaluated for type of cancer and screening analyzed, study population, methodology, sociocultural constructs considered, definitions of constructs, provision of psychometric data for measures, and journal characteristics. Results: Of 94 studies identified for review, 35 met the inclusion criteria and were evaluated. Most focused on breast cancer screening, and thus African American women. Sociocultural constructs were seldom clearly defined, and the sources and psychometric properties of sociocultural measures were rarely reported. Conclusions: A multidisciplinary approach to developing a common language and a standardized set of measures for sociocultural constructs will advance research in this area. Specific recommendations are made for future research.
Reflections on the electric dyadic Green's function, its singularity, and the potential method

Summary form only given. A review of contributions made in the area of the electric dyadic Green's function is given. The distributional interpretation of the irrotational component of this dyad, a free space spectral expansion, and results obtained by analytically evaluating the spectral integral through contour integration are reviewed. It is also shown that away from the source one may represent the electric field in terms of the solenoidal vector wave functions alone, but the coefficients of these expansions must be modified to account for the contribution previously due to the irrotational vector wave functions. These results have been extended to spherical and cylindrical coordinates. A discussion of the pros and cons of potential methods versus field dyadic Green's function methods is given. Potential methods have enabled the development of general-purpose codes such as the EIGER (Electromagnetic Interactions Generalized) code. As an illustration some sample results involving slot subcell models and cavity coupling problems are given.
Total assessment evaluation of a cupola-based to electric induction furnace replacement

This article highlights a very important aspect of a broader effort which addresses the post-implementation follow-up of a total assessment audit (TAA) performed at a mid-size Iowa foundry by the Iowa State University`s Center for Building Energy Research (ISUCBER). One of the major goals of a TAA is to analyze and document the impact of implementing energy conservation, waste minimization, and productivity enhancement opportunities at a facility. The main focus of this study is the replacement of a coke-fired cupola melting operation with one which utilizes electric induction furnaces (EIFs) instead. This work contrasts the cupola-based melting operating with the EIF-based operation. The comparison is made on the basis of production schedules, energy usage, and environmental considerations. A cost analysis based on energy utilization and labor cost differences is also presented. One of the major findings of this study was that the melting effectiveness of the EIF-based operation (i.e., the ability to provide the required heat to melt the charge components) is approximately 51 percent versus that of about 20 percent for the cupola. Therefore, the replacement project has not only led to a more environmentally-friendly approach but also to a more efficient and productive melting operation. In fact, despitemore » an increase in overall electricity consumption, the overall energy consumption decreased due to the elimination of coke. The annual cost savings reflected, which include energy and labor costs, are expected to be approximately $0.0198 per pound of iron melted. This corresponds to an overall cost reduction of about 27 percent.« less
Probiotic supplementation and trimethylamine-N-oxide production following a high-fat diet

Objective The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that the multi-strain probiotic VSL#3 would attenuate the increase in fasting plasma concentrations of trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) following a high-fat diet. Methods Nineteen healthy, non-obese males (18-30 years) participated in the present study. Following a 2-week eucaloric control diet, subjects were randomized to either VSL#3 (900 billion live bacteria) or placebo (cornstarch) during the consumption of a hypercaloric (+1,000 kcal day−1), high-fat diet (55% fat) for 4 weeks. Plasma TMAO, L-carnitine, choline, and betaine (UPLC-MS/MS) were measured at baseline and following a high-fat diet. Results Plasma TMAO significantly increased 89% ± 66% vs. 115% ± 61% in both the VSL#3 and placebo groups, respectively; however, the magnitude of change in plasma TMAO was not different (P > 0.05) between them. Plasma L-carnitine, choline, and betaine concentrations did not increase following the high-fat diet in either group. Conclusions A high-fat diet increases plasma TMAO in healthy, normal-weight, young males. However, VSL#3 treatment does not appear to influence plasma TMAO concentrations following a high-fat diet. Future studies are needed to determine whether other therapeutic strategies can attenuate the production of TMAO.
An advanced imaging communication system for planetary exploration

An advanced imaging communication system (AICS) for planetary exploration is presented., The system offers "end-to-end" information rate improvements of 3 to 5 times over existing systems in addition to extensive user flexibility to adapt his rate/fidelity priorities to fit a particular mission. AICS contains two major system elements. The first is a concatenated Reed-Solomon/Viterbi coded channel. This provides a powerful, yet practical, solution to the usual "error vulnerability" problem associated with compressed data. The second major element is an extremely adaptive image data compression algorithm called RM2. The details of this algorithm as presently simulated are discussed in considerable detail. Used in conjunction with the virtually error free performance of the Reed-Solomon/Viterbi channel the stated AICS advantages are obtained.© (1975) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A hypercalcemic factor in commercially prepared insulin.

Abstract Commercially produced regular insulin results in hypercalcemia when injected into rats in doses of 12 units or greater. On gel filtration the factor remained within the insulin peak. However, the hypercalcemic response does not occur following the injection of highly purified bovine or porcine insulins, nor is it due to hemoconcentration. These results suggest the existence of a hypercalcemia-producing factor in pancreas.
Oil price increases as leading indicators of new car sales

Abstract The paper investigates the temporal relations among the oil price increases of the 1970s and new car sales. Spectral analysis is used to specify the lag structure of spot and contract oil prices, domestic and foreign auto sales, and the various oil price and auto quantity variables. Regression techniques are then employed to include more variables and quantify the relations suggested by the spectral procedures. The conclusions generally support a priori expectations based on traditional demand theory, but the methodology, lag relations and elasticity estimates may be important to researchers and policy-makers in the auto industry.
Cognition and mood in perimenopause: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract Objective It is suggested that declines in estrogen around menopause are associated with declines in cognitive functioning as well as increased risk of depressive symptoms and depressive disorders. Existing studies of objective cognitive function and mood have differed in the criteria used to stage the menopausal transition and in the outcome measures used. The purpose of this review was to synthesize the existing studies of the relationship between menopausal stage and neuropsychological performance and depression. Design A search of the literature of observational studies was performed using PubMed. Four cross-sectional studies on menopausal transition stage and cognitive function and four longitudinal studies on menopausal transition stage and risk of depression, as measured by symptom inventories and structured clinical interviews, were selected. For the cognitive outcomes, fixed effects models were used to estimate overall standardized effect sizes. For the depression outcomes, the results of group comparisons were summarized using the log odds ratio and its estimated standard error. Results Postmenopausal women performed significantly worse than pre- and perimenopausal women on delayed verbal memory tasks, and significantly worse than perimenopausal women on phonemic verbal fluency tasks. Peri- and postmenopausal women were at significantly increased risk of depression, as measured by standard symptom inventories and structured clinical interviews, than premenopausal women. Conclusions The menopausal transition is a time of increased vulnerability to cognitive declines and increased risk of depressive symptoms and depressive disorders. However, these results cannot necessarily be generalized beyond the studies included in this review. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled ‘Menopause’.
Constant Connectance in Community Food Webs

The constant connectance hypothesis states that among community food webs, trophic links increase approximately as the square of the number of functionally distinct or "trophic" species. This hypothesis is corroborated by the following analysis of 175 community food webs (2-93 trophic species), which shows that the exponent of the link-species relationship is approximately two. This scaling contradicts the widely accepted link-species scaling law, which asserts that links increase linearly with the number of species and that the link-species exponent is one. My results combined with related findings regarding food chain lengths indicate that large food webs have many more links and much longer food chains than previously suggested.
An Improved Process for the Preparation of Trimethylhydrazine and Its Coupling with an Activated Acid Intermediate

Trimethylhydrazine (TMH) was prepared in two steps from 1,1-dimethylhydrazine, using an easy to scale-up procedure that avoided difficult acid−base extractions. The procedure provided TMH as a solution in 1,4-dioxane, in a form that was easy and safe to handle in a coupling with an enantiomerically pure, sterically hindered, Boc-protected-amino acid, 1. This key coupling reaction in the preparation of 3 was accomplished through the corresponding acid chloride, thereby avoiding the use of expensive coupling reagents.
Effect of age on survival in acute leukemia. 1950-1990.

Background. Four decades ago, survival of patients with acute leukemia was brief at any age. Since 1950, survival of children has increased remarkably but has changed little for the elderly. The nature and magnitude of this age difference in survival are not understood. Methods. Median survival was determined in 2364 Kansas residents diagnosed with acute leukemia from 1947 until 1990. Of this number, 1032 had acute lymphocytic leukemia and 1227 had acute myelocytic leukemia diagnosed between 1950 and 1989. These patients were stratified by age and decade of diagnosis. Survival was computed by life-table analysis with significance determined by log-rank, Wilcoxon, and Fisher exact tests. Results. During the 40 years of the study, highly significant increases occurred in median survivals for all groups with either acute lymphocytic leukemia or acute myelocytic leukemia occurring in patients younger than 60 years of age (P < 0.0001 for some age groups), but no significant increases Jor those 61 to 80 years of age and those 81 years of age and older. Viewed in another dimension, for each decade from the 1960s to the present in acute lymphocytic leukemia and from the 1970s to the present in acute myelocytic leukemia, age at diagnosis was inversely correlated with median survival in a highly significant manner (P < 0.001). Conclusions. Increasing age is inversely related to survival in patients with acute leukemia. The lack of significant improvement in median survival in the last 40 years for those older than 60 years of age stands in stark contrast to the remarkable improvement for younger patients. Acute leukemia in older patients demands new and probably different therapeutic strategies.
Pulse combustion; The quantification of characteristic times

Measurements of the total ignition delay time in a pulse combustor have been made for several chemical kinetic ignition delay times and several fluid dynamic mixing times. These measured total ignition delay times are compared with calculated values of the characteristic time for mixing and with calculated values for the homogeneous ignition delay time. A chemical kinetic model was used to calculate the homogeneous chemical kinetic ignition delay time for conditions typical of an operating pulse combustor. Similarly, a fluid dynamic mixing model was used to estimate characteristic times for a transient jet of cold reactants to mix with an ambient environment of hot products to an ignition temperature. These calculated time scales compared well with measured values in both trend and magnitude. It has also been shown that a simple sum of the characteristic mixing times and chemical kinetics times provides a good first-order approximation to the total ignition delay time.
The transverse elastic impact response of thick hollow cylinders

The two objectives of the studies in this paper were to determine the transient elastic impact response of thick-walled hollow cylindrical structures and to determine how this response was affected by the presence of flaws in the cylinder. These studies were aimed at determining the feasibility of using the impact-echo method for detecting flaws in the cylindrical concrete structures, such as pipes. Three-dimensional finite element models and laboratory specimens containing various types of flaws at known locations were used in the studies. It is shown that, for a hollow cylinder having a length greater than about eight times its outer diameter, the impact response as measured at points close to the impact point is composed of a number of resonant frequencies caused by cross-sectional (flexural) modes and a thickness frequency caused by dilatational waves reflected between the inner and outer wall surfaces. Equations are presented which relate the response of a hollow cylinder to the frequency of the fundamental cross-sectional (flexural) mode of a solid circular bar. It is shown that the location of cracks, areas of reduced wall thickness, and honeycombing as well as the depth of surface-opening cracks can be determined.
MedlinePlus-based health information prescriptions: a comparison of email vs paper delivery.

Background The internet can provide evidence-based patient education to overcome time constraints of busy ambulatory practices. Health information prescriptions (HIPs) can be effectively integrated into clinic workflow, but compliance to visit health information sites such as MedlinePlus is limited. Objective Compare the efficacy of paper (pHIP) and email (eHIP) links to deliver HIPs; evaluate patient satisfaction with the HIP process and MedlinePlus information; assess reasons for noncompliance to HIPs. Method Of 948 patients approached at two internal medicine clinics affiliated with an academic medical centre, 592 gave informed consent after meeting the inclusion criteria. In this randomised controlled trial, subjects were randomised to receive pHIP or eHIP for accessing an intermediate website that provided up to five MedlinePlus links for physician-selected HIP conditions. Patients accessing the intermediate website were surveyed by email to assess satisfaction with the health information. Survey non-responders were contacted by telephone to determine the reasons for no response. Results One hundred and eighty-one patients accessed the website, with significantly more ‘filling’ eHIP than pHIP (38% vs 23%; P < 0.001). Most (82%) survey respondents found the website information useful, with 77% favouring email for future HIPs delivery. Lack of time, forgot, lost instructions or changed mind were reasons given for not accessing the websites. Conclusions Delivery of MedlinePlus-based HIPs in clinic is more effective using email prescriptions than paper. Satisfaction with the HIP information was high, but overall response was low and deserves further investigation to improve compliance and related outcomes.
Carotid Angioplasty and Stent Placement after EVA-3S Trial

Marc Fisher MD Kennedy Lees MD Section Editors A clinical trial is an endeavor where every attempt is made to optimize the quality and quantity of learning before venturing into the unknown”.1 Recently, the Endarterectomy versus Angioplasty in Patients with Symptomatic Severe Carotid Stenosis (EVA-3S) trial2 investigators reported the results of a multicenter, randomized, noninferiority trial comparing stent placement with endarterectomy in patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis of ≥60%. Patients were eligible if they experienced a hemispheric or retinal transient ischemic attack or a nondisabling stroke (or retinal infarct) within 120 days before enrollment. Endarterectomy or stent placement was to be performed within 2 weeks after randomization. The primary end point was the occurrence of any stroke or death within 30 days after treatment. The trial started recruiting in November 2000. In January 2003, the safety committee recommended mandatory use of distal protection devices because of a higher risk of stroke in patients treated without distal protection. Although initially recruiting patients with stenosis of ≥70%, the trial started recruiting patients with stenosis of ≥60% in October 2003. In September 2005, the safety committee recommended stopping enrollment after 527 patients (intended target recruitment of 872 patients) had been randomized. On the basis of the observed 30-day risk of stroke or death after endarterectomy, >4000 patients were required to test the noninferiority of stent placement. Given the observed 30-day risks of stent placement, the committee considered it to be extremely unlikely that the trial would reach its objectives despite further enrollment. The 30-day incidence of any stroke or death was 3.9% after endarterectomy and 9.6% after stent placement. The rate of disabling stroke or death was 1.5% after endarterectomy and 3.4% after stent placement. At 6 months, the incidence of any stroke or death was 6.1% after endarterectomy and 11.7% …
Genomic organization of a mouse MHC class II region including the H2-M and Lmp2 loci.

The region encompassing theMa, Mb1, Mb2, andLmp2 genes of the mouse class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) was sequenced. Since this region contains clusters of genes required for efficient class I and class II antigen presentation, it was interesting to search for putative additional genes in the 21 kilobase gap between theMb1 andLmp2 genes. Computer predictions of coding regions and CpG islands, exon trapping experiments, and cross-species comparison with the corresponding human sequence indicate that no additional functional gene is present in that stretch. However, computer analysis revealed the possible existence of an alternative 3′ exon forMb1. Except for the fact that the mouse MHC contains twoMb genes, the genomic organization of theH2-M loci was found to be almost identical to the organization of the humanHLA-DM genes. The promoter regions of theMa andMb genes also resemble classical class II promoters, containing typical S, X, and Y boxes. Like the human genes, the threeH2-M genes displayed very limited polymorphism when we compared the cDNA sequences from six haplotypes. Finally, comparison ofDMB withMb1 andMb2, both at the genomic level and in their coding regions, suggests that theMb gene was recently duplicated, probably only in certain rodents.
Cost Modeling of Preoperative Axillary Ultrasound and Fine-Needle Aspiration to Guide Surgery for Invasive Breast Cancer

Purpose Preoperative axillary lymph node ultrasound (US) and fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy can identify a proportion of node-positive patients and avoid sentinel lymph node (SLN) surgery and direct surgical treatment. We compared the costs with preoperative US/FNA to without US/FNA (standard of care) for invasive breast cancer.
CO2 responsivity in the mouse measured by rebreathing.

We have modified the rebreathing method to study CO2 responsivity in very small mammals. Tidal volume (VT) and frequency (f) of pentobarbital-anesthetized mice were measured during rebreathing from a closed circuit, primed with 95% O2, 5% CO2, through which the gas was constantly circulated at 0.5 l·min−1. The circuit consisted of T-tube from a plethysmograph, Tygon tubing with compliant element, CO2 analyzer and pump, in series. CircuitPCO2 (PctCO2), which was recorded continuously during spontaneous breathing, rapidly equilibrated with end-tidalPCO2. CO2 response curves were constructed from extrapolated minute ventilation (\(\dot V\)),VT,f and parameters of breath-to-breath timing, respectively, onPctCO2. Analyses of slopes of the response curves, change from onset of rebreathing to peak response, andPctCO2 at which the response peaked revealed that CO2 stimulates\(\dot V\) by increasingf andVT and that this is effected by facilitation of central inspiratory-expiratory phase switching and inspiratory drive mechanisms. However, the stimulatory effect of CO2 on phase switching was not sustained, with maximal effect occurring before peak\(\dot V\). The advantages and facility of the modified rebreathing method make it suitable for studies of other small mammals, including neonates.
Observer design for discrete and continuous non-linear stochastic systems

An observer design methodology that is applicable to a general class of non-linear stochastic system and measurement models is given. It is proved that, under the conditions given, discrete- and continuous-time state estimation is possible with guaranteed exponential rate of convergence. The superior performance of the observer is illustrated with two examples.
Theory of structural, electronic, vibrational, and superconducting properties of high-pressure phases of sulfur.

Pseudopotential ab initio calculations are performed for three high-pressure phases of sulfur (bco, \ensuremath{\beta}-Po, and bcc). These calculations yield a value of around 550 GPa for the transition pressure of the \ensuremath{\beta}-Po to bcc transformation; however, we do not reproduce the reported bco to \ensuremath{\beta}-Po phase transition. Ab initio calculations of the phonon spectrum and the electron-phonon interaction for the bcc phase of sulfur are also done using the frozen phonon method. The results predict that the bcc phase of sulfur is a metal with very low resistivity and a superconducting transition temperature of 15 K.
Fiber optic confocal reflectance microscopy: a new real-time technique to view nuclear morphology in cervical squamous epithelium in vivo

We present a fiber optic confocal reflectance microscope (FCRM) which can be used to image epithelial tissue with sub-cellular resolution in vivo. Confocal images of normal and abnormal appearing cervical tissue were obtained in vivo from eighteen patients undergoing colposcopic examination of the cervix; biopsy specimens were taken from imaged sites. The measured lateral and axial resolutions of the system were 1.6 microm and 3 microm, respectively. Morphologic features, including nuclear size and nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio, were extracted from confocal images obtained at various depths beneath the epithelial surface. Image features extracted from confocal images compared well with features extracted from confocal images obtained in vitro and from previous histopathologic studies. This study shows that fiber optic confocal reflectance microscopy can be used to visualize the morphology of cervical epithelium in vivo.
Translating Research Reports into Educational Materials or How to Take a Neat Piece of Research and Turn it into a Curriculum

The problem of teaching and learning marine science concepts and the evaluation of marine education field programs is approached from a comprehensive Theory of Educating. The design of marine science curricula based on existing student knowledge and scientific research is described. The use of concept and VEE mapping and interviews with students before and after instruction leads to the design of more effective curricula and teaching/learning strategies for a marine education program.
Nanoscale porosity in polymer films: fabrication and therapeutic applications

This review focuses on current developments in the field of nanostructured bulk polymers and their application in bioengineering and therapeutic sciences. In contrast to well-established nanoscale materials, such as nanoparticles and nanofibers, bulk nanostructured polymers combine nanoscale structure in a macroscopic construct, which enables unique application of these materials. Contemporary fabrication and processing techniques capable of producing nanoporous polymer films are reviewed. Focus is placed on techniques capable of sub-100 nm features since this range approaches the size scale of biological components, such as proteins and viruses. The attributes of these techniques are compared, with an emphasis on the characteristic advantages and limitations of each method. Finally, application of these materials to biofiltration, immunoisolation, and drug delivery is reviewed.
Polyadenylation of nascent RNA during the embryogenesis of Ilyanassa obsoleta.

Abstract The proportion of the total nascent RNA polyadenylated was measured during the embryogenesis of Ilyanassa . There was found a high percentage of poly(A)-RNA during early cleavage and a reduced and constant proportion at all later stages of development. It was also found that the removal of the third polar lobe at first cleavage did not significantly alter the proportion of poly(A)-RNA synthesized during the early cleavage stages by this embryo.
Modeling of ultrasonic enhancement on membrane distillation

Abstract Ultrasonic technology is successfully applied to enhance the permeate flux of membrane distillation. In this study, two major mechanisms of ultrasonic enhancement on membrane distillation, ultrasonic cavitation and acoustic streaming, are formulated in an analytical modeling. Ultrasonic induced membrane vibration, acoustic energy dissipation in viscous fluid, and membrane absorption and transmission of acoustic energy are also included in the modeling approach. Based on this model, effects of ultrasonic intensity, ultrasonic frequency, solution temperature and excited membrane area on permeate flux of membrane distillation are theoretically analyzed. It is found that the enhancement ratio can be improved by increasing ultrasonic intensity, decreasing ultrasonic frequency or decreasing the solution temperature. The current study also demonstrates that an enhancement up to 200% can be reached with an ultrasonic intensity from 0 to 5 W/cm2.
Spatial-frequency adaptation affects spatial-probability summation

The effects of spatial-frequency adaptation on spatial-probability summation were investigated by two techniques: the measurement of the dependence of cosine grating sensitivity on the number of cycles presented and the determination of the frequency-of-seeing curve for a cosine grating. Both measurements indicate that the contribution of spatial-probability summation to adapted grating thresholds is reduced in comparison with unadapted conditions. This reduction in the effects of spatial-probability summation, together with the decrease in local sensitivity, which depends on the spatial inhomogeneity of the visual system, is sufficient to account for the threshold elevation aftereffect measured when adapting and testing with cosine gratings.
Reporting of acute urinary retention in BPH treatment trials: importance of patient follow-up after discontinuation and case definitions.

Abstract Objectives. A growing number of reports of retrospective analyses of adverse events occurring during studies with alpha-blockers in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) have compared acute urinary retention (AUR) event rates with placebo-controlled finasteride trials. Because of differences in study designs, the present analysis was undertaken to compare data on the rates of AUR across different BPH trials accurately. Methods. We report the incidence of spontaneous AUR for placebo, finasteride, and alpha-blockers based on published data in randomized clinical trials in men with BPH. Results. On the basis of the data from all published randomized finasteride and alpha-blocker studies reporting AUR, the overall incidence rate for spontaneous AUR during active treatment with placebo, alpha-blockers, and finasteride ranged from 0.9 to 5.2, 0 to 1.2, and 0.3 to 1.2, respectively. The only study to provide data on AUR occurring during post-treatment follow-up was the Proscar Long-Term Efficacy and Safety Study (PLESS), in which approximately 25% of events occurred in patients after they had discontinued the study. Several of the alpha-blocker studies had significantly shorter durations, relatively small patient populations with smaller prostate volumes, lower numbers of events reported, and higher discontinuation rates with no follow-up, all of which could tremendously affect the reporting of AUR. Additionally, only PLESS reported on both spontaneous and precipitated AUR. Conclusions. Simply comparing the reported rates of AUR from published studies without taking into consideration spontaneous versus precipitated AUR, discontinuation rates, total patient follow-up, and prostate volume does not adequately allow for comparison of the true event rate across different clinical trials.
Is outpatient care associated with lower use of inpatient and emergency care? An analysis of persons with HIV disease.

Objectives: The authors use data from the AIDS Costs and Service Utilization Survey (ACSUS) to investigate the extent to which use of ambulatory medical care is associated with inpatient and emergency department use among HIV-infected persons. Methods: Parameter estimates were derived from simultaneous, multiequation models. Results: Higher use of ambulatory medical services is not significantly associated with lower probability of inpatient admissions or emergency department (ED) visits. For the subgroup of patients who received an AIDS diagnosis during the study period, however, the number of ambulatory visits had significant negative effects on hospitalizations and ED use. Conclusions: Outpatient care may offset inpatient and ED services at particular points in the disease course.
Bicycle Dimension and Special Points of the Tutte Polynomial

For each pair of algebraic numbers (x,y) and each fieldF, the complexity of computing the Tutte polynomialT(M;x,y) of a matroidMrepresentable overFis determined. This computation is found to be#P-complete except when (x?1)(y?1)=1 or when |F| divides (x?1)(y?1) and (x,y) is one of the seven points (0,?1), (?1,0), (i,?i), (?i,i), (j,j2), (j2,j) or (?1,?1), wherej=e2?i/3. Expressions are given for the Tutte polynomial in the exceptional cases. These expressions involve the bicycle dimension ofMoverF. A related result determines when this bicycle dimension is well defined.
Contractile Structure-Function of Parvalbumin's Ef-Hand Metal Ion Binding Loop in Isolated Adult Cardiac Myocytes

Parvalbumin (Parv), an EF-hand Ca2+ buffer, facilitates rapid relaxation in fast-twitch muscle. Parv gene delivery to the heart has been studied as a therapeutic strategy for diastolic heart failure, in which slow Ca2+ reuptake is an important contributor. A limitation of WT-Parv in this context is the significant trade-off between faster relaxation rate and blunting of contraction amplitude, which occurs because WT-Parv sequesters Ca2+ too early in the cardiac cycle and prematurely truncates sarcomere shortening in the facilitation of rapid relaxation. Our laboratory recently demonstrated that an E→Q substitution (ParvE101Q) at amino acid 12 of the EF-hand metal-ion binding loop increases Mg2+ affinity and decreases Ca2+ affinity. Mechanistically, E→Q disrupts bidentate Ca2+ binding at this site to reduce Ca2+ binding affinity. Functionally, this substitution delays Ca2+ buffering compared to WT-Parv in cardiac myocytes, which hastens relaxation without blunting contraction. Unexpectedly, ParvE101Q increases contraction amplitude above that of untreated myocytes and independent of Ca2+, leading to the hypothesis that sarcomere-localized altered Mg2+ binding may contribute to the inotropic effect. In this work, to further elucidate the role of EF-hand motif residue 12 in function, ParvE101Q and ParvE101D-experessing cardiac myocytes are compared. Although both Q and D substitutions are thought to bind Ca2+ in a monodentate manner, ParvE101D may bind Mg2+ more strongly than ParvE101Q. Consistent with this, in preliminary studies, ParvE101D enhanced contraction amplitude to a greater extent than ParvE101Q. We will discuss these findings in the context of the mechanistic role of EF-hand loop residue 12 in conferring Ca2+ and Mg2+ binding affinities with the goal of optimizing a Ca2+ buffering system for heart failure.
Helping programmers navigate code faster with Patchworks: A simulation study

Programmers spend considerable time navigating source code, and we recently proposed the Patchworks code editor to help address this problem. A prior preliminary study of Patchworks found that it significantly reduced programmer navigation time and navigation errors. In this paper, we expand on these findings by investigating the effect of various patch-arranging strategies in Patchworks. To evaluate these strategies, we ran a simulation study based on actual programmer navigation data. Our simulator results showed (1) that none of the strategies tested had a significant effect on programmer-navigation time, and (2) that navigating code using Patchworks, regardless of strategy, was significantly faster than using Eclipse.
Relationship Between Net Water Absorption and Hexanoic Acid Absorption from the Intact Human Jejunum

The effect of net water absorption on the rate of disappearance of hexanoic acid from a 30-cm, test segment of jejunum in normal human subjects was studied. The results suggest that the disappearance rate of hexanoic acid is independent of water absorption. There was no change in fatty acid disappearance rate when water absorption was doubled, or when there was a reversal of water flow with secretion of water into the lumen.
The berserk syndrome: A review of mass murder

Abstract In discussing the problem of mass murder, an ever increasing expression of violence in society, the typology of the perpetrators of such crimes is presented. Illustrations of some of the most notorious killers are provided and the unique case of a mass murderer who left, as a suicide “note,” a videotaped soliloquy is presented. The dynamics of mass murder and of mass murder-suicide are discussed; the killings are viewed as the outcome of deep frustration and perceived rejection in a highly narcissistic person, wounded in his ego, hostile towards society, and in search of identity and notoriety through a cathartic self assertion. Similarities are shown between the mass murderer and the mythological Norse “berserk” and it is speculated that the superman complex may be at the core of the killer's behavior. It is contended that the personal psychopathology of the killer is determinant of the destructive behavior, although social factors are highly contributory.
The use of thermogravimetry to analyze a mixed plastic waste stream

The thermogravimetry of a mixed polymer waste stream has been studied and the weight-loss behaviour of this heterogeneous mixture has been compared with results obtained from the weight-loss curves of some individual polymers. The results suggest that the behaviour of the mixture cannot be predicted by the simple additive behaviour of the individual polymers since interactions can occur which influence the degradation weight-loss profiles. The heterogeneous polymeric waste studied was that generated from the shredding of old discarded automobiles. The results of the study indicate that while it is possible to determine what is present in a sample, the relevance of the data to a very heterogeneous waste stream is questionable.
Pointwise convergence and Ascoli theorems for nearness spaces

We first study subspaces and product spaces in the context of nearness spaces and prove that U-N spaces, C-N spaces, PN spaces and totally bounded nearness spaces are nearness hereditary; T-N spaces and compact nearness spaces are N-closed hereditary. We prove that N2 plus compact implies N-closed subsets. We prove that totally bounded, compact and N2 are productive. We generalize the concepts of neighborhood systems into the nearness spaces and prove that the nearness neighborhood systems are consistent with existing concepts of neighborhood systems in topological spaces, uniform spaces and proximity spaces respectively when considered in the respective sub-categories. We prove that a net of functions is convergent under the pointwise convergent nearness structure if and only if its cross-section at each point is convergent. We have also proved two Ascoli-Arzela type of theorems.
Structure of a cellulose I–ethylenediamine complex

The structure of a crystalline cellulose I–ethylenediamine complex has been determined by x-ray diffraction methods as part of an investigation of cellulose–solvent interaction. The complex studied is that formed when native ramie fibers are swollen in ethylenediamine and then vacuum-dried. The unit cell is monoclinic with dimensions a = 12.87 A, b = 9.52 A, c = 10.35 A, and γ = 118.8°, and it contains disaccharide segments of two chains, with one ethylenediamine per glucose residue. The refined model contains parallel cellulose chains that are linked by hydrogen-bonded ethylenediamine molecules. The chains along the b-axis are packed in register, leading to stacks of chains analogous to those in chitin. All the hydroxyl groups are satisfactorily hydrogen-bonded and each ethylenediamine forms four donor and two acceptor hydrogen bonds. From this work it can be seen that the interaction of cellulose I with ethylenediamine involves scission of the intermolecular hydrogen bonds followed by disruption of the stacks of quarter-staggered chains.
Anti‐CD20 Monoclonal Antibody (Rituximab) for the Treatment of Recurrent Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy in a Renal Transplant Patient

Idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) remains the most common histologic entity associated with adult-onset nephrotic syndrome. The therapy for IMN is challenging. Steroids and various other immunosuppressive agents have been tried in IMN; however, current agents have not altered the course of IMN, are nonspecific and can be very toxic. In native kidneys affected by IMN, rituximab, a monoclonal antibody against the B-cell surface antigen CD20, has been shown to reduce proteinuria and prevent disease progression. In this report, we describe a 39-year-old white male with end-stage renal disease secondary to IMN that, 4 months post living unrelated kidney transplant, developed recurrent IMN with 18 g/day of proteinuria. In addition to angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor and statins, the patient was treated with 4 weekly doses of 375 mg/m2 of rituximab with significant reduction in proteinuria, a corresponding increase in serum albumin and improvement in hypercholesterolemia. At 3 years post-transplant, his kidney function remains stable with 0.5 g/day of proteinuria.
Trauma and Tattoo

This article examines how tattoos may function as a way to deal with personal trauma. First, I examine a recent theory of how personal trauma cannot be fully experienced; thus, it calls for a return to the event in order to incorporate it into the psyche. Second, I look at how that return, often achieved symbolically, might include the process of acquiring a tattoo. Finally, I turn to various examples, taken from memoirs, film, and an interview, of trauma that has been expressed through tattooed images that turn bodies into memory-laden texts.
Inputs and fates of petroleum hydrocarbons in a subtropical marine estuary

Abstract Inputs and fates of petroleum from a higly urbanized area to a subtropical marine estuary were investigated by measuring hydrocarbon concentrations in municipal wastewater treatment plants, urban stormwater drains, sediments, and benthic organisms in and around Tampa Bay, FL. The concentrations of petroleum hydrocarbons discharged from secondary and tertiary treatment plants in this area were lower than concentrations previously reported for other treatment plants in temperate regions. Samples collected from urban storm drains under base flow conditions were also low. The generally low levels of petroleum hydrocarbons in the sediments and organisms throughout Tampa Bay suggest that the bay is relatively pristine with respect to petroleum hydrocarbon contamination. Since it is unlikely that the anthropogenic input of hydrocarbons to this estuary is significantly lower than in other urbanized areas, we suggest that elevated annual temperatures in this subtropical system result in increased metabolic rates of microorganisms and more rapid degradation or metabolism of the petroleum hydrocarbons.
Molecular mechanisms of cancer development in obesity

The increasing incidence of obesity and its co-morbid conditions poses a great challenge to global health. In addition to cardiovascular disease and diabetes, epidemiological data demonstrate a link between obesity and multiple types of cancer. The molecular mechanisms underlying how obesity causes an increased risk of cancer are poorly understood. Obesity disrupts the dynamic role of the adipocyte in energy homeostasis, resulting in inflammation and alteration of adipokine (for example, leptin and adiponectin) signalling. Additionally, obesity causes secondary changes that are related to insulin signalling and lipid deregulation that may also foster cancer development. Understanding these molecular links may provide an avenue for preventive and therapeutic strategies to reduce cancer risk and mortality in an increasingly obese population.
Network formation under negative degree-based externalities

While a relationship in a social or business network should be mutually beneficial, it is ambiguous whether the relationship benefits or harms the rest of the network. This paper focuses on the situation where any new relationship imposes a negative externality on the rest of the network. We model this by assuming an agent’s payoff from a relationship is a decreasing function of the number of relationships the other agent maintains. We solve for the socially efficient and stable networks. While in general the two diverge, we demonstrate that they coincide when agents are able to make transfers to their partners.
A functional lesion in developmental dyslexia: left angular gyral blood flow predicts severity.

Functional imaging studies have shown reduced regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in temporal and inferior parietal regions in dyslexia. To relate such abnormalities to the severity of dyslexia, correlations between reading skill and rCBF during a series of reading tasks and visual fixation were mapped for 17 right-handed dyslexic men, ages 18-40, and 14 matched controls. These correlations uniquely identified the left angular gyrus as the most probable site of a functional lesion in dyslexia: Here, higher rCBF was associated with better reading skill in controls (p <.01), but with worse reading skill in dyslexia (p <.01). This suggests that greater reliance on this region normally facilitates reading, but impairs reading in dyslexia. Thus, developmental dyslexia may share a common localization with alexia.
Low energy deuteron-induced reactions on 27 Al and 56 Fe

Measurements of the elastic and inelastic scattering cross sections for deuterons on ${}^{27}\mathrm{Al}$ and ${}^{56}\mathrm{Fe}$ have been completed at 5 and 7 MeV. Additional measurements of the $(d,p),$ $(d,\ensuremath{\alpha}),$ and $(d,n)$ spectra on these targets at the same energies have been made. An optical model analysis has yielded optical parameters for these nuclei. These are not consistent with some global models based on fits to data above 9 MeV. A Hauser-Feshbach calculation for each target at the appropriate bombarding energy has been compared with the various particle spectra. Evidence for both direct and compound nuclear reaction contributions is found. A small contribution is found from direct three-body breakup $(d+\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{T}n+p+T),$ but $(d,n)$ and $(d,p)$ direct reactions to bound states are more common. Approximately 75% of the absorption cross section corresponds to compound nuclear processes.
Surface gravity waves over a two-dimensional random seabed

We extend homogenization theory to study the two-dimensional evolution of weakly nonlinear waves in a sea where the bathymetry is random over a large area. A deterministic nonlinear Schrodinger equation is derived for the envelope of a nearly sinusoidal progressive wave train. Randomness is shown to yield a linear term with a complex coefficient depending on a certain statistical average of the bathymetry. Numerical solutions are discussed for the diffraction of a Stokes wave in head-sea incidence towards a bathymetry of given plan form. Effects of the height and plan form of the randomness, as well as wave nonlinearity are examined analytically and numerically.
Effects of potential antimicrobial ingredients used to control Listeria monocytogenes on quality of natural casing frankfurters

Abstract Listeriosis concerns have led to increased antimicrobial use; reformulation may affect quality. The objective was to determine the effects of potential antimicrobials on quality of natural casing frankfurters. Eleven treatments were used: no antimicrobials (control); 3.0% sodium lactate and sodium diacetate blend (SL + SD); 1.0%, 2.5%, and 3.5% buffered sodium citrate (SC); 1.0%, 2.5%, and 3.5% buffered sodium citrate and sodium diacetate blend (SC + SD); and 1.0%, 2.5%, and 5.0% whey protein peptides (WP). Trained and consumer panelists analyzed sensory characteristics. Cooking yield was unaffected by treatment ( P > 0.05). Addition of SC and SC + SD decreased pH ( P
A Kosterlitz-Thouless phase transition associated with the supersymmetric sine-Gordon theory

A renormalization group analysis of the supersymmetric sine-Gordon theory near β2 = 4π yields a flow diagram characteristic of a Kosterlitz-Thouless transition, which is expected to manifest itself in certain correlation functions of the theory. The partition function of the theory is equal to 1 to any order in perturbation, in agreement with Zumino's theorem. Thus without explicitly breaking supersymmetry the theory is not equivalent to a classical gas of particles as is the case for the ordinary sine-Gordon.