cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Continuous-flow enzymatic determination of creatinine with improved on-line removal of endogenous ammonia

SUMMARY A new continuous-flow automated enzymatic method suitable for the direct determination of creatinine in physiological samples is described. The proposed system utilizes an on-line gas predialysis unit in conjunction with a flow-through enzyme reactor coil and a potentiometric ammonia detector. The enzyme reactor contains immobilized creatinine iminohydrolase (EC 3.5.4.21) which converts creatinine to ammonia and N-methylhydantoin. Ammonia liberated from this reaction is detected downstream with the membrane electrode-based detector. The novel gas predialysis unit effectively removes >99.8% of endogenous ammonia (up to 1 mM) present in the sample. Thus, final peak potentials recorded by the electrode detector are directly proportional to the logarithm of creatinine concentrations present. The method is shown to be precise (< 3%), selective, and capable of accurately determining creatinine in serum and urine samples containing abnormally high endogenous ammonia levels. Determinations of creatinine in serum samples (n = 30) using this new method correlate well with an existing Technicon AutoAnalyzer calorimetric method (r = 0.996).
Serum lipid response to a fat-modified, oatmeal-enhanced diet.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to confirm and extend previous findings that serum cholesterol response to a fat-modified diet is enhanced by oat fiber. Participants ( n = 236) were recruited from the Continental Illinois National Bank in Chicago. Data including weight, serum lipid level, lipoproteins, and 3-day food records were collected at baseline and every 4 weeks for 12 weeks. All participants were instructed to follow the fat-modified (Phase II) diet recommended by the American Heart Association (AHA). After 4 weeks, participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups. While both groups continued to follow the AHA diet, Group 1 was instructed to include 2 oz (56 g, dry wt) of oatmeal, isocalorically substituted for other carbohydrate foods. Group 2 served as the control and consumed no oat products throughout the study. Serum cholesterol values at baseline and after 4 weeks of the AHA diet were similar for both groups (203.9 and 193.0 mg/dl for Group 1 and 205.3 and 194.5 mg/dl for Group 2). After 4 weeks of oatmeal intervention, mean group differences were −6.8 and −2.1 mg/dl ( P = 0.008 one-tailed t test) for Groups 1 and 2, respectively. Following an additional 4 weeks of oatmeal intervention, the Group 1 mean cholesterol increased slightly (0.9 mg/dl), while the Group 2 level decreased slightly (−0.7 mg/dl). Overall serum cholesterol responses for the two groups from Visit 2 to Visit 4 were −6.0 and −2.8 mg/dl for Groups 1 and 2, respectively ( P = 0.074, one tail). Changes in weight were small and nonsignificant. Subgroup analyses revealed greater reductions in serum cholesterol among participants with the highest baseline serum cholesterol (−8.0 mg/dl vs −1.7 mg/dl for Subgroups 1 and 2, respectively). These data support previous findings that inclusion of oatmeal in a fat-modified diet is helpful in lowering serum cholesterol, particularly for individuals with elevated serum cholesterol levels.
Temporal ratiometry to assess dynamic concentration distributions of fluorescent molecules in single live cells during continuous diffusional dosing

The introduction of specific molecules into live cells is a widely used approach to probe cellular mechanisms. Recently, we have reported on the sustained dosing of molecules into single cells via a microscopic diffusion port. Here we describe temporal ratiometry, a method to reconstruct intracellular concentration distribution of the delivered molecules as it varies in time during dosing. To characterize this method, we analyzed fluorescence intensity maps obtained during delivery of Lucifer Yellow CH, LY, a polar fluorophore into A7r5 vascular smooth muscle cells, normal rat kidney epithelial cells (NRKE), and MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. Temporal ratiometry indicates a linear increase in concentration of LY in these cells with a nearly uniform distribution during 20 min of delivery. The method cancels the effects of varying cell height and variable accessible volume on the measured intensities at different locations within the cell. Temporal ratiometry will be useful to estimate dynamic changes in intracellular concentration distributions and thus, facilitate the understanding of transport, binding, sequestration, and efflux of molecules introduced into cells.
Toward robotic needle steering in lung biopsy: a tendon-actuated approach

Needle tip dexterity is advantageous for transthoracic lung biopsies, which are typically performed with rigid, straight biopsy needles. By providing intraoperative compensation for trajectory error and lesion motion, tendon-driven biopsy needles may reach smaller or deeper nodules in fewer attempts, thereby reducing trauma. An image-guided robotic system that uses these needles also has the potential to reduce radiation exposure to the patient and physician. In this paper, we discuss the design, workflow, kinematic modeling, and control of both the needle and a compact and inexpensive robotic prototype that can actuate the tendon-driven needle for transthoracic lung biopsy. The system is designed to insert and steer the needle under Computed Tomography (CT) guidance. In a free-space targeting experiment using a discrete proportional control law with digital camera feedback, we show a position error of less than 1 mm achieved using an average of 8.3 images (n=3).
The effect of elastic and reorientation collisions on vibration-rotation lineshapes: A semi-empirical approach

Abstract Collisional broadening of rotation-vibration spectral lines is investigated. The contributions from inelastic and elastic-reorientation collisions are separated using a semi-empirical inversion procedure. The basis for this deconvolution is the derivation of a relationship between the enelastic, W in , and elastic-reorientation, W el−r , contributions to the width, which depends upon a single unknown parameter. The experimental linewidth, W exp = W el − r + W in , suffices to determine this parameter uniquely, which is then used to calculate the individual components W el−r and W in . Results of applications to the CO-, HF-, and HCI- rare gas systems are presented.
Acyclic orientations of complete bipartite graphs

Abstract For a complete bipartite graph, the number of dependent edges in an acyclic orientation can be any integer from n −1 to e , where n and e are the number of vertices and edges in the graph.
Knowledge Based FO-LAN Design Environment For The Health Monitoring And Control Of Space Systems

ABSTRACTAvionics for the advanced aerospace systems is becoming increasingly more sophisticated to meet the demands of on-board automated real time control, diagnostics and health monitoring. This requires a large number of sensors and processors distributed throughout the vehicle. A large amount of data and control/command signals have to be handled by the network onboard. The weight, noise immunity, high bandwidth and power consumption are some of the advantages offered by FO-LAN's (Fiberoptic Local Area networks). These features serve the avionic network needs very well. Designing a FO-LAN's is generally done on an individual basis and every new FO-LAN has to be designed from scratch. Recent advances in Al and CIM (Computer Integrated Manufacturing) have helped develop powerful techniques for creating design environments where components and networks can be designed (and simulated, if desired) directly from system specifications. We are using such techniques to develop a design environment for avionics FO-LAN's.1. INTRODUCTIONIn the traditional hierarchy of Structure, Propulsion and avionics, the latter was assigned a relatively less important role. In the modern aerospace vehicles, however, avionics and its integration into the overall system, has become equal, and in some cases, e. g. ATF (Advanced Tactical Fighter) a major goal.1 > 2- Avionics itelf is undergoing a conversion to digital systems and the associated networks3 based on the existing electronic techniques. Serious consideration is also being given to optical communication on-board aerospace vehicles4. Since FO-LAN is still a developing technology designing such networks is done in an ad hoc manner which often just results in replacing a coax wire by a fiber. We, however, believe that the FO-LAN design should be undertaken with the full appreciation of the integration of the fiberoptic network with the rest of the system. A typical spacecraft environment consists of a large number of sensors distributed throughout. The output from these sensors could be taken to a central processor, however, for reasons of reliability and redundancy a more desirable alternative would be to have dedicated processors distributed along with the sensors. The output from these distributed processors could then be taken to a central command and control unit. The pathways from the distributed sensors to the distributed processors and then to the central processor would be provided by the fiberoptic network. For such a system to function properly the integration of the elements, namely, sensors, processors and the network should be complete.
Degradation of High and Low Voltage Amorphous Silicon Thin Film Transistors Due to Air Leak

Amorphous Silicon TFT performance is shown to be strongly affected by an air leak into a plasma deposition system during film growth. The introduction of a controlled air leak into the system raises the oxygen content of the active layer. For both high and low voltage transistors (HVTFT & LVTFT) the drive current, FET mobility, and threshold voltage are degraded with increasing leak rate. Moreover, the stability of HVTFTs containing a space charge limited region is adversely affected by increasing leak rate.
Mexico's Conflictual Inshore Pacific Fisheries: Problem Analysis and Policy Recommendations

This article examines chronic conflict arising from a dual and contradictory management policy in an inshore fishery of Pacific Mexico. The dual policy is summarized as follows: first and foremost, the Mexican federal government strives to maximize shrimp exports while dissociating the rural populace from the resource; yet, on the other hand, it still permits the rural populace access to the resource for subsistence purposes. Widespread conflict among various components of the local rural populace as well as conflicts between that population and its government is the result. After analyzing the dynamics of contention underlying these conflicts policy recommendations are made which are applicable to this and similar fisheries.1
Poly(4-chlorostyrene), a new high contrast negative E-beam resist

PCS(poly-4-chlorostyrene) has previously been evaluated as a negative e-beam resist, but although the sensitivity was good [2 to 5μC/square centimeter (cm2)], the contrast (γ) was poor (1.1 to 1.5). Recent experiments have shown that contrast is not only a function of molecular weight distribution (MWD), but can also be affected by polymerization conditios. Among these are: branching, head to head linkages, and oxygen in backbone. PCS was prepared via thermal free radical solution polymerization, and then fractionated by differential solvation techniques. Reactions occurring during polymerization and crosslink formation on irradiation will be discussed. For molecular weights of 700 and 300K respectively (same MWD), the sensitivity was 2 and 5μC/cm2, while the contrast (γ) was 3.5 for both. This is the highest reported contrast for a polymeric negative resist. The resist can then be UV hardened after development, and will not flow at 200°C. The RIE etch rate is ∼1/2 that of PMMA in various plasmas.
Cerebral Phaeohyphomycosis Caused by Ramichloridium obovoideum (Ramichloridium mackenziei)

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Only a few cerebral infections with the dark-walled mold Ramichloridium obovoideum (Ramichloridium mackenziei) have been reported in the literature. Central nervous system infections caused by this fungus have poor prognoses; the optimal medical and surgical treatments have not yet been established. We report a case of cerebral R. obovoideum infection for which a combination of medical and surgical treatments failed. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 58-year-old Kuwaiti woman, with a history of chronic renal failure requiring hemodialysis, presented with a 3-day history of left frontal headache, blurry vision, dizziness, and right-sided clumsiness. Computed tomography demonstrated multiple, ring-enhancing, cerebral lesions (the largest of which measured 2-3 cm) in the deep left parieto-occipital region. INTERVENTION: A computed tomography-guided needle biopsy of the parieto-occipital lesion yielded 10 ml of dark caseous fluid. Stains demonstrated long, branching, septate hyphae. Fungal cultures grew R. obovoideum. The patient was treated with a combination of amphotericin B and itraconazole. The condition of the patient continued to deteriorate, and stereotactic aspiration of the largest lesion was performed. Despite this approach, the lesion progressed and the patient died. CONCLUSION: R. obovoideum is being increasingly recognized as a cause of cerebral abscesses in patients residing in the Middle East. Prognoses are poor, and responses to antifungal therapy are generally short-lived. Until more effective therapies are found, the greatest chance for adequate treatment involves early recognition, prompt treatment with antifungal agents, and attempts at complete resection.
Physical activity and the prevention of coronary heart disease

Abstract Data suggest, but fall short of proving, that an increase in habitual physical activity is beneficial. Likely benefits may be as much or more in the area of an improved quality of life as in life extension-quantity. If levels of acceptance of preventive regimens can be categorized as the possible, the prudent, and the proved, there appears sufficient reason to place physical activity as being among the prudent actions to be recommended at present. More studies are urgently needed, particularly concerning whether increased physical activity will contribute to cardiovascular and general health enhancement, increased total human performance and a vigorous creative society. While studies develop better definition, it seems possible with exercise stress testing to “clear” individuals relative to the intensity of exertion that involves an acceptably low hazard of acute cardiac catastrophe yet will provide a predictable improvement in physiologic capability. It appears possible to prescribe the intensity of activity from recently developed information concerning heart rate responses. It is possible also to make useful recommendations as to the type, frequency, and duration of various activities on an individual basis that will fit in with the interests and desired life style of individuals.
On the enhancement of the nonlinear frequency transformation in periodic media

Abstract It is theoretically shown that an enhancement of the nonlinear frequency transformation in a periodic medium occurs under definite conditions if it is accompanied by light diffraction in this medium. The enhancement of the phase-matched frequency transformation occurs if the harmonic frequency ω approaches the stop band frequency ωe. In the nondepleted pump approximation the corresponding increase of the harmonic intensity is proportional to ωe(ω−ωe)−1 and is restricted by a quantity proportional to the fourth power of the sample thickness. The formulas for the enhancement of second harmonic generation are presented.
Cost burden of second fracture in the US health system.

Abstract Objectives This retrospective claim-based study assessed 1-year medical costs associated with second fracture(s) for patients over 50 years old with an initial closed hip, clinical vertebral or non-hip non-vertebral (NHNV) fracture using 2002–2008 MarketScan® Commercial and Medicare Supplemental Databases. Methods Patients with incident fracture and ≥ 12-month pre-period and follow-up period from the incident fracture were extracted. Index date was the first subsequent fracture date for patients with subsequent fracture during the 12-month (cases); index dates for patients without subsequent fractures during the 12-month follow-up (controls) were randomly assigned based on the distribution of index dates of cases. Total costs were examined during the 12-month follow-up period using generalized linear models. A decomposition analysis of the incremental costs attributable to the second fracture was conducted to examine what proportion of the difference was due to different patient characteristics and what proportion was due to different model structures between cases and controls. Results For privately insured patients with hip, vertebral, or NHNV fracture, the 1-year second fracture rate was 8.0%, 5.1%, and 4.0%, and 1-year incremental costs were $47,351, $43,238, and $23,852, respectively; for Medicare patients, the corresponding rates and costs were 8.8%, 9.2%, and 8.2%, and $18,645, $19,702, and $19,697. Nationally projected annual cost of second fracture was $834 (95% confidence interval: $763–$914) million for patients with commercial insurance and $1.13 (95% confidence interval: $1.09–$1.17) billion for Medicare patients. Conclusions The average cost of patients with subsequent fracture(s) was substantial. Effective management of first fractures may help reduce the long-term economic and clinical burden.
Thiacycloalkynes for Copper‐Free Click Chemistry

Bioorthogonal chemistry enables the interrogation of biomolecules and physiological processes that are inaccessible by using conventional research tools.1 A common experimental protocol starts by labeling a target biomolecule in cells or live organisms with a bioorthogonal functional group. Then, a probe molecule bearing complementary functionality is added to the system and the ensuing bioorthogonal chemical reaction delivers the probe specifically to the targets of interest. For many applications, rapid reaction kinetics are essential. This is particularly true for labeling experiments in live animals, in which reagent concentrations are limited (i.e., nm to low μm), or in which the process that is probed occurs on a fast time scale. Consequently, methodologists interested in the development of bioorthogonal reactions are increasingly focused on kinetic optimization.2
High oxidation state technetium and rhenium complexes of hydrotris(1-pyrazolyl)borate

The known complex, [(ReO3(HB(pz)3)], where [HB(pz)3]− is hydrotris(1-pyrazolyl)borate, has been prepared by three new methods: (i) the nitric acid oxidation of [ReOCl2(HB(pz)3)]; (ii) the thermolysis of [ReO(eg)(HB(pz)3)], where eg is ethylene glycolate; (iii) the reaction of [NH4(ReO4)] and [HB(pz)3]− in acidified methanol. The technetium analogue, [TcO3(HB(pz)3)], has also been synthesized here by two methods; (i) the nitric acid oxidation of [TcOCl2(HB(pz)3)]; (ii) the reaction of [TcO4]− and [HB(pz)3]− in acidified ethanol. Both complexes have been characterized by elemental analyses, mass spectrometry, and IR and NMR spectroscopies. The reaction of [TcO3(HB(pz)3)] with ethylene to form [TcO(eg)(HB(pz)3)] is also discussed.
A Model of the Demand for Money by Firms: Comment

Recent macroeconomic explanations of the demand for cash have tended to focus on the so-called "indirect utility" approach. One of the latest models to embody this viewpoint is that of Miller and Orr,' hereafter eferred to as the M-O model. Although earlier models isolated certain key factors in the analysis of household cash inventory decisions, they generally failed to capture the essence of the business habitat, a void which Miller and Orr have endeavored to fill. In this note an attempt is made to clarify and extend certain parts of the M-O analysis to cover an important but neglected aspect of the business ituation which Miller and Orr seek to quantify. Roughly speaking, it is found that the M-O model, like many inventory models, is "robust" (i.e., general results are unaltered) with respect o the assumptions to be modified. The policy structure of the M-O model is characterized by two parameters, h and z. Cash balances are allowed to wander freely until they reach either the lower bound, zero, or the upper bound, h, at which times a portfolio transfer is undertaken to restore cash balances to a level of z. The lower bound is set at zero because transfers are regarded as taking place instantaneously. Miller and Orr postulate that the fixed cost of transference from bonds to cash, AB, is equal to the fixed cost of transference from cash to bonds, y. I find this assumption implausible. The prospect of running out of cash forces a firm to appropriate managerial attention on a scale of priority far higher than would be the case for the problem of converting excess cash into bonds. Consequently, it is felt, the total opportunity loss (the sum of direct plus indirect costs) of running out of cash altogether will typically exceed the total opportunity loss of converting cash to bonds. The return point is prescribed by Miller and Orr to be independent of whether the last transaction was a purchase or a sale. Such a policy, they state, is simpler and more "natural" than one involving different return points after a purchase and a sale, because fixed transfer costs are assumed to be identical in both directions.
Initial conditions of a simple passive-dynamic walker

Walking robots hold great potential for the future of military robotics. Their natural agility in rough, unstructured terrain make them ideal for military applications but their power requirements do not. Passive dynamic walkers offer a potentially low-power solution. This class of legged robots utilize the natural inverted pendular dynamics that humans rely on to locomote. The most basic of these systems uses gravity as its power source and has no control system therefore its stability is heavily reliant on its initial conditions. The VICON Motion Capture System was used to record the motions of Coleman and Ruina's1 TinkertoyWalker© . The initial angles and angular velocities of the various trials were extracted from the motion capture data and used as inputs to a multi-body dynamics model of the walker. The model was created to provide insight into passive-dynamic walkers and the interactions between the walker and the ground surface. Several trials were performed to quantify the stability space of the experimental walker and improve the correlation of the dynamics model to the physical robot.© (2006) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A bone marrow transplant with an acquired anti-Lea: A case study

Abstract A patient with aplastic anemia received an ABO incompatible bone marrow transplant (BMT) from an HLA identical sibling. Weekly HLA antibody screens were performed as part of the BMT protocol. At the time of transplant, a hemolytic anti-Lea was detected in the Le (a−b−) donor. The le (a−b+) recipient had no red cell or LCT antibody. A hemolytic anti-Lea was detected in the recipient on day 8, but no LCT reactivity was noted at this time. On day 15, the LCT panel demonstrated reactivity with 9 of 50 panel cells without apparent HLA specificity. Graft vs. host disease (GVHD) was present on the skin at this time. The dose of cyclosporin A was increased, but by day 20 the GVHD worsend and the LCT titers increased to 8. This strong reactivity was noted only in the Le (a+) panel members (12/50) and was neutralized with commercial Lewis substance. On day 34 there was no evidence of GVHD, but the lymphocytotoxic anti-Lea continued to be present. The patient began experiencing renal and gastrointestinal difficulties by day 48, and expired on day 60. In renal transplants the kidneys retain their Lewis type and secrete Lewis substance in the urine. In our experience BMT patients retain their Lewis type regardless of the type of the donor. The Lewis system has been linked to renal allograft rejection, and Lewis antigens may function as transplantation antigens in BMT patients as well. In addition, lymphocytotoxic Lewis antibodies can mask other significant HLA antibodies and must be identified when screening patients in need of plateletpheresis products.
ASN End-Stage Renal Disease Task Force: Perspective on Prospective Payments for Renal Dialysis Facilities

For the first time in nearly 30 years, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will implement a new payment system for dialysis patients. Since 1983, Medicare has reimbursed each dialysis session with a prospective payment—known as the composite rate—designed to cover the cost of center or home dialysis.1 Since implementation of the composite rate, however, new therapies—including erythropoietin, vitamin D, and iron—have emerged as new additional costs for standard dialysis care. These therapies are reimbursed separately from the composite rate and now compose approximately 40% of the total Medicare payment for each dialysis treatment.2 To improve the efficiency and flexibility of the ESRD Program, the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) of 2008 mandated implementation of a comprehensive, case mix–adjusted, bundled-rate payment system for ESRD that includes therapies currently reimbursed outside the composite rate.3 The ESRD Prospective Payment System will be phased in on January 1, 2011, and fully implemented by 2014. Although MIPPA outlines the basic approach to bundling, the legislation grants CMS authority to finalize the components of the bundle and generate a detailed implementation plan. In September 2009, CMS released for public comment a proposed rule on ESRD bundling and is expected to issue a final rule on ESRD bundling in 2010. In addition, CMS is projected to release a proposed rule on a quality improvement program for ESRD care. Given the monumental significance of the new payment system, the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) formed an ESRD task force to assess and respond comprehensively to the proposed rule changes. Eight ASN members from diverse specialties and practice settings served on this task force, including early-career and established nephrologists as well as ASN policy staff. ASN's foremost concerns relate to preservation of patient access to optimal dialysis care and related …
Political Dilemmas of Busing A Case Study of Interdistrict Metropolitan School Desegregation

Metropolitan Wilmington's schools will be desegregated in 1977 and 1978, after courtroom maneuvers and in spite of complications.
Prion diseases and a penchant for brains.

In their Report “Balancing selection at the prion protein gene consistent with prehistoric kurulike epidemics,” S. Mead et al. provide an interesting and persuasive argument on how kuru transmitted by endocannibalism resulted in balancing selection at codon 129 of human prion protein gene in the
Fine-grained private matching for proximity-based mobile social networking

Proximity-based mobile social networking (PMSN) refers to the social interaction among physically proximate mobile users directly through the Bluetooth/WiFi interfaces on their smartphones or other mobile devices. It becomes increasingly popular due to the recently explosive growth of smartphone users. Profile matching means two users comparing their personal profiles and is often the first step towards effective PMSN. It, however, conflicts with users' growing privacy concerns about disclosing their personal profiles to complete strangers before deciding to interact with them. This paper tackles this open challenge by designing a suite of novel fine-grained private matching protocols. Our protocols enable two users to perform profile matching without disclosing any information about their profiles beyond the comparison result. In contrast to existing coarse-grained private matching schemes for PMSN, our protocols allow finer differentiation between PMSN users and can support a wide range of matching metrics at different privacy levels. The security and communication/computation overhead of our protocols are thoroughly analyzed and evaluated via detailed simulations.
Weierstrass analytic functions

Weierstrass introduced a complete analytic function as a set consisting of a power series and all its analytic continuations. This definition — a fundamental expansion of Lagrange’s introduction of a function as a power series — was formany decades the only alternative to the classical introduction of functions as laws or rules associating or pairing numbers with numbers or a la Dirichlet — as those associations themselves. These traditional introductions are not entirely transparent; for, while there exist definite procedures for operations with sets (e.g., with sets of power series or of numbers or of pairs of numbers) traditional mathematics lacks definitions of operations with laws or rules or associationes. Weierstrass’ alternative was confined to the realm of analytic functions but it was perfectly clear.
A shaker Potassium Channel with a Miniature Engineered Voltage Sensor

Voltage-gated ion channels sense transmembrane voltage changes via a paddle-shaped motif that includes the C-terminal part of the third transmembrane segment (S3b) and the N-terminal part of the fourth segment (S4) that harbors voltage-sensing arginines. Here, we find that residue triplets in S3b and NTS4 can be deleted individually, or even in some combinations, without compromising the channels’ basic voltage-gating capability. Thus, a high degree of complementarity between these S3b and NTS4 regions is not required for basic voltage gating per se. Remarkably, the voltage-gated Shaker K+ channel remains voltage gated after a 43 residue paddle sequence is replaced by a glycine triplet. Therefore, the paddle motif comprises a minimal core that suffices to confer voltage gating in the physiological voltage range, and a larger, modulatory part. Our study also shows that the hydrophobic residues between the voltage-sensing arginines help set the sensor's characteristic chemical equilibrium between activated and deactivated states.
Note on the energy scale of the Michigan OSO III ion chamber

The energy scale of the Michigan OSO III soft X-ray ion chamber has been assessed by using realistic theoretical X-ray spectra. Multiplicative factors by which the data may be corrected are proposed. The factors are only slightly temperature-dependent. A test of the proposed energy scale indicates it is still somewhat uncertain.
Action Spectrum and Mechanisms of UV Radiation-Induced Injury in Lupus Erythematosus

Photosensitivity associated with lupus erythematosus (LE) is well established. The photobiologic basis for this abnormal response to ultraviolet radiation, however, has not been determined. This paper summarizes the criteria for elucidating possible photobiologic mechanisms and reviews the literature relevant to the mechanism of photosensitivity in LE. In patients with LE, photosensitivity to wavelengths shorter than 320 nm has been demonstrated; wavelengths longer than 320 nm have not been adequately evaluated. DNA is a possible chromophore for photosensitivity below 320 nm. UV irradiation of skin produces thymine photodimers in DNA. UV-irradiated DNA is more antigenic than native DNA and the antigenicity of UV-irradiated DNA has been proposed, but not proven, to be involved in the development of clinical lesions. UV irradiation of mice previously injected with anti-UV-DNA antibodies produces Ig deposition and complement fixation that appears to be similar to the changes seen in lupus lesions. Antibodies to UV-irradiated DNA occur in the serum of LE patients although a correlation between antibody titers and photosensitivity was not observed. Defective repair of UV-induced DNA damage does not appear to be a mechanism for the photosensitivity in LE. Other mechanisms must also be considered. The chromophore for photosensitivity induced by wavelengths longer than 320 nm has not been investigated in vivo. In vitro studies indicate that 360-400 nm radiation activates a photosensitizing compound in the lymphocytes and serum of LE patients and causes chromosomal aberrations and cell death. The mechanism appears to involve superoxide anion. Further research is required to establish the action spectrum for long wavelength photosensitivity in vivo and to elucidate the mechanisms for the photosensitivity at all wavelengths.
Measurement of trehalose loading of mammalian cells porated with a metal‐actuated switchable pore

Efforts to improve the tolerance of mammalian cells to desiccation have focused on the role that sugars have in protecting cells from lethal injury. Among the key determinants of desiccation tolerance is the intracellular trehalose concentration, and thus quantifying the amount and rate of trehalose accumulation has now become very critical to the success of these desiccation approaches. We introduced trehalose into 3T3 fibroblasts, human keratinocytes, and rat hepatocytes using a genetically engineered mutant of the pore-forming alpha-hemolysin from Staphylococcus aureus. Manipulating the extracellular Zn(2+) concentration selectively opens and closes this pore ( approximately 2 nm) and enables controlled loading of cells with sugars. We quantified intracellular trehalose using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) to examine the trimethylsilyl derivative of intracellular trehalose. Using the GC-MS method, we demonstrate that the switchable characteristics of H5 alpha-hemolysin permit controlled loading of the high concentrations of trehalose (up to 0.5 M) necessary for engineering desiccation tolerance in mammalian cells.
A 3D stochastic mesoscopic model for prediction of microstructure evolution during solidification of dendritic alloys

A comprehensive three-dimensional (3D) stochastic model for simulating the evolution of dendritic crystals during the solidification of binary alloys was developed. The multi-scale model takes into account all the length scales (e.g., macro, micro- and meso-scales) required to accurately predict the evolution of dendritic morphologies during solidification of alloys. The model includes time-dependent computations for temperature distribution, solute redistribution in the liquid and solid phases, curvature, and growth anisotropy. Stochastic models previously developed for simulating dendritic grains in 2D were modified to control the nucleation and growth of dendrites in 3D. 3D mesoscopic computations at the dendrite tip length scale were performed to simulate the evolution of columnar and equiaxed dendritic morphologies including segregation patterns and compared then with predictions based on 2D mesoscopic computations.
A suggested curriculum for teaching conscious sedation in advanced general practice programs: GPR and AEGD

Previously published national guidelines related to the teaching and performance of conscious sedation in dentistry have not included guidance in this area for program directors of General Practice Residency and Advanced Education in General Dentistry Programs. A suggested curriculum is presented here for use by program directors of such programs who wish to design training experiences in their own programs or as a reference for program directors who wish to compare their programs with experiences provided in other locations. Guidelines are provided for facilities, equipment, personnel, records and preparation necessary to perform conscious sedation procedures, as well as goals, objectives, and evaluation methodology for training residents in conscious sedation.
Population biology of parasites of striped mullet, Mugil cephalus L. Crustacea

Class 0 and class 1 striped mullet, Mugil cephalus, were collected from May 1970 to June 1971 to study development, seasonal abundance of parasite populations, and distribution of gill parasites. Crustacean parasites observed were Ergasilus lizae, E. versicolor, E.funduli, Bomolochus concinnus, Brachiella oblonga, Caligus mfimaculatus, Clavella inversa, Lernaeeni–cus longiventris, Argulus funduli and A. chesapeakensis sp.n. Cressey. Cyclipoid copepods initially infected class 0 mullet in late spring and populations were characterized by surges in intensity at 6 to 8 week intervals. Caligoid copepods initially infected class 0 mullet in late summer and fall or appeared only on class 1 mullet. Intensity remained low, but they were observed consistently. Branchiurans were rarely observed on class 0 mullet and occurred consistently at low intensity on class 1 mullet. Study of distribution of five gill parasites indicated a high degree of gill habitat subdivision, but competitive exclusion was not observed.
Global parameter convergence in systems with monotonic parameterization

We consider parameter identification in a class of monotonically parameterized nonlinear systems, one example of which is a neural network. A gradient algorithm is employed to determine the parameter estimates. We determine sufficient conditions on the input under which the estimates converge globally to their true values. We show that new analytical tools that exploit the monotonicity of the underlying nonlinearity and properties of the gradient algorithm can be developed so as to result in global convergence.
Latch-up free ESD protection design with SCR structure in advanced CMOS technology

An electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit with silicon-controlled-rectifier (SCR) device has been designed without latch-up risk. After fabrication in a 0.13-µm CMOS process, the ESD protection circuit with SCR width of 60µm can sustain 6.2kV human-body-model (HBM) and 475V machine model (MM) ESD tests. The latch-up test shows the immunity against 500-mA triggering current under 3.3V supply voltage.
Segmentation of the infarct and Peri-infarct zones in cardiac MR images

This paper presents a novel approach for segmentation of the infarct and peri-infarct tissue in the left ventricular wall of the heart. This paper is motivated by a recent finding that shows the infarct and peri-infarct zones to be independent predictors of post myocardial infarction. This paper proposes a method to segment the endocardial and epicardial contours of the left ventricle in the presence of the enhanced infarct and peri-infarct tissues. A level set method using shape priors, obtained from a 3D active appearance model of the ventricle wall on cine MR images is presented. From the extracted 3D cardiac ventricular wall, a method is proposed to segment the infarct and peri-infarct tissues using intensity, volume, shape and heart wall thickness features. The parameters of end-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume, myocardial mass, ejection fraction and infarct and peri-infarct mass are computed using the proposed method and compared with the gold standard provided by the cardiologists. Promising results and comparisons demonstrate the potential of our approach for a practical computer assisted diagnostic system.
The Strength-Duration Curve

The strength-duration curve is a plot of the lowest (threshold) current (I) required for stimulation versus pulse duration (d); it forms the basis for describing the excitability of a given tissue. It is extremely useful in all manner of studies in which excitable tissues are stimulated because it describes the manner in which the current required is changed when the pulse duration is changed. Moreover, it can be used to determine the charge and energy-duration relationships. It will be the objective of this communication to show how the essential constants can be obtained.
Design and Implementation of a Resource-Efficient Communication Architecture for Multiprocessors on FPGAs

Recent significant advancements in FPGAs have made it viable to explore multiprocessor solutions on a single FPGA chip. An efficient communication architecture that matches the needs of the target application is always critical to the overall performance of multiprocessors. Packet-switching network-on-chip (NoC) approaches are being offered to deal with scalability and complexity challenges coming along with the increasing number of processing elements (PEs). Many FPGA-based NoC designs consume significant resources, leaving little room for PEs. We argue that computation is still the primary task of multiprocessors and sufficient resources should be reserved for PEs. This paper presents our novel design and implementation of a resource-efficient communication architecture for multiprocessors on FPGAs. We reduce not only the required number of routers for a given number of PEs by introducing a new PE-router topology, but also resource requirements of each router, while maintaining good performance for typical injection rates.
Demonstration of a reliable high-performance and yielding Air gap interconnect process

Capacitance coupling in copper low-k interconnects can be further reduced by implementing Air gaps in the intra-layer dielectric. This paper describes the evaluation of an integrated Air gap technology using 32 and 22 nm node technology vehicles. Electrical, reliability, and yield results are presented.
The Geography of Drug Abuse Epidemiology Among Probationers in Baltimore

Substance use is a pervasive health problem that contributes significantly to the recycling of offenders through the justice system. This study uses routine activities theory as a framework to determine whether the availability of illicit drugs in a probationer’s immediate residential environment is associated with their use of illegal substances. Combining narcotics-related calls for police service data, interviews with offenders, life history event calendars, and biological drug test results, a clustered-logit regression model of 250 drug-involved probationers indicates that the availability of drugs within the probationer’s immediate area is associated with a higher probability of testing positive for illicit substances. The results suggest a broader epidemiological framework to understand how environment affects drug use. Further research in this area will improve supervision practices of drug-involved individuals and interventions to reduce drug use.
Comparison of ChitoFlex®, CELOX™, and QuikClot® in Control of Hemorrhage

Abstract Background: Exsanguinating extremity wounds remain the primary source of battlefield mortality. Operating forces employ three agents in Iraq: HemCon® (HemCon Medical Technologies, Inc., Portland, OR), QuikClot® (Z-Medica Corporation, Wallingford, CT), and CELOX™ (SAM Medical, Tualatin, OR). Anecdotal reports suggest that these agents are less useful on small entrance, linear-tract injuries. ChitoFlex® (HemCon Medical Technologies, Inc., Portland, OR) has been introduced but is untested. Study Objectives: To compare the equivalency of the ChitoFlex® dressing, QuikClot® ACS+™ dressing, CELOX™, and standard gauze in their effectiveness to control bleeding from non-cavitary groin wounds. Methods: Forty-eight swine were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups: standard gauze dressing (SD), ChitoFlex® dressing (CF), QuikClot® ACS+™ dressing (QC), and CELOX™ dressing (CX). A groin injury with limited vessel access was created in each animal. Subjects were resuscitated with 500 mL of hetastarch. The primary endpoint was 180-min survival. Secondary endpoints included total blood loss in mL/kg, incidence of re-bleeding, survival times among the animals that did not survive for 180 min, failure to achieve initial hemostasis, incidence of recurrent bleeding, time to initial re-bleeding, amount of re-bleeding, and mass of residual hematoma. Results: Survival occurred in 10 of 12 SD animals, 10 of 12 CF animals, 10 of 12 QC animals, and 9 of 12 CX animals. No statistically significant difference was found. Conclusion: In our study of limited-access extremity bleeding, ChitoFlex® performed equally well in mitigating blood loss and promoting survival. The ChitoFlex® dressing is an equally effective alternative to currently available hemostatic agents. However, no agents were superior to standard gauze in our model of limited access.
Nonlinear backprojection for tomographic reconstruction

This paper focuses on a tomographic image reconstruction method, which will be referred to as nonlinear backprojection (NBP). Rather than explicitly statistically modeling the forward process and the unknown image, we train an optimal NBP operator that can be implemented noniteratively. Under appropriate assumptions, the method forms its estimate by applying nonlinear filters to sinogram data, followed by conventional backprojection. The nonlinear filters are designed through off-line training. NBP shows promising results relative to both filtered backprojection and maximum a posteriori probability Bayesian methods.
Effects of a Simulated Skylab Mission on the Oral Health of Astronauts

Laboratory and clinical findings related to the oral tissues of three astronauts during a 56-day simulated Skylab mission are described. Changes in the oral counts of specific microorganisms were observed concurrently with alterations in saliva flow rates and levels of secretory IgA and salivary lysozyme.
Genetic and Environmental Influences on the Relationship Between Mastery and Alcohol Dependence

Alcohol dependence, A major health issue, affects 4 to 5% of the U.S. population at any given time (Li et al., 2007) with a lifetime prevalence of 12.5% (Hasin et al., 2007). Family, twin, and adoption studies have shown a substantial genetic contribution to alcohol-related outcomes (Heath et al., 1997; Kaprio et al., 1991; Kendler et al., 1994; Li et al., 2007; McGue et al., 1992). Risk factors for developing alcohol use disorders include aspects of temperament, such as neuroticism (Kendler et al., 2011; Littlefield and Sher, 2010). A neglected potential protective factor for alcohol use disorders is mastery. Mastery—also termed self-efficacy, sense of control, and locus of control—is the belief that one has control over one’s outcomes. People with a high sense of mastery believe they can handle whatever comes their way and that they—not other people or fate—will determine how things turn out. It is a personal resource on which people draw to deal with challenges and guide their lives in preferred directions (Bandura, 1999, 2006; Mirowsky and Ross, 1998, 2007). Some evidence suggests that mastery should reduce the risk of alcohol use disorders, including alcohol dependence. Mastery is related to lower alcohol dependence (Poikolainen, 1997), alcohol consumption (Shamloo and Cox, 2010), and the likelihood of any substance use disorders, including alcohol use disorders (Kiecolt et al., 2009). Similar, domain-specific constructs involving self-efficacy for alcohol use also are associated with reduced severity of alcohol use disorders (Williams et al., 1998; Witkiewitz et al., 2012). In many studies, though, samples are small and limited to treatment-seekers (Surgenor et al., 2006). In addition, mastery influences outcomes over the life course that may alter the risk of alcohol dependence. Among adolescents, it predicts educational attainment (Murasko, 2007; Ross and Broh, 2000). Mastery also has positive effects on physical health and healthy lifestyles (Bovier et al., 2004; Ross and Broh, 2000; Taylor and Stanton, 2007; Thoits, 1995). Mastery, like self-esteem, is partially heritable (Kendler et al., 1998; Raevuori et al., 2007; Roy et al., 1995). The lone study of which we are aware estimated the heritability of mastery at 0.33 for male and female twins aged 25 to 74 years from the MIDUS twin and sibling subsample (Kessler et al., 2004). No studies to our knowledge have examined common genetic and environmental sources of mastery and alcohol dependence. In this study, we address this question, using data on male and female twins from the Virginia Adult Twin Study of Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders (VATSPSUD) (Kendler and Prescott, 2006). First, we assess genetic and environmental contributions to mastery and alcohol dependence. Second, we determine whether mastery is related to a lower risk of lifetime alcohol dependence. Third, we investigate the genetic and environmental sources of the association of mastery and alcohol dependence, and we test whether the strength of their effects differs by gender.