cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Insights into intrarenal sites and mechanisms of action of diuretic agents

Effective diuresis requires both sufficient glomerular filtrate and adequate delivery of the diuretic drug to the lumen of the renal tubule. Diuretics will not "force open" the kidney. Diuretics that work primarily in the proximal tubule include osmotic diuretics (e.g., mannitol), diuretics that interfere with the adenyl cyclase system (e.g., xanthines), and those which inhibit carbonic anhydrase (e.g., acetazolamide). Some thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics have a secondary site of action in the proximal tubule based on either carbonic anhydrase inhibition or other mechanisms, such as inhibition of sodium phosphate reabsorption. The diuretics that work primarily in the medullary diluting segment of the loop of Henle, furosemide and ethacrynic acid, block the active reabsorption of chloride and interfere with the tubular reabsorption of free water. The exact mechanism remains unknown. These diuretics tend to have a "high ceiling," to be potent and rapidly acting, and to have a short duration of effect. They are excellent for the treatment of severe fluid overload or pulmonary edema but are not ideal for the treatment of uncomplicated hypertension. Furosemide is a sulfonamide derivative; ethacrynic acid can be used in patients who are allergic to sulfa drugs. Diuretics that work primarily in the cortical diluting segment include the thiazides and thiazide-like drugs. They inhibit sodium transport by an undetermined mechanism. Most of them seem to reach a dose-response plateau beyond which little additional effect is gained by increasing the dose. Most of them appear to lose efficacy as the glomerular filtration rate decreases, except for metolazone and indapamide. The thiazides are most commonly used to treat hypertension. Diuretics that work primarily in the distal tubule and collecting tubule include the aldosterone inhibitor spironolactone and two drugs that impair tubular reabsorption of sodium by direct action, triamterene and amiloride. These drugs are primarily used for their potassium-sparing effect.
Practical and General Palladium‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Ketones from Internal Olefins

Make it simple! A convenient and general palladium-catalyzed oxidation of internal olefins to ketones is reported. The transformation occurs at room temperature and shows wide substrate scope. Applications to the oxidation of seed-oil derivatives and a bioactive natural product (see scheme) are described, as well as intriguing mechanistic features.
A low-phase-noise and low-power multiband CMOS voltage-controlled oscillator

A low voltage multiband all-pMOS VCO was fabricated in a 0.18-/spl mu/m CMOS process. By using a combination of inductor and capacitor switching, four band (2.4, 2.5, 4.7, and 5 GHz) operation was realized using a single VCO. The VCO with an 1-V power supply has phase noises at 1-MHz offset from a 4.7-GHz carrier of -126 dBc/Hz and -134 dBc/Hz from a 2.4-GHz carrier. The VCO consumes 4.6 mW at 2.4 and 2.5 GHz, and 6 mW at 4.7 and 5 GHz, respectively. At 4.7 GHz, the VCO also achieves -80 dBc/Hz phase noise at 10-kHz offset with 2 mW power consumption.
Life history of Bathyraja trachura from the eastern Bering Sea, with evidence of latitudinal variation in a deep-sea skate species

Although many skates possess life history characteristics that may make them vulnerable to exploitation, the detailed biological information needed to enact effective management schemes is lacking for most species. The objectives of this study were to provide age, growth, and maturity estimates for the roughtail skate, Bathyraja trachura , from the eastern Bering Sea. Maximum age was estimated at 36 yr based on band pair counts in vertebral centra. Of the four growth models applied, the logistic model provided the best description of growth (asymptotic total length = 911 mm; growth coefficient = 0.131 yr −1 ). There was no evidence of difference in growth between males and females. Females attained maturity at larger sizes and older ages than males. The median size-at-maturity was estimated at 741 mm total length (TL) for males and 796 mm TL for females; median age-at-maturity was estimated at 21.1 yr and 24.7 yr for males and females, respectively. The results of this study may indicate a latitudinal pattern in size and growth, with individuals from the eastern Bering Sea growing more slowly and reaching higher maximum ages than previously reported for specimens collected off the western coast of the continental United States.
Increasing PS-SDOCT SNR using correlated coherent averaging

Using data from our previously described otoscope 1 that uses 1310 nm phase-sensitive spectral domain optical coherence tomography (PS-SDOCT), we demonstrate a software technique for improving the signal-to-noise (SNR). This method is a software post-processing algorithm applicable to generic PS-SDOCT data describing phase versus time at a specific depth position. By sub-sampling the time trace and shifting the phase of the subsamples to maximize their correlation, the subsamples can be coherently averaged, which increases the SNR.
Analysis of the surface expression of c-kit and occurrence of the c-kit Asp816Val activating mutation in T cells, B cells, and myelomonocytic cells in patients with mastocytosis

Abstract Objective The Asp816Val c-kit activating mutation is detectable in the peripheral blood cells of some patients with mastocytosis and in lesional skin biopsies obtained from adult patients with urticaria pigmentosa. These observations led to the conclusion that this mutation is present in mast cells and mast cell precursors that express c-kit . However, the distribution of the Asp816Val mutation among hematopoietic lineages is unknown. To determine the distribution of the Asp816Val mutation among hematopoietic lineages and to explore its relationship to clinical disease, we examined cells bearing differentiation markers for myelomonocytic cells as well as T and B lymphocytes, in both peripheral blood and bone marrow obtained from patients with mastocytosis. Materials and Methods The presence of Asp816Val c-kit mutation in cells magnetically sorted from peripheral blood or bone marrow according to surface differentiation markers was studied by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. The surface expression of c-kit was determined by flow cytometry. Results The mutation was detectable by RT-PCR in at least one cell lineage in the bone marrow in 7 of 7 patients examined and in the peripheral blood of 11 of 11 adult patients with urticaria pigmentosa and indolent disease. The mutation was identified most frequently in B cells and myeloid cells. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that the differentiated cells expressing mutated c-kit were negative for surface KIT. Conclusion These results are consistent with the conclusion that the c-kit Asp816Val mutation occurs in an early progenitor cell and is carried by myelomonocytic cells, T cells, and B cells in addition to mast cells. However, unlike mast cells, these myelomonocytic cells, T cells, and B cells do not concomitantly express surface c-kit and thus may be less susceptible to the effects of this mutation.
The Mechanism of l-Canavanine Cytotoxicity: Arginyl tRNA Synthetase as a Novel Target for Anticancer Drug Discovery

There is a clear need for agents with novel mechanisms of action to provide new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Owing to its structural similarity to L-arginine, L-canavanine, the beta-oxa-analog of L-arginine, is a substrate for arginyl tRNA synthetase and is incorporated into nascent proteins in place of L-arginine. Although L-arginine and L-canavanine are structurally similar, the oxyguanidino group of L-canavanine is significantly less basic than the guanidino group of L-arginine. Consequently, L-canavanyl proteins lack the capacity to form crucial ionic interactions, resulting in altered protein structure and function, which leads to cellular death. Since L-canavanine is selectively sequestered by the pancreas, it may be especially useful as an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. This novel mechanism of cytotoxicity forms the basis for the anticancer activity of L-canavanine and thus, arginyl tRNA synthetase may represent a novel target for the development of such therapeutic agents.
Enzymatic dissolution of calcium and struvite crystals: in vitro evaluation of biochemical requirements.

Objective To evaluate the factors that affect the enzymatic dissolution rate of calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM), calcium phosphate (brushite), and magnesium ammonium phosphate (struvite) crystals as enzymatic digestion of kidney stones could enhance lithotripsy or provide alternatives to surgical removal. Methods At pH 4.2, pelleted COM crystals were combined with oxalate decarboxylase (ODC from Bacillus subtilis ), oxalate oxidase (from Hordeum vulgare ), or control. Crystal dissolution was followed by measuring increases in solution calcium ion concentration. For phosphate-based crystals, the rates of phosphorolysis by the enzyme purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP, assay form) were compared to the control solution using spectrophotometry. Results The addition of ODC to COM crystals resulted in production of highly soluble calcium formate and a 15-fold increase in COM solubility. By adding a formate-catabolizing enzyme (formate dehydrogenase), dissolution increased 47-fold compared with controls with nearly one half of the mineral dissolved. Oxalate oxidase showed much lower activity than ODC in COM dissolution. Using inorganic phosphate as a substrate, PNP was able to dissolve both brushite and struvite minerals in water at concentrations near saturation. Measuring dissolution by adding more PNP was not possible because of equilibrium and assay detection restraints. Conclusion Stone dissolution using enzymes appears to be viable, particularly for oxalate-based minerals. In a closed system, product inhibition by calcium formate appeared to limit the extent of COM crystal dissolution using ODC. Although phosphate-containing minerals appear to be suitable phosphate sources for PNP, the reversibility of the reaction limits the use of this enzyme.
Electro-optic control of correlations in speckle statistics

We describe an experiment in which the statistical properties of speckle are modified reproducibly through the use of the electro-optic effect in a birefringent liquid crystal. By adjustment of the voltage applied to a specifically designed liquid-crystal cell, the correlation between the ordinary and the extraordinary waves (which are orthogonally polarized) is varied from almost complete correlation to almost complete decorrelation. The correlation’s statistics vary smoothly between the limits of single-speckle-pattern statistics (complete correlation) and the statistics for the intensity addition of two uncorrelated speckle patterns (complete decorrelation). The combined speckle pattern is observed and compared with theory.
A measurement study of virtual populations in massively multiplayer online games

Understanding the distributions and behaviors of players within Massively Multiplayer Online Games (MMOGs) is essential for research in scalable architectures for these systems. We provide the first look into this problem through a measurement study on one of the most popular MMOGs, World of Warcraft [15]. Our goal is to answer four fundamental questions: how does the population of the virtual world change over time, how are players distributed in the virtual world, how much churn occurs with players, and how do they move in the virtual world. Through probing-based measurements, our preliminary results show that populations fluctuate according to a prime-time schedule, player distribution and churn appears to occur on a power-law distribution, and players move to only a small number of zones during each playing session. The ultimate goal of our research is to design an accurate player model for MMOGs so that future research can predict and simulate player behavior and population fluctuations over time.
Dynamic Models of Turbine Generators Derived From Solid Rotor Equivalent Circuits

A method is described for determining the structure and coefficients of dynamic models of turbogenerators from detailed equivalent circuits of the d-and q-axes of a solid rotor generator. These models are intended for analyses of power system dynamics in cases where it is desirable to have a very accurate representation of the synchronous machine. The models have been used to study power system hunting or dynamic stability, first swing or transient stability, load rejection overvoltages, resynchronization of cross-compound turbine-generator sets, field current and voltage during out-of-step operation, voltage dip and other phenomena associated with machine operation on power systems. The paper reviews some of the experience obtained in system studies and in comparisons between test results and computer simulations.
Treatment of T3a bladder cancer with iridium implantation

A total of 7 patients with high grade, T3a (Stage B2) bladder cancer were treated with external radiation therapy and interstitial iridium implantation from May 1986 through March 1988. Follow-up has ranged from nineteen to sixty-one months with a median of forty months. One patient has required a cystectomy and is currently free of disease, and 1 patient has had recurrence of his cancer and metastatic carcinoma has developed; 5 are free of disease and have maintained their usual state of bladder function. Iridium implantation maintains bladder function and is effective therapy for selected individuals with localized, muscle-invading bladder cancer.
The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Toddler Module: Standardized Severity Scores

Standardized calibrated severity scores (CSS) have been created for Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, 2nd edition (ADOS-2) Modules 1–4 as a metric of the relative severity of autism-specific behaviors. Total and domain CSS were created for the Toddler Module to facilitate comparison to other modules. Analyses included 388 children with ASD age 12–30 months and were replicated on 435 repeated assessments from 127 children with ASD. Compared to raw scores, associations between total and domain CSS and participant characteristics were reduced in the original sample. Verbal IQ effects on Social Affect-CSS were not reduced in the replication sample. Toddler Module CSS increases comparability of ADOS-2 scores across modules and allows studies of symptom trajectories to extend to earlier ages.
Regulation of the enzymatic catalysis of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase by dsDNA, polyamines, Mg2+, Ca2+, histones H1 and H3, and ATP.

The enzymatic mechanism of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP-1) has been analyzed in two in vitro systems: (a) in solution and (b) when the acceptor histones were attached to a solid surface. In system (a), it was established that the coenzymatic function of dsDNAs was sequence-independent. However, it is apparent from the calculated specificity constants that the AT homopolymer is by far the most effective coenzyme and randomly damaged DNA is the poorest. Rates of auto(poly-ADP-ribosylation) with dsDNAs as coenzymes were nearly linear for 20 min, in contrast to rates with dcDNA, which showed product [(ADPR)n] inhibition. An allosteric activation of auto(poly-ADP-ribosylation) by physiologic cellular components, Mg2+, Ca2+, and polyamines, was demonstrated, with spermine as the most powerful activator. On a molar basis, histones H1 and H3 were the most effective PARP-1 activators, and their action was abolished by acetylation of lysine end groups. It was shown in system (b) that oligo(ADP-ribosyl) transf...
Bivalent hapten-antibody interactions—I, a comparison of water soluble and water insoluble bivalent haptens

Abstract The interaction of bivalent 2,4-dinitrophenyl (DNP)‡ haptens with rabbit anti-DNP antibody has been studied in the analytical ultracentrifuge. Two series of bivalent haptens have been used, a relatively water insoluble series and a water soluble series. The water insoluble haptens contain an unbranched, aliphatic hydrocarbon chain connecting the two amines to which the DNP groups are bonded. The water soluble series is similar but contains one or two carboxyl groups attached to the intervening chain. With the longer water insoluble haptens the interactions with antibody are slow; some of these haptens required about 2 weeks for complete interaction with the antibody combining sites. Moreover, dimer, trimer and larger polymers of antibody are formed after mixing with the longer water insoluble bivalent haptens. However, the larger polymers of antibody are not stable since with the passage of time they eventually disproportionate to form antibody dimers. In contrast, with the water soluble series, the reactions go to completion immediately and only antibody monomers and dimers are seen. With the water insoluble haptens, the addition of an excess of bivalent hapten causes only a little breakdown of the complexes formed between the antibody molecules. A two-fold excess of water soluble bivalent hapten, on the other hand, causes about 50 per cent of the dimer to dissociate to form fully-saturated antibody monomers. Both the complexes formed with water insoluble and water soluble bivalent haptens will dissociate upon addition of the univalent water soluble hapten DNP-glycine. Finally, measurement of the ratios of hapten to antibody for the sedimentinf monomer and dimer species yield values of two bivalent haptens for the saturated antibody monomer and also two bivalent haptens for the antibody dimer. These values are consistent with the fully-saturated ‘open’ monomer and the ‘closed’ circular dimer species.
QoS-aware dynamic cell reconfiguration for energy conservation in cellular networks

Given the significant energy consumption in operating base stations (BSs), improving their energy efficiency is an important problem in cellular networks. To this end, this paper proposes a novel framework, called DCR (dynamic cell reconfiguration) that dynamically adjust the set of active BSs and user association according to user traffic demand for energy conservation. In order to overcome prohibitive computational complexity in finding an optimal solution, we take an approach to design simple yet effective algorithms. We demonstrate that the proposed framework is not only computationally efficient but also can achieve the performance close to the optimum solution from an exhaustive search. Through simulations based on a real dataset of BS topology and utilization, we show that DCR can yield about a 30-40% reduction compared to the conventional static scheme where all BSs are always turned on.
The Spread of Traffic Effects and Regions of a Network

A regionalization scheme for transport networks is sought in order to reduce the extent over which the impact of investing in specific links need be traced. Empirical data on travel are examined for structural regularity. The regions of a small city which emerge are tested by reassigning existing traffic to a modified transport network. A link in one region is changed to trace the permeation of link-volume changes through regional partitions. The results indicate a strong structure and degree of separability in the pattern of demand and use of a small urban network, which bodes well for more widespread application.
Pollution control and inputs to production

Abstract The primary concern of this paper is to identify the inputs required for air, water, and solid waste pollution abatement in the United States. Industry level data on pollution abatement expenditures in 1976 are decomposed into expenditures on various intermediate inputs and on two primary inputs—labor and capital. The 1971 input-output table is adjusted to reflect the input needs of pollution abatement technology. This revised direct input coefficients matrix is used to derive the gross output and primary input requirements of the 1971 final bill of goods.
Intraday stock returns and performance of a simple market model

With enhancements in information technology, increased institutional and automated trading, and previously unmatched availability of online trading grew the attention to intraday movements of security prices and tests associated with them. This study analyses the properties of both observed 5-minute stock returns and of excess returns obtained by using a variety of alternative models common to event studies. Using observed 5-minute returns, various event study methodologies are simulated and repeatedly applied to samples which have been created by random selection of securities and random assignment of event dates to each security. The study examines the probability of rejecting the null hypothesis of no average abnormal performance when it is true and the probability of detecting a given abnormal performance, which is introduced to the data at the randomly selected event dates.
Phenome-Wide Association Studies: Leveraging Comprehensive Phenotypic and Genotypic Data for Discovery

With the large volume of clinical and epidemiological data being collected, increasingly linked to extensive genotypic data, coupled with expanding high-performance computational resources, there are considerable opportunities for comprehensively exploring the networks of connections that exist between the phenome and the genome. These networks can be identified through Phenome-Wide Association Studies (PheWAS) where the association between a collection of genetic variants, or in some cases a particular clinical lab variable, and a wide and diverse range of phenotypes, diagnoses, traits, and/or outcomes are evaluated. This is a departure from the more familiar genome-wide association study (GWAS) approach, which has been used to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with one outcome or a very limited phenotypic domain. In addition to highlighting novel connections between multiple phenotypes and elucidating more of the phenotype-genotype landscape, PheWAS can generate new hypotheses for further exploration, and can also be used to narrow the search space for research using comprehensive data collections. The complex results of PheWAS also have the potential for uncovering new mechanistic insights. We review here how the PheWAS approach has been used with data from epidemiological studies, clinical trials, and de-identified electronic health record data. We also review methodologies for the analyses underlying PheWAS, and emerging methods developed for evaluating the comprehensive results of PheWAS including genotype-phenotype networks. This review also highlights PheWAS as an important tool for identifying new biomarkers, elucidating the genetic architecture of complex traits, and uncovering pleiotropy. There are many directions and new methodologies for the future of PheWAS analyses, from the phenotypic data to the genetic data, and herein we also discuss some of these important future PheWAS developments.
Discussion of: “Acquisition profitability and timely loss recognition” by J. Francis and X. Martin

Abstract Francis and Martin (2009) test whether accounting conservatism induces managers to make better acquisition decisions. This discussion highlights three main issues. First, the hypothesized links between conservatism and future investments are potentially incomplete. In particular, the possibility that conservatism can have dysfunctional outcomes if acquisition decisions are based on anticipated earnings effects is ignored. Second, the evidence is insufficient to infer a causal relation between conservatism and acquisition profitability. Third, the hypothesis development fails to indicate whether timely loss recognition or the asymmetric timeliness of loss versus gain recognition is the more appropriate measure of conservatism given the context.
Kinetics and mechanism of the interaction between HAuCl4 and rutin

The kinetics and mechanism of the reaction of HAuCl4 with rutin and the size of the resulting gold nanoparticles have been studied by UV-vis, FTIR, and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The reaction includes the formation of a rutin complex with HAuCl4 and its decomposition yielding Au atoms. The gold nanoparticles result from Au ions and atoms at the second stage. This stage can be described in terms of a second order kinetic equation. The rate constant and Gibbs energy of the second stage of nanoparticle formation have been determined.
Thinking Aloud to Create Better Condom Use Questions

Measuring the effects of HIV/AIDS prevention efforts through self-reported condom use data is problematic since such data are frequently subject to bias. The purpose of this study was to pretest a sexual behavior instrument to identify ways to improve comprehension and decrease recall and social desirability bias. The method used was cognitive interviewing, in which fifteen sex workers were asked to “think aloud” as they problem solved simulated tasks. Results indicated that (1) a lexicon of culturally appropriate terms for sex and partner types should be provided to interviewers, (2) recall of sexual behavior may be aided by using grids to record information, and (3) social desirability may be decreased if trust is established with the participants. Using the “think aloud” method to pretest instruments may help improve the validity of self-reported sex acts, but only more objective measures of condomuse may help to quantify such improvements.
A High Performance Liquid Chromato-Graphic Method for a Novel Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor 5-Chloro-2-[[2-(dimethylamino)methyl]phenyl]benzyl Alcohol (403U76)

Abstract A sensitive and selective high performance liquid chromatographic assay using UV-detection was developed for the analysis of 403U76, a structurally novel serotonin reuptake inhibitor, and two demethylated metabolites, 515U88 and 336U76 in rat plasma. The compounds were isolated from plasma by liquid extraction followed by back extraction into 0.1N HCl. Extracts were chromatographed on an Apex I phenyl HPLC column cartridge (4.6 mm x 12.5 cm) using a mobile phase of 74% buffer (0.005M PIC-B5 low UV adjusted to pH 2.5 with 85% phosphoric acid) and 26% acetonitrile. The compounds of interest were detected at 210 nm with a lower limit of detection of 5 ng/mL. Overall precision of the assay for 403U76, 515U88, and 336U76, expressed as percent deviation of measured values from true values and percent coefficient of variation, respectively, were  9.7 % at plasma concentrations between 5 and 500 ng/mL. This assay has been successfully used to analyze plasma samples from preclinical pharmacokinetic and d...
Compositional similarity and the distribution of geographical range size for assemblages of native and non-native species in urban floras.

There is evidence that, within a region, non-native species introduced from nearby sources (extralimital native) promote homogenization and non-native species introduced from distant sources (exotic) promote differentiation of species composition. A possible explanation for these associations is that they are related to differences in the distribution of geographical range size. We test this by examining geographical ranges, delineated within a defined region, for assemblages of vascular plants in eight urban floras in the USA. Across floras, native species had the largest, least variable ranges and the greatest proportion of shared species. Exotic species had the most variable ranges with concentrations of species with small and large ranges and the lowest proportion of shared species. Extralimital natives had concentrations of species with intermediate-sized ranges and intermediate proportions of shared species. These results suggest that patterns of compositional similarity were associated with the relative strength and equality of two opposing patterns within species range size distributions: species with small vs. large ranges. In general, concentrations of species with small ranges promoted low levels and concentrations of species with large ranges promoted high levels of compositional similarity. However, patterns documented for exotic species will likely continue to develop, possibly taking on new forms, depending on how geographical distributions and the rate of introductions of exotic species change over time. Our findings also suggest that processes underlying these patterns have operated at two spatiotemporal scales. The first scale reflects historical consequences of anthropogenic activities occurring within regional extents that have promoted the introduction of extralimital natives; the second scale reflects modern consequences of anthropogenic activities operating at an increasingly global extent that have promoted the introduction of exotic species.
Long-term variations in dust production in R Coronae Borealis

Several searches for periodicities in the historical visible light curves of RCB stars have found that the intervals between declines are random. This paper reexamines 70 declines of R Coronae Borealis since 1853 using one homogeneous data set, the AAVSO light curve. In this data set, pairs of consecutive declines also show a random distribution of intervals. However, if the sequence of declines is examined, there are semiperiodic variations between times of high- and low-decline activity on a time scale of a few years. Near-IR photometry of RCB stars indicates that there are large semiperiodic variations in the amount of dust being produced which have similar time scales. Possible interpretations of a semiperiodic variation in dust formation rates in RCB stars are presented. One is a magnetic activity cycle resulting in 'spots' on the star over which dust formation takes place. Such a magnetic activity cycle is similar to the solar cycle. Another is the changes in the period and amplitude of the pulsations over several years affecting the efficiency of dust production.
Harnessing Embedded Magnetic Fields for Angular Sensing With Nanodegree Accuracy

A multisensor approach that capitalizes on the existing magnetic fields in permanent-magnet-based actuators to achieve unobtrusive high-accuracy position sensing is presented. As magnetic-field models are position dependent, their inverse problems are often highly nonlinear with nonunique solution. This paper illustrates the principle and motivation for a multisensor approach using the concepts of parametric spaces to take advantage of multiple independent sensor measurements to induce a unique field-position correspondence in multisource fields. A direct mapping approach using supervised back-propagation artificial neural networks is utilized to attain positional information from distributed field measurements. Using an experimental rotary setup containing 24 magnetic sources, the measurements obtained from a network of magnetic Hall-effect sensors are statistically characterized and used to investigate the factors affecting the accuracy of the sensing system. Of particular interest are the combined effects of the number and spatial configuration of the sensors. Two types of sensor arrangement are investigated: an in-phase configuration consisting of evenly spaced sensors and a staggered configuration where unevenly spaced sensors concurrently measure different points of a periodic field. Using a network of 24 single-axis Hall-effect sensors in staggered configuration, the system is capable of achieving nanodegree angular positional accuracy.
ICONOCLASM VERSUS INNOVATION: BUILDING A SCIENCE OF FAMILY THERAPY-COMMENTS ON MOON, DILLON, AND SPRENKLE

We dispute Moon, Dillon, and Sprenkle's (1990) claims regarding the unique advantages of qualitative methods and inherent limitations of traditional quantitative approaches for addressing the needs of family therapy research. We support the role of qualitative research as a generative phase in theory development and concur that exclusive allegiance to a standard set of research methods may limit our attention to important family therapy processes. However, we also assert the need to document generalizability of informal observations through controlled procedures using appropriate quantitative techniques. Both ethical and practical considerations demand that we document treatment efficacy based on a science of family therapy.
Spontaneous perforation of the common bile duct in children

The authors describe radiologic findings in five patients with spontaneous perforation of the common bile duct (a rare disorder). The patients were 5 weeks, 9 weeks, 3 months, 11 months, and 2 1/2 years old at presentation. The most common presenting complaints were jaundice and abdominal distention (due to ascites). Sonographic findings included ascites in three patients, a loculated fluid collection around the gallbladder in two patients, and both in one patient. The biliary tree was undilated in all patients. Results of hepatobiliary scintigraphy definitely demonstrated that intraperitoneal fluid originated from the biliary tract. Intraoperative cholangiography was used to confirm the diagnosis at surgery. All children were successfully treated with surgery. Recognition of these findings on sonograms and subsequent confirmation with scintigraphy are important to prevent delays in diagnosis of a potentially fatal condition.
Assessing the quantitative relationships between preschool children's exposures to bisphenol A by route and urinary biomonitoring.

Limited published information exists on young children’s exposures to bisphenol A (BPA) in the United States using urinary biomonitoring. In a previous project, we quantified the aggregate exposures of 257 preschool children to BPA in environmental and personal media over 48-h periods in 2000–2001 at homes and daycares in North Carolina and Ohio. In the present study for 81 Ohio preschool children ages 23–64 months, we quantified the children’s urinary total BPA (free and conjugated) concentrations over these same 48-h periods in 2001. Then, we examined the quantitative relationships between the children’s intakes doses of BPA through the dietary ingestion, nondietary ingestion, and inhalation routes and their excreted amounts of urinary BPA. BPA was detected in 100% of the urine samples. The estimated median intake doses of BPA for these 81 children were 109 ng/kg/day (dietary ingestion), 0.06 ng/kg/day (nondietary ingestion), and 0.27 ng/kg/day (inhalation); their estimated median excreted amount of uri...
Acetabular rim and surface segmentation for hip surgery planning and dysplasia evaluation

Knowledge of the acetabular rim and surface can be invaluable for hip surgery planning and dysplasia evaluation. The acetabular rim can also be used as a landmark for registration purposes. At the present time acetabular features are mostly extracted manually at great cost of time and human labor. Using a recent level set algorithm that can evolve on the surface of a 3D object represented by a triangular mesh we automatically extracted rims and surfaces of acetabulae. The level set is guided by curvature features on the mesh. It can segment portions of a surface that are bounded by a line of extremal curvature (ridgeline or crestline). The rim of the acetabulum is such an extremal curvature line. Our material consists of eight hemi-pelvis surfaces. The algorithm is initiated by putting a small circle (level set seed) at the center of the acetabular surface. Because this surface distinctively has the form of a cup we were able to use the Shape Index feature to automatically extract an approximate center. The circle then expands and deforms so as to take the shape of the acetabular rim. The results were visually inspected. Only minor errors were detected. The algorithm also proved to be robust. Seed placement was satisfactory for the eight hemi-pelvis surfaces without changing any parameters. For the level set evolution we were able to use a single set of parameters for seven out of eight surfaces.
A solid-state device for the simultaneous measurement of prompt and delayed chlorophyll fluorescence induction transients in leaves.

Abstract This paper describes a totally solid-state device designed to monitor simultaneously both prompt and delayed fluorescence transients in leaves. The light source is a filtered high intensity light emitting diode (LED) with a maximum usable output of 50 μE/m 2 /sec. The sensor consists of a very sensitive photo-diode-operational amplifier combination (9 × 10 7 V/W; 0.25-msec response time). Circuitry was designed to pulse the LED (0- to 25-msec pulse) and to intensify the trace monitored with a storage oscilloscope. The probe unit containing the emitter and sensor was designed so that the effects of different gas atmospheres and different temperatures could be studied. The effects of temperature on the performance of the device are described. Examples of simultaneous traces of prompt and delayed fluorescence are shown to indicate that good resolution of both phenomena can be obtained. To illustrate the utility of the device the low-temperature kinetics of prompt and delayed fluorescence of avocado ( Persea americana Mill.) are contrasted with the kinetics at room temperature.
Kinetics, nutrition and inhibitor properties of basidiospore germination in schizophyllum commune

The kinetics, nutritional requirements and inhibitor properties of basidiospore germination in the wood-rotting mushroom Schizophyllum commune were investigated. Measurements of changes in absorbancy and dry weight showed a lag period of approximately 15–20 hrs, followed by an abrupt increase in the rate of both processes. Individual basidiospore elongation also showed a lag phase and population changes were heterogenous in this regard. Carbohydrates active for basidiospore germination were grouped into four categories. Those sugars active between 15 and 20 hrs included glycogen, turanose, cellobiose, maltose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, mannose, galactose and xylose. Several sugar alcohols were only active between 30 and 60 hrs incubation and these included mannitol, sorbitol, ribitol, xylitol, arabitol, erythritol and glycerol. A third category of carbohydrates active for germination required prolonged incubation between 30 hrs and 7 days and included lactose, sorbose, raffinose, melezitose, trehalose, ribose and melibiose. Compounds without activity after 7 days included galactitol, inositol, acetate, succinate, gluconate, citrate, fumarate, rhamnose, fucose and inulin. Nitrogen sources active in basidiospore germination included complex organic nitrogenous substrates, asparagine, glutamine, arginine, urea and various ammonium salts. Germination was inhibited by cycloheximide, l-ethionine, p-fluoro-dl-phenylalanine, sodium azide, 2,4-dinitrophenol, phenylmercuric acetate and 2-deoxy-d-glucose. Alkali as a trapping agent arrested germination in glucose-(NH4)2SO4 medium but was without ill-effect in glucose peptone broth.
Making the diagnosis of asthma in the athlete

This article encompasses a discussion of the clinical presentation and features as various diagnostic modalites of bronchoprovocation and differential diagnosis used in screening for asthma in the athlete. A comparative analysis of these modalities, including questionnaire, treadmill, eucapneic hyperventilation, as well as field challenge, is provided with sensitivities and specificities, predictive value, and application to clinical practice. The indication and mechanics of each diagnostic modality is discussed, providing the clinician with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and procedures used to diagnosis asthma in the athlete.
Effects of monosodium glutamate and gold thioglucose on dietary regulation of sympathetic nervous system activity in rodents

Neonatal administration of monosodium glutamate (MSG) disrupts hypothalamic regulation of a number of neuroendocrine systems. Studies described in this report using techniques of norepinephrine (NE) turnover examined sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity in heart and interscapular brown adipose tissue (IBAT) of animals given MSG as neonates. Although in every experiment overall rates of NE turnover were lower in MSG-treated mice and rats, the differences were due exclusively to diminished tissue NE content, especially in IBAT. Fractional rates of NE turnover did not differ between groups. In contrast to animals with lesions in the ventromedial hypothalamus produced by gold thioglucose (AuTG) or electric current, MSG-treated mice and rats varied SNS activity in heart and IBAT in accord with changes in nutrient intake. Thus, SNS activity, both at baseline and in response to dietary manipulation, is probably not affected by neonatal MSG administration.
Severity classification on the Hamilton depression rating scale

Abstract Background Symptom severity as a moderator of treatment response has been the subject of debate over the past 20 years. Each of the meta- and mega-analyses examining the treatment significance of depression severity used the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), wholly, or in part, to define severity, though the cutoff used to define severe depression varied. There is limited empirical research establishing cutoff scores for bands of severity on the HAMD. The goal of the study is to empirically establish cutoff scores on the HAMD in their allocation of patients to severity groups. Methods Six hundred twenty-seven outpatients with current major depressive disorder were evaluated with a semi-structured diagnostic interview. Scores on the 17-item HAMD were derived from ratings according to the conversion method described by Endicott et al. (1981) . The patients were also rated on the Clinical Global Index of Severity (CGI). Receiver operating curves were computed to identify the cutoff that optimally discriminated between patients with mild vs. moderate and moderate vs. severe depression. Results HAMD scores were significantly lower in patients with mild depression than patients with moderate depression, and patients with moderate depression scored significantly lower than patients with severe depression. The cutoff score on the HAMD that maximized the sum of sensitivity and specificity was 17 for the comparison of mild vs. moderate depression and 24 for the comparison of moderate vs. severe depression. Limitations The present study was conducted in a single outpatient practice in which the majority of patients were white, female, and had health insurance. Although the study was limited to a single site, a strength of the recruitment procedure was that the sample was not selected for participation in a treatment study, and exclusion and inclusion criteria did not reduce the representativeness of the patient groups. The analyses were based on HAMD scores extracted from ratings on the SADS. However, we used Endicott et al.'s (1981) empirically established formula for deriving a HAMD score from SADS ratings, and our results concurred with other small studies of the mean and median HAMD scores in severity groups. Conclusions Based on this large study of psychiatric outpatients with major depressive disorder we recommend the following severity ranges for the HAMD: no depression (0–7); mild depression (8–16); moderate depression (17–23); and severe depression (≥24).
PH3 surface chemistry on Si(111)-(7×7) : a study by Auger spectroscopy and electron stimulated desorption methods

The adsorption and decomposition of PH3 on Si(111)‐(7×7) was investigated in ultrahigh vacuum by means of temperature programmed desorption, low‐energy electron diffraction, Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), and electron stimulated desorption (ESD) methods. Phosphine adsorbs on Si(111)‐(7×7) at T=120 K with an initial sticking coefficient of S0≂1 through a mobile (extrinsic) precursor state. Some PH3 dissociative adsorption at 120 K is observed. Thermal activation of the adsorbed species results in desorption of a molecular PH3 species up to 550 K. Further heating produces H2(g) desorption at T≂740 K and P2(g) desorption at T≂1010 K, thus indicating that PH3 decomposition has occurred. AES and ESD studies of the adsorbed species reveal that decomposition takes place by the breaking of PH bonds in PHx(a) to form SiH species on the surface for 120 K<T<700 K.
Rigidity and the Alexandrov-Fenchel inequality

New proofs are given for Cauchy's and Alexandrov's classical theorems on the rigidity of polyhedral frameworks, as well as their higher dimensional generalizations. Through duality, the rigidity of these frameworks follows from characterizations of the case of equality in Minkowski's quadratic inequality.
A middleware for service adaptation in differentiated 802.11 wireless networks

Currently there is a growing interest to support quality of service (QoS) for multimedia application delivery over bandwidth limited and varying wireless network. Existing work either only focus at network level QoS via MAC scheduling or provide application level QoS via per-application admission control. Due to the lack of application information, the former may not meet the specific QoS requirements of different applications, while the latter results in poor scalability. In light of the limitations of existing approaches, we present a novel QoS architecture, which incorporates a two-level design. At the network level, the cross-layer scheduling and queue management provide service differentiation for wireless network. At the middleware level, a monitor maintains a global view of the application performance over the whole network, and an adaptor coordinates service adaptation to achieve the required QoS for multimedia applications. In this paper, we present the whole QoS architecture, with a focus on the middleware design, which adopts a control-based adaptation model. To validate our design, applications with different QoS requirements are built on top of the middleware. Experimental results show that, the specific QoS levels for multimedia applications can be successfully achieved in IEEE 802.11-based wireless environment.
Effectiveness of mentoring programs for youth: a meta-analytic review.

We used meta-analysis to review 55 evaluations of the effects of mentoring programs on youth. Overall, findings provide evidence of only a modest or small benefit of program participation for the average youth. Program effects are enhanced significantly, however, when greater numbers of both theory-based and empirically based “best practices” are utilized and when strong relationships are formed between mentors and youth. Youth from backgrounds of environmental risk and disadvantage appear most likely to benefit from participation in mentoring programs. Outcomes for youth at-risk due to personal vulnerabilities have varied substantially in relation to program characteristics, with a noteworthy potential evident for poorly implemented programs to actually have an adverse effect on such youth. Recommendations include greater adherence to guidelines for the design and implementation of effective mentoring programs as well as more in-depth assessment of relationship and contextual factors in the evaluation of programs.