cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of increasing photon irradiance on the growth of Vallisneria americana in the tidal Potomac River

Abstract Following declines in submersed macrophyte populations in tidal ecosystems, revegetation of areas devoid of macrophytes may be sudden and rapid or may not occur for years. Declines of submersed macrophyte populations in the Chesapeake Bay and the tidal Potomac River have been attributed to insufficient light in the water column; however, the role of light in promoting revegetation has never been unequivocally documented. Photon irradiance was artificially increased for Vallisneria americana transplants in two unvergetated embayments in the otherwise vegetated freshwater tidal Potomac River: Pohick Bay and Belmont Bay. Pohick Bay had high nutrient concentrations and frequent algal blooms. Belmont Bay was broader and shallower than Pohick Bay with turbidity resulting from wind-driven resuspension of sediment. The total number of plants of V. americana in the lighted cages was 7.5 times higher than that in the unlighted cages at Pohick Bay and 11 times higher than that in the unlighted control cages in Belmont Bay. The biomass in the lighted cages was 11-fold higher in Belmont Bay and 38-fold higher in Pohick Bay than that in the control cages. Plants were less numerous and more robust in lighted cages in Pohick Bay than in Belmont Bay.
Simulation-based GMPLS photonic router

Generalized multiprotocol label switching (GMPLS) has emerged as a very promising technology for the next generation carrier networks. GMPLS successfully combines the best features of IP and ATM in terms of QoS, privacy, flexibility and scalability. Besides, GMPLS introduces enhancements to the existing IP routing and signaling protocols by supporting not only networks that perform packet switching (IP), but also networks that perform switching in the time (TDM), wavelength (DWDM), and space domain (circuit switching). This paper discusses the design and implementation of a simulation-based GMPLS Optical Router (GOR). We build our GOR model on OPNETtm platform with all the necessary GMPLS functionalities of an optical backbone router, for the GOR to behave as a virtual machine. The description on the essential design features and the key implementation elements of the internal mechanism of GOR form the highlight of this paper. Our virtual GMPLS Optical Router has the capability of giving a more integrated and realistic simulation on wavelength routing, wavelength assignment, wavelength switching, dynamic label switching path (LSP) setup, distributed routing table calculation, and blocking mechanism of GMPLS light paths, all within a scenario. Our simulation results include the blocking rate, which is highly comparable to a real GMPLS optical network. In addition, our proposed GOR is able to provide a simulation platform for further development and future enhancement of GMPLS technologies.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Psychiatric and Self-Injury Profiles of Adolescent Suicide Attempters versus Adolescents Engaged in Nonsuicidal Self-Injury

To better delineate the unique correlates of self-injurious behaviors (SIB), psychiatric profiles of mutually exclusive groups of adolescents who made a suicide attempt (SA) versus those engaged in nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) were examined. Contrary to hypotheses, the NSSI group endorsed earlier onsets of SIB and suicidal ideation (SI), as well as higher rates of depression and anxiety compared with their SA counterparts. Future work is warranted to understand the role of SI, including duration of SI and anxiety in the development of NSSI, and to identify risk and resiliency factors useful in predicting an adolescent's SIB status.
Functional magnetic resonance studies of the reorganization of the human hand sensorimotor area after unilateral brain injury in the perinatal period

Abstract Functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to map the hand sensorimotor area of hemiparetic adolescents and young adults who had suffered unilateral brain damage in the perinatal period. Unlike normal subjects, who exhibit cortical activation primarily contralateral to voluntary finger movements, the hemiparetic patients' intact hemispheres were equally activated by contralateral and ipsilateral finger movements. Our findings are consistent with previous clinical observations and animal experiments which suggest that the immature brain is able to reorganize in response to focal injury.
The conformation of ribosomes and rRNA

During the past 18 months, electron microscopists have published two reconstructions of the Escherichia coli ribosome, independently derived from images of unstained particles. The resolutions of their images are 20-25 A-much higher than any previously available. During the same time, NMR spectroscopists have provided an atomic-resolution model for the A-site region of 16S rRNA complexed with paromomycin that explains much of what is known about the interaction of aminoglycoside antibiotics with ribosomes.
LATE‐LIFE LEARNERS AT THE UNIVERSITY: THE DONOVAN SCHOLARS PROGRAM AT AGE TWENTY‐FIVE

The Donovan Scholars Program (DSP) at the University of Kentucky allows persons over the age of 65 to take, without payment of fee, any regular course offered by the University. It also allows individuals 60 and older to register without charge for a range of classes specifically designed for older adults. The program was the nation's first to offer tuition waivers to older adults and it has served as a model for similar programs throughout the country. The basic premise of such programs is that institutions of higher education are in a unique position to enrich the lives of the nation's older citizens and have a social responsibility to do so. There are now over 1000 colleges and universities offering tuition waivers and other special services for older adults (Chelsvig & Timmer‐man, 1982; Moyer & Logo, 1987). Despite the large number of higher education programs for older adults, there have been surprisingly few studies of their impact or effectiveness. Previous work has primarily focused on description...
Pediatric tonsillectomy with bipolar electrosurgical scissors

Abstract Purpose: The optimal technique for pediatric tonsillectomy remains a hotly debated topic. The speed and superior hemostatic properties of electrosurgical dissection must be weighed against the greater tissue preservation and more rapid healing of cold dissection techniques. Materials and Methods: We have used a new surgical device, bipolar electrosurgical scissors, in 30 consecutive pediatric tonsillectomies. This instrument provides mechanical cutting with or without simultaneous bipolar electrocoagulation. Results: The average surgical time was 6 minutes. There was no intraoperative blood loss. There were no immediate or late post-tonsillectomy hemorrhages. All tonsillar fossae were completely healed at 2-week follow-up. Conclusion: Bipolar electrosurgical scissors provide the best properties of both cold dissection and electrosurgical tonsillectomy without increasing surgical time or cost.
Symposium on Qinghai-Xizang (Tibet) Plateau—Beijing (Peking), China

Academia Sinica arranged an historic conference, including a field excursion, on the Qinghai-Xizang (Tibet) plateau. It took place May 25th through June 14, 1980. Some 80 scientists from 18 foreign countries, representing such diverse fields as anthropology, biology, geography, geology, geophysics, high-altitude physiology, and meteorology, were invited to participate in this multidisciplinary international meeting—the first of its kind in the People's Republic of China. They exchanged information and opinions with some 240 Chinese scientists. Although the conference covered a wide range of topics, there was a strong predominance of solid earth sciences (nearly 70% of the papers presented), which is the emphasis of this report.
Partition functions of rare-earth halide plasmas.

The partition functions are calculated for gases consisting of Ln and [ital X] atoms and Ln[ital X] molecules and their singly charged ions (Ln[equivalent to]Dy,Ho,Tm and [ital X][equivalent to]I,Br).
Duane's syndrome with compressive denervation of the lateral rectus muscle.

Abstract PURPOSE: To describe an unusual case of Duane’s syndrome. METHODS: Individual case report. RESULTS: A skull base meningioma was discovered in a woman with Duane’s syndrome who presented with recurrent, large-angle esotropia and uncharacteristic atrophy of the lateral rectus muscle on magnetic resonance image (MRI) scan. CONCLUSION: Neuroimaging may be useful in unusual cases of Duane’s syndrome.
Temporal trends in colon neoplasms in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis and ulcerative colitis

Abstract Background and aim Surveillance for colon cancer is recommended in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and ulcerative colitis (UC). It is unclear whether characteristics of colon neoplasia have changed over time. The aim of the study was to examine the temporal trends in colon neoplasia in patients with PSC and UC. Methods A total of 167 patients followed up at our institution between 1985 and 2011, 55 of these with neoplasia detected on colonoscopic biopsy were identified. Characteristics of patients with colon neoplasia in PSC–UC were studied for two different time periods: 1985–1998 (early cohort) compared to 1999–2011 (recent cohort). Results The median age at diagnosis of colon neoplasms was 53 years (median IQR, 43–63). The baseline characteristics were similar in both cohorts. The colonic neoplasms that developed in PSC–UC patients were spread throughout the colon on colonoscopy, while there was predominant right sided distribution on colectomy in both cohorts. (81.7% vs. 18.3%, p Conclusions With annual colonoscopic surveillance, dysplasia and cancer in patients with a combined diagnosis of PSC//UC is being diagnosed in patients with a shorter duration of these conditions. The nature and the location of neoplasia have, however, not changed.
D-methionine and the biosynthesis of cephalosporin N.

Abstract Two species of the fungus Cephalosporium form increased amounts of cephalosporin N (synnematin B) when grown in natural media supplemented with D-methionine. Only those derivatives of methionine that were easily converted into methionine were effective in increasing the accumulation of cephalosporin N. Neither of the two adjacent homologs of methionine increased the amount of biologically active penicillin formed. No evidence was obtained for the production of a penicillin different from cephalosporin N. d -Methionine is presumed to be effective in increasing the concentration of cephalosporin N by reason of its incorporation into the terminal portion of the d -α-aminoadipic acid side chain of the penicillin molecule.
Lloyd on intrinsic natural representation in simple mechanical minds

In Simple Minds, Dan Lloyd presents a reductive account of naturally representing machines. The theory entails that a system represents an event by virtue of potentially misrepresenting it whenever the machine satisfies a multiple information channel, convergence, and uptake condition. I argue that Lloyd's conditions are insufficient for systems intrinsically naturally to misrepresent, and hence insufficient for them intrinsically naturally to represent. The appearance of potential misrepresentation in such machines is achieved only by reference to the extrinsic design or extrinsic interpretation or attribution of an intrinsically nonexistent or underdetermined purpose, end, or goal to such devices in identifying an intended object of representation in the system's salient behavior under the uptake condition. The implication is that Lloyd-representation is not intrinsic natural representation in a cognitively relevant sense, and Lloyd's simple ‘minds’ are not minds but mere machines.
Tolerance and Autoimmunity in Primary Immunodeficiency Disease: a Comprehensive Review

The immune system has evolved to respond to pathogens (nonself) and unresponsive to self-antigens (tolerance). During the development of T and B cells in the thymus and bone marrow, respectively, self-reactive T and B cells are deleted by a process of apoptosis (both T and B cells) and become unresponsive to self-antigen by receptor editing (for B cells). However, few self-reactive T cells are leaked into the periphery. A number of mechanisms are responsible to ensure that self-reactive T and B cells remain unresponsive to self-antigens. In the central tolerance, major mechanisms include apoptosis (for T cells) and receptor editing (for B cells), and in the peripheral tolerance, a major mechanism appears to be regulated by Treg cells. In T cell central tolerance, one of the most important molecules is a transcription factor, autoimmune regulator, which is selectively expressed in medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) and constitutively regulates the transcription of hundreds of self-antigens in mTECs, thereby inducing central tolerance, negative selection, and Treg differentiation from some self-reactive thymocytes. Primary immunodeficiency diseases are a group of monogenic diseases where mutations of certain genes have resulted in the loss of central and/or peripheral tolerance. As a result autoimmunity and autoimmune diseases are common among patients with primary immunodeficiency diseases. Here, we have provided a comprehensive review of the mechanisms of central and peripheral tolerance and autoimmune manifestations and mechanisms of autoimmunity in primary immunodeficiency diseases.
Interference of cereal polymers and related compounds with freezing.

Summary Water-soluble cell wall polymers were isolated from hardy crown tissues of rye and barley. Ice structure in frozen solutions of the rye polymers was much less perfect than in solutions of the barley polymers. A study of freezing kinetics indicated that although the polymers from rye had little effect either on freezing point or on the organization of liquid water induced by cellulose, they interact strongly with the ice-liquid interface and interfere with freezing. The polymers from barley had little effect on kinetic or equilibrium relationships; they precipitated outside of the ice crystals.
Cardiac Output, Stroke Volume, and Pacing Rate: A Review of the Literature and a Proposed Technique for Selection of the Optimum Pacing Rate for an Exercise Responsive Pacemaker

Cardiac Output and Pacing Rate.Introduction: The purpose of this report is to determine the optimal pacing rate for an exercising patient. Methods and Results: From a review of the literature and from our own animal studies, the relationship between cardiac output and pacing rate and that between stroke volume and pacing rate are examined in resting and exercising animal and human subjects. With an adequately wide range of pacing rates, there exists a three-phase relationship between cardiac output and pacing rate. Starting with a low pacing pacing rate, an increase in pacing results in an increase in cardaac output (phase 1), then little change in cardiac output (phase 2), after which there is a decrease in cardiac output (phase 3). However, the relationship between stroke volume and pacing rate does not typically exhibit characteristics that allow identification of the three phases. In resting subjects with impaired ventricles and in exercising subjects, phase 2 is narrow or absent, the cardiac output increasing, then decreasing with an increase in pacing rate. From the experimental data reviewed herein, a technique is proposed for identifying the starting point in selecting the best pacing rate for resting and exercising subjects. The technique relies on identification of the transitions in the three-phase relationship between cardiac output and pacing rate. Conclusion: The best resting pacing rate is at the lower end of phase 2. A tentative first-choice exercise rate is at the middle of the resting phase 2 region. However, a change in cardiac output with a change in pacing rate will allow refinement of this first-choice exercise pacing rate.
Book review: Current Issues in Parsing Technology Edited by Masaru Tomita (Kluwer Academic Publishers Boston/Dordrecht/London, 1991)

The 18 papers in this book are selected from the 45 presented at the International Workshop on Parsing Technologies (IWPT-89) sponsored by Carnegie-Mellon University. Papers dealing with Tomita's own parsing algorithm are published in a separate book Tomita, Generalized LR Parsing, Kluwer, 1991).
Gas—liquid equilibrium in hydrogen + tetralin + diphenylmethane and hydrogen + tetralin + m-xylene

Abstract Vapor—liquid equilibrium data in two ternary mixture systems, hydrogen + tetralin + diphenylmethane and hydrogen + tetralin + m-xylene, were determined in a flow apparatus at pressures 20–250 atm 1 for both systems, and temperatures 190–430°C for the first system and 190–310°C for the second. Mixed solvents approximately equi-molal in the organic compounds were studied. Henry constants of hydrogen in the mixed solvents were evaluated from the data. The results show that the solubility of hydrogen in these mixed hydrocarbon solvents can be completely predicted from solubilities in the pure component liquids.
EPA's monitoring program at Love Canal 1980.

As stated at the beginning of this paper conclusions reached thus far cannot be discussed in this paper. However, a great deal of information is available for examination.
Effect of penetrant size and shape on its transport through a thermoset adhesive: I. n-alkanes

Abstract The diffusion behaviors of a series of n-alkanes, ranging from C6 to C17, through a polyamide-type polymeric matrix have been investigated by means of mass uptake measurements. Since n-alkanes are known to display negligible interactions with the polymer matrix, this study serves to isolate the effects of penetrant size and shape on the transport process without undue interference from polymer–penetrant interactions. It is established that the diffusion of the n-alkanes through the polymer matrix studied is Fickian and proceeds via a Henry's law-type mechanism. The diffusion coefficients, D, are evaluated based on a thin-film approximation of the Fickian equation. The activation energies of diffusion, Ed, are determined from the temperature dependence of D, using the Arrhenius equation. Correlations between the Arrhenius terms, Ed and D0, are also established which enable the prediction of diffusion coefficients for similar polymer–penetrant systems. It is also demonstrated by means of activation energy calculations and molecular simulations that the n-alkanes assume a linear geometry within the polymer matrix and diffuse along their long axes.
Clinician-teachers’ self-assessments versus learners’ perceptions

Understanding how clinician-teachers’ self-assessments compare to learners’ impressions can serve to help educators place each of these evaluations in the appropriate context. Past participants of the Johns Hopkins Faculty Development Program and other physician-teachers were surveyed in 2002 regarding their teaching skills and behaviors. We surveyed their learners to compare teacher and learner assessments of teaching proficiency, behaviors, enjoyment, and career satisfaction. In each area, learners’ ratings were statistically significantly higher than their teachers’ self-ratings. Though it is unclear whether teachers’ or learners’ assessments are a more accurate reflection of the truth, the more positive learner ratings should promote self-confidence in clinician-educators regarding their teaching abilities.
Effects of motor imagery training after chronic, complete spinal cord injury

Abnormalities in brain motor system function are present following spinal cord injury (SCI) and could reduce effectiveness of restorative interventions. Motor imagery training, which can improve motor behavior and modulate brain function, might address this concern but has not been examined in subjects with SCI. Ten subjects with SCI and complete tetra-/paraplegia plus ten healthy controls underwent assessment before and after 7 days of motor imagery training to tongue and to foot. Motor imagery training significantly improved the behavioral outcome measure, speed of movement, in non-paralyzed muscles. Training was also associated with increased fMRI activation in left putamen, an area associated with motor learning, during attempted right foot movement in both groups, despite foot movements being present in controls and absent in subjects with SCI. This fMRI change was absent in a second healthy control group serially imaged without training. In subjects with SCI, training exaggerated, rather than normalized, baseline derangement of left globus pallidus activation. The current study found that motor imagery training improves motor performance and alters brain function in subjects with complete SCI despite lack of voluntary motor control and peripheral feedback. These effects of motor imagery training on brain function have not been previously described in a neurologically impaired population, and were similar to those found in healthy controls. Motor imagery might be of value as one component of a restorative intervention.
Monoclonal Antibodies for Detection of Neotyphodium coenophialum

A simple endophyte detection system is vital for breeding efforts designed to produce low alkaloid, endophyte-infected tall rescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) cultivars. The objectives of this research were to generate monoclonal antibodies specific to endophytes for immunochcmical detection purposes. Protein extracts from Neotyphodium coenophialum (Morgan-Jones and Gains) Glenn, Bacon, and Hanlin comb. nov. isolate EDN11w ere injected into Balb/c mice to elicit an immuner esponse. Hybridomac ell lines were screened for antibody production to the Neotyphodium extract and for cross recognition of protein extracts from N. uncinatum Glen, Bacon, and Hanlin and N. starrii Glen, Bacon, and Hanlin, as well as other fungi in the genera Ciadosporlum, Penicilllum, Fusarium, and Aspergillus. Three hybridomace ll lines produceda ntibodies that reacted to Neotyphodium spp. proteins, but not with proteins isolated from the other fungi. Monoclonal antibody 5C7 was immunochemically tested for specificity to endophyte in leaf sheaths of plant genotype DN11. Fluorescent staining suggested the antibody preferentially bound to the cell wall of the endophyte. Antibodies were tested for affinity to protein extracts from 14 endophyte-infected and endophyte-free tall fescue genotypes by an enzyme-linked immunosorbenta ssay (ELISA) method. Mean absorbance values for the protein extracts from the endophyte-infected genotypcs differed and ranged from 0.317 to 0.583. Mean absorbance values for the endophyte-free forms did not differ (P ≥ 0.05). All infected plants had higher absorbance values than non-infected plants regardless of antibody tested. Monoclonal antibodies can be used in an ELISA to detect Neotyphodium spp. fungal mycelia present in tall fescue.
Home Total Parenteral Nutrition: A Psycho-Social Viewpoint

Home total parenteral nutrition (TPN) usually necessitates major and probably permanent changes in the patient's major and probably changes in the patient's lifestyle. Among the nonmedical, nontechnological issues these patients face are the need to: (1) adhere to prescribed regimens to avoid crises and to control symptoms; (2) alter their self-perceptions; (3) modify their accustomed roles; (4) reorder their priorities and re-think their values; (5) deal with machine and medical center dependency; (6) assign a monetary value to their lives. The emotional and environmental pressures that are the chief issues for these patients include financial, employment, psychological, and interpersonal problems such as depression, anger, anxiety, relief, body image, and self-esteem. Patients on hom TPN are best treated with a clinical team that serves both the patient and family as individuals and as a social system. Services offered include: (1) medical diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation; (2) professional and technical support services including pharmacy, dietary, and nursing to teach, demonstrated and monitor self-care, nutrition, and use of the home TPN system; and (3) professional social work services to assist patients and families to deal with the feelings, relationships, environmental pressures, and advocacy needs associated with home TPN.
Online Students' Technology Skills and Attitudes toward Online Instruction:

Learner analysis and needs assessments are basic elements of all instructional design models and are of concern to those designing distance education courses. This investigation surveyed 249 geographically dispersed online students' computer skills and attitudes toward Internet-delivered instruction. Results were assessed by demographics. Results revealed higher self-reported computer skills for participants with greater computer use and exposure, however, a number of skills commonly incorporated into Internet-aided instruction were rated lower. Attitudes toward Internet-aided instruction were generally positive, with the most favorable reported by older students, graduate students, and females. Implications for Internet-aided course design are presented.
Granulomatous mastitis: changing clinical and imaging features with image-guided biopsy correlation.

To review clinical presentation, revisit patient demographics and imaging findings in granulomatous mastitis and determine the optimal biopsy method for diagnosis. A retrospective study was performed to review the clinical presentation, imaging findings and biopsy methods in patients with granulomatous mastitis. Twenty-seven patients with pathology-proven granulomatous mastitis were included. The average age at presentation was 38.0 years (range, 21–73 years). Seven patients were between 48 and 73 years old. Twenty-four patients presented with symptoms and three patients were asymptomatic. Nineteen patients were imaged with mammography demonstrating mammographically occult lesions as the predominant finding. Twenty-six patients were imaged with ultrasound and the most common finding was a mass lesion. Pathological diagnosis was made by image-guided biopsy in 44 % of patients. The imaging features of granulomatous mastitis on mammography are infrequently described. Our study demonstrates that granulomatous mastitis can occur in postmenopausal or asymptomatic patients, although previously reported exclusively in young women with palpable findings. Presentation on mammography as calcifications requiring mammographically guided vacuum-assisted biopsy has not been previously described. The diagnosis of granulomatous mastitis can easily be made by image-guided biopsy and surgical excision should be reserved for definitive treatment. • Characterizes radiographic appearance of granulomatous mastitis in postmenopausal or asymptomatic patients. • Granulomatous mastitis can present exclusively as calcifications on mammography. • The diagnosis of granulomatous mastitis is made by image-guided biopsy techniques.
Leveraging Technology to Manage Obesity in Primary Care: A Work in Progress

Obesity is a leading health problem in the U.S. due to of its rising prevalence over the last several decades1 and its etiologic role in many chronic health conditions.2 Currently, more than one-third of U.S. adults are obese, and the impact of obesity on healthcare cost is enormous, estimated at $147 billion in 2008.3 Moreover, while the overall prevalence of obesity has begun to plateau somewhat, the cost of healthcare is expected to continue to rise precipitously, as many of these adults age and become senior citizens.1 Unfortunately, most of this cost is spent on treating the complications and consequences of obesity rather than managing and preventing obesity itself.
A method for inverting ratio–ratio data to estimate end-member compositions in mixing problems

Abstract I discuss the general problem of fitting mixing models to ratio–ratio data, and derive formulae for applying non-linear Maximum Likelihood methods for parameter estimation. To estimate mixing model parameters in the under-determined inversion it is necessary to introduce prior constraints, which I implement by penalizing the likelihood function for variations from a starting model. I illustrate practical aspects of the inverse problem by applying the method to synthetic data for a ternary system of putative mantle reservoirs using Sr, Nd, and Pb isotope ratios. I fit the synthetic data using two different starting models to demonstrate the sensitivity of the gradient method used to solve the non-linear inverse to the starting model and the necessity of inspecting the final model to avoid spurious results. I include Matlab scripts to facilitate starting model selection and to perform binary and ternary ratio–ratio inversions as supplementary material (Appendix A).
Continuous Passive Motion as an Adjunct Therapy for Tenolysis

A model was developed to evaluate continuous passive motion as an adjunct to tenolysis. The use of continuous passive motion after tenolysis was associated with a significant increase in tendon rupture and the terminal force necessary to flex the phalanx actively. Also, there was a decrease in the passive range of motion in the continuous passive motion group which appeared to be the result of increased granulation tissue which formed around tenolysed tendon.
Chance Constrained Programming with Joint Constraints

This paper considers the mathematical properties of chance constrained programming problems where the restriction is on the joint probability of a multivariate random event. One model that is considered arises when the right-handside constants of the linear constraints are random. Another model treated here occurs when the coefficients of the linear programming variables are described by a multinormal distribution. It is shown that under certain restrictions both situations can be viewed as a deterministic nonlinear programming problem. Since most computational methods for solving nonlinear programming models require the constraints be concave, this paper explores whether the resultant problem meets the concavity assumption. For many probability laws of practical importance, the constraint in the first type of model is shown to violate concavity. However, a simple logarithmic transformation does produce a concave restriction for an important class of problems. The paper also surveys the "generalized linear programming" method for solving such problems when the logarithmic transformation is justified. For the second type model, the constraint is demonstrated to be nonconcave.
Stability of modes for a class of non-linear planar oscillators

Abstract We study the stability properties of some periodic orbits of a class of planar oscillators realized by a mass attached to two supports by identical cubic non-linear springs. For some configurations the analysis is complete, while for other configurations we can show the existence of infinitely many ‘energy zones of stability’ as the energy of the system tends to a critical value.
Decision Aids for Advance Care Planning: An Overview of the State of the Science

Advance care planning honors patients' goals and preferences for future care by creating a plan for when illness or injury impedes the ability to think or communicate about health decisions. Fewer than 50% of severely or terminally ill patients have an advance directive in their medical record, and physicians are accurate only about 65% of the time when predicting patient preferences for intensive care. Decision aids can support the advance care planning process by providing a structured approach to informing patients about care options and prompting them to document and communicate their preferences. This review, commissioned as a technical brief by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Effective Health Care Program, provides a broad overview of current use of and research related to decision aids for adult advance care planning. Using interviews of key informants and a search of the gray and published literature from January 1990 to May 2014, the authors found that many decision aids are widely available but are not assessed in the empirical literature. The 16 published studies testing decision aids as interventions for adult advance care planning found that most are proprietary or not publicly available. Some are constructed for the general population, whereas others address disease-specific conditions that have more predictable end-of-life scenarios and, therefore, more discrete choices. New decision aids should be designed that are responsive to diverse philosophical perspectives and flexible enough to change as patients gain experience with their personal illness courses. Future efforts should include further research, training of advance care planning facilitators, dissemination and access, and tapping potential opportunities in social media or other technologies.
Thermodynamics of the reduction of NADP with 2-propanol catalyzed by an NADP-dependent alcohol dehydrogenase

The apparent equilibrium constant of the biochemical reaction, 2-propanol+NADP(ox) = acetone+NADP(red), was determined at I = 0.25 M over a wide range of pH (5.63 to 8.02) and temperature (5 to 40 degrees C). The reaction was catalyzed by an NADP-dependent alcohol dehydrogenase. The results were used to calculate thermodynamic quantities for the chemical (ionic) reference reaction: 2-propanol+NADP(ox)(3-) = acetone+NADP(red)(4-)+H(+). The thermodynamic quantities for this reference reaction are as follows: equilibrium constant K = (5.98+/-0.46) x 10(-10); standard molar Gibbs energy change Delta(r)G(0) = (52.65+/-0.19) kJmol(-1); standard molar enthalpy change Delta(r)H(0) = (38.9+/-0.6) kJmol(-1); and standard molar entropy change Delta(r)S(0) = -(46.1+/-2.2)J K(-1)mol(-1). All of these results pertain to 25 degrees C (298.15 K) and I = 0. The results also lead, in conjunction with tabulated thermodynamic quantities, to the standard electromotive force E(0) = -0.140 V for the reduction of NADP(ox)(3-) to NADP(red)(4-).
Dynamic Analysis of Income and Independence Effect of African American Female Labor Force Participation on Divorce

Despite a continuous increase in dissolution of marriages among African American females over time, no researchers have documented and published dynamic linkages among factors that cause African American family disruption. Using a contemporary time-series methodology, the study explores the dynamic impacts of African American female labor force participation rates (LFPR), incomes, and birth rates on divorce rates or vice versa. The study found that African American female divorce rates increase permanently as labor force participation rates increase, documenting a dominant independence effect of African American LFPR on divorce rates. The study also found that as more African American females participate in the labor market, birth rates decline over times.
O2 Evolution from the Manganese−Oxo Cubane Core Mn4O46+: A Molecular Mimic of the Photosynthetic Water Oxidation Enzyme?

Photosynthesis produces molecular oxygen from water catalyzed by an enzyme whose active site contains a tetramanganese−oxo core of incompletely established structure. The first functional mimic of this core has been synthesized containing a cubical [Mn4O4]n+ core, surrounded by six facially bridging bidentate chelates to the manganese ions ((dpp)6Mn4O4 (1); dpp- = diphenylphosphinate anion). Bond enthalpy data predict that the Mn4O46+ core is thermodynamically capable of releasing molecular O2, but is kinetically prevented from doing so by an activation barrier. UV light absorption into a Mn−O charge-transfer excited state (but not excitation of a Mn ligand-field excited state) efficiently releases an O2 molecule if performed in the gas phase and concomitantly releases a bridging dpp- anion and the cationic species (dpp)5Mn4O2+ (presumed Mn4O2-butterfly core type). All species were identified by high resolution mass spectrometry. This reaction proceeds with high quantum efficiency (>50%) and is the only o...
High-risk population in sporadic pancreatic adenocarcinoma: guidelines for screening

Background Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most deadly forms of cancer in the United States, with an annual incidence to death ratio of 0.92 because of the late stage at diagnosis. Identification of high-risk individuals (HRIs) that would be ideal for screening is needed to identify precursor lesions and small early stage disease. Those with a genetic predisposition have largely been identified, but little is known about those at high-risk for sporadic PC. This study asserts that a high-risk population does exist in sporadic pancreatic adenocarcinoma and proposes simple guidelines for screening.
SCA1 molecular genetics: A history of a 13 year collaboration against glutamines

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is a relatively rare autosomal-dominant neurological disorder. SCA1 has the intriguing feature that the disease-causing mutation is the expansion of an unstable trinucleotide repeat, specifically a CAG repeat that encodes the amino acid glutamine in ataxin-1. During the past 10 years, substantial progress has been made towards understanding the pathogenic mechanism in this disease. The nucleus has been identified as the subcellular site where the mutant protein acts to cause disease. Evidence indicates that expansion of the glutamine tract alters the folding properties of ataxin-1. Finally, several cellular pathways have been identified which are able to impinge on the SCA1 disease process. The characterization of these pathways and their role in SCA1 will guide research over the next several years.
Ertapenem for treatment of osteomyelitis: a case series

Background Ertapenem is a once-daily broad spectrum carbapenem that is increasingly used to treat polymicrobial osteomyelitis due to diabetic foot and traumatic wound infections. However, limited data exists on ertapenem use for osteomyelitis. This study aimed to characterize outcomes and adverse effects with empiric use of ertapenem for osteomyelitis.
STUDIES ON A NON-HEMOLYTIC STREPTOCOCCUS ISOLATED FROM THE RESPIRATORY TRACT OF HUMAN BEINGS : I. BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF STREPTOCOCCUS MG

A single serological type of non-hemolytic streptococcus, designated streptococcus MG, has been isolated from the lungs of fatal cases of primary atypical pneumonia, from the sputa of patients with this disease, and occasionally from the respiratory tracts of normal human beings. Certain biological characteristics of this microorganism have been studied. All of the 59 strains isolated have been shown to belong to a homogeneous bacteriological group with characteristics which serve to distinguish it from any other well defined species of streptococcus. It has been suggested that this microorganism probably represents a distinct and hitherto undifferentiated species of streptococcus.
Application of CFD Analysis for Rotating Machinery—Part I: Hydrodynamic, Hydrostatic Bearings and Squeeze Film Damper

The traditional method for bearing and damper analysis usually involves a development of rather complicated numerical calculation programs that may just focus on a simplified and specific physical model. The application of the general CFD codes may make this analysis available and effective where complex flow geometries are involved or when more detailed solutions are needed. In this study, CFX-TASCflow is employed to simulate various fixed geometry fluid-film bearing and damper designs. Some of the capabilities in CFX-TASCflow are applied to simulate the pressure field and calculate the static and dynamic characteristics of hydrodynamic, hydrostatic, and hybrid bearings as well as squeeze film dampers. The comparison between the CFD analysis and current computer programs used in industry has been made. The results show reasonable agreement in general. Some of the possible reasons for the differences are discussed. It leaves room for further investigation and improvement on the methods of computation.
Detection of novel members, structure–function analysis and evolutionary classification of the 2H phosphoesterase superfamily

2′,3′ Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases are enzymes that catalyze at least two distinct steps in the splicing of tRNA introns in eukaryotes. Recently, the biochemistry and structure of these enzymes, from yeast and the plant Arabidopsis thaliana, have been extensively studied. They were found to share a common active site, characterized by two conserved histidines, with the bacterial tRNA-ligating enzyme LigT and the vertebrate myelin-associated 2′,3′ phosphodiesterases. Using sensitive sequence profile analysis methods, we show that these enzymes define a large superfamily of predicted phosphoesterases with two conserved histidines (hence 2H phosphoesterase superfamily). We identify several new families of 2H phosphoesterases and present a complete evolutionary classification of this superfamily. We also carry out a structure– function analysis of these proteins and present evidence for diverse interactions for different families, within this superfamily, with RNA substrates and protein partners. In particular, we show that eukaryotes contain two ancient families of these proteins that might be involved in RNA processing, transcriptional co-activation and post-transcriptional gene silencing. Another eukaryotic family restricted to vertebrates and insects is combined with UBA and SH3 domains suggesting a role in signal transduction. We detect these phosphoesterase modules in polyproteins of certain retroviruses, rotaviruses and coronaviruses, where they could function in capping and processing of viral RNAs. Furthermore, we present evidence for multiple families of 2H phosphoesterases in bacteria, which might be involved in the processing of small molecules with the 2′,3′ cyclic phosphoester linkages. The evolutionary analysis suggests that the 2H domain emerged through a duplication of a simple structural unit containing a single catalytic histidine prior to the last common ancestor of all life forms. Initially, this domain appears to have been involved in RNA processing and it appears to have been recruited to perform various other functions in later stages of evolution.
Sampled Data Feedback-Feedforward Control of Structures with Time Delays

A sampled data control algorithm taking into account external excitations was developed for structural engineering applica- tions. The structure was modeled as a continuous system controlled by a digital control system. In addition to the feedback gain obtained using a conventional control design method, a linear feedforward gain was proposed to improve control efficiency. In order to ensure a satisfactory control performance, an adaptive scheme was developed to adjust this feedforward gain in real time according to the measurement history. The conventional sampled data linear quadratic regulator design was used as a baseline to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed control algorithm. Some practical issues such as the effects of sampling frequency, time delay and actuator dynamics were addressed. This method was validated on the examples of two multistory shear beam lumped mass models. The numerical examples show that combining both the feedforward and feedback terms can improve the control efficiency significantly as compared to the case with feedback control only. It is also shown that the improvement on the control efficiency obtained with the proposed method is still noticeable when time delay is considered and compensated properly.
Design of P, PI and PID controllers for interval plants

Considers the problem of designing P, PI and PID controllers that stabilize an interval plant family. Using results from the area of parametric robust control, these stabilization problems for an interval plant are first reduced to the equivalent problems of stabilizing either certain vertex plants (corresponding to the Kharitonov vertices) or certain segment plants (corresponding to the one-parameter generalized Kharitonov segments). Thereafter, earlier results on P, PI and PID stabilization are invoked to obtain a complete characterization of all stabilizing P, PI and PID controllers for an interval plant family.
Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration of lymph nodes: The Hennepin County Medical Center experience

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) allows for the sampling and diagnosis of lesions of the gastrointestinal system and adjacent tissues. It has also proved helpful with the sampling of lymphadenopathy both for the staging of malignancy and for the diagnosis of lymphadenopathy of other causes. We review our experience with EUS-guided FNA of lymph nodes. The cytology files were searched at Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) for all cases of lymph nodes sampled by EUS. Clinical history, biopsy site, diagnosis, and follow-up information (including ancillary testing) were reviewed. Between January 1, 2000 and December 5, 2002, 217 lymph nodes from 185 different patients were sampled by EUS at HCMC. Biopsy sites included 62 mediastinal, 9 paraesophageal, and 146 intra-abdominal lymph nodes. Diagnoses were as follows: metastatic non-small cell carcinoma (n = 69); benign, reactive lymph node (n = 76); granulomatous lymphadenopathy (n = 18); malignant lymphoma (n = 7); atypical-suspicious for malignancy (n = 5); metastatic small cell carcinoma (n = 2); necrotic debris (n = 4), and foreign material (n = 1); 35 cases were nondiagnostic (16.1%) in 22 of 185 patients (11.9%). Ancillary tests including flow cytometry, cytogenetics, and cultures were performed. EUS-guided FNA of mediastinal and intra-abdominal lymph nodes provides diagnostic material from which ancillary testing may be performed.
Substitutions at Position 105 in SHV Family β-Lactamases Decrease Catalytic Efficiency and Cause Inhibitor Resistance

ABSTRACT Ambler position 105 in class A β-lactamases is implicated in resistance to clavulanic acid, although no clinical isolates with mutations at this site have been reported. We hypothesized that Y105 is important in resistance to clavulanic acid because changes in positioning of the inhibitor for ring oxygen protonation could occur. In addition, resistance to bicyclic 6-methylidene penems, which are interesting structural probes that inhibit all classes of serine β-lactamases with nanomolar affinity, might emerge with substitutions at position 105, especially with nonaromatic substitutions. All 19 variants of SHV-1 with variations at position 105 were prepared. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed that Escherichia coli DH10B expressing Y105 variants retained activity against ampicillin, except for the Y105L variant, which was susceptible to all β-lactams, similar to the case for the host control strain. Several variants had elevated MICs to ampicillin-clavulanate. However, all the variants remained susceptible to piperacillin in combination with a penem inhibitor (MIC, ≤2/4 mg/liter). The Y105E, -F, -M, and -R variants demonstrated reduced catalytic efficiency toward ampicillin compared to the wild-type (WT) enzyme, which was caused by increased K m . Clavulanic acid and penem K i values were also increased for some of the variants, especially Y105E. Mutagenesis at position 105 in SHV yields mutants resistant to clavulanate with reduced catalytic efficiency for ampicillin and nitrocefin, similar to the case for the class A carbapenemase KPC-2. Our modeling analyses suggest that resistance is due to oxyanion hole distortion. Susceptibility to a penem inhibitor is retained although affinity is decreased, especially for the Y105E variant. Residue 105 is important to consider when designing new inhibitors.